The UK’s Culture, Media and Sport (Cms) committee’s inquiry into the territory’s film and high-end TV (Hetv) sector has been paused indefinitely in light of the upcoming general election.
As is the case with most parliamentary committees, it was dissolved on May 30 following the announcement of the general election by prime minister Rishi Sunak and the dissolution of parliament.
The UK general election will take place on July 4.
The committee will be re-assembled with new members at the start of the next parliament who will decide whether to continue on with the inquiry.
The existing committee did...
As is the case with most parliamentary committees, it was dissolved on May 30 following the announcement of the general election by prime minister Rishi Sunak and the dissolution of parliament.
The UK general election will take place on July 4.
The committee will be re-assembled with new members at the start of the next parliament who will decide whether to continue on with the inquiry.
The existing committee did...
- 6/5/2024
- ScreenDaily
Fears over the future of the UK’s film and high-end TV inquiry have emerged due to the upcoming general election.
Culture, Media & Sport Committee (Cmsc) chair Caroline Dinenage has written today to Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer urging the Cmsc’s “successor committee” to keep up its work exploring the issues impacting the industry.
When a general election is called, committees such as the Cms are dissolved. Once a new government is in place, a different chair and group of cross-party MPs will be appointed to the new committee but it is under no obligation to continue the work of the previous one.
“We hope that the next government will continue to champion and support all facets of our screen industries,” wrote Dinenage. “Given the huge value that film and Hetv contributes, and the deep questions that remain about its resilience, we strongly urge our successor committee to revisit the...
Culture, Media & Sport Committee (Cmsc) chair Caroline Dinenage has written today to Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer urging the Cmsc’s “successor committee” to keep up its work exploring the issues impacting the industry.
When a general election is called, committees such as the Cms are dissolved. Once a new government is in place, a different chair and group of cross-party MPs will be appointed to the new committee but it is under no obligation to continue the work of the previous one.
“We hope that the next government will continue to champion and support all facets of our screen industries,” wrote Dinenage. “Given the huge value that film and Hetv contributes, and the deep questions that remain about its resilience, we strongly urge our successor committee to revisit the...
- 5/24/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The UK government’s culture secretary, Lucy Frazer was in the hot seat this morning (May 22) as the cross-party culture, media and sport committee challenged her on the government’s response to key issues including protection for the creative industries in the face of artificial intelligence (AI) and the need for a more flexible apprenticeship scheme.
Caroline Dinenage, the Conservative MP who is chair of the committee, asked Frazer for reassurance that the government was not prioritising its interest in advancing AI and tech over the of protection of the creative sectors, in light of the breakdown of the working...
Caroline Dinenage, the Conservative MP who is chair of the committee, asked Frazer for reassurance that the government was not prioritising its interest in advancing AI and tech over the of protection of the creative sectors, in light of the breakdown of the working...
- 5/22/2024
- ScreenDaily
The UK government’s culture secretary, Lucy Frazer was in the hot seat this morning (May 22) as the cross-party culture, media and sport committee challenged her on the government’s response to key issues including protection for the creative industries in the face of artificial intelligence (AI) and the need for a more flexible apprenticeship scheme.
Caroline Dinenage, the Conservative MP who is chair of the committee, asked Frazer for reassurance that the government was not prioritising its interest in advancing AI and tech over the of protection of the creative sectors, in light of the breakdown of the working...
Caroline Dinenage, the Conservative MP who is chair of the committee, asked Frazer for reassurance that the government was not prioritising its interest in advancing AI and tech over the of protection of the creative sectors, in light of the breakdown of the working...
- 5/22/2024
- ScreenDaily
Picturehouse managing director Clare Binns and Vue CEO Tim Richards offered differing outlooks on the condition of the UK exhibition sector, speaking at the latest UK cross-party Culture, Media and Sport Committee yesterday.
“The industry’s in a bit of crisis at the moment, because it doesn’t really know where the future is,” said Binns, responding to a question from Committee chair Caroline Dinenage about how the next 10 years will look for the UK industry. “The franchise movies are costing more to make, and the profits are less than they were.”
Binns acknowledged the success of two original films...
“The industry’s in a bit of crisis at the moment, because it doesn’t really know where the future is,” said Binns, responding to a question from Committee chair Caroline Dinenage about how the next 10 years will look for the UK industry. “The franchise movies are costing more to make, and the profits are less than they were.”
Binns acknowledged the success of two original films...
- 4/24/2024
- ScreenDaily
The UK parliament’s cross-party Culture, Media and Sport (Cms) committee has backed the establishment of a ‘freelancers’ commissioner’ to represent workers in the creative industries, including the film and TV sectors.
In its Creator Remuneration report, published today (April 10), the committee states that freelancers’ pay and working conditions are in decline because they lack a single voice representing their interests to government, and they have historically lost out on major policy initiatives from government interventions and support.
“We recommend that the Government appoint a Freelancers’ Commissioner with appropriate powers and cross-departmental oversight to advocate in the interests of creative...
In its Creator Remuneration report, published today (April 10), the committee states that freelancers’ pay and working conditions are in decline because they lack a single voice representing their interests to government, and they have historically lost out on major policy initiatives from government interventions and support.
“We recommend that the Government appoint a Freelancers’ Commissioner with appropriate powers and cross-departmental oversight to advocate in the interests of creative...
- 4/10/2024
- ScreenDaily
Good afternoon Insiders, Max Goldbart here taking you through what has been a whirlwind of a week in international TV and film. Do not stop here — please do read on. And sign up here.
