TV, Film & Media Industry International News Roundup, Tuesday 30 July 2024
Regulators sign AI statement; streaming services struggle with promotion; Belgian AI distrust; Sony's market recovery; UK film/TV job crisis; LA production decline; Shyamalan's Trap thriller.
Today’s Highlights:
American, British, and European regulators sign a joint statement on AI competition, emphasising international cooperation for effective AI governance.
Streaming services need to improve with promotion - Despite having popular content, more marketing hinders show success.
YouTube's continued dominance - Unique content and algorithm-driven recommendations keep YouTube ahead of competitors.
AI expert Shadbolt calls for IP law updates. Urgent changes are needed to protect the creative sector from AI challenges.
Distrust in AI's use in Belgian animation - Concerns over job replacement and ethical implications reflect broader industry worries.
Sony's strategic deal and market recovery - Helion's Tom Manwaring discusses Sony's deal and positive market trends.
High unemployment in the UK's film and TV industry—Over half of workers remain out of work due to slow post-pandemic recovery and strikes.
There has been a decline in LA's unscripted production volume. Factors include increased competition, higher costs, and changing viewer preferences.
FIRST Film Festival's growing pains—Despite its reputation, the Chinese indie festival is criticised for its lack of bold selections.
M. Night Shyamalan's new thriller 'Trap' - His latest film is described as his purest piece of entertainment, focusing on a serial killer's perspective.
Plus: News, Insights, In Development, Deals, Opportunities and Jobs with TV2 & Leonine.
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NEWS
American, British, and European regulators signed a joint statement on effective AI competition
American, British, and European regulators signed a joint statement addressing AI competition. The statement emphasises the importance of cooperation among international regulators to ensure effective AI governance. It highlights the need for aligned regulatory approaches to manage AI risks and promote innovation responsibly
From: Señal News
INSIGHTS
Why Are Streaming Services So Bad at Promoting Their Shows?
Streaming services need help promoting their shows, often relying on word-of-mouth rather than traditional advertising. Despite having popular content, many series need to be noticed due to insufficient marketing efforts. This strategy impacts viewership and hinders the success of new shows.
From: TV Fanatic
Despite the competition, why is everyone talking about YouTube?
YouTube continues to dominate despite increasing competition from other platforms. Its unique content, algorithm-driven recommendations, and vast user base keep it ahead. The platform’s ability to engage audiences with diverse content types is critical to its sustained popularity.
From: Digiday
AI expert Shadbolt calls for an urgent update to IP law to protect the creative sector
AI expert Shadbolt urges an immediate update to IP laws to safeguard the creative industry. The rapid advancement of AI technologies presents new challenges in protecting intellectual property. Coordinated efforts are needed to address these emerging issues.
From: C21
Widespread feelings of distrust and apprehension in Belgium over the use of AI in animation
In Belgium, there is growing distrust and apprehension regarding AI's use in animation. Creatives are concerned about AI replacing human jobs and the ethical implications of its use. This sentiment reflects broader worries about AI in the creative industries.
From: C21
Helion's Tom Manwaring on Sony's eleventh-hour deal, positive market signs
Tom Manwaring from Helion discusses Sony's recent eleventh-hour deal and positive market trends. He highlights the strategic moves and market conditions that indicate a promising future for the industry. The deal reflects a broader confidence in the market recovery.
From: C21
More than half of UK film and TV workers remain out of work, says Bectu survey
A Bectu survey reveals that over half of UK film and TV workers are still unemployed. The industry's slow recovery post-pandemic and ongoing strikes contribute to high unemployment rates. Support measures are urgently needed for affected workers.
From: Screen Daily
Why is LA's unscripted production volume cratering?
LA's unscripted production volume is declining due to several factors, including increased competition, higher production costs, and shifting viewer preferences. These challenges have led to a noticeable drop in the region's production of new unscripted content.
From: C21
NBCU's International Formats VP Barrie Kelly
Barrie Kelly, VP of International Formats at NBCU, discusses their approach to adapting and developing successful TV formats globally. He highlights the importance of understanding local markets and audience preferences to ensure the success of international versions.
From: TV Show & Tell
Tick, Tick, Boom!
The article explores the behind-the-scenes of "Tick, Tick, Boom!" highlighting its creative process and challenges. Adapting the acclaimed musical involves intricate storytelling and a dedicated cast and crew aiming to bring the vibrant narrative to life.
