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.