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.
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