Global TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Monday 5 May 2025
California loses $178M from Moana 2 move; JioStar invests $4B; Mahon backs streamer levy; Hulu, Universal shift strategies; Knives Out 3, The Equalizer and Apple face industry scrutiny.
Today’s Highlights:
Report: Moana 2 Move to Vancouver Cost California $178M GDP – California lost an estimated $178 million in GDP and over 800 jobs due to Disney shifting Moana 2 production to Canada.
JioStar Commits $4B to Content Spend in 2026 – Vice chair Uday Shankar announced JioStar will invest over $4 billion next year, building on its Disney merger and reach of 500 million users.
Alex Mahon Urges Broadcaster Unity and Streamer Tariff – The outgoing Channel 4 CEO called for a unified broadcaster front and a levy on streamers to support UK independent producers.
Universal Television Backs Lower-Budget Series Model – President Erin Underhill says the industry trend toward sub-$5 million per episode series fosters creativity and sustainable storytelling.
Hulu Grows Reality-TV Slate with The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives – Hulu expands its unscripted strategy with 2024’s top reality original, building on The Kardashians under Disney’s leadership.
Her Story and Greater China Titles Dominate Far East Film Festival – The feminist Chinese hit Her Story led a sweep of FEFF’s top awards by Greater China titles, cementing the region’s global influence.
Rian Johnson Pushes for Theatrical Release of Wake Up Dead Man – Johnson rejected Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos’ view that cinemas are “outdated,” calling for a wide theatrical run for the next Knives Out film.
La Maison EP Blasts Apple TV+ for Poor Marketing – Producer Alex Berger criticised Apple TV+ at Canneseries for burying the acclaimed French drama through lacklustre promotion.
Jake Schreier’s Strategic Pitching Wins Marvel Job During Beef – Schreier developed detailed concepts and storyboards while directing Beef, securing a Marvel film through relentless pitching.
The Equalizer Cancelled After Five Seasons on CBS – CBS has cancelled The Equalizer amid falling ratings, with its May 4 finale now serving as the series’ final episode.
Plus: Insights, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals, Cancellations, Opportunities & Jobs with Vox, Netflix, BBC, Prime, Paramount & A+E in NYC, Tokyo, London, Munich & Madrid.
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INSIGHTS
Jake Schreier Spent Months Pitching His Vision for Marvel Film During Beef
While directing Beef, Jake Schreier spent six to seven months pitching a Marvel Studios project, meeting regularly with producer Brian Chapek. Schreier brought fresh ideas each time—storyboards, concept art, and thematic insights—emphasising tension and distrust in the action. He approached each meeting as if already hired, building a detailed vision while Beef quietly became a future Emmy winner. Read More
La Maison Producer Slams Apple TV+ Marketing as “Worst in the Universe”
Despite critical acclaim and a 92% Rotten Tomatoes score, La Maison executive producer Alex Berger criticised Apple TV+ for failing to promote the French drama. Speaking at Canneseries, Berger contrasted the show's low visibility with the success of The Agency on Paramount+, expressing frustration that strong content like La Maison gets buried due to poor marketing. Read More
Silence Is Golden Challenges Studio Audiences to Stay Quiet — or Lose Big Money
Launching May 5 on UKTV, Silence Is Golden is a new gameshow where 75 mic’d-up audience members must remain completely silent — or risk losing chunks of a £250,000 prize pot. Even a giggle can cost £10,000, with officials monitoring every sound. Remarkably, the format has already sold to four countries before its debut episode airs. Read More
Rian Johnson Pushes for Theatrical Release of Wake Up Dead Man, Counters Netflix CEO’s “Outdated” Cinema Take
Rian Johnson wants his next Knives Out film, Wake Up Dead Man, to get a wide theatrical release, despite Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos calling the theatre model “outdated.” Johnson disagrees, saying, “I love movies. I love going to see movies,” and adds that audiences still show up when given films they care about, citing recent box office hits as proof. Read More
Report: California Lost $178M GDP Boost from Moana 2 Moving to Vancouver
Producing Moana 2 in Vancouver instead of Los Angeles cost California an estimated $178 million in GDP, 817 jobs, and $87 million in wages, according to a new report. Released amid legislative efforts to introduce animation tax credits, the study warns that California’s animation industry risks collapse without competitive incentives to counter global production shifts. Read More
Christine Baranski on Acting, Strength & Nine Perfect Strangers
Veteran actor Christine Baranski reflects on her early theatre aspirations, rejecting sitcom roles to pursue serious stage work. Known for Mamma Mia! and The Good Fight, she now stars as Victoria in Nine Perfect Strangers Season 2, drawn to the project by David E. Kelley and Nicole Kidman. Filmed in Munich and the Austrian Alps, Baranski embraced the opportunity to act while indulging her love for music, opera, and travel. Read More
Hulu Solidifies Its Reality-TV Presence with The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives
Hulu’s rise in reality TV, kick-started by The Kardashians in 2022, continues with The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, its most-watched unscripted original of 2024. Under Disney TV Group president Craig Erwich and executive Rob Mills, Hulu has built a dedicated unscripted unit, expanding hits like The D’Amelio Show and Vanderpump Villa. While still trailing Netflix and Peacock, Hulu’s strategic moves signal a growing reality-TV empire, successfully blending social-media buzz with streaming content. Read More
Alex Mahon Calls for UK Broadcaster Collaboration & Streamer Tariff
Outgoing Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon stresses the need for UK broadcasters to unite against global streaming dominance. Unlike many streamers, independent producers prefer broadcasters due to IP retention. To sustain British content and the local industry, Mahon backs a "streamer tariff" to bolster the independent production sector and ensure long-term viability in an increasingly competitive market. Read More
Universal Television Responds to Rising Demand for Lower-Budget Scripted Series
Universal Television President Erin Underhill notes a growing industry preference for scripted series with budgets under $5 million per episode. This trend pushes producers toward cost-effective storytelling, fostering creativity without relying on expensive production elements. Universal Television embraces this model, ensuring strong audience engagement while maintaining financial sustainability. As streamers and networks adjust their strategies, the shift underscores a broader movement toward efficient, high-quality content in an evolving market. Read More
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