TV, Film & Media Industry International News Roundup, Weekend 25-26 January 2025
Netflix supports LA amid wildfires; NY boosts film incentives; Squid Game’s $3.4B impact; Brad Pitt reunites with Ayer; Daisy Ridley returns to Star Wars; Sundance tackles climate change.
Today’s Highlights:
Netflix Commits to Supporting LA Productions Amid Wildfires—Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos reaffirmed the company's commitment to Los Angeles productions, ensuring safety measures amid wildfires in Malibu and Altadena while mitigating financial impacts and delays.
Cosy Crime Dramas Resurge as Audiences Seek Escapism—The return of lighter, comforting crime dramas like Death in Paradise reflects the audience's demand for escapism. Their global popularity is driven by engaging storytelling and broad distribution.
New York Revamps Film Incentives to Attract Productions - Governor Kathy Hochul introduced expanded film and TV tax incentives to counter declining production spending and boost New York's competitiveness.
Sterling K. Brown Leads Hulu’s Political Thriller Paradise - Sterling K. Brown transitions from This Is Us to star in Hulu’s Paradise, a political thriller premiering January 28, while serving as executive producer.
Squid Game Drives $3.4 Billion in Revenue, Elevating K-Dramas on Netflix—Netflix’s Squid Game revolutionised its global content strategy, generating $3.4 billion and cementing Korean dramas as critical to its subscriber growth.
Sundance Tackles Climate Change Amid Hollywood Wildfires—The Sundance Film Festival focused on the impact of climate change on filmmaking, with a panel featuring filmmakers such as Greg Nava and Max Walker-Silverman.
José María Caro Appointed Head of Original Fiction Production for Max in Spain - José María Caro was promoted to lead original fiction for Max in Spain, overseeing key productions and expanding Spanish-language programming.
Timothée Chalamet and Saoirse Ronan Reflect on Creative Collaboration - Timothée Chalamet and Saoirse Ronan discussed their enduring creative partnership and the influence of their collaborations in Greta Gerwig's films.
Brad Pitt Reunites with David Ayer for Heart of the Beast - Brad Pitt teams up with David Ayer for the survival thriller Heart of the Beast, produced by Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment and Paramount Pictures.
Daisy Ridley’s Star Wars Sequel Gets Rewrite from George Nolfi - George Nolfi takes over script duties for the upcoming Star Wars sequel, with Daisy Ridley reprising her role as Rey Skywalker, 15 years after The Rise of Skywalker.
Plus: News, Insights, Executive Moves, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals & Jobs with Disney, ITV, Netflix & National Geographic.
Subscribe to our daily news roundup for exclusive insights, early access to industry news, and the convenience of having the latest TV, Film & Media updates in one bulletin.
Our subscribers include executives from:
Streamers: Netflix, Apple, Viaplay, SkyShowTime, Amazon Prime, Marquee TV, Paramount Television International, MTV Entertainment Group, BET.
Broadcasters: NBC Universal, France Televisions, Sky, ABC, Channel 4, ITV, A+E Networks, CBC, TV2, SVT, ARTE, RTBF, SBS Play, TCL FFalcon, RTL, TVNZ, SRF.
Producers: Fifth Season, Sony Pictures Television, Banijay, Fremantle, Endemol Shine, Gaumont, Pathé, Warner Bros Television Productions, Universal Pictures International Australasia, UFA Fiction, Vivendi, Entertainment One, BBC Studios, Warner Bros Discovery, Talpa Studios, Keshet, 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, Spin Master, Stand By Me, Halcyon Studios, DPG Media, Envision, Rive Gauche, Blue Ant Media, Squareone, Great Southern Studios, Collective Media Group, New Dominion Pictures, RAW TV, Optomen, Magpie Pictures, KOJO, ShinAwiL, WildBrain.
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, DOC, Attraction Distribution, Kaplan Stahler Agency, Passion Distribution, Audible, Screen Queensland, Canada Media Fund, My Smash Media, Artists First, Grey Seal Media.
