TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Weekend 20-21 July 2024

Screen Australia & YouTube fund 4 projects; Netflix adds 8M subscribers; Connext 2024 cancelled; Herzog honoured; Lucy Walker retrospective; Rebel Wilson hires top lawyer; Venice Days highlights women

Today’s Highlights:

• Screen Australia and YouTube's Skip Ahead Funding: Screen Australia and YouTube have provided $580,000 to four projects through the Skip Ahead initiative, supporting YouTube creators in expanding their content and business skills.

• Netflix's Subscriber Growth: Netflix added 8.05 million new subscribers in Q2 2024, reaching 277.65 million globally, with $9.5 billion in revenue, but expects slower growth next quarter.

• Connext 2024 Cancellation: The annual Flanders showcase Connext will not occur in 2024 but plans to return in 2025 with potential changes.

• Werner Herzog's Award: Werner Herzog received a prestigious film award at the Munich International Film Festival with the debut of Harley Chamandy's feature "Allen Sunshine."

• Lucy Walker Retrospective: The Paris Theater is hosting a retrospective of Lucy Walker's work, including her latest documentary "Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa," which Netflix acquired.

• Rebel Wilson's Legal Representation: Rebel Wilson hired high-powered lawyer Bryan Freedman to represent her in her high-profile defamation suit.

• Venice Days Lineup: The Venice International Film Festival's Venice Days lineup features female-centric films, including Marie Losier's "Peaches Goes Bananas."

• Sundance's New Home Finalists: Sundance announced six finalists for its new home in 2027, including its current location in Park City.

• Hollywood Strikes Impact: One year after the actors' and writers' strikes, Hollywood is dealing with their aftermath, including pay gains, fewer job opportunities, and ongoing AI debates.

• Love Island USA Production: "Love Island USA" Season 6 has become a cultural hit with its 24-hour turnaround for new episodes, benefiting from a 19-hour time difference for quick editing and real-time production.

Plus: News, Insights, Executive Moves, In Development, Deals, Cancellations & Jobs with Endeavor, UTA, Paramount, Disney, Netflix & BBC.

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NEWS

Screen Australia, YouTube unveils Skip Ahead projects

Screen Australia and YouTube have announced four projects receiving $580,000 in funding through the Skip Ahead initiative. The selected creators include Lachlan and Austin Macfarlane, Jenny Tian, Rainbow Bop's Amy Parry, Sara Taghaode, Emma Dean, and the team behind the Esports channel PWR. They will attend workshops with industry leaders like Dr. George Miller. Skip Ahead supports YouTube creators in expanding their content and business skills, having funded 37 teams since 2014​.

From: IF

Netflix Adds 8 Million Subscribers in Q2 2024, Records $9.5 Billion in Revenue

Netflix added 8.05 million new paid subscribers in Q2 2024, surpassing projections and bringing its global subscriber base to 277.65 million. The company reported $9.5 billion in revenue and $4.88 earnings per share. Despite its solid performance, Netflix expects softer growth in the next quarter, with projected sales of $9.7 billion. The company plans to expand its entertainment offerings and invest in its ad-supported tier, which saw 34% growth this quarter​.

From: IndieWire

Flanders showcase Connext will not take place in 2024

The annual Flanders showcase, Connext, will not occur in 2024 but is expected to return in 2025 with potential changes, including a new name, expanded scope, and different locations. Connext has been a platform for local film and TV producers to pitch projects and has been held since 2016. The decision follows a leadership change at Flanders Image and aims to improve efficiency and international collaboration.

From: Screen Daily

Werner Herzog Receives Film Award, Lauds 'Allen Sunshine' at Munich International Film Festival

Legendary filmmaker Werner Herzog received a prestigious film award at the Munich International Film Festival, where Harley Chamandy's debut feature, Allen Sunshine, also premiered. Chamandy, known for his unique visual style and storytelling, won the TRT First Cut + Award at Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. Allen Sunshine, shot on 16mm film, explores themes of grief and human connection through its protagonist, portrayed by Vincent Leclerc​.

From: Variety

Lucy Walker Retrospective at Paris Theater Features Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa

The Paris Theater is hosting a retrospective of Lucy Walker’s work, including her latest documentary, Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa. This film follows Lhakpa Sherpa, the first Nepali woman to summit Mount Everest, showcasing her resilience and achievements. The documentary, acquired by Netflix, will stream globally in 2024. It explores Lhakpa's journey from a girl denied education to a record-breaking climber and single mother in the U.S.

