Richard Gent | Monday March 11, 2024
Categories: EDUQAS A Level, EDUQAS AS, British Film, Horror, A Level, Hot Entries, Films & Case Studies, Hollywood Films, Non-Hollywood Films, Genres & Case Studies
click on image to enlarge How do genre conventions in the films that you have studied link with messages and values? (40) My chosen genre is horror and the two texts I have chosen to focus on are The Wicker Man (1973) and 28 Days Later (2002). The Wicker Man falls into the sub genre of horror and psychological thriller, with its own recognisable codes and conventions. As a film that was seen as problematical then in 1973 (hence its X/18 certificate) it has since become a cult classic exploring…
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Rob Miller | Friday October 01, 2021
Categories: OCR A Level, Drama, British Film, Comedy, Romance, A Level, Hot Entries, Film Analysis, Films & Case Studies, Non-Hollywood Films, Genres & Case Studies, Analysis
Institutional Factors | Distribution Submarine was written and directed by Richard Ayoade and released at UK cinemas in March 2011 after significant critical success at festivals including the London Film Festival (LFF) but particularly the Toronto Film Festival. Toronto success secured the film a distribution contract with the Weinstein Company (formerly Disney owned Miramax) – Bob and Harvey Weinstein’s company in essence can be described as a ‘Mini Major’ film…
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Rob Miller | Wednesday October 08, 2014
Categories: EDUQAS A Level, EDUQAS AS, British Film, A Level, Film Industry, Hot Entries, Film Distribution, Film Marketing, Genres & Case Studies
FM2: British and American Film ‘How to Respond to Section A - Producers and Audiences: Resource Items’ This resource examines approaches to Section A of FM2 in terms of areas of questioning but specifically, how to respond to the range of stimulus WJEC could use, and expect students to refer to in Part A and Part B of the resource items. The section title, ‘Producers and Audiences’ is important in letting students know the type of response expected in the exam – an equal…
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Rob Miller | Monday October 06, 2014
Categories: EDUQAS A Level, EDUQAS AS, British Film, A Level, Film Industry, Hot Entries, Film Distribution, Film Marketing, Film Publicity, Genres & Case Studies
Associated Resources WJEC AS Level Film Studies FM2 Exemplar Resource Material A.docx WJEC AS Level Film Studies FM2 Exemplar Resource Material B.docx Instructions Section A refers to the resource material (see associated resources) This is a Section A exemplar only Each question carries 40 marks You are reminded that assessment will take into account the quality of written communication used in your answers Section A: Producers and Audiences EITHER: 1. Study the items in Part A of the…
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jclarke | Friday September 26, 2014
Categories: British Film, Hot Entries, Non-Hollywood Films
click on image to enlarge Introduction Lynne Ramsay, the director of the film Morvern Callar has made the valuable observation that “I love to see great dialogue in the cinema but I hate to see ‘Film TV’. When I go to the cinema I want to have a cinematic experience….I like dialogue when it’s used in a way where the body language says the complete opposite…? [1] Ramsay’s emphasis on the importance of the non-verbal is highly relevant in relation to…
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karenardouin | Monday March 17, 2014
Categories: EDUQAS A Level, EDUQAS AS, British Film, A Level, Hot Entries, Audience, Film Analysis, Film Language, Representation, Genres & Case Studies, Analysis, Key Concepts
click on image to enlarge Answer three questions – one from each section Section A – Producers and Audiences Study the items in Part B of the resource material, which include:Poster for Cowboys & Aliens, released in 2011 Extract from a blog discussing film genre Forum discussion on movie genres. Use this material, together with your own studies, to answer the following question: How important is genre for audiences and producers? [40 marks] Item 1: Poster for Cowboys and Aliens,…
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Rob Miller | Tuesday March 11, 2014
Categories: EDUQAS A Level, EDUQAS AS, British Film, Comedy, A Level, Hot Entries, Genres & Case Studies
click on image to enlarge Resource Material
Study the items in Part A of the resource material for use with Section A Question 1.Item 1: Newspaper article: ‘British cinema is booming
’ British cinema is booming You have only got to listen to Jonathan Ross when interviewing British film actors – the British Film Industry is booming.British films such as 12 Years a Slave, Gravity, Philomena and Skyfall have been winning awards and achieving critical and commercial success all around…
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jclarke | Tuesday February 11, 2014
Categories: Theory, Film Theory, EDUQAS A Level, EDUQAS AS, British Film, Production Companies, A Level, Film Industry, Hot Entries, Film Distribution, Film Marketing, Film Publicity, Audience, Film Promotion, Film Analysis, Film Language, Representation, Films & Case Studies, Non-Hollywood Films, Genres & Case Studies, Analysis, Key Concepts
