Film and TV Briefing: Friday 19 February 2021

Welcome to this week’s round-up of news, commentary and industry announcements that you may have missed from the past week.

If you are looking for advice in relation to any of the issues mentioned, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

In the news

BBC launches BBC Select, its first fully owned US streaming service (Variety)

Nomadland leads AACTA International Awards nominations (Hollywood Reporter)

Rapid testing for cinema goers impractical says UK Cinema Association chief (Variety)

Disney+ unveils first European slate including shows for new general entertainment brand, Star (Deadline)

Anne Robinson to host Countdown (BBC)

Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Donald Glover to co-star in reboot of Mr & Mrs Smith (Guardian)

Chinese box office reaches record-breaking $1.2billion over the Lunar New Year holiday (Variety)

ITV pulls in biggest live TV audience of the year with The Masked Singer (BBC)

Broadcasting Press Guild Awards: I May Destroy You and Normal People lead nominations (Deadline)

BBC to launch Festival of Funny (Hollywood Reporter)

Features and commentary

Opinion: Hollywood and disability inclusion (Variety)

Opinion: 2021 Golden Globes nominees (Guardian)

Film and TV production in Australia and New Zealand in 2021: How easy is it for international productions? (Screen Daily)

Industry announcements

Awards season critical dates (Variety)

Global cinema reopening dates (Screen Daily)

Resources

Upcoming events (PACT)

Coronavirus resources (BAFTA)

Legal Updates

Seminar on 22 February: Coronavirus, business interruption insurance and commercial leases (Simkins)