2. Question
‘Neither producers nor audiences need stars
anymore’
How far do you agree with this statement?
IN your exam you will be given a resource pack
containing information relating to your question
REMEMBER:
The resource pack is a guide – the
content of the resource pack will contain
information on the areas the questions
expects to you to cover

3. Question
Working in pairs come up with a list of phrases /
elements that could be used to complete these
sentences:
Films stars are still relevant to
producers & audiences because....
Films stars are no longer relevant
to producers & audiences relevant
because....

4. Stars
Obviously, there are many elements that contribute to a
film’s success and we have not covered them all at this
time
However we can attempt to answer this question using
the information we have, and return to it later during
revision
Read through the resource pack and highlight
the key points.
Highlight the information you would either
use in your answer, or information that you
think are important

5. Stars
The resource pack should act as a guide only!
The purpose of the resource pack is to guide your response and
highlight the areas the examiners are looking for
In your opinion, what do you think this question is
asking you to write about?
Any questions that asks “Do you agree?” are asking you to
present both sides of an argument and come to a conclusion
based on the evidence presented
In your exam answer you must present an argument for, and
an argument against – using case studies to support your
points

6. Stars
The resource provides UK box office
information for 2009
As you can see only one of the films contained any
established ‘Stars’
What does this tell us about stars and their
relevance?
This information tells us that film stars are no
longer the main draw of many modern films.
Films that offer new faces, familiar characters,
updates of old genres, franchise opportunities and Why do you think
‘New Cinematic Experiences’ seem to appeal more this is?
to audiences

7. Over familiar?
What reasons can do you think contribute to
the fall in star power?
One reason for a stars loss of pulling powers is the
loss of their mystique
Pre internet, film stars could still maintain a level of
privacy that is not available in modern society
Before the advent of the internet most information we
received about stars came from the press – which is
heavily mediated
Studios could maintain some control over the image of
their stars by only releasing positive news to the press

8. Digital love
What reasons can do you think contribute to
the fall in star power?
More entertainment options
We are now bombarded
with media options in our
own home. New
technologies do not
replace stars, they merely
give stars more
competition for out time

9. Franchises
What reasons can do you think contribute to
the fall in star power?
Franchise movie making
In 1999 a series of films were
released that developed in to
successful series or
‘Franchises’. The resource pack
shows that ‘Franchise’ films
are still very popular
What are the appeals of franchise movies for audiences and
producers?

10. Unknowns
WhatKatie Jarvis & Gabby Sidibe
reasons can do you think contribute to
the fall in star power?
The Unknown
We live in a culture obsessed with the
creation of celebrity
TV Reality Shows create stars and thrust them in to
the limelight - This trend seems to have caught on
and is now a factor audiences find appealing
New faces also creates more realistic characters as
the actors do not bring audiences expectations or
‘types’ to the screen

11. ‘Cinematic Experience’
What reasons can do you think contribute to
the fall in star power?
New Cinematic Experiences
Avatar is the most successful film of all time
grossing $2,783,918,982 world wide. The film
offered new and unique experiences that
could only be enjoyed in a cinema.
Audiences flocked to see Pandora’s 3d world,
digital characters and incredible special
effects, not the actors in the film

12. Star Power
Read ‘The Independent’s’ article on the
decline of star power
Highlight all points you think will be relevant
for your exam answer
What does the article say in favour of stars?
Using the information gathered in your case
studies create a list of elements that support
the argument that film stars are still relevant
to both audiences and producers

13. Star Power
Working in groups create a mind map containing all of the information
you will use when answering the question:
‘Neither producers nor audiences need stars
anymore’
How far do you agree with this statement?
It is up to you how you format your work but you might want to
consider splitting your page in to four areas under the following
headings:
• Pro Star (audience) • Anti Star (audience)
• Pro Star (Producers) • Anti Star (Producers)

14. You now have 30 minutes to write an exam style answer to the
following question:
‘Neither producers nor audiences need stars
anymore’
How far do you agree with this statement?
Post your work on the blog using the following labels:
Sample answer, stars, your name