The British Film Industry: Institutional Context

1) The cultural test is a 'gateway' to accessing the UK film tax relief and this is also included as one of the cafeterias used to apply for the BFI film fund. To apply for a cultural test there must be one film production company that is officially registered with Companies House. The film production must be set up before film making begins and have responsibility for all aspect of the film making process as well as pre-production. 

2)

The Sweeney:

Financing: £3,000,000
Location: London (4 points)
Characters: Protagonists are British (4 points)
Language of dialogue: English (6 points)
Use of British creativity: 4 points
British subject matter: 4 points
Practitioners: 7 points
Cultural centre: 2 points

Attack The Block:

Financing: $8,000,000
Location: London (4 points)
British subject matter: (0 points)
Characters: British (4 points)
Language of dialogue: English dialogue used (6 points)
Use of British creativity: Black ethnicity used (4 points)
Practitioners: 7 points
Cultural centre: 2 points

The King's Speech:

Financing: £15,000,000
Location: London (4 points)
British subject matter: (4 points)
Characters: British (4 points)
Language: English (6 points)
Use of British creativity:
Practitioners: 7 points
Cultural centre: 2 points

Skyfall:

Financing: £200,000,000
Location: London (4 points)
British subject matter: 4 points
Characters: British (4 points)
Language: English dialogue (6 points)
Practitioners: 5 points
Cultural centre: 2 points

3. One problem that may be faced is that Hollywood actors are seen to be more glamorous than British actors, this would mean that to attract a large audience an American actor is used to encourage more people to view the film as they have the lead role. Also, some people may be more inclined to go and base their careers in Hollywood as the advantages lure away the British actors. America and Britain have the same native language so it is a lot easier for American films to be exported to the UK.

4. One strength of British film industry is that they've had a film industry since before world war one such as Ealing and Pinewood studios. In addition, the camera companies and digital post-production houses attract people from America meaning investors are more likely to invest in British films. Another advantage is the skills that have been displayed in British films such as the 'Harry Potter' franchise that is known world wide which was created by J.K Rowling.

5. British film makers could work with American film industries but this could also mean the loss of the element of the film being British. The second way is to make a low budget film making the film itself British but will only target a minority of people.

6. I think that it is better for British film makers to work with American film industries as they could still promote British films to a larger audience and doesn't necessarily mean the loss of British identity in the films. The film is more likely to be successful and if so would promote British films on the whole.