Global TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Thursday 29 May 2025
Hollywood boosts incentives as Netflix faces legal woes; Mubi strikes big at Cannes; AI reshapes filmmaking; Reed Hastings joins Anthropic; Fuqua’s Jackson biopic delayed.
Today’s Highlights:
California Doubles Film Incentives Amid Hollywood’s Decline – California boosts tax credits to revive its film industry, which has lost 40,000 jobs in two years due to rising international competition.
Mubi’s $24M Die, My Love Deal Signals a Market Shift – Mubi’s Cannes acquisition of Lynne Ramsay’s film starring Jennifer Lawrence marks a renewed commitment to theatrical distribution and indie confidence.
Netflix Sued by Ex-Drug Lord Over Undercover and Ferry – Adrianus van Wesenbeeck sues Netflix for defamation and copyright infringement, claiming the shows falsely depict him as a violent criminal.
Michael Jackson Biopic Faces Delays & Controversy – Antoine Fuqua’s biopic “Michael” is delayed to 2026 and criticised for omitting abuse allegations despite estate backing and franchise plans.
Reed Hastings Joins Anthropic Board – Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings is appointed to the board of AI company Anthropic, reinforcing entertainment-tech convergence and ethical innovation.
Dave Clark: The AI Filmmaker Redefining Storytelling – Promise Studios’ Dave Clark blends AI and cinematic technique to create visually and emotionally rich films, including Cannes-featured “Another.”
Netflix Launches Dept. Q, a New British Crime Thriller – Netflix premieres a UK-set detective series led by Matthew Goode and produced by Left Bank Pictures, based on Jussi Adler-Olsen’s novels.
BIFA Selects 30 Filmmakers for Springboard Programme – The British Independent Film Awards names 30 rising filmmakers for its career development scheme supporting their second features.
Conecta Fiction & Entertainment 2025 Expands with France and Canada Focus – The Cuenca-based TV forum highlights France and Canada, introducing new pitching formats and international collaboration.
Rolf Saxon Returns to 'Mission: Impossible' After Nearly 30 Years – Actor Rolf Saxon reprises his 1996 CIA role in the franchise’s final film, welcomed back by Tom Cruise and director Christopher McQuarrie.
Plus: Insights, Executive Moves, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals, Renewals, Opportunities & Jobs with BBC, SBS, YouTube, WBD, Netflix, Viaplay & Leonine in Sydney, London, NYC, LA, Stockholm & Berlin.
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INSIGHTS
Poker Face Returns: Rian Johnson on Reviving Episodic Mysteries
As Poker Face season two debuts, creator Rian Johnson reflects on the show's surprising success. Initially met with confusion over its Columbo-inspired, case-of-the-week format, the series has since been praised for revitalizing episodic mysteries. Johnson shares his excitement about audiences embracing the style and discusses collaborating with Cynthia Erivo in multiple roles, as Natasha Lyonne’s Charlie returns to uncover more lies. Read More
From Hollywood to Stability: Bonzon’s Career Pivot
After over a decade in Hollywood production, with credits like Outrage and Ford v Ferrari, Mathieu Bonzon faced a turning point in 2022. With work slowing and a newborn at home, he realised the financial uncertainty of independent producing no longer fit his needs, prompting a shift toward greater stability. Read More
Canberra Indie ‘Snatchers’ to Premiere at Raindance
Dark comedy Snatchers, shot in Canberra and directed by husband-and-wife team Craig Alexander and Shelly Higgs, will have its world premiere at London’s Raindance. The film follows two hospital orderlies turned black-market organ dealers, whose plan unravels when a corpse suddenly wakes up. Alexander, who also wrote and stars, appears alongside Justin Hosking and Hannah McKenzie. It's produced by Canberra-based company The Horse. Read More
Reality Stars Join Jeffrey Dean Morgan in NBC’s Destination X
When Destination X premieres Tuesday on NBC, host Jeffrey Dean Morgan is joined by reality TV veterans Josh Martinez (Big Brother), Peter Weber (The Bachelor), and JaNa Craig (Love Island USA). Competing alongside nine newcomers, the trio embarks on a high-stakes travel competition. Martinez, now on his 12th show, called it his most demanding TV experience yet in an interview with TheWrap. Read More
Netflix Sued by Ex-Drug Lord Over Undercover and Ferry
Former Dutch drug lord Adrianus van Wesenbeeck is suing Netflix for defamation, copyright infringement, and more, alleging that Undercover and Ferry unlawfully portray his life. Filed in Florida, the lawsuit claims the shows depict him as a violent serial killer and human trafficker—false portrayals his attorney says have caused serious emotional, reputational, and financial harm. Read More
