Warner Bros and Paramount Move Toward a Possible Merger

Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Skydance are reportedly exploring a possible merger that could reshape the balance of power in Hollywood.

The union of two of the world’s largest film and television libraries would bring together iconic franchises such as Harry Potter, Top Gun, Mission: Impossible, and The Godfather, along with many other major productions.

The deal would also involve the companies’ television networks, including HBO, CNN, CBS, and MTV, creating a media powerhouse with unprecedented global influence.

A key aspect of the agreement would be the integration of the streaming platforms HBO Max and Paramount+ into a single global service.

A merger of this scale would inevitably have significant consequences, both within the companies and across the international market.

Internally, major layoffs and a deep corporate restructuring are expected; externally, it would likely redefine competition among studios and alter the landscape for independent productions.

If finalized, this merger would mark one of the most significant transformations in the entertainment industry in decades.

Photo Credits: Pixabay

“Get in Touch”: a direct channel between cinema and local territories

“Get in Touch” is the new service launched by Italy for Movies in collaboration with the Italian Film Commissions, designed to make direct contact between film industry professionals and Italian regions simpler and more immediate.

Through this unified platform, producers and industry operators can easily reach out to regional film commissions, quickly obtaining information, assistance, and guidance on local opportunities.

Each commission, in turn, can provide details on locations, permits, technical services, and financial incentives, offering a complete overview of the resources available across the country.

The initiative marks an important step forward on the administrative side as well, helping to streamline procedures and reduce fragmentation within the national system. At the same time, it promotes lesser-known areas, giving them greater visibility and new opportunities for growth within the audiovisual sector.

In short, “Get in Touch” stands out as a tool that combines practicality, territorial promotion, and tangible support for Italy’s film industry.

Photo Credits: Pixabay

VIEW Conference 2025 Shapes the Future of Storytelling and Animation

The VIEW Conference, the international event dedicated to computer graphics, animation, and visual effects, once again proved to be a vital meeting point for professionals and creatives shaping the future of digital entertainment.

This year’s edition, held in Turin, welcomed more than 150 distinguished speakers from across the globe, representing a wide range of disciplines within the industry.

A major theme of the conference was the evolving role of technology – now an essential driver of new storytelling languages.

Artificial intelligence, along with game engines and virtual production techniques, is reshaping how audiovisual content is conceived and brought to life.

Among the participants were representatives from leading studios such as DreamWorks Animation, Netflix, and Sony Pictures Animation, who shared insights on production challenges and emerging artistic directions that are redefining the landscape of contemporary animation.

Photo Credits: Pixabay

Box Office 13-19 Oct. Tre Ciotole on top of the box office, followed by One Battle After Another and After the Hunt

A week of new releases at the box office: Tre Ciotole, distributed by Vision Distribution, remains the most-watched title of the weekend, taking the top spot with €801,044 in earnings.

In second place, Una battaglia dopo l’altra by Warner Bros. Italia continues to rank among the season’s most popular films, collecting €649,465 over the weekend. After the Hunt: Dopo la caccia, distributed by Eagle Pictures, lands in third with €619,758, marking a strong debut for the British thriller.

Next, Tron: Ares by Walt Disney Italia secures the fourth position with €460,519, while The Black Phone 2 by Universal follows closely with €439,752, confirming audiences’ enduring interest in the horror genre.
Among the new Italian releases, Per Te by Piper Film debuts in sixth place with €378,938, showing a solid opening performance in its weekend debut. In seventh place, Le città di pianura by Lucky Red continues its steady run, earning €259,363.

Rounding out the Top 10 are the re-release of A Clockwork Orange (Warner Bros. Italia) with €174,837, Eddington by I Wonder Pictures with €144,336, and Amataby 01 Distribution with €139,161.

Photo Credits: Pixabay/igorovsyannykov

Cinema United Extends CEO Michael O’Leary’s Term Through 2030

Cinema United has extended the contract of its CEO and President Michael O’Leary, who will continue to lead the global cinema exhibition association through 2030.

The decision, approved unanimously by the Executive Board during a meeting in Los Angeles, strengthens O’Leary’s leadership and ensures strategic continuity for a sector still navigating transformation after the challenges of the pandemic years.

Chairman of the Board and Harkins Theatres CEO Mike Bowers said O’Leary had proven to be a dedicated and passionate advocate for the exhibition industry, emphasizing his ability to unite members of all sizes around a shared vision. Bowers noted that O’Leary’s extensive experience in both the film industry and Washington policymaking had earned him broad respect and trust across the organization and among studio partners.

Since taking the helm in 2023, O’Leary has focused on highlighting the cultural and economic importance of movie theaters as essential spaces for community and creativity. According to a recent Cinema United report, the U.S. exhibition sector invested more than 1.5 billion dollars over the past year in upgrades and renovations, a figure that the association describes as part of the next great era of cinema.

