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Industry
LA Moves To Boost Local Filmmaking
The Los Angeles City Council approved reforms to make filming easier, including free microshoot permits, fewer neighborhood restrictions, and a FilmLA audit, as a first step in reversing the city’s drop in local production.
Advertising
A+E Global Media Launches StoryGround
A+E Global Media introduced StoryGround, a brand studio creating content for linear, digital, and social platforms, while partnering with creators and influencers to strengthen advertiser connections as traditional TV viewership declines.
Film
Necessary Foundation Supports LGBTQ+ Filmmakers
In response to Hollywood’s pullback from DEI programs, the Necessary Foundation, founded by Alan Cumming, Bowen Yang, Lena Waithe, and Adam Goldman, will provide early-career LGBTQ+ filmmakers with $20,000 grants, mentorship, and other resources.
Streaming
Paramount+ and HBO Max To Merge
After their merger, Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery will combine Paramount+ and HBO Max into a single streaming service with more than 200 million subscribers, while HBO will continue operating independently under Casey Bloys.
Digital
Creators Launch Niche Livestream News Shows
A new wave of creators is producing polished, industry-focused livestream news shows covering sectors from trucking to Hollywood to advertising, monetizing with ads and building loyal audiences on YouTube, X, and LinkedIn.
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