TV, Film & Media Industry International News Roundup, Friday 16 August 2024
Alien: Romulus insights, Tubi's rise, AI's impact on animation, Quisling premiere, Australian screen's future, Bad Monkey, Hacks returns, GG Precinct spin-off.
Today’s Highlights:
Dialect Coach Natalie Grady's Journey - Natalie Grady shares her transition from acting to dialect coaching, helping actors master accents for roles in major productions like One Day and The Gallows Pole.
'Bad Monkey' on Apple TV+ - Vince Vaughn and Bill Lawrence discuss their passion project, a series based on Carl Hiaasen's novels, highlighting its connection to Florida.
HBO Max's 'Hacks' - Despite pandemic delays, Hacks returns after a two-year hiatus, earning 17 Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Comedy Series.
'GG Precinct' on Netflix - GG Precinct, a spin-off of Marry My Dead Body, premieres on Netflix, blending crime and comedy with unique storytelling inspired by Chinese idioms.
Samba TV's Viewership Report - The report highlights AI's growing importance in streaming, linear TV's decline, and the rise of AVOD and FAST tiers in the evolving media landscape.
Australian Screen Industry's Future - Industry leaders discuss the importance of innovation, international collaboration, and government support to grow Australia's screen sector.
Tubi's Streaming Success - Free streaming service Tubi thrives with reruns, surpassing premium platforms in viewing hours and becoming one of the most popular platforms in the U.S.
'Quisling – The Final Days' by Erik Poppe - Norwegian director Erik Poppe's drama about Nazi collaborator Vidkun Quisling will premiere at the Haugesund and Toronto Film Festivals.
AI's Impact on the Animation Industry - The Animation Guild's contract negotiations with Hollywood studios focus on the threat of generative AI, which could drastically reduce animation jobs.
'Alien: Romulus' Directed by Fede Álvarez - Fede Álvarez discusses taking on Alien: Romulus with guidance from Ridley Scott and James Cameron, emphasizing the importance of a hands-on directing approach.
Plus: Festivals, Insights, In Development, Deals, Renewals and Jobs with ITV, Disney, Sky, Netflix, Prime, NBCUniversal, Hello Sunshine, Fifth Season & Alcon.
Our subscribers include executives from:
Streamers: Netflix, Apple, Viaplay, SkyShowTime, Amazon Prime.
Broadcasters: NBC Universal, France Televisions, Sky, ABC, Channel 4, ITV, A+E Networks, CBC, TV2, SVT, ARTE, RTBF, SBS Play, TCL FFalcon, RTL.
Producers: Fifth Season, Banijay, Fremantle, Endemol Shine, Gaumont, Pathé, Warner Bros Television Productions, UFA Fiction, Vivendi, Entertainment One, BBC Studios, Paramount Television International, Warner Bros Discovery, Talpa Studios, 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.
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.
FESTIVALS
Ralph Fiennes, Saoirse Ronan, Peter Sarsgaard, and Pamela Anderson Star in Films Selected for Zurich’s Gala Lineup
The Zurich Film Festival has unveiled the first titles in its Gala section, featuring films that promise star-studded red carpets and acclaimed directors. Highlights include Edward Berger’s Conclave, starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow; Tim Fehlbaum’s September 5, featuring Peter Sarsgaard; and Gia Coppola’s The Last Showgirl, with Pamela Anderson and Jamie Lee Curtis. Additionally, Steve McQueen's Blitz, starring Saoirse Ronan and Paul Weller, and Nick Hamm's William Tell, with Claes Bang and Ben Kingsley, are among the selected films.
From: Variety
Catalyst Studios’ 'Broken Bird' to Open This Year’s FrightFest
Catalyst Studios' gothic horror "Broken Bird," directed by Joanne Mitchell, will premiere at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest 2024 and hit UK cinemas on August 30 2024. The film, an adaptation of Mitchell and Tracey Sheals's award-winning short "SYBIL," explores Sybil Chamberlain's descent into darkness following a traumatic childhood accident. Portrayed by Rebecca Calder, Sybil's obsession with the dead leads to a haunting and twisted climax. The cast includes James Fleet, Sacharissa Claxton, and Jay Taylor.
