Don’t forget to check out the podcast version of our weekly Friday Five blog. Listen in your car, at your desk, and anywhere you take your podcasts. To subscribe, visit our profiles on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
International
Thailand Rises as Asia’s New Production Powerhouse
Thailand has become one of Asia’s leading full-service production hubs, driven by a boosted 30% film incentive, strong government collaboration, skilled local crews, and expanding infrastructure that attract major international shoots and fuel long-term cultural and economic growth.
Documentary
Executives Urge Documentary Filmmakers To Bring Sales Agents in Early
At DOK Leipzig, industry leaders encouraged documentary filmmakers to involve sales agents from the start, noting that early collaboration can strengthen audience strategy, marketing, and distribution.
Awards
PTA’s One Battle After Another Leads Gotham Awards
The 2025 Gotham Awards spotlight a strong year for independent cinema, with Paul Thomas Anderson’s film earning a record six nods, followed by Mary Bronstein’s If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.
Animation
Japan’s Animation Industry Hits Record $25 Billion, Fueled by Global Demand
Anime’s worldwide appeal drove a 14.8% revenue surge in 2024, with overseas markets now making up more than half of Japan’s animation income and anchoring its “New Cool Japan” strategy.
Advertising
YouTube Ad Revenue Climbs 15% to $10.26 Billion
YouTube’s Q3 growth powered another strong quarter for Alphabet, driven by double-digit gains across divisions, expanding AI-driven ad tools, and record global engagement.
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.