Blinded by the Light - Case Study

Background reading and production research

1) What is the story behind the production of the film?

The whole story of Blinded by the Light is real. It was based on the story of Sarfraz Manzoor and was since adapted into different forms of media such as a book and film. The character Javed is based on him and Roops is based on his best friend. 

2) What was the audience reaction to the film?

The audiences who saw the film felt personally connected to the film's narrative. Most of them came from different cultural identities - and while some had nothing in common with the main protagonist of the film, they still felt emotionally connected to the narrative and felt like it related a lot to them.

3) Why is the Sundance Film Festival such an important part of the film industry - particularly for lower budget films? 

The Sundance Film Festival is a very important part of film history, especially for indie films as it shows the films to a wide audience that otherwise wouldn't have seen the film. The festival gives indie film makers a chance to put their films out there without having to waste lots of money on advertising/funding. It makes it really accessible.

Funding and industry contexts

1) What was the budget for Blinded By The Light and which companies contributed to the production budget?

$15m; Bend It Films developed the film along with Levantine Films and Ingenious Media, who helped contribute to the budget.

2) Research the Bend It Networks website. What other films and projects has the company been involved with?

Beecham House, Viceroy's House, Bend It Like Beckham + a musical version, Desi Rascals, Wonderful Afterlife, Angus Thongs, Mistress of Spices, Bride and Prejudice, What's Cooking?, Bhaji on the Beach, and I'm British but...

3) Research Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema on the Warner website here. Summarise the history of New Line Cinema in a short paragraph.

New Line Cinema has been around for over five decades, consistently delivering critically lauded productions that have resonated with audiences worldwide. The company has been a pioneer in the horror genre, known for its ability to craft enthralling narratives and create revolutionary entertainment experiences. They were established in 1967 by Robert Shaye, starting out by distributing foreign and art films, but later down the line started to deliver different content, most famously horror and/or thriller films.

4) Read this Variety interview with director Gurinder Chadha explaining how the project came about - including budget details. What attracted Gurinder Chadha to the project and how did she manage to get the film made? 

Chadha felt personally connected to the author of Greetings of Bury Park's story. She was also a huge Springsteen fan just like the author. She had a dream of creating a film based on the author's story and Springsteen's music. Eventually when she met him, he gave her the green light to create Blinded by the Light. 2 other companies helped her with production and also covered most of the budget. The music was used in places rather than exploited - and it was also provided to them for free. After the film was premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, bidding wars ensued until Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema acquired it for the $15m budget it cost to make and produce the film. Springsteen's help, the companies helping produce Blinded by the Light and the acquisition by Warner Bros./New Line Cinema helped Gurinder Chadha reach her dream and get her ideal film out to audiences.

Distribution

Read the Deadline feature on the distribution deal for Blinded By The Light and answer the following questions: 

1) Which company won the distribution rights after the all-night auction and for how much?

Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema - $15m (the film's budget)

2) Which other companies were rumoured to be bidding for the distribution rights?

eOne Entertainment and Endeavour Content 

3) According to the article, what was the 'allure' of Blinded By The Light?

The universal appeal of Springsteen's coming-of-age tunes

4) UK distribution was secured by eOne Entertainment. In 2023 eOne was bought by Lionsgate. Read this press release on Lionsgate acquiring eOne Entertainment and write one reason for the deal. 

It expands Lionsgate's presence in the UK and Canada.

Marketing, promotion and reception

Watch the following clips to learn about the marketing and promotion of the film.

 (blog link)

(these are where all the videos are (i'm lazy))

1) What does the trailer suggest regarding genre and the potential audience pleasures of Blinded By The Light?

The trailer suggests it'll be a drama and/or musical film. Potential audience pleasures derive from the characters interacting with each other and the music of Bruce Springsteen used throughout the film.

2) What TV shows and websites did interviews with writer, director and stars of Blinded By The Light? Why are interviews a good way to promote a new film release? 

BBC and HeyUGuys. They interviewed the actors and director of Blinded By The Light; it's a good way to promote a new film release as it gives audiences an insight on the behind the scenes and also generates free publicity for them.

3) What did film posters for Blinded By The Light feature and where did they appear? You may need to research this on Google Images. 

They featured a striped design primarily; most probably to reference the American flag.

4) What social media accounts did Blinded By The Light use to promote the film? Note: some sites may be blocked if you are working in school - you will need to use your phone or complete your research at home.

Twitter, YouTube and Instagram

5) Select three posts from the Blinded By The Light Instagram page and explain how they promote the film.

1 2 3
They showcase the positive reviews the film has and also showcases scenes from it too. Number 1 shows its positive Rotten Tomatoes score, 2 shows it's on DVD/Digital, and 3 generally just showcases scenes from the film.

6) Go to the Bend It Networks YouTube channel. How does Gurinder Chadha introduce the channel?  What other content is on the Bend It Networks YouTube channel?

She introduces the Bend It Networks channel as a way to showcase her projects and passion to audiences easily. The Bend It Networks channel showcases their other films and projects.

7) Look at the box office figures for Blinded By The Light from The Numbers website. How much did it make at the box office and why do you think it was largely unsuccessful?

It made $18.1m at the box office; it certainly was unsuccessful however as most of that money probably would've gone to advertising.

8) Click on the tabs with further information (such as 'News', 'Box Office' and 'Video Sales'). Copy and paste some more statistics or sales figures to add to your understanding of the film's financial performance.

$18.1m box office performance

$15m budget

$1.1m DVD/Blu-Ray sales