TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Friday 19 July 2024

Nine Network AI guidelines, Swedish production reform, Venice XR lineup, Netflix thriller tops charts, and more Emmy nods highlight major industry shifts and innovations.

Today’s Highlights:

• Australia's Nine Network Unveils AI Guidelines Nine Network has issued new AI use guidelines stressing transparency and human oversight. The guidelines aim to balance innovation with ethical content creation.

• Swedish Industry Urges Production Incentive Reform SVT, TV4, and other Swedish industry players are pressing the government to update outdated production incentives, emphasizing the urgency for immediate reforms.

• Venice Film Festival Introduces Immersive XR Lineup The 2024 Venice Film Festival will feature a section dedicated to 360° videos, virtual and mixed reality, showcasing 63 projects from 25 countries.

• 'Vanished Into the Night' Tops Netflix Global Chart The Italian thriller "Vanished Into the Night," starring Annabelle Wallis and Riccardo Scamarcio, has quickly risen to the top of Netflix's global non-English film chart.

• Peacock's 'Fight Night' to Close Martha's Vineyard Festival Peacock's series "Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist" will premiere at the Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival, featuring stars like Taraji P. Henson and Don Cheadle.

• Variety Honors Young Hollywood Stars Sabrina Carpenter, Marcello Hernández, and Sadie Sink will be honoured at the 2024 Power of Young Hollywood event in Santa Monica, highlighting influential young talents.

• Sundance Institute Announces Trans Storytellers Fellows The Sundance Institute named six artists for its 2024 Trans Possibilities Intensive, a program supporting trans storytellers of colour with creative advisement and development opportunities.

• Prime Video's Emmy Push and New Season Updates Prime Video earned multiple Emmy nominations for series like "Fallout" and "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," discussing the status of future seasons and its expanding drama slate.

• YouTube Recognized for AI Innovation YouTube has been lauded for its innovative use of AI, introducing tools from Google DeepMind, securing NFL Sunday Ticket rights, and enhancing the platform's user experience.

• Netflix Leads Emmy Nominations with 107 Nods Netflix regained its position as the leader in Emmy nominations, with 107 nods across 35 titles, including "The Crown," "Ripley," and "3 Body Problem."

Plus: News, Insights, In Development, Deals, Renewals, Events & Jobs with Sky, DLA Piper, Warners & BBC

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NEWS

Australia's Nine Network unveils guidelines for use of artificial intelligence

Australia's Nine Network has released guidelines for AI use, emphasising transparency and accuracy. The guidelines state that AI-generated content must be disclosed, and human oversight is essential to maintain editorial standards. Nine Network's CEO, Mike Sneesby, highlighted AI's potential to enhance productivity while underscoring the importance of ethical considerations. This move aims to balance innovation with responsibility in content creation and broadcasting.

From: C21

SVT and other Swedish players demand emergency surgery on production incentives

Swedish industry players, including SVT and TV4, urge the government to update production incentives, calling them outdated and insufficient. A letter to the Ministry of Culture highlights the urgent need for changes, citing the current application process, which closed in just over a minute due to high demand, as inadequate. They argue against waiting for the implementation of a new film policy in 2026, emphasising immediate action to support the industry.

From: C21

Venice Film Festival Unveils Immersive XR Lineup

The Venice International Film Festival 2024 lineup includes the Venice Immersive XR section, featuring 360° videos, virtual and mixed reality, and XR works. Running from August 28 to September 7, the festival's Venice Immersive program, launched in 2017, was among the first to feature Extended Reality competitions. This year's edition includes 63 projects from 25 countries, with 26 in competition and seven developed during the Biennale College Cinema – Immersive offering.

From: IndieWire

Italian Thriller ‘Vanished Into the Night,’ Starring Annabelle Wallis and Riccardo Scamarcio, Tops Global Netflix Chart

"Vanished Into the Night," starring Annabelle Wallis and Riccardo Scamarcio, follows a divorced couple in southern Italy whose children are kidnapped for ransom. Wallis plays a U.S. psychiatrist in Puglia, while Scamarcio is her ex with a dark past. Directed by Renato De Maria, the thriller quickly topped Netflix's global chart for non-English films after its July 11 release. The film highlights the couple's dangerous mission to rescue their children.

