Film and TV Briefing: Friday 19 December 2025
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
Warner Bros looks to reject Paramount Skydance’s $108bn bid (Broadcast)
Hollywood remembers Rob and Michelle Reiner (IndieWire)
'Saturday Night Live' accused of using AI image in joke (Deadline)
Global box office prediction for 2026 expects $35bn and 5% growth (Variety)
Academy reveals new Oscar shortlists for 2026 (ScreenDaily)
Hugh Bonneville and Harriet Walter urge Yes votes in AI Equity Ballot (Deadline)
Alan Cumming tipped to host 2026 BAFTA Film Awards (Hollywood Reporter)
Oscars to move to YouTube from 2029 (Broadcast)
Hedge fund Standard General eyes up Warner Bros. Discovery bid (Deadline)
Gen Z going to the cinema more than ever in 2025 (IndieWire)
Nominations for the London Critics' Circle Film awards revealed (ScreenDaily)
Baroness Margaret Hodge conducts a review of Arts Council England (Gov.UK)
AI consultation results released with vindication for creative industries (Equity)
Features and commentary
Disney animators discuss Open AI deal (Deadline)
Classic films from Rob Reiner (BBC)
The most underrated Christmas films (Guardian)
Industry announcements
UK Gov announces the BBC Royal Charter Review (Broadcast)
UK Gov announces new members of Creative Industries Council (Gov.UK)
Resources
Pact’s End of Year Summary (Pact)
Current rates under Pact/Equity Cinema Films Agreement extended to April 2026 (Pact)
Legal updates
Donald Trump launches multi-billion dollar claim against the BBC (BBC)
Nick Reiner appears in court on charges of murdering his parents (Variety)
Employment Rights Bill becomes law after passing in the House of Lords (Bectu)
Carl Rinsch convicted for defrauding Netflix out of $11m (IndieWire)
