The British film industry- Factsheet 132

1) Use our brilliant Media Factsheet archive on the M: drive Media Shared (M:\Resources\A Level\Media Factsheets)to find Media Factsheet #132 on British Film. 

2) Read the whole of Factsheet #132 British Film

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

What determines whether a film is British or not, is down to whether it was set in the UK, the lead characters were British citizens or residents and whether the film was based on British subject matter or underlying material.

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

For a British production,does not need clearly defined characteristics like Hollywood productions. It can be on a high or low  budget,have a spectacular plot or may rely more on the characters. A Hollywood production film would consist of a high budget, a well-known cast of celebrities and have brilliant intricate plots.

5) When did the James Bond franchise start?

It started in the early 1960's, specifically 1962 and back a phenomenon and iconic franchise known worldwide. 

6) In terms of film censorship and graphic content, what began to change in British film in the 1970s and 1980s?
During the 1960's, a sexual revolution began, going into the 1970's and 80's. Affecting the film industry and during the 1970's sexual content in films were on the rise. Prominent films during those times were the 'Carry On' franchise which contained a lot of sexual innuendos. Also, the rise of sex and violence began to rise, such as in 'A  Clockwork Orange' where there is a graphic scene of the main character being extremely violent and having non consensual sex with women.

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

The portrayal of young people: Many films represent young adults in films to be violent and disruptive.For example, in films such as 'A Clockwork Orange' and In films such as 'Eden Lake,' youths are represented in a similar way. Women are also represented as either the virgin, the mother or the whore.

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

To appeal to a native British audience; the actors should be clearly identifiable as British, for example Hugh Grant. The use of  London and British locations as settings appeal largely to audiences as they identify with these known locations. The focus on class, social strife and education are also appealing. Appealing to audiences on a socially conscious level as they address current social and political concerns.