Global TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Tuesday 29 April 2025
Banijay eyes ITV; Top Gun lawsuit hits Paramount; Vice expands; Indies fight giants; Hawaii film hopes crash; New UK drama launches; Kosinski, Pitt lead major projects; Cannes jury named.
Today’s Highlights:
Banijay in Early Talks to Acquire ITV or ITV Studios – A takeover of ITV or ITV Studios would be one of the biggest media consolidations in Europe, fundamentally altering the production landscape.
Paramount Sued by Shaun Gray Over "Top Gun: Maverick" Writing Credit – A major legal dispute over one of the biggest box office hits could set important precedents for writers' rights in Hollywood.
Vice Media Acquires Cuba Pictures – Vice's acquisition of a top UK drama producer strengthens its scripted division and signals continuing consolidation in global content markets.
MRC TV President Jenna Santoianni Outlines Indie Survival Strategy – Insight into how major indies compete in a market dominated by studio giants highlights broader survival strategies for mid-sized players.
Hawaii Film Bill Dies, Impacting Local Industry – The failure of critical film tax incentives in Hawaii damages local production capacity and affects the broader US filming ecosystem.
Chris Lang’s New Drama "I, Jack Wright" Premieres – A major new UK drama from a respected creator, likely to have critical and commercial success across multiple platforms.
Joseph Kosinski to Direct Miami Vice Movie for Universal – A high-profile director revitalising a known brand reflects the ongoing studio strategy of investing in proven IP.
Brad Pitt to Star in Edward Berger’s "The Riders" for A24 – Major creative collaboration between Brad Pitt and Edward Berger on an Australian novel adaptation, with strong awards potential.
2025 Cannes Film Festival Jury Announced with Juliette Binoche as President – Cannes remains the most important global festival; the jury announcement signals early buzz for the festival season.
Walter Salles' "I'm Still Here" Wins at Platino Awards – A significant awards sweep for Latin American cinema, affirming Salles’ international stature.
Plus: Insights, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals, Renewals & Jobs with BFI, Netflix, Wondery, Tubi & ITV in London, LA, NYC & Hilversum.
Subscribe to our daily news roundup for exclusive insights, early access to industry news, and the convenience of having the latest TV, Film & Media updates in one bulletin.
Our subscribers include executives from:
Streamers: Netflix, Apple, Viaplay, SkyShowTime, Amazon Prime, Marquee TV, Paramount Television International, MTV Entertainment Group, BET, Cineverse.
Broadcasters: NBC Universal, France Televisions, Sky, ABC, Channel 4, ITV, A+E Networks, CBC, TV2, SVT, ARTE, RTBF, SBS Play, TCL FFalcon, RTL, TVNZ, SRF.
Producers: Fifth Season, Sony Pictures Television, Banijay, Fremantle, Endemol Shine, Gaumont, Pathé, Warner Bros Television Productions, Universal Pictures International Australasia, UFA Fiction, Vivendi, Entertainment One, BBC Studios, Warner Bros Discovery, Talpa Studios, Keshet, Tiger Aspect, Wild Bunch TV, Red Planet Pictures, Go Quest Media, Eureka Productions, The Ink Factory, Nordisk Film, Reel One Entertainment, Bunya Productions, Beach House Pictures, Beyond, The Global Agency, Esha Bargate Productions, blue Entertainment, Paper Plane Productions, Paprika Studios, Playmaker, Off the Fence, Goalpost Pictures, Spin Master, Stand By Me, Halcyon Studios, DPG Media, Envision, Rive Gauche, Blue Ant Media, Squareone, Great Southern Studios, Collective Media Group, New Dominion Pictures, RAW TV, Optomen, Magpie Pictures, KOJO, ShinAwiL, WildBrain, Nine Daughters, Amazon/MGM Studios, October Films.
