TV, Film & Media Industry International News Roundup, Weekend 21-22 September 2024
Heath Ledger finalists named; BBC cuts roles; Vue AI model; Sony streaming woes; UK production concerns; Priscilla profits; Co-productions rise; Lionsgate AI; San Sebastián stars.
Today’s Highlights:
Heath Ledger Scholarship Finalists Announced – Six finalists were revealed, including Andrea Solonge and Charles Wu, who will compete for the $60,000 prize package.
BBC Children's Department Restructuring: As part of its modernisation efforts, the BBC will cut 11 roles by the end of 2024.
Vue Considering Licensing AI Model – Vue International may license its AI-driven operational model to other cinema chains to improve scheduling efficiency.
Sony Pictures Streaming Profitability Challenges – Sony Pictures CEO Tony Vinciquerra discussed the financial struggles of streaming services amid rising content costs.
Sky and Channel 5 Raise Concerns Over UK Production – Key industry leaders warned of challenges like the freelancer crisis and the need for government tax incentives to support the sector.
The Adventures of Priscilla's Financial Success—Government documents reveal that the 1994 Australian film grossed $15.7 million within two years of its release.
Co-Productions as a Financial Solution – Media companies increasingly use co-productions to reduce costs and access tax incentives.
Lionsgate Partners with Runway for AI Integration—Lionsgate is partnering with AI research firm Runway to enhance pre-production and post-production processes using AI.
San Sebastián Film Festival Highlights – Cate Blanchett, Pedro Almodóvar, and Johnny Depp are among the stars featured at this year's festival.
Anthony Ramos Joins Kathryn Bigelow's Netflix Thriller – Ramos is set to star alongside Idris Elba and Rebecca Ferguson in Bigelow's upcoming untitled thriller.
Plus: News, Insights, Executive Moves, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals and Jobs with BBC, UKTV, Endeavor, Paramount, Prime, CAA, IAG, WBD, Disney, Crunchyroll, Sony, Berlin International Film Festival & Mediawan.
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NEWS
Heath Ledger Scholarship Finalists Revealed
Andrea Solonge, Charles Wu, Taj Aldeeb, Kartanya Maynard, Will McDonald, and Ezekiel Simat have been named the finalists for this year’s Heath Ledger Scholarship, chosen from a record number of entries. The finalists will travel to Los Angeles for the winner announcement on October 22 at a red carpet event at Soho House West Hollywood. The 2024 recipient will receive a $60,000 prize package, including US$10,000 for living expenses, career preparation, and a year-long mentorship from 2010 winner Bella Heathcote. Judges include Sarah Snook, Simone Kessell, Melanie Lynskey, and Gabrielle Union. Read More
BBC Children's Department to Lose 11 Roles
BBC Children’s and Education is set to cut 11 roles as part of a restructuring plan to modernise its operations. The department will commission and deliver content for children aged 0-12 across multiple platforms, including iPlayer and CBBC. The restructuring aims to address changes in audience behaviour and improve digital offerings. These cuts are expected to occur by the end of 2024, though some roles may be redeployed elsewhere within the organisation. Read More
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INSIGHTS
Modernising Matlock
The classic legal drama Matlock is returning to television, but this new version, created by Jennie Snyder Urman, is more than a gender-flipped reboot. Starring Kathy Bates as Madeleine 'Matty' Matlock, the show offers a fresh take on the 1980s original, with Bates' character humorously referencing the iconic Ben Matlock. In this modern twist, Matty joins a prestigious law firm, using her sharp wit and clever tactics to win cases and uncover corruption, making the reboot fun and original. Read More
Vue Considering Licensing AI Model to Other Exhibitors
Vue International is reportedly considering licensing its AI-driven operational model, initially developed to optimise scheduling, to other cinema exhibitors. The model, which has helped Vue streamline operations and improve efficiency, could benefit other cinema chains facing the same challenges in a post-pandemic environment. The company is exploring opportunities to monetise the model and share its success, though no concrete plans have been finalised. Read More
Sony Pictures Debate Streaming Profitability
At an industry event, Sony Pictures CEO Tony Vinciquerra discussed streaming services' profitability challenges. He emphasised that streaming platforms, including Netflix, are grappling with rising content costs and difficulty turning a profit despite high subscriber numbers. Vinciquerra also highlighted the importance of balancing theatrical releases with streaming strategies, suggesting that a diversified approach is critical to sustaining long-term success in the entertainment industry. Read More
Dessert in Cannes
K7’s Tracking the Giants report reveals a 2023 rise in global unscripted format adaptations by 11%, driven by broadcasters' preference for proven concepts and the lower production costs than scripted shows. Traditionally, the UK and Netherlands have led in format creation, with companies like Endemol and Studio Lambert thriving due to their ability to create universal, repeatable ideas like Big Brother. However, the demand for fresh formats has pushed broadcasters to explore markets like Japan, home to Shark Tank, and South Korea, where The Masked Singer originated. Read More
