TV, Film & Media Industry International News Roundup, Thursday 1 August 2024
Netflix dominates UK streaming; France supports arthouse films; Disney layoffs; Thai series tops Netflix; YouTube challenges broadcast TV; BBC First shuts down; Kevin Costner's Venice debut.
Today’s Highlights:
Top UK Streaming Shows: Netflix led the UK's most-watched streaming shows, with titles like "Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget" and "Beckham" dominating the top 10.
France's CNC Reforms: France's CNC has introduced reforms to support arthouse films, addressing financial challenges with increased funding and innovative distribution methods.
The Writers Lab 2024: Meryl Streep's The Writers Lab celebrates its 10th anniversary, showcasing female and non-binary screenwriters over 40.
Disney Layoffs: Disney Entertainment Television is laying off 140 employees, with National Geographic being heavily impacted.
Thai Series on Netflix: The Thai series "Master of the House" topped Netflix's Global Non-English series chart, a first for a Thai-produced show.
Kevin Costner's "Horizon 2": "Horizon: An American Saga—Chapter Two" will premiere at the Venice Film Festival after its US release was cancelled.
YouTube vs. Broadcast TV: Ofcom reports that younger UK audiences increasingly avoid traditional broadcast TV, favouring platforms like YouTube.
BBC First Shutdown: BBC First, a popular Foxtel channel, is shutting down due to the rise of streaming services impacting traditional TV viewership.
Netflix Subscriber Growth: Netflix’s subscriber base has grown by over 500% in the past decade due to its diverse content and global reach.
YouTube Streaming Dominance: YouTube is becoming a dominant platform in TV streaming, attracting younger audiences with its flexible, on-demand content.
Plus: News, Festivals, Insights, Executive Moves, In Development, Deals, Renewals and Jobs with ABC, BBC, AFTRS, Skybound, Netflix, Hartbeat & Disney.
Subscribe to our daily news roundup for exclusive insights, early access to industry news, and the convenience of having the latest updates in one place.
Our subscribers include executives from:
Streamers: Netflix, Apple, Viaplay, SkyShowTime, Amazon Prime.
Broadcasters: NBC Universal, France Televisions, Sky, ABC, Channel 4, ITV, A+E Networks, CBC, TV2, SVT, ARTE, RTBF, SBS Play, TCL FFalcon, RTL.
Producers: Fifth Season, Banijay, Fremantle, Endemol Shine, Gaumont, Pathé, Warner Bros Television Productions, UFA Fiction, Vivendi, Entertainment One, BBC Studios, Paramount Television International, Warner Bros Discovery, Talpa Studios, 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.
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.
NEWS
Top 10 UK streaming shows revealed as broadcast and VoD revenues diverge
Last year, Netflix dominated the UK's most-watched streaming shows, with eight titles in the top 10, including "Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget" and "Beckham." According to Ofcom's Media Nations Report, "Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget" was the most-watched show with 7.5 million views. Disney+’s "Elemental" was second with 6.5 million views. Netflix's "Beckham" documentary was third, followed by "Leave the World Behind." Amazon Prime Video’s "Clarkson’s Farm" was fifth. Netflix also filled positions six to ten with "Luther: The Fallen Sun," "The Night Agent," "Bodies," "Matilda the Musical," and "Extraction 2."
From: C21
France’s CNC bolsters reforms to support arthouse films
The CNC in France has introduced reforms to enhance support for arthouse films. These changes aim to address the financial challenges arthouse cinemas and filmmakers face. The new measures include increased funding, support for innovative distribution methods, and initiatives to boost audience engagement with arthouse content. These reforms are part of CNC's broader strategy to sustain and promote the diversity of French cinema in a rapidly changing industry landscape.
From: Screen Daily
Meryl Streep’s The Writers Lab Unveils 10th Annual List of Women and Non-Binary Screenwriters Over 40
Meryl Streep is celebrating ten years of The Writers Lab with the 2024 lineup of female and non-binary screenwriters to watch. Since 2014, Academy Award winner Streep has funded The Writers Lab, the only program exclusively elevating women and non-binary screenwriters over 40. Supported by Nicole Kidman, the Lab now operates in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Europe. This year, 14 writers across 12 projects will gather in November in Saugerties, New York, to develop strategies for navigating professional opportunities and building sustainable careers.
