Global TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Monday 10 March 2025
Mia Wasikowska joins AFTRS, McConaughey returns, TV industry struggles, AMC fights for cinema, Netflix cancels The Recruit, Reeves leads BRZRKR, Baron Cohen shops film, BTS doc at SXSW.
Today’s Highlights:
Mia Wasikowska Named AFTRS Artist-in-Residence for 2025 - Mia Wasikowska will collaborate on a feature film and a documentary as AFTRS' Artist-in-Residence for 2025, following past recipients Tracey Rigney and Lynette Wallworth.
Matthew McConaughey Returns to Acting with ‘The Rivals of Amziah King’ - After a six-year hiatus, Matthew McConaughey stars in the rural drama The Rivals of Amziah King, portraying a honey farm owner navigating life in Oklahoma.
TV Industry Crisis Pushes Experienced Producers to Entry-Level Jobs - The television industry's downturn has forced many seasoned producers into lower-level jobs due to post-pandemic slowdowns and changing viewer habits.
AMC Theatres Pushes for Longer Theatrical Windows - AMC CEO Adam Aron is advocating for a return to a 45-day theatrical window, arguing it is crucial for cinema’s survival despite studio resistance.
Netflix Cancels ‘The Recruit’ After Two Seasons - Netflix cancelled The Recruit despite strong reviews, citing a decline in viewership, competition from The Night Agent, and algorithmic challenges in audience reach.
Keanu Reeves to Star in Netflix’s ‘BRZRKR’ Movie, Directed by Justin Lin - Keanu Reeves will star in and produce Netflix’s adaptation of BRZRKR, expanding the comic book franchise into a broader Netflix universe.
Sacha Baron Cohen Shopping New Comedy Film - Sacha Baron Cohen is seeking a distributor for his next comedy film after Universal couldn’t accommodate a 2026 release due to scheduling conflicts.
Nick Verso Adapting ‘Invisible Boys’ for the Screen - Australian filmmaker Nick Verso is adapting Holden Sheppard’s Invisible Boys, incorporating new character arcs and cultural elements set in Geraldton, WA.
BTS Documentary ‘Beyond the Stars’ to Premiere at SXSW - A BTS documentary exploring the group's global impact and devoted fan base will premiere at SXSW 2025, highlighting their journey and connection with ARMY.
Francis Ford Coppola Joins ‘Brother Versus Brother’ as Executive Producer - Francis Ford Coppola has joined Brother Versus Brother, a film premiering at SXSW 2025, aligning with his passion for innovative “Live Cinema” filmmaking.
Plus: News, Insights, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals, Opportunities & Jobs with National Geographic, Documentary Organization of Canada, Paramount, Prime, Disnet & Leonine.
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NEWS
Mia Wasikowska Named AFTRS Artist-in-Residence for 2025
Mia Wasikowska has been appointed the Australian Film Television and Radio School's (AFTRS) Artist-in-Residence for 2025. Known for her roles in Alice in Wonderland, Only Lovers Left Alive, and Crimson Peak, Wasikowska will collaborate with AFTRS students and staff on a feature film and a documentary. She follows past recipients Tracey Rigney and Lynette Wallworth in the role. Read More
INSIGHTS
Matthew McConaughey Returns to Acting After Hiatus with ‘The Rivals of Amziah King’
After a six-year acting break, Matthew McConaughey stars in the rural drama The Rivals of Amziah King. Inspired by Andrew Patterson’s unique script, McConaughey portrays a honey farm owner navigating life in Oklahoma. Reflecting on his hiatus, McConaughey shares that the role's depth and setting resonated with him. Known for his charisma, McConaughey embodies the character’s charm while bringing authenticity to this compelling narrative. Read More
TV Industry Crisis Pushes Experienced Producers to Entry-Level Jobs
The television industry faces a severe crisis, leaving many experienced producers working entry-level jobs. Factors such as post-COVID production slowdowns and shifts in viewing habits, like online platforms' rise, have devastated traditional TV. Broadcasters prioritize costly dramas, while cheaper unscripted programs decline. Freelancers report prolonged unemployment, with some selling homes and retraining. Industry experts predict continued challenges in 2025 as the sector adjusts to its changing landscape. Read More
BuzzFeed Studios Turns Branded Content into Movies under Richard Alan Reid
Under President Richard Alan Reid, BuzzFeed Studios has embraced AI and produced diverse content, from YouTube videos to feature films. Their latest movie, “F Marry Kill,” a romantic horror comedy starring Lucy Hale, is now in select theatres and on-demand through a Lionsgate partnership. This follows other projects like the rom-com “Puppy Love” as BuzzFeed evolves beyond its quiz and listicle origins. Read More
