Global TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Thursday 22 May 2025
UK industry faces crisis; WBD downgraded; calls for reform after Lee's death; TV brands rebound; Cannes spotlights bold films, talent shake-ups, and rising indie voices.
Today’s Highlights:
UK Screen Industry Faces Structural Crisis Amid Production Boom – A new report highlights widespread overwork, financial instability, and discrimination, threatening the UK industry’s sustainability.
S&P Downgrades Warner Bros. Discovery to Junk Status – The credit agency warns of financial risk due to WBD’s declining revenues, rising debt, and potential company split.
South Korean Industry Demands Reform After Lee Sun-kyun's Death – Bong Joon Ho and others call for legal and media accountability following the suicide of Parasite star Lee Sun-kyun.
Linear TV Brands Reclaim Prominence in Streaming Strategies – Legacy channels like HBO, CNN, and ESPN are rebranded to anchor streaming platforms, signalling a return to trusted names.
Karan Johar and Martin Scorsese Collaborate on Cannes Film "Homebound" – Their film explores caste and religious discrimination, marking a powerful shift in global storytelling and industry inclusion.
Range Media Partners Redefines Talent Management – Former top agents from CAA and WME launched a hybrid firm that blends talent representation with production freedom.
Julia Ducournau’s “Alpha” Electrifies Cannes, Secures Global Deals – Tahar Rahim’s transformative lead in Alpha earns acclaim and strong global sales for the genre-blending drama.
Josh O’Connor Headlines Two Palme d’Or Contenders at Cannes – O’Connor stars in Kelly Reichardt’s and Oliver Hermanus’ films, confirming his growing prestige in global cinema.
Independent Animation Reshapes Perceptions and Awards Landscape – Indie titles like Flee challenge animation stereotypes, expanding their reach in festivals and awards circuits.
Philippou Twins Cement Horror Credentials with “Bring Her Back” – The Australian creators of Talk to Me return with their A24 horror follow-up, proving their status as serious genre filmmakers.
Plus: Insights, Executive Moves, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals, Opportunities & Jobs with NBCUniversal, Channel 4, Prime & Netflix in London, LA, Seattle, NYC & Amsterdam.
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INSIGHTS
Jodie Foster on Overcoming Fear to Star in French-Language Film
At Cannes, Jodie Foster revealed she had long hesitated to take lead roles in French films, despite fluency from attending a French school in L.A. Speaking mostly in French, she said she was “too scared” to act in the language until Vie Privée. Though learning the dialogue was tough, Foster noted it transformed her performance: “I become a different person less confident, more frustrated which shapes a whole new character.” Read More
UK Screen Industry at Risk Despite Production Boom
Despite rising production spending and global hits like Baby Reindeer, the UK screen industry faces a crisis. Based on 29 in-depth interviews, a new report reveals widespread overwork, financial instability, and discrimination. Charities warn of a "leaky pipeline" as worsening economic conditions push freelancers out. Trump’s tariff threats further expose the sector’s fragility, casting doubt on its long-term sustainability despite current success. Read More
Exploring Theta Waves and Mysticism in "Joachim and the Apocalypse"
On May 30, Professor Giovanni Costantini will host a special event at the University of Rome Tor Vergata to explore the use of Theta Waves in Joachim and the Apocalypse, the first Italian film shot in 12K. Inspired by Joachim of Fiore, the film blends mysticism, sound science, and prophecy, using binaural audio to deepen the viewer's spiritual connection with its visionary 12th-century subject. Read More
Josh O’Connor Returns to Cannes with Two Palme d’Or Contenders
After appearing at Cannes in 2023 with La Chimera, Josh O’Connor returns this year with two films in competition: Kelly Reichardt’s The Mastermind and Oliver Hermanus’ The History of Sound, co-starring Paul Mescal. Now filming an untitled Steven Spielberg project in New York, O’Connor praised Spielberg as “the best in the world,” though he admits he misses home and caring for his fig trees. Read More
Valeria Golino Portrays Goliarda Sapienza in Cannes Drama “Fuori”
Valeria Golino fulfils a dream by playing feminist writer Goliarda Sapienza in Mario Martone’s Fuori, in competition at Cannes. The film follows Sapienza in the 1980s after publishers reject The Art of Joy, and she lands in prison for theft. There, she forms a powerful bond with Roberta, a political activist played by Matilda De Angelis. Golino previously directed a TV adaptation of The Art of Joy. Read More
Hrithik Roshan's “War 2” Teaser Sparks Digital Frenzy
Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan has ignited social media with the teaser for War 2, marking his return as super-spy Kabir Dhaliwal. The action-packed preview, which teases a high-octane face-off with RRR star NTR Jr., has already amassed over 25 million views on X and 3 million on Instagram. Read More
