Film Industry: British Film Industry Factsheets

Factsheet #132: British Film

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

When the film is set in the UK or has some parts set in the UK along with British actors.

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

Hollywood productions have more high budgeted films whereas, productions in the UK are more low-budgeted than Hollywood productions.

3) When did the James Bond franchise start? 

The James Bond franchise started in 1962.

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

What we see over the course of the 20th century and into the 21st century is a gradual acceptance of social taboos being included in British Film, this usually centres on the main subjects of violence, sex (the two combined being one of the last bastions of solid censorship that films tend to see in the modern age), drug use and criminal activity. 

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

Many British films tend to centre on topics and issues that deeply concern British society or largely make up the collective British psyche. 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 factsheet suggests that the audience appeal of British film's is films that focus on class, politics, education etc.

Factsheet #100: British film industry

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

The cultural test is to see if the film is classified as British. In order for the film to be British it must score 16 out of 31 to be classified as British.
2) 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.

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

The main problem for the British film industry is that they have predominantly been production led rather than distribution led. Filmmakers have to sell the film to a distribution company.
4) What are three of the strengths of the British film industry?

The British film industry takes 5% of the world box-office takings.
5) What are the two options for the future of the British film industry?

British film makers could choose to rely upon co-production with American studios however, this could lead to "British Films" being lost as American's would focus on themselves rather than focusing on British regional accents, politics and cultures.