The British film industry- Factsheet 132

Media Factsheet #132 on British Film. 

 1)  Write a one-sentence definition of what makes a film British.

A film is classified as British if: It is made in Britain, uses British actors, funded from within Britain, and is based on Britain or British culture.

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

Hollywood productions tend to have high budgets and a heavy reliance on cast and crew whereas British films ted to have low budgets and character driven stories. However there are several successful British films e.g ''Harry Potter'' and ''Skyfall'' that go against these expectations. 

 3) When did the James Bond franchise start?
In the 1960s 

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

During the 1970s British films began to show more sexual content. Films such as ''A Clockwork Orange'' also managed to combine this with acts of violence. In the 1980s there was a rise in ''extreme'' videos, since filmmaking was becoming more accessible. 

 5) What groups are often represented in British film? Give examples of films these groups feature in.

The representation of youth in British films - they are seen as anarchists or ''anti-establishment'', and tend to be very mischievous and violent. This is evident in films such such as ''A Clockwork Orange'' and ''Eden Lake''. 

The representation of women - seen as either the virgin. the mother or the whore 

6) What does the Factsheet suggest might be the audience appeal of British film?

Popular British actors can be identifiable in certain genres of film e.g Hugh Grant is known fro his role in romantic comedies. Also the use of British locations in films , especially northern town or cities, could appeal to a British audience as many narratives revolve around social class, education etc. Additionally films that deal with social and political concerns also appeal to British audiences as they revolve around the theme of social realism.