Global TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Weekend 10-11 May 2025
Tariffs, equity, and incentives reshape global screen industries; Europe pushes back, New York expands credits, and THR’s list reignites the fight for gender parity in film.
Today’s Highlights:
New York Expands Film Incentives Amid Trump Tariff Proposal – New York’s new budget extends film and TV tax credits to 2036 and adds a 10% music scoring bonus, as Trump’s proposed tariffs create industry-wide uncertainty.
Jon Voight’s Hollywood Proposal Sparks Co-Production Debate – Jon Voight’s plan for tariffs and incentives has triggered concern and cautious optimism in Canada and among global co-production partners.
European Industry Push to Protect Creative Europe Media Program – Sixteen European organisations urge the EU to maintain Creative Europe’s autonomy, warning of threats to cultural funding and diversity.
Fight for Gender Equity in Film and THR's Women Power List – THR’s 2025 list highlights the ongoing fight for equity in global film amid rising DEI backlash and structural abuse.
Pulitzer Board Sparks Outcry Over ‘James’ Selection – The 2025 Pulitzer bypassed the jury’s top picks for Percival Everett’s James, sparking debate over gender bias and award integrity.
Foxtel’s Wendy Moore on Staff Cuts and Future Under DAZN – Wendy Moore says recent Foxtel layoffs are standard during acquisitions, while DAZN’s aversion to costly sports signals a potential pivot in content strategy.
Drew Grove Named Head of Production at Screen Australia – Drew Grove’s appointment signals Screen Australia’s focus on bold, globally appealing content following his work on Windcatcher.
The Pitt's John Wells Reflects on Breakout Success – John Wells credits The Pitt's 10M-viewer success to its raw, immersive storytelling rooted in the chaos of a Pittsburgh ER.
Clown in a Cornfield: Horror Reflecting Modern American Tensions – Eli Craig’s SXSW slasher uses gore and dark humour to examine class and generational divides in small-town America.
A Better Man: Misogynist Troll's Forced Redemption – In Ølhunden Berit, a troll’s public shaming and disguise as a woman spark a reluctant emotional transformation in this social satire.
Plus: Insights, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals, Renewals, Cancellations & Jobs with WildBear, Paramount, BBC, WBD & TV4 in Sydney, London, LA & Stockholm.
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INSIGHTS
A Better Man: Misogynist Troll Faces Unlikely Transformation
In Ølhunden Berit (A Better Man), a misogynist online troll named Tom is exposed by hackers after harassing a feminist comedian. To escape public backlash, he disguises himself as a woman using clothes from his mother’s shop. Homeless and isolated from his toxic online world, he unexpectedly begins to experience kindness from strangers, triggering a reluctant yet profound transformation. Read More
Rian Johnson Juggles 'Knives Out 3' and 'Poker Face' Season 2
Director Rian Johnson called the overlap between filming Knives Out 3 and Poker Face Season 2 “more stressful” than before, as both productions ran simultaneously. Unlike last time, when he could manage post-production on Glass Onion while writing Poker Face, the schedules fully aligned this time, forcing him to balance both projects simultaneously. Read More
‘Clown in a Cornfield’ Mixes Gore, Humour, and Timely American Tensions
A SXSW 2025 standout, Clown in a Cornfield is Eli Craig’s slasher about a struggling Midwestern town haunted by Friendo the Clown, the mascot of a now-defunct corn syrup factory. Adapted from Adam Cesare’s novel, the film blends gore and satire while tackling generational and economic divides—tensions Craig says reflect modern America’s conflicts, making its release feel especially timely. Read More
Foxtel’s Wendy Moore Addresses Staff Cuts and Future Under New Ownership
Following the recent departure of around 100 staff from the Foxtel Group, Executive Director of Entertainment Content Wendy Moore said at Screen Forever that such changes are typical in acquisitions, where buyers seek “synergies.” While Moore emphasised her focus is on entertainment, she noted that new owner DAZN sees sports as costly and unpredictable, hinting at potential strategic shifts ahead. Read More
New York Expands Film Incentives Amid Uncertainty Over Trump Tariff Proposal
