Blinded By The Light: case study
Blinded By The Light: case study
Background reading and production research
Read the following interviews and features on Blinded By The Light:
Writer Sarfraz Manzoor on the story behind the film - Guardian
Manzoor again on the promotion of the film and audience reaction
Variety feature on the best films from the 2019 Sundance Film Festival
1) What is the story behind the production of the film?
Blinded by the Light is a film inspired by Sarfraz Manzoor’s teenage years in Luton back in 1987, drawn from his memoir, Greetings from Bury Park. At the age of 16, he felt the pressure to stick to a conventional path. Everything changed when his friend Amolak introduced him to the music of Bruce Springsteen. This music sparked a passion in him to chase his dream of becoming a writer.
Directed by Gurinder Chadha, the movie brings to life real moments and places from Manzoor’s past, including his first encounter with Amolak and their beloved café, Greenfields. Manzoor took part in the film’s creation and found it amazing to see actors reflect his experiences on screen.
2) What was the audience reaction to the film?
People really enjoyed Blinded by the Light, finding a deep connection with its messages about family, hopes, and who we are. Viewers from all sorts of places like Jerusalem, Omaha, Glasgow, and Australia shared that they recognized pieces of their own lives in the story, even though they didn't have much in common with Javed, the young British Pakistani Muslim lead.
Many of them looked past cultural or faith differences and related to the common feelings of being lost and searching for their true selves. For instance, a man from Chicago talked about his own tough times as a teenager, while a woman in Missouri noted, “Worlds apart but the same.”
During a screening in Michigan, Manzoor asked the audience how many had spent time with a Pakistani Muslim family, and no one raised a hand. He then pointed out that they had just done so through the film. This really showed how stories can help us understand each other better.
In the end, the movie left people laughing, crying, and feeling for one another, reminding us that stories can unite us in ways that politics often cannot.
3) Why is the Sundance Film Festival such an important part of the film industry - particularly for lower budget films?
The Sundance Film Festival plays an important role in the film world, especially for independent films with smaller budgets. It helps these movies get noticed, earn recognition, and find ways to be distributed. This festival is a great spotlight for independent filmmakers, often starting their careers and drawing in distributors who can share these films with broader audiences. Sundance creates excitement and earns praise, making it possible for smaller films to compete alongside larger productions. It is a celebration of creativity and daring storytelling, allowing distinctive films to really stand out. Moreover, it provides a chance for filmmakers to meet and connect with others in the industry.For movies like Blinded by the Light, Sundance is essential for gaining visibility, receiving validation, and reaching a larger audience.
Funding and industry contexts
1) What was the budget for Blinded By The Light and which companies contributed to the production budget?
Blinded By The Light cost around $15m to make. Key points: Bend It Films developed the film with support from Levantine Films and Ingenious Media.
2) Research the Bend It Networks website. What other films and projects has the company been involved with?
Blinded By The Light, Beecham House, Viceroys House, BILB Musical, Desi Rascals, Wonderful Afterlife, Angus Thongs, Mistress of Spices, Bride and Prejudice, Bend It Like Beckham, What's Cooking?, Bhaji On The Beach, I'm British But ...
3) Research Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema on the Warners website here. Summarise the history of New Line Cinema in a short paragraph.
New Line Cinema, founded in 1967 by Robert Shaye, started as a film distributor before transitioning into production in the 1970s. Known for cult hits like Reefer Madness and Nightmare on Elm Street, it achieved massive success with The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Acquired by Turner Broadcasting in 1994 and later merged with Warner Bros. in 2008, it now operates as a Warner Bros. Pictures unit.
4) Read this Variety interview with director Gurinder Chadha explaining how the project came about - including budget details. What attracted Gurinder Chadha to the project and how did she manage to get the film made?
Gurinder Chadha was drawn to Blinded by the Light because it reflected her own experience as part of the immigrant community. The story of a Pakistani teenager in 1980s England finding hope in Bruce Springsteen’s music resonated with her personal connection to themes of struggle and identity. To get the film made, Chadha met Bruce Springsteen in 2010 and gained his approval for the project. Even though the budget was small, Springsteen’s team supported her and helped secure the rights to his music. Chadha worked with people from Springsteen’s camp and trusted that they could make the project work. The film’s success at Sundance led to a bidding war, and Warner Bros. eventually backed the film. Her ability to work with limited resources and Springsteen’s support were key to making the film happen.