click on image to enlarge While we often first think and refer to contemporary examples of film stars when we study film, it’s useful and valuable to consider film stars whose work has featured across several decades. More specifically for us as British audiences, it’s of particular interest to consider British film stars both in terms of the interest of their performances, and also in terms of how these performances offer representations of national identity and gender in combination.…
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Richard Gent | Wednesday December 04, 2013
Categories: EDUQAS A Level, EDUQAS AS, British Film, Horror, Production Companies, Comedy, A Level, Film Industry, Hot Entries, Film Distribution, Censorship & Regulation, Film Marketing, Film Publicity, Audience, Film Promotion, Film Analysis, Film Language, Representation, Films & Case Studies, Hollywood Films, Non-Hollywood Films, Genres & Case Studies, Analysis, Key Concepts
click on image to enlarge The British Film Industry is successful and thriving but as Jill Nelmes identified in An Introduction to Film Studies can be defined on a number or levels and by a range of “disparate films, genres and movements?. In addition to this there are arguments over what is a British Film and as such, there have been many attempts to define British Film over the years. A useful definition that the BFI proposed in 1996 was that films could be described and culturally…
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jclarke | Friday March 22, 2013
Categories: EDUQAS A Level, EDUQAS AS, Social Realism, British Film, Crime, Production Companies, Thriller, A Level, Film Industry, Hot Entries, Film Distribution, Audience, Film Analysis, Film Language, Representation, Films & Case Studies, Non-Hollywood Films, Genres & Case Studies, Analysis, Independent, Key Concepts
click on image to enlarge Crime and cinema have a longstanding relationship. Going right back to early cinema one of the landmark silent films was The Great Train Robbery (1903). There is a shot in that film which is overtly referenced as the last shot that we see in the American crime film GoodFellas (1990). click on image to enlarge However, whereas we might argue that the criminal life that’s represented in the Hollywood-produced GoodFellas is somewhat glamourised and told in an overtly…
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jclarke | Friday March 08, 2013
Categories: EDUQAS A Level, EDUQAS AS, Social Realism, British Film, Production Companies, A Level, Film Industry, Film Distribution, Film Analysis, Films & Case Studies, Non-Hollywood Films, Genres & Case Studies, Analysis
click on image to enlarge Introduction National identity and cinema are inextricably connected around the world. Within this national cinema dynamic is to be found the question of what it might mean to ‘be British’, or, more specifically, English. It’s a question that’s the basis of a longstanding narrative that relates powerfully to our filmic identity and, more immediately, our identity as an island nation, physically and culturally (and economically) separate to the mainland of…
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jclarke | Friday February 01, 2013
Categories: EDUQAS A Level, EDUQAS AS, British Film, Production Companies, A Level, Film Industry, Genres & Case Studies
Institutional Context | Notes on the Background and History of Ealing Studios To understand the meanings, messages and values of any film as a text it’s important to also explore the institutional context from which it, or group of films, was produced. Context always helps us understand text. In terms of studying the films produced by Ealing Studios (Ealing being a suburb of west London) we need to have some understanding of the studio’s institutional context in two ways: (i) in terms of…
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vikiwalden | Wednesday January 30, 2013
Categories: EDUQAS A Level, EDUQAS AS, British Film, Production Companies, A Level, Film Industry, Genres & Case Studies
click on image to enlarge History of a British Studio British film has often been considered a cottage industry, which means it functions only “at home?. While it has booms, such as the early days of a studio system with the Rank Organisation, it also has disastrous busts. Many of the country’s film studios cannot sustain themselves. Unlike Hollywood, where the studios would be vertically integrated institutions, in Britain, studios have mainly been facility bases – places where people…
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jclarke | Thursday December 20, 2012
Categories: Theory, Film Theory, EDUQAS A Level, EDUQAS AS, Social Realism, British Film, Production Companies, A Level, Film Industry, Hot Entries, Film Distribution, Film Marketing, Film Publicity, Audience, Film Promotion, Film Analysis, Trainspotting, Film Language, Representation, Films & Case Studies, Non-Hollywood Films, Genres & Case Studies, Analysis, Key Concepts
Ewan McGregor is a major British film star who has appeared in a wide range of films that have been released globally since 1994. His career has combined performances in a range of lower budgeted feature films and work in highly budgeted, event films released by the major film studios. Over the course of almost twenty years McGregor has appeared in nearly fifty films. Professionally trained as an actor at London’s Guildhall, McGregor hails from Scotland and the narrative of his career…
