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.
Sweeney
Financing:£3 million
Cultural Test: Set in UK = 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
Total= 31/31
Attack the Block
Financing: Budget £8 million
Cultural Test: Set in UK = 4 points
Lead characters are British = 4 points
English dialogue = 6 points
British creativity/ diversity = 4 points
Cultural Hubs = 2
Cultural practitioners = 7
Total= 27/31
The King's Speech
Financing: Budget $15 million
Cultural Test: Set in UK= 4 points
Based on British subject matter = 4 points
English dialogue = 6 point
British creativity/ diversity = 4 points
Cultural Hubs = 2
Cultural practitioners = 7
Total= 27/31
We Need to Talk About Kevin
Financing: Budget $7 million
Cultural Test: English dialogue = 6 points
Cultural Hubs = 2
Cultural practitioners = 2
Total= 10/31
Skyfall
Financing: $150 - 200 million
Cultural Test: Set inUK = 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
Total= 27/31
What is the main problem for the British film industry?
UK films are made but,
in order to get the film exhibited, the filmmakers have to sacrifice the
distribution rights by selling the film to a distribution company. All revenue from cinema screenings etc are lost, once sold. American actors are seen as more glamorous than their UK
counterparts so a big, Hollywood name is often drafted into the
lead role of a film in order to encourage the audience to see it. Despite Britain having many talented production personnel, the
lure of better pay and conditions in Hollywood is often too
great for them to remain in Britain.
What are three of the strengths of the British film industry?
Richard Curtis, who made Love Actually, grossed billions of dollars worldwide. Also the famous author J.K Rowling articulated Harry Potter sequels which permitted the BFI to involve themselves in the production of the films which was very successful financially. Love actually produced by Richard Curtis had made much profit worldwide. There are also fine facilities ranging from studios to camera companies which appeal investment from filmmakers worldwide. The British film industry too takes 5% of world box-office takings, which is a large amount of 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 film would be lower.
In your opinion, which of these two options would best safeguard the future of the British film industry?
In my opinion, it would be better for the British film industry to co-produce with an American film industry to make more successful films and to keep the industry going strong.
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