Global TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Tuesday 8 April 2025
Streaming delays risk $1B; EU boosts film funding; Sorrentino, Segre lead Di Donatellos; Cannes debuts tech hub; Anderson, AMC, A24 unveil new titles; BBC, Night Media, Corbeaux expand reach.
Today’s Highlights:
Australian Content Rules Delay Jeopardises $1 Billion in Productions – Delays to local streaming content regulations have stalled 170 commissions, risking $1 billion in budgets and 15,000 jobs.
EU Unveils €141M Loan Guarantee and Equity Funding to Boost Film Sector – The EU has launched major financial initiatives to support SME film producers and international co-productions across Europe.
Sorrentino and Segre Lead David Di Donatello Awards with 15 Nominations Each – Paolo Sorrentino’s Parthenope and Andrea Segre’s The Great Ambition top the nominations with 15 each, including Best Film and Best Director.
Cannes Film Market Launches ‘Village Innovation’ for Tech-Driven Cinema – The new venue will spotlight AI, virtual production, and immersive media with demos and panels from tech leaders.
Wes Anderson’s Espionage Film ‘The Phoenician Scheme’ Revealed with Star Cast – Wes Anderson's latest film is a 1940s-set spy drama featuring Benicio del Toro, Tom Hanks, and Scarlett Johansson.
Michael Sarnoski to Direct ‘Death Stranding’ Film for A24 and Kojima Productions – Director Michael Sarnoski will adapt the video game Death Stranding into a live-action film for A24.
AMC Orders ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ TV Adaptation Under ‘Great American Stories’ – AMC is developing a modernised series version of Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath with the support of his estate.
Reed Duchscher’s Night Media Transforms Influencers into Business Moguls – Night Media combines talent management and investment to help digital creators evolve into major entertainment brands.
BBC Picks Up German True Crime Series ‘The Black Forest Murders’ – The BBC has acquired a four-part German drama based on the real 2016 Baden murders for its crime slate.
Corbeaux Melds Québec Folklore with Crime Horror in Serial Killer Series – Québec’s Corbeaux blends supernatural horror and local legend as detectives chase a killer leaving crow bones behind.
Plus: News, Insights, Executive Moves, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals, Renewals & Jobs with Screen NSW & Netflix in Sydney & London.
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NEWS
Paolo Sorrentino’s Parthenope and Andrea Segre’s The Great Ambition Lead David Di Donatello Nominations
The 70th David Di Donatello awards, Italy’s equivalent of the Oscars, will take place on May 7 at Rome’s Cinecittà film studio. Paolo Sorrentino’s Parthenope, a tribute to Naples, and Andrea Segre’s political biopic The Great Ambition each received 15 nominations, including Best Film and Best Director. Other top contenders include Vermiglio and L’arte della gioia, with 14 nominations each. In the Best International Film category, nominees include Anora, Conclave, Juror #2, The Zone of Interest, and Perfect Days. Read More
INSIGHTS
Québécois Crime Drama Corbeaux Blends Folklore and Supernatural Horror
Inspired by the legend of La Corriveau, the Québécois series Corbeaux (Crows) intertwines crime, horror, and supernatural elements. Produced by Encore Television for Illico+, the six-part drama follows detectives Gabrielle and Clémence as they hunt a serial killer leaving crow bones in victims’ mouths. Creator Pierre-Louis Sanschagrin crafts a dark, atmospheric narrative rooted in Quebec's haunting history, questioning whether ghosts can return for revenge. Read More
Australian Streaming Content Rules Delay Sparks Industry Concerns
A Screen Producers Australia (SPA) survey reveals that 170 commissions have stalled or collapsed due to delays in local content regulations for streaming platforms. The Federal Government had planned to introduce these rules by July 1, 2024, but postponed them amid negotiations with the newly elected U.S. administration. The Motion Picture Association warned that such mandates could violate the U.S. Free Trade Agreement, further complicating the issue. SPA estimates $1 billion in lost budgets and 15,000 screen jobs affected, while the Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Australian content. Read More
EU Expands Financial Support for European Film Industry
The European Union has launched new initiatives to support the audiovisual sector, including €141 million in loan guarantees through the European Investment Fund (EIF) to help small and medium-sized enterprises secure funding. Additionally, EIF has approved a €25 million equity investment in Logical Content Ventures, part of MediaInvest’s €400 million strategy to boost production and distribution. These efforts aim to enhance financial accessibility, strengthen SME support, and foster international collaboration, reinforcing Europe’s global presence in cinema. Read More
Canada’s Mark Carney Pledges $150M Annual Boost to CBC/Radio-Canada
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has pledged to increase annual funding for public broadcaster CBC/Radio-Canada by C$150 million. The proposal aims to strengthen Canadian cultural programming, journalism, and regional content while resisting privatisation calls. Read More
Norwegian Politicians Push for Expanded Film Production in Svalbard
Norwegian politicians from the Høyre party are advocating for regulatory changes to boost film production in Svalbard, enabling eligibility for support from the Norwegian Film Institute and other schemes. They highlight Svalbard’s unique appeal and emphasise its potential for sustainable business development in Longyearbyen. Arctic Film Norway and PolarX back the initiative, citing the region’s history of hosting productions like BBC’s The North Water and its capacity for fostering international collaboration. Read More
Nest Productions’ Derek Drennan on Challenges in Unscripted TV
Managing director of Nest Productions, Derek Drennan, highlights the difficulties facing unscripted entertainment, including funding gaps and commissioning slowdowns. He advocates for tax relief for unscripted projects and emphasises global partnerships as key to navigating industry shifts. Nest Productions supports independent companies through infrastructure, alternative co-productions, and a strong focus on welfare. Drennan believes success hinges on combining strong ideas with experienced production teams, ensuring both creative freedom and financial viability in an evolving market. Read More
BBC’s Reunion Explores Redemption in the Deaf Community
The four-part thriller Reunion, written by deaf creator William Mager, follows Daniel Brennan, a deaf man released from prison after years of isolation. Starring Matthew Gurney, Lara Peake, Anne-Marie Duff, Eddie Marsan, and Rose Ayling-Ellis, the bilingual series combines British Sign Language and spoken English. Produced by Warp Films, it delves into themes of redemption, identity, and strained relationships, offering a groundbreaking portrayal of the deaf experience. The show premieres on BBC One and Player. Read More
Reed Duchscher and Night Media Reshape the Creator Economy
Talent manager Reed Duchscher has built Night Media into a next-generation hybrid, blending talent management, VC-style investment, and creator incubation. Originally a sports agent, he transitioned to digital media in 2014, securing brand deals before managing MrBeast and expanding into strategic partnerships. Night Media now oversees 65+ creators, operating at the intersection of Hollywood and Silicon Valley, helping influencers transform into business moguls while redefining entertainment. Read More
Channel 4’s Ian Katz Urges Recognition for Development Teams
Channel 4’s Chief Content Officer, Ian Katz, has called for greater acknowledgment of development teams within independent production companies. In a memo to suppliers, Katz emphasised that development work is often overlooked despite its crucial role in content creation. Read More
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