Film and TV Briefing: Friday 29 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
Ofcom set to regulate streaming services for the first time under new government proposals (BBC)
Government to press ahead with privatisation of Channel 4, despite criticism (The Guardian)
Local residents unhappy at Warner Bros’ plans to expand its Leavesden studios (Watford Observer)
Piers Morgan’s show on newly launched TalkTV channel gets mixed reviews (BBC)
Western Alliance Bank launches new Entertainment & Media Group (Variety)
BBC publishes 'levelling up' plan, and announces intention to have an apprentice on every commission (Broadcast)
CEO of the National Association of Theater Owners says ‘day-and-date’ releases are “dead as a serious business model” (The Hollywood Reporter)
Government’s press release on proposed reforms to the UK broadcasting sector (Gov.uk)
Sundance to reduce programs amid Covid-related cuts (Variety)
Johnny Depp US defamation trial against Amber Heard: Key moments from Depp’s testimony (Variety)
New report shows improvements in disability and ethnicity representation across the BBC’s services (Televisual)
Florida’s governor signs law repealing Disney’s private district after ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill opposition (IndieWire)
Comcast and Charter to launch a new streaming platform (Variety)
Cannes 2022: Competition jury announced (IndieWire)
Warner Bros. Discovery “will not overspend to drive subscriber growth” says CEO, David Zaslav (Variety)
Features and commentary
Bectu's response to proposed broadcasting reforms and privatisation of Channel 4 (Bectu)
Five issues facing cinemas (Variety)
What should Netflix do next? (IndieWire)
Could AT&T be a winner in the streaming wars? (Variety)
Industry announcements
Government publishes White Paper on their vision for the UK broadcasting sector (Gov.uk)
Government publishes response to the consultation on the privatisation of Channel 4 (Gov.uk)
Equity confirms that a BBC sign language repeat will be included in cast engagement fee (Pact)
Channel 4 and Create Central announce new support for indies in the West Midlands (Pact)
Resources
New guidance note issued on Pact-Bectu TV Agreement status and on prep and wrap issues (Pact)
WFTV events schedule (WFTV)
Legal updates
BBC publishes updated Digital Rights Release Policy (BBC)
