Audiences all over the world love films, and around 7000 titles are produced worldwide every year. However, only a small proportion of these are exported and traded internationally. Hollywood dominates that trade with around 150 studio films but there have, been periods when other industries were also successful in selling their films widely. On this course we will discuss the 1960s, when European films – and those from Italy in particular – were popular in many markets. We will then consider the current situation in which China, India and South Korea are starting to develop the export potential of their film industries to engage more directly with Hollywood, Europe and the rest of the world.
Over 500 films are released in UK cinemas every year. Who decides which titles we get to see and what criteria do they use? Why are we more likely to see foreign language art films in our cinemas, but not popular entertainment films from the same countries? There are many myths about the global trade in films which this evening class will aim to debunk, while reveal something of what we could be watching.
Beginners’ level, no prior knowledge required
Led by
Roy Stafford, freelance film educator
Course screenings
Viva Maria! (CTBA) / Wed 22 Jan, 18:30
Boomerang Family (CTBA) / Wed 19 Feb, 18:30