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Los Angeles
Lower-Cost Film Permits Launch in LA
FilmLA and the City of Los Angeles will launch a Low Impact Permit Pilot Program on April 27, offering significantly reduced permit fees for low-impact shoots. The goal is to make on-location filming more affordable and accessible for smaller-budget productions.
Film
CinemaCon 2026 Highlights Box Office Surge and Industry Shift
CinemaCon 2026 struck an optimistic tone as box office revenue rose 23%. Key discussions focused on the Paramount and Warner Bros. merger, the growing influence of video game IP, and Steven Spielberg’s call for more original storytelling.
Film Festival
Mediterrane Film Festival Expands 2026 Program
Malta’s Mediterrane Film Festival is expanding to five strands for its 2026 edition, running June 21 to 28. New additions include Mare Nostrum for environmentally themed films and Malta Focus for local work, alongside its existing competition and industry programs.
AI
YouTube Rolls Out Free Deepfake Detection Tool
YouTube is opening its deepfake detection tool to actors, athletes, creators, and musicians at no cost. Users can upload their likeness, scan for AI-generated replicas, and request removal of harmful content as the industry responds to the rise of deepfakes.
Industry
Netflix in Talks to Buy Radford Studio Center
Netflix is in negotiations to purchase the historic 22-stage Radford Studio Center in Studio City from Hackman Capital Partners. The move comes as its 10-year lease at Sunset Bronson Studios approaches its end.
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