Film Industry

30 articles

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
Aerial view of the new International Cinema City film hub under construction in Ouarzazate, Morocco, showcasing modern architecture amidst a desert landscape.
Production

Morocco Builds New International Cinema City Film Hub in Ouarzazate

Morocco has just broken ground on a new International Cinema City in Ouarzazate, an investment exceeding $25 million (240 million Moroccan Dirhams), according to Variety .

Victor Ren·July 4, 2026
Filmmakers utilizing a massive LED volume stage to create a realistic digital environment for a live-action film shoot, showcasing the integration of virtual production.
Production

What is Virtual Production and Why Does it Matter for Filmmaking?

Renting an LED volume for real-time visual effects typically costs a production between $50,000 and $75,000 per week, a price tag that is both substantial and rapidly falling, according to Copilotco .

Victor Ren·June 29, 2026
A deserted Hollywood backlot with a fading 'Shadowcast Pictures' sign, illustrating the significant shift and closures within the film and TV production industry.
Media Industry

Shadowcast Pictures Closure Signals Industry-Wide Production Shift

More than 80 film and TV production service companies in Los Angeles have shuttered since 2022, marking a seismic shift in Hollywood's foundational infrastructure.

Amelia Frost·June 28, 2026
A deserted Hollywood studio lot with empty sound stages and silent equipment, symbolizing the economic downturn and production house closures.
Media Industry

Hollywood Production House Closures Spark Economic Downturn Fears

Unemployment among below-the-line crew members in Hollywood reached 45% in Q4 2023, the highest in 30 years, even as streaming services continue to release a record volume of content.

Amelia Frost·June 27, 2026
Film directors in a studio reviewing and approving AI-generated footage on holographic interfaces, symbolizing their control over new technology.
Behind the Scenes

DGA Union Ratifies Four-Year Contract, Securing Jobs

The Directors Guild of America (DGA) secured an unprecedented clause ensuring that any AI-generated footage will fall under a director's creative purview, a first for major Hollywood unions.

Victor Ren·June 26, 2026
Emerging filmmaker looking at a complex map of film grant opportunities, symbolizing the competitive landscape of film funding.
Production

Film Grants for Emerging Filmmakers: The Competitive Landscape

The Norwegian Film Institute received 53 applications for its Sørfond, yet only 10 international co-productions will receive funding.

Julian Mercer·June 26, 2026
Film professionals scouting a stunning, unique natural landscape, representing the global search for ideal filming locations and the LMGI Awards' record submissions.
Film & TV

LMGI Awards Announce Nominees Amid Record Submissions

The 13th annual Location Managers Guild Awards received a record number of submissions from around the world, signaling a surge in global demand for unique filming locations.

Julian Mercer·June 24, 2026
A filmmaker's study with screenwriting books, an open script, and a typewriter, symbolizing the craft of storytelling and cinematic creation.
Books

Top 8 Best Screenwriting Books for Filmmakers

A script that sprawls for hundreds of pages often signals a fundamental misunderstanding: new writers were told structure is optional, a notion Thesuccessfulscreenwriter deems irresponsible.

Amelia Frost·June 24, 2026
Modern film studio complex at dusk, symbolizing the growth and innovation within the UK film industry.
Film & TV

Camden Film Quarter approval boosts UK film industry growth

By a razor-thin margin of 6 to 5, Camden councillors approved a £1 billion film quarter in Kentish Town on June 17, 2026.

Julian Mercer·June 22, 2026
A line producer on a busy film set, managing crew and talent, demonstrating their crucial role in overseeing production logistics and ensuring smooth operations.
Behind the Scenes

What Are Line Producer Responsibilities in Film and TV Production?

According to Studiobinder , all SAG-AFTRA performers must receive their first meal break within six hours of first call.

Victor Ren·June 22, 2026
A dynamic cityscape symbolizing the growing European film industry, showcasing a blend of traditional cinema and digital media platforms.
Production

European film sector trends show market growing to $33B by 2034

By 2034, the European movie market is projected to swell to US$33.

Victor Ren·June 19, 2026
The Hollywood sign cracked, with a moving truck departing a studio lot, symbolizing the exodus of the film industry from Los Angeles.
Film & TV

Hollywood's Exodus: LA Lost 42,000 Film Jobs As Production Flees State

Bad Robot Productions, a name synonymous with modern blockbusters, sold its Santa Monica headquarters for $31 million in November.

Julian Mercer·June 17, 2026
Aspiring director studying film reels, symbolizing learning filmmaking techniques from MasterClasses.
Film & TV

Filmmaking MasterClasses for Aspiring Directors

To learn about staging and efficiency, Steven Spielberg's "Raiders of the Lost Ark" plays with no sound in one MasterClass lesson.

Julian Mercer·June 10, 2026