TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Wednesday 10 July 2024

Locarno, Venice Film Festivals announce lineups; CBS settles with writers; Streaming merges; Exploding Kittens, Paramount+ expand; Ryan Murphy gets tax credits; Australia seeks content quotas.

Today’s Highlights:

• Locarno International Film Festival Lineup Announced Featuring 225 films, including new works from Hong Sang-soo and Paz Vega and opening with Gianluca Jodice's "Le Déluge," starring Mélanie Laurent and Guillaume Canet.

• Freelance Casting Assistants Seek Union Representation Moving forward with an NLRB election to join Teamsters Local 399 and Local 817.

• Venice Film Festival Jury Members Announced Includes James Gray, Andrew Haigh, Agnieszka Holland, and Zhang Ziyi. Isabelle Huppert chairs the jury.

• Edinburgh Film Festival World Premieres Highlights include "Lollipop," "The Radleys," and the AI doll documentary "Smiles And Kisses You." Thirty-seven films featured, with ten competing for the Sean Connery Prize.

• CBS Settles Labor Dispute with Writers Guild West $3.05 million awarded to 24 writers following arbitration claims.

• Ryan Murphy's 'All's Fair' Receives California Tax Credits Part of $58 million in tax credits for five TV series filming in California.

• Streaming's 'Great Re-Bundling' Studios merge services to offer more robust content resembling traditional cable bundles.

• Exploding Kittens Expands to Netflix TV Series Founders Elan Lee and Matthew Inman launch a TV series and mobile game updates.

• Paramount+ at San Diego Comic-Con Showcases for "Star Trek," "Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," and "Dexter: Original Sin."

• Screen Producers Australia Push for Content Quotas Concerns over Australia's screen industry becoming a service provider for Hollywood.

Plus: News, Insights, In Development, Deals, Renewals & Jobs

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NEWS

Locarno Fest Lineup Includes Hong Sang-soo, Paz Vega Films, Honors for Mélanie Laurent, Guillaume Canet

The Locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland has announced an eclectic lineup for its 77th edition, running from Aug. 7-17. The festival will feature 225 films, including 104 world premieres. Highlights include new films from directors Hong Sang-soo, Paz Vega, and Radu Jude. Gianluca Jodice’s "Le Déluge," starring Mélanie Laurent and Guillaume Canet, will world premiere and open the festival. Locarno will also screen festival favourites and classics, such as "The Piano," a 4K restored "The Fall," and "A Woman Is a Woman."

From: The Hollywood Reporter

Freelance Casting Assistants Move Forward With NLRB Election To Gain Union Representation From Teamsters

Freelance casting assistants are moving closer to gaining representation from the Teamsters. After a virtual meeting with nearly 100 casting assistants on Monday, the group is proceeding with a National Labor Relations Board election. The union announced its intent to represent them in April. A simple majority is needed for union representation, which would allow freelance casting assistants to join Teamsters Local 399 (Los Angeles) and Local 817 (New York) alongside casting directors and associate casting directors.

From: Deadline

Venice Film Festival: James Gray, Andrew Haigh & Agnieszka Holland Among Names Added To Jury

The Venice Film Festival has announced the members joining Isabelle Huppert on the main Competition jury for its 81st edition from August 28 to September 7. The jury includes James Gray, Andrew Haigh, Agnieszka Holland, Kleber Mendonça Filho, Abderrahmane Sissako, Giuseppe Tornatore, Julia von Heinz, and Zhang Ziyi. They will award prizes to feature films in Competition, including the Golden Lion for Best Film, Silver Lion – Grand Jury Prize, Silver Lion for Best Director, Coppa Volpi for Best Actress, Coppa Volpi for Best Actor, Special Jury Prize, Award for Best Screenplay, and the “Marcello Mastroianni” Award for Best New Young Actor or Actress.

From: Deadline

Edinburgh 2024 world premieres include ‘Lollipop’, ’The Radleys’ and the AI doll documentary ‘Smiles And Kisses You’

Daisy-May Hudson’s fiction debut "Lollipop," a documentary about a man's relationship with a life-sized AI-animated doll, and Nina Conti’s Cannes Great 8 title "Sunlight" are among 18 world premieres at the revamped Edinburgh International Film Festival. The 77th edition features 37 films, including ten world premieres competing for the £50,000 Sean Connery Prize for feature filmmaking excellence. The festival, led by Paul Ridd and Andrew Macdonald, includes four retrospective screenings, a Midnight Madness strand, and five short film programs.