Among his most visible initiatives is the launch of the new Cinema United brand, created to strengthen the industry’s shared identity across independent theaters and major international chains. This renewed commitment to innovation will take center stage at the next edition of CinemaCon, scheduled for the spring, under the theme Innovation and Experiences.

O’Leary said he was honored to continue representing the people who own and operate movie theaters around the world and credited the achievements of recent years to the dedication and creativity of the Cinema United team.

Photo credits: Pexels

Rome Lights Up for the 20th Edition of the Rome Film Fest

The festival, directed by Paola Malanga, is chaired by jury president Paola Cortellesi, who playfully teased her husband, Riccardo Milani, director of the opening film La vita va così (That’s Life), screened out of competition. Set in Sardinia, the film tells the story of a small community torn between the dream of progress and the need to preserve its land and identity.

The opening ceremony, hosted by Ema Stokholma, welcomed a parade of stars from cinema, culture, and politics: among them Roberto Bolle, Virginia Raffaele, Marco Bellocchio, Diego Abatantuono, Christian De Sica, Luca Argentero, and Matteo Renzi.

Mayor Roberto Gualtieri described the event as “a popular and high-quality celebration,” featuring 163 films from 38 countries. The Auditorium transformed into a vibrant hub for the city, offering screenings and encounters across Rome. Meanwhile, the parallel section Alice nella città kicked off with Daniele Barbiero’s Squali (Sharks) and Ben Leonberg’s Good Boy, warmly received by younger audiences.

The evening concluded with a moving tribute to Claudia Cardinale, the legendary actress who passed away in September, remembered as a timeless symbol of strength, grace, and independence. Once again, Rome confirms itself as the capital of the silver screen.

Photo credits: Pexels

Netflix partners with Spotify to bring video podcasts to its platform

Netflix is expanding into the fast-growing world of video podcasting through a new partnership with Spotify, marking a major step in the streamer’s strategy to diversify its content offerings. The agreement will see more than a dozen Spotify-produced shows, including The Bill Simmons Podcast and The Ringer Fantasy Football Show, debut on Netflix next year in the United States.

The collaboration involves removing these titles from YouTube, where they currently attract hundreds of thousands of views, and making them available exclusively to Netflix subscribers. It follows Netflix’s recent deals with creators such as Ms. Rachel and Mark Rober, who also built large audiences on YouTube before joining the platform.

The partnership reinforces Netflix’s intention to integrate content that originates outside traditional streaming, while offering Spotify a new distribution channel for its expanding video portfolio. Over the past year, Spotify has recorded a more than 50% increase in creators publishing video podcasts, reflecting a strong appetite for the format.

Around 16 shows will launch on Netflix, covering sports, culture, lifestyle, and true crime, among them The Zach Lowe Show, The Mismatch, The Ringer NFL Show, The Rewatchables, The Big Picture, The Recipe Club, Dissect, Conspiracy Theories, and Serial Killers.

Through this deal, both companies aim to enhance audience engagement, broaden global reach, and bridge the gap between podcasting and video entertainment, positioning Netflix as a new home for the most popular creator-led formats in digital media.

Photo credits: Pexels

Masterplan: the first Prime Video film co-produced between Italy and France

Prime Video has announced Masterplan, the first Original film co-produced between Italy and France.

The project marks a new collaboration between Gaumont and Amazon MGM Studios, directed by Thomas Vincent, known for TV series such as Reacher and Bodyguard.

Vincent also co-wrote the screenplay with David Wolstencroft, based on a story developed with Giacomo Durzi, Alessandro Fabbri, and Alberto Vignati.

Filmed in English, the movie stars Stanley Tucci, Simona Tabasco, and Victor Belmondo.

The plot follows a daring heist: the theft of the Mona Lisa, planned by a thief who brings together two young experts unaware that they are siblings— and his own children.

Masterplan will be released exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries.

Photo Credits: Pixabay

Giorgio Carlo Brugnoni appointed new Director General for Cinema and Audiovisual

The Ministry of Culture has announced the completion of the appointment process for Giorgio Carlo Brugnoni as Director General for Cinema and Audiovisual, following official registration by the Court of Auditors. Formerly Deputy Chief of Staff at the Ministry, Brugnoni has long been involved in matters related to the Directorate General, gaining extensive knowledge of the sector.

Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring continuity and expertise in this strategic field, emphasizing that Brugnoni’s professionalism and experience will be key to promoting national film production, enhancing cultural offerings, and coordinating the sector’s fiscal incentives.

Brugnoni takes on the role at a crucial moment for the film and audiovisual industry, which is facing new production, technological, and market challenges.

The industry has welcomed the appointment positively. Chiara Sbarigia, President of the APA – Audiovisual Producers Association, extended her congratulations to the new Director General on behalf of the General Council and members, expressing confidence in his skills and leadership.

With this appointment, the Ministry strengthens its commitment to continuity in the management of one of the key divisions for the development and competitiveness of Italian cinema and the audiovisual sector.

Photo credits: Pexels