Indie Movie “Game-Changer”
£1B worth of sweeteners: It was a potentially “game-changing” week for a floundering British indie film sector with the unveiling of a 40% tax relief on movies with budgets less than £15M ($19M) — a relief that trade body Pact says it has been calling for in some form or another since 2017 and which answers the prayers of Culture, Media & Sport Committee boss Caroline Dinenage. Jeremy Hunt’s budget was perhaps the most listened-to and most celebrated for a decade by the creative industries after the UK Chancellor unveiled the relief with fanfare alongside 40% business rates relief for big studios and improved VFX relief. All in all, Hunt and the UK treasury said that the...
Indie Movie “Game-Changer”
£1B worth of sweeteners: It was a potentially “game-changing” week for a floundering British indie film sector with the unveiling of a 40% tax relief on movies with budgets less than £15M ($19M) — a relief that trade body Pact says it has been calling for in some form or another since 2017 and which answers the prayers of Culture, Media & Sport Committee boss Caroline Dinenage. Jeremy Hunt’s budget was perhaps the most listened-to and most celebrated for a decade by the creative industries after the UK Chancellor unveiled the relief with fanfare alongside 40% business rates relief for big studios and improved VFX relief. All in all, Hunt and the UK treasury said that the...
- 3/8/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
One of the UK’s oldest working cinemas, the Electric Birmingham, has shut, with the last film screening listed as yesterday (February 29).
The closure has been confirmed on the cinema’s official website. The cinema dates back to 1909, and was built in a converted taxi rank in Station Street.
Kevin Markwick bought the cinema in 2021, with his daughter Katie Markwick running it. He did not respond to Screen’s request for comment at time of publication. Markwick also owns the The Picture House Uckfield in Sussex.
The Electric was previously owned by Tom Lawes, who closed the cinema during the first March 2020 Covid lockdown.
The closure has been confirmed on the cinema’s official website. The cinema dates back to 1909, and was built in a converted taxi rank in Station Street.
Kevin Markwick bought the cinema in 2021, with his daughter Katie Markwick running it. He did not respond to Screen’s request for comment at time of publication. Markwick also owns the The Picture House Uckfield in Sussex.
The Electric was previously owned by Tom Lawes, who closed the cinema during the first March 2020 Covid lockdown.
- 3/1/2024
- ScreenDaily
BBC Studios has bought out ITV’s 50% interest in streamer BritBox International in a deal worth £255m.
The landmark move gives BBC Studios sole ownership of the previously joint venture platform, which has a subscriber base of around 3.8m across the various territories it operates.
After the transaction has completed it will provide net proceeds including loan repayments and accrued dividends of around £235m after tax to ITV.
BBC Studios will move BritBox International into its global media and streaming division to sit alongside other direct-to-consumer propositions including factual streamer BBC Select. The move will see current global chief executive Reemah Sakaan exiting the company.
The landmark move gives BBC Studios sole ownership of the previously joint venture platform, which has a subscriber base of around 3.8m across the various territories it operates.
After the transaction has completed it will provide net proceeds including loan repayments and accrued dividends of around £235m after tax to ITV.
BBC Studios will move BritBox International into its global media and streaming division to sit alongside other direct-to-consumer propositions including factual streamer BBC Select. The move will see current global chief executive Reemah Sakaan exiting the company.
- 3/1/2024
- ScreenDaily
Cannes has named Canadian filmmaker and actor Xavier Dolan as the president of the jury for its Un Certain Regard sidebar.
Dolan has a long track record of premiering his films at Cannes. In 2010, his second film Heartbeats played in Un Certain Regard when he was just 21.
Two years later, Dolan’s Laurence Anyways premiered in Un Certain Regard where it won the section’s award for Best Actress ex-aequo for Suzanne Clément. Dolan won the Jury Prize at Cannes for his fifth film Mommy which played in main competition in 2014.
In 2015 Dolan was a member of the main competition jury at Cannes,...
Dolan has a long track record of premiering his films at Cannes. In 2010, his second film Heartbeats played in Un Certain Regard when he was just 21.
Two years later, Dolan’s Laurence Anyways premiered in Un Certain Regard where it won the section’s award for Best Actress ex-aequo for Suzanne Clément. Dolan won the Jury Prize at Cannes for his fifth film Mommy which played in main competition in 2014.
In 2015 Dolan was a member of the main competition jury at Cannes,...
- 2/29/2024
- ScreenDaily
UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has been told to use his forthcoming Spring budget to make an “urgent intervention” to support the UK indie film sector in a letter published by Caroline Dinenage MP, chair of the influential Culture, Media and Sport Committee.
The letter follows the second evidence session of the Committee’s inquiry into British film and high-end TV, which featured Sixteen Films producer Rebecca O’Brien alongside Film4 and BBC Film heads Ollie Madden and Eva Yates. The letter outlines the committee’s concerns that the British film industry is increasingly reliant on investment from overseas productions, resulting in what it describes as a “vulnerable domestic sector,” and asks the Chancellor to introduce enhanced tax relief for independent British films in the Spring budget.
“To address this issue, we urge the Government to introduce enhanced tax relief for British films within a budget range of approximately £1 million to £15 million,...
The letter follows the second evidence session of the Committee’s inquiry into British film and high-end TV, which featured Sixteen Films producer Rebecca O’Brien alongside Film4 and BBC Film heads Ollie Madden and Eva Yates. The letter outlines the committee’s concerns that the British film industry is increasingly reliant on investment from overseas productions, resulting in what it describes as a “vulnerable domestic sector,” and asks the Chancellor to introduce enhanced tax relief for independent British films in the Spring budget.
“To address this issue, we urge the Government to introduce enhanced tax relief for British films within a budget range of approximately £1 million to £15 million,...
