ill Manors music video analysis

Media Forms

How is it typical of a music video?

The use of the various settings is very typical for music videos and the constant transition from setting to setting is something that is commonly seen in music videos and especially within the rap and hip hop genre. The use of these settings create audience interest and also complement the fast pace of the beat, editing and cinematography. Also, music videos are usually quite arbitrary within the locations, such as being on a rooftop, in the beginning and then in a car park; they don't need to make sense in reality but they would usually perfectly align with the music video itself - the idea of Plan B smoking on the rooftop could suggest the rebellious society and how these 'poor people' do what they please; it may also be ironically used as a rooftop is the highest point on a building and we would typically associate the lower class with the bottom rather than the top, so perhaps Plan B is trying to highlight the fact that underprivileged people can also reach the top and he is an example of this. This is a message that could be subtly suggested through the use of the music video and alongside the lyrics, which is also a typical convention of these sorts of videos as there are motifs within and a typical theme and thread throughout.

In this case the message of the 'concrete jungle' and how society is uncivilised is explored through the song. Plan B's opening bar is 'let's all go on an urban safari;' the idea of an urban safari conjures up ideas of animals and the wild, which could highlight the fact that society is uncivilised and wild, almost like a jungle.

The use of direct address is prominent throughout the video as Plan B's rather sarcastic performance is directly addressed at the viewer. The lyrics of the song are deep and meaningful, humouring the idea of the class system and the stereotypes revolving around them. As the viewer, we are more engaged within a video if we feel as though we are directly spoken to, which makes the video all the more powerful and all the more captivating.

What this particular video does in an interesting and rather unique way however, is that it uses this sort of 2D graphical element, quite animated - which could again be a sarcastic approach to the whole concept of the song as Plan B is humouring the class system. This could also represent how society labels young people in today's society and the use of the black youth labelled as a 'chav,' reinforces this idea.

The costume represents urban life and the youth culture; the use of the hoods, tracksuit bottoms and caps highlights the accustomed stereotype of youths. Also the fact that they are associated with the estate is a negative representation of council estates and closely associates the word chav with coucil estates - 'oi look there's a chav, that means council housed and violent' - the sort of acrostic take here is another sarcastic approach to the negative stereotypes as Council Housed And Violent spell out the word 'chav.' The fact that Plan B makes it clear and reveals the message on screen makes Plan B's satire explicit to the audience. This subverts the typical music video as we would not expect to see an almost playful sort of aspect to the video when the subject matter at hand is as deep and important as it is.

In addition to this, the fast paced editing of the montage is a key convention of music videos. The fact that it breaks the rules of continuity editing is typical for music videos as we would expect to see the video simultaneously follow the beat of the song.

Media Representations

How does it represent the London riots/rioters?

A negative representation of London is presented as such a chaotic event is being presented here, which stereotypes London as being a uncivilised city. The rioters are all seen as young people, which again produces a negative representation of young people and therefore confirms the stereotype that young people are rebels and violent. The use of the propaganda; the real life footage from the riots, causes audiences to stereotype the city of London in a negative way.

The use of the police becoming violent reveals an alternative representation of the police as we would typically associate the police to be humane citizens of a country yet by revealing the negativity of the police force and the harsh reality of it, it shows the London police to be corrupted and therefore supports Perkins idea that stereotypes can be changed. The mise-en-scene of the police uniform is associated with authority and dominance, however as we see mid way through the music video, the policeman hits the young person with his baton, revealing the violence within the police force. Furthermore, the fact that all of the people showed within the riots were wearing hoods and tracksuits and the characters behind Plan B within the video were wearing similar clothes relates the youth culture with rebellious behaviour. This therefore represents costume in a negative way as audience members would confirm the stereotype that young people in a hood are dangerous.

The use of the fire within the real life footage of the riots and then again with Plan B as he sets a car on fire, creates the link between the youth and havoc. Fire already has rather violent and negative connotations, connoting danger, which would conjure up thoughts of the rioters being quite dangerous themselves. This therefore reinforces the stereotype that young people are dangerous. This also supports Medhursts theory as the audience can immediately link the idea of youths to the riots.

