Directors Digest — 5 November 2018

Did Big Brother change the face of television? Just how common are actor-directors? Are there artificially intelligent robots watching the trailer for your film? 

Yes, this week’s Digest isn’t afraid to tackle the big questions, but there’s also Griersons, BAFTAs, RTS nominations and diversity tax breaks to get stuck into. Read about it all below. 

Television

On Wednesday a group of high profile industry figures delivered a letter to Number 10 calling for diversity tax relief, and we are pleased to be one of the signatories. (Directors UK)

Sir Lenny Henry wrote about the subject for The Guardian, criticising the lack of BAME representation behind the camera. 

The 2018 Grierson Awards were announced and we were thrilled to see that plenty of our members picked up awards. (Directors UK)

Meanwhile, The 2018 RTS Craft & Design Award nominations were announced — including a Multicamera Director category for the first time following a campaign from Directors UK. We’re pleased to say that plenty of Directors UK members were recognised for their work. (Directors UK)

BBC America Head Sarah Barnett has moved to a senior post at AMC networks. (Screen Daily)

Philip Edgar Jones, creative director of Big Brother for nearly a decade, writes in praise of the show that “changed the face of television”. (Guardian)

Film

The 2018 BAFTA Scotland Awards were announced, with Directors UK members proving a success in the directing categories. (Directors UK)

The Hollywood Reporter hosts a star-studded producer’s roundtable, including former Directors UK President Paul Greengrass.

Just how common are actor-directors? Stephen Follows digs into the data. (Stephen Follows)

Meanwhile, Fox is using artificial intelligence to glean audience preferences from movie trailers. You read that correctly! (The Verge)

Little White Lies hosts a video essay on the use of the first person POV in horror.

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.