From: Drama Quarterly
Bahama Films' Piatkowski on pushing past Polish borders
Piatkowski of Bahama Films discusses efforts to expand beyond Polish borders. By exploring international collaborations and diverse storytelling, Bahama Films aims to increase its global presence and reach wider audiences with its unique content.
From: C21
Rebecca Ferguson, Steve Zahn and Common on What to Expect From ‘Silo’ Season 2: ‘What Is So Great About These Stories, It Just Doesn’t End’
For Rebecca Ferguson, star and executive producer of Apple TV+ series “Silo,” the layered mysteries of the sci-fi drama are reminiscent of the perplexing rules of cricket. “Every time you think you’ve solved something, whether it’s an emotional mystery or a connection, there’s another twist,” Ferguson said. “That’s what’s great about these stories; they never end. When you think you understand the story, like cricket, it just slips away. Did that make sense? Like cricket, the game makes no sense.”
From: Variety
‘Ghosts’ Cast Talks Newcomers in Season 4 and the ‘Absolutely Surreal’ Experience of Meeting Fans: ‘It Goes to Show How Much of a People’s Show’ It’s Become
The cast and crew of the Paramount+ comedy "Ghosts" filmed Season 3 in Montreal for about half the year. Arriving at San Diego Comic-Con to a sea of adoring fans was a “surreal” experience, says series star Utkarsh Ambudkar. “We shoot 22 episodes in another country for most of the year, so to come back to the States and see thousands of fans is surreal,” Ambudkar said. “It’s so affirming and shows how much ‘Ghosts’ has become a people’s show.”
From: Variety
Duds Jostle With Delights as China’s Indie Scene Is Kept at the Heart of FIRST Film Festival
The FIRST International Film Festival, held annually on the plains of Tibet and often described as China’s equivalent of Sundance, prides itself on being a discovery festival. However, noted Chinese filmmaker Guan Hu (“Mister Six,” “Black Dog”) dealt a blow to the festival on Sunday. As head of the main competition jury, he refused to announce a best film winner. “It is not that we didn’t see any good films, but the selection overall was not bold enough,” Guan said. He suggested that, at 18 years old, the festival should have matured but still needs to grow up.
From: Variety
For M. Night Shyamalan, ‘Trap’ Might Be His ‘A Man Escaped’
M. Night Shyamalan, whose name became synonymous with twist endings following "The Sixth Sense," needs little introduction. His career has seen highs, mid-career films turned cult classics, and a mainstream comeback. His latest film, "Trap," is not just a thriller but arguably his purest piece of entertainment in decades. "Trap" places Shyamalan in full thriller mode, more so than "Old" or "Knock at the Cabin," and is his most gripping work since 2017’s "Split." Free from heavy psychology, "Trap" excels in telling a serial killer story from the killer’s perspective. It also marks a return for Josh Hartnett, whose stiff presence and good looks enhance the film’s chilling narrative.
From: IndieWire
Robert Downey Jr. Changed Marvel Movies With ‘Iron Man’ — and Now He Could Do It Again
Robert Downey Jr. returns to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Dr. Doom in upcoming "Avengers" sequels, surprising fans. His role as Iron Man launched the MCU in 2008, and Tony Stark's death in 2019's "Avengers: Endgame" seemed to close that chapter. Even Gwyneth Paltrow, his onscreen co-star, expressed surprise on Instagram, asking, "I don’t get it, are you a baddie now?"
From: Variety
Hunter Schafer on the ‘Scream Queen’ Label, Constant ‘Euphoria’ Questions, and Rejecting Trans Roles: ‘I Definitely Meant What I Said’
Hunter Schafer, after roles in “The Hunger Games” and Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Kinds of Kindness,” stars in Tilman Singer’s “Cuckoo.” The film follows 17-year-old Gretchen (Schafer), who moves to the German Alps with her father and his new family, descending into a surreal horror nightmare. Schafer, who filmed “Cuckoo” three months after "Euphoria" Season 2, found the experience uniquely intense and rewarding, appreciating its focused, three-month production.
From: IndieWire
The Future of the TV Business Looks Worse Than It Did Just 3 Years Ago
Linear television is sinking financially as streamers hoard top content, accelerating cord-cutting. Streaming services, meanwhile, are either unprofitable or have slimmer profit margins than broadcast and cable, disappointing media companies and analysts. In 2021, MoffettNathanson predicted linear TV would account for $78 billion of $149 billion in video consumer spending by 2024. Now, they foresee video spending declining by 2028, with linear TV making up just half of it, down from 76% in 2013.
From: IndieWire
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