BBC Partners With Directors U.K. to Give Women More TV and Film Opportunities

LONDON -- Directors U.K., the fee-collecting and lobbying group for British movie and television directors is partnering with the BBC to research how best to improve opportunities for women behind the lens.

our editor recommends

Directors U.K. Extends Membership Net

Fifteen Women Honored at U.K.'s Women In Film And TV Awards

Incoming BBC Boss Discusses Jimmy Savile Scandal, Crisis

As part of a partnership with Directors U.K., the BBC has appointed talent executive Jo Hatley to take the lead on research amongst internal commissioners, producers and senior decision makers "to explore factors contributing to the employment pattern of women directing BBC produced programs."

The move stems from Directors U.K.’s strategy to work with broadcasters and production houses to explore ways of increasing the number of women working as directors across film and television.

BBC head of creative resources Ian Critchley said the ambition is to devise "a simple action plan that is deliverable and sustainable based on some of our success stories."

Directors U.K. CEO Andrew Chowns said: "It is clear from our own research and from reports from our members that there is under-representation of women directors in certain TV production genres. We want to find out why this is happening and to see what can be done to remove any unfair barriers to fair opportunities."

Chowns pointed out that it the issue is industry wide and not just a BBC issue.

The research will be carried out during April and May this year, the parties said.