London Film Festival – conflicts of interest
We recently received the following email, we will follow up on this with an additional post shortly: “Following your post of December 26, 2023, this is an update that the BFI are continuing to select their own BFI-backed films for the
Changing Names, Not Behaviour: Inside the LHC Scandal (The Disappearance of TSG Casting)
By Alexa Morden In 2024, Film Industry Watch published a piece titled “The Disappearance of TSG Casting and Talent Status: A Tale of Uncertainty and Loss”, which raised important questions about the sudden vanishing of an agency that left some ac
The UK Film and TV Industry: Challenges and Uncertain Future
A Struggling Industry Beneath the Success Despite blockbuster productions like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Barbie, the UK’s film and TV sector faces mounting challenges. While the industry contributed over £17 billion in 2021 and employs around
Guy Flintham sentenced to 6 years for fraud over unauthorised investment scheme
Press Releases First published: 17/05/2024 Last updated: 17/05/2024 Following a hearing at Southwark Crown Court, Guy Flintham, 46, was today sentenced to 6 years for fraud. On 19 February 2024, Mr Flintham pleaded guilty to fraud
How Medium sized Festivals Grovel to the Big Boys, by Selecting the Same Films
If you’ve ever wondered why the same films are selected again and again by many different festivals, selections which are often not justified by their artistic merit, and despite the enormous amount of films which are produced each year, this a
Bectu list of alleged failures to properly observe obligations to members (UK) – December 2023
Bectu (Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications and Theatre Union) has been made aware of alleged failures to properly observe obligations to members by the companies and individuals set out below. All members are advised in their own interest to
Maia Films: A Cloak Covering Spectrecom Films
Maia Films, a company seemingly born from the ashes of the alleged notorious Spectrecom Films, carries a heavy inheritance. Whispers of late payments and unpaid invoices haunt both companies, with the specter of Andrew Greener, the individual who ste
London Film Festival Conflicts of Interest, BFI as a Monopoly
London, UK – The BFI London Film Festival (LFF), a renowned annual event, is facing critical scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest. This concern stems primarily from its close relationship with the British Film Institute (BFI), which si
Dual Role as Glasgow Short Film Festival Programmer & at a Short Films Distribution Company
Sanne Jehoul’s concurrent positions as Programme Director at the Glasgow Short Film Festival, Scotland’s premier short film event and a BAFTA Qualifying event, and as a member of the team at Square Eyes, a Vienna-based festival distributi
Unpaid Wages at The National Youth Film Academy: A Mentor’s In-Depth Account
The National Youth Film Academy, a name that once inspired confidence in film and media education, now faces serious allegations. A mentor has come forward with claims of unpaid wages and a lack of responsiveness from the leadership. This comprehensi
Navigating Payment Challenges: Freelancing in the Film Industry
In the dynamic world of freelancing within the film industry, professionals often encounter a mix of opportunities and challenges. One such challenge is ensuring that you are compensated fairly and promptly for your services. Unfortunately, not every
Callan Allen
Cautionary note to anyone considering working with Callan Allen. Several individuals, including myself, have worked on his previous film ‘Clued Up’, and over the past several months, he has engaged in dishonest behavior by lying, refusing
Prospect (Bectu)
The person in question was allegedly in a dispute with an Irish production company over unpaid invoices. When they raised the issue with their union, Prospect (Bectu), they were told that the contract they had been issued with was poorly defined, and
INJKT Social Group
A cautionary tale about the INJKT Social Group has allegedly been circulating among a group of individuals who have had unpleasant experiences with the company. One person, who worked for them for about 2.5 weeks in November, shared their story. On t
OMG Media
Reported individual: Neil Garrett Neil Garrett, the Executive Producer at OMG Media, was confronted by Bea about the delay in payment for her invoice after 40 days. Bea was surprised and frustrated by the delay and allegedly asked Neil for an e
Deren Stevens
The story begins with the person in question, a fight choreographer, who was allegedly recommended for a job on a two-part drama by a trusted actor friend. Despite not checking the production team’s credentials thoroughly, the person in questio
Ballpark Films
Reported individual: Mark Thomas A filmmaker whose film was distributed by Mark Thomas of Ballpark Films in the UK, allegedly based in Sheffield, had a negative experience with the distributor. In 2013, the distributor had promised to distribute the
Genlock Films Limited
During the pre-production phase of an indie film called “Genlock Films,” the director and crew were excitedly preparing for the upcoming shoot. The cast and crew had allegedly been promised contracts with investors for the film’s fu
Sheerluxe
It’s important to be cautious when working with production companies, as some may refuse to pay for services rendered. Sheerluxe, a company that allegedly produces small fashion promos for its YouTube channel, is one such example. Despite alleg
Luigi Masi
In 2017, a photographer, let’s call them “Photographer X,” was allegedly hired by Luigi Masi, the owner of DSP Cosmetics LTD, to shoot e-commerce and campaign stills. Photographer X dedicated their time and talent to the project, ca
DragonFly.co.uk
Reported individuals: Charlie Southall A cautionary tale about Charlie Southall and DragonFly.co.uk has emerged due to their alleged failure to pay invoices. After a year of attempts to contact them, legal action had to be taken in the form of a Smal
Floodlight Broadcasting Network
Reported individuals: Evelyn Olamere Obahor The history of a production company called Floodlight Broadcasting Network has emerged, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes drama of one of its failed projects. In a bid to recruit a new team for her se
POWtv
Reported individual: Rosemary Reed A couple of years ago, the person in question worked on a production called “Driving Force.” However, despite their contribution to the project, they still haven’t allegedly received payment for th
Film Volt
Reported individual: Mark Busby The person in question, an individual who had alleged dealings with a company called Film Volt, and a person named Mark Busby, were experiencing intense moments due to their recent interactions with this organization.
