TTIHAU Topic 3

The factors that affect feature films produced in a large-scale institution.

Sample Essay 1
Feature films produced in large-scale institutions, such as Hollywood studios, are influenced by a range of factors that can impact the final product. These factors can include financial considerations, creative decisions, audience expectations, and societal norms. In the case of the teen comedy 10 Things I Hate About You, the film's production was influenced by a number of these factors, ultimately shaping the film's narrative and its place within the larger context of Hollywood cinema.

One significant factor that impacts feature films produced in large-scale institutions is financial considerations. Studios invest large amounts of money into their productions, and as such, they often seek to maximize profits by creating films that will appeal to a wide audience. This can result in films that follow established formulas or genres, such as romantic comedies or action films, as these types of films have proven to be successful in the past. In the case of 10 Things I Hate About You, the film was produced by Touchstone Pictures, a subsidiary of Disney, and as such, it was subject to the financial considerations and expectations of a major media conglomerate.

Another factor that affects feature films produced in large-scale institutions is creative decisions made by the filmmakers. While studios may exert some control over the creative process, the director, writers, and other creatives still have a significant amount of influence over the final product. In the case of 10 Things I Hate About You, the film's director, Gil Junger, and its writers, Karen McCullah and Kirsten Smith, made creative decisions that shaped the film's narrative and its representation of characters. For example, they chose to adapt William Shakespeare's play The Taming of the Shrew into a modern-day high school setting, and they created a cast of characters that included both traditional archetypes, such as the popular jock and the rebel outsider, as well as more complex and nuanced characters.

Audience expectations are another factor that can influence the production of feature films. Large-scale institutions often conduct extensive market research to determine what audiences want to see in their films, which can impact everything from the film's casting choices to its marketing campaign. In the case of 10 Things I Hate About You, the film was marketed as a lighthearted teen comedy with romantic elements, which likely contributed to its success at the box office. However, this emphasis on romance and humor may have also limited the film's ability to explore more complex themes or to challenge traditional gender roles.

Finally, societal norms and cultural attitudes can also influence the production of feature films. Filmmakers may be more likely to create films that reflect dominant cultural values or that avoid controversial or challenging subject matter. In the case of 10 Things I Hate About You, the film's representation of gender and sexuality can be seen as both reflecting and challenging societal norms. While the film features traditional gender roles and heterosexual romance, it also includes characters who challenge these norms, such as the feminist protagonist Kat.

In conclusion, feature films produced in large-scale institutions are influenced by a range of factors, including financial considerations, creative decisions, audience expectations, and societal norms. The teen comedy 10 Things I Hate About You is an example of a film that was shaped by these factors, ultimately resulting in a lighthearted romantic comedy that both reflected and challenged dominant cultural values. By examining the impact of these factors on the production of feature films, we can gain a greater understanding of how the film industry operates and how films shape and are shaped by the broader cultural landscape.

Sample Essay 2
Feature films produced in large-scale institutions are often shaped by a variety of factors that influence their content and form. These factors can include the production process, the film's intended audience, the institutional context in which the film is made, and the broader cultural and economic trends of the time. By examining these factors through the lens of the 1999 film 10 Things I Hate About You, we can gain a deeper understanding of how large-scale institutions shape the films they produce.

One of the primary factors that affects feature films produced in large-scale institutions is the production process itself. Films made in such institutions are often subject to rigorous standards and protocols designed to ensure that they are produced efficiently and effectively. This can include everything from standardized shooting schedules to pre-approved production budgets. In the case of 10 Things I Hate About You, the film was produced by Touchstone Pictures, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. As a result, the film's production was subject to the standards and protocols of these larger institutions.

Another factor that influences the content and form of feature films produced in large-scale institutions is the film's intended audience. Films produced by large institutions often have a target demographic in mind, which can shape everything from the film's subject matter to its visual style. In the case of 10 Things I Hate About You, the film was marketed primarily to teenage audiences. This is reflected in the film's high school setting, its focus on teenage relationships, and its use of popular music from the time. By catering to the preferences and interests of its intended audience, the film was able to connect with and resonate with its viewers.

The institutional context in which a film is made can also play a significant role in shaping its content and form. Large-scale institutions such as production companies and studios often have their own unique cultures and priorities, which can influence the creative decisions made by filmmakers. In the case of 10 Things I Hate About You, the film was produced by Touchstone Pictures, which was known for its family-friendly films and wholesome image. This likely influenced the film's emphasis on romantic comedy and its relatively tame content, which was in line with the production company's values and priorities.

Finally, broader cultural and economic trends can also influence the content and form of feature films produced in large-scale institutions. Films are often made in response to current events, popular trends, and cultural movements, and can reflect the values and attitudes of the time in which they were made. In the case of 10 Things I Hate About You, the film was made in the late 1990s, a time when the romantic comedy genre was experiencing a resurgence in popularity. The film's emphasis on romance, humor, and young love was in line with the broader cultural trends of the time, and helped to establish it as a successful and popular film.

In conclusion, feature films produced in large-scale institutions are shaped by a complex array of factors, including the production process, the intended audience, the institutional context, and broader cultural and economic trends. By examining the 1999 film 10 Things I Hate About You through this lens, we can gain a deeper understanding of how these factors interact to shape the films we see on the big screen.

Sample Essay 3
Feature films produced in large-scale institutions, such as 10 Things I Hate About You, are often shaped by a variety of factors that influence their content and form. These factors can include the production process, the film's intended audience, the institutional context in which the film is made, and the broader cultural and economic trends of the time. Compared to independent media, which is typically produced on a smaller scale and without the involvement of large institutions, these factors can have a significant impact on the films produced by large-scale institutions, including 10 Things I Hate About You.

