What's Wrong With The British Film Industry?

In comparison to other locations, such as Hollywood, it can be argued that the British film industry is lacking in something, that it isn't as successful as some others. But it is unlikely to be due to lack of talent, as Britain have some of the finest technicians in the world who are very much wanted by Hollywood, even though they could make even more cost savings by shooting in Poland, or Romania, but still choose Britain. It can’t be down to a lack of facilities, as we have the biggest sound stages and all of the latest technology. It can’t be down to a lack of acting talent either, as today there are many more British actors working in America than there are Americans working in Britain compared to years ago. It isn't just the quality of British films being produced that is low - it's the quantity too. The number of films being made in Britain has fallen to the lowest level since at least 2003, with those that are being made on much lower budgets. On the consumer side, the British watch more films across more platforms than ever before, with record receipts of £988m at the box office. But the production side is a grim picture. The number of films made was down from 87 in 2009 to 79 in 2010. Total films made in Britain, including Hollywood productions and co-productions, fell from 150 to 128 last year. However many people hold a different opinion on the state of the British film industry as it is, for example Lord Smith: “British film is going through a golden period.  A run of British-made and British-based movies has been taking audiences around the world by storm.  But we cannot be complacent – this review highlights the things that the BFI, Government and industry can do to ensure that we continue to build on recent successes. British film is in prime position to make a major contribution to the growth of the UK’s economy, to the development of attractive and fulfilling careers for young people and to the creation of job opportunities across the country.” Like Lord Smith, some people see the British film industry as a huge boost to the economy and believe that when they want they can produce the best movies. The British film industry not only helps the economy out with money, it also supports over 35,000 jobs. Also in respond to the people who say Britain does not produce enough movies, last year independent British films took their largest market share in a decade, which illustrates that Britain does encourage people to produce/make movies and this has made an impact. The box office itself also made over £1 billion for the first time, even though Britain doesn’t produce as many films as America, we still contribute to watching them and financially helping the market. Britain also has the highest amount of cinemas in comparison to Europe, this also proves that we have a lot of people in the country that enjoy and contribute to the film industry, and obviously a large amount of money is gained from the public consuming films in this way. The British film industry has also invested £160 million in movies and gained  £800 million, in other words every £1 we have invested we have got £5 in return. The films produced in Britain have won over 300 awards worldwide and have also won some of the most prestigious awards such as the Oscars and BAFTAs. Britain have produced many successful films in the past such as Trainspotting, which created a lot of gain for the British film industry. If the Edinburgh tourist board didn’t have reason to thank the director of Trainspotting, Danny Boyle, for the adaption of Irvine Welsh’s novel of junkie street life, the British film industry and a million student walls and CD players certainly did.Also some of the more recent and most successful UK independent films were The King's Speech, grossing £46m in the UK, and The Inbetweeners Movie, grossing £45m. They also went to the top of the charts of the top 20 independent films since 1989, coming in above Slumdog Millionaire and Four Weddings and a Funeral.

In my opinion, I believe the British film industry doesn't lack talent or quality, but does lack the quantity that we need to be even more celebrated and create even more success.