Sky and C5 Chiefs Sound Warning Over UK Landscape
At the RTS London Convention, Sky’s Chief Content Officer, Cécile Frot-Coutaz, and Channel 5 President Sarah Rose highlighted vital challenges facing the UK’s production landscape. Frot-Coutaz mentioned that demand for studio space has cooled, partly due to production delays following the US strikes. She also stressed the importance of the UK government continuing tax incentives to support the sector. Sarah Rose emphasised the growing freelancer crisis, warning it could severely impact high-end TV production. She argued that streamers and broadcasters must invest in grassroots talent to sustain the creative ecosystem. Read More
Government Docs Reveal 'The Adventures of Priscilla' Profit
According to government documents, Stephan Elliott’s 1994 film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, was a financial success, generating $15.7 million in revenue within the first two years after its release, despite being made on a modest budget of $2.7 million. These documents highlight that the Australian government had initially supported the film with a tax rebate and other financial incentives, helping the project achieve profitability. Read More
Should Australian dramas be broad or culturally specific if they want to travel overseas?
At the Australian Content in the Streaming Era Symposium at ACMI, industry experts discussed whether Australian dramas should aim for universal appeal or emphasise their cultural specificity to attract international audiences. Sam Lingham from Aunty Donna’s Big Ol’ House of Fun argued that well-crafted stories can travel globally, noting that local references like place names and brands may need adjustment, but broadly, stories should resonate internationally. Andy Barclay from Screen Producers Australia highlighted the growing acceptance of Australian accents in global markets due to streaming platforms. Louise Cocks from Screen Australia emphasised that cultural specificity often enhances a story's global appeal, as authenticity makes content more relatable and compelling. Read More
Stop, collaborate and listen
As the media industry faces financial challenges, co-productions are becoming a key strategy to reduce costs and access tax incentives, like Australia's 40% rebate. Successful examples include Banijay, Warner, and Fox creating production hubs in cost-effective locations. However, these collaborations often require shared IP, credit, and revenue, raising concerns about control. Despite complexities, co-productions may be essential for survival as commissions decrease and collaboration becomes necessary. Read More
Lionsgate and Runway AI partnership: an analysis
Lionsgate's partnership with AI research firm Runway marks a significant move in Hollywood, with experts speculating other studios may follow suit. Lionsgate's vice chair, Michael Burns, said AI would be used in "pre-production and post-production" to enhance operations. However, many, including UTA CEO Jeremy Zimmer, are concerned about the implications for artists. Runway's AI will likely focus on text-to-video generation for tasks like storyboarding, giving studios a preview of a film's potential before greenlighting projects. Read More
Netflix's Greg Peters on AI and the 'Hype Bump'
Netflix's co-CEO Greg Peters recently spoke about how the initial "hype bump" surrounding AI technology is over as the industry moves into the next phase of integrating AI more strategically. Peters emphasised that while early excitement has faded, AI's real potential is only beginning to be realised, particularly in optimising personalised content recommendations and improving operational efficiencies. He discussed how AI will increasingly shape Netflix's future, focusing on its use in everything from content curation to production tools, making AI a core part of its strategy. Read More
Josh Cooley on Directing 'Transformers One'
In March 2020, fresh off his Oscar win for Toy Story 4, filmmaker Josh Cooley boldly decided to leave Pixar after 18 years, moving his family to Los Angeles for new opportunities. Just days after his departure, the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the world, leaving Cooley with doubts about his choice and no health insurance. However, he had quietly signed on to direct Transformers One, an animated origin story about Optimus Prime and Megatron. Almost five years later, the film hits theatres with glowing reviews and unexpected awards buzz. Read More
What Ted Said in London that Made TV Producers Uneasy
At the Royal Television Society’s annual confab, Netflix's Ted Sarandos faced mixed reactions while promoting the company's contribution to the U.K. creative industry. Despite polite applause, he was grilled by veteran journalist Kirsty Wark and later humorously roasted by Richard Osman and Marina Hyde, who joked about Netflix profiting from British productions. Sarandos took it in stride, even laughing through the roast. However, despite Netflix's growing dominance, the U.K. industry remains unsure if this influence will enhance or diminish its creative independence in the global market. Read More
EXECUTIVE MOVES
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