CSP Film: I, Daniel Blake

1) What is independent cinema and how is it different to Hollywood blockbusters?

Independent cinema or indie cinema is a small industry that produces films outside the major film system, usually targeting a niche audience with a specific demo/psycho-graphic rather than a mainstream audience.

2) What is I, Daniel Blake about?

A man called Daniel Blake who is fighting an illness and goes to the government for help. Soon enough he encounters the grim reality of the experience of those who need help from the government and the complicated struggle that one has to go through to be heard.

3) Who directed I, Daniel Blake and why is this important?

Kenneth Loach directed the film. He is not a very well-known director and he has never achieved Hollywood fame however his films are still successful. He is known for his social realism films.

4) How was I, Daniel Blake promoted to an audience? List at least three different methods used by the film's marketing campaign.

The film was premiered in Newcastle where it was filmed to gain a local audience.

Free/Pays what you can screenings were carried out to build local enthusiasm.

The director appeared on BBC Question Time to provide information on the film and discuss the issues included in the film.

5) What unusual or creative marketing methods were used to get audiences talking about the film?

Guerrilla Marketing: the title was projected onto the Houses of Parliament

6) What was the estimated production budget for I, Daniel Blake and how much did it make at the box office?

Estimated around £2 million, 'I, Daniel Blake' received £11 million in the box office.

7) How can independent films like I, Daniel Blake compete with Hollywood blockbusters like Doctor Strange?

Independent films win many awards for performance and conceptual aspects instead of costumes, props or set.

8) In your opinion, was I, Daniel Blake a success?

Yes because it surpassed the public's and its own expectations extraordinarily