Global TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Thursday 24 April 2025
Studios move offshore; Soderbergh sounds alarm; Coogler redefines IP rights; Tower Peak targets content assets; viewer habits shift; Monkeypaw cuts staff; The Chosen rises via crowdfunding.
Back from our Easter break with a Bumper Issue.
Today’s Highlights:
Hollywood Shifts Production Overseas – The industry-wide relocation of production, driven by cost and regulatory pressures, significantly alters the global filming landscape and has broad economic implications.
Steven Soderbergh Warns of Decline in Mid-Budget Films – His warning highlights a structural crisis for a once-thriving segment of the cinema industry, signalling risk for adult-oriented original storytelling.
Ryan Coogler’s ‘Sinners’ Sparks Studio Control Debate – The rights reversion clause sets a potential precedent that could reshape future creator-studio agreements across the industry.
Tower Peak Partners Launches IP Investment Strategy – This move reflects a strategic shift towards valuing and monetising IP as a resilient asset class during market contraction.
'The Chosen' Becomes Global Crowdfunding Success – Its financial and viewership success illustrate the viability of alternative financing models and international grassroots distribution.
Monkeypaw Productions Hit by Layoffs – Layoffs at a high-profile, culturally significant company like Monkeypaw point to broader systemic contractions in scripted development.
Most Viewers Mix Binge and Weekly Viewing – Shifts in viewer behaviour influence release strategies, marketing, and platform competition, reshaping how content is delivered and monetised.
'Cold Haven' Tells a Cross-Cultural Crime Story Across Europe – This series exemplifies the rise of international co-productions and storytelling that reflects diverse perspectives and locations.
BBC’s ‘This City is Ours’ Uses Music as Narrative Tool – An innovative narrative technique within a BBC drama, this reflects evolving creative approaches in UK television.
Genevieve O’Reilly on Mon Mothma’s Arc in ‘Andor’ – While popular, the character-focused insight is less consequential compared to broader production, financing, or distribution shifts.
Plus: Insights, Executive Moves, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals, Cancellations, Opportunities & Jobs with Netflix, BBC, ITV, Amazon MGM, A+E & MUBI in Sydney, London, LA & NYC.
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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, Screenforce Finland.
INSIGHTS
Music Drives BBC Crime Drama in This City is Ours
BBC crime drama This City Is Ours, created by Stephen Butchard and directed by Saul Dibb, incorporates music as a storytelling tool, reflecting the emotions and themes of its characters. Set in Liverpool, the series follows Michael, a longtime criminal caught in a power struggle. Classic tracks from Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, and Andy Williams define the world of crime boss Ronnie, while modern sounds contrast with the changing landscape. Read More
Hollywood's Shift to Overseas Filming
Hollywood studios are increasingly relocating productions overseas due to rising costs and regulatory challenges in Los Angeles. Cities like New York have expanded tax incentives, while international locations, such as those in Eastern Europe and Australia, offer financial benefits and streamlined regulations, making them attractive alternatives for filmmakers. Read More
Most Viewers Switch Between Binge and Weekly Viewing, Survey Finds
A new survey of 2,000 US adults reveals that most viewers mix bingeing and scheduled viewing based on their mood and the type of show. Gen Z and millennials are more likely to cancel subscriptions frequently and are influenced by social buzz, while boomers prefer consistency. Weekly releases are regaining favour for their cultural resonance, while choice fatigue drives audiences toward nostalgia viewing and long-running series. Read More
Steven Soderbergh Calls ‘Black Bag’ Box Office Struggles a Warning for Mid-Budget Films
Despite strong reviews, Steven Soderbergh’s espionage thriller, Black Bag, has underperformed at the box office, earning only $21 million in its opening weekend. The director expressed concern over the declining audience for mid-budget, adult-oriented films, calling it a troubling trend for the industry. While Focus Features expects the film to break even, Soderbergh warns that Hollywood must find ways to reconnect with older audiences. Read More
‘The Chosen’ Becomes a Crowdfunding Phenomenon, Reaching Millions Worldwide
Created by Dallas Jenkins, The Chosen overcame industry hurdles to become a record-breaking crowdfunded series, raising $10 million for season one and $30 million for seasons two and three. Initially released on YouTube, the show is now available on Amazon, Netflix, and Apple, amassing over 280 million viewers across 175 countries. Read More
