Global TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Thursday 3 July 2025
AI disrupts ads; YouTube demands creator recognition; Drive to Survive wins big; The Bear renewed; Costa Rica rises; The Last of Us shifts; Dora turns 25; post house closes.
Today’s Highlights:
Google’s $2K AI Ad Shakes Up Content Creation – A fully AI-generated ad demonstrates how tools like Veo 3 could radically disrupt traditional production models across Hollywood and advertising.
YouTube Pushes for Creator Recognition in UK – YouTube’s report advocating for formal creator recognition highlights the economic weight and policy challenges facing the digital content economy.
Drive to Survive’s Global Influence – The Emmy-winning Netflix docuseries redefined Formula One’s global reach and set a new benchmark for sports storytelling.
Cutting Edge Post House Shuts Down – The closure of one of Australia’s most established post houses underscores systemic pressures facing the global post-production industry.
Neil Druckmann Exits The Last of Us – Druckmann’s departure from the acclaimed HBO series raises questions about the show's future direction and Naughty Dog's next major game.
Ben Stephenson Launches Poison Pen – The former BBC drama chief’s new venture could reshape crime drama through ITV-backed innovation and character-driven storytelling.
FX Renews The Bear for Season 5 – The renewal confirms the show's critical and audience acclaim, reinforcing its cultural influence and longevity.
Costa Rica Emerges as Film Hub – With rebates, bilingual crews, and political stability, Costa Rica positions itself as a competitive force in global production.
The Sandman’s Final Season – The ambitious staging of Gaiman’s fantasy world reflects the challenges of high-end scripted adaptations and their fanbase expectations.
Dora the Explorer Turns 25 – Dora’s multigenerational appeal and successful reboot affirm the long-tail value of IP in children’s entertainment.
Plus: Insights, Executive Moves, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals, Renewals, Events & Jobs with Amazon Studios, ILM, Moonbug, Fulwell & Netflix in London, LA & NYC.
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INSIGHTS
Inside The Sandman’s Final Season: Gods, Magic, and a Road Trip Across America
While filming The Sandman’s second and final season, showrunner Allan Heinberg tackles the fantastical head-on, from staging a cross-country journey with Dream and Delirium in a UK studio to transforming English towns into American cities. Despite the challenges, he embraces the chaos of Neil Gaiman’s universe: “Everything is, ‘How are we going to do that?’” And somehow, they always find a way. Read More
Dora the Explorer Turns 25: A Multigenerational Icon
From “¡Hola, soy Dora!” to “I’m the map!”, Dora the Explorer celebrates 25 years of adventure and cultural impact. The original Nickelodeon series left its mark on Millennials, Gen Z, and their Boomer parents, while today’s Gen Alpha and Gen Beta kids are discovering Dora through the CGI reboot on Paramount+, proving the explorer’s enduring cross-generational appeal. Read More
The Kitchen Sets the Standard for English Dubbing in Global Localisation
Miami-based The Kitchen, the only Emmy-winning language localisation studio, has built a 24-year legacy on its top-tier English-language dubbing. With 17 suites and a team of native, non-accented English speakers, the studio plays a crucial role in international dubbing. Once seen as a linguistic outlier, Miami has evolved, thanks to generational shifts and deeper assimilation within its Latino community. Read More
Manga Productions Uses Anime to Spotlight Arab Culture on the Global Stage
Manga Productions, a Middle Eastern entertainment company, aims to inspire future generations through anime, manga, and games. "Content can create a better future," said CEO Essam Bukhary. The company has co-produced titles such as Goldorak, The Journey, and Future’s Folktales, with The Journey becoming the first Arab IP to screen in Chinese theatres. Through storytelling, Manga Productions fosters cultural exchange and global collaboration. Read More
Ben Stephenson’s Poison Pen Sets Sights on Bold, Character-Driven Crime Drama
In his first interview since launching ITV Studios-backed Poison Pen, former BBC drama chief Ben Stephenson shares his vision to “use crime as a fulcrum to tell big characterful stories.” The indie’s momentum is growing with two ITV greenlights: The Dark, based on GR Halliday’s From the Shadows, and Adultery, written by Danny Brocklehurst. Stephenson also promises a fresh approach to adapting novels. Read More
YouTube Urges UK to Recognise Content Creation as a Legitimate Profession
YouTube has published a new report calling on the UK government and creative industries to formally recognise content creators as professionals. The Creator Consultation, based on feedback from nearly 10,000 UK creators, highlights the sector's £2bn contribution and over 45,000 supported jobs. Yet many creators feel overlooked, 56% say they lack influence in policy decisions, and 43% feel undervalued by the traditional creative sector. Read More
