Title: Early independent production entrepreneurs in the UK television: pioneering agents of neoliberal intervention

Authors: Richard Paterson

Addresses: British Film Institute, 21 Stephen Street, London, W1T 1LN, England, UK

Abstract: This essay focuses on the operation of the UK independent television production sector in the context of the entrepreneurial aspirations of company owners in the 1990s. The calculative practices used running these small and medium sized companies are examined and the experiences in managing them are mapped as they negotiated an evolving fitness landscape. Analysis is provided of the strategies adopted including the need to develop reputation and relational contracts to secure a constant flow of commissions. Conclusions are drawn about this transitional phase of entrepreneurship in this sector ahead of government intervention in the market through imposing new terms of trade between independent production companies and broadcasters.

Keywords: independent program production; entrepreneurs; UK television; neo-liberal intervention; calculative practice; reputation; fitness landscape; UK.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEV.2017.086496

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Venturing, 2017 Vol.9 No.3, pp.280 - 298

Accepted: 07 Dec 2016
Published online: 10 Sep 2017 *

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