British film industry

BRITISH FILM INDUSTRY:

 1) Write a one-sentence definition of what makes a film British.

When the film is made in Britain and by British film directors.

2) What is the difference between a Hollywood production context and production context of a British film?

Hollywood productions often prioritise large budgets and global appeal, while British films may focus more on creativity, smaller budgets, and better storytelling with an emphasis on social realism and cultural context.

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?

In the 1970s and 1980s, British film censorship began to relax with the introduction of the X certificate in 1970 and the 18 certificate in 1982, allowing for more explicit content in films, including violence and sexuality.

5) What groups are often represented in British film? Give examples of films these groups feature in.

• Working-class individuals:

• Example film: "The Full Monty" (1997) portrays a group of unemployed steelworkers who form a male stripping act to make ends meet.

• Upper-class or aristocratic characters:

• Example film: "Downton Abbey" (2019) follows the lives of the Crawley family, aristocrats living in a grand estate in the early 20th century.

• Immigrant or minority communities:

• Example film: "Bend It Like Beckham" (2002) depicts the experiences of a British-Indian girl pursuing her passion for soccer despite cultural and familial expectations.

• LGBTQ+ individuals:

• Example film: "Pride" (2014) tells the true story of a group of LGBTQ+ activists who support striking coal miners in 1980s Wales.

• Older adults or retirees:

• Example film: "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" (2011) follows a group of British retirees who move to India to live in a newly restored hotel.

6) What does the Factsheet suggest might be the audience appeal of British film?

The audience appeal of British films lies in their unique cultural perspective, diverse storytelling, strong performances, rich heritage, and global recognition.

Factsheet #100: British film industry

To complete our introduction to the British film industry, we need a little more background to the industries context.

Find Media Factsheet #100 on the British film industry. You can find it on the same link as above. Read the whole of the Factsheet and answer the following questions:

1) What is the 'cultural test' to see if a film counts as British?

The "cultural test" determines if a film qualifies as British by assessing various factors such as the nationality of the filmmakers, setting, and contribution to British culture and economy.

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 (2012):

• Director: Nick Love (British)
• Setting: Primarily takes place in London, UK.
• Cultural Contribution: Represents British police procedural genre and urban culture.
• Economic Contribution: Filmed in the UK, supporting the British film industry.
• Conclusion: The Sweeney likely qualifies as British based on its British director, setting, and contribution to British culture and economy.

• Attack The Block:

• Director: Joe Cornish (British)
• Setting: Set in a South London council estate.
• Cultural Contribution: Reflects British urban youth culture and addresses social issues.
• Economic Contribution: Filmed in the UK, supporting the British film industry.
• Conclusion: Attack The Block qualifies as British due to its British director, setting, and cultural relevance.

• The King's Speech:

• Director: Tom Hooper (British)
• Setting: Primarily set in England, depicting historical events.
• Cultural Contribution: Portrays a significant moment in British history and monarchy.
• Economic Contribution: Produced with British funding and talent, contributing to the UK film industry.
• Conclusion: The King's Speech qualifies as British given its British director, setting, and cultural and economic significance to the UK.

3) What is the main problem for the British film industry?

One main problem for the British film industry is limited funding compared to Hollywood, leading to challenges in producing big-budget films and competing on a global scale.

4) What are three of the strengths of the British film industry?

Three strengths of the British film industry are its rich cultural heritage, creative talent pool, and government support/incentives.

5) What are the two options for the future of the British film industry?

• Continued Growth and Innovation: The industry can capitalise on its strengths, such as its rich cultural heritage and creativity, to produce compelling content that appeal to global audiences. By embracing new technologies and allowing international collaborations, British cinema can maintain its position as a leading player in the global film market.
• Economic Challenges and Decline: Alternatively, without sufficient investment, support, and changing market dynamics, the British film industry may face economic challenges and decline. Factors such as competition from Hollywood, shifts in audience preferences, and disruptions caused by digital platforms could change the industry's growth and sustainability.

6) In your opinion, which of these two options would best safeguard the future of the British film industry?

I believe the British film industry should continue its growth as it is another streaming source therefore would make a lot of income and could produce better quality films