Global TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Wednesday 30 April 2025
Netflix appeals lawsuit; India eyes $6B media boom; SAG-AFTRA warns on AI; new Godzilla films in Aus; LA reforms permits; crypto doc debuts; global shoots, deals & Cannes launches surge.
Today’s Highlights:
Baby Reindeer Defamation Lawsuit Intensifies – Netflix has appealed the District Court’s decision that allowed the lawsuit against them to proceed, arguing no provably false statements were made.
India’s Entertainment Industry Eyes $6B Growth by 2030 – A report following the Content India Summit projects massive growth through global partnerships and improved OTT monetisation.
SAG-AFTRA Leader Warns AI is Both a Tool and Threat – Duncan Crabtree-Ireland urges continued vigilance and safeguards against AI misuse following the 2023 actors’ strike settlement.
Legendary Pictures to Film Next Godzilla vs Kong Movie in Queensland – The upcoming Monsterverse instalment will shoot at Village Roadshow Studios, reinforcing Queensland’s role in major international productions.
Los Angeles Council Moves to Save Local Film Production – A new motion seeks to reform L.A.’s permit system and fees to prevent productions from fleeing the city.
Ben McKenzie’s Crypto Doc Premieres at SXSW London – Everyone Is Lying To You For Money investigates crypto scams and includes interviews with figures like Sam Bankman-Fried.
Michael Shannon and David Corenswet Film NFL Drama in Melbourne – The film about draft underdog John Tuggle is shooting across Victoria, spotlighting Australia’s growing appeal for Hollywood biopics.
Toei Launches Keishi Otomo’s 'Hero’s Island' at Cannes – Set in post-war Okinawa, the thriller explores friendship and betrayal amid thefts from US military bases.
Santuario: Spanish Sci-Fi Series Tackles AI Ethics and Climate Crisis – In a post-apocalyptic world, pregnant women hide in domes while confronting moral dilemmas in this Atresplayer drama.
Charlotte Ritchie on Final Season of 'You' and Reclaiming Ambition – Ritchie reflects on embracing power and vulnerability as her character evolves from love interest to CEO in You’s last season.
Plus: Insights, Executive Moves, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals, Renewals, Opportunities & Jobs with Paramount, BBC, ITV, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Gersh & WBD in Sydney, London, LA & Munich.
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INSIGHTS
"Santuario": Spanish Sci-Fi Series Explores Motherhood Amid Climate Crisis
In Santuario, pregnant women take refuge in domes shielding them from Earth’s toxic pollution after a climate disaster. The Spanish sci-fi series, based on a podcast by Manuel Bartual and Carmen Pacheco, explores themes like climate change and AI ethics. Directed by Rodrigo Ruiz Gallardón, the Atresplayer drama follows Pilar and AI engineer Valle as they confront personal and societal challenges in this unsettling future. Read More
Sony Launches Karate Kid Roblox Game Ahead of New Film
To promote Karate Kid: Legends, in theatres May 30, Sony and GameFam are releasing a Karate Kid Training Simulator on Roblox. Launching May 2, the game lets players train with characters like Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Han in scenes from the movie. Players can learn moves, complete quests, and earn themed rewards like a bonsai head or trophy popcorn bucket hat for their avatars. Read More
'Yellowjackets' Wins Lawsuit Over Alleged Copying of 2015 Film 'Eden'
A judge has dismissed a copyright lawsuit claiming Yellowjackets copied 2015’s Eden, finding the two works aren’t substantially similar. Both involve a soccer team crash and themes of survival and cannibalism, but the court ruled that Yellowjackets’ characters, plot, and dual-timeline structure differ significantly. The Showtime hit continues to grow in popularity, with its third season finale drawing 3 million viewers in its first week. Read More
SAG-AFTRA’s Duncan Crabtree-Ireland on AI: “A Tool and an Existential Threat”
After helping settle the 2023 actors’ strike, SAG-AFTRA leader Duncan Crabtree-Ireland remains focused on protecting performers from AI misuse. The union’s new contract includes AI safeguards, a personal priority for Crabtree-Ireland after deepfakes of him surfaced. He continues advocacy through tech summits and support for the No Fakes Act. Speaking with Deadline, he noted a shift toward cautious optimism as studios reevaluate AI’s risks and potential. Read More
Jon Hamm Leads Dark Comedy-Thriller ‘Your Friends & Neighbors’ for Apple TV+
Jon Hamm stars in Your Friends & Neighbors as a disgraced hedge fund manager who turns to robbing his wealthy neighbours, only to uncover dangerous secrets in their seemingly perfect lives. Blending drama and comedy, the Apple TV+ series is created by Jonathan Tropper, who also serves as showrunner and had Hamm in mind from the start. The show is produced by Tropper Ink and Apple Studios. Read More
Charlotte Ritchie on Embracing Power and Vulnerability in the Final Season of You
