British Film Industry

Why Do you think 3d takings went down when the number and variety of 3D films increased in 2011?

• The number of 3D films made increased from 28 - 47 from 2010 and this caused people to see a wider range of films, meaning each film made less money
• The novelty of seeing films in 3D could have also worn off as after the first time, a lot of 3D films use the same effects which has the effect of making them similar looking

Where do you think these films end up being shown?

• The films will mainly be shown at film festivals around the UK and in various art house and small multiplex cinemas. They could also be distributed on DVD, online and blu-ray

Why do you think there are more people going to the cinema mid week? Who are more likely to attend cinemas outside of opening weekends?

• The main age group of people attending films mid week are the elder citizens, usually above 40 because the cinemas are crowded with teenagers and people in their early 20's during the weekend, which is when they have the time. It is seen as a night out for this age group, whereas the elder people see it as a way to pass time or a hobbie which doesn't need to be refined to the weekends.
• Other Deals such as Orange Wednesdays also have the effect of making people go to the cinema mid week due to cheaper cinema tickets, making the cinemas less congested on weekends.

Why Do you think there has been a decline in DVD sales over the last few years?

• Figures of people who watch films online compared to buying dvd's or going to the cinema has increased greatly. This is due to how easy and how little they have to spend, with endless streaming sites available such as Netflix, lovefilm and more.
• The prices of DVD's are also in a decline due to this streaming, in order to make them more accessible. This is due to the prominent illegal film streaming which occurs all throughout the world.

Summarise what has remained the same about the UK film market over the last 10 years and what has changed dramatically

• More films are being shown in the cinema than 10 years ago, rising from the mid 300's to 550 odd in 2011. This means that more people attend as there is a greater range of films and also more accessibility due to the multiple Multiplex's and IMAX's which have been opened in the last 10 years.
• There has also been a rise in the amount of sales in hand held devices such as DVD players, tablets and smart phones which can all be used to watch films on.  

How does Film Production in the UK seem to be very different compared to the Hollywood model of large, powerful studios?

• The funding within the UK filming industry is miniscule compared to Hollywood, this makes things in the UK harder to do at every stage from production, filming etc to post production and distribution.
• New UK films will recieve a small scale release in cinemas, usually in smaller screens or arthouse cinemas. This is again because of funding as the BBC and ITV are the main funders, along with the lottery.
• Many UK companies are subsidiaries of Hollywood companies.

What is the benefit to a producer of branding their film as British?

• Britain is very well respected within the community. They have influential people in every part of the industry from actors and filmers to producers and directors, as well as major figures in the distribution industry.
• Appeals to residents of the UK while Hollywood still get most of the profits. Win Win situation
• Britain is a promenant filming location and with the hype from Skyfall and various other films using London as a major location, it can be seen as profitable.

How many of these could be considered British films? How many are co productions where most of the money leaves the country? What does this tell us about the UK film industry?

• Most of the films on the list have a heavy US influence with fubnding, actors or people involved with the making of the film. This means that the list comprises of very few exclusivley British films, being The King's Speech, The Inbetweeners, Horrid Henry and Jane Eyre.

Which of My Week with Marilyn and The Boy in Striped Pajamas do you think the BBC co-produced and why?

• My week with Marilyn would be the most likely due to the abundence of British actors and a british producer which the BBC would have helped to get. Also, Keneth Branagh and various others have had previous experience with the BBC.

Do you think the UK film industry needs a body like the UKFC? Why?

• yes, the need of a company like this is to provide funds to film makers, usually indipendent or on a small scale with no Hollywood links. Not only does it help to make the British film scene more British but it also has the effect of allowing a greater range of films to be produced.
• As long as it can be continued without criticism it is a great acces to the mainstream film industry for someone requiring a break with a new idea.