Year 12 Media Studies Institution and Audiences British Cinema – Funding

Film Industry Funding There are two major models of funding: The Hollywood Model The European Model

The Hollywood Model Emphasis on industry (money) over art Major companies undertake production, distribution and exhibition Large number of studios “churning out” films for profit

The Hollywood Model Mass production means high grossing blockbusters can support less successful films Most of the large distributors in the UK are American owned: 20 th Century Fox Warner Brothers Buena Vista

The Hollywood Model These American distributors prioritise their own films, especially titles with big budgets and big stars All the profits go back into the American film industry

The Hollywood Model The American Film Industry is, therefore, self- sustainable (it doesn’t need money from anywhere else) The Hollywood film industry attracts the largest possible audience (“mass appeal”; “bums on seats”)

The European Model State subsidised (money guaranteed by the Government) Money generated through taxes

The European Model European countries do this to ensure films are made in their own language and to reflect the country’s social and cultural concerns These films are extremely popular at home but rarely export successfully – why?

There are exceptions… Films of famous European auteurs such as; Pedro Almodovar (Spain); Jean-Pierre Jeunet (France); Tom Tykwer (Germany); Guiseppe Tornatore (Italy); Kieslowski (Poland) are popular both at home and abroad

The British Film Industry Funding of the British Film Industry fits neither of these models In the past, very little money from Government – the industry has been expected to be self-sufficient and survive commercially on its own

The British Film Industry Major British cinema production companies such as Palace and Goldcrest went bust in the 1980s after a series of disasters at the box office As a result, the British Film Industry almost collapsed

The British Film Industry Channel 4 was instrumental in keeping the industry afloat during this time The BBC and Working Title, along with Channel 4 and Film 4, have been responsible for rebuilding the British Film Industry

The British Film Industry The Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is responsible for film in this country In 2000, the Labour Government established the UK Film Council, attempting to create a healthy, competitive UK market

The British Film Industry The UK Film Council receives money from the DCMS and from the National Lottery Fund This has been a huge benefit to the industry but Britain receives less Government subsidy than other European countries

The British Film Industry Many British film makers and production companies opt for co-productions with American and European companies British film also benefits from a healthy export market abroad

To do… Devise a visual metaphor to explain the different funding models – you can draw, find images etc

The British Film Industry Carry out some research on the UK Film Council…