TV, Film & Media Industry International News Roundup, Weekend 2-3 November 2024
Sony sues CBS; Film Academy layoffs; Jordan Peele's horror program; Nielsen adds streaming data; MrBeast’s brand pitch; Depp biopic; French TV exports; indie film crisis; AI TV; Comcast spinoff.
Today’s Highlights:
Sony Sues CBS - Sony accuses CBS of self-dealing and mismanagement in the Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! syndication, claiming unauthorised deals and revenue mishandling.
Film Academy Layoffs—The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is laying off 2% of its workforce as part of a restructuring, which will impact preservation and archiving roles.
Jordan Peele's "No Drama" InitiativePeele's— initiative selects emerging filmmakers for a horror-themed program and grants $50,000 for film development.
Nielsen to Include Streaming Data - Nielsen integrates first-party streaming data into TV ratings, sparking debates on its impact on audience measurement fairness.
MrBeast's Sponsorship Strategy - Court documents reveal MrBeast's methods of pitching to brands, showcasing his YouTube reach to attract sponsorships from major companies.
Modi Biopic Trailer—Johnny Depp and Al Pacino star in a new biopic about artist Amedeo Modigliani, which explores his life and artistic struggles.
Unifrance Report on French TV Exports - French TV productions gained an international presence, notably in Poland and Germany, with popular animated and dramatic series.
Crisis in Independent Film - A report by the Shorenstein Center highlights challenges for indie films as mainstream content overshadows niche projects.
AI-Powered TV Channel by Must Have Ideas - Must Have Ideas launches an AI-driven TV channel that creates a live broadcast feel with automated content and graphics.
Comcast's Potential Cable Spinoff—Comcast is considering spinning off its cable channels into a separate company, a move analysts believe could enhance strategic flexibility.
Plus: News, Insights, Executive Moves, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals, Cancellations, Events and Jobs with BFI, ITV, Disney, Netflix, Virgin & BBC.
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NEWS
Sony Sues CBS Alleging Self-Dealing and Mismanagement in Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! Distribution
Sony has filed a lawsuit against CBS, accusing the network of self-dealing and mishandling Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! syndication. The suit claims CBS failed to maximise revenue, entered unauthorised international deals, and pocketed $3.6 million without Sony’s consent. Filed in Los Angeles, the suit suggests CBS’s recent layoffs and internal issues have impacted its ability to effectively distribute the shows, with Sony alleging broader misconduct. Read More
Film Academy Lays Off 2% of Workforce Amid Restructuring
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences laid off 16 employees, approximately 2% of its 800-member workforce, as part of an 18-month restructuring initiative to unify teams. The affected staff were primarily from the Academy's collection and preservation departments, including figures like Mike Pogorzelski, director of the Academy Film Archive, and Anne Coco, associate director of the Graphic Arts Collection at the Margaret Herrick Library. Read More
Jordan Peele’s "No Drama" Initiative Selects Inaugural Class of Emerging Filmmakers
Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions, TIFF, and Universal Filmed Entertainment Group have launched the "No Drama" initiative, selecting five emerging filmmakers to explore horror’s cultural and societal depths. Chandler Crump, Charlie Dennis, Helena Hawkes, Jared Leaf, and Ariel Zengotita will each receive a $50,000 grant to develop a proof of concept or short films inspired by their personal fears. This one-year program provides creative support without exclusivity. Read More
Nielsen to Integrate First-Party Streaming Data in Ratings Amid Industry Concerns
Nielsen will now allow media outlets to incorporate their own first-party streaming data into its national TV ratings, a change endorsed by the Media Rating Council that renewed Nielsen’s national panel measurement accreditation. While Nielsen views this as essential in a streaming-driven media landscape, some critics argue it could favour established digital platforms like Amazon, impacting fair audience measurement across traditional and digital media. Read More
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INSIGHTS
Sharon D Clarke Stars in Channel 5 and Acorn TV Detective Drama Ellis
In Ellis, a new Channel 5 and Acorn TV drama, Sharon D Clarke portrays DCI Ellis, a top inspector brought in to resolve complex, failing investigations. Created by Siân Ejiwunmi-Le Berre, Ellis follows the detective’s arrival at different stations in each episode, where she faces scepticism yet excels with determination and empathy. As a black woman in policing, Ellis combats bias while proving her expertise in pursuit of justice. Read More
How MrBeast Pitches Brands for Sponsorship Deals
Court filings tied to a MrBeast Burger lawsuit reveal insights into MrBeast's pitch strategy, showing how Jimmy Donaldson, aka MrBeast, sells his vast YouTube audience to brands like Ford, Walmart, and General Motors. Through pitch decks from late 2022 to early 2023, MrBeast’s team highlighted audience metrics, his unique content style, and his reach to younger viewers abandoning traditional TV. The YouTuber’s approach emphasises his appeal as a digital creator outside Hollywood's traditional media structures. Read More
