Question

We all work for a U.S. film studio and we will be meeting with interested parties (directors, production personnel, actors, distributors--global and U.S., film backers and others from the industry) for our new film project to be released for international audiences. I’ve asked you to prepare a short listing of guidelines for films produced for both U.S. and international markets. In this discussion, I want you to share your guidelines with your other discussion group members. Identify at least two guidelines for this discussion and explain their relevance.

Answer 1

Following two guidelines are pertinent for a new film project to be released to international audiences:

(i) Sensitivity and alignment to the cultural aspects of a country: While designing the film content, it is suggested that the creators are knowledgeable and thereby sensitive towards the cultural aspects in various countries. Following are some aspects of this:

(a) Refraining from using symbols, words or phrases which are unsuitable for specific cultures,

(b) Sensitivity towards gender, race, religion, ethnicity, disability, economic background specific factors in various cultures,

(c) Other criteria such as the setting of film content, usage of language, etc.

(ii) Understanding the revenue model of a country: This includes understanding the following aspects:

(a) Quota system for foreign films in a particular country,

(b) Revenue sharing model (if any) in a country,

(c) Fees for the certification boards,

(d) Tax system and import fees for an international film within a country.