Methodology
Key Findings
So far, I have found that audience consumption of foreign films has increased, especially when it comes to younger demographics (Gen Z). Additionally, film production is increasing from the pandemic-driven slump, and global box office revenues are slowly starting to trend upwards again. International content like Japanese anime and Korean shows (Squid Game) have broken through the subtitle barrier and have gained worldwide popularity. I did my research through searches of key terms into Google, and then skimmed sources to find what I was looking for, keeping in mind my target audience and the questions around consumption of foreign media in the US. Leading with this, I was able to secure several sources that fit my questions of “How can we get more audiences to see foreign films?” and “What do I need to include in a website to appeal to my target audience?” These sources show that there have been upwards trends in consumption of media from foreign countries such as Japan and Korea here stateside, and explain how the box office has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Resources
For the website, I used a free copyright/royalty free template from HTML5UP, a web design resource. The info used in the background slides came from places like Box Office Mojo, TheNumbers, studio pages, and theater chain websites (AMC Theaters/Regal Cinemas). The literature review had me researching professional journals and reputable outlets (analysis sites) that aimed to expose long-term trends in the movie industry, such as audience trends and viewing numbers. These resources helped me find the evidence I needed to flesh out this project and make it significant to a wider audience beyond the “cinephiles” and “film buffs” that would normally care about a project of this variety. Images such as movie posters and theater lobbies helped me tell a story of film being a tool to unite communities and spread diverse viewpoints through the power of storytelling and unique experiences. Foreign films from countries like France and India showcase different perspectives, and by learning what differentiates these cultures, people can potentially become more media literate and considerate consumers.