Dante O’Connor

UNIT 7 : UNDERSTANDING THE CREATIVE MEDIA

SECTOR

For this assignment, I have been instructed to look at two companies in the media sector, so I have chosen my two favourites; Lionsgate and Ghost House Pictures.

I have chosen these two companies because they have produced several of my favourite films:

TASK 1 : STRUCTURE AND OWNERSHIP OF THE MEDIA SECTOR

Lionsgate:

• The Saw Franchise

• Cabin in the Woods

• The Cube trilogy

Ghost House:

• The Grudge• 30 Days of

Night• Boogeyman

Images from IMDB (http://www.imdb.com/)

LIONSGATE GHOST HOUSE

Lionsgate‘Lionsgate is the leading independent producer and distributor of motion pictures, television programming, home entertainment, family entertainment, video-on-demand and digitally delivered content. Its prestigious and prolific library of nearly 12,000 motion picture titles and television episodes is a stable source of recurring revenue and is a foundation for the growth of the Company’s core businesses. The Lionsgate brand name is synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the globe(1).’

Company value: Lionsgate is a nearly $2 billion (2) entertainment industry

Number of employees: 486 full-time employees (3)

Ownership: Public company with ownership by shares (4)

Website: http://www.lionsgate.com

(1) http://corporate.lionsgate.com/index.asp

(2) http://corporate.lionsgate.com/Division.asp

(3) Lionsgate Annual Report 2011

(4) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lions_Gate_Entertainment

TASK 1 : STRUCTURE AND OWNERSHIP OF THE MEDIA SECTOR

Jon FeltheimerCo-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

Michael BurnsVice Chairman

Steve BeeksPresident and Co-Chief Operating Officer

Joe DrakePresident, Motion Picture Group and Co-Chief Operating Officer

Jim KeeganChief Financial Officer

Wayne LevinGeneral Counsel and Executive Vice President of Corporate Operations

Ghost House

Company value: (2) 

Number of employees: (3)

Ownership: Ultimately owned by Lionsgate, it is under the umbrella of Mandate Pictures as a joint venture between filmmakers Sam Raimi, Rob Tapert, Nathan Kahane, and Joe Drake(4)

Website: http://www.ghosthousepictures.com/

http://www.mandatepictures.com/

(1) http://www.mandatepictures.com/CoporateOverview.aspx

4 http://www.mandatepictures.com/Studio.aspx?sid=85ae9714-f144-480a-aeae-2802e972ccd8http://www.distributorreportcard.com/Ghost+House+Pictures

TASK 1 : STRUCTURE AND OWNERSHIP OF THE MEDIA SECTOR

Founded in 2003, MANDATE PICTURES has established itself as a premier independent entertainment company renowned for its exceptional support of filmmakers and the creative process, innovative partnerships with Hollywood's top creative talent, and keen ability to build a successful business model for films in a wide variety of genres.(1)

MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

• JOE DRAKE – CEO• NATHAN KAHANE - President• MATTHEW BAKAL - Chief Financial Officer• NICOLE BROWN - Executive Vice President of Production• DAN FREEDMAN - Senior Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs

• CANDICE GRABOIS - Vice President of Marketing & Publicity

TASK 2 : ETHICAL AND LEGAL CONSTRAINTS WITHIN THE MEDIA

SECTOR

Good taste is that which does not

alienate your peers

“Grayson Perry

Good Taste – Adj. 1 - in good taste - satisfying generally accepted social or esthetic standardshttp://www.thefreedictionary.com/

in+good+taste

WHAT IS GOOD TASTE?

Meet the censors: Who decides what's beyond the pale?

They have the power to ban a film, withdraw an advert or shut down a website.

Holly Williams 

British Board of Film Classification

Internet Watch Foundation

Advertising Standards Authority

Ofcom

CENSORS

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/meet-the-censors-who-decides-whats-beyond-the-pale-2354624.html

FILM RATINGS

BBFC: As a highly expert and experienced regulator, our mission is to:• protect  the public, and especially children, from

content which might raise harm risks• empower the public, especially parents, to make

informed viewing choices• recognise and respect adult freedom of choice

within the law• respond to and reflect changing social attitudes

towards media content through proactive public consultation and research

• provide a cost-effective, efficient classification service within our statutory remit

• work in partnership with the industry to develop innovative service models to provide content advice which support emerging media delivery systems

• provide an effective service to enforcement agencies

http://www.bbfc.co.uk/about/mission-statement/

Suitable for all

It is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child. But a ‘U’ film should be suitable for audiences aged

four years and over. ‘U’ films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring

counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror.

