Reading. THE BRITISH FILM INDUSTRY (Pre-Int)

THE BRITISH FILM INDUSTRY

Since 2000, an organisation called the UK Film Council has been monitoring films produced in the British film industry. It is backed by the British government and funded by the British National Lottery, which helps to keep the standard of creativity in British films high. Supporting the production of more than 900 films over the past 12 years, the organisation has generated around £700 million worldwide. For every £1 that the Lottery invests, the Film Council generates £5 at the cinema box office.

The Film Council specialises in making sure that the industry employs many different types of people. Everyone has a chance to work in the industry, whether they come from a wealthy background or not. Since the beginning, they have been making sure that the films produced in the UK represent true British life and culture. Its aim is to support women’s rights, people from minority groups and people with disabilities.

The British film industry produces many different kinds of films, from action to romance and historical dramas to comedies. Many of these films have become internationally famous, including the James Bond, Harry Potter and Wallace and Gromit films. Compared to Hollywood, which spends £65 million a year to produce a film, British films are cheaper to make, but still have the same excellent quality, with great special effects and amazing costumes. Historical dramas have become increasingly popular – films like The Queen and The King’s Speech generated millions of pounds around the world. Other films, such as Slumdog Millionaire, Vera Drake and Billy Elliott, have dealt with issues in society.

In the past, some of the most famous directors in Britain have been Alfred Hitchcock, Richard Attenborough and Ridley Scott. Nowadays, one of the most famous British directors is Danny Boyle, who directed Slumdog Millionaire. His films deal with current issues such as corruption and poverty. Boyle has directed films with difficult subjects that could cause tension or even be banned in other countries. However in Britain, unlike America, films are more realistic and don’t hide from the truth.