OR Media, a British production company known for its work with the Saudi state broadcaster and BBC, recently made headlines after laying off 14% of its workforce. The company has also reportedly failed to pay freelancers, potentially owing hundreds of thousands of pounds. The chaotic financial situation at OR Media has been confirmed by both current and former staff members, painting a grim picture of the company’s financial stability.
According to OR Media’s spokesman, the financial issues stem from a major unnamed UK client that announced significant and immediate cuts to its operations. As a result, the client imposed tight payment terms on OR Media, leading to the company’s inability to meet its financial obligations. Despite not disputing the debts or the desire to continue commissioning films, the client’s actions have put OR Media in a precarious position financially.
The layoffs at OR Media, totaling 18 individuals, have affected around 14% of the company’s workforce. Additionally, freelancers and suppliers have reported not being paid for months, with estimates suggesting that the total owed could be in the hundreds of thousands of pounds. Some individuals were reportedly informed of their job loss or contract non-renewal late into the evening, leaving many in a state of uncertainty and financial distress.
OR Media’s spokesman has acknowledged the delays in payments to freelancers and suppliers, attributing the situation to the challenging financial circumstances created by the unnamed UK client. The company is in the process of signing new contracts that will allow it to return to normal payment terms and begin rehiring staff. Despite the setbacks, OR Media remains optimistic about repairing the damage caused by the financial crisis.
OR Media is led by Saudi filmmaker Adel Alabdulkarim, who is also the sole director of Volant Media, the owner of TV network Iran International. The company has faced scrutiny in the past, with one of its TV presenters being attacked in London by individuals believed to be linked to the Tehran regime. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the lack of mental health support for staff working on projects that involve disturbing footage, highlighting broader issues within the company’s management and operations.
OR Media’s financial struggles and workforce layoffs underscore the challenges facing the production industry, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company’s failure to pay freelancers and the disruption caused by the unnamed UK client has raised questions about its financial management and long-term viability. Moving forward, OR Media must prioritize resolving its financial issues, improving transparency with its employees and freelancers, and addressing concerns about mental health support within the organization.