Global TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Weekend 5-6 July 2025
Streaming shakeups, AI backlash, YouTube vs Disney, Scott Free expansions, and Sorrentino’s Venice return headline a transformative moment for global film, TV, and media.
Today’s Highlights:
Streaming alliances mark a global shift: TF1, France Télévisions, and Saudi platform Thmanyah lead a movement away from siloed services toward aggregated user-first content partnerships.
YouTube surpasses Disney in viewership rankings: YouTube’s creator-led model now dominates U.S. TV viewership, challenging legacy studios like Disney, which faces mounting pressure after theatrical flops.
AI creative backlash intensifies: As generative AI evolves, artists across music, visual arts, and media are demanding regulation and transparency amid fears of exploitation and a loss of originality.
Amazon shuts down Freevee, folds it into Prime Video: In a major consolidation move, Amazon integrates its ad-supported content into Prime Video to simplify its streaming offerings.
Germany’s film funding reforms spark industry debate: New tax incentives and streamer obligations are pending, leaving the German film sector uncertain about the future impact of revised legislation.
Scott Free expands Ridley & Tony Scott adaptations: Following the release of Alien: Earth and Blade Runner 2099, the company signals broader plans to reimagine the Scott brothers’ iconic films for television.
Netflix and IIM launch training for women in virtual production: A new initiative aims to promote gender equality in emerging tech roles within Europe’s high-end film and TV production sector.
Ken Burns promotes The American Revolution on Joe Rogan: The acclaimed documentarian uses a surprising platform to encourage civil discourse ahead of the premiere of his six-part PBS docuseries.
Paolo Sorrentino’s La Grazia to open Venice Film Festival: The Oscar-winning director returns with a highly anticipated Italian romance set to debut in competition.
Disney’s The Proud Family renewed for Season 4: The beloved animated reboot receives early renewal for Disney+, reflecting continued investment in diverse family content.
Plus: Insights, Executive Moves, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals, Renewals, Opportunities & Jobs with Netflix, Sky & Disney in Manila, London & LA
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Broadcasters: NBC Universal, France Televisions, Sky, ABC, Channel 4, ITV, A+E Networks, CBC, TV2, SVT, ARTE, RTBF, SBS Play, TCL FFalcon, RTL, TVNZ, SRF, Kanal D, UKTV, Ceská Televize, FOX.
Producers: Fifth Season, Sony Pictures Television, Banijay, Fremantle, Endemol Shine, Gaumont, Pathé, Warner Bros Television Productions, Universal Pictures International Australasia, UFA Fiction, Vivendi, Entertainment One, BBC Studios, Warner Bros Discovery, Talpa Studios, Keshet, Tiger Aspect, Wild Bunch TV, Red Planet Pictures, Go Quest Media, Eureka Productions, The Ink Factory, Nordisk Film, Reel One Entertainment, Bunya Productions, Beach House Pictures, Beyond, The Global Agency, Esha Bargate Productions, blue Entertainment, Paper Plane Productions, Paprika Studios, Playmaker, Off the Fence, Goalpost Pictures, Spin Master, Stand By Me, Halcyon Studios, DPG Media, Envision, Rive Gauche, Blue Ant Media, Squareone, Great Southern Studios, Collective Media Group, New Dominion Pictures, RAW TV, Optomen, Magpie Pictures, KOJO, ShinAwiL, WildBrain, Nine Daughters, Amazon/MGM Studios, October Films, Legendary Entertainment, Bad Wolf, Mediapro, Bron, Red Arrow.
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, BAFTA, IMAX.
