BFI: film diversity needs own conversation

Diversity in the film industry “needs its own conversation”, BFI Film Fund director Ben Roberts has told ScreenDaily.

Roberts acknowledged that diversity in the TV sector has dominated recent meetings between the DCMS and the creative industries:

“The TV conversation was becoming the dominant conversation in those rooms,” he told Screen.

“That is fine and good but it’s a different conversation. In those rooms you have large corporations like the BBC who are able to make decisions across sectors including production, distribution and commissioning.

“It’s a different ecology and economy in film, which needs its own conversation.”

Roberts is due to meet with culture minister Ed Vaizey and select film industry during the London Film Festival (Oct 8-19) to address diversity.

The Film Fund head said he anticipates a “very focused” conversation on the issue but could not as yet disclose attendees.

“Diversity as it applies to film and TV are not the same debate,” he continued. “Film is a very multifaceted environment and you need each sector to be engaged. I felt that a conversation focused on film was important. The industries have separate dynamics.”

In July, the BFI announced new diversity measures for productions applying for BFI-backing. The measures are due to take effect this month.