VI Rental CEO Warns of “Race to the Bottom” in Kit Rental Amid Industry Shifts
As UK production rebounds, VI Rental CEO Richard Madeley calls for a reset in the relationship between producers and rental companies. While high-end drama thrives, many equipment providers are struggling, squeezed out by aggressive price wars. Madeley warns that chasing short-term gains risks long-term damage, urging a more sustainable approach to ensure the entire industry benefits from the boom. Read More
Costa Rica Emerges as a Rising Film Hub in Central America
Known for its ecological leadership and stunning landscapes, Costa Rica is emerging as a significant player in global film production. With a growing cash rebate program, skilled bilingual crews, and strong U.S. ties, the country offers political stability and natural diversity, positioning itself as a competitive alternative to Panama and the Dominican Republic in the region's screen industry. Read More
BFI Player Goes Global with International Expansion Plans
After establishing itself as a UK hub for independent and classic cinema, BFI Player is expanding internationally. Following launches in Finland and Sweden, the British Film Institute's streaming platform is eyeing Ireland next, with plans to enter one new territory per year. Director Paul Lewis notes that English-speaking countries, such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, are also high on the list. Read More
AMC Adds More Pre-Show Ads, Trading Movie Magic for Revenue
AMC Theatres is increasing pre-show advertising, meaning audiences will sit through more commercials, from fast food to Fresca, before the feature begins. The move offers short-term financial relief for the debt-laden exhibitor, which faces nearly $4 billion in liabilities. But it risks alienating viewers, as Hollywood continues to struggle with drawing consistent crowds amid a content slump. Read More
Google’s $2K AI Ad Signals a New Era of Video Creation
A surreal, fully AI-generated ad created with Google’s Veo 3 aired during the NBA Finals for just $2,000. Produced by “AI filmmaker” PJ Accetturo for the betting platform Kalshi, the spot utilised Gemini for scripting, Veo 3 for visuals, and standard editing tools to complete the project. The ad’s viral impact and 95% cost savings underscore how Veo 3 could upend traditional production, compressing timelines and budgets across Hollywood and advertising. Read More
Why Netflix Can’t Just Copy YouTube’s Creator Playbook
As Netflix hits a growth ceiling, some suggest it should tap into YouTube-style creator content to boost engagement. However, creators like MrBeast, with over 400 million subscribers, thrive on free, algorithm-driven platforms, a model Netflix isn’t built for. While Netflix explores shortform and sports content, its subscription-based DNA and lack of a creator ecosystem make it challenging to replicate YouTube’s success without diluting its brand. Read More
Virtual YouTubers Like Bloo Blur the Line Between Creator and Code
AI-powered VTubers, such as Bloo, created by Dutch YouTuber Jordi van den Bussche, are reshaping digital entertainment, amassing millions of views while raising questions about authenticity and creative labour. Tools like Character-3 enable the rapid generation of lifelike avatars and scripted videos, allowing for fully automated content pipelines. While some praise the scalability, others warn of “AI slop” and eroding trust as synthetic creators flood platforms.
Online Platforms Transform Global Access and Revenue for the Arts
As public broadcaster arts funding declines, creators, institutions, and streamers are turning to online platforms to reach global audiences and build sustainable revenue. From Sky Arts' pioneering One & Other livestream to Marquee TV’s expansion and the National Theatre’s streaming model, digital tools now power global engagement. Individual creators like Devon Rodriguez and educational hubs like Smarthistory also demonstrate how art can thrive direct-to-consumer. Read More
‘Drive to Survive’ Producers on Emmy Win and Global Impact
Producers Milly Bedard and Tom Rogers reflect on how Drive to Survive reshaped Formula One’s global appeal, culminating in a Sports Emmy win for Outstanding Sports Documentary Series for Season 6. They detail the logistical feat of filming across 24 countries and emphasise the show’s emotional core, balancing fierce rivalries with intimate, human moments that have drawn in millions of new fans.
UK TV Veterans Mulville and Fincham Tackle Industry Turmoil
Jimmy Mulville and Peter Fincham dissect the UK TV industry’s biggest challenges, from skyrocketing talent costs and indie producer pressures to whether public broadcasters are adapting fast enough in a digital-first world. They explore the rise of social video, YouTube’s dominance, and how AI is reshaping production. Their advice for launching an indie today? Embrace disruption, but protect your creative voice.
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