The British Film Industry LO: To identify key issues within the British Film

industryLO: To evaluate whether the British Film industry is

popular with audiences

Thinking question: Why have a British film industry?

Who did what in the British Film Industry? Match the explanation to the institution

Aims to support, develop and promote the art forms of the moving image

An independent, non-governmental body which classifies and censors film, video as well as computer and console-based games released in the UK.

The official UK agency for international cultural relations. Its Film Department promotes new British films (features and shorts), internationally principally through festivals and showcases. Portal site britfilms.com

Promotes understanding and appreciation of Britain's rich film and television heritage and culture.

Government backed lead agency for film in the UK ensuring that the economic, cultural and educational aspects of film are effectively represented at home and abroad.

Main British Production Companies

Can you find films made by these production companies?

Ext: Who dominates the

UK film industry?

USEFUL INFORMATION: BRITISH V AMERICAN

British films can claim 25% tax relief from the government. This means the first 25% of any profit you make cannot be taxed!!! To qualify as ‘British’, a film needs to score 18/35 on the Bfi ‘Britishness’ criteria:

Visit this link http://www.bfi.org.uk/film-industry/british-certification-tax-relief/cultural-test-video-games/summary-points-cultural-test-film and come up with a score for

•Ex Machina•The Avengers Age Of Ultron•Star Wars The Force Awakens

For each of the criteria provide an example/fact

Other ways to be ‘British’The ‘old’ rules for being British required a film to meet three of the following six criteria:

•A British Director •A British Producer •A predominantly British cast •A British production company •A subject matter that informs on the British experience •British identity defined by the BFI in 'Sight and Sound' (www.bfi.org.uk/sightandsound/)

(Co-productions with British input count as British films.)

How do British films attract audiences (consider how this films might attract either a British or a global audience)?

Ext: How are they distinct (different) from Hollywood blockbusters?

This research uncovered an audience typology that helped to inform the department’s on going audience development activities. Briefly, the cinema types uncovered were as follows:

Mainstream: unlikely ever to view anything other than major ‘Hollywood’ style blockbusters.

Mainstream plus: generally mainstream, but apt to see less mainstream films on a few occasions.

Aficionados: tend to view a mix of films, including major foreign language titles, and can be encouraged to become even more adventurous in their viewing choices.

Film Buffs1: eschew mainstream films in favour of more extreme, esoteric, challenging and difficult subject matter (specialised) films.

Which of the above audience types do you feel went to see the films on the previous slide? What evidence can you find to support your answer (look for box office figures, release patterns, reviews etc)

AUDIENCE TYPES

Finally

Why have a British film industry?

Using all the information you have acquired from the previous slides, what do you feel are the major reasons for having British film industry? Is it to promote British culture, is it to promote British skills and jobs, is it simply to make money?