- 2/23/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Christopher Nolan was presented with his BFI Fellowship last night (Feb 14) at the Rosewood London by his Oppenheimer star Cillian Murphy, who introduced the director he has worked with on six films as “the most important bromance of my career” and “one of the greatest directors in the world”.
The visibly moved filmmaker paid tribute to his wife and long-time producer Emma Thomas in front of a packed industry audience.
“I was asked if in all of those years fighting to shoot on film, did you ever feel alone doing that?” said Nolan. “I was able to say I did...
The visibly moved filmmaker paid tribute to his wife and long-time producer Emma Thomas in front of a packed industry audience.
“I was asked if in all of those years fighting to shoot on film, did you ever feel alone doing that?” said Nolan. “I was able to say I did...
- 2/15/2024
- ScreenDaily
The BBC is one step closer to getting its new chair following the resignation of Richard Sharp earlier this year.
The Culture, Media and Sport Committee, which interviewed Samir Shah earlier this week, has officially approved his appointment but expressed “disappointment” over the longtime TV executive’s unwillingness “to express a view on fundamental principles, such as board level interference in the BBC and other bodies and on political impartiality.”
The committee has requested that if Shah is officially appointed for the role, he re-appear again for questioning within three months to “demonstrate that he has considered and addressed the concerns.”
Because the BBC is a publicly funded public service broadcaster, effectively held in trust for the public by the U.K. government, the culture secretary and Prime Minister are involved in appointing the broadcaster’s chair. After they confirm their preferred candidate, in this case Juniper TV CEO Shah, the...
The Culture, Media and Sport Committee, which interviewed Samir Shah earlier this week, has officially approved his appointment but expressed “disappointment” over the longtime TV executive’s unwillingness “to express a view on fundamental principles, such as board level interference in the BBC and other bodies and on political impartiality.”
The committee has requested that if Shah is officially appointed for the role, he re-appear again for questioning within three months to “demonstrate that he has considered and addressed the concerns.”
Because the BBC is a publicly funded public service broadcaster, effectively held in trust for the public by the U.K. government, the culture secretary and Prime Minister are involved in appointing the broadcaster’s chair. After they confirm their preferred candidate, in this case Juniper TV CEO Shah, the...
- 12/15/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
The annual license fee for the BBC will rise by £10.50 ($13.20) to £169.50 ($213.35), lower than what the corporation expected, causing a funding gap of £90 million ($113 million).
As revealed in the BBC’s annual report, the bulk of its income was from the license fee paid for by the public, which accounted for £3.74 billion, £60 million down from last year. The licence fee was frozen for two years at £159.50. The license fee rise was linked to September’s rate of inflation, which was lower than preceding months, rather than an average of the past year and is lesser that the 15% anticipated. The fee, which will come into effect from April, 2024, has risen by 6.6%. This is expected to cause a funding gap of £90 million.
The BBC board said: “We note that the government has restored a link to inflation on the licence fee after two years of no increases during a time of high inflation.
As revealed in the BBC’s annual report, the bulk of its income was from the license fee paid for by the public, which accounted for £3.74 billion, £60 million down from last year. The licence fee was frozen for two years at £159.50. The license fee rise was linked to September’s rate of inflation, which was lower than preceding months, rather than an average of the past year and is lesser that the 15% anticipated. The fee, which will come into effect from April, 2024, has risen by 6.6%. This is expected to cause a funding gap of £90 million.
The BBC board said: “We note that the government has restored a link to inflation on the licence fee after two years of no increases during a time of high inflation.
- 12/8/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The U.K. government, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, plans to present the much-debated Media Bill to the parliament in London in the new legislative period, including regulation of streaming services in line with TV networks, King Charles III said in his first King’s Speech on Tuesday.
The speech, drawn up by the government but read by the monarch, outlines the various laws that the government plans to pursue in the new parliamentary session.
The Media Bill would, among other things, force streaming services, from Netflix and Amazon Prime to the likes of Disney+, follow the code of conduct set out by media regulator Ofcom, whose rules around harmful material have applied to the national broadcasters for decades, or face fines of up to £250,000 ($308,000) or restrictions in the U.K., if they break them.
The conservative U.K. government had outlined some of these plans in a white paper...
The speech, drawn up by the government but read by the monarch, outlines the various laws that the government plans to pursue in the new parliamentary session.
The Media Bill would, among other things, force streaming services, from Netflix and Amazon Prime to the likes of Disney+, follow the code of conduct set out by media regulator Ofcom, whose rules around harmful material have applied to the national broadcasters for decades, or face fines of up to £250,000 ($308,000) or restrictions in the U.K., if they break them.
The conservative U.K. government had outlined some of these plans in a white paper...
- 11/7/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Several major companies have pulled advertising from Rumble, the video platform that hosts Russell Brand’s broadcasts, in light of sexual assault allegations against the British comedian.
According to a report from The Guardian, Burger King, Asos, the Barbican and HelloFresh have all removed advertising from Rumble, where Brand has 1.4 million followers.
The move comes after YouTube suspended Brand’s ability to monetize videos he posts on that platform; Rumble, however, has rejected calls to follow suit, with Rumble accusing a British parliamentary committee of “deeply inappropriate” behaviour after Caroline Dinenage, the Conservative chair of the culture, media and sport committee, wrote a letter to the Rumble CEO Chris Pavlovski, stating her concern that Brand “may be able to profit from his content on the platform.”
Read More: Russell Brand Takes Veiled Dig At YouTube Demonetization, Asks Audience To Follow Him On Rumble: ‘Need Your Support Now More Than Ever...
According to a report from The Guardian, Burger King, Asos, the Barbican and HelloFresh have all removed advertising from Rumble, where Brand has 1.4 million followers.
