Global TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Thursday 3 April 2025
Amazon shakeup, DAZN buys Foxtel, Netflix adds Brad Pitt and Kristen Bell, Disney+ opens to indies, YouTube expands reach, New Zealand plans media reforms, and Michael Jackson biopic may split.
Today’s Highlights:
Amazon’s TV Division in Disarray Amid Jen Salke’s Exit – Jennifer Salke’s departure from Amazon MGM Studios has triggered a leadership shake-up and internal tensions, with Vernon Sanders now leading TV operations under Mike Hopkins.
DAZN Finalises Foxtel Acquisition – DAZN’s acquisition of Foxtel gives it 4.3 million Australian subscribers and major sports rights, expanding its Asia-Pacific footprint.
David Fincher to Direct Brad Pitt in Tarantino-Penned ‘Hollywood’ Follow-Up – Netflix is producing a follow-up to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood with Brad Pitt and David Fincher, based on a new Quentin Tarantino script.
Netflix Bolsters Comedy Slate with Kristen Bell and Adam Brody Projects – Netflix is expanding its feel-good comedy lineup with new series starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody as part of a broader strategic shift.
Donnie Yen to Direct and Star in ‘Caine’ John Wick Spinoff – Donnie Yen will direct and star in Caine, a John Wick spinoff set to shoot in Hong Kong in 2025.
New Zealand Proposes Media Reform to Protect Local Content – Facing global streaming dominance, New Zealand is exploring reforms to support local media visibility and funding.
Michael Jackson Biopic May Be Split into Two Films – Lionsgate and Universal may divide Antoine Fuqua’s nearly four-hour Michael biopic into two parts, delaying its release.
Disney+ Opens Unscripted Pitch Call to Independent Producers – Disney+ is inviting pitches from independent producers to diversify its unscripted content across EMEA.
Eureka Productions Appoints Sonya Wilkes as Chief Content Officer – Sonya Wilkes joins Eureka Productions to lead unscripted and factual development alongside its co-CEOs.
YouTube Emerges as Key Platform for Traditional TV Broadcasters – Broadcasters like ITV are uploading major programming to YouTube to reach younger audiences and expand access.
Plus: Insights, Executive Moves, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals, Opportunities & Jobs with Prime, Netflix, WBD & Pluto in London, LA, NYC, Seattle & Madrid.
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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.
INSIGHTS
'Soul Sucker': A Horror-Comedy Rooted in Family Curses
Israeli creator Bat Hen Sabag blends horror, folklore, and dark comedy in Soul Sucker, an eight-part series about generational curses among mothers and daughters. Inspired by Sabag’s Romanian gypsy roots, it follows Avishag, a washed-up reality star investigating her family's deadly curse. Co-created with Euphoria director Daphna Levin, the show intertwines eerie mysteries and emotional scars, offering a unique spin on supernatural storytelling with humor and horror. Read More
New Zealand’s Local Media Faces Challenges Amid Streaming Dominance
With international streaming overtaking local broadcasters, New Zealand’s local content struggles for visibility. A Ministry for Culture and Heritage discussion proposes reforms, including smart TV app pre-installs and increased investment in local media. Despite TVNZ+ reaching 26% of audiences, global platforms dominate. Local music also suffers, highlighting the need for government-backed content platforms. Lessons from Norway and Australia suggest stronger media policies could bolster engagement with New Zealand’s creative sector. Read More
Alex Garland Says Filming Iraq-Set ‘Warfare’ in the UK Was Logistical
Director Alex Garland explained that filming his Iraq War-set film Warfare in the UK allowed for better safety and control, citing the practicalities of recreating combat environments. Star Kit Connor discussed the team’s military training and the importance of firearm safety on set. The film, which focused on the psychological effects of war, stars Connor and Joseph Quinn and was shot entirely in the UK. Read More
Netflix’s Comedy Push Continues With ‘Nobody Wants This’ and More Feel-Good Series
Netflix is strengthening its comedy slate with feel-good titles like Nobody Wants This, Running Point, and A Man on the Inside, featuring stars including Kristen Bell and Adam Brody. The streamer’s head of comedy, Tracey Pakosta, says audiences are embracing uplifting content, especially as viewing habits evolve. The shift reflects Netflix’s broader strategy to expand beyond prestige drama. Read More