From: Screen Daily

Dream Big! 2024-25 - 16 Sept-31 March

Are you looking to kickstart your career in children's TV? Apply to join this 3-6 month, entry-level program and gain experience at top production companies and animation studios specialising in content for children and young audiences. Paid placements are available as a trainee development researcher, production coordinator, or production assistant. You'll receive training and support from thinkBIGGER! Funded by the Children’s TV Skills Fund, the Animation Skills Fund, and the Adobe Foundation.

From: Screenskills

Studiocanal, True Brit, Searchlight execs among first speakers unveiled for Screen’s The Future of UK Film Summit

Screen International has announced the first six high-profile industry speakers for its ‘The Future of UK Film’ summit, set for September 24, 2024, at BFI Southbank in London. Speakers include Alex Hamilton, CEO of Studiocanal UK, known for successful releases like "Back To Black" and "Wicked Little Letters"; Bafta-winning producer Elizabeth Karlsen, co-founder of Number 9 Films, behind "Living," "Collette," and "Carol"; and Harriet Finney, deputy CEO of the British Film Institute.

From: Screen Daily

CBS Pays $3M-Plus in Settlement With Writers Guild West Over Labor Dispute

The Writers Guild of America West has settled with CBS, awarding $3.05 million to 24 writers following work after writers' rooms were shut down on several shows. The settlement from an arbitration claim for writers on "MacGyver," "Seal Team," and "Hawaii 5-0" was announced to members on Wednesday. The WGA West argued that writers continued working without weekly compensation and benefits, violating its minimum basic agreement.

From: The Hollywood Reporter

Ryan Murphy’s ‘All’s Fair’ Nabs $14M in California Tax Credits

Five TV series, including three new ones, a recurring series, and a miniseries, will receive $58 million in tax credits for filming in California. Announced by the state’s film office, the projects are led by "All’s Fair," a legal drama from 20th Television and executive producer Ryan Murphy, featuring Halle Berry, Glenn Close, and Kim Kardashian. This is Murphy’s third show this year to be selected for the program. Disney-owned 20th Television received $14 million in credits, while Apple Studios received $15 million.

From: The Hollywood Reporter

INSIGHTS

Down From Record 15 Series To 6 On Air, Greg Berlanti Talks Peak TV Demise, Strikes, Scooby-Doo & That Scarlett Johansson-Channing Tatum Chemistry In ‘Fly Me To The Moon’ – The Deadline Q&A

At the height of Peak TV, Greg Berlanti’s career soared, with Berlanti Productions simultaneously running 15 shows, including "The Flash," "Supergirl," "Arrow," "Riverdale," and "Blindspot." This fall, Berlanti will have six shows on air, allowing him time to launch "Fly Me to the Moon," starring Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum, Woody Harrelson, and Ray Romano. Initially set for streaming on Apple TV+, strong test scores led Apple Original Films to partner with Sony for a theatrical release starting Friday.

From: Deadline

Streaming’s ‘great re-bundling’ has begun. What that could mean for subscribers

Streaming is poised for a "Great Re-Bundling," with services merging or forming alliances that recreate the traditional cable bundle. Studios aim to offer "more robust and streamlined content," as Disney CEO Bob Iger noted, but subscribers wonder, "What's in it for me?" Will these changes make home viewing cheaper, more abundant, easier to navigate, or less cumbersome to manage multiple subscriptions? The benefits for consumers remain uncertain amid these corporate moves.

From: CNN

Hidden Pigeon takes flight

Hidden Pigeon Company, established by Stampede Ventures, RedBird Capital Partners, and children’s author-illustrator Mo Willems, recently celebrated its second anniversary. Based in New York and LA, the company adapts Willems' catalogue across TV, film, digital, gaming, live events, publishing, consumer products, and location-based experiences. In January, former Disney, Warner Bros, and NBCUniversal exec Karen Miller joined as president and CEO of Cyber Group Studios. Miller, a longtime fan of Willems’ books, now oversees a development slate of at least six projects based on his works, aiming for global success.

