DirectorsDigest—Thursday12February2026

In the news this week, “Our members are having very hard times,” says newly elected president of the Directors Guild of America Christopher Nolan, the BBC licence fee is set to increase by £5.50 to £180 in line with inflation, and a new startup is enlisting internet users to hunt down AI models generating content that could have been trained on copyrighted material.

Read about it in this week’s Digest.

News

•  Christopher Nolan, the newly elected president of the Directors Guild of America, presided over his first DGA Awards on Saturday night. In a passionate speech, he acknowledged “our members are having very hard times.” (The Hollywood Reporter)

•  The BBC licence fee is set to increase by £5.50 to £180, as government approves inflation-linked rise. (Broadcast Now)

•  Cultural and Creative Industries body, Creative UK, has appointed Emily Cloke as its new Chief Executive. (Televisual)

•  Sky has struck a far-reaching deal with Disney+ to integrate the streamer’s content into its content platform in the UK and launch a new channel. (Broadcast Now)

•  Germany is set to introduce an 8% levy on streaming services to fund local film and TV productions, aiming to strengthen domestic content and creative industries. (Screen Daily)

•  A new startup called LightBar is enlisting internet users to hunt down AI models generating content that could have been trained on copyrighted material. (Deadline)

•  The TV Foundation has opened applications for four career development programmes, including; the Visionaries programme which champions 25 creatives to develop their careers and give them the ability to turn their vision into real change in the industry, and Changemakers, the third edition of their climate leadership programme. (Broadcast Now)

•  France is getting ready to sharpen its competitive edge with a game-changing reform to its tax incentive for international productions (TRIP), aiming to attract more Hollywood productions and compete with other European locations. (Variety)

Features

•  How Eleven Film undertook an extensive and sensitive casting process to authentically select young actors for their adaptation of The Lord of the Flies, focusing on diversity, natural performances, and creating a supportive environment for the castaways. (Broadcast Now)

Opinion

•  Grierson Trust managing director Sylvia Bednarz warns that urgent action is needed to improve working conditions and funding to prevent a talent exodus from the sector. (Broadcast Now)

Director Interviews

•  Masculinity and vulnerability aren't exclusive, says My Father's Shadow director Akinola Davies Jr. (BBC News)

Awards

•  Winners of the 78th Annual DGA Awards were announced this week, with Director Paul Thomas Anderson being awarded the prize for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film. See the full list of winners here. (DGA)