Geoffrey Macnab Livres

What has brought about the transformation of the British film industry over the last few decades, to the beginnings of what is arguably a new golden era? In the mid-1980s the industry was in a parlous state. The number of films produced in the UK was tiny. Cinema attendance had dipped to an all-time low, cinema buildings were in a state of disrepair and home video had yet to flourish. Since then, while many business challenges especially for independent producers and distributors remain, the industry overall has developed beyond recognition. In recent years, as British films have won Oscars, Cannes Palms and Venice Golden Lions, releases such as Love Actually, Billy Elliot, Skyfall, Paddington and the Harry Potter series have found enormous commercial as well as critical success. The UK industry has encouraged, and benefitted from, a huge amount of inward investment, much of it from the Hollywood studios, but also from the National Lottery via the UK Film Council and BFI. This book portrays the visionaries and officials who were at the helm as a digital media revolution began to reshape the industry. Through vivid accounts based on first-hand interviews of what was happening behind the scenes, film commentator and critic Geoffrey Macnab provides in- depth analysis of how and why the British film industry has risen like a phoenix from the ashes.

Ingmar Bergman was the last and arguably the greatest of the old-style European auteurs and his influence across all areas of contemporary cinema has continued to be considerable since his death in July 2007. This book explores the often painfully autobiographical nature of his work, while also looking in detail at Bergman as a craftsman.

Focusing on the diverse contributors to the British film industry, this book highlights the journeys of mavericks and visionaries who achieved success despite significant challenges. It features well-known figures like Richard Attenborough alongside lesser-known talents such as Alma Reville and Constance Smith. Each individual’s story illustrates their unique pathways into film, showcasing their resilience in overcoming obstacles related to nationality, race, class, and gender, ultimately shaping the landscape of British cinema.

"This is a history of the British film industry told from an unusual perspective - that of various mavericks, visionaries and outsiders who, often against considerable odds, have become successful producers, distributors, writers, directors, editors, costume designers, agents, special effects technicians, talent scouts, stars and, sometimes, even moguls. Some, such as Richard Attenborough and David Puttnam, are well-known names. Others, such as the screenwriter and editor Alma Reville, also known as Mrs Alfred Hitchcock; Constance Smith, the 'lost star' of British cinema, or the producer Betty Box and her director sister Muriel, are far less well known. What they all have in common, though, is that they found their own pathways into the British film business, overcoming barriers of nationality, race, class and gender to do so. Counterpointing the essays on historical figures are studies of contemporaries including the director Gurinda Chadha and Efe Cakarel, founder of the online film platform MUBI, who've come into today's industry, adjusting to an era in which production and releasing models are changing - and in which films are distributed digitally as well as theatrically"--

Comprehensive history of British film distribution featuring first-hand interviews.