Richard Middleton
NewsSix talking points from Series Mania 2026
Development spending, European regulation and future of US partnerships dominate annual scripted event in Lille.
NewsStreamers’ European spending rises but public service broadcasters dominate
Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and others accounted for 14% of European drama titles in 2024, EAO report says
NewsAnnapurna hires Ed Rubin to lead international TV unit
The exec is known for stints at Ridley Scott’s Scott Free and Origin Pictures.
NewsBanijay and All3Media confirm mega-merger
Marco Bassetti set to be installed as chief executive of combined group.
NewsParamount to combine HBO Max and Paramount+
Paramount chief exec David Ellison has outlined how his company will incorporate Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) following its $110bn deal for the US studio.
NewsNetflix moves seven productions from UK to New Jersey
”[I’ve been] working with the state of New Jersey to create an incentive that competes with that UK incentive and brings production home,” Ted Sarandos told a US Senate committee earlier this month.
NewsChristian Vesper steps down as Fremantle’s global drama and film CEO
He had reported into Andrea Scrosati, who will now oversee the film and drama division on an interim basis.
NewsAll3Media and Banijay eye production merger, says report
A deal remains uncertain but if it did progress, the combined company would be one of the world’s biggest producers.
NewsDisney agrees $1bn deal with OpenAI’s Sora
The US studio will invest in OpenAI’s generative platform and allow it to use IP from Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars franchises.
NewsHBO Max to launch in UK & Ireland in March 2026
Casey Bloys, chairman and chief exec of HBO and HBO Max content, confirmed the date during a global slate presentation in London.
NewsMediawan hires former All3Media exec to run distribution, moves sales office to London
Sally Habbershaw will lead all operations for French group’s sales outfit.
NewsRTL Group acquires Sky Deutschland
€150m deal will create German streamer with 11.5m subscribers.
NewsAVMSD regulation in spotlight as Central and Eastern European executives question efficacy
Euro figures highlight AVMSD’s unintended consequences on smaller markets as 2026 review looms.
NewsMediawan restructures global TV sales division with Leonine rejig
Former NBCUniversal and Sky exec Patrick Phelan is among those departing.
NewsBanijay explores deal to buy ITV - report
The French production giant is in early stage talks with the broadcaster, according to The Financial Times.
NewsCanal+ names Anna Marsh chief content officer
StudioCanal chief’s new remit reflects broader global plans for French giant.
NewsSeries Mania reveals 10 dramas for Buyers Upfront slate
New initiative invites select global acquisition and commissioning execs to watch 12-minute first-look screenings from upcoming series.
NewsSeries Mania unveils 2025 Co-Pro Pitching shortlist
Fifteen drama series projects have been selected to be presented at Series Mania Forum next month in Lille.
NewsAlex Gibney sells majority stake in Jigsaw Productions
The Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker has sold a majority stake in Jigsaw Productions to philanthropist Wendy Schmidt.
NewsSee-Saw-backed Picking Scabs appoints executive producer
Shay Spencer previpously worked at Jungle Entertainment and Fremantle Australia.