Sargent-Disc to set off for the 77th Festival de Cannes

Sargent-Disc, a Cast & Crew company, is pleased to be returning to Cannes this year for the 77th edition of the film festival. Members of the team will be in attendance for the opportunity to meet with industry professionals alongside hosting/supporting several festival events.

UK and Irish Films at Cannes

UK and Irish films will have an impressive representation this year at the festival, including three films from Dublin, London and Belfast-based production company Element Pictures. Andrea Arnold’s sixth Feature Bird starring Barry Keoghan and Franz Rogowski will be featured in Competition – Arnold’s fourth time – and produced by House Productions, counting BBC Film and BFI within the funders. The esteemed Directors’ Fortnight’s Carrosse d’Or award will also be presented to Arnold this year.

Yorgas Lanthimos’ latest collaboration with Element Pictures, Kinds of Kindness, also sits in Competition whilst Santosh, Sandyha Suri’s neo-noir narrative debut with UK company Good Chaos plays in Un Certain Regard.

Events

Sargent-Disc is honoured to be supporting two important events at the festival this year. The Women in Film and Television Brunch, on Sunday 19th May, and our own International Producers Reception, on Saturday 18th May, will both be opportunities for industry figures to network and celebrate the latest successes in UK Film.

Sargent-Disc Team Attending:

Dr. Laurence Sargent (Director, Sargent-Disc; Co-Head of International, Cast & Crew)

Lara Sargent (Director, Sargent-Disc; Co-Head of International, Cast & Crew)

Sarah McKenzie (Business Development Consultant)

Imogen Mohr (Sales and Marketing Administrator)

Contact Us

If you have an enquiry, or would like to meet with a member of the team, please contact us at cannes@sargent-disc.com

Cast & Crew backs British TV excellence at 2024 RTS Programme Awards

It was a glittering evening for the Sargent-Disc team on 26th March at the 2024 RTS Programme Awards, the first edition of the prestigious event to be presented in partnership with Cast & Crew, its new headline sponsor.

Hosted by comedian Tom Allen, the illustrious ceremony took place at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel in London. A host of notable screen talent was in attendance including Hannah Waddingham, Bella Ramsey, Jodie Whittaker, Gabby Roslin, Noel Fielding, Chris Packham, Stacey Solomon, Joe Swash, Mark Gatiss, Susanna Reid, Romesh Ranganathan, Kane Robinson and Siobhán McSweeney.

Laurence and Lara Sargent (Co Heads of International and Co Directors Sargent-Disc), John Berkley (CEO, Cast & Crew), Jeff Caruso (SVP and Head of Sales & Marketing FTVS, Cast & Crew) and Andrew Jablonski (VP East Coast and International Sales, Cast & Crew) were joined on the Cast & Crew table by a number of close colleagues and partners from across the UK industry.

Yet again the Awards showcased the world-class talent evident across all genres in British television. The BBC took home the most accolades overall, scoring 21 wins across the 30 categories. Hard-hitting drama The Sixth Commandment (Wild Mercury Productions and True Vision) was the most successful programme of the night, taking home awards for Limited Series, Supporting Actor – Male (Éanna Hardwicke) and Writer – Drama (Sarah Phelps). Judges describe the series as “pitch perfect, with exquisite performances and first-class writing.”

The team behind The Sixth Commandment
Photo credit: RTS/Richard Kendal

In the Drama series category, Happy Valley (Lookout Point/AMC for BBC) took home the award with Judges describing it as “game changing, top-of-the-class drama…sometimes operatic in scale, but attentive to the tiniest detail.” Meanwhile, Partygate(Halcyons Heart Films for Channel 4) took home the award for Single Drama.

Leading Actor awards went to Tamara Lawrance for the BBC’s Time and Kane Robinson for Netflix’s Top Boy. Elsewhere Netflix also picked up the Entertainment award for Squid Game: The Challenge and the Science & the Natural World award for Chimp Empire. Disney+ won its first RTS Programme Award in the Scripted Comedy category for Extraordinary, produced by Sid Gentle Films.

The 2024 Judges’ Award went to ITV’s ground-breaking series Mr Bates vs The Post Office, “for shining a light on the human stories of the real people caught in a living nightmare, and the incredible audience reaction to the series which provoked the government to take action.” Earlier this month, ITV Studios’ Director of Production, Drama, Julie Clark spoke about the success of the show in a special interview with Sargent-Disc to mark International Women’s Day (add link).

