History of
Genre
Detective and
mystery films originally stemmed from the general crime film genre. Initially
detective and mystery were in the form of literature, from the famous British ‘Sherlock
Holmes’ novels to Raymond Chandler’s famous ‘Marlow’ series. The first films to
be released in this genre were short silent films it is stated that the first
recorded detective film was “Sherlock Holmes Baffled” the famous British
detective who is still portrayed today. 
As film developed so did the genre, and
in the 1930’s known as the ‘Classic period’ this unleashed a how knew
development in how film was captured. Creating the British gentlemen who
unravels the mystery step by step, this has been deeded so popular the idea has
been made in to, books, games and of course films. “The 1930s was the era of the elegant gentleman-detective who
solved drawing-room whodunit murders using his wits rather than his fists”-
wiki, this is stereotypically related to the genre and I'd like to take and
develop this idea. 
Ever changing the genre develops with the new
advancements allowing new possibility fore the medium. The ‘Prestige’ is a
modern Detective Mystery film; it shows a clear example in how new effects can
transform a film. Although the film was released in 2006 it still keeps to the ‘Victorian
era’ when mystery and puzzles first became popular in an age where anything
seemed possible. The film opens out with introductory charters then with in the
first 5 minutes a horrific death occurs, with unclear causes adding to suspense
and the longing to know how it happened. I plan to use this in my own production, as I believe it is an
effective technique. Looking at both modern and old takes of the genre I would
like to bring the two as done in ‘The prestige’. I would like to make my film as it stick to the classic
elements of Detective Mystery but also takes advantage of the technology we
have to day.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_film#Period_piece_films
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0482571/
Institutions
An independent film is normally a low
budget film, produced with a small crew who normally do more than one job such
as the producer my also act as the director. The pay will be small, if any,
such as London to Brighton the actors and cast, were not paid because of budget
meaning first time actors would have to play the part rather than Hollywood
actors like brad pit. However it still gives them good publicity and experience
by doing it. Sometimes actors will take shares rather than direct pay. An independent
relay on the internet to advertise as producing TV adds or billboards would be
way over budget and internet is a good way to advertise at small price
(YouTube). Another way they would get good advertising is reviews thus the
quality must be high standard to get noticed, proving large budget does not
mean good film as The Kings Speech a small budget of £8 million came out with
an outcome of £250 million. Independent films are not normally released to the
main cinema lines such as Odeon or VUE, but in Art house or independent
cinemas, for instance the little theatre in Bath. It is harder for independent
film to be shown on TV, as broadcasters tend to show their own financed
productions or choose a film which would be more ‘main stream’ as it would increase
viewings.
The comparison between an independent
film release and a major conglomerate is a major conglomerate has the power and
money to make a much larger scale film. As conglomerates normally have links in
more than one county it is easier to get a worldwide awareness of a film
release, through all sorts of mediums aka: radio, TV, billboards, Premieres,
adverts and more. The actors have massive wage bills for instance Johnny deep
earned $10 million plus %10 of the gross profits for the pirates of the Caribbean
film showing much contrast to independent films. Conglomerate films have the
funding to employ the specialist technicians working in teams and who are
highly skilled and trained in their area meaning special effects and camera
quality is extremely high standard. Showing of conglomerate films come in high
demand and major showcase complexes show them as they are high money earners.
Conglomerates are able to broadcast there productions on TV as many own their
own stations such as Fox, Sky or Disney.
A Detective Mystery could land into
either of these institutions; however the process in doing so would be
considerably different. If the film were to be made under a conglomerate there
would be a large team available for each sector such as, cameramen costume and
sound. There would be less creativity involved and a director would have to
follow strict instructions in keeping to the script and the storyboard. As the
main result of the film is in the intention of making a large profit, an
example of a recent conglomerate film within this genre would be ‘Sherlock Holmes’.
A Warner Bros, production which has grossed a total of $209,028,679. In comparison
an Independent film company ‘Heartwoods films’ produced their own version of
the British detective, ‘Sherlock’. This was only realised in the UK
considerably limiting the audience and focuses on story lines and acting compared
to the vast resources Warner bros, enabling them to vastly develop the film visually.
Also making the film aware to audiences though advertising as they have the
money to do so un like independents.
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