Julia Roberts backs an unpublished novel, Netflix and Spotify split a $100M podcast, Lionsgate joins Movies Anywhere, the Titanic sinks on Nat Geo, and more!

Sony’s 3000 Pictures has acquired film rights to Katy Hays’ upcoming novel ‘Home Economics’, with Julia Roberts set to star and produce via her Red Om Films banner alongside ‘Wicked’ producer Marc Platt of Marc Platt Productions. Hays will adapt the screenplay and executive produce. The novel, due to be published in 2027 by Penguin Random House, has already sold in 11 international territories. (🇺🇸)

→ What other films has Marc Platt produced besides Wicked?

Matchbox Shots (‘Andhadhun’, ‘Scoop’) has acquired adaptation rights to ‘The Gurugram School Murder’, crime journalist Leena Dhankhar’s book on the 2017 killing of a young boy at a Gurugram school. Helmed by Dikssha Jyote Routray, the project — whether a film or series — is yet to be confirmed. Matchbox Shots is currently preparing its upcoming Netflix series ‘Operation Safed Sagar’. (🇮🇳)

→ Which true crime adaptations have been produced in India based on real criminal cases?

Prime Video announced seven new and returning Canadian Original series at its 2026 Amazon Upfront.The slate includes hockey docuseries ‘Hometown Giants’ with Michael Bublé and Drew Scott; survival series ‘Surrender’ hosted by Scott McGillivray; true crime docuseries ‘The Pig Farm Killer: Robert Pickton’; French-language titles ‘Complètement dans le Champ’, ‘Opération Déception’, and ‘LOL: Qui Rira Le Dernier?’ Season 5; and unscripted comedy ‘Young Farts Trailer Parts’, premiering July 17. (🇨🇦)

→ What original Canadian content has Prime Video commissioned or streamed previously?

TelevisaUnivision has commenced production on ‘Cuando Fui Bonita’, a romantic comedy telenovela adapted from the Korean drama ‘Ella Era Bonita’, produced by Pedro Ortiz de Pinedo and filmed at Televisa San Ángel. The series stars Geraldine Galván and Daniel Gama, with supporting cast including Daniela Gallardo, Andrea Velázquez, and Carmen Muñoz. (🇲🇽)

→ Which Latin American networks have the strongest track record of acquiring and adapting international format content?

Janus Films has acquired all North American distribution rights to ‘The Dreamed Adventure’, directed by Valeska Grisebach and winner of the Jury Prize at Cannes 2026. Produced by Komplizen Film, the film stars Yana Radeva and Syuleyman Letifov. Theatrical release plans to be announced. (🇺🇸)

→ What films has Janus Films distributed previously and what genres do they typically champion?

France’s mk2 alt has acquired European distribution rights to ‘Two Sleepy People’, a $100,000 creator-driven romantic dramedy written, directed and starring digital creator Baron Ryan alongside Caroline Grossman, produced via media incubator Creator Camp. mk2 alt plans a French release followed by a wider European rollout. (🇫🇷)

→ What is Creator Camp and which films or projects have emerged from their incubator program?

Nat Geo has acquired ‘Titanic Sinks Tonight’, BBC’s docu-drama produced by Stellify Media and sold by Sony Pictures Television, set to launch in the USA on June 22. The series, BBC’s most-watched doc of 2025-26, also sold to MGM+, HBO Max, BeIN, and multiple broadcasters across Europe and Asia. (🇬🇧)

→ What documentary series has Nat Geo acquired or commissioned in the last few years?

Yango Play has acquired exclusive streaming rights to Egyptian satirical comedy ‘Bershama’, directed by Khaled Diab and starring Hesham Maged, Reham Abdel Ghafour, and Bassem Samra. The film, which grossed over EGP 200M (~$3.78M) at the Egyptian box office, debuted on the platform on May 25 as part of its Eid Al Adha programming slate. (🇪🇬)

→ What top-grossing Egyptian comedies have been produced in the last five years and who starred in them?

Fremantle UK has acquired a minority stake in Craft Films, a multi-genre production company known for creating branded, commercial, and long-form content. Founded in 2016, Craft Films has a history of partnering with major brands and broadcasters, and has previously collaborated with Fremantle on high-profile campaigns like Britain’s Got Talent. (🇬🇧)

→ What shows does Fremantle UK currently produce or own globally?

Netflix and Spotify have jointly acquired exclusive video rights to Jay Shetty’s motivational podcast ‘On Purpose’ from iHeartMedia, in a multi-year deal reportedly worth ~$100M. Video episodes will stream on both platforms from July 13, with Spotify also serving as global ad sales representative. Audio-only versions remain on Spotify, while older episodes and clips will stay on YouTube. (🇺🇸)

→ What podcasts or creators has Netflix acquired or partnered with in the past one year?

Double Tap Films, the microdrama studio of Indian storytelling platform Pratilipi, has signed a one-year non-exclusive licensing deal with TikTok to distribute 21 original Hindi-language microdrama titles — including ‘Avnika Ki Shaadi’, ‘Apavitra’, and ‘CEO Se Romeo’ — across the USA, Canada, Brazil, and Japan, with subtitles in local languages under a monthly revenue-share model. (🇮🇳)

→ Which platforms has TikTok signed licensing deals with globally?

Lionsgate joined Disney’s digital platform Movies Anywhere to synchronize its massive film collection across participating digital retailers. Starting in June, the studio will roll out an initial selection of 225 high-profile titles, followed by approximately 100 additional movies every month throughout 2026 and early 2027. (🇺🇸)

→ Are there other similar platforms like “Movies Anywhere”?