MEST1 Section B: Institution Research

Ill Manors: Funding and production budget

• What was the estimated budget for Ill Manors?

The estimated budget for Ill manors was £100,000.

• Where did the money come from? 

The film was funded by BBC Films, Film London Microwave and Aimimage. 

• How did the Ill Manors budget compare to a Hollywood blockbuster such as Skyfall?

The budget for Skyfall was $150-200 million whereas Ill manors had a much smaller budget of £100,000.  

A Field In England: Funding and production budget

• What was the estimated budget for A Field In England?

The estimated budget for A Field In England was £300,000.

• Why did A Field In England manage to secure a higher budget than Ill Manors?

A Field In England had a higher budget because the director had more experience therefore production companies were willing to fund him. 

• Where did the money come from?  

The film was funded by only one production company which is Rook Films. 

Film London and Microwave Film

• What is Film London and why does it exist?

Film London is London's film and media agency - sustaining, promoting and developing London as a major international film-making and film cultural capital. 

Film London’s objectives are to:

-Grow the film industry in London

-Maximise investment in London through film

-Sustain London’s film culture

-Promote London to the world through film

• What is the purpose of Microwave Film?

Microwave fund films; they give development and mentoring support to all of the short-listed projects, as well as production finance and distribution support to the final commissioned films. 

• Choose one film funded by Microwave film and explain how it compares to Ill Manors (similarities and differences)

Shifty is a British urban thriller, written and directed by Eran Creevy. Set on the outskirts of London, it follows themes of friendship and loyalty over the course of twenty-four hours in the life of a young drug dealer. This film follows a similar narrative to Ill Manors and also had the same budget. However, it made less profit than Ill Manors through box office. 

Vertigo Films and Warp Films

• What are the most successful films Vertigo Films has been involved in?

-Streetdance 3D 

-The Football Factory

-Monsters

-Horrid Henry: The Movie

-The Sweeny

-Bronson

• Why do you think those films were successful with their audience?

These films were successful with their audiences because they were promoted according to the target audience. 

• What different film genres has Vertigo Films worked with?

Vertigo Films have a range of genres to suit audience taste.

• Where did Warp Films start out?

Warp Films is an independent film and television production company based in Sheffield & London, UK. It was established by Warp Records partners Rob Mitchell and Steve Beckett. It was created with the financial help of NESTA. 

• What are the most successful films produced by Warp Films?

-Four Lions

-This Is England

-Exhibit A

• How have Warp Films helped to develop new talent in the film industry?

Warp Films were working quickly and spontaneously with low-budgets to help talented and innovated artists. Warp have played a massive part in keeping vibrant and successful films in the British cinema, they brought what wasn't seen as "mainstream" to the public's eye and helped these films become well known and successful. 

• What titles have Vertigo and Warp Films produced that are similar to Ill Manors? Explain the similarities - it could be in terms of audience, location, content or genre.

Some films both Vertigo and Warp Films have produced that are similar to iLL Manors is: Spring Breakers, this has a similar target audience as it would appeal to the younger generation (16-25). Another is, The Sweeney as it's a British Film. Also, both films are Drama's/Thrillers. 

Certification: BBFC

• How does the certification process work at the BBFC?

A group of examiners sit down to watch the film and they rate it against the following three checklist points; general context - plot, characters, outline of individual scenes, timings of key moments, including camera angles, type of shots, on- and off-screen moments and bad language, sex and drug references.

• Think about the certificate of Ill Manors (18 certificate). What is deemed acceptable for an 18 certificate? What is the difference between a 15 certificate and an 18 certificate? 

 -Very strong violence

 -Frequent strong language (e.g. 'f***') and / or very strong language (e.g. ‘c***’)

 -Strong portrayals of sexual activity

 -Scenes of sexual violence

 -Strong horror

 -Strong blood and gore

 -Real sex (in some circumstances)

 -Discriminatory language and behaviour

The difference between the 18 certificate and 15 certificate is that films rated 15 have restrictions as to how much of the above can be shown and some of it can't be shown at all. 15 certificates are suitable for people 15 years of age and over. 

• Why was Ill Manors given an 18 certificate? How might this have affected the Ill Manors target audience and commercial success?

Ill Manors was given a 18 certificate due to the amount of strong language and the portrayal of sexual activity. This may have affected the iLL Manors target audience as it may have appealed to younger kids starting from the age of 16 and they wouldn't have been able to view the film as it has a 18 certificate. This therefore, could lower the commercial success due to fewer people seeing the film. 

• What was the certificate for A Field In England? Why was this certificate awarded?

The film contains very strong language throughout, there are scenes of fighting, including shooting, graphic images, sex references, and uses of drugs.

• What are the advantages and disadvantages for a film in being given an 18 certificate?

Films given a 18 certificate could limit the success and profitability of the film as when released in cinemas, younger audiences would not be able to see it.