The team behind Mr Bates vs The Post Office - winners of the 2024 Judges' Award
Photo credit: RTS/Richard Kendal

The 2024 Outstanding Achievement Award went to renowned producer Stephen Lambert, whose career was recognised for “creating genre-defining formats that have travelled and been reproduced all over the world”. 

Stephen Lambert, winner of the Outstanding Achievement Award
Photo credit: RTS/Richard Kendal

Finally, the RTS also presented the Gold Medal, one of its most prestigious accolades, to broadcaster and producer Dame Esther Rantzen, whose daughter collected the award on her behalf, relaying Dame Rantzen’s words of acceptance that were delivered in her distinctive, inimitable style.

Dame Esther Rantzen, winner of the Gold Medal
Photo credit: RTS/Richard Kendal

Lara Sargent, Co-Head International at Cast & Crew and Sargent-Disc Co-Director says: “What an incredible evening! To see such sensitively made and powerful dramas as Mr Bates Versus the Post Office and The Sixth Commandment recognised by the Judges particularly underlines the power of programme-making, in terms of accountability and creating change in today’s society.

“We are delighted that our parent company Cast & Crew is the new headline sponsor for the RTS Programme Awards. Sargent-Disc is proud to play its part in this increased support for the UK television sector. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees who had a hand in producing the world-class content showcased tonight.”

Kenton Allen, Chair of the RTS Programme Awards, said: “Amidst rigorous deliberations by the juries, the winners stand as testament to their unwavering merit. Here’s to acknowledging the achievements of all involved – a reflection of an industry poised for continued innovation and impact in the UK and around the world.”

View the full list of winners and awards gallery here

Header image photo credit: Photo credit: RTS/Richard Kendal

Nominations announced for the RTS Programme Awards 2024, in partnership with Cast & Crew

The nominations have this week been announced for the RTS Programme Awards 2024, which is this year headline sponsored for the first time by Cast & Crew, the leading global provider of software and payroll services for the entertainment industry and parent company of Sargent-Disc.


Shortlisted nominees across all 30 categories were revealed by presenter Gaby Roslin on Thursday 7th March 2024, via a broadcast on the RTS website and YouTube channel.


Watch again here.


The BBC leads the charge this year with 51 nominations, in particular dominating with its drama output. Four nominations apiece have gone to hard-hitting true crime story The Sixth Commandment and comedy thriller series Black Ops, and the PSB has also scored three nominations in the Limited Series category for Best Interests, Boiling Point and The Sixth Commandment.


The BBC also owns all three nominations for the Breakthrough Award: Ashley Thomas (Great Expectations), Hamza Yassin (Hamza: Strictly Birds of Prey) and Lucy Edwards (Japan – The Way I See It – The Travel Show).


Channel 4 received a total of 17 nominations, with popular comedy drama Big Boys recognised across Comedy Drama, Comedy Performance – Male (Jon Pointing) and Writer – Comedy (Jack Rooke).


Meanwhile, Disney+ has scored its first RTS Programme Award nominations with superhero comedy Extraordinary featured in both the Scripted Comedy and Comedy Performance – Female (Máiréad Tyers) categories.


The Leading Actor – Female category sees Jodie Whittaker and Tamara Lawrance nominated for Time (BBC), alongside Sarah Lancashire for Happy Valley (BBC). In the Leading Actor – Male category, Kane Robinson is nominated for Top Boy (Netflix), Gary Oldman for Slow Horses (Apple TV+) and Timothy Spall for The Sixth Commandment (BBC).


Laurence Sargent, Co-Head International at Cast & Crew and Sargent-Disc Director says: “After eight years as an RTS Major Patron, Sargent-Disc is extremely proud that 2024 marks the new chapter of headline sponsorship from our parent company Cast & Crew, a global business with established links to companies across the UK industry who are producing world-class content. We congratulate all the 2024 nominees and look forward to celebrating their excellence on the night.”


Kenton Allen, Chair of the RTS Programme Awards, said: “2023 was an outstanding year for UK creativity, and the nominations we have announced today highlight the breadth of genre-defining, exceptional programming that British audiences have enjoyed over the last 12 months. Despite the unpredictable times our industry currently faces, we at the RTS welcome the opportunity to come together as a creative community and celebrate the hard work and incredible talent, on and off camera, that makes sensational shows for audiences here and on the global stage.”


The RTS Programme Awards in partnership with Cast & Crew will take place on Tuesday 26th March at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel in London, hosted by comedian Tom Allen.


View the full list of nominations here.

