TV, Film & Media Industry International News Roundup, Wednesday 15 January 2025
AI filmmaking buzz, migrant crisis doc, wildfires disrupt Hollywood, Sundance debuts, Turkish drama captivates, HBO film, Curzon's global push, Paramount mystery, Addicta TV launches, Universal Kids
Today’s Highlights:
AI-Generated Short The Heist Sparks Hollywood Buzz for Full-Length AI Films - Jason Zada’s AI-created short film, made with Google’s Veo 2 model, showcases the growing role of AI in filmmaking, drawing interest from major studios and signalling a shift toward AI-driven feature films.
Until He’s Back: Documentary Highlights Mediterranean Migrant Crisis - Jacqueline Baylon’s documentary explores the emotional toll on families of migrants lost in the Mediterranean, focusing on one father’s quest for closure and the efforts of CIPIMD to honour the deceased.
Erin Brown Thomas Debuts Chasers at Sundance 2025 - Thomas’ one-shot episodic pilot explores themes of exploitation and toxic culture, marking a “double dance” festival appearance at Sundance and Slamdance 2025.
Hollywood Grapples with Devastation Amid L.A. Wildfires - Wildfires disrupt the entertainment industry, displacing employees and pausing production, with efforts underway to support affected workers and maintain operations.
TIMS&B Productions' Valley of Hearts Captivates Turkish and Global Audiences - The Turkish drama explores themes of family and redemption, with Inter Medya handling global distribution and viewers captivated by its Cappadocia backdrop.
Curzon CEO Philip Knatchbull Outlines Future Priorities - Knatchbull emphasises securing multi-territory rights to boost Curzon’s global reach and enhance international film distribution capabilities.
Paramount Australia Begins Shooting Playing Gracie Darling - The new mystery drama, supported by Screen Australia, delves into a 27-year-old disappearance, blending suspense and a stellar cast for a gripping series.
Jesse Armstrong to Create Original HBO Movie Following Succession - Armstrong is scripting a film about friends reuniting amid a financial crisis, with HBO aiming for swift production under Armstrong’s overall deal.
NBCUniversal to Shutter Universal Kids in March - NBCUniversal will close its kids’ cable network, transitioning its programming to Peacock as part of a broader shift to streaming-focused content delivery.
Streamer Addicta TV Launches as FAST Platform for Independent Latin American Content - Addicta TV aims to spotlight independent Latin American productions with a unique revenue model, offering tailored advertising and continuous earnings for creators.
Plus: Insights, Executive Moves, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals, Opportunities & Jobs with Netflix, Paramount, BFI, Disney, ITV, WME, Sony & PBS.
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INSIGHTS
AI-Generated Short The Heist Sparks Hollywood Buzz for Full-Length AI Films
Jason Zada’s AI-generated short film The Heist has captivated millions with its dynamic, polished homage to 1970s and 1980s action thrillers. Created using Google’s Veo 2 generative video model, the 1:56-minute film showcases AI’s growing potential in filmmaking. Zada, a Hollywood veteran and founder of AI studio Secret Level, reports significant interest from major studios, marking a turning point as AI-driven feature films edge closer to reality. Read More
Until He’s Back: Documentary Highlights Mediterranean Migrant Crisis
Oscar-shortlisted documentary Until He’s Back by Jacqueline Baylon spotlights the often-overlooked plight of migrants lost in the Mediterranean. Following Ahmed Tchiche’s search for his son Yahya, presumed dead after attempting the perilous journey to Spain, the film delves into the emotional toll of missing loved ones. Filmed in Morocco, Spain, and the Mediterranean, Baylon’s work underscores the deceased's dignity and the relentless efforts of the CIPIMD to bring closure to grieving families. Read More
Erin Brown Thomas Debuts Chasers at Sundance 2025
Erin Brown Thomas’ Chasers, co-written with lead actress Ciarra Krohne, premieres at Sundance 2025’s Episodic Pilot competition. This 31-minute one-shot follows Sophia through a satirical, emotionally charged LA house party. Exploring themes of hope, exploitation, and toxic culture in the post-#MeToo era, Chasers reflects Brown Thomas’ own experiences with hustle culture. Featuring a vibrant cast, the pilot will also screen at Slamdance 2025, marking a rare “double dance” festival appearance. Read More
Subscriber Gains vs. Licensing Revenue: Lessons from The Umbrella Academy for Peacock