In addition to this, the setting of London is seen in a rather dark light as the audience see nothing more than council estates and the London riots. The fact that Plan B has deliberately not shown the audience any beautiful parts of London makes non-British, non-London residents question the city as it is revealed negatively rather than positively. The fact that the most negative extreme has been shown, reveals Plan B's motive of the film and of his message as we are aware that this song is sarcastically portraying urban life in the most stereotypical way possible.

Media Audiences

What audience pleasures does the music video offer?

The music video was released as a protest video to create awareness about council estate youths and how they are not dangerous thugs. The 'Uses and Gratifications Theory' would be prominent here as the audience are active. They would choose how to respond to this particular music video due to the controversy of the subject matter, some audience members would watch the video simply because they like Plan B as an artist and like the way his music sounds and would therefore use it for pleasure rather than for educational purposes. Whilst other audience members may be influenced by the powerful message that Plan B aims to emit and these audience member would therefore want to watch this video as it provides them with an information and meaning.

In terms of gratifications, an audience member would find this video increasingly enjoyable to watch due to the humour presented within due to the satire that Plan B aims to present throughout the video. In addition to this, the use of the cinematography and editing is also very captivating and fast paced, which would therefore interest an audience as they would enjoy watching such a thrilling video. Furthermore, the use of the animations also make the video different from the usual music video and would therefore be enjoyable to watch.

In terms of education and providing information to a viewer, Plan B says that 'Ill Manors says if you stereotype people as socially worthless then they will grow into those stereotypes.' This links to Dyer's theory as he also states that the stereotype becomes accepted by the person and the group. The fact that Plan B wants to make a difference and is actively working to make a difference, shows that his music is more than just music so the use of the London riots and the council estates and the lower working classes reveals the whole idea of these stereotypes and how they are alienated within society, within their own social group.

This video also helps audiences with social identity as youths are able to identify with the video and also understand the impact of stereotypes and how some youths have grown into their stereotype due to them feeling alienated and trapped. The audience viewer would predominantly be young adults and the youth demographic, therefore they would relate to the concept of the music video, even if they are not living in a council estate or from the working class background, all youths fall under the bracket of being youths. This therefore adds to the idea that the stereotype effects all youths and this is why they would relate to the concept of Plan B's video as it may not be something that effects the individual but it does effect the whole. The video also promotes anti-government as it is a protest song. They have counter hegemonic ideas as they are against the rich and need more equality within society. 

Media Institutions

How does the music video help to promote the film?

The music video and the film both act as a cross promotion as the video includes the characters within the film, producing synergy simultaneously. The fact that the song is called ill Manors and so is the film already creates the immediate link between the two and therefore acts as a cross promotion. Due to the characters being within the video, it again makes it clearer to the audience that this is part of the ill Manors film and would therefore promote the film.

Furthermore, the fact that Plan B is directly addressing the audience within the film makes the audience feel directed and also makes us understand that he is referring to us. The fact that Plan B is within his video also promotes the film as we are aware that he directed the actual film. The use of the same song being used over the film trailer, again promotes the film as there is a direct link between the two.

In addition to this, music lovers would see this video first, through social networking platforms and e-media, such as twitter. So fans of Plan B would initially watch this music video and therefore get to know about the film and would therefore want to support the artist and watch the film. This would be the same for film lovers as audience members may see the film first being promoted on twitter, instagram and other social networking platforms and would therefore find about the music video as the two interlock.

The use of print media for the film's poster would also catch the attention of many people as there would be billboards around, which would create exposure for the film. The use of other promotional techniques such as through broadcast media, would help promote both the music and the film itself. Furthermore, on sites such as YouTube, the music video would be easily accessible and a larger audience would be able to watch this video and therefore gain awareness about the film. The most typical way of people knowing about the music video and the film would be through word of mouth and the use of e-media such as twitter as the use of user generated content allows users to upload their thoughts about the video and inform others about the film too. As soon as a viewer comes across the music video it is inevitable that they will also be aware of the film also as the use of the synergy helps to promote the film in a positive way.