One of the primary factors that affects feature films produced in large-scale institutions, including 10 Things I Hate About You, is the production process itself. As a studio-produced film, 10 Things I Hate About You was subject to rigorous standards and protocols designed to ensure that it was produced efficiently and effectively. In contrast, independent media, such as low-budget indie films, is often produced with much more flexibility and freedom, as there are typically fewer formal standards and protocols in place. This can result in a more organic and experimental approach to filmmaking, with greater creative autonomy for the filmmaker.

Another factor that influenced the content and form of 10 Things I Hate About You was the film's intended audience. As a teen romantic comedy, the film had a target demographic in mind, which shaped everything from the film's subject matter to its visual style. In contrast, independent media is often made with a more niche audience in mind, and can be more experimental and boundary-pushing as a result. While large-scale institutions may prioritize commercial success and appeal to broad audiences, independent media can be more focused on artistic expression and pushing the boundaries of the medium.

The institutional context in which 10 Things I Hate About You was made also played a significant role in shaping its content and form. As a studio-produced film, the movie was made within the institutional context of Hollywood, with its own unique culture and priorities. This institutional context can influence the creative decisions made by filmmakers, including the choice of actors, the tone of the film, and the themes explored. In contrast, independent media is often made outside of such institutional contexts, and can be more grassroots and community-focused as a result. This can lead to a greater emphasis on diverse representation, alternative perspectives, and social justice issues.

Finally, broader cultural and economic trends also influenced the content and form of 10 Things I Hate About You. The film was made in the late 1990s, a time when teen romantic comedies were particularly popular, and when there was growing concern over issues like teen sexuality, gender roles, and body image. As such, the film reflects the values and attitudes of the time in which it was made, and can be seen as a product of its cultural and economic context. In contrast, independent media can be more countercultural and resistant to dominant cultural trends, and can be a platform for alternative voices and perspectives. By challenging mainstream cultural narratives, independent media can be a powerful force for social change and resistance.

In conclusion, feature films produced in large-scale institutions, such as 10 Things I Hate About You, are shaped by a complex array of factors, including the production process, the intended audience, the institutional context, and broader cultural and economic trends. While large-scale institutions prioritize commercial success and appeal to broad audiences, independent media can be more experimental and focused on artistic expression, diverse representation, and social justice issues. By examining the differences between these two types of media, we can gain a deeper understanding of how the factors that shape media production can impact the content and form of the media we consume.

Sample Essay 4
The factors that influence feature films produced in large-scale institutions, such as production standards, target audience, institutional context, and cultural trends, can be observed in many Hollywood films, including 10 Things I Hate About You. The film, produced by Touchstone Pictures, reflects the production standards of large-scale institutions with its polished visual style and efficient narrative structure. It was also targeted at a young adult audience, with its themes of teenage romance and high school drama. The institutional context of Touchstone Pictures likely played a role in shaping the film's content, while broader cultural trends of the time, such as the popularity of teen comedies and the influence of feminist activism, may have also influenced the film's themes and messages.

One of the primary factors that affect large-scale institutions is their focus on commercial success. Hollywood films, such as 10 Things I Hate About You, are made with the intention of appealing to a broad audience, in order to maximize profits. This often leads to the use of established formulas and tropes, such as the romantic comedy genre conventions used in 10 Things I Hate About You. The film's formulaic structure includes the set-up of the main conflict, the introduction of the love interest, and the resolution of the conflict. This structure is familiar to audiences, and can create a sense of comfort and predictability.

Another factor that influences Hollywood films is the institutional context of the studio. Touchstone Pictures, the studio that produced 10 Things I Hate About You, is owned by the Walt Disney Company. This ownership likely influenced the content of the film, as Disney is known for producing family-friendly content that upholds certain moral values. For example, 10 Things I Hate About You, while pushing certain boundaries in terms of teen sexuality and feminist themes, ultimately upholds traditional values such as the importance of family and the value of self-discovery.

Cultural trends also play a role in shaping Hollywood films. At the time of its release in 1999, 10 Things I Hate About You was part of a wave of teen comedies that reflected the cultural interests and concerns of young people. The film's themes of teenage romance and high school drama resonated with audiences, and helped to solidify the film's place as a cultural touchstone of the late 1990s. Additionally, the film's incorporation of feminist themes, such as the portrayal of the female lead character as assertive and independent, reflects the influence of feminist activism in popular culture at the time.

When compared to independent media, such as micro-budget films made outside of large institutions, 10 Things I Hate About You reflects a different set of priorities and values. Independent media is often more experimental and focused on alternative perspectives, such as those from marginalized communities, and may prioritize artistic expression over commercial appeal. In contrast, 10 Things I Hate About You is a mainstream Hollywood film that adheres to certain conventions and production standards in order to appeal to a broad audience. However, like independent media, the film does incorporate feminist themes and challenge certain gender stereotypes, such as the portrayal of the female lead character as assertive and independent.

In conclusion, while Hollywood films such as 10 Things I Hate About You are subject to many of the same factors that influence other feature films produced in large-scale institutions, they can also incorporate themes and perspectives that challenge dominant cultural narratives. Understanding how these factors influence the content and form of mainstream media can help us critically engage with the media we consume and appreciate the ways in which independent media can offer alternative perspectives and challenge the status quo.