BAFTA Chief Addresses British TV Crisis
Jane Millichip, the CEO of BAFTA, recently shared her optimistic outlook on the future of British television despite the challenges the industry has faced. She emphasized the exceptional creativity and craftsmanship present in U.K. TV, stating that it is currently at its peak in terms of quality.
Following the announcement of the BAFTA TV and Craft nominations, with Netflix’s “Baby Reindeer” leading the pack with eight nominations, Millichip addressed concerns about the perceived crisis in British television production, particularly in the scripted genre. She noted that despite the tough market conditions in recent years, this year’s nominees showcased the strength and innovation of British TV, with 134 programs receiving nominations out of 900 entries.
The BAFTA TV Awards nominations highlighted the dominance of “Baby Reindeer,” while other notable contenders included ITV’s “Mr. Bates vs. the Post Office,” Disney+’s “Rivals,” and Apple TV+’s “Slow Horses.” Millichip also pointed out positive signs of recovery in the production landscape, with around a third of independent producers in the U.K. experiencing improvements in the commissioning landscape.
In discussing the importance of maintaining control over the U.K.’s production value chain, Millichip acknowledged the value of international investment but stressed the need to retain more of the intellectual property value in domestic productions. She emphasized the importance of a multi-faceted approach to strengthening domestic production, including evaluating proposals related to tax credits, levies, and support for freelancers.
A robust domestic sector not only provides resilience in the face of fluctuating international investment but also ensures the continuity of British storytelling. Millichip highlighted the success of streaming shows like Netflix’s “Adolescence” and praised the adoption of public service broadcasting values across the industry.
The addition of new children’s categories to the BAFTA awards was seen as a move to support a sector facing funding challenges. By creating scripted and non-scripted categories and a craft team category for children’s programming, BAFTA aims to elevate children’s TV to a prominent position in the industry.
In conclusion, Millichip expressed her commitment to championing British storytelling and supporting the diverse and innovative content being produced in the U.K. She emphasized the need for a strong domestic sector to ensure the longevity and success of the British television industry.