A Case for Reliable TV Formats Over Unicorn Hits
Repeatable, low-cost TV formats, such as Come Dine with Me and A Place in the Sun, are the true backbone of broadcasting, delivering loyal audiences and predictable returns. Read More
Quiz Shows Evolve to Engage Generation Alpha
Modern quiz shows are shifting from traditional trivia to brain teasers and lateral thinking challenges, appealing to Gen Alpha’s problem-solving mindset. ITV’s The 1% Club, BBC’s Only Connect, and House of Games blend logic puzzles with general knowledge, making quizzes more engaging and accessible. Experts note that interactive formats and social media teasers are reshaping the genre. Read More
Leverage: Redemption Cast Discuss Season 3 Developments
The cast of Leverage: Redemption, including Christian Kane, Gina Bellman, Beth Riesgraf, and Aleyse Shannon, shares insights into their characters' evolution in Season 3. Riesgraf also discusses her experience directing several episodes, highlighting the show's growth and the deepening of its narrative arcs. Read More
Safe Harbor: A Tech-Infused Crime Thriller
Created by Mark Williams, Safe Harbor is a crime thriller inspired by true events, featuring Alfie Allen and Martijn Lakemeier as tech-savvy friends entangled with the Irish mob. The series explores themes of ambition, loyalty, and the dark underbelly of Europe's drug trade, set against the backdrop of Rotterdam's harbour. It has been acquired by ITV in the UK, Virgin Media Television in Ireland, and SBS in Australia. Read More
Tower Peak Partners Launches IP Investment Strategy Amid Industry Challenges
Despite market contractions, UK-based Tower Peak Partners (TPP) is developing a fund focused on intellectual property (IP) assets, particularly in the TV production, distribution, and sports rights sectors. Elisa Alvares, a former TV and film producer, has been appointed Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer for Global Rights & IP. The firm, founded by Anthony Catachanas, specialises in industries undergoing structural change. Read More
Ryan Coogler’s ‘Sinners’ Sparks Debate Over Ownership and Studio Control
Ryan Coogler’s Sinners has ignited discussions about creative ownership, with his Warner Bros. deal allowing him to retain rights to the film after 25 years. Some industry insiders view this as a potentially disruptive precedent, while others see it as a step toward empowering filmmakers. Coogler’s Proximity Media invested in the film, countering claims that he was gaining ownership without making a financial contribution. Read More
Bertelsmann CEO Revives Talks for M6-TF1 Merger Amid Regulatory Shifts
Thomas Rabe, CEO of RTL Group’s parent company Bertelsmann, is looking to reignite merger discussions between M6 and TF1, citing softening European regulations as an opportunity to create a French TV and streaming powerhouse. The merger, previously blocked by French competition authorities, could now be reconsidered as EU regulators reassess media consolidation rules. Read More
Genevieve O’Reilly Reflects on Mon Mothma’s Journey in ‘Andor’
Genevieve O’Reilly, who has portrayed Mon Mothma for 20 years, shares her excitement for Andor Season 2, calling it a “little diamond” crafted by Tony Gilroy and the cast. The series, praised for its bold storytelling, explores Mon Mothma’s political struggles and secret rebellion efforts, setting her up as a key leader in the fight against the Empire. Read More
Festival Programmers Highlight 19 Undistributed Films in The Popcorn List
The Popcorn List showcases 19 acclaimed films still seeking distribution, including narratives, documentaries, and debut features. The initiative, led by festival programmers, aims to spotlight independent films that deserve wider audiences. Notably, more than 50% of filmmakers are exploring alternative distribution models beyond traditional deals. Read More
Cold Haven: A Cross-Cultural Crime Thriller Set in Iceland and Portugal
Cold Haven is an eight-part crime thriller that unfolds across Iceland and Portugal, exploring the immigrant experience through the lens of a murder investigation. Icelandic detective Soffia, portrayed by Kristín Þóra Haraldsdóttir, delves into a case within the Portuguese community on Iceland's Westman Islands. The series, produced by Iceland's Glassriver and Portugal's SPI, utilises diverse locations to enhance its narrative, reflecting themes of isolation and cultural intersection. Read More
‘Yellowstone’ Sparks Concerns Over National Park’s Growing Tourism Strain
The immense popularity of Yellowstone and its spinoffs has contributed to a surge in visitors to Yellowstone National Park, raising concerns about environmental strain. Experts warn that the park is being “loved to death,” as increased tourism is impacting its ecosystems. Conservationist Scott Christensen notes that the show’s fictional storylines have even led to real-world confusion over land use issues. Read More
Christian Petroni: From Bronx Kitchens to Digital Food Empire
