Directors Digest — Thursday 31 May 2018

Channel 4 revealed its shortlist for a new national HQ in what was a busy week of industry news.

There were some interesting developments in European Parliament, where a copyright reform draft drew strong responses, alongside a look at making Midnight Cowboy, and what Blockchain could mean for the future of the industry. 

Film

Ukrainian filmmaker Oleg Sentsov, who was arrested by Russian Security Services in May 2014, has reportedly been on hunger strike since May 14. The European Film Academy has issued a letter, signed by Directors UK, calling for Senstov to be released and his safety assured. (Directors UK)

Number 9 Films has hired Claudia Yusef as their new head of development. (ScreenDaily)

Meanwhile, Little White Lies looks back at the making of John Schlesinger’s Midnight Cowboy.

Does Blockhain have the potential to change the industry, or is it just a flash in the pan? (Women and Hollywood)

Television

Channel 4 has revealed its shortlist of cities to host a new national HQ. (Guardian)

Discovery is to shut its European TV hub as it plots its post-Brexit future. (Guardian)

Broadcast reports that Endemol Shine has signed a first-look deal with the National Film and Television School (NFTS). 

Meanwhile, NBC has launched a director training initiative for its unscripted programming. (Variety)

Industry stakeholders have criticised a new European Council copyright reform draft, Television Business International reports. 

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.