🎬 The Ad Revolution

👋 Good morning! Welcome aboard the Dailies.

Whether you're a seasoned subscriber or a new arrival, we're thrilled to have you here. Twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays, we'll deliver the most important industry scoops directly to your inbox.

🎞 Here’s what’s on the reel today:

• Amazon’s Ad Revolution

• Redefining Netflix in Europe

• MGM+ Embraces Tailored Global Strategy

• The 2025 Summer Movie Rush

• Last Looks 👀: Bite-sized scoops on developing stories/projects

• Release Radar: What to watch this weekend

• Video Village 📀

• Martini Shot 🍸

PLUS, stick around ‘til the end of the email to see how you can win a FREE 1-year subscription to the Criterion Collection. 👇

But first, it’s Thursday, so let’s take a look at what people were watching this week… 👀

MOST STREAMED THIS WEEK

📺💸 Amazon's Ad Revolution: Amazon's Prime Video is set to revolutionize streaming by introducing ads across thousands of shows. The move is poised to challenge YouTube's dominance in reach and viewer engagement. This strategic leap into the lucrative $60B TV ad market signals a potential game-changer, compelling rivals to reconsider their ad strategies. With high-profile content like the 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith' reboot and a global James Bond-themed game show, Amazon leverages its MGM acquisition to bolster its international appeal. This shift could usher in a new era by 2024/2025, where streaming ads reign supreme over traditional TV, fueled by evolving viewer habits and a growing distaste for cable. This influx of ad revenue promises a financial boon for Amazon Studios, potentially funding blockbuster productions like 'The Rings of Power.' Moreover, Amazon's diverse streaming ecosystem, including Freevee and MGM+, offers varied content, enhancing its position in the streaming wars and potentially expanding into NBA rights. Amazon's ad strategy marks a transformative moment in content consumption and industry dynamics.

🌍📺 Redefining Netflix in Europe: Netflix is mixing up its content strategy in Europe, with Director of Acquisitions for EMEA Lina Brounéus revealing that the streaming titan owns under 25% of its European content. This shift from their previous U.S.-focused ownership model, where over half of the catalog is originals and exclusives, reflects a new, flexible approach. Netflix is now engaging in diverse models like acquisitions, co-productions, and collaborations, evident in shows like 'Derry Girls' and partnerships with European broadcasters. This strategy aligns with changing European content regulations and showcases Netflix's commitment to adapting to varied market needs and building strong regional relationships.

🌎💻 MGM+ Embraces Tailored Global Strategy: When it comes to international rollout, the team at MGM+ is ditching the usual one-size-fits-all game plan. Under the guidance of Michael Wright and Chris Brearton, MGM+ is planning to focus on crafting content and strategies specific to each market's tastes and preferences. Bolstered by teaming up with Lionsgate in Europe, MGM+’s market-by-market strategy is already seeing some success. Even with the challenges of recession and labor strikes, MGM+ is ambitiously expanding, offering promotions like free subscriptions with Fire TV purchases in Europe, and already ranking as a top Prime Video channel in the EU markets. Their commitment to understanding and catering to local demands is setting them apart in the competitive streaming landscape.

📆📈 The 2025 Summer Movie Rush: Post-actors strike, IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond describes a 'land grab' for 2025 release dates, as studios rush to book summer slots. Expectations are high with major tentpoles like 'Top Gun' and 'Superman' franchise films set to dazzle on IMAX screens. Meanwhile, China's box office recovery signals more success for IMAX, with hits like the 'Avatar' sequel and local films. Gelfond anticipates a further boost during the Chinese New Year, marking a significant turnaround in the global cinema landscape.

Development 🗒️

• Paul Greengrass is set to adapt, direct, and produce T.J. Newman's novel ‘Drowning: The Rescue Of Flight 1421’ for Warner Bros. (more)

• Sebastian Stan, Jeremy Strong, and Maria Bakalova join Ali Abbasi's film 'The Apprentice,' portraying the early career of Donald Trump and his mentor Roy Cohn. (more)

• Matt Smith is set to lead and executive produce the Sky adaptation of Nick Cave's 'The Death of Bunny Munro,' filming in Spring 2024. (more)

• Lionsgate acquires Stephen King's dystopian novel 'The Long Walk' for adaptation. (more)

• ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ is in the works, with Emma Tammi returning as director. (more)

• Michael Waldron, creator of 'Loki,' is set to write Marvel Studios' 'Avengers: The Kang Dynasty.' (more)

• Netflix acquires 'Incoming,' a high school comedy directed by John and Dave Chernin, starring Mason Thames, Bobby Cannavale, Kaitlin Olson, and Scott MacArthur. (more)

• Guy Fieri signs a new $100M multi-year deal with Food Network. (more)

• ‘The Boys: Mexico’ spinoff is in the works at Amazon. (more)

• Timothy Olyphant joins the cast of Noah Hawley's FX series 'Alien.' (more)

• Mark Cuban is leaving ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’ after S16. (more)

• Saban Films acquires U.S. rights to 'Knox Goes Away,' a thriller directed by and starring Michael Keaton. (more)

• Ethan Hawke returns as the Grabber in the sequel to Blumhouse's horror hit 'The Black Phone,' slated for release on Jun. 27, 2025. (more)

• James Norton and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau are set to star in ‘King and Conqueror’ for CBS Studios. (more)

✅ Renewed & Canceled ❌

• Starz renews 'Power Book III: Raising Kanan' for S4 ahead of its third season premiere. (more)

• ‘Godfather of Harlem’ is renewed for S4 at MGM+. (more)

• ‘The Gold’ is renewed for S2 at BBC. (more)

Releases 📅

• Adam Sandler’s ‘Leo’ gets biggest animated film debut on Netflix. (more)

• Robert Eggers’ ‘Nosferatu’ sets a Christmas 2024 release date. (more)

• James Cameron says ‘Avatar 3’ is in post-production and will be released Christmas 2025. (more)

Business 🤝

• FilmNation names Robin Schwartz President of Television. (more)

• Mina Lefevre joins Trending, a Gen-Z media company by Alex Cooper and Matt Kaplan, as Chief Content Officer. (more)

What to watch this weekend? 👀

THEATRICAL 🎥

• Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé: Beyoncé’s new concert film.

• The Shift: Dystopian drama and sci-fi thriller from Angel Studios.

• Godzilla Minus One: The latest ‘Godzilla’ reboot film.

• Silent Night: John Woo’s latest action thriller.

STREAMING 📺

• Candy Cane Lane: (Amazon) New Christmas comedy starring Eddie Murphy.

• Family Switch: (Netflix) Family comedy starring Jennifer Garner and Ed Helms.