All articles by Richard Middleton
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NewsSix talking points from Series Mania 2026
Development spending, European regulation and future of US partnerships dominate annual scripted event in Lille.
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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
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NewsAnnapurna hires Ed Rubin to lead international TV unit
The exec is known for stints at Ridley Scott’s Scott Free and Origin Pictures.
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NewsBanijay and All3Media confirm mega-merger
Marco Bassetti set to be installed as chief executive of combined group.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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NewsRTL Group acquires Sky Deutschland
€150m deal will create German streamer with 11.5m subscribers.
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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.
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NewsMediawan restructures global TV sales division with Leonine rejig
Former NBCUniversal and Sky exec Patrick Phelan is among those departing.
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NewsBanijay explores deal to buy ITV - report
The French production giant is in early stage talks with the broadcaster, according to The Financial Times.
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NewsCanal+ names Anna Marsh chief content officer
StudioCanal chief’s new remit reflects broader global plans for French giant.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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NewsSee-Saw-backed Picking Scabs appoints executive producer
Shay Spencer previpously worked at Jungle Entertainment and Fremantle Australia.