Global TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Thursday 20 March 2025
Netflix fraud charges, UK TV crisis, Stranger Things finale, new Power Rangers, AI-driven VFX, Fan Bingbing's drama, West London studios, Max Australia launch, and California film funding push.
Today’s Highlights:
Director Charged with Fraud Over Unfinished Netflix Sci-Fi Series – Carl Erik Rinsch, director of 47 Ronin, is facing fraud and money laundering charges for allegedly misusing $11 million from Netflix, originally intended for the sci-fi series White Horse (Conquest).
Elisabeth Murdoch Warns of 'Perfect Storm' for UK TV Industry – Media executive Elisabeth Murdoch has warned that financial struggles, declining ad revenues, and shifting viewing habits pose serious challenges to the UK television sector.
Revitalising California’s Film Industry Through Direct Investment – A proposal suggests California co-finance films through an equity-based model to generate profit-sharing revenue, support indie filmmakers, and revitalise the state's entertainment industry.
Ted Sarandos on Stranger Things Finale and Marvel’s Streaming Challenges – Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos confirmed the Stranger Things finale will be a major event while discussing Marvel’s struggles in the competitive streaming market.
Fan Bingbing Stars in Mystical Drama Mother Bhumi – Chinese actress Fan Bingbing leads Mother Bhumi, a Malaysian multilingual drama exploring land disputes, mysticism, and female empowerment, featured at the Hong Kong–Asia Film Financing Forum.
Robert Legato Joins Stability AI, Reunites with James Cameron – Oscar-winning VFX supervisor Robert Legato (Titanic, Avatar) has joined Stability AI, reuniting with James Cameron, who sits on the company’s board.
Netflix Announces Cast for Thriller Series Legends – Netflix has revealed the cast for Legends, a thriller about British Customs officers infiltrating drug networks, starring Tom Burke, Steve Coogan, and Hayley Squires, set for a 2025 release.
West London to Gain New Film Studios at Iconic Gillette Factory – Hounslow’s historic Gillette Factory is being transformed into a creative hub with six sound stages, creating over 3,400 permanent jobs and supporting film, digital content, and virtual production.
Disney Developing Live-Action Power Rangers Series – Disney+ is producing a Power Rangers reboot with Hasbro Entertainment, with Jonathan E. Steinberg and Dan Shotz in talks to serve as showrunners.
Max Streaming Service Launches in Australia with Tiered Plans – Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming service Max is launching in Australia on March 31 with three pricing tiers, offering HBO, Warner Bros., Harry Potter, and theatrical blockbusters.
Plus: News, Insights, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals, Renewals, Cancellations & Jobs with Netflix, BBC, UKTV, YouTube & WBD in London, NYC, LA & Milan.
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NEWS
Director Charged with Fraud Over Unfinished Netflix Sci-Fi Series
Carl Erik Rinsch, director of 47 Ronin, has been charged with fraud and money laundering after allegedly misusing $11 million from Netflix. The funds, intended for the sci-fi series White Horse (later renamed Conquest), were reportedly spent on luxury items and cryptocurrency investments. Read More
INSIGHTS
Tax Fraud Drama: Other People’s Money
The eight-part drama Other People’s Money explores Europe’s largest tax fraud, the Cum-Ex scheme, blending 'Shakespearean' characters with screwball comedy. Directed by Jan Schomburg, it follows global banks, lawyers, and officials entangled in billions stolen from taxpayers. Featuring Sven Lebert and Lena Birkwald, it delves into personal and systemic corruption. Premiering on ZDF, the series aims to demystify complex structures while emphasising dramatic storytelling. Read More
Zefyr: Boosting Norway’s Audiovisual Industry
Bergen-based Zefyr is Norway's largest regional media investment fund, allocating NOK 25–35 million annually to film, TV, and games in southern and western regions. With NOK 50 million in capital, it has funded 246 productions, generating NOK 733 million since 2016. Blending public and private capital, Zefyr supports Norwegian and international projects, prioritising financial returns and cultural growth while easing grant processes to suit industry dynamics. Read More
Mark Duplass Supports Rekha Shankar’s Indie Film
Rekha Shankar is crowdfunding Vidhya’s Guide to the Afterlife, a sci-fi comedy about a Hindu rapture, blending personal and cultural themes. Writer-director Shankar, backed by EffinFunny and a $20,000 matching grant from Mark Duplass, aims to raise $180,000 on Kickstarter. The project highlights representation and self-expression, reflecting Shankar’s unique journey. Duplass calls it a perfect culmination of her talent and a meaningful indie effort deserving of support. Read More
Elisabeth Murdoch Warns of ‘Perfect Storm’ for UK TV Industry
Media executive Elisabeth Murdoch has cautioned that the UK television industry is facing a "perfect storm" of financial challenges, declining ad revenue, and shifting viewer habits. She emphasised the need for innovation and government support to maintain the country’s global competitiveness in TV production. Read More
Groundbreaking Web Series: A Creative Revolution
Scripted shows originating online, particularly on YouTube, have shaped the digital entertainment landscape, inspiring creators and launching careers. These groundbreaking projects often showcased creative freedom without studio involvement, driving niche audiences and multi-revenue models. While costly production limited the genre's explosive growth compared to factual content, web series paved the way for successful YouTubers and filmmakers, fostering innovation and inspiring future generations in TV and cinema. Read More
Revitalising California’s Film Industry Through Direct Investment
California should directly co-finance films, adopting an equity-based model similar to the UK, France, and Canada. By funding 50–100% of project budgets, the state could earn profit shares, create a sustainable reinvestment fund, and stimulate job creation across industries. This approach supports indie films and major studios, enhancing cultural exports, tourism, and intellectual property ownership while reviving California's legacy as a global film powerhouse. Read More
Christina Hendricks Reflects on Mad Men and Industry Sexism
Actress Christina Hendricks opened up about her experiences on Mad Men, discussing the show’s depiction of sexism and its reflection of real-life industry challenges. Hendricks, who played Joan Holloway, also spoke about her new project, Small Town, Big Story and the evolving landscape for female-led narratives. Read More
Ted Sarandos Talks Stranger Things Finale and Marvel’s Streaming Challenges
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos confirmed that the Stranger Things series finale would be one of the platform’s biggest events while also addressing the streaming industry's evolving landscape. He highlighted Netflix’s strategy against competitors like Marvel, which has faced struggles in the streaming space. Read More
Just a Bit Outside: A Love Letter to Milwaukee’s 1982 Brewers
Former CBS executive Kelly Kahl produced Just a Bit Outside, a documentary on the 1982 Milwaukee Brewers’ historic journey to the World Series. Co-produced with Sean Hanish for under $1 million, the film celebrates the team’s impact on Milwaukee during tough economic times. It streams exclusively on Roku from April 11, featuring interviews with MLB legends. Kahl calls it a heartfelt tribute to the city and its blue-collar roots. Read More
Hollywood A-Listers Take the Fight to AI
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