ATV Distribution Eyes Strategic Growth for Turkish Dramas in Latin America
Despite global market challenges, Turkish dramas remain strong in Latin America. Müge Akar, Head of Sales at ATV Distribution, emphasises a strategy focused on aligning titles with the right platforms and time slots. With Nightfall launched at Content Americas and Hidden Destiny drawing strong interest at LA Screenings, Akar sees continued opportunity, especially with a new season lineup set for September. Read More
Michael Jackson Biopic Faces Delays & Controversy
Antoine Fuqua’s Michael, originally set for release in April 2025, has been delayed to 2026 following extensive reshoots. The film, now planned as a two-part project, reportedly avoids depicting the 1993 abuse allegations, likely due to legal complications. With Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson in the lead role and estate approval, the movie is expected to present a favourable portrayal of the pop star, reinforcing its franchise-like approach to musical biopics. Read More
Netflix and BBC Studios Launch Comedy Podcast The Big Pitch With Jimmy Carr
Netflix and BBC Studios Audio have released The Big Pitch With Jimmy Carr, a new comedy podcast available globally starting Wednesday, May 28. Co-produced by Netflix Podcasts and BBC Studios Audio, the show features comedians pitching absurd film ideas tailored to Netflix’s quirkiest sub-genres. Under Jimmy Carr’s sharp scrutiny, guests must improvise plots and casts—only to face his verdict: greenlight or development hell. Read More
BIFA Selects 30 Filmmakers for Springboard Programme
The British Independent Film Awards has named 30 filmmakers for its latest Springboard training programme, including Pretty Red Dress director Dionne Edwards and Sky Peals director Moin Hussain. Running until February 2026, the initiative includes 12 directors, 10 writers, and 8 producers, offering mentoring, networking, and professional training to support the development of their second feature films. Read More
From Cum Town Chaos to Talk Show Satire: Adam Friedland Evolves
Adam Friedland may be best known for Cum Town, the wildly irreverent podcast he co-hosted with Nick Mullen and Stavros Halkias, infamous for moments like Friedland soiling himself mid-recording. The cult hit blended crude humour with flashes of anti-mainstream commentary, capturing the attention of the so-called “dirtbag left.” Now, Friedland is back with The Adam Friedland Show—a weirder, more ambitious twist on late-night talk, complete with Cavett-inspired sets and deep-dive guest interrogations. Read More
California Doubles Film Incentives Amid Hollywood’s Decline
California is expanding its film tax credit to combat declining production jobs, but industry experts question whether it will be enough. Despite Governor Gavin Newsom’s push for competitiveness, the state has lost 40,000 jobs in two years. Film professionals argue federal support is needed to match global subsidies, as productions increasingly move overseas. While the effort may help Hollywood regain footing, deeper structural changes are required to reverse the ongoing downturn. Read More
Do TV Finales Still Matter in the Age of Reboots?
With major series like Andor and The Handmaid’s Tale concluding, the pressure to deliver satisfying finales remains high. While some shows, such as Mad Men, Breaking Bad, and The Sopranos, are praised for their endings, others, like Game of Thrones, Lost, and Dexter, struggle with divisive conclusions. Yet, in an era of constant reboots, even failed finales can be rewritten, as seen with Dexter: Resurrection, which revives its titular character once again. Read More
Bear McCreary’s Journey from Elmer Bernstein Protégé to Global Composer
Award-winning composer Bear McCreary (God of War, The Rings of Power, Battlestar Galactica) credits Elmer Bernstein for shaping his career after meeting him at 16. His latest project, The Singularity, blends film scoring with hard rock, featuring Serj Tankian, Slash, and Corey Taylor. Read More
Mubi’s $24M Die, My Love Deal Signals a Market Shift
Mubi’s $24 million acquisition of Lynne Ramsay’s Die, My Love, starring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson, was Cannes 2025’s first major sale, marking a turning point for indie film confidence. Despite concerns about U.S. trade tensions, industry insiders at the Cannes Film Festival remained optimistic about theatrical prospects. The deal underscores Mubi’s growing influence in global film sales and its commitment to traditional exhibition alongside streaming. Read More
How the Food Genre Reflects the Shifting Creator Economy