From: Señal News
Edinburgh Film Fest Boss Paul Ridd on Resurrecting the Shuttered Event and Creating a ‘Discovery Festival’ for New Talent
Less than two years ago, the future of the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) looked bleak after its organizer, Centre for the Moving Image, went into administration in October 2022. However, the festival was revived with a one-off edition in August 2023, backed by Screen Scotland. Now under the leadership of Andrew Macdonald and new director Paul Ridd, the revamped EIFF kicks off on August 15 with an impressive lineup, including the U.K. premiere of The Outrun, starring Saoirse Ronan, and the first U.K. screening of Alien: Romulus. The festival will feature industry events with Alex Garland, Thelma Schoonmaker, and Gaspar Noé.
From: Variety
Fantastic Fest 2024 Lineup Includes ‘Apartment 7A’ and ‘Terrifier 3’ World Premieres
The 2024 Fantastic Fest lineup is set to kick off the spooky season with an impressive slate. The 19th edition of the genre festival, held at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar in Austin, TX, from September 19-26, will feature 28 World Premieres, 23 International and North American Premieres, and 15 U.S. Premieres. Highlights include the highly anticipated Rosemary’s Baby prequel Apartment 7A and Terrifier 3. The festival opens with the world premiere of The Rule of Jenny Pen, starring Geoffrey Rush and John Lithgow, and closes with Hulu’s Mr. Crocket, about a sinister children’s TV show host.
From: IndieWire
‘We Live in Time’ to Make U.S. Premiere at HIFF 2024
The 2024 Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF) is set to be a standout edition, featuring the U.S. premiere of John Crowley’s We Live in Time, starring Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh. The film will be a Spotlight presentation, with Garfield participating in a “Conversation With…” event. Running from October 4 to October 14, the festival will close with the East Coast premiere of Marielle Heller’s Nightbitch, starring Amy Adams. Other highlights include Jesse Eisenberg's A Real Pain, with Kieran Culkin, who will attend a post-screening Q&A.
From: IndieWire
Jem Cohen’s ‘Little, Big, and Far’ Leads New York Film Festival’s 2024 Currents Section
Film at Lincoln Center has unveiled the Currents lineup for the 62nd New York Film Festival (NYFF) from September 27 to October 14. This year’s Currents section features 12 feature films and 28 short films across six programs, representing over 20 countries. The slate emphasizes innovative forms and new voices in contemporary cinema. The Currents Centerpiece is the world premiere of Jem Cohen’s Little, Big, and Far, a film told through the perspective of an astronomer seeking a sky dark enough to study the stars. NYFF 2024 will open with RaMell Ross’ Nickel Boys and close with Steve McQueen’s Blitz.
From: IndieWire
Festival In Focus: As Sarajevo Film Festival’s 30th Edition Moves To New Headquarters, The Manifesto Remains The Same: “We Want To See The Local Film Industry Thrive”
The Sarajevo Film Festival, founded in 1995 during the Bosnian War to help rebuild the city and its community, is set to celebrate its 30th edition with significant changes. This year, the festival will move most of its events from Sarajevo’s old town to the modern Marijin Dvor neighbourhood. Festival director Jovan Marjanović sees this shift as a new era, with industry activities moving to downtown locations such as Hotel Holiday and Cineplexx Cinemas. The new area will also feature an open-air cinema and a Festival Garden for events.
From: Deadline
Share our publication with your network, and if one of your contacts subscribes, you’ll receive a 30-day upgrade to your subscription.
It’s our way of saying thank you for helping us grow!
INSIGHTS
Cracking the Accent Code
Dialect coach Natalie Grady shares how her passion for accents helps actors master new roles, emphasising the importance of practice and understanding the International Phonetic Alphabet. After discovering a “secret code” for learning dialects, Grady transitioned from acting to coaching. She has since worked behind the scenes on One Day, Boat Story, The Lazarus Project, The Gallows Pole, and the upcoming BBC drama Virdee.
From: Drama Quarterly
'Bad Monkey': Vince Vaughn and Bill Lawrence Discuss Apple TV+ Series
For Bill Lawrence and Vince Vaughn, “Bad Monkey” is a passion project inspired by their love for author Carl Hiaasen. Bill Lawrence, the developer and executive producer of the Apple TV+ series, shared how Hiaasen's books influenced him as a storyteller from a young age. With deep family ties to Florida, the setting of Hiaasen's novels, Lawrence brings a personal connection to the quip-filled, twisted literary thrillers.
