Ken Loach: special event

Award winning film director, Ken Loach, will be in conversation with General Secretary, Gerry Morrissey, at a special event next week.

The event, on Thursday 16 October 2008, and organised by the union’s Writers, Producers and Directors Branch, will hear from Ken Loach on why he believes that trade unionism is relevant to film-making and to the 21st century.

Gerry Morrissey will discuss the union’s strategies for supporting current and new members on the issues affecting broadcasting and the arts.

The event will be chaired by Mike Dick, Chair of BECTU’s Writers, Producers and Directors Branch, at The Drill Hall, 16 Chenies Street, London WC1E 7EX.

Timetable for the evening:

• 1830 - Registration and drinks (pay bar)
• 1900 - In conversation (time will be allowed for questions)
• 2100 - Event closes.

Admission to the event is free. Since space at the Drill Hall is limited attendees are requested to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Members and non-members welcome. For further details, for example concerning disabled access, email Nancy Ackah [email protected] at BECTU Head Office.

Ken Loach

Ken Loach has directed of some of the most forward-thinking films of our time including Kes, Cathy Come Home and My Name is Joe.

Few directors have been as consistent in their themes and their filmic style, or as principled in their politics, as Loach has in a career spanning five decades.

Without doubt he is Britain’s foremost political filmmaker. Ken has been a member of BECTU and its predecessor unions for more than 40 years. Ken was granted honorary membership of BECTU in 2007.

Gerry Morrissey

Gerry Morrissey has been a trade union member since he was 17. He led two successful strikes at the BBC, one in 1998, over pay, job cuts and privatisations, and another in 2005.

He is deeply involved in industry developments, including the BBC's move to Manchester and ITV's current problems with regional news.

Today’s uncertainties present still more challenges for the creative industries workforce; Gerry is focussed on increasing BECTU’s ability to organise and to help.