Global TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Wednesday 4 June 2025
Equity eyes AI strike; Netflix backs UK stories; Yale collapses; Red closes; Cameron adapts The Devils; Paramount wins YA bid; Clemens joins Amazon; Karlovy Vary backs bold cinema.
Today’s Highlights:
UK actors’ union Equity threatens strike over AI protections – A potential landmark strike over AI that could reshape contracts and production norms across global entertainment.
Netflix prioritises UK viewers in local content strategy – A strategic realignment with potential ripple effects on global commissioning trends.
Yale Entertainment creditors face $50M loss after collapse – A significant financial collapse affecting hundreds of creditors, shaking confidence in indie finance structures.
StudioCanal shuts down Red Production Company – The closure of a prestigious UK drama label, signalling shifting studio priorities and market consolidation.
BBC and Sky chiefs call for stronger IP and AI regulation – Unified demands for protective policy from two major broadcasters underscore urgent industry challenges.
James Cameron to adapt Joe Abercrombie’s The Devils – Marks a major creative shift from one of Hollywood’s most bankable directors into fantasy IP.
Paramount acquires Divine Rivals adaptation after bidding war – Highlights the continued arms race among studios for YA fantasy properties with franchise potential.
Ben McKenzie premieres crypto exposé Everyone Is Lying to You for Money – A bold pivot from actor to investigative filmmaker, spotlighting crypto accountability.
Karlovy Vary Festival unveils 2025 lineup including secret Iranian film – A culturally significant programming decision supporting creative freedom under threat.
Nicole Clemens named VP, Head of International Originals at Amazon Prime Video – A major executive appointment signalling Amazon’s global content expansion ambitions.
Plus: Insights, Executive Moves, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals, Renewals, Opportunities & Jobs with Sky, Channel 4, Netflix, A+E, NBCUniversal, WBD & Mediacorp in London, Manchester, LA, NYC, Paris, Amsterdam & Singapore.
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Also: Aarhus Series Festival, The Wit, Norwegian Film Commission, New Zealand Film Commission, IMDA, MIA, Getty Images, Ottawa Film Office, Simkins, Harbottle & Lewis, Screen Brussels, Sheffield DocFest, FilmChain, Documentary Business, Zero Gravity Management, SXSW, MEA, DOC, Attraction Distribution, Kaplan Stahler Agency, Passion Distribution, Audible, Screen Queensland, Canada Media Fund, My Smash Media, Artists First, Grey Seal Media, Screenforce Finland.
INSIGHTS
Iceland Emerges as Creative TV Hub Beyond Production Services
Once known mainly for hosting car ads and major US shoots, such as Interstellar, Iceland is now a rising force in European TV co-productions. According to actor Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, its creative development has surged, with local networks, streamers, and major players like Netflix and CBS Studios investing in domestic projects alongside international collaborations. Read More
Yale Entertainment Creditors Face $50M Loss After Collapse
Creditors of indie company Yale Entertainment are facing losses exceeding $50 million after a failed restructuring effort. Co-founders Jordan Beckerman and Jordan Yale Levine acknowledged the losses during a private investor Zoom call on January 14. According to a May 14 bankruptcy filing, between 100 and 199 creditors were affected. Many loans were reportedly made under the belief they were backed by corporate guarantees. Read More
Adolescence Dominates 2025 Gotham TV Awards
Adolescence, a four-part series about a teen accused of murder, swept the limited series categories at the 2025 Gotham TV Awards. It won Breakthrough Limited Series, lead performance (Stephen Graham), and tied for best-supporting performance (Owen Cooper). Erin Doherty also earned a nomination in the supporting category. The show became a breakout hit following its March streaming debut. Read More
Sky CEO Warns Against UK's AI Copyright Opt-Out Plan
Sky CEO Dana Strong emphasised the urgency of proper AI regulation at a London conference, criticising the UK government's proposed opt-out rule that would allow AI companies to use copyrighted content unless creators opt-in. Strong argued copyright must be protected from the start, warning, "It's very hard to put the genie back in the bottle, so we need to get it right now.” Read More
BBC Chief Calls for Strong IP Protection and Tech Partnerships
