Global TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Monday 12 May 2025
Global shifts hit film and TV as tariffs loom, AI sparks resistance, tax credits fuel production, BBC goes DTC, A24 bets big, and studios in Rome and London expand.
Today’s Highlights:
Proposed Film Tariffs Raise Concerns in UK Entertainment Industry – The proposed 100% tariff on foreign-made films threatens the UK’s film sector, potentially disrupting U.S.-UK collaborations and access to tax breaks and facilities like Pinewood Studios.
California Film Commission Grants $25M Tax Credit for Fallout Season 2 – The California Film Commission awarded a major tax incentive to the second season of Fallout, underscoring the state's push to retain major productions and combat runaway filming.
Dubbing Artists Lead the Fight Against AI in Film Production – Top European voice actors are speaking out against AI voice replication, calling it a threat to their craft and livelihoods as unauthorised use of their voices becomes widespread.
Dev Patel’s Revenge Thriller The Peasant Acquired by A24 – A24 secured global rights to Dev Patel's action film The Peasant for $30M, indicating continued investment in star-led, high-concept genre films heading into the Cannes market.
Cinecittà's Transformation: A Hollywood Hub for the Digital Age – Rome’s Cinecittà Studios has become a global production centre, attracting major Hollywood projects thanks to LED tech upgrades and Italian tax incentives.
BBC Studios Goes DTC in the Netherlands – BBC Studios launched BBC NL+, marking a significant shift from traditional linear broadcasting to a direct-to-consumer streaming model tailored for Dutch audiences.
Netflix’s Bullet Train Explosion Derails Expectations with Global Success – The film rocketed to No. 2 on Netflix's global non-English chart, solidifying Japan's influence on international streaming content.
TV Upfronts Prove the Medium Is Evolving, Not Dying – Despite digital disruption, the television upfronts demonstrate TV’s resilience, with AI-driven measurement and data boosting the medium’s ad value.
London Is Burning—And Hollywood Is Fueling the Fire – Hollywood’s growing use of London studios, tax schemes, and creative talent has turned the UK capital into a hub for major U.S. productions, as illustrated by the symbolic Chiltern Firehouse blaze.
AWG’s The Creators Program Supports Mid-Career Screenwriters – The Australian Writers’ Guild is backing mid-career screenwriters through a high-level mentoring and pitching program to boost diverse voices in TV development.
Plus: Insights, Executive Moves, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Renewals, Opportunities & Jobs with Disney, Netflix, Nine, BBC, Sky, YouTube, WBD, Sony & Cineflex in Oslo, Sydney, London, Washington DC, LA, Dublin & Paris.
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INSIGHTS
Murray Bartlett’s Journey from Perth to Emmy-Winning Stardom
Australian actor Murray Bartlett rose to fame with his Emmy-winning role as Armond in The White Lotus. His career spans Looking, The Last of Us, and Welcome to Chippendales, earning acclaim for his authentic performances. Bartlett’s kindness and charisma have made him a beloved figure in Hollywood, with directors and co-stars praising his genuine warmth and talent. Read More
Charlie Cox, Marvel’s Quiet Heart
Charlie Cox, best known as Daredevil, brings raw humanity to every role, from Boardwalk Empire to Kin. Warm, thoughtful, and effortlessly charming, he speaks with rare gentleness—even when debunking beloved stories. About that infamous L.A. apartment with Pattinson and crew? “It’s not true,” he says with a soft laugh. “We were just always together, trying to get work. But I never lived there.” Read More
BBC Studios Goes DTC in the Netherlands
BBC Studios is shifting gears in the Netherlands with the launch of BBC NL+, a direct-to-consumer streaming service offering Dutch audiences live and on-demand access to drama, comedy, factual, lifestyle, and natural history content—all subtitled in Dutch. Long focused on linear TV, this move reflects a broader trend: discovery is broken, and streamers are rewriting the rules. Read More
TV Upfronts Prove the Medium Is Evolving, Not Dying
As the TV upfronts return, the industry faces renewed scrutiny—and opportunity. Once dismissed by some as outdated, TV is now proving itself more targeted, measurable, and accessible than ever. Thanks to AI, data, and tech, multiscreen TV drives real sales while maintaining its branding power. Even digital-first advertisers seek ways to secure premium inventory, as upfronts remain key to accessing limited, high-value content across platforms. Read More
YouTube TV’s Rise Sparks Industry Tension Ahead of Upfronts
YouTube TV has become one of the top U.S. pay-TV providers in just eight years, reaching over 8 million households. Its algorithm-driven interface and unlimited DVR have redefined the viewing experience. But frustrations are growing behind the platform’s success—many media insiders accuse it of wasting ad inventory and lacking collaboration. As upfronts approach, YouTube TV’s quiet disruption makes louder industry noise. Read More
When Storytelling Becomes Strategy: The Rise of 'Content Creep'
Product placement is nothing new, but today’s “content creep” goes further, turning entire brand ecosystems into the backdrop for storytelling. From tropical resorts to luxury hotels, narratives now double as soft-sell campaigns. For marketers, it’s a dream scenario: if anything can be branded content, every scene becomes a chance to connect, engage, and convert. The customer experience is quietly being rewritten—one poolside shot at a time. Read More
London Is Burning—And Hollywood Is Fueling the Fire