Soundtrack Research Task 

Record companies & institutions: 

Released by Atlantic Records. 

• Parent company is Warner Music Group 
• Distributor is Atlantic Records Group

Plan B is signed to: 

• Atlantic Records 
• 679 Artists 
• Mercury Records 
• Warner Bros. Records 
• Asylum Records 
• Cordless Recordings 

Sales/Downloads: 

The Ill Manors single was made free to download on the pre-order of the deluxe edition of the album. 

The album 

Music Reviews:

Received general acclaim for music critics. 

Metacritic gave the album an average score of 83/100; 

It became the first soundtrack to be nominated for the Mercury Prize 

NME have reviewed the album and said that "at times it's brutal, tactless and uncomfortable, but that's the price you pay for smashing up the hit factory." 

The Independent on Sunday, "This is one of the most exhilarating albums of the year"

RapReviews.com, "Ill Manors, depressing blunt and provocative, fulfills one of rap music's most noble tasks - to touch the sore spots"

Q magazine, "Drew's work is lyrically dense and confrontational, but the music is blissfully rich and specious. 

Drowned in Sound, "Ill Manors becomes less overtly political but no less vivid, as the remaining tracks depict in gruesome detail the dismal lives of London's underclass"

Fan Reviews: 

On YouTube there are a range of comments from fans and also not from fans; majority of the reviews are positive. The ill Manors music video itself has over 7 million views and only 1,700 dislikes. The message the Plan B gets across is appreciated by fans as they understand what Plan B wants to share - the harsh reality. 

ill Manors Film Trailer Analysis

1. What are typical codes and conventions of film trailers?

The typical film trailer would reveal the equilibrium and disequilibrium, in order to show enigma codes to lure the audience in and captivate them. Normally, the most interesting parts are shown within the trailer in order to create anticipation and audience desire to watch the film. The use of editing would be fast paced and in the form of a montage to portray a captivating whole visual image of the film so that the audience are able to understand the concept of the film. There would be very little dialogue and the use of parallel non-diegetic sound would be played throughout the trailer, conventionally one soundtrack parallel to the equilibrium and another to complement the disequilibrium. Also, there may be a voiceover in order for the audience to really understand the narrative and also a question to create a direct mode of address so that the audience are able to be lured into the film.

The institutional information would also be shown, either at the beginning or at the end of the trailer, to create audience appeal such as the use of a famous director or film company, which would make a viewer feel more comfortable due to brand loyalty. Furthermore, there would conventionally be critics awards, ratings and quotes to again make the viewer interested as they would trust a critic's review. Conventionally, the title of the film and the release date would be revealed at the end of the film as the montage builds up to the title; all the fast paced editing and suspense would then reach the climax of the title and release date. This would therefore be the last thing that the viewer sees and so the audience would not forget this.

2. How are trailers distributed?

Trailers are distributed in different ways depending upon the movie - such as if it is a large franchise or whether it is a high/low budget film. For example, a big budget Hollywood blockbuster would have a big name in terms of its distributer compared to a low budget British film. A Hollywood film would have more exposure in terms of the plot and the characters in the film which therefore would be exposed through the distributor.

3. How does the ill Manors trailer use trailer conventions?

Most significantly, the use of non-diegetic sound is used within the trailer, however this is interestingly done as the director, Plan B, has included his own music within the trailer and the use of this synergy therefore helps with the promotion of the film. The non-diegetic sound is also told like a story, which acts almost like a voiceover. In addition to this, the trailer conforms to the montage type of cinematography and is very fast paced, almost like a music video; this is something we would expect to see as we are aware that the director is a music artist.

The trailer is shorter than the conventional trailer yet is super fast paced and rapid, representing the whole atmosphere created within the film itself as it is a very paced film, which jumps from time frame to time frame. The use of extreme close ups in the trailer also reinforce the idea of it appearing more like a music video rather than a film trailer as the use of the monotone cinematography and the super 8 highlight the different time zones and various aspects within the film. The slow motion and the fast paced, sped up editing, makes the trailer seem even more rapid and thrilling, complementing the urban crime genre perfectly.

