On this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, the team discuss the hits, misses and surprises at the global box office this year, before we look at the impact of this year’s American Film Market and its return to Los Angeles. 

Watch above on video, or listen to below.

First, Screen contributing editor Wendy Mitchell, deputy editor Louise Tutt and awards and box office editor Charles Gant explore whether, beyond the buzz of Sinners, One Battle After Another and Weapons, 2025 really has been that good for original IP in global cinemas.

“Looking at the global chart and actually there have been this year some really encouraging outcomes for original IP,” says Gant of films such as Sinners, One Battle After Another and, in the UK, homegrown titles You Live In Time and I Swear.

“However, I am looking at the global chart for the year and the reality is that existing IP dominates that chart. So we do have to remember that although Sinners has done very well to be the 14th highest-grossing film of the year worldwide, that’s not in the top 10.”

The team also look at what is meant by ‘original IP’, the growing global success of anime titles, and why France and the UK are having very different years at the box office. 

Next, Screen’s Americas editor Jeremy Kay rounds up the talking points from this year’s AFM, which was back in Los Angeles at the Fairmont Hotel following a poorly-received sojourn in Las Vegas last year.

Kay rounds up the buzzy packages, vibes on the ground, and why Screen staff were loving driverless taxis.

The Screen Podcast is produced and hosted by Wendy Mitchell and edited by Ellie Calnan. New episodes every other Thursday.

For editorial enquiries about The Screen Podcast, please email matt.mueller@screendaily.com  and indiewendy@gmail.com;  for sponsorship opportunities, please contact scott.benfold@screendaily.com.

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