TV, Film & Media Industry International News Roundup,Friday 31 January 2025
Paramount must release Skydance records; Netflix unveils 2025 slate; Pinewood expands; Pact slams Ofcom; Weta names new CEO; AFM returns; The Faculty remake; Entertainment 360 secures funding.
Today’s Highlights:
Paramount Ordered to Release Skydance Merger Records – A Delaware judge ruled that Paramount Global must provide documents related to its $8 billion Skydance merger to the Employees’ Retirement System of Rhode Island, which is investigating potential corporate misconduct by Shari Redstone and National Amusements.
Netflix’s 2025 Programming Slate – Netflix previewed its ambitious 2025 lineup, featuring high-profile projects with Ben Affleck, Tina Fey, and The Duffer Brothers. The streamer is expanding into live programming, gaming, and immersive experiences.
Pinewood Studios Expansion Revised – Pinewood Studios has submitted revised expansion plans to meet growing demand for production facilities, adding new sound stages and infrastructure for large-scale film and TV projects.
3Pas Studios Expanding Latino Representation – Eugenio Derbez and Ben Odell of 3Pas Studios continue to push for diverse Latino storytelling, with successful projects like Acapulco and Radical, and major partnerships across Hollywood.
Ofcom’s PSB Proposals Criticised by Pact – Pact argues that Ofcom’s proposed changes to Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) commissioning codes could undermine independent producers, disrupting financing and competition.
Indie Film Industry Faces Challenges in Distribution & Marketing – The indie film sector struggles with high distribution costs and outdated marketing strategies, though AI-driven models and new digital production tools present opportunities for disruption.
Weta FX Names Daniel Seah as CEO – Peter Jackson’s Weta FX has appointed Daniel Seah as its new CEO, leading the company’s global expansion and technological innovation in the visual effects industry.
AFM Returns to Los Angeles in 2025 – The American Film Market (AFM) will return to Los Angeles from November 11-16, re-establishing its industry presence after being held in Las Vegas last year.
Robert Rodriguez Producing Remake of The Faculty – A remake of the 1998 sci-fi horror film The Faculty is in development, with Rodriguez producing and Drew Hancock writing the script.
Entertainment 360 Sells Minority Stake to Carlyle – Talent management firm Entertainment 360 has secured its first external funding with a minority investment from Carlyle, aiming to support the company’s growth in entertainment.
Plus: News, Insights, Executive Moves, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals & Jobs with WBD, Endemol Shine, UKTV, BFI, Roku & Skybound.
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NEWS
Paramount Ordered to Release Skydance Merger Records to Investor
A Delaware judge has mandated that Paramount Global provide the Employees’ Retirement System of Rhode Island (ERSI) with documents related to its pending $8 billion merger with Skydance Media. ERSI, a Paramount shareholder, seeks to investigate potential corporate misconduct, alleging that controlling shareholder Shari Redstone and her holding company, National Amusements, may have exploited Paramount's corporate opportunities for personal gain. The court's decision overturns a previous magistrate's rejection of ERSI's request, allowing access to communications and records pertinent to the merger discussions. Read More
Inside Netflix’s 2025 Programming Slate
Netflix’s Next on Netflix event previewed its ambitious 2025 lineup, featuring high-profile projects with Ben Affleck, Tina Fey, and The Duffer Brothers. Chief content officer Bela Bajaria emphasized Netflix’s dominance in prestige TV, showcasing series like Zero Day and Death by Lightning. The streamer is also expanding into live programming, gaming, and real-world experiences, with a Netflix restaurant and immersive venues launching soon. Read More
INSIGHTS
The Head Concludes with High-Stakes Final Season in Sahara Desert
Executive producer Ran Tellem discusses The Head's third and final season, which shifts from Antarctica and the remote Pacific to Bir Tawil, an ungoverned no man’s land on the Egypt-Sudan border. The survival thriller continues its theme of isolated, lawless locations where climate research turns into a dangerous human experiment. The multinational cast includes Olivia Morris, John Lynch, and new additions across multiple languages. Read More
Companion Blends Romance, Sci-Fi, and Crime in Genre-Bending Thriller
Drew Hancock’s Companion defies categorisation, blending romance, sci-fi, heist, and murder in a genre-bending story about a breakup—where one partner is an android. Starring Jack Quaid and Sophie Thatcher, the film unfolds unexpectedly, offering a fresh experience on repeat viewings. The cast embraced the challenge of layered performances, with Hancock’s deep love for film and music earning their trust. Read More
Series to Watch: February 2025
February brings a diverse slate of must-watch series, including Miss Austen (BBC/Masterpiece), a period drama exploring the mystery of Jane Austen’s lost letters; The White Lotus Season 3 (HBO), set in Thailand; Zero Day (Netflix), a cyber-attack thriller starring Robert De Niro; and Suits LA (NBC/Peacock), a legal drama revival starring Stephen Amell. Other highlights include A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story (ITV) and A Thousand Blows (Disney+/Hulu). Read More
Pinewood Studios Expansion Plan Revised Amid Global Content Production Boom
Pinewood Studios has submitted revised expansion plans to accommodate the increasing demand for production facilities driven by the global content boom. The updated proposal includes additional sound stages and infrastructure improvements to support large-scale film and television projects. Read More
3Pas Studios’ Ben Odell & Eugenio Derbez on Expanding Latino Representation
Eugenio Derbez and Ben Odell, co-founders of 3Pas Studios, reflect on a decade of reshaping Latino narratives in Hollywood. They emphasize the importance of telling universal yet authentic Latino stories that go beyond stereotypes. Their projects, like Acapulco, Radical, and Overboard, aim to showcase Latinos in diverse roles. They continue producing high-quality, globally appealing content with partnerships across major platforms. Read More
Pact Criticizes Ofcom's PSB Proposals, Claiming They 'Throw Indies Under the Bus'
Pact has criticised Ofcom’s draft proposals on PSB commissioning codes, warning they could undermine the independent production sector by allowing broadcasters to match third-party funding deals, disrupting financing and competition. The Terms of Trade were designed to protect indies from PSB dominance, which accounts for 83% of UK demand. Pact also claims Ofcom failed to consult them before publishing the guidance. The consultation runs until March 10, with final guidance expected in the summer of 2025. Read More
UKTV Emphasises Strategic Position as BVOD Platforms Gain Traction
Richard Watsham and Andrea Amey discuss UKTV’s strategic approach in response to the growing popularity of broadcaster video-on-demand (BVOD) services. The company highlights its focus on unique content offerings and audience engagement to remain competitive in the evolving digital landscape. Read More
Addressing Challenges in Indie Film Production, Distribution, and Marketing
The indie film industry is not doomed but blocked by outdated Hollywood structures and streaming limitations. While horror thrives, broader indie success is hindered by high distribution costs and outdated marketing strategies. However, disruption is coming. Advances in digital production, new AI-driven distribution models, and innovative marketing methods create alternatives to traditional studio reliance. If filmmakers seize these tools, indie films can regain cultural impact and financial sustainability. Read More
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