The move comes after YouTube suspended Brand’s ability to monetize videos he posts on that platform; Rumble, however, has rejected calls to follow suit, with Rumble accusing a British parliamentary committee of “deeply inappropriate” behaviour after Caroline Dinenage, the Conservative chair of the culture, media and sport committee, wrote a letter to the Rumble CEO Chris Pavlovski, stating her concern that Brand “may be able to profit from his content on the platform.”
Read More: Russell Brand Takes Veiled Dig At YouTube Demonetization, Asks Audience To Follow Him On Rumble: ‘Need Your Support Now More Than Ever...
- 9/24/2023
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
More individuals have raised concerns over toxic working cultures, bullying, discrimination and harassment on This Morning since ITV bosses appeared for a grilling over the Phillip Schofield saga, the UK Committee reviewing it has said.
In a letter published today from Committee Chair Caroline Dinenage to ITV CEO Carolyn McCall, Dinenage said “a large number of individuals” have been in touch since the June hearing.
Dinenage, whose letter was sent in late July, said individuals “speak with great pride” about working at ITV and are “hugely positive” about many colleagues. But “they also raise claims of toxic working cultures, bullying, discrimination and harrassment,” she went on to write.
Dinenage queried McCall and fellow ITV bosses’ claims that there have been only two complaints from people working on the show in five years. This came up during the June hearing, when committee member John Nicolson said he had personally received many more than two.
In a letter published today from Committee Chair Caroline Dinenage to ITV CEO Carolyn McCall, Dinenage said “a large number of individuals” have been in touch since the June hearing.
Dinenage, whose letter was sent in late July, said individuals “speak with great pride” about working at ITV and are “hugely positive” about many colleagues. But “they also raise claims of toxic working cultures, bullying, discrimination and harrassment,” she went on to write.
Dinenage queried McCall and fellow ITV bosses’ claims that there have been only two complaints from people working on the show in five years. This came up during the June hearing, when committee member John Nicolson said he had personally received many more than two.
- 8/9/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
ITV’s evidence during a parliamentary inquiry into the Phillip Schofield scandal has been branded “inconsistent” and “contradictory,” letters reveal today.
Earlier this summer ITV boss Carolyn McCall, head of media Kevin Lygo and the network’s general counsel Kyla Mullins appeared before the committee for Culture, Media and Sport (Cms) to discuss Schofield and the events that led to him resigning from the network earlier this year.
The former “This Morning” anchor was one of ITV’s best known faces until his fall from grace, triggered by an admission he had had an affair with a young member of staff on the show.
In a letter sent by the Culture Committee chair Caroline Dinenage after the inquiry, she asked McCall to clarify whether Schofield had stepped down voluntarily from the network or was pushed, describing Lygo’s responses on the point as “at best inconsistent.”
During the Q&a session at Westminster in June,...
Earlier this summer ITV boss Carolyn McCall, head of media Kevin Lygo and the network’s general counsel Kyla Mullins appeared before the committee for Culture, Media and Sport (Cms) to discuss Schofield and the events that led to him resigning from the network earlier this year.
The former “This Morning” anchor was one of ITV’s best known faces until his fall from grace, triggered by an admission he had had an affair with a young member of staff on the show.
In a letter sent by the Culture Committee chair Caroline Dinenage after the inquiry, she asked McCall to clarify whether Schofield had stepped down voluntarily from the network or was pushed, describing Lygo’s responses on the point as “at best inconsistent.”
During the Q&a session at Westminster in June,...
- 8/9/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Updated: Rupert Murdoch’s U.K. tabloid The Sun has responded to a U.K. House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee demand for story verification and insight into the decision-making processes around its Huw Edwards bombshell earlier this month.
In a letter to committee head Caroline Dinenage, The Sun editor Victoria Newton has cited “in-house lawyers with vast experience” in the area and with access to experienced external advice. She also said affidavits were obtained from key witnesses before publication, with corroborative evidence.
“Further comment would encroach into editorial decision-making and legal privilege and extend beyond proper enquiry by parliament into a free press,” Newton wrote. “We stand by our reporting which is subject to law and regulatory oversight.”
Newton also said that relevant material which supports and corroborates The Sun’s reporting of the original Edwards story has been provided to the BBC’s corporate investigations team.
On...
In a letter to committee head Caroline Dinenage, The Sun editor Victoria Newton has cited “in-house lawyers with vast experience” in the area and with access to experienced external advice. She also said affidavits were obtained from key witnesses before publication, with corroborative evidence.
“Further comment would encroach into editorial decision-making and legal privilege and extend beyond proper enquiry by parliament into a free press,” Newton wrote. “We stand by our reporting which is subject to law and regulatory oversight.”
Newton also said that relevant material which supports and corroborates The Sun’s reporting of the original Edwards story has been provided to the BBC’s corporate investigations team.
On...
- 7/26/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The UK’s influential Culture, Media & Sport Committee has written to both the BBC and The Sun over investigations into Huw Edwards and Dan Wootton.
Caroline Dinenage wrote to BBC Acting Chair Elan Closs Stephens yesterday saying the committee is “keen to see that the BBC conducts its two wider reviews in a transparent manner” following the Edwards scandal.
The BBC has launched two reviews since the accusations against Edwards, one of which will be a ‘factfinding’ investigation and the other a more detailed work on protocols. Director General Tim Davie has already said the latter could take several months to report back and a Deloitte partner has been drafted in to help.
“We share your concern to respect the privacy of individuals and to give due regard to the BBC’s duty of care obligations,” said Dinenage’s letter. “As such it is entirely appropriate that the BBC’s...
