The Film Industry's Prime Ally: Screenwriters Find Solace in Box Office Success
Film is more than just a series of still images; it becomes a powerful medium when an audience witnesses it. The essence of a film lies not in its empty screening, but in the response of the audience.
For screenwriters, the box office serves as a valuable resource, offering insights into the current marketplace and the preferences of audiences. It acts as a tool, guiding screenwriters in crafting their stories that resonate with the masses.
There are two main categories of films that dominate the box office: Low Concept and High Concept.
Low Concept films, such as The Danish Girl, Forrest Gump, Mr. Holmes, Irrational Man, Life, focus on the interior lives of characters, delving deep into their emotions and personal journeys. These films often find their home at the Nouveau box office, catering to audiences seeking thought-provoking narratives.
On the other hand, High Concept films are plot-oriented and event-driven. Action or adventure films like The 5 Wave, Terminator, Lethal Weapon, Indiana Jones, Star Wars fall under this category. These films are more commercial and typically end up at the Commercial Box Office in South Africa, appealing to a broader audience seeking excitement and adventure.
However, it's essential to note that audiences are not always predictable. They may not know what they want until they see it, making the screenwriter's job challenging yet rewarding. It's the screenwriter's responsibility to satisfy audience expectations, reward them for paying attention, and fulfill their genre expectations.
In the world of film, understanding the audience is crucial. That's why a course offered by this platform focuses on the importance of positioning audiences in the filmmaking process. By doing so, screenwriters can create films that people will pay to see, ultimately ending up at either box office, revealing what genre is most popular.
The power of film extends beyond the screen. Audiences bring a lot of energy and powerful demands to films, shaping the course of the film industry. For instance, the success of films like Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War, sequels in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, demonstrates the impact audiences have on the industry.
Moreover, even High Concept films like Titanic can be both event-driven and character-driven, captivating audiences with its compelling narrative and memorable characters.
In conclusion, film is a form of communication between the filmmaker and the audience, and the box office serves as a barometer for the film industry, constantly changing with each film release to indicate what people want to see. Understanding this dynamic relationship between filmmakers, audiences, and the box office is crucial for any aspiring screenwriter.