From: The Wrap
'Hacks' Stars Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder Reflect on the Show's Success
HBO Max’s “Hacks” faced pandemic-related production delays and a three-month pause in February 2023 due to star Jean Smart's recovery from a heart procedure. These setbacks extended the gap between seasons to two years, excluding the show from last year’s Emmy race. However, “Hacks” returned in May 2024, earning 17 nominations, including its third consecutive nod for Outstanding Comedy Series.
From: The Wrap
'Marry My Dead Body' Spin-Off Coming to Netflix
"GG Precinct," a six-episode spin-off of Marry My Dead Body, premieres on Netflix on August 22. Directed by Cheng Wei-hao and Yin Chen-hao, the crime-comedy series follows eccentric squad members as they solve bizarre murders linked to Chinese idioms. Starring Hsu Kuang-han, Gingle Wang, Ma Nien-Hsien, and Flower Chen, the show blends comedic and crime elements to engage viewers and inspire appreciation for language through its unique storytelling.
From: TV Drama
Vision for the Future of the Australian Screen Industry
The first part of a series on the future of the Australian screen industry outlines a strategic vision for its growth. Industry leaders discuss the importance of innovation, international collaboration, and government support in ensuring Australia's screen sector's sustainability and global competitiveness.
From: IF
Samba TV Report Highlights Streaming's Strengths and Linear TV's Challenges
Samba TV’s latest The State of Viewership report highlights the increasing importance of AI, bundling, and known IP in the streaming landscape. Analyzing 45 billion hours of TV consumption, the report emphasizes AI's role in viewer engagement and ad opportunities, particularly for the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Streaming continues to surge with a 40% increase in OTT content, while linear TV sees a decline. The rise of FAST and AVOD tiers offers advertisers new avenues to reach younger audiences, as streaming originals, sports, and political content drive viewership.
From: World Screen
Jack Lowden Discusses Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in 'My Scottish Screen Life'
Actor Jack Lowden opens up about his most challenging shoot and dealing with imposter syndrome in My Scottish Screen Life. He reflects on the demands of his recent projects and how he has navigated the pressures of his rising career in the film industry.
From: Screen Daily
Nora Fingscheidt on Filming 'The Outrun' in Orkney
Director Nora Fingscheidt shares her experiences filming The Outrun in Orkney, Scotland, discussing the challenges of unpredictable weather and the warm hospitality of the local community. The film, set against the backdrop of the stunning Orkney landscape, presented unique logistical and creative challenges.
From: Screen Daily
Free Streaming Service Tubi Thrives on Reruns
After nearly a decade in obscurity, ad-supported Tubi has surpassed premium platforms like Max and Apple TV+ in total viewing hours. Acquired by Fox in 2020, Tubi offers free, account-free access to a vast library of older movies and TV shows, which has propelled its recent success. Now one of the most popular platforms in the U.S., Tubi ranks just behind giants like YouTube, Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu in total viewing time.
From: Inc.
Gen Z Leads Streaming Consumption, But Is the Industry Overlooking Other Audiences?
Is the television industry missing a key audience segment? While Millennial and Gen X-focused shows perform well, data from Parrot Analytics reveals a shift toward younger viewers. From January 1 to August 8, nine of the top ten most in-demand TV shows worldwide primarily appealed to Gen Z and Zennial audiences, with only Amazon's Reacher resonating with older viewers. Despite substantial demand for shows like Breaking Bad and The Big Bang Theory, genre series dominate the top tier, suggesting a preference for science-fiction, fantasy, and superhero content among younger demographics.
From: TV Rev
Norway’s Erik Poppe on His Haugesund, Toronto-Bound ‘Quisling – The Final Days,’ Upcoming Jon Fosse Adaptation and Movie Based on ‘The Scream’
Renowned Norwegian director Erik Poppe, known for 1,000 Times Good Night and Utøya - July 22, will open the Norwegian Film Festival in Haugesund on August 18 with his highly anticipated drama Quisling – The Final Days. The film, which will later have its international premiere at Toronto’s Special Presentations, explores the rise of right-wing extremism through the story of Vidkun Quisling, the infamous Nazi collaborator. Set in the final days before Quisling's execution in 1945, the film depicts a psychological battle between Quisling and the priest Peder Olsen, based on Olsen's documented diary.