From: Variety

Peacock’s ‘Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist’ to Close Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival

Peacock's limited series "Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist" will premiere at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival on Aug. 10, closing its 22nd edition. The event features a conversation with executive producer Will Packer, a screening, and a discussion with stars Taraji P. Henson, Don Cheadle, Chloe Bailey, and creator Shaye Ogbonna.

From: Variety

Variety Announces Sabrina Carpenter, Marcello Hernández and Sadie Sink as 2024 Power of Young Hollywood Honorees

Global superstar Sabrina Carpenter, comedian Marcello Hernández, and actor Sadie Sink will be honoured at the 2024 Power of Young Hollywood party on August 8 in Santa Monica. This invite-only event celebrates Variety's Young Hollywood Issue and the Young Hollywood Impact list, highlighting top young actors, musicians, and creators.

From: Variety

Sundance Institute Reveals Six Fellows for 2024 Trans Possibilities Intensive

The Sundance Institute has announced the six artists for its 2024 Trans Possibilities Intensive, focusing on advancing trans storytellers of colour. Held virtually from July 22-24, the event includes creative advisement for Khaleb Brooks, Kyle Casey Chu, Mariales Diaz, Gulet Ahmed Isse, Sepi Mashiahof, and AX Mina. Creative advisors include Zackary Drucker, River Gallo, Lyric Cabral, and Roberto Fatal. Now in its third year, the program offers project-based grants and development opportunities, with 2024 seeing the highest nominations ever.

From: IndieWire

INSIGHTS

Emmy-Nominated Elizabeth Debicki Misses Princess Diana In ‘The Crown’; Talks New Psychosexual Sci-Fi Drama ‘This Blue Is Mine’

Elizabeth Debicki’s latest Emmy nomination for The Crown is delightful and bittersweet. She misses playing Princess Diana and the people she worked with on the Netflix show, which received 18 nominations. Debicki found the work challenging yet satisfying, appreciating the show's legacy and the incredible performances that preceded her. Playing Diana, a beloved figure mourned worldwide, has profoundly impacted Debicki, with fans often requesting hugs in their interactions with her.

From: Deadline

“You’ll see us taking more risks,” says Altitude founder and theatrical champion Will Clarke

Altitude Films co-founder Will Clarke emphasises the company's commitment to original voices and supporting first-time filmmakers. Their 2024-2025 slate includes a diverse mix of elevated genre films, arthouse titles, and music documentaries, all intended for theatrical release. Clarke highlights the importance of both in-house developed and open marketplace films, aiming for more commercially viable projects while continuing to back fresh, unique voices in the industry.

From: Screen Daily

Prime Video Bosses On Drama Push, Emmy Nominations & Season 2 Status Of ‘Fallout’ & ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’, Potential ‘Jury Duty’ Followup

In 2018, Prime Video became the first streamer to win an Outstanding Comedy Series Emmy for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and repeated with Fleabag in 2019. After a 2021 Outstanding Drama Series nomination for The Boys, Prime Video broke through with two series in the top drama category this year: Fallout and Mr. & Mrs. Smith, earning 17 and 16 nominations, respectively, out of Prime Video’s total 37 nominations. Despite missing recognition for Expats and Nicole Kidman, Amazon MGM Studios head Jennifer Salke is pleased with the streamer’s Emmy performance.

From: Deadline

Why YouTube is one of the most innovative companies of 2024

YouTube has been recognised for its innovative approach in 2024, especially in leveraging AI technology. The platform introduced AI tools from Google DeepMind, allowing creators to generate soundtracks and dub them in different languages. Additionally, YouTube enhanced its living room experience by securing NFL Sunday Ticket rights and encouraging user-generated content. The company’s efforts in integrating AI and enhancing user engagement highlight its commitment to innovation in the video industry.

From: Smart Company

Proposed UK workers' rights bill promises better deal for TV freelancers, says Bectu

TV and film union Bectu supports the Labour government's new employment rights bill to improve freelancer conditions. With 70% of Bectu members currently out of work and many planning to leave the industry, the bill seeks to address issues like zero-hours contracts, fire and rehire practices, and provide better pay and protections from day one. The legislation is part of a broader effort to rebuild the UK’s creative sector and improve working conditions​.

