TV, Film & Media Industry International News Roundup, Thursday 25 July 2024

Banijay's Pilar Blasco to open MIP Cancun; Italy's streaming surge; UK film summit; TIFF's Bonjour Tristesse; Hollywood tackles deepfakes; Germany boosts film funds; Berlinale supports global projects

Today’s Highlights:

• Banijay Iberia's CEO Pilar Blasco to Open MIP Cancun 2024: Pilar Blasco will deliver the opening keynote at the 11th edition of MIP Cancun, hosting up to 1,000 delegates from over 40 countries.

• Streaming Overtakes Pay TV in Italy: Streaming subscriptions in Italy rose by 12.5% in Q1 2024, surpassing pay TV and making up 20.4% of total revenues.

• Screen Summit Featuring UK Film Leaders: Notable industry figures Nicky Bentham, Marie-Claire Benson, and Jane Epstein will speak at the Screen International's 'The Future of UK Film' summit in London.

• TIFF's Discovery Program Opens with 'Bonjour Tristesse': Durga Chew-Bose's adaptation of "Bonjour Tristesse," starring Chloë Sevigny, will open the 2024 TIFF Discovery program.

• Hollywood Law Firm Tackles Celebrity Deepfake Phenomenon: Venable LLP launches Takedown, a program to combat the rise of unauthorised deepfake videos and images targeting celebrities.

• Germany Increases National Film Funding: Germany's 2025 draft budget includes a significant increase in national film funding, with €18 million allocated to support filmmakers.

• Berlinale's World Cinema Fund Backs Ten Projects: Berlinale's World Cinema Fund awards €260,000 to ten feature projects from various countries, supporting diverse international filmmakers.

• Sanfic-Morbido Lab's 2024 Lineup Announced: The fifth edition features supernatural stories, dark humour, and hostage plotlines, with projects by Caye Casas and Guillermo Amoedo.

• Screen Ireland Awards €1 Million to 27 Organizations: Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland supports various organisations through the 2024 Screen Stakeholders Funding Scheme, focusing on skills development and sustainability.

• Screen Queensland's NQ Discovering New Online Voices Program: Michelle La's 'Chopsticks & Chippies' wins the $10,000 grant, fostering new voices and innovative projects in North Queensland.

Plus: News, Insights, Executive Moves, In Development, Deals & Jobs with Sony, Warners, PBS, CAA, Netflix & CNN.

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NEWS

MIP Cancun 2024: Banijay Iberia's CEO Pilar Blasco to open the market

Banijay Iberia's CEO, Pilar Blasco, will deliver the opening keynote at the 11th edition of MIP Cancun on November 20. The event will host up to 1,000 delegates from over 40 countries, including buyers, producers, and distributors. Blasco, who oversees production labels in Madrid, Barcelona, Galicia, and Lisbon, will share her insights and experiences, creating a significant presence for the Spanish-language content market.

From: Señal News

Research: Streaming overtakes pay TV in Italy

In Q1 2024, streaming subscriptions in Italy rose by 12.5%, surpassing pay TV for the first time and making up 20.4% of total revenues. The broadcasting sector saw modest growth of 1.6% in 2023, reaching €8.9 billion in turnover. While free-to-air TV and radio grew slightly, traditional pay TV declined by 4.9%. Streaming services now represent 53% of pay-TV revenues, highlighting the shift towards digital platforms.

From: Advanced Television

Producer Nicky Bentham, Lionsgate’s Marie-Claire Benson, Independent Talent’s Jane Epstein join Screen Summit

Neon Films producer Nicky Bentham, Lionsgate UK head Marie-Claire Benson, and Independent Talent’s Jane Epstein will speak at Screen International’s ‘The Future of UK Film’ summit in London on September 24, 2024. The event aims to bring together industry leaders to discuss the growth and sustainability of the UK independent film sector, featuring insights from producers, financiers, and talent agents on navigating new tax credits and industry innovations.

