TV, Film & Media Industry International News Roundup, Wednesday 6 November 2024
Comedian sues Baby Cow; Netflix raided; Warner dismisses ER lawsuit; Prime Video adds AI recaps; SK Global layoffs; Clarke stars in Inspector Ellis; BBC Chair backs public broadcasting.
Today’s Highlights:
Comedian Harry Deansway Sues Baby Cow Over Alleged Copycat Show - Deansway accuses Baby Cow of copying his YouTube series Shambles with Live at the Moth Club. The case does not name co-founder Steve Coogan but targets Baby Cow's CEO Sarah Monteith's management.
Netflix Offices Raided in Paris and Amsterdam Amid Tax Fraud Investigation - French and Dutch authorities searched Netflix's offices, investigating alleged tax fraud and hidden employment practices.
Warner Bros. TV Seeks Dismissal of Lawsuit from ER Creator's Estate Over New Series - The studio contests Sherri Crichton's claims that The Pitt infringes on her late husband Michael Crichton's ER rights.
Prime Video Introduces AI-Powered X-Ray Recaps for Summaries of TV Shows—Amazon Prime Video enhances viewer experience with AI-powered summaries of seasons, episodes, and scenes, expanding the platform's interactive X-ray feature.
SK Global Entertainment Implements Layoffs Amid Economic Challenges - Known for hits like Crazy Rich Asians, SK Global joins other companies in layoffs affecting fewer than 20 employees across departments due to industry challenges.
Sharon D Clarke Leads the New Detective Drama Inspector Ellis on Acorn TV. Clarke plays a tenacious detective solving tough cases, and the series is distributed globally by All3Media International.
Netflix to Remove Most Interactive Titles by December 1, 2024 - Netflix plans to delist interactive content, retaining only four titles, signalling a shift away from the format that started in 2017.
Max Winkler to Direct Third Installment of Monster Series on Ed Gein - Winkler will focus on the notorious 1950s serial killer Ed Gein, starring Charlie Hunnam, as part of Ryan Murphy's Monsters franchise.
June Squibb, 94, Stars in Thelma, Tackling Physical Challenges for Her Role - The actress performs her stunts in the Magnolia Pictures release, highlighting her impressive skills and dedication at 94.
BBC Chair Samir Shah Pushes for Public Service Broadcasting in the Streaming Era—Shah stresses the BBC's importance while calling for actions to sustain public service broadcasters amidst the growing influence of streaming services.
Plus: News, Insights, Executive Moves, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals, Renewals, Events and Jobs with ABC, BBC, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Endemol Shine, Paramount & ProSiebenSat.
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NEWS
Comedian Sues Baby Cow Over Alleged Sitcom Copycat
London’s High Court saw comedians on the witness stand as Harry Deansway, aka Joshua Rinkoff, sued Baby Cow, alleging it copied his 2013 YouTube series Shambles with their show Live at the Moth Club. Coogan, Baby Cow’s co-founder, isn’t named in the lawsuit, with day-to-day operations led by CEO Sarah Monteith, while Coogan retains a shareholder and creative director role. Read More
Netflix Offices Raided in Paris and Amsterdam Amid Tax Fraud Investigation
French and Dutch authorities searched Netflix’s offices in Paris and Amsterdam as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial misconduct. The National Financial Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the raids are linked to a November 2022 probe focusing on aggravated tax fraud and concealed work within an organised group. French and Dutch investigators coordinated to examine Netflix's operations in both countries. Netflix has not commented on the raids. Read More
Warner Bros. TV Seeks Dismissal of ER Creator's Estate Lawsuit Over New Medical Drama
Warner Bros. Television filed a motion to dismiss a breach of contract lawsuit from Sherri Crichton, widow of ER creator Michael Crichton, over their new series The Pitt. The studio argues that The Pitt is distinct from ER, challenging claims that the show infringes on the estate’s approval rights. Filed Nov. 4, the motion also includes responses from ER alums John Wells, Noah Wyle, and R. Scott Gemmill. Read More
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Prime Video Adds AI-Powered X-Ray Recaps for TV Show Summaries
Amazon Prime Video has launched X-Ray Recaps, an AI-powered feature providing summaries of full seasons, episodes, and segments, covering major plot points and character moments. Viewers can access these recaps anytime to refresh their memory, even after a viewing break. This feature expands on Prime Video’s X-Ray, which already offers trivia, cast info, and production details, enhancing the streaming experience. Read More
SK Global Entertainment Implements Layoffs Amid Industry-Wide Cuts
SK Global Entertainment, known for Anyone but You and Crazy Rich Asians, joins other media companies in 2024 layoffs, affecting fewer than 20 employees across departments. The company cited economic challenges following the double strike. Despite staffing changes, SK Global remains committed to producing impactful content, with ongoing projects like the Reykjavik drama and recent Netflix docuseries Thai Cave Rescue continuing unaffected. Read More
INSIGHTS
Alex Hassell Stars in Disney+ Adaptation “Rivals,” Exploring 1980s England’s Power Elite
Almost a year after filming wrapped on “Rivals,” the Disney+ adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s novel, star Alex Hassell finds it challenging to readjust to real life after being immersed in the dramatic world of 1980s England’s power elite. Hassell portrays Rupert Campbell-Black, an Olympic showjumper turned politician, who clashes with David Tennant’s character, the ruthless MD of Corinium Television. The series features a star-studded cast and is packed with sex, scandal, and excess. Read More
The Changing Landscape of Screenwriting Visualisation and AI Integration