From: Variety
‘Gabby’s Dollhouse’ Conquered Netflix. Then, the Toy Market. Next up, the Big Screen.
Jennifer Twomey and Traci Paige Johnson, creators of Blue’s Clues, were intrigued by the rise of unboxing videos in the mid-2010s and saw an opportunity rather than a threat. They reimagined the concept by "unboxing" stories, leading to the creation of Gabby’s Dollhouse. Premiering on Netflix in January 2021, the show became a hit, combining live-action and animation. Inspired by psychologist Carol Dweck's "growth mindset," the series emphasises learning through mistakes, with Gabby and her animated cat friends celebrating failures as steps toward success.
From: The Hollywood Reporter
The 50 Most Powerful Players in Kids Entertainment
The Hollywood Reporter’s Kids Entertainment Power List in 2023 highlighted industry challenges like competition for attention and financial pressures, which continue to affect children’s and teens' content creators. Despite cancellations and contraction in the kids' programming sector, there’s positive news: films like Inside Out 2, Despicable Me 4, and Kung Fu Panda 4 are among the top-grossing movies in 2024. Iconic shows like SpongeBob SquarePants and Sesame Street continue to entertain new generations, while Bluey has become the most streamed show of 2024, with nearly 33 billion minutes watched.
From: The Hollywood Reporter
How MrBallen Built a True-Crime Empire
In the crowded true-crime media landscape, MrBallen, or John Allen, has kept it simple. Known for his flannel shirt and backwards baseball cap, he tells stories directly to his audience on YouTube and in podcasts, avoiding overly dramatic voices but still building suspense. This relatable approach has been highly successful, where MrBallen is just a slightly exaggerated version of Allen himself. Allen now leads a media empire that includes his popular YouTube channel with over 9 million subscribers, the MrBallen Podcast, a production company, and a first-look deal with Amazon Music.
From: The Hollywood Reporter
With ‘Twisters,’ 4DX Finally Swept America. Where Does Hollywood Go From Here?
If you haven’t experienced a movie in 4DX, here’s what to expect: you sit in a sturdy chair that resembles a cinema recliner, but the similarities end there. As the film begins, you're fully immersed in the story through 20 off-screen special effects, including seat movement, vibration, water, wind, fog, strobe lighting, and even bubbles—often simulating blood. These effects are meticulously coded by CJ Group’s "programming artists" and approved by studios. In a movie like Twisters, the tornado sequences feel like a roller coaster ride, while quieter scenes might include a light mist and enthusiastic audience reactions.
From: Variety
He’s Got 83 Billion Views, But Can 12-Year-Old Ryan Kaji Open a Movie?
Twelve-year-old Ryan Kaji, one of the most famous kids in the world, now lives with his family in an idyllic Honolulu neighbourhood, far from the hustle of Houston where they previously lived. Ryan's journey to fame began in 2015 when he started uploading YouTube toy review videos at just four years old, quickly gaining a massive following. The success of his channel, Ryan’s World, has led to 83 billion lifetime views and a brand worth in the nine figures. Despite his fame, Ryan leads a balanced life, attending a rigorous school and enjoying hobbies like skateboarding and swimming. His parents, Loann and Shion, who manage his career, moved to Hawaii for a more peaceful life during the pandemic.
From: The Hollywood Reporter
With Raunchy New Netflix Movie ‘Incoming,’ Dave and John Chernin Are Trying to Bring Back the Kind of R-Rated Comedies Hollywood Stopped Making
Dave and John Chernin, the sibling writing and directing duo, are promoting their new high school comedy, Incoming in New York, a raunchy throwback to films like Superbad and American Pie. The movie, produced by Spyglass Media Group and acquired by Netflix, centres on four nerdy friends and features outrageous scenes, including a chaotic Taco Bell run. Despite their comedy pedigree, major studios passed on Incoming due to the decline in R-rated comedies and increased sensitivity around boundary-pushing humour. The Chernins, known for their work on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and The Mick, have built their career on their collaborative shorthand and shared comedic sensibilities.