Caroline Dinenage wrote to BBC Acting Chair Elan Closs Stephens yesterday saying the committee is “keen to see that the BBC conducts its two wider reviews in a transparent manner” following the Edwards scandal.
The BBC has launched two reviews since the accusations against Edwards, one of which will be a ‘factfinding’ investigation and the other a more detailed work on protocols. Director General Tim Davie has already said the latter could take several months to report back and a Deloitte partner has been drafted in to help.
“We share your concern to respect the privacy of individuals and to give due regard to the BBC’s duty of care obligations,” said Dinenage’s letter. “As such it is entirely appropriate that the BBC’s...
- 7/25/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Issues include how best to support the indie production sector, safe-guarding inward investment and overcoming exhibition challenges.
The UK government is launching a wide-ranging inquiry into the many challenges facing the UK’s film and high-end TV industry via the House of Commons’ Culture, Media and Sport (Cms) Committee.
It will look at everything from what can be done to maintain the UK’s status as a global hub for international production to how independent producers can best be supported. Other issues under discussions include skills and retention in the industry and the best way in which the film and...
The UK government is launching a wide-ranging inquiry into the many challenges facing the UK’s film and high-end TV industry via the House of Commons’ Culture, Media and Sport (Cms) Committee.
It will look at everything from what can be done to maintain the UK’s status as a global hub for international production to how independent producers can best be supported. Other issues under discussions include skills and retention in the industry and the best way in which the film and...
- 7/21/2023
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
The challenges raised by AI and the alarming recent failures of the theatrical distribution system are among the topics that a U.K. parliamentary inquiry will address.
The Culture, Media and Sport Committee (Cms) will examine the current challenges faced by the British film and high-end television industry (Hetv). Inward investment into film and high-end television (Hetv) in the U.K. during 2022 reached a record height of £6.27 billion ($7.72 billion), statistics from the BFI revealed earlier this year. This is the highest ever reported figure and is £1.83 billion higher than for the pre-pandemic year 2019. Some 69% of the £6.27 billion spend was contributed by Hetv production with £4.30 billion, with feature film production contributing £1.97 billion.
However, spend on independent U.K. filmmaking showed a downturn with £174 million, a 31% decrease on 2021. The committee will investigate what needs to be done to maintain and enhance the U.K. as a global destination for production and how the...
The Culture, Media and Sport Committee (Cms) will examine the current challenges faced by the British film and high-end television industry (Hetv). Inward investment into film and high-end television (Hetv) in the U.K. during 2022 reached a record height of £6.27 billion ($7.72 billion), statistics from the BFI revealed earlier this year. This is the highest ever reported figure and is £1.83 billion higher than for the pre-pandemic year 2019. Some 69% of the £6.27 billion spend was contributed by Hetv production with £4.30 billion, with feature film production contributing £1.97 billion.
However, spend on independent U.K. filmmaking showed a downturn with £174 million, a 31% decrease on 2021. The committee will investigate what needs to be done to maintain and enhance the U.K. as a global destination for production and how the...
- 7/20/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Update: The British government has called on the BBC to “urgently and sensitively” investigate allegations that one of its biggest stars paid a teenager for sexually explicit images.
In a statement early on Sunday afternoon, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (Dcms) said the claims were “deeply concerning” and urged the BBC to keep ministers informed of its actions.
“As a public service broadcaster in receipt of public funding, senior officials have stressed to the BBC that the allegations must be investigated urgently and sensitively, with [Dcms] kept informed,” the department said.
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer and Tim Davie, the Director General of the BBC, are due to hold talks later today.
Previous: The mystery BBC presenter at the heart of a sex pictures scandal has been the subject of fresh allegations on Sunday amid a growing crisis for Britain’s national broadcaster.
Tabloid newspaper The Sun alleged that the...
In a statement early on Sunday afternoon, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (Dcms) said the claims were “deeply concerning” and urged the BBC to keep ministers informed of its actions.
“As a public service broadcaster in receipt of public funding, senior officials have stressed to the BBC that the allegations must be investigated urgently and sensitively, with [Dcms] kept informed,” the department said.
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer and Tim Davie, the Director General of the BBC, are due to hold talks later today.
Previous: The mystery BBC presenter at the heart of a sex pictures scandal has been the subject of fresh allegations on Sunday amid a growing crisis for Britain’s national broadcaster.
Tabloid newspaper The Sun alleged that the...
- 7/9/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Prime Video films and series also welcomed into British Film Institute’s National Archive.
Amazon has released figures from consultancy Capital Economics showing that it has invested more than £4.2bn since 2010 in the UK creative industries.
The investment spans content for the Prime Video platform as well as Kindle Direct Publishing, Amazon Publishing, Audible, Amazon Fashion, Amazon Music and Amazon Games.
The investment was unveiled at a reception last night (June 21) at the BFI Southbank, where Prime Video was also welcomed into the British Film Institute’s National Archive. Films and series reflecting stories filmed across the UK including Good...
Amazon has released figures from consultancy Capital Economics showing that it has invested more than £4.2bn since 2010 in the UK creative industries.
The investment spans content for the Prime Video platform as well as Kindle Direct Publishing, Amazon Publishing, Audible, Amazon Fashion, Amazon Music and Amazon Games.
The investment was unveiled at a reception last night (June 21) at the BFI Southbank, where Prime Video was also welcomed into the British Film Institute’s National Archive. Films and series reflecting stories filmed across the UK including Good...
- 6/22/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
“Imbalances of power are dangerous and we care about them,” BBC Director General Tim Davie said today, as he was questioned on the Phillip Schofield debate and accusations of toxicity on This Morning.
