TV, Film & Media Industry International News Roundup, Wednesday 24 July 2024

Venice Film Festival line-up; BBC job cuts; No-AI film fest; Peacock loses subscribers; Durban FilmMart winners; Netflix's streaming surge; Shadowbox Studios; UK tax relief; Apple's budget shift.

Today’s Highlights:

• Venice Film Festival Line-up Revealed: The 81st Venice Film Festival features 21 Competition films, including works from notable directors like Todd Phillips, Pedro Almodovar, and Luca Guadagnino. The festival president, Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, makes his first appearance after replacing Roberto Cicutto.

• BBC Job Cuts: The BBC plans to cut 500 jobs by 2026 due to a sales drop, highlighting a shift to a digital-first approach and a reduction in public service roles.

• No AI Allowed Film Festival: Justine Bateman launches the CREDO 23 Film Festival in LA for 2025, supporting human filmmakers against AI's encroachment.

• Peacock Subscriber Loss: NBCUniversal's Peacock lost 500,000 subscribers in Q2 ahead of the Paris Olympics and price hikes.

• Durban FilmMart Award Winners: The South African supernatural crime series Acts of Man and the documentaries Africa AI and We Had the Moon! won top prizes at the Durban FilmMart award ceremony.

• Netflix's Record Streaming Month: Netflix moves into the top four media distributors in June, driven by shows like Bridgerton and Your Honor.

• Shadowbox Studios Development: Shadowbox Studios to develop a new facility on Australia's Gold Coast, contributing significantly to the local economy and job creation.

• Unscripted TV Tax Relief Petition: UK producers petition for unscripted TV tax relief to support freelancers and production companies, aiming to stimulate job creation and economic recovery.

• Prime Video Interface Update: Prime Video rolls out a new interface with a revamped navigation bar and AI-driven personalised recommendations.

• Apple's Content Spending Adjustment: Apple is reconsidering its lavish spending on Hollywood projects due to production losses in the streaming industry, aiming to make Apple TV Plus more sustainable.

Plus: News, Insights, Executive Moves, In Development, Deals & Jobs with AFTRS, ITV, Penguin, Sony, Banijay, LA Times, Warners, Netflix, UFA, Bavaria Studios & Federation.

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NEWS

Venice Film Festival reveals 2024 line-up

The Venice Film Festival's 81st edition features 21 Competition films, including works from Todd Phillips, Pedro Almodovar, and Luca Guadagnino. Festival president Pietrangelo Buttafuoco and artistic director Alberto Barbera announced the line-up, marking Buttafuoco's first appearance after replacing Roberto Cicutto. The lineup also highlights films like "Wolfs" starring Brad Pitt and George Clooney, and a TV series by Alfonso Cuaron and Thomas Vinterberg. Isabelle Huppert leads the jury, which includes James Gray and Agnieszka Holland.

From: Screen Daily

500 more jobs to go at BBC as BBCS sales suffer in a 'challenging' market

The BBC will cut 500 jobs by 2026 due to a sales drop to £1.8bn from £2.1bn. The annual report highlights a shift to a digital-first approach, reducing public service roles by 10% in five years. BBC Studios blames the sales fall on global commissioning downturns despite three consecutive years of EBITDA of over £200m. BBCS continues to invest strategically, acquiring full ownership of BritBox International and several production companies.

From: C21

“Raw & Real”: Justine Bateman Launches No AI Allowed Film Festival For 2025; Submissions Open Next Week

Justine Bateman, a long-time critic of generative AI's impact on the creative community, is launching the CREDO 23 Film Festival in LA in 2025. This no-AI-allowed event aims to support human filmmakers against AI's encroachment. Bateman says the festival will honour human artists and provide them with financial resources, creating a space for genuine, raw creativity amidst the rise of AI in studios and festivals.

From: Deadline

Peacock Sheds 500,000 Subscribers in Q2 Ahead of Olympics, Price Hikes

NBCUniversal’s Peacock lost 500,000 subscribers in Q2, dropping from 33.5 million to 33 million. This decline, reported in Comcast's Q2 earnings, follows price hikes and precedes a major programming push for the Paris Olympics. In Q1, Comcast had reported 34 million subscribers, rounding up from 33.5 million. Despite a $348 million loss this quarter, compared to $651 million last year, Peacock’s revenue rose 28% to $1 billion.

