The following resources signpost UK organisations and initiatives that are doing vital work in the screen industries. We encourage you to explore, engage, and get involved.
UK Organisations and Initiatives
-
BFI Diversity Standards
The BFI's framework for ensuring diversity and inclusion across film production, exhibition, and distribution. Required for BFI-funded productions.
bfi.org.uk/inclusion-film-industry/bfi-diversity-standards -
ERA 50:50
A UK campaign group backed by thousands of industry supporters, campaigning for equal representation of women on stage and screen.
era5050.co.uk -
Times Up UK
Working to create safe, fair, and dignified workplaces for women across the creative industries and beyond.
timesupuk.com -
Directors UK
The professional association for screen directors in the UK, with an active programme of work on diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities for female directors.
directors.uk.com -
ScreenSkills
The industry-led skills body for the UK's screen industries, offering training, development, and the Widening the Lens programme for underrepresented talent.
screenskills.com -
Women in Film and Television (WFTV)
A membership organisation supporting and championing women working at all levels in film and television in the UK.
wftv.org.uk -
Birds Eye View
A UK organisation dedicated to championing films by women, running the Reclaim the Frame initiative and the Birds Eye View Film Festival.
birdseyeviewfilm.co.uk -
BECTU
The union for workers in broadcasting, film, theatre, entertainment, and leisure, actively campaigning for equality and fair treatment across the screen industries.
bectu.org.uk -
Arts Emergency
A UK charity supporting young people from underrepresented backgrounds into the arts and creative industries through mentoring and networking.
arts-emergency.org -
Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media
A research-driven organisation working with content creators worldwide to improve on-screen representation of women, girls, and underrepresented groups. Founded by actor and activist Geena Davis on the principle that 'if they can see it, they can be it.'
geenadavisinstitute.org -
The Bechdel Test
A simple but revealing test for female representation in film: does it have at least two named female characters who talk to each other about something other than a man? Introduced by cartoonist Alison Bechdel in 1985, it remains a widely used benchmark — and a surprisingly high proportion of films still fail it.
bechdeltest.com -
Triple C (Creative Choices for Change)
An organisation focused on embedding conscious, inclusive practice across the screen industries, from production through to exhibition.
wearecreativechoicesforchange.com
Data and Research
-
WFTV Reports Hub
A comprehensive collection of reports and statistics on gender and representation in the media and screen industries, updated regularly.
-
Celluloid Ceiling
USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative
Annual global report tracking women's employment in film.
"In 2024, women directed just 16% of the top 250 grossing films worldwide."
annenberg.usc.edu/research/aii -
BFI Diversity Reports
Data analysis and reports on diversity in the UK film industry, including gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background.
bfi.org.uk/industry-data-insights/reports/diversity-reports -
Reclaim the Frame
Birds Eye View Annual UK Report
Annual tracking of female-directed films released in the UK.
"In 2024, only 20% of UK film releases were directed or co-directed by a woman. At the current rate, gender parity will not be reached until 2049."