Governor Kathy Hochul has finalised New York’s delayed budget, including expanded film and TV incentives through 2036, now with a bonus 10% credit for music scoring done in-state. The news comes as the industry reels from Donald Trump’s proposed 120% tariff on foreign-made content and a federal tax credit plan for U.S. productions, sparking widespread uncertainty despite no final decisions. Read More
Tony Nominee Tom Francis on ‘Sunset Blvd.,’ Oasis, and His Soaring Career
Tom Francis, now 25 and a Tony nominee for Sunset Blvd. on Broadway, first discovered his love for performing at age seven while singing Oasis’s “Let There Be Love.” From secretly strumming in his room to winning an Olivier and landing roles in You, Jay Kelly, and The Mosquito Bowl, Francis’s rise has been swift and deeply personal. Read More
‘Friendship’ Twists the Male Bonding Comedy Into Something Darker
In Friendship, Andrew DeYoung’s subversive feature debut, Paul Rudd and Tim Robinson play mismatched neighbours whose uneasy bond spirals into chaos. A darker, more anxious counterpart to I Love You, Man, the A24 film explores male loneliness and forced connection with biting humour. Inspired by DeYoung’s lopsided friendship experience, the film reframes middle-aged male bonding through a smart, unsettling, and deeply personal lens. Read More
‘Path to Paris’ Follows Rising Aussie Athletes to the 2024 Games
Brisbane-based docuseries Path to Paris spotlights three young Australian athletes—breakdancer Jeff Dunne, wheelchair basketballer Eithen Leard, and boxer Marissa Williamson Pohlman—as they prepare for their Olympic and Paralympic debuts. Backed by Screen Australia and Screen Queensland, the 16-part series blends training, competition, and personal stories, launching on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok throughout the month. Read More
Max to Stick With Weekly Episode Drops, Says Content Chief
Despite the binge-watch trend, Max will continue releasing episodes weekly, HBO and Max content chief Casey Bloys confirmed at the Milken Institute Global Conference. Citing financial strategy and a desire to extend each show’s cultural lifespan, Bloys explained, “We don’t have the ability to have a new series every week—there’s a big financial difference between that and dropping a new episode weekly.” Read More
Tony Tost Brings His Unique Perspective to Poker Face Season 2
Tony Tost, known for Longmire and Damnation, takes the helm as showrunner for Season 2 of Peacock’s Poker Face, premiering today. While describing the role as a hired gig, Tost injects his distinct storytelling sensibility into the show without altering its core appeal. He also runs Practical Screenwriting, a Substack offering insights into Hollywood’s challenges. Read More
Recent Developments Impacting TV, Film, and Content Producers
This week saw major shifts for the entertainment industry, including Google losing its third antitrust trial and the ongoing Apple vs Epic Games case regarding revenue sharing. Trump's proposed tariffs on movies also added to the mix. Other updates covered Google’s new TV and film production initiative, newspaper publishers diving into video, the growing podcast economy, and a UK TV production company’s YouTube growth. Read More
Sitcom Laugh Tracks: Still Alive Despite Being Declared Dead
Sitcoms with laugh tracks have been fading since the 1990s, nearly declared extinct by the rise of single-camera comedies. Yet, they're making a surprising comeback—currently, more multi-cam sitcoms with background laughter air than single-cams. Despite years of criticism and shifting audience tastes, some laugh track sitcoms still perform well, with new hits like Chuck Lorre's Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage. While often seen as manipulative, laugh tracks continue to be a staple. Read More
The Fight for Gender Equity in Film: Why Lists Like THR's Most Powerful Women Matter in 2025
In 2025, gender-based lists like THR's Most Powerful Women in International Film should be outdated, yet the fight for equity remains far from over. From backlash against DEI initiatives to reports of systemic abuse in the arts, progress is under threat. Highlighting these 45 global power players is more crucial than ever, serving not as recognition but as a rallying cry for authentic, transformative storytelling across cultures. Read More
John Wells Reflects on the Success of The Pitt
In It’s a Hit!, IndieWire chats with creators and showrunners about when they knew their show was breaking big. John Wells, the prolific creator behind hits like E.R., China Beach, and Southland, has found new success with The Pitt, a drama set in a chaotic Pittsburgh ER. With over 10 million views per episode in 2024, its immersive storytelling and realistic portrayal of medicine are key factors behind its popularity. Read More