Karan Johar and Martin Scorsese Team Up for Groundbreaking Cannes Entry “Homebound”
Homebound, Neeraj Ghaywan’s long-awaited second feature, explores caste and religious discrimination in rural India and is backed by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, with Martin Scorsese as executive producer. Selected for Cannes’ Un Certain Regard section, the film challenges industry norms on storytelling and representation. Its powerful creative team signals a bold shift in who tells these stories and how far they can resonate globally. Read More
Luc Besson’s Dream Studio: La Cité du Cinéma
Decades ago, Luc Besson envisioned a world-class studio in Paris to rival the U.K.’s Pinewood and keep major productions in France. That dream came true in 2012 with the opening of La Cité du Cinéma, home to Les Studios de Paris, the largest soundstage complex in the Paris area, featuring 102,000 square feet and a striking cathedral-style nave entrance. Read More
Tahar Rahim Stuns Cannes with Transformative Performance in “Alpha”
Tahar Rahim delivers a powerful, physically intense performance in Julia Ducournau’s Alpha, which earned an 11-minute standing ovation at Cannes. Playing Amine, a man battling addiction and a mysterious illness, Rahim lost 20 kilos to fully embody the role. The transformation follows his recent portrayal of Charles Aznavour and echoes the career-defining intensity he first showed in A Prophet and later in The Serpent. Read More
Latin American Filmmakers Win Mentorship from Lucrecia Martel at Cannes
Brazil’s Maya Da-Rin (The Fever) and Argentine debut director Julia Rodríguez (Los Zorros Grises) have been awarded screenwriting mentorships by acclaimed filmmaker Lucrecia Martel. Announced at Cannes’ Marché du Film, the initiative is backed by Projeto Paradiso and Foundation Fondosa. The award supports Da-Rin’s upcoming Canção da Noite (Nightsong) and Rodríguez’s debut, marking a major boost at pivotal moments in their filmmaking journeys. Read More
Carla Simón’s “Romería” Concludes Personal Family Trilogy at Cannes
Spanish director Carla Simón returns to her roots with Romería, premiering at Cannes. The film, her third feature, follows Alcarràs and Summer 1993, completing a trilogy inspired by her life. Romería tells the story of 18-year-old Marina, orphaned by addiction and AIDS, who visits estranged relatives on Spain’s Atlantic coast, uncovering family pain, silence, and a haunting legacy. Read More
Linear TV Brands Reclaim Streaming Spotlight
Legacy names like HBO, CNN, ESPN, and Fox are re-emerging as pivotal assets in the streaming era, with media companies pivoting toward brand familiarity to capture audience trust. Warner Bros. Discovery will revert Max to HBO Max, acknowledging HBO’s premium cachet. CNN and ESPN are launching standalone services under their iconic names, while Fox One, CNBC+, and potential MSNBC offerings are following suit. Executives argue that the strength of recognisable TV brands outweighs generic streaming names, with bundled access for traditional pay-TV subscribers maintaining key distribution links. Disney, WBD, and others see these moves as vital to rebuilding brand equity and direct consumer relationships amid industry disruption. Read More
South Korean Film Community Demands Justice After Actor Lee Sun-kyun’s Tragic Death
In January 2024, Oscar-winning director Bong Joon Ho and 15 film industry colleagues publicly condemned the police and media following the suicide of beloved actor Lee Sun-kyun, star of Parasite. After being scandalised by drug allegations reported in October 2023, Lee faced intense public scrutiny. The industry called for investigations, media accountability, and legal reforms to protect artists’ rights and prevent such tragedies. Read More
Independent Animation Challenges Stereotypes and Shifts Awards Landscape
Animated films are often seen as children’s stories or big-budget formulas, but independent animation breaks that mould. A key example is Flee (2021), a Danish animated documentary about a gay Afghan refugee. Praised for its LGBTQ representation and unique storytelling, Flee won multiple festival awards and earned three Oscar nominations, highlighting the growing impact of indie animation on the industry. Read More
Range Media Partners: Agents Turn Entrepreneurs with New Hybrid Management Company
In August 2020, top agents from CAA and WME surprised Hollywood by leaving major agencies to launch Range Media Partners, a hybrid management company. Born during the pandemic, Range allowed these dealmakers greater freedom to produce and support clients entrepreneurially. Led by former execs like Peter Micelli and Jack Whigham, the company quickly gained traction by bringing most of their high-profile clients along, reshaping talent representation. Read More
From YouTube Stars to Horror Filmmakers: The Rise of the Philippou Twins
Australian twins Danny and Michael Philippou, famous for their YouTube channel RackaRacka, overcame industry scepticism to direct Talk to Me, a Sundance hit that earned $91 million worldwide. Their sophomore horror, Bring Her Back, featuring Sally Hawkins, premieres May 30 via A24, showcasing their shift from viral pranksters to acclaimed filmmakers with a flair for dark, suspenseful stories. Read More
