Global TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Friday 18 July 2025
Media shakeups, global co-productions, Barbie’s big-screen leap, and Colombia’s rise lead the top stories—plus Netflix’s Assassin’s Creed, Cry Wolf, and Waititi’s bold Dredd reboot.
Today’s Highlights:
Dealmakers Replace Content Executives in Legacy Media – Media companies are elevating financial strategists to leadership as profitability takes priority over creative decision-making.
Studios Embrace Immersive Events to Reach Gen Z and Alpha – Major studios are investing in live pop-ups and experiences to turn IP into real-world fan engagement.
Colombia’s Global Rise in Film and TV Production – Colombia cements its role as a major production hub with global partnerships, incentives, and prominent festival showcases.
Spain and Colombia Sign Historic Co-Production Treaty – A new treaty enables producers in both countries to co-finance and co-produce films and series with shared resources.
AMC Networks Expands FAST Channels with TCLtv+ Deal – AMC adds 11 new FAST channels to TCLtv+, boosting its reach across diverse streaming audiences.
Barbie Heads to Cinemas in First-Ever Animated Feature from Mattel and Illumination – Mattel and Illumination will release Barbie’s first theatrical animated film via Universal.
Netflix’s Assassin’s Creed Live-Action Series Moves Forward – Netflix's long-gestating adaptation of the popular Ubisoft game officially enters production with new showrunners.
Dhar Mann Studios as a Scalable Creator-Led Media Empire – Dhar Mann’s vertically integrated studio model is redefining creator success with mass reach and brand-safe content.
FX Greenlights Cry Wolf Starring Olivia Colman and Brie Larson – FX orders a high-profile psychological thriller adapted from a Danish hit, starring two Oscar-winning actors.
Taika Waititi to Direct New Dredd Film – Waititi teams with Drew Pearce to helm a bold new take on the gritty British comic-book antihero Dredd.
Plus: Insights, Executive Moves, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals, Renewals & Jobs with Screen NSW, Disney, Paramount, YouTube, ITV, NBCUniversal, Netflix & Prime in Sydney, Melbourne, London, Leeds, LA, Amsterdam & Madrid.
Our subscribers receive one clear, concise daily bulletin that distils the latest global TV, film, and media headlines, deals, exec moves, and job listings.
Our subscribers include executives from:
Streamers: Netflix, Apple, Viaplay, SkyShowTime, Amazon Prime, Marquee TV, Paramount Television International, MTV Entertainment Group, BET, Cineverse.
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, Hearst Networks.
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, Searchlight Pictures.
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, Condé Nast.
INSIGHTS
Sherlock Reimagined: A Daughter, a Murder, and a Legacy
As Sherlock & Daughter sells globally, stars Blu Hunt and Fiona Glascott, creator Brendan Foley, and the creative team reflect on reimagining the iconic sleuth. In this eight-part series, David Thewlis plays Holmes, forced to partner with Amelia (Hunt) after her mother’s murder, possibly linking them by blood. Together, they tackle a dark mystery and redefine the Sherlock legacy for a new generation. Read More
Culture Action Europe Calls for Stronger Support in EU’s Proposed AgoraEU Programme
The European Commission has proposed €8.6 billion for the 2028–2034 AgoraEU programme, supporting culture, media, and civil society. Of that, €1.8 billion is allocated to Creative Europe – Culture, €3.2 billion to Media+, and €3.6 billion to democracy-related initiatives. Culture Action Europe welcomes the doubling of the culture budget but urges the EU Parliament and Council to increase funding further and defend cultural priorities against future cuts. Read More
Disneyland Turns 70: A Legacy of Imagination
On July 17, 1955, Walt Disney transformed 160 acres of Anaheim farmland into Disneyland, a groundbreaking theme park where beloved stories came to life. Seventy years later, the resort has evolved with new rides, lands, and even a second park, California Adventure. Yet its core remains unchanged: bringing Disney’s characters and worlds to life in ways that let visitors step inside the magic. Read More
Spielberg’s “Jaws” Shapes Bold New Summer Slasher Vision
Jennifer Kaytin Robinson’s I Know What You Did Last Summer reboot infuses sharp thrills, vibrant style, and dark themes with summer blockbuster flair. Inspired by Jaws, Robinson balances visceral horror and modern morality while reimagining Southport as a glossy tourist trap. With killer costume upgrades and precise suspense, her stylish horror reboot honours the original while engaging today’s audiences, and she’s already dreaming of a sequel. Read More
Mohit Suri Bets on Love With Saiyaara
