Global TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Weekend 15-16 March 2025
Python hunters win SXSW. Iceland’s first female president gets a biopic. AI reshapes film. Pitt’s F1 trailer drops. Ted Lasso returns. Hollywood rethinks franchises. Starship Troopers reboot set.
Today’s Highlights:
The Python Hunt Wins SXSW Jury Prize - Artists Equity’s The Python Hunt follows Florida's python hunters, winning a SXSW Jury Prize and attracting strong sales interest.
Vigdís Biopic Chronicles Iceland’s First Female President - The four-part series Vigdís stars Nína Dögg Filippusdóttir, depicting the rise of Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, the world’s first democratically elected female head of state.
Voia’s AI Revolution in Filmmaking - Startup Voia uses AI-powered 3D environments to replace CGI and green screens, reducing production costs while maintaining high-quality visuals.
Warfare Delivers an Authentic Iraq War Story - Directed by Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland, Warfare is based on Mendoza’s real-life military experience, featuring veterans and a raw storytelling approach.
Hollywood Franchise Struggles Raise Industry Concerns - Major franchises like Marvel, Harry Potter, and Star Wars face creative fatigue, with experts debating their viability.
AI Deepfake Protection for Celebrities - AI platform Loti is developing tools to detect and remove unauthorised deepfake content, helping actors and musicians protect their digital likenesses.
Brad Pitt’s F1 Movie Unveils First Trailer - The racing drama F1, directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, was filmed at actual Grand Prix events and is set for a 2025 release.
Neill Blomkamp to Direct Starship Troopers Reboot - District 9 director Neill Blomkamp is helming a Starship Troopers reboot, returning to Robert A. Heinlein’s original 1959 novel for inspiration.
Eli Roth Launches Horror Section Studio with Fan Investment - Eli Roth’s new studio, The Horror Section, invites fans to invest in horror films, TV, and live events through Republic’s crowdfunding model.
Ted Lasso Renewed for Season 4 - Apple TV+ confirms Ted Lasso will return for a fourth season, with Jason Sudeikis continuing as lead and executive producer.
Plus: Insights, Executive Moves, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals, Renewals, Opportunities & Jobs with ITV, Disney, CAA, Netflix & Nordisk.
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INSIGHTS
The Python Hunt: Artists Equity's SXSW Jury Prize-Winning Documentary on Florida's Python Challenge
"The Python Hunt," produced by Artists Equity, captures the colourful world of python hunters in Florida's Everglades during the annual Python Challenge. Directed by Xander Robin and supported by collaborators like Lance Oppenheim and Dani Bernfeld, the SXSW documentary received a Jury Prize, glowing reviews, and strong sales interest. This engaging film highlights humanity's struggle to control invasive Burmese pythons threatening local wildlife, showcasing creativity and camaraderie in filmmaking. Read More
Vigdís: Iceland's First Female President Comes to Life in Inspiring Biopic
Icelandic actor Nína Dögg Filippusdóttir stars in Vigdís, a four-part series about Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, Iceland's pioneering first female president. The show traces her rise from a determined young woman to becoming the world's first democratically elected female head of state in 1980. Producer Rakel Garðarsdóttir spent a decade developing the series, with a highlight being Finnbogadóttir's emotional visit to the set, inspiring cast and crew alike. Read More
Duke Johnson's Mind-Bending Journey into Identity and Love
Director Duke Johnson's The Actor explores themes of identity, art, and love in a 1950s setting. Starring André Holland as Paul, an actor who wakes up in an Ohio town with no memory, the film follows his search for truth and connection, including a romance with a costume designer, Edna (Gemma Chan). Marking Johnson’s solo debut, the film carries Charlie Kaufman’s influence, inspired by Donald E. Westlake’s 2010 posthumous novel. Read More
Voia Revolutionizes Filmmaking with AI-Enhanced Virtual Environments
Israeli-U.S. startup Voia combines AI with traditional filmmaking, replacing costly CGI and green screens with AI-powered 3D environments. By transforming modest iPhone footage into Hollywood-level visuals, Voia reduces production costs while maintaining the focus on human actors. Founded in 2022, the company collaborates with major studios and is shaping AI's role as a creative filmmaking tool. Voia’s groundbreaking approach reflects a harmonious balance between technology and storytelling. Read More
Jennifer Oxley Talks Wonder Pets in the City
Jennifer Oxley, co-creator of Wonder Pets, discusses the franchise’s new animated series Wonder Pets in the City. The reboot introduces new animal friends and urban adventures while maintaining the original’s educational themes. Oxley highlights the importance of teamwork and problem-solving, emphasising how the show adapts to modern audiences while staying true to its roots. Read More
Eddie AI Launches V2 of ChatGPT for Video Editing
AI video-editing platform Eddie AI has released version 2.0 of its ChatGPT-powered software, offering improved automation, enhanced editing suggestions, and AI-driven scene selection. The update is designed to streamline editing workflows for creators, making video production more efficient. The tool is gaining traction among independent filmmakers and content creators looking to speed up post-production. Read More
AI Studios Have Increased Rapidly Since 2022
A new report from FBRC.ai reveals that 65 AI studios have emerged worldwide since 2022, with over 30 launching in just 2024 and early 2025. These companies vary in size and scope, ranging from small teams offering client services to those developing independent AI-driven content. The study also profiles leading studios like Promise and Mod Tech Labs, highlighting the generative AI industry's rapid growth and diverse approaches. Read More
