Research: Industry

This is my research into industry for my movie opening project. 

About my opening:

Given that my project falls within the thriller genre and is intended for a niche audience, the company most likely to produce my media text in the real world would be A24. A24 is known for its commitment to unique, boundary-pushing films that often appeal to specific, engaged audiences rather than broad, mainstream ones. Their success in producing thought-provoking, psychological thrillers and horror films demonstrates their expertise in creating content that captivates and resonates with audiences interested in intense, character-driven stories. A24’s brand aligns well with a niche thriller film as it prioritizes originality, creative freedom, and engaging narratives that distinguish it from conventional mainstream films. Since I am making a movie opening, it will be difficult to make my characters complex and morally ambiguous. However with further research, I am confident we can incorporate some elements that can make the characters in my opening more interesting.

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A24

A24 is an independent American film and television company that has become one of the most respected names in modern cinema, particularly for its unique approach to genre and storytelling. Founded in New York City in 2012 by Daniel Katz, David Fenkel, and John Hodges, A24 has developed a strong reputation for producing bold films across genres, including thriller, horror, drama, and dark comedy. A24’s was created during a time when audiences were beginning to crave content that went beyond traditional Hollywood formulas. This desire for more thought-provoking, artistically driven cinema created the perfect environment for A24 to thrive.

-What other content do they produce?

A24’s catalog includes a mix of psychological horror, thriller, dark comedy, and drama films. One of A24’s early successes was Spring Breakers (2012), a film that set the tone for A24’s focus on unconventional storytelling and complex characters. Since then, the company has released numerous amazing films, many of which have achieved both commercial success and lasting influence.

In the thriller and horror-thriller genres, A24 has produced Hereditary, The Witch, Midsommar, Uncut Gems, and Good Time. These films have become notable for their unique storytelling techniques, psychological complexity, and atmospheric tension. For example, Hereditary and Midsommar both explore family trauma and psychological unraveling within horror themes, while Uncut Gems is suspense-driven. A24’s focus on intense, high-stakes narratives that dive into the depth of characters aligns closely with my film opening, which similarly aims to create suspense and focus on character vulnerability. 

-Who is their typical audience?

A24 targets a niche yet highly engaged audience, typically within the 18-35 age range a.k.a. Gen Z and millennials. This demographic is drawn to independent films and has a particular interest in content that is artistically ambitious and narratively complex. Unlike traditional Hollywood studios that aim to appeal to the widest possible audience, A24 focuses on a specific group of viewers who appreciate these types of niche films. The company has cultivated a loyal fan base among movie enjoyers, festival-goers, and critics who value fresh perspectives.

To connect with its audience, A24 employs an unconventional approach to marketing. The company relies heavily on social media, viral marketing, and direct fan engagement to build anticipation and foster community around its films. By leveraging online platforms and creating a strong presence at film festivals, A24 has been able to grow a dedicated fan base that often spreads enthusiasm for its films. This marketing approach has contributed to A24’s reputation as a brand that understands its audience on a more personal level as it segments the market. Personally, I’ve heard of A24’s films mostly through social media and recommendations from people I know, which has influenced me to watch some of their films such as Midsommar. 

-How big is the company? How long has it existed?

A24 (founded in 2012) remains smaller in size compared to traditional Hollywood studios like Warner Bros. or Paramount. As an independent company, A24 operates with a more flexible structure that supports unique, artist-driven projects. This independence allows the company to take creative risks, which has helped A24 build a reputation for prioritizing innovative storytelling. The company typically distributes its films through limited releases to build buzz before expanding to wider audiences. This model often includes releasing films at major film festivals, where A24 can gauge audience reception and build anticipation. By employing this selective release strategy, A24 has been able to create a reputation for itself as a boutique production and distribution company, appealing to audiences that prioritize quality over mass appeal.

A24’s distribution approach extends to the streaming market, where the company has established partnerships with platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV. These collaborations allow A24 to reach a wider audience without compromising its independent, niche-focused brand identity. The company also occasionally partners with premium streaming services for exclusive releases, enabling it to explore different distribution formats while maintaining control over its films’ presentation.

-What is their successful product?

Notable A24 films in the horror-thriller genre include Hereditary (2018) and Midsommar (2019). Hereditary became one of A24’s most profitable films, grossing over $80 million worldwide on a modest budget of $10 million. Known for its disturbing psychological themes and shocking visuals, Hereditary solidified A24’s reputation as a leader in horror cinema. Similarly, Midsommar captured audiences with its unique take on horror, blending folk traditions with psychological tension. Both films have developed fanbases and are frequently discussed in horror and thriller circles, highlighting A24’s ability to create lasting cultural impact within genre cinema.

