History of British film industry

Early History:

The Cinema being an entertainment industry in the late nineteenth century in the United States, france and the UK. Filmmakers from the UK established small studios that would produce short films. In the first decade of the twentieth century more than 30 film studios were found in and around london. As Americas success took off the UK's rapidly faded. This was due to the expensive and heavily marketed featured films that America had. 



Cinemas had many new companies and investments of £1.5 million in cinemas in 1908 alone. This made the government recognise the potential of the film industry.

First Government support:

By 1925 British films had come to a point where fewer than 40 films a year were being made comparing this to over 150 films that were made in 1920. The issue was raised in May 1925 when Lord Newton mentioned it in the House of Lords. The Cinematograph Act 1927 helped recognise the importance of production, distribution and exhibition. The Act was a success in the sense that production companies including British International pictures at new studios in Elstree. 
For example: 


-Warner's studios at Teddington  



-Fox's studios at Wembley 


The Act also blamed for creating a market for poor quality, low cost films. 



The challenge of American film exports: 

The government was quick in recognising the importance of the film industry but American authorities were even quicker in recognising the importance of the exporting industry. In 1926 congress appropriated $15,000 to set up the motion picture Section within the Bureau of Foreign offices and 300 consular offices. This also appointed a Trade Commissioner in Europe. Harvard Business school started to offer seminar series the business and management of the film industry, several American business schools followed. This meant that film industry was responsible for about 2% of overall U.S GDP- growth and about 3% overall productivity growth between 1900-1938. 

The 1930's Boom and Bust:

The arrival of 'talkies' in 1928 had a positive effect on british film production.The films were protected in the home market and was able to compete with American sound films without the need for dubbing. The result was that the industry experienced a boom. 


The most successful British film production company was London Film Production, founded by Alexander Korda. 

Present day:

In 2012 647 films were released- more than 12 made per week.