Who do you believe is the most influential Institutions in the British Film Industry and Why?

Although there are several factors which contribute to the changing and shaping of the British Film Industry, such as audience and public stereotypes, as well as the development of new technology  which enables the use of 3D and high definition enhancing the visual viewing and impact of the film.

However the aspects which assist in influencing the British film industry the most is the Film institutions themselves, such as The British Film Institute which Promotes appreciation and understanding of films and television and The UK Film Council which support and help with development throughout the entirety of the production of the film as well as encourage the growth of the UK film industry.

The UK film council established in the year 2000, is a major force within the British film industry, funded by the government, receiving most of their money through the national lottery, the institute provides expert help and assistance for a bulk of UK films which are both mainstream, and those which highlight new and upcoming talent whether it be actors or directors.  Throughout the years the UKFI have generated £700 million in box office films worldwide, assisting the progress and expansion of over 900 films and features.

It is apparent that Institutes and Companies such as the BBFC – British Board of Film Classification, may have the overall and greatest influence over the British Film Institution, Labelling the Film to be; U, PG, 12A, 12 15 18, or R18, depicts on whom is able to view the picture on the big screen within the cinema. This may cause controversy as if a film is aimed at a younger audience, but rated with a certificate of 15 it conflicts with the targeted viewers, therefore as a result although there may be scenes which suggest and have resulted in the film being certificated a higher age, the overall story and concept of the film may not appeal to this particular age demographic , therefore the production company and those individual/independent companies which have funded the movie run the risk of losing their money, and will receive no profit from the film itself when released.

As well as helping establish films within the UK film Industry, they too have the ability to facilitate certain production company’s such as Working Title and SeeSaw productions, enabling them to make their specific films suitable for American Audiences, this would include slightly changing the trailer, name and maybe the adding or taking away of certain scenes, which too would help the feature appear appropriate for an all American viewing. This is evident in the film ‘The Boat that Rocked’ which when sent abroad, the trailer was changed in order to demonstrate the only American actor to appear to be the focal and main protagonist of the film, as well as this the title of the movie was altered to ‘Pirate Radio’ a term in which would be more appropriate for this target audience.

As a result of sending classical British films, also enables the benefit for the UK film institute’s, as it helps raise the profile of the overall British film industry.