From: Screen Daily

‘Bonjour Tristesse’ Starring Chloë Sevigny to Open TIFF’s Discovery Program

The 2024 TIFF Discovery program, presented by Air France, will debut first-time and sophomore films from emerging international filmmakers. With 24 titles and 20 world premieres from 25 countries, the program opens with Durga Chew-Bose’s adaptation of “Bonjour Tristesse.” The film follows 18-year-old Cécile (Lily McInerny) at the French seaside with her father and his lover, as the arrival of Anne (Chloë Sevigny) disrupts their lives, leading to tragic consequences.

From: IndieWire

Top Hollywood Law Firm Launches Service to Combat Soaring Celebrity Deepfake Phenomenon

With deepfakes on the rise, celebrities struggle to combat realistic AI-generated content targeting figures like Taylor Swift, Scarlett Johansson, Donald Trump, and Kamala Harris. Hollywood's Venable LLP is addressing this issue with Takedown, a program that proactively identifies and removes unauthorised deepfake videos, images, and pirated content. Created by Venable Blue, the consulting arm focused on cybersecurity, Takedown protects individuals and companies from abusive content, disinformation, false endorsements, and copyright violations.

From: Variety

Germany to increase national funding for filmmakers

Germany's draft budget for 2025 includes a significant increase in national film funding, with an additional €7.5m for shorts and feature-length projects, bringing the total to €18m. A new funding category will support up-and-coming filmmakers, starting with a €7.2m budget in 2025. Additional funding includes €4.5m for project development and €2m for arthouse distributors. The increased support aims to strengthen German cinema's artistic standing and diversity.

From: Screen Daily

Berlinale’s World Cinema Fund backs ten projects, including ‘Aisha Can’t Fly Away’

Berlinale’s World Cinema Fund (WCF) has awarded €260,000 to ten feature projects from various countries, including Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Cameroon, Egypt, Iran, Lesotho, Nepal, and Sudan. Egyptian filmmaker Morad Mostafa's debut feature "Aisha Can’t Fly Away" received €25,000. The fund supports eight production and two distribution grants. Other notable recipients include Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese's "Ancestral Visions Of The Future" and Mohamed Kordofani’s "Goodbye Julia." The selections were made from 195 submissions by a jury of international film professionals.

From: Screen Daily

Supernatural Stories, Dark Humor, Hostage Plotlines Converge in 2024 Sanfic-Morbido Lab Lineup: Projects From Caye Casas, Guillermo Amoedo Headline Bold Slate

The fifth edition of the Santiago Int’l Film Festival’s Morbido Lab features a six-title slate, including works by Caye Casas and Guillermo Amoedo. Sanfic co-founder Gabriela Sandoval noted the competition was tighter this year due to increased applications. Morbido founder Pablo Guisa Koestinger will advise both established and emerging talents. Directors Luis Javier Henaine and Adrian Garcia Bogliano will also provide mentorship, guiding projects towards full development and financing.

From: Variety

Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland Announces Recipient Organisations of 2024 Screen Stakeholders Funding Scheme

Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland awarded over €1 million to 27 organisations for the 2024 Screen Stakeholders Funding Scheme. The funding supports high-quality skills development initiatives addressing equality, sustainability, future technology, and the Irish language. Recipients include ACE Producers, Ardán, and the Irish Film and Television Academy, aiming to enhance the Irish screen sector through various workshops, training programs, and development projects.

From: Screen Ireland

Screen Queensland names winning short-form project for $10,000 NQ Discovering New Online Voices program

Screen Queensland names Michelle La’s 'Chopsticks & Chippies' as the winning short-form project for the $10,000 NQ Discovering New Online Voices program. The dramedy about friendship and cultural differences was selected after La pitched to a panel of industry experts. The program, in partnership with Screenworks, aims to develop the skills of screen practitioners in North and Far North Queensland, fostering new voices and innovative projects for digital platforms.

