TV, Film & Media Industry International News Roundup, Friday 2 August 2024
Nielsen records streaming milestone; MIA's 10th edition; Yorkshire Content Fund backs "The Choral"; Geeked Week goes live; Holzman on "My So-Called Life"; Title Role's future; Poland's co-productions.
Today’s Highlights:
Streaming Milestone: Nielsen records the biggest week ever for U.S. streaming with 313 billion minutes viewed from July 1-7, led by Netflix's "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" with 2.05 billion minutes.
MIA Opens Accreditations: The 10th edition of the MIA (Mercato Internazionale Audiovisivo) in Rome will be held from October 14 to 18, promoting international co-productions and exports.
Yorkshire Content Fund: Nicholas Hytner's "The Choral" receives backing from the Yorkshire Content Fund to boost the local film industry.
Netflix Geeked Week: Netflix expands its virtual "Geeked Week" with its first in-person event in Atlanta from September 16-19.
Winnie Holzman on 'My So-Called Life': Winnie Holzman discusses her pioneering teen drama "My So-Called Life" and her involvement in the upcoming film adaptation of the musical "Wicked."
Helen Tonge of Title Role: Helen Tonge talks about challenges and opportunities in factual TV, focusing on premium documentaries and expanding digital presence.
Poland's Co-Production Potential: Wiktor Piatkowski of Bahama Films highlights Poland's growing appeal for international co-productions due to tax incentives and skilled workforce.
Film4 & Channel 4 Drama Expansion: Ollie Madden announces plans to double the TV drama budget to enhance original content and his expanded role overseeing both Film4 and Channel 4 dramas.
Hollywood Accounting Practices: The intricacies of "Hollywood accounting" and its impact on reducing payouts to stakeholders, leading to disputes and lawsuits.
The Immigrant's Spanish-Language Slate: Camila Jiménez-Villa and Silvana Aguirre discuss their production company, The Immigrant, 's focus on immigration and identity stories and its partnership with Fremantle for projects on Disney+ and Prime Video.
Plus: News, Festivals, Insights, Executive Moves, In Development, Deals, Opportunities, and Jobs with ABC, Warners, BBC, Netflix, and Paramount.
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NEWS
Streaming Milestone: Nielsen Records Biggest Week Ever for U.S. Viewing
The week of July 1-7 set a new record for streaming services, with TV users spending 313 billion minutes on streaming platforms, according to Nielsen's streaming content ratings. This marks the biggest week since Nielsen began tracking streaming data, with every title in the top 10 overall exceeding 1 billion minutes of viewing. The previous record was set just a week earlier, with seven of the top 10 crossing the billion-minute mark. Netflix’s "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" led with 2.05 billion minutes, followed by "Suits" with 1.5 billion minutes after its final season debuted on Netflix. Other top titles included "House of the Dragon" (1.3 billion minutes on Max), "Your Honor" (1.23 billion minutes on Netflix and Paramount+), and "The Bear" (1.21 billion minutes on Hulu).
From: The Hollywood Reporter
MIA opens accreditations for its 10th edition in Rome
MIA | Mercato Internazionale Audiovisivo is opening accreditations for its 10th edition, set to take place in Rome from October 14-18, 2024. Promoted by ANICA and APA, MIA serves as an incubator for business and internationalisation, promoting exports and international co-productions. Since its inception in 2015, MIA has become a key event in the audiovisual industry, supported by various Italian ministries and agencies, enhancing Italy's position in the global audiovisual landscape.
From: Señal News
Nicholas Hytner’s 'The Choral' is among four projects to receive Yorkshire Content Fund backing
Nicholas Hytner’s film "The Choral" is one of four projects to receive backing from the Yorkshire Content Fund. The film and other supported projects aim to showcase the region's talent and boost the local film industry. The Yorkshire Content Fund continues to support innovative and high-quality productions, contributing to the growth and recognition of Yorkshire's creative sector.
From: Screen Daily
Netflix Expands Virtual ‘Geeked Week’ Fan Event With First In-Person Show in Atlanta
Netflix is bringing its virtual "Geeked Week" fan event to life with its first in-person component in Atlanta this September. Geeked Week will run from September 16-19, primarily online, and conclude with a live event in Atlanta on the final evening. This marks the first live segment for the annual event, which celebrates Netflix’s biggest fandoms and beloved Geeked titles. Previous in-person Netflix events include the Tudum fan event in Brazil, the "Netflix is a Joke" Comedy Festival, and the "Bridgerton" Season 3 promenade experience in New York.
