Global TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Wednesday 26 March 2025
AI transforms Hollywood; YouTube shakes up podcasting; MobLand debuts; Dexter prequel returns; Village Roadshow stable; Camden, Series Mania, and Foxtel bolster global screen growth.
Today’s Highlights:
OpenAI's Sora Tool Accelerates Hollywood’s AI Integration – Hollywood studios are experimenting with OpenAI’s Sora tool to streamline production using hyper-realistic AI-generated video.
AI Enables New Franchise Growth but Raises IP Concerns – Studios are exploring fan-driven AI content to expand franchises while navigating legal and creative challenges around intellectual property.
YouTube Reshapes Podcast Monetisation with New Ad Capabilities – YouTube's new feature enables podcasters to upload RSS feeds and monetise audio content, challenging Apple and Spotify’s dominance.
Series Mania Highlights Global Drama and Market Shifts – Series Mania 2025 showcased international titles and addressed co-productions, shrinking budgets, and the rise of local content.
Village Roadshow Australia Unaffected by U.S. Parent's Bankruptcy – Village Roadshow Australia confirmed its operations are financially independent and stable despite its U.S. parent filing for Chapter 11.
Guy Ritchie's MobLand to Premiere on Paramount+ – Joanne Froggatt stars as the wife of Tom Hardy’s fixer in Guy Ritchie’s new crime drama MobLand, debuting this Sunday on Paramount+.
Camden Film Quarter Approved in London to Boost UK Production – Camden Council has approved a mixed-use development to support film production, housing, and local employment in North London.
Dexter Prequel Original Sin Adds Lithgow and Smits – John Lithgow and Jimmy Smits return in flash-forwards as Paramount+ explores Dexter’s origin story in the upcoming prequel Original Sin.
Foxtel & Brollie Launch Channel Celebrating Australian Screen Heritage – Foxtel and Brollie have launched a channel featuring classic Australian films and series to honour the nation’s screen legacy.
BBC & ZDF Announce Espionage Comedy Thriller Honey – Set in 1980s East Berlin, Honey follows an MI6 agent caught in a romantic espionage triangle, blending thriller and comedy.
Plus: Insights, Executive Moves, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals, Opportunities & Jobs with Sony, BBC, Lionsgate, SVT, Legendary & A+E in London, LA, NYC, Stockholm, Sydney & Glasgow.
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INSIGHTS
Joanne Froggatt Talks ‘MobLand’ and Collaborating with Guy Ritchie
Joanne Froggatt steps into Guy Ritchie's MobLand, starring alongside Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, and Helen Mirren. Playing Jan Da Souza, the wife of Hardy’s fixer, Harry, Froggatt navigates London's gripping world of warring crime families. With tight turnarounds, the 10-episode series debuts on Paramount+ this Sunday. Ritchie, known for iconic films like Snatch, brings his cinematic flair to this action-packed drama filled with surprises and cliffhangers. Read More
Village Roadshow Australia Not Affected by U.S. Parent Bankruptcy
Village Roadshow Australia has confirmed it is not impacted by the bankruptcy filing of its U.S. parent company, Village Roadshow Entertainment Group. The Australian division, which operates cinemas and theme parks, remains financially independent and operationally stable. The U.S. company filed for Chapter 11 as part of a financial restructuring tied to its film and TV production arm. Read More
10 Key Trends Shaping the European Film and TV Industries
Ten key trends influencing the European film and TV sectors include increased streamer investment in local-language content, consolidation of production companies, and the rise of AI in development. Other trends include inflation-related budget pressures, festival market realignments, shifting tax incentives, co-production growth, and a renewed push for sustainability in production practices. Read More
UK Agents Battle U.S. Competition and Surging Talent Fees
UK talent agents face increased competition from U.S. agencies and escalating fees as global demand for high-profile actors grows. With Hollywood players aggressively signing UK talent and production budgets tightening, British agencies are adjusting strategies—offering broader services, co-agenting deals, and diversifying rosters. The challenge highlights the globalisation of talent management in a consolidating market. Read More
Blue Ant Plans More M&A Following Boat Rocker Deal
The company, led by Michael MacMillan, is focused on expanding its global multi-platform channels, such as Love Nature, and enhancing its unscripted production capacity. Blue Ant may also pursue additional equity financing to support acquisitions of content libraries and streaming channels. With a robust balance sheet and strategic focus, the company is positioned for substantial growth in North America, Europe, and beyond. Read More
