Over 150 women came together in Cannes to celebrate Black women in international film, including producer and former Netflix exec Fiona Lamptey, Rocks producer Ameenah Ayub Allen and founders of distribution and exhibition specialist We Are Parable, Anthony and Teanne Andrews.
“’Do better’ was our message to Cannes Film Festival leadership in May 2022,” said Yolonda Brinkley, founder of grassroots equality movement, Diversity in Cannes, who also launched a new initiative at this year’s festival, Black Women Cannes, to celebrate, support and uplift Black women at the festival, and to start a film fund. ”In [the festival’s] 75-year history, they’d only selected one Black women in competition.
“’Do better’ was our message to Cannes Film Festival leadership in May 2022,” said Yolonda Brinkley, founder of grassroots equality movement, Diversity in Cannes, who also launched a new initiative at this year’s festival, Black Women Cannes, to celebrate, support and uplift Black women at the festival, and to start a film fund. ”In [the festival’s] 75-year history, they’d only selected one Black women in competition.
- 5/23/2024
- ScreenDaily
Black stars including Naomie Harris and Lashana Lynch have backed a Time’s Up UK campaign to ensure that the hair and makeup experience on set is professional, fair and equal.
Along with the Pma Diverse Squad – a working group of eight non-white female agents – the British Blacklist and Garden Studios, Time’s Up UK is urging a hair and makeup clause be inserted in the deal memos for Black and Global Majority actors.
The campaign will be discussed at an event in Cannes on Sunday morning and there was a screening of Sky documentary Untold Stories: Hair on Set last night in the presence of its director, the BAFTA-nominated Jordan Pitt, who is backing the campaign alongside the likes of the show’s host Fola Evans-Akingbola.
An example of a proposed deal memo reads: “There will be a meaningful consultation between the Actor and Hair & Makeup. Production will provide...
Along with the Pma Diverse Squad – a working group of eight non-white female agents – the British Blacklist and Garden Studios, Time’s Up UK is urging a hair and makeup clause be inserted in the deal memos for Black and Global Majority actors.
The campaign will be discussed at an event in Cannes on Sunday morning and there was a screening of Sky documentary Untold Stories: Hair on Set last night in the presence of its director, the BAFTA-nominated Jordan Pitt, who is backing the campaign alongside the likes of the show’s host Fola Evans-Akingbola.
An example of a proposed deal memo reads: “There will be a meaningful consultation between the Actor and Hair & Makeup. Production will provide...
- 5/18/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Backed by David Puttnam, Barbara Broccoli, Keira Knightley, Stephen Graham among others.
The UK government-backed body for tackling bullying and harassment in the creative industries has confirmed a 2024 live date.
The Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority will take on cases from next year, supported by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms). It will initially cover the film, music, television and theatre industries.
”Ciisa has one clear purpose, to make the creative industries a safer working environment for our talented colleagues who make the film, TV, music and theatre that we all love and enjoy,” said interim Ciisa CEO Jen Smith.
The UK government-backed body for tackling bullying and harassment in the creative industries has confirmed a 2024 live date.
The Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority will take on cases from next year, supported by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms). It will initially cover the film, music, television and theatre industries.
”Ciisa has one clear purpose, to make the creative industries a safer working environment for our talented colleagues who make the film, TV, music and theatre that we all love and enjoy,” said interim Ciisa CEO Jen Smith.
- 9/29/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
The BFI teamed up with Yolonda Brinkley’s Diversity In Cannes to launch a programme of events to build creative and financial partnerships for Black women in film.
Melanie Hoyes, the head of inclusion at the British Film Institute (BFI), has described the first Cannes’ Celebrating Black Women in International Film programme as a “phenomenal” success, and has pledged to return with the same focus next year.
After an informal gathering last year, this year the BFI teamed with Yolonda Brinkley’s grassroots film equality movement Diversity In Cannes to launch a programme of events to build creative and financial partnerships.
Melanie Hoyes, the head of inclusion at the British Film Institute (BFI), has described the first Cannes’ Celebrating Black Women in International Film programme as a “phenomenal” success, and has pledged to return with the same focus next year.
After an informal gathering last year, this year the BFI teamed with Yolonda Brinkley’s grassroots film equality movement Diversity In Cannes to launch a programme of events to build creative and financial partnerships.
- 5/23/2023
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
The battle for gender equality in the cinema industry is gaining ground but victory is a long way off, representatives of Time’s Up! UK, L.A.-based org ReFrame, France’s Collectif 50/50 and Brazil’s Mulheres group told a panel in Cannes on Friday.
“One of the reasons I was so excited to be here today is that we need to constantly talk across borders, we’re a global industry and we need to share these insights because the powers and the forces against us are very, very significant,” said Heather Rabbatts, chair of the UK’s Times Up Association.