Stormlight Media
A cautionary tale allegedly involves an Art Director who recently worked with Stormlight Media on a shoot for a couple of short promo videos. During the shoot, a small amount of paint allegedly came off the wall of one of the sets. After the shoot, t
Stormlight Media
Reported individual: Jay Alpha / J Alpha Productions / Alpha Red Jay Alpha, also known as J Alpha Productions or Alpha Red, is allegedly under scrutiny by talent agents for potential scam or hoax activities. One client of mine allegedly applied for a
Maia Films
If you’re considering working with Maia Films, it’s important to be aware of its reputation. Maia Films allegedly emerged from the ashes of Spectrecom Films and appears to have taken on some of the negative practices of its predecessor. A
Stormlight Media
A cautionary tale involves an Art Director who recently worked with Stormlight Media on a shoot for a couple of short promo videos. During the shoot, a small amount of paint allegedly came off the wall of one of the sets. After the shoot, the product
RK Switch
The writer of this message is allegedly warning music video makers about a client they had a negative experience with. The client, known as RK Switch, allegedly hired the writer to make a music video, which they completed and sent a first draft to th
Floodlight Broadcasting Network
Reported individual: Evelyn Olamere Obahor Evelyn Olamere Obahor, a filmmaker, allegedly approached the person in question to help recruit for her new series called CHANNEL 52 after her DOP, Sound operator, and director dropped out. Desperate for som
Grofilm
Reported individuals: Martin Grof If you are approached by Grofilm or Martin Grof, be wary of potential non-payment for services rendered. One individual reported not being paid for their work as a Production Designer on a low-budget sci-fi feature f
Castle Valley Films / Golden Crab Productions
Reported individual: Karim Prince Tshibangu / Alsan Parvez There is an alleged warning about Castle Valley Films / Golden Crab Productions, owned by Karim Prince Tshibangu and Alsan Parvez, based in Pinewood. They are currently working on a fil
Ralle/Moov Group
Based in Bicester, the person in question, a freelancer, had provided services to a production company called Ralle/Moov and had issued an invoice with a payment due date of February 25th, 2022. However, the payment was allegedly not received on time
Mohan Nadaar
Mohan Nadaar is an individual who has an alleged reputation for unreliable and dishonest behavior. He has allegedly recently left the country, leaving behind unpaid bills, including those owed to Ian Clarke, the crew, and various locations. Mohan had
Defected and The Remedy Project
A director allegedly warns others to be cautious when dealing with Defected (music label) and their daughter label The Remedy Project. She allegedly directed a music video for them on a low budget and tight deadline but was then allegedly ghosted dur
Speed Records
A person shares her experience with the alleged Indian film company ‘Speed Records’. ‘Speed Records’ had come to Birmingham to shoot the wedding engagement scene for the film “Daddy Cool Munde Fool 2” in August 201
Alian Forester
A warning about Alian Forester was allegedly shared, describing him as a “vile man.” It was allegedly revealed that two underage girls had attended a sports legging shoot with Forester but were allegedly asked to remove all their clothes,
Panto Live and Going Live TV
Reported individual: Tom Sefton In the story, the liquidation of Panto Live and Going Live TV is allegedly highlighted by someone who wants to bring attention to the situation. According to this person, several crew members have not been paid, and so
Nouveau Media
Reported individual: Peter Wilson Peter Wilson, the notorious chancer, has been running a scam for years, leaving a trail of debt behind him. He has now allegedly disappeared, leaving many creditors out of pocket and searching for him. Feedback
Naio Nails
The person allegedly created social media content for Naio Nails, a company located in Stockton in the North East, for a period of five years. Although not directly related to film or TV, the company is allegedly currently seeking another video conte
Leon Butler
The person was allegedly stiffed by Leon Butler, a producer, for kit hire costs amounting to 12.5k, along with legal fees. However, before the person could obtain a CCJ against them, the company allegedly went into administration. Camilla Storey was
Going Live TV
The company has been allegedly liquidated leaving the crew unpaid. Feedback and CorrectionsIf you believe your or company’s name was listed on this website unjustly, please CONTACT US.
Jay Nidharshana
Community members should be aware of Jay Nidharshana (Facebook account https://www.facebook.com/jay.nidharshana) who is allegedly claiming to cast actors and models for a shoot. Jay asks for a “verification fee” to be paid in advance before the s
Hood Up Films
Reported individual: Stephen Patrick Kenny In the story, a filmmaker named Stephen Patrick Kenny, who runs alleged Hood Up Films in Ireland is being highlighted by someone who wants to make people aware of his alleged actions. According to this perso
Studio Cypherpunk
In the story, a warning is allegedly issued to anyone considering working for Studio Cypherpunk, which is run by Hashim AlShubbar and Ida Thomasdotter. Many freelancers, including themselves, have allegedly not been paid for their work on a project c
Andrew Smith
In the story, a person warns others not to use Andrew Smith’s alleged company. According to their account, Smith allegedly recruits people but doesn’t pay them for their work. The person claims that Smith still owes them £3500 for work t
Kennington Creative Group
During a casual browse on Mandy.com, a popular job posting website for the film industry, an individual comes across several job posts from alleged “Kennington Creative Group.” However, they recognize this as another name for Spectrecom,
The National Youth Film Academy.
A mentor at The National Youth Film Academy last year is currently facing alleged payment delays. Despite her efforts, the CEO has been consistently ignoring her attempts to communicate. She has been asked not to go public in order to receive payment