Australian National Cinema - Essay Example

? Australian National Cinema Australian National Cinema Introduction Hollywood, arguably the world’s most prestigious cinemas has distinctive features from the national cinema industries, also involved in the filming business. Due to the prestige and money, it is every actor’s dream to be part of the Hollywood cinema industry. Not only is the Hollywood cinema industry robust with exotic talent, good talent management and exposure, it is also pays actors well. Getting an opportunity to be part of the Hollywood cinema industry presents one with unlimited opportunities, as it is an international platform. Hollywood draws its actors from different races and nationalities, with talent being the qualifying factor. However, there are other cinemas in the world, which, despite not being as big and profound as Hollywood, play a significant role in the film industry. These are non-Hollywood cinemas, which hold close responsibilities just like Hollywood in their own capacity. National cinemas play a major role in providing a means of identifying, assisting, legitimizing, polemicizing, projecting, as well as creating space both nationally and internationally for non-Hollywood filmmaking activity. Discussing these important roles of these cinema industries, this essay will draw specific reference to the Australian film industry. National film industries, despite not sharing similar popularity as Hollywood, play a big role in non-Hollywood filming activities; their tools and equipment could not match up to that of Hollywood (Yecies, 2004). The industry, though having a low capacity and low investment capital has high levels of creativity, providing hopefuls with an opportunity to display their talent to the world (Ward, 2004). Most of the national actors exhibit high levels of acting skills at the national cinema industry. For instance, a film like The Evil Dead (2013), which had Elizabeth Blackmore in the act, gave her an opportunity to feature in the US film industry. Providing such actors with an opportunity to display their talents makes their dreams a reality legitimizes their careers. Hoskins, et al. (1999) point out that for a film industry to grow, capital investment is important. Paying actors, the movie production crew, production fees as well as casting fee and marketing expenses are part of the costs that movie producers and makers incur in the business. As these activities require a lot of capital, for any successful film industry, investors should show readiness to finance (Hoskins, et al. 1999). Some of the national investors show readiness in investing in the industry, with some financing even some of the films fully. Other financiers offer grants to film producing companies in order to promote proper filming in the country. The US studio New Line partly financed The Dark City (1998), despite being an Australian movie, directed by Alex Proyas. These are activities, which take place at the Hollywood movie industry too. Polonsky, et al. (2002) agree that since overhead production costs for a movie are relatively high, companies seek for financing from different sources, which they later repay from sales and loyalties rom the movie. Confidence in the sector is one of the main reasons why such investors heavily invest in the Hollywood film industry. They are sure of receiving back their invested capital from the film, if sales for movies such The Matrix (1999) is anything to go by. This film received an international audience, topping the international charts, and thus put its director, Andy on an international map. While the Australian film industry is yet to reach at such great standards, some movie ideas are worth the risk. Some of the most successful films in the Australian industry cost a fortune, which necessitates financing. Additionally, the growth and potential of the industry encourages investors, as they are optimistic in the success of the film industry. The fact that most of the Australians watch films produced at the national levels is proof enough that investors can hardly lose their money in the business. they finance the films, and wait for the sales of the movies in order to receive their funds back. The amount of loyalties and fees paid to actors could be negligible compared to the Hollywood filming business, but its role remains significant in not only identifying great actors and filmmakers, but also filling the gap left by Hollywood. Hollywood is world’s largest movie producing companies in terms of capacity. Despite this however, it cannot meet the needs of all the people in the filming industry. For instance, it cannot meet the needs of the local people in every country, especially in filming about their cultural practices and the most important events (Hockins et al. 1998). According to the “Shawn Donnan Special to The Christian, Science Monitor” (2002, Feb 20), Australian films play a big role in showing the plight of the aboriginal people of Australia. Ten Canoes (2006) is an example of a film, whose main idea revolves around the lives of the Australian aboriginal community. Therefore, national film industries come handy in filling this gap. Most of the films at the national level focus on a particular event in the country, most of these events whenever they happen, could be too important that documenting them is very necessary. The main concern with Hollywood is filming for entertainment, while the national level film industry films for informative, educative and entertainment purposes. Therefore, although a movie could be fictional at the national level, it is likely to feature a particular event important to that country. This way therefore, the filming industry plays the role of an educator, an informer, and an entertainer. Part of the main reasons why Hollywood rarely uses real stories taking place is the viewership. Having an international viewership and customers, Hollywood has to put into consideration the cultures of these people in order to avoid criticisms