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PIRACY REPORT PUBLISHED…
…MULTI-AGENCY APPROACH NEEDED
INDUSTRY RESPONDS TO THINK TANK
DISNEY+ HITS 100 MILLION MARK
ALTITUDE SCORES BIG WITH BAFTA NOMINATIONS…
…AND COSMIC RESULTS FOR BRUCE…
…AS FILE LAUNCHES NEW ERA
ACORN’S FRIELING GOOD
FOR GUYS AND GALS
LIONSGATE UNVEILS Q2
ANOTHER VINTAGE QUARTER FOR STUDIOCANAL…
…WITH MORE TV TITLES
…AND MORE CLASSIC TITLES
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
AT THE MOVIES
TWEET OF THE WEEK
TRAILERS OF THE WEEK
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The idea that piracy is carried out by “opportunistic individuals” is, a new report issued this week stated, no longer tenable. Instead film and TV piracy is organised around a highly sophisticated, criminal network making tens of millions for the gangs and organisations running it. And, the report, put together by the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies in Whitehall, said greater urgency is needed tackling the problem, with a public private partnership pulling together all groups working in the area to collaborate to fight the scourge of our industry. The report, Taking the Profit Out of Intellectual Property Crime: Piracy and Organised Crime, was put together by the think tank with the help of organisations familiar to our industry, not least trade body the Industry Trust for IP Awareness, and it made a raft of recommendations. It outlined the scale of piracy and put paid to the cottage industry, flag-waving heroes of free speech idea of pirates and highlighted just how much money illegal uploaders make from advertising around films and TV shows they offer. It stated: “There is great promise in the UK’s championing of a ‘follow the money’ response to IP crime, but current efforts have not greatly reduced the ability to make significant criminal profit from piracy. Changing this requires demand-side action, by making consumers more aware of the risks they face as a consequence of purchasing pirated content, and a more concerted approach to the supply-side factors enabling consumers’ access to that content and criminals’ ability to receive payments for it.”
The RUSI report makes some 16 different recommendations under five separate headings. Listing them in full, they are:
“1. Reducing opportunities to monetise pirate operations through the creation of a public–private partnership for intelligence sharing across government, law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, rights holders, online service providers and advertising networks. "2. Preventing access to infringing websites and services through continued engagement with online service providers. "3. Disrupting payments for infringing content through engagement with four key stakeholder categories, banks, payment service providers, card payment schemed and crypto-asset service providers. "4. Improving financial investigation and enforcement response to piracy, including by creating a single intelligence system accessible to all UK agencies involved in policing IP crime that can be used to develop a better understanding of amounts of money made at various stages of the piracy supply chain. "5. Reducing user demand for infringing content by educating consumers on associated risks, such as fraud, malware infections, scams, high-risk advertising and malicious redirectors.” Comment on the wide-ranging and important report came from our own sector via the Industry Trust for IP Awareness, whose ceo Liz Bales said: “The RUSI report shines a light on the full scope of the business of piracy, and how it affects the breadth of our industry, from distributors through to the consumers at home. Dismantling the structures that allow piracy to generate profit requires a multi-faceted approach; with action from government and the private sector alongside work to reduce consumer demand for pirated material. The Industry Trust’s research reveals the serious financial and security risks encountered by consumers when they access pirated content, but also provides helpful insight that consumer education on these risks has a huge impact on infringers’ intention to pirate again. As an industry it is hugely important that we continue to take an active role in tackling piracy through education, investing in activity such as the Crimestoppers campaign and youth outreach with Media Smart, which have a real impact with consumers, and ultimately help to move the needle on piracy.” You can see the full report here.
It’s been a mere 16 months since its launch in the US – and barely a year since it flung open its doors to UK consumers – but Disney’s subscription video on demand service has this week announced a milestone figure has been passed. Mouse House supremo Bob Chapek revealed that the worldwide subscriber numbers have now passed the magic 100 million mark. He told investors during the company’s virtual annual shareholder meeting. The chief executive officer said: “The enormous success of Disney+ —which has now surpassed 100 million subscribers—has inspired us to be even more ambitious, and to significantly increase our investment in the development of high-quality content. In fact, we set a target of 100+ new titles per year, and this includes Disney Animation, Disney Live Action, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. Our direct-to-consumer business is the Company’s top priority, and our robust pipeline of content will continue to fuel its growth.”