From: IF

INSIGHTS

Venice 2024 Lineup Set to Kick-Start Awards Season

Alberto Barbera has unveiled another stellar lineup for the 81st Venice Film Festival (Aug. 28-Sept. 7). The festival will feature Warner Bros.' Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and Joker: Folie à Deux, with established auteurs and emerging talent. Highlights include Pedro Almodóvar's English-language debut, The Room Next Door, starring Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore, and Pablo Larrain's Maria, featuring Angelina Jolie as opera diva Maria Callas. Both films are expected to be significant contenders for awards this season.

From: The Hollywood Reporter

How Banijay Kids & Family is bucking the commissioning downturn

Banijay Kids & Family CEO Benoît Di Sabatino discusses the company’s ambitious content slate. The company’s latest project is a live-action adaptation of "Totally Spies" for young adults. Banijay's productions like "Mr. Bean: The Animated Series" and "Mumfie" are also part of its extensive portfolio. The focus remains on acquiring new IP and talent, expanding digital presence, and maximising brand exploitation through strategic marketing and consumer products.

From: C21

BBC Commercial delivers annual sales of £1.9bn

In 2023/24, BBC Commercial achieved £1.9 billion in sales and £199 million in EBITDA despite challenging market conditions. BBC Studios made strategic investments, including fully owning BritBox International and expanding its international production footprint. Major productions included "Time" season two, "Planet Earth III," and "The Famous Five." BBC Studios maintained strong financial performance, focusing on content investment, digital services, and international growth.

From: Advanced Television

ZDF Studios finds drama copro comrades

ZDF Studios has partnered with Central and Eastern European producers to co-produce several drama series. Collaborations include Czech Television, Polish Television, and Slovak Television. The studio aims to create high-quality content that resonates locally and internationally. It leverages regional talent and stories to enrich its portfolio with diverse narratives.

From: C21

TelevisaUnivision Says Streaming Business on Track to Turn Profitable This Year

Spanish-language media giant TelevisaUnivision reported $799 million in U.S. revenue for Q2 2024, with a 2% advertising revenue increase offsetting a 1% drop in subscription, licensing, and other revenue. The company reiterated that its streaming business, with over 7 million subscribers by the end of 2023, will turn profitable in H2 2024. Total Q2 revenue grew 3% to $1.3 billion, with an 8% rise in Mexico. Operating expenses increased 6% to $896 million, leading to a 3% drop in adjusted OIBDA to $362 million. Advertising revenue jumped 6% to $785 million.

From: The Hollywood Reporter

Unscripted TV tax credit 'would boost spending', says report

A new report suggests that implementing a tax credit for unscripted TV productions could lead to an additional €330m in annual spending. The study, commissioned by the Irish Film and Television Academy, suggests the credit would support jobs and foster growth in the sector. The proposed incentive aims to make Ireland more competitive in attracting international production.

From: Irish Independent

Fifty Shades of Copro: Choose the One that's Right for You!

Series Mania's panel on co-production strategies highlighted the importance of selecting the right partners and understanding the market. Experts discussed various models, emphasising flexibility and mutual benefits. Panellists, including Marc B. Lorber, shared insights on successful co-productions, navigating financial landscapes, and leveraging creative synergies to enhance global reach. The session provided valuable guidance for producers looking to expand their projects through international collaborations.

From: Series Mania

‘Bionico’s Bachata’ SXSW Audience Award-Winning Duo Heads to Locarno’s Match Me! With Next Project, ‘The Baker’

Dominican producer Cristian Mojica and filmmaker Yoel Morales will showcase their SXSW Audience Award-winning film "Bionico’s Bachata" in the Open Doors section at Locarno. Their next project, "The Baker," will participate in the Match Me! Forum. Produced through Mentes Fritas Film Production, "The Baker" is set in 1925 and follows Marco, who immigrates from the Dominican Republic to Italy to inherit his uncle’s bakery. Marco faces internal conflicts and rivalries, with violent crimes and unexpected alliances complicating his efforts to revive the bakery’s legacy.

