Welcome to the Latest Edition of Vitrina’s Global Entertainment Supply-Chain Digest!
Paramount’s expanding global footprint set the pace this week, deepening its Sky partnership and reinforcing how studios are extending reach beyond their own platforms. At the same time, Mediawan reshaped the production landscape with a $900M acquisition, Apple TV+ and Netflix backed returning hits, and A24 revived a legacy horror franchise with fresh ambitions.
Together, these moves highlight a market leaning into scale, proven IP, and strategic alliances to secure long-term audience value.
Use VIQI — AI for the Film & TV industry to dig deeper into what each headline below signals and how it directly impacts you.
Finance & Funding
The Money Behind the Magic!- Cantilever Media and Architect have formed a joint venture to finance and produce the animated family feature ‘Bird Brain’. The project, from the producers of ‘The Amazing Maurice’, will be sold globally by Architect, while Cantilever’s Kazoo Films handles distribution in the UK and Ireland. (🇬🇧)
- The German government and BKM have launched a €7.5m annual production fund for first and second feature films. Administered by the Kuratorium junger deutscher Film, the fund provides up to €500,000 for projects with budgets under €2m. This financing initiative aims to support up-and-coming filmmakers through expert jury-led distribution of capital. (🇩🇪)
- The Netherlands Film Fund and Creative Industries Fund NL have opened applications for the ‘Immerse\Interact’ grant scheme. This collaborative initiative provides financial support for artistic crossover projects involving digital storytelling, interactive media, and transmedia. The funding aims to support creators in developing innovative audiovisual productions that push boundaries between film and technology. (🇳🇱)
- Moonspun Films is producing Clio Barnard’s drama ‘I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning’, with financing from BBC Film, BFI, and TPC. Charades is handling international sales, while Curzon Film serves as the UK distributor. The film stars Anthony Boyle, Joe Cole, Jay Lycurgo, Daryl McCormack, and Lola Petticrew as childhood friends navigating adulthood. (🇬🇧)
- MK2 Films is financing and handling international sales for Todd Haynes’ noir ‘De Noche’, starring Pedro Pascal and Danny Ramirez. The French banner co-reps domestic rights with Cinetic Media. IPR.VC is financing as part of their long-term partnership with MK2, alongside Yggdrasil, Léger Production, Mid March, Pluto and Leaf Entertainment. Killer Films produces the 1930s-set project, which secured new investment following Joaquin Phoenix’s departure. (🇫🇷/🇺🇸)
IP Deals
Hottest IP [Stories, Formats, Books, Games, Podcasts] to be turned into the next big blockbuster- A24 has acquired the ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ franchise, developing both a film and series. Glen Powell is set to star in the movie, which is being produced alongside Bad Robot. A24 handles financing and global distribution, revitalizing the horror IP through this major deal with rights holders. (🇺🇸)
- Tongal and Tecmo have partnered to develop a feature film based on the ‘Tecmo Bowl’ video game. The project, produced by Tongal, will leverage its creator platform for development. Distribution and international sales rights are currently being shopped to major studios and streamers as the project moves into active production. (🇺🇸/🇯🇵)
- Eccho Rights has sold the first international adaptation of the thriller ‘The Inheritance’ to Italy’s Rai. Originally produced by Lonesome Pine Productions and Peer Pressure for Channel 5, the Italian version will be produced by Leone Film Group. Eccho Rights serves as the global distributor for the scripted format. (🇬🇧/🇮🇹)
- BBC Studios has licensed the UK dating format ‘The Honesty Box’ to Mediaset España’s Telecinco. Produced locally by Brutal Media, part of BBC Studios the show marks the format’s international debut. Originally created by Mettlemouse Entertainment and GroupM Motion Entertainment, BBC Studios manages global distribution for the intellectual property. (🇬🇧/🇪🇸)
- Hulu has ordered the drama series ‘If I Ruled the World’ from creator Amy DuBois Barnett and executive producer Lee Daniels. Produced by 20th Television and Lee Daniels Entertainment, the project explores the inner workings of a powerful Black family. Hulu serves as the primary distributor for the US market. (🇺🇸)
Production + Seasonal Renewal
Sneak peak into recently announced production projects worldwide- Apple TV+ has renewed the comedy series ‘Shrinking’ for a fourth season ahead of its third-season premiere. Created by Jason Segel, Bill Lawrence, and Brett Goldstein, the show is produced by Warner Bros. Television and Lawrence’s Doozer Productions. Apple TV+ serves as the primary financier and global distributor, maintaining its commitment to the hit series starring Jason Segel and Harrison Ford. (🇺🇸)
