Global TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Wednesday 9 July 2025
Dune 3 confirmed; A+E up for sale; EU copyright battle; Netflix honours Liam Payne; SBS sets new inclusion targets; Slow Horses renewed; Monster eyes Lizzie Borden; Locarno unveils bold lineup.
Today’s Highlights:
A+E Global Media officially for sale amid cable divestiture trend – A major signal of structural change in the television industry as legacy networks pivot away from traditional broadcast models.
European producers lobby EU over AI, copyright, and trade tensions – Highlights critical regulatory battles affecting the future of independent production, intellectual property, and cultural sovereignty in global markets.
Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Three officially announced – Confirms the continuation of one of the most ambitious sci-fi franchises, with significant implications for theatrical event filmmaking and IMAX exhibition.
SBS Australia sets new inclusion targets for 2025–2028 – A leading national broadcaster elevates equity benchmarks, setting a new standard for inclusive commissioning in the Asia-Pacific region.
Netflix’s Monster Season 4 in development on Lizzie Borden case – The anthology’s next true-crime chapter continues a top-performing prestige format with strong cultural resonance.
BBC Studios seeks new MD of Scripted in London as Mark Linsey shifts to LA – A strategic leadership move with potential global implications for BBC’s drama and comedy output in key English-language markets.
Locarno Film Festival unveils ambitious 2025 lineup – Prestigious European festival spotlights bold auteurs and new titles, reinforcing its influence on global film discourse and distribution.
Netflix’s Building the Band to honour Liam Payne – Emotional and timely tribute tied to a high-profile music competition series, with built-in global interest from Payne’s fan base.
Apple TV+ renews Slow Horses for Season 7 ahead of Season 5 – A strong vote of confidence in one of Apple’s signature original series, reinforcing its investment in premium drama.
Abigail Spencer joins Josh Charles in Best Medicine, a US remake of Doc Martin – A notable international adaptation highlighting global IP movement, though smaller in scale compared to others on this list.
Plus: Insights, Executive Moves, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals, Renewals, Cancellations, Opportunities & Jobs with SBS, Sky, BBC, Hallmark, IMAX, Netflix, Flying Bark & Paramount in Sydney, London, LA, NYC & Amsterdam.
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Streamers: Netflix, Apple, Viaplay, SkyShowTime, Amazon Prime, Marquee TV, Paramount Television International, MTV Entertainment Group, BET, Cineverse.
Broadcasters: NBC Universal, France Televisions, Sky, ABC, Channel 4, ITV, A+E Networks, CBC, TV2, SVT, ARTE, RTBF, SBS Play, TCL FFalcon, RTL, TVNZ, SRF, Kanal D, UKTV, Ceská Televize, FOX, Hearst Networks.
Producers: Fifth Season, Sony Pictures Television, Banijay, Fremantle, Endemol Shine, Gaumont, Pathé, Warner Bros Television Productions, Universal Pictures International Australasia, UFA Fiction, Vivendi, Entertainment One, BBC Studios, Warner Bros Discovery, Talpa Studios, Keshet, Tiger Aspect, Wild Bunch TV, Red Planet Pictures, Go Quest Media, Eureka Productions, The Ink Factory, Nordisk Film, Reel One Entertainment, Bunya Productions, Beach House Pictures, Beyond, The Global Agency, Esha Bargate Productions, blue Entertainment, Paper Plane Productions, Paprika Studios, Playmaker, Off the Fence, Goalpost Pictures, Spin Master, Stand By Me, Halcyon Studios, DPG Media, Envision, Rive Gauche, Blue Ant Media, Squareone, Great Southern Studios, Collective Media Group, New Dominion Pictures, RAW TV, Optomen, Magpie Pictures, KOJO, ShinAwiL, WildBrain, Nine Daughters, Amazon/MGM Studios, October Films, Legendary Entertainment, Bad Wolf, Mediapro, Bron, Red Arrow.