YouTube Ad Change Could Transform Podcast Monetisation
A technical update to YouTube’s ad platform is poised to reshape podcasting by enabling more precise ad placements within audio-only content. The change allows podcasters to upload RSS feeds directly and monetise shows through YouTube’s ad infrastructure, potentially challenging Spotify and Apple’s dominance. Industry leaders say this move could attract more creators and advertisers to YouTube’s growing podcast ecosystem. Read More
YouTube Tops U.S. TV Viewing Again in February 2025
According to Nielsen, YouTube was the most-watched TV platform in the U.S. for February 2025, accounting for 9.3% of total TV usage. Netflix followed at 7.6%, with Tubi, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu rounding out the top five. The rankings reflect YouTube’s dominance across age groups and device types, with strong engagement in long-form and creator-led content driving continued growth. Read More
Hollywood Grapples with OpenAI's Vision
OpenAI is transforming Hollywood with its AI tool, Sora, enabling rapid generation of hyper-realistic videos. Despite legal and labor challenges, studios are exploring its potential for streamlining production processes. Showcasing AI-generated short films and engaging with major studios, OpenAI envisions broader adoption, even as courts address copyright issues. Meanwhile, filmmakers and artists navigate the technology's capabilities and limitations in reshaping the entertainment industry's future. Read More
‘Warfare’ Cast Embodies Extraordinary Realism Through Rigorous Preparation
The cast of "Warfare," directed by Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland, underwent a three-week boot camp, ritual head-shaving, and intense bonding to achieve stunning authenticity in their performances. The film, based on Mendoza's own military experiences, recreates a 2006 Battle of Ramadi incident with raw emotional depth. With live sensory elements on set, the actors formed deep connections, creating one of the most realistic war movies ever made. Read More
Camden Film Quarter Secures Council Backing in London
Plans for a Camden Film Quarter in North London have received council approval, paving the way for a mixed-use hub featuring film production facilities, affordable housing, and community spaces. Developed by LabTech with partners including Ealing Studios and Camden Council, the quarter aims to support the UK’s screen sector by attracting talent, boosting local jobs, and expanding studio infrastructure. Read More
'Becoming Led Zeppelin' Rocks Box Office with Concert-Style Release Strategy
Sony Pictures Classics' "Becoming Led Zeppelin" has surpassed $10 million at the North American box office, driven by a unique concert-style marketing campaign. Directed by Bernard MacMahon, the documentary about the legendary rock band features full songs and stunning sound quality. Early teaser trailers, IMAX screenings, advance ticket sales, and musician endorsements created buzz, while classic hits like "Stairway to Heaven" returned to the charts, fuelling the film's success. Read More
GenAI's Disruption of Hollywood Hinges on Critical Unknowns
Generative AI (GenAI) poses significant potential for disruption in Hollywood, contingent on legal resolutions, technological evolution, and acceptance by talent. While creatives have shown resistance, some high-profile figures and filmmakers are beginning to embrace AI for storytelling. With advancements in AI video precision and the declining cost of original content production in Hollywood, AI could liberate talent and transform the industry, paving the way for broader adoption and impactful cultural shifts. Read More
Patrick Bruel Makes TV Debut in Spy Thriller 'State of Alert'
Renowned French actor Patrick Bruel stars as Israeli spy Zeey Abadi in "State of Alert," a geopolitical thriller based on Dov Alfon's novel "A Long Night in Paris." Directed by Dan Sachar, the series follows Abadi's investigation into stolen software and a journalist's death, intertwining with his relationship with Fleur Giroud, a French anti-terrorism cop. Premiering on TF1, the show blends suspense with emotional depth. Read More
AI Redefines Franchise Growth Amid Industry Challenges
As global franchises like Squid Game capture audiences, AI accelerates content expansion, enabling fans to remix IP into personalized creations. Studios face risks of over-extension while struggling to benefit from these organic ecosystems. Legal and business frameworks for AI-generated fanfic media could unlock opportunities without studio fatigue, but challenges loom. Hollywood must balance tightly held IP rights with innovative growth strategies to navigate this dynamic era of distributed authorship. Read More
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