The social impact of film production — Social Film Drama (2024)


How do you create a better society? How do you create social change?

These questions challenge politicians, sociologists, theologians and many other members of society.

From being questions of morality they are increasingly becoming questions of practicality. The escalating cost of fixing problems, whether they are related to health, justice or the environment, is becoming unsustainable.

Focus needs to be placed on prevention to tackle the escalating challenges.

Individually and as a society, how can we reduce smoking, violence, obesity, waste, abuse, heart disease, stress, mental illness? How can we change patterns of behaviour? Awareness, understanding, leadership, communication, political will and co-ordinated action all play their part.

Social impact of film

Film can be used to reach a wide audience, to inform and inspire change through engaging audiences and reflecting society.

Social film drama unites people in a common sense of humanity and shared responsibility, which gives it added power to help foster positive change.

Through integration into social marketing and change programmes, social film drama has the potential to make people take notice, get the process of change going and to sustain it. The genre has bought silence to audiences, has had people clamouring to talk and engendered desire for personal and social change.

Social Film Drama productions

Ken Loach set the benchmark for film and social change with Cathy Come Home in 1966, Social Film Drama is continuing the tradition with the genre.

Social Film Drama, a partnership between film-makers and policy-makers, work together to ensure authenticity to the subject matter and to place learnings at the centre of integrated communication and change programmes.

Social film drama films do more than raise awareness, they draw you into the story and the lives of the characters. They make you feel how the characters feel to give you a deep understanding of the situation, they get under your skin, challenge your perceptions, raise consciousness and stay with you long after watching the film. They have the ability to soften and dissolve personal barriers and prejudices, ready for change to take place.

After watching a social film drama, you feel compelled to talk, to take some action, to do something to deal with what has been shown or left unresolved in the film. At conferences and training events, social film drama has been used to:

  • Wake up and challenge audiences

  • Prompt self-reflection about one's own attitudes

  • Stimulate group discussion about how an issue has arisen and what could have been done differently

  • Create deeper understanding and a desire for further learning

Domestic violence and Social Film Drama

Around 1 in 5 women experience domestic abuse sometime in their lives. Expectations about what is and isn’t acceptable in relationships need to change. As a society we need to find ways to challenge and change our perceptions and foster safer, more inclusive communities.

By speaking to the heart, drama creates the emotional and intellectual understanding on which other initiatives can be launched and made more effective.

Leaving is an award-winning social film drama used to explore domestic violence.

Social Film Drama’s film depicts one woman’s attempt to leave an abusive relationship. The film speaks to different audiences in different ways. You are able to relate to the drama and the characters in a way that is appropriate for you, given who you are and your past experiences.

The latest production from Social Film Drama is Last Date, due for release in 2020. Last Date condenses the gradual nature of psychological and physical abuse into a single night. The viewer witnesses how abusive behaviour can take control of a person’s life and how it can escalate to trap them in a dangerous, repetitive cycle.

There are many different initiatives in place across the country to reduce domestic abuse.

These include:

  • Specialist domestic abuse courts

  • Domestic abuse forums

  • Prevention programmes with young people

  • Training programmes

Social film drama can form an integral part of all these initiatives. Leaving was released in 2008, it has been rolled out in partnership with a number of organisations who either have an interest in reducing domestic abuse or a direct statutory responsibility. It is now a key part of multiple social marketing and change programmes. Due for release in early 2020 Last Date can be adopted in the same way.

For more information on how to use Leaving or Last Date as part of an integrated awareness raising and change programme on domestic abuse, please contact us.

The social impact of film production — Social Film Drama (2024)

FAQs

What is the social impact of film production? ›

Films can give viewers a different view of society than they're used to, broadening their horizons and making them think about problems in new ways. They can offer a different perspective on the lives of people in other societies, providing insight into the lives and cultures of other people.

What is the impact of film on social life? ›

Advantages of Cinema

It is said to be a reflection of the society only. So, it helps us come face to face with the actuality of what's happening in our society. It portrays things as they are and helps in opening our eyes to issues we may have well ignored in the past. Similarly, it helps people socialize better.

How does film impact social change? ›

They can also make audiences experience different kinds of emotions, expose them to new perspectives, and most importantly they can serve as a medium for filmmakers, producers and communicators to bring more awareness to certain issues or causes, helping to change the hearts and minds of people regarding urgent topics.

What is social drama in film? ›

Social film drama is a film genre that moves and inspires people to change policy, practice and individual behaviour. A dramatic, sensitive and authentic treatment of social issues, which powerfully connects audiences to the emotions and people that lie behind our assumptions, stereotypes and prejudices.

What are some examples of social issues in film? ›

Motion pictures can highlight social issues from economic and environmental justice, women's health, violence against women, worker rights, homelessness, discrimination and poverty to all forms of human rights abuses. Good films can raise awareness and be a start to addressing local and global issues.

How did film impact culture? ›

The effect of early mass-communication media was to wear away regional differences and create a more hom*ogenized, standardized culture. Film played a key role in this development, as viewers began to imitate the speech, dress, and behavior of their common heroes on the silver screen (Mintz, 2007).