From: IndieWire
Disney Entertainment Television Lays Off 140, National Geographic Heavily Impacted
Disney Entertainment Television is laying off roughly 140 employees, about 2% of its workforce. National Geographic is the hardest hit, with 60 layoffs (13% of its staff). Other affected divisions include ABC Owned Television Stations, Freeform, and Disney's linear entertainment networks. The cuts, focused primarily on linear networks, were planned for months as part of a streamlining strategy, impacting positions mainly in Burbank, Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C.
From: Deadline
Glossy Thai Series ‘Master of the House’ Takes Netflix Global Chart Lead as It Portrays ‘Privilege’ and ‘Oppression’
In a first for a Thai-produced show, the murder-mystery series "Master of the House" has topped Netflix’s weekly Global Non-English series chart. In its second week, the seven-part series ranked first on the Global Top 10 TV (Non-English) list for July 22-28 and appeared in the top ten charts of 63 countries. The show follows a wealthy diamond merchant whose shocking marriage announcement at his birthday banquet leads to his mysterious death, sparking infighting between his new wife and disappointed relatives.
From: Variety
FESTIVALS
Kevin Costner’s ‘Horizon 2’ Set for Venice Film Festival World Premiere After Pulled U.S. Release
Kevin Costner’s “Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter Two” will world premiere at the Venice Film Festival in September after its U.S. release was pulled. Initially set for an Aug. 16 U.S. release, the second chapter was scrapped due to the first instalment’s poor box office performance, earning only $11 million on a $100 million budget. Directed by and starring Costner alongside Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Jena Malone, and Danny Huston, “Chapter Two” will premiere out-of-competition on Sept. 7, preceded by a screening of the first “Horizon” film, which received a seven-minute standing ovation at Cannes.
From: Variety
Six Spanish titles have been selected for Locarno Pro’s work-in-progress section, First Look, which runs from August 9 to 11.
Spain is the country in focus for the upcoming 13th edition of First Look. The selected projects, none of which currently have sales representation, were chosen out of over 40 submissions. The pre-selection committee consisted of Xavier Garcia Puerto (Tallinn Black Nights Festival/REC—International Festival of Cinema in Tarragona), Susana Santos Rodriguez (IndieLisboa/IFFR), and Cecilia Barrionuevo (ECAM—Escuela de Cinematografía y Audiovisual de Madrid).
From: Screen Daily
INSIGHTS
Starz's Kathryn Busby on leading original programming
Kathryn Busby, President of Original Programming at Starz, discusses her vision for the network. She emphasises the importance of diverse storytelling and character-driven solid narratives. Busby outlines Starz's strategy to compete in the crowded streaming market by focusing on unique, high-quality content that resonates with a broad audience.
From: The Wrap
YouTube taking over as Gen Z swerves broadcast TV in record numbers, Ofcom says
According to media regulator Ofcom, younger audiences in the UK increasingly avoid traditional broadcaster TV, with less than half of 16- to 24-year-olds watching linear programming weekly. Only 48% of Gen Z and Gen A viewers watched terrestrial TV last year, down from 76% in 2018. Ofcom's study shows a record drop in weekly reach for traditional TV, from 79% in 2022 to 75% in 2023. Children aged 4-15 also show a significant decline, with only 55% watching in 2023 compared to 81% in 2018. Middle-aged viewers (45-54) decreased from 89% to 84%. Younger audiences now watch traditional TV for just 33 minutes daily, with only 20 minutes spent on live TV, while they spend 1 hour 33 minutes on video-sharing platforms like YouTube.
From: C21
Farewell BBC First: How streaming killed off one of the best-ever Foxtel channels
BBC First, one of Foxtel's popular channels, is shutting down, a casualty of the shift to streaming. Launched in 2014, it showcased premium British drama and documentary content. The rise of streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ has significantly impacted traditional TV channels, leading to declining viewership and revenue and forcing networks like BBC First to cease operations.
From: Mediaweek
Showrunner Justin Haythe hails The Serpent Queen's return
Justin Haythe, showrunner of "The Serpent Queen," celebrates the series' return. Based on Catherine de Medici's life, the historical drama has received critical acclaim for its storytelling and performances. Haythe highlights the challenges and excitement of bringing such a complex historical figure to life, noting the series' blend of political intrigue and personal drama.
From: C21
New UK culture secretary Lisa Nandy sets out a vision to industry leaders: 'We will have your back'
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has assured industry leaders of government support for the creative sectors. Speaking to industry figures, Nandy emphasised the importance of the arts in the UK's economy and culture. She promised to address industry challenges, including funding innovation and talent development support.