The use of the iconography is also a key convention as the audience are able to immediately identify the genre of the film through this. So the use of guns, drugs and violence are used as action codes to identify the genre as urban crime. 

4. Who is the target audience? Does it have a unique selling point or use particular techniques to appeal to the audience? Consider the way the scenes are edited together – does the trailer give away any clues about the narrative? Are the main stars visible in the trailer? Is there information about the director of the film? Is there information about the release date? Is a narrator’s voice-over used? Why? 

The core target audience for 'ill Manors' would be young adults predominantly, this could however also broaden out to the youth market also as in today's generation and society the subject matter of drugs, sex and violence effect the youth market just as much as the young adult market. It would also be aimed at a dominant male target audience and we can tell this from the trailer due to the use of the reviews from 'Men's Health magazine' and 'FHM.' Furthermore, the subject matters that are addressed throughout the film seem to be aimed at the male demographic rather than the female, therefore I would argue that 70% of viewers would be male. 

In terms of psychographics, the film would be aimed at strugglers and perhaps explorers as strugglers are likely to seek escape from their own world and explorers are interested in experiencing new things, therefore may be open to watching a film directed by a music artist. The uses and gratifications theory is also present within the trailer as the film is there to entertain and seek some sort of escapism, however it is also there to educate the viewer about the effects of drugs, violence and sexual abuse and how these all inevitably lead to a downfall. 

The unique selling point of this trailer is of course the director himself being a music artist and the fact that his music is being played throughout the trailer as a story, like a voiceover, rather than having a simple soundtrack or a simple voiceover, adds a unique and original aspect to the trailer. This reflects the whole film as being quite original, within the way that it has been produced - almost like a music video. In the trailer, at the end, when the non-diegetic sound of the violin becomes more rapid, the review from Q magazine 'unforgettable' blinks rapidly on screen simultaneously with the sound of the non-diegetic sound. 

The montage type editing is very typical for a film trailer, but as the audience we are able to get a sense of what the narrative of the film is due to the iconography related to the genre of urban crime drama. The use of the guns, the drugs and the prostitutes, all give us the sense that the narrative of the story will be central to these issues. However, we can also guess that this is a multi-strand narrative, due to all the characters being shown within the trailer, and therefore we may guess that this is a film focusing on more than one character and their story. 

The names of the main stars do not appear in the trailer yet they are seen, perhaps this was deliberately done as they are not critically acclaimed actors, however this could also be used to not draw away the attention from the director itself. The main unique selling point of the film is the fact that Plan B directed it, which makes it unique in itself and as he is the only name clearly seen on screen emphasises this unique originality - 'From the visionary artist Plan B.' Also as a rapper, Plan B would already have a fairly large fan base, which would again help with the success of the film and therefore this would be something that the audience would need to be aware of. 

The release date at the end of the film is a key convention of film trailers as it is the last thing that the viewer sees and would therefore remember the date. Also, the whole montage, the fast paced editing all leads up to the climax of the title and the release date, making the audience anticipated. 

5. How has the genre of the film been represented through characters, settings, lighting, colour, music/dialogue, camera shots/movements/angles and editing?

Initially, we can see the characters as young adults and therefore make the connection that this film is aimed at the core demographic of young adults. Their costume of hoodies and snapbacks reinforce the 'hoodlem thug' stereotype as we would closely associate sportswear and hoodies with youths up to no good. However, we could also argue that this is part of the youth culture and that is how they dress. This is a negative representation of youths but also relates to Medhursts idea of stereotypes being shorthand - within a trailer there cannot be any confusion within the genre of the film, therefore the audience are immediately able to understand that the youth culture and urban life is being presented through the use of their costume. Furthermore, the use of the setting, relating to the working class, the estates which is contrasted with London, reveals the conflict and the binary opposition between the rich and the poor, the upper and the lower class. Also as we see London, we are aware that this could be a British film or more basically, it is set in London. 