The panel, organized by the French gender equality group Collectif 50/50, took stock of what progress has been made in achieving gender parity in the film industry at the five-year milestone of #MeToo.
It also coincided with the fifth anniversary of the 2018 red carpet protest in which 82 women climbed the steps...
“One of the reasons I was so excited to be here today is that we need to constantly talk across borders, we’re a global industry and we need to share these insights because the powers and the forces against us are very, very significant,” said Heather Rabbatts, chair of the UK’s Times Up Association.
The panel, organized by the French gender equality group Collectif 50/50, took stock of what progress has been made in achieving gender parity in the film industry at the five-year milestone of #MeToo.
It also coincided with the fifth anniversary of the 2018 red carpet protest in which 82 women climbed the steps...
- 5/19/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
The BFI has teamed with Diversity in Cannes for the Celebrating Black Women in International Film initiative, a curated program of events and networking opportunities aiming to establish meaningful creative and financial partnerships while shining a spotlight on the underrepresentation of Black women in the film industry.
As part of this endeavor, a delegation of four U.K.-based Black female filmmakers, actively seeking partners for their current projects, will journey to the Cannes Film Festival to connect with their international peers. The filmmakers are Yvonne Ibazebo (“Rye Lane”), Nadine Marsh-Edwards (“Riches”), Kelley Robins Hicks (“Queen of Glory”) and Shantelle Rochester (“Stolen”).
The program encompasses two days, May 19, 20, and includes a Black Women’s Lunch, supported by The British Blacklist. A panel titled Demystifying Film Finance will bring together experts from the U.K. and international film funds to shed light on the intricacies of securing film financing. Heather Rabbatts from Times Up U.
As part of this endeavor, a delegation of four U.K.-based Black female filmmakers, actively seeking partners for their current projects, will journey to the Cannes Film Festival to connect with their international peers. The filmmakers are Yvonne Ibazebo (“Rye Lane”), Nadine Marsh-Edwards (“Riches”), Kelley Robins Hicks (“Queen of Glory”) and Shantelle Rochester (“Stolen”).
The program encompasses two days, May 19, 20, and includes a Black Women’s Lunch, supported by The British Blacklist. A panel titled Demystifying Film Finance will bring together experts from the U.K. and international film funds to shed light on the intricacies of securing film financing. Heather Rabbatts from Times Up U.
- 5/17/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Jen Smith is on secondment from her BFI role.
The BFI’s director of culture and inclusion Jen Smith has been seconded to become interim CEO of the Independent Standards Authority (Isa), an organisation led by Creative UK and Time’s Up UK which aims to tackle bullying and harassment.
Smith will formalise the Isa’s remit and structure, and establish funding arrangements and key milestones ahead of its formal launch in 2024.
She will also seek to broaden the body’s scope, with a view to it including those working in music, theatre, fashion and advertising.
The Isa is designed...
The BFI’s director of culture and inclusion Jen Smith has been seconded to become interim CEO of the Independent Standards Authority (Isa), an organisation led by Creative UK and Time’s Up UK which aims to tackle bullying and harassment.
Smith will formalise the Isa’s remit and structure, and establish funding arrangements and key milestones ahead of its formal launch in 2024.
She will also seek to broaden the body’s scope, with a view to it including those working in music, theatre, fashion and advertising.
The Isa is designed...
- 9/8/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
The UK film and TV sector’s new body to tackle bullying and harassment is ramping up by appointing BFI Director of Culture and Inclusion Jen Smith as Interim CEO on secondment.
The Independent Stands Authority (Isa), which has financial backing from all major UK broadcasters and Sky, will formalize the Isa’s remit, structure and establish funding arrangements for 2024 launch.
Smith will also seek to broaden the Isa’s scope to those working in music, theater, fashion and advertising, the body said.
Developed in partnership with the BFI, Bafta, Time’s Up UK and its Chair Heather Rabbatts, the Isa meets long-time calls to establish a cross-industry arbiter for bullying and harassment issues.
Smith said it will “have the power to lead investigations and will do so without fear or favour,” as she is seconded there from the BFI until a permanent CEO is recruited when the Isa is fully up-and-running.
The Independent Stands Authority (Isa), which has financial backing from all major UK broadcasters and Sky, will formalize the Isa’s remit, structure and establish funding arrangements for 2024 launch.
Smith will also seek to broaden the Isa’s scope to those working in music, theater, fashion and advertising, the body said.
Developed in partnership with the BFI, Bafta, Time’s Up UK and its Chair Heather Rabbatts, the Isa meets long-time calls to establish a cross-industry arbiter for bullying and harassment issues.
Smith said it will “have the power to lead investigations and will do so without fear or favour,” as she is seconded there from the BFI until a permanent CEO is recruited when the Isa is fully up-and-running.