Cast & Crew named new headline sponsor of RTS Programme Awards

Cast & Crew, the international provider of software and tech-driven services to the entertainment production industry, has been named the new headline sponsor of the RTS Programme Awards.


The company has signed a three-year deal with the Royal Television Society to become lead sponsor for the annual event in 2024, 2025 and 2026, as part of its increased support for the UK television sector.


“Sargent-Disc, a Cast & Crew company, has been a Major Patron of the Royal Television Society for eight years now,” says Dr Laurence Sargent, Co-Head International at Cast & Crew and Sargent-Disc Director.


“During that time, we’ve provided long-term support for the Society’s important work, including its excellent awards ceremonies and other important events connected to its new industry entrants schemes, including RTS Futures and RTS Bursary Scholarships.


“We are delighted to now be able to significantly elevate our relationship with the RTS by confirming Cast & Crew as the new headline sponsor of the RTS Programme Awards.


“This annual ceremony is one of the most prestigious awards events in the UK television industry. It has maintained consistent respect within the British production community throughout its long heritage. For almost 50 years, it has recognised the best in television talent, starting out with just seven categories in 1975 and growing to encompass 30 categories today.


“As a global company with established business links across the UK television industry, Cast & Crew is extremely proud to be the new headline sponsor of the RTS Programme Awards for the coming three years. We’re particularly excited that this period will include the Awards’ half-centenary milestone in 2025. We look forward to this new chapter of Cast & Crew supporting the celebration of UK television industry talent.”


“We’re delighted to welcome Cast & Crew on board as the new headline sponsor for the RTS Programme Awards in 2024, 2025 and 2026,” says Theresa Wise, CEO of the Royal Television Society.


“Their support will enable us to continue to deliver our prestigious awards ceremony and dinner each year, ensuring that we continue to do justice to the outstanding work of future nominees and winners being recognised. We thank Cast & Crew for coming on board; we couldn’t do it without their support.”


An educational charity promoting the art and science of television, the Royal Television Society (RTS) is the oldest television society in the world. It was originally founded in 1927 before being granted Royal status in 1966. The RTS Programme Awards span all genres of television programming, from drama to music, soaps to natural history, children’s fiction to comedy performance.


They recognise exceptional actors, presenters, writers and production teams, as well as the programmes themselves.


The awards are attended by more than 1,000 senior UK and international industry professionals each year, including leading UK broadcasters BBC, ITV and C4, international streamers like Netflix, Amazon Prime and Apple TV, major studios including NBC Universal and Sony and top production companies such as All3Media, Shine Group, Endemol UK, IMG Sports Media and Fremantle Media.


The 2023 RTS Programme Awards hosted by Tom Allen took place on 28 March. Winners included Kate Winslet, (Leading Actor – Female for I Am Ruth, Channel 4), Kit Connor (Leading Actor – Male for Heartstopper, Netflix), Sherwood (Drama Series Award, House Production for the BBC), Dodger (Children’s Drama Award, Universal International Studios for CBBC) and Brassic (Comedy Drama, Calamity Films for Sky Max).


The Royal Television Society Programme Awards 2024 in partnership with Cast & Crew will take place at Grosvenor House, London, on 26 March 2024.

BBC and Channel 4 Reign Supreme at Edinburgh TV Awards

The Edinburgh TV Awards, sponsored by Cast & Crew, took place yesterday on the final evening of the 2023 Edinburgh TV Festival with the BBC and Channel 4 leading the wins. Hosted by stand-up comedian, actor, writer and musician Jordan Gray, the awards celebrated the incredible range of creativity and excellence of the UK and international TV industry. In a year that saw huge drama launches, big farewells and welcomed genre busting non-scripted formats, it has definitely been a year of TV to remember and the awards last night reflected that.

Dr Laurence Sargent, Co Head International, Cast & Cast and Director Sargent-Disc, presented the Best Drama Award to the BBC for Happy Valley, created, written and directed by the phenomenally talented Sally Wainright.

Dr Laurence Sargent presents the Best Drama Award
Sally Wainwright received the Best Drama Award

BBC COO, Charlotte Moore, was presented with the Channel of the Year award by Jury President, Mobeen Azhar. The BBC had a successful night with additional wins including Best Entertainment Series which went to The Traitors, Breakthrough Presenter to Ellie Simmonds (Ellie Simmonds: A World Without Dwarfism?), and Best Entertainment TV Presenter for Graham Norton (The Graham Norton Show).

