What Makes A Film British?

Jack Cooper

BFI

For a film to be considered British by the BFI, all films should pass The Cultural Test. This involves a point system out of a possible 35. For example, if the film is set in the UK or Europe, the film gains 4 points. A British or European lead actor gains one point, and if the film shows British diversity and/or heritage it will gain a further 4 points. To pass as a British film, the film itself must pick up a minimum of 18 points.

BFI

If the film itself does not score enough in the cultural test, it still has other ways to classify itself as a British film. It can meet the requirements of:• One of the UK’s official bilateral co-production

agreements• The European Convention on Cinematographic

Co-production

BBC

BBC researched what makes a British film by referring to the Bafta rules. They found that films like Gravity – featuring an American cast and a Mexican director – was classified British because it was shot over here.It’s safe to say that films do not have to be vigorously British in order for it to have a British tagline. In many ways, the BBC’s research is similar to the BFI in the way that the rules are lenient on what is British and what isn’t.

Gravity

It’s British because it was filmed and produced in the UKDirector: Alfonso CuaronProduction Group: Universal StudiosStarring: George Clooney and Sandra BullockGenre: Sci-Fi Themes: Space, companionship and communicationBox Office: $716 million (worldwide), $47 million (UK)

The World’s End

It’s British because it is set, filmed and produced in the UK. Also features British cast, director and editor. Heavily references British culture and portrays stereotypical citizens.Director: Edgar WrightProduction Company: Working Title FilmsStarring: Simon Pegg and Nick FrostGenre: Comedy/Sci-FiThemes: Friendship, addiction, survival and freedomBox Office: $46 million (worldwide), $13 million (UK)