From: Variety

‘Acts of Man,’ ‘Africa AI,’ ‘We Had the Moon!’ Among Top Prize Winners at Durban FilmMart Award Ceremony

South African supernatural crime series “Acts of Man” won the top cash prize at the Durban FilmMart award ceremony. The series received the Known Inner Circle Award, including a $10,000 cash prize for creators Sheetal Magan and Sean Drummond. Documentaries “Africa AI” and “We Had the Moon!” also won multiple awards during the eventful week in Durban. The award was presented by South Africa’s Known Associates Group, Canada’s Inner City Films, and Circle Blue Entertainment.

From: Variety

‘Bluey’ Merch Sales Rise, But BBC Commercial Profit Drops on Investments, Post-Peak TV Cuts

BBC Commercial, the commercial arm of the BBC, reported lower full fiscal-year financials due to softness in commissioning and advertising sales markets, previous revenue benefits from multi-year deals, and record investment for future growth. Despite challenging market conditions, the company highlighted successes like the Doctor Who partnership with Disney+ and the rising popularity of Bluey. CEO Tom Fussell noted progress against strategic objectives through record investment and aims to double 2021/2022 revenue and profit by 2027/2028. He attributed commissioning market softness to increased profitability focus across Hollywood and streaming giants.

From: The Hollywood Reporter

UK producers petition for unscripted tax relief to help freelancers back to work

UK producers have petitioned for unscripted TV tax relief to support freelancers and production companies. The move aims to stimulate job creation and economic recovery in the sector. Industry leaders argue that tax incentives will help retain talent and maintain the UK's competitive edge in the global market. The petition has garnered significant support, highlighting the industry's reliance on freelancers and the need for government intervention to sustain growth and innovation.

From: C21

US outfit Shadowbox Studios set to develop new facility on Australia's Gold Coast

Shadowbox Studios will develop a new facility on the Gold Coast, set to open in 2028. The site will feature up to 10 sound stages, workshops, office spaces, and training facilities. The project, estimated to contribute A$195m annually to the local economy, is expected to generate over 1,000 construction and 3,400 operational jobs. Mayor Tom Tate emphasised the project's importance for the screen industry's growth and local job creation.

From: C21

Netflix Moves Into Top Four Media Distributors in June

In a record month for streaming, Netflix and YouTube took high places among media distributors in June. Netflix ranked fourth in TV use share in the U.S., its highest ever, capturing 8.4% of all TV viewing. This moved it ahead of Paramount Global (7.9%) and Warner Bros. Discovery (7.4%) and just behind NBCUniversal (8.5%). YouTube, ranking second since April, came closer to overtaking Disney. Netflix's success was driven by Bridgerton, the most-watched show of June, and increased interest in Your Honor.

From: The Hollywood Reporter

Nacho Vigalondo’s Sci-Fi Romance ‘Daniela Forever’ to Open Toronto Film Fest Platform Competition

Nacho Vigalondo’s "Daniela Forever," starring Henry Golding, will open the Toronto Film Festival’s Platform competition with a world premiere. Set in Madrid, the sci-fi romance features Golding as Nicolas, who joins a clinical trial to reunite with his deceased girlfriend through lucid dreams, becoming obsessed with the fantasy. XYZ finances the film. Other selections include Netflix’s "Pedro Páramo," Rodrigo Prieto’s directorial debut, "Daughter’s Daughter" produced by Hou Hsiao-hsien and Sylvia Chang, and Tallulah H. Schwab’s "Mr. K," starring Crispin Glover.

From: The Hollywood Reporter

INSIGHTS

Venice Boss Alberto Barbera on 2024 Lineup, Standout Performances and Potential Controversies

Alberto Barbera, the long-running Venice festival director, recently extended his contract through 2026 and unveiled the Venice 2024 lineup. It features awards season contenders like Pedro Almodóvar’s English-language debut "The Room Next Door" with Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore, Pablo Larraín’s Maria Callas biopic "Maria" starring Angelina Jolie, and Luca Guadagnino’s "Queer" starring Daniel Craig. Big-budget premieres include Tim Burton’s "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice," Todd Phillips’ "Joker: Folie à Deux," and Jon Watts’ "Wolfs" with Brad Pitt and George Clooney. Notably absent is Netflix, though Barbera expects its return next year.

