Section B - Topic Areas

The rise of the blockbuster, format wars and multiplexes
(1972-84) 

For this topic area candidates should study the following:

1. the emergence of the multiplex / megaplex cinemas in out-of-town locations / shopping centres / retail parks in the UK and the decline of city / town centre ‘fleapit’ cinemas 
2. the arrival of ‘blockbuster’ films and related sequels, e.g. The Godfather (1972), Jaws (1975), Star Wars (1977), Superman (1978) and the ensuing developments in production, distribution and exhibition 
3. the dawning of the home video age, format wars (VHS and Betamax), the moral panic about uncensored and unregulated content* and the ensuing move to statutory regulation of film in the home

Developments in 21st Century cinema and film
(2000 – present) 

For this topic area candidates should study the following:

1. the roll out of the UK’s digital cinema network and the impact for audiences and institutions 
2. the take up of broadband, internet piracy and the opportunities and threats posed to institutions and audiences from legal and illegal means of distribution and exhibition 
3. the revival of 3D - the impact of films such as Avatar (2009) in driving the ‘new’ 3D and consideration of the possible longevity of 3D or other future developments. 

From OCR...

It is our expectation that candidates will have studied an appropriate range of films for each of their chosen topics, both complete films and relevant extracts, and be able to quote from these as appropriate to support their answers to questions set in the examination.

In each of their two chosen topic areas candidates are required to cover the three key contextual areas of study below.

 Sociological context 

The input and impact of regulators, pressure groups, government bodies and departments, and social events and trends. For example, in the topic ‘The impact of World War II on British cinema (1939-45)’ it would be appropriate to study annual cinema admissions and explore the reasons for the year-on-year increases during the war years.

 Economic context 

Audience pressure evidenced by box office receipts, cinema admission figures, viewing figures, government levies and subsidies. For example, in the topic ‘The rise of the blockbuster, format wars and multiplexes (1972-84)’, it would be appropriate to study the economic impact made by Star Wars (1977) both in relation to the film’s financial success and its impact on production decisions, its subsequent sequels and the development of the Star Trek films, and its impact on subsequent film’s merchandising operations.

 Technological context 

The state of technological development at that time in each topic area and how the available technology has been improved through innovation and development. The impact of technological innovation on film production, distribution and exhibition. For example in the topic ‘Developments in 21st Century cinema (2000 – present)’ it would be appropriate to study how broadband internet connections have increased the threat of piracy to institutions, both production studios and cinemas.