The British Film Industry

Britishness When we talk about Britain what do we mean? TASK 1: What is Britishness? Brainstorm a list of elements that you consider make something British. Language Culture Food Sense of humour?

British Talent Since the 1930s the British film industry has struggled to compete with the influx of Hollywood films and the power of the Hollywood studio system. Unlike the US, Britain has never had a studio system. In addition many of the best British talents have emigrated to the Hollywood system. Task: How many British actors and directors that are now big in Hollywood can you name?

Recent example: Chiwetel Ejiofor from Dirty Pretty Things. A UK theatre actor who firstly appeared in UK financed films and is now building a reputation in Hollywood.( American Gangster, Four Brothers etc).

US imports The sheer number of films produced in Hollywood has in recent years saturated the UK film market with US imports. Question: Why do the big multiplex chains buy in so many US films? There is a greater guarantee of getting an audience and making money. Because there simply arent enough UK productions made.

What is British cinema? British film is not as straightforward as it might initially seem. Some films are made in Britain by Hollywood, some films are about Britain but not made in Britain and so on….the film industry is incredibly international! TASK : Discuss these questions: Does the subject, story and / or setting of the film have to be British? What are British films about? Is there such a thing as a typical British film? Does it have to be made by a British director? Can you name any? Does it have to be made in Britain? Does it have to be funded by a British company? Do you know the names of companies that produce British films? Should it be made mainly for a British audience? Do you know any examples?

Definitions of British film Legally a British film should have: Been mostly made in Britain with mostly a British cast and crew. Must be mostly be British financed. Must represent Britain.

British Film finance Recap: how are Hollywood films financed? In the UK films are invested in like any other new product. Investors want some sort of guarantee that the product will make money. However UK films are greater risks because of competition with US films. UK film investment: The government: a very small percentage of taxes are given to the film council to fund films. The lottery: the lottery was established in 1994 to fund the arts, including film. TV companies: UK TV companies have been the most important source of funding for the UK film industry. The BBC and Channel 4 have had a big influence on the industry particularly Film Four which has subsequently closed.

Problems with British film? Hollywood power: Most UK films are independently made and find it difficult to compete with the big US multi- national companies. The market is saturated by US imports. US films have more money to market/advertise. American imperialism: We are living in an Americanised country that is generally dominated by US culture( think of the music and TV industries as well). The idea of Britishness: until recently the British film industry was accused of ignoring issues and subject matter of those outside of the white mainstream. Recently films like Bend it Like Beckham, East is East, Dirty Pretty Things and Bullet Boy have begun to challenge British cultural stereotypes.