Pulitzer Board’s Selection of James Sparks Debate Over Process and Priorities
The 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction went to Percival Everett’s James, a reimagining of Huckleberry Finn, after the board bypassed the jury’s top three finalists, all written by women. Critics, including Drew Broussard, argue the decision reflects institutional bias, while others see it as a move toward commercial relevance. The bestseller and award-winning novel is set for a film adaptation by Steven Spielberg and Taika Waititi. Read More
Jon Voight’s Hollywood Plan Sparks Debate Over Tariffs and Co-Productions
Jon Voight’s “Make Hollywood Great Again!” proposal suggests a 120% tariff on foreign-shot productions, alongside federal tax credits, co-production treaties, and a Cultural Test. The plan has drawn attention from Canada’s film and TV industry, which contributed CAD$7 billion to the economy in 2022/2023. While some producers see risks, others view the proposal as an opportunity to protect Canadian content and redefine co-production agreements. Read More
European Film Industry Urges Strengthening of Creative Europe Media Program
Sixteen leading film and audiovisual organisations have issued a joint statement advocating for the Creative Europe Media program’s future, amid concerns it may be absorbed into broader EU initiatives. The statement emphasises the programme’s role in cultural diversity, industry competitiveness, and audience development. As the European Commission reviews financing priorities, industry leaders stress the need for sector-specific funding to sustain Europe’s film and TV ecosystem. Read More
UK Leads Global Exports in Unscripted TV Formats
The UK has become the top global exporter of unscripted TV formats, with one-third of new adaptations in 2024 originating from Britain. Established hits like MasterChef and The Voice thrive internationally, while newer formats like The 1% Club gain traction. ITV Studios led the charge, attracting investor interest, while over 50 British formats are already set for 2025, reinforcing the country’s dominance in unscripted content. Read More
Netflix’s Cheat: Unfinished Business Gains Popularity Despite Mixed Reviews
Premiering on April 30, Cheat: Unfinished Business reunites eight former couples at a Mallorca retreat to confront past infidelities. Hosted by Amanda Holden and Paul C. Brunson, the show blends elements of Love Island and The Traitors. Despite mixed critical reception, it has entered Netflix’s Top 10 in 22 countries, sparking discussions about a potential second season. Read More
Behind the Scenes of The Rings of Power: Sauron’s Rise and Gandalf’s Journey
Charlie Vickers, Charles Edwards, and Daniel Weyman discuss Sauron’s rise, Gandalf’s journey, and Season 3 teases. The actors share insights into Middle-earth’s evolving conflicts, the creation of the Rings, and the forces of good resisting Sauron’s influence.
Stephen Graham on Adolescence: Casting, Camera Tricks, and a Unique Filmmaking Approach
Netflix’s Adolescence co-creator and star Stephen Graham shares how a strict “no dicks policy” helped shape the show’s cast and crew. He discusses discovering breakout talent Owen Cooper, the single-take filming technique, and the show’s exploration of incel culture and violence. Graham emphasises the importance of collaboration and respect in filmmaking.
THR Frontrunners Q&A With 'Long Bright River' Star Amanda Seyfried & Exec. Producer Nikki Toscano
Bowen Yang Screen Talk | BFI Flare 2025
Emmy-nominated comedian Bowen Yang plays a leading role in Andrew Ahn’s modern adaptation of The Wedding Banquet, a fresh take on Ang Lee’s 1993 classic. Yang, known for Saturday Night Live, Fire Island, and Bros, joins a cast including Kelly Marie Tran, Lily Gladstone, and Han Gi-chan in this queer rom-com exploring cultural identity and chosen family.
Malpractice Q&A with Tom Hughes, Helen Behan, Grace Ofori-Attah and Emma Luffingham
The second season of ITV’s medical thriller Malpractice shifts focus to psychiatric registrar Dr. James Ford, played by Tom Hughes, who finds himself under investigation. Returning cast members Helen Behan and Jordan Kouamé reprise their roles as investigators, while Grace Ofori-Attah continues as writer and Emma Luffingham as executive producer. Filming took place in Belfast, doubling for Harrogate.
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