If a work is particularly suitable for a pre-school child to view alone, this will be indicated in the Consumer Advice.

RATING: UNIVERSAL

Parental guidance

General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children.

Unaccompanied children of any age may watch. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older.

However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.

RATING: PARENTAL GUIDANCE

http://www.bbfc.co.uk/

Suitable for 12 years and over

Exactly the same criteria are used to classify works at ‘12A’ and ‘12’. These categories are awarded where the material is suitable, in general, only for those aged 12 and over. Works classified at these categories may upset children under

12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them.

The ‘12A’ category exists only for cinema films. No one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult, and films classified

‘12A’ are not recommended for a child below 12. An adult may take a younger child if, in their judgement, the film is suitable for that particular child. In such circumstances, responsibility for allowing a child under 12 to view lies with the

accompanying adult.

The ‘12’ category exists only for video works. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video work.

RATING: 12/12A

http://www.bbfc.co.uk/

Suitable only for 15 years or over

No-one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video

work.

RATING: 15

http://www.bbfc.co.uk/

Suitable only for adults

No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an ‘18’ rated video

work.

RATING: 18

http://www.bbfc.co.uk/

RATING: R18

To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults of not

less than 18 years.

The ‘R18’ category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or

strong fetish material involving adults. Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and video works

may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops. ‘R18’ videos may not be supplied by mail order.

http://www.bbfc.co.uk/

According to Ofcom, the watershed on free-to-air television in the UK is between 21:00 and 05:30

FILM CENSORSHIP

THE WATERSHED

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watershed_(television)#United_Kingdom

Ofcom is the communications regulator.

They have responsibility for ensuring that:

• television and radio services are provided by a range of different organisations;

• people who watch television and listen to the radio are protected from harmful or offensive material;

• people are protected from being treated unfairly in television and radio programmes, and from having their privacy invaded; and

• the radio spectrum (the airwaves used by everyone from taxi firms and boat owners, to mobile-phone companies and broadcasters) is used in the most effective way.

OFCOM

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/about/what-is-ofcom/

TANGO MEGAPHONE ADVERTISEMENT

Complaint from: 84 viewers

WHAT WAS CONTROVERSIAL:

A commercial for Tango Orange showed a group of orange-haired men mocking a youth for not being a Tango drinker. Closely surrounding the youth and jeering at him, the men repeated back to him, through toy megaphones, all his words and sounds, reducing him to tears of frustration as he begged them to stop. The commercial ended by encouraging viewers to send off for a Tango megaphone so they could "join in the fun".The complainants all objected that this was likely to condone or encourage children and teenagers to bully others. Several pointed out that the boy was overweight and that such children were often the target of bullying. Some had been the victims of bullying or were closely involved, typically as parents or teachers, with children who had been bullied.

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/static/archive/itc/itc_publications/complaints_reports/advertising_complaints/show_complaint.asp-ad_complaint_id=308.html

TANGO MEGAPHONE ADVERTISEMENT

WHO WAS INVOLVED:• The actor James Cordon

• Britvic drinks

• Director Jeff Stark

• BACC (Broadcasting Advertising Clearance Centre)

• ITC (Independent Television Commission) (Ofcom)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPqKOfCzN20

TANGO MEGAPHONE ADVERTISEMENT

It was banned because:

a) the youth was overweight and therefore part of a group who often are victims of bullying.

b) the bullying technique shown - unrelenting repetition of what the victim says - is, the ITC understands, a fairly common real-life method of torment. 

c) the advertisement appeared to offer the megaphone specifically so that viewers could join in similar behaviour. The advertiser disputed this, saying that the invitation to join in the fun was intended simply to mean the fun of using the megaphone in other, harmless ways. The ITC did not accept that this intention was clear. 

