Happy Friday International Insiders, Tom Grater here delivering your post-Thanksgiving rundown of the week’s top headlines. Sign up to receive this email every Friday in your inbox
UK Broadcasters Are In The Crosshairs
Dramatic license fee: BBC Chair Richard Sharp wasn’t mincing words this week when talking about the future of the UK’s primary public broadcaster, stating that “there will be consequences”For program budgets, if the licensing fee ceases to rise with inflation starting next year. Delivering the keynote at the Voice of the Listener & Viewer conference, Sharp suggested that less commercial programming such as local news was likely to take the biggest hit.
Negative cultureThe Chair warned that BBC employees had been fired. “beleaguered” after “persistent attacks from the press and other sources. His comments came after the Royal Family criticized BBC2 documentary The Princes and the Press for containing “unfounded claims”. “We’ve lurched from one crisis to another over a period of time which hasn’t reflected well on the people of the BBC,”Sharp stated that he wanted workers to be able to communicate with him. “be in a position where people feel happier and better about themselves”As he strives for a more positive cultural environment.
UK Culture Sec on C4Channel 4 continues to be a hot topic for privatization. Nadine Dorries (New UK Culture Secretary) addressed the question, or rather did not address it. She stated to a DCMS Committee hearing that she had to take into consideration. “a number of issues”Before you make a decision. Former I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!Dorries stated that she was focusing on the contestants “how Channel 4 will survive in the future”. She also mentioned the BBC, commenting how it has helped her. “accepted it has a problem with impartiality, not just in London but across the country”.
Three’s company:The BBC had a positive headline this week: the news that Fleabag Normal PeopleBBC Three has been granted permission to return to broadcast in February 2022. Ofcom, the regulatory body, said that it had taken the decision to ensure that 75% of all hours broadcast in the UK each year would be original programs. “This is a big moment, with the new channel providing a destination for young audiences to discover more content on the BBC. We will work hand in hand with iPlayer to provide a broad offering that is representative of the whole of the UK and we will continue to back new talent and bold ideas,” said Fiona Campbell, controller for BBC Three.
Chinese Box Office Record
A new high watermark is now:War epic The Battle At Lake Changjin is officially the highest grossing movie of all time in China, overtaking 2017’s Wolf Warrior 2.After 56 days of release, the film has earned RMB 5.69B ($890M), with projections suggesting that it could go as high at RMB 5.75B ($900M). The movie, which tells the story of the People’s Volunteer Army entering North Korea for the titular battle which was a turning point in the conflict, is the highest grossing title globally so far this year, ahead of fellow Chinese pic Hello, Mom As well asNo Time To Die F9. This week, also in China The Matrix ResurrectionsThe title was released in China and cleared for publication. This makes it one of only a few international titles that has been approved for China.
Neue Management
Hot real estate:The UK’s TV and film shooting space is highly sought after. There are so many U.S. streamers and studios that there are barely enough stages, it makes the UK a very valuable commodity. With demand outstripping supply, these facilities are top investment prospects, and this week saw Scotland’s Wardpark Film and Television Studios become the latest to be targeted by outside financiers. U.S. firms Hackman Capital Partners (partner Square Mile Capital Management) announced that they have reached a deal for the purchase of the studio. Outlander. The two companies wouldn’t be drawn on whether they are planning to expand the site, but did confirm all current jobs will be preserved. Amazon also set the first locations in its Big Budget this week Lord Of The RingsThe streamer confirmed that the series will be shot at Bray Film Studios, Berkshire. This studio recently received planning permission to undergo major renovations. Bovingdon Airfield is currently in the process creating three permanent sound stages.
International Emmys Crown ‘Call My Agent!’, ‘Tehran’
Prize winnersThis week saw the International Emmys, featuring French comedy Get in touch with me!Israeli drama TehranThe top prizes were won. Check out the complete list.
Check out The List
Under the radar The annual Brit List of unproduced screenplays was revealed this week, with Tianna Johnson’s urban drama series ObeahTopping the 18-strong pile. Continue reading.
R.I.P. Emi Wada
Glittering careerDesigning costumes Hero House Of Flying Daggersis no small feat, add into the mix winning an Oscar for costuming Kurosawa’sRanNow you can see the type of career Japanese designer Emi wada had. She was 84 when she died.
Essentials
🌶️ Hot one for the week: BBC2 and PBS were given a commission. War of the WorldsA hybrid drama-documentary of the same style that highlights a near future where extra-terrestrial life is detected.
🎤 Interview: Ridley Scott hit back at the Gucci family’s criticism of his new film House of Gucci in a chat with the BBC’s Today program.
💪 Allies: Nine international indies have teamed up to form a Fremantle supported alliance to produce high-end drama series.
🚚 You are on the move: Former Netflix Director of Original Series Carolyn Newman has joined John Morayniss’ fledgling Canadian production venture Blink Studios, with TransplantVirginia Rankin signed also as In-House Exec.
🚚 You are on the move: Antonio Salas, an ex-executive in sales at Focus Features and MGM, is joining Mediapro Services London.
🎦 Trailer:The first trailer is available.The ScoreThe musical heist movie “The,” starring Will Poulter and Johnny Flynn.
📷 First Look: Here’s your first look at the actors who are playing the Beatles inMidas ManThe biopic is about their manager. Jay Leno was confirmed to be part of the cast.
🏆 Awards Watch: Asghar Farhadi’s A Hero was the big winner at the 21st Hafez Awards, Iran’s primary national screen awards ceremony