The use of the trailer appearing quite artistic relates to the idea of it looking like a music video more than a trailer. The lighting varies and the use of the super 8 and the monotone add an artistic depth, which makes it seem more visually interesting. 

The non-diegetic music that is within the clip is produced by Plan B and his words act as a narration - like a voiceover as well as a soundtrack. The fact that he says 'I am the narrator, allow me to take you back and fourth through time,' reflects the idea of the whole film being a story that Plan B raps his way through. Also the use of the shot showing Plan B as he raps, 'I am the narrator,' shows how close the link between him and the film is. Also, due to the use of the diegetic sound of the dialogue, it allows the audience to understand the subject matter at hand and also get to know some of the characters. We see a shot of Kirby walking out of prison like a dominant character due to his stance and the way that he malevolently grins - which links to Propps theory of the 'villain.' 

The narrative structure of Todorov's disequilibrium is presented in this trailer too as we saw all the dysfunction of the urban life - revealing the negative representation of the genre within the film. 

The various camera angles, editing and movement relates to a music video - through the use of the rewind in monochrome and the super 8 footage, it reveals the fact that the film is a 'story.' The pace of the trailer is again very fast paced and rapid, varying with different angles and shots to add more interest within the film and to again, highlight the fact that it has been directed by a musical artist. Also the use of extreme close ups in the trailer also reinforce the idea of it appearing more like a music video rather than a film trailer; the slow motion and the fast paced, sped up editing, makes the trailer seem even more rapid and thrilling, complementing the urban crime genre perfectly.

The use of the iconography is also a key convention as the audience are able to immediately identify the genre of the film through this. So the use of guns, drugs and violence are used as action codes to identify the genre as urban crime. 

ill Manors Film Review

Director: Ben Drew, most commonly known as Plan B, who is a rap artist. He's produced an album named Ill Manors alongside the film.

Main Stars: Riz Ahmed is an English actor who has also appeared in other films before starring in Ill Manors. He won awards for starring in Shifty, which is a British urban thriller. He won the award for being best actor. Ed Skrein is an English rapper and actor, who starred in Game of Thrones.

Plot: The film is about the lives of different characters on the street and their stories and their survival whilst living their urban life. The characters' stories are all interlocked and interwoven as there is a multi-strand narrative present within the film. The main focus of the film is about the lives of the drug dealers and the struggles that emerge from taking drugs and selling drugs, also being involved in gang violence and the wrong company.

Characters: Aaron - Riz Ahmed
                   The main character of the film is acquainted to the rest of the core characters. He is a drug dealer but he has particular principles which make him a moral character, compared to characters like Ed, who is immoral and rather egotistical as his main concern is himself. Aaron is a character who see's people for who they are and wants to help others, perhaps due to his upbringing being so disorientated, which made him into a better person.
                    Ed - Ed Skrein
                    Ed and Aaron are friends; Ed is also a drug dealer but is narcissistic and immoral as he makes Michelle prostitute herself in order to get enough money to buy a new phone, even when he knows that she did not steal it. This portrays his character to be self-centred and immoral. However, at the end of the film, his character almost makes this transition into morality as he knows that it is the right thing to do to save the baby.
                     Kirby - Keith Coggins
                     Kirby is the infamous drug dealer in the neighbourhood, who taught a young boy called Chris about the business, soon to become ordered around by him as he grew more dominant. Kirby is manipulative and asks Jody and Chanel to come to his house to meet a modelling agent as he thinks they have potential; making him a vindictive man.
                     Chris - Lee Allen
                     Chris was taught by Kirby and therefore became dominant and superior to him as he grew older. He is also a drug dealer but he seeks revenge as his half-sister Chanel is murdered by Jake, who is acquainted with Marcel (a local drug dealer)
                      Marcel - Nick Sagar
                      Marcel is a local drug dealer, who encountered Jake and 'recruited' him as part of his gang. Marcel is a weak character, who portrays himself as a superior individual, yet when he is within a situation where he is faced with his problems, he becomes weak and puts the blame on others, trying to save only himself.
                      Jake - Ryan De La Cruz
                      Jake is a vulnerable teenager, who just wants to be 'like the others.' When Marcel offers him his first sum of money, it tempts him to go further within the gang and therefore makes him want to do things for Marcel. Even though he is aware that what he was doing was immoral, he is forced into doing it due to his vulnerability as a teenager.
                      Michelle - Anouska Mond
                      Michelle is a prostitute and a drug addict. She wants to help Katya when she escapes her brothel with her baby and she tries to do so. She is a character who is taken advantage of but also wants to be taken advantage of as that is the only thing she knows.