It’s been good week for Altitude, not least thanks to the glut of nominations the company picked up when the BAFTA nods were officially unveiled this week. The independent appears to have matched the mood of if not the whole nation then BAFTA members and voters at least, as the organisation’s attempts to embrace diversity in the awards resulted in more than 20 nominations for Altitude titles. Chief among them was Rocks, Sarah Gavron’s tale of teens growing up in London, which scored eight nods and typified the way the awards have been opened up to less obvious, non-blockbuster and non-white titles and faces. Its haul of 21 nominations sees it in the running with other titles such as the forthcoming Minari, the wonderful Calm With Horses, Les Miserables and David Attenborough A Life On Our Planet. Lia Devlin, head of distribution said: “We want to congratulate all the BAFTA nominees this year. After making great efforts to get our releases seen by large audiences during this most challenging of times, we are thrilled and delighted to see these wonderful films and filmmakers get the recognition they so richly deserve.”
The BAFTA nominations came as Altitude scored big with one of its latest home entertainment releases Cosmic Sin. The Bruce Willis starrer led the way this week with the highest new entry in the Official Film Chart, in at number three. It led a trio of new releases, followed at four by Maze Runner The Death Curse and Lionsgate’s latest Hellraiser instalment Judgment one place further down. Commenting on the title, Altitude’s Adam Eldrett said: 'Delighted to see Cosmic Sin charting at number one on iTunes this past weekend and at #3 in the UK DVD charts, we have a pipeline of quality DTV titles coming through which we will continue to release in the coming weeks and months. Out this week is Fukashima 50 which is steadily rising up the digital charts and we have a lot more titles to come across a variety of genres.”
Meanwhile, completing a busy week for Altitude, the company has revealed first images and more details of its big forthcoming TV adaptation - the first from its new television arm – for ITV. The Ipcress File, a new take on Len Deighton’s 60s Cold War spy thriller, will star Joe Cole as Harry Palmer and features a strong cast including Tom Hollander. Commenting on the series, Will Clarke, chairman and co-ceo of Altitude Film Entertainment said: “Altitude is delighted to be taking our first steps into television as the company continues to grow and we are very excited to announce The Ipcress File as our debut production with our friends at ITV and ITV Studios. James Watkins and I are both huge fans of Len Deighton's Harry Palmer books and have wanted to film The Ipcress File for a long time. John Hodge’s incredible writing talents have wonderfully adapted those stories into a thrilling six-part series.”
It’s literally one blockbuster drama series after another on British TV right now, with Bloodlands winning support and Line Of Duty waiting eagerly in the wings. Just finishing its run on ITV and due to appear as a home entertainment release via Acorn next week is Anna Friel starring as the cop with a few issues, Marcella, in the final outing for the high profile series. Commenting on the release, Acorn’s Helen Squire said: “Anna Friel brought Marcella's journey to an end this week with the conclusion of the eponymous third and final series on ITV1. Customers can bring her home on DVD and EST on Monday day and date with the Complete Series 1-3 DVD boxset.”
It’s been up as a pre-sale item online for some weeks, but Warner has officially announced the release of Wonder Woman 1984, the long-awaited sequel to the DC Comics hit, which will land on physical formats on March after its earlier premium video on demand release (it’s available on digital). The title is due out in assorted SKUs, including 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD, the first two with a raft of extras featuring star Gal Gadot, director Patty Jenkins and more. We’ll have more on the release on next week’s newsletter just ahead of it landing, but in the meantime, we thought we’d go to the people in the know, kidzcoolit.com for more, here’s Nick Gibbs McNeil on his and his assorted junior reviewers’ thoughts on the film. He said: “We bloody loved it – we’ve seen it twice and enjoyed it even more the second time. We all thought it was even better than the first. It ticks every box for a popcorn superhero movie and has some incredible action sequences throughout. Gal Gadot is the modern day Christopher Reeve - Wonder Woman 1984 is cracking stuff.” Oh, and as an aside, Gibbs-McNeil further recommended Judas And The Black Messiah as a biggie to keep an eye on (“it’s going to win big during the awards season - guaranteed.”