Modi: New Trailer for Johnny Depp and Al Pacino’s Biopic
A trailer for Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness has dropped, starring Johnny Depp and Al Pacino. The biopic delves into the turbulent life of artist Amedeo Modigliani, exploring his creative struggles and intense personal relationships. Directed by Depp, the film captures the spirit and chaos of Modigliani's legacy. Read More
Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin Discuss A Real Pain
In A Real Pain, actors Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin explore themes of friendship and grief. In a recent interview, the pair discussed the depth of their characters and the experience of working together on this emotionally layered project. Read More
Unifrance Report: French TV Content Finds Strong International Presence in 2023
Unifrance’s 2023 report shows French audiovisual productions gaining traction globally, with the highest broadcast share in Poland (11%) and a significant presence in Germany, Spain, and Italy. Animated titles like Gigantosaurus and Miraculous remain popular, while documentaries and dramatic fiction like Bardot and Candice Renoir reach diverse audiences. French content also gained visibility at international festivals, with A Very Ordinary World winning an International Emmy for Short Fiction. Read More
Why Google Search and Advertising Matter for TV and Film Producers
Despite being a cornerstone of digital marketing, Google search and advertising may feel unfamiliar to TV and film producers, as broadcasters, platforms, and distributors often manage these. Google’s 90% share of the search market and ownership of YouTube is critical for content discoverability, especially with UK producers aiming to reach audiences directly. Concerns around Google’s approach to search include new features threatening smaller creators, an ad-heavy experience, and AI’s impact. Read More
The Crisis and Essential Role of Independent Film in Today’s Media Landscape
While indie films once thrived, today’s media giants focus on mainstream, ad-friendly content, sidelining films deemed "too niche." A Shorenstein Center study led by Keri Putnam highlights indie film's cultural importance and loyal audience base. The report calls for recognition and support of indie films for their artistic and societal contributions in a market increasingly dominated by fleeting trends. Read More
Must-Have Ideas Launches AI-Powered TV Channel with Automated Content and Graphics
E-commerce company Must Have Ideas has debuted an AI-powered TV channel featuring 30 pre-recorded segments combined by an in-house AI tool named Spark to give the appearance of a live broadcast. The channel, which includes automated graphics and stock alerts managed by a proprietary playout engine, aims to make each episode unique. Available on Sky and Freesat, this innovative model reduces costs and enhances engagement through AI-driven content scheduling. Read More
AI and Indie Productions: Challenges and Insights
Three production companies are integrating AI into their work: Must Have Ideas launched an AI-powered TV channel with dynamic, pre-recorded segments; Monkeypaw Productions’ "No Drama" initiative supports emerging filmmakers in creating horror-themed projects with AI; and Longshot Productions uses AI analytics to refine script choices and predict audience engagement. These innovations improve efficiency, personalise content, and guide decision-making, illustrating AI's growing impact on the future of film and television. Read More
Hollywood Salaries 2024: Insights into Industry Earnings
While paychecks vary widely across similar roles in the industry, general trends are emerging across positions from the C-suite to studio lots. Here's an overview of what workers earn during this challenging year, revealing key insights into compensation amid industry shifts. Read More
Endurance: Ernest Shackleton’s Legacy Explored through AI-Driven Documentary
Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, known for chronicling feats of human endurance in Free Solo and The Rescue, premiere their latest documentary, Endurance, co-directed by Natalie Hewit. This National Geographic film covers Ernest Shackleton's 1914-1917 Antarctic expedition and the 2022 mission to locate his sunken ship. Endurance debuts on Nat Geo today and arrives on Hulu and Disney+ on Nov. 2. Read More
Can Comcast Save Cable TV? Strategic Rollup Examined
Comcast surprised investors by announcing it may spin off its cable TV channels into a separate, well-capitalised company. While Comcast president Mike Cavanagh emphasised that discussions are preliminary, the news sent Comcast’s stock up 4%, with media stocks like Warner Bros. Discovery, Disney, and Paramount also rising. Analysts suggest a spinoff could allow these channels greater strategic flexibility, catering to evolving industry dynamics and investor interest. Read More
Is TV Dead? Celebrity, Podcasts, and AI Spark Industry Debate
The late talk-show host Michael Parkinson has been revived in Virtually Parkinson, an AI-powered podcast where an AI version of “Parky” interviews notable guests. Produced by Deep Fusion Films, it’s the world’s first unscripted series with an AI presenter, drawing national attention and criticism. Some in the U.K. media industry argue AI is replacing human roles, while Deep Fusion claims the show explores AI-human relationships rather than taking jobs. Read More
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