From: Variety

Hollywood’s Mental Health Crisis: How Job Losses Are Impacting Industry Executives As LinkedIn Is Labeled A “Pit Of Despair”

Many Hollywood executives who lost their jobs over the past year grapple with more than unemployment; they feel hopeless and lack purpose. One executive described LinkedIn as a "pit of despair," while another felt overwhelmed and stuck. The industry's challenges have led to panic and anxiety, with one out-of-work TV executive experiencing chest pains from stress. Despite a doctor's suggestion to seek therapy, the executive felt it wouldn't help find a job, underscoring the mental health crisis in Hollywood.

From: Deadline

'Don't aim into the stratosphere right from the start': Should creators be more mindful of international markets?

At the Future Vision panel in Melbourne, industry experts emphasised the need for Australian TV creators to consider international markets early in development. Bruna Papandrea highlighted building global relationships as crucial for success. Alison Hurbert-Burns stressed that projects must appeal beyond Australia, while John Collee advised collaborating with familiar partners initially to reach broader audiences gradually. These insights underscore the importance of strategic international planning in content creation.

From: IF

Funding the African Content Boom, Cracking the Distribution Riddle and Women Making Waves: 8 Takeaways From the 15th Durban FilmMart

The 15th edition of the Durban FilmMart, held July 19-22 in South Africa, concluded with optimism among industry professionals across the continent. Key topics included the future of film finance in Africa, pan-African collaboration, and building a sustainable industry amid climate change. Nearly 1,500 delegates from 58 countries attended, featuring notable figures such as Netflix’s Dorothy Ghettuba and Chris Mack, Red Sea Film Fund's Emad Eskander, Logical Pictures Group’s Frédéric Fiore, Black Mic Mac’s Nicola Ofoego, and WME Independent’s Katie Irwin.

From: Variety

Google: YouTube ad revenue demonstrates 'shift in budgets from linear to digital'

Google reported a significant increase in YouTube ad revenue, highlighting a shift in advertising budgets from linear TV to digital platforms. This trend underscores the growing importance of digital media in the advertising landscape. The shift is driven by the increasing viewership and engagement on YouTube, making it a preferred choice for advertisers looking to reach a broader audience. This change reflects a broader industry trend towards digitalisation and the decline of traditional TV advertising.

From: C21

Bavaria Fiction's Emanuel Rotstein on the contracting TV documentary market

Bavaria Fiction’s Emanuel Rotstein discusses the challenges of the TV documentary market two years after launching its non-fiction arm. The company, a joint venture between Bavaria Film and ZDF Studios, has projects like a true crime documentary for Sky Deutschland and another about the October 7 Hamas Israeli music festival massacre. Rotstein highlights the health of the German non-fiction sector and the growing importance of international co-productions as public broadcasters face financial pressures.

From: C21

‘They Call Me Jeeg’ Writing Team Talks New Project ‘Piranhas in Rome’ and Why It Isn’t Another ‘Under Paris’

Italy’s Indiana Production continues its push into the genre with the action chiller “Piranhas in Rome – The Great Horror Beauty.” Written by Rome-based duo Nicola Guaglianone and Menotti, known for the hit superhero movie “They Call Me Jeeg,” the film is set in an apocalyptic, aquatic version of Rome. The director is yet to be decided. Menotti, the pen name of comic book artist and screenwriter Roberto Marchionni, shared exclusive concept art for the live-action project, which depicts predatory freshwater fish invading Rome through the city’s water supply from the Tiber River.

From: Variety

BritBox International Boss Speaks For First Time Since $330M BBC Studios-ITV Deal, Says Best-Of-British Streamer Feels No “Creative Pressure” From Its New Majority Owner

BritBox International is operating "autonomously" and free from "creative pressure" from the BBC, according to its president, Robert Schildhouse. He described the streamer as "the best route to market for British TV outside of the UK." Speaking to Deadline after being promoted to President of BritBox North America and General Manager of BritBox International, Schildhouse discussed the impact of BBC Studios' £255M ($329M) acquisition of ITV’s shareholding, which led to the departure of his predecessor, Reemah Sakaan. This move supports BBC's ambitions for international growth while ITV focuses on its new domestic streamer, ITVX.

