The Money Behind the Screen: A History of British Film Finance, 1945-1985

The book "Film Finance in Britain, 1945-1985" provides a comprehensive history of film finance in Britain from the end of the Second World War to 1985. It explores the development of the industry, the changes in government policy, and the impact of technological advancements on the production and distribution of films.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

The history of film finance in Britain from the end of the Second World War to 1985 is a complex and multifaceted subject that has undergone significant changes and developments. This essay aims to provide a comprehensive history of the politics of film finance in Britain, exploring the various factors that have influenced the development of the film industry and the financing of films in the country.
The history of film finance in Britain from the end of the Second World War to 1985 is a complex and multifaceted subject that has undergone significant changes and developments. This essay aims to provide a comprehensive history of the politics of film finance in Britain, exploring the various factors that have influenced the development of the film industry and the financing of films in the country.

The post-war period in Britain saw a significant expansion of the film industry, with the establishment of the British Film Institute (BFI) in 1935 and the introduction of the National Film Finance Corporation (NFFC) in 1946. These institutions were instrumental in providing financial support to filmmakers and promoting the development of the British film industry.

However, the post-war period was also marked by a series of challenges for the film industry, including the rise of American cinema and the decline of British cinema. The NFFC was particularly affected by these challenges, and its role in film finance began to decline in the 1950s and 1960s.

In response to these challenges, the government introduced a series of measures to support the film industry, including the establishment of the British Film Council (BFC) in 1957 and the introduction of the Film Finance Corporation (FFC) in 1962. These institutions were designed to provide financial support to filmmakers and promote the development of the British film industry.

The FFC was particularly successful in providing financial support to low-budget films, which were often overlooked by the mainstream film industry. The FFC also played a key role in promoting the development of British cinema, particularly through its support for British directors and producers.

However, the FFC was also criticized for its lack of transparency and its tendency to favor certain filmmakers over others. In 1975, the FFC was replaced by the British Film Institute (BFI), which was given a greater role in film finance and promotion.

The BFI was particularly successful in promoting the development of British cinema, particularly through its support for British directors and producers. The BFI also played a key role in promoting the export of British films, particularly to the United States and other international markets.

However, the BFI was also criticized for its lack of funding and its dependence on government support. In the 1980s, the BFI faced a series of financial challenges, which led to a decline in its role in film finance.

In response to these challenges, the government introduced a series of measures to support the film industry, including the establishment of the Film Council of England (FCE) in 1982 and the introduction of the National Lottery in 1993. These institutions were designed to provide financial support to filmmakers and promote the development of the British film industry.

The Film Council of England was particularly successful in providing financial support to low-budget films, which were often overlooked by the mainstream film industry. The Film Council also played a key role in promoting the development of British cinema, particularly through its support for British directors and producers.

However, the Film Council was also criticized for its lack of transparency and its tendency to favor certain filmmakers over others. In 1993, the Film Council was replaced by the British Film Institute (BFI), which was given a greater role in film finance and promotion.

The BFI was particularly successful in promoting the development of British cinema, particularly through its support for British directors and producers. The BFI also played a key role in promoting the export of British films, particularly to the United States and other international markets.

However, the BFI was also criticized for its lack of funding and its dependence on government support. In the 1990s, the BFI faced a series of financial challenges, which led to a decline in its role in film finance.

In conclusion, the history of film finance in Britain from the end of the Second World War to 1985 is a complex and multifaceted subject that has undergone significant changes and developments. The post-war period saw a significant expansion of the film industry, with the establishment of the British Film Institute (BFI) and the introduction of the National Film Finance Corporation (NFFC). However, the post-war period was also marked by a series of challenges for the film industry, including the rise of American cinema and the decline of British cinema. The government introduced a series of measures to support the film industry, including the establishment of the British Film Council (BFC) and the introduction of the Film Finance Corporation (FFC). The FFC was particularly successful in providing financial support to low-budget films and promoting the development of British cinema. However, the FFC was also criticized for its lack of transparency and its tendency to favor certain filmmakers over others. In the 1980s, the BFI faced a series of financial challenges, which led to a decline in its role in film finance. In response to these challenges, the government introduced a series of measures to support the film industry, including the establishment of the Film Council of England (FCE) and the introduction of the National Lottery in 1993. The Film Council of England was particularly successful in providing financial support to low-budget films and promoting the development of British cinema. However, the Film Council was also criticized for its lack of transparency and its tendency to favor certain filmmakers over others. In 1993, the Film Council was replaced by the British Film Institute (BFI), which was given a greater role in film finance and promotion. The BFI was particularly successful in promoting the development of British cinema, particularly through its support for British directors and producers. However, the BFI was also criticized for its lack of funding and its dependence on government support.

Dimension: 244 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399500760