2. THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING- TTOE
Production: The original idea had come from
screenwriter Anthony McCarten who was interested in
Hawking since reading his book ‘A Brief History of Time’
in 1988, however the film started its production after
readin Jane Hawkings Memoir Travelling to Infinity: My
Life with Stephen where he then began to write the
screenplay. It took three years to convince Jane to adapt
her book. On April 18th 2013, James Marsh was
confirmed to direct the film with shootinng based in
Cambvridge and other locations in the UK. Eddie
Redmayne was cast at this time and on 23rd June the
same year Felicity Jones was also cast as Jane. By
October 2013 the cast was complete, including Emily
Watson and David Thewlis.
3. At this time Working Titles' Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner,
and Lisa Bruce were included in its production.
Both of the main stars prepared for the role in
detail, with Redmayne in particular meeting
Hawking and training 6 months to act and sound
just like him.
4. Filming: Principal photography had begun in
October 2013 with shooting based in Cambridge
and its university. Working Title had been involved
from the outset. Locations on the campus included
that of the New Court and its front lawn, St Johns
College, The Backs in Queens Road and Kitchen
Bridge. Some work was completed in the studio
over the final five weeks of production. Effects were
not in regular use but pyrotechnic specialists
Titanium Fireworks were developed for the May Ball
scene. Hawking granted permission to use his own
synthesized voice.
The soundtrack for the film including Orchestra,
solo and band instrumental or ‘soundscapey’
elements were recorded at Abbey Road.
5. DISTRIBUTION AND EXHIBITION
The film was originally release at the Toronto
International Film Festival on 7th September 2014.
Focus features acquired distribution rights on 10th April
2014 in the USA. The first trailer was released in August
2014, with Universal having the rights to distribute the
film internationally. It was released in cinemas on
January 1st 2015.
The film grossed $122.9 million over its £15 million
budget.
It was nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best
Actress, Best Original Score and Best Adapted
Screenplay at the 87th Academy Awards with Redmayne
winning for Best Actor. It also won two Golden Globes
and was nominated for 10 BAFTAS.
Released on DVD and Blu-ray February 17th 2015.
6. CONVERGENCE AND SYNERGY
The film had many broadcasted interviews on TV
worldwide from the stars of the films, including that
of Graham Norton (UK) and The Tonight Show With
Jimmy Fallon (USA). Film magazines as well as
fashion magazines including Empire, Total Film and
Marie Clare and InStyle.
Social media and websites were not as largely used
as of that of Jurassic World due to the older and
more mature audience who would more likely watch
and read interviews using TV, or
Newspapers/Magazines.
7. AUDIENCE AND INSTITUTION
The audience rating for this film was 12A as it
included some mature themes but nothing more
which would ultimately lead to it being a 15 or
above. However I think sue to the language and
entire concept of the film the audience most likely to
go and watch it and also enjoy it to its full capacity
would be of an older age group rather than that of
teens who would stereotypically watch actions/ light
hearted comedy/ thrillers.
Also as it is more critically acclaimed rather than a
box office success and also doesn't focus on social
media aspects as much as other films , the older
audience is again established.