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/static/archive/itc/itc_publications/complaints_reports/advertising_complaints/show_complaint.asp-ad_complaint_id=308.html

Film Job Profiles

Accounts

Art Department

Camera

Casting

Catering

Construction

Costume

Direction

Distribution

Editing & Post Production

Exhibition

Hair and Make-Up

TASK 4 : EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Health and SafetyLightingLocationsMusicPerformingPost Production SoundProduction SoundProduction OfficePropsPublicity / StillsScriptTransport

JOBS IN FILM

Armourer

Dressing Props

Greensman

Properties Department

Property Master

Prop Maker

Prop Storeman

Standby Props

TASK 4 : EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

PROPS

http://www.skillset.org/film/jobs/props/

sponsibilities Prop Makers are given instructions, designs or rough ideas by the Production

Designer, Art Director or Property Master, prior to the shoot. From these designs Prop Makers must plan and create the props necessary for production. They may

carry out their own research into the style and specifications of the props required. On period films, this may also involve investigating how the objects would have been created during a particular historical period, and within a specific culture. Liaising

with Production Buyers, Prop Makers acquire the necessary tools and materials needed to make the props. Prop Makers make the props, working within budget, and to strict timescales. They may also adapt hired or bought in props according to the production's requirements. They normally produce a minimum of two of every item, in case of damage. During the shoot Prop Makers may be responsible for operating

any special props, or for instructing Actors in their operation. 

TASK 4 : EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

PROP MAKER

http://www.skillset.org/film/jobs/props/article_3910_1.asp

Skills Prop Makers must be flexible and versatile, able to work with imagination and

ingenuity. They need creative problem solving skills, and must be open to new ideas, and to learning new skills and techniques. The ability to work to external deadlines,

under their own initiative, is essential, as is an eye for detail and accuracy. Working as part of the larger Properties Department, and at times as part of a Prop-making team, Prop Makers must have good communication skills and enjoy interacting with others. As they work with hazardous equipment and materials, an in-depth understanding of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures is vital

to the role.

Prop Makers should have a wide knowledge of the basics of Prop Making: technical drawing, a good knowledge of computer design packages, the ability to work safely

with typical industry materials (e.g., fibreglass, latex, foam, polystyrene, wood, cotton and steel), and the ability to work with a variety of different machinery and tools. Prop Makers may also have specialist skills, such as: sign writing, upholstery work, mould

work, woodturning, sculpture, casting, furniture making, modelling, electrical engineering and electronics, working with papier-mâché, etc. 

http://www.skillset.org/film/jobs/props/article_3910_1.asp

Qualifications/Experience Prop Makers need no standard qualifications or specific

training. However, they should have a background and/or qualification in Art and Design, or Model making, and experience in the basics of Prop Making. Many Prop

Makers train in Stage and Set Design, or Stage Management, or complete a Theatre Technician's course in

Performing Arts. They may also have a more specialised background or training, e.g., in Graphic Design, Furniture Making, Fine Art, etc. Alternatively, Prop Makers may have

started in junior roles in the Art department and learnt their skills on the job.

http://www.skillset.org/film/jobs/props/article_3910_1.asp

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Your talent and skills are more important than your formal qualifications, although many prop makers choose to take an art-based or technical theatre course before looking for

work.

In the theatre you would typically start as a props assistant, or in film/TV you would often start as an art department

trainee. The key to finding a trainee job is to gain practical experience (for example, from student productions, or from amateur theatre) and to build contacts with set designers

and other people in the industry.

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/propmaker.aspx

INCOME

Freelance work is usual and rates can vary widely. You could negotiate fees based on the type of production and

your own track record. Film and TV are usually better paid than theatre work.

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/propmaker.aspx

LIONSGATE JOBS

http://jobs.monster.com/c-lionsgate.aspx

HELPDESK OPERATOR

About the JobLionsgate has an immediate opening for a Helpdesk Operator who is an organized, methodical, and a team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The ability to follow through on assigned tasks and maintain a high level of customer service is very important.   In this position, your time will be spent coordinating all Helpdesk traffic. Responsibilities·         Provide first response support to end users via phone and/or email.  First call resolution (if possible).·         Communicate with end-users to determine the issue and match with the right I.T. resource(es).·         Open and close incident/work order tickets with sufficient information in a timely manner.  Keep Helpdesk Inbox item count down to a minimum.·         Prioritize support calls and escalate support issues as necessary.·         Coordinate outsourced support for remote offices/users.·         Coordinate moves with Office Services department.·         Helpdesk work order report design and generation for upper I.T. management.·         Maintain asset data and produce reports when needed.·         Possible weekend support at times. Requirements·         Minimum: 1 year of call center or Helpdesk intake experience.·         Minimum: 2 years of desktop troubleshooting experience.·         Excellent organizational skills.·         Excellent multitasking skills.·         Excellent interpersonal skills. 

