Directors Digest — Friday 8 November 2024

In the news this week, BBC Chair Samir Shah gave a wide ranging speech on his intentions for the BBC and Public Service Broadcasting, The Grierson Trust and Netflix announce documentary training programme, and a new Amazon Prime Video feature will use AI to recap shows.

Read all about it in this week’s Digest.

News

•  This week BBC Chair Samir Shah gave a wide ranging speech on his intentions for the BBC and Public Service Broadcasting. You can read Samir's full speach here. (BBC)

•  The Grierson Trust and Netflix have announced a collaboration on the latest Grierson DocLab training programme, focused on diversifying talent within documentary development roles. The programme will provide up to eight creatives with intensive training to build and develop their skillset, together with mentoring from an industry professional, networking opportunities, and an eight-week paid work placement within a production company. (Televisual)

•  Amazon Prime Video is experementing with a new feature that will use AI to recap entire seasons of shows for viewers. The feature is currently being beta tested. (IndieWire)

Features

•  Alex Connock rounds up crucial AI issues that need to be addressed, from finding an audience to copyright. (Broadcast)

•  Our CEO Andy Harrower spoke to TVB Europe on his dedication to artist support, the crucial role royalties play in a sustainable directing career, and his path to Directors UK. (TVB Europe)

Opinion

•  Wolf Hall exec producer Colin Callender has raised concerns that commissioners and executives are too influenced by what streamer algorithms dictate is popular, and warned that this could pose a risk to ‘uniquely British’ shows. (Broadcast)

Director Interviews

•  “The interesting juggling act you have to do is when you bring together all the elements. Such as the locations or the people. [And] they all then bring something different or new or something perhaps you weren’t expecting or weren’t planning on.” Andrea Arnold on being open to collaboration as a director. (Little White Lies)

•  In recent interviews Ridley Scott has expressed regret over not securing the rights to the Alien and Blade Runner franchises. (IndieWire)

Awards

•  This week BIFA announced the nominees for their 2024 Film Awards. (BIFA)