TV, Film & Media Industry International News Roundup, Wednesday 31 July 2024
SXSW Sydney features Thornton & Kurzel; Realscreen Awards jury; Cineville in Germany; Cineworld rent talks; Bronfman eyes Paramount; rise in foreign content; Apple's ad plans; Liman's The Instigators.
Today’s Highlights:
Warwick Thornton and Jed Kurzel at SXSW Sydney—Director Warwick Thornton and musician/composer Jed Kurzel will present live commentary at SXSW Sydney. LuckyChap Entertainment's Josey McNamara and US animator Mark Andrews will also feature.
Realscreen Awards 2025 Jury Chairs—Realscreen announced the jury chairs for the 2025 Realscreen Awards, including executives from Amazon MGM Studios, Eureka, CBC, Disney+, BBC, ABC Australia, and Fox Entertainment.
Cineville Expands to Germany—Arthouse cinema subscription service Cineville launches in Germany, offering unlimited access to participating theatres for a monthly fee.
Cineworld Rent Negotiations—Cineworld seeks significant rent reductions and warns UK landlords of potential theatre closures if rent negotiations fail.
Edgar Bronfman Jr. and Paramount Bid—Edgar Bronfman Jr. explored a bid for National Amusements Inc., Paramount Global's controlling shareholder, during Skydance's "go-shop" period.
Netflix Strategy with Broadcast TV Hits - Netflix increases licensed content, now 35% of its TV catalogue, boosting demand and aiding its competitive edge in the streaming market.
Increase in Viewing Foreign Content - A study shows a 24% rise in viewing foreign content in English-speaking markets, driven by streaming platforms expanding their libraries.
Ben Schiffer's Transition to 'The Turkish Detective'—Screenwriter Ben Schiffer discusses his transition from "Skins" to adapting crime novels for "The Turkish Detective."
Apple TV+ Considering Ads—Apple is considering introducing ads on Apple TV+, aiming to diversify revenue and compete with other streaming platforms.
Doug Liman's 'The Instigators'—Director Doug Liman talks about his indie filmmaking roots and the challenges of shooting "The Instigators" in 36 days for Apple TV+.
Plus: News, Festivals, Insights, Executive Moves, In Development, Deals, Renewals, Cancellations and Jobs with BBC, Netflix, Sky, AMC, Skydance, MrBeast, Warners, Roku, Audacy, Virgin Media Television, TikTok & Screen Ireland.
Subscribe to our daily news roundup for exclusive insights, early access to industry news, and the convenience of having the latest updates in one place.
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.
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.
NEWS
Warwick Thornton Jed Kurzel to speak at SXSW Sydney
Director Warwick Thornton, musician and composer Jed Kurzel, LuckyChap Entertainment producer Josey McNamara, and US animator and filmmaker Mark Andrews will be featured at this year’s SXSW Sydney in October. Thornton and Kurzel will offer live commentary presentations of their work, while McNamara will discuss LuckyChap's projects, including "Barbie" and "Promising Young Woman." Andrews will share insights on upcoming projects at his independent animation studio, Floating Rock.
From: IF
Realscreen Awards unveils jury chairs for 2025 edition
Realscreen has announced the industry trailblazers who will guide the judging process for the 2025 Realscreen Awards, set for February 4, 2025, at the Miami InterContinental Hotel during the 27th Realscreen Summit. The jury chairs include Anaϊs Baker (Amazon MGM Studios), Wes Dening (Eureka), Jennifer Dettman (CBC), Sean Doyle (Disney+), Syeda Irtizaali (BBC), Susie Jones (ABC Australia), and Yasmin Rawji (Fox Entertainment). They will join nearly 150 non-fiction and unscripted content executives in the category of juries. The entry deadline is September 6, 2024, with new categories spotlighting outstanding factual and reality programming talent.
From: Señal News
Arthouse cinema subscription service Cineville launches into the German theatrical market
Cineville, an arthouse cinema subscription service, is expanding into Germany. The service offers unlimited access to participating theatres for a monthly fee and promotes independent and arthouse films. Cineville aims to support the cinema industry and cultivate a community of film enthusiasts.
From: Screen Daily
Cineworld issues stark warning to UK landlords as it looks to renegotiate rents
Cineworld has warned UK landlords that it may shut theatres if rent negotiations fail. The cinema chain is seeking significant rent reductions to manage its financial challenges. The outcome of these negotiations could impact the future operations of Cineworld's UK locations.
