Directors Digest — 3 September 2018

Venice is in the news again this week, as a declaration of support is made on the new EU copyright law. Meanwhile, there’s updates from Liverpool as a major fire leaves Film and TV Studios unscathed, and Netflix looks like it could change the way it releases feature films.  

Television

In a new Venice Declaration from FERS, FSE and SAA, a number of well-known directors and creatives from across Europe show they are backing the new EU copyright law. (CISAC)

BIFA is to hold unconscious bias training for its 2018 awards voters (Screen International). 

Is Netflix changing the way it releases feature films? (The Guardian)

The Hollywood Reporter reports on filming in Venice — which can be both a blessing and a curse. 

The new film and TV studio at Littlewoods Pools building in Liverpool avoided damage in the recent fire, Screen reports. 

Television

“Quotas obligating Netflix, Amazon and other streaming services operating in the European Union to dedicate at least 30% of their on-demand catalogs to local content are set to become enshrined in law” Variety reports. 

Vanity Fair director James Strong spoke to Televisual about making a period drama with attitude.

Meanwhile, Jack Ryan director Patricia Riggen spoke about her experiences being undermined by crew members. (Indiewire) 

British Broadcasters are plotting a low-budget drama drive in order to take on global SVODs, Deadline reports. 

And finally, the Guardian reports that Netflix and Amazon spent £150m on British-made shows last year. 

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 communications@directors.uk.com with your article idea.