Film and TV Briefing: Friday 29 January 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

Prohibitive costs of Covid safety slowing a return to production for Hollywood (Hollywood Reporter)

Planned 50% increase in original content for Sky’s push to compete with streaming giants (BBC)

European creative industries plead for more help to combat 30% revenue dip (Variety)

Unusual shared streaming deal for Modern Family catalogue (Variety)

Lifetime achievement award for Jane Fonda (BBC)

London LGBTIQ+ Film Festival dates announced (BFI)

New dates for Cannes Film Festival announced (Variety)

HBO reportedly developing Harry Potter series (Hollywood Reporter)

Bridgerton is fifth biggest Netflix launch ever (Deadline)

Features and commentary

Uncertainty in the future for specialty films (Variety)

Sundance Film Festival 2020 – highlights to look out for (BFI)

Are Pandemic thrillers too frightening for lockdown viewing? (Independent)

Industry announcements

Government announces changes to Kickstart Scheme (PACT)

PACT advice in relation to BBC Covid costs update (PACT)

Equity open letter to Chancellor and Secretary of State (EQUITY)

IR35/Off-payroll working rules still to come into effect on 6 April 2021 (PACT)

Resources

BAFTA Covid resources (BAFTA)

Global cinema reopening dates (Screen Daily)

Equity Coronavirus support (EQUITY)

Legal Updates

Joint copyright found in screenplay in Martin v Kogan retrial (Simkins News)