Yahoo Lifestyle Bectu Launches Biggest Ever Survey; ‘Artful Dodger’ Season 2 Casting; Sweden’s SVT Sets Skiing Series; New Zealand’s ‘Shortland Street’ To STV Player; CNN Opens In Qatar; Film London Hair & Make-Up Academy – Global Briefs
Bectu Launches Biggest Ever Survey
British broadcasting union Bectu is launching what it is calling its largest ever survey of those working behind the scenes in TV and film. The union is asking workers across the UK’s creative industries about their experiences and views on key issues facing the sector, including pay, employment practices, mental health and wellbeing and finances. The move comes with the freelance workforce in a perilous position, with thousands exiting the sector as they struggle for work and grapple with low pay and poor conditions. Bectu has repeatedly stressed that this is worsening as time goes on. “Creative industry workers are critical to our economy and to our social and cultural fabric,” said Bectu head Philippa Childs. “But data on creative workers is lacking. The freelance nature of the creative industries means that freelancers often fall through data gaps on employment statistics, while without formal employment structures, their voices are often not heard.” The survey is open until March 12.
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Luke Bracey, Jeremy Sims & Zac Burgess Join ‘The Artful Dodger’ Season 2
Disney+ and Hulu have added some more star power to their second season of The Artful Dodger. Elvis star Luke Bracey, Mr Inbetween‘s Jeremy Sims and Cruel Intentions actor Zac Burgess have joined the cast of the show, which is produced out of Disney+’s Australian base and commences filming on its second run this month. Bracey will play Inspector Henry Boxer, the new authority in town with eyes for a lady, Sims will be Uncle Dickie, the Governor’s charming and disreputable older brother, with Burgess to play his handsome aide Phineas Golden. They are joining lead Thomas Brodie-Sangster, who plays Jack Dawkins aka The Artful Dodger, and the likes of returning cast David Thewlis (Fagin), and Maia Mitchell (Lady Belle Fox). Further returners include Susie Porte, Damien Garvey, Tim Minchin, Lucy-Rose Leonard, Nicholas Burton, Kim Gyngell, Luke Carroll, Vivienne Awosoga, Aljin Abella, Brigid Zengeni and Albert Latailakepa. Disney+ co-produces the show with Sony Pictures Television’s Curio Pictures.
Sweden’s SVT Sets Sights On Skiing Series
Sweden’s SVT is hitting the slopes for its latest TV format. The pubcaster has greenlit Against All Odds, a celebrity sports format created by Banijay-backed Meter/Jarowskij, which the distributor will be selling at the London Screenings. Against All Odds sees celebrity participants from non-Swedish backgrounds tackle the 56-mile Vasaloppet challenge – not just testing their physical limits but exploring the sport’s cultural significance. Madelene Hansson, CEO of Meter/ Jarowskij, said: “Through moments of laughter, raw emotion, and triumph, Against All Odds is a journey of growth and perseverance, showcasing Sweden’s sporting heritage, while striving make it welcoming to all. Our public broadcaster, SVT, is a hugely collaborative partner as we highlight our treasured Vasaloppet, working to make this incredible sport open to everyone.”
New Zealand’s Longest-Running Drama Heads To STV Player
New Zealand’s longest-running drama is heading to the UK via a deal with STV Player. Medical series Shortland Street, which launched more than 30 years ago, will air episodes on STV in line with their New Zealand broadcast for the first time. The series follows staff at Shortland Street Hospital in the fictional Auckland suburb of Ferndale, following all the drama they face on a daily basis. A 2025 revamp has seen a number of new characters and fresh storylines. The show has been a training ground for dozens of Kiwi stars who’ve gone on to enjoy major international screen success including Martin Henderson (Grey’s Anatomy, Virgin River), KJ Apa (Riverdale) and Thomasin McKenzie (Last Night in Soho). Shortland Street is returning to UK screens as part of STV Player’s new deal with distributor, All3Media International. An earlier deal saw STV Player become the first streaming service to relaunch much-loved British soap Brookside from the start. Richard Williams, Managing Director of Digital at STV, said: “In New Zealand and several other international territories, Shortland Street has become a cultural phenomenon, so it’s a major coup for us to be able to make STV Player its UK home. The show is a magical blend of ‘just-one-more-episode’ drama, good-natured humour, warmth and topicality – everything we know STV Player viewers look for when choosing their next TV obsession.”
CNN To Open Middle East Hub
CNN’s Middle East operations are expanding with a new base in Qatar. The news network already operates a regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi, which makes Connect the World with Becky Anderson, and has an office in Dubai with bureaus across the region. The new hub will be housed in Media City Qatar, going live in the second half of this year. Multi-platform content will be the main focus, with a team of creators publishing on digital and social platforms and producing a weekly show for CNN International. “CNN has a deep commitment to editorial coverage of the Middle East,” said Mike McCarthy, Executive Vice President & Managing Editor of CNN Worldwide. “Whether by adding to our ability to report from the region, providing new, cutting-edge studio facilities, or allowing us to tell a wider range of stories from here in new ways, including via a brand new weekly show, this new operation in Qatar both underscores and expands that commitment.”
Film London Launches Hair & Make-Up Academy
Film London has launched a hair and make-up academy to improve the diversity of crews on UK TV and film projects. The Hair and Makeup Aesthetics Academy is being backed by Sony Pictures Television and Channel 4. It is designed for both mid-career and entry level talent to give hands-on training, mentoring and post program support. “London and the UK continues to produce globally renowned film and TV content,” said Film London CEO Adrian Wootton. “Underpinning all film and TV production is our world class crew base, who are the very lifeblood of our screen industries.”
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