Overall the acting in the film is realistic and accurately portrays the brutal side of urban life.

Genre: The genre of the film is urban, crime and drama. It accurately portrays the harsh reality of the situation and also reveals an ever further brutal picture of the truth. Conventionally, crime urban dramas involve drugs, sex and violence and 'ill Manors' perfectly conveys each of these subject matters. The difference with 'ill Manors' however is that there is a multi-strand narrative within the film that involve lyrical stories alongside a montage of what is happening, approaching the urban crime drama genre in a very original way. The mood of the film is rather dramatic and realistic.

Soundtrack: The soundtrack of the film is amazing, it complements the mood of the film perfectly and the two alongside one another work in great unison as a whole. Each rap told a story of the events alongside the cinematography which revealed a flashback of the occurrences. The use of the music not only created interest for the viewer but also portrayed the director, Ben Drew, as a lyrical genius who acts as a storyteller rather than 'just a rapper.'

Audience: The film is aimed at the youth market and the young adult market as the subject matter is relevant to them, causing them to relate to the film and understand the film. The film is also aimed at the working class as it is a low budget film yet acts as a powerful film with a strong message of urban life and the rapid downfall of infamously superior individuals.
I would definitely recommend this film to others as it is a great film; in terms of cinematography it has been filmed very cleverly and the narrative structure is interesting due to the use of the flashbacks and the editing used, making it visually very appealing.

Film Review:

'ill Manors' is a very unique film due to Plan B directing the film and also producing a soundtrack which has been used within the film, making it extremely captivating. The film captures urban life in it's climax; the harsh reality of infamous subject matters, such as violence, drug abuse, and prostitution are all addressed.

The main character Aaron, played by Riz Ahmed, is a drug dealer who is partners with Ed, Ed Skrein. The two almost contradict each other as there is a sense of morality within the character of Aaron as he feel sympathetic towards the character of Michelle, whilst Ed is immoral and narcissistic. The reality of the situations are presented in the most negative way, revealing a negative representation of young people and stereotyping them as useless and immoral. The severity of the situation is addressed and although the life of a drug dealer is presented 'pretty' at the beginning due to the money, we soon see the downfall and the hamartia of the characters as they are stuck within an illegal career that only has one inevitable outcome - the downfall, be it jail or death.

Plan B presents a multi-strand narrative, revealing the lives of many different characters, who are intertwined and interwoven in some form or another. The fact that each of their stories are told within one another, make it furthermore interesting and causes the audience to create personal relationships with them all. Furthermore, the use of the flashbacks and Plan B's raps make the film so interesting as we get to know the full history of each character and not one character is left out.

The conventional crime urban drama film would involve all the aspects involved in 'ill Manors,' as the main aspects of urban life need to be shown, such as drugs, sex and violence. The difference with this film however is that the characters all have something different to offer and all have different principles which impact the narrative of the story. The audience would therefore feel a connection with the characters and feel sympathy for most - even Ed. We see him as an immoral character at the beginning, who then makes the right choice and dies in the process of making the correct decision, which makes the audience sympathise with him.

IMDb has rated this film a 7.0 out of 10, reinforcing the fact that it is a great film. In addition to this, rotten tomatoes has scored the film 79% and the audience have scored it 71%. The fact that this low budget film, which was filmed on a budget for about £100,000 has received such good reviews supports the successes of the film. Also due to the film being a British film, it also shows that British low budget films can be successful.

