Audience and Institution

British Film Industry

I personally believe that the British Film industry is a strong competitor in the film industry. Since first starting out with the first moving pictures on a celluloid film being made in 1889 in Hyde Park by William Friese, the film industry in Britain began to grow and continuously develop over the years. Particularly in 1940 where the industry was said to have been at its "golden age" in the UK.

The reason being for this industries success in the UK may be because of various things. One of which being the directors. Some of the worlds best directors have come from the UK such as Alfred Hitchcock and David Lean, who are among the most critically acclaimed of all time. Hitchcock directed films such as the 39 steps in 1935, The ring, whislt David was knighted order of the British Empire in 1984 for his inspirational work. Without directors such as these, it would be hard for the film industry to have ever taken off in the UK, therefore they play a key role in how well the industry can manage. Because of their talent, Britain produced many great films which helped the industry to thrive.

Actors are also a big part to play in the industry. To have good films, as well as directors, you need actors. Over the years, Britain has continuosly produced some top actors including Kate Winslet and Michael Caine. Some actors have starred in American films such as Titanic and Lord of the Rings which are co-productions with American producers. The fact that Britain and America have collaborated to produce and create films is another reason as to why the British industry has been able to grow and develop. However some people often question how much the British industry is characterised by working with European and American industries. I believe that these have positive impacts on our industry rather than negative. Without these other industries working with the British, I think the industry may have found it more difficult to sustain its high title, and that working with other industries can promote the British one by gaining popularity and variety in its film making.

Some of the most commerically successful films of all times have been produced in the UK such as Harry Potter and Jmes Bond which are the two highest-grossing film franchises. The amount of money that this industry generates from films such as these, gives us a look into how much it is valued. In 2009, British film grossed around $2 billion worldwide and achieved a market share around 7% globally and 17% in the United Kingdom. UK box-office takings totalled £944 million in 2009, with around 173 million admissions. This in itself shows how well the industry copes. If it was not managing well, it would be making a lot less money and not benefiting the economy as much as it could.

I think the industry links with people very well in terms of holding prize giving events that are equivalent to the Oscars such as The British Academy Film Awards. This obviously shows that the industry is slightly competitive within itself, yet promotes it at the same time.  This also shows that they are proud to 'show-off' the industry by holding such events, which also gives an opportunity to show what Britain has produced whilst connecting other industries together.

Overall I think that the British Film industry is definately a high competitor in the industry. Whether or not it outstands America is hard to tell in terms of the quality it produces. But I believe that it should continue with how it is managing and try to remain an industry to beat.