Directors Digest — Thursday 22 February 2018

The BAFTAs were finally announced with some big moments for Directors UK members. But that was just the start of a busy week in the indutsry, BECTU slammed HMRC over their new tax rules, BBC Studios set up shop across the other side of the planet, and so much more. Read all about it in today’s Directors Digest. 

Film

The 2018 BAFTA Film Awards were announced, with Directors UK members Martin McDonagh and Ridley Scott both recognised — congratulations to them both! (Directors UK)

The European Commission is to adapt its MEDIA Programme following a mid-term evaluation. (Screen International)

Little White Lies presents an archive of materials from Stanley Kubrick’s unmade film, Napoleon. 

A report has found little improvement in terms of women’s representation at the Oscars. (Variety)

Creative Skillset has appointed producer Gareth Ellis-Unwin as head of film. (Screen International)

Television

Acclaimed documentary-maker Roger Graef has urged the British broadcasters to look beyond treating “geopolitics as entertainment”. (Radio Times) 

C4’s Derry Girls is now the most-watched series in Northern Ireland since records began. (Channel 4)

BBC Studios has launched its Australian division, with a commission already in the bag. (Televisual)

The Hollywood Reporter takes a look at “The New Economics of TV’s Reboot Craze”. 

BECTU claims that BBC freelancers are losing out as a result of HMRC employment changes. (Broadcast, Paywall)

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.