To what extent are your chosen texts typical of their genre?

This is England is categorised under a social realist genre. Films in this genre mainly base their conventions round themes and ideologies of the movie, in this case: Racism, masculinity and poverty. Films like this also usually make comments on people and places and in this film Meadows conveys particular ideologies in changing Britain in the 1980s and challenges the audiences, evoking questions as well as answering many. 

Being a social realist drama it is important that devices such as the aesthetics get across the sense of reality to the audience and create an atmosphere which can be considered as believable and almost like it can reflect the audiences lives. One way Shane Meadows does this is by casting non professional actors (such as Thomas Turgoose who intact experienced a similar situation to his character Shaun) and no stars. In effect, this is typical of the genre as it makes the audience feel like these characters could just be everyday people and therefore creates a degree of authenticity. Another way this film creates a degree of authenticity is through camera work and editing. In many scenes, handheld shots have been used which gives the scenes a sense of restlessness which reflects the film as well as the unpredictability of the film itself. this idea is reinforced through the improvisation of movement and dialogue throughout the film as it makes the audience feel like it is real and anything could happen at anytime. The fact that there are are no special effects also makes this film typical of a social realist genre as Meadows does not 'Hollywoodise' anything, these people, places and actions are real and this is what Meadows gets across.

The Functions and ideologies utilised throughout this film are also typical of a social realist genre. For instance the film contains social and political views of the 1980s.

How does your chosen text attract their audience?

This is England is a very challenging movie that may appeal to those who want to watch a film that actually makes you think. As a film that touches many audacious issues it is easy to argue that this could in fact make audiences take the oppositional reading however ultimately the target audience take the preferred reading and take it as a gritty, hard hitting and emotional film that asks many questions about society back in the 80s as well as society in the present day. 

There are two main target audiences for this film one being those who were the same age as the characters in that era the movie is set in. This is england would appeal to an audience like this from a nostalgic point of view as many of the issues that it touches may have been issues that effected their lives back in that era and taking the uses and gratifications theory, this could therefore allow the audience to personally identify with characters. The other key audience that Meadows discussed targeting are people who are now the same age as the characters in the film to raise issues such as racism and adolescence. This appeal is met through the character of Combo who delivers a speech in a racist way however despite that, the audience understand that this is not path that they should choose and when combo says 'Make a decision' this may appeal to audience as they along with the characters are making a decision and might feel a sense of reward when they choose the right path (anti-racism).

The theme of youth and childhood may also be something an audience of this type can relate. All in all personal identification is key for both of these audiences This is england evokes this in various ways throughout the film. 

The themes that are conveyed throughout this film may also appeal to an audience. For instance the theme of community may appeal to mainstreamers. As their main ned os the need of security they may feel like this theme will fulfil that and as this film caused a stir over social network it may appeal to this audience as it is something they can join in and the 'we rather than me' idea then becomes active. However some of the more hard hitting themes and issues such as racism and politics may appeal to other audiences such as the explorer as these themes are something which is hard to tackle, something that is different.

The fact that this film doesn't contain many major stars or actors might appeal to the audience (and explorers) as the focus to detail and attention is more placed on the film rather than the stars themselves and creates a sense of authenticity. It agains allows both target audiences to personally identify with the characters as they feel as though they could just be be anybody. This could be said for the director. Although those who love film may know Shane Meadows those who are not film fanatics may not necessarily know of many other of his works which may appeal to those who want to try something new. However those who do know of Shane Meadows may find this film appealing as it reminds them of his previous works and can then compare other themes and over all film itself to his other films or if they are they are fans of his other films the audience will want to watch this is england.

How does This Is England attract its audience?

The target audience for This Is England can easily be defined by two separate age groups, the first of this being audience members who were in their youth at the time the film is set. Key aspects to this would include scenes in particular that offer a sense of nostalgia, including the scene in which Shaun is reading magazines in the corner shop. Not only would this simple act be familiar to an older audience (who did something like this as a child), but the mise-en-scene also features key eighties iconography; including sweets, furniture and magazines. Another key audience for this film includes modern-day youth, as so many of the themes and issues it includes (such as racism and sexuality) are still appropriate nowadays. However, due to the 18 age rating, Meadows was disappointed with the restrictions this posed to a younger audience.