The film is aimed at the youth market and the young adult market as the subject matter is relevant to them, causing them to relate to the film and understand the film. The film is also aimed at the working class as it is a low budget film yet acts as a powerful film with a strong message of urban life and the rapid downfall of infamously superior individuals.
I would definitely recommend this film to others as it is a great film; in terms of cinematography it has been filmed very cleverly and the narrative structure is interesting due to the use of the flashbacks and the editing used, making it visually very appealing. The film consists of all things associated to the subject matter of urban life, which makes it a highly realistic film. Although we may not see these matters happening in our lives, the fact that it has been filmed and shown to a wider audience addresses the issues of the problem. It also negatively portrays the subject and therefore could potentially deter certain individuals from either continuing to go down that path or from considering it. The negativity of the situation and the brutality of it makes it captivating and mesmerising to watch. I would also argue that due to Plan B having a large fan base initially, this film was always going to be successful as rappers support rappers and their fans will inevitably support him. This film is one like no other urban crime drama and more specifically British urban crime drama and shows authenticity within the working class life. However, it also reveals a negative representation of Britain but would still appeal to the audience as this is what they want to see - authenticity.

The British Film Industry: Institutional Context

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. 

The Sweeney 

Financing: Budget £3 million 

Cultural Test: Set in London = 4 points 

                       Lead characters are British = 4 points 

                       Based on British subject matter = 4 points 

                       English dialogue = 6 points 

                       British creativity/ diversity = 4 points 

                       Cultural Hubs = 2 

                       Cultural practitioners = 7

                       31/31

Attack the Block

Financing: Budget £8 million; box office $5.8 million 

Cultural Test: Set in London = 4 points 

                       Lead characters are British = 4 points 

                        English dialogue = 6 points 

                       British creativity/ diversity = 4 points 

                       Cultural Hubs = 2 

                       Cultural practitioners = 7

                       27/31 

The King's Speech 

Financing: Budget $15 million; box office $414.2 million 

Cultural Test: Set in London = 4 points

                       Based on British subject matter = 4 points 

                       English dialogue = 6 point

                       British creativity/ diversity = 4 points 

                       Cultural Hubs = 2 

                       Cultural practitioners = 7

                       27/31 

We Need to Talk About Kevin

Financing: Budget $7 million; box office $9.2 million 

Cultural Test: English dialogue = 6 points 

                       Cultural Hubs = 2 

                       Cultural practitioners = 2

                       10/31 

Skyfall 

Financing: Budget $150 - 200 million; box office $1. 109 billion 

Cultural Test: Set in London = 4 points 

                       Lead characters are British = 4 points 

                       Film based on British subject matter = 4 points 

                       English dialogue = 6 points 

                       British heritage = 4 points 

                       Cultural practitioners = 5 points 

                       27/31

  

What is the main problem for the British film industry?

The problems faced by the British film industry is that in order for a film to be exhibited, film makers have to sacrifice their distribution rights by selling their film to a distribution company. Once the film is sold, all money that the film makes is lost and therefore the film does not make money. The British film industry is often described as a 'cottage industry' as it is small-scale. 

Also, American actors are seen as more glamorous than UK actors, therefore to encourage an audience to watch a film there would usually be an American lead role. 

Theatre is seen as greater than film and it is almost part of Britain's great literary heritage to go to watch theatre actors rather than film actors. 

Furthermore, in Hollywood there is better pay and conditions, which causes certain directors to move to America in order to base their career within the Hollywood film industry rather than the British. 

The main problem however is the fact that the British film industry may produce a highly successful film but it would not be making money due to the selling of the film to a distribution company. 

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. Richard Curtis, who made Love Actually, grossed billions of dollars worldwide. Also the famous author J.K Rowling and her Harry Potter sequel has allowed the British film industry to be involved in the production of a very financially successful and loyal franchise. 

There are also outstanding facilities as the studios and camera companies attract investment from film makers around the world. 

The British film industry also take 5% of world box-office takings, which is a large sum for such a small nation. 

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

British film makers could rely upon co-productions with American studios to keep the industry going strong. However, the essence the film being 'British' may be lost. 