Warfare directors Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland unpack their honest war film
Based on Mendoza's real-life mission during the Iraq War, Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland's Warfare premiered to a military-focused audience at the Hollywood American Legion Theater. The A24 film was praised for its raw authenticity and featured veterans who inspired the story. Mendoza’s directorial debut channels his experiences in the Navy, emphasising precise filmmaking and genuine storytelling, while Garland highlighted Mendoza’s teaching approach in crafting this intense war drama. Read More
The state of Hollywood franchises sparks concerns and questions
Hollywood's reliance on mega-franchises over the past 30 years faces challenges as major IPs like Marvel, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Bond struggle for relevance or renewal. While some, like Deadpool and Avatar, show promise, most franchises are “on fumes” or in transition. Industry experts evaluate these properties like stocks—buy, sell, or hold—debating which have potential, which need a break, and which might spark revivals in the years ahead. Read More
AI Deepfakes and Celebrity Protection: How Loti Aims to Help
A new AI-driven platform, Loti, is developing tools to combat unauthorised celebrity deepfakes. The software monitors online platforms for manipulated content and assists in legal takedown requests. As AI-generated media becomes more sophisticated, Loti aims to give actors and musicians greater control over their digital likenesses. Read More
Warp Films Unites This Is England and The Virtues Creators for New Drama Adolescence
Warp Films, a Sheffield-based producer, is behind Adolescence, Netflix's daring single-take drama about a 13-year-old boy accused of murder. Created by and starring Stephen Graham alongside Erin Doherty and Ashley Walters, the series emphasises intensity through its uninterrupted filming technique. Known for bold projects like Yardie and '71, Warp Films continues to push creative boundaries with compelling storytelling and innovative production methods. Read More
The Russo Brothers Marvel’s money-minting directors reveal their secret weapons
Joe and Anthony Russo, known for directing Marvel blockbusters like Avengers: Endgame, have built a $6.85 billion box office legacy. Starting with their $30,000 debut Pieces, they became famous with Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Their latest Netflix film, The Electric State, showcases their vision beyond Marvel. Trusted collaborators of Robert Downey Jr., they return to direct Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars, cementing their influence in Hollywood. Read More
Steven Soderbergh Talks Black Bag and Future Filmmaking Trends
Steven Soderbergh’s Black Bag blends espionage and marital drama, starring Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett as spies grappling with trust. Initially hesitant about David Koepp’s script, Soderbergh embraced the project after completing Presence. Known for pushing creative boundaries, Soderbergh highlights the challenges of directing intricate dinner scenes and advocates for more mature, story-driven films in theatres, lamenting the focus on blockbuster franchises over adult-oriented cinema. Read More
Tubi Australia vs US Differences and Potential Revamp Amid TV Changes
Tubi in Australia differs significantly from its U.S. counterpart. While the U.S. version boasts a robust library of premium titles and FAST channels, the Australian Tubi offers a more modest selection, often likened to a DVD discount bin. However, with NewsCorp Australia now managing Tubi's ad sales locally, there’s potential for integration with Sky News and other NewsCorp assets. A Tubi revamp in Australia could be on the horizon amid sweeping TV changes. Read More
Amazon Prime Video Expands Anime Strategy in Japan
Amazon Prime Video is ramping up its investment in Japanese anime under the leadership of Jennifer Salke and Kelly Day. The company is acquiring more exclusive titles and co-producing new series to compete with Netflix and Crunchyroll. The move reflects Amazon’s growing focus on localised content to drive international subscriptions. Read More
Amanda Seyfried on Navigating Trauma, Truth and Success
Fight the Empire! Creating Ferrix, ANDOR's Masterclass in World-building
How creator Tony Gilroy's vision of a factory town pushed to rebellion was brought to life, from the culture and traditions in costumes and sound design to the history of unity and resistance in the music and storytelling.
MGM + 'Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue' Siobhán McSweeney Talks New Whodunit?
Lone Star Lens: How Director Robert Rodriguez Is Bringing Hollywood to Texas
Robert Rodriguez, film director and founder of Troublemaker Studios, has undoubtedly impacted Hollywood with films including El Mariachi, From Dusk Till Dawn, Spy Kids, Sin City, and many more. And now he's looking to redirect that impact back to his home state. Rodriguez is part of a larger push to make Texas the world's film capital—a bold proposition that's not without its challenges. Find out how Rodriguez plans to make that goal a reality—and get the full scoop on his secret project, Brass Knuckle Films.
Branded Entertainment: Where Commerce Meets Creativity
Featuring John Jelley, SVP, Product and User Experience, Peacock and Global Streaming, NBCUniversal; James Kuczynski, Senior Creative Director, Duolingo and Anne-Margot Rodde, Founder and CEO, Creators Corp. Moderated by Jeff Beer, Senior Staff Editor, Fast Company Brands know well how critical it is to hold consumer attention—and what better way to do so than through entertainment? From showing up across gaming to partnering with major entertainment companies, hear from a panel of executives on how they're evolving what branded entertainment is, how they're applying it to their respective industries, and what you should know to take your marketing to the next level.
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