Directors Digest — Thursday 4 May

BAFTA reveals its membership data, Channel 4 news sets up shop in Leeds, and Christine Healy steps down at ScreenSkills HETV department. Meanwhile, The i looks into the exodus of Black British directing talent to America. Read all the latest news and views from the industry below. 

The i explores why the best Black British directing talent is heading to America.

BAFTA-winning director Felicity Morris shared her thoughts on the importance of directing The Tinder Swindler from a female perspective. (Broadcast)

Christine Healy has stepped down as Chair of ScreenSkills’ HETV Council, Broadcast reports.  

Channel 4 had opened a permanent news studio in Leeds. (Channel 4)

BAFTA has revealed its membership data, with Chair Krishnendu Majumdar issuing a call for a more equitable industry. (Screen)

Nine million people have watched the new Mario movie illegally — and on Twitter. (Forbes)

And finally, a couple of podcast recommendations: The Imposter Club, a new TV industry podcast from director Kimberly Godbolt, asks successful commissioners, producers and filmmakers to open up about their own moments of imposter syndrome, fear and failure — a must for anyone who has suffered imposter syndrome, and let’s face it, who hasn’t?

Meanwhile, Directors Disagree, a new monthly podcast from Film Hub North, pits different directors together in a debate about aspects of filmmaking.