The Lego Batman Movie Case Study

- What type of film is The Lego Batman Movie (genre, country of origin etc)

• The genre of the film is animation, with hints of action and comedy
• Produced by Australia-based animation studio called Animal Logic
• Funded by the New South Wales government who made financial contributions

- What other films is The Lego Batman Movie similar to and how do you know? 

It is similar to the Batman and The Dark Knight film chains, as well as other stand alone films such as Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad. They are similar to these films as the Lego Batman film was designed to make specific reference to the other DC inspired films during production.

- Who produced it?

The main production company was Animal Logic. However it included other companies such as DC Entertainment, Warner Animation Group, Lego System A/S and Vertigo Entertainment. Producers also include Dan Lin and Roy Lee

- Who directed it?

Chris McKay

- What was the budget?

$80 million

- Who stars in it?

• Will Arnett - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Lego Movie, When in Rome
• Zach Galifianakis - The Hangover Trilogy , Puss in Boots, Birdman
• Michael Cera - Juno, Year One, Magic Magic
• Rosario Dawson - Men in Black II, Rent, Unstoppable 

- What technology has been used to make the film?

Their prime piece of technology when producing an animated film would be the computer, as it allows them to create storyboards used in the sequencing of the movements, explore different concepts. Most significantly, it allows producers to create the actual film by using modelling and animating software. 

- How was The Lego Batman marketed, which different marketing tools were used?

Their first piece of marketing done for the film was on March 24th 2016 when the first trailer was released, which was shown as a preview before the Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice film in cinemas. As second trailer was then released on March 28th 2016 as another teaser for the film which also featured references to the 1960's Batman TV series. Subsequent trailers were then released on July 23rd and November 4th 2016. Also featured as part of their marketing scheme was a toy-to-life convergence of the film concept story pack and TT Games-developed Lego Dimensions, which was released alongside the film.

Where and when was The Lego Batman movie released (nationwide, worldwide) and in what cinemas?

Nationwide: 10th February 2017 (UK, preview screening on the 4th)
Worldwide 1st February (France) to 6th April (New Zealand)

It is available in 3D in selected cinemas

Target audience: mainly younger children, although some of the content was deemed inappropriate for younger viewers, but was still given a U rating

The Lego Batman film grossed at $53,003,468 in the opening weekend (February 10th-12th, $9,875,678 in UK). To date, the film has made $257,984,165 worldwide, and a total of $28,759,649 in UK. This beat Fifty Shades Darker that was released on the same weekend. This film earned a total of $46,607,250 on opening week and to date has grossed at $109,985,335.