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How is the TV production sector changing? Lords to ask independent production companies


On Tuesday 7 May the House of Lords Communications Committee will hold two evidence sessions for its inquiry into public service broadcasting in the age of video on demand.

In the first session the Committee will hear from Alastair Fothergill who has produced several programmes presented by Sir David Attenborough, including 'Blue Planet' and 'Planet Earth' for the BBC, and Our Planet for Netflix. The Committee will also hear from Jane Turton, the chief executive of the All3Media Group, which comprises a network of award-winning independent production and distribution companies. All3Media's productions include 'Fleabag' and 'Call the Midwife'.

The evidence session will begin at 3.30pm in Committee Room 2 of the House of Lords and the Committee will question:

  • Jane Turton, Chief Executive Officer, All3Media
  • Alastair Fothergill, Company Director, Silverback Films.

In the second session beginning at 4.30pm, the Committee will hear from the UK's media and entertainment trade union BECTU which has a membership of 30,000 freelancers and employees. The Committee will also hear from Directors UK, a professional association which represents TV and film directors.

  • Andrew Chowns, Chief Executive Officer, Directors UK
  • Philippa Childs, Head, BECTU
  • Faisal Qureshi, Chair of the Black Members Committee, BECTU.

Topics likely to be covered across both sessions include:

  • The difference between producing content for public service broadcasters and content for video on demand services
  • How UK productions can better appeal to and represent different demographics, regions and nations in the UK—especially younger generations
  • Whether the development of skills and training has kept place with increased demand from new entrants in the UK production sector
  • Whether a levy should be placed on subscription video on demand services to support UK production.

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