From: Screen Daily
Edgar Bronfman Jr. Still Mulling Bid For Paramount Control During Skydance “Go-Shop” Period
Veteran media executive Edgar Bronfman Jr. continues exploring a bid for National Amusements Inc. (NAI), Paramount Global’s controlling shareholder. In early July, Paramount and Skydance agreed on a two-step deal where Skydance would acquire NAI and merge with Paramount, involving an $8 billion investment and a 45-day “go shop” period expiring on August 21. Bronfman, former Vice Chairman of Vivendi Universal and CEO of Warner Music, has been conducting due diligence and consulting financial backers. It's unclear if his proposal will mirror Skydance’s or involve taking a significant stake in Paramount.
From: Deadline
FESTIVALS
MIFF announces Bright Horizons jury line-up, introduction of Uncle Jack Charles Award
The Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) announced the jury for the $140,000 Bright Horizons Award and the Uncle Jack Charles Award nominees. Jury president Ivan Sen will lead a panel that will include David Lowery, Deborah Scott, Jillian Nguyen, and Yulia Evina Bhara. Competing filmmakers include Charles Williams (Inside), India Donaldson (Good One), and Luna Carmoon (Hoard). Winners will be presented at the MIFF Awards ceremony on August 24 at Rydges Melbourne.
From: IF
Tom Holland, Oscar-Nominated Director Pawo Choyning Dorji Earn Awards At Inaugural World Culture Film Festival
Actor Tom Holland and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Pawo Choyning Dorji were among the award recipients as the World Culture Film Festival concluded its inaugural edition in Los Angeles. Holland’s short film "Last Call," directed by his brother Harry, was screened at the festival, a four-day event dedicated to showcasing uplifting entertainment. Holland received the Outstanding Achievement in the Performing Arts award.
From: Deadline
Mubi and Locarno Film Festival Partner on First Feature Prize
Arthouse streamer and distributor Mubi and the Locarno Film Festival have introduced the Mubi Award – Debut Feature, honouring a first feature in the festival's official selection. The prize celebrates innovative storytelling and the future of cinema, providing the winning film with 10,000 Swiss francs ($11,000) shared between its director and producer. A potential Mubi deal may follow. The jury includes Moroccan director-producer Khalil Benkirane, Finnish actor Alma Pöysti, and Swiss makeup designer Esmé Sciaroni.
From: Variety
San Sebastian Festival Competition: New Mike Leigh, Edward Berger and Gia Coppola Films and Joshua Oppenheimer’s ‘The End’ With Tilda Swinton
Two Netflix Originals and new films from Mike Leigh, Joshua Oppenheimer, Gia Coppola, and Edward Berger will compete for the Golden Shell at the San Sebastian Film Festival this September. The main competition has prominent directors and A-list stars, including Tilda Swinton in Oppenheimer’s “The End,” Jamie Lee Curtis and Pamela Anderson in Coppola’s “The Last Showgirl,” and the ensemble cast of Berger’s “Conclave” featuring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and Isabella Rossellini.
From: Variety
‘Emilia Pérez’s’ Camille Dalmais and Clément Ducol to Receive Variety’s Artisan Award at Toronto Film Festival
French songwriting and composing duo Camille Dalmais and Clément Ducol have been honoured with the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival Variety Artisan Award for their soundtrack work on Jacques Audiard’s Netflix film “Emilia Pérez.” They join the 2024 TIFF tribute award honorees, including Mike Leigh (TIFF Ebert Director Award) and Durga Chew-Bose (TIFF Emerging Talent Award). Dalmais, known for her vocal style blending pop, folk, and avant-garde elements, and Ducol, recognised for his creative arrangements, are prominent figures in the French music scene.
From: Variety
INSIGHTS
How Broadcast TV Hits Are Helping Netflix Stay Ahead in the Streaming Wars
Netflix has bolstered its strategy by increasing licensed content, constituting 35% of its TV catalogue. This move has led to a significant rise in demand for licensed shows, aiding Netflix in maintaining a competitive edge in the streaming market. The platform's initiatives have contributed to its success, including cracking down on password sharing and introducing an ad-supported tier.
From: The Wrap
Research: Viewing of foreign content is up 24% in English markets
A recent study reveals a 24% increase in viewing foreign content in English-speaking markets. This trend reflects a growing interest in diverse, international programming. The rise is attributed to streaming platforms expanding their content libraries with foreign shows and movies, making them more accessible to a broader audience.
From: Advanced Television
Screenwriter Ben Schiffer follows the trail from 'Skins' to 'The Turkish Detective'
Ben Schiffer, known for his work on "Skins," has transitioned to writing for "The Turkish Detective." Schiffer discusses his journey and the creative challenges of adapting crime novels into a TV series. He emphasises the importance of staying true to the source material while bringing fresh perspectives to the screen.