From: C21

The Villain Isn’t the Only Thing That’s French! ‘Despicable Me 4’ Director Chris Renaud on the Animated Franchise’s Roots in France

It's not just Maxime Le Mal, the “Despicable Me 4” villain with the broad accent, that adds a French flavour. Universal and Illumination’s animated franchise boasts French influence throughout all its hit movies. Chris Renaud, the Oscar-nominated director of the latest "Despicable Me" and two of its predecessors, notes that "essentially everybody" working on the films is French, except for U.S.-based writers Mike White and Ken Daurio and some storyboard artists.

From: Variety

René Redzepi’s new Apple TV show Omnivore premieres this July

It took eight directors to conduct hundreds of interviews across 17 countries and five continents to create Apple TV’s new series "Omnivore." Blending travel and food genres, the series yields intriguing results. Noma chef René Redzepi says, “About 10 to 12 years ago, I was offered to do TV. I had no desire to be on TV just for the sake of it. But then I thought… If I ever did something for television, what would it be? That’s how Omnivore began.” Redzepi envisioned a show with the respect and dedication of "Planet Earth," applied to the food world.

From: Gourmet Traveller

“It Would Be a Bloodbath Down At Bondi If They Weren’t There”: Australia’s Favourite Lifeguards Are Back

Executive producer Ciaran Flannery and creators/EPs Ben Davies and Michael Cordell discuss the unique blend of action and heart that makes "Bondi Rescue" iconic and its crucial role in surf safety in Australia. Although often categorised as reality TV, "Bondi Rescue" is more of an "observational documentary" where drama naturally unfolds for the producers, requiring them to react in split seconds when it does.

From: B&T

Screen Producers Australia makes renewed push for content quotas to ‘counterbalance’ offset reform

Screen Producers Australia CEO Matthew Deaner has cautioned that Australia's screen industry might merely become a “service provider for Hollywood productions” rather than fostering its storytelling capabilities. This concern follows the passing of legislation to boost the Location Offset, with no update on the government’s plan for streaming quotas. The Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 amendments permanently raise the Location Offset to 30% and increase the minimum qualifying Australian production expenditure thresholds from $15 million to $20 million for films and $1 million to $1.5 million per hour for TV series. Additionally, a new threshold of $35 million per season in qualifying expenditure for drama series has been introduced for the Producer Offset.

From: IF

Faking it

Star Asher Keddie and producer Imogen Banks discuss their collaboration on "Fake," a thought-provoking drama about one woman's search for love and her suspicion that her seemingly perfect partner isn't what he appears to be. Based on a book and its author’s real-life experiences, "Fake" is a gripping Australian drama that follows Birdie Bell (played by Keddie), a magazine writer who meets Joe Burt (David Wenham) on a dating app. As their relationship intensifies, Birdie is captivated by Joe’s charm but troubled by her instinct that he may not be genuine. This stress-inducing series delves into the complexities of love in a world full of deception.

From: Drama Quarterly

Paramount+ Heading To San Diego Comic-Con With ‘Star Trek’ Universe, ‘Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, ‘Dexter: Original Sin’ & More

Paramount+ is heading to San Diego Comic-Con with its new animated series "Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," with showcases for all things Star Trek and the upcoming Showtime series "Dexter: Original Sin." Additionally, The Lodge will return to the Gaslamp District, featuring fan experiences and activations for "If," "Tulsa King," "Ghosts," "Criminal Minds: Evolution," and "SpongeBob SquarePants." The Paramount Passport will also offer attendees a city-wide digital scavenger hunt to earn limited edition prizes.

From: Deadline

‘Mary Heilmann: Waves, Roads, & Hallucinations’ Trailer: An Abstract Art Legend Ponders Life and Work in an Immersive Odyssey

The art of selling out and connecting with others despite solitary work are themes explored by painter Mary Heilmann in the documentary "Waves, Roads, & Hallucinations." A countercultural icon and legendary abstract painter, the 84-year-old Heilmann emerged from minimalism and the Beat Generation in California with exhibitions at Hauser & Wirth and the New Museum. Directed by Matt Creed, the documentary premiered at the Hamptons Film Festival and will stream on AppleTV and Amazon via Tribeca Films starting July 30.

From: IndieWire

The NSFW ‘Deadpool and Wolverine’ Interview: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, and Shawn Levy Go Deep on Making Marvel’s Wildest, Crudest Movie

As Disney braces for an R-rated makeover, Hollywood is watching to see if Reynolds, Jackman, and Levy can revive the superhero genre. The MCU, which has seen unprecedented success with 33 films over 15 years, has struggled with recent entries like "Eternals," "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania," and "The Marvels." In response, Marvel Studios is slowing down its spinoffs, sequels, and TV series, with "Deadpool & Wolverine" as the sole 2024 Marvel movie, a first since 2012’s "The Avengers."

