Film Industry

30 articles

A lively street scene at an indie film festival, showcasing attendees, film posters, and a cinema entrance, symbolizing the event's cultural and economic vitality.
Film & TV

What is the economic and cultural impact of indie film festivals?

For every Swiss franc invested in the Locarno film festival, the region sees a return of three: a striking economic multiplier.

Julian Mercer·September 6, 2026
A lone filmmaker in a futuristic studio using AI interfaces to create a film, symbolizing the democratization of production.
Behind the Scenes

10 Filmmaking Technologies Democratizing Production in 2026

A new AI film studio, Promise, backed by Google and Disney, is already deploying AI models to create entire backgrounds, special effects, and synthetic performers.

Victor Ren·September 5, 2026
A cinematic representation of AI technology overshadowing a disheartened filmmaker, symbolizing job displacement and financial hardship in the Hollywood entertainment industry.
Media Industry

AI's Rise Fuels Hollywood's Financial Woes Amid Job Declines

Experienced and award-winning writers, directors, and producers are now paid as little as $12 per hour to train the very AI models threatening their careers, The Guardian reports.

Leo Hartmann·September 4, 2026
Diverse group of young independent filmmakers collaborating in a creative space, illuminated by a laptop screen, symbolizing innovation in storytelling.
Film & TV

Independent Filmmakers Redefining Storytelling in 2026

At a recent box office weekend, two horror films, crafted by YouTubers aged 20 and 26, collectively surpassed a major Star Wars release.

Julian Mercer·September 4, 2026
Film art department crew members working collaboratively on detailed set designs and props in a well-lit, organized workshop.
Behind the Scenes

How Union Agreements Shape Film and TV Art Department Roles

For a major film production exceeding £30 million, art department crew members adhere to an 11-hour workday, plus an hour for lunch, a schedule meticulously defined by union agreements rather than cre

Victor Ren·September 3, 2026
Hollywood sign under a dramatic sky with film reels and money, symbolizing the impact of federal film tax credits on production.
Media Industry

Trump backs federal film tax credits to boost Hollywood production

Amazon reportedly paid $40 million to license the Melania Trump documentary.

Leo Hartmann·September 3, 2026
A Unit Production Manager meticulously planning a film shoot, balancing budget and schedule amidst the dynamic environment of a movie set.
Behind the Scenes

What is a Unit Production Manager and how do they schedule film shoots?

Even before a single frame is shot, a Unit Production Manager (UPM) orchestrates the entire production's financial blueprint, location scouting, and preliminary schedule.

Victor Ren·September 2, 2026
Film crew setting up lights on a historic Limerick street for a new feature film starring an international cast.
Production

Oscar-nominated director films new feature in Limerick

Oscar-nominated filmmaker Whit Stillman will bring his new feature film, 'A Night at Claridge’s', to Limerick and its county for filming, according to I Love Limerick .

Victor Ren·September 2, 2026
Silhouettes of President Trump and Senator Schiff shaking hands in front of Hollywood landmarks, symbolizing bipartisan support for film tax incentives.
Film & TV

Trump Backs Film Tax Incentive as Bipartisan Support Builds

In a surprising display of bipartisan unity, President Donald Trump and Democratic Senator Adam Schiff have both called for immediate federal tax incentives to bring film and TV production jobs back t

Julian Mercer·September 2, 2026
Filmmaker contemplating a holographic film reel with violet hues, representing the AI-generated film 'Dreams of Violets'.
Production

AI Film 'Dreams of Violets' to Premiere at Tribeca, Sparking Job Debate

The AI-generated feature film 'Dreams of Violets' will screen at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Victor Ren·September 2, 2026
Media executives in a high-tech control room managing intellectual property assets and financial data, illustrating new profit centers.
Media Industry

Media Companies Find New Profit in IP Operations

The Shrek franchise, first released over two decades ago, continues to generate millions.

Amelia Frost·September 2, 2026
Independent film crew working on a sunny California movie set, highlighting the expanded tax incentives for smaller productions.
Media Industry

California lawmakers expand tax breaks for independent film productions

Independent film productions, representing 10% of California's $750 million film and TV tax credit program, are now completely exempt from the state's $5 million corporate tax credit cap, according to

Amelia Frost·August 31, 2026
The Hollywood sign illuminated at sunset, with a busy film set in the foreground, representing California's expanded film tax credit.
Media Industry

California's $750M Film Tax Credit Expansion Aids Major Studios

California's Film and Television Tax Credit program expanded from $330 million to an annual cap of $750 million, establishing it as one of the nation's most substantial state incentives.

Leo Hartmann·August 31, 2026
Diverse students actively engaged in filmmaking activities within a bright, contemporary film studio, showcasing collaboration and creativity.
Film & TV

Best Film Schools in the US for 2026

Santa Monica College, with its $46 per unit tuition for California residents, was named one of MovieMaker magazine's 30 Best Film Schools in the U.

Julian Mercer·August 31, 2026
A vibrant film set in California with crew members actively working, highlighting the expansion of tax credits for independent productions.
Media Industry

California Assembly Bill Expands Film Tax Credits for Indies

Despite a statewide $5 million cap on business tax credits, California lawmakers are pushing a new bill that would completely exempt independent film projects.

Amelia Frost·August 29, 2026
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