TV, Film & Media Industry International News Roundup, Weekend 30 November - 1 December 2024
Earth Abides adapts a classic, UK TV exports soar, AI reshapes media, French cinema booms, and Richard Gere reimagines The Agency.
Today’s Highlights:
Earth Abides Stars Alexander Ludwig and Jessica Frances Dukes Discuss Dream Project Challenges—Alexander Ludwig and Jessica Frances Dukes lead the MGM+ adaptation of George R. Stewart's sci-fi novel Earth Abides, which explores survival and relationships in a post-apocalyptic world.
British TV Exports to the U.S. Hit Record £593M in 2023 Despite Global Challenges - British TV sales to the U.S. surged by 13% in 2023, driven by hits like Doctor Who and Got Talent, while global distributor revenue slightly declined.
Reliability of Producer Offset Provisional Certificates Questioned Post-Fragmentary Ruling—The Fragmentary ruling highlights the non-binding nature of provisional certificates, urging producers to ensure compliance and seek legal guidance on Producer Offset eligibility.
Streaming Giants Drive French Cinema Renaissance with €362M Investment—Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video invested €362M in French cinema in 2022, and regulatory expansions promise further growth in 2024.
Sky History and Stan to Premiere Documentary The Tattooist’s Son: Journey to Auschwitz - This Synchronicity Films documentary explores Holocaust survivor stories through the journey of Gary Sokolov, supported by Screen Scotland.
Israel’s Scripted Format Success: AnalyzinAnalysingmula—Israel ranks fourth in scripted formats globally, with Yes Studios' innovative IP management and storytelling strategies driving international success.
Industry Reflects on AI’s Role in Film and TV - The PRISM event in Sydney addressed AI’s impact on intellectual property, creativity, and distribution, advocating for balanced regulation to protect creators' rights.
Richard Gere, on Bringing an 'American Point of View' to The Agency, stars in the U.S. remake of The Bureau, adapting its themes for an American audience while adding depth to his character.
Gallagher: Documentary Explores the Iconic Comedian’s Legacy - Josh Forbes’ film offers a nuanced portrait of Leo Gallagher, tackling his career challenges, family disputes, and controversial comedy.
BBC Scotland Docuseries The Firm Explores Notorious Crime Gang—The upcoming season of The Firm will examine high-profile Scottish legal cases, continuing its exploration of the nation’s justice system.
Plus: Insights, Executive Moves, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals, Renewals and Jobs with M6, WBD, Disney, BBC & Paramount.
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INSIGHTS
Earth Abides Stars Alexander Ludwig and Jessica Frances Dukes Discuss Dream Project Challenges
Alexander Ludwig and Jessica Frances Dukes lead MGM+’s Earth Abides, a post-apocalyptic series based on George R. Stewart’s sci-fi novel. Ludwig stars as Ish, a geologist who awakens from a coma to find humanity wiped out by a virus, meeting Emma (Dukes) in episode two. Set over a year, the series explores their survival and relationship amid dwindling resources and unexpected threats. Read More
British TV Exports to the U.S. Hit Record £593M in 2023 Despite Global Challenges
According to Pact's UK TV Exports Report, sales of British shows to the U.S. surged by 13% in 2023, reaching a record £593M ($751M). Hits like Doctor Who, Got Talent, and The Voice drove demand, while revenues from co-productions and markets like China and Japan declined. Australian buyers recorded £160M, second only to the U.S., as global distributor revenue dipped 2% to £1.82B. Read More
Israel’s Scripted Format Success: AnalyzinAnalysingmula
Israel ranks fourth globally in scripted formats, with yes Studios’ Your Honor among the decade's most successful thanks to its Showtime adaptation. Yes Studios' prolific output includes Significant Other (ITV), Johnny and the Knights of the Galilee (Amazon), and Night Therapy (Germany). Managing director Sharon Levi credits diverse storytelling, strategic IP management, and tailored partnerships for success, highlighting Israel's unique cultural perspectives and collaborative approach to global adaptations. Read More
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Gallagher: Documentary Explores the Iconic Comedian’s Legacy
Josh Forbes’ documentary Gallagher explores the life of the late prop comedian Leo Gallagher, famous for his watermelon-smashing act. Filmed over seven years, it captures Gallagher’s struggles with declining ticket sales, a legal feud with his brother, and criticism for offensive jokes. Inspired by the comic’s outsider status, Forbes aimed to present a nuanced portrait of a misunderstood artist navigating the complexities of his career and legacy. Read More
