The British film industry: blog tasks
1) Write a one-sentence definition of what makes a film British.
The people making the film are British, is it funded from within Britain, the cast are British, the film’s subject matter is about Britain or British culture.
2) What is the difference between a Hollywood production context and production context of a British film?
Hollywood production context means that most films made by Hollywood studios have high budgets, a heavy reliance on celebrities. The British film production context does not have as many clearly defined characteristics. British films can be large budget, high concept films such as Harry
Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.
3) When did the James Bond franchise start?
1962
4) In terms of film censorship and graphic content, what began to change in British film in the 1970s and 1980s?
The 1970s sees a rise in British Films of sexual content. The 1980s see the rise of videos and the ‘video nasty’s scare where filmmaking was becoming more accessible and more extreme content was being created and finding its way to Britain.
5) What groups are often represented in British film? Give examples of films these groups feature in.
Normally groups which help challenge/criticise issues such as class, politics, social change and education
are some of the many issues that British film has explored throughout its
history.
6) What does the factsheet suggest might be the audience appeal of British film?
The actors and British actors tend to be clearly identifiable as British and will often be associated
with a particular genre of British film, for example Hugh Grant having an association with British romantic comedies.
Factsheet #100: British film industry
1) What is the 'cultural test' to see if a film counts as British?
The film is set in the UK, lead cast are British, the film is based on a British matter, the original dialogue is mainly English. A
2) Complete the task on the Factsheet - choose three of the films listed and research them to work out what they score on the cultural test: The Sweeney (2012), Attack The Block, The King's Speech, We Need To Talk About Kevin and Skyfall.
The Sweeney - 4, 4, 4, 4
Skyfall - 4, 4, 4, 4
The King’s Speech - 4, 4, 4, 4
In order to get the film exhibited, the filmmakers have to sacrifice the distribution rights by selling the film to a distribution company.
4) What are three of the strengths of the British film industry?
- Outstanding creative skills of practitioners
- Outstanding facilities
- The innovation fund
5) What are the two options for the future of the British film industry?
1. British filmmakers could choose to rely upon co-productions with American studios to keep the industry afloat.
2. To make low budget films targeted at a niche, British audience.
6) In your opinion, which of these two options would best safeguard the future of the British film industry?
They should definitely try to rely on American studios because not only does that broaden the scope of the audience to places abroad it also allows big shot studios to take part perhaps increasing interest and quality. Rather than restricting themselves to a niche audience so they can never grow.
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