‘The White Lotus’ Season 3: Behind-the-Scenes Drama and Intrigue
Mike White’s The White Lotus continues to captivate audiences with its provocative themes and meticulously crafted storytelling. Season 3, set in Asia, explores Buddhism while maintaining the show’s signature mix of satire and scandal. With 43 Emmy nominations and a massive following, the series has become a cultural phenomenon, blending incisive social commentary with unforgettable characters. More
Television Critics Association Cancels Summer 2025 Press Tour
The Television Critics Association has cancelled its Summer 2025 press tour due to major networks pulling out amid financial pressures and shifting industry dynamics. The TCA is re-evaluating the structure of its events and awards program, with plans to connect press and talent in more cost-effective ways. Read More
Amazon’s TV Division in Disarray Amid Jen Salke’s Exit
Amazon’s TV division faces upheaval as Jennifer Salke steps down as head of Amazon MGM Studios to form her own production company with a first-look deal at Amazon. Salke’s departure follows internal tensions, including clashes over the James Bond franchise. Vernon Sanders now oversees TV content and reports to Mike Hopkins. Insiders describe the structure as chaotic and frustrating for talent and executives. Read More
Europe’s TV Industry Faces Major Consolidation Amid Streaming Competition
MediaForEurope (MFE), led by Pier Silvio Berlusconi, has launched a takeover bid for German broadcaster Pro7Sat.1 to expand its influence in European media. Meanwhile, ITV Studios has acquired a majority stake in Moonage Pictures, the production company behind The Gentlemen. These moves reflect a broader consolidation trend among legacy networks as they seek to compete with global streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon. Read More
Disney+ Issues Open Call for Independent Pitches
Disney+ actively seeks pitches from independent producers to diversify its unscripted content offerings. Sean Doyle, the Executive Director of Unscripted Originals for Disney+ in the EMEA region, emphasised that the belief that Disney+ collaborates only with major production houses is a misconception. This initiative underscores Disney+'s commitment to engaging with a broad range of creative talents, regardless of their company's size. Read More
Why YouTube Is TV’s Next Frontier
Broadcasters increasingly leverage YouTube to connect with younger audiences and adapt to evolving viewing habits. Traditional media companies embrace the platform to distribute content and engage viewers. This shift is underscored by ITV's decision to upload hundreds of hours of programming, including popular shows like "I'm A Celebrity" and "The Masked Singer" to YouTube. This strategy maximises accessibility and reach, complementing ITV's streaming service, ITVX, and traditional TV channels. Read More
Roy Ackerman: Theatrical Docs No Longer the Only Option
While theatrical feature documentaries have traditionally been prominent, there is a significant place for powerful, independent films on linear television channels. Adjustments in running times and budgets can facilitate this transition, ensuring that impactful documentaries continue to reach audiences through diverse platforms. Read More
Seth Rogen & the cast of The Studio break down the real-life inspirations for the show
'The Studio' creator, writer and star Seth Rogen sits down with fellow castmembers Bryan Cranston, Ike Barinholtz, Kathryn Hahn and Chase Sui Wonders to discuss the inspiration behind the Hollywood satire. They talk about finding their characters' voices, how they got so many stars to make cameos, and the improvised lines from Kathryn Hahn and Bryan Cranston that left them in shock.
Bong Joon Ho on Mickey 17, Parasite, Okja and his career to date | BFI in Conversation
Bong Joon Ho talks about his incredible career to date and his new film, Mickey 17, starring Robert Pattinson. Director, producer and writer Bong Joon Ho emerged as a radical presence in the 1990s and has played a transformative role in elevating Korean cinema on the world stage ever since. Winner of the Palme D’Or and Academy Award for Best Picture for his 2019 masterpiece Parasite and follow-up Mickey 17.
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