From: The Hollywood Reporter

Eight talking points from the Venice 2024 line-up

The 81st Venice Film Festival showcases A-list stars like Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and Joaquin Phoenix. The line-up addresses political issues such as the Ukraine-Russia conflict and climate change. Notably, Netflix has no entries this year, unlike previous festivals. Films are getting longer, with several lengthy features and series. Female directors make up 29% of the competition, a slight improvement. UK and Irish talent are prominent, and Italian projects have a strong presence. For the first time, a Singaporean film is in competition.

From: Screen Daily

Cobra Kai’s Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz & Hayden Schlossberg

The final season of Cobra Kai is now on Netflix, concluding the sequel to The Karate Kid films. It follows Johnny Lawrence reopening the Cobra Kai dojo and reviving his rivalry with Daniel LaRusso. Showrunners Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg discuss the season's heightened action, drama, and stunts, highlighting the series' impact on revitalising the film franchise.

From: TV Drama

‘Skywalkers: A Love Story’ Team on Risking Death, Avoiding Panic Attacks and Escaping Malaysia: ‘If We Are Banned, We Don’t Know About It’

In Netflix’s "Skywalkers: A Love Story," Russian rooftoppers Ivan "Vanya" Beerkus and Angela Nikolau climb some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers without safety nets, breaking laws and evading authorities. Their ascent of Malaysia’s 2,227-foot Merdeka Tower, the world's second-tallest structure, is a high-stakes heist, ignoring director Jeff Zimbalist's warnings about the risks of arrest in Malaysia. Zimbalist recalls urging them to prioritise safety, but the couple often followed their instincts during the perilous 30-plus hour climb.

From: Variety

Hollywood’s Mental Health Crisis: Four On-Set Therapists Offer Advice Amid Industry Contraction

Maintaining mental health in production is challenging due to COVID-19 and ongoing industry contractions following Hollywood strikes. UK therapist Sarah McCaffrey, founder of Solas Mind, highlights that the predominantly freelance entertainment industry already offers "low certainty and low control." Recent turbulence has heightened anxieties about job security and industry stability. Therapists like Noelle Adames, working with The Artist Wellbeing Company, note feelings of "imposter syndrome" and stress upon returning to set. Experts argue the need for on-set therapists to support cast and crew, especially when dealing with emotionally charged material.

From: Deadline

‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Director Shawn Levy: Hollywood’s PG Guy Finds His Edge

Shawn Levy, once known for family comedies like "Night at the Museum" and "Cheaper by the Dozen," has evolved into a producer of cerebral Oscar winners like "Arrival" and cultural hits like "Stranger Things." After numerous successes in the early 2000s, Levy expanded his repertoire with the 2011 film "Real Steel," which earned nearly $300 million globally and showcased his ability to infuse action with emotional depth. Hugh Jackman, who starred in "Real Steel," praises Levy for creating an empathetic set environment and fostering lifelong friendships through collaboration.

From: The Hollywood Reporter

79 ideas and thoughts to improve the screen development process

Julie Eckersley presents 79 ideas to enhance screen development inspired by the Future Vision Summit. Key suggestions include adopting a flexible script drafting process, establishing industry masterclasses, incorporating mentoring, and fostering innovation in storytelling methods. Emphasising audience engagement, the importance of craft, and the potential of tax incentives for industry growth are also highlighted. These strategies elevate creative standards and support the screen industry's sustainability and excellence.

From: IF

Lights, camera, produce

Actors increasingly take roles behind the camera, developing stories, budgets, and final edits. In a DQTV special, stars like Marta Dusseldorp, Lenny Henry, Alexandra Rappaport, and Gabija Siurbyte discuss their transition to production, the creation of their companies, and their storytelling ambitions.

