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?

The story behind the production was that the film was based off of a true story, Safraz Manzoors life. He met his friend Amolak who introduced him to Springsteen. His father worked at a factory and his mother worked as a seamstress at home. Safraz says that this music 'changed his life'. He then wrote a book about this and Gurinder Chada apapted it into a movie.

2) What was the audience reaction to the film?

The most common responses/reactions to the film were that audiences found personal connections to the story. He says that he 'could not have predicted that Israeli women in Jerusalem, white teenage American boys in Omaha, Nebraska and older white women in Australia who had seen the film would all contact me on social media and thank me for telling their story.' Audiences found themselves in this film, personal identity, one of the uses and gratifications.

3) Why is the Sundance Film Festival such an important part of the film industry - particularly for lower budget films?

The Sundance Film Festival was a gathering of unique storytellers and audiences seeking new voices and ideas.

Funding and industry contexts

1) What was the budget for Blinded By The Light and which companies contributed to the production budget?

The budget for the movie was $15million. The companies that contributed were: Levantine films, Bend It Films, Ingenius Films and Cornerstone Films. 

2) Research the Bend It Networks website. What other films and projects has the company been involved with?

Bend It Networks have been involved with many other films such as: Desi Rascals, Bride and Prejudice, Beecham House, Mistress of Spices and many more.

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.

They continue their long and successful history of critically acclaimed hit films that resonate with both mainstream and niche audiences around the world. New Line collaborates with Warner Bros. Pictures Group on development, production, marketing, distribution, and business affairs to maximize film success and operating efficiencies.

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?

Chada is also a very big Springsteen fan and she pursued her dream of making a movie about The Boss’ music based on the true-life memoir of co-writer, Sarfraz Manzoor. Chada says that Bend it like Beckham was one of Bruces wifes favourite film. She said "I had to stop seeing him as a rock star, but someone who wrote these songs for my movie.” She says that she knew Bruce wanted this movie to happen and that money wasn't going to be a big issue. It took a long time for Chada and Bruce to meet but once they did, he said that she had permission to make the movie. 

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.

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?

The allure was the surprisingly broad appeal of Springsteen's coming-of-age songs, which convey honest stories about a difficult upbringing and the desire to break free from all restrictions in order to do something good with one's life.

4) UK distribution was secured by eOne Entertainment. Visit the eOne About Us page on their website - what do they claim to offer under the heading 'Passion meets possibility?'

They offer development, production to marketing and distribution. They also claim to share bold stories with audiences around the world.

Marketing, promotion and reception

Watch the following clips to learn about the marketing and promotion of the film.

1) What does the trailer suggest regarding genre and the potential audience pleasures of Blinded By The Light?

The trailer suggests that there are multiple genres within the film. Some include, comedy, romance, drama and coming of age. Audiences who would be interested in this movie would be young adults, people who can relate to the story of Javed and how his family is, the older generation as it may be quite nostalgic for them to watch it and Springsteen fans who watch the movie to see how Springsteen opened up someones life.

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?

The One Show on BBC1, Bend it networks, website called Hey U Guys which gives movie news and reviews and more. Most of these channels are popular and known by people meaning a wide audience will be able to watch these videos.

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.

Traditional marketing: trailer, film poster with review quotes etc. It was shown on social media and billboards too. There were also premieres in London, Luton and Asbury Park in New Jersey (attended by Bruce Springsteen). 

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.

They have an Instagram page called 'blindedbythelightmovie', an X account called 'BBTLFilm' and a Facebook account called 'Blinded By The Light Movie' and more. 

5) Select three posts from the Blinded By The Light Instagram page and explain how they promote the film.

The third post of him dancing with his girlfriend can suggest the use of music in this film and it gives the film a kind of 'fun' feeling to it. Both of them being different races also shows the use of diversity in this movie.

The seventh one has a quote saying "a rollercoaster of emotion" which was written by slashfilm. It gives the audience a positive opinion from others which may encourage them to watch it too. 

Finally, the eight picture shows him wearing headphones. This film revolves around Springsteen and his music. It could attract and audience such as Springsteen fans because they would want to watch a movie about how his music changed the world for him. 

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?

She talks about what Bend It tv is and she says that it is about her and the audience connecting.

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?

It made $19,529,914 at the worldwide box office with a budget of $15mil. The film was released alongside Where'd You Go, Bernadette, 47 Meters Down: Uncaged and Good Boys which could have attracted more audiences leaving Blinded by the Light to be less successful. 

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.

Domestic Box Office $11,901,145 

International Box Office $7,628,769 
Worldwide Box Office $19,529,914
Home Market Performance
Est. Domestic DVD Sales $599,761 
Est. Domestic Blu-ray Sales $551,394

Total Est. Domestic Video Sales $1,151,155