BritishFilmYearIntroduction

“British Film Year” was a major promotional campaign by the UK film industry in 1985, aiming to boost cinema attendance and promote British filmmaking. The initiative included the sale of commemorative stamps issued by Royal Mail, lobbying and marketing from senior industry figures led by director Richard Attenborough, the launch of a ‘Star Pavement’ at Leicester Square in London as well as a roadshow that travelled the country, drumming up enthusiasm for British movies.

As part of the initiative a 30-second video clip was created presenting the logo of the British Film Year, for which Vangelis composed an original theme. Thoughout 1985 the video logo was shown in cinemas at the start of every film that had a link with Britain. The video was included on a release titled “Winners – The Very Best Of British Film & Music”, a compilation more than 20 music video’s from (what else) British films, which by the way also includes Vangelis’ video of “Chariots Of Fire” (1981).

And there is more... On Friday the 3rd of May 1985 the British Film Year roadshow kicked off with a gala at Leicester Square in London, supported by British film stars such as Sir John Mills, Dame Anna Neagle, Alan Bates, John Hurt, Charlton Heston, Terry Jones and Omar Sharif. As it turns out Vangelis composed additional music for the event, short bits of which can be heard in this report of the BBC television show “Film 85”. Just pay attention to the interview with Charlton Heston...

 

WinnersLDMedia

VHS

  • 1985 “Winners – The Very Best Of British Film & Music” Wienerworld/PolyGram 041 219 2 UK (includes 29 video clips)

Laserdisc

 

Links