February 4, 2021

‘Getting work has never been harder’: TV and film production during Covid (theguardian.com)

The film and TV industry suffered a slump in production last year due to the pandemic, with a decline of more than £700m in the amount spent on filming. The Guardian spoke to four people who work in film and TV about how their work has been affected by the pandemic.

‘Getting work has never been harder’ – TV director

“The big question is ‘will I ever work again?’ And if not, how can I best say goodbye to an industry I have been part of for all my working life,” says Robin Sheppard, a 55-year-old TV director in London.

At the start of the first lockdown, Sheppard was collaborating with Benidorm star Julie Graham on a TV show, Dun Breedin, that she hoped would be commissioned. The production was funded, but all the cast and crew worked for free. They continued to make the show during lockdown, and it was broadcast on YouTube in late April.

By: Molly Blackall

Continue Reading at theguardian.com

Regina production highlights need for sustainable film tax credit (regina.ctvnews.ca)

REGINA —  The lack of film tax credit in Saskatchewan is driving industry members out of the province, according to the director of a feature length film shooting in Regina.

“The problem that we face is the fact that you have to fly in a lot of the talent, because there is not a lot here anymore,” said ‘Donkeyhead’ director Agam Darshi. “A lot of people who take this job seriously, whether they are in-front or behind the camera, have gone to other places, like Toronto.”

The film tax credit was pulled in 2012. ‘Donkeyhead’ is accessing grants through Creative Saskatchewan, but only $2M is available for all applicants in feature film and TV production each year.

“There’s a cap to it, so there’s only so many projects that the province can support for film and TV production in the province,” ‘Donkeyhead’ producer Kelly Balon said.

By: Colton Wiens

Continue Reading at regina.ctvnews.ca