The 'British' Film Industry

Who did what in the British film industry?

• BBFC (British Board of Film Classification): An independent non-government body which classifies and sensors film, video as well a computer and console based games released in the UK.
• UK Film Council: Promotes understanding and appreciation of Britain's rich film and television heritage and culture.
• BFI (British Film Industry): The official UK agency for international cultural relations. Its film department promotes new British films (features and shorts), internationally principally through festivals and showcases.
• British Academy: aims to support, develop and promote the art forms of the moving image.
• British Council: 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.

The production company Film4 has produced films such as:

• Ex Machina
• Slumdog Millionaire
• Sightseers

Working Title:

• Everest
• Love Actually
• Les Miserables

Momentum Pictures

• The woman in Black(sequel)
• Yakuza Apocalypse

Pathe:

• Beauty and the Beast
• Selma
• The Iron Lady

BBC Film Network:

• The Last Man on Earth
• The World Turns

British Vs American

British films can claim 25% tax relief from the government therefore this is appealing to film makers, including large budget Hollywood blockbusters.

The points some films scored on the 'Britishness Test':

Ex Machina - 32

Avengers - 22

Star Wars The Force Awakens - 23

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

In the case of 'Ex Machina' the movie appeals to film buffs therefore the sci-fi genre effectively attracts audiences. There is a classic British theme in most movies for example; 'Suffragette' portrays the movement and fight for women rights, 'Macbeth' was written by Shakespeare a very influential figure in Britain's history and 'The Inbetweeners 2' has a clear British Humour that appeals to British audiences. There is noticeable recognition of Britishness and how proud we are as a nation and this shows through the films produced therefore attracts audiences.

How are they distinct from Hollywood blockbusters?

British films differ from Hollywood Blockbusters as they don't so often contain explosions or car chases which are a key convention in a typical hollywood blockbuster. Also, British film are more likely to follow the sic-fi genre or ramose instead of action. This appeals to the British audience more.

Far from the Madding Crowd - Aficionados - $30.2 million at the Box Office.
Inbetweeners 2 - Mainstream - $63.8 million at the Box Office.
Macbeth - Aficionados - $5.2 million.
Attack the Block - Mainstream plus - $5.8 million.
Suffragette - Mainstream plus - $14.5 million.
Ex Machina - Film Buffs - $37 million at Box Office.

Why have a British film industry?
The British film industry generates income from big films that are shot here-due to the 25% tax relief - this also means that British workers develop good skills as they take the roles of camera man, producer, editor and other important roles. British films promote British culture and therefore appeal to audiences and make profits for the industry and economy.