Global TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Tuesday 17 June 2025
NSW studio boost, €1B Netflix Spain spend, Code Black deal, Warner’s India push, AI ethics, Vice CEO shift, Amazon–Roku tie-up, Panahi win, EU drama pivots, Women in Motion spotlight.
Today’s Highlights:
NSW Government Confirms New Studio and Screen Sector Upgrade in A$380M Boost – A$380 million in funding will expand NSW’s screen sector, including a second major Sydney studio to boost local and international production.
Netflix Marks 10 Years in Spain with €1B Investment – Netflix will invest over €1 billion in Spanish content from 2025 to 2028, reinforcing its European production strategy.
Amazon MGM Studios Lands Code Black in Major Deal – Amazon secured Harrison Query’s Code Black for a seven-figure sum to develop as a Jake Gyllenhaal thriller.
Warner Bros. Partners with Indian Studios for Bollywood Adaptations – Warner Bros. will remake iconic films with Bhanushali Studios and JOAT Films, expanding its presence in India.
AI Ethics in Entertainment: Industry Leaders Debate Responsible Innovation – At Banff World Media Festival, experts discussed how the industry can balance AI innovation with creative rights and ethical standards.
Adam Stotsky Named CEO of Vice Media – Former Dick Clark Productions and NBCUniversal executive Adam Stotsky takes over as Vice Media’s new CEO.
Amazon Ads and Roku Join Forces on Major CTV Ad Deal – A new partnership between Amazon and Roku will offer advertisers access to 80% of U.S. connected TV households.
Jafar Panahi Wins Sydney Film Prize for It Was Just an Accident – Panahi’s politically resonant film won the top prize at Sydney Film Festival, with the director making a surprise appearance.
European Drama Industry Adapts to Disruption with Talent and IP at the Core – Seriencamp 2025 revealed European producers are leaning into talent-driven, IP-focused strategies amid budget cuts.
Women in Motion Spotlights Female Filmmakers at Shanghai Film Festival – Kering’s Women in Motion hosted its first China event, elevating voices of female filmmakers from Asia and beyond.
Plus: Insights, Executive Moves, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals, Renewals & Jobs with Screen Australia, Netflix, DreamWorks & A+E in Sydney, Singapore, Bangkok, LA & NYC.
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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, Kanal D, UKTV, Ceská Televize.
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, Legendary Entertainment, Bad Wolf, Mediapro, Bron.
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
Toby Haynes’ Favourite Black Mirror Episodes
Director Toby Haynes shares his top picks from Black Mirror, including standout episodes he directed, such as USS Callister, Demon 79, and Bête Noire. He reflects on the challenge of joining the series and offers insight into the creative process behind some of its most memorable moments, including the show's first sequel, USS Callister: Into Infinity. Read More
Ne Zha 2 Director Calls for Diverse Storytelling
Yang Yu, director of Ne Zha 2—China’s highest-grossing animated film—urges fellow filmmakers to adopt more diverse storytelling approaches. Despite the global $2.2 billion success of his sequel, Yang cautions against trying to replicate its formula, emphasizing the importance of originality as China’s animation industry rapidly evolves. Read More
Jesse Armstrong’s Mountainhead: Cinematic Precision in Grading and VFX
UNIT Film & TV’s Dan Coles crafted Mountainhead’s distinctive visual style, balancing light, shade, and dynamic range using the Alexa 35 and Baselight. The film’s secluded mountain mansion presented challenges due to its large windows and snowy backdrops, requiring careful tone mapping and subtle diffusion. Coles’ enhanced cyans and greens, reflecting the film’s shift into darker themes. Read More
Netflix Marks 10 Years in Spain with €1B Investment
To celebrate its 10th anniversary in Spain, Netflix will invest over €1 billion ($1.14 billion) from 2025 to 2028. Announced by co-CEO Ted Sarandos in Madrid, the move reflects Netflix’s growing ambition in the country and aligns with its commitments in key markets such as France and Mexico. Read More
Canal+ Myanmar Launches Supernatural Drama Emerald Heir
Premiering June 16 on Zat Lenn, Emerald Heir is Canal+ Myanmar’s latest original series, blending family drama with supernatural suspense. Set in Yangon, the 30-episode show follows a family torn apart by a wish-granting emerald. Directed by Htut Tint Htut and produced by Nora Ko, it joins a growing lineup of Canal+ originals, with Born to be One and The Lake coming later this year. Read More
Murder Mysteries Make a Comeback—with a Twist
Light-hearted murder-mystery series are back in style, with The Residence, Poker Face, and Only Murders in the Building leading the charge. Popularised in the ’70s by shows like Columbo, the genre now thrives by balancing humour with genuine suspense—a tricky mix that demands both charm and compelling mystery to keep audiences hooked. Read More
Uzo Aduba and Melanie Lynskey on Leaning Into Levity in 'The Residence,' 'Yellowjackets'
BBC's Future: Reform or Overreach?
BBC Director General Tim Davie argues that digital evolution and audience trust are essential for survival, warning that without adaptation, the BBC risks becoming “less trusted, less competitive”. Critics contend the BBC is prioritising commercial success over public service, squeezing out regional outlets and independent creators. To remain relevant, some suggest the BBC must focus on collaboration, fostering national storytelling rather than chasing streaming dominance. Read More
Channel 4’s In-House Production Move Sparks Industry Debate
Channel 4’s decision to launch an in-house production unit marks a shift from its publisher-broadcaster model, raising concerns among independent producers. Pact CEO John McVay calls it a “kick in the teeth”, while Sony’s Wayne Garvie warns it could undermine Channel 4’s digital transition. The broadcaster insists the unit will operate separately from commissioning, while Ofcom monitors its impact on diversity and public service goals. Read More
R.J. Cutler’s Martha Explores Stewart’s Rise, Fall, and Media Savvy
Director R.J. Cutler took on Martha Stewart’s life story after a chance dinner convinced him it deserved a full documentary treatment. Martha charts her working-class roots, media empire, and legal troubles, with Stewart granting Cutler final cut, only to criticise the film in a high-profile interview later.
UK-Ireland Audiences Embrace Theatrical Documentaries Again
After a challenging period, documentaries are making a strong comeback at the UK and Ireland box office. Ocean With David Attenborough has grossed £1.6m, while Blue Road: The Edna O’Brien Story set a record for an independent Irish documentary with £300,000. Industry leaders attribute the resurgence to theatrical appeal, strategic marketing, and event-driven releases. Read More
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