TV, Film & Media Industry International News Roundup, Friday 7 February 2025
Pitch Film Fund winners revealed; Warner Bros. streams free films; Disney cuts budget; UK production rebounds; Graham joins Tubi; Orozco returns as Betty; Affleck directs; game shows struggle.
Today’s Highlights:
UK’s Pitch Film Fund Awards 2025 Winners Announced - Lizzie Hart’s Kitty and Grace Okyere-Fosu’s The Acres won the Pitch Film Fund 2025 Production Awards, while Alice Johannessen received the Lucy Scher Award for Flesh & Blood, with all projects reimagining ancient stories through modern themes like neurodivergence and grief.
Warner Bros. Streams Full Movies for Free on YouTube - Warner Bros. has made over 30 films available for free on its YouTube channel, including Michael Collins and The Mission, in a surprising move following recent cost-cutting measures.
Disney Lowers 2025 Content Spending by $1B - Disney has reduced its 2025 content budget from $24 billion to $23 billion, covering produced and licensed content, with CEO Bob Iger highlighting subscriber resilience and CFO Hugh Johnston emphasising cost-cutting efforts.
UK Film and TV Production Spend Rebounds in 2024 - UK film and TV production spending reached £5.6 billion ($6.9 billion) in 2024, up 31% from 2023, driven by major projects like Netflix’s Peaky Blinders movie and the Knives Out sequel, despite a 22% decline in domestic high-end TV production.
Lauren Graham to Star in Tubi’s First Scripted Series The Z-Suite - Lauren Graham will lead The Z-Suite, Tubi’s first scripted series, which explores workplace dynamics between a Gen X boss and her Gen Z employees, marking a milestone for the platform’s original content expansion.
Ana María Orozco Returns as Betty in Betty la Fea, la Historia Continúa - Ana María Orozco reprises her role in Betty la Fea, la Historia Continúa, which has been renewed for a second season on Prime Video, continuing the story of Yo Soy Betty, la Fea with an evolved portrayal of the character.
Intimacy Coordinators Address Industry Misconceptions - Intimacy coordinators emphasise that their role ensures both actor safety and creative integrity on set, countering industry misconceptions and advocating for their continued presence in productions.
Ben Affleck to Direct and Star in Netflix Thriller Animals - Ben Affleck will direct and star in Netflix’s thriller Animals, alongside Gillian Anderson, in a film centred on a kidnapping, produced by Affleck and Matt Damon’s Artists Equity.
Streaming Platforms Struggle to Make Gameshows Work - Streaming platforms are experimenting with game show formats but have yet to find major success, as traditional quiz and competition shows struggle to fit on-demand viewing habits.
Jonathan Majors’ Magazine Dreams Seeks Buyers at EFM - Celsius Entertainment is launching sales for Magazine Dreams at the European Film Market ahead of its March 21 US release, after the film was dropped by Searchlight due to Majors’ legal issues and later picked up by Briarcliff Entertainment.
Plus: News, Insights, Executive Moves, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals & Jobs with Screen NSW, ABC, Paramount, Banijay, Netflix & National Geographic.
Subscribe to our daily news roundup for exclusive insights, early access to industry news, and the convenience of having the latest TV, Film & Media updates in one bulletin.
Our subscribers include executives from:
Streamers: Netflix, Apple, Viaplay, SkyShowTime, Amazon Prime, Marquee TV, Paramount Television International, MTV Entertainment Group, BET.
Broadcasters: NBC Universal, France Televisions, Sky, ABC, Channel 4, ITV, A+E Networks, CBC, TV2, SVT, ARTE, RTBF, SBS Play, TCL FFalcon, RTL, TVNZ, SRF.
Producers: Fifth Season, Sony Pictures Television, Banijay, Fremantle, Endemol Shine, Gaumont, Pathé, Warner Bros Television Productions, Universal Pictures International Australasia, UFA Fiction, Vivendi, Entertainment One, BBC Studios, Warner Bros Discovery, Talpa Studios, Keshet, Tiger Aspect, Wild Bunch TV, Red Planet Pictures, Go Quest Media, Eureka Productions, The Ink Factory, Nordisk Film, Reel One Entertainment, Bunya Productions, Beach House Pictures, Beyond, The Global Agency, Esha Bargate Productions, blue Entertainment, Paper Plane Productions, Paprika Studios, Playmaker, Off the Fence, Goalpost Pictures, Spin Master, Stand By Me, Halcyon Studios, DPG Media, Envision, Rive Gauche, Blue Ant Media, Squareone, Great Southern Studios, Collective Media Group, New Dominion Pictures, RAW TV, Optomen, Magpie Pictures, KOJO, ShinAwiL, WildBrain.
