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Advertising
Upfronts Underway: Latest Talks Between Networks and Advertisers
Talks between TV networks and advertisers have begun in the annual "upfront" marketplace, focusing initially on Disney and NBCUniversal due to their extensive portfolios. Media companies aim to sell up to 80% of their commercial inventory ahead of the next programming cycle, pushing for favorable digital rates on ad-supported streaming platforms.
Streaming
Investing in Canada: New Mandate for Streaming Giants
The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) will require American streaming platforms to invest 5% of their Canadian revenues in local content production starting September 1, 2024. This bill aims to generate about $200 million annually for Canadian and indigenous content through various public and private funds.
Music
Music Royalties: French Sector Reached New Height in Revenue for 2023
France's Society of Authors, Composers, and Publishers of Music (SACEM) reported a 5% increase in royalty collections for 2023, reaching a record $1.62 billion. This growth was driven by a rebound in live music and a 13% rise in digital revenue. However, royalties from TV, radio, and telecoms decreased by 4%, and the shift from physical to digital media continues to challenge the sector.
International
Production in l'Hexagone: More Projects Filming in France
France has become a popular setting for TV series, with numerous Emmy-contending shows exploring the country through historical and futuristic lenses. This surge in French-set productions reflects a genuine interest in the country's rich cultural backdrop, not a promotional effort for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Shows filmed in France include Heartstopper, Interview with the Vampire, and Mary & George, among others.
Unions
Protections for Voice Performers: SAG-AFTRA Debuts Waiver for Audio Commercials
Hollywood union SAG-AFTRA has introduced the "Dynamic AI Audio Commercials Waiver" to regulate the use and compensation of voice performances in AI-assisted audio ads. This waiver requires performers' written consent for creating and using their digital voice replicas, informs them about the advertised products, and mandates that producers secure and delete the digital voice data once employment ends.
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