Film and TV Briefing: Friday 12 February 2021

Welcome to this week’s round-up of news, commentary and industry announcements that you may have missed from the past week.

If you are looking for advice in relation to any of the issues mentioned, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

In the news

BFI official figures show industry recovery (BFI)

Freelancers are suffering during production hiatuses (Broadcast)

Disney’s Blue Sky animation Studios to close (Screen Daily)

CGTN licence to broadcast in UK revoked by Ofcom (Ofcom)

BBC licence fee increase (BBC)

Oscars to broadcast live from multiple locations (Hollywood Reporter)

UK and Ireland Box office total down 81% in 2020 (Screen Daily)

Michelle Obama to star in Netflix children’s TV show (BBC)

BAFTA 2021 longlist announced (Screen Daily)

Oscars shortlists released (Variety)

Amazon TV team expansion (Hollywood Reporter)

Equity calls for clarity over conflicting reports of pub venues opening (Equity)

Home Schooling Help from the BBC (BBC)

Features and commentary

Will academy voters be hampered without cinema viewing experience? (Variety)

The making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Collider)

The decline of local TV (BBC)

Industry announcements

Eight new members to serve on PACT Council until December 2022 (PACT)

Resources

PACT Coronavirus Guidance (PACT)

Cinema reopening dates internationally (Screen Daily)

WFTV Covid resources (WFTV)