Directors Digest — Thursday 9 July

The licence fee and public service broadcasting both return to the headlines, as the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity publishes its first report. Read all the latest news and views from the industry below.

Television

We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Nick Laughland, who directed numerous successful primetime dramas including Lovejoy, Wild at Heart and Midsomer Murders. The Guardian carries his obituary, from Chris Niel.

The BBC has announced that it is going ahead with changes to the licence fee for over-75s. (BBC)

Marcus Ryder, Acting Chair of the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity, calls on Ofcom to do more to improve representation in the TV industry. (RTS)

Meanwhile, the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity published its first report, on the impact of coronavirus on independent companies led by Black, Asian and minority ethnic professionals. (BCU)

Meanwhile, BBC, ITV, C4 and C5 cleared their schedules to simultaneously show a short film celebrating the virtues of public broadcasting. (Broadcast)

Film

The legendary composer Ennio Morricone sadly passed away this week — Little White Lies picks out some of his best pieces. 

Tom Hanks says he was heartbroken about the decision to release his latest film on Apple+ (Independent)

The Guardian looks at how filmmakers repurpose archive footage in their work.

Deadline publishes seven conversations about race, inequality and Black Lives Matter, with contributors including David Harewood, Asif Kapadia and Akua Gyamfi.

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.