- Netflix has renewed the figure skating drama ‘Finding Her Edge’ for a second season. Produced by Hello Sunshine and Blue Bush Productions, the series features stars such as Madison Hu and Alex Aiono. Netflix serves as the primary financier and global distributor, continuing its investment in young adult scripted content. (🇺🇸)
- Netflix has greenlit a third season of the comedy series ‘A Man on the Inside’, starring Ted Danson. The project is produced by Fremulon, 3 Arts Entertainment, and Universal Television. As the acquiring platform, Netflix manages global distribution rights for the Mike Schur-created series following its successful sophomore run. (🇺🇸)
- Warner Bros. Discovery is financing and distributing Jan Komasa’s upcoming drama ‘Anniversary’. Produced by Matchbox Productions and Lava Films, the project features a cast including Diane Lane, Kyle Chandler, and Phoebe Dynevor. The story follows a family’s collapse during a fictional social movement, with WBD handling the theatrical rollout. (🇵🇱/🇺🇸)
- Blue Ant Media has unveiled six new unscripted titles and renewed ‘Dr. Savannah: Wild Rose Vet’ for its linear and FAST channels. The slate, including ‘Billionaire Murders’, is produced by Blue Ant Studios and distributed globally by Blue Ant International. The company manages all financing and sales for the diverse factual portfolio. (🇨🇦)
Distribution Deals
Distributors securing worldwide content across different genres, languages and format types- WestEnd Films has launched international sales for ‘Night and Day’, an adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s novel starring Haley Bennett, Timothy Spall, and Jack Farthing. Produced by Kevin Loader of Free Range Films, the romantic drama is being introduced to buyers at the European Film Market. WestEnd Films manages global distribution and sales for the project. (🇬🇧)
- MK2 Films has acquired the complete library of director Céline Sciamma from Pyramide Films, including ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ and ‘Petite Maman’. The Paris-based company will now handle global distribution and international sales for Sciamma’s acclaimed filmography, consolidating the director’s past and future works under the MK2 Films banner for worldwide licensing. (🇫🇷)
- Dogwoof has secured international sales rights for ‘The Cycle of Love’, a documentary executive produced by Priyanka Chopra Jonas through Purple Pebble Pictures. The film, which explores intergenerational romance in India, is produced by Tiger Baby and Guneet Monga Kapoor’s Sikhya Entertainment. Dogwoof is handling the global distribution rollout starting at the EFM. (🇬🇧/🇮🇳)
- Sphere Abacus has closed multiple unscripted sales ahead of Realscreen 2026, licensing titles like ‘The Case Against Cosby’ and ‘The Killer in My Family’. Key buyers include Foxtel, NPO, and VRT. Sphere Abacus serves as the global distributor, managing international rights and financing for its diverse factual and true-crime production slate. (🇬🇧/🇨🇦)
- Sony Pictures Classics has acquired all rights in North America, Latin America, and Eastern Europe for the Sundance hit ‘Shake Your Booty’. Directed by Ha Chan, the film was sold by M-Line Distribution. Sony Pictures Classics serves as the primary distributor for these territories, planning a theatrical release for the South Korean musical drama. (🇺🇸/🇰🇷)
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Acquisition Deals
Streamers & channels acquiring latest content across the world- Xilam Animation has licensed the animated series ‘Submarine Jim’ to Warner Bros. Discovery for Latin America. The deal ensures the project will air on Cartoon Network and Max across the region. Xilam Animation serves as the producer and global distributor, managing the international rights for the slapstick comedy series. (🇫🇷)
- Sky New Zealand has finalized a revamped multi-year content agreement with Paramount Global. The deal grants Sky exclusive rights to Paramount+ originals, Showtime series, and Paramount Pictures films for its linear channels and streaming platforms. Paramount Global serves as the licensor and distributor, reinforcing its long-term partnership with the broadcaster. (🇳🇿/🇺🇸)
- BBC Studios has licensed the factual series ‘Free Nelson Mandela’ to multiple international broadcasters, including ARTE and NRK, ahead of its Showcase event. Produced by 72 Films, the series explores the global movement to release the activist. BBC Studios acts as the global distributor, managing all international sales and financing for the project. (🇬🇧)