      The social realist genre itself, as well as the brief advertising for the film including it's quirky poster and trailer would also open way to a whole different kind of audience. This is considered the 'explorer', as they enjoy films and texts away from the mainstream. The music that accompanies the film would act in addition to this, as it is likely they would also find the soundtrack being to their taste too. 

       This film also caused a huge stir in relation to the issues it tackled. This was a huge political message about Thatcher's government, and caused just as much controversy as it did all those years ago. With such a little budget for the film, the height of social buzz it created was phenomenal. This therefore reaches an audience who may not have generally went to see the film through advertising alone.

Narrative structure in This Is England

One way in which this film can be interpreted is Shaun's 'coming of age story'. The entire film takes place over the summer holidays, a time in which authority is dismissed and it seems as though there is an endless amount of free time. At the beginning of the film we are shown Shaun cycling through the streets after finishing school, this is mirrored too at the end of the film. We again see Shaun cycling, and his hair (which had been previously shaven off) has now grown back. Thus, Shane Meadows cleverly uses small and intricate techniques as a representation of passing time. 

The film also is deeply rooted inside a real context, this being even the more so familiar with an older audience, more specifically those who grew up in the Eighties. Certain backdrops, costumes and props all create a feeling of nostalgia, and one scene this is apparent is when Shaun is shopping in a corner-shop. Not only does this seem familiar to a viewer, (who most likely when they were younger would do a similar thing), but the items on sale are also extremely iconic of the Eighties; including sweets and newspapers.

The film has also been said to be split into two symmetrical narratives. Arguably the first of these begin when Shaun comes across Woody and his gang, Woody instantly positioning himself as a father figure for young Shaun, when informed he is being bullied. The narrative then possibly stops and restarts again, with the introduction of Combo in his flat. The second half has a much more sinister tone to it, and Combo, like Woody, also takes on a father figure to Shaun. In the second half the viewer is more exposed to issues including racism and violence, and this can be physically seen when Combo in fact draws a line on the floor, instantly creating two halves. 

Another way in which we can look at the film is through it's mix of stylised set-ups, and also documentary realism. The film's social realist genre helps to create this gritty and realistic feel. Shaun and his mother in the shoe-shop could be included in this, as through the dialogue we feel it is in fact a real conversation we are watching, and not just a film. However, a much more stylised scene includes when we see both male and female groups are walking. A wide shot has been used to allow us to see the entire cast, and this helps to identify their characters, as their full costume is also in display.

Music also plays a key part to represent Shaun's introduction of a new found culture. Music is often used in key scenes to create maximum emotion, as well as being another signifier of 'the times', adding to the overall classification of the eighties. 

To what extent is This Is England typical of the social realist genre?

The easiest way in classifying a social realist film is ideologies and themes it centres around. Often these films presented ideas such as poverty, sexuality or masculinity. However, the list doesn't stop there, as these films pretty much focus on all issues in our society.

In This Is England, a main feature throughout it's entirety is the idea of 'Britishness', including the extremity of racism. One scene in particular that sticks out is when Combo and his gang visit a National Front meeting. Obviously concerning extremely controversial issues, this scene acts as a perfect example of what is defined as being social realist. Another scene that at one point becomes almost unbearable to watch, is when Shaun and Combo decide to burgle an Asian man's corner-shop, and  subject him to vile treatment. Combo later threatens the shopkeeper with a machete, again making it even more uncomfortable to watch. An aspect of this film which makes it seem extremely real, is just how believable it is. Incidents like this are all too often spoken about in the news, thus further making an audience believe it's credibility.

Issues surrounding a social-realist film often borderline on real life issues. This film in-particular is based around the Falkland War, and Maragaret Thatcher's government at the time. The Falkland War in fact plays a key feature in the narrative, in that it is this lack of a father figure that arguably leaves Shaun abandoned for the summer amongst a group of people he has never met before. Thus, Woody takes on the role of a father for young Shaun.

