TV, Film & Media Industry International News Roundup, Monday 21 October 2024
Reality TV depends on franchises; Apatow criticizes CA film decline; YouTube updates TV UI; Netflix surges; All3Media sale; Rai Fiction's success; TV execs rise; Huppert honoured
Today’s Highlights:
Reality TV's Growing Dependence on Franchises Threatens Its Success Reality TV increasingly relies on franchises, stifling creativity and limiting original content as networks play it safe.
Judd Apatow Voices Concerns Over Declining California Film Production Judd Apatow criticises California's lack of competitive tax incentives, leading to reduced film production in the state.
YouTube's Shift Towards Netflix-Style Interface on Living Room TVs YouTube is redesigning its TV interface to mirror Netflix, signalling a strategic move in the streaming wars.
Renata Brandão Expands Conspiração Filmes Internationally Renata Brandão leads Conspiração Filmes' international growth with new co-productions and remakes of Brazilian hits.
Netflix Shares Rise 9% Amid Strong Profit Outlook Netflix's strong profit growth drives shares up, though concerns about its ad-supported tier and engagement levels linger.
Jane Turton Reflects on $1.45 Billion All3Media Sale All3Media CEO Jane Turton discusses the sale to RedBird IMI and its impact on the company's future.
Rai Fiction Director Maria Pia Ammirati Revitalizes Italian TV Maria Pia Ammirati revitalises Rai Fiction with an innovative series, helping Italy's public broadcaster compete globally.
TV Veterans Rise to the Top of Hollywood's Content Divisions Television executives are taking over content leadership roles, reshaping Hollywood's power dynamics.
Isabelle Huppert Honoured at Lumiere Film Festival Isabelle Huppert received a career tribute at the Lumiere Film Festival, celebrated by filmmakers like Alfonso Cuarón.
Studio Lambert Wins Big at International Format Awards Studio Lambert secures major wins for "Squid Game: The Challenge" and "The Traitors" at the International Format Awards.
Plus: Insights, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals & Opportunities and Jobs with Disney & MOME.
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INSIGHTS
Reality TV’s Growing Dependence on Franchises Threatens Its Success
Much like the Marvel Cinematic Universe or scripted series with numerous spin-offs, reality TV increasingly depends on established franchises as the industry grows risk-averse. This trend risks stifling creativity and limiting new content, as networks rely on proven formulas instead of taking risks on original ideas. The shift reflects broader industry concerns, where even reality TV, once celebrated for its unpredictability, is following the path of established franchises. Read More
Judd Apatow Voices Concerns Over Declining California Film Production
Judd Apatow, who has shot most of his films in California, recently spoke about the state's waning local production landscape. Apatow expressed frustration over the industry's lack of competitive tax rebates, citing other states like Georgia that have successfully attracted productions. He highlighted the emotional impact of California's decline in filmmaking, noting that while his films thrive on the state's unique energy, today's budget constraints and reliance on algorithms make it increasingly challenging to greenlight projects that resonate with creativity and heart. Read More
YouTube’s Shift Towards Netflix-Style Interface on Living Room TVs Signals Strategic Move
As YouTube solidifies its position as a top "channel" on living room TVs, Google is preparing a major interface shift to make YouTube look more like Netflix, reflecting key realities in the streaming wars. The change, focused on long-form content, aims to improve user experience, boost ad revenue from TV viewers, and align YouTube content with traditional TV series. This strategic move also supports Google’s TV operating system and highlights the enduring importance of living room TV despite the mobile-centric narrative of the streaming industry. Read More
Renata Brandão Expands Conspiração Filmes Internationally with New Projects
Renata Brandão, CEO of Conspiração Filmes since 2016, has grown the Brazilian production giant’s international presence, earning 10 International Emmy nominations. Brandão oversees a Spanish-speaking remake of the hit Brazilian soap Under Pressure and is developing a new soap series to be shot abroad. She aims to extend Conspiração’s integrated studio model across Latin America, fostering co-productions and Latin American storytelling. Read More
Netflix Shares Rise 9% Amid Strong Profit Outlook, But Concerns Linger
