Film4 Fact File

• Controlled by Tessa Ross
•  Produces and broadcasts alternative films
•  The channel became free in 2006, which allowed the public more access to home grown, lower budget film.
• www.channel4.com/film is the official website where you can see what films will be shown on the TV channel for the next week, as well as reviews of films and interviews from the casts.
• film4 was originally called Filmfour, and was channel 4 productions 2nd channel, after channel 4 itself.
• The philosophy of film 4 is that they are "commited to enhancing the british film making industry by nuturing and funding new talent." showing that they want to make honest films and help get young directors work out there, rather than just spending lots of money on explosions, CGI and well known directors.
•  It's aim is also to encourage audiences to broaden its horizon, offering a range and mainstream and independent films.
• The company went into administration in 2002, and had to significantly cut staff and budgets. They announced they would no longer distribute their own films.
• The current budget has risen by 50% as of 2011 from £10million to £15 million, per year, and is guarenteed for the next 5 years. This rise will give independent films a chance as the government decided to close the uk film council."It will allow us to extend our reach further towards new voices and audiences" Tessa Ross
• On average 6 films a year are made by Film4
• Warp-X has been set up- low budget studio for low budget films to be given a chance
• won 5 oscars in 4 years and 3 baftas in 2007 alone
• reaches 8.3 million educated audiences a month
• examples of films are: Trainspotting, Four Lions, Never Let Me Go, Slumdog Millionaire, This is England, East is East, NEDS, and My Beautiful Laundrette.
• examples of cast/directors are: Danny Boyle, Steve McQueen, Mike Leigh, Peter Mullen, Mark Romanek, Martin McDonagh and Chris Morris
• Anna Higgs (Media Producer) was hired to spearhead 'Film4.0' an online arena of films in which the aim is to nuture new talent and to broaden the horizon of audiences.