- 9/8/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
BFI’s director of culture and Inclusion, Jen Smith, has been seconded to become the interim CEO of the Independent Standards Authority (Isa).
The Isa is a new organization led by Creative U.K. and U.K. Time’s Up, aimed at strengthening efforts to tackle bullying and harassment.
Time’s Up U.K. has developed the Isa in consultation with the creative industries, led by Caroline Norbury, chief executive of Creative U.K.. It is designed to ensure that people experiencing bullying and harassment whilst working in the creative industries can receive confidential advice, mediation and crucially, investigation into the most serious and complex complaints.
Foundations for this work were initiated by the BFI, led by Smith, partnering with BAFTA and U.K. Time’s Up, to bring the film and television sectors together in 2017 to develop guidance and principles to tackle bullying and harassment, which were launched in...
The Isa is a new organization led by Creative U.K. and U.K. Time’s Up, aimed at strengthening efforts to tackle bullying and harassment.
Time’s Up U.K. has developed the Isa in consultation with the creative industries, led by Caroline Norbury, chief executive of Creative U.K.. It is designed to ensure that people experiencing bullying and harassment whilst working in the creative industries can receive confidential advice, mediation and crucially, investigation into the most serious and complex complaints.
Foundations for this work were initiated by the BFI, led by Smith, partnering with BAFTA and U.K. Time’s Up, to bring the film and television sectors together in 2017 to develop guidance and principles to tackle bullying and harassment, which were launched in...
- 9/8/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
U.K. broadcasters ITV, Sky, BBC, Channel 4, and Channel 5 are financially backing the Creative U.K. and U.K. Time’s Up-led proposal for the creation of an Independent Standards Authority (Isa) to tackle bullying and harassment.
The proposals for the Isa are designed to ensure that anyone who has suffered abuse, harassment and bullying can receive confidential advice, mediation and investigation into complaints. The Isa is already supported by the BFI, BAFTA, Bectu, the Pma and the Casting Director’s Guild. In May, top stars Keira Knightley and Naomie Harris voiced their support for the Isa.
Following a consultation period, the next stage, which will be funded by the creative industries, is to design the remit, structure and funding arrangements for the Isa.
Heather Rabbatts, chair, Time’s Up U.K., said: “It is well known that concerns are often not raised until after film and TV productions...
The proposals for the Isa are designed to ensure that anyone who has suffered abuse, harassment and bullying can receive confidential advice, mediation and investigation into complaints. The Isa is already supported by the BFI, BAFTA, Bectu, the Pma and the Casting Director’s Guild. In May, top stars Keira Knightley and Naomie Harris voiced their support for the Isa.
Following a consultation period, the next stage, which will be funded by the creative industries, is to design the remit, structure and funding arrangements for the Isa.
Heather Rabbatts, chair, Time’s Up U.K., said: “It is well known that concerns are often not raised until after film and TV productions...
- 6/16/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
All major British broadcasters have backed and pledged immediate financial support for an Independent Standards Authority (Isa) to tackle bullying and harassment in film and TV.
The move represents the next stage in the proposal led by UK Time’s Up Chair Heather Rabbatts and Creative UK CEO Caroline Norbury and has been rubberstamped by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Paramount-owned Channel 5 and Comcast-owned pay-tv giant Sky.
Last month, huge stars including Keira Knightley, Naomie Harris and singer Rebecca Ferguson joined calls for the Isa to ensure that anyone who has suffered abuse, harassment and bullying can receive confidential advice, mediation and investigation into complaints.
The Isa would be separate from the broadcaster’s internal bullying complaints processes and is already supported by the BFI, BAFTA, Bectu, the Pma and the Casting Director’s Guild.
More information will be made public shortly following the end of a consultation period.
The move represents the next stage in the proposal led by UK Time’s Up Chair Heather Rabbatts and Creative UK CEO Caroline Norbury and has been rubberstamped by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Paramount-owned Channel 5 and Comcast-owned pay-tv giant Sky.
Last month, huge stars including Keira Knightley, Naomie Harris and singer Rebecca Ferguson joined calls for the Isa to ensure that anyone who has suffered abuse, harassment and bullying can receive confidential advice, mediation and investigation into complaints.
The Isa would be separate from the broadcaster’s internal bullying complaints processes and is already supported by the BFI, BAFTA, Bectu, the Pma and the Casting Director’s Guild.
More information will be made public shortly following the end of a consultation period.
- 6/16/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The proposal has been backed by Bafta, BFI, Bectu and the Production Managers Association.
Barbara Broccoli, Rebecca Ferguson, Nadine Dorries, Heather Rabbatts, Caroline Norbury, Krishnendu Majumdar, Peter Bazalgette and Ade Rawcliffe are among the leading industry figures backing the creation of an Independent Standards Authority for the film and TV industry.
