Directors Digest — 5 February 2020

Baftas, Brexit, lighthouses and licence fees — as another turbulent week passes in the industry, Directors Digest picks out the news you need to read from around the web. 

Film

The Bafta Film awards were announced on Sunday — congratulations to all of this year’s winners and nominees, including our members Sam Mendes, who took home the award for Best Director for 1917, and Edward Watts, who directed the Best Documentary-winning For Sama alongside Waad al-Kateab.  (Screen)

Meanwhile, Bafta Best Actor winner Joaquin Phoenix for his speech calling out systemic racism in the industry. (BBC)

The BFI have updated their Q&A on how Brexit will impact the screen sectors as we enter the transition period. (BFI)

Indiewire breaks down the stunning visuals of The Lighthouse with director Robert Eggers and DP Jarin Blaschke. 

The Guardian asks, will 2020 be a turning point for female directors? 

Television

Netflix have been slammed in parliament over their tax affairs. (Broadcast)

The TV licence faces the scrap as the government launches an ‘open-minded’ review of the BBC. (Guardian)

Ofcom have released their report on media use among Children and parents. (Ofcom)

Disney has switched on Disney+ in the UK for existing users, Deadline reports. 

And finally, Flesh and Blood director Louise Hooper challenged the industry to support female directors. (Broadcast) 

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.