From: IndieWire

Rebel Wilson Hires High-Powered Lawyer Bryan Freedman

Rebel Wilson has hired high-profile attorney Bryan Freedman to tackle a legal battle with the producers of her directorial debut, "The Deb." Following the film's selection as the closer for the Toronto International Film Festival, Wilson enlisted Freedman, co-founder of Liner Freedman Taitelman + Cooley LLP. He is set to respond to the defamation suit filed against Wilson by producers Amanda Ghost and Gregory Cameron and EP Vince Holden on July 12.

From: Deadline

Venice Days Lineup Features Female-Centric Films, Including Peaches Goes Bananas

The 2024 Venice Days lineup, part of the Venice International Film Festival, strongly emphasises female-centric stories. Among the highlights is Marie Losier's documentary Peaches Goes Bananas, which explores the life and artistry of musician Peaches.

From: Variety

Sundance Names 6 Finalists for New Home in 2027, Including Park City

The six finalists are Atlanta, Boulder, Cincinnati, Louisville, Santa Fe, and Sundance's current home in Park City and Salt Lake City.

From: IndieWire

INSIGHTS

Actors, Writers Strikes One Year Later: Industry Impact and Future Outlook

A year after the actors' and writers' strikes, Hollywood grapples with the aftermath. While the strikes led to gains in pay and better working conditions, challenges remain, including fewer job opportunities and ongoing debates over AI's role in the industry. The strikes highlighted issues within the industry, prompting changes but also leaving lingering questions about the future of work in Hollywood​

From: The Hollywood Reporter

Five Years After Fox Deal, Disney’s Unprecedented Emmy Nominations Haul ‘Validates’ Its High-Wire TV Act

Team Disney received 183 Emmy nominations, showcasing the company's expanding TV content production across diverse genres and formats. The 76th annual Emmy Awards nominations, announced on July 17, highlighted the widespread achievements of Disney’s television units. This success is a significant accomplishment for Disney Entertainment co-chairman Dana Walden. The nominations reflect the impact of Disney’s 2019 acquisition of 21st Century Fox, which aimed to enhance its global content production capabilities.

From: Variety

Hollywood Fears of a Major Hack Are Growing

Ten years ago, The Guardians of Peace hacked Sony Pictures, demanding the withdrawal of the film "The Interview." This led to an international incident and the resignation of some Sony executives. Recently, the hacktivist group NullBulge released a terabyte of data from The Walt Disney Co., including internal communications and other sensitive information. Unlike the Sony hack, NullBulge's motivations are less clear but highlight a growing trend of cyberattacks on media companies. Recent breaches at Roku, Live Nation, and AT&T were primarily financially motivated.

From: The Hollywood Reporter

How Long Can Netflix Keep Beating Earnings and Subscriber Expectations?

Netflix surpassed Wall Street expectations with solid second-quarter growth, adding 8 million subscribers for 277 million worldwide, but it is forecasting slower growth. Co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters discussed the benefits of generative AI and updates on the 18-month-old advertising tier, now 45 per cent of signups in those markets. Analysts were mixed, but some raised price targets, with BMO Capital Markets boosting estimates and praising Netflix's gaming strategy and plans to launch new titles monthly.

From: The Hollywood Reporter

How Brando & The ‘Bearded Men’ — Spielberg, Lucas, Coppola — Sparked The Career Of Giovanni Ribisi: The Film That Lit My Fuse

Giovanni Ribisi, known for his meticulous character work in films and TV shows like Friends, Saving Private Ryan, and three Avatar sequels, has debuted as a cinematographer with the JT Mollner-directed Miramax film Strange Darling. The film, which premiered at Fantastic Fest to solid reviews and a 100% fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes, is set for release next month. Ribisi's work as DP earned him a nomination for best debut at the Cameraimage Film Festival. Here, he discusses the influences that shaped his remarkable career.

From: Deadline

Banijay Entertainment, Everywoman Studios, and the GDI expose gender disparity in Reality TV

A study by Banijay Entertainment, Everywoman Studios, and the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media highlights the gender disparity in reality TV. Despite slight improvements, men still dominate vital roles. In 2023, men held 54.9% of roles, down from 60.1% in 2021. The study emphasises the need for intervention to achieve gender parity in creative leadership positions, with initiatives like Banijay Launch aiming to support women creators​.

From: Señal News

Netflix Dismisses Idea Of Bundling With Rival Streamers Like Disney+ & Max

Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery announced plans to bundle Disney+, Hulu, and Max, but Netflix has no plans to join. Netflix's latest financials highlight its independence, citing its diverse content and superior product experience as reasons for not bundling with rivals. This strategy has led to industry-leading engagement and retention. Netflix, seen as a competitor in the Disney and WBD deal, added 8 million subscribers, reaching 277 million globally.

