TV, Film & Media Industry International News Roundup, Weekend 18-19 January 2025

TikTok faces U.S. ban; Taylor Sheridan grows Texas film hub; AI risks UK creatives; BBC opens tenders; Wildfires hit LA film; Ghosts filmed in WA; Berlinale co-pros thrive; TikTok creators shift.

Today’s Highlights:

• U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on TikTok Ban - TikTok faces a transformative challenge as the U.S. Supreme Court mandates its sale by January 19, citing national security concerns tied to ByteDance’s alleged connections to China.

• Taylor Sheridan’s Role in Texas Film Industry Expansion - Taylor Sheridan spearheads Texas' rise as a major film hub, leveraging new soundstages and state incentives to rival established production centres like Georgia.

• UK Creative Industries Warn AI Growth Plan Risks - Concerns mount over the UK government's AI strategy, which critics argue could harm creative industries by favouring large tech firms and neglecting ethical safeguards.

• BBC Opens Competitive Tender for Flagship Shows - The BBC launches tenders for popular programs like Fake or Fortune and This Farming Life, promoting opportunities for independent production companies under its Compete or Compare strategy.

• Producers Innovate to Deliver High-Quality TV Amid Budget Cuts - Amid rising production challenges, p—To maintain premium-quality programming amids adopt cost-saving measures such as digital tools and user-generated content to maintain premium-quality programmin

• Big Tech’s Push to Capture TikTok Creators - Platforms like Meta and YouTube strategise to attract TikTok creators as a potential U.S. ban looms, reshaping the social media landscape.

• Wildfires Threaten Los Angeles’ Film Industry Dominance - Los Angeles wildfires displace thousands, exacerbating fears of a production exodus to more affordable locations, with union members urging support for local crews.

• Australian Adaptation of Ghosts to Film in Western Australia - The BBC Studios-produced remake of Ghosts brings a local flavour to the popular supernatural comedy, supported by Screenwest and Western Australian incentives.

• Berlinale Series Market Highlights Global Co-Production Opportunities - The Berlinale Series Market will showcase diverse projects, including new Spanish serials and international collaborations, driving innovation in global storytelling.

• Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s Cloud Acquired for North American Release - The action thriller and Japan's Oscars 2025 submission, Cloud, gains North American distribution by Sideshow and Janus Films, highlighting cultural critiques of internet modernity.

Plus: News, Insights, Executive Moves, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals, Renewals & Jobs with UKTV, Amazon. Netflix, Hulu & Prime.

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NEWS

The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld a law effectively banning TikTok, marking a transformative moment for digital media.

The ruling, issued Friday, mandates ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, to sell the app by January 19 or face removal from web-hosting services and app stores. The court ruled that the law did not violate the First Amendment, targeting ByteDance’s alleged ties to China rather than free speech. President-elect Trump may intervene to negotiate a deal. Read More

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BBC Seeks Tenders for New Factual and Children’s Shows

The BBC has opened tenders for new factual and children’s programming, inviting external producers to contribute to its slate. This move aligns with the broadcaster's goal to bring fresh perspectives and innovative content to its audience. The initiative aims to expand opportunities for independent production companies in the U.K. Read More

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BBC Opens Competitive Tender for Fake or Fortune, This Farming Life, and More

The BBC has announced a competitive tender process for Fake or Fortune, This Farming Life, Rip Off Britain, and CBeebies Specials. While the BBC retains broadcasting rights, external producers will be invited to pitch for these shows. This move aligns with the BBC’s Compete or Compare strategy to enhance audience value. Full eligibility criteria and requirements will be shared with potential suppliers, with tenders set to open in the coming weeks. Read More

INSIGHTS

Severance Explores the Mind’s Potential for Division Through Fiction and Neuroscience

Returning for its second season, Severance examines the concept of splitting work and personal memories, a premise inspired by real neurological phenomena. Split-brain studies and rare cases like Neil's show how separate hemispheres or blocked memory access can create unique cognitive experiences. While the hippocampus might be a theoretical target, the complexity of human memory and cognition makes the show’s “severance procedure” purely speculative but deeply intriguing. Read More

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UK Creative Industries Warn AI Growth Plan Could "Decimate" Sector Amid Ethical Concerns

The UK government's AI Opportunities Action Plan, aimed at driving economic growth, has sparked criticism from creative industry experts who warn it could "decimate" the sector. Concerns centre on the lack of safeguards against AI models using unethically sourced data, with critics claiming the plan overly favours big tech. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s strategy to integrate AI across industries raises fears of significant harm to the UK’s screen and creative sectors. Read More

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'Blue Cheap': 4 New Ways of Making TV Only Look Expensive

Amid shrinking budgets, producers are embracing cost-saving tactics to deliver high-quality TV on reduced funds. Strategies include borrowing unscripted production efficiencies, leveraging digital tools, and creatively using user-generated content. Shows like Rabbit Films’ The Queen of Fucking Everything prove premium appeal is possible at a fraction of typical costs. With pressures mounting, producers innovate to meet audience expectations, balancing sharp visuals with budget constraints to stay competitive in a changing market. Read More