From: Screen Daily
Aussie broadcasters need to reinvent as audiences turn to digital, says PwC report
Growth in Australia's media and entertainment economy has significantly slowed, according to PwC's latest report, which urges broadcasters to embrace digital reinvention. The 25th edition of PwC’s Australian Entertainment and Media Outlook found traditional television revenue declined by 15.3% to A$4.7bn (US$3bn) in 2023. Overall sector revenues reached A$62.3bn, a 2.8% increase. PwC notes the sluggish performance of Australian TV broadcasters in adopting digital and on-demand delivery, constrained by fears of cannibalising traditional revenues. This gap has been exploited by international streaming competitors, showing Australian consumers' willingness to adopt new delivery methods for premium content.
From: C21
Netflix's subscriber base has swelled by more than 500% in a decade
Netflix has seen a remarkable 500% growth in its subscriber base over the past decade. The platform's success is attributed to its extensive content library, original productions, and global reach. Netflix's ability to adapt to changing viewer preferences and invest in diverse programming has solidified its position as a leading streaming service.
From: Señal News
See-Saw Films on how they choose projects to develop and build their slate
See-Saw Films discusses its strategy for selecting and developing projects. The company focuses on unique stories with creative, solid visions, aiming to produce high-quality content across film and television. They emphasise the importance of collaboration with talented filmmakers and writers to build a diverse and compelling slate of projects.
From: IF
Joyrider changes course to avoid bumpy roads in CEE
Joyrider, a production company, is shifting its strategy to navigate challenges in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) market. The company aims to create content that resonates with local audiences and appeals to international markets. This approach includes adapting to regional tastes and leveraging local talent.
From: C21
Together again
NCIS stars Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo reunite for the spin-off NCIS: Tony & Ziva, discussing their off-screen friendship and the show's unique approach. Ten years after their last NCIS appearance, they reprise their roles as Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David. The 10-episode series, debuting on Paramount+, is set in Paris and follows Tony and Ziva as they raise their daughter, Tali. After Tony's security company is attacked, they must go on the run across Europe, uncover who is after them, and learn to trust each other again for their unconventional happily ever after.
From: Drama Quarterly
YouTube streaming TV
YouTube is becoming dominant in TV streaming, attracting younger audiences who prefer its flexible, on-demand content over traditional broadcast TV. The platform's integration into smart TVs and its diverse content offerings make it a significant competitor in the streaming market, reshaping viewing habits and industry dynamics.
From: The New York Times
Artificial intelligence in Hollywood unions
Hollywood unions are grappling with artificial intelligence's implications for the industry. AI's potential to automate filmmaking and content creation concerns job security and creative control. Unions advocate for regulations to protect workers and ensure AI is used ethically in the entertainment industry.
From: The New York Times
CJ ENM Hopes to Prime K-Pop Pump With Unscripted Series ‘Planet B,’ KCON Expansion to Germany
K-pop giants face a business slowdown, but CJ ENM remains ambitious, continuing its broad K-content slate. The company recently held the KCON LA 2024 event in Los Angeles, attracting 5.9 million fans from over 170 countries through digital platforms. Highlights included a CW network broadcast featuring actor Awkwafina and a teaser for the 2025 unscripted TV series "Planet B," which aims to launch new K-pop artists.
From: Variety
Josh Hartnett on Playing a Serial Killer in ‘Trap’ and the Legacy of Trip Fontaine in ‘The Virgin Suicides’
Josh Hartnett loves a challenge, finding the risk of failure or success irresistible. “There’s that huge disparate gambler in me, I guess,” he said via Zoom from a New York hotel room. This drew him to the lead role in M. Night Shyamalan’s psychological thriller Trap, where a father and daughter attend a concert, only for the father to realise he’s the serial killer being hunted.
From: IndieWire
Small Streamers, Big Business: Inside Fandom-Backed Growth and Industry Infiltration at Dropout, Nebula and Critical Role’s Beacon
Nebula is part of a new wave of streamer startups owned by content creators, targeting niche audiences and passionate fandoms. This trend includes services like Dropout (formerly CollegeHumor) and Beacon, a tabletop roleplaying game-focused service from the YouTube channel Critical Role. These platforms cater to super fans who pride themselves on independence and are free from venture capitalists or parent companies. Sam Reich, CEO of Dropout, differentiates his service from broad-based platforms like Netflix, highlighting the difference between “a brand play and a utility play.”
From: Variety
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Further&Better to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.