From: C21
Serpent's Tale
"Revolutionary Road" screenwriter Justin Haythe discusses his transition to television as showrunner of "The Serpent Queen," starring Samantha Morton as Catherine de Medici. The series, which premiered in 2022, offers a dramatic retelling of the influential French ruler’s life, starting from her marriage at 14. Season two jumps ten years forward, depicting Catherine as Queen Regent facing political turmoil. Based on Leonie Frieda’s book, the series includes a cast featuring Amrita Acharia, Emma McDonald, and Minnie Driver.
From: Drama Quarterly
Apple eyes ads on Apple TV+, claims report
Apple is reportedly considering introducing ads on Apple TV+. This move aims to diversify revenue streams and offer an ad-supported subscription tier. The decision comes as Apple seeks to compete with other streaming platforms that already utilise ad-supported models.
From: Macworld
Freedom Scripted’s Mike Ellen
Freedom Scripted, founded in 2018 by former BBC, STV, and World Productions executive Mike Ellen, is a Glasgow-based label focused on high-end drama. Ellen, serving as managing director and creative director, has expanded the company with offices in London and Berlin. Current projects include adaptations of the Alex Morrow detective novels, "Engleby," and "Ayesha’s Gift." Ellen discusses the company’s creative ethos, book-based IP pipeline, first-look deal with All3Media International, and market challenges here.
From: TV Drama
Skydance, Paramount, Netflix Animation Questions
The collaboration between Skydance, Paramount, and Netflix raises questions about the future of their animation projects. Industry experts speculate on how this partnership will influence content creation and distribution strategies, potentially reshaping the animation landscape.
From: The Wrap
How Doug Liman’s Indie Filmmaking Roots Helped Him Pull Off a 36-Day Shoot for ‘The Instigators’
Apple TV+’s upcoming film “The Instigators,” starring Matt Damon and Casey Affleck, is a genre-blending mix of heist film, buddy comedy, ensemble crime piece, and political satire. Directed by Doug Liman, the movie evolves into an action caper with car chases, shootouts, and explosions while exploring human tragedy through Damon and Affleck’s characters, Rory and Cobby. Despite the fun appearance, Liman described the production as challenging, especially with complex action sequences filmed during winter. Drawing from his indie film experience with "Swingers" and "Go," Liman balanced practicality and storytelling in just 36 days of shooting in Boston.
From: IndieWire
‘Shine On — The Forgotten Shining Location’: A Documentary Meditation on Stanley Kubrick’s Rooms of Fear
For a year, Stanley Kubrick took over Elstree Studios to make "The Shining." Nearly 45 years later, one filming site remains. Executive Producer Jan Harlan, Art Director Les Tomkins, and Kubrick’s daughter Katharina revisit the studio, sharing memories of the film often voted the best horror movie. “This story has never been told,” said Katharina. Shine On is produced, directed by Paul King, narrated by Michael Sheen, and made with the Stanley Kubrick Film Archive and others.
From: Variety
‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ Author Holly Jackson Responds to Criticism Over TV Adaptation Changes: ‘I Sympathise Entirely With Book Fans Who Wanted to See Their Favorite Moments’
“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” the adaptation of Holly Jackson’s YA thriller, will hit Netflix on Aug. 1 after debuting in the U.K. on the BBC last month. Produced by Moonage Pictures and starring Emma Myers as Pip, it follows a schoolgirl solving a closed murder case, putting her and her family in danger. Jackson collaborated with showrunner Poppy Cogan to adapt the book and discussed the process with Variety.
From: Variety
‘Merchant Ivory’ Trailer: A Tribute to the Quietly Revolutionary Producers Behind Beloved Period Classics
The film collaborations of Ismail Merchant and James Ivory became so successful that "Merchant Ivory" came to represent a style of filmmaking known for well-mounted period dramas of sophistication and erudition, far more refined than later costume dramas like "Downton Abbey." Stephen Soucy's new documentary, "Merchant Ivory," pays tribute to this remarkable partnership, exploring what made their films so distinctive. Featuring commentary from Emma Thompson, Vanessa Redgrave, and Ivory himself, the documentary premiered at Doc NYC 2023 and was an official selection at the Palm Springs and Sarasota Film Festivals. Ivory, now 96, is the oldest Oscar winner, honoured for "Call Me By Your Name."
From: IndieWire
Deadpool Does Product Marketing In The Deadpooliest Way Possible | Fast Company
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.