As Bollywood leans into big-budget spectacle, director Mohit Suri takes a different path with Saiyaara, a heartfelt romance starring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. Panday plays Krish, an ambitious musician navigating the cutthroat industry, who meets principled songwriter Vaani (Padda). Their creative spark soon turns romantic, making Saiyaara a bold reminder that love stories still have power amid the noise of blockbusters. Read More
Dealmakers Take the Lead as Media Faces Major Upheaval
Legacy media is undergoing a transformation, with financial strategists replacing traditional content execs at the top. As streaming struggles to turn a profit and cable TV continues to decline, companies are turning to leaders skilled in deals and cost control. Many attended this year’s Allen & Co. retreat in Sun Valley and will soon lead earnings calls, marking a shift in how media giants navigate an uncertain future. Read More
“The Night Manager” Returns, With Colombia at Its Heart
Eight years after its acclaimed debut, The Night Manager is back, now mainly set in Colombia. Tom Hiddleston and Olivia Colman return for the new seasons, produced again by The Ink Factory. Barry Ryan, head of production, says over 75% of the story unfolds in Colombia, drawing from the country’s peace process and conflict history to ground the spy thriller in a fresh, compelling narrative. Read More
“Eva Lasting” Secures Season 4 as Colombian Production Rises
With its fourth season confirmed, Netflix and Caracol’s Eva Lasting (La Primera Vez) remains a standout Colombian series. Showrunner Dago García returns, tackling the challenge of grounding the story in authentic locations that mirror both the characters' growth and the turbulent socio-political backdrop of late 1970s Latin America, further cementing Colombia’s role as a rising global production hub. Read More
Colombia’s Production Pros Step Into the Spotlight
Colombia’s boom in local shoots, fuelled by tax incentives, economic stability, and improved security, has nurtured rising talent and sharpened the skills of veterans. Once behind-the-scenes players, the country’s film and TV professionals are now gaining overdue recognition. With experience across features, ads, series, and documentaries, their blend of creative insight and technical know-how makes them essential partners in today’s fast-moving global production landscape. Read More
Studios Go Live to Win Gen Z and Alpha Fans
As streaming plateaus, studios are chasing Gen Z and Alpha through immersive, real-world experiences built around hit IP. Netflix, Paramount, WBD, Lionsgate, and Universal are launching pop-ups, games, and live events to deepen fan engagement and tap into the $52B experience economy. For younger audiences, it’s not just about watching, it’s about stepping into the story. Read More
Germany’s TV Market: Big, Loyal, and Slow to Stream
Germany remains Europe’s largest TV market, but its shift to streaming lags behind that of its peers, such as the UK and the Nordics. With 70% of households still relying on cable or satellite, entrenched habits, bundled fees, and the strength of public broadcasters slow the adoption of digital services. Yet FAST channels, regulatory changes, and technologies like DVB-I signal momentum. Success will require patience, local adaptation, and respect for Germany’s deeply rooted viewing culture. Read More
Taf Makopa Unveils Four BoohooMan Shows at Mako Studios
Creator-turned-entrepreneur Taf Makopa has revealed four brand-funded projects for his new venture, Mako Studios, all in partnership with BoohooMan. Highlights include "Are You Even Real?", a dating show hosted by UK rap icon Chip, and "Luke Comes Home", a short-form documentary featuring darts star Luke Littler and streamer Angry Ginge. Other titles include "You’re Lying" and "You're Out of the Chat," all made for under £ 10,000 per episode.
Dhar Mann’s Studio Model Is Reshaping Digital Storytelling
With over 70 billion views and 120 million followers across platforms, Dhar Mann Studios has become a blueprint for creator-led media empires. Operating with complete vertical integration, the studio produces over 100 emotionally resonant, brand-safe episodes annually, encompassing scriptwriting, production, post-production, and distribution. CEO Sean Atkins emphasises data-driven storytelling, platform diversification, and scalable IP, proving creators can rival traditional Hollywood by thinking like CEOs.
Lavender Marriage Meets Sherlock Holmes! Deciphering Bookish with Mark Gatiss & Polly Walker | BAFTA
Bookish creator and actor Mark Gatiss and Polly Walker chat favourite detectives, the dynamics of the show, including the definition of a lavender marriage, and how Mark juggled both writing and starring in the crime drama.
Christina Applegate to Release Memoir ‘You With the Sad Eyes’ in March 2026
Christina Applegate will publish her debut memoir, You With the Sad Eyes, on March 3, 2026, via Little, Brown and Company. The book chronicles her life from a turbulent childhood in Laurel Canyon to her rise in Hollywood and her journey following a 2021 multiple sclerosis diagnosis.
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