INSIGHTS
Robin Wright Returns to Direct and Star in The Girlfriend
Robin Wright, known for House of Cards, steps back in front of and behind the camera for The Girlfriend, a new Prime Video thriller based on Michelle Frances’ novel. As Laura, she suspects that her son’s girlfriend may not be who she claims to be. Wright reflects on her transition to directing, early predictions about House of Cards, and why she believes AI won’t replace actors. Read More
Netflix Dives Into Shark Content With Shark Whisperer
This summer, Netflix takes a bite out of shark season with Shark Whisperer, debuting just ahead of Nat Geo’s SharkFest and Discovery’s Shark Week. Directed by Oscar winner James Reed (My Octopus Teacher), the documentary follows Ocean Ramsey’s daring marine conservation efforts as she swims freely with massive sharks. Since its June 30 premiere, the film has held steady in Netflix’s Top 10. Read More
Streaming’s New Alliances Signal a Global Shift Toward Aggregation
In 2025, media giants are crossing old boundaries to survive. TF1’s deal with Netflix and France Télévisions’ partnership with Prime Video mark a pivot from platform silos to frictionless aggregation. Meanwhile, Saudi upstart Thmanyah stunned legacy broadcasters by securing exclusive rights to the Saudi Pro League, proving digital-first players can topple incumbents. The message is clear: user-first alliances are winning, and walled gardens are fading fast. Read More
Iain Stirling: The Voice Behind Love Island’s Snark and Charm
Comedian Iain Stirling, the longtime narrator of Love Island U.K., has also voiced Love Island USA since its move to Peacock in 2022. Known for his sharp one-liners and playful jabs, Stirling has become a defining presence in the franchise. Balancing both shows keeps his schedule packed, as the reality series unfolds almost in real-time. Read More
UWA Champions Global UHD Innovation Across the AV Industry
Liqiang Zhao, Head of Global Industry Partnership at the UHD World Association (UWA), highlights the group’s mission to drive Ultra High Definition and immersive video experiences worldwide. Collaborating with top players such as Sony, Tencent Video, and Blackmagic Design, UWA bridges content creation, technology development, and distribution. Its strength lies in uniting the entire UHD ecosystem, from production to playback, through global, end-to-end industry partnerships. Read More
Uncovering the Past: Relative Secrets Blends Genealogy and True Crime
In Relative Secrets, host Jane Seymour and investigator Natasha Billson guide American families through emotionally charged explorations of their ancestry, uncovering long-buried truths that involve murder, abandonment, and redemption. Part genealogy, part true crime, the series offers catharsis and clarity. The premiere follows Donna Carr, daughter of a serial killer, in search of a redeeming ancestor, while another episode helps a 99-year-old veteran confront a century-old family tragedy. Read More
War and Nature Collide in Ukrainian Doc Divia, Premiering at Karlovy Vary
Premiering at Karlovy Vary, Divia marks a powerful achievement for director Dmytro Hreshko and his team, who navigated war and funding hurdles across Europe to complete the film. Named after a Slavic goddess, the documentary explores the environmental devastation caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, underscoring resilience, loss, and nature’s fragility amid conflict. Read More
Bence Fliegauf Unleashes Jimmy Jaguar at Karlovy Vary
Hungarian director Bence Fliegauf returns with Jimmy Jaguar, a self-described “consensual mindfuck” set to premiere in the Crystal Globe competition at Karlovy Vary. Inspired by his work on a documentary, the film channels the eerie energy of horror mockumentaries, such as The Blair Witch Project. Fliegauf’s acclaimed credits include Just the Wind and Milky Way, with multiple festival wins across Berlin and Locarno. Read More
YouTube Rises, Disney Wobbles in Shifting 2025 Streaming Landscape
YouTube’s dominance continues in 2025, claiming 12.5% of U.S. TV viewership and reshaping the streaming hierarchy with creator-led, algorithm-driven content. Meanwhile, Disney faces mounting pressure as recent theatrical flops, such as Snow White, cast doubt on its strategy. Amid the changing media climate, some analysts warn Disney may be drifting toward a worst-case scenario once considered improbable. Read More
AI Tensions Rise Amid Copyright, Creativity, and Control Debates
As generative and agentic AI reshape industries, creators are sounding alarms over copyright violations, murky opt-out systems, and erosion of trust. From music to visual art, backlash is growing against AI tools trained on human work without consent. As hype fades and scrutiny intensifies, platforms and regulators face mounting pressure to build safeguards that protect originality without stifling innovation. Read More
Ken Burns Brings ‘The American Revolution’ to Joe Rogan’s Audience
While promoting his upcoming PBS documentary The American Revolution, filmmaker Ken Burns made a surprising stop on The Joe Rogan Experience. Known for his nuanced takes on U.S. history, Burns used the platform to discuss the complexities of America’s founding and the need for shared narratives in a polarised era. The six-part series premieres November 16, 2025, aiming to spark civil discourse across divides. Read More
Hayley Morris on Owning Her Voice in the Social Video Boom
Comedy creator Hayley Morris shares how she built a 9M+ following across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube with her viral Me vs Brain sketches and self-funded shorts like Hangry. Here she opens up about balancing algorithm pressure with creative freedom, her ambitions to develop TV shows for YouTube, and why retaining IP control is non-negotiable in the evolving creator economy.
‘Hot Milk’ Cast and Director Reflect on Filming Challenges in Greece
Hot Milk director Rebecca Lenkiewicz and star Fiona Shaw discuss the emotional and physical demands of filming the mother-daughter drama in Greece during the peak summer heat. Shaw praises co-star Emma Mackey and reveals she remained in character, using a wheelchair on set, to preserve authenticity.
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