Netflix shares surged 9% after the company exceeded revenue and profit expectations, projecting continued profit growth into 2025. Subscriber numbers also surpassed expectations, reaching 282.7 million paid memberships. The operating profit margin of 29.6% was a highlight, with the company raising its full-year profit margin outlook to 27%. However, concerns remain about Netflix’s ad-supported tier and its ability to monetise ad inventory. Some analysts, like Robert Fishman, also questioned stalled engagement and the lack of price hikes despite Netflix’s high stock valuation relative to peers. Read More
Jane Turton Reflects on $1.45 Billion All3Media Sale to RedBird IMI
In May 2024, All3Media CEO Jane Turton finalised the $1.45 billion sale of the global production powerhouse to Jeff Zucker and Gerry Cardinale’s RedBird IMI, marking the biggest deal in the company’s history. All3Media, which produces hits like The Traitors and Squid Game: The Challenge, now joins RedBird's expanding portfolio. Turton, named one of The Hollywood Reporter’s 2024 Most Powerful Women in International TV, emphasised the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, asserting that a diverse workforce drives success across commercial, cultural, creative, and financial fronts. Read More
Rai Fiction Director Maria Pia Ammirati Revitalises Italian TV with Award-Winning Series
Since becoming director of Rai Fiction in 2020, Maria Pia Ammirati has revitalised Italy's public broadcaster with groundbreaking series like My Brilliant Friend, The Sea Beyond, and The Count of Monte Cristo. Drawing on her experience as a TV writer, Ammirati has helped Rai compete with global streamers despite rising production costs. Named one of The Hollywood Reporter's 2024 Most Powerful Women in International TV, Ammirati credits creative innovation and strategic adaptation for Rai's renewed success in the ever-evolving television landscape. Read More
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TV Veterans Rise to the Top of Hollywood’s Content Divisions, Shifting Power Dynamics
Television executives have risen to lead entire content divisions across legacy media and streaming companies for the first time, overtaking traditional film executives in Hollywood's hierarchy. Notable figures like Zack Van Amburg and Jamie Erlicht at Apple, Jennifer Salke at Amazon MGM Studios, and Bela Bajaria at Netflix now oversee both TV and film divisions, significantly departing from Hollywood’s film-dominated leadership of the past century. This shift reflects the growing value of television in the entertainment industry, raising questions about whether this new structure can guide Hollywood through its current contraction and help it remain relevant in the future. Read More
James Norton’s Rabbit Track Pictures Embraces Personal Roots in Production Journey
James Norton, co-founder of Rabbit Track Pictures with Kitty Kaletsky, explains the personal significance behind the company’s name, drawing inspiration from a childhood rabbit track that symbolised freedom and adventure. The London-based production company on Carnaby Street has already delivered projects like Rogue Agent and is gearing up for King and Conqueror and Playing Nice. Upcoming projects include literary adaptations of Magpie by Elizabeth Day and Wavewalker by Suzanne Heywood, with collaborations involving prominent creatives like Jack Thorne, Sally Wainwright, and Aoife McArdle. Read More
Charlotte Moore Reflects on BBC’s Successes Amid Challenges as Head of Content
Since 2020, Charlotte Moore has overseen content at the BBC, navigating challenges like former presenter Huw Edwards' resignation and complaints about on-set bullying on Strictly Come Dancing. Despite this, Moore highlights successes such as the Gladiators' reboot and The Responder's return. She also celebrates the rapid growth of BBC iPlayer, now the fastest-growing VOD platform in the UK. Read More
HBO’s Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery Dives into Satoshi Nakamoto’s Identity
Cullen Hoback, known for his 2021 HBO docuseries Q: Into the Storm, returns with Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery, exploring the rise of cryptocurrencies and the elusive identity of Bitcoin’s creator, Satoshi Nakamoto. The documentary delves into the origins of Bitcoin, stemming from Nakamoto's 2008 white paper that revolutionised the digital currency world. Hoback’s latest project continues his exploration of how the digital revolution reshapes culture and society, with crypto symbolising the push for a decentralised financial system free from traditional banking institutions. Read More
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