- ITN Productions has secured access for a Netflix documentary series focused on the Lucy Letby case. The project, produced by ITN Productions, will feature exclusive insights into the investigation and trial. Netflix serves as the primary financier and global distributor, adding the true-crime series to its international slate. (🇬🇧)
- Amazon MX Player in India has acquired three Turkish dramas—‘The Girl in the Green Stockings’, ‘The Family’, and ‘Hidden Truths’—to expand its international library. The titles were acquired from distributors including Inter Medya and MISTCO. Amazon MX Player serves as the local distributor, offering the dubbed content to its streaming audience. (🇮🇳/🇹🇷)
Partnerships / M&A
Cross-Border Collaborations, Joint Ventures, M&A and Partnerships!- South Korean heavyweights Barunson E&A and Studio N have partnered to co-develop film and series projects targeting the high-growth markets of Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. This strategic alliance leverages Studio N’s massive library of webtoon IP and Barunson E&A’s established regional partnerships to create localized content with global distribution potential. (🇰🇷)
- L.A.-based Knockout Shorts has launched as one of the first studios to produce vertical-video microdramas under SAG-AFTRA’s new Verticals Agreement, signaling a formal union-backed shift for the format. Founded by industry veterans Matthew Ko and Chris Crema, the studio’s debut slate features a high-profile project starring an Academy Award-nominated actor, aiming to elevate short-form mobile content into a premium creative medium. (🇺🇸)
- EBG Group has launched EBG Films and integrated Button Creative to establish a multi-format content platform. The Group, led by CEO Irfan Khan, has committed ₹50 crore annually to finance feature films, biopics, and creator-driven projects with budgets of ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore. Upcoming productions include a Swami Vivekananda biopic and collaborations with Green Gold Animation. EBG Group manages the financing and direct distribution of its slate, which also encompasses advertising and branded content. (🇮🇳)
- In a regional first, OSN has partnered with Nagravision and Samsung to launch a direct-to-TV service across the Middle East and North Africa, eliminating the need for traditional set-top boxes. Powered by TVkey Cloud technology, the service integrates premium pay-TV access directly into Samsung Smart TVs (2021 models and newer), providing a hardware-free, high-security viewing experience for consumers in over 20 countries. (🇦🇪)
- Producers Matthew Ko and Chris Crema have launched Knockout Shorts, a new production banner dedicated to high-quality, short-form scripted content. The outfit’s debut project is the SAG-AFTRA short film ‘Oscar Star,’ which explores the complexities of fame and the awards circuit. Knockout Shorts is managing the project’s financing and distribution, with plans to showcase the film at major international festivals. (🇺🇸)
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Companies Making Headlines
Launch and Expansions of facilities, studios, services & technologies- French media giant Mediawan has acquired Peter Chernin’s The North Road Company for approximately $900 million, a major consolidation move that establishes a premier North American hub for the Paris-based group. The deal creates a global powerhouse operating nearly 100 production companies with a combined annual production volume exceeding $2 billion across 15 countries. (🇫🇷)
- Reliance Industries has acquired a 50.1% stake in Sikhya Entertainment, the Oscar-winning production house behind “The Elephant Whisperers” for ₹150 crore. The deal integrates Sikhya’s globally recognized storytelling expertise into the Jio Studios ecosystem, aiming to scale regional Indian content for international distribution. (🇮🇳)
- AI-native film studio TakeTwo has secured pre-seed financing at a 100-crore valuation, with investment from US-based Afore Capital and Canada’s Inovia VC. Founded by Rudresh Upadhyaya and Raghav Katta, the studio provides AI-driven VFX and visual storytelling tools directly to production houses and directors. TakeTwo manages its own distribution and technical infrastructure to lower production costs for both B2B and B2C clients. (🇮🇳)
- Entrepreneur and musician Ananya Birla has launched Birla Studios, a new production banner aimed at creating global content across film, television, and digital platforms. The studio, which Birla is financing and leading as CEO, will focus on diverse storytelling with a focus on both Indian and international markets. Birla Studios intends to manage its own development and partner with major streamers and studios for worldwide distribution. (🇮🇳/🇺🇸)