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, Grey Seal Media.
NEWS
UK's Pitch Film Fund Awards 2025 Winners Revealed
The UK's Pitch Film Fund Awards 2025 have announced their winners. Lizzie Hart's 'Kitty' project and Grace Okyere-Fosu's 'The Acres' received the Pitch Film Fund 2025 Production Awards. Alice Johannessen was honoured with the Lucy Scher Award for her project 'Flesh & Blood.' These winning projects are modern adaptations of ancient stories, exploring themes such as neurodivergence, grief, and dark secrets. Since its inception in 2009, the awards have seen previous winners showcase their films at festivals across Asia, North America, and Europe. Read More
INSIGHTS
G’Wed Secures Two-Season Renewal as Jake Kenny-Byrne Previews Season 2
Liverpool-set comedy G’Wed has been renewed for seasons two and three after becoming ITVX’s biggest comedy of 2024. Star Jake Kenny-Byrne, who plays Christopher, reflects on his character’s growth from an out-of-place newcomer to a confident group member. Season two tackles grief, relationships, and class themes, featuring a mix of humour and emotional depth as Christopher navigates life in Liverpool. Read More
The Art of the Hollywood Feud: A Survival Guide
Feuds have shaped Hollywood from the start, with rivalries like Iger vs. Chapek and Moguls vs. WGA offering cautionary tales. The key to success? Keep it quiet. Hollywood thrives on relationships, half-truths, and behind-the-scenes maneuvering, unlike politics or sports. Public feuds signal failure, while those waged discreetly reinforce power. Knowing when to engage and retreat is crucial in this high-stakes game. Read More
Directors Neil Boyle & Kirk Hendry on Bringing ‘Kensuke’s Kingdom’ to Life
Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry’s hand-drawn animated film Kensuke’s Kingdom, based on Michael Morpurgo’s novel, follows a boy stranded on an island who meets a Japanese soldier. Developed over a decade, the film was finally greenlit during COVID-19, thanks to remote production advancements. The passion project, produced by Sarah Radclyffe and Lupus Films, earned BAFTA and Annie nominations for its unique storytelling and animation. Read More
Warner Bros. Streams Full Movies for Free on YouTube
Warner Bros. has made over 30 full-length films available for free on its Warner Bros. Entertainment YouTube channel. The selection includes acclaimed titles like 'Michael Collins' and 'The Mission,' as well as lesser-known films such as 'Dungeons & Dragons' (2000) and 'The Adventures of Pluto Nash' (2002). This move is unexpected, especially given the company's recent trend of cutting numerous shows and films. Read More
Long-Form Content Consumption on YouTube Rapidly Rises
According to research by Digital-i, there has been a significant increase in the consumption of long-form content on YouTube. The study reveals that viewers engage more with extended videos, indicating a shift from the platform's traditional short-form focus. This trend presents opportunities for content creators and marketers to develop more in-depth material to meet audience demand. Read More
The Money and Myths of IP Monetisation in a Digital World
YouTube has surpassed Netflix as the world's biggest streaming platform, making digital content monetisation a key revenue driver. At the Tellycast Digital Content Forum, experts highlighted a 150% growth in the digital sector over five years. Common myths debunked include fears of harming linear TV, brand damage from clips, broadcaster resistance, and undervaluing FAST/AVOD revenue. Maximising digital rights requires strategic partnerships, expert advice, and a data-driven approach. Read More
Intimacy Coordinators Address Misconceptions About Their Role
Intimacy coordinators express concern over misunderstandings about their role on set, emphasizing that they serve as allies to producers by ensuring actors' comfort and safety during intimate scenes. Their responsibilities include choreographing intimate moments, facilitating clear communication, and establishing consent protocols to support the director's vision while safeguarding performers. Despite some industry resistance, many professionals advocate for the inclusion of intimacy coordinators to promote a respectful and secure working environment. Read More
U.K. Film and TV Production Spend Rebounds in 2024
