TV, Film & Media Industry International News Roundup, Weekend 27-28 July 2024

The Bear breaks streaming records; SAG-AFTRA strikes game giants; AI and casting; Russell returns to horror; Campbell's ballet journey; cinemas need landlord cooperation; Paramount's gaming boost.

Today’s Highlights:

1. The Bear's Streaming Success: The FX-produced Hulu show "The Bear" achieved its highest streaming week, with 1.23 billion minutes viewed from June 24 to 30, thanks to its third season premiere.

2. SAG-AFTRA Strikes Video Game Giants: U.K. Equity expressed solidarity with SAG-AFTRA's video game strike, which impacted major companies like Activision and Disney Character Voices due to disputes over AI protections.

3. Casting Challenges Due to AI: Casting director Valerie Penso-Cuculich highlights issues with AI-enhanced photos that make casting authentic reality TV contestants difficult.

4. Chuck Russell's Return to Horror: Director Chuck Russell discussed his return to horror with "Witchboard," emphasising the importance of character depth alongside scares.

5. Hend Sabri's Impactful Role: Hend Sabri stars in "Moftaraq Toroq," the Arabic adaptation of "The Good Wife," redefining female roles in the Middle East and achieving top ratings on MBC's Shahid.

6. Erin Copen Howard's Career Shift: Development executive Erin Copen Howard navigated career challenges after being laid off, exploring new opportunities amid the evolving TV industry.

7. Stockholm Pride TV Series: Māns Nyman directed a six-part series about friends facing personal challenges during Stockholm Pride, aiming to capture the event's authentic spirit.

8. Neve Campbell's Ballet Background: Her ballet background inspired her screenwriting and acting roles, particularly in the film "The Company."

9. Cinema Operators and Landlords Cooperation: The recovery of the cinema industry post-COVID-19 relies on cooperative efforts between cinema operators and commercial landlords.

10. Paramount's Gaming Strategy: Paramount Global's potential sale to Skydance Media could boost its gaming sector, leveraging Skydance's internal game studios.

Plus: News, Insights, Executive Moves, In Development, Deals, Renewals & Jobs with Sony, Disney, NBCUniversal, BBC, Boston Globe & Red Bull.

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NEWS

Streaming Ratings: ‘The Bear’ Hits All-Time High With Season 3 Premiere

The FX-produced Hulu show The Bear had its biggest streaming week for June 24-30, with 1.23 billion minutes viewed, surpassing its previous high of 1.01 billion. Its third season it premiered on June 27. It was one of seven shows to exceed a billion minutes of viewing. Your Honor led with 1.58 billion minutes, while Dexter saw an 84% increase, reaching 1.48 billion minutes.

From: The Hollywood Reporter

U.K. Equity Stands in Solidarity as SAG-AFTRA Strikes Hit Video Game Giants

Equity, the U.K. performing arts trade union, issued a solidarity statement for SAG-AFTRA’s video game strike. The U.S. actors' union called for industrial action after nearly two years of negotiations over AI protections for voice actors and motion capture performers. The strike affected major video game companies like Activision, Electronic Arts, and Disney Character Voices, but U.K. labour laws prevented Equity members from joining directly.

From: Variety

FESTIVALS

Jerusalem Film Festival winners include ‘The Story Of Souleymane’, ‘Santosh’

Boris Lojkine’s "The Story Of Souleymane" and Sandhya Suri’s "Santosh" were significant winners at the 41st Jerusalem Film Festival. "The Story Of Souleymane" won Best International Film, praised for its humanity and craftsmanship. Suri’s "Santosh" won Best First Feature, noted for exploring complex human relationships and commenting on India's caste system and misogyny.

From: Screen Daily

UK filmmaker Joanna Hogg to be president of Venice Giornate degli Autori jury

Joanna Hogg will lead the jury for Venice's Giornate degli Autori, which runs from August 28 to September 7. The jury includes past European young cinephile 27 Times Cinema program participants. The winner will receive a €20,000 cash prize. Hogg is known for films like "The Souvenir" and "The Eternal Daughter."