The food genre reflects broader shifts in the creator economy, particularly in direct-to-consumer business models. Early food bloggers monetised their passion through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate links, paving the way for today’s digital creators. Broadcasters like Channel 4 also leveraged food content for commercial verticals, but as the online space evolved, competition and platform changes reshaped the landscape. Read More
Dave Clark: The AI Filmmaker Redefining Storytelling
Dave Clark, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Promise Studios, is pioneering AI-driven filmmaking by blending technology and storytelling to create visually dynamic and emotionally resonant films. His acclaimed short films, Battalion and Another, have garnered industry attention, with Another showcased at Cannes Next 2024. Clark’s work spans brand storytelling, commercial directing, and mentoring emerging creators, solidifying his role as a leading voice in AI-driven cinema. Read More
Rolf Saxon Returns to 'Mission: Impossible' After Nearly 30 Years
Rolf Saxon returns as CIA analyst William Donloe in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, nearly 30 years after his brief role in the 1996 original. Exiled to a remote radar station in the Bering Sea following the events of the first film, Donloe now plays a pivotal role in Ethan Hunt’s latest mission. Saxon, surprised by the invitation, was warmly welcomed back by Tom Cruise and director Christopher McQuarrie. Read More
The Penguin’s Finale A Great or Little Thing: Read the Script
HBO’s The Penguin concluded with two major twists, as Oz Cobb (Colin Farrell) kills his trusted ally Victor (Rhenzy Feliz) and commits Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti) to Arkham. Showrunner Lauren LeFranc planned these moments from the start, crafting a dark, character-driven gangster story. The episode, directed by Jennifer Getzinger, cements The Penguin as a bold, Emmy-worthy crime drama. Read More
BBC Two to Air 'Lockerbie: Our Story' Documentary Honouring Victims' Lives
On June 3, BBC Two will broadcast Lockerbie: Our Story, a poignant documentary produced by Two Rivers Media. This hour-long film delves into the personal narratives of six individuals who perished in the 1988 Pan Am Flight 103 bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland. Through intimate interviews with family and friends, the documentary sheds light on the lives, dreams, and enduring legacies of the victims, offering a heartfelt tribute nearly four decades after the tragedy. Read More
Netflix Launches Dept. Q, a New British Crime Thriller from Left Bank Pictures
Netflix's Dept. Q, a British crime thriller series, premieres today, May 29. Adapted from Jussi Adler-Olsen's novels, the show follows DCI Carl Morck (Matthew Goode), a brilliant but abrasive detective reassigned to lead a cold case unit in Edinburgh after a tragic incident. The series, developed over six years by executive producer Rob Bullock of Left Bank Pictures, aims to bring a 'mainstream' detective drama to audiences. Read More
Amazon Prime Video to Debut Esports World Cup: Level Up Docuseries on June 6
Amazon Prime Video will premiere Esports World Cup: Level Up, a five-part documentary series directed by Emmy Award winner R.J. Cutler, on June 6,. The series offers an inside look at the inaugural 2024 Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where over $60 million in prize money was contested. Featuring top players like T1’s Faker and Team Liquid’s Sanford, the docuseries explores the personal stories and high-stakes competition that define the esports world. Read More
Eddie Redmayne on 'The Day of the Jackal,' Crafting a Killer & Becoming a Fashion Icon
Oscar, Tony, BAFTA, and Olivier Award-winning actor Eddie Redmayne sits down to talk about his latest role in the Peacock series 'The Day of the Jackal.' Redmayne opens up about stepping into the shoes of the iconic assassin, the challenge of reinventing a cinematic classic, and the meticulous craftsmanship behind his performance, from prosthetics and spycraft to perfecting a German accent without speaking the language.
'Industry' Stars Harry Lawtey and Ken Leung Unpack Viral 'I'm a Man' Pep Talk
Industry actors Ken Leung and Harry Lawtey break down their viral "I'm a man" pep talk and discuss why it surprised them that the scene went viral among fans.
Emmy Roundtable: Aimee Lou Wood, Antony Starr, Tramell Tillman, Bradley Whitford & More Talk Drama
Amie Parker-Williams on MTV’s Digital-First Strategy
MTV Entertainment Group’s Amie Parker-Williams is leading a bold shift in social video, blending docuseries, talent-led podcasts, and long-form engagement. She discusses MTV’s hybrid in-house/indie commissioning model, emphasising representation, vulnerability, and risk-taking. New series like MTV Faces and Geordie Stories: Nathan & Dad highlight this approach.
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