Directors Digest — Thursday 12 October

The disturbing allegations involving Harvey Weinstein have dominated the industry news cycle this week, but there has also been space for some good news regarding film funding from the BFI, and some major staffing developments in the TV world. Read about it all below. 

Film

The BFI has made some significant changes to its Film Fund, including a commitment to pursuing 50 - 50 gender balance and specific targets for BAME, LGBTQ and disabity funding. (ScreenDaily)

Multiple allegations of rape and sexual harrassment have emerged against Hollywood executive Harvey Weinstein. The New Yorker spoke to multiple women about their experiences. (Warning for disturbing content.)

“The Weinstein scandal reminds us how few women hold top roles in Hollywood”, reports The Washington Post.

Why distributing independent films in the UK is a ‘growing challenge’. (ScreenDaily)

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar spoke to director Reginald Hudlin about “the need for socially relevant movies that aren’t preachy.” (The Hollywood Reporter)

Television

James Harding, the BBC head of news and current affairs, is stepping down. (Guardian) 

Meanwhile, Wallander indie Yellow Bird launches in the UK. (Televisual) 

ITV executive Helen Warner is to depart after four years. (Broadcast, Paywall) 

ITV studios buys Italian production company Cattleya. (ScreenDaily)

And finally, Little White Lies tell us how “physical and digital media should learn to stop worrying and live happily side by side.”

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