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

Description

The British Film Industry in 25 Careers tells the history of the British film industry from an unusual perspective – that of various mavericks, visionaries and outsiders who, often against considerable odds, have become successful producers, distributors, writers, directors, editors, props masters, publicists, special effects technicians, talent scouts, stars and, sometimes, even moguls. Some, such as Richard Attenborough and David Puttnam, are well-known names. Others, such as the screenwriter and editor Alma Reville, also known as Mrs Alfred Hitchcock; Constance Smith, the ‘lost star’ of British cinema, or the producer Betty Box and her director sister Muriel, are far less well known. What they all have in common, though, is that they found their own pathways into the British film business, overcoming barriers of nationality, race, class and gender to do so. Counterpointing the essays on historical figures are interviews with contemporaries including the director Amma Asante, the writer and filmmaker Julian Fellowes, artist and director Isaac Julien, novelist and screenwriter Hanif Kureishi, and media entrepreneur Efe Cakarel, founder of the online film platform MUBI, who’ve come into today’s industry, adjusting to an era in which production and releasing models are changing – and in which films are distributed digitally as well as theatrically. Cover page Halftitle page Title page Copyright page Contents Foreword Acknowledgements Introduction 1 Michael Balcon 2 Richard Attenborough 3 David Puttnam1 4 Betty Box 5 John Maxwell The Cautious Scottish Visionary 6 Muriel Box 7 Efe Cakarel1 8 Mickey Pugh1 King of Props 9 Isaac Julien 10 Adrienne Fancey 11 ‘Poppa’ Day 12 Alma Reville Mrs Hitchcock 13 Val Guest 14 Liz Wrenn1 15 Karel Reisz 16 Constance Smith 17 Anthony Minghella 18 Hanif Kureishi1 19 Julian Fellowes1 20 Eve Gabereau1 21 Andy Whittaker1 22 Maxine Leonard1 23 Amma Asante1 24 Julian Richards1 25 Tim Webber1 Conclusion1 Index