TV, Film & Media Industry International News Roundup, Thursday 28 November 2024
Disney settles gender lawsuit; EU confirms culture, tech leaders; Blanchett, Pitt star in bold films; Elton retires; Biddiss rises; co-productions thrive; prison drama debuts.
Today’s Highlights:
Disney Agrees to $43.3 Million Settlement in Gender Discrimination Lawsuit - The Walt Disney Company settles a $43.3 million gender discrimination lawsuit, addressing claims of underpaying women by $150 million over eight years, with commitments to monitor pay equity.
European Parliament Confirms New Culture and Technology Commissioners -Henna Virkkunen and Glenn Micallef take on key European Parliament roles to advance AI strategies in technology and culture, starting December 1, 2024.
A Better Place: German Drama Explores a World Without Prisons - The German series A Better Place explores the societal reintegration of offenders through an experiment replacing prisons with therapy, work, and housing.
Coralie Fargeat Discusses 'The Substance' - Director Coralie Fargeat talks about the use of deliberate excess in The Substance to amplify themes of obsession and ambition, reflecting her provocative creative vision.
TV Producers Turn to Co-Productions Amid Budget Challenges - Global TV production increasingly relies on international co-productions, sharing budgets and risks across projects like Night Manager 2 and The Day of the Jackal.
Cate Blanchett Leads Bizarre Zombie Horror-Comedy' Rumours' - Cate Blanchett stars in Rumours, a satire blending political absurdity and zombie chaos at a G7 summit, directed by Guy Maddin.
Elton John Reflects on Life After Touring in New Documentary - Elton John: Never Too Late explores John's post-tour life, co-directed by David Furnish, debuting on Disney+ this December.
Paul Biddiss Gains Fame as Espionage Advisor - Paul Biddiss, known for advising on The Day of the Jackal and other Hollywood projects, earns recognition for his realism and expertise in training actors and extras.
Kerry Washington Reflects on Career Milestones - Ahead of her Walk of Fame honour, Kerry Washington credits Scandal for transforming her career and opening opportunities as a producer and actor.
Michael C. Pitt Seeks Redemption in 'Day of the Fight' - Michael C. Pitt stars in Jack Huston's Day of the Fight, a black-and-white drama exploring forgiveness and resilience, premiering December 6.
Plus: News, Insights, Executive Moves, In Development, Deals, Events and Jobs with All3Media, Banijay, Paramount, ITV, Audible & Disney.
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NEWS
Disney Agrees to $43.3 Million Settlement in Gender Discrimination Lawsuit
The Walt Disney Company has agreed to pay $43.3 million to settle a lawsuit claiming systemic gender pay discrimination in California. Filed in 2019, the lawsuit alleged women were underpaid by $150 million over eight years. As part of the settlement, Disney will monitor pay equity for three years under the guidance of a labour economist. The settlement awaits court approval. Read More
European Parliament Confirms New Culture and Technology Commissioners
The European Parliament has confirmed Henna Virkkunen as Commissioner for Technology and Glenn Micallef as Commissioner for Culture. Virkkunen will focus on AI, tech security, and sovereignty, while Micallef will address working conditions for artists and develop AI strategies for cultural industries. Their appointments are part of the new commission beginning December 1, 2024. Read More
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INSIGHTS
A Better Place: German Drama Explores a World Without Prisons
The German drama A Better Place examines a society without prisons. Set in Rhinestadt, the series follows Mayor Amir (Steven Sowah) and scientist Petra (Maria Hofstätter) as they launch an experiment reintegrating prisoners into society with work, housing, and therapy. The eight-part series explores offenders’ struggles, societal prejudice, and victims' quest for justice, delving into the consequences and benefits of this radical approach. Read More
Coralie Fargeat Discusses The Substance: "Everything Had to Be in Excess"
Director Coralie Fargeat delved into the making of her film The Substance, emphasising the deliberate use of excess to amplify its themes of obsession and ambition. She stated, "Everything had to be in excess," highlighting her intent to create a visually arresting, exaggerated style that underscores the film's intense narrative. This approach reflects Fargeat's distinct creative vision, aiming to provoke thought and elicit strong reactions from the audience. Read More
TV Producers Turn to Co-Productions Amid Budget Challenges
International co-productions are becoming vital for creating global TV, with producers teaming up to share resources and risks. High-profile examples include The Day of the Jackal and Night Manager Season 2, involving major players like Peacock, Sky, BBC, and Amazon Prime Video. With U.S. buyers now demanding budget-sharing deals, producers are increasingly exploring international partnerships, leveraging tax incentives and global connections to keep projects alive. Read More
Cate Blanchett Leads Bizarre Zombie Horror-Comedy ‘Rumours’
Cate Blanchett stars as a German chancellor in Rumours, a zombie horror-comedy set at a G7 summit, blending satire and absurdity under the direction of Guy Maddin. Playing a powerful yet awkward leader reminiscent of Angela Merkel, Blanchett shines alongside Denis Menochet as they navigate a chaotic undead scenario. Read More
Elton John Reflects on Life After Touring in New Documentary
Elton John, 77, retired after his five-year Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, prioritising family and personal happiness. His journey is explored in Elton John: Never Too Late, co-directed by husband David Furnish and R.J. Cutler. The film, which premiered on November 15 and debuts on Disney+ in December, celebrates John's decision to leave the stage on a high note and embrace a more grounded life. Read More
Espionage Advisor Paul Biddiss Finds Viral Fame Amid Hollywood Projects
Paul Biddiss, espionage advisor on The Day of the Jackal for Peacock and Sky, gained recognition following a viral Graham Norton Show moment where Saoirse Ronan highlighted gender dynamics in surveillance awareness. Biddiss, a former British Parachute Regiment veteran, transitioned to advising after working on The Monuments Men. He now trains actors and extras, with recent projects including Gladiator II and Napoleon, earning praise for his realism and immersive preparation expertise. Read More
Angelina Jolie Stars in Maria, Read Steven Knight’s Script-Turned Opera Libretto
Angelina Jolie portrays opera icon Maria Callas in Maria, based on Steven Knight’s screenplay directed by Pablo Larraín. The Netflix film reimagines Callas in her final days in Paris, reflecting on her tumultuous life and identity. This collaboration follows Knight and Larraín’s acclaimed Spencer. Jolie brings emotional depth to this biopic of the American-Greek soprano, who passed away in 1977 at age 53. Read More
Kerry Washington Reflects on Career Milestones Ahead of Walk of Fame Honour
Kerry Washington, set to receive her Hollywood Walk of Fame star on Dec. 2, credits her iconic role as Olivia Pope in Scandal for transforming her life and career. The role, which made her the first Black woman to lead a network drama in nearly 40 years, opened doors for acting and producing projects like Little Fires Everywhere and UnPrisoned. Washington expressed gratitude for Olivia Pope’s impact on culture and her journey. Read More
Michael C. Pitt Seeks Redemption in Jack Huston's Day of the Fight
Jack Huston’s directorial debut, Day of the Fight, stars Michael C. Pitt as Mike Flannigan, a former boxing champion navigating redemption after his release from prison. Reuniting with Boardwalk Empire co-star John Magaro, Pitt’s character seeks guidance from his estranged friend, now a priest. The black-and-white drama premieres in theatres on December 6, exploring themes of forgiveness and resilience in Brooklyn’s gritty streets. Read More
'Gladiator II' Cinematographer on Shooting the Flooded Colosseum Sequence on Dry Land Using VFX
'Gladiator II' DP John Mathieson breaks down how they shot the flooded colosseum scene on dry land and a water tank using remote-operated ships combined with VFX.
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