Christian Petroni, a Bronx-born chef and Food Network personality, blends Italian-American tradition with modern media. After co-founding Fortina, he won Food Network Star Season 14, becoming a regular on shows like Chopped and Beat Bobby Flay. Now, through Gabagool Media, he’s expanding into digital content, merchandise, and pop-up events, including a partnership with Yankee Stadium. Read More
Mexico Moves Toward National Audiovisual Incentives Amid Industry Pushback
Mexico is advancing plans for nationwide audiovisual incentives, but local producers are wary of government demands tied to the initiative. The audiovisual industry, which contributed 1.25% of GDP in 2023, could see investments rise from $600 million to $800 million annually with fiscal stimulus. However, concerns about centralisation in Mexico City and competition from other countries with established incentives remain. Read More
‘You, Me & Her’ Case Study Highlights Indie Film Distribution Challenges
The filmmakers behind You, Me & Her took an independent approach to distribution, treating the film like a startup and leveraging micro-influencers, brand partnerships, and eventized screenings to build buzz. Their strategy included custom influencer boxes, billboards, and giveaways, reflecting the film’s sex-positive, intimate, and bold themes. The team previously experienced traditional distribution pitfalls, leading them to experiment with direct audience engagement. Read More
Disney Expands Reality TV Slate on Hulu, Challenging Bravo’s Dominance
Disney is building its own reality TV universe, particularly on Hulu, aiming to rival Bravo’s Real Housewives ” franchise. At the Get Real event, cast members from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, The Kardashians, Love Thy Nader, and Got To Get Out mingled with Alex Cooper and talent from The Bachelor and Dancing with the Stars. Read More
Navigating the Competitive Landscape of TV Writers Rooms
With fewer shows in production, competition for staff writer positions has intensified, with hundreds of submissions per opening. Yellowjackets creators Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson note that promotions from within are becoming more common, while new series offer fresh opportunities. Writers must craft standout samples, understand how many pages need to “pop”, and leverage personal experiences to shine in meetings. Read More
Alex Cooper Expands Into Reality TV with ‘Overboard for Love’ on Hulu
Call Her Daddy host Alex Cooper is diving into reality television, executive producing Overboard for Love, a dating show set on a yacht. Produced through her Unwell Productions, the series promises romantic twists and high-stakes competition. Cooper, a longtime reality TV fan, is deeply involved in the show’s development, from casting to production design. Read More
Channel 4 Integrates AI into Open House Promo
Channel 4 has introduced artificial intelligence in its promotional content for the property series Open House. The AI-generated promo showcases the broadcaster's commitment to integrating innovative technologies into its marketing strategies. This initiative reflects Channel 4's broader exploration of AI applications in content creation and audience engagement. Read More
Michael Fassbender On Turning To Spy Games With ‘The Agency’ And ‘Black Bag’
Want to Adapt a Video Game? ‘The Last of Us’ Writers Say You Must Be a Gamer
The Last of Us: Part II writers Neil Druckmann and Halley Gross talk about the high-stakes world of adapting video games for television. From navigating fan expectations to choosing the right collaborators, the duo shares why having gamers at the top is essential — and how their love for the game shaped HBO’s hit series.
Eline van der Velden on How AI Is Changing TV Production Forever
Eline van der Velden, founder and CEO of Particle6, discusses how AI tools like ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Runway, and Sora are revolutionising television production, making content more cost-effective and accessible. She highlights how AI can democratise creativity and expand opportunities for scripted and unscripted shows.
Anna Lambe Says Audiences Want Original Content Like 'North of North' Series
'North of North,' a comedy about a 20-something Inuit woman living in a tiny, tight-knit Arctic village, is now streaming on Netflix. The show stars Anna Lambe as Siaja, a young woman trying to rebuild her life after exiting her marriage.
STREAMING EUROPE: Are EU Broadcasters Leading Streaming's Transformation?
Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet met with Bedrock CEO Jonas Engwall in Lyon to discuss how European broadcasters are reshaping streaming through free, ad-supported platforms and collaborative infrastructure. Bedrock’s tech backbone is enabling legacy media to compete with global giants, with a focus on cooperation over direct competition.
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