I have been following with interest, the british independent film awards because I wanted to know how the film 'American honey' performed as we were introduced to the fim as a UK independent film when we went on BFI independent study day. It was not immediately successful as there was no big names excepting Shia Labeouf who played the character Jake. I find this film interesting as it is an independent British film which is what I will be making for my A-level Media.
I learned that American Honey is a British independent film because of the British director, contributing parties and key organisations. Andrea Arnold is known for making the film Fishtank which has a budget of only £1.3 million, compare this with Star Wars The Force Awakens which had a budget of £203 million. American Honey is an example of a BFI/ Film4 funding.
Another film that was successful was I, Daniel Blake, this is one of the more significant films due to it addressing very real and current issues within less fortunate societies in the UK. This is called social realism. The director Ken Loach, is known for, within his films, addressing very real and possible relatable issues within our society and that are going on in our country, especially ones that are not necessarily reported on in the news or in other films. Ken Loach is also known for talking out against other British directors for going for the safe options.
You have benefited from the study day at the BFI; it has enabled you to reflect on British independent film and to consider issues relating to your own production in that context.You should add these written reflections to this post: issues relating to the size of your budget, casting of unknowns and perhaps issues relating to distribution.
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