Film 4 Commissioner Fact file

Film 4 Commissioner Fact file

Institution: Film 4 Productions "Great films for free"

Film 4, founded September 1998 is a subsidiary institution of Channel 4 and broadcast films that are produced by members from the UK or are produced by Film 4 Productions. Film 4 also distribute the films that they broadcast through multiple different platforms, for example Film 4 can be accessed through Television, Film 4 website, cinemas or theaters and streaming services such as Netflix or Sky. Film 4 is owned by the parent company which is Channel 4, who also has other Subsidiaries ranging from Television to music: 4seven, E4, More4, 4Music, Kiss, The Box, Smash Hits, Kerrang!, Heat and Magic.

Film 4 is a TV channel that is funded by broadcasting advertisements and a large percentage of the films produced to be shown on Film 4 are funded by the BFI (British Film Institute), which are usually low budgets for a movie of around £1,000,000. Film 4 has multiple divisions, which are responsible for different jobs under Film 4, these are Film 4 Productions and Film 4 Distribution. Film 4 often contribute a large amount of money towards British independent film makers ranging from 15-25% of the total costs. Not only do Film 4 help out British Independent Film makers but also those from the US and other similar countries and on average gives around £500,000 to each film that they choose to support.

Film 4 Productions are responsible for actually producing films or making films instead of just broadcasting films and are funded by Film 4, instead of through other methods whereas Distribution is just the section of the company that retails and markets all the films. One well known recent example of a film produced and distributed by Film 4 is the second Inbetweeners film.



Even though Film 4 only broadcast British made films, they are still very successful outside of the Uk as well, screening well known movies in other countries abroad such as the example I listed above, Film 4 are a good example of British humour and culture in often a comedic tone or with negative themes to other countries around the world as it isn't hugely if not at all influenced by viewership in other countries as it's main purpose was to be made for the UK and not the rest of the world. Since it's launch in 1982 Film 4 or as it was originally known as FilmFour has kept the same content type and has become a well engraved part of British Culture in the film industry. 

Film 4 have a very specific style of film that they work with, this being that of British Social Realist films where the themes that they explore are very deep and almost always negative. They will often be set in the suburban areas and urban areas of the country and they will often involve a lot of crime, disability and family issues. These films will also not include hollywood style plots and will be based upon domestic life and everyday life for an average person and as a result will often not include well known actors.