Distribution
Read this Deadline feature on the distribution deal for Blinded By The Light and answer the following questions:
1) Which company won the distribution rights after the all-night auction and for how much?
New Line and Warner Bros are acquiring for $15 million for worldwide rights, minus a a few territories, the Gurinder Chada-directed Blinded By the Light.
2) Which other companies were rumoured to be bidding for the distribution rights?
Fox Searchlight, Lionsgate and others
3) According to the article, what was the 'allure' of Blinded By The Light?
Some of the allure of Blinded by the Light had to do with the surprisingly universal appeal of Springsteen’s coming-of-age tunes, which tell honest stories about a hardscrabble upbringing, ambition and the fight to break free of all shackles to do something worthwhile with one’s life.
4) UK distribution was secured by eOne Entertainment. In 2023 eOne was bought by Lionsgate. Read this press release on Lionsgate acquiring eOne Entertainment and write one reason for the deal.
One will be a valuable and highly accretive addition to our business.
The acquisition adds 6,500 film and television titles to Lionsgate's library
Marketing, promotion and reception
Watch the following clips to learn about the marketing and promotion of the film.
Watch the trailer for Blinded By The Light:
Watch the film being promoted on The One Show (BBC1):
Watch writer Sarfraz Manzoor talking about 1980s nostalgia and British-Asian identity:
Watch this 'fans dream' featurette produced by Bend It Networks:
• Coming-of-age drama:
1) What does the trailer suggest regarding genre and the potential audience pleasures of Blinded By The Light?
The protagonist, a young Pakistani teenager, undergoes personal growth and self-discovery. The film features Bruce Springsteen’s music, which plays a key role in the narrative. Lighthearted moments balance the emotional and dramatic aspects of the story. Explores themes of identity, immigration, and generational conflict within a multicultural setting. Set in 1980s England, dealing with social struggles.
For fans of Bruce Springsteen, the music and references to his songs provide a nostalgic connection. Audiences will connect with the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery and overcoming adversity.Light-hearted, relatable moments offer enjoyment beyond the drama. The film presents a unique perspective on the immigrant experience, appealing to diverse viewers. The movie’s uplifting and hopeful tone offers satisfaction through personal triumphs and family bonding.
2) What TV shows and websites did interviews with writer, director and stars of Blinded By The Light? Why are interviews a good way to promote a new film release?
TV Shows: BBC Breakfast, Good Morning Britain, The Graham Norton Show, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Websites: The Guardian, Entertainment Weekly, Variety, Hollywood Reporter, and YouTube channels like Warner Bros.
Interviews are a great way to promote a film because they connect audiences with the cast and crew, share behind-the-scenes stories, and generate excitement.
3) What did film posters for Blinded By The Light feature and where did they appear? You may need to research this on Google Images.
The New York Post. Reviews posters
Amazon Prime
4) What social media accounts did Blinded By The Light use to promote the film? Note: some sites may be blocked if you are working in school - you will need to use your phone or complete your research at home.
5) Select three posts from the Blinded By The Light Instagram page and explain how they promote the film.
The review comments on the images from Blinded by the Light promote the film by highlighting its emotional depth, connection to Bruce Springsteen’s music, and universal themes like identity and belonging. They appeal to a wide audience by emphasizing the film’s heartfelt story, cultural relevance, and musical impact, making it attractive to both music fans and those interested in personal growth narratives.
6) Go to the Bend It Networks YouTube channel. How does Gurinder Chadha introduce the channel? What other content is on the Bend It Networks YouTube channel?
Gurinder Chadha introduces the Bend It Networks YouTube channel as a platform for audiences to connect with her work and journey. The channel features interviews, vlogs, and content related to events or shows she has been a part of or attended.
7) Look at the box office figures for Blinded By The Light from The Numbers website. How much did it make at the box office and why do you think it was largely unsuccessful?
Blinded By The Light made around $19.5 million worldwide at the box office. Its limited success could be due to its niche appeal, focusing on Bruce Springsteen’s music, which may not have attracted a broad audience. Additionally, it faced hard competition from other films, and its marketing might not have reached a wider demographic audience.
8) Click on the tabs with further information (such as 'News', 'Box Office' and 'Video Sales'). Copy and paste some more statistics or sales figures to add to your understanding of the film's financial performance.
See the Box Office tab (Domestic) and International tab (International and Worldwide) for more Cumulative Box Office Records.
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