The British film industry- Factsheet 100

The British film industry Factsheet 100

Find Media Factsheet #100 on the British film industry.

1)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. 

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.

Sweeney- 31 (BRITISH)

Attack the Block- 31 (BRITISH)

The King's Speech-29 (BRITISH)

We Need To Talk About Kevin- 9 (BRITISH)

Skyfall- 29 (BRITISH)

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

There are lots of British film's to be made but they are produces d by foreign companies and so revenue is being lost through synergy (cinema screenings, DVD and Blu ray sales etc).Other problems faced by the British film industry include: glamorisation of american actors over their British counterparts, better pay in Hollywood movies and the popularity of theatre acting over film acting. 

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

The British film industry also have many strengths, such as outstanding creative skills from directions. Such as the Creativity skills of J.K Rowling's Harry Potter books have paved the way for successful British Films and has allowed the British film industry to be involved in the production of a very financially successful and loyal franchise. Another strength is that they have outstanding facilities, such as studios and camera companies, which attract investment from filmmakers around the world. The company BFI help with distribution cost so aided financially. 

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

British filmmakers can rely upon co-productions with American studios or attempt to make low budget films targeted at a niche, British audience. This would mean that the film will be able to remain a 'British' film.

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

I think co-producing with an American film studio would be better for future British film as this would help the industry produce more successful films, without being restricted by what they want to produce. This would lead it to be a more low-budget film which will leave essence of British culture or social events.