From: Variety
FESTIVALS
French Director Claude Lelouch to Receive Cartier Glory to the Filmmaker Award in Venice
French director Claude Lelouch (A Man and a Woman, Happy New Year, The Beautiful Story) will be honoured with the Cartier Glory to the Filmmaker Award at this year's Venice Film Festival. The award recognises a personality who has made an original contribution to contemporary cinema. Lelouch will receive the prize on Monday, Sept. 2, at Venice’s Sala Grande before the out-of-competition screening of his latest feature, Finalement, a musical fantasy starring Kad Merad, Elsa Zylberstain, Michel Boujenah, Sandrine Bonnaire, Barbara Pravi, and Françoise Gillard. The film is produced by Les Films 13 with France 2 Cinéma and Laurent Dassault Rond-Point, and Metropolitan Filmexport handles international sales.
From: The Hollywood Reporter
TIFF unveils comms giant Rogers as presenting sponsor after Bell exit
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has announced Rogers Communications as its new presenting sponsor following the end of its long-standing partnership with Bell. Rogers will also sponsor TIFF’s People’s Choice Awards. The one-year deal, beginning with a red carpet event on September 3, covers only the festival and not TIFF’s year-round activities. This sponsorship marks a significant shift as TIFF recovers from the financial impact of losing Bell’s support.
From: Screen Daily
Germany's 'Every You Every Me' leads winners at the Malaysia Film Festival
Germany's "Every You Every Me" triumphed at the Malaysia Film Festival, winning multiple awards. The film, praised for its compelling storytelling and performances, was one of the standout entries at the festival. The event showcased diverse films worldwide, highlighting emerging talents and unique narratives that captivated audiences and critics alike.
From: Screen Daily
Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alia Shawkat join Venice Impact Award jury
Chiwetel Ejiofor and Alia Shawkat will join the jury for the Venice Impact Award at this year's Venice Film Festival. The award recognises films that significantly impact culture, society, or politics. Both actors bring extensive experience and a passion for impactful storytelling to the jury, contributing to the festival's celebration of influential cinema.
From: Screen Daily
Rockaway Film Festival 2024 Lineup Reveals Wim Wenders Screening, Ed Lachman and Sean Price Williams Q&A
Now in its seventh year, the Rockaway Film Festival has unveiled its 2024 lineup. The festival features outdoor screenings and conversations from August 17-25 at the Arverne Cinema in Queens. Highlights include Jamil McGinnis and Pat Heywood’s multi-screen installation "Waking Up (For the First Time)," a tribute to animator Faith Hubley with live music from Animal Collective and MGMT members. Special events include bio-art and stop-motion workshops, children's cinema, the U.S. premiere of Nele Wohlatz’s "Sleep with Your Eyes Open," the New York premiere of "As the Tide Comes In," and world premieres of "Your Final Meditation" and "Jetty."
From: IndieWire
NY Film Festival: Pedro Almodóvar’s ‘The Room Next Door’ to Have U.S. Premiere as Centerpiece Selection
Pedro Almodóvar's The Room Next Door, starring Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton, will have its U.S. premiere as the centrepiece selection for the 2024 New York Film Festival on Oct. 4. The film, an adaptation of Sigrid Nunez’s novel What Are You Going Through, is Almodóvar’s first English-language feature. It follows best-selling writer Ingrid (Moore) and Martha (Swinton) as they rekindle their friendship after losing touch, exploring past memories, art, and movies, until Martha makes a challenging request.
From: The Hollywood Reporter
Pharrell Williams Lego Biopic ‘Piece by Piece’ to Close 68th BFI London Film Festival
Piece by Piece, the Lego animated biopic about rapper, singer, and producer Pharrell Williams, will close this year’s BFI London Film Festival (LFF). The 68th BFI LFF, running from Oct. 9-20, will conclude with the U.K. premiere of this unique documentary. Williams and Oscar-winning director Morgan Neville will attend the closing night gala. The film stars Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Missy Elliott, Gwen Stefani, Justin Timberlake, Busta Rhymes, and Snoop Dogg. It chronicles Williams' journey from Virginia Beach to becoming one of music’s most successful artists.
From: The Hollywood Reporter
INSIGHTS
'It was the James Dean of TV series': Writer Winnie Holzman on her pioneering teen show My So-Called Life
In 1994, My So-Called Life, a new drama about high school girl Angela Chase, launched the careers of Claire Danes and Jared Leto, depicting adolescence with unprecedented authenticity. Its creator reflects on its place in TV history. The upcoming two-part film adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked, based on Gregory Maguire's Wizard of Oz prequel, is highly anticipated. Despite the stage show's spectacle, Wicked is a warm portrait of an unlikely friendship between two young witches. For writer Winnie Holzman, who co-created Wicked, this territory was familiar, having previously created the iconic teen drama My So-Called Life.
From: BBC
Title Role’s Helen Tonge
Helen Tonge, CEO of Title Role, discusses navigating the challenges and opportunities in the factual TV space amid budget pressures and industry recalibrations. As a committee member of the Association of True Crime Producers (ATCP), she highlights the importance of maintaining high standards in true crime content. Tonge discusses Title Role's future, focusing on premium documentaries, format growth, and expanding digital presence.
