Explain what you understand the term ‘regulation’ to mean [2]
Regulation refers to the rules and restrictions that different media industries must follow. One example of a regulatory framework is the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) which regulates films and videogames in The UK through a system of age ratings.
Explore the ways that films can be affected by regulatory frameworks. Make reference to I Daniel Blake to support your answer [10]
Knee jerk reaction
I Daniel Blake has been affected by regulation
Plan
Age rating
Livingstone and Lunt
Ineffective regulation
Digital distribution
F___ and C___
(strong language)
Regional differences
Regulation
Harm and offence
Sex references
Themes of prostitution
Other Loach Films (Sweet Sixteen)
Strict regulation
Introduction
DAC - definition, argument, context
Regulation is important to the film industry because it provides a framework of suggestions to parents to allow them to decide what is appropriate to their children. However, despite being heavily regulated, the regulation of films in the UK (achieved through age certificates) is ineffective. To explore this point I shall refer to Ken Loach’s indie social realist film that achieved significant critical success.
Paragraphs
PEA - Point, evidence, argument
Paragraph examples/discussion/etc here
IDB was rated 15 in the UK by the BBFC. It was rated 15 primarily due to its use of strong and very strong language. In England, certain words are considered particularly offensive, and the use of ‘the C word’ in particular may be considered to cause harm or offence. This is in direct opposition to the producer, who intended for the film to be a 12A in order to be seen by as many audiences as possible and therefore to share the message of the film. This is an excellent example of the conflict between the producer’s ideology and the strictness of UK regulation, which stands in stark opposition to other countries like France which have a far more liberal attitude to regulation.
However, the regulation of films in the UK may be strict, but it is largely ineffective. Livingstone and Lunt argue that regulations are ineffective due to digitally convergent technologies and digital methods of distribution. Despite I Daniel Blake’s highly political mode of address, the film is distributed on Disney Plus in the UK, which not only allows the producers to target a wider audience, it also allows younger audiences to circumvent regulation by simply watching the film online. Therefore despite it’s adult content, IDB can be viewed by Children
Films are typically regulated to prevent harm and offence. However, it could be argued that IDB has nothing that would harm or offend audiences in the first place. While the film contains strong language, these words can be interpreted differently in different parts of the country. An excellent example of this can be found in Loaches Sweet 16 which was rated 18 purely for its very strong language despite the language being commonplace in Glasgow. Additionally, while IDB deals with themes pf prostitution, it is not dealt with in an explicit way.
Finally, it can be argued IDB did not deserve a 15 rating as the political themes of the film are too important to be regulated. However, the blunt regulation of films in the UK stopped the film from being viewed purely for its strong language.
Explore how independent films are shaped by their context of production. Make reference to IDB
Curran and Seaton argue that the film industry is completely based on the ideas of power and profit. How IDB has been made to spread a political message to a niche audience. This has completely influenced the production of this film and shaped the very nature of it.
Low production values, including north of England setting, and stereotypical representation of people who live there
Low budget - 3.5million (Black Panther cost 200m…)
Casting of unknown and non hegemonically attractive actors
Simple, straightforward editing and cinematography connotative of poverty and highly typical of the genre
Documentary style
Lack of special effects
Lack of CGI
Lack of post production editing techniques
Variety of production companies typical of an indie film to minimise risk
Niche, depressing theme
Primarily targeting a British audience
Won the Palme D’or award at Cannes