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Blumhouse Productions

Blumhouse Productions is an American film and television production company known for its focus on the horror genre, often with an emphasis on psychological horror, thrillers, and supernatural elements. Founded in 2000 by Jason Blum, the company has carved out a significant niche in the film industry by producing high-quality horror films on modest budgets. Blumhouse's unique production model has allowed it to become a leader in the genre, consistently creating profitable films that resonate with audiences worldwide.

-What other content do they produce?

Blumhouse Productions is best known for its emphasis on horror, a genre that lends itself well to low-budget filmmaking without sacrificing quality or audience appeal. Horror movies often do not require expensive sets, CGI, or major stars to be effective, which aligns well with Blumhouse’s lean approach. The company has produced a range of horror subgenres, including supernatural horror (Insidious), found footage (Paranormal Activity), psychological horror (Get Out), and slasher (Halloween reboot series). Blumhouse also occasionally explores other genres that have horror-like suspense and intensity, such as science fiction (Upgrade) and dark thrillers (The Gift).

In addition to these films, Blumhouse has successfully developed several franchises. For example, The Purge series (which began in 2013) mixes dystopian thriller elements with horror and social commentary, resonating with audiences by exploring themes related to crime and violence. Similarly, Insidious and Sinister have become highly successful horror franchises, each with multiple installments that continue to draw audiences.

-Who is their typical audience?

Blumhouse’s target audience is predominantly horror fans, typically between the ages of 16 and 35. This audience is drawn to the company’s unique blend of high-concept horror with relatable characters and themes. Many Blumhouse films resonate because they tap into contemporary societal anxieties, making their themes relevant and impactful for younger audiences. For example, Get Out addresses racial tension and social issues through a horror lens, while The Purge explores societal breakdowns and violence. This approach has allowed Blumhouse to reach beyond traditional horror fans and attract viewers interested in horror with depth and commentary.

One of Blumhouse’s key strategies is its approach to marketing, which often leverages digital platforms, viral campaigns, and trailers designed to build suspense and curiosity— similarly to A24. Blumhouse trailers frequently capitalize on the film’s concept and intensity, creating strong anticipation among audiences before the movie’s release. The company also capitalizes on word-of-mouth marketing, which is particularly effective for horror, as audience reactions to intense scenes or shocking plot twists often stimulate discussions that generate interest in the films.

-How big is the company? How long has it existed?

Blumhouse Productions was founded in 2000, but its major breakthrough came with Paranormal Activity in 2007. This film, produced on an extremely modest budget of around $15,000, went on to earn nearly $200 million worldwide, establishing Blumhouse’s model of producing low-budget horror films with high-profit potential. Following this success, Blumhouse applied the same formula to other projects, creating a production model that minimizes financial risk and allows for greater creative experimentation.

Blumhouse operates on a relatively small scale in comparison to major Hollywood studios, yet it exerts substantial influence over the horror genre. The company’s production model is based on keeping budgets low, often under $10 million per film, which allows Blumhouse to produce multiple projects simultaneously and to take risks on unique ideas without requiring massive box office returns. This flexibility has allowed Blumhouse to support new directors in horror, while exploring innovative narratives that traditional studios might avoid.

-What is their successful product?

Blumhouse Productions has achieved remarkable success with a range of popular and impactful horror films, solidifying its reputation in the genre. The company’s breakthrough came with Paranormal Activity (2007), a low-budget film that grossed nearly $200 million and inspired a profitable franchise. The Purge series, which explores a dystopian world where crime is legal for one night, and Insidious, a supernatural horror, both expanded Blumhouse’s appeal with suspenseful storytelling and franchise potential. Get Out (2017) brought critical acclaim, winning an Academy Award and generating significant box office returns, while the 2018 Halloween reboot revived the classic slasher franchise. Blumhouse’s ability to create successful films with modest budgets allowed them to reach many milestones and achievements.

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Personal Reflection:

Reflecting on my research into companies like Blumhouse Productions and A24, I learned a lot about how different production companies approach filmmaking. Both Blumhouse and A24 are known for unique, impactful movies, but they each have their own style and way of reaching audiences. Blumhouse focuses heavily on horror and thriller genres. A24, on the other hand, is known for creating niche, artistic films with deeper themes, often appealing to a more indie-minded audience. Both Blumhouse and A24 helped me think about how to position my own thriller project. Blumhouse’s low-budget but effective approach gave me ideas on how to use my resources wisely, while A24’s style inspired me to focus on building a mood and crafting a story that resonates. Researching these companies showed me that understanding different approaches to filmmaking can help shape my project’s identity and make it more engaging for my target audience.