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.
Film Markets
Back to Los Angeles: American Film Market to Relocate its Next Edition
The American Film Market (AFM) will return to Los Angeles in 2025, taking place at the Fairmont Century Plaza from November 11-16. This decision follows significant industry feedback and aims to revitalize the event in the heart of the film industry.
International
Highs at Home: UK Home Entertainment Sector Breaks Revenue Records
In 2024, the UK home entertainment sector reached £5.1bn in consumer spend, which is the highest recorded figure by the British Association for Screen Entertainment (BASE). This number was driven by the growth of streaming services and the introduction of advertising-supported tiers.
Industry
Hollywood Helps: How Film Industry Professionals are Giving Back
Entertainment company Zello pivoted from its original mission to become a donation center in response to the L.A. wildfires, partnering with studios to repurpose furniture from film sets for those who lost their homes. Other industry figures have also stepped up, providing everything from clothing and workspace access to pro bono legal services.
Unions
New Contract: WGA East and ABC News Ratify a New Deal
Members of the Writers Guild of America East have overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year deal with ABC News, securing significant financial benefits, including a 3.5% annual pay increase and a 17% raise for Desk Assistants in the first year. The agreement also includes protections against artificial intelligence, paid parental leave for temporary employees, and more.
Commercials
Gearing up for the Super Bowl: A Look at This Year’s Ad Inventory
This year’s Super Bowl commercials will showcase the rise of artificial intelligence, alongside traditional sectors like beverages, snacks, and tech. Despite high demand for Super Bowl ads, the movie studio and streaming categories, while still present, have seen a decline.
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).