The British Film Industry: Institutional Context

• What is the 'cultural test' to see if a film counts as British?

If a film does not qualify as a co-production, it must pass the British Film Institute’s Cultural Test in order to be defined as British. The Cultural Test is divided into four sections and a film must score at least 16 out of a possible 31 points to be classified as British. The four sections are: Cultural Context, Cultural Contribution, Cultural Hubs and Cultural Practitioners.

• Complete the task on the Factsheet, researching the films listed and finding out what they score on the cultural test.

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?

Many 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. Once sold, all revenue from cinema screenings, DVD and Blu-ray sales, plus sales to television companies, are lost. Even a highly successful British film is not necessarily making money that will be reinvested in British filmmaking.

• 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?

In my opinion  British film makers shoukd rely upon co-productions with American studios to keep the industry going strong.