What impact did the media

institution Film4 have on each

production stage and why?
 Pre - Production
Making a Production for Film4 meant we had to research Film4 and its
ethos;
“to develop (new) British Talent and be a leader of innovation in the British
Film industry”
Knowing this information, meant our storyline had to be unique and
original.
To get a feel of Film4 productions, we watched many films and compared
them to Hollywood productions. The Mise-en-scene and narratives made
them different as they were quite controversial, that only niche audiences
would enjoy, for example: aspirational, violence and sexuality.
 Production
Film4 films tend to be set in natural, gritty environments rather than
extravagant sets, so it was much easier to film in surroundings we already
have. However we didn’t want it to be too nice as we wanted to keep with
the theme of British Social Realism genre. This is the reason we filmed our
entire production in a normal house.

We didn’t use a huge cast as we thought this would distract from the
storyline, so my own production was based around one particular character
like many other Film4 Films, e.g. Fish Tank. We also made the relationship
interracial to provoke more controversy.

The equipment we used was basic and not High-Tec as we know thatFilm4
Films do not have a huge budget to work with. This meant our quality of
filming would be the same.
 Distribution
Box could be distributed by many companies, but I have researched
existing Film4 films with similar storylines:

• Optimum Releasing – also distributed “Four Lions” which is similar to

my own production due to the Islamic religion being a key element.
• Buena Vista International – also distributed “Hallam Foe” which is also
controversial due to the theme of sexuality.
I think both of these distributors would have no problem in distributing
Box. Being a Film4 Film means it will also be distributed in Art House
cinemas rather than Multiplex cinemas due to the budget they are working
with and how controversial the film is. Some cinemas may not think it is
appropriate and will attract smaller audiences which may put them off.

Film4 also guarantees that they will show their productions on the Film4 /
Channel 4 within two years. It would also be successful for home
distribution on DVD.