We’re still talking to distributors about their forthcoming line-ups for Q2, with the slate slowly starting to fill up again in anticipation of cinemas reopening (fingers crossed, we’re desperate to get out of the house and into a darkened cinema) and a return to some sense of normality and pre-pandemic conditions for theatrical and home entertainment (yes, we know it’s a way off and possibly even unlikely, but still…). Chief among those this week was Lionsgate, which has a biggie arriving following its premium video on demand release, along with catalogue and new to home entertainment titles too. Unveiling its line-up, the company’s Kirsten Sweeney said: “Q2 from Lionsgate truly has something for everyone: from star-studded Comedy, Drama and cult classic. Kicking off the quarter is Barb And Star Go To Vista Del Mar, a sun-drenched comedy starring Kristen Wiig, Annie Mumolo and Jamie Dornan which the Evening Standard called “snort-out-loud funny”. Following a successful PVOD launch in February, the title will make its way to DVD on April 12 - hold on to your culottes! In May, modern Film Noir The Virtuoso hits the market. Starring Academy Award Winner Anthony Hopkins and Star Trek: Discovery Anson Mount, this premium DTV thriller follows an elite hitman who has to turn detective when he takes on a job shrouded in mystery. June is jam-packed with releases, starting with the director’s cut of cult classic But I’m A Cheerleader – working closely with director Jamie Babbit, this restoration is the definitive version of the film, remastered in HD and available for the first time on Blu-ray. Later in the month sees the release of safari Thriller Endangered Species, the latest film from director M.J Bassett – who was also behind Lionsgate’s nerve-shredding Rogue back in Q4. Following a family besieged by the wildlife while stranded in the Kruger National Park, the film is full of thrills. Rounding out of June releases is heartbreaking biopic drama I Still Believe – starring Riverdale’s K.J. Apa, the film tells the true story of Christian music superstar Jeremy Camp as he deals with a devastating loss.”
Studiocanal has also unveiled its slate for the second quarter of the year, which follows hot on the heels of a strong Q1, thanks to one of the bona fide new release hits of 2021 in the shape of Saint Maud. The quarter sees a couple of the year’s most talked about TV shows as well as the usual strong feature film fare, including not only titles under its Vintage Classics banner, but also a more recent newly-restored biggie. Outlining its quarter, the company’s Kristin Ryan said: “Following a strong first quarter which included the release of the BAFTA nominated Saint Maud and our prestige catalogue release Masque Of The Red Death, we turn our focus to Quarter 2 and another strong selection of titles across the board from critically acclaimed TV, an 80s classic from Paul Verhoeven to trailblazing African cinema. New titles being released in our successful Vintage Classics range this quarter include 60s crime thriller The Frightened City starring Sean Connery, British comedy romp with Jules Verne's Rocket to the Moon and the late Christopher Plummer's star turn as Sherlock Holmes in Murder By Decree.”
April 12 sees the release of one of the year’s most talked about programmes, ZeroZeroZero, which has incredible word of mouth ahead of the home entertainment bow. Commenting on the release, senior product manager Nicola Browning said: “Hailed by Stephen King as ‘Bone-shaking, chilling, terrifying and epic’, ZeroZeroZero is a gripping eight-part crime drama that’s a must-watch for fans of Narcos and Gomorrah. Featuring incredible performances by Andrea Riseborough and Dane DeHaan, ZeroZeroZero is released on Blu-ray and DVD on the April 12. The title will be supported with a PR and social campaign, leaning into the exceptional reviews of the show and the established awareness from the Sky broadcast.” Another acclaimed television title turns up two weeks later, in the shape o Keeley Hawes starring in Finding Alive. Marketing assistant Mona Schlotter said: “Releasing on April 26 on DVD, Finding Alice is the new must-see TV show starring the amazing Keeley Hawes in this darkly comic family drama. From the Producers of It’s A Sin, we’re excited to support the release of the TV Drama with a PR and Social campaign. We’re delighted that it’s been renewed for a second series and it’s a great addition to our strong TV Catalogue.”
