In the news this week, Broadcast recognise industry rising stars with Hot Shots 2025 list, Denis Villeneuve to direct the next Bond film, and acclaimed screenwriter and director Mark Peploe has passed, aged 82.
Read about it in this week’s Digest.
News
• The UK screen sector reacts to government’s Creative Industries Sector Plan, which pledges to increase annual investment from £17 billion to £31 billion by 2035. (TVB Europe) In response to the plan, Directors UK CEO Andy Harrower said: “Following several difficult years for the screen sector, this provides a much-needed acknowledgment of our world-leading film and TV industries and the talent that drives them. The introduction of a Freelance Champion – something Directors UK has long been calling for – shows that the government is taking the vital role that freelancers play seriously after years of being overlooked. The commitment to investment in screen funding, skills development and to sustaining a strong UK production sector is welcomed and we look forward to seeing this translate into sustainable careers for our members across the UK.”
• Broadcast have announced their Hot Shots 2025. Congratulations to all the directors featured on the list, it’s great to see Directors UK members Kwabena Oppong, Owen Tooth, and Sophie Fuller recognised this year. (Broadcast)
• Sheffield DocFest 2025 took place last week, with the Audience Award presented to Grenfell: Uncovered directed by Olaide Sadiq. (Televisual) Board members Lottie Gammon and Peter Strachan who attended this year’s festival, share their thoughts in a round-up on our site. Click here to read now.
• Amazon MGM Studios has announced that Denis Villeneuve will direct the next James Bond film. (Televisual)
Features
• ‘A new space to play in’: can phone-friendly vertical dramas save the UK’s TV sector? (Guardian)
• Is the US appetite for UK series changing in a temperamental market? (Screen)
Director Interviews
• “The Phones Became Weapons”: Anthony Dod Mantle on Animating 28 Years Later with Danny Boyle. (The Film Stage)
• Board Vice Chair, and award-winning Series Producer Zoe Hines, speaks to TV Makers podcast on directing true crime, making tough calls, and the role of the Series Producer. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. (TV Makers)
Obituaries
• Acclaimed screenwriter and director Mark Peploe has passed, aged 82. (The Telegraph)
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