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Production Incentives
Attracting Unscripted Production to Illinois: Tax Credit Program Update
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed bill HB 5005 to attract more talk shows and game shows to the state by including them in the production tax credit program. This program has generated over $3.6 billion in economic benefits from 2017 to 2022.
Broadway
Back in the Czech Republic: Karlovy Vary Film Festival Returns for 58th Edition
Despite a slight decline in revenue and attendance last week, Broadway is still seeing highs from the Tony Awards. Merrily We Roll Along broke the Hudson Theatre's house record for the ninth time, and The Outsiders set a record at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. Overall, Broadway's season-to-date gross is up 10% from last year, with attendance rising by 6%.
Streaming
Dominating Global Commissions: Steamers Leading the Way in International Content
A recent Ampere Analysis study shows Netflix and Amazon dominated original content commissions in early 2024, accounting for 53% of streamers' commissions. Netflix commissioned its highest number of new titles since 2021, focusing on Western Europe and Asia-Pacific. Amazon set a quarterly commissioning record, emphasizing India and Germany.
Unions
Equity Demands: British Actors Union Files Seek New Agreements
Equity, the British actors' union, has submitted a claim to PACT for new film and TV agreements, focusing on pay increases, revamped residuals, AI regulation, fairer casting, and better contract terms. Biweekly negotiations will occur over the next two months. Equity also aims to negotiate directly with major streaming platforms like Netflix, Apple, and Disney+ to align future contracts.
Film Festival
Perspectives at the Berlin Film Festival: New Talent Competition to launch in 2025
At the 2025 Berlin Film Festival, the new Perspectives competition will debut, replacing the Encounters section. Perspectives will showcase up to 14 fiction debuts from emerging filmmakers, awarding a EUR 50,000 prize for the best first feature.
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