As well as the Vintage Classics titles mentioned above, there are a brace of interesting classics given a new lease of life. Senior product manager Alison Arber said: “Available for the first time In the UK on DVD and Blu-ray and restored in stunning 4K – we are incredibly excited to be releasing Ousmane Sembène’s 1968 trailblazing film – Mandabi. The first ever feature length film in the African language of Wolof, Mandabi denounces an administrative system inherited from the colonial era and the rife corruption taking place for officials own personal gain. With a wealth of new extra features and stunning new artwork from Ghanaian artist Adekunle Adeleke, Mandabi is an incredibly important piece of work that will finally be seen by audiences in the UK.” And there’s more two, albeit at the different end of the scale from Mandabi. Concluding, here’s Studiocanal’s Alison Arber, who said: “We’re bringing some heat to Q2 with a fantastic new 4K restoration of Paul Verhoeven’s classic neo-noir thriller Basic Instinct. Starring Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone in her breakthrough role, this stunning special edition includes a host of brand new extras, including a fascinating feature length documentary and striking new artwork.”
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“If you don’t live with the owner of this account, you need your own account to keep watching.”
A message that’s started appearing on some users’ Netflix accounts, with a further test asking them to enter a verification code sent to the account holder’s phone. “This test is designed to help ensure that people using Netflix accounts are authorised to do so.” A Netflix statement on its likely crackdown on password sharing… AT THE MOVIES As noted above, the BAFTA nominations were announced this week and the nods unveiled for the film awards have been wholeheartedly welcomed by the wider industry, not least because of the way they have widened their scope this year and have, after outcry from many in previous years, reflected a more diverse pool of talent and better represented different groups and films. You can see the full listing here. As the Telegraph’s Robbie Colline noted: “Umm, wow – this is the wildest slate of Bafta directing nominees I think I've ever seen. When I and others were moaning last year about voters unthinkingly defaulting to the obvious choices, this was basically the dream alternative scenario." Confirmed this week is a third outing in the Creed series, with the pugilistic franchise obviously aiming to give its elder sibling the Rocky series, which helped spawn Creed, a run for its money. What’s more Creed himself, Michael B Jordan, is set to not only star as the son following in his dad Apollo Creed’s footsteps, but will also direct too. The script is being penned by original Creed writer Ryan Coogler’s brother Keenan. No word on whether or not Sly Stallone will be returning to play Rocky. Jordan himself said: "Directing has always been an aspiration, but the timing had to be right. Creed III is that moment — a time in my life where I’ve grown more sure of who I am, holding agency in my own story, maturing personally, growing professionally, and learning from the Greats like Ryan Coogler, most recently Denzel Washington, and other top tier directors I respect. All of which sets the table for this moment. This franchise and in particular the themes of Creed III are deeply personal to me. I look forward to sharing the next chapter of Adonis Creed’s story with the awesome responsibility of being its director and namesake."
Rock and pop biopics continue to be the way forward for most Hollywood studios, with Paramount lining up a new entry to go alongside the likes of Rocketman and Bohemian Rhapsody with the aim of repeating their huge box office and home entertainment success. The Bee Gees are the subject for the as yet untitled project, with many critics lining up a “tragedy” line in case it doesn’t pass muster. This week’s it’s been revealed that Kenneth Branagh will be behind the director’s chair. It follows in the wake of last year’s Universal-released documentary about the band.
TRAILERS OF THE WEEK
Due from the BFI…
Here’s a clip from one of Altitude’s big award-friendly titles…
Bigger than 300… https://youtu.be/kz5smMR1V4U We blame the government, but that’s another story…
THE OBLIGATORY GDPR BIT
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