British Films

British Film

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

A British film can be defined by the location it is set it, if the director/producers are British, the cast, the culture and whether it is funded within Britain.

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

Hollywood production context means that most of the film is made in Hollywood studios, they have high budgets and rely on celebrities in the cast and in the crew. Whereas, British film can have high/ low budgets,heavily rely on word of mouth and viral advertising and does not have as much clearly defined characters.They also reflect British culture in the film.

3) When did the James Bond franchise start?

The first film of the James Bond franchise started in 1961

4) In terms of film censorship and graphic content, what began to change in British film in the 1970s and 1980s?

The British film industry in the 1970s was dominated by the subject of censorship continued into the video nasties banning of the 1980s.

There was a gradual acceptance of social taboos in British film, on subjects like violence,sex,drug use and criminal activity.

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

Representation of youth in British films, especially in British horror such as A clockworks Orange.

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

British culture is appealing to a British audience as main characters can be identified with. As well as British locations that are popular.

British Film in Industry

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

If a film is made with the bilateral treaties with the UK.It also needs to be produced as part of the European convention on cinematography co-production. And finally, it needs to pass a culture test. 

2) Complete the task on the Factsheet, researching the films listed and finding 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 - 31  points.
• Attack the block -  27  points.
• The king's speech -  28 points.
• We need to talk about Kevin - 7  points.
• Sky fall - 27 points. 

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

The British film industry has been production led rather than distribution, the filmmakers have to sacrifice distribution rights which prevents them from making money to reinvest in film making even if it is a successful film.

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

British film industries have outstanding creative skills and facilities and a supportive innovation fund.

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

Film makers could rely on the co-production of american studios. Or they could attempt 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?

I think getting support from American studios is a better option as low budget films targeted at a niche generally get ignored and underestimated.