This document discusses the development of Working Title as a production company known for romantic comedies in the 1990s and then heritage films in the 2000s that celebrated British culture. It provides an analysis of the 2007 film Atonement as an example of a heritage film. Students will analyze scenes from Atonement looking at elements like mise-en-scene, cinematography, and editing. They will also consider why Atonement was commercially and critically successful internationally and the messages and values it promotes about Britishness. For homework, students must choose another Working Title film that breaks the mold of their typical romantic comedies to use as a case study.

1. Working Title: Heritage Cinema
L.O:
• To consider how and why Working Title developed
from its original romantic comedy roots.
• To identify the values and messages presented in
Working Title’s heritage cinema.
• To apply a “close study” to one example of heritage
cinema.

2. Each of you will be finding and developing your
own case study next week (of a film which goes
against the typified romantic comedy
conventions that we expect from Working Title).
In this lesson, we’ll work through one together.

3. How and why did Working Title
develop as a production company?
• Working Title became famed for its focus on
romantic comedy offerings, ensemble casts
and American stars in the 1990s.
• Heritage cinema (such as Elizabeth, Pride and
Prejudice, Atonement) developed in early
2000s and celebrated literary heritage and
“golden age” of Britain.
Why do you think that the genre of Working Title cinema developed?
Why do you think heritage was a popular choice? Is this marketable
for an international audience?

4. Atonement case study
Scenes for analysis:
• Opening scene – establishing mise-en-scene
and country house British etiquette.
• Dunkirk scene – attracts wider audience with
shared history and exploration of soldier life.
• Closing scene – picturesque British scenery.

5. Analysis – what are we looking for?
As we’re watching the scenes, what are we looking
out for? You will need to become experts on your
assigned scene, so be vigilant!
• Mise-en-scene
• Performance
• Cinematography
• Sound
• Editing
Opening scene – Mitoshka,
Bibi, Georgia, Aleena
Dunkirk scene – Lewis, Sean,
Caitlin, Ewan
Closing sequence – Alice,
Michelle, Humera

6. Selling an image of Britishness
• Atonement was a commercial success, grossing
£129 million.
• It won critical acclaim for its acting performances,
unique score and cinematography.
• Offered scenes of London which provided high
export value.
• Literary adaption increases sales.
Why was Atonement a commercial and critical
success with UK and international audiences?
What was messages and values does it promote?

7. Homework
• Choose your own film to use a case study.
• Your film should go against the model of
“romantic comedies” that we are so used to
seeing.
• Use the Atonement model sheet as a guide for
the information you should include.
• You could choose: Senna, Green Zone, About a
Boy, The Boat That Rocked, Hot Fuzz, etc.