Global TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Friday 23 May 2025
YouTube’s rise, Google’s AI leap, streamers shift strategy, Mubi and Netflix make bold buys, Assange returns, Canadian media backs Indigenous stories, and EU-Australia dramas gain traction.
Today’s Highlights:
YouTube Emerges as Powerhouse for Long-Form TV and Film Content – With 38% of users watching full-length content, YouTube is reshaping global distribution and monetisation strategies for studios.
Google Unveils AI Video Tool With Audio for Storytelling – Google’s latest AI model generates short films with dialogue and ambient sound, expanding creative possibilities for storytellers.
Strategic Genre Shifts for Major Streamers in 2025 – Platforms like Netflix and Disney+ are recalibrating their slates to fill genre gaps and target untapped audience segments.
L.A. Screenings 2025: Shifting Strategies and Global Sales Trends – Studios prioritise international licensing over pilot screenings as Sony and Amazon, MGM lead bold global content pushes.
Netflix Secures ‘The Secret of Secrets’ Series Adaptation from Dan Brown and Carlton Cuse – Netflix wins a competitive bidding war for a new Langdon thriller blending science, mysticism, and suspense.
Mubi Acquires Kleber Mendonça Filho’s Political Thriller ‘The Secret Agent’ – Mubi picks up the Cannes standout for key international markets, underscoring its commitment to bold, auteur-driven cinema.
Julian Assange Reemerges at Cannes in Provocative Doc ‘The Six Billion Dollar Man’ – Assange joins Eugene Jarecki’s documentary team, which reveals unseen embassy footage and alleged billionaire ties.
Canadian Media Expands Indigenous Storytelling and Cultural Representation – Canadian broadcasters ramp up Indigenous content to promote diverse local voices at home and abroad.
Weiss & Morales: A New Blueprint for Eco-Conscious Crime Drama – This Canary Islands-based procedural blends climate themes with crime-solving, offering a new model for affordable European co-productions.
Southern Sitara Launches to Boost Australia–India Film Co-Productions – A new venture aims to finance mid-budget features that combine cultural authenticity with structured investment strategies.
Plus: Insights, Executive Moves, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals, Renewals, Opportunities & Jobs with Lionsgate, Shondaland, Netflix & Tubi in London, LA & Sydney.
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INSIGHTS
Mothers Torn by Secrets: Little Disasters Cast on the Emotional Fallout
In Little Disasters, Jo Joyner, Shelley Conn, and Emily Taaffe portray mothers whose close friendship unravels after a shocking event. When A&E doctor Liz reports unexplained injuries on her friend Jess’s baby, she sets off a chain reaction that fractures their bond and draws in their wider circle. The emotional Paramount+ thriller explores loyalty, motherhood, and the devastating cost of doing the right thing. Read More
Weiss & Morales: A New Blueprint for Eco-Conscious Crime Drama
Set in the Canary Islands, Weiss & Morales is a light, 4x90’ procedural series blending crime-solving with climate themes. Hailed as a model for affordable, high-quality European coproductions, the show centres on the dynamic between two officers as they tackle cases that subtly reflect environmental issues, proving drama can entertain while staying relevant. It premieres on RTVE on May 23. Read More
Julian Assange Reemerges at Cannes in Provocative Doc ‘The Six Billion Dollar Man’
Julian Assange made a striking return at Cannes, first appearing in a Gaza tribute T-shirt before joining The Six Billion Dollar Man team on the red carpet. The documentary, directed by Eugene Jarecki, unveils unseen footage from Assange’s time in the Ecuadorian embassy. It explores ties to billionaire Sheldon Adelson, while offering a rare, intimate look at the enigmatic WikiLeaks founder. Read More
Fantasy Meets Tradition in Korea’s New Wave of Period Dramas
SBS’s The Haunted Palace leads a trend of genre-blending period dramas in Korea, mixing romance, action, and the occult. Kim Ji-yeon plays Yeo-ri, an eyeglass maker who denies her shaman heritage, while Kim Young-kwang is Gang-cheol, a vengeful imugi seeking to become a dragon. Their tense, myth-laced connection anchors this reimagining of traditional sageuk with fantasy-driven storytelling. Read More
YouTube Emerges as Powerhouse for Long-Form TV and Film Content
With 38% of users now watching full-length TV and film, YouTube is expanding beyond its short-form roots. New data from Ampere Analysis shows the platform's massive global reach, with 84% monthly penetration, making it a key distribution channel for studios. As documentaries, series, and films increase popularity, YouTube is reshaping content strategies and offering new monetisation opportunities through deeper engagement and ad-share revenue. Read More
Google Unveils AI Video Tool With Audio for Storytelling
Google has launched a new version of its AI video generation model, including audio dialogue, sound effects, and ambient sounds. Available in the U.S. via the Gemini app, Vertex AI, and the new Flow filmmaking tool, the model allows users to generate short story-driven clips from simple prompts. Google DeepMind’s Eli Collins says it brings storytelling to life, and creators are already showcasing its power on social media. Read More
IZZY Targets Youth Market with Daily Dramas and Global Strategy Shift
With the acquisition of the teen-skewing series Dumb and the hiring of ex-Disney exec David Levine, Israeli streamer IZZY is aiming to attract younger audiences. Levine, now based in Israel, plans to revive the appeal of telenovelas through daily, snackable dramas. Drawing on his Disney experience, he sees strong potential in engaging global teens through shorter formats, fandom-driven social media, and cultural ambassadors visiting Israel. Read More
Mia Threapleton Shines in Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme
Mia Threapleton, daughter of Kate Winslet, is making waves at Cannes 2025 with her leading role in Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme. Playing Liesl, the disaffected daughter of a ruthless tycoon (Benicio del Toro), Threapleton delivers a standout performance. The film received a 6.5-minute standing ovation, with critics praising her commanding presence and nuanced portrayal. Read More
L.A. Screenings 2025: Shifting Strategies and Global Sales Trends
The L.A. Screenings have evolved significantly, with studios relying on international licensing revenue despite showing fewer full pilot episodes. Sony Pictures Television is pushing a S.W.A.T. spinoff, despite CBS cancelling the original series, betting on global appeal. Meanwhile, Amazon MGM is making bold moves, selling two major Prime Video originals to international buyers. Read More
YouTube Pushes for Emmy Recognition with FYC Event
YouTube hosted its first-ever Emmys For Your Consideration (FYC) event, backing creators Sean Evans (Hot Ones), Rhett & Link (Good Mythical Morning), and Michelle Khare (Challenge Accepted) for nominations. Despite industry scepticism, the platform aims to elevate creator-led content to Hollywood’s level. MrBeast’s Beast Games is also campaigning for multiple Emmy categories. Read More
Hulu’s Paradise Blends Political Thriller with Sci-Fi: Read the Script
Dan Fogelman’s Paradise merges political intrigue and apocalyptic sci-fi, marking his first streaming series after This Is Us. Starring Sterling K. Brown as Secret Service Agent Xavier Collins, the show unfolds in a bunker housing the world’s elite, where a shocking murder sparks a high-stakes investigation. Directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, the pilot episode, “Wildcat Is Down,” sets the stage for gripping twists. Read More
Strategic Genre Shifts for Major Streamers in 2025
Streaming platforms are refining their content strategies to target new audience segments. Netflix is missing a key genre outside of sports, while Disney+ could revive its 2000s-era hits. HBO Max may benefit from a strategic licensing move, and Paramount+ could quietly dominate kids' content. Apple TV+ needs a prestige boost, while Peacock should secure key rights before ESPN or Amazon. Read More
UK Broadcasters Revive Sketch Comedy Amid Social Media Challenges
Public service broadcasters BBC, Channel 4, and ITV are addressing concerns that short-form digital content undermines traditional sketch shows. Channel 4 has commissioned a six-part sketch series featuring David Mitchell and Robert Webb, blending classic comedy with modern themes. Meanwhile, the BBC and ITV are adapting their comedy offerings to better compete with TikTok and Instagram-driven content. Read More
Steve Coogan Criticises Algorithm-Driven Comedy, Advocates for Human Creativity
Steve Coogan warns against algorithmic influence in comedy, arguing that genuine humour thrives on spontaneity and originality. He champions character-driven and sketch comedy, exemplified by his Alan Partridge persona, which resists formulaic categorisation. As streaming platforms rely on data-driven content strategies, Coogan urges a return to diverse comedic voices that challenge conventions and embrace unpredictability. Read More
UK Comedy Producers Push for Authenticity Over American-Style Sitcoms
Leading UK comedy figures Phil Clarke, Ash Atalla, and Danny Brocklehurst stress the importance of preserving British humour, warning against the glossy, high-budget American sitcom model. Clarke, known for Peep Show, highlights budget constraints, while Atalla (The Office) champions homegrown talent. Brocklehurst (Brassic, Ten Pound Poms) warns that overreliance on U.S. formats risks diluting British comedy’s authenticity. Read More
Kathryn Hahn on Her Career Journey and Big Emmy Season with ‘Agatha All Along’ & ‘The Studio’
Canada Expands Indigenous Storytelling and Cultural Representation in Media
Canadian broadcasters are increasing factual programming orders to highlight local and Indigenous cultures, fostering authentic representation. The Made Nous campaign, backed by the Canada Media Fund and Telefilm Canada, celebrates Canadian film, TV, and digital entertainment creators, promoting diverse storytelling domestically and internationally. Read More
‘Eleanor the Great’ Producer Jessamine Burgum on Making 3 Movies to Create 1 | What No One Tells You
“Eleanor the Great” producer Jessamine Burgum shares the surprising evolution behind her latest film, I Don’t Understand You, starring Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells. In this episode, Burgum reveals how the final movie came together by making and remaking three different versions along the way.
Emilíana Torrini and The Extraordinary Miss Flower directors | BFI Q&A
The Icelandic singer-songwriter joins directors Ian Forsyth, Jane Pollard, and actor Caroline Catz to talk about their film at BFI Southbank. The new film by the makers of 20,000 Days on Earth tells the story of Geraldine Flower, whose vast trove of letters from the 1960s and 70s details a fascinating life. These letters form the basis of Icelandic singer and composer Emilíana Torrini’s song cycle, which drives the film.
Behind the Scenes of Love Island: Casting, Storylines, and Production
The creative team behind Love Island meticulously crafts the show’s casting, storylines, and editing to ensure compelling daily episodes. Producers track evolving relationships, shape dramatic moments, and refine contestant interactions to maximise engagement. The process involves strategic editing, ensuring that key conversations and events unfold in a structured yet natural way.
Evan Shapiro, Marion Ranchet, and Dan Callahan Discuss the Future of Advertising
Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet explore addressable advertising, zero-party data, and transparency with Dan Callahan, GVP of National Advertising Sales at Spectrum Reach. They examine the return of the bundle, the future of targeting, and how performance-driven strategies are reshaping the media landscape.
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