Speaking to the influential Culture, Media & Sport Committee (Cmsc), Davie acknowledged there are “imbalances” in the “strange TV industry, where you have people earning talent salaries verses producer salaries.”
“Your concerns are well placed,” he told Committee Chair Caroline Dinenage. “Imbalances of power are dangerous and we care about them. Culturally I am very direct about that not being something I want to see at this organization.”
Davie said he speaks from experience. As Acting Director General 10 years ago, he shepherded the BBC through the first few months of the Jimmy Savile scandal. More recently, he has appointed an independent Kc to probe the conduct of former Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood following accusations about misconduct taking...
Speaking to the influential Culture, Media & Sport Committee (Cmsc), Davie acknowledged there are “imbalances” in the “strange TV industry, where you have people earning talent salaries verses producer salaries.”
“Your concerns are well placed,” he told Committee Chair Caroline Dinenage. “Imbalances of power are dangerous and we care about them. Culturally I am very direct about that not being something I want to see at this organization.”
Davie said he speaks from experience. As Acting Director General 10 years ago, he shepherded the BBC through the first few months of the Jimmy Savile scandal. More recently, he has appointed an independent Kc to probe the conduct of former Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood following accusations about misconduct taking...
- 6/13/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
A U.K. parliamentary inquiry that convened to gather evidence for the upcoming media bill pulled no punches, with top TV executives being probed on Tuesday.
Though the proceedings began with the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee chair Caroline Dinenage stating that the session was not about the “widely reported issues” at ITV show “This Morning,” committee members ploughed on nevertheless. (ITV CEO Carolyn McCall has been called to give evidence to the committee next week over an affair between former ITV anchor Phillip Schofield and a young employee.)
Appearing before the committee, Magnus Brooke, group director of strategy, policy and regulation at ITV, was asked about the duty of care that the editorial team and senior managers provide to staff, especially young staff, at “This Morning” and ITV in general. In response, Brooke said: “There’s a very sophisticated and significant system of safeguarding and duty of care at ITV,...
Though the proceedings began with the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee chair Caroline Dinenage stating that the session was not about the “widely reported issues” at ITV show “This Morning,” committee members ploughed on nevertheless. (ITV CEO Carolyn McCall has been called to give evidence to the committee next week over an affair between former ITV anchor Phillip Schofield and a young employee.)
Appearing before the committee, Magnus Brooke, group director of strategy, policy and regulation at ITV, was asked about the duty of care that the editorial team and senior managers provide to staff, especially young staff, at “This Morning” and ITV in general. In response, Brooke said: “There’s a very sophisticated and significant system of safeguarding and duty of care at ITV,...
- 6/6/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
ITV boss Carolyn McCall will face a grilling from the UK’s influential Culture, Media and Sport Committee (Cms) next week over the Phillip Schofield scandal.
McCall will appear on Wednesday to discuss “fundamental issues about safeguarding and complaint handling both at ITV and more widely across the media,” raised by Schofield’s exit.
McCall will appear in front of the committee one day after ITV policy boss Magnus Brooke, who will use a separate session to discuss the upcoming Media Bill, which was planned prior to Schofield’s departure and the ensuing fallout.
The CEO’s summons comes a day after ITV revealed it had hired an external lawyer to “establish the facts” over Schofield and This Morning. McCall then wrote to Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, Ofcom boss Melanie Dawes and Cms Committee Chair Caroline Dinenage to clarify “inaccuracy in the reporting” of the Schofield saga. Schofield departed the...
McCall will appear on Wednesday to discuss “fundamental issues about safeguarding and complaint handling both at ITV and more widely across the media,” raised by Schofield’s exit.
McCall will appear in front of the committee one day after ITV policy boss Magnus Brooke, who will use a separate session to discuss the upcoming Media Bill, which was planned prior to Schofield’s departure and the ensuing fallout.
The CEO’s summons comes a day after ITV revealed it had hired an external lawyer to “establish the facts” over Schofield and This Morning. McCall then wrote to Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, Ofcom boss Melanie Dawes and Cms Committee Chair Caroline Dinenage to clarify “inaccuracy in the reporting” of the Schofield saga. Schofield departed the...
- 6/1/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
ITV CEO Carolyn McCall has been called to give evidence to the Parliamentary committee for Culture, Media and Sport (Cms) over an affair between former ITV anchor Phillip Schofield and a young employee.
Caroline Dinenage, chair of the Cms Committee, requested McCall’s presence in a letter published today (June 1) in which she said Schofield’s affair – which he dramatically admitted in a statement to the Daily Mail last Saturday – raises “fundamental issues about safeguarding and complaint handling both at ITV and more widely across the media.”
On Saturday, after years of rumors, Schofield admitted to having a relationship with a young runner on “This Morning,” the show he had anchored for over twenty years. Schofield, who said the affair was “unwise but not illegal,” was immediately dropped by his agency following the admission. The anchor also parted ways with ITV.
Yesterday, McCall wrote to Dinenage, Culture secretary Lucy Frazer and Melanie Dawes,...
Caroline Dinenage, chair of the Cms Committee, requested McCall’s presence in a letter published today (June 1) in which she said Schofield’s affair – which he dramatically admitted in a statement to the Daily Mail last Saturday – raises “fundamental issues about safeguarding and complaint handling both at ITV and more widely across the media.”
On Saturday, after years of rumors, Schofield admitted to having a relationship with a young runner on “This Morning,” the show he had anchored for over twenty years. Schofield, who said the affair was “unwise but not illegal,” was immediately dropped by his agency following the admission. The anchor also parted ways with ITV.
Yesterday, McCall wrote to Dinenage, Culture secretary Lucy Frazer and Melanie Dawes,...