From: Drama Quarterly

Prime Video Has a Brand New Look: Updated Nav Bar, AI Recommendations Begin Rollout

Prime Video's new interface includes a revamped navigation bar, more precise distinctions between Prime and purchasable content, and AI-driven personalised recommendations. Features like "Home," "Movies," "TV Shows," and a "Prime" section enhance user experience, while a Top 10 list highlights popular content. The update, rolling out globally, aims to simplify navigation and improve content discovery with intuitive design and enhanced user feedback integration.

From: The Wrap

With New Funds, Finance Models and Entrants Into African Market, Industry Professionals Poise for Disruption — and Hope to Profit

The film finance landscape in Africa is evolving, but at the Durban FilmMart, producers and financiers grapple with unlocking the continent's screen industry potential. Despite increasing funding mechanisms for African content, challenges persist in ensuring these schemes adapt to local market realities. While regional and global streaming platforms have boosted production, frustrations arise from a finance model often misaligned with African filmmaking needs. Amazon Prime Video’s abrupt exit from the African market highlights the vulnerability of local producers to distant decision-makers.

From: Variety

Guiding light

Poppy Cogan adapted Holly Jackson's bestseller A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder into a BBC series, retaining its essence while making necessary cuts. The story follows Pip (Emma Myers) investigating Andie's disappearance, aiming to clear Sal's name with Ravi's help. The show captures the book's spirit, blending a teen detective narrative with emotional depth, and highlights Pip's journey from a sanctimonious good girl to someone who understands the complexities of morality.

From: Drama Quarterly

USA: Kids prefer YouTube over traditional TV and Disney+

A study by eMarketer reveals that U.S. children aged 2-10 prefer YouTube over traditional TV and Disney+, viewing three times more YouTube content. YouTube dominates social media use among children under 12, with 58% favouring it over other platforms. Disney Channel viewership has significantly declined, and Disney+ struggles to engage the youngest audiences, who favour short-form content. This shift impacts Disney's revenue streams, highlighting the need for adaptation to new viewing habits.

From: Señal News

There's life in the old linear dog, yet says BBCS's Witak

Nick Witak of BBC Studios insists that linear TV remains vital despite the rise of streaming. Witak highlights Linear’s role in audience reach and program promotion, emphasising its importance for broadcasters and advertisers. He believes a hybrid model, combining linear and digital platforms, offers the best viewer experience and revenue potential. Witak asserts that Linear TV's extensive audience base and proven engagement metrics make it a valuable asset in the evolving media landscape.

From: C21

Apple’s original content spending spree might finally be over

Apple is known for its lavish spending on Hollywood projects, but this may change due to production losses in the streaming industry. According to Bloomberg, Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services, urges studio chiefs Zack Van Amburg and Jamie Erlicht to manage project budgets to make Apple TV Plus sustainable more closely. Apple spends heavily on projects, like over $500 million on films by Martin Scorsese, Ridley Scott, and Matthew Vaughn. Despite the buzz of the award season, Apple TV Plus attracts fewer views per month than Netflix gets in a single day, accounting for just 0.2% of US TV views compared to Netflix’s 8%. To address this, Apple is cancelling original series faster and licensing more content from competitors, delaying productions like "Foundation" to stay within budget.

From: The Verge

Can Netflix scale its advertising business?

Netflix, the world’s largest video streaming service with 269.6 million global paid memberships as of March 2024, struggles in the advertising market, barely breaking into the top 10 for video ad sales. Despite a successful second quarter in 2024 with $9.56 billion in revenue, Netflix’s ad business faces challenges. High ad pricing—ranging from two to 10 times more than other CTV or OTT ad inventory—deters advertisers, as R3 consultant Jing Ying Wong noted. Additionally, Netflix has fallen short on ad impression guarantees by up to 20% since launching its ad-supported tier in November 2022, even returning funds to advertisers. To boost viewership and ad inventory, Netflix is considering free ad-supported plans, experimenting with a free tier trial in Kenya and potentially expanding to Asia and Europe.

From: Campaign

‘The Brutalist’ First Look: Brady Corbet’s 215-Minute, 70mm Epic Stars Adrien Brody in a ‘Fountainhead’ Homage

Filmmaker Brady Corbet is set to premiere "The Brutalist" at the Venice Film Festival, his largest project yet. Known for "Vox Lux" (2018) and "The Childhood of a Leader" (2015), Corbet's latest film will debut in the competition and runs 215 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission. Shot on Vista Vision by Lol Crawley, the film will be screened in 70mm, continuing the trend of directors like Christopher Nolan and Paul Thomas Anderson.

