Global TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Monday 7 April 2025
Vimeo targets creators; Sydney studio in works; mobile dramas boom; NZ, Hollywood face pressure; Cannes titles revealed; Bustamante warns of corruption; Indian comics seek legal shield.
Today’s Highlights:
Vimeo Launches Paid Subscription Platform for Creators – Vimeo now lets creators launch paid channels with monetisation tools, analytics, and audience engagement features to rival Patreon and YouTube Memberships.
New Major Film Studio Proposed in Western Sydney – Screen NSW and investors are considering suburbs like Orchard Hills and Penrith for a major studio to attract global productions and boost local employment.
Vertical Mobile Dramas Go Global with $14B Market Potential – Short-form vertical dramas from China rapidly expand worldwide via platforms like ReelShort and DramaPops, reshaping mobile entertainment.
New Zealand Screen Industry Faces Rising Costs and Uncertainty – Rising production costs and reduced global investment are pressuring New Zealand’s post-franchise screen industry to seek more government support.
Hollywood Faces Uncertainty Amid Tariffs and Recession Fears – Economic instability is prompting Hollywood to reassess content spending and consumer demand, with fears of "streamflation" impacting global strategy.
Visions du Réel Breaks Records with Diverse 2025 Lineup – The Swiss documentary festival will feature 154 films from 57 countries, including 88 world premieres and 58 debut titles.
Jayro Bustamante Prepares Volcano Drama Mountains of Fire – Guatemalan director Jayro Bustamante’s upcoming film follows volcanologists battling corruption while warning communities of impending disaster.
Darius Khondji Brings Eddington to Cannes, Teases Marty Supreme – Cinematographer Darius Khondji will premiere Eddington at Cannes and is working on Josh Safdie’s ensemble film Marty Supreme.
David Scharf’s Career from Legal Advocate to Amazon Studios Executive – Former public defender David Scharf now leads major content deals at Amazon Studios after building a diverse entertainment law career.
Indian Comedians Turn to Legal Protection Amid Rising Defamation Threats – Indian comedians increasingly use legal counsel to safeguard material against censorship and defamation cases.
Plus: Insights, Festivals & Markets, Opportunities & Jobs with BritBox, NBCUniversal, Sony & Prime in London & LA.
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INSIGHTS
Vimeo Launches New Subscription Service for Creators
Vimeo has introduced a new subscription streaming platform, allowing content creators to launch paid channels. The service enables creators to monetise their content directly with tools for subscriptions, analytics, and audience engagement. This move positions Vimeo as a competitor to platforms like Patreon and YouTube Memberships in the growing creator economy. Read More
Sydney Suburbs Considered for Major New Film Studio
Several Sydney suburbs, including Orchard Hills, Badgerys Creek, and Penrith, are being assessed as potential sites for a large-scale film studio backed by Screen NSW and private investors. The proposed development would include sound stages and post-production facilities to attract international productions and boost local employment in Western Sydney’s growing creative economy. Read More
Guy Ritchie’s MobLand Showcases Complex Female Characters Amid Gangland Drama
Guy Ritchie’s new drama, MobLand, starring Tom Hardy and Paddy Considine, dives into the gritty world of warring London crime families. While the testosterone-fueled narrative is front and center, the show also highlights strong female characters played by Joanne Froggatt and Lara Pulver. Froggatt’s Jan Da Souza, wife of Hardy’s gangland fixer, stands out as the truth-teller in Harry’s life, unafraid to challenge him. Pulver’s Bella Harrigan adds depth to the story, proving that the women in this world are far from mere bystanders. Read More
Rising Film Costs Threaten New Zealand’s Post-‘Middle-earth’ Screen Industry
The New Zealand screen industry faces mounting challenges from rising production costs, global competition, and reduced international investment following the end of large-scale franchises like The Lord of the Rings. Industry leaders call for increased government support and investment in local talent to sustain production and attract foreign shoots. Read More
Vertical Dramas Surge as Mobile Entertainment Booms
Short-form vertical dramas, minute-long episodes designed for smartphones, are rapidly growing, with the market projected to hit $14 billion by 2027. Originating in China as duanjus, these addictive, clickbait-titled micro-dramas (My Secret Agent Husband, Revenge of the XXL Wife) are expanding globally via platforms like ReelShort and DramaPops. Their freemium model and fast-paced storytelling cater to mobile-first audiences, reshaping digital entertainment consumption. Read More
Nicola Willis Confirms New Zealand Screen Rebate Scheme Will Remain
New Zealand Finance Minister Nicola Willis has confirmed the continuation of the country’s screen production rebate, providing certainty for local and international producers. The scheme, which offers up to 40% rebates on qualifying productions, is vital for attracting major film and TV projects and sustaining jobs within the country’s film sector. Read More
David Scharf’s Journey from Public Defender to Amazon Studios Powerhouse
David Scharf leveraged his background as a public defender to navigate entertainment law, persuading executives and agents on high-stakes deals. After stints at SAG, Fox TV, Disney, and Jim Henson Co., he joined Amazon Studios during its early days, taking a risk on the fledgling content venture. Now overseeing major deals for Beast Games and United Artists’ revival, Scharf embraces opportunities, believing in adapting to unexpected career shifts. Read More
Hollywood Faces Uncertainty Amid Tariffs and Recession Fears
Tariffs, market instability, and recession concerns are reshaping Hollywood, impacting advertising, licensing, and streaming. Studios may cut content spending while consumers tighten entertainment budgets, reducing subscriptions and theater visits. Experts warn of "streamflation" as media companies adjust strategies. Though Hollywood isn't reliant on imports, economic turbulence could trigger widespread effects, forcing the industry to adapt to shifting financial realities. Read More
Darius Khondji Prepares for Cannes with Eddington, Teases Marty Supreme
Cinematographer Darius Khondji has confirmed that Ari Aster’s Eddington will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, marking a highly anticipated collaboration between the director and Khondji. Meanwhile, Khondji is also working on Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme, starring Timothée Chalamet as a professional table tennis player. The film boasts an ensemble cast of 140 characters, including a cameo by high-wire artist Philippe Petit. Eddington is set for Cannes, while Marty Supreme is expected to be completed by year’s end. Read More
Brands Cash In on The White Lotus Phenomenon
With the final episode of The White Lotus airing this weekend, marketers are tracking its impact on brands. The HBO hit has averaged 15 million viewers per episode, making it the most-streamed show on Max. Major brands like H&M, Abercrombie & Fitch, and American Express have launched themed merchandise and events, while Louis Vuitton and Gucci have gained millions in media impact value. Influencer-driven campaigns have also surged, capitalising on the show’s aesthetic and cultural relevance. Read More
Indian Comedians Turn to Legal Experts to Protect Their Jokes
With defamation cases and political sensitivities on the rise, Indian comedians increasingly seek legal counsel to safeguard their material. Comics are pre-clearing scripts and adopting disclaimers, as freedom of speech remains a contentious issue in the country’s entertainment landscape. Read More
Lav Diaz Prepares Alexandre Dumas Adaptation, Eyes Cannes for Magellan
Filipino director Lav Diaz is set to adapt an obscure Alexandre Dumas work, with filming planned for late 2025 after a health-related delay. Diaz previously explored Dumas' literature in When The Waves Are Gone, a loose adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo. Meanwhile, his completed film Magellan, starring Gael García Bernal as Ferdinand Magellan, shifts focus to the conquered Malay people's perspective. A 165-minute cut is expected to premiere at Cannes, while the full director’s cut runs approximately nine hours. Read More
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