British Social Realism // Production Log Two

British Social Realism films are filmed on actual real life locations, for example council estates. This makes the film more realistic for the audience. An example of this is in the film "Fish Tank" as that is based on a council estate. This is also why there are many wide shots included in British Social Realism films, so the audience can see where it is set. 





Regional identity of a BSR film depends on where it is set and based around. The film would use the appropriate accent and language, correct settings and the main issues within the local area of the film. The actors would embody the typical character you would find in that area. For example in the film, "Yasmin" the issue of racism was used as it was evident in the area they filmed.

British Social Realism films use non-professional actors as it adds to the realistic feel of the film. The scripts are improvised sometimes so it makes the dialogue seem more natural and realistic. Especially during arguments, the director would want it to flow and escalate naturally so the actors can show their true emotions in the moment, making the text more believable for the audience.

The lighting in these films is natural most of the time to show how realistic the film is to the audience. It is common in BSR films that a blue colour design is used to give a cold feel to the shots. A blue colour design is used as British Social Realism films aren't usually happy, they tell the real struggles of some people's lives. They have moments of humour, but films in the BSR genre are usually tackling a serious issue within the story. 

This will impact my production because I now know common things found in British Social Realism films. Wide shots need to be used to clearly show the audience where the film is set and the surroundings of the characters. I will use real life urban areas, such as parks and blocks of flats as that's where most British Social Realism films are set, this will make my film more realistic.

"The Selfish Giant" was very influential as it shows many different themes clearly throughout the film, disabilities, social class, regional identity, gender, age, sexuality and race. The film shows how families can struggle with poverty, meaning children are forced to grow up to quickly and they miss out on their childhood. Also, "Fish Tank" because it is very realistic and shows the type of people you can find on council estates and what it is like living in a broken home. It is a coming of age story, where the main character is trying to find her way as she faces many difficult situations. 

I hope to be able to create an opening sequence that uses a similar mise-en-scene created in the British Social Realism films I have mentioned. British Social Realism films tend to have a serious topic as the focal point of the film, so I hope to do the same, by showing people something that maybe shouldn't be happening or what they are unaware is happening to people. For example, it's hard to believe that in such modern times, in some societies/cultures in the world, race or sexuality is still something that can cause separation between people.