DirectorsDigest—Friday11October2024

In the news this week, Channel 4 posted its biggest deficit ever last year, Independent Film Tax Credit given green light by Labour, and Director Nora Fiffer shares how she prioritised a family friendly set for her debut feature.

Read all about it in this week’s Digest.

News

•   Channel 4 posted its biggest deficit of all time last year, with content boss Ian Katz deciding to reject his bonus. (Deadline)

•   The UK’s Labour government has given the go-ahead to the eagerly anticipated Independent Film Tax Credit (IFTC). (Televisual)

•  The industry reacts to Labour’s Employment Rights Bill, announced this week. (Screen)

•  The UK Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) has formed its first board, ahead of the launch of its standards framework in early 2025. (Deadline)

•  Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has called for the reconsideration of a planning application for a proposed £750m development at Marlow Film Studios, previously turned down by Buckinghamshire council. (Guardian)

•  BBC3 is inviting West Midlands-based indies to pitch ideas for a current affairs documentary as the first opportunity to arise from the West Midlands IP Fund. (Broadcast)

Features

•  Director Nora Fiffer on how she prioritised a family friendly set for her debut feature film Another Happy Day. Setting a brilliant example by keeping 9-5 shoot days and having childcare available — all on a tight budget. (Variety)

Opinion

Opinion

•   Channel 4 chiefs should not be taking bonuses while indies try to survive, opinion piece by Nils Pratley. (Guardian)

Director Interviews

Director Interviews

•  Director Marielle Heller speaks to IndieWire on Nightbitch, and what went into adapting Rachel Yoder’s novel of domestic discord. (IndieWire) Maielle will be joining us for a special screening of Nightbitch followed by a conversation about her craft, book your tickets here.

•  Director Steve McQueen appeared at a screen talk during London Film Festival, sharing “A director is not about being an arsehole.” (Screen)