Global TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Wednesday 19 March 2025
UTA’s leadership shakeup, Netflix’s engagement pivot, SXSW winners, Colin Farrell’s Sgt. Rock, Tulsa King renewal, BBC cancels River City, and Saw XI scrapped amid production issues.
Today’s Highlights:
Henry Awards Announce Semifinalists - The Henry Awards have revealed 15 semifinalists, including Queendom, Hollywoodgate, and Four Daughters, with a $100,000 prize for documentaries showcasing societal impact.
Micro Dramas Surge in Popularity Worldwide - Short-form dramas with 90-second episodes have become a global phenomenon, generating $6.9 billion in China in 2024 and gaining traction on platforms like ReelShort.
UTA Leadership Shakeup: David Kramer Replaces Jeremy Zimmer - Jeremy Zimmer steps down as UTA CEO, with David Kramer taking over to continue the agency’s expansion into sports, music, and creator economies.
Netflix’s The Residence Premieres March 20 - Shondaland’s The Residence stars Uzo Aduba as a quirky detective solving a murder at a chaotic White House state dinner, blending Clue and Knives Out influences.
Streamers Shift Focus to Engagement as Growth Slows - Netflix and rival streamers prioritise engagement metrics like time spent viewing as subscriber growth slows, with Wall Street responding positively to the shift.
Colin Farrell in Talks for DC Studios' Sgt. Rock - Colin Farrell is negotiating to star in Sgt. Rock, a WWII action film directed by Luca Guadagnino for DC Studios, with filming set to begin in England this summer.
SXSW 2025 Audience Award Winners Announced - The 32nd SXSW Film & TV Festival honoured winners, including The Accountant 2 and Fantasy Life, highlighting a diverse mix of narrative, documentary, and TV projects.
Tulsa King Renewed for Season 3 - Paramount+ has renewed Tulsa King for a third season, with Sylvester Stallone returning as Dwight "The General" Manfredi and production expected to begin soon.
River City Cancelled by BBC After 23 Years - The BBC has announced that River City will end in autumn 2026 as part of a shift toward shorter-form drama and new Scottish productions.
Lionsgate Reportedly Cancels Saw XI - Saw XI has reportedly been scrapped due to production issues and disagreements among producers, leaving the future of the horror franchise uncertain.
Plus: News, Insights, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals, Renewals, Cancellations & Jobs with Netflix, First Look, WBD, Curtis Brown, CA Film Commission, Legendary, Sony & Hello Sunshine in Singapore, Bangkok, NYC, London, LA & Amsterdam.
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NEWS
Henry Awards for Public Interest Documentary Announce Semifinalists
The Henry Awards, recognising impactful nonfiction films, have revealed 15 semifinalists, including Queendom, Hollywoodgate, and Four Daughters. Created by Harvard's Shorenstein Center, the award promotes documentaries tackling critical global issues with $100,000 for the winner. An international expert committee selects eligible films and must demonstrate audience impact, ethical storytelling, and cinematic excellence. Funded by Linda and John Henry, the awards celebrate documentary filmmaking's societal importance. Read More
BIFA Selects 14 Writers and Producers for Springboard Genre Programme
The British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) has announced 14 writers and producers for its Springboard: Genre programme to support UK filmmakers developing their second genre feature. From April to December 2025, the initiative provides training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help participants advance in the industry. Read More
INSIGHTS
Reencarne Breaks Ground with Brazilian Horror Drama
Globoplay’s Reencarne merges crime and folk horror as ex-cop Túlio, freed after 20 years in prison, faces the reincarnation of his slain partner. Starring Welket Bungué and Taís Araújo, the nine-episode series explores identity, secrets, and Brazil's unique folklore. Created by a diverse team and directed by Bruno Safadi, it debuted at Berlinale, representing black and LGBTQ+ voices in a fresh take on the horror genre. Read More
Micro Dramas: The Global Rise of Bite-Sized TV
Micro dramas, 90-second episodes with dramatic plots, have surged in popularity, especially in China, where they generated $6.9 billion in 2024, surpassing domestic box office revenue. Apps like ReelShort dominate the U.S. market, offering romance-filled, soap opera-style content tailored for short attention spans. With their global appeal and accessibility, these vertical dramas are reshaping entertainment consumption, filling gaps left by traditional streaming platforms. Read More
Netflix’s The Residence: A Whodunit in the White House
Shondaland’s The Residence stars Uzo Aduba as Cordelia Cupp, a quirky detective solving a murder during a chaotic White House state dinner. With 157 suspects and 132 rooms, the comedic mystery blends Clue and Knives Out. The series, inspired by Kate Andersen Brower’s book, premieres March 20 on Netflix, featuring a star-studded cast. It’s Shondaland’s most comedic venture yet, promising intrigue, laughs, and unexpected twists. Read More
Natalie Morales on My Dead Friend Zoe and Breaking Genre Boundaries