Time’s Up UK and Creative UK are consulting stakeholders about the nascent Independent Standards Authority (Isa), developed in collaboration with law firm Fieldfisher. The Isa will aim to respond to industry concerns including the protection of freelancers, self-employed workers and those on short-term and informal contracts.
Fieldfisher partner...
Barbara Broccoli, Rebecca Ferguson, Nadine Dorries, Heather Rabbatts, Caroline Norbury, Krishnendu Majumdar, Peter Bazalgette and Ade Rawcliffe are among the leading industry figures backing the creation of an Independent Standards Authority for the film and TV industry.
Time’s Up UK and Creative UK are consulting stakeholders about the nascent Independent Standards Authority (Isa), developed in collaboration with law firm Fieldfisher. The Isa will aim to respond to industry concerns including the protection of freelancers, self-employed workers and those on short-term and informal contracts.
Fieldfisher partner...
- 5/5/2022
- by Heather Fallon Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
The proposal has been backed by Bafta, BFI, Bectu and the Production Managers Association.
Barbara Broccoli, Rebecca Ferguson, Nadine Dorries, Heather Rabbatts, Caroline Norbury, Krishnendu Majumdar, Peter Bazalgette and Ade Rawcliffe are among the leading industry figures backing the creation of an Independent Standards Authority for the film and TV industry.
Time’s Up UK and Creative UK are consulting stakeholders about the nascent Independent Standards Authority (Isa), developed in collaboration with law firm Fieldfisher. The Isa will aim to respond to industry concerns including the protection of freelancers, self-employed workers and those on short-term and informal contracts.
Fieldfisher partner...
Barbara Broccoli, Rebecca Ferguson, Nadine Dorries, Heather Rabbatts, Caroline Norbury, Krishnendu Majumdar, Peter Bazalgette and Ade Rawcliffe are among the leading industry figures backing the creation of an Independent Standards Authority for the film and TV industry.
Time’s Up UK and Creative UK are consulting stakeholders about the nascent Independent Standards Authority (Isa), developed in collaboration with law firm Fieldfisher. The Isa will aim to respond to industry concerns including the protection of freelancers, self-employed workers and those on short-term and informal contracts.
Fieldfisher partner...
- 5/5/2022
- by Heather Fallon Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
UK Time’s Up, the British brand of the U.S.-based anti-harassment and assault organization, has created the Independent Standards Authority (Isa) to address bullying and harassment in UK entertainment.
British actresses Keira Knightley and Naomie Harris have spoken out about their support for the organization, which develops a framework in collaboration with law firm Fieldfisher to protect freelancers, self-employed workers, and those on short-term contracts.
“For anyone to fulfill their creative potential there cannot be fear or disrespect of any kind,” Knightley said in a press statement via Deadline. “We are all entitled to work in safe, respectful spaces where dignity for all is upheld. I believe the Isa is an important step in helping to achieve this.”
“No Time to Die” actress Harris added, “No one should go to work fearful of harassment, bullying and abuse. For anyone to have their voice and reach their full potential,...
British actresses Keira Knightley and Naomie Harris have spoken out about their support for the organization, which develops a framework in collaboration with law firm Fieldfisher to protect freelancers, self-employed workers, and those on short-term contracts.
“For anyone to fulfill their creative potential there cannot be fear or disrespect of any kind,” Knightley said in a press statement via Deadline. “We are all entitled to work in safe, respectful spaces where dignity for all is upheld. I believe the Isa is an important step in helping to achieve this.”
“No Time to Die” actress Harris added, “No one should go to work fearful of harassment, bullying and abuse. For anyone to have their voice and reach their full potential,...
- 5/5/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
The chorus of calls for an Independent Standards Authority (Isa) that tackles bullying and harassment in UK entertainment is growing louder. Keira Knightley, Naomie Harris and several high-profile industry figures are among the those supporting a cross-industry group working to create the new body.
UK Times Up, the British wing of the U.S. anti-harassment and assault body, first called for its creation, developing a framework in collaboration with law firm Fieldfisher that protects freelancers, self-employed workers and those on short-term contracts. It is now working with Creative UK to meet with different media stakeholders over the proposal.
In a statement released today supporting the project, Knightley said: “For anyone to fulfill their creative potential there cannot be fear or disrespect or any kind. We are all entitled to work in safe, respectful spaces where dignity for all is upheld. I believe the Isa is an important step in helping to achieve this.
UK Times Up, the British wing of the U.S. anti-harassment and assault body, first called for its creation, developing a framework in collaboration with law firm Fieldfisher that protects freelancers, self-employed workers and those on short-term contracts. It is now working with Creative UK to meet with different media stakeholders over the proposal.