What is the social responsibility of films? ›

Films can go a long way to arouse national consciousness and utilize the youth's energy in social reconstruction and nation-building. If the cinema industry produces noble and inspiring films, the cinema will be a trustworthy philosopher and guide of the masses.

What is the main purpose of making social films? ›

(e) The main purpose of making social films is to spread awareness about social evils of dowry, casteism and communal feelings.

How does film change your life? ›

Films have the ability to change our lives. With stories that open up other experiences to us, and characters who navigate the forces that we also face in our own lives, the right film at the right time can be transformative.

What are the positive impact of movies? ›

Engaging in activities you enjoy, such as watching movies, can be beneficial. It could boost your mental health, relieve stress, and foster relationships.

How can films have a negative impact on society? ›

They can raise important social issues, start new trends and even change our attitudes towards certain things. But there is also a downside to all this – movies can also be responsible for promoting negative stereotypes, encouraging violence and causing other social problems.

What is an example of social drama? ›

Kennedy's assassination (Berg), and Detroit auto worker strikes (Fuoss) for the ways that narrative and spectacle are organized in and around the phases of the social drama.

What are the advantages of social drama? ›

Read on to find out how children of all ages can benefit from attending drama workshops.
  • Drama builds confidence. ...
  • Drama develops creativity. ...
  • Drama improves verbal and non-verbal communication skills. ...
  • Drama develops empathy. ...
  • Drama develops concentration. ...
  • Drama encourages teamwork and collaboration.

How does drama help social development? ›

Drama helps children develop social skills like empathy.

Acting out a scene during drama class is an excellent way for children to develop their empathy and emotional intelligence. Children will learn how to understand others' emotions through their connection with peers during play acts.

What are the social issues in the movie us? ›

In his latest film, Us, Peele brilliantly examines the social class system by exploring the oppressed, the outsider and America's current divided political state by making complicated and clever social allegory.

What are 5 social issues or problems? ›

Poverty, unemployment, unequal opportunity, racism, and malnutrition are examples of social problems. So are substandard housing, employment discrimination, and child abuse and neglect. Crime and substance abuse are also examples of social problems.

What are the main social issues? ›

Examples include academic cheating, church-state separation, hacking, evolution education, gangs, hate speech, suicide, urban sprawl, and unions. Social issues gain a particularly high profile when a new president is elected.

How movies influence people's behavior? ›

The best influence on our behavior is that movies and television reduce stress. Watching films, we can escape our own problems for a little while. Also, sometime movies show positive ways to resolve problems we all face. While TV and movies shouldn't be a way to hide from life, sometimes they can help us cope.

How do movies impact the youth? ›

Viewing movies with sex, violence, drug abuse, adult themes, and offensive language can have a negative effect on children and adolescents. Many movies are not appropriate for children. Older children and adolescents may copy risky and possibly dangerous things they see in movies.

Does film influence dressing in society? ›

Films and television series are frequently based on current events or events shortly. As a result, a large number of the cast is dressed in the latest fashion trends. And how we dress in the real world is influenced by what we see on television and in movies.

What is social responsibility in production? ›

CSR is a way for businesses and organizations to regulate and take responsibility for their actions that impact the environment and society. CSR encourages businesses to make a positive contribution to communities, improving the quality of life of employees and consumers.

What is social responsibility in production system? ›

In order to remedy this problem, the following definition is presented: corporate social responsibility is a business system that enables the production and distribution of wealth for the betterment of its stakeholders through the implementation and integration of ethical systems and sustainable management practices.

What are 4 examples of social responsibility? ›

CSR is generally categorized in four ways: environmental responsibility, ethical/human rights responsibility, philanthropic responsibility and economic responsibility.

What is the purpose of film production? ›

A film production company's primary role is to produce video content for television, cinema, social media, corporate promotions, internal business use, adverts or other media-related fields. Video production relates not just to the actual filming but all the preparation before filming and all the editing afterwards.

Can film change the world? ›

Films can have an impact far greater than first imagined. They can influence culture, politics, laws, and more importantly, they can change the course of history (apologies for being melodramatic).

What is the social approach in film? ›

Film as a social history approach includes issues such as, gender, racial, political, and environmental. For example, the feminist film theory conveys a negative approach toward women. As shown in movies, women are considered eye-candy, sexual, dumb, and have no authority.

What does film teach us? ›

Film can be a powerful tool in teaching. By presenting multiple perspectives in engaging and emotive ways, films can enable students to gain a better understanding of, and empathise with, the life experiences of individuals and communities far removed from their day-to-day reality.

Do movies reflect real life? ›

Historical documents, eyewitnesses accounts, and archeological objects all claim a direct connection to events or situations that historians evaluate and interpret. Film, however, offers a unique ability to reflect and resemble historical figures and events.

