TTIHAU Topic 5

The effect of controls and constraints on production

Sample Essay 1
The world of screen production has been influenced by various factors that affect the creation and distribution of films. One of the significant factors is the use of controls and constraints, which affects the creativity and expression of filmmakers. Controls and constraints can be imposed by film studios, censorship boards, or the government, among other stakeholders. This essay will explore the effects of controls and constraints on screen production using the film "10 Things I Hate About You" as the central text. The essay will also compare and contrast other films that have been affected by controls and constraints.

The film "10 Things I Hate About You" is a romantic comedy that was released in 1999. The film features a cast of young actors who portray high school students. The film is a modern adaptation of William Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew." The film's director, Gil Junger, had to navigate several constraints to ensure that the film was produced and released.

One of the significant constraints that affected the production of the film was the need to appeal to the target audience, which was predominantly young adults. The film had to be marketed and positioned in a way that resonated with the target audience. The film's soundtrack, which featured popular artists of the time, such as Letters to Cleo, Sister Hazel, and Save Ferris, was critical in attracting young viewers. Similarly, the film's marketing materials, such as posters and trailers, had to be designed in a way that would appeal to the target audience.

Another constraint that affected the production of the film was the need to comply with censorship regulations. The film was rated PG-13, which meant that certain scenes or language could not be included. For instance, the film's script initially included a scene where Kat, the lead female character, flashes her breasts to a group of boys, but the scene was cut due to censorship regulations. Similarly, some of the film's language had to be toned down to avoid an R-rating.

The need to adhere to a specific budget was another constraint that affected the production of the film. The film's production budget was approximately $30 million, which meant that the filmmakers had to be creative in their use of resources. For instance, some of the film's scenes were shot on location, such as at the high school used in the film. Additionally, some of the film's music was sourced from independent artists to save on licensing costs.

The use of controls and constraints in screen production is not unique to "10 Things I Hate About You." Other films have also had to navigate these challenges. For instance, the film "Pretty in Pink" (1986) had to comply with censorship regulations, which resulted in some of the film's language and content being toned down. Similarly, the film "The Breakfast Club" (1985) had to be marketed in a way that appealed to young viewers, which resulted in the film's soundtrack featuring popular artists of the time.

Contrastingly, some films have been produced without the use of controls and constraints. For instance, the film "Pulp Fiction" (1994) was produced without the constraints of censorship or the need to appeal to a particular audience. The film's director, Quentin Tarantino, had complete creative control over the film, which allowed him to push the boundaries of traditional storytelling. Similarly, the film "The Godfather" (1972) was produced without any significant constraints, which allowed the filmmakers to create a masterpiece that is widely regarded as one of the best films ever made.

The constraints faced by "10 Things I Hate About You" were not unique to the film. Other films have also faced similar challenges, such as the need to appeal to a particular audience, comply with censorship regulations, and work within a specific budget. However, some films, such as "Pulp Fiction" and "The Godfather," have been produced without significant constraints, which has allowed the filmmakers to have complete creative control over the film.

In conclusion, the effect of controls and constraints on screen production is significant. Controls and constraints can affect the creativity and expression of filmmakers, as they must navigate these challenges to ensure that their films are produced and released. The film "10 Things I Hate About You" is an excellent example of how controls and constraints can impact screen production, and it is essential for filmmakers to understand how these challenges can affect their work. Ultimately, the ability to create a great film despite these constraints is a testament to the skill and talent of filmmakers, and it is what makes the film industry so compelling.

Sample Essay 2
The world of screen production is complex, and many factors influence the creation and distribution of films. One of the critical factors is the use of controls and constraints, which can affect the creativity and expression of filmmakers. Controls and constraints can be imposed by film studios, censorship boards, or the government, among other stakeholders. This essay will explore the effects of controls and constraints on screen production using the film "10 Things I Hate About You" as the central text. The essay will also compare and contrast other films that have been affected by controls and constraints to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue.

Constraints in Film Production

Controls and constraints are an essential aspect of film production, and they can come in various forms. One of the primary constraints is the need to appeal to the target audience. Film studios and distributors aim to attract specific demographics, such as teenagers, adults, or families. The content and marketing of the film must cater to the target audience to maximize revenue. The film "10 Things I Hate About You" is an example of a film that had to cater to a specific audience. The film was marketed to teenagers and young adults, and the soundtrack included popular artists of the time, such as Letters to Cleo, Sister Hazel, and Save Ferris. The use of popular music was an effective way to attract the target audience, and it helped the film achieve commercial success.

Another constraint that affects film production is censorship regulations. Governments and censorship boards impose regulations on the content of films to protect society's values and morals. These regulations can limit the creative expression of filmmakers and affect the film's quality. The film "10 Things I Hate About You" had to comply with censorship regulations to avoid an R-rating. The film's script initially included a scene where the lead female character flashes her breasts to a group of boys, but the scene was cut due to censorship regulations. Similarly, some of the film's language had to be toned down to avoid an R-rating.

The need to adhere to a specific budget is another constraint that affects film production. The production budget of a film determines the resources available for the filmmaking process, including casting, location, and special effects. Filmmakers must be creative in their use of resources to produce a film that meets the budget requirements. The film "10 Things I Hate About You" had a production budget of approximately $30 million. The filmmakers had to be creative in their use of resources, such as shooting some of the scenes on location, to save on costs.

Comparing and Contrasting Films

The use of controls and constraints in film production is not unique to "10 Things I Hate About You." Other films have also had to navigate these challenges. For instance, the film "Pretty in Pink" (1986) had to comply with censorship regulations, which resulted in some of the film's language and content being toned down. Similarly, the film "The Breakfast Club" (1985) had to be marketed in a way that appealed to young viewers, which resulted in the film's soundtrack featuring popular artists of the time.

Contrastingly, some films have been produced without significant constraints. For instance, the film "Pulp Fiction" (1994) was produced without the constraints of censorship or the need to appeal to a particular audience. The film's director, Quentin Tarantino, had complete creative control over the film, which allowed him to push the boundaries of traditional storytelling. Similarly, the film "The Godfather" (1972) was produced without any significant constraints, which allowed the filmmakers to create a masterpiece that is widely regarded as one of the best films ever made.

The film "Pulp Fiction" is an excellent example of how the absence of constraints can influence the filmmaking process. The film was produced without the need to appeal to a particular audience or comply with censorship regulations, which allowed Tarantino to create a unique narrative structure and use graphic violence and profanity to enhance the film's impact. The film's success at the box office and critical acclaim demonstrate the power of creative control in the filmmaking process.

Similarly, "The Godfather" is an example of how the absence of constraints can lead to the creation of a masterpiece. The film was produced without any significant interference from the studio or censorship boards, which allowed the filmmakers to create a cinematic experience that has stood the test of time. The film's use of visual storytelling, character development, and thematic depth are a testament to the power of creative control in filmmaking.

Conclusion

The effect of controls and constraints on screen production is significant. Controls and constraints can affect the creativity and expression of filmmakers, as they must navigate these challenges to ensure that their films are produced and released. The film "10 Things I Hate About You" is an excellent example of how controls and constraints can impact screen production, and it is essential for filmmakers to understand how these challenges can affect their work. However, as demonstrated by "Pulp Fiction" and "The Godfather," the absence of constraints can lead to the creation of masterpieces that stand the test of time. Ultimately, the ability to create a great film despite these constraints is a testament to the skill and talent of filmmakers, and it is what makes the film industry so compelling.