1. The British Film Industry

2. What is British cinema? British film is not as straightforward as it might initially seem. Some films are made in Britain by Hollywood, some films are about Britain but not made in Britain and so on….the film industry is incredibly international! TASK : Discuss these questions in pairs: Does the subject, story and / or setting of the film have to be British? What are British films about? Is there such a thing as a typical British film? Does it have to be made by a British director? Can you name any? Does it have to be made in Britain? Does it have to be funded by a British company? Do you know the names of companies that produce British films? Should it be made mainly for a British audience? Do you know any examples?

3. British films - Task Watch each of the following clips from British films. What can you say about the following: A) Setting / Mise-en-scene B) Characters C) Narrative D) Other elements

4. Definitions of British film Legally a British film should have: Been mostly made in Britain with mostly a British cast and crew. Must be mostly be British financed. Must represent Britain.

5. British cinema – further questions to consider…. Most British films are produced in a very small area of the country – the South East, does this make them representative of the country? What about Scottish / Welsh / Irish films – can you name any? Most British films are made by white middle aged men, does this make them representative? How much do you think British films are influenced by Hollywood? Task: Watch this clip from Bridget Joness Diary and consider those questions.

6. British Talent Since the 1930s the British film industry has struggled to compete with the influx of Hollywood films and the power of the Hollywood studio system. Unlike the US, Britain has never had a studio system. In addition many of the best British talents have emigrated to the Hollywood system. Task: How many British actors and directors that are now big in Hollywood can you name?

7. Recent example: Parminder Nagra from Bend it Like Beckham. Leicester born actress. Began in local theatre and discovered by channel 4 talent scout. Got part inBeckham and whilst in LA promoting film she got part as Dr Neela in US hospital drama ER.

8. Problems with British film? Hollywood power: Most UK films are independently made and find it difficult to compete with the big US multi- national companies. The market is saturated by US imports. US films have more money to market/advertise. American imperialism: We are living in an Americanised country that is generally dominated by US culture( think of the music and TV industries as well). The idea of Britishness: until recently the British film industry was accused of ignoring issues and subject matter of those outside of the white mainstream. Recently films like Bend it Like Beckham, East is East, Dirty Pretty Things and Bullet Boy have begun to challenge British cultural stereotypes.