From: IndieWire

Nicole Kidman Seduces Harris Dickinson in A24’s Erotic Thriller ‘Babygirl’ — First Look

Nicole Kidman stars in the upcoming psychosexual corporate thriller "Babygirl," directed by Halina Reijn of "Bodies Bodies Bodies" fame. In the A24 feature, Kidman plays a successful CEO who begins an illicit affair with her much younger intern, portrayed by Harris Dickinson. Announced in November 2023, the film features Antonio Banderas, Jean Reno, and "Talk to Me" breakout star Sophie Wilde.

From: IndieWire

‘Joker 2’ New Trailer: Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix Sing, Dance, and Create Absolute Chaos in ‘Folie à Deux’ Sequel

Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga star as Joker and Harley Quinn in the latest trailer for Warner Bros. and DC’s “Joker: Folie à Deux,” the sequel to 2019’s “Joker.” Set to release in theatres on October 4, 2024, the film will premiere in competition at the Venice Film Festival, where the original won the Golden Lion in 2019. The first “Joker” was a critical and commercial success, earning 11 Oscar nominations, with Phoenix winning best actor and Hildur Guðnadóttir winning for original score. The sequel, primarily in Arkham Asylum, features Phoenix and Gaga in sinister adventures. The supporting cast includes Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Jacob Lofland, and Harry Lawtey, with Zazie Beetz returning as Sophie. The sequel is reportedly a musical, building on Phoenix’s manic dancing from the first film.

From: Variety

‘The Room Next Door’ First Look: Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton Are Pedro Almodóvar’s New Muses

Pedro Almodóvar's first English-language feature, “The Room Next Door,” stars Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore and will premiere in competition at the 2024 Venice Film Festival. The festival's artistic director, Alberto Barbera, announced the lineup and released a first-look image of the film. Almodóvar has previously made two English short films: “The Human Voice” (2020) and “Strange Way of Life” (2023). “The Room Next Door” follows war correspondent Martha (Swinton) and author Ingrid (Moore) as they confront buried resentments in Madrid. The cast also includes John Turturro, Alessandro Nivola, and Juan Diego Botto.

From: IndieWire

Critic’s Notebook: Why Sports Docs Are Some of the Best Dramas on TV

A survey of the current state of sports-themed programming, from reliable treasure 'Welcome to Wrexham' to Netflix’s magic formula to scripted letdowns.

From: The Hollywood Reporter

Harmony Korine Stages a First-Person Shooter with Infant-Faced Intruders — ‘Baby Invasion’ First Look

Harmony Korine returns to his “Kids” roots with the surreal home invasion thriller “Baby Invasion.” Produced through Korine’s multimedia design collective EDGLRD, the film uses AI to swap the intruders’ faces with those of babies and is filmed as a first-person shooter. “Baby Invasion” will debut in Venice in 2024. Korine’s previous EDGLRD release, “Aggro Dr1ft,” premiered at the festival in September 2023 and had a unique release pattern, including screenings at strip clubs and an online premiere. “Baby Invasion” follows mercenaries using baby faces as avatars to invade the mansions of the rich and powerful. The film features an original score by Burial.

From: IndieWire

Luca Guadagnino’s Venice-Bound ‘Queer,’ Starring Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey, Gets a First Look

Luca Guadagnino's "Queer," starring Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey, is adapted from William S. Burroughs' 1985 novella and will debut at the 2024 Venice Film Festival. Set in 1940s Mexico City, it follows American expat William Lee (Craig) as he reminisces about his past and pursues a young student, Eugene Allerton (Starkey). Pop star Omar Apollo also stars. The story is based on Burroughs' real-life experiences.

From: IndieWire

'Twisters' Director Reveals the Inspirations Behind the Film | Vanity Fair

Director Lee Isaac Chung breaks down some of his favourite disaster movies that inspired his newest film, 'Twisters.' From the 1939 classic 'The Wizard of Oz' to Steven Spielberg's 'War of the Worlds,' hear Chung break down the influences behind bringing the natural monsters to life.