Introduction to Tessa Ross and House Productions
Tessa Ross, the founder of House Productions, recently expressed her support for the UK government to fund the Independent Film Tax Credit (IFTC) during a conversation at the BFI London Film Festival. As a producer, Ross has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by independent producers in the UK. She emphasized the need for a community space with operational support for these producers, who often work alone and struggle to access resources.
Challenges Faced by Independent Producers
The issue of funding is a significant challenge for independent producers. Ross highlighted the difficulty of sustaining a business due to high fees charged by private equity financiers, including banks. She also spoke about the pressure to defer fees, which is a common practice in the industry. Ross stated, "We all defer fees. There’s no way around it, and it’s not right. Producers defer fees before anyone else, and we might have spent more time on the project than anyone else."
Career Background and Experience
Ross has a rich background in the film and television industry. She started her career as a literary agent and later held posts at the BBC and British Screen. In 2000, she became the head of drama at Channel 4 and later headed up Film4 from 2002. During her tenure at Film4, Ross supported several commercial and award-winning successes, including Slumdog Millionaire, Four Lions, and 12 Years a Slave.
Founding of House Productions
In 2016, Ross founded House Productions with Juliette Howell, the former head of Working Title TV. The company has produced several notable films and television series, including Conclave, Bird, and Sherwood. Ross’s goal for House Productions is to provide a supportive community for independent producers, where they can access resources and collaborate with others.
Current Projects and Future Plans
House Productions has several upcoming projects, including Scrappers, a series from filmmaker Charlotte Regan, and Sweet Sick, a debut film from screenwriter Alice Birch starring Cate Blanchett. The company is also working on Industry and Normal People, both of which are currently in production. With its diverse slate of projects, House Productions is committed to supporting independent producers and bringing unique stories to the screen.
Support for Independent Producers
Ross’s passion for supporting independent producers is evident in her work. She believes that creating a community space with operational support would be invaluable for producers who often work alone. Ross stated, "Being alone, having to hire a lawyer or a finance director, even for a short time, all that support would be so valuable for producers who want to make films, a space to talk together, the feeling that we’re not all in competition with each other… I would love for House to be a part of that."
Conclusion
Tessa Ross and House Productions are dedicated to supporting independent producers in the UK. With their commitment to providing resources and community support, they are helping to foster a more sustainable and collaborative environment for filmmakers. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential to recognize the importance of independent producers and the role they play in bringing unique stories to the screen.
