BAFTA Leader Jane Millichip Applauds UK Television’s Vibrant Sector Amidst Potential Challenges
BAFTA chief Jane Millichip has lauded the vitality of the British television industry, despite potential future challenges, emphasizing the importance of maintaining control over the industry’s value chain.
In a conversation with Deadline, as shows like Baby Reindeer, Rivals, and Mr Bates vs the Post Office secured several BAFTA TV nominations, Millichip discussed the need to explore various solutions to the UK drama funding challenges. These solutions include enhancing tax credits, implementing levies on streaming services, and increasing support for freelancers.
“It’s fantastic to see studios popping up across the UK and major films being made here, but it’s crucial we also focus on strengthening our domestic sector,” she stated. “Looking ahead, we need to consider all available options to ensure we maintain control over our value chain. Otherwise, we could face increasing difficulties.”
While Millichip did not expressly endorse the high-profile idea of a streaming service tax to alleviate the funding crisis for scripted content, she mentioned that the British Film Institute (BFI) is currently evaluating this proposal. “We are eager to see the outcomes of their findings,” she said.
RELATED: Series Mania 2025: Deadline’s Full Coverage
Notable British creatives like Jack Thorne, Peter Kosminsky, and Jane Featherstone have recently expressed concerns about the future of local British dramas, such as ITV’s Mr Bates, which has received six BAFTA nominations.
Millichip also highlighted the diminishing gap between traditional broadcaster-commissioned shows and those produced by streaming platforms. She pointed out two British projects on Netflix, Toxic Town and Adolescence, both currently popular globally, as potential contenders for next year’s BAFTAs.
“What’s fascinating is the presence of commercially successful shows on traditional platforms as well as strong British dramas on streaming services,” she added. “There’s increasingly less distinction between the types of shows we’re seeing overall.”
Millichip remarked that the current BAFTA nominations showcase the robust health of British TV and noted significant progress in diversity, highlighting Baby Reindeer’s Nava Mau as the first openly transgender acting nominee. Additionally, she mentioned that half of the nominated directors are women and many categories feature first-time nominees including Rivals’ Danny Dyer and acclaimed film actor Jonathan Pryce for Slow Horses.
On the topic of representation, Millichip explained that BAFTA has improved diversity by broadening its membership base rather than merely checking boxes for award submissions. “By publicly sharing the diversity stats of our membership and setting specific targets, we are committed to a more systemic approach. This is expected to lead to broader diversity across all areas,” she stated.
Controversy Surrounds ‘Life and Death in Gaza’
The BBC documentary Life and Death in Gaza has made headlines not only for securing four nominations but also due to controversy surrounding one of its notable contributors. This individual previously faced criticism for social media posts celebrating violence, an issue highlighted in a recent report on BBC’s coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Following a similar issue at this month’s Royal Television Society awards, where an award was initially revoked then reinstated, BAFTA is cautious. Millichip affirmed that Life and Death in Gaza meets all the entry criteria set by BAFTA. “We consider it a credible entry unless new information suggests otherwise, at which point we will reassess,” she concluded.
Daniel Hayes is a business journalist with a focus on market trends, startups, and corporate strategies.
His sharp analysis and investigative reports make complex financial topics accessible to all readers.