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Taylor Sheridan Leads Texas Film Industry Renaissance with Expanding Soundstages and Incentives

Taylor Sheridan, creator of Yellowstone and 1883, drives Texas' emergence as a significant film hub, advocating for expanded state incentives to rival Georgia and New Mexico. Productions like Lioness and Landman have injected over $674M into the economy, with new soundstage projects, such as Hill Country Studios and Horizon International, fueling growth. Sheridan calls for sustainable funding and infrastructure to solidify Texas as a global production leader. Read More

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Evolving Strategies in Kids’ Content Acquisition

Kids’ platforms are adapting to shifting habits, prioritizing on-demand rights, co-productions, and big brands to attract audiences. Buyers like ITVX, Sandbox, and KiKA aim for diverse offerings, exploring new markets, co-viewing hits, and creator-driven content. Flexibility in exclusivity agreements and strategies to integrate social media influencers are key. Despite budget constraints, buyers continue seeking high-quality programming that aligns with audience needs while navigating the competitive landscape of children’s entertainment. Read More

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Big Tech Gears Up to Capture TikTok’s Creators Amid Potential Ban

With TikTok’s U.S. shutdown looming, platforms like Meta, YouTube, and Snapchat are racing to attract its 170 million U.S. users and creators. Snapchat is leading efforts with a campaign featuring TikTok stars like Loren Gray and Harry Jowsey, emphasizing creator-friendly content. As creators decide their next move, platforms aim to capitalize on billions of minutes of user engagement suddenly up for grabs, reshaping the social video landscape. Read More

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Producers Urged to Bet on Themselves as Industry Financing Shifts

Ed Sayer’s LinkedIn post calls on producers to embrace risk, innovate beyond traditional TV outputs, and prepare for private equity investment in IP. He advocates for scalable, adaptable ideas that generate revenue across multiple platforms—like returnable formats and cross-media content. As bespoke financing becomes the norm, producers must master deal-making and partnerships to secure diverse funding sources, from co-commissions to merchandising, while retaining creative and entrepreneurial talent. Read More

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10 Key Film Industry Talking Points for 2025

In 2025, the film industry will focus on streaming dominance, theatrical resurgence, and diverse storytelling while integrating AI and sustainable practices in production. Global collaborations thrive, and content monetization evolves with new models to match shifting viewer habits. Regulatory challenges, talent dynamics, and innovative audience engagement strategies shape the landscape, emphasizing inclusivity, technological advancement, and eco-friendly approaches to meet the demands of a rapidly changing global market. Read More

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Noel Fielding’s Absence Halts Production of Apple TV+’s The Completely Made-Up Adventures Of Dick Turpin

Production on Season 2 of Apple TV+’s The Completely Made-Up Adventures Of Dick Turpin has ceased, leaving hundreds of cast and crew jobless. Star Noel Fielding, known for The Great British Baking Show, reportedly failed to return to set after the holidays. Filming could not continue despite rescheduling efforts, and the series was cancelled. Read More

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Night of the Zoopocalypse Brings Animated Zombie Fun to AFM

Co-represented by Anton and Charades, the CG-animated Night of the Zoopocalypse premieres at AFM before its U.S. release via Viva Pictures on March 7, 2025. Directed by Ricardo Curtis (The Iron Giant) and Rodrigo Perez-Castro (Rio), the family horror comedy stars David Harbour, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, and Gabbi Kosmidis. Produced by House of Cool and Copperheart Entertainment, the film blends stunning animation with elements of the classic zombie genre. Read More

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Wildfires Threaten to Accelerate Film Industry Exodus from Los Angeles

Los Angeles wildfires have displaced thousands, including at least 8,000 film and TV workers, deepening a dire production slowdown. Cinematographer Rachel Morrison and others urge productions to return to L.A. to support impacted crews, but fears persist of an exodus to cheaper hubs like Georgia. With over 12,000 structures lost and union members grappling with housing crises, L.A.’s role as a production epicentre hangs in the balance. Read More

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Beatles Manager Biopic Midas Man Faces Challenges in Long Road to Release

The Brian Epstein biopic Midas Man endured significant delays and setbacks, burning through three directors and nearly doubling its $10 million budget. Despite initial investor excitement at a 2019 BAFTA event, the film struggled to secure major distributors and was eventually released on Prime Video in the UK. While a North American deal with Briarcliff promises a streaming release on January 21, theatrical prospects remain uncertain. Read More

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Streaming Platforms Embrace Traditional TV Trends: Are Procedurals Next?

Streaming mirrors traditional TV with trends like bundling and ad-supported tiers, which have boosted financials, as seen with Prime Video’s ARPU increase. Procedurals, a genre synonymous with broadcast TV, may see a resurgence as platforms seek consistent, audience-friendly formats. With procedural revenue outperforming their catalogue share, the genre's comeback could align perfectly with streaming's shift towards traditional TV models. Read More

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How MULHOLLAND DRIVE Influenced THE SUBSTANCE | Director Coralie Fargeat on David Lynch

Director Coralie Fargeat of "The Substance" reflected on seeing Mulholland Drive for the first time and how it influenced her movie about the dark side of Los Angeles.

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