In a statement released today supporting the project, Knightley said: “For anyone to fulfill their creative potential there cannot be fear or disrespect or any kind. We are all entitled to work in safe, respectful spaces where dignity for all is upheld. I believe the Isa is an important step in helping to achieve this.
- 5/5/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Channel 4 News’ operator ITN is facing difficult questions as an online petition calls for “women who have been silenced to be released from NDAs.”
The petition, organized by campaign group Pregnant Then Screwed, says women who were previously employed by Channel 4 News have been “silenced by confidentiality clauses, otherwise known as NDAs.”
It adds: “The testimonies from these women state that speaking out to bosses about what they faced ultimately ruined both their careers and their mental health.”
ITN, which operates news services for ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, said it “does not and has not dealt in ‘NDAs’ with employees,” adding: “ITN uses settlement agreements to document the mutually-agreed resolution of a dispute or to facilitate the exit of an employee from the business on agreed terms.”
The petition was released this morning as former UK government minister and campaigner Maria Miller told The Times she is...
The petition, organized by campaign group Pregnant Then Screwed, says women who were previously employed by Channel 4 News have been “silenced by confidentiality clauses, otherwise known as NDAs.”
It adds: “The testimonies from these women state that speaking out to bosses about what they faced ultimately ruined both their careers and their mental health.”
ITN, which operates news services for ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, said it “does not and has not dealt in ‘NDAs’ with employees,” adding: “ITN uses settlement agreements to document the mutually-agreed resolution of a dispute or to facilitate the exit of an employee from the business on agreed terms.”
The petition was released this morning as former UK government minister and campaigner Maria Miller told The Times she is...
- 2/10/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Time’s Up UK Chair Heather Rabbatts has called for government legislation to tackle the scourge of bullying and harassment in the screen industries, along with focusing on inclusion at the highest levels.
Speaking at the Creative Coalition 2022 Festival, Rabbatts focussed on the damaging impact of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) on keeping victims silent, and said the government can step in.
“We need collective action and this is about legislation, whether to stop the use of NDAs or create a greater debate,” she added. “Having this infrastructure would be fundamentally important and could sit alongside industry codes of conduct and guidelines. An actor has to know they don’t need to go to a hotel for an audition, so they are clear about their rights.”
Rabbatts, a Dame and former BBC and Channel 4 exec, stuck her head above the parapet following the Noel Clarke allegations last summer, calling for the...
Speaking at the Creative Coalition 2022 Festival, Rabbatts focussed on the damaging impact of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) on keeping victims silent, and said the government can step in.
“We need collective action and this is about legislation, whether to stop the use of NDAs or create a greater debate,” she added. “Having this infrastructure would be fundamentally important and could sit alongside industry codes of conduct and guidelines. An actor has to know they don’t need to go to a hotel for an audition, so they are clear about their rights.”
Rabbatts, a Dame and former BBC and Channel 4 exec, stuck her head above the parapet following the Noel Clarke allegations last summer, calling for the...
- 2/2/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Sir Keir Starmer, the UK’s opposition Labour Party leader, will tonight urge the screen industries to “speak out in defence of the values of public sector broadcasting against the government’s attacks.”
Starmer’s intervention comes with the BBC on the ropes, with UK Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries’ decision to freeze the licence fee for the next two years set to lose it hundreds of millions of pounds, while Dorries is looking into scrapping the fee altogether from 2027. Channel 4, meanwhile, the UK’s other public broadcaster, could be on the brink of being privatized.
Dorries used her Creative Coalition 2022 Festival speech yesterday to reveal she has launched a review into the UK’s creative industries, but she didn’t mention the BBC or Channel 4.
Speaking at the same event tonight, Starmer will say: “The industry should come together and assert your collective clout, speaking out in defence of...
Starmer’s intervention comes with the BBC on the ropes, with UK Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries’ decision to freeze the licence fee for the next two years set to lose it hundreds of millions of pounds, while Dorries is looking into scrapping the fee altogether from 2027. Channel 4, meanwhile, the UK’s other public broadcaster, could be on the brink of being privatized.
Dorries used her Creative Coalition 2022 Festival speech yesterday to reveal she has launched a review into the UK’s creative industries, but she didn’t mention the BBC or Channel 4.
Speaking at the same event tonight, Starmer will say: “The industry should come together and assert your collective clout, speaking out in defence of...
- 2/2/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Earlier this week, Time’s Up UK called for an independent body to provide a safe space to victims.
Bafta chief executive Amanda Barry has echoed calls from Time’s Up UK for a high-level summit to address the need for a consistent and trusted UK industry-wide approach to responding to allegations of bullying and harassment.