Barry Diller Opens Up in New Memoir, But Keeps His Home Private
Barry Diller’s new memoir, Who Knew, reveals his marriages, romantic relationships, Hollywood rivalries, and candid views on today’s entertainment industry. Despite sharing juicy details, he insists on keeping his Beverly Hills home and its decor completely off-limits, focusing instead on his sharp critique of tech executives and his storied life in showbiz. Read More
New Mexico Film Chief Shares Solutions Amid U.S. Production Decline
New Mexico Film Office Director Steve Graham discussed America’s shrinking film production with TheWrap, blaming industry strikes, slow COVID recovery, and mergers. Noting New Mexico’s projects dropped from 20 to 10 since last spring, Graham outlined strategies to attract productions back from competitive markets like the UK and Australia during TheWrap’s Cannes Conversations. Read More
Jafar Panahi: From Acclaimed Filmmaker to Government-Banned Dissident
Jafar Panahi became a dissident filmmaker due to Tehran’s regime, not by choice. After attending a 2009 protest funeral, he was banned from travel and filmmaking for 20 years and sentenced for “propaganda.” Already acclaimed with Cannes and Venice awards, his ban sparked global attention, including the Berlin Film Festival’s symbolic protest by leaving an empty jury seat for him in 2011. Read More
Image Nation and Spooky Pictures Aim for “Cool” at Cannes with Original, Low-Budget Films
Emirati studio Image Nation Abu Dhabi and LA-based Spooky Pictures focus on high-concept, low-budget films with a straightforward creative approach. Spooky co-founders Steven Schneider and Roy Lee emphasise originality and surprise, aiming to produce movies that audiences consider their favourite, as they bring one of their features to Cannes for the first time. Read More
YouTube’s Growing Influence on TV Formats
YouTube has become a testing ground for TV formats, with creators transitioning to streaming platforms. Netflix adapted Hot Ones and Inside from YouTube, while Amazon’s Beast Games follows a similar trend. TV producers now license formats to creators, as seen with Sidemen’s deals for Supermarket Sweep, The Wheel, and The Chase. This shift reflects growing collaboration between digital creators and traditional broadcasters. Read More
Kountry Wayne: From Viral Sensation to Streaming Star
Kountry Wayne skyrocketed from social media fame to self-financed films and Netflix specials. His daily sitcom-style sketches on YouTube—up to 750 episodes a month—blend humour and melodrama, earning him a loyal fan base. He’s expanded into stand-up tours, independent films like That’s Her, and a new Prime Video special. His authentic storytelling keeps audiences engaged across digital and traditional media. Read More
Apple TV+’s Dope Thief Brings Crime Thriller Intensity - Read the Script
Apple TV+’s Dope Thief, directed by Ridley Scott and written by Peter Craig, follows Ray (Brian Tyree Henry) and Manny (Wagner Moura)—two friends posing as DEA agents to rob drug dealers. When they unknowingly target a major narcotics operation, their plan spirals into chaos. Based on Dennis Tafoya’s novel, the eight-episode series premiered on March 14, with new episodes released weekly. Read More
BBC’s Jon Petrie Reinforces Commitment to Affordable Comedy
BBC Director of Comedy Jon Petrie prioritises cost-effective programming, stating that big laughs don’t need mega budgets. The BBC will maintain at least 20 new and returning comedy commissions annually, focusing on sitcoms and character-driven series. Recent hits like Mammoth, Dreaming Whilst Black, and The Cleaner exemplify this approach. Petrie also champions new talent and regional voices through initiatives like the BBC Comedy Collective and Editors Access Scheme. Read More
Behind The 'Daredevil: Born Again' Iconic One-Shot Fight Scene
Step into the trenches with 'Daredevil: Born Again' helmers Aaron Moorhead & Justin Benson and DP Hillary Feifer as they dissect the anatomy of one of the season’s boldest directorial swings: a seamless one-take with real-time lighting cues, active blocking, and symbolic subtext.
Netflix’s FYSEE LA With Uzo Aduba, Justine Lupe, Karen Pittman & Susan Kelechi Watson
At Netflix’s FYSEE LA, actresses Justine Lupe, Susan Kelechi Watson, Uzo Aduba, and Karen Pittman shared insights into their roles in Nobody Wants This, The Residence, and Forever. Lupe drew inspiration from Sara Foster, while Watson immersed herself in a White House set recreation. Aduba tackled dialogue-heavy scenes, and Pittman explored “catastrophic parenting”.
Netflix’s FYSEE LA: Mara Brock Akil, Debora Cahn, Lesli Linka Glatter, Katie Walsh & Tracey Wigfield
At Netflix’s FYSEE LA, directors Katie Walsh (Simone Biles Rising) and Lesli Linka Glatter (Zero Day) discussed their creative challenges. Mara Brock Akil reinvented Forever to centre Black teens, while Tracey Wigfield and Tina Fey modernised The Four Seasons. Debora Cahn’s The Diplomat explores a woman navigating global events.
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