on nationalism. However, no critic would take on a movie addressing a national issue and filmed by a national film industry. Although it is every actor and filmmaker’s dream to be part of Hollywood, this is not possible, as it cannot accommodate all actors and filmmakers in the world. In addition to the fame and popularity that one gets from being a Hollywood worker, they also receive good monetary compensation for their services. According to Jones et al. (2005), film provides job opportunities for different people involved, whether directly or indirectly employed in the industry. Mostly, when people think about film, they think about by the directors and the actors. However, they do not remember other key people in the filming industry such as the camera experts, lighting experts, the directors and scripters, all of whom are crucial in the filming industry (Verhoeven, 2005). Since Hollywood cannot offer jobs to all these people, the national film industries offer them with job opportunities. The pay, though relatively low compared to the Hollywood, provides national actors with a source of living. At the local level, similar activities like those happening at Hollywood take place. The national film industry holds festivals and elections to vote the best film actor in the industry, the best film, most creative film director, among others. These events, happening annually encourage competitiveness in the national film industry just as it is the case with the Hollywood films. For instance, Among Dead Men (2008) won the 2008 Action on Film Festival's Best Fight Choreography title, which received even an international audience such as in the United States cinemas. As more people participate in the industry, the more the entire scene becomes interesting. From a small industry a couple of years ago, the Australian film industry has undergone through tremendous growth to reach its robust current state. This makes it as dramatic, real, and interesting just like the Hollywood industry, which has a bigger audience and more following (Prescott, 2005). It is important to note that by providing the national actors with presents, it encourages them to work harder, concentrating on their careers in order to make the industry more competitive (Jones et al. 2005). With great actors, and employees in the industry, our film standards keep on rising to international levels, putting the industry at the global map. This gives the national actors and filmmakers an opportunity for the world to see their talent. This could get them better jobs and acting roles in the international arena such as the Hollywood. National cinema industries play a big role in nurturing and growing talents for the Hollywood industry. Although Hollywood is the most prestigious film industry in the world with the best actors, it does not raise all its actors. In fact, most of these actors come from different film industries, which discovered their talent, and nurtured them to the Hollywood level. Australian movie industry has contributed a number of actors in the Hollywood scene through exposure from national cinemas. Cody Fern for instance, having appeared in the film, Elizabeth (1998) currently casts in international films. While most of the people believe that actors in the Hollywood are better and more skilled, the reality is not true. The fact that Hollywood draws most of its actors from different film industries is the main reason for this argument. Rarely does Hollywood train new actors. Hollywood’s reliance on the various national film industries for new talent is an indication of the main role they play in developing actors. Identification is an important element in the film industry. It identifies the most talented actors, especially ones without an opportunity of casting in the Hollywood arena. At national level, most of the film directors audition for actors, before assigning them roles to play in the movie. Although the common movie stars in the local film industry hold the main roles in the movies, new actors hold minor roles in such films. The performance of an individual in the first film determines their careers direction in the movie industry. Very talented actors find it easy to get major roles in a movie, while the poor and less talented actors keep on trying. However, while holding minor roles, some of the actors gain the required skills, essential to land them a major role in a movie. Although the local market consumes most of the locally produced movies, the most creative pieces find their way to the international scene. A review of a local movie by an international media, or even the casting of such a movie in an international platform exposes the actors involved in the movie to an international audience. It is through such means that Hollywood producers, which land them major roles in Hollywood films, notice local actors. Arnold Alois Schwarzenegge, one of the world’s best actors featured in a number of Australian movies before starting acting for the Hollywood films. He appeared in several films, but notably The Long Goodbye (1973), which set his career to full throttle. Not only does the national film industry help in identifying the talented actors and producers in the national film industry, they assist them in developing their careers and growth into renowned actors and directors. Most of the actors and employees in the film industry start as recruits and others from acting and film school (Barron, 2003). They are however very fresh, and have little knowledge and understanding of the real issues affecting the industry. Some meet a different situation from what they expected to find after their graduation from school. A disadvantage of the current formal education system majors on the theory part of learning, and neglecting the practical sides. Few are the practical classes that they hold, which are inadequate in equipping actors and other film workers. As a result, whenever they get into the film industry, before they could even get international