Natalie Morales discusses directing My Dead Friend Zoe, a film that blends drama and dark comedy while exploring themes of grief and friendship. She also reflects on her experiences in Grey’s Anatomy and her evolving career as an actor-director. The film is generating strong festival buzz. Read More
What Hollywood Can Learn from Music’s Comeback
The music industry bounced back from Napster’s disruption to a $36.2 billion powerhouse by reimagining artists as brands, expanding IP, fostering fan communities, collaborating with fashion, and involving fans in creation. Hollywood could adapt this playbook: Universal could elevate filmmakers like Jordan Peele into cultural icons, while Warner Bros. might personalise franchises like Dune with AI-powered storytelling. Read More
Indian Film Santosh Faces Censorship Hurdles Amid Growing Restrictions
The Indian film Santosh faces censorship challenges, highlighting the tightening restrictions on independent films. The project, which deals with social issues, has struggled with approval from India’s Central Board of Film Certification, raising concerns about artistic freedom in the country. Read More
Disney+ EMEA Originals Shine with Rivals and A Thousand Blows
Lee Mason, Disney+ EMEA’s executive director of scripted originals, reveals his team’s focus on compelling characters, intriguing worlds, and emotional stories. Hits like Rivals and A Thousand Blows are reshaping Disney+’s strategy, with Rivals already a major success in the U.K. Both shows highlight unique storytelling that stays true to Disney+'s essence while broadening its audience appeal. Mason is "genuinely excited" for their upcoming seasons. Read More
Supporting Actor: Finland’s Answer to White Lotus
Banijay Finland’s Supporting Actor, helmed by Niklas Lindgren, follows Aki Kurki, a struggling actor cursed to stay in supporting roles. The show blends humour, mystery, and themes of success over eight 20-minute episodes. Producer Max Malka credits the curse element with elevating the series’ appeal. Airing on Nelonen, it’s now the network’s top scripted show in its first two weeks, showcasing its widespread success. Read More
YouTube to Limit Reach of Low-Quality Kids’ Content
YouTube has announced plans to reduce the visibility of low-quality content targeted at children, reinforcing its commitment to improving viewing experiences. The platform will prioritise educational and high-production-value programming, aligning with growing regulatory and parental concerns about online content quality for young audiences. Read More
Streamers Shift Focus to Engagement Amid Subscriber Plateau
As streaming growth slows, Netflix pivots its success metric to engagement, emphasising time spent to reassure investors and advertisers. Recent gains from its password-sharing crackdown may wane, but Wall Street is optimistic. Netflix shares rose 3.5% after MoffettNathanson highlighted its underutilised growth potential, signalling confidence in the engagement-driven strategy. Rival streamers follow suit, exploring live content and interactive features to captivate audiences. Read More
5 Launches Drama of the Week to Spotlight Emerging Talent
Under the rebranded 5, Sebastian Cardwell introduces Drama of the Week, commissioning six one-hour stand-alone dramas to nurture behind-the-scenes talent from low-income backgrounds. Partnering with Vertigo Films and LA Productions, the initiative provides opportunities for fresh voices while addressing challenges like shrinking drama output and cancelled soaps. Cardwell emphasises 5's commitment to fostering new perspectives, with over 100 hours of original drama planned for 2025, broadening the platform’s reach and innovation. Read More
The Yorkshire Content Fund: Investing in Regional Talent and Storytelling
Established in 2012, the Yorkshire Content Fund (YCF) supports film and TV projects filmed in Yorkshire and the Humber. With investments driven by returns rather than external funding, YCF backs works like Peaky Blinders and All Creatures Great & Small. CEO Caroline Cooper Charles emphasises the focus on creating jobs in the region, favouring stories with Yorkshire ties but welcoming diverse projects that benefit local production and talent. Read More
UTA’s Leadership Transition and Industry Impact
Jeremy Zimmer steps down as UTA CEO, naming David Kramer as successor. Zimmer’s tenure saw UTA expand through 19 acquisitions, entering sports, music, and creator economies. Kramer plans to continue this growth strategy. Meanwhile, rivals like Endeavor-owned WME are slimming down, shedding non-core assets. This leadership shift highlights how major talent agencies are adapting to a multifaceted entertainment landscape blending sports, music, and traditional media. Read More
How Neon Became a Major Player in Indie Cinema
In under eight years, Neon, led by co-founder and CEO Tom Quinn, has become a powerhouse with achievements like Anora’s Oscar win and five Palme d’Or acquisitions. Quinn’s focus on auteur-driven films with cultural impact and artistic merit has defined Neon’s success. By offering respectful theatrical releases, Neon consistently wins filmmakers’ trust. With hits like The Monkey nearing $50M globally, Neon’s disciplined strategy offers a blueprint for sustainable growth in Hollywood. Read More
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