Themes of British Identity

Following on from our previous research our next task was to research potential ideas for themes or genre of our film, bearing in mind the issues or themes pertinent to British identity, society and culture.

Multiculturalism:
Multiculturalism has become a huge issue in today's British society and we face many problems that need dealing with:
>Diversity
>Immigration
>Racism
>Discrimination

A film could possibly be created, displaying the diversity and differences in culture within a multi-cultural society and how over the years this has created a number of problems. Furthermore a film concerning issues such as racism ect. could be introduced in order to try and tackle the problem in todays society. The film could go along the lines of a drama theme, illustrating the contrasting lives of two sets of very different people, which will appeal to a wide range of audiences ranging from all different cultures and ethnicities.

Current news events - The Riots:
During the summer of 2011, London witnessed shocking scenes of youths rioting and looting all over London, this raised the unanswered question as to why these youths were rioting?

A film could be created about how the riot effected the whole of London in particularly regarding the youths who were involved, the youths gained a bad reputation and the public increasingly lost trust in. However the youths have a different perspective of the riots, they clearly rioted for a reason, which has not yet been confirmed. A fake documentary styled film could be ideal, we could film the rioters explaining their side of the story.

Symbols of British/National Identity:
There are many signs and symbols which represent the British identity, cleverly incoorperating these symbols into a film idea would work extremely well in terms of illustrating Britain identity as the symbols are easily recognised.

>London Underground sign:

>Red London Bus/ Telephone box etc:

>School uniform:

The school uniform is very easily recognisable as a British symbol. Creating a film with the use of school uniform would work well in terms of illustrating the British culture. Furthermore due to the school setting of the film, this would appeal to many youths also in education as they will find it easier to relate to film, in addition the film could take on an educational theme, for educational purposes to be distributed around schools. 

Class and Status:

From the very wealthy suburbs 

To the poverty in the London estates

Within the British society there seems to be a divide which splits many of the regions in two. The heirachy system separating many people and families into different classes ranging from upper class, middle class and low class etc. seems to be creating a sort of segregation within the society many people are often judged simply due to their class and social status. for example upper class families or citizens enjoy a very huge income and are more successful in life etc whereas a contrasting low class family may be living in poverty and they are usually associated with unemployment, council home, living of benefits etc.

A short film possibly displaying the divide in society due to class and status could work extremely well, especially in terms of raising awareness of the effect it seems to be having on people lives. Or a possible Rom Com between two very contrasting people from different corners of Britain who cross paths and fall in love.

British Stereotypes:

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There are a number of British stereotypes which are commonly known around the world. The stereotypes range from a constant downpour of rain, bad teeth, hatred towards the french, football fanatics, tea/binge drinkers a many many more. In a sense these stereotypes create a sort of comical representation of Britain. A film focused around one of the stereotypical aspects will depict Britain in a much more less serious way, creating a sort of light hearted drama, simply for entertainment purposes.

Our short film could possibly take on well known British films genres:
>Rom-coms:

>Social realism:

>Film-noire:

>'British' Gangster:

>Espionage: