Commissioner Factfile

Who is the company? 


Film Four is a British digital television channel available in the UK, it produces, distributes and exhibits films. It is owned and operated by Channel Four Television Corporation. They own and operate other channels too such as Channel 4, 4seven, E4, More4 and 4music. When asked about commissioning priorities, Film Four responded with: 

"We look for range across our subject matter and budgets, though we prioritise stories with contemporary relevance, based around British led talent or content.While we are not prescriptive about the kid of material we are looking for, we are particularly interested in distinctive voices and work that aims to push the boundaries, within any given film genre."

There is advantages for the success of films they produce as they are committed to airing the films they produce on both Film4 and Channel 4 on television.

What do the company produce?

Film 4 aim to fund around ten to twelve feature films a year. "We invest £15 million annually in developing and financing films for theatrical release in cinemas, working collaboratively with filmmakers and usually in partnership with other funders." Film 4 often co-produce with other companies for example the realist film "This is England" was produced by Film Four productions and Warp Films. They traditionally contribute around 15-25% of an independent film's budget. Film Four have built a reputation for producing kitchen sink dramas otherwise known as social realist films. They aim to show the hardships of working class life in Britain in the most realistic light possible. They often use real locations and untrained actors and are often set in regional, heavily accented areas. These types of film deal with some controversial or sensitive themes of the time period the film is set in. Popular social realist films produced by film 4 include, "My Beautiful Launderette," "Rita, Sue and Bob Too" and "Trainspotting." It is clear through researching Film 4 that they are mainly interested in controversial topics in films and innovative ideas instead of particular genres. However they have funded and developed other genres of film, romance, comedy, horror, science fiction and so on.

Where is the company based?

FIlm4 Productions is a British film company who are well-known for backing a large number of films made in the UK. Their main aims is to develop the film industry in Britain but they do not exclude creative, innovative ideas from outside the UK. They fund films internationally, even in America.

Why is the company important to the UK Film Industry? 

Film 4's ethos is to develop British talent and be a leader of innovation in the British Film Industry. They also aim to invest around £500,000 per film at a rate of 20 films a year. Film Four also support international independent film makers by co-investing in interesting foreign film ideas. Film Four offer a platform for British and independent cinema by committing to show each one of Film Four's productions on Channel 4 and FIlm 4. These key values of Film 4 means that they help develop the British film industry, as they do not exclude low budget films or independent directors. In 1992, the film "The Crying Game" produced by Film Four was very successful in America. Also in the 90s films such as "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and "Shallow Grave" were big successes. In 1996, Film Four had a very successful year with film productions with films such as "Trainspotting," "The Fully Monty" and "Brassed Off" found success at the UK Box Office. All these films were produced by the UK, showing Film Four help develop the UK film industry. Danny Boyle is a director who has worked on five Film 4 Productions, including "127 Hours," "Trainspotting," "28 Days Later," "Sunshine" and "Slumdog Billionaire." He has won the Oscar for "Slumdog Billionaire" in 2008, and works in both film and theatre.