1) What is the 'cultural test' to see if a film counts as British?
If a film does not qualify as a co-production, it must pass the British Film Institute’s Cultural Test in order to be defined as British. The Cultural Test is divided into four sections and a film must score at least 16 out of a possible 31 points to be classified as British.
2) What is the main problem for the British film industry?
Filmmakers have to sacrifice the distribution rights by selling the film to a distribution company.Once sold, all revenue from cinema screenings, DVD and Blu-ray sales, plus sales to television companies, are lost. Even a highly successful British film is not necessarily making money that will be reinvested in British film making.
3) What are three of the strengths of the British film industry?
- Outstanding creative skills of practitioners
Directors like Richard Curtis have made films, such as Love Actually (2003), which have grossed billions of dollars worldwide and intellectual property, such as J. K Rowling’s Harry Potter books, have also enabled British film production companies to
be involved in the production of financially successful franchises.
- Outstanding facilities
British studios, camera companies and digital post-production houses all attract investment from filmmakers around the world, especially the USA.
4) What are the two options for the future of the British film industry?
Firstly, British filmmakers could choose to rely upon co-productions with American studios to keep the industry afloat.The UK film industry’s second option is to attempt to make low budget films targeted at a niche, British audience.
5) In your opinion, which of these two options would best safeguard the future of the British film industry?
In my opinion, I believe that both of these solutions could work, however after watching Ill Manors I feel that low budget films do have the potential to make an impact. This would best safeguard for the future of the BFI as not only will there be interesting films but also give new actors opportunities.
Media Factsheet 132 - British Film
1) Write a one-sentence definition of what makes a film British.
A British film is one that either uses location in Britain, has British actors and possibly reinforcing some of the British values.
2) What is the difference between a Hollywood production context and production context of a British film?
The Hollywood production context means that most films made by Hollywood studios have high budgets, a heavy reliance on celebrities both in the cast and crew and spectacle driven stories. Whereas the independent production context films tend to have low budgets, character rather than spectacle driven stories and a heavier reliance on word of mouth and viral advertising.
3) When did the James Bond franchise start?
The James Bond Franchise started in the 1960s.
4) In terms of film censorship and graphic content, what began to change in British film in the 1970s and 1980s?
British film censorship of the 20th century is the history of social, cultural and political change as British Film being like any other art reflects the current climate of the times in which it is created.As the 20th century progresses each decade sees a willingness to allow more through to audiences than the previous decade with the tipping point being in the late 1950s, 1960s and early 1970s.
5) What groups are often represented in British film? Give examples of films these groups feature in.
Many of the representations of different groups within British film focus and change according to issues. For example in Kidulthood teenagers are stereotyped as being trouble makers.
6) What does the Factsheet suggest might be the audience appeal of British film?
The main characteristics that can be identified as appealing to the British audience would include; the actors, British actors and will often be associated with a particular genre of British film, for example Hugh Grant having an association with British romantic comedies.
The main characteristics that can be identified as appealing to the British audience would include; the actors, British actors and will often be associated with a particular genre of British film, for example Hugh Grant having an association with British romantic comedies.