She said in a statement: “We join Times Up UK in calling on the industry to come together at a high-level summit to address the urgent need for a consistent and trusted industry-wide approach to responding to allegations of bullying and harassment, as well...
Bafta chief executive Amanda Barry has echoed calls from Time’s Up UK for a high-level summit to address the need for a consistent and trusted UK industry-wide approach to responding to allegations of bullying and harassment.
She said in a statement: “We join Times Up UK in calling on the industry to come together at a high-level summit to address the urgent need for a consistent and trusted industry-wide approach to responding to allegations of bullying and harassment, as well...
- 6/10/2021
- by Max Goldbart Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
Hello! Welcome to International Insider, I’m Jake Kanter. It’s been a short week both in the UK and America, but there’s still been a glut of news. Keep scrolling for all the headlines you need to read. As always, I’m on jkanter@deadline.com if you want to send comments, feedback or stories. And to get this delivered directly to your inbox every Friday, sign up here.
UK TV’s #MeToo Moment
Triggered: The question I’ve been asking this week: have the allegations of sexual misconduct against Noel Clarke opened the floodgates to the UK television industry’s #MeToo moment? Time’s Up UK chair Dame Heather Rabbatts certainly thinks that the actor and producer’s high-profile status in the British biz has “helped to act as an accelerator for others to come forward” with further claims, she tells me. Alex Pumfrey, the CEO of The Film & TV Charity,...
UK TV’s #MeToo Moment
Triggered: The question I’ve been asking this week: have the allegations of sexual misconduct against Noel Clarke opened the floodgates to the UK television industry’s #MeToo moment? Time’s Up UK chair Dame Heather Rabbatts certainly thinks that the actor and producer’s high-profile status in the British biz has “helped to act as an accelerator for others to come forward” with further claims, she tells me. Alex Pumfrey, the CEO of The Film & TV Charity,...
- 6/4/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Time’s Up UK, the charity born out of the Harvey Weinstein scandal and subsequent #MeToo movement, is exploring ways of improving accountability in the British television industry when allegations of sexual misconduct emerge years after a production has shut up shop.
Time’s Up UK chair Dame Heather Rabbatts told Deadline that her organization wants to address the “gray space” that exists when there is a lag between an inappropriate incident taking place and a complaint being lodged or made public.
It follows the allegations against Noel Clarke made by more than 20 women. Many of the accusations, which Clarke vehemently denies, date back to shoots that have long since wrapped or are in the hands of a different production team, such as BBC sci-fi drama Doctor Who.
“The overwhelming majority of productions have really clear procedures, as do broadcasters, around anything that happens at the time. The difficulty...
Time’s Up UK chair Dame Heather Rabbatts told Deadline that her organization wants to address the “gray space” that exists when there is a lag between an inappropriate incident taking place and a complaint being lodged or made public.
It follows the allegations against Noel Clarke made by more than 20 women. Many of the accusations, which Clarke vehemently denies, date back to shoots that have long since wrapped or are in the hands of a different production team, such as BBC sci-fi drama Doctor Who.
“The overwhelming majority of productions have really clear procedures, as do broadcasters, around anything that happens at the time. The difficulty...
- 6/4/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Anna Serner, the well-respected CEO of the Swedish Film Institute who’s been a leading force behind gender parity campaigns in the film industry, has announced she will be stepping down from her role this fall.
News of Serner’s resignation has prompted a joint open letter from 50 organizations thanking the executive for her dedication to reaching equality and equity in the international film industry. The letter, initiated by the org Women in Film and Television International, praised Serner for her “decade-long commitment” as well as her “passion, dedication and clarity,” which has given [them] all hope, encouragement and strength.”
“It’s impossible to overstate the importance of your work for gender equality. Since taking the helm of the Swedish Film Institute in 2011, you’ve been an unwavering force for women at all levels of the industry,” said the letter, which was signed by Helene Granqvist, from Women in Film and...
News of Serner’s resignation has prompted a joint open letter from 50 organizations thanking the executive for her dedication to reaching equality and equity in the international film industry. The letter, initiated by the org Women in Film and Television International, praised Serner for her “decade-long commitment” as well as her “passion, dedication and clarity,” which has given [them] all hope, encouragement and strength.”
“It’s impossible to overstate the importance of your work for gender equality. Since taking the helm of the Swedish Film Institute in 2011, you’ve been an unwavering force for women at all levels of the industry,” said the letter, which was signed by Helene Granqvist, from Women in Film and...
- 4/28/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s Global Bulletin, Time’s Up U.K. publishes safety guidelines for auditions, reporting and working with intimacy; Discovery U.K. posts its 10th consecutive record Q1, and Rai and Amazon team on the winning bid for World Cup 2022 rights in Italy.
