The British film industry: institutional context

1) Find Media Factsheet #100 on the British film industry. Save it to USB or email it to yourself so you have access to the Factsheet for homework.

2) Read the whole of Factsheet #100 British film industry

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

4) Complete the task on the Factsheet, researching the films listed and finding out what they score on the cultural test: Sweeney, Attack The Block, The King's Speech, We Need To Talk About Kevin and Skyfall.

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

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

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

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

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

The cultural test is a test that the BFI have produced in order for a film to be defined as British. It is divided into four sections and a film must score at least 16 out of 31 in order for the film to be classified as British. The four sections are; cultural context, cultural contribution, cultural hubs and cultural practitioners. 

Sweeney

Financing:£3 million 

Sweeney - 31/31

                    

Attack the Block

Financing: Budget £8 million

 Attack the block - 27/31 

                        

The King's Speech 

Financing: Budget $15 million

 The Kings speech - 27/31

We Need to Talk About Kevin

Financing: Budget $7 million 

We need to talk about Kevin - 10/31

             

Sky fall 

Financing: $150 - 200 million

Skyfall - 27/31

               

                    

What is the main problem for the British film industry?

UK films are made but, in order to get the film exhibited, the film-makers have to sacrifice the distribution rights by selling the film to a distribution company. All revenue from cinema screenings etc. are lost, once sold. American actors are seen as more glamorous than their UK counterparts so a big, Hollywood name is often drafted into the lead role of a film in order to encourage the audience to see it. Despite Britain having many talented production personnel, the lure of better pay and conditions in Hollywood is often too great for them to remain in Britain.

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

Richard Curtis, who made Love Actually, grossed billions of dollars worldwide. Also the famous author  J.K Rowling articulated Harry Potter sequels which permitted the BFI to involve themselves in the production of the films which was very successful financially. Love actually produced by Richard Curtis had made much profit worldwide. There are also fine facilities ranging from studios to camera companies which appeal investment from film-makers worldwide. The British film industry too takes 5% of world box-office takings, which is a large amount of for such a small nation. 

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

British film makers could rely upon co-productions with American studios to keep the industry going strong. However, the essence the film being 'British' may be lost.