BBC Director-General Tim Davie urged the protection of national intellectual property at the Media & Telecoms 2025 and Beyond Conference, calling it essential to the broadcaster’s value. He emphasised continued investment in the World Service and the need for bold partnerships with major U.S. tech firms. Davie also defended the BBC's independence and called for universal funding as debates continue over its future royal charter. Read More
Ben McKenzie Debuts Crypto Exposé at SXSW London
Best known for The O.C. and Gotham, Ben McKenzie has redefined his career as a fierce crypto critic. His feature directorial debut, Everyone Is Lying to You for Money, premieres Friday at SXSW London. The documentary, filmed over three years, examines the crypto industry and features interviews with notable figures such as Sam Bankman-Fried and Alex Mashinsky, blending sharp critique with humour and compelling storytelling. Read More
FreshTracks Launches AI Video Search to Simplify Music Selection
FreshTracks has introduced Video Search, a new AI-powered tool that allows users to upload a video clip and instantly receive curated music suggestions—no keywords required. Designed to reduce hours of trial and error, the feature streamlines the music selection process for filmmakers. Developed with input from music experts, it provides fast and accurate matches to meet the growing demand for intuitive soundtrack solutions. Read More
Han Ji-won's Lost in Starlight Signals Breakthrough for Korean Animation
Lost in Starlight, the first Korean-made Netflix original animation, marks a significant leap for director Han Ji-won and South Korea's animation scene. The sci-fi romance, set in 2050 Seoul, has earned praise from Bong Joon Ho, who called it "a visual masterpiece." Long a behind-the-scenes animation hub, Korea now steps into the spotlight with this lyrical tale of long-distance love and interplanetary dreams. Read More
Netflix Prioritises UK Viewers in Local Content Strategy
Netflix commissions UK programming with local audiences as the top priority, said Larry Tanz, VP of Content for EMEA, at the Media & Telecoms 2025 & Beyond Conference in London. Dismissing claims that Netflix focuses solely on global appeal, Tanz emphasised the streamer's investment is rooted in serving domestic viewers first—citing hits like Adolescence as proof that local-first content can also resonate worldwide. Read More
NBCUniversal Telemundo’s Sandra Smester Highlights 2024 Success in Hispanic Prime Time
Sandra Smester, EVP of Programming and Content Development at NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, emphasises Telemundo's historic achievement in 2024 as the first Hispanic TV channel to lead primetime viewership Monday through Sunday. She talks about the importance of understanding global content trends to meet the evolving demands of the international market. Read More
BBC’s Ghosts Draws Inspiration from Friends, Says Producer
Charles Harrison, BBC Studios International Scripted Formats Producer, told Seriencamp that Ghosts, a popular UK comedy about a couple inheriting a haunted castle, owes much to Friends. He explained the show taps into the British dream of owning a home—here, a castle—turning it into a “flat-share comedy” reminiscent of the iconic sitcom. This connection highlights Ghosts’ blend of cultural themes with classic comedy influences. Read More
Developments in the $170M Defamation Suit Over Baby Reindeer Portrayal
Fiona Harvey’s lawyers accuse Netflix of downplaying harm caused by Baby Reindeer, in which Harvey is linked to a stalking character, Martha. Harvey claims the series has "destroyed" her life. A $170 million defamation lawsuit was allowed to proceed by a US judge last year, and Netflix's appeal is now before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, with both parties submitting written arguments. Read More
YouTube Denies Disney’s Claims in Justin Connolly Hiring Lawsuit
YouTube argues that Disney is using Justin Connolly as a "pawn" amid license renewal talks following Disney's lawsuit over Connolly's move from platform distribution president to YouTube's VP of media and sports partnerships. Disney alleges breach of contract, citing Connolly's three-year deal, which includes a termination clause requiring written notice by December 2026. The dispute is now before the Los Angeles state court. Read More
The White Lotus Season 3’s Full-Moon Party Delivers a Shocking Twist: Read the Script