Guidelines
Time’s Up U.K. has published the “Time’s Up Guide to Working in Entertainment,” a collection of three guides constructed as a reference material for arts and entertainment workers to stay informed of their rights, industry-specific norms and practical ways they can help to ensure their safety in the workplace. All three guides are available, free to download at the Time’s Up U.K. website.
The Time’S Up UK Guide to Working in Entertainment
Developed in collaboration with Time’s Up in the U.S., Time’s Up U.K. also reached out to key British industry organizations including BAFTA, Bectu, BFI,...
Guidelines
Time’s Up U.K. has published the “Time’s Up Guide to Working in Entertainment,” a collection of three guides constructed as a reference material for arts and entertainment workers to stay informed of their rights, industry-specific norms and practical ways they can help to ensure their safety in the workplace. All three guides are available, free to download at the Time’s Up U.K. website.
The Time’S Up UK Guide to Working in Entertainment
Developed in collaboration with Time’s Up in the U.S., Time’s Up U.K. also reached out to key British industry organizations including BAFTA, Bectu, BFI,...
- 4/9/2021
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
As the industry looks ahead to a post-lockdown future, Time’s Up U.K. is commissioning key research to improve the experiences of women in the workplace, while realigning its priorities in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Time’s Up U.K. chair Heather Rabbatts tells Variety that as the industry resets after the worst of the pandemic, it can’t revert to old norms, and nor must the movement. “We want to build it in a way that speaks to our values and aspirations.”
A new strategy involves greater scrutiny of intersectionality across the Time’s Up U.K. campaigns, as well as an industry survey on microaggression — a term used to describe daily undermining behaviours and comments directed towards marginalized groups — that will inform a dedicated app to help women in film and television, as well as other industries.
“We’ve done research and have been talking to different sectors,...
Time’s Up U.K. chair Heather Rabbatts tells Variety that as the industry resets after the worst of the pandemic, it can’t revert to old norms, and nor must the movement. “We want to build it in a way that speaks to our values and aspirations.”
A new strategy involves greater scrutiny of intersectionality across the Time’s Up U.K. campaigns, as well as an industry survey on microaggression — a term used to describe daily undermining behaviours and comments directed towards marginalized groups — that will inform a dedicated app to help women in film and television, as well as other industries.
“We’ve done research and have been talking to different sectors,...
- 1/7/2021
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
A major awards overhaul by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) is being heralded by the U.K. industry as a “bold plan” that may finally spark enduring change.
In an interview with Variety, BAFTA chair Krishnendu Majumdar described the new rules as a “wholesale cultural change” that has been in the works for seven months. “We want to have a positive impact on the wider industry, but it’s important to put our own house in order,” says Majumdar.
BAFTA’s changes, which will apply to the 2021 awards, follow an extensive industry review of the org following the 2020 Film Awards, which were based on all-white acting nominations and zero female director nods, and drew outrage across the British industry in January. Ever since, BAFTA has been steadfast in promising change, and on Thursday, it delivered.
Landmark initiatives — of 120 changes in total — include an expansion of the...
In an interview with Variety, BAFTA chair Krishnendu Majumdar described the new rules as a “wholesale cultural change” that has been in the works for seven months. “We want to have a positive impact on the wider industry, but it’s important to put our own house in order,” says Majumdar.
BAFTA’s changes, which will apply to the 2021 awards, follow an extensive industry review of the org following the 2020 Film Awards, which were based on all-white acting nominations and zero female director nods, and drew outrage across the British industry in January. Ever since, BAFTA has been steadfast in promising change, and on Thursday, it delivered.
Landmark initiatives — of 120 changes in total — include an expansion of the...
- 9/24/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: UK and LA-based management and production firm 42 has appointed Heather Rabbatts as non-executive chair to the board.
Rabbatts’ prolific career spans a number of different sectors including law, sports, government and media. She is currently MD of film and TV production company Cove Pictures, where she recently produced The Drifters and The Bad Ass Librarians Of Timbuktu, which is in post-production.
In 2018, Rabbatts became Chair of Time’s Up UK and joined Time’s Up’s global board. She also currently chairs the board of Soho Theatre, is chair of specialist sports agency Vero Communications and recently established the Women’s Sports Group, a new venture designed to create opportunities to enhance women’s sport.
Rabbatts started out in law, then became a government advisor and was the youngest CEO of a Local Authority. She was the first woman and person of color in 150 years on the board of...
Rabbatts’ prolific career spans a number of different sectors including law, sports, government and media. She is currently MD of film and TV production company Cove Pictures, where she recently produced The Drifters and The Bad Ass Librarians Of Timbuktu, which is in post-production.