The use of unknown actors further plays a key element in a social realist film. An audience will have no pre-conceptions about the actor, as they have not yet before seen them anywhere else. This allows a viewer to more easily imagine them truly playing the character.

These films are often filmed directly on set, further adding to the sense of grittiness and reality. No big production sets are used, as the backdrops used are normally exactly what the director is wanting to portray. In this film, council estates and small rundown homes were used in portraying the film's realness. The scene in which we are introduced to Combo is a perfect example of this, as the entire cast are all squashed inside the one room. The lighting is not completely clear, and we too feel as though we are part of the film, making us feel like we too are exactly there.

However the film can also be looked at in relation to Shane Meadow's being an auteur. Meadow's films often portray narratives including a group of young people who are 'trapped', as well as children who are exposed to the real world. He often presents darkness as juxtaposed with humour, and a perfect example of this is the slapstick used when Combo falls over following the machete scene.

How successful was This Is England for the film industry?

Considering This Is England was made on an extremely small budget of £1.5 million (with claims that production team even had to use props to drive themselves around in), it is no doubt a success that the film grossed over £5 million. Internationally didn't do as well (due to the limit to marketing and exhibition), however Sweden and France both brought in over £1 million each. The likely answer for this is the film's Skinhead origins, as this movement too was very apparent in other European countries. 

     The film had a lack of 'star quality', however this worked in favour for newcomers Thomas Turgoose and Joseph Gilgun. Both of these were introduced to British viewers, with the latter going on to feature in The Misfits and other television shows. Justifying the film's success, it went on to acclaim numerous sequels. With a series on Channel 4, a sequel to the series, and a fourth instalment currently in the works, its clear just how much people enjoyed This Is England and are still hungry for more.

     Awards including Best British film at the British Academy Film Awards, as well as newcomer The British Independent Film Awards clearly represents the film's heritage. Acting as a representation of Britishness in itself, this shows a testament to Shane's work and the themes he wanted to portray throughout his movie. 

     Most importantly, this was to make a political message in the way that the country was ran during the 1980's. With Thatcher's government almost dictating the working-class, this is represented both fairly and accurately in the film. With a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, it is clear this was too a fan favourite. Reviews included; "the script and direction as being virtually flawless" and also "totally amazing and influential". 

However, one element that may be considered as being slightly more unsuccessful is the films Aged 18 rating. This means that Meadow's intended audience was not entirely reached, as the film itself typically focuses with youth themes; most of the time portraying a message that young people themselves can find useful. Slightly more negative reviews also include "This is England. Yes we know that, and you had to make a movie about that." Plus, "Depressingly middle of the road... Sure, everything been done before, but this film added nothing to the 'good kid, wrong crowd'". 

Marketing, Promotion and the Internet in relation to This Is England

Unsurprisingly, This Is England had a relatively small advertising budget. Made up of just one poster and trailer (most probably created by Meadows himself), the extent of money used was relatively little, considering the film itself had a budget of only £1.5 million.

The poster used features all main characters lined up against a wall, seemingly in a run-down British council estate. With the film's title hugely printed across, it's themes of Britishness and youth culture in the film are entirely recognisable. Numerous characters are clearly part of the 'skinhead culture', and so therefore this again signifies to the audience an insight into what the narrative may feature. Therefore, this may specifically apply to the Explorer. They tend to step away from convention, and the punk, gritty feel of the poster may also apply to them. The use of graffiti and anarchy suggests individuality, and therefore again appealing deeply to the Explorer group. The film also appears unique in that there no focus of one specific protagonist, but rather a large group with many cast-mates. The use of film festival awards again implies the uniqueness and organic quality of the film. 

The website of Shane Meadows himself entirely fits in with the previous themes of anarchy that have been used. Splatters of red not only connote vandalism but more sincerely blood. The black industrial style background further ties into the genre of 'Social realist', which clearly many of Meadow's films are. Close up's of the characters allow the viewer to have a sense of which characters we should be identifying with, plus who will make more of an impact throughout the film.

