Global TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Friday 25 April 2025
Creator economy surges; Lionsgate splits Starz; Cannes unveils lineup; India hosts WAVES; Stan stands alone; AI reshapes content; exec moves; Gen Z focus; bold new dramas emerge.
Today’s Highlights:
Hollywood Talent Moves Toward the Creator Economy – With 18,000 traditional jobs lost, industry professionals pivot to creator-focused roles, marking a structural shift in entertainment careers.
Lionsgate Approves Starz Spin-Off – Lionsgate Studios and Starz will operate as separate entities, aiming for increased operational focus and investor interest.
Cannes Film Festival 2025 Official Selection Unveiled – The 78th Cannes lineup includes major titles from Wes Anderson, Ari Aster, and Julia Ducournau, with Robert De Niro receiving an honorary Palme d’Or.
India’s WAVES Summit Attracts Global Entertainment Leaders – The inaugural summit includes appearances by Ted Sarandos, Shah Rukh Khan, and Amitabh Bachchan, showcasing India’s global storytelling ambitions.
Stan Becomes Sole Australian-Owned Streaming Service – Stan’s unique market position reinforces its focus on local content and independence amidst foreign acquisitions.
AI in Content Creation: Create London’s Cross-Sector Event – Hat Trick and Charismatic.ai lead a forum on AI-enhanced production and creativity for digital-first storytelling.
Fifth Season Expands Executive Team – Promotions and hires from Netflix and Severance strengthen leadership as the studio grows its TV slate.
The Creator Economy and Channel 4.0’s Youth Strategy – Evie Buckley reveals how Channel 4.0 develops viral Gen Z content, illustrating a major shift in youth-focused commissioning.
Falling: Channel 4's Bold Drama on Love and Faith – Jack Thorne’s new series starring Keeley Hawes and Paapa Essiedu explores forbidden love in the Church, marking his first romantic drama.
Kevin Macdonald’s Lennon & Ono Documentary Premieres at BFI – One to One: John & Yoko features remixed IMAX footage and rare archives, produced by Sean Lennon.
Plus: Insights, Executive Moves, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals & Jobs with Banijay, WBD, UKTV, MUBI, Prime, Netflix & Disney in Sydney, London, LA, Stockholm, Seattle, Copenhagen & Amsterdam.
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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.
INSIGHTS
Stan Becomes Sole Australian-Owned Streaming Service
Stan has emerged as the only Australian-owned streaming platform following the exit of Presto and the acquisition of other local services by international companies. This positions Stan uniquely in the market, emphasising its commitment to Australian content and creators. Read More
Hollywood Talent Shifts Towards the Creator Economy
As Hollywood job openings dwindle, the creator economy continues to thrive, offering roles in digital-first businesses. While 18,000 film and TV production jobs have vanished in three years, platforms like YT Jobs list over 400 creator-focused positions. Industry veterans pivoting to social media-driven content see growing opportunities, with Goldman Sachs projecting the sector to reach half a trillion dollars by 2027. Experts emphasise adapting skillsets to succeed in this evolving landscape. Read More
Navigating the Complex World of TV Formats
Siobhan Crawford offers a fresh perspective on the formats business using dating analogies in her latest column. She applies relationship wisdom to industry trends, urging professionals to recognise when action speaks louder than talk, whether in tax incentives, coproductions, or market partnerships. Crawford critiques the decline of exclusivity in format deals, the misplaced pedestal of UK and US commissions, and the dangers of a "thirsty" acquisition strategy. As the industry evolves, she encourages a strategic yet flexible approach to content negotiations. Read More
Chris Lang Discusses New Drama 'I, Jack Wright'
Chris Lang, creator of I, Jack Wright, delves into the emotional and legal tensions surrounding wills in his latest UKTV original drama. Inspired by real-life inheritance disputes, the series blends family saga, whodunnit, and legal thriller elements. Lang partnered with Federation Stories and secured financing through BBC, U, and Britbox US, allowing creative flexibility. Writing began in May 2023, with a structured approach that builds on compelling character arcs and intrigue. Read More
Revival of Physical Media with Night Owl Video Store
Brooklyn's Night Owl Video store is spearheading a resurgence of physical media, offering DVDS, Blu-rays, and VHS tapes. This initiative caters to cinephiles seeking tangible movie experiences amidst the digital streaming era. Read More
'The Chocolate Empire' Cast Connects with Omari Hardwick in Kenya
Hollywood actor Omari Hardwick engaged with industry professionals in Kenya at an exclusive Chocolate Empire fireside chat hosted by CCI Kenya. The Power star shared insights on navigating the global entertainment industry and praised Kenya’s storytelling culture. Hardwick emphasised the universal resonance of African narratives, highlighting their ability to inspire audiences worldwide. Read More
Talesmith Unveils 'Secrets of the Penguins' Documentary
London-based factual production company Talesmith brings Secrets of the Penguins to National Geographic, uncovering new insights into these charismatic creatures. Creative director Ruth Roberts emphasises the company’s mission to make the familiar feel extraordinary, leveraging cutting-edge storytelling and technology. Developed as part of the Secrets Of… franchise, the documentary pushes the boundaries of penguin narratives, promising fresh discoveries through innovative techniques. Read More
Evie Buckley Reveals What Channel 4.0 Looks for in Creators
Evie Buckley, Channel 4.0 lead, joins TellyCast to discuss how the platform creates viral YouTube content for Gen Z. She explores commissioning strategy, the role of packaging and thumbnails, and the impact of data on creative decisions. Buckley also unveils two new commissions, explains what makes a pitch stand out, and highlights why traditional TV producers must adapt their skills for success in the digital-first era.
Kevin Macdonald on One to One: John and Yoko | BFI IMAX Q&A
Director Kevin Macdonald’s documentary One to One: John & Yoko delves into John Lennon’s 1972 One to One Benefit Concert, capturing 18 transformative months in the couple’s lives. Featuring remixed IMAX concert footage and unseen archival materials, the film reimagines their early days in New York, blending their creative peak with American pop culture. Produced by Sean Lennon, the documentary offers an intimate look at their evolving approach to activism and music.
The writer, director and producer of BBC crime drama Reunion | BFI Q&A
Writer William Mager, director Luke Snellin, and producer Mark Herbert present Reunion, a crime thriller featuring a majority deaf cast and British Sign Language (BSL) on-screen. Starring Matthew Gurney as Daniel Brennan, the film follows a Deaf man struggling to rebuild his life and reconnect with his daughter after a decade in prison. Exploring themes of isolation and redemption, Reunion bridges the worlds of the hearing and non-hearing in a compelling narrative.
Gino Evans, Joe Gill and Becky Bowe on Treading Water | BFI Q&A
Director Gino Evans presents Treading Water, a raw and authentic drama starring Joe Gill and Becky Bowe. The film follows Danny, a former prisoner battling obsessive-compulsive disorder, as he seeks stability and reconnection in Manchester. A chance meeting with an old friend offers hope in his struggle. Evans’ feature debut delivers a compassionate, nuanced portrait of mental health, blending striking realism with deep emotional resonance.
TESTING & LEARNING: The CBC Case Study
Paul McGrath, CBC’s senior director of Entertainment Strategy, discusses the public broadcaster’s shift from a linear TV approach to a digital-first strategy. With CBC Gem and over 50 YouTube channels, the strategy has driven a 65% increase in watch time. Long-form content, which makes up only 20% of uploads, now accounts for nearly half of total usage. McGrath highlights the broadcaster’s evolving approach to audience development and content distribution in the digital era.
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