2. BFI
For a film to be considered British by the BFI, all
films should pass The Cultural Test. This involves
a point system out of a possible 35. For example,
if the film is set in the UK or Europe, the film
gains 4 points. A British or European lead actor
gains one point, and if the film shows British
diversity and/or heritage it will gain a further 4
points. To pass as a British film, the film itself
must pick up a minimum of 18 points.
3. BFI
If the film itself does not score enough in the
cultural test, it still has other ways to classify
itself as a British film. It can meet the
requirements of:
• One of the UK’s official bilateral co-production
agreements
• The European Convention on Cinematographic
Co-production
4. BBC
BBC researched what makes a British film by
referring to the Bafta rules. They found that films
like Gravity – featuring an American cast and a
Mexican director – was classified British because it
was shot over here.
It’s safe to say that films do not have to be
vigorously British in order for it to have a British
tagline. In many ways, the BBC’s research is similar
to the BFI in the way that the rules are lenient on
what is British and what isn’t.
5. Gravity
It’s British because it was filmed and produced in
the UK
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Production Group: Universal Studios
Starring: George Clooney and Sandra Bullock
Genre: Sci-Fi
Themes: Space, companionship and communication
Box Office: $716 million (worldwide), $47 million
(UK)
6. The World’s End
It’s British because it is set, filmed and produced in the
UK. Also features British cast, director and editor. Heavily
references British culture and portrays stereotypical
citizens.
Director: Edgar Wright
Production Company: Working Title Films
Starring: Simon Pegg and Nick Frost
Genre: Comedy/Sci-Fi
Themes: Friendship, addiction, survival and freedom
Box Office: $46 million (worldwide), $13 million (UK)
