TV, Film & Media Industry International News Roundup, Friday 20 December 2024
Max Rewind trends, Netflix doc fund, Aussie tax break, M&E reshaped, Linden promo, Homewreckers, UK VAT woes, Superman trailer, Reality TV shifts, Les Arcs buzz define 2024’s key moments.
Today’s Highlights:
Max Rewind Recaps 2024 Viewership Trends and Subscriber Profiles - Max's personalised year-in-review feature enhances user engagement with curated content recommendations and viewing insights.
Netflix Announces Six Filmmakers for 2024 Documentary Talent Fund - Netflix selects six teams for its £30,000-funded documentary initiative debuting on YouTube in 2024.
Australian Government Grants Tax Break to Commercial Broadcasters - A one-year broadcasting tax suspension saves Australian networks A$50.3m annually.
Ad Tiers and Superstreamers to Reshape M&E Landscape - Omdia predicts ad-supported tiers and bundling will dominate streaming revenues in 2025, surpassing pay TV globally.
Linden Entertainment Welcomes Dana Harris as Partner - Dana Harris’s promotion to partner highlights her global talent advancement and focus on female-driven stories.
Glen Powell to Star in Homewreckers - Glen Powell headlines Homewreckers, an erotic sci-fi thriller acquired by Legendary Entertainment after a competitive auction.
UK Producers Face VAT Repayment Delays - Delays in UK film VAT repayments cause cash flow issues; HMRC is adding resources to address the backlog.
Superman Trailer Released - James Gunn's Superman: Legacy trailer teases emotional depth, with David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan starring.
Reality TV 2025 Preview: Emerging Trends - The unscripted TV sector seeks innovation, tax incentives, and global collaborations to overcome 2024’s challenges.
Les Arcs Industry Guests Select Buzzy Projects - Award-winning projects at the Les Arcs Film Festival highlight emerging talent and co-productions in global cinema.
Plus: News, Insights, Executive Moves, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Renewals and Jobs with Paramount, BBC, Prime, Netflix, UTA & CAA.
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Also: Aarhus Series Festival, The Wit, Norwegian Film Commission, New Zealand Film Commission, IMDA, MIA, Getty Images, Ottawa Film Office, Simkins, Harbottle & Lewis, Screen Brussels, Sheffield DocFest, FilmChain, Documentary Business, Zero Gravity Management, SXSW, MEA, DOC, Attraction Distribution, Kaplan Stahler Agency, Passion Distribution, Audible, Screen Queensland, Canada Media Fund, My Smash Media, Artists First.
NEWS
Max Rewind Recaps 2024 Viewership Trends and Subscriber Profiles
Max has introduced "Max Rewind," a personalised year-in-review feature that provides subscribers with insights into their viewing habits. Accessible via in-app notifications, it assigns users a character based on their watch history and offers curated content recommendations. Additional insights include top genres, viewing patterns, and popular avatars. This initiative aligns with similar features from other platforms, aiming to enhance user engagement. Read More
Netflix Announces Six Filmmakers for 2024 Documentary Talent Fund
Netflix has revealed six filmmaking teams selected for the third year of its Documentary Talent Fund, tasked with creating short documentaries inspired by the theme “you’re never gonna believe this…” Each team receives £30,000 and Netflix’s professional support, including training bootcamps. Selected projects range from a marching band cult and drag queens on farms to artistic pranks and Romani banger racers. The films will debut on Netflix’s YouTube channel in Summer 2024. Read More
Australian Government Grants Tax Break to Commercial Broadcasters
Australian commercial broadcasters have been granted a one-year suspension from paying broadcasting tax, saving networks an estimated A$50.3m (US$31.35m) annually. The measure, part of the government's mid-year economic and fiscal outlook (MYEF), was welcomed by Free TV chief Bridget Fair, who emphasised the need for a permanent abolition of the tax to support free-to-air networks. Read More
UK Producers Face VAT Repayment Delays; Tax Authority Adds Resources