From: Variety

How ‘Exploding Kittens’ Founders Turned Their Best-Selling Card Game Into a Netflix TV Series and Mobile Game

Former Xbox designer Elan Lee and The Oatmeal cartoonist Matthew Inman launched the first “Exploding Kittens” card game in 2015 via Kickstarter, raising $8.7 million in 30 days. Since then, they've released nearly 30 tabletop and several digital games, selling over 36 million globally. On Friday, Netflix will debut an “Exploding Kittens” TV series, coinciding with updates to its mobile game, featuring playable characters from the show.

From: Variety

Sun Valley Sees Moguls & Governors Mingle, With Strategy, Succession & Politics In Play

With the media and entertainment industry undergoing unprecedented change, the Allen & Co. conference, hosted annually since 1983, will address streaming bundles, sports rights, and the state of film, TV, and tech amid the current political climate. Attendees include OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman, Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and CEO Andy Jassy, Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch, Disney chief Bob Iger, and Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav. Despite the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris, executives from NBCUniversal parent Comcast may also attend.

From: Deadline

Brazilian Biblical Telenovela Leads June Wit List

"A Rainha da Pérsia" (The Queen of Persia), a new Brazilian adaptation of the biblical telenovela "A História de Ester," generated the most buzz on Instagram among new series debuting in June, according to The WIT. Produced by Seriella Producciones, the telenovela tells the story of Esther, a young Jewish woman who becomes queen of the Persian Empire and protects her people. Airing on Record TV and Univer Vídeo, it gained 213,000 Instagram followers after its June 17 premiere, boosted by stars Bárbara Borges (1.7 million followers), Carlo Porto (948,000) and Iran Malfitano (513,000). Another adaptation, "La historia de Juana," ranked second with 11,000 followers. The Mexican version of "Juana le virgen" premiered on June 3 on Las Estrellas, featuring Irina Baeva (3.9 million followers), Fabiola Guajardo (2.5 million), Brandon Peniche (1.6 million), and Cynthia Klitbo (809,000).

From: World Screen

Can He Save Paramount? Hollywood Takes a Hard Look at David Ellison’s Mogul Ambitions

David Ellison, the new chairman and CEO of the soon-to-be-combined Skydance and Paramount Global, has had a whirlwind week. By Wednesday, the Hollywood producer and Oracle heir finalised a deal for the Redstone family empire. As show business, Wall Street and media observers digest the news, three key questions arise about Ellison's new role: Who is David Ellison today? What does he bring to the table? What challenges does he face?

From: Variety

Scream Queen Maika Monroe Returns: The ‘Longlegs’ Star on Facing Off With Nicolas Cage and How She Leaves the Darkness on Set

Maika Monroe may be an indie horror scream queen, but she’s far from dark. She laughs easily, talks animatedly with her hands, and often starts sentences with “Yes!” She avoids method acting, preferring to unwind with shows like "The Kardashians" after a day’s work. This personable nature ironically helped her land the role of Lee Harker, a tense FBI agent, in Oz Perkins’ horror film “Longlegs,” where she hunts an occult-obsessed serial killer played by Nicolas Cage.

From: Variety

DEI Is Not DOA — At Least Not Yet

The DEI dominoes started falling—or at least wobbling—last summer. A Supreme Court ruling nearly gutted affirmative action on college campuses. Diversity officers exited en masse in Hollywood from Warner Bros. Discovery, Disney, Netflix, and the Motion Picture Academy. Conservative activists launched anti-DEI lawsuits, targeting corporations. One notable case was filed in March against CBS and Paramount by former Trump aide Stephen Miller on behalf of a white SEAL Team writer who allegedly denied advancement due to DEI policies.

From: The Hollywood Reporter

“Something huge is coming”, say AI experts as Bifan awards first AI film prizes

Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to become a powerful "creative partner" for screenwriters and filmmakers, according to experts at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (Bifan) in South Korea. A three-day conference on AI in the film industry addressed challenges around copyright and privacy while highlighting technological opportunities. Maciej Zèmojcin, CEO of Polish virtual production company PixelRace, noted, "AI will take over all the work you hate, acting like a co-pilot on steroids, automating elements that screenwriters dislike."

From: Screen Daily