From: Variety
‘Toxic’ Director Explores the Human Body and Mysterious Model Agencies in Her Feature Debut
Akiplėša (Toxic), the feature film debut from Lithuanian director Saulė Bliuvaitė, premiered in the international competition at the Locarno Film Festival on Thursday. The coming-of-age drama, inspired by Bliuvaitė's own experiences, follows 13-year-old Maria, who moves in with her grandmother in a bleak industrial town after being left by her mother. She meets Kristina, an aspiring fashion model, and joins a mysterious modelling school there. The film is part of a strong showing for Lithuanian cinema at the 77th Locarno Film Festival, which also honours global talents like Jane Campion.
From: The Hollywood Reporter
The ‘Rebel Child’ of Ridley Scott and James Cameron: Fede Álvarez on ‘Alien: Romulus’
When Fede Álvarez took on directing Alien: Romulus, he sought advice from both Ridley Scott, the creator of the Alien franchise, and James Cameron, who faced a similar challenge when he directed Aliens. Cameron shared his experience of making a sequel to a classic film, emphasizing the need for a determined attitude, saying, “I’ll do it even better. I’ll show them how this is done.” Cameron also advised Álvarez that directing an Alien movie requires a hands-on approach, which aligned perfectly with Álvarez's independent style, reminiscent of his work on Don’t Breathe.
From: IndieWire
Action-Film Loving Author T.J. Newman Craves More Female-Driven Fare: “I Know There Are Other Girls Out There Like Me”
Six years ago, Fandango surveyed 3,000 women moviegoers aged 18–54 and discovered that action movies were their favourite genre, preferred over rom-coms by more than two-and-a-half times. Women want the same big, loud, action-packed blockbusters as men. This was evident with Top Gun: Maverick, which many female fans watched repeatedly for the spectacle. Successful films often appeal to both genders, as seen with Twisters, which drew an equal male and female audience, particularly resonating with women under 25. Legendary producer Gale Anne Hurd recognized this early on, emphasizing that the best action-thriller stories should appeal to women and be written by them, too.
From: Deadline
As AI Encroaches on Hollywood, Animators Say This Is An Existential Moment
The animation industry faces significant upheaval as The Animation Guild entered another round of contract negotiations with major Hollywood studios and streamers on August 12. Amidst a broader industry contraction, layoffs have hit top firms like Netflix Animation, DreamWorks Animation, and Pixar. The union continues to battle the outsourcing of work to non-unionized foreign companies, such as Disney's new Vancouver studio. Adding to the uncertainty is the looming threat of generative AI, which could drastically reduce animation jobs, with some predicting a 90% job loss in the sector. Union negotiators describe this moment as "existential."
From: The Hollywood Reporter
'Shōgun' Composer Breaks Down the Dramatic Main Title Theme
Atticus Ross, Leopold Ross, and Nick Chuba composed the title theme of FX's hit show 'Shōgun.' Leopold dives into every instrument utilised to make the dramatic and harrowing piece.
Why Nava Mau 'needed' 'Baby Reindeer' and how Hiroyuki Sanada shaped 'Shōgun' from the start
"Baby Reindeer" breakout Nava Mau opens up about drawing courage from Netflix's viral hit and "Shōgun's" Hiroyuki Sanada describes how becoming a producer remade him as an actor.
Skincare Director Austin Peters on His L.A. Satire & Elizabeth Banks' Great Performance | Interview
Filmmaker Austin Peters discusses his latest film, Skincare, highlighting the film's stellar performances and sharp satire. Skincare, starring Elizabeth Banks, Lewis Pullman, Nathan Fillion, and Luis Gerardo Méndez, is set for release from IFC Films on August 16, 2024. The film follows Hope Goldman (Banks), a renowned facialist to the stars, on the verge of launching her skincare line. However, when she becomes embroiled in a series of menacing events, Hope grows increasingly paranoid, believing someone is sabotaging her business. Determined to uncover the truth, she embarks on a tense investigation across Hollywood to protect her career at any cost.
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.