From: TV Real
Bahama Films’ Wiktor Piatkowski on why Poland is primed for copros
Wiktor Piatkowski of Bahama Films discusses why Poland is becoming a prime location for co-productions. He highlights the country’s attractive tax incentives, skilled workforce, and growing infrastructure as key factors. Piatkowski also notes the increasing interest from international partners looking to collaborate with Polish producers to tap into the region's rich storytelling potential.
From: C21
Film4, Channel 4 drama head Ollie Madden on doubling TV drama budget and expanded role
Ollie Madden, head of drama for Film4 and Channel 4, discusses plans to double the budget for TV dramas. Madden aims to boost the volume and quality of original content. He also talks about his expanded role, overseeing both Film4 and Channel 4 drama, and the importance of creating compelling, diverse stories that resonate with audiences.
From: Screen Daily
Hollywood Accounting: The Art of Hiding Money
Hollywood's complex financial practices, known as "Hollywood accounting," involve strategies to minimise reported profits and thus reduce payouts to stakeholders. The methods include inflating costs, intricate deals, and creative bookkeeping. This often results in disputes and lawsuits from those promised backend deals, including actors, directors, and producers, who find their expected earnings significantly reduced.
From: The Wrap
The Immigrant Bosses On Their Spanish-Language Slate, Buyers “Operating From A Place Of Fear” & Future Of Their Fremantle Partnership
When former Univision exec Camila Jiménez-Villa and El Chapo creator Silvana Aguirre launched their production company, The Immigrant, in 2019, they aimed to reflect stories of immigration, identity, and otherness. Backed by Fremantle, they have produced content that transports viewers into diverse lives. With series in post-production for Disney+ and Prime Video and as key suppliers to streamer Vix, they have expanded into Spanish-speaking Europe, maintaining a balance between creativity and commercial success.
From: Deadline
Breaking ‘Kneecap’: How a Music Biopic Born From an ‘All-Night Bender’ Became One of Ireland’s Most Important Films (and a Likely Oscar Contender)
"Has anyone worn a tracksuit to the Oscars?" It's not a question Naoise O’ Cairealláin—better known as Móglaí Bap of the Irish-language hip-hop group Kneecap—ever thought he'd ask. But with Kneecap, the anarchic semi-fictitious biopic in which he plays his perma-tracksuited self, gaining momentum ahead of its U.S. release on August 2 and poised to become Ireland's international feature submission for the 2025 Academy Awards, his trademark attire for the ceremony is now a reasonable consideration.
From: Variety
How Columbia Pictures Kept Its Cool for a Century
It began as the “Siberia” of studios but went on to win more Oscars than any other. Now, it’s one of the last Hollywood majors still standing. From Spider-Man’s boots to Sidney Poitier’s blazer, studio chief Tom Rothman shows off 100 years of hidden treasures.
From: The Hollywood Reporter
Hammer Films Is Making Monster Movies Again, but the ‘Doctor Jekyll’ Director Knows the Genre Must Evolve
Few names loom larger in horror movie history than Hammer Films. Founded in 1934 by William Hinds (aka Will Hammer), the British company became synonymous with Gothic horror in the 1950s and ’60s, producing frugal yet beloved films inspired by characters like Dracula and Frankenstein. Despite attempts to revive the brand, producer John Gore’s 2023 acquisition marks the most serious effort. This week, Gore will introduce his revitalised Hammer Films with "Doctor Jekyll," starring Eddie Izzard.
From: IndieWire
Every Production Could Learn from This New Set of Community Guidelines
When Shatara Michelle Ford’s “Dreams in Nightmares” premieres at the BlackStar Film Festival, it will result from collaborative work guided by "production community guidelines." Ford and their producers shared these guidelines with the cast and crew throughout production. Despite acknowledging imperfections and inevitable mistakes, these guidelines offer inspiration for any production or workplace.
From: IndieWire
Colman Domingo & Director Greg Kwedar Break Down a Scene From 'Sing Sing' | Vanity Fair
'Sing Sing' director Greg Kwedar breaks down a scene alongside Colman Domingo, who stars as Divine G, who was wrongfully committed for a crime and found his path in a theatre group. Greg elaborates on the art of "taking the stage," working with cinematographer Pat Scola, who shot on Super 16mm to showcase the richness of the spaces and so much more.
Industry Briefing Series: Screen Producers Australia X Canadian Media Producers Association
SPA CEO Matthew Deaner talks to Reynolds Mastin, President and CEO of CMPA, and Alain Strati, Senior Vice President of industry, Policy, and General Counsel at CMPA, in an open conversation about the industry's current state in Canada since the implementation of Canada's Online Streaming Act.
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