Do films have a negative impact on youngsters? ›

While movies can also act as a source of knowledge, not everything shown in movies can be absorbed. Children learn by observing, if whatever accessible to them teaches them positive things, they will absorb it. But on the other end of the spectrum, they will also absorb every negative thing that is shown.

What is impact value for movies? ›

A show's impact value is a proprietary metric used by Netflix to consider a property's respective economic contribution while factoring in subscriber costs and other additional revenues.

What is the positive impact of movies on social behavior? ›

Experts have shown that those who suffer from social anxieties and find it challenging to find a common language with others can overcome these obstacles by watching movies. A film is always an excellent opportunity to meet new people and to strengthen relationships with old friends. Films encourage us to take action.

Is society a reflection of cinema? ›

Cinema is a reflection of your society, what is happening (around). If we say harassment of a woman or a girl is only in cinema (then I don't think so). It has spread all over the society," he said.

How do movies affect the economy? ›

An Engine for the U.S. Economy

Our industry pays out $21 billion per year to more than 260,000 businesses in cities and small towns across the country—and the industry itself is comprised of more than 122,000 businesses, 92 percent of which employ fewer than 10 people.

What is drama for social change? ›

Theatre for social change games are designed to create community and engage that community in dialogue. The techniques used come from Augusto Boal who designed his methodology for all citizens, not just actors.

How does drama reflect the society? ›

Drama imitates the life of the people, their history, beliefs, traditions, cultures and others. Through drama, one acquires the knowledge of the history, tradition, belief and custom of the people.

What is the social drama summary? ›

Victor Turner defines the social drama as "a sequence of social interactions of a conflictive, competitive, or agonistic type" (33), and he delineates its stages as breach, crisis, redress, and reintegration or schism.

What are the 4 stages of social drama? ›

This study thus explores Victor Turner's model of social drama in a cancer care context. Method: Turner suggests that crisis is a dynamic process structured by four phases: 1) breach of norm 2) crisis 3) redressive actions 4) reintegration or schism.

How does drama affect our daily lives? ›

We improve our sense of aesthetics and our ability to understand people and life situations. One of the essential functions of drama in society — uniting. Theatre gathers different people together.

What is the social impact on a industry? ›

Internally, the social impact of a business refers to practices related to employees and employment within the business; externally, social impact practices include participating in Fair Trade practices..

What is the economic impact of film production? ›

A strong national economy depends on a strong creative economy—and it all starts with a story. The film and television industry supports 2.4 million jobs, pays out $186 billion in total wages, and comprises over 122,000 businesses.

What is a social impact producer? ›

Impact Producers are trained specialists who create and manage strategic campaigns of social action built around stories (in Felicity's case, documentaries) as the central communication and convening tool.

What are examples of social impact? ›

Positive social impact examples include:

Providing job training to unemployed people. Planting trees in a community to improve air quality and reduce pollution. Supporting local businesses and farmers by purchasing their goods and services. Providing access to education for underprivileged children.

What would be considered a social impact? ›

Social impact can be defined as the effect on people and communities that happens as a result of an action or inaction, an activity, project, programme or policy.

How do you describe social impact? ›

Definition of Social Impact

A significant, positive change that addresses a pressing social challenge. Creating social impact is the result of a deliberate set of activities with a goal matching this definition.

What are the impacts of film? ›

Film can be used to reach a wide audience, to inform and inspire change through engaging audiences and reflecting society. Social film drama unites people in a common sense of humanity and shared responsibility, which gives it added power to help foster positive change.

What are the factors of production and how do they affect society? ›

The factors of production are resources that are the building blocks of the economy; they are what people use to produce goods and services. Economists divide the factors of production into four categories: land, labor, capital, and entrepreneurship.

What are social economic factors of production? ›

There are four factors of production—land, labor, capital, and entrepreneurship.

What are examples of social impact analysis? ›

Examples of social impact assessments include looking at how people live in a society (kinship or nuclear setting), culture, community, medical knowledge, and political systems. These examples showcase the emphasis on the environment and its effect on social impact.

What is a social impact model? ›

A social impact business model is a detailed framework that shares your vision for addressing a social issue. It explains your idea, your plan for implementation and sustainability, and explains how you will create real change in the communities you serve.

What does a social impact lead do? ›

Developing, tracking and measuring social metrics and goals; guidance, training and educational modules/systems in partnership with People, DEI, EHS&S, Energy, Responsible Sourcing, Policy and Community Relations teams.

What is social responsibility in production management? ›

Social responsibility means that besides maximizing shareholder value, businesses should operate in a way that benefits society. Socially responsible companies should adopt policies that promote the well-being of society and the environment while lessening negative impacts on them.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Errol Quitzon

Last Updated:

Views: 5682

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Errol Quitzon

Birthday: 1993-04-02

Address: 70604 Haley Lane, Port Weldonside, TN 99233-0942

Phone: +9665282866296

Job: Product Retail Agent

Hobby: Computer programming, Horseback riding, Hooping, Dance, Ice skating, Backpacking, Rafting

Introduction: My name is Errol Quitzon, I am a fair, cute, fancy, clean, attractive, sparkling, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.