In 2018, Rabbatts became Chair of Time’s Up UK and joined Time’s Up’s global board. She also currently chairs the board of Soho Theatre, is chair of specialist sports agency Vero Communications and recently established the Women’s Sports Group, a new venture designed to create opportunities to enhance women’s sport.
Rabbatts started out in law, then became a government advisor and was the youngest CEO of a Local Authority. She was the first woman and person of color in 150 years on the board of...
- 9/23/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Overshadowed by a grisly, racially motivated shooting in western Germany and the growing pains of new festival leadership, this year’s Berlinale served to illuminate the market dynamics and global issues set to impact the international film and television industry in the run-up to Cannes — provided coronavirus stays away from the Croisette.
The Berlin festival, which ran Feb. 20 to March 1, boasted only a handful of buzzy deals. The upcoming Jessica Chastain- and Eddie Redmayne-fronted “The Good Nurse” reportedly sold in the range of $25 million to Netflix. IFC Films nabbed U.S. rights to Christian Petzold’s fantasy romance “Undine,” while Cohen Media Group took North American rights to Vadim Perelman’s Holocaust drama “Persian Lessons.” Terms of those two deals were not announced.
But few films were as beloved as “Gunda,” a black-and-white documentary about frolicking farm animals. Devoid of voiceover and score, the film titillated critics and buyers alike.
The Berlin festival, which ran Feb. 20 to March 1, boasted only a handful of buzzy deals. The upcoming Jessica Chastain- and Eddie Redmayne-fronted “The Good Nurse” reportedly sold in the range of $25 million to Netflix. IFC Films nabbed U.S. rights to Christian Petzold’s fantasy romance “Undine,” while Cohen Media Group took North American rights to Vadim Perelman’s Holocaust drama “Persian Lessons.” Terms of those two deals were not announced.
But few films were as beloved as “Gunda,” a black-and-white documentary about frolicking farm animals. Devoid of voiceover and score, the film titillated critics and buyers alike.
- 3/3/2020
- by Manori Ravindran, Ed Meza, Nick Vivarelli and John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Chair of Time’s Up U.K. Heather Rabbatts had fighting words about the imminent verdict from the New York Harvey Weinstein rape trial for a packed audience gathered to hear a panel on gender equality on the sidelines of the Berlin Film Festival.
“Whatever happens tomorrow, it is not the end of this issue. It isn’t about win or lose,” she said. “This is a movement that’s started; it’s not going to go back in the box.”
Rabbatts spoke at an Efm Horizon event co-hosted by the Swedish Film Institute called “50/50 by 2020 – A Roadmap for the Future.” She went on to expound on how to keep up the momentum towards gender equality that has gathered in wake of the #MeToo movement, which itself unfurled out of the Weinstein revelations
On Friday, the New York jury reached a verdict on three out of five counts against Weinstein,...
“Whatever happens tomorrow, it is not the end of this issue. It isn’t about win or lose,” she said. “This is a movement that’s started; it’s not going to go back in the box.”
Rabbatts spoke at an Efm Horizon event co-hosted by the Swedish Film Institute called “50/50 by 2020 – A Roadmap for the Future.” She went on to expound on how to keep up the momentum towards gender equality that has gathered in wake of the #MeToo movement, which itself unfurled out of the Weinstein revelations
On Friday, the New York jury reached a verdict on three out of five counts against Weinstein,...
- 2/23/2020
- by Rebecca Davis
- Variety Film + TV
To mark International Women's Day, Andrea Riseborough has announced her commitment to working with a female director over the next 18 months as part of the Time's Up movement's "4 percent challenge."
The actress and producer — star of The Death of Stalin and Mandy and a campaigner for Time's Up — has also teamed with Time's Up U.K. chair Heather Rabbatts to call on the British film industry to follow suit, highlighting how only 4 percent of the top 1,200 studio films were directed by women
“We are urging the film ...
The actress and producer — star of The Death of Stalin and Mandy and a campaigner for Time's Up — has also teamed with Time's Up U.K. chair Heather Rabbatts to call on the British film industry to follow suit, highlighting how only 4 percent of the top 1,200 studio films were directed by women
“We are urging the film ...
To mark International Women's Day, Andrea Riseborough has announced her commitment to working with a female director over the next 18 months as part of the Time's Up movement's "4 percent challenge."
The actress and producer — star of The Death of Stalin and Mandy and a campaigner for Time's Up — has also teamed with Time's Up U.K. chair Heather Rabbatts to call on the British film industry to follow suit, highlighting how only 4 percent of the top 1,200 studio films were directed by women
“We are urging the film ...
The actress and producer — star of The Death of Stalin and Mandy and a campaigner for Time's Up — has also teamed with Time's Up U.K. chair Heather Rabbatts to call on the British film industry to follow suit, highlighting how only 4 percent of the top 1,200 studio films were directed by women
“We are urging the film ...
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