From: Screen Daily

Aude Hesbert named artistic director of the Deauville American Film Festival

Aude Hesbert, current director of the French cultural agency Villa Albertine in Los Angeles, is the new artistic director of the Deauville American Film Festival. She replaces Bruno Barde, who was ousted after allegations of misconduct. Hesbert will also lead the Reims Polar and Gérardmer International Fantasy Film Festival. Her team includes PR director Alexis Delage-Toriel and programming director Jérôme Lasserre. The 50th-anniversary edition of Deauville runs from September 6 to 15 and features Michael Douglas and Benoit Magimel.

From: Screen Daily

HKIFF to bestow Begin Again award at China’s FIRST financing market

HKIFF Industry will present the Begin Again Award at China's FIRST Mart Financing Forum, part of the FIRST International Film Festival in Xining. The award supports emerging filmmakers with festival strategy and international distribution. Two winning projects will receive in-kind awards worth $13,800 each. Thirty-nine projects, including in-development titles and completed works, are featured this year. The awards ceremony will be on July 27. HKIFF and FIFF have collaborated since 2019 to boost opportunities for new Chinese filmmakers.

From: Screen Daily

Filmmaker Shekar Kapur appointed IFFI festival director

Shekar Kapur is the new festival director for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). He will oversee the 55th and 56th editions of the festival, held annually in Goa from November 20-28. Kapur expressed his gratitude for the role, emphasising its significance. Known for films like "Bandit Queen" and "Elizabeth," Kapur previously led the international competition jury at IFFI. Last year’s IFFI featured 250 films from 78 countries and 23 masterclasses. Film Bazaar, South Asia’s largest content market, runs concurrently with the festival.

From: Screen Daily

INSIGHTS

Would-be reality TV contestants 'not looking real'

Valerie Penso-Cuculich, a casting director for shows like Love Island USA and The Real Housewives of Dubai, says AI has complicated her initial contact with applicants. Many potential contestants use AI to enhance their social media photos, increasing the number of over-filtered images. This makes it challenging to cast real people, as auditionees often look different on Zoom than expected.

From: BBC

‘Witchboard’ Director Chuck Russell On His Return To Horror: “It’s Got To Be Scary — But We Have To Care About The Characters” – Fantasia Festival

Russell is pleased to return to the genre after moving away from horror with The Mask (1994) and Eraser (1996). He insists that Witchboard’s shocking moments remain unspoiled. Although it may seem old-fashioned compared to more self-aware genre pieces like MaXXXine and Oddity, Witchboard stands out for its refreshing purity.

From: Deadline

Hend Sabri on Arabic Adaptation of ‘The Good Wife’: ‘It’s Crucial to Have Such a Nuanced Character in This Part of the World’

Tunisian-Egyptian star Hend Sabri is redefining female roles in the Middle East. She stars in "Moftaraq Toroq," the Arabic adaptation of "The Good Wife," launched in June on MBC’s Shahid premium streamer to top ratings. Sabri plays Amira, who returns to the legal profession after her husband's sex scandal. She also stars in Netflix’s hit Arabic original "Finding Ola," about a Cairo divorcee's journey of self-discovery, with the second season expected later this year.

From: Variety

A Development Executive Wrestles With How TV's New Normal Is Crushing Jobs

Erin Copen Howard, a development executive, faces the stark reality of television's evolving landscape. Laid off from her senior vice president role, she now juggles caring for her three children, one with special needs, and seeking new opportunities. With the TV industry contracting and viewer habits shifting towards digital platforms like YouTube Shorts, Howard is exploring new avenues, including screenwriting and launching a small business, while grappling with the uncertainty of her career’s future.

From: The Wrap

Pride and joy

Stockholm Pride director Māns Nyman discusses his six-part TV series about three friends navigating personal challenges during Stockholm Pride. Filmed during the actual event, the series showcases authentic Pride experiences. It follows Dilan, Ari, and Nina as they face romantic and personal dilemmas. Nyman aimed for "entertainment with a heart," capturing the spirit of Stockholm Pride, focusing on universal themes of relationships and self-discovery. The series debuts on CMore and TV4.

From: Drama Quarterly

Two Decades Ago, Neve Campbell’s Ballet Background Inspired a Robert Altman Film — Now, It’s Taking Her in Another Direction

Neve Campbell was a budding ballerina before becoming a modern scream queen in “The Craft” and the “Scream” franchise. Inspired by "The Nutcracker" at age six, she trained at the National Ballet of Canada from age nine. Injuries ended her ballet career, but she remained passionate about it. This led to her first screenwriting credit for "The Company" in 2003, directed by Robert Altman, where she also starred as a ballerina navigating the Joffrey Ballet.

