I, Daniel Blake - Context Questions

“I, Daniel Blake”

PRODUCT CONTEXT

I, Daniel Blake is an independent social realist film directed by renowned filmmaker Ken Loach (Kes, Raining Stones, Sweet Sixteen etc.).

A UK/French co-production, it received funding from the BFI and BBC Films.

It became Ken Loach’s largest grossing film at the box office (taking over $8 million), was highly critically acclaimed and generated much debate due to the contemporary social and political issues addressed in the film.

I, Daniel Blake was exhibited at many film festivals, won the Palme d’Or at Cannes, and was nominated for many awards including several BAFTAs.

1.   What issues does I, Daniel Blake address in the film? Consider both economic and political issues, as well as social.

2. Who do you think is the intended audience for this film?

3. How much did the film cost to make?

4. What kept the costs down?

5. How can you tell that Straight Outta Compton was made by a major Hollywood studio and that I, Daniel Blake was not? Make a list of differences

6. Economic factors including funding are extremely significant to this independent British co production. The funding bodies are the BFI (through National Lottery Funding) and the BBC. Consider the ways in which this film is funded differently from many mainstream films.

7. Exploring Public Service Broadcasting and the respective remits of the BBC and the BFI.

8. Discuss why vast financial profits might be less important for practitioners working in this genre of film.