Parrot Analytics explored the trade-off between licensing revenue and subscriber growth, using Universal Content Productions’ The Umbrella Academy as a case study. The hit show, licensed to Netflix, premiered in 2019 and became one of the platform’s most in-demand series. Parrot’s analysis highlights the potential value The Umbrella Academy could have brought to Peacock as an exclusive, balancing NBCUniversal’s short-term licensing revenue with long-term streaming platform growth. Read More
Hollywood Grapples with Devastation Amid L.A. Wildfires
The entertainment industry faces disruption as wildfires ravage Los Angeles, leaving many homeless, including top executives and staff across studios, agencies, and media companies. Non-urgent meetings are postponed, remote work prevails, and camaraderie grows as displaced employees receive temporary housing and support. Local TV productions have resumed indoors, but air quality concerns linger. The devastation has paused industry momentum, with many struggling to balance work amid the widespread personal and professional impact. Read More
Study Highlights Mixed Feelings Toward AI in Entertainment
A Hub Entertainment Research study reveals widespread awareness but limited understanding of AI, with 70% familiar with generative AI and 57% having used tools like ChatGPT. While AI’s potential excites viewers, concerns linger over deepfakes, privacy, and job displacement. Consumers prefer human creativity in tasks like scriptwriting but accept AI for technical functions like CGI. Transparency is key, with 66% demanding clear labelling of AI-generated content. Optimistically, 76% welcome AI for personalized content recommendations. Read More
The Art of TV Title Sequences
Modern TV title sequences have evolved into intricate, CGI-driven showcases, using symbolic imagery like gold dust (The Rings of Power), fungi (The Last of Us), and threads (The Wheel of Time). These visual metaphors aim to reflect the themes and tone of the series, setting an epic stage. From map-like functionality in Game of Thrones to creative animations in Evil, these sequences are vital art forms that captivate and immerse viewers. Read More
Viewers Support AI for Technical Tasks but Prefer Humans for Creativity
A Hub Entertainment Research study reveals mixed consumer attitudes toward AI in entertainment. While 70% are aware of generative AI, only 18% understand its capabilities. Concerns include job loss (50%) and deepfakes (66%). Consumers prefer humans for creative tasks like writing dialogue (59%) but accept AI for technical roles, such as dubbing (50%) and video editing (51%). Transparency is key, with 66% wanting AI-generated content clearly labelled. Read More
TIMS&B Productions' Valley of Hearts Captivates Turkish and Global Audiences
TIMS&B Productions' Valley of Hearts (Siyah Kalp), airing on Show TV in Türkiye, explores universal themes of family, secrets, and redemption. Set in the stunning Cappadocia region, the drama follows Sumru (Ece Uslu), who abandoned her twins, Nuh (Aras Aydın) and Melek (Hafsanur Sancaktutan), only to face their return years later. With secrets unravelling and familial tensions rising, the series delivers gripping drama. Inter Medya is handling global distribution. Read More
Curzon CEO Philip Knatchbull Outlines Future Priorities
Philip Knatchbull, recently reinstated as Curzon's interim executive chairman, emphasizes the importance of securing multi-territory rights to enhance the company's global reach. He believes that expanding Curzon's influence in the film industry hinges on acquiring rights across multiple regions, enabling the company to distribute and exhibit films more effectively on an international scale. Read More
Sebastian Stan’s Oscar Hopes Rise Despite Controversy
Sebastian Stan’s transformative roles in A Different Man and The Apprentice have positioned him as a major awards contender, earning him a Golden Globe and critical acclaim. However, The Apprentice, where Stan portrays a 1970s-era Donald Trump, has faced backlash, limiting its reception and industry support. Despite these challenges, Stan remains optimistic about the film’s impact, acknowledging the hesitancy surrounding its politically charged narrative. Read More
Netflix Unveils Apple Cider Vinegar, Inspired by Belle Gibson Scandal
Netflix’s Apple Cider Vinegar stars Kaitlyn Dever as Australian wellness influencer Belle Gibson, whose fabricated cancer diagnosis fueled a global scam. Created by Samantha Strauss and based on The Woman Who Fooled the World, the series explores the rise of a fraudulent wellness empire and its cultural impact. Directed by Jeffrey Walker, it features Alycia Debnam-Carey and Aisha Dee, tackling unregulated wellness practices and the societal dynamics enabling them. Read More
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