I, Daniel Blake: Blog Task

1) What is independent cinema and how is it different to Hollywood blockbusters?
Independent films are not made by big film studios. Directors and producers have more creative input, they have smaller budgets and are distributed by smaller companies.
2) What is I, Daniel Blake about?
It is about Daniel Blake,59, who is unable to work after suffering health problems. As a result, he needs help from the state. He befriends a single mother with two kids. He stands up against the injustices of the system. The movie has a very strong political message about the British government.
3) Who directed I, Daniel Blake and why is this important?
Ken Loach directed I, Daniel Blake. He has directed social realism films for over 50 years. He makes movies about ordinary, working class people and the struggles they face, usually with political themes. His movies intend to inform the public rather than entertain or make money.
4) How was I, Daniel Blake promoted to an audience? List at least three different methods used by the film's marketing campaign.
'Pay what you can' screenings at community centres
Jeremy Corbyn attended the premiere
Guerilla marketing-"I, Daniel Blake" was projected onto the houses of parliament
5) What unusual or creative marketing methods were used to get audiences talking about the film?
They projected images onto buildings around London to generate buzz.
6) What was the estimated production budget for I, Daniel Blake and how much did it make at the box office?
It had a budget of £2 million and made £11 million at the box office.
7) How can independent films like I, Daniel Blake compete with Hollywood blockbusters like Doctor Strange?
Although indie films are released to a more niche audience, they evoke a lot of interest and conversation.
8) In your opinion, was I, Daniel Blake a success?
Yes, as it raised a lot of political conversation and although Loach's goal was not to make money, it still made 5x the initial budget.