Film & TV Briefing: Friday 22 May 2026
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
Shamrock Capital announces new $813 million content acquisition fund (Variety)
BBC Director General warns tough choices lie ahead as search for savings continues (BBC)
'Michael' biopic returns to top of UK and Ireland box office (Screendaily)
Comedy legend Mel Brooks gives archive to New York's National Comedy Centre (Variety)
Saudi film incentive rebate increased to 60% in bid to kickstart industry (Deadline)
Film and TV Charity appoints Anti-Racism Wellbeing Adviser in industry first (Screendaily)
Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe announced as new Strictly presenters (BBC)
Sony Pictures acquires majority share in producer 32 Flavors (Hollywood Reporter)
Director General reveals plan to improve BBC impartiality with data (Broadcast)
'Eurovision' final audience dips 1.5 million on BBC (BBC)
UK Dogma programme greenlit (Screendaily)
Musician Billy Joel slams upcoming biopic as “misguided” (Hollywood Reporter)
YouTube Shorts' Remix option will insert users into videos with Gemini AI (Hollywood Reporter)
The Federation of Screenwriters in Europe enters Vincent Bolloré open letter debate (Deadline)
Features and commentary
How rage-bait ruined ‘Eurovision’ (Hollywood Reporter)
Hollywood still values human performers thanks to SAG-AFTRA deal (Indiewire)
Can the new ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ hosts save the format? (Guardian)
What Ofcom's regulation of streamers means for UK subscribers (Expert Zoom)
Industry announcements
Applications for Broadcast's emerging talent initiative Hot Shots 2026 open until Friday 29 May (Broadcast)
Legal updates
Miami deputies sue Damon and Affleck over “dirty cop” portrayal in Netflix drama (Guardian)
