Directors Digest — 19 June 2019

Licence fees, episodic directing, indie film and mental health in the screen industries all feature in this week’s Digest. Real all about it below. 

Film

VidAngel, a start up that removed profanity from films for online streaming, now has to pay $62.4 million in damages to studios. (LA Times) 

Italian writers and directors are to receive state funding for the first time, Screen reports. 

Apple wants to rival Netflix at the Oscars, with plans for six awards season films each year. (Indiewire) 

For Sama director Waad Al-Kateab talks to Huck magazine about capturing the conflict in Syria first-hand. 

Women directors are making gains in the world of independent film, Variety reports. 

Television

The Film and Television Charity have published a groundbreaking survey into mental health in the screen industries. You can find out more and take the survey here. 

TBI Magazine reports from our event at Sheffield Doc/Fest, where documentary directors called for greater mental health support. 

Gurinda Chadha talks to the Guardian about making her upcoming TV drama Beecham House. (Guardian) 

Meanwhile, the BBC has reported record global audiences. (TVB Europe)

Patty Jenkins, Ryan Case, Claire Scanlon talk to Variety about the art of episodic directing.

And finally, Peter Kosminsky writes in defence of the BBC’s decision on TV licences for the over-75s. (Guardian)

Are you a member with an opinion on one of these stories? Is there an issue affecting directors that you think isn’t getting enough attention in the media? Why not write for us and make yourself heard — email [email protected] with your article idea.