The power dynamics of film production in a global context

Abstract

The objective of this thesis is to shed light on the power relationships at stake in the international film industry. In the era of globalisation, numerous factors shake up the film industry, particularly its production processes. This paper investigates the following research question: how are power dynamics between actors of the film industry influenced by the globalisation of production processes? To answer it, I used qualitative research, an appropriate method to get an in-depth understanding of complex phenomena. What’s more, I used an industry-level analysis method, as this paper is exploring the film industry at large. I found that while producers dominate the industry thanks to the power money gives them, producing abroad helped them extend their power to new regions and actors. Similarly, globalisation opened new production opportunities for producers and filmmakers in countries with an emerging or underdeveloped film industry. Streaming platforms also entered the film industry by the means of the global digitalisation of content. States, alongside institutions, are playing a role in shaping power dynamics in international production processes. Ultimately, the globalisation of production processes allowed a growing dominance of producers, the entry of new actors on the market, and made the understanding of international dynamics a necessity for stakeholders of the film industry.

Date of Award	4 Jul 2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Laure Leglise (Supervisor)