The recent news concerning British producer OR Media has shed light on the company’s financial struggles and internal chaos. The company, known for producing shows for the Saudi state broadcaster and BBC, has laid off 14% of its workforce and reportedly failed to pay freelancers, leaving many owed hundreds of thousands of pounds. According to current and former staff members, OR Media is facing a difficult financial position, with CFO Andrew Wallace having difficult conversations with staff members and warning against malicious rumors.
An OR Media spokesman attributed the company’s financial woes to a major unnamed UK client that imposed a tight payment plan on the production company. While not denying their debts or commitment to future projects with OR Media, the client’s actions have put a strain on the company’s cash flow. The spokesman expressed optimism about signing new contracts that would allow the company to return to normal payment terms and re-engage staff members who were let go during the layoffs.
Sources revealed that freelancers and suppliers have gone unpaid for months, with estimates suggesting that the total owed amounts to hundreds of thousands of pounds. Some individuals reportedly found out about job losses or contract non-renewals through text messages or late-night emails, adding to the chaotic atmosphere within the company. The OR Media spokesman acknowledged that freelancer contracts had been allowed to expire, and payments to freelancers and suppliers were behind schedule.
OR Media is led by Saudi filmmaker Adel Alabdulkarim, who is also the sole director of Volant Media, the company behind TV network Iran International. The network has faced scrutiny from Ofcom in the past and made headlines when one of its presenters was attacked in London. OR Media’s website showcases a portfolio of documentary series and movies produced over the company’s nearly 30-year history, including projects for the BBC, Al Arabiya, and Al Jazeera. However, concerns have been raised about the lack of mental health support for team members exposed to disturbing content.
One of OR Media’s notable productions is “Path of Blood,” a docu-feature starring Tom Hollander that delves into jihadi home-movie footage captured by Saudi security services. The series, which won awards, features Hollander as the “voice of Jihad” and is narrated by Samuel West. The company’s current projects include “Saving Yemen” for Al Arabiya and “Saudi Arabia’s War on Al Qaeda” for Saudi TV. Despite its successful productions, OR Media faces challenges both financially and internally, with a significant portion of staff laid off and freelancers left unpaid.
The recent troubles faced by OR Media highlight the precarious nature of the media production industry, where financial pressures can lead to job losses and payment delays. The company’s leadership, production history, and internal struggles all contribute to a complex picture of a company in crisis. Moving forward, OR Media will need to address its financial issues, support its remaining staff, and ensure that freelancers and suppliers are paid for their work.