Charlotte Ritchie reflects on transforming both herself and her character, Kate Lockwood, in the final season of You. The actress, now playing a powerful CEO, enjoyed revealing Kate’s softer side as she turns against Joe Goldberg. Ritchie shares how she once downplayed her dreams, despite a childhood diary declaring her wish to act, and now fully embraces both her ambition and evolving roles. Read More
India's Entertainment Sector Eyes $6B Boost Through Global Partnerships and Strategy Shifts
India’s entertainment industry could gain US$6 billion in value by 2030 through international collaborations and revamped content strategies. Released after the April 1 Content India Summit in Mumbai, a study highlights India’s untapped potential, noting that its 551 million OTT users generate just $ 2.1 billion, far below comparable markets like South Korea. Read More
Disney and Epic Games to Premiere Star Wars Series Inside Fortnite Ahead of Disney+ Release
Disney and Epic Games are expanding their partnership with a new Star Wars-themed Fortnite island, where players can link Epic and myDisney accounts and unlock rewards like a stormtrooper skin. For the first time, Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld will premiere on Fortnite on May 2, two days before its Disney+ release—letting fans watch and battle through the story in-game. Read More
Los Angeles City Council Passes Measure to Address Film Production Challenges
The Los Angeles City Council has passed a motion to reform the city’s film permitting process, addressing concerns that high fees and complicated procedures are driving productions away. The measure, introduced by Councillor Adrin Nazarian, calls for a review of fee structures, public property discounts, and streamlining processes. The city aims to keep production work local and maintain jobs in the entertainment industry. Read More
Viral Mobs and the Quest for the Next Big Trend
Encountering viral mobs is now commonplace, as people flock to trends like new products or experiences. A recent encounter involved a long line for milk tea served in ornate cups—more for Instagram clout than quality. This highlights Gen Z's drive for viral moments, amplified by influencer culture and memeification. Despite this reality, Hollywood has yet to embrace and adapt to this cultural shift fully. Read More
The Extinction of Puppetry in Hollywood's Shift to CGI
A legendary piece of movie lore highlights Hollywood's transition from puppetry to CGI. During the pre-production of Jurassic Park, stop-motion artist Phil Tippett was crafting animatronic dinosaurs, only to be swayed by a CGI demo from Steven Spielberg. After seeing the digital creations, Tippett famously said, “I think I’m extinct.” While he adapted, the once-glorious art of puppetry has faded mainly into cinematic history. Read More
Dustin Porter’s Destination Adventure Thrives in YouTube’s Creator Economy
Canadian filmmaker and adventurer Dustin Porter exemplifies the shift in the creator economy toward independent storytelling. His YouTube channel, Destination Adventure, has grown to 341,000 subscribers and 53 million views, fueled by his passion for filmmaking and exploration. Overcoming barriers from his small-town upbringing, Porter transitioned from the oil and lumber industries to video production, eventually carving out a niche documenting abandoned towns, railways, and off-grid living. His success has led to brand partnerships and a loyal audience across multiple platforms, demonstrating that creators can thrive without relying on traditional industry gatekeepers. Read More
Harry King, TV CEO, Highlights Struggles of UK’s Independent Producers
Harry King Television CEO Nicholas Sercombe warns of mounting challenges for UK independent production companies, aligning with Indielab’s 2024 Indie Voice survey, which found 72% of producers fear closure amid commissioning slowdowns. To navigate industry pressures, Sercombe is developing True Sherlock, a drama that reimagines the origins of Sherlock Holmes, exemplifying how independent studios can retain creative and financial control. He urges policy reforms, equitable commissioning practices, and stronger funding mechanisms to safeguard the sector’s future. Read More
Netflix Appeals Legal Battle Over Baby Reindeer
US District Judge R. Gary Klausner allowed a lawsuit against Netflix to proceed, citing inaccuracies in its "true story" claims about Baby Reindeer. Netflix has appealed, arguing that no provably false statements were made. While legal proceedings continue, the drama remains an awards favourite, earning BAFTA nominations for Limited Drama, Leading Actor (Gadd), and Supporting Actress. The BAFTA TV Awards are on May 11 at London’s Southbank Centre. Read More
"Late Bloomer" Starring Jasmeet Raina Hits Crave with Season 2 Launch
Late Bloomer, the unique series created by Jasmeet Raina (AKA Jus Reign), is now streaming on Crave, with its second season recently launching. Raina stars as Jasmeet Dutta, a conflicted Sikh Millennial in Toronto navigating the clash between his Western ambitions and immigrant family obligations. Originally known for his YouTube sketches, Raina brings his comedic style to this half-hour series, also making his directorial debut in the new season. Read More
Until Dawn producer: 'We didn't want to retell the game's story' | BBC News
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