Claudia Winkleman was presented with this year’s Outstanding Achievement Award for her contribution to some of the most popular TV shows. These include non-scripted hits The Piano from Channel 4 and the BBC’s The Traitors alongside the hugely popular Strictly Come Dancing from the BBC.

Claudia Winkleman receives the Outstanding Achievement Award

2023 Edinburgh TV Awards Winners:

CATEGORY
WINNER
Best TV Actor – Comedy
Jamie Demetriou
Best TV Actor – Drama
Kate Winslet
Best TV Presenter – Factual
Ramita Navai
Best TV Presenter – Entertainment
Graham Norton
Breakthrough Actor
Lewis Gribben
Breakthrough Presenter
Ellie Simmonds
Best Comedy Series
Derry Girls
Best Documentary
Children of the Taliban
Best Drama
Happy Valley
Best Entertainment Series
The Traitors
Best International Drama
Succession
Best Popular Factual Series
Rosie Jones’ Trip Hazard
Climate Impact Award
Guy Martin’s Great British Power Trip
Production Company of the Year
Dancing Ledge Productions
Production Group of the Year
STV Studios
Small Indie of the Year
Afro-Mic Production
Best On Demand Service
ITVX
Channel of the Year
BBC One
Ones to Watch Random Acts Live Pitch
TBC
Outstanding Achievement Award
Claudia Winkleman
TV Moment of the Year
Dr Who Regenerates

 For the full list of nominees and more information about the awards, visit the Edinburgh TV Festival website.

2023 NFTS Graduation – celebrating up and coming filmmakers

This year’s National Film and Television School (NFTS) Graduation ceremony took place on Friday 3rd March at the Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square, after four days of screenings and industry networking events at the BFI Southbank.

Dr. Laurence Sargent, Director of Sargent-Disc, attended the ceremony as a proud sponsor of three NFTS students (two Production Management Diploma students and one Production Accounting student [John Sargent Scholarship]). These scholarships serve as a key element of Sargent-Disc’s work to recognise the efforts of the NFTS and its students in achieving excellence.

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BBC wins big at the 2023 Broadcast Awards

The Sargent-Disc team were delighted to be a part of another spectacular celebration of talent at the 2023 Broadcast Awards earlier this week (8 February).

Always a highlight of the UK television awards calendar, this year’s ceremony took place in front of a packed audience at The JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane, hosted by comedian Sue Perkins.

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Inaugural Earl of Wessex Award presented to 6FT From The Spotlight at PGGB Talent Showcase

Over 250 people (industry experts, newcomers, students, educators and skills bodies) came together at The Savoy Hotel on Tuesday 24th January for the first Production Guild of Great Britain (PGGB) Talent Showcase. As a member of the PGGB Board, Sargent-Disc Director, Lara Sargent, attended the evening with Director Laurence Sargent to watch the presentation of the inaugural Earl of Wessex Award.

Earl of Wessex Award Presentation

The award was presented in person by His Royal Highness Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex and the PGGB’s Royal Patron to 6ft From the Spotlight. The award recognised the Film and TV industry charity’s work to shed light on and improve mental health and wellbeing in the UK production workplace.

Earl of Wessex award winners 6Ft From The Spotlight with HRH Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex

The Earl of Wessex Award was launched last year to identify those who have created “a successful way of inspiring local talent or skills, widening access or being more inclusive” within the UK film and TV industry. The other finalists for the 2023 award were Fully Focused, MAMA Youth and Resource Productions.

Talent Showcase Panel Discussion

The event, hosted by presenter Ayo Akinwolere, commenced with a panel discussion involving the PGGB Careers Pathways Panel – Production Finance Manager Chika Ansiobi; Production Manager and PGGB Spotlight on New Talent Award winner Fay Mohamed; Head of Film Barking & Dagenham Lisa Dee; Producer and Co-Founder of HaZ Film Paula Crickard; Executive Producer Roopesh Parekh and Alliots LLP Media Accountant Samuel Ampah.

The panellists shared insights into their own beginnings and the challenges they have faced throughout their careers to date. Advice echoed across the panel was the importance of self-belief, perseverance and to speak to everyone you can as all it takes is one person to make a difference.

The evening ended with a drinks reception, allowing attendees the opportunity to network with fellow members of the industry.

Host Ayo Akinwolere with PGGB Careers Pathway Panel: Roopesh Parekh; Lisa Dee; Fay Mohamed; Paula Crickard; Samuel Ampah and Chika Anisiobi

Photo Credits: Ben Meadows for the Production Guild of Great Britain