Post firms reject prospect of DPP membership fees

Last week, Broadcast revealed that the DPP had consulted with sections of the industry over potential changes to its membership structure that could involve some companies being charged to be a part of the organisation. The DPP is currently funded by the BBC, ITV and Channel 4.

But UK Screen Association chief executive Sarah Mackey said post firms which met at its members forum yesterday were “resistant” to the introduction of fees.

She claimed that her members had previously incurred costs in moving away from tape-based delivery, a shift the DPP is charged with overseeing for the broadcasters.   

“Post production companies have already invested significant amounts of money in the skills and technology necessary to implement file-based delivery,” she said.

“Our members have also spent a lot of time over the last two years feeding into the DPP standards to ensure that they are workable and supporting our production clients though these changes.”

She added that she was “disappointed” that UK Screen had not been consulted about the DPP’s plans.

At the meeting, UK Screen members said broadcasters have benefited most from the shift to file-based delivery.

They also raised concerns that companies which paid to join the DPP could have a competitive advantage over those which opted not to join. They were also unsure as to the potential benefits of a paid-for membership.

An announcement about any changes to the DPP’s structure is expected in March.

A DPP spokeswoman said its plans had not yet been confirmed.