Film Industry

30 articles

Diverse audience engrossed in vertical video on smartphones and tablets, with a futuristic cityscape and streaming logos in the background.
Media Industry

Vertical Video Dominates Streaming, Ad Monetization Surges

In the first half of 2026 alone, short drama app downloads surged by an astonishing 95.

Leo Hartmann·August 26, 2026
A film set with green technology, showing sustainable filmmaking practices in action with solar-powered lights and nature integration.
Production

What Are Sustainable Filmmaking Practices and Why Do They Matter in 2026?

A partnership within the film industry is projected to cut 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent over just two years, according to Ecologi .

Victor Ren·August 25, 2026
The Blade silhouette stands in a desolate, crumbling landscape, symbolizing the stalled Marvel reboot amidst Disney's financial cutbacks.
Film & TV

Marvel's Blade Reboot Stalled Amid Disney Cutbacks

Mahershala Ali, set to star in Marvel's 'Blade' reboot, confirmed his departure.

Julian Mercer·August 24, 2026
Animated character Niu Lai showered with gold coins in a cinema that transforms from empty to full, symbolizing a surprising box office success.
Media Industry

Micro-budget 'Niu Lai' earns millions after slow start

The Chinese animated film 'Niu Lai' sold fewer than 300 tickets and earned just 7,700 yuan (£842) in its first 10 days, according to The Guardian .

Amelia Frost·August 23, 2026
An independent filmmaker gazes at a sky of film reels, contemplating the challenging path to a film festival and career success.
Film & TV

What is the film festival impact on independent filmmaker careers in 2026?

Sundance, a beacon for independent cinema, accepted only 57 films from over 11,000 submissions for its 2025 festival, according to Shorescripts .

Julian Mercer·August 23, 2026
A focused script doctor meticulously refining a screenplay in a dimly lit, atmospheric writer's study, surrounded by notes and coffee.
Behind the Scenes

What is a script doctor and why do they refine screenplays?

Tony Gilroy received a reported $5 million for his uncredited work as a script doctor on Star Wars: Rogue One , a cinematic endeavor that subsequently grossed approximately $1,056,057,273 worldwide, a

Julian Mercer·August 21, 2026
California State Capitol building at sunset, symbolizing legislative efforts to enhance film tax credits for the movie industry.
Media Industry

California Lawmakers Push for Enhanced Film Tax Credits

Out of eight blockbuster movies slated for 2026, only one, 'Michael,' found its cinematic home in Los Angeles.

Julian Mercer·August 21, 2026
Futuristic film studio with AI interfaces creating characters and sets, representing the surge in AI-native film workflows and cost reductions.
Behind the Scenes

AI-Native Film Workflows Surge, Promising Drastic Cost Cuts for Studios

A new AI film studio, Promise, backed by Google, Silicon Valley venture capitalists, and Disney, is already creating entire film backgrounds, special effects, and even synthetic performers using AI mo

Victor Ren·August 21, 2026
A production coordinator diligently managing schedules and logistics in a bustling film production office, highlighting their crucial role.
Production

What is the role of a production coordinator in film and television?

Despite being involved in every stage of a film or television project, from early development to completion, the average production coordinator earns just $47,316 per year, according to StudioBinder .

Victor Ren·August 20, 2026
A futuristic film set with AI robots directing human actors, symbolizing the intersection of artificial intelligence and filmmaking.
Production

AI filmmaking: creative revolution or job threat?

At the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival, 'Dreams of Violets,' a 75-minute drama, became the first fully AI-generated live-action feature accepted at a major festival.

Victor Ren·August 20, 2026
Hollywood sign with a 'For Sale' sign, symbolizing the potential exodus of the film industry due to tax credit changes.
Media Industry

California Tax Credit Shake-Up Sparks Hollywood Moviemaking Exodus Fears

Paramount's board approved a plan to move the Hollywood studio out of California if the state's attorney general does not agree to settlement talks by Oct.

Leo Hartmann·August 18, 2026
A small, passionate independent film crew working on a set, with the Hollywood sign in the background, symbolizing indie influence on the mainstream.
Film & TV

Top 7 Independent Films That Changed Hollywood This Decade

In 2014, 'Whiplash' premiered with a budget of just $3.

Julian Mercer·August 16, 2026
Paramount CEO David Ellison in a tense negotiation with California Attorney General Rob Bonta over the Warner Bros. Discovery merger, with the threat of studio relocation hanging in the balance.
Media Industry

Unions Urge Ellison, Bonta to Resolve Paramount Warner Bros. Merger Dispute

Paramount CEO David Ellison has threatened to move the studio out of California by October 1st if the state's Attorney General does not agree to settlement talks regarding its Warner Bros.

Julian Mercer·August 13, 2026
A screenwriter working on a laptop, with AI-generated visuals appearing on the screen, symbolizing the intersection of human creativity and artificial intelligence in filmmaking.
Creators

What is AI's role in screenwriting and will it replace writers?

Screenwriter-director Vivek Anchalia crafted 95% of his 75-minute romantic film 'Naisha' using AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney.

Tara Collins·August 10, 2026
A deserted film set in Pittsburgh with the city skyline in the background, symbolizing the decline of the local film industry.
Film & TV

Pittsburgh film lull is costing the region millions, threatening indie futures.

In 2021, Pittsburgh's film industry injected a record $313 million into the local economy.