From: C21

Netflix’s Bela Bajaria on Her Emmy Dominance Across 35 Programs, What’s Next for ‘3 Body Problem’ and ‘Bridgerton’

Netflix regained the top spot in Emmy nominations for 2024, leading all outlets with 107 nominations, up from last year's 103. This surpasses HBO/Max, which dropped from 127 to 91. Netflix's chief content officer, Bela Bajaria, notes that while Netflix's record is 160 nominations in 2020, this year's tally spans 35 titles, including "The Crown" (18 nominations), "Ripley" (13), "Baby Reindeer" (11), "3 Body Problem" (6), and "Beckham" (5).

From: Variety

Dana Walden On Disney’s 183 Emmy Nominations & Commitment To Linear In Integrated Ecosystem

The three most nominated programs at this year's Emmys—Shōgun (25 nominations), The Bear (23), and Only Murders In the Building (21)—are all available on Hulu, despite being labelled as FX, FX on Hulu, and Hulu Originals, respectively. Dana Walden, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, oversees FX, Hulu, ABC, and other divisions. ABC’s Abbott Elementary received nine nominations, maintaining its broadcast presence. Here, Walden discussed the surprises and disappointments following the announcement of the Emmy nominations.

From: Deadline

Imagine, Exploring Sale, Scores 8 Emmy Nominations For Ron Howard’s ‘Jim Henson Idea Man’

Ron Howard’s Jim Henson Idea Man dominated the documentary categories with eight nominations for the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards, three more than the next most-nominated documentary. Its nominations include Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special, Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program for Howard, and recognition for writer Mark Monroe. Additionally, cinematographers Igor Martinovic and Vanja Cernjul, picture editors Sierra Neal and Paul Crowder, the sound editing and mixing teams, and David Fleming’s score were nominated.

From: Deadline

Spotlighting Africa

African documentaries are evolving, moving beyond traditional "Big Five" animals to explore diverse wildlife, landscapes, and cultures. This shift is driven by increased content platforms and more accessible filmmaking tools. Local filmmakers are increasingly involved, ensuring authentic portrayals and avoiding stereotypes. Projects like Living with Lions and In a Sea of Dust and Stars highlight the continent's richness and complexity, offering more profound insights into Africa's people and environments​.

From: World Screen

Authentic Antigua

Baden Prince Jr is a consultant for the BBC drama Mr Loverman, based on Bernardine Evaristo’s novel. The show stars Lennie James as Barrington Jedidiah Walker, an Antiguan man with a secret relationship. Prince helps ensure authenticity in language and cultural details, reflecting his Antiguan heritage. He worked with scriptwriters and actors, contributing to accurate portrayals of Antiguan life, making the series a true representation of the Caribbean community.​

From: Drama Quarterly

Emmy Nominations 2024 Analysis: Snubs, Surprises, and Trends

The 2024 Emmy nominations revealed significant trends and notable omissions. Slow Horses gained traction with U.S. voters, potentially earning Gary Oldman a nod. The Bear's Ayo Edebiri moved to Lead Actress after winning Supporting Actress. Only Murders in the Building and The Morning Show had strong showings, while traditional heavyweights like Succession were absent. Fresh faces, like Jharrel Jerome in I'm a Virgo, brought new energy to the comedy categories, highlighting the evolving landscape of television recognition.

From: Time

Netflix CTO Elizabeth Stone on Streamer’s New AI Project, Gearing Up for Live NFL Games, Evolving the Culture and More

Elizabeth Stone, Netflix’s chief technology officer, leads a global team of about 3,000, covering core product experience, advertising, games, live streaming, and studio production. Stone highlights the complexity of supporting all business areas, emphasising partnerships across Netflix. Joining in 2020 as VP of data and insights, she became CTO in October 2023, the first to hold this title at Netflix. Stone has an economics background, a PhD from Stanford, and previously worked as a trader at Merrill Lynch, which is an unusual path for a tech executive.

From: Variety

‘Mountains’ Trailer: A Haitian Immigrant Family Finds Its Way in Festival Winner

Monica Sorelle’s touching feature debut, "Mountains," centres on a Haitian family struggling to survive in Miami amid gentrification and an unstable housing market. Xavier (Atibon Nazaire), a working-class demolition worker, dreams of a bigger, suburban house for his family, including his seamstress wife Esperance (Sheila Anozier) and their college dropout son Junior (Chris Renois). By day, Xavier demolishes the very houses that gentrification replaces, making him complicit in the system that displaces immigrants like his own family.

From: IndieWire