When Chiltern Firehouse went up in flames before Netflix’s BAFTA bash, the streets weren’t filled with Brits—they were packed with Hollywood stars. Though the blaze caused severe damage, it became a fitting symbol: London is hot. With full-capacity soundstages, generous tax breaks, and a globally appealing creative climate, the city has become a magnet for U.S. productions. As one insider says, London is now “more Hollywood than Hollywood.” Read More
Cinecittà's Transformation: A Hollywood Hub for the Digital Age
Rome’s iconic Cinecittà studios have undergone a major overhaul, becoming state-of-the-art facilities for modern productions. Recently, the U.S. sci-fi thriller White Mars wrapped filming at its massive LED-equipped Theatre 18, and Mel Gibson’s The Resurrection of the Christ is set to use the new Studio 22 this summer. Cinecittà’s CEO, Manuela Cacciamani, credits the studio’s success to tax incentives, cutting-edge technology, and skilled line producers who make these projects possible. Read More
Dubbing Artists Lead the Fight Against AI in Film Production
Dubbing is most effective when it goes unnoticed, but European dubbing artists are now making headlines as they raise concerns about AI in film and TV. On April 1, several top German dubbers, including those voicing Ben Affleck, Angelina Jolie, and SpongeBob SquarePants, released a viral video warning that AI-generated voices, trained without their consent, threaten their jobs. They argue that this technology is illegal and undermines their craft. Read More
Netflix’s Bullet Train Explosion Derails Expectations with Global Success
Shinji Higuchi’s Bullet Train Explosion debuted on Netflix on April 23, quickly gaining traction and reaching No. 2 on the global non-English films chart. A sequel to Junya Sato’s 1975 classic The Bullet Train, this action thriller updates the story for the modern age. As an unseen villain threatens to detonate a bomb aboard a speeding Shinkansen, a mix of train staff, passengers, and officials must race to stop the disaster. The film’s success marks a breakout moment for Netflix Japan, following the region’s critical hits like Alice in Borderland and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. Read More
Late-Night TV Evolves Amid Declining Viewership and Digital Disruption
Traditional late-night talk shows face declining viewership and ad revenue, prompting a shift toward on-demand, podcast-inspired formats. Shows like John Mulaney’s Everybody’s Live on Netflix blend classic talk show elements with streaming flexibility. Meanwhile, digital-native series such as Hot Ones and Chicken Shop Date thrive on unscripted, authentic interviews. As YouTube and streaming platforms dominate, late-night entertainment embraces flexibility, authenticity, and cost-effective production models. Read More
Set-Jetting: How Film and TV Are Shaping Travel Trends
“Set-jetting,” coined by Gretchen Kelly in 2008, describes the growing trend of fans visiting real-world locations featured in films and TV shows. Popular destinations include San Domenico Palace in Sicily (The White Lotus), Dubrovnik, Croatia (Game of Thrones), and Parisian landmarks (Emily in Paris). While tourism boards embrace the trend, concerns over over-tourism remain, as seen with Maya Beach in Thailand, which closed due to environmental damage. Read More
California Film Commission Grants $25M Tax Credit for Fallout Season 2
The television adaptation of Fallout, produced by Jonathan Nolan, exemplifies California's strategic use of tax incentives to bolster its entertainment industry. The show's second season is set to film in Los Angeles and Toronto, benefiting from a $25 million tax credit offered by the California Film Commission. This move aligns with Nolan's advocacy for increased state support, as Hollywood pushes for $750 million in tax rebates to encourage local production. The initiative aims to bolster California's economy by attracting high-profile projects like Fallout, which were previously filmed in locations such as New York, Utah, and Namibia's Skeleton Coast. Read More
Proposed Film Tariffs Raise Concerns in UK Entertainment Industry
The proposal for a 100% tariff on foreign-produced films has sparked concerns in the British film and TV industry, which benefits from U.S. studio investments, tax incentives, and facilities like Pinewood Studios. Experts warn the tariffs could disrupt collaborations, increase costs, and reduce job opportunities. While the policy remains unfinalised, UK industry leaders seek clarity and advocacy to protect transatlantic partnerships. Read More
Jack Thorne’s ‘Be Good’ Philosophy Shapes His Work and Life
TV dramatist Jack Thorne, known for hits like Adolescence and Toxic Town, has “Be good” tattooed on his wrist—a reminder from his favourite film, E.T., which he calls the best film about loneliness and friendship. For Thorne, being good isn’t about writing brilliance but caring for others. His work often centres on the disadvantaged, reflecting his gentle yet passionate nature. Read More
Jackie Chan: Stunt Master for Life
With over 150 credits spanning six decades, Jackie Chan shows no signs of slowing down. As he returns as Mr. Han in Karate Kid: Legends, premiering May 30, Chan shared his unwavering commitment to performing his own stunts. Having started his stunt career in Fist of Fury (1972), he explained, “It’s in my heart and soul,” emphasising that after 64 years of doing his own stunts, it's all muscle memory—retirement is not on the horizon. Read More
Terry Crews Aims for Long-Lasting Legacy with Everybody Still Hates Chris
Terry Crews, the voice behind Julius Rock in the animated revival of Everybody Hates Chris, hopes for a long and successful run with the show. In a recent interview, Crews expressed his ambition for the series to enjoy a “20-year longevity,” drawing inspiration from iconic animated shows like The Simpsons and Family Guy. “To do it again animated, we can go forever,” he said, hoping the show will achieve similar staying power. Read More
‘Another Simple Favor’: Director Paul Feig Reveals Sequel Inspiration and Italian Setting
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