Richard Gere on Bringing an 'American Point of View' to The Agency
Richard Gere stars in Paramount+’s The Agency, a remake of the French espionage drama The Bureau. Gere, a fan of the original, highlighted the challenge of adapting its post-colonial themes to reflect a modern American perspective. Praising its cinematic storytelling and complex characters, Gere also emphasised the importance of loosening up his role to bring fresh depth to the remake. Read More
Reliability of Producer Offset Provisional Certificates Questioned Post-Fragmentary Ruling
The Fragmentary case has raised doubts about the reliability of Producer Offset provisional certificates after the AAT upheld Screen Australia's rejection of the film's Offset claim. The ruling highlighted that provisional certificates are non-binding and that final eligibility depends on completing all requirements. Producers are advised to ensure compliance throughout production and seek legal advice to avoid discrepancies affecting their eligibility. Read More
Industry Reflects on AI’s Role in Film and TV
The PRISM event at Sydney’s Disney Studios gathered industry leaders to discuss AI's impact on creativity, production, and distribution in the screen sector. The Australian Writers' Guild called for AI guidelines to protect intellectual property, following concerns over the unauthorised artists' works in training datasets. Proposed government guardrails aim to balance innovation with creators' rights, ensuring fair compensation and responsible AI integration. Read More
The Last Showgirl: Read the Screenplay
Kate Gersten’s The Last Showgirl delves into the bittersweet reality of aging in entertainment through Shelly, a veteran showgirl facing an uncertain future. Originally written as a Juilliard play, the script remains intimate and relevant. Pamela Anderson embodies Shelly, a role Gersten calls "kismet," mentoring younger dancers Mary-Anne (Brenda Song) and Jodie (Kiernan Shipka) while confronting societal views on women and aging. Read More & Read the Screenplay
Streaming Giants Drive French Cinema Renaissance with €362M Investment
Global streaming platforms, led by Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video, invested €362M in French audiovisual and cinema production in 2022, driven by the EU’s Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD). Over three years, these platforms financed 81 feature films with higher budgets than domestic productions. Upcoming regulatory expansions in 2024 promise further investments, solidifying streamers as crucial contributors to France’s film and TV ecosystem. Read More
Sky History and Stan to Premiere Documentary The Tattooist’s Son: Journey to Auschwitz
Sky History, Stan, and Hearts Networks EMEA are partnering on The Tattooist’s Son: Journey to Auschwitz, a 90-minute documentary by Synchronicity Films. The feature follows Gary Sokolov, son of Holocaust survivors Gita and Lali Sokolov, as he visits Auschwitz for the first time. Building on the success of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, the film highlights the Holocaust’s enduring impact, with funding support from Screen Scotland. Read More
BBC Scotland Docuseries The Firm Explores Notorious Crime Gang
BBC Scotland has commissioned a second season of "The Firm," a docuseries offering unprecedented access to Aamer Anwar & Co, one of Scotland's most disruptive law firms. The series delves into high-profile cases and provides a behind-the-scenes look at Scotland's legal industry. Season 1 aired in 2023, and Season 2 is slated for release in 2024 on BBC Scotland and Player. Read More
EXECUTIVE MOVES
Kevin & Co Appoints Joanne Law as Commercial Development Director
New Zealand production company Kevin & Co named Joanne Law its commercial development director. Previously with Warner Bros International NZ, Law oversaw unscripted development and format sales, contributing to shows like The Masked Singer and The Great Kiwi Bake Off. She also developed original projects such as My Dream Green Home and Escaping Utopia. Law aims to deliver "boldly original stories" to global audiences with Kevin & Co. Read More
Channel 4 Appoints Louise Donald as Commissioning Executive for Hollyoaks
Channel 4 has appointed Louise Donald as the Commissioning Executive for its drama series "Hollyoaks." With over 15 years of experience in script development, Donald has worked on notable UK dramas such as "EastEnders," "Holby City," and "Death in Paradise." In her new role, she will oversee "Hollyoaks," ensuring it maintains its editorial standards and performance across linear and streaming platforms. Read More
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