a) What is meant by a mainstream film ?

Mainstream film is depicted as films that are generally delivered in cinemas, regularly made in the machine that is Hollywood. Ordinary Mainstream films are delivered in cinemas for a brief timeframe and are promoted to draw in mass crowds and make income. The essential capacity of a mainstream film is to bring in cash and make collaboration and establishment. 

 b) Briefly explain what a media conglomerate is. 

A media conglomerate, media bunch or media establishment is an organization that possesses enormous quantities of organisations in different broad communications like TV, radio, distributing, motion pictures, and the Internet. Media conglomerates take  aim at arrangements that work with their control of the business sectors all throughout the planet is a cutting edge summed up depiction.

 c) Explain two features of independent  film production. Refer briefly to  I, Daniel Blake  to support your   points.

Smaller production businesses produce independent films. They aren't made in the same way as Hollywood movies. Instead, they differ in terms of style and genre. Independent films frequently have hard themes that are more realistic and less escapist than studio films, and are intended to make you think about specific subjects or concerns. 

Financing - 

Funding for independent film productions comes from a variety of places. Some small production companies may work together on the project by pooling their industry expertise and financial resources Independent production firms can raise funds from individual investors, although most are supported by arts organisations like the British Film Council and the British Film Institute. Independent films are also supported by several television networks, such as BBC Films and Film Four , furthermore independent filmmakers can now seek money via online donations or crowdfunding thanks to the internet. 

distribution - 

Unlike studio films, which are often released in mainstream theatres, independent production companies enter their pictures in local, national, and worldwide film festivals to obtain exposure with distributors who may later purchase distribution rights. Independent film distribution businesses seek to get independent films released in theatres across the country and around the world - and negotiate DVD, Blu-Ray, and on-demand deals. In comparison to studio films, independent films have a restricted theatrical release, yet there are many venues across the world that cater to independent film audiences and aficionados. Independent films were once thought to have lesser production values than studio films, but this has changed because to technology advancements such as better and more cheap cameras, as well as computer software for special effects and editing. Independent films like Juno have found mainstream success because to their ability to attain great production qualities on a cheap budget. 

With I, Daniel Blake the funding was not a big amount as it is an independent film. These films tend to have a small casts which can be main factor for a low budget.The casting of I, Daniel Blake is around 45 cast members however on average a big budget film has around 200 cast members. Furthermore I, Daniel Blake has a more realistic approach rather than more scripted  movies made to bring in   audiences.Daniel Blake was shown in 24 countries and received positive feedback in Europe and other smaller countries. However, when contrasted to an action blockbuster like Doctor Strange, which was released in over 32 countries and grossed over £677 million, the picture only made £11 million and earned mostly excellent reviews.

 Question 3(d) you will be rewarded for drawing together knowledge and understanding from across your full course of study, including different areas of the theoretical framework and media contexts. 

d) Explain how economic contexts shape mainstream films. Refer to Black Panther  to support your points.