recognition and land contracts as well as roles with them. Assisting an individual to grow is an important aspect of the movie business. For an actor to grow, or a director to grow, positive and negative criticisms play a major role. Positively, critics encourage people to keep up with a good trend, while negatively it seeks to encourage them to work harder (Barron, 2003). This role, played by the society is crucial in the growth and development of an actor or film industry personnel. Other actors and directors encourage each other in the business, providing each other with ideas and support on the means available for them to develop their careers (Ward, 2004). Although most of the Hollywood actors and filmmakers would opt for professional consultation, such a case is rare in the local scene. Actors do not receive as much pay as Hollywood actors. The media plays a big role in assisting the industry and individuals in the industry. Just like the international media reports on the proceedings of the Hollywood stars lives and the new films available, the local media does the same. Providing a review of a local film and keeping track of the actors’ lives is one of the main ways, in which the media contributes of the growth of the national cinema industry as well as the actors. Controversy characterizes the Hollywood filming industry. This keeps the industry alive and engages the audience, as people have something to discuss and judge. Most of the actors remain relevant this way, as people keep a following of their actions, and get something worthwhile to discuss. The Australian film industry also has such features, with the local actors and directors having their own controversies. It is important to note that the industry, especially the entertainment industry has a popular following, with people having their favorite stars. Any form of controversy by these stars attracts controversy, with the audience being the ultimate judge. Some of the controversial issues receive the attention of the international media, exposing actors and directors to the international scene. Therefore, of importance in the film industry is the publicity that one receives from the media. How he/she gains at times, if it is in a moral way, does not matter. Gary Sweet, famous for his role in Alexandra’s Project (2003), has had his share of controversies, for instance the 2004 campaign on the rights for impotent men that gave him an international attention. Conclusion There are a number of differences between the Australian cinemas and the Hollywood film industry. Not only is it small in capacity compared to the Hollywood, the Australian film industry acts as a means to identify, assist, legitimate, polemicize, project, and otherwise create a space nationally and internationally for non-Hollywood filmmaking activity. Most of the actors, filmmakers, and directors begin at the national level, before landing at the international level. Some of the films fill the gap that the international films cannot such as addressing important national issues. By closely analyzing the Australian cinema industry, it is possible to draw several inferences from this industry on its role in promoting non-Hollywood filmmaking activities. While most of the people view Hollywood as the only active film industry in the world, a closer look at the national film industry reveals otherwise. References Barron, M. (2003).The Australian Film Industry Today and the Forces That Shaped It. Australian Film Commission. Retrieved from http://afcarchive.screenaustralia.gov.au/downloads/speeches/ausfilmindustmb.pdf Hoskins, C., McFadyen, S., & Finn, A. (1998). The effect of cultural differences on the international co-production of television programs and feature films. Canadian Journal of Communication, 23(4), 523-538. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/219602126?accountid=45049 Hoskins, C., McFadyen, S., & Finn, A. (1999). International joint ventures in the production of australian feature films and television programs. Canadian Journal of Communication, 24(1), 127-139. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/219602350?accountid=45049 Jones, M. L., Kriflik, G. K. & Zanko, M. (2005).Understanding worker motivation in the Australian film industry, University of Wollongong. Retrieved from http://ro.uow.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1088&context=commpapers Polonsky, M. J., Hanson, B., Hartsuyker, S., & Novacevski, V. (2002). An examination of audio and visual cue framing within australian in-cinema advertisements. Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, 14(1), 3-18. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/227372361?accountid=45049 Prescott, N. (2005). “All we see and all we seem…” – Australian Cinema and National Landscape. Understanding Cultural Landscapes Symposium, 11-15. Retrieved from http://dspace.flinders.edu.au/dspace/bitstream/2328/1565/1/N_Prescott.pdf Shawn Donnan Special to The Christian,Science Monitor. (2002, Feb 20). Australian film confronts treatment of aborigines ; australians have avoided films dealing with aboriginal issues, but. The Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/405687202?accountid=45049] Verhoeven, D. (2005). The crisis the Australian film industry refuses to see. Fairfax media. Retrieved from http://www.theage.com.au/news/Opinion/The-crisis-the-Australian-film-industry-refuses-to-see/2005/02/06/1107625057175.html Ward, S. (2004). National Cinema or Creative Industries? Film Policy in Transition. Media International Australia, Incorporating Culture & Policy, 112, 115-130. Retrieved from http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/eserv/UQ%3A121419/Ward_national_cinema_or_creative_industries.pdf Yecies, B. (2004). Failures and successes: local and national Australian sound innovations, 1924-1929. University of Wollongong. Retrieved from http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/eserv/UQ:121419/Ward_national_cinema_or_creative_industries.pdf Read More