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vikiwalden | Monday November 05, 2012
Categories: EDUQAS A Level, EDUQAS AS, British Film, Horror, A Level, Films & Case Studies, Hollywood Films, Genres & Case Studies
FM2: Close Study Topic British Horror: 28 Days Later Director: Danny Boyle Writer: Alex Garland Cast: Naomie Harris (Selena), Noah Huntley (Mark), Cillian Murphy (Jim), Bredan Gleeson (Frak), Megan Burns (Hannah), Christopher Eccleston (Major Henry West) Production Company: DNA Films and UK Film Council Distributors: 20th Century Fox and Fox Searchlight Pictures Release: 2002 Production Context With finance from both America’s Fox Searchlight and the UK Film Council the film had a promising…
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vikiwalden | Monday November 05, 2012
Categories: Drama, British Film, GCSE, Hot Entries, Audience, Film Language, Representation, Films & Case Studies, Non-Hollywood Films, Genres & Case Studies, Independent, Key Concepts
Paper 2 | Non-Hollywood Film | Yasmin Synopsis The opening of Yasmin reveals a Britain where racism prevails. Khalid and his son (Nasir) open the shutter of the family shop, which has been coated in racist graffiti. Nas proceeds to sing morning prayers – his voice echoes over the city and surrounding hills through the loud speaker - calling everyone to prayer. Several Muslims are seen hurriedly preparing, except one - Yasmin. In a field, just outside of town, she swaps her hijab for skinny…
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vikiwalden | Monday November 05, 2012
Categories: EDUQAS A Level, EDUQAS AS, British Film, Horror, A Level, Films & Case Studies, Non-Hollywood Films, Genres & Case Studies
FM2: Close Study Topic British Horror: The Wicker Man Director: Robin Hardy Writers: Anthony Shaffer (Screenplay), [David Pinner - Ritual novel] Cast: Christopher Lee, Edward Woodward, Ingrid Pitt, Diane Cilento Synopsis Sergeant Howie, a police officer from mainland Scotland, arrives on a remote island to investigate the disappearance of a young girl, Rowan. As he tours the island, questioning residents and looking for clues, he falls deeper inside the rabbit hole – discovering customs that…
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nicoleponsford | Tuesday September 11, 2012
Categories: OCR A Level, Mystery, Drama, British Film, Action, Horror, Comedy, Thriller, A Level, Hot Entries, Film Analysis, Films & Case Studies, Non-Hollywood Films, Genres & Case Studies, Analysis, Independent
In both the exam and in the coursework, candidates will be asked to study English Language Texts. They are NOT able to study the same texts for both sections and will prepare for this in different ways. For example, the coursework will act as a catalyst for their creative work in their portfolios. In the exam, students will have part of a two hour exam to answer a specific (unseen) question on an aspect of the film. Both the coursework and examination texts will have shared aspects. This is…
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Rob Miller | Tuesday November 29, 2011
Categories: British Film, A Level, GCSE, Film Industry, Hot Entries, Film Marketing, Films & Case Studies, Hollywood Films, Non-Hollywood Films, Genres & Case Studies
There are two distinct ways of targeting audiences: STAR MARKETING GENRE MARKETING Generic Typecasting Generic typecasting can apply to British or Hollywood film ‘stars’, e.g. Arnold Schwarzenegger as the stereotypical Action Hero, Julia Roberts or Jennifer Anniston as the classic Romantic Comedy lead, Tom Hanks as ‘the good guy’ and Jim Carey as a the fool (Comedy genre). Johnny Depp, for example is known for his ‘character roles’, often as an eccentric male lead (Pirates of the…
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nicoleponsford | Wednesday November 16, 2011
Categories: British Film, Action, Comedy, GCSE, Hot Entries, Film Analysis, Films & Case Studies, Hollywood Films, Genres & Case Studies, Superhero, Analysis, Action Adventure, Independent
Paper 1 | Superhero Films Case Study | Kick Ass Synopsis Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson) is Kick Ass. The film begins with his voiceover about superheroes and the story of his life. Six months ago, he was “the last person you would expect to be a superhero?. He is an American student who doesn’t belong to any clubs, “invisible to girls“, he fantasises about his English teacher and has a crush on Katie Deauxma, a cute girl who has a locker near his. His mother died 18 months ago of an…
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Rob Miller | Thursday November 10, 2011
Categories: Social Realism, British Film, GCSE, Hot Entries, Film Analysis, Screening Notes, Films & Case Studies, Non-Hollywood Films, Genres & Case Studies, Analysis, Independent
British and American Film Independent Case Study Associated Resources This is England Screening Questions.doc Use your bibliography of British Film resources to research the following questions: Who wrote and directed This is England? What other projects has he been involved in? What do you think his contribution to British Film has been? What was the name of the Production Company and Theatrical Distributor? How would you describe the Distribution company? Where did the film get financial…
