---
title: This Week's Handful of Must-See Headlines
description: "So much news, so little time. Take five with our #FridayFive. Don't miss the top headlines from December 18 - December 22."
---

[Cast & Crew Blog ](https://blog.castandcrew.com)

# [This Week's Handful of Must-See Headlines](https://blog.castandcrew.com/fridayfive_december18)

 Written by [Cast&Crew](https://blog.castandcrew.com/author/castcrew) | 12/22/2023

****

**Awards**

**BAFTA Requirements: Expanded Theatrical Release for All Best Film Nominations   
**Starting in 2025, BAFTA-nominated Best Films must have a wide theatrical release, shown on at least 50 commercial screens in the U.K. for seven days. This shift mirrors modern release trends, ensuring broader accessibility for British cinemagoers to enjoy the nominated films. 

 

**Streaming**

**Japanese Content Boom: Streamers Investing in Ambitious Market   
**Japan's entertainment scene is in the midst of a creative revival, attracting global streamers eager to delve into its rich culture. Netflix is amplifying its Japanese live-action content, making bold moves in projects like* **Yu Yu Hakusho* and* Alice in Borderland*, while anime sees an unprecedented surge, hitting a record $20 million in global revenue in 2021. 

 

**Industry**

**Potential Merger Ahead: Large Hollywood Studios Discuss Joining Forces   
**Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global are in early discussions for a potential merger. The move aims to consolidate their TV, film, sports, and streaming assets for increased efficiency and to rival other major streaming platforms. CEOs David Zaslav and Bob Bakish explored this possibility in a recent meeting, considering a deal where Warner Bros. Discovery would acquire Paramount Pictures and its prized film franchises. 

 

Movie Theaters

A Sweet Theater Experience: AMC To Offer New Line of Original Candy   
AMC, already known for the branded popcorn brand it’s placed in 2,000+ Walmart stores, is now venturing into candy with "Cinema Sweets." The initial lineup features Milk Chocolate Covered Pretzels, Almonds, Raisins, and Peanuts, with more treats set to launch in 2024. 

 

**International**

London Calling: Production Sector Event Had High Attendance   
London's ninth Focus edition drew a record 3,500 attendees from 84 countries, exploring diverse screen industries—film, TV, advertising, games, and immersive experiences. Discussions spanned project financing, tech navigation, sustainable content, talent nurturing, and introduced a new focus on artificial intelligence (AI). The event fostered networking and concluded with the Makers and Shakers Awards at BAFTA, honoring global production excellence. 

 

*High five! Another Friday** **Five is going live next **week**—**sam**e** **time,** same place. **We know what caught our eyes, b**ut w**e’re all ears. Tell us **what you’d like to learn more about in our upcoming editions by **following us on * [*Facebook*](https://www.facebook.com/CastCrew/)*, *[*Twitter*](https://twitter.com/CastAndCrewNews/)*, and * [*LinkedIn*](https://www.linkedin.com/company/castcrew/)*. Be sure to **tag **#FridayFive in your comments. *

Want an even more convenient way to stay in the know? Get Friday Five sent right to your inbox each week by signing up for our direct newsletter below. 

*See you next Friday at 10 a.m. (PT).*

[View full post](https://blog.castandcrew.com/fridayfive_december18)

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