- 6/1/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
$70m has been set aside for cinemas that were closed for a total of 300 days due to the health crisis.
France’s National Cinema Centre (Cnc) has announced an additional $107m (€90m) in financial support for the country’s Covid-19 hit cinema industry.
The exhibition sector, which has seen its 2,045 theatres closed for a total of 300 days since the beginning of the pandemic in early 2020, will receive the lion’s share.
It has been allotted $70m (€59.3m) to compensate for its loss of receipts during a 200-day closure from October 2020 to May 2021. The Cnc said the sum would also cover...
France’s National Cinema Centre (Cnc) has announced an additional $107m (€90m) in financial support for the country’s Covid-19 hit cinema industry.
The exhibition sector, which has seen its 2,045 theatres closed for a total of 300 days since the beginning of the pandemic in early 2020, will receive the lion’s share.
It has been allotted $70m (€59.3m) to compensate for its loss of receipts during a 200-day closure from October 2020 to May 2021. The Cnc said the sum would also cover...
- 7/30/2021
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- ScreenDaily
”I am committed to providing appropriate support and remaining in close contact with the sector.”
Caroline Dinenage is the Minister of State at Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms). She talks to Screen about the UK government’s film and TV Production Restart Scheme (Prs), which has supported 52 independent films since it was set up in July 2020 according to statistics published today.
Given the success of the Production Restart Scheme, is the government considering extending it beyond the end of this year?
Caroline Dinenage: It has been absolutely brilliant to see the success of the Restart Scheme and...
Caroline Dinenage is the Minister of State at Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms). She talks to Screen about the UK government’s film and TV Production Restart Scheme (Prs), which has supported 52 independent films since it was set up in July 2020 according to statistics published today.
Given the success of the Production Restart Scheme, is the government considering extending it beyond the end of this year?
Caroline Dinenage: It has been absolutely brilliant to see the success of the Restart Scheme and...
- 7/28/2021
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Entry-level roles at production and post-production firms to be supported.
Amazon has launched a £2.5m fund to help small businesses across England take on apprentices through the UK government’s levy transfer scheme.
The tech giant has set aside £1m of the Amazon Apprenticeship Fund to specifically support roles in the creative industries over the next two years, including film, TV, music and publishing.
Amazon Studios works with a number of independent production companies across the UK to develop and commission Amazon Originals for its streaming service Prime Video, including documentary series such as All Or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur, motoring show The Grand Tour,...
Amazon has launched a £2.5m fund to help small businesses across England take on apprentices through the UK government’s levy transfer scheme.
The tech giant has set aside £1m of the Amazon Apprenticeship Fund to specifically support roles in the creative industries over the next two years, including film, TV, music and publishing.
Amazon Studios works with a number of independent production companies across the UK to develop and commission Amazon Originals for its streaming service Prime Video, including documentary series such as All Or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur, motoring show The Grand Tour,...
- 5/31/2021
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Hello, and welcome to International Insider, Jake Kanter here. Take a walk with me through some of the global film and TV stories you need to read this week. Want to get in touch? I’m on jkanter@deadline.com, or my DMs are open on Twitter. And sign up here to get this delivered to your inbox every Friday.
Disney Reaches For The Star
Disney doubles down: It was a big week for Disney+, as it set the scene for the launch of international entertainment streaming brand, Star, in 17 territories on February 23. Nearly a year on from launching in Europe, Disney+ is now ratcheting up the heat in the streaming wars as it looks to further grow its rapidly-amassed base of 95 million subscribers in 58 territories across the world.
So what’s Star? Well, you can think of it as the international answer to Hulu. It will go live as...
Disney Reaches For The Star
Disney doubles down: It was a big week for Disney+, as it set the scene for the launch of international entertainment streaming brand, Star, in 17 territories on February 23. Nearly a year on from launching in Europe, Disney+ is now ratcheting up the heat in the streaming wars as it looks to further grow its rapidly-amassed base of 95 million subscribers in 58 territories across the world.
So what’s Star? Well, you can think of it as the international answer to Hulu. It will go live as...
- 2/19/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Film and TV performers have become Brexit “collateral damage” after the British government failed to reach an agreement with the European Union for creative industry workers to travel visa-free across the continent.
That’s the view of Paul W Fleming, the general secretary of Equity, which represents 47,000 performers and creative practitioners, including high-profile British actors like Helen Mirren, Olivia Colman, and Tom Hiddleston.
Fleming told Deadline that it was “deeply irrational” that the government was more preoccupied by the needs of the UK fishing industry than the creative sector during crunch Brexit talks with the EU late last year. “When you’re more bothered about pollock, you’re not talking about performing arts,” he said.
Fishing was a hot-button, politically-charged negotiating point during Brexit negotiations, but the industry is worth just £784 million ($1.09M) to the UK economy. The creative sector, with its kaleidoscope of world-class film, TV, theatre, and music performers,...
That’s the view of Paul W Fleming, the general secretary of Equity, which represents 47,000 performers and creative practitioners, including high-profile British actors like Helen Mirren, Olivia Colman, and Tom Hiddleston.
Fleming told Deadline that it was “deeply irrational” that the government was more preoccupied by the needs of the UK fishing industry than the creative sector during crunch Brexit talks with the EU late last year. “When you’re more bothered about pollock, you’re not talking about performing arts,” he said.
Fishing was a hot-button, politically-charged negotiating point during Brexit negotiations, but the industry is worth just £784 million ($1.09M) to the UK economy. The creative sector, with its kaleidoscope of world-class film, TV, theatre, and music performers,...
- 2/19/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The post-Brexit reality of a work visa regime to work in the European Union is now affecting the U.K. film and television production industry.
