Directors Digest — Thursday 14 December

It’s a busy Directors Digest this week, featuring Saudi Arabia, Channel 4, Netflix, Blue Planet II and yes of course...Star Wars. Read all about it below.

Film

The Golden Globe nominations were announced, including our members Martin McDonagh and Ridley Scott among the nominees. Congratulations to them both! (Directors UK)

Stephen Follows takes a look at the disturbing state of corporate finance among UK film companies. (Stephen Follows)

Saudi Arabia will lift its ban on public cinemas for the first time in  over 35 years. (The Daily Beast)

Fears of the government scrapping EIS for film have been partially allayed. (Screen International)

The BBC looks at the roles of British studios and crew in the making of Star Wars. 

Television

BBC media editor Amol Rajan reflects on the year in Broadcasting. (BBC)

A recent survey has found the British TV industry to be a toxic environment rife with sexual harassment. (Deadline)

Ofcom has announced four new appointments to the Channel 4 Board, including our member Tom Hooper. (Ofcom)

Another Board appointee is Althea Efunshile, marking a government U-turn. (Guardian)

The Guardian asks whether Blue Planet II can help with conservation efforts. 

Netflix has released some rare viewing stats, lending an insight into viewers’ habits. (TBI Vision)

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Keith Chegwin, aged 60. (BBC)

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.