Also: Aarhus Series Festival, The Wit, Norwegian Film Commission, New Zealand Film Commission, IMDA, MIA, Getty Images, Ottawa Film Office, Simkins, Harbottle & Lewis, Screen Brussels, Sheffield DocFest, FilmChain, Documentary Business, Zero Gravity Management, SXSW, MEA, DOC, Attraction Distribution, Kaplan Stahler Agency, Passion Distribution, Audible, Screen Queensland, Canada Media Fund, My Smash Media, Artists First, Grey Seal Media, Screenforce Finland.
INSIGHTS
Chris Lang’s New Drama "I, Jack Wright" Unveils a Family’s Shocking Secrets
From Unforgotten creator Chris Lang, I, Jack Wright, explores the turmoil unleashed by a wealthy patriarch’s death and unexpected will. Debuting on U&Alibi and streamer U, the UKTV drama follows Jack Wright’s family as they gather at his country estate, only to be rocked by his final wishes. The cast includes Trevor Eve, John Simm, Daniel Rigby, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Gemma Jones, and Ruby Ashbourne Serkis. Read More
Hawaii Film Bill Dies in Committee, Devastating Local Workers
A bill to boost Hawaii’s struggling film industry quietly died in committee Friday, dashing hopes for hundreds of local workers. The measure, which had strong support in the Senate and from industry, aimed to expand film tax credits and encourage local hiring, but political disagreements with the House stalled it. For longtime crew members like Ralph Malani, the loss is heartbreaking: “It’s just so sad that local people are losing out big time.” Read More
Why Digital Analytics Are the Future of TV Commissioning
Broadcast executives still argue over ratings, but audiences have moved on, curating their own playlists across platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and streaming services. Overnight numbers miss key insights, such as engagement and discovery, making digital analytics essential for today’s commissioners. Real success lies in understanding viewer journeys, drop-off points, and catch-up rankings. Digital metrics empower faster pivots, smarter risks, and continual improvement—shifting failure from an end point to part of the creative process. Read More
Hulu’s "Got to Get Out" Pits Reality Stars Against Each Other for $1 Million
Hulu’s Got to Get Out locks 20 reality stars, gamers, and models under one roof with $1 million at stake. Hosted by Simu Liu, contestants must either escape early to claim the pot or stay longer to grow it, risking it all. Stars like Omarosa, Spencer Pratt, and Kim Zolciak-Biermann compete in this high-stakes game, where strategy and timing are everything, as discussed in a new video interview. Read More
How MRC Stays Competitive Against Entertainment Giants
In an industry dominated by Disney and Warner Bros., MRC TV president Jenna Santoianni shared how the indie studio stays competitive by focusing on innovative development and partnerships. Known for Ozark, The Great, and The Terminal List, MRC’s big spring release is Poker Face season two on Peacock. Despite success, Santoianni notes that challenges remain in ensuring profits are more widely shared, mainly when a hit like Ted drives major streaming wins. Read More
Paramount Sued by Shaun Gray Over "Top Gun: Maverick" Writing Credit
Shaun Gray, cousin of Top Gun: Maverick screenwriter Eric Singer, sued Paramount, alleging he was exploited and denied credit and pay for key scenes he claims to have written. Filed in New York, the suit states Gray participated in story meetings with Singer and director Joseph Kosinski. A former writing consultant and assistant, Gray says he kept time-stamped records to prove his contributions to the 2022 blockbuster screenplay. Read More
Richard Gadd on Comedy's Evolving Landscape
Comedian and writer Richard Gadd reflects on working with BBC drama boss Lindsay Salt, his next ventures following Baby Reindeer, and the growing space for comedians in scripted TV. He emphasises the rising demand for authentic storytelling and personal narratives, showcasing how the industry is embracing new comedic voices. Read More
We Interrupt This Broadcast Deep Dive: Alon Aranya
With over 15 years of experience, Alon Aranya, co-founder of Paper Plane Productions, has produced acclaimed series such as Tehran, Your Honour, and Hostages. Passionate about script development and creating premium global content, he discusses how Australia can thrive in the global market, including the role of development, the influence of streamers on scripted content, balancing local stories with global appeal, and the future of Australia's screen industry.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Further&Better to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.