Film and TV Briefing: Friday 22 April 2022
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
Netflix loses subscribers for the first time in 10 years (IndieWire)
Producers of ‘Rust’ receive maximum fine for safety failings that led to the death of Halyna Hutchins (The Guardian)
Netflix shares slump by 35%, wiping $50bn off the streamer’s value (BBC)
Cannes Film Festival adds further titles to its Official Selection (ScreenDaily)
Netflix announces intention to launch cheaper ad-supported subscription tiers (Hollywood Reporter)
Johnny Depp testifies in US defamation trial against Amber Heard (Deadline)
The advantages of virtual production (Variety)
Searchlight suspend production of 'Being Moral' following a complaint (Deadline)
‘The Lost City’ and ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore’ top the UK Easter box office (Variety)
Brian Hill's short film 'Toxic' explores bullying behaviour in the UK film & TV industry (BBC)
Thandiwe Newton denies reports she was fired from the new Magic Mike film after argument with co-star Channing Tatum (The Guardian)
New report reveals what consumers want to pay for streaming services (Variety)
Warner Bros Discovery appoints international leadership team (Deadline)
Study finds films can earn higher box office revenue if their cultural depictions are authentic (Variety)
Features and commentary
Cannes’ decision to select both Russian and Ukrainian filmmakers (ScreenDaily)
Comment on why Netflix is losing subscribers (The Guardian)
Hollywood lawyers comment on changes in the industry and its future (Variety)
‘The Godfather’ at 50: How Gordon Willis changed cinematography (IndieWire)
Industry announcements
Cannes Film Festival: Official Selection for 2022 (Festival de Cannes)
Tribeca Film Festival 2022: Lineup announced (IndieWire)
Equity launches campaign to strengthen performers’ rights when working with AI (Equity)
PACT to launch 2022 PACT census (Pact)
Resources
DCMS clarifications regarding the Production Restart Scheme, self-isolation and claims (Pact)
The Inevitable Foundation releases tools for US productions to use to create a more equitable work environment for disabled talent (Hollywood Reporter)
