@inproceedings{01GRXQ8098WDJEWNXA6M45A0MG,
  abstract     = {{Remakes, sequels, reboots, spin-offs, and other forms of imitative filmmaking are part of ‘recycle film cultures’ and have become a central part of commercial filmmaking globally (Forrest & Koos, 2002; Cuelenaere, Willems & Joye, 2021). Research concerning this phenomenon has been mainly focused on Hollywood due to its dominant position in the film industry (Klein & Palmer, 2016; Henderson, 2014). However, while Hollywood is undeniably prolific in imitative filmmaking, recycle film cultures are not limited to the US, with Europe taking part in the practice as well. Meir (2019) demonstrates how these recycling forms have started to manifest themselves in large European film industries since the early 2000s. Although recycle film cultures are seemingly on the rise in small European film markets as well, these countries have received little critical and scholarly attention on the topic. Therefore, this research project will investigate how, why and with what economic and cultural implications small Western European film industries increasingly implement these practices.
European countries with small domestic markets which depend on governmental support and deal with lower ticket sales (Hjort & Petrie, 2007: 6) appear to produce more and more sequels, remakes and other forms of adaptations since these types of imitative filmmaking proved to carry less financial risks with them while also guaranteeing some commercial success (Cuelenaere et al., 2021; Hutcheon, 2012; Joye, 2009). Using Belgium, Denmark, and the Netherlands as case studies, we will explore the rise in recycle film cultures in small Western European countries with three objectives in mind. Firstly, mapping the recycle film cultures in these countries from the 2000s onwards, researching what kind of films (genre, budget, admissions…) and which actors (institutions, directors, distributors…) are central to this practice. Secondly, exploring how and why this practice is becoming more popular in these countries and what its cultural and political implications are. Lastly, analysing the critical reception and audience perception of these types of filmmaking. 
To investigate the full extent of the industrial, economic and cultural dynamics and implications of recycle film cultures in small Western European film industries, this research will apply a multimethodological framework, using both quantitative and qualitative research methods. To map the case studies’ recycle film cultures, we will set up a database of all feature-length fiction films (excluding minority co-productions) produced and released in the selected countries between 2000 – 2021 and conduct a network analysis on the same dataset. Next, interviews with industry experts and the analysis of promotional, production, and distribution material will give insight into the industrial side of this phenomenon. Moreover, the research project will analyse prominent recycled films of the studied countries to reveal how, for example, certain ideological and cultural ideas are reinforced through media representations. Finally, focus group interviews and qualitative critical reception analyses of these same examples will be used to understand the reputation and general perception of this phenomenon. With its focus on recycle film cultures in small Western European film industries and popular European cinema, this research delves into two topics of European cinema which have been largely neglected in scholarly studies (Klein & Palmer, 2016; Smith & Verevis, 2017; Galt & Schoonover, 2010).}},
  author       = {{De Cock, Atalya and Cuelenaere, Eduard and Joye, Stijn and Willems, Gertjan}},
  booktitle    = {{Etmaal van de Communicatiewetenschap 2023, Abstracts}},
  keywords     = {{European cinema,popular cinema,remakes,sequels,spin-offs,adaptation studies}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  location     = {{Enschede, the Netherlands}},
  pages        = {{218--219}},
  title        = {{Recycle film cultures in small Western European film industries}},
  url          = {{https://nefca.eu/etmaal-2023/}},
  year         = {{2023}},
}