While the traditional text script format has remained unchanged for decades, the challenging visualising scripts persist, especially as more pitches move online. Writers are urged to create visually engaging projects, yet many lack the resources for high-quality pitch decks. As the AI boom continues, there’s potential for storyboarding AI to transform the pitching process, prompting creatives and executives alike to “Think Different” about storytelling in the industry. Read More
Sharon D Clarke on Leading 'Inspector Ellis'
Three-time Olivier Award winner and Tony Award nominee Sharon D. Clarke returns to television in the detective drama “Inspector Ellis,” which premiered on Acorn TV. Clarke plays DCI Ellis, a determined Black female detective who tackles failing investigations in various police stations. Each feature-length episode follows her efforts to win over local teams while solving complex cases alongside her partner, DS Harper, played by Andrew Gower. The series is being distributed globally by All3Media International. Read More
Netflix to Remove Most Interactive Titles by December 1st
Netflix will delist nearly all of its interactive shows and films as of December 1, 2024, retaining only four titles: “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch,” “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend,” “Ranveer vs. Wild with Bear Grylls,” and “You vs. Wild.” This move concludes Netflix’s early efforts in interactive content, which began in 2017 with “Puss in Book: Trapped in an Epic Tale.” The company indicated that the format has not gained significant traction. Read More
Exploring the Grotesque: Max Winkler's 'Monsters'
Max Winkler, known for his work within Ryan Murphy's expanding TV portfolio, has directed episodes for six different Murphy productions in three years, including FX’s Grotesquerie and Netflix's Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. He will direct and executive produce the third instalment of the Monster franchise, focusing on 1950s serial killer Ed Gein, starring Charlie Hunnam. Winkler expressed excitement about the project's creative potential and audience engagement. Read More
June Squibb, 94, Shines in 'Thelma'
June Squibb, the 94-year-old star of Thelma, reflects on the physical demands of her first leading film role, attributing her stamina to her early training as a Broadway dancer. In the Magnolia Pictures release, she portrays a woman who falls victim to a phone scam, showcasing her impressive skills by performing her own stunts. Squibb, a dark horse contender for Best Actress, emphasises the importance of a supportive director in creating a positive set environment. Read More
Shōgun Music Duo Discusses Sound Design for FX Series
At Deadline’s Sound & Screen event, Shōgun composers Atticus Ross and Nick Chuba shared insights into their approach to integrating traditional and modern music styles for the FX series. Set in 1600s Japan, the narrative follows Lord Yoshii Toranaga and English pilot John Blackthorne, whose fates intertwine through complex relationships. The duo aimed to create distinct musical themes for each character, blending them to reflect their emotional journeys. It also incorporated unique instruments from the ancient Japanese court music gagaku, guided by musician Taro Ishida. Read More
Michael Jackman: A Veteran Producer’s Journey in Film
Michael Jackman is a seasoned film producer with over 35 years of experience in the motion picture industry. His recent work includes producing "Conclave," a papal thriller starring Ralph Fiennes. Previously, he served as Executive Vice President of Physical Production and Post at FilmNation Entertainment, contributing to films like "Arrival," "Greyhound," and "The Good Nurse." Jackman has also held senior roles at Deluxe Entertainment and The Weinstein Company, overseeing post-production for numerous acclaimed films, including "Gangs of New York" and "The Aviator." Read More
BBC Chair Samir Shah Advocates for the Future of Public Service Broadcasting
In his inaugural speech, BBC Chair Samire emphasised the importance of the BBC as a "very British success story" while acknowledging the challenges posed by streaming services. He urged immediate action to future-proof public service broadcasters, warning that their legacy could fade without it. Shah highlighted the wealth of options available to audiences but stressed the need for public good to shape choices in the evolving media landscape, calling for improved access to PSBs across all platforms. Read More
Rematch Set to Capitalise on Chess Resurgence Following The Queen's Gambit
The concept for Netflix's Rematch has been in development for three years, but its timing coincides with the success of The Queen’s Gambit, which popularised chess during the pandemic. Co-writer Yan England noted that the earlier series made the game's appeal more widespread, eliminating the need to explain chess to audiences. Monica Levy from Federation Studios remarked that The Queen's Gambit has positively influenced public interest in chess, making it "hip" for diverse age groups. Read More
Strategies for Streaming Platforms to Sustain Market Success
In today's market, companies often make it difficult or inconvenient for customers to cancel services, leading to "value capture" rather than "value creation." This practice forces consumers to pay for unused services, which customers resent. Analysts emphasise these terms to distinguish between firms that innovate and genuinely create value—like Netflix—and those that leverage market power or financial engineering to capture it, such as through subscription models or junk fees. Pricing significantly influences buying decisions; consumers tend to favour cheaper options even when quality varies. Smart regulation, like the CALM Act addressing loud commercials, can enhance customer value by addressing these hidden annoyances. Read More
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