UK film producers are experiencing significant cash flow challenges due to delays in VAT repayments from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Typically, VAT repayments are processed within 30 days; however, some producers report waiting up to six months, causing financial strain and reputational damage as they struggle to pay suppliers. In response, HMRC has acknowledged the delays and is allocating additional resources to expedite the repayment process. To mitigate these issues, producers are advised to submit accurate VAT returns promptly and ensure all supporting documentation is readily available, as incomplete or erroneous submissions can further delay repayments Read More
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INSIGHTS
Showrunner Eric Ledgin on St. Denis Medical
Eric Ledgin, co-creator of NBC’s St. Denis Medical, brings his extensive sitcom experience from Superstore, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and American Auto to the hospital mockumentary. Premiering in November, the show features a talented cast, including Kaliko Kauahi, Alison Tolman, and David Alan Greer. Ledgin credits the ensemble’s chemistry and the creative freedom within network limitations for the show’s humour and engaging workplace dynamics, emphasising his passion for entertaining audiences. Read More
Reality TV 2025 Preview: Emerging Trends
The unscripted TV industry faced a challenging 2024 with layoffs, budget cuts, and fewer greenlights, prompting calls for innovation and collaboration in 2025. Key players advocate for risk-taking, tax incentives, and increased investment in live programming and original formats. Industry leaders emphasize partnerships, bold storytelling, and adaptive funding models to revitalize the sector, address DEI concerns, and create compelling content. Many stress empowering creative voices and fostering global collaborations to shape a stronger future. Read More
Seed of the Sacred Fig in Farsi and English: Read the Screenplay
Mohammad Rasoulof’s Seed of the Sacred Fig combines Farsi and English in a compelling script exploring cross-cultural narratives. The project continues Rasoulof’s tradition of thought-provoking, boundary-pushing storytelling. Read More
2024’s Female Reality Stars Making an Impact
The 30 most influential women in reality TV this year include Guerdy Abraira (“RHOM”), who inspired viewers during her cancer battle, and Ariana Madix (“Vanderpump Rules”), thriving post-scandal. Alison Hammond brought warmth to “The Great British Baking Show,” while Kristen Kish seamlessly took over “Top Chef.” Phaedra Parks excelled across multiple shows, and Captain Sandy Yawn celebrated milestones on “Below Deck.” Read More
Pamela Anderson’s Son Brandon Lee on The Last Showgirl
Pamela Anderson’s son, Brandon Thomas Lee, reflects on her recent success with The Last Showgirl, directed by Gia Coppola. Anderson stars as Shelly, a veteran dancer at a life crossroads, reuniting with her estranged daughter (Billie Lourd). Earning critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress, Lee, an executive producer, calls the recognition a milestone, symbolizing years of effort and a promising new chapter for Anderson’s career. Read More
Ad Tiers and Superstreamers to Reshape M&E Landscape
Ad tiers, bundling, and "superstreamers" are reshaping the media and entertainment landscape, according to Omdia’s Tony Gunnarsson. In 2025, global streaming revenues, including ads and subscriptions, will surpass pay TV, with ad-supported tiers pivotal for major SVODs. Gunnarsson predicts increased bundling, renewed SVOD aggregation, and partnerships in new markets. The global video ad market, led by online video, will grow as social video and premium AVOD drive gains, with consolidation continuing in the fiercely competitive streaming sector. Read More
Benjamin Hollingsworth Reflects on His Career
Benjamin Hollingsworth, known for his role as Brady in Netflix's Virgin River, has shifted his bad-boy persona in the show’s sixth season. The Canadian actor, previously seen in Code Black, has embraced Brady's redemption arc, revealing a vulnerable side beneath the tough exterior. Hollingsworth praises how Brie (Zibby Allen) transformed his character's journey. Looking ahead, he anticipates new challenges in Virgin River season seven and celebrates his latest Hallmark holiday film roles. Read More
Amy Adams & Demi Moore | Actors on Actors
Amy Adams ("Nightbitch") and Demi Moore ("The Substance") sit down to discuss being vulnerable and raw in their movies which both depict women at their breaking points. They also discuss how they got their start in Hollywood and "faking it until you make it."
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