Key Problems in the British Film Industry

Objective Understand the difficulties faced by producers in the British Film Industry

The British Film Industry Investment Financing Film Studio Production Cinema DVD/BD Exhibition

Timeline – s Early 1900s brings experimentation - A Daring daylight Robbery pioneers the chase genre 1930s sees a boom in ‘quota quickies’ and rising attendances – on the downside, a massive ‘brain- drain’ to Hollywood (Chaplin et al) World War II sees surge in anti-Nazi propaganda films which showcases the massive importance of film in shaping national culture

Timeline – s The 1950s sees the Rank organisation exporting British film to the world; Hammer begin making horror films. In the 1960s, ‘Swinging London’ and James Bond boost profile of industry 1970s – American studios stop financing British productions and industry begins decline. In 1980s, home videos boom, cinemas fail Early 1990s recession seems to signal end of British Film industry…

The 1990s and Cool Britannia

Why is financing a problem? Government subsidies (withdrawn) Dependent on American film industry (fickle) Track record (disproportionate number of ‘failures’) Complicated process Lack of a national talent academy (future success is chance)

Why is production a problem? Studios owned by Hollywood or second-rate Brain drain to Hollywood British star prices? Companies are not vertically-integrated (expensive) Companies have been purchased by American conglomerates (creative freedom)

Why is distribution a problem? Cinema chains (Odeon, Vue, Cineworld) Centrally-controlled Few arthouse cinemas; lack of funding Short lifespan of films Relatively expensive costs of distribution due to non-vertically-integrated companies

‘Commercial Viability’ Government unprepared to invest, but wants the success arts arts Copycat – Kidulthood is a success, so 20 copies are made (distilling the brand)