Directors Digest — Thursday 6 April

Today’s Directors Digest takes us through potential writers strikes, new multi-million pound studios, ageing viewers and an ambitious new episode of Casualty. Read all about it below.

Television

In celebration of its 30th Anniversary, Casualty will run a special one-shot episode — scripted by Paul Unwin and directed by John Sen. (RTS)

The Scottish government has approved a new £250m studio. (ScreenDaily)

Blumhouse has launched an independent TV studio with ITV studios, reports The Wrap. 

The average BBC viewer is now over 60 years old. (Advanced Television)

Meanwhile, Ofcom is now the first independent and external regulator of the BBC. 

A new guild for music supervisors has launched across the UK and Europe. (ScreenDaily)

Film

Harry Shearer writes for Rolling Stone about how his Spinal Tap lawsuit is significant for all creators.

In the USA, the Writers Guild has promised strike action on May 2 unless as a deal is reached. (The Hollywood Reporter)

Den of Geek have provided a great primer on the potential WGA strike action. 

The LA Times goes about disproving the myth that ‘black films don't travel.’

And the Academy has launched a new internship programme with a focus on diversity. 

Over on Indiewire, Film Critics share their thoughts on Roger Ebert following the fourth anniversary of his passing.