AMC Theatres Pushes for Longer Theatrical Windows
AMC Entertainment CEO Adam Aron is lobbying for a return to extended theatrical release windows, calling for a 45-day standard amidst declining moviegoing trends. Previously shortened to as few as 17 days during the pandemic, Aron argues longer windows are vital for cinema's survival. Despite resistance from studios favouring flexible timelines, Aron’s push comes as industry voices, like Oscar-winning director Sean Baker, also advocate for longer theatrical exclusivity. Read More
Celebrity Travel Shows Dominate UK TV Schedules
Celebrity-led travel programs continue to draw strong audiences in the UK, with Public Service Broadcasters (PSBs) capitalising on the genre. Channel 5 leads the way with hit shows featuring well-known presenters such as Kym Marsh, Richard Arnold, and Phillip Schofield. With travel series blending adventure, culture, and entertainment, networks are tapping into viewers’ appetite for escapism and discovery. Read More
Peaky Blinders Creator Wants Film Adaptation to Have Theatrical Release
Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders, has expressed his desire for the upcoming movie adaptation to debut in cinemas before streaming. Knight believes the theatrical experience would add to the film’s impact, ensuring it stays true to the visual and narrative scale of the TV series. Read More
Longer Pre-Cinema Ads Frustrating Filmgoers
Film audiences in the UK are voicing frustration over increasingly long pre-movie advertisements, with some screenings featuring over 30 minutes of commercials before the film starts. Cinema chains argue that advertising revenue is essential, but many moviegoers believe the extended wait times negatively impact the viewing experience. Read More
The Last of Us Season 2 Trailer Released
HBO has unveiled the first trailer for The Last of Us Season 2, featuring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey reprising their roles as Joel and Ellie. The new footage teases emotional conflicts, intense action, and new characters, including the highly anticipated introduction of Abby. The season is set to premiere in early 2026. Read More
How TV Programmers Manage Content Overload
Watching TV for work might seem ideal, but with the explosion of content, it can be overwhelming. TV executives like Hamish Turner, Dan Monaghan, Brook Hall, Jennifer Collins, and Natalie Edgar manage by prioritizing new and fresh content, focusing on first episodes, and staying across key shows. They balance their viewing across various platforms and still find joy in the job despite its demands. Read More
Nick Verso Adapting Invisible Boys for Screen
Writer/Director Nick Verso connected with Holden Sheppard's 2019 book "Invisible Boys," leading to a project set in Geraldton, WA. Verso explored locations like Pink Lake and integrated new character arcs, including 'Hammer' as First Nations. Changes from the book include Charlie's outing and added depth for female characters. Verso aimed to showcase acceptance and current Australian issues, balancing global appeal and local specificity. Read More
Behind Netflix’s Cancellation of The Recruit After Two Seasons
Netflix's recent cancellation of "The Recruit" after two seasons has sparked discussions about the platform's decision-making process. Despite the show's favorable reception and a commendable 80% score on Rotten Tomatoes, it was discontinued. Several factors may have influenced this decision: a viewership decline of approximately two million viewers in the second season, scheduling conflicts with another Netflix spy series, "The Night Agent," and concerns about Netflix's algorithm not effectively promoting the series to its target audience. This pattern isn't unique to "The Recruit," as Netflix has previously cancelled shows like "Tuca & Bertie" and "The OA" after short runs, leading to criticism about the platform's reliance on algorithms and early performance metrics to determine a show's fate. Read More
Andrew Winter on Property TV: "Lots of Them Are Faking It"
Property expert Andrew Winter has criticised the authenticity of some property reality shows, suggesting that certain series exaggerate or misrepresent real-life real estate transactions. He emphasised the need for transparency and integrity in the genre to maintain audience trust. Read More
Bong Joon Ho Directs Multiple Robert Pattinsons in MICKEY 17
Inside Another Simple Favor with Director Paul Feig
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