The British film industry: institutional context

1) What is the 'cultural test' to see if a film counts as British?
The cultural test was was produced BFI to determine whether the film is British or not. It's divided into four sections, and must score a 16/31 for it to be considered a British film. The four sections include: cultural context, cultural contribution, cultural hubs and cultural practitioners. 

2) 

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

3)What is the main problem for the British film industry?

The British film industry face many problems. A main problem the British film industry faces is having to sacrifice their distribution rights by selling their film to a distribution company. When a film is sold, all the money the film has made is lost and therefore, ends up making no money. The British industry is often known as a 'cottage industry' as it is small-scale. 

4)What are three of the strengths of the British film industry?

As well as the British industry having many problems to face, it also has strengths. One of these strengths are having directors with creativity. For example, Richard Curtis, the director of 'Love Actually' managed to get his film to gross a billion dollars world wide. Also  J.K Rowling and her Harry Potter sequel has allowed the British film industry become very successful. Furthermore, Britain has amazing facilities such as studios and camera companies, which attract film makers world-wide. The British film industry also take 5% of world box-office takings, which is a large sum for such a small nation. 

5) What are the two options for the future of the British film industry?
One option for the British film industry is working with American producers to help the British industry progress, but the British theme may be lost due to this. Another option is, producing low-budget films. This would mean the film would remain 'British', however, the price of the film would be lower and effect the profits.

6) In your opinion, which of these two options would best safeguard the future of the British film industry?
In my opinion, I think the British industry should work with American producers, in order to make more successful films.