TV, Film & Media Industry International News Roundup, Tuesday 5 November 2024
Nick Stevens redefines crime drama; Netflix boosts buys; Sherlock spinoff; Gilmore Girls fall surge; Spain’s filming boom; Korean TV trends; indie musical push; film schools adapt; anti-AI in films.
Today’s Highlights:
Nick Stevens Breaks Genre Conventions with "Until I Kill You" - Nick Stevens' ITV series "Until I Kill You" explores a unique approach to true crime by focusing on character depth over procedural elements.
Netflix's Active Buying Amid Industry Challenges - Despite a challenging market, Netflix continues to acquire high-calibre projects, especially from established showrunners.
The Unique Development Model of "Sherlock & Daughter" - Brendan Foley reveals the innovative financing model for "Sherlock & Daughter," co-produced by major studios and airing in 2025.
Fall Streaming Trend of "Gilmore Girls" - "Gilmore Girls" experiences a recurring viewership surge each autumn, consistently ranking in Netflix's top 10.
Spain's Rising Appeal for Filmmakers—Projects like "The Last Druid," starring Russell Crowe, highlight Spain's popularity as a filming destination despite recent U.S. production disruptions.
Diane Min on Korean TV Format Innovations - Diane Min discusses CJ ENM's strategies for staying competitive in Korea's demanding TV market through unique formats like "Artistock Game."
The Veterans' Confidence in Unconventional Indie Musical - Vincent Maraval and Kim Fox of The Veterans overcome funding challenges for their genre-defying musical "Emilia Pérez" with a $10 million gap filled.
Film Schools Adapting to Industry and Enrollment Challenges - With rising tuition and an uncertain industry, film schools like USC adapt to meet changing demands while justifying the investment.
"Heretic" Directors' Stance Against AI in Filmmaking - Scott Beck and Bryan Woods of "Heretic" explicitly oppose AI in their credits, underscoring the value of human creativity in filmmaking.
Jason Reitman on "Ghostbusters" and Nepotism in Hollywood—Jason Reitman discusses his legacy with "Ghostbusters," his new project "Saturday Night," and his thoughts on the impact of family connections in the industry.
Plus: Insights, Executive Moves, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals, Renewals, Opportunities and Jobs with WBD, ITV, BBC, MUBI & Sony.
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INSIGHTS
Nick Stevens Breaks Genre Conventions with ITV's True Crime Drama "Until I Kill You"
Nick Stevens, writer of ITV's "Until I Kill You," discusses his approach to dramatizing true crime, highlighting how the series breaks genre conventions. Following his previous works, "In Plain Sight" and "The Pembrokeshire Murders," Stevens presents a personal trilogy with "Until I Kill You," which stars Anna Maxwell Martin as Delia Balmer, a survivor of a violent relationship. The four-part series emphasizes character development over procedural elements, offering a unique perspective on the true crime narrative. Read More
Netflix Maintains Robust Buying Streak Amid Industry Challenges
Netflix is reportedly one of the few companies actively open to pitches this year, and it has been making purchases at a steady pace. A high-level agent noted that while things are selling, the creators and packages being considered are of very high calibre. Another representative echoed this sentiment, stating that while Netflix is buying a lot, the focus seems increasingly on established showrunners in the industry. Read More
Secrets Behind 'Sherlock’s Daughter'
Brendan Foley, the writer of the upcoming drama "Sherlock & Daughter," discusses the unique financial and development model used for the show, which features David Thewlis as Sherlock Holmes facing a young woman claiming to be his daughter. Co-produced by Starlings Entertainment, Albion Television, and StoryFirst, the series will air on The CW and Discovery+ in 2025, with filming in Dublin and international presales secured. Read More
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'Gilmore Girls' Fall Streaming Surge Explained
Data reveals that "Gilmore Girls" experiences a significant viewership boost each autumn on Netflix, despite not being a seasonal show. From 2021 to 2023, the series ranked among the top 10 library shows for total viewing time, with nearly half of its chart appearances occurring from September to December. The show has consistently made the top 10, particularly in late September and October, showcasing a strong fall viewing trend. Read More
Shooting in Spain
"The Last Druid," featuring Russell Crowe, is one of the key projects presented at this week's American Film Market. Produced by Range Media Partners, Spain's Nostromo, CAA Media Finance, and AGC International, the film aims to shoot in Spain. Spain has become a popular filming location for several high-profile projects, including "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" and Netflix's "Under Paris," despite recent U.S. strikes affecting production schedules. Read More
CJ ENM’s Diane Min on Global TV Format Trends
The Korean TV market is highly competitive, with discerning viewers who prefer fresh content. Diane Min, head of format sales at CJ ENM, notes that even top-rated shows have limited seasons, pushing producers to innovate continually. This creativity is exemplified in formats like Artistock Game, which merges music competition with stock and investment strategies, allowing 48 artists to engage in performances and live-streamed missions that captivate the audience and keep them invested. Read More
The Veterans' Strategic Moves Amid Market Shifts
Bringing a completed $24 million indie musical to market without presales requires immense confidence, especially when it's a genre-defying project like Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques Audiard. Co-founders Vincent Maraval and Kim Fox of The Veterans faced challenges at Cannes, where they had only secured one territory sale to France. Despite initial concerns from distributors about the film's unconventional nature, Maraval remained optimistic about its strength, ultimately securing additional funding to fill a $10 million gap. Read More
Film Schools Adapt to Industry Disruptions and Enrollment Challenges
The rising costs of college, particularly film school, have increased parents' concern about investing in a career in the volatile entertainment industry. Elizabeth Daley, USC’s School of Cinematic Arts dean, acknowledges parents' worries amid industry strikes and cyclical job markets. As film schools adapt to challenges such as tuition hikes, technological advancements, and a projected decline in college-age applicants, they face pressure to remain relevant in a changing landscape influenced by economic factors and shifts in Hollywood. Read More
'Heretic' Directors Criticise AI Usage in End Credits
Scott Beck and Bryan Woods' film "Heretic," set to release on November 8 via A24, explores themes of faith and humanity. Notably, the credits feature a message stating, "No generative AI was used in the making of this film." This decision reflects the filmmakers' commitment to traditional storytelling, emphasizing the importance of human creativity in the production process. Read More
Jason Reitman On 'Ghostbusters' Legacy, 'Saturday Night,' and Nepo Babies
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