Several EU countries now require U.K. arts workers to apply for short-term work permits – not an easy process.
“When Covid-19 restrictions dissipate, the need for film and TV production to travel will become even more urgent,” Lyndsay Duthie, CEO, The Production Guild of Great Britain, told Variety. “Productions that are gearing up for spring filming are now working through the realities of the Brexit creative visa issues. A solution is needed to enable cast and crew involved in production to have the ability to move freely for a temporary period.”
“Currently, to get a work visa for Spain for example, with 10 week backlogs for Hmrc [Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs] checks is taking up to three months to process, too long for a creative project,” Duthie explains. “A visa...
Several EU countries now require U.K. arts workers to apply for short-term work permits – not an easy process.
“When Covid-19 restrictions dissipate, the need for film and TV production to travel will become even more urgent,” Lyndsay Duthie, CEO, The Production Guild of Great Britain, told Variety. “Productions that are gearing up for spring filming are now working through the realities of the Brexit creative visa issues. A solution is needed to enable cast and crew involved in production to have the ability to move freely for a temporary period.”
“Currently, to get a work visa for Spain for example, with 10 week backlogs for Hmrc [Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs] checks is taking up to three months to process, too long for a creative project,” Duthie explains. “A visa...
- 2/17/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The Brexit visa crisis, which is preventing British film and TV employees from working in the European Union without filling out reams of costly paperwork, is now starting to cause issues for spring shoots on the continent, according to The Production Guild of Great Britain.
Production Guild CEO Lyndsay Duthie told lawmakers of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee (Dcmsc) on Tuesday that the absence of visa-free travel is causing “huge delays” for producers and is exacerbating the production nightmare caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
“We talk about Spain as an example, to get a visa organized for that is taking two-to-three months. So for us to be filming, even in the spring, we wouldn’t have time for that. It’s being felt now,” Duthie said. “We are, of course, trying to mitigate ways around it and look for that, but there are huge delays and Hmrc are...
Production Guild CEO Lyndsay Duthie told lawmakers of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee (Dcmsc) on Tuesday that the absence of visa-free travel is causing “huge delays” for producers and is exacerbating the production nightmare caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
“We talk about Spain as an example, to get a visa organized for that is taking two-to-three months. So for us to be filming, even in the spring, we wouldn’t have time for that. It’s being felt now,” Duthie said. “We are, of course, trying to mitigate ways around it and look for that, but there are huge delays and Hmrc are...
- 2/17/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Ian Anderson and his band Jethro Tull have signed an open letter to the U.K. government outlining the realities of the Covid-19 crisis for musicians and suggesting possible solutions for how to bring back live music.
In the preface to his letter, Anderson notes that he had privately sent it to U.K. Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden on July 1st, and again to Minister for Digital and Culture Caroline Dinenage on August 12th, but had never received a response from either of them. “Hard to make any progress with this muddled,...
In the preface to his letter, Anderson notes that he had privately sent it to U.K. Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden on July 1st, and again to Minister for Digital and Culture Caroline Dinenage on August 12th, but had never received a response from either of them. “Hard to make any progress with this muddled,...
- 8/27/2020
- by Claire Shaffer
- Rollingstone.com
“Cultural catastrophe” predicted by alarming research from Oxford Economics.
The TV and film sector is facing 100,000 job cuts and “cultural catastrophe”, according to an alarming new study from research firm Oxford Economics.
Today’s Projected Economic Impact of Covid-19 on the UK Creative Industries report predicted the creative industries, including film and TV, will be hit twice as hard as the wider economy in 2020, with a total revenue drop of £74bn.
The film, TV, video, radio and photography sector could account for around half this figure (£36bn), with 102,000 jobs - including full employees and the self-employed - forecast to be...
The TV and film sector is facing 100,000 job cuts and “cultural catastrophe”, according to an alarming new study from research firm Oxford Economics.
Today’s Projected Economic Impact of Covid-19 on the UK Creative Industries report predicted the creative industries, including film and TV, will be hit twice as hard as the wider economy in 2020, with a total revenue drop of £74bn.
The film, TV, video, radio and photography sector could account for around half this figure (£36bn), with 102,000 jobs - including full employees and the self-employed - forecast to be...
- 6/17/2020
- by 1101315¦Max Goldbart Broadcast¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
The British Film Institute has set out a package of support measures designed to assist the U.K. film industry as it struggles with the impact of the coronavirus crisis.
Ben Roberts, chief executive of the BFI, said Thursday it has “repurposed” more than £4.6 million ($5.71 million) in funding to target specific areas of the sector, including exhibitors, freelancers and producers. It has adjusted criteria on key existing programs – including its annual £2.5 million ($3.1 million) Development Fund and the BFI Locked Box – in response to issues such as cash flow and company overhead.
In a statement, Roberts said: “The impact of the Covid-19 crisis has been devastating and far reaching, and we are working with colleagues across the industry to support those who have been hardest hit, and ensuring that we thrive as we recover.
“We are part of a community of innovative and talented creatives working across the entire value chain.
Ben Roberts, chief executive of the BFI, said Thursday it has “repurposed” more than £4.6 million ($5.71 million) in funding to target specific areas of the sector, including exhibitors, freelancers and producers. It has adjusted criteria on key existing programs – including its annual £2.5 million ($3.1 million) Development Fund and the BFI Locked Box – in response to issues such as cash flow and company overhead.
In a statement, Roberts said: “The impact of the Covid-19 crisis has been devastating and far reaching, and we are working with colleagues across the industry to support those who have been hardest hit, and ensuring that we thrive as we recover.
“We are part of a community of innovative and talented creatives working across the entire value chain.
- 4/9/2020
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
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