Episode 5 of The White Lotus Season 3, titled Full-Moon Party, marks a turning point in the Thai-set instalment. The episode features wild yacht parties, drug-fueled chaos, and a disturbing revelation that shakes the Ratliff brothers. Meanwhile, Belinda, Rick, and Timothy face their own crises back at the resort. The fallout from this episode sets the stage for the season’s final three episodes. Read More
Helen Perry’s Six Must-Watch Dramas
UKTV drama commissioning head Helen Perry shares her top picks, including groundbreaking crime series The Shield, the anti-hero drama Mr Inbetween, and the razor-sharp storytelling of Succession. She also highlights Friday Night Lights, the fact-based Mr Bates vs the Post Office, and the cult classic My So-Called Life, emphasising the power of character-driven storytelling. Read More
Michael B. Jordan on Sinners’ Success and His Next Directorial Project
Michael B. Jordan’s latest film, Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, has grossed over $341 million worldwide, showcasing his dual performance as twin brothers in a supernatural thriller set in 1930s Mississippi. Jordan credits his long-standing collaboration with Coogler for shaping his career and is now set to direct and star in a reboot of The Thomas Crown Affair. He also shared Denzel Washington’s advice on balancing public exposure and audience interest in the social media era. Read More
Hollywood’s Survival Game: What’s Thriving, What’s Fading
The state of the entertainment industry is in question, with sectors truly in decline and others remaining resilient despite pessimistic forecasts. Movie stars, independent film, and comedy are areas still showing promise, while other industry staples may be nearing obsolescence. With shifting audience behaviours and economic pressures, Hollywood’s future remains uncertain. Read More
BBC Comedy Chief Jon Petrie Calls for Stronger Primetime Sitcom Pitches
Jon Petrie, the BBC's Director of Comedy, has highlighted a shortage of compelling primetime sitcom pitches, despite a clear audience appetite for the genre. While shows like Not Going Out continue to perform well, Petrie notes that many submissions lack the boldness and broad appeal necessary for mainstream success. He emphasises the need for sitcoms that deliver "big laughs" and resonate with a broad audience, urging creators to develop ideas that can reinvigorate the traditional sitcom format. Read More
Sony’s Wayne Garvie Slams Channel 4’s In-House Production Plan
Wayne Garvie, Sony Pictures Television’s President of International Production, calls Channel 4’s in-house production expansion “ridiculous” and high-risk due to its lack of IP ownership and production expertise. Industry group Pact warns that it could disadvantage independent producers, while Channel 4 argues that its production arm will operate separately from its commissioning teams. The plan, aimed at diversifying revenue, is set to roll out in 2026. Read More
Cast Shares the Magic Behind Nobody Wants This
Arnold Schwarzenegger & Patrick Schwarzenegger | Actors on Actors
Father and son duo Arnold & Patrick Schwarzenegger sit down for the type of conversation they don't usually have at home. The pair dive into the craft of acting, recounting Arnold's storied career and Patrick's acclaimed role in 'The White Lotus.' They touch on subjects including being naked on screen, nepotism in Hollywood and what Patrick's next career move should be.
Nikki Toscano Says Female Team on ‘Long Bright River’ Supported Her During Directorial Debut
“Hospitals Are Sexy”: How ‘St. Denis Medical’ Turned Workplace Chaos Into Comfort Comedy
How Reba McEntire Built TV’s Coziest Comedy — The Story Behind Happy’s Place
David Tedeschi’s Beatles ’64 Unearths Lost Footage of the British Invasion
Director David Tedeschi brings a fresh perspective to The Beatles’ 1964 U.S. arrival with "Beatles ’64," featuring 20 minutes of newly uncovered footage from the archives of David and Albert Maysles. The documentary, produced by Martin Scorsese, showcases never-before-seen moments, capturing the band’s legendary stateside journey. Tedeschi highlights the Maysles brothers’ intuitive camerawork, which adds unparalleled depth to the film.
UK Actors’ Union Equity Threatens First Strike in a Generation Over AI Protections
Paul W. Fleming, general secretary of the UK actors' union Equity, warned that if demands for safeguards against the misuse of artificial intelligence aren’t met in ongoing talks with the producers' body Pact, the union may call its first strike in a generation. Fleming emphasised "clear red lines" on AI and loyalty restructuring as critical issues, with negotiations aimed at updating film and TV collective agreements. Read More
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