NEWS
Netflix Commits to Supporting LA Productions Amid Wildfires
Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos pledged to maintain Los Angeles productions despite wildfires affecting Malibu and Altadena, emphasising support for the creative workforce. During the Q4 2024 earnings call, Sarandos assured there would be no significant delays or financial impacts, highlighting efforts to prioritise safety and relief efforts. Amid recent challenges, including strikes and pandemic setbacks, Netflix remains focused on sustaining jobs and aiding Hollywood’s recovery. Read More
INSIGHTS
Cosy Crime Dramas Resurge as Audiences Seek Escapism
After a decade dominated by gritty, serialised dramas, cosy crime mysteries are regaining popularity. Death in Paradise, now in its 14th season, exemplifies this trend with its tropical escapism, engaging cases, and interactive storytelling, attracting over seven million UK viewers and global distribution to 240 territories. Executive producers Belinda Campbell and Sally Lindsay credit the genre's timeless appeal to its ability to provide comfort and joy alongside mental engagement. Read More
New York Revamps Film Incentives to Attract Productions
Governor Kathy Hochul announced expanded film and TV tax incentives, including a $100 million fund for independent films and a 10% bonus credit for companies producing three or more large-scale projects in New York. The changes aim to reverse a 15% decline in production spending since 2019, addressing studio concerns and boosting competitiveness against rivals like New Jersey. The Motion Picture Association praised the plan, while critics urged scrutiny of its economic impact. Read More
Irving Eyes Media Production Zone to Boost Film Industry
Irving, Texas, is exploring the creation of a Media Production Development Zone (MPDZ) to attract film and TV production through tax exemptions. The City Council reviewed its first request for an MPDZ ordinance, joining cities like Fort Worth and Dallas in leveraging this initiative. With only 10 zones allowed statewide, Irving aims to capitalise on Texas’ $200 million production incentive boost, potentially transforming the city into a rising media production hub. Read More
Sterling K. Brown Shifts Gears with Hulu’s Political Thriller Paradise
Sterling K. Brown, known for This Is Us, takes a dramatic turn in Hulu's Paradise, a contemporary political thriller premiering January 28. Reuniting with creator Dan Fogelman, Brown stars as the lead and serves as executive producer in the twisty, suspenseful series. Praising co-stars Julianne Nicholson and James Marsden, Brown sees this role as a defining step in proving his staying power as a leading man. Read More
David Koepp Reimagines the Haunted House Film with Presence
Screenwriter David Koepp reinvents the haunted house genre in Presence, told from the ghost's perspective, marking his second collaboration with director Steven Soderbergh. The duo, whose paths first crossed at Sundance 1989, bring a fresh take to supernatural storytelling. Koepp, known for hits like Jurassic Park and Mission: Impossible, continues to push creative boundaries alongside Soderbergh, with two more projects already in the pipeline. Read More
Streaming Delayed TV’s Long-Awaited Disruption
After years of gradual change, streaming has fully disrupted TV, challenging traditional broadcasters with declining viewership and competition from platforms like YouTube. Key trends include rising connected TV usage, younger audiences favouring non-broadcast content, and new entrants like Hallmark+ vying for market share. While fragmentation offers producers more opportunities, the battle for attention, revenue, and relevance has intensified, forcing TV creators to adapt rapidly to survive in the evolving landscape. Read More
Kids' Content Key for Retention, Not Sign-Ups, Says Ampere Analysis
Speaking at Content Americas in Miami, Fred Black of Ampere Analysis highlighted that while kids' content is among the most-watched genres on streaming platforms, it doesn’t drive sign-ups. Netflix, where kids and family content ranked second in 2023 and early 2024 viewing, invests less in originals for this genre compared to crime, sci-fi, and comedy. Black emphasised its role in retaining family households rather than attracting new subscribers. Read More
Squid Game Drives $3.4 Billion in Revenue, Elevating K-Dramas on Netflix
Since its 2021 debut, Squid Game has revolutionised Netflix’s global appeal, turning Korean dramas into a $3.4 billion revenue stream, per Parrot Analytics. At its peak in Q1 2022, K-dramas contributed over 5% of Netflix's subscriber revenue by attracting and retaining audiences. The show’s success has cemented Korean content as a critical driver of the platform’s growth and cultural reach. Read More
Unlocking Latin America’s Format Potential
Siobhan Crawford urges Latin American producers to embrace collaboration, streamline content testing, and proactively engage with international markets to unlock the region’s untapped potential. While economic challenges and traditional business structures persist, Crawford highlights models like the European Broadcasting Union's co-production networks and Talpa's IP-testing strategies as paths forward. By fostering cooperation and strategic alliances, Latin America could transform into a powerhouse for unscripted formats and attract global interest in its unique storytelling. Read More
SUBSCRIPTION OFFER
Unlock the full potential of Further&Better with an exclusive offer: new paid subscribers will enjoy three months of free paid subscription!
Dive into premium content, including More Insights, Executive Moves, In Development, Deals, and exclusive Media Industry Job Listings—all free for the first three months.
Don't miss this opportunity to experience the best we have to offer.
Subscribe today and elevate your reading experience!
Timothée Chalamet and Saoirse Ronan talk about work and friendship | BFI in Conversation
Timothée Chalamet (Dune, Call Me By Your Name, A Complete Unknown) and Saoirse Ronan (Blitz, Atonement, The Outrun) talk about coming together through their work on Greta Gerwig's films Ladybird and Little Women. Long-term friends and colleagues Timothée and Saoirse look back on their early careers, talk about how they first met, and share what each thinks is special about the others' work.
NEM ZG 2024 | Keynote Q&A | The European Producers Club
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.