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nicoleponsford | Thursday November 10, 2011
Categories: British Film, Research, Horror, Comedy, GCSE, Hot Entries, Film Research, Film Analysis, Screening Notes, Films & Case Studies, Non-Hollywood Films, Genres & Case Studies, Analysis, Independent
Associated Resources Shaun of the Dead Screening and Research Questions.doc Who directed, produced and distributed Shaun of the Dead? How does the film reflect the pattern of many British Films of recent years? Research and detail at least ten films made by the same production company and distributor. Identify their genre Why do you think Shaun of the Dead was commercially successful? Research the UK and US box office gross and subsequent DVD/Video sales How does the film culturally represent…
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Rob Miller | Thursday November 10, 2011
Categories: Costume Drama, British Film, Research, War, Period Drama, Heritage, Romance, A Level, Hot Entries, Film Research, Film Analysis, Films & Case Studies, Hollywood Films, Genres & Case Studies, Analysis
British and American Film Case Study Associated Resources Atonement Pupil Research Questions.doc Use your bibliography of British Film resources to research the following questions: Who directed Atonement? What other projects has the director been involved in and what does this say about his reputation and key specialist areas? Who wrote the novel that Atonement is based on, what do you know about him? What was the name of the Production Company and Theatrical Distributor? How would you describe…
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vikiwalden | Thursday November 10, 2011
Categories: CCEA, 1990 Onwards, British Film, Crime, Comedy, Hot Entries, Film Analysis, Films & Case Studies, Non-Hollywood Films, Genres & Case Studies, Analysis, Animation, Independent
Synopsis It is Gromit’s birthday and he is feeling particularly ignored by Wallace. When the post arrives, he eagerly seeks it out but find a rather tacky and unoriginal card ‘To a dear dog’ from Wallace and nothing else. Wallace presses his alarm for breakfast and reminds Gromit that it is his turn for breakfast, so Gromit obliges. Wallace finally gives Gromit his presents, which bemuse him - a collar and lead (so he can finally look like he “belongs to someone?) and techno-trousers…
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nicoleponsford | Thursday November 03, 2011
Categories: British Film, Horror, Production Companies, Comedy, Romance, A Level, Film Industry, Hot Entries, Film Analysis, Films & Case Studies, Non-Hollywood Films, Genres & Case Studies, Analysis
Paper 2 | Non-Hollywood Films Case Study | Shaun of the Dead Synopsis The Winchester, a typical London pub. Shaun (Simon Pegg), his girlfriend Liz (kate Ashfield), her two friends David (Dylan Moran) and Diane (Lucy David) are in the pub. Shaun’s best friend, the foul mouthed (and minded) overweight layabout, Ed (Nick Frost) plays the slot machines. Shaun is getting a hard time from this girlfriend; she wants to spend more time with him, be more exciting and do more than sit in The Winchester…
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Rob Miller | Thursday November 03, 2011
Categories: Costume Drama, British Film, War, Period Drama, Heritage, Romance, A Level, Hot Entries, Film Analysis, Films & Case Studies, Hollywood Films, Non-Hollywood Films, Genres & Case Studies, Analysis
Overview Director – Joe Wright (Pride and Prejudice): experience of big budgets, high production values and of the genre Costume Melodrama. Novel written by Ian McKewan (critically successful author) Genre Costume Melodrama – critically and commercially successful (‘safe’ genre). Arguably Atonement is a hybrid genre – Romance/War Film (built sets, contextual background). Gosford Park, Room with a View Produced and Distributed by Working Title (UK) and Universal Studios (US) – BFI…
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Rob Miller | Wednesday November 02, 2011
Categories: Drama, British Film, Crime, A Level, Hot Entries, Film Analysis, Films & Case Studies, Non-Hollywood Films, Genres & Case Studies, Analysis, Independent
Production Context & Key Notes Written and Directed by Shane Meadows (UK) Shane Meadows films include Once Upon a Time in the Midlands, Dead Man’s Shoes and Northern Soul Produced by EM Media (East Midlands) Distributed by Optimum (Independent UK Distributor : Brick, Vera Drake, Dead Man’s Shoes, 9 Songs) Additional Funding – Film4 and UK Film Council (£668,000 – New Cinema Fund, £90,000 P and A Fund) Theatrical Release: April 2007 Independent British Film Genre/Tradition: Social…
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Rob Miller | Friday October 07, 2011
Categories: British Film, Film Industry, Hot Entries, Films & Case Studies, Hollywood Films, Genres & Case Studies, Independent
Associated Resources British Film and Hollywood Essay.doc British Film has been dominated by Hollywood since WW1. Any essay that discusses UK Film has to reference the cultural and ideological dominance of the Hollywood Film Industry to such as point that many cinema goers often will never see a film in any other environment than a multiplex cinema. They may also fail to recognise that many other countries have very successful film industries - this reflects a concept called the Hollywood…
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