From: IndieWire

How Cinema Operators and Landlords Must Work Together to Bounce Back

Financial pressures exacerbated by COVID-19 have strained the relationship between commercial landlords and cinema operators. Cinemas, traditionally stable tenants, face unique challenges due to prolonged closures and shifting film release schedules. Cooperation and flexibility from landlords are essential, including discussions on turnover-based rent agreements. A collaborative approach involving open dialogue and shared financial burdens is crucial for the recovery and sustainability of the cinema industry, preventing closures and supporting the broader retail and leisure ecosystem.

From: Celluloid Junkie

How Skydance’s Small but Mighty Games Studios Could Give Paramount a Jolt in the Sector

Paramount Global has a gaming problem, and Skydance Media could be the solution. Paramount and its controlling shareholder, Shari Redstone, agreed to sell the company to David Ellison’s Skydance, which has two internal game studios. This pending deal could boost Paramount’s gaming presence. Ellison, son of billionaire Larry Ellison, is a gamer who values video games as much as TV and film. Despite licensing rights for "Avatar: The Last Airbender" and partnering on a "Paranormal Activity" game, Paramount Games has mainly been inactive since the Viacom and CBS merger.

From: Variety

How do Netflix, Amazon, Disney+, and other platforms attract non-users?

Streaming platforms face a competitive market, aiming to attract non-users and retain current subscribers. BB Media's report highlights that 86% of households consumed online content by Q4 2023. Reasons for not using streaming services include satisfaction with paid TV (48%), personal preference (23%), and economic reasons. Platforms are introducing cheaper, ad-supported plans and live-streaming channels to appeal to these audiences. Understanding non-user preferences is essential for developing effective market strategies.

From: Señal News

Factual needs to grow out of this cycle of repetition

The factual TV industry faces criticism for relying heavily on repetitive formats. Creators argue that innovation is essential to avoid viewer fatigue and maintain interest. Emerging trends suggest a shift towards more original content, focusing on untold stories and fresh perspectives. The industry's growth depends on embracing creativity and moving beyond safe, formulaic programming, encouraging producers to take risks and explore new ideas to keep audiences engaged.

From: C21

Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Akiva Goldsman & Roy Lee On Breakdown In Trust Between Studios & Producers In A Streaming-Obsessed Industry – Comic-Con

At Comic-Con, Transformers producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura highlighted the evolving relationship between studios and producers. He said that once partners, studios have become more judgmental and less trusting. Producers, traditionally the guardians of a film's DNA, now face challenges due to corporate influence and streaming platforms, which have disrupted traditional success metrics. Di Bonaventura and fellow producers Akiva Goldsman and Roy Lee discussed how these changes have impacted film quality and production dynamics.

From: Deadline

‘Presumed Innocent’ Star Peter Sarsgaard Talks Finale Twist and Defends Tommy: ‘He’s a F—ing Machine … I’m Surprised People Have Any Issue’

On the day Apple TV+ dropped the finale of “Presumed Innocent,” Peter Sarsgaard, who plays Chief Prosecutor Tommy Molto, is in a remote area with spotty cell service, mirroring his character’s predicament. His only company is his affectionate and vocal cat, adding a touch of irony to his isolation.

From: Variety

How higher interest rates are weighing down production budgets

Rising interest rates significantly impact production budgets, with increased borrowing costs and tightened financing conditions. This financial strain is causing producers to reassess their budgets, leading to potential project delays and scale-backs. The higher costs affect all aspects of production, from pre-production to post-production. To navigate these challenges, industry experts emphasise the need for strategic financial planning and exploring alternative funding sources to maintain production momentum amidst economic fluctuations.

From: IF

Matthew Salleh and Rose Tucker go searching for a slice of the American Dream with new documentary

Australian filmmakers Matthew Salleh and Rose Tucker are exploring the American Dream through their new documentary, "Slice of Life: The American Dream in Former Pizza Huts." The film explores the lives of individuals and communities that have repurposed former Pizza Hut buildings. It delves into America’s cultural and social fabric, highlighting stories of resilience, entrepreneurship, and community spirit across diverse backgrounds.

From: IF