How Low Can The Market Go?
One two-word phrase has summed up predictions above all else: market contraction.
Its all about retention over new subs.
Berlinale/Alex Davidson-ICC/Maja Hitijvia Getty Images
We havent yet seen the back of recession and cost of production only keeps rising.
Both pubcasters have said content will be hit.
How well they adjust could hold the key to their futures.
‘The White Lotus’HBO
In the UK, crunch talks are being readied.
While there are nuances and the system works differently from the U.S., demands are similar.
WBD & Paramount: More M&A To Come?
While the ink barely feels dry on the WB and D merger, Paramount appears primed for a sale.
Were this one to go through, it would be the media business story of 2024.
Entertainment being a people business, there was understandable bounce-back when the world opened up.
The economic and practical shocks dealt by conflicts, and challenged advertising markets also play into the story.
Cannes got its new president in 2023.
Meanwhile, NATPE hasnew ownershipand Mipcoms standing continues to evolve.
Creatives and execs will continue to be more selective about the trips they take in 2024.
Smaller delegations will hit the road.
Event and festival folk should not, however, despair.
Content remains king and festivals remain key launch pads for that content.
There will, though, be a flight to excellence.
If an events lineup feels phoned-in, or sessions fluffy and PR-driven, then whats the point?
Its 40th edition features several titles using the technology or tackling its impact on human life.
They include generative documentaryEnoabout David Bowies legendary music producer, which changes on every viewing.
However, not all creatives are pushing back.
A growing number of artists are embracing AI such as New York-based French director Pierre Zandrowicz.
Will more join him in 2024?
The ripple effects of tech developments will continue, for better and/or worse.
But these breakout titles remain few and far between, and indie distributors across Europe report highly polarized markets.
He will deliver his report next May.
The indie exhibition sector is also under pressure.
Consequently, an increasing number want to focus their professional efforts on the subject.
Eco thrillers such asThe SwarmandThe End We Start Fromdebuted at major international festivals in 2023.
By territory, the UK is in the vanguard.
Nearly three months have passed since the bloody attack but the suffering shows no sign of easing.
Scores of Palestinian journalists and media workers are among those to have been killed in the Gaza bombings.
This pressure on cinematic freedom of expression looks set to continue into 2024.