http://www.indeed.co.uk/jobs?q=helpdesk+operator&l=

INVENTORY RECONCILIATION

COORDINATOR

About the JobLionsgate is the leading next generation filmed entertainment studio and is a major producer and distributor of motion pictures, home entertainment, family entertainment, television programming, video-on-demand and digitally delivered content. Lionsgate has an opening for an Inventory Reconciliation Coordinator to work in our Operations department. This position will be responsible for analyzing, reporting and processing inventory adjustments and reconciling inventory for all Finished Goods and Raw Materials between SAP and JDE and all components between SAP and AS400.  This position is also responsible for fixing and processing failed IDOCs, and correcting back-flushing in the JDE/SAP systems. Other duties include working with the Accounting department on various reports and projects.  The successful candidate will have a proven ability to work as an integral part of a team with excellent interpersonal, analytical and both verbal and written communication skills.   Must be proficient in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, with a good understanding of SAP R/3 and BW.  Candidates should be highly organized, detail-oriented, able to interact effectively with various levels of personnel, and able to thrive in a fast-paced deadline driven environment. A college degree in Business and/or Management is preferred.

 http://jobview.monster.com/Inventory-Reconciliation-Coordinator-Job-Santa-Monica-CA-US-113813651.aspx

About the Job Lionsgate has an immediate opening for an On-Demand Digital Coordinator.  As a member of the staff, you are expected to support sales, marketing and operations in all segments of business.  In the course of day to day activity, you will oversee client relationships with existing partners, meeting their day-to-day needs and anticipating new opportunities, helping creatively market Lionsgate content to end consumers. In support of these functions, you will be part of a dynamic team in a rapidly growing segment of our industry. Required skills are:  the ability to enthusiastically pitch and “sell-in” titles, the ability to present eloquently – both internally and externally; strong passion/knowledge for Lionsgate movies, TV and the industry as a whole; the ability to evaluate and problem solve within the complex areas of distribution; interpret financial data, and to draw conclusions; track competitive titles and industry trends. Our small collaborative group bridges the worlds of sales and marketing to grow our business and the business categories as a whole. We are passionate, aggressive problem solvers, and we believe in pushing the envelope while maintaining integrity. (We have a lot of fun, too.) Desired skills:•           2-3 years of experience in sales and/or marketing within the entertainment industry required (film/TV preferred)•           Cable, satellite or digital experience/relationships strongly preferred•           Exceptional communication and presentation skills•           Strong analytical mindset and comfort with Excel – while you won’t be generating complex financial reports you must be able to request, view and interpret them•           Ability to juggle competing priorities, and to think strategically and to translate those thoughts into action plans•           Adept at forging and maintaining relationships in a way that builds trust, fosters innovation, solves problems and reflects the integrity and core values of our department and Lionsgate•           Upbeat personality and a passion for learning•           A true self-starter•           Powerpoint and Excel expert; overall command of Microsoft Office suite of products; a fan of film and TV (including Lionsgate properties); someone who uses or has genuine interest in digital, mobile, cable technology and the changing landscape of media 

ON DEMAND DIGITAL COORDINATOR

http://jobview.monster.com/On-Demand-Digital-Coordinator-Job-Santa-Monica-CA-US-113641350.aspx

SALARIES

Digital Co-ordinator - Salary Estimate£20,000+ (202)£40,000+ (33)£60,000+ (7)£80,000+ (2)£240,000+ (1)http://www.indeed.co.uk/Digital-Coordinator-jobs-in-England

Inventory Reconciliation Co-ordinatorSalary Estimate£20,000+ (543)£40,000+ (170)£60,000+ (23)£100,000+ (5)£150,000+ (4)http://www.indeed.co.uk/jobs?q=Inventory+Controller&gclid=CO_bhfbs7rICFeTKtAodXXoAKg

Helpdesk Operator –Salary Estimate£20,000+ (101)£40,000+ (20)£100,000+ (3)http://www.indeed.co.uk/jobs?q=helpdesk+operator&l=