Distribution Case Study: Slumdog millionaire

The role of the UK

The role of the UK

Film Council

 

SCENARIO

Imagine you are the new Chief Executive of the UK Film

Council and ultimately in charge of all film policy and funding

decisions. Taking into account the research you have done,

make notes on the following for a presentation to a committee

reviewing the UK Film Council’s work at the Department of

Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS):

 

 

There are no major issues for British audiences regarding language and narrative concepts with Hollywood Films. Some might say that because of this, there is no need for Britain to make their own films. However, It is extremely important for Britain to make their own films.

 

Firstly, it gives Britain their own sense of identity as it gives the chance for narratives to be centered on British issues. Also, continually making good British films it gives Britain a high status in the international film industry, which is very superficial. It can also make a lot of money for the country, which the government need to make more notice of. Especially in these times of economic crisis, where more money would be extremely beneficial.     

 

I think that there should not be specific types of films that the UK Film council only grant funding to. There are millions of people in the UK with vast and diverse tastes in film. All genres of films should be catered for but because of the highly increasing competition from Hollywood films some things do need to be prioritised. Even though no film should be rejected from funding because of its genre or narrative, I do think that big action films, romance and comedy should be prioritized as they make the most money at the box office generally.

 

The Five aims of my organization:

 

Action- This is a big office draw. Could make a lot of money and could boost the international film status of the British film industry. It is a popular genre and could encourage the British public to get used to visiting the cinema more often.

 

Romance- This is a big office draw. Could make a lot of money and could boost the international film status of the British film industry. It is a popular genre and could encourage the British public to get used to visiting the cinema more often.

 

Comedy- This is a big office draw. Could make a lot of money and could boost the international film status of the British film industry. It is a popular genre and could encourage the British public to get used to visiting the cinema more often. Also this genre is growing with films such as “Run Fat Boy Run” and “Hot Fuzz”.

 

 

Independent- Britain needs a chance to be expressive and to cater for a UK audience with British based narratives, actors and location.

 

Horror- Again, Britain needs a chance to be expressive and to cater for a UK audience. Also this genre is growing with films such as 28 Days later.

 

I also think that the UK Film council should attempt to help fund film festivals and events to try to raise the profile of the UK Film industry. Also, if possible funding should used to help boost the popularity of UK TV Series and niche television programmes i.e. teenagers or for the older generation.

The definition of a British Film

The definition of a British Film

 

The statutory definitions focus on mainly figures and costs of things. It does not take creative aspects into account, rather financial aspects are preferred.

 

However, the British Council has a different sense of thinking, the definition it gives is less business orientated and takes creativity into account.

 

 

What I believe makes a film British…

 

I believe that many things need to be taken into consideration when branding a film with the all-important title of being “British”. The director of the film is very important. Where the director comes from plays a big part in how the origin of the film is portrayed to audiences and in most cases can cause people to believe that a film is from a certain place because it is where the director id from. E.g. Danny Boyle’s films are widely seen as being wholly British. The rest of the production team also should be taken into consideration such as producers, cameramen etc.

 

Where the funding comes from for a film is also important. If mainly American companies and institutions fund a film then some may argue that it is an American film; even if the actors, narrative and location are not based in or around America. That leads me to my next point, the actors. The main box office draws of a film also need to be taken into account. When the public see famous Hollywood stars such as
Brad Pitt or Will Smith as the lead in a film, they automatically assume that it is an American film. This is the same with stars such as Keira Knightley or Sienna Miller.

 

The location of the film or narrative is also important which more of a factor that concerns the audience and public, rather than industry professionals. “Slumdog Millionaire” is a prime of example of this and how complex it can actually be. “Slumdog Millionaire” is regarded by industry pioneers and professional as a British Film, as it is directed by Danny Boyle, has a lead actor who is British and has a mainly British production team. However, many people in the public acknowledge this film as being a Bollywood film, the narrative is set in India and is also located there, it has many Indian actors and contains “Bollywood” dancing and themed music.

 

As this all shows, deciding where a film is from is very complex and numerous things need to be taken into account, even more things than I have mentioned. It is a very tricky choice to make and it can also be quite controversial. However, it must be done, and hopefully after reading this you will have a greater understanding of how difficult it is to make such a decision.