A PROFESSOR at the University of Reading has been appointed as an expert advisor into an upcoming government inquiry into TV and film.
Dr Dominic Lees of the UoR’s Film, Theatre, and Television department, has been selected as one of the advisors by the House of Commons’ culture, media, and sport select committee.
The inquiry will investigate how to maintain and support the UK’s media production and promote the country as a “global destination” for production.
It will do so by examining skills and retention in the film and TV industry, the effects of artificial intelligence, and what challenges are faced by screening venues, such as cinemas, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Dr Lees is an associate professor of film at the university, where he teaches and researched filmmaking practises.
He also directed the 2008 feature film Outlanders, and has directed episodes of The Bill, Causalty, and This Life.
Dr Lees said: “Film production in Britain is getting bigger every year through inward investment and this is very exciting. Potentially millions of people could benefit from the opportunities film and TV production brings.
“But at the same time independent British film is declining so it’s important we do everything we can to support our film culture and industry.”
He explained: “I bring to the inquiry experience from my career as a TV and film director, as well as my academic research into High End Television and the innovations of AI in the film industry.
“The University of Reading has a wealth of expertise in this field, from our close partnership with Shinfield Studios to our world-leading research on the risks and benefits of artificial intelligence, as well as our impressive record on sustainability.”
The inquiry is underway and expected to release its report of findings later next year.