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, BAFTA, IMAX.
INSIGHTS
Designing Decadence: Bringing the Mitford Sisters to Life
Production designer Matthew Button and costume designer Claire Collins discuss recreating 1930s British high society for Outrageous, a six-part drama about the real-life Mitford sisters. Spanning a decade of scandal, politics, love, and betrayal, the series captures the opulence and turmoil of the era. Read More
SBS Sets New Inclusion Standards for 2025–2028
SBS Australia has released its updated commissioning inclusion guidelines for 2025–2028, raising representation targets for people with disability and non-European culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Building on its 2021–2024 goals, which have been met, SBS continues prioritising First Nations peoples, LGBTQ+ communities, women, and others. “Inclusion is central to who we are,” said director Kathryn Fink, affirming SBS’s commitment to equity on and off screen. Read More
European Producers Push for Copyright Protection Amid AI and Trade Tensions
A European Producers Club delegation met with EU officials in Brussels to address rising concerns over AI, copyright, and U.S. trade threats. Over two days, they highlighted the challenges facing indie producers, especially regarding the cultural exception and the upcoming EU budget. The meetings also emphasised producers' vital role in fostering economic growth, employment, democracy, and freedom of expression. Read More
Canadian Producers Seek Irish Coproduction Opportunities Amid Trade Uncertainty
A 15-member Canadian producers delegation is visiting Ireland to strengthen coproduction ties as U.S. trade uncertainty continues. Organised by CMPA, Screen Producers Ireland, Picture NL, and Innovation PEI, the trip spans Dublin, Limerick, and concludes at the Galway Film Fleadh. Participants include producers from Edge Entertainment, Cameron Pictures, Wango Films, and other companies aiming to forge new partnerships and international collaborations. Read More
Venevisión Eyes Global Trends to Expand International Catalogue
Gustavo Grossmann, General Manager of Venevisión, shares the company’s strategy to align its content with global market demands. Grossmann emphasises the importance of anticipating trends and adapting to the evolving needs of international audiences to strengthen Venevisión's global offering. Read More
Netflix Show Building the Band to Honour Late Liam Payne
Netflix's new talent competition, Building the Band, will open with a tribute to Liam Payne, who served as a guest judge before his tragic death last year. After discussions with his family, Netflix has decided to proceed with the show, which is set to launch tomorrow. Read More
Guru Studio at 25: Staying True to Character-Driven Stories
As Guru Studio marks 25 years, President Frank Falcone reflects on its growth from producing Hershey ads for Spanish-speaking audiences to delivering global hits like Paw Patrol and True & the Rainbow Kingdom. Despite expanding across platforms, from cinema to TikTok, Guru remains focused on its core mission: crafting compelling, character-driven stories that connect with audiences of all ages, across cultures and formats. Read More
In The Visitor, a Simple Trip Home Turns into Something Deeper
Vytautas Katkus' feature debut, The Visitor, premiering at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival, follows Danielius, a new father who leaves his life in Norway to sell his parents’ flat in Lithuania. What should be a quick trip becomes something more, as Danielius delays his return and quietly slips into a period of reflection, disconnection, and unexpected self-discovery. Read More
Megan Stalter Finds Her Spotlight in Netflix’s Too Much
Before starring in Lena Dunham’s new Netflix series Too Much, Megan Stalter was building her comedy career through stand-up, improv, and viral social media sketches. Her breakout came with HBO’s Hacks and a string of quirky roles, but the Ohio native’s journey, spanning Chicago stages to web series fame, taught her one thing: no matter the platform, her heart is in making people laugh. Read More
Favourite Comedy Performances and Family Reunions: Such Brave Girls Returns for Series 2 | BAFTA
Such Brave Girls' Kat Sadler (Josie), Lizzie Davidson (Billie) and Louise Brealey (Deb) join us to chat favourite comedy performances, finding out there was going to be a second series, and why it's better, braver and bigger than the first series.
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