Don’t forget to check out our The 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.
Industry
It’s a Deal: Writers Guild of Canada Ratifies New Contract
The Writers Guild of Canada has ratified a new three-year contract with the Canadian Media Producers Association, effective May 22, 2024. The agreement features script fee increases, minimum staffing requirements, and protections against AI for writers. Starting January 1, 2025, productions must have at least two story editors, based on budget size.
Television
What’s Next for TV: Insights From Industry Leaders
This week, industry experts gathered in New York for the annual NewFronts. ADWEEK and the Interactive Advertising Bureau hosted a roundtable with leaders from Google, Roku, Meta, and Samsung Ads. They discussed television trends, including digital video ad spend surpassing linear channels, combating fragmentation, leveraging scarcity in sports content, and integrating AI in advertising.
International
Filming in the Spanish Archipelago: Canary Islands Discuss Cinema Scene
The Canary Islands, known for attracting high-profile international film shoots, are now seeing a surge in homegrown cinema. Success stories like Macu Machín’s Undergrowth and Lucía Pérez’s Ever & the Sharks are gaining festival attention. This vibrant local scene is fueled by a rich filmmaking tradition, government support, and attractive tax incentives.
Awards
Call for New Tony Category: Hair and Makeup Designers Rally for Recognition
The 2024 Tony Awards will honor Nikiya Mathis, acclaimed hair and wig designer for Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. While this special award highlights excellence, it has sparked discussion about the lack of a competitive category. Broadway professionals have started a petition for dedicated Tony categories for wig, hair, and makeup designers to recognize their crucial contributions to theater.
DEI
Who Raises Ratings: New Audience Report Highlights Women and People of Color
In its 11th year, the UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report highlights the significant influence of women and people of color on box office and streaming success, noting their overrepresentation among viewers. Despite a decline in streaming releases in 2023, the report emphasizes the need for continued investment in diversity, both on and off screen, for sustained industry growth and relevance.
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).