News & Insights - FilmTake

Piecing Together the Future of Streaming: The Rise of Bundling and Aggregation

July 9, 2024 FilmTake Comments Off

Recent developments in streaming, like Comcast’s StreamSaver bundling Peacock, Apple TV+, and Netflix, indicate a significant shift towards the future of entertainment: streaming bundles. The bundling trend is gaining traction at the top and bottom of the streaming market.

Screens to Streams: The Evolution of Film Release Windows in Europe (Part Two)

July 7, 2024 FilmTake Comments Off

Europe’s film sector has relied on territoriality and rigid release windows to maximize the economic potential of films. Part Two explores the EU’s capitulation to the major studios, the post-lockdown theatrical landscape, and public support rules to preserve traditional release windows.

Screens to Streams: The Evolution of Film Release Windows in Europe (Part One)

July 1, 2024 FilmTake Comments Off

Europe’s film sector has long relied on the principles of territoriality and rigid release windows to maximize the economic potential of films. However, the unprecedented lockdowns during 2020 and 2021 have significantly disrupted these traditional models, which were already in flux.

How Europe Outpaced the US in Post-Lockdown Theatrical Recovery

June 30, 2024 FilmTake Comments Off

After three challenging years marked by globally coordinated lockdowns and resulting rising cost-of-living shocks, European cinemas entered 2024 with cautious optimism compared to growing glum stateside.

Distributors are Realigning Traditional Pay-1 Window Strategies for Maximum Impact

June 24, 2024 FilmTake Comments Off

Distributors are realigning the traditional Pay-1 window with new strategies to maximize their reach and impact. However, this strategic realignment on diverse content sources has challenges. The complexities can create significant gaps in streaming libraries.

Netflix Halts Subscriber Reporting: Rapid Growth Era Coming to an End

June 23, 2024 FilmTake Comments Off

Netflix is once again disrupting the entertainment industry by announcing it will no longer regularly report its subscriber numbers. This move undermines data transparency and attempts to divert investor attention from stagnating subscriber growth to revenue and profit metrics instead.

Reviving Cable Television: How Telecom Companies Will Shape Streaming Bundles

June 19, 2024 FilmTake Comments Off

Recent announcements of new streaming bundles have highlighted the increasing role of broadband providers in the streaming landscape. Telecom companies are leveraging their vast distribution networks to integrate multiple SVODs in their offerings.

Streaming Giants Unite: Disney and Warner Bros. Announce Cross-Studio Bundle

June 17, 2024 FilmTake Comments Off

Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) recently announced a rare cross-studio streaming bundle in a strategic reversal to retain fleeing subscribers. This new offering will merge Disney+ and Hulu with Warner Bros.’ Max with studio content and its premium service, HBO.

Paramount-Skydance Merger Collapses: Inside the Failed Negotiations

June 11, 2024 FilmTake Comments Off

Skydance’s merger talks with Paramount collapsed in epic fashion on Tuesday after Paramount’s controlling shareholder canceled the deal, ending an attempt to turn around the troubled studio. The deal fell through just as it was about to be finalized.

Hollywood’s Summer Slump: Sequel Saturation and Box Office Blues

June 11, 2024 FilmTake Comments Off

So far, 2024 has seen a dramatic decline in theatrical revenue, exacerbated by the absence of major releases due to delays associated with industry strikes. Box office numbers have suffered significantly, with fewer original films to draw audiences back to theaters.

Streaming Services Face Subscriber Exodus Amid Rising Costs and Market Saturation

June 9, 2024 FilmTake Comments Off

In recent years, the ambitious hopes studios placed into streaming services in the United States are starting to backfire. As a result, the streaming landscape in the United States is undergoing a period of retraction, just as the theatrical and pay television market is collapsing.

Update: Skydance Media Acquisition of Paramount Diminished After Disjointed Annual Meeting

June 5, 2024 FilmTake Comments Off

At their annual meeting on Tuesday, Paramount executives unveiled a plan to reduce costs and seek a partner for their streaming service. As a result, shares dropped nearly 5% as prospects for a merger with Skydance Media diminished.

UK’s New Film Tax Credit Attracts US Producers Igniting Optimism

May 28, 2024 FilmTake Comments Off

The UK’s Independent Film Tax Credit (IFTC), starting April 2025, offers a 53% Audio-Visual Expenditure Credit for films under £15 million. While boosting UK interest at Cannes, concerns about financing and costs remain. Rising US streamer influence and production expenses challenge UK independents, demanding global strategies for sustainability.

Inside Cannes 2024: Adapting to Struggles and Shifts in the Independent Film Market

May 26, 2024 FilmTake Comments Off

At this year’s Cannes, there’s a mix of optimism and weariness. High asking prices and low theatrical demand are notable. Streamers like Apple and Netflix lead significant acquisitions, sidelining traditional distributors. The market remains cautious, focusing on star-driven projects and strategic financial planning.

The Struggle to Shine: Steering Through the Post-Theatrical Era

May 21, 2024 FilmTake Comments Off

The independent market is at a crossroads. Traditional strategies are no longer effective, and the task of bringing audiences back to cinemas remains daunting. Insiders are actively pursuing solutions to these seemingly insurmountable challenges. Despite these obstacles, some believe the film industry is on the verge of recovery.

Cannes Conundrum: Navigating the New Realities of the Independent Film Market

May 21, 2024 FilmTake Comments Off

A significant concern voiced since the start of Cannes is the noticeable absence of US theatrical deals. This void has a cascading effect on international distribution. Films without a US distributor face deteriorating values over time, making it increasingly challenging to recoup production budgets.

All Eyes on Cannes After Strong Sales at EFM and Sundance

May 9, 2024 FilmTake Comments Off

Given the number and quality of projects at Sundance and EFM Berlin, there is a feeling of cautious optimism going into Cannes next week. This year’s Cannes will launch a new Cannes Remakes initiative focusing on remaking European films, with a focus on France, Italy, and Spain.

Europe Wants More Production Support from US Streaming Services

April 30, 2024 FilmTake Comments Off

Over 20 production entities spanning Europe and beyond have united forces, embarking on a mission to rally local governments to champion the cause of regional film and television creators and urge major US streaming platforms to amplify their support for locally produced content.

Who’s Thriving and Who’s Struggling: Annual Streaming Scorecard Part Five

April 24, 2024 FilmTake Comments Off

It’s difficult to overstate the disastrous few years Warner Bros. has experienced under inept leadership. Boosting one of the most desirable film and television catalogs, the company has stumbled over every vital decision since 2020. WBD’s financials reflect the industry’s broader issues.