BRITISH SOCIAL REALISM

CODES AND CONVENTIONSAbout social realism

British social realism films are based around reality and Britain's culture itself. Strong use of iconography is a key to every British social realist film such as past events that have occurred in Britain, or even time periods such as the 60s/70s/80s. This genre of film is usually created by small independent companies such as Shane Meadows, Channel Four films, Kestrel films etc. who hold small budgets and low production values. Social realism is a genre that enables the audience to empathise with the storylines and relate them to real life scenarios. Wide social and emotional issues are raised within this genre of film which elaborate individual dramatic stories. Regional identity is another key factor to the genre and Is dependant on where the film is set, for example the use of accent, stereotypes and mise en scene.

CODES AND CONVENTIONSCharacters and casting

Unlike romance and comedy films who hire A-List actors and actresses that have been In multiple commercial films. However, British social realism films include non-professional/ less well known actors and actresses to enable the film will still hold realistic values and expectations. For example, This is England which was a film made in 2006 set in the era of 1983 and was produced by Shane Meadows included an British cast that were semi-professional.This includes:- Thomas Turgoose who played the main character “Shaun”- Jack O’Connell who played “Pukey Nicholls

CODES AND CONVENTIONSShooting the film

In order to make the film successful and fit the genre, social realism films are set on location rather than in a studio. By doing this it creates a sense of reality and authenticity for the film, ticking all the codes and conventions. For example, locations such as parks and council estates are found within this genre of film unlike big Hollywood sets. By the film maker doing this it makes the film look real to the audience; allowing them to relate to it. An example of this would include This is England shot the film on location around Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, using local council and housing estates within the film.

CODES AND CONVENTIONSDialogue and scripts

Some British social realism films like to use semi-improvised scripts to achieve a realistic outcome and true-like conversation between characters. However, this works effectively as social realism relies on reality and every day life. For example the film Kes which was created by Ken Loach used semi-improvised scripts within his social realism feature. Sound within realism films is mostly diegetic and stays within a linear narrative.

CODES AND CONVENTIONSShot choices

British social realism films include a range of shots, however wide shots are increasingly crucial to this genre. This allows the audience to get an idea of the surroundings and location being used. Although in addition to this, it adds context to the film and overall fulfilling the codes and conventions needed to relate to the genre. For example here is a wide shot used in the film This is England.

CODES AND CONVENTIONSTechnical codes

This genre uses technical codes such as ambient natural lighting and hand held camera shots to ensure that the film sticks to the genre. This is a crucial aspect for Social realism feature films because it signifies a realistic/ documentary experience. The stereotypical codes and conventions of this genre of film talk about issues such as drug abuse, street crime and antisocial behaviour.