Global TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Friday 28 February 2025
California boosts film tax breaks; MPC collapses; BBC's Moore exits; Fox names Distad CEO; A24’s Deep Cuts set; Herzog’s animated debut; Slamdance wraps; Boarders acquired; ITV invests £80m.
Today’s Highlights:
California Film and TV Tax Incentive Bills Move Forward - Two new bills supporting Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed increase to entertainment tax incentives aim to modernise the program, retain jobs, and keep California competitive.
UK VFX Industry in Shock as MPC Collapses - The sudden shutdown of visual effects giant MPC, known for its work on major films, has left the UK industry reeling and raised concerns about sustainability in the sector.
Charlotte Moore Exits BBC for Sony, Search for Successor Begins - BBC Chief Content Officer Charlotte Moore is leaving to join Sony Pictures Television as CEO of Left Bank Pictures and EVP of International Production, prompting a search for her replacement.
Pete Distad Named CEO of Fox's New Streaming Service - Former Apple TV+ and Hulu executive Pete Distad will lead Fox’s upcoming streaming service, set to launch by the end of 2025, reporting to Tubi Media Group CEO Paul Cheesbrough.
Saoirse Ronan and Austin Butler to Star in A24’s Deep Cuts - Sean Durkin directs Deep Cuts, based on Holly Brickley’s novel, with Ronan also producing a story about music, ambition, and adulthood in the 2000s.
Werner Herzog’s First Animated Film, The Twilight World, to Debut at Cartoon Movie 2025 - Herzog’s animated feature, based on the true story of WWII officer Hiroo Onoda, will be showcased at Europe’s leading co-production event.
The 2025 Slamdance Film Festival Wraps up in its new Los Angeles Home. The festival celebrated indie filmmaking, awarding Gamma Rays the Narrative Feature Grand Prize and American Theater the Documentary Prize.
Stan and Amazon Prime Video Acquire Boarders - Australian streamer Stan and Amazon Prime Video Africa have picked up Boarders, a BBC drama about Black teens at a British boarding school, following its successful second season.
Beekeeper 2 in Development with Jason Statham - Following the success of Beekeeper, Jason Statham will return for the action-thriller sequel, directed by Timo Tjahjanto.
ITV Pledges £80m for Diverse-Led Commissions—ITV has committed £80m over three years to projects from diverse-led companies, doubling its development fund to £1m. Upcoming productions include Code of Silence, starring Rose Ayling-Ellis.
Plus: Insights, Festivals & Markets, Executive Moves, In Development, Deals, Renewals & Jobs with Netflix, BBC, ITV, Disney & Prime.
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INSIGHTS
California Film and TV Tax Incentive Bills Move Forward
California's film and TV tax incentive program may get a boost with two new bills to diversify qualifying productions. The legislation, supporting Gov. Gavin Newsom's proposed increase to the entertainment tax incentives cap, aims to make California's program competitive with other states and countries. Stakeholders are set to negotiate the details, focusing on modernising the program to retain and attract high-quality jobs and support small businesses. Read More
UK VFX Industry in Shock as MPC Collapses
The sudden collapse of MPC, a key film visual effects giant under the Technicolor Group, has left the UK industry "gobsmacked." Despite its pivotal role in projects like Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King, insiders note that persistent challenges foreshadowed this outcome. The tight-knit VFX community faces uncertainty as it grapples with the fallout from MPC's unexpected demise. Read More
BBC Begins to Search for New Content Chief as Charlotte Moore Departs for Sony
Charlotte Moore, the BBC’s Chief Content Officer, is stepping down to join Sony Pictures Television as CEO of The Crown producer Left Bank Pictures and EVP of International Production. BBC Director-General Tim Davie praised her leadership, calling her a "creative powerhouse." The BBC is now searching for her replacement, with potential candidates including Zai Bennett, Jay Hunt, and Jane Turton. Read More
BBC Studios' Janet Brown on Evolving Distribution Models
BBC Studios aims to return £1.5 billion to the pubcaster by 2026/27. Janet Brown, president of global content sales, has centralised global sales to streamline efforts. She discusses adapting to client needs, the importance of data analysis, and innovation in partnerships. Brown highlights successful alliances with ZDF Studios, France Télévisions, PBS, and Asian partnerships. She also addresses the evolving AVOD and FAST segments and the success of British content. Read More
Kim Basinger Opens Up About Retirement, Intimacy Coordinators, and Alec Baldwin
Kim Basinger was newly married to Alec Baldwin and had just given birth when her agent sent her the script for “L.A. Confidential.” Initially reluctant to play another siren role, she was convinced after meeting the director and reading the script. Despite not appearing on-screen since 2017’s “Fifty Shades Darker,” she’s not retired but is selective about her roles. Read More
California’s Hollywood Incentives Under Scrutiny
Post-COVID, the industry rallied with "Stay Alive 'til '25" amid strikes and collective depression. The hope was to rebuild, but by 2025, the focus shifted to reconstructing homes, schools, and businesses lost in fires. Hollywood, a dream hub, risks losing its essence without production. A "Stay in L.A." petition highlights steps for recovery: enhancing tax incentives, legislative education, and city support. Rebuilding isn't just about money—it's about restoring purpose and community spirit. Read More
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