After a 146 day strike, the WGA and AMPTP have reached a tentative agreement for a new three year contract. Bringing negotiators from both sides, including major studio heads, talks resumed on Wednesday 20 September after a month long pause. Whilst details are ironed out over the coming few days, writers have been instructed not to go back to work and rather join the thousands of actors still on strike.
The Baltic States initial foray into the world of FamTours was off the charts. Borne from years of speaking with my Lithuanian colleague Jonas Spokas, it all came to fruition at 2023 Focus. I was talking with Jonas and Jurate Pazikaite, the Vilnius Film Commissioner, about how I had just seen the Lithuanian submission for the Academy’s Best Foreign Film selections. As an International Film juror, I enjoy the locations and original storylines of foreign films. They asked if I might be available for a summer trip.
In their venture with Peloton, Stink Studios take audiences into the world of Peloton far beyond their infamous bike. The project, made in partnership with Director Jones is a two part roll video roll out which highlights the multidimensionality of the Peloton fitness world and the importance and impact of their instructors.
As the first collaboration between the independent film studio and the actor, Nicholas Cage is set to lead eclectic horror comedy Dream Scenario. From writer/director Kristoffer Borgli and producer Ari Aster, the film places Cage as professor Paul Matthews and his unexplained cameos in other people’s dreams. The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival will hit theatres on 10 November.
Marking the biggest series to be filmed in South Australia, Netflix announced the beginning of production on Desert King. The joint production between Easy Tiger and Ronde, created by Tim Lee and Ben Davies, will be helmed by director Greg McLean. Production is set to significantly contribute to the local South Australian economy and industry, providing 240 jobs across cast and crew.
As of 1 October 2023, CEO Bero Beyer will resign from his position. Following a period of illness and recovery, he has decided not to return to his role. For continuity, interim director Sandra den Hamer will remain in her current role for an extended period of time.
After its successful release on 31 August, Netflix announced that One Piece will return to the streaming platform. Based on Japan’s highest-selling manga series, the live action series stars Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy, Mackenyu as Roronoa Zoro, Emily Rudd as Nami, Jacob Romero as Usopp, and Taz Skylar as Sanji. Filming for the series took place in South Africa, the Canary Islands and Mexico.
On Wednesday, Finance Minister, Makis Keravnos, announced the extension of the screen industry boosting Olivewood scheme for another three years. With significant benefits to the local cultural sector, the extension also includes an increase in the existing cash rebate from 40% to 45%.