From: Deadline

Ted Sarandos Says Netflix and YouTube 'Feed Each Other Very Well'

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos highlighted the symbiotic relationship between Netflix and YouTube despite their competition, noting how trailers and clips on YouTube boost Netflix’s visibility. Sarandos emphasised Netflix’s focus on capturing viewers from traditional TV and other streamers. Co-CEO Greg Peters added that Netflix excels in taking creative risks and supporting creators, which differs from YouTube’s model. As of June, YouTube and Netflix are the top two most-watched streaming platforms​.

From: The Wrap

Could A Price Hike Be Coming To Netflix Ad Tier? Co-CEO Greg Peters Doesn’t Rule It Out, But Says Execs “Love” Being “Lower”

According to Co-CEO Greg Peters, Netflix's advertising subscription tier, priced at $7 a month in the U.S., may see a price increase soon. He emphasised the current price point's strategic advantages, making Netflix more accessible in ad markets. In Q2, Netflix added 8 million subscribers, reaching 278 million globally. The ad tier grew 34% from Q1 and now accounts for 45% of subscriptions in available territories, with 40 million monthly active users.

From: Deadline

Why Ava Loves Australia

Ava Mustos, associate director of acquisitions at Fifth Season, admires Australia’s screen industry. She praises the country’s diverse locations, skilled crews, and supportive funding bodies, which make it a prime destination for film and TV production. Mustos highlights Australia’s potential for international collaboration and its unique opportunities for storytelling and innovation in the screen sector​.

From: IF

Gladiators, ready!

Those About to Die, directed by Roland Emmerich, brings Ancient Rome to life through detailed production design and vibrant costumes. The series, streaming on Prime Video, focuses on gladiator battles and chariot races. Production designers Johannes Muecke and Laura Pozzaglio and costume designer Gianni Casalnuovo created sets and costumes inspired by historical accuracy and creative interpretation, avoiding stereotypical depictions. The series combines sports, politics, and family drama, offering a fresh take on the ancient era.

From: Drama Quarterly

Yorgos Lanthimos’ ‘Bugonia’: How ‘Parasite’ and ‘Squid Game’ Success Led the Auteur to Remake Korean Sci-Fi ‘Save the Green Planet’

After their Cannes success with "Kinds of Kindness," director Yorgos Lanthimos and star Emma Stone are filming "Bugonia," a sci-fi conspiracy remake of the South Korean film "Save the Green Planet." The plot involves two conspiracy-obsessed men kidnapping a CEO, believing she is an alien threatening Earth. The script was adapted by "Succession" and "The Menu" writer Will Tracy. Co-producer CJ ENM credits the Korean wave for the remake's potential success.

From: Variety

Return of licensing impacts demand for Netflix originals

The resurgence of content licensing has affected the demand for Netflix originals. As studios regain control of their IPs for their streaming services, Netflix faces increased competition. The shift encourages Netflix to diversify its offerings and invest in unique content. This trend reflects broader changes in the streaming landscape, where exclusive content and strategic licensing play critical roles in attracting and retaining subscribers​.

From: C21

Marty Adelstein & Becky Clements On More ‘Snowpiercer’, ‘One Piece’ S2 As Tomorrow Studios Turns 10 & Adelstein Inks New ITV Studios Deal

In January 2023, it was reported that "Snowpiercer" Season 4 would not air on TNT due to Warner Bros. Discovery's content tax write-offs. Almost 18 months later, it will debut on AMC on July 21, followed by a Comic-Con panel. Marty Adelstein and Becky Clements of Tomorrow Studios discussed finding a new U.S. home for the show and their plans for its franchise. They also provided updates on Season 2 of "One Piece," currently filming in Cape Town, and future projects like "The Better Sister" and "Bad City." Adelstein has signed a new five-year deal with ITV Studios.

From: Deadline

How Love Island USA Is Made: Editing, Narration, and a 24-Hour Turnaround

Love Island USA Season 6 has become a cultural hit with its 24-hour turnaround for new episodes. Filmed in Fiji, the show benefits from the 19-hour time difference for quick editing. The production team includes 30 editors and 20 producers working in real-time to create episodes, while narrator Iain Stirling records his commentary via Zoom.