Julian Mercer·August 9, 2026
Spencer Pratt gesturing emphatically while speaking to Donald Trump at Trump National Golf Club about a federal film tax credit.
Film & TV

Spencer Pratt pitches Trump on 25% federal film tax credit

Reality television personality Spencer Pratt posted a picture with Donald Trump at Trump National Golf Club on August 4, announcing they were working on a 25% federal film tax credit.

Julian Mercer·August 8, 2026
Futuristic virtual production studio with holographic displays, showcasing advanced filmmaking technology and digital environment integration.
Production

Top 5 Filmmaking Technologies Revolutionizing Production Workflows

A recent independent film, shot almost entirely in a virtual studio for under $5 million, achieved visual effects quality previously exclusive to $200 million blockbusters.

Victor Ren·August 7, 2026
A composite image of Seattle, Philadelphia, and New York City skylines, highlighting their appeal as film production destinations.
Film & TV

Seattle, Philadelphia, New York offer film production opportunities

Out of 50 American cities rigorously evaluated, IndieWire's 2026 guide still places New York and Los Angeles on its recommended list for indie filmmakers.

Julian Mercer·August 5, 2026
Hollywood sign illuminated at dusk, symbolizing the success of California's film tax credits in boosting Emmy nominations.
Film & TV

California Film Tax Credits Boost Emmy Nominations This Year

California-based productions secured 70% of all Emmy nominations for Outstanding Drama and Comedy Series this year, a striking comeback from a decade ago when many predicted Hollywood's permanent relo

Julian Mercer·July 19, 2026
A film production coordinator diligently managing logistics and paperwork on a bustling film set, highlighting the crucial behind-the-scenes organizational role.
Behind the Scenes

What Are Production Coordinator Responsibilities in Film and TV?

While directors and actors capture the spotlight, a single production coordinator might simultaneously organize work permits and visas for international crew members on a multi-million dollar film.

Victor Ren·July 16, 2026
California lawmakers in a heated debate within the state capitol building over proposed caps on film and television production tax credits.
Media Industry

California lawmakers fight new caps on film tax credits

More than three dozen California legislators are urging Governor Gavin Newsom to exempt the state's film and TV production incentive program from a recently approved cap on corporate tax credits, acco

Leo Hartmann·July 14, 2026
The historic Television City studio complex in Hollywood, California, under a dramatic sky, symbolizing a forced sale due to significant debt.
Film & TV

Lenders Initiate Forced Sale of Television City Over Debt

Lenders led by Deutsche Bank have initiated the forced sale of Hollywood's iconic Television City, just five years after Hackman Capital Partners acquired it for $750 million.

Julian Mercer·July 11, 2026
Smartphone screen displaying a full-screen vertical video, symbolizing Netflix's shift to a vertical content feed in its mobile app.
Film & TV

Netflix's 2026 Vertical Pivot: Adapting to New Visual Language

By April 2026, Netflix will have fully deployed a mobile app redesign, replacing its iconic horizontal content rows with a full-screen vertical video feed.

Julian Mercer·July 11, 2026
A busy film set in California under a bright sun, symbolizing the expansion of film tax credits and increased production activity.
Media Industry

California Expands Film Tax Credits to $750 Million

California's Film and Television Tax Credit program has nearly doubled to $750 million, now offering tax credits ranging from 35% to 45% for qualifying productions, according to Business Ca .

Leo Hartmann·July 10, 2026
The iconic Hollywood sign illuminated at dusk, with a film reel in the foreground, representing California's commitment to its film industry and expanding tax incentives.
Production

California Expands Film Tax Credits to $187 Million

Warner Bros. Pictures just received a staggering $42 million in tax incentives from California for an untitled film, part of a $187 million push to keep Hollywood productions within the state. This su

Victor Ren·July 9, 2026
A film set production coordinator meticulously managing schedules and communications amidst the organized chaos of a busy movie production.
Production

What are production coordinator responsibilities and daily tasks in film TV?

A single film or television production, involving hundreds of people and dozens of locations, hinges on one person's ability to keep its complex schedule, budget, and communications from unraveling.

Victor Ren·July 8, 2026
The iconic Hollywood sign illuminated at dusk, with abstract representations of financial incentives and film production elements integrated into the scene.
Media Industry

California Film Tax Credit Program Expands

In its first year, California's expanded film tax credit program allocated $21.

Julian Mercer·July 8, 2026
Young lawyer protagonist of 'Elle' prequel confidently entering a modern courtroom, symbolizing ambition and a new beginning.
Creators

Reese Witherspoon's Influence Shapes 'Elle' Legally Blonde Prequel

Before the first episode of 'Elle' has even aired, its star Lexi Minetree is already filming season 2.

Tara Collins·July 6, 2026
Filmmakers packing up equipment and moving trucks suggest a production exodus from Hollywood, driven by tax breaks and new distribution models.
Production

Tax Breaks Fuel Film Production Exodus: Hollywood Faces New Power Dynamics

Filmmaker Griff Furst, known for traditional productions, is building a studio in Calabasas.

Victor Ren·July 6, 2026
A television showrunner in a control room, overseeing a production with intense focus, symbolizing their central creative and operational authority.
Film & TV

What is the role of the showrunner in television production?

In television production, a showrunner holds more creative authority than the directors of individual episodes, overseeing every aspect from script to screen.

Julian Mercer·July 4, 2026