Don’t forget to check out our Friday Fivecast, the audio version of our weekly Friday Five blog. Listen in your car, at your desk, and anywhere you take your podcasts. Find it here, then click on our Spotify profile to subscribe.
Box Office
Big Screen Stats: IMAX Ready for 2025
IMAX posted a strong Q4 2024, with an 8% revenue boost, fueled by holiday hits like Mufasa: The Lion King and Gladiator II. Despite missing earnings estimates, causing a 5% drop in shares, the company remains optimistic, forecasting a record 2025 box office.
Film
Bechdel Test for Climate Change: Only One Oscar-Nominee Passed
The second annual Climate Reality Check report found The Wild Robot to be the only Oscar-nominated film to accurately depict climate change. While other nominees weren’t eligible for the test, many still explored climate themes.
International
VOD Growth: Southeast Asian Market Gets Competitive
Southeast Asia's premium VOD market grew 14% in 2024, reaching $1.8 billion and 440 billion minutes of viewership, fueled by Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. The launch of Max and the rise of local platforms like Vidio and Viu boosted regional competition.
Technology
Broadcasting AI: Quarter of Industry Embracing the Technology
Haivision’s 2025 Broadcast Transformation Report shows AI adoption in broadcasting surged to 25% in 2025, up from 9% in 2024. Broadcasters highlighted AI and machine learning as key technologies driving efficiency.
Film Festival
Star Power and High Attendance: Berlinale on Track To Set Records
The Berlinale 2025 edition has seen a 5% increase in attendance, with 285,000 tickets sold by halftime, on track to break post-pandemic records. The European Film Market is also hitting record attendance, with the festival concluding on February 22 after the awards ceremony.
High five! Another Friday Five is going live next week—same time, same place. We know what caught our eyes, but we’re all ears. Tell us what you’d like to learn more about in our upcoming editions by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. 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).