A major film and television association has called on its members to suspend cooperation and exchanges with Russia.
The Alliance of Film and Television Producers (Pact) – the UK’s trade association for independent producers – has also removed all information about Russian production and companies from its website.
The association counts among its members Hartswood Films, which produced the television series Sherlock with Benedict Cumberbatch, and World Productions, which counts Line of Duty and Vigil among its shows.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the association called for “an end to hostilities in Ukraine” and expressed its sympathy to the people of the country.
The statement read: “Pact expresses our deepest sympathy to the Ukrainian people, and in particular to our colleagues working in the Ukrainian film and television sector.
“Along with other industry organizations, Pact calls for a cessation of hostilities in Ukraine and a resolution of the conflict through diplomatic means that respects the rule of law and the rights of the Ukrainian people.
“International sanctions are applied against the Russian government.
“While Pact sympathizes with Russian creatives who do not enjoy the same freedoms and safeguards we enjoy in the UK, Pact has removed all information about Russian production and businesses from its website and calls on members to suspend all cooperation and all trade with Russia at the moment.
“Pact joins the call of millions to express our fervent hope for peace.”
This company joins many others in distancing itself from Russia as Western countries increase sanctions against the nation.
Several major Hollywood entertainment companies, including Warner Bros., Sony Pictures and The Walt Disney Company, have suspended film releases in Russia in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