Clearly a main form of advertising for any film, regardless of it's buzz or budget is a movie trailer. This Is England's trailer quite obviously portrays a coming of age study, as well as using traditional British iconography to allow the viewer to realise what the film may portray. The genre of social realism is also made all the more apparent in the film, with themes of racism, class and sex represented in the two and a half minutes shown to us. The trailer ends with breaking the ultimate fourth-wall, and making the upmost connection with the viewer themselves. This is that Shaun looks directly to us, therefore creating the biggest form of a connection with the viewer.

This is England- Text, Industry, Audience and British Film Industry

This is England undoubtedly fits perfectly into the British film criteria. Everything from the mise en scene, cast, tone and iconography contributes to the representation of Britain and British culture. The genre of social realism with the help of British directors such as Shane Meadows contribute to British cinema as a whole. Therefore it only seems likely that the UK Film Council and Film4 would be the perfect production companies to help fund the movie. Together the contribution between the two companies funded £668,000 towards the films alongside funding from New Line Cinema who brought £90,000 to the film. 

Screen Yorkshire is a regional partner for the UK Film Council and works to deliver a number of key initiatives in areas such as education, production, screen heritage and training. The agency has made a number of successful investments including This is England which has helped make a significant impact on the growth and profile of the company itself. With the help of the Screen Yorkshire alongside the UK Film Council the movie would have undoubtedly been extremely hard to fund and maintain. Before its closure in 2010 the UKFC helped fund many British films alike, spanning from independent projects and projects which could potentially have a more global appeal. The UKFC also contributed to distribution and exhibition of movies which could be seen as being incredible useful and valuable to projects or in general the film industry. Set up in 2000 by the Labour party, UKFC funded some of the most important films in British cinema including This is England. Ronan Bennett in his article in the Guardian online highlighted the importance of the council and the affects its closure will potentially have not just now but in years to come. Arguably, Bennett believes that the UKFC is not run by money but by people with a true passion and knowledge for films which is essential to the making of This is England. As we know the movie is slightly autobiographical to Meadows himself therefore the tone of the film needs to be one that is true to its roots rather than being over complicated and glamorized. Therefore it seems likely that the UKFC are the perfect ambassadors for this film as according to Bennett, 'it was staffed not just by bureaucrats but by people who have made films, who loved film, who knew film makers and understood their struggles.' From the article Bennett proves to us how the UKFC is beneficial to movies such as This is England as they have more of a knowledge and more to offer for insightful films. Seemingly by the time we read the end of the novel we almost feel like everyone is affected by its closure. However for the years it was running it held significance in UK cinema.

  Shane Meadows creatively was forced to find ways to tell the story of This is England on a tight budget. With £1,500,000 to spend Meadows potentially could been seen as limited within his recourses. Restrictions include casting, with a small budget the director might be unable to cast blockbuster stars however this did work in Meadows favour fitting in with the genre of social realism and initially not wanting an all star cast. Expensive equipment was also out of budget therefore cheaper alternatives where used which I feel helps contribute to the tone and style of the film giving it a much more realist touch giving the audience a fly on the wall experience almost documentary style rather than a scripted storyline.
 This is England can be seen as being semi-autobiographical to Meadows himself, capturing the gritty realism and cold colours of crumbling council estates is all about Meadows mimicking his own childhood as inspiration. This is England shows the struggles Meadows faces whilst growing up and through his career potentially having a affect on his film making today. His attention to period detail is obsessive, from the fashion, including perms, Ben Sherman button-down shirts and Doc Martens boots, to the popular culture of the 80's giving us the sense that Meadows has truly living in the 80's himself. From the film we can defiantly see how Meadows wanted to depict the true essence of the 80's culture in all its rawness. With his intimate knowledge of neglected English landscapes, he succeeds in capturing the grey, gritty, bleak, council estate of the eighties urban working class. 

As a social realism film This is England conventionally plays on themes and messages typical of the genre. For example many of the scene throughout the movie are filmed on location with the help of natural lighting. Themes such as masculinity are looked into however can be seen as being challenged in this film with characters such as Woody taking on a more approachable, caring male unlike the expectations of men we are usually presented with.