International Insider: Pact Against Bectu; Netflix India; Boutonnat controversy; Euro heatwave

Good afternoon, I’m Max Goldbart. We have all the news and analysis you need as we wrap up another week as temperatures have hit record highs and relations between the TV union and the UK’s largest trade union body have hit an awkward low.

Pact against Bektu

a war of words: The UK TV industry is in turmoil over a dispute that resulted in a war of words this week over the Bectu / Pact TV deal. Union Bectu is looking for renewed terms of agreement in areas such as working conditions, hours and welfare, but the commercial entity Pact believes that Bectu’s terms are unrealistic and has drafted its own terms, which Bectu members are voting on as we speak. . The union advised crew members to decline these terms and the whole situation became extremely complicated. In repeated statements to the press, Bektu said the terms of the pact did not address “the long hours and the welfare crisis our members face”, while the pact argued that Bektu’s proposals risked “damaging all of television. “. And there will be no agreement if a compromise is not reached with the commercial body. In an unprecedented move that could change the debate, a group of influential Indians including Banijay, Bad Wolf and Normal people Producer Element Pictures sent a letter to the entire team yesterday afternoon urging them to accept the terms of the deal. The impact of the measure could extend to the vote, for which there are still nine days left and it looks like it will continue. Deadline first revealed the split in March.

game state: The controversy reflects a broad debate going on in the world of television production right now between improving people’s working conditions, personal life balance and well-being to maintain a thriving industry that currently hosts hundreds of films and TV shows. . after another. The UK drama tax credit means wealthy streamers are moving production here in bulk (Amazon’s Lord of the Rings The second series is the next) and stakeholders are diligently trying to make working conditions develop at the same rate as the industry is approaching full capacity. On the same day the polls opened, Pinewood Studios revealed plans for a nearly $ 1 billion expansion that will add 20 purpose-built soundstages fueled by the “lack of studio space in the UK”. TV production is growing a lot in the UK, it’s not shrinking …

struggle for survival: The feud between Bektu and Pact has to do with television, but in the world of independent cinema, as we know, the situation is different. A report from the BFI this week found that the UK sector is struggling for its survival amid the downstream manufacturing boom discussed above. While the British TV production sector has grown over the past five years, reaching a record spending level of $ 6.7 billion in 2021, the benefits of this increased activity have not fallen to the independent film sector, according to a report by Alma Economics. . laying down recommendations including increased tax relief for independent films and a financial contribution from leading streaming services to UK independent films. See Mel’s entry here.

The Indian disruptor of Netflix

Load Driver: As Netflix bosses heaved a sigh of relief after this week’s better-than-expected financials, Diana spoke to one of the influencers driving the streamer’s push to grow her subscriber base outside the US. Netflix India Vice President of Content Monica Shergill. . Leading a territory with a population of 1.4 billion is a breeze, and Shergill told Diana that her team is prioritizing subscriber growth at a time when the list is moving beyond Hindi content. is English. India has 22 official languages ​​and more than 800 TV channels, many of them in the film industry, but Shergill, who was previously executive vice president and head of content for Viacom’s Voot digital platform, 18 said India is a market for more stories. places that can resonate. globally. . With US subscriber numbers going in the wrong direction for two consecutive quarters, he is among the top Netflix content executives looking to lead the way for growth. Dive deeper.

Bollywood recovery: All Eyes on India Box Office today with Ranbir Kapoor shamshera After a disappointing first half of the year for Bollywood. Our Asian expert Liz Shackleton takes a look at what’s going to happen and how she is changing the Indian cinema landscape with some fantastic analysis. Bollywood producers are pointing to changes in consumer habits during the pandemic, said Liz, a familiar story in other territories, which has also seen a shift towards big event films at the expense of smaller films since the rise in streaming. pushes the public to consume. More content at home. Notably, while Bollywood is slowing down, films from a myriad of South Indian industries in other languages ​​are breaking box office records. Full analysis here. It is worth reading.

