TV, Film & Media Industry International News Roundup, Tuesday 12 November 2024
Cyber Group restructures; Netflix wins streaming wars; BBC boosts Midlands; The Pirate Bay drama; Blue Ant's crime series; VFX on "Paris"; Malone's media moves; YouTube kids shift; Irwin's comedy.
Today’s Highlights:
Cyber Group Studios Appoints Administrator Amid Financial Difficulties—Animation producer Cyber Group Studios restructured due to financial challenges, promoting Dominique Bourse to CEO earlier this year for international growth.
The Pirate Bay Swedish Drama – A series dramatising the story of The Pirate Bay, exploring its early activism, Hollywood's opposition, and Sweden's role in the global free internet debate.
The Killer You Know True Crime Series is Blue Ant Studios' 20-episode series that focuses on crimes committed by those known to the victims and appeals to true crime audiences.
Netflix Wins Streaming Wars – As Netflix emerges as a leader, a bigger fight begins between Big Media and Big Tech over consumer engagement and influence.
BBC Midlands Investment—BBC's increased investment in West Midlands is projected to boost the region's economy by £282 million and create hundreds of jobs by 2031.
VFX Breakdown: Paris Has Fallen – Vine FX delivers 1,350 VFX shots for "Paris Has Fallen," highlighting advanced visual effects integration in high-action sequences for Prime Video.
John Malone on Warner Bros. and Trump—Media mogul John Malone plans strategic moves with anticipated regulatory easing and discusses future developments at industry events.
Kids' YouTube Viewing Surge – The shift from traditional TV to YouTube, driven by creators like Ms. Rachel, underscores new content dynamics as kids increasingly consume digital-first content.
Irwin Entertainment's Comedy Casting – E! 's "House of Villains" season two, hosted by Joel McHale, blends competition and comedy, emphasising the importance of unique casting and engaging concepts.
Karl Warner's Digital-First Focus at BBC Studios—Karl Warner leads a new unit at BBC Studios that aims to create digital-first formats for YouTube, TikTok, and global platforms, reimagining content for UK audiences.
Plus: News, Insights, Executive Moves, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals, Renewals and Jobs with WBD, BBC & Paramount.
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NEWS
Cyber Group Studios Appoints Administrator Amid Financial Difficulties
Due to ongoing financial challenges, Paris-based animation producer Cyber Group Studios has appointed an administrator. Earlier this year, the company promoted Dominique Bourse to CEO, aiming to drive international growth. However, mounting financial issues have led to this restructuring step to stabilise operations. The industry is watching closely as Cyber Group navigates these challenges, aiming to sustain its presence in the competitive animation sector. Read More
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INSIGHTS
The Pirate Bay
Swedish drama The Pirate Bay explores the true story behind the file-sharing website, its early 2000s activist role, and Hollywood's efforts to shut it down. Directed by Jens Sjögren and starring Helena Bergström and Simon Gregor Carlsson, the series dramatises the founders' battle for a free internet. It blends political drama and thriller elements, highlighting Sweden's global impact and significant legal battle. Read More
The Killer You Know
The Killer You Know is a 20-episode true crime series (60 minutes each) from Blue Ant Studios and Jupiter Entertainment. The show reveals that most murders are committed by people known to the victims. It targets multiple channels and platforms, appealing to true crime and relationship-focused audiences. The series fits Blue Ant Studios' catalogue, meeting the demand for returnable crime content. Read More
Netflix Emerges as Streaming Wars Victor, but the True Battle Between Big Media and Big Tech Begins
The Streaming Wars have ended with Netflix as the victor, but a more significant battle looms - Big Media vs. Big Tech for control of wallets, homes, and hearts. This conflict, rooted in the rise of smartphones, is reshaping the global entertainment landscape. Read More
BBC Midlands Investment to Boost Region by £282M
A new report by BOP Consulting forecasts that the BBC's increased investment in the West Midlands will add £282m in GVA to the region by 2031, a 44% increase. Recent BBC initiatives include relocating TV and radio productions to Digbeth. The BBC's commitment is estimated to generate 910 additional full-time jobs and could create 224 new firms, supporting further job growth in the region's creative sector. Read More
VFX Breakdown: Paris Has Fallen
Vine FX delivered over 1,350 VFX shots for Prime Video's "Paris Has Fallen," including environment extensions and action sequences. The show follows MI6 officer Vincent Taleb amidst a terrorist plot in Paris. Notably, scenes like characters jumping into a CG helicopter and rebuilding a corridor shot in CG showcase Vine FX's seamless integration of live action and VFX. The series is a major project for Vine FX, blending gripping storytelling with advanced visual effects. Read More
John Malone on Warner Bros. and Trump
John Malone, known as the "swamp alligator," is making notable moves in his media portfolio. With the incoming Trump administration expected to ease regulatory hurdles, Malone is poised to optimise ownership stakes and settle unfinished business. He's set to drop hints about his plans at the Paley International Council Summit and Liberty Media's annual investor meeting. Read More
Kids’ YouTube Viewing: New Concerns
Children are flocking to YouTube, leaving traditional TV behind. Rachel Accurso, known as Ms Rachel, started a YouTube channel to help her son with speech delays. Today, she has over 12.2 million subscribers and a merchandise line at Target and Walmart. This shift highlights the industry's need to adapt to a new normal driven by homegrown creators. Read More
Power of Comedy Casting at Irwin Entertainment
E!’s House of Villains season two, hosted by Joel McHale, showcases iconic reality TV antagonists, combining competition and comedy—a growing niche for Irwin Entertainment. Founder John Irwin highlights the importance of standout casting, comedic storytelling, and social media buzz. With a market saturated and competitive, Irwin emphasises crafting attention-grabbing shows with attached talent and a strong concept. The show’s success is attributed to casting notorious reality stars, innovative challenges, and McHale’s improvisational flair as host. Read More
UPtv Celebrates 20th Anniversary
2004 was a landmark year in television, with Friends ending Ken Jennings’ Jeopardy! streak, Obama’s DNC keynote, and hits like Lost and Desperate Housewives. Amid this, Charles "Charley" Humbard launched the Gospel Music Channel on Oct. 30, sensing a demand for uplifting, faith-based content. Humbard, now CEO of UP Entertainment, recalls recognising a favourable landscape for a positive network, believing gospel music offered hope in tumultuous news. Read More
Karl Warner on Digital-First Strategies
Karl Warner, former head of youth and digital at Channel 4, joins BBC Studios as EVP of UK entertainment and digital development, leading a new UK-based creative unit to develop IP and formats for the BBC and global platforms. With a focus on digital-first strategies, Warner aims to harness platforms like YouTube and TikTok to reach audiences. He will collaborate with BBCS’s global teams, reimagining international ideas for the UK market alongside Suzy Lamb, MD of UK entertainment. Read More
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