From: Deadline

Dark waters

First-time showrunner Alma Har’el collaborates with Julie Gardner and Nathan Ross to adapt Laura Lippman’s novel Lady in the Lake for Apple TV+. The series stars Natalie Portman as Maddie Schwartz, a Jewish housewife in 1960s Baltimore who becomes an investigative journalist after a young girl's disappearance. The story also follows Cleo Johnson, played by Moses Ingram, a mother navigating black Baltimore’s political underbelly. Their lives intersect in a gripping noir thriller reflecting race, gender, and societal struggles.

From: Drama Quarterly

Swedish film & TV bodies criticise “first-come, first-served” government funding process

Sweden’s major film and TV organisations have criticised the government’s “first-come, first-served” funding process, claiming funds were allocated in one minute during the latest round. Eight organisations, including Film i Vast and SVT, signed a letter urging a change in the application process. They suggest a "weighting principle" to rank applications based on criteria, arguing the current system favours speed over quality. Organisations also call for an increased budget to attract international production and better support the industry.

From: Screen Daily

Eighty-five per cent of film festivals need further public funding to survive, says ICO survey

According to a survey by the UK's Independent Cinema Office (ICO), 85% of global film festivals require more public funding to continue. The survey of 49 festivals revealed that 37% believe they can operate for a year or less under current conditions. Rising costs are the primary concern for 69% of respondents. The survey results were shared at the International Film Festival Network (IFFN) summit, highlighting the financial challenges and the need for increased support.

From: Screen Daily

Comic-Con Is ‘Finally Back to Normal’ After Years of Setbacks. But Could It Leave San Diego?

"I think it will be a really good show," chief communications and strategy officer David Glanzer says of the four-day convention, expecting over 130,000 attendees. "Finally, we’ll be back to normal." The return is crucial after the pandemic cancellations caused significant financial losses for the nonprofit, with operating losses of $6.8 million in 2020 and $4.7 million in 2021. Despite a few ticket refund requests in 2023 after many studios withdrew from Comic-Con, another challenging year could have been devastating.

From: Variety

5 Burning Questions Ahead of San Diego Comic-Con 2024

San Diego Comic-Con 2024 brings industry shifts and big questions. Hollywood returns with notable absences as concerns about superhero fatigue rise. The impact on Hall H programming and artists remains to be seen. Marvel faces a pivotal moment, needing a reset post-Kang controversy. Warner Bros. skips major film promotions and focuses on TV series. Anticipation grows for cosplay trends, with "Deadpool & Wolverine" as a potential highlight.

From: The Wrap

How ‘Dìdi’ Director Sean Wang Created a Love Letter to the MySpace and AIM Era With His Deeply Personal Coming-of-Age Story

In 2008, MySpace was cool, flip phones were popular, and being a 13-year-old boy was tough. Technology has changed, but "Dìdi" — a touching, frequently hilarious coming-of-age story set in the early 2000s — shows that the struggles of adolescence are timeless. "Boyhood is messy," says Sean Wang, the film's 29-year-old writer and director, who still looks youthful as he chats on Zoom. "The experience of adolescence is pretty consistent across generations. It's why I can watch '400 Blows' — a movie made before I was born — and see myself in it."

From: Variety

Steve Against the Machine – AI in development

Kulturakademin presents "Steve Against the Machine," a discussion of AI's impact on media development. This session explores AI's potential to revolutionise creative processes and content creation, featuring insights from industry experts. The event addresses the balance between human creativity and machine efficiency, examining ethical implications and prospects in the audiovisual sector. Participants will understand how AI can be integrated into development workflows to enhance productivity and innovation.

From: Kulture