A Brief History Of Pact

Pact Council

Council members are from small, medium and large companies throughout the UK.

A Brief History Of Pact

                                                                                                                                           Founded in 1991, Pact is the UK trade association that represents the commercial interests of independent feature film, television, animation and interactive media companies. Pact is the largest representative group of screen-based content producers in the UK and the largest trade association in the film, television and interactive media sectors.  Head quartered in London, Pact has elected regional representation throughout the UK in order to support its members. 
                                                                                                                                                   Over the years, Pact has developed into a highly effective lobbying organisation. However, it's creation – and that of the UK independent sector – can be attributed to some sure-footed lobbying by a group of producers at the beginning of the 1980s, who led a guerrilla campaign to ensure that the new Channel 4 would commission its programming from outside companies. That victory won, the indies moved on to their next target.

The 1986 Peacock Report on the future funding of the BBC recommended that the BBC and ITV should be obliged to take 40% of their programming from the independent sector. Unsurprisingly, the big broadcasters mobilised their might against such a suggestion, and the independent sector responded by a not-unreasonable request for 25% instead. Another victory for the indies.

On 1st October 1991, Pact in its current incarnation was formed when the Independent Programme Producers Association merged with The Producers Association and two other production associations.  Since then, Pact's activities have continued to have a profound effect on the life of independent film and TV producers in the UK.

Pact's next big win was in 1993, when it successfully challenged ITV's proposed commissioning structure. The new structure – guaranteeing equal access for all producers and a uniquely favourable deal – has given producers the opportunity to own rights, and generate significant revenues from secondary expoitation and export.

Then, in January 2003, Pact's lobbying of government resulted in the introduction of over 60 amendments into the Communications Bill fundementally changing the relationship between independents and broadcasters across all public service broadcasters.

Since the Bill became an Act, broadcasters have to adhere to new regulated codes of practice and terms of trade, governing their business dealings with independents. And the premise will be that producers retain all rights, unless negotiated otherwise.

Pact now has regular and constructive dialogues with government, regulators and opinion formers on all issues affecting its members and contributes to key public policy debates on the media industry.  Pact also provides services including business advice and subsidised legal services for all its members.