Straight Outta Compton KO

Product Context

Legendary Picture Universal (distribution). It was directed by F. Gary Gray who is an acclaimed director of multiple Hollywood films. 2015 Biopic of N.W.A which was a notorious rap band from the 80's. It was co-produced by members of the band, Dr Dre and Ice Cube, who both have their own record labels. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Orignal Screenplay.

Historical Context

Mainly set in the 1980's in California. Representation of A and of NWA. It highlights the killings of black people in America. This was sparked by the historical beating of Rodney Glen King in LA. The Riots were subsequential to this and caused the death of many black people in America due to police brutality but brought about social change.

Cultural Context 

NWA have seen to be the most powerful and dangerous band in the world. NWA is significant culture figures and advocate for free speech for all and produced protest songs and are evidence of successful black people in society who are from a typical background of black people in America.

Economic and Political Context

Co-produced by two members of the group and it was funding & creative control influencing portrayal of events and characters.

Another Hip-Hop Biopic to consider is 8 Mile

Media Industries 

It has been produced through Legendary Pictures. It is a great example of a film that has been vertically integrated into the distribution and marketing are generated by Universal, subsidiaries of Comcast. This has allowed the film to be produced on a large budget of $28million. This media conglomerate allows it to gain exclusive cross-promotion opportunities, such as screening the trailer of SOC at Furious 7 and Ted 2 (both of a similar audience demographic and distributed by Universal).  

It is co-produced by two of the band memebes and this helps portray tbe band in positive light and downplays the problematic issues surrounding the band. 

UK and Global framework of regulation - R-Rated aged 15 in the UK.

By producing a film that is to a pre-sold hip-hop/rap fanbase and having the celebrity backing of NWA offsets the economic risks of the film production. The synergy of the soundtrack which reached No.2 on the US Billboard and the links with Beats brand campaign helped increase the success and profits of the film. 

This all can be linked to Hesmondhalgh and the reduction of risk and maximisation of profits. Also consider Jenkins Fandom.