1. Homework!
 Please and thank you!

2. The British and US Film
Industry
PART TWO

3. Vertical Integration
 Where a company will own/control all the steps in
the production process
 Baker owning wheat farm and fertiliser company
 For example AOL Time Warner owns not just the
Production companies and their distribution arms, it
also owns TV networks, magazines, record
labels, radio stations. So it is in a position to not
only make and distribute films, but has the ability to
play and promote them through other media forms.

4. Horizontal Integration
 Where one step in the production process is own by a
very small number of companies.
 Baker owns all other bakeries in the area
 For example, AOL Time Warner owns Warner
Brothers Studios, Castle Rock Entertainment , New
line Cinemas and Fineline features, all of which are
Production and distribution Companies. Many
companies try to do this, but it is dominated by The
Big Six.

5. What is a MONOPOLY?
 Exclusive control of a commodity or service in a
particular market, or a control that makes possible the
manipulation of prices.
 There is only one bakery.
No or very little competition!
This is the Hollywood system and it has serious draw backs
for British companies
What might they be?
Can’t get funding
Less known – less popularity
Smaller audience in UK

6. CONSEQUENCES OF CONGLOMERATES
 Media become loyal to sponsors, rather than to the
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public interest.
For the general public, there are fewer diverse
opinions and voices available.
Only a few companies represent the interests of a
minority elite control.
For minorities and others, fewer opportunities are
available for voicing their concerns and reaching
the public.
Healthy, market-based competition is absent,
leading to slower innovation and increased prices.

7. Hollywood and British Films
 Hollywood realised that there is serious money
to be made in international distribution so they
invest heavily
 They retain the rights to their films so secure
profits for many years
 British film industry is production led whereby
distribution is usually through an American
company
 Any money made is not going back into the
British film industry
 ‘Cottage’ industry

8. A distinctive cinema?
 180 million tickets sold yearly
 Inward investment to improve
the cinema going experience
but:
 80% of admissions are for
mainstream American films

9. Challenges
 British film industry unable to respond to increasing
audience demand
 Hollywood has diversified and strengthened to
develop links with other media and delivery
platforms and technology creating vast media
empires
 Global market at $63 billion in 2005
 US takes 80% of this global market

10. Britain vs Hollywood
How do American successes
compare to Britain's?

11. Activity
 Find out the Top 10 Film at the UK box office for
2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013
 Find out the Top 10 Film at the US box office for
2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013
 USA 09 (AA), 10 (AA), 11 (AA), 12 (AA), 13 (AA)
 UK 09(1xEng), 10 (1xEng), 2013 (AA)

12. What did you notice? What does this tell us?
 Lots of USA films dominate the TOP 10
in USA/UK
 UK charts had an occasional UK film in
Top 10 but only due to audience
relating to it (not popular in USA)

13. Question
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What are the advantages of Hollywood’s domination?
You know there will be a constant release of films
High class actors and access to resources
You know all the films will be to taste of majority
Good quality (high class resources)
Will appeal to mass audience (they know the formula)
What are the disadvantages of Hollywood’s domination
Other places find it hard to break through
No opportunities for people/companies outside of Hollywood
No variety, cheesy films, pick a script that makes money rather than has
integrity.
Hollywood retains profits
What is good about having a British Film Industry?
Gives us a name
Gives us some good films (that WE like)
Films with more integrity
Seeing our communities on the screen.

14. Follow Up
 If you have not already read and answered the
questions on the following articles please do so in the
next week
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What Made Hollywood
The British Film Industry
 And here is a new one to work on now
 How to save the British Film Industry – David Cameron style.

15. Questions – How to save the British Film Industry
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5.
From the writer’s point of view, what is the aim of this
piece of writing in your opinion?
Where does this writer explain his view on what the
British Film Industry should do next? Find a quote and
explain it’s meaning.
Why do you think they are so critical of David Cameron
in particular? Do you agree with this?
Which ideas which we have learnt about on previous
slides today are referenced or suggested to us?
As part of the British film-going audience, what do you
think the audience can do in order to help preserve the
British Film Industry?