British Film Industry in 25 Careers: The Mavericks, Visionaries and Outsiders Who Shaped British Cinema

The British Film Industry in 25 Careers is a book that tells the history of the British film industry from the perspective of various mavericks, visionaries, and outsiders who have become successful producers, distributors, writers, directors, editors, props masters, publicists, special effects technicians, talent scouts, stars, and, sometimes, even moguls. It highlights the pathways they took to overcome barriers of nationality, race, class, and gender to enter the industry, and features interviews with contemporaries who have adapted to the changing industry.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 25 February 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The British Film Industry in 25 Careers takes a unique approach to exploring the history of the British film industry, focusing on the stories of various mavericks, visionaries, and outsiders who have achieved success in various roles. These individuals, often facing significant challenges, have emerged as producers, distributors, writers, directors, editors, props masters, publicists, special effects technicians, talent scouts, stars, and even moguls. While some, such as Richard Attenborough and David Puttnam, are well-known names, others, such as screenwriter and editor Alma Reville, also known as Mrs. Alfred Hitchcock; Constance Smith, the forgotten star of British cinema; and producer Betty Box and her director sister Muriel, are less familiar.

What unites these individuals is their determination to break into the British film business, overcoming barriers of nationality, race, class, and gender. Their journeys are portrayed through essays on historical figures, complemented by interviews with contemporaries who have entered the industry in the modern era. These contemporaries include renowned directors like Amma Asante, writers and filmmakers like Julian Fellowes, artists and directors like Isaac Julien, novelists and screenwriters like Hanif Kureishi, and media entrepreneurs like Efe Cakarel, founder of the online film platform MUBI.

In this era of rapidly changing production and distribution models, as well as the digital distribution of films, these individuals have adapted and thrived. They have navigated the evolving landscape, embracing new technologies and strategies to reach audiences and succeed in the competitive world of film.

The British Film Industry in 25 Careers offers a captivating glimpse into the history and evolution of the British film industry, highlighting the contributions of these individuals and their resilience in the face of adversity. It serves as a testament to the power of creativity, determination, and the pursuit of one's dreams, regardless of the obstacles that may lie in the way.

Weight: 730g
Dimension: 241 x 165 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350140691