From: The Wrap

The Incredible Shrinking Press Tour

The TCA press tour, a biannual event dating back to the 1970s, involves companies spending significant sums to participate, filling panels with talent and providing meals. When successful, it fosters fruitful conversations and boosts viewership. However, participation is waning due to frustrations with the format, budget cuts, and the shift away from in-person gatherings. The latest cycle ended on July 17 after just eight days, with significant streamers like Netflix, Apple, and Amazon absent and no programming executives facing the press.

From: The Hollywood Reporter

Love ‘Longlegs’? Then the Japanese Serial Killer Thriller ‘Cure’ Is the Movie for You

The hypnotic dread of "Longlegs," a thriller about a serial killer and an FBI agent, echoes "Seven" and "The Silence of the Lambs." However, it also shares a dark kinship with Kiyoshi Kurosawa's 1997 film "Cure," inspired by "Seven." In "Cure," a detective tracks a psychic killer whose victims are found with Xs carved into their chests. Similarly, "Longlegs" features killings from the 1970s to 1993, leaving behind a Satanic code. Director Osgood Perkins appreciates the procedural and supernatural blend, highlighting the horror genre's flexibility.

From: IndieWire

How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies producer talks Thai breakout hit

Thai film How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, produced by GDH 559, has achieved significant success in Southeast Asia, grossing $31 million. The family drama, directed by Pat Boonnitipat and starring Billkin and Usha Seamkhum, follows a young man trying to secure his grandmother’s inheritance. It will premiere in the U.S. at the New York Asian Film Festival. Producer Vanridee Pongsittisak discusses the film's development and universal themes of family and love​.

From: Screen Daily

Bridgerton and Baby Reindeer drive Netflix sign-ups | BBC News

Netflix added over eight million subscribers from April to June, driven by the new season of "Bridgerton" and the drama "Baby Reindeer." This gain, nearly double investor predictions, highlights the effectiveness of its crackdown on password sharing. However, Netflix warned that this growth might slow in the coming months. To maintain its lead, the streaming giant is exploring new areas such as sports, live events, and gaming.

Why Malaysian Censors Cleared Sensitive Riot Drama Snow In Midsummer

Snow In Midsummer, a film about the 1969 Kuala Lumpur race riots, has become the first film on this subject to pass Malaysian censorship. Directed by Chong Keat Aun, the film navigates sensitive historical events without depicting on-screen violence. It earned international accolades and faced rigorous censorship, but it was finally approved with minor edits. This marks a significant milestone in Malaysian cinema, reflecting a cautious yet progressive approach to handling sensitive topics​.

From: Screen Daily

How ‘Twisters’ Destroys a Motel | Anatomy of a Scene

A filthy, empty pool becomes a motel’s most significant asset in a harrowing sequence from "Twisters." Storm chasers Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Tyler (Glen Powell) lead a group to safety in a drained pool as a tornado hits, dodging debris like a soda machine and a trailer. The sequence appears as a one-take shot, though it was stitched together to incorporate practical and digital effects, including a stunt performer being whisked 60 feet in the air. Director Chung aimed to capture the terror of a night tornado, inspired by his experiences in Tornado Alley. Their filming involved destroying the set in real time for an authentic, chaotic aftermath.

Roland Emmerich on His Roman Empire Epic Those About to Die

Roland Emmerich discussed his Peacock series "Those About to Die" with MovieWeb's Greg Archer, focusing on its production and directing Anthony Hopkins. Now streaming on Peacock, the series is set in the Roman Empire's corrupt gladiatorial world, revealing the gritty business of entertaining the masses with blood and sport. It features an ensemble cast from across the Empire, converging at the intersection of sports, politics, and dynasties.

The Convert Director Lee Tamahori on Guy Pearce, New Zealand Film, and David Mamet

Lee Tamahori discussed his latest film, "The Convert," with MovieWeb's Matt Mahler. The historical epic stars Guy Pearce as Thomas Munro, a preacher in early 19th-century New Zealand caught in a battle between Māori tribes. Released on July 12, 2024, it's available on digital platforms. Tamahori also reflected on his film "The Edge" with Anthony Hopkins, working with David Mamet, and his return to New Zealand filmmaking after Hollywood blockbusters.

Alma Har'el Talks Lady in the Lake, and Natalie Portman

Premiering globally on July 19 with two episodes, followed by weekly episodes through August 23, the series is based on Laura Lippman’s novel. Set in 1960s Baltimore, it follows housewife Maddie Schwartz (Natalie Portman) as she becomes an investigative journalist, intersecting with Cleo Sherwood (Moses Ingram), a dedicated mother and advocate for Baltimore's Black progressive agenda.

Hollywood exodus underway as film and TV crews pivot away from Tinseltown