Directors UK makes new appointments

PAUL EVANS is joining Directors UK from Bectu as Head of Industry Relations, while NIALL STEWART has been named Public Affairs and Policy Manager.

Evans will play a key role in leading the trade body’s work on pay and working conditions.

He has spent ten years working as a trade union official in the film and TV industry, helping to negotiate industry working agreements and advising on freelance employment, including tax and personal negotiations.

Meanwhile, Stewart will focus on driving work in lobbying government policymakers to introduce “meaningful change in the way that creators’ rights are protected and regulated".

He has worked across policy, public affairs and research for the Independent Film Trust, the House of Lords and the European Parliament, as well as at BBC Films, ITV, Channel Four and Paramount Pictures. 

Stewart noted it was a "pivotal time" for freelance creators in the UK.

He said: "As the UK and international media landscape undergoes a massive change, fighting for directors’ copyright and creative rights in the places where change happens has never been so important.”

Evans added: “Directors are at the heart of our industry.

"I believe we need more collective voices to articulate and drive a shared vision that will shape our industry for the better, and I’m excited to help Directors UK in developing their voice.”