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Stairways to Heaven: Rebuilding the British Film Industry
£14.20
What has brought about the transformation of the British film industry over the last few decades, to the beginnings of what is arguably a new golden era? In the mid-1980s the industry was in a parlous state. The number of films produced in the UK was tiny. Cinema attendance had dipped to an all-time low, cinema buildings were in a state of disrepair and home video had yet to flourish. Since then, while many business challenges especially for independent producers and distributors remain, the industry overall has developed beyond recognition. In recent years, as British films have won Oscars, Cannes Palms and Venice Golden Lions, releases such as Love Actually, Billy Elliot, Skyfall, Paddington and the Harry Potter series have found enormous commercial as well as critical success. The UK industry has encouraged, and benefitted from, a huge amount of inward investment, much of it from the Hollywood studios, but also from the National Lottery via the UK Film Council and BFI. This book portrays the visionaries and officials who were at the helm as a digital media revolution began to reshape the industry. Through vivid accounts based on first-hand interviews of what was happening behind the scenes, film commentator and critic Geoffrey Macnab provides in-depth analysis of how and why the British film industry has risen like a phoenix from the ashes.
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Additional information
| Publisher | I.B.Tauris, Illustrated edition (30 April 2018) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 320 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1788310055 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1788310055 |
| Dimensions | 14.73 x 2.6 x 21.18 cm |
by Wingate
This book starts where the book of the late Alexander Walker left off.Interesting for the most part.I don’t agree with his assessment of the state of British cinemas in the 1980s.There was some marvelous art deco super cinemas still in existence. I would always rather go there than some small multiplex box
by maria
What a great book! Insightful to read and a genuine pleasure to glide through. A complete up to date story of the late 30+ years of British film industry. THOROUGHLY recommend!
by TC
Informed and entertaining review of the UK film landscape over the last few decades. Compulsory reading if you have worked within the film sector but also, essential reading for anyone interested in how a business sector can adapt, evolve and change at great speed.
by ED
Whether you are a film buff or an industry pro this title is a must read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about how our film industry was saved and the legacy of such franchises as James Bond and Harry Potter. Really easy to read as well!
by Robert Keirans
Geoffrey MacNab is my new go to film critic because he writes well. His reviews provide more insight and are, therefore, more rewarding, something you can’t say about most weekly film reviews. From leafing through this book, I know it is a fascinating account of the UK’s film production achievements over the last three decades or so.