---
title: This Week's Handful of Must-See Headlines
description: "So much news, so little time. Take five with our #FridayFive. Don't miss the top headlines from August 4-8."
---

[Cast & Crew Blog ](https://blog.castandcrew.com)

# [This Week's Handful of Must-See Headlines](https://blog.castandcrew.com/weekof_august4)

 Written by [Cast&Crew](https://blog.castandcrew.com/author/castcrew) | 08/08/2025

****

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**Week of July 7, 2025**

<https://open.spotify.com/episode/1lw64BB11mH88CntsI2adu?go=1&sp_cid=d05ffbb1d572b926e71552816d353956&utm_source=embed_player_p&utm_medium=desktop&nd=1&dlsi=d24a096015394428>

 

 

Industry

**Skydance-Paramount Merger Finalized in $8B Deal**   
David Ellison’s Skydance Media has completed its $8 billion merger with Paramount Global, forming Paramount, a Skydance Corporation. The new entity will undergo major restructuring, leadership shifts, and a tech-focused overhaul to streamline operations. 

 

International

**Low-Budget Film Applications Surge With New UK Tax Credit**   
Applications for BFI certification from films with budgets under £20 million rose 27% in the first half of 2025, driven by the UK’s new Independent Film Tax Credit. The increase signals a strong rebound in low-budget filmmaking amid wider industry challenges. 

 

Streaming

**ESPN To Launch Standalone Streaming Service This August**   
Disney's ESPN will debut its standalone streaming platform on August 21, 2025, offering full access to its linear channels and premium content, including NFL and WWE, for $29.99 per month. 

 

Awards

**BAFTA Expands Voting and Embraces Global TV for 2026 Awards**   
For the first time, all 6,000 BAFTA members can vote in the international category of its Television Awards. New rule changes for the 2026 ceremonies aim to boost global participation and recognize international co-productions. 

 

Movie Theaters

**AMC Theatres Plans To Cut Lengthy Preshows After Studio Pushback**   
Responding to criticism from major studios, AMC Theatres is working to shorten its ad-heavy pre-movie content, possibly by year’s end, as long runtimes are prompting audiences to skip trailers and arrive late. 

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[View full post](https://blog.castandcrew.com/weekof_august4)

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