Directors Digest — Thursday 16 July

Casting directors, diversity standards, and twenty years of Big Brother all feature in this week’s Digest. Read all the latest news and views from the industry below. 

Television

RTS report on their session on the mental and financial toll that lockdown is taking on freelancers. 

Michael Coel and Cynthia Errivo will lead the BBC’s first Creative Diversity Xperience — an online showcase taking place on 28-29 July. (Deadline)

Actor Angela Griffin writes for Broadcast about being mentored on the set of Dun Breedin by Directors UK member Robin Sheppard.

Meanwhile, Channel 4 is set to partner with 20 Black, Asian and ethnic minority-led indies as part of their Indie Accelerator scheme. (Broadcast)

Casting directors tell their stories as the BAFTAs prepare to present their first award for scripted casting. (Guardian)

Esquire looks back at the legacy of Big Brother, twenty years on. 

Film

Wendy Ide looks at the future of film — and whether cinema can survive COVID-19. (Guardian)

A new report has shown that the BFI’s diversity standards have not had a significant impact on racial inequality. (The Hollywood Reporter) 

Director Claire Oakley talks about the making of her new feature, Make Up. (Guardian)

UK cinemas have launched a COVID-19 safeguarding campaign to reassure audiences, Screen reports. 

Meanwhile, director Kevin McDonald speaks about his working from home life. 

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.