The second option is to make low budget films which are targeted at a niche, British audience. This would mean that the film will be able to remain a 'British' film, however the cost of the filom would be lower, which could potentially effect the profits and box-office takings. 

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

I think it would be better if the British film industry co-produced with an American film industry as this would help the industry produce more successful films, without being restricted by what they want to produce. The issue with targeting the niche market is that it would be very risky and it seems like the safer option to make money by co-producing with an American studio. 

The British Film Industry

What makes a film British? 

There are many different criteria to consider such as if the film is made in Britain; whether the film is funded by a British institution; is there a British leading role and whether there is a British subject matter included. 

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

The context tends to be varied within British films. The Hollywood production context means that the films would be high  budget, have a heavy reliance on the cast and celebrities within the film and have spectacle driven stories. The British production context however does not have any clearly defined characteristics. They could be high budget, high concept films or purely character driven, low budget films. 

When did the James Bond franchise start? 

The 1960s brought about the beginning of the extremely successful James Bond franchise. 

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

The rise of sexual content began in the 1970s, both the act of sex and sex linked to violence was portrayed in such films as 'A Clockwork Orange.' In the 1980s we see more videos and the 'video nasty' scare where film making was becoming more accessible and more extreme content was being created and emerging into Britain. 

What groups are often represented in British films?

Issues such as class, politics, social change and education are some of the many issues that British film has explored throughout its history. There is the portrayal of young people in British films as being quite violent and anarchic, for example in films such as 'A Clockwork Orange.' In films such as 'Eden Lake,' youths are represented in a similar way. Both support the stereotype that youths are rebels and violent. Contemporary representations in films such as 'Attack The Block'  achieve to reveal a positive and more realistic portrayal of youths, challenging the stereotype. 

Women are also represented as either the virgin, the mother or the whore. Although British film, especially in the 1960s with the New Wave have often treated women more through the prism of social realism.

What does the Fact sheet suggest might be the audience appeal of British film? 

The focus on British culture makes the films appealing. To appeal to a native British audience; the actors should be clearly identifiable as British, for example Hugh Grant. 

The social theme for using London and British locations as settings appeal largely to audiences. The focus on class, social strife and education are also appealing. A socially conscious narrative also appeals to audiences as they address current social and political concerns. There is also a dose of humour which is within a British film, into even the most rigorous of social realism films so it appeals to the British sensibility of the stiff upper lip. 

Learner Response

How does the institution take an original and positive approach to road safety advertising?

This film is very unique, subverting the conventions of the typical road safety advertisement. From the film, we can understand that the institution that have produced this film, hold strong ideological beliefs towards road safety and more specifically 'embracing life.'

The institution has subverted the stereotypical seatbelt advertisement by revealing a subtle picture of the situation, whilst the norm is for the advertisement to be explicit and brutal, portraying the harsh reality of the situation. Furthermore, the outcome of these videos leads to the characters in the car dying or becoming seriously injured. However in this film, not only is there no deaths but also there is a positive ending as the driver is wearing his metaphorical seatbelt. The influence of having a positive road safety film is that it conveys the message in a powerful way without revealing any sort of brutality.

To further reinforce this idea, the use of the 'charade-like' game presented in this clip almost adds the subtle contrasting message about life and how it is not a game and by highlighting this aspect throughout the clip it could symbolise just how in reality we cannot force reality to slow down, in order for us to put on our seatbelts and therefore shows us the importance of embracing life.

The advertisement follows Todorov's narrative structure perfectly as the clip begins with an equilibrium, promoting family values and revealing this very natural setting, which creates happiness and normality; this is then followed by a disequilibrium, revealed by the facial expressions and we realise that something terrible is about to happen; this problem is then resolved and a new equilibrium is formed as the situation has been resolved by the family coming together to 'save' the driver. In addition to this, the use of the classical music is also very interesting as it is constant throughout the clip, making it both parallel and contrapuntal sound. The effect of having this music constantly playing throughout the 30 seconds adds a captivating and original element to the clip and causes the audience to be even more intrigued, especially due to the sound being simple non-diegetic and there being no dialogue.