Emily Caston, Professor of Screen Industries and Director of PRISM (Public Research Institute of Screen Media) at the University of West London recently joined the official line-up welcoming Their Royal Highnesses, The Prince and Princess of Wales to the world premiere of Digger at the 2026 Royal Film Performance in Leicester Square.
As a Trustee of The Film and TV Charity, Professor Caston was speaking about its work and research into the working lives of the UK screen workforce. The charity supports more than 200,000 people working behind the scenes in film, TV and cinema across the UK. His Majesty The King is Patron of the Charity and hosts the UK’s annual Royal Film Performance, with Digger marking the 73rd performance in the charity’s history.
Proceeds from the evening support the Charity to provide essential services for the UK’s film, TV and cinema workforce, including counselling, research, legal support and financial aid.
Professor Caston said:
“The Royal Film Performance celebrates the glamour of British film, but it exists to support the hundreds of thousands of people behind the camera who make that glamour possible. It was a privilege to celebrate the incredible contribution they make with Their Royal Highnesses and the filmmakers.”
The filmmakers Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Mary Parent and Tom Cruise, said:
“Digger was filmed, and post-production completed, in the UK, so it is especially meaningful to return there to debut the film with audiences for the first time in the country of its making. What we were able to accomplish with this film was made possible by the level of local excellence both in front of and behind the camera, and we can’t wait to share everyone’s talents with the world.”
Filming was based at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire from November 2024 to May 2025. The score is the first feature score by British musician Cosmo Sheldrake.
