Press Release

Directors UK, Pact, BBC Studios and ITV Studios have established a new joint forum for producers and directors. The Directors and Producers Forum will meet first on 13 December 2023 and at least bi-annually thereafter. It will comprise senior representatives and members of Directors UK and representatives of the producers. It will discuss matters raised by forum members as well as afford an opportunity for producers to brief on proposed industry developments, production matters and the status of sector initiatives such as diversity and inclusion, environmentally sustainable production and skills training.

UK production faces a number of challenges at present with high inflation; increased costs of production; and changes in the consumption of programmes by audiences. Liaison between producers and directors will allow a collaborative approach to dealing with such challenges and will provide more transparency over the way producers and directors seek to continue making innovative, entertaining and artistic content.

The new forum replaces previous less structured liaison between directors and producers.

Andy Harrower, Directors UK Chief Executive, said: “The television programmes produced in the UK and directed by our members are enjoyed by audiences throughout the world. The purpose of the Directors and Producers Forum is to create a much needed platform, away from the day-to-day pressures of production, for directors and producers to work collaboratively and openly. Directors, as part of the lead creative team on any TV production, have insights, experience and expertise which is invaluable. In looking at the bigger picture together, we can jointly deal with some of the challenges we face.”

Max Rumney, Pact Deputy CEO and Director of Business Affairs, said: “Pact is pleased to be part of this new forum which brings with it a more formal structure for directors and producers to meet and discuss production developments and current issues. In an increasingly challenging world of production, clear communication and sharing of ideas will help all parties to navigate their way through challenges as they arise as well as improving innovation and creativity.”

A BBC spokesperson said: “A strong, effective, working relationship between producers and directors is critical in ensuring the continued success of the UK creative industries and the BBC welcomes the opportunity to be involved as a core member of this new forum.”

Justine Rodgers, Director of Business Affairs and Rights Strategy, UK, at ITV Studios said: "This will provide a welcome opportunity for directors and producers to share expertise across the many aspects of production whilst also ensuring we maintain effective ongoing communication as our industry continues to evolve. We are incredibly pleased to be playing our part in bringing this forum together."

-ENDS-

For more information, please contact:

Charlie Coombes, Head of PR and Corporate Communications at Directors UK
+44 (0)20 7845 9707 | +44 (0)7723 183 606 | [email protected]


Amber Vassiliou, Head of Communications at Pact
+44 (0)7900 789129 | [email protected] 


About Directors UK
Directors UK is the professional association of UK screen directors. It is a membership organisation representing the creative, economic and contractual interests of over 8,000 members – the majority of working TV and film directors in the UK. Directors UK negotiates rights deals and collects and distributes royalties to its members. It also campaigns and lobbies on its members’ behalf and provides a range of services including legal advice, events and career development. Directors UK works closely with fellow organisations around the world to represent directors’ rights and concerns, promotes excellence in the craft of direction and champions change to the current landscape to create an equal opportunity industry for all. 

About Pact
Pact is the UK screen sector trade body representing and supporting independent production and distribution companies. Our mission is to help our members grow their businesses domestically and internationally. We do this by offering them the tools and support they need, as well as working to ensure the best possible economic, regulatory and legislative environment for them to do business in.