Film and TV production in the U.K. saw a strong recovery in 2024, reaching £5.6 billion ($6.9 billion), a 31% increase from 2023. Major productions like Netflix’s Peaky Blinders movie and Knives Out sequel contributed to the growth. U.S. studios and streamers accounted for 65% of spending, while domestic high-end TV saw a 22% decline. BFI CEO Ben Roberts emphasised the need for continued investment to sustain the industry’s momentum. Read More
Ana María Orozco on Returning as Betty in Betty la Fea, la Historia Continúa
Ana María Orozco reprises her iconic role as Betty in Betty la Fea, la Historia Continúa, which debuted on Prime Video last summer and has been renewed for a second season. She prepared for the role by exploring how Betty would have evolved over 25 years, ensuring an organic portrayal. Orozco also contributes creatively, reviewing scripts and providing input on character development. Read More
Documentary Legend Frederick Wiseman Rejects Cinéma Vérité, Reflects on Career Retrospective
Frederick Wiseman, known for his novelistic approach to nonfiction filmmaking, dismisses the notion of cinéma vérité, arguing that all documentaries involve artistic choices. With nearly 60 years of work, his films explore human drama in institutions and communities. Film at Lincoln Center is honouring him with a retrospective featuring over 30 newly restored films, concluding on March 5. Read More
Lauren Graham Leads Tubi's First Scripted Series 'The Z-Suite'
Lauren Graham stars in 'The Z-Suite,' Tubi's inaugural scripted series, portraying a Gen X boss navigating workplace dynamics with Gen Z employees. Showrunner Katie O’Brien emphasizes the show's focus on mutual learning across generations rather than conflict. The series was developed swiftly, from pitch to delivery, in under a year and a half, marking a significant step for Tubi into original scripted content. Read More
Disney Lowers Content Spending Estimate by $1B for 2025
Disney has reduced its projected content spending for fiscal 2025 from $24 billion to $23 billion, covering produced and licensed content, including sports rights. The revision follows its latest earnings report, which showed entertainment revenue growth, a slight decline in Disney+ subscribers, and increased ESPN revenue. CFO Hugh Johnston emphasised cost-cutting efforts, while CEO Bob Iger highlighted subscriber resilience despite price hikes. Read More
Streamers Strive to Crack the Code of Successful Gameshows
Streaming platforms are increasingly investing in game shows to attract and retain subscribers. However, leading producers note that quiz and game formats have yet to succeed significantly in the SVoD landscape. The challenge lies in adapting traditional game show elements to appeal to on-demand audiences, who may prefer binge-watching and narrative-driven content. Innovations like interactive components and global competition formats are being explored to enhance engagement and viewership. Read More
Industry Leaders Foresee Branded Content Boom Amid Strengthening Brand-Producer Trust
Executives from Publicis and CAA predict a surge in branded content as relationships between brands, agencies, and producers improve. At NATPE Global, Publicis Media’s Allie Dvorin highlighted brands’ growing sophistication in storytelling, while CAA’s Margo Plotkin emphasised value alignment. Companies like Hello Sunshine and Starbucks Studios increasingly collaborate with brands to develop content that balances creative and commercial goals. Read More
Overcoming Fear of Finding Out with Channel 4: CH4 Doubles Down on Youtube
Matt Risley, Managing Director of 4Studio at Channel 4. Channel 4 has boldly shifted its approach to YouTube—transforming it from a marketing tool to a primary broadcast and monetisation platform. Matt shares - in an exclusive for The Media Odyssey - insights and data on how the network tested, adapted, and expanded its YouTube presence, the challenges faced, and the data-driven results that followed. YouTube strategy for traditional media, with a particular focus on public service media and broadcasters.
RaMell Ross on 'Nickel Boys'; Arianne Phillips talks about dressing Chalamet as Dylan
SUBSCRIPTION OFFER
Unlock the full potential of Further&Better with an exclusive offer: new paid subscribers will enjoy three months of free paid subscription!
Dive into premium content, including More Insights, Executive Moves, In Development, Deals, and exclusive Media Industry Job Listings—all free for the first three months.
Don't miss this opportunity to experience the best we have to offer.
Subscribe today and elevate your reading experience!
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Further&Better to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.