This Week's Handful of Must-See Headlines

Box Office

Europe Bounces Back: Box Office Rose by 70% in 2022
In the E.U. and U.K., film admissions surged to an impressive 650 million last year, with theaters grossing a total of $5.5 billion. The rise was largely fueled by the popularity of major studio blockbusters such as Top Gun: Maverick, Avatar: The Way of Water, and Minions: The Rise of Gru, each of which sold over 30 million tickets. While the box office figures remain below pre-pandemic levels, this substantial increase indicates that the film industry may be on its way to a full recovery in the near future.

Sports

Broadcast Boot Camp: Training Players in Media Production
The NFL has launched an intensive training program aimed at preparing players to excel in front of a broadcast camera. The program is held at the NFL's media hub in Los Angeles and spans three days, during which players receive specialized training in communication and broadcasting. In addition to learning the nuances of on-air delivery, they also have the opportunity to network with other established on-air personalities and receive valuable guidance and feedback. Admission to the program is highly competitive, ensuring that only the most talented players are selected.

Film Festival

Cannes Expectations: Festival Executive Director Shares His Thoughts
The highly anticipated Cannes festival is just days away, from May 16 through the 24. This year, Guillaume Esmiol will lead the festival alone for the first time, and despite ongoing preparations, he is confident that it will attract record-breaking attendance. Along with the festival, the Film Market is also expected to draw a significant amount of attention due to the recent improvements that have been made to enhance the experience for both sales companies and buyers.

Incentives

Spain’s Service Sector: A New Home for International Shoots
The Spanish film and TV industry has experienced an impressive surge in growth over recent years, thanks to its focus on international productions. In 2015, the country's tax program was established, and it was further expanded in 2020 to offer incentives of up to $22.2 million for each movie and $11.1 million for each TV episode. Additionally, certain regions like the Canary Islands enjoy a special tax regime, attracting more filmmakers. As a result, the amount spent by international shoots in Spain has doubled between 2019 and 2021, rising from $146.5 million to an astounding $292.8 million.

International

Italy, Unshrouded: Piedmont Region Attracts International Producers
Turin is set to feature in the upcoming Fast X, adding to the city's growing reputation as a popular filming location. Known for its breathtaking landscape, Piedmont is now the second-largest production hub in Italy. The establishment of Film Commission Torino Piemonte in 2000 has further boosted the area's profile as a filming destination. In fact, the commission reported in 2022 that the area had supported over 200 productions, highlighting the region's increasing popularity within the film industry.

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