Trump’s film tariffs could be a real test for the UK’s creative economy September 30, 2025 The UK’s film and television sector is a significant component of the national economy, and its future is now a central topic in transatlantic trade talks. US President Donald Trump has proposed a 100 per cent tariff on films produced outside the United States, a move he says is aimed at reversing what he calls [...]
Trump threatens 100 per cent tariff on UK films to ‘protect Hollywood’ September 29, 2025 President Donald Trump has renewed his threat to impose a 100 per cent tariff on “any and all” films produced outside the USA, a move that has sparked concern across the British film industry. In a post on Truth Social on Monday, Trump criticised foreign movie production as “stealing candy from a baby”, and accused [...]
NBCUniversal International recovers from record £96m loss September 23, 2025 The international arm of media giant NBCUniversal has recovered from a record £96m loss to return to profit. The division of the US-headquartered group has posted a pre-tax profit of £1.9m for 2024, new accounts filed with Companies House have confirmed. The profit comes after NBCUniversal International reported a pre-tax loss of £96.5m for 2023. [...]
Wicked: Record London show sales after film’s success September 11, 2025 The global box office success of the big screen adaptation of musical Wicked helped the London stage show rake in record ticket sales last year. The film, staring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, was released in November 2024 and generated more than $756m (£559.2m) worldwide off the back of a successful promotional tour. It was [...]
A movie producer’s guide to the 82nd Venice Film Festival August 26, 2025 Even by its own towering standards, this year’s 82nd Venice Film Festival will be its most star-studded yet, as some of the world’s best filmmakers compete for the prestigious Golden Lion. VENETIAN LOVE AFFAIR Venice had a starring role in the wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. Their Venetian love affair will continue as [...]
Netflix rakes in record UK profits as cost conscious Brits choose adverts August 8, 2025 A rise in Brits choosing Netflix’s advertising tier helped the streaming giant rake in record profits as its UK revenue jumped towards the £2bn mark, it has been revealed. The UK arm of the US giant has reported a pre-tax profit of £63m for 2024, up from the £60.6m it achieved in 2023 – the [...]
What does Netflix’s use of AI mean for TV’s future? July 18, 2025 Netflix has used generative artificial intelligence (AI) to produce visual effects in one of its original series for the first time, marking a significant moment for the streaming giant and the wider entertainment industry. The scene in question – a collapsing building featured in the upcoming Argentine science fiction drama El Eternauta – was created [...]
Losses continue at Simon Cowell’s talent agency YMU amid high-profile departures July 18, 2025 Losses continued at the London talent agency which represents the likes of Simon Cowell, Graham Norton and Ant and Dec in the period it was sold for £60m, it has been revealed. YMU, whose clients also include Stacey Solomon and Davina McCall, was taken over by Permira Credit in March 2024. The deal, which saw [...]
Harry Potter TV series maker falls into the red as shooting starts July 17, 2025 A company run by the new co-producer of the James Bond franchise entered the red ahead of starting work on the new Harry Potter TV series, it has been revealed. Heyday Television is a joint venture between Heyday Films, which was founded in 1996 by producer David Heyman, and Universal International Studios. In March this [...]
Pinewood gets Netflix, Disney and Amazon boost amid Trump’s tariffs threat June 12, 2025 Deals with Netflix, Disney and Amazon have given iconic film studio group Pinewood a significant financial boost ahead of US President Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs. For the 12 months to 31 March, 2025, Pinewood Group has reported a turnover of £213.1m, up from the £146.4m it achieved in the prior year. Pinewood pointed to long [...]