Boutonat controversy

Second term for CNC head: Dominique Boutonat, who made headlines earlier this year following allegations of sexual abuse by his godfather, has been appointed to a second three-year term at the helm of the powerful Center du Cinema de France (CNC) . While not unexpected, the move drew sharp criticism from a section of the local film industry, but for different reasons. The directors’ guild La Société des Réalisateurs has sparked a negative reaction that its more conventional free-market economy and multi-platform approach is bad for independent French cinema. Boutonati, who denied the sexual assault allegations, remains under judicial investigation. Gender equality group Le Collectif 50/50 is pushing for his suspension as it continues, saying that regardless of the outcome, he shouldn’t be in office while the case is pending. French Culture Minister Abdul Malak reportedly pushed Boutonna to remain in office, saying in a recent interview that he was “under investigation but not convicted”. Obviously, there are several forces at play and we will bring you more when we have them.

hot euro

I have to go to work? The Europeans, and the British in particular, battled the heat this week. As temperatures first surpassed 100 degrees in many parts of the UK, Bectu broadcasting union phones were ringing and officials were bombarded with questions from concerned members who weren’t even sure whether to apply. . I work, I understand. Meanwhile, major studios, including BBC Studios and ITV Studios, have posted guidance on areas such as hydration, conditioning and filming. It was chaos, but luckily it has calmed down a bit over the past three days. In continental Europe, dangerous fires hit parts of Spain and France, but growers generally kept cool in the heat. “Honestly, after Covid and everything that happened, [the heatwave] It’s the least of our worries. ” Emilia in Paris production manager Raphael Benoliel told Melanie. Bad weather has also fueled the debate between environmentalists and climate deniers, with deniers punishing (sensitive) people on the other side. If you’ve seen Adam McKay don’t look up Check out this embarrassing interview with GB News in the UK which chronicles the now infamous exchange between Cate Blanchett and Jennifer Lawrence.

Tim Burton’s fist

“Dive into Wonderland”: It was announced Wednesday that beloved American director Tim Burton will receive the prestigious Lumière Award in France in October. the the nightmare before Christmas Y Sweeney Todd The creator will surely bring a new atmosphere to the 14th festival, which will offer “an immersion in a wonderland, somewhere between America and its legends, Victorian England, futuristic megacities and suburban areas”, according to the organizers. The festival will run from 15 to 23 October and will also feature a musical tribute to Clint Eastwood.

essential

🌶️ Warm: Posted by netflix The Copenhagen Cowboy of departure Go on By Nicholas Winding Refn.

🌶️ Other: industry David p Davies’ fledgling 5 Act Productions made its first major foray into content by opting for Claire Mackintosh’s thriller. The last party.

🌶️ Other: Jessie had some news Doll factory, Paramount + ‘s latest high-budget international order Marcella Manufactured by Buccaneer.

🖼️actors: Big names like Olivia Colman, Jesse Buckley and Luke Evans come to Netflix Scrooge: A Christmas carol Evans will play the tough lead role of Dickens.

🏪 Store layout: Former Warner Bros Australia television chief Sean Murphy cut the ribbon at Big Owl Pictures, with backing from California-based billionaire businessman Steve Luzzo.

🧑‍💼 New job: Sky veteran Jane Millichip has taken over as CEO of BAFTAs, one of the most prestigious positions in the British film industry.

🖊️ Sign up: British agency Denton Brierley stole Vivenne Clore’s talented agent, Katie Whaley.

🤝🏼 Pact: Canadian multi-screenwriter Lily Singh has signed deals with Blink49 Studios and Bell Media for programs focused on underrepresented communities.

📺 One to watch: Iconic British singer James Blunt will star in a documentary titled rear molding Meet Alan Partridge. You can’t argue with it.

🎥 trailer: Amazon’s latest news is almost here All or nothing Football series starring Arsenal and narrated by Oscar nominee and Gooners superfan Daniel Kaluuya. Get some popcorn on the street.

Melanie Goodfellow contributed to this week’s International Insider