- Almir Koldzic has launched Counterpoint Productions, the production arm of the UK charity Counterpoints Arts, focusing on migrant and refugee stories. The company’s debut slate includes Samera Kadry’s Palestine-set documentary Where Did My Mother Go. Joined by Ornella Mutoni and Laith Elzubaidi, the outfit manages its own financing and is collaborating with non-profit Climate Spring on future project development. (🇬🇧)
Featured New Specializations
Global innovations & breakthroughs in the Entertainment supply-chain- Post-Truth, the AI-focused production banner, has unveiled its debut feature ‘Deepfake’ at the European Film Market. The psychological thriller is produced and financed by Post-Truth, with WME Independent handling international sales and CAA Media Finance repping domestic rights. The project, starring Jamie Campbell Bower, explores the dangers of digital identity theft. (🇺🇸)
- Former Meta executive Fidji Simo has launched Watch Club, a micro-drama platform backed by financing from Google Ventures (GV). The startup focuses on producing and distributing vertical, short-form scripted content optimized for mobile viewing. Simo serves as CEO of the new venture, which aims to bridge the gap between social media and premium streaming. (🇺🇸)
- Spotify has upgraded its lyrics feature, introducing offline access and expanded real-time translations for users. The project, financed and distributed directly by Spotify, aims to improve accessibility for its global subscriber base. The update leverages the platform’s proprietary technology to ensure lyrical synchronization remains functional without an active internet connection. (🇺🇸)
- MITO AI has raised $4.5 million in pre-seed financing led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, with participation from Kibo and Kfund. The Madrid and San Francisco-based company is developing a collaborative AI video platform for filmmakers and creative teams. MITO AI distributes the tool directly, offering a multiplayer workspace for real-time cinematic content production. (🇪🇸/🇺🇸)
- Tachi AI has launched an innovative toolset for animation and VFX, focusing on streamlining labor-intensive production tasks. Headed by Aden Bahadori, the company provides AI-driven solutions directly to studios to improve creative workflows. Tachi AI manages its own financing and distribution, positioning the platform as a collaborative assistant for artists rather than a replacement for human talent. (🇺🇸)
Localization & Post-Production
Latest updates in the world of content Localization & Post-Production- Adobe has released ‘Photoshop 27.3’ and ‘Photoshop 27.4’ beta, introducing new non-destructive adjustment layers for grain and dehazing. The update features proprietary Firefly AI models to improve ‘Generative Fill’ and ‘Generative Expand’ tools. Adobe manages all distribution via its Creative Cloud subscription platform, targeting professional concept artists and texture editors. (🇺🇸)
- Krikey AI has launched its advanced 3D video editor tools, designed to allow businesses to create marketing content using high-fidelity animations. The project is financed and developed by Krikey AI, which manages the direct distribution of the platform. The tools feature AI-driven character customization and motion capture technology for professional-grade video production. (🇺🇸)
- Pikilipita has released ‘Pikimov 5’, a browser-based video editor and motion graphics tool. The community-supported project introduces a ‘classic’ NLE editor alongside 3D composition features and rotoscoping. Pikilipita manages all financing through Patreon crowdfunding and handles direct distribution via the web, offering a free, sign-up-less alternative to corporate creative suites. (🇫🇷)
- SLAPSHOT has launched ‘Autopilot’, a fully autonomous AI rotoscoping system capable of processing hundreds of shots daily. The platform, led by CEO Jon Mason, offers the tool via direct subscription and enterprise API. SLAPSHOT finances and distributes the software, which generates organized cryptomattes to help studios manage tight budgets and fast delivery timelines. (🇬🇧)
- OpenAI has launched a new multilingual translation platform, leveraging its GPT-4o architecture to provide high-fidelity translation services across 50 languages. The company is financing and distributing the tool directly through its API and ChatGPT interface. This project aims to support global business communication by integrating advanced real-time speech and text processing capabilities. (🇺🇸)
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Animation, VFX & Virtual Production
Latest global updates in Animation, Visual Effects VFX & Virtual Production- Polygonflow has launched ‘FrameRef’, a standalone GPU-accelerated reference board tool for 3D and concept artists. Based on the developer’s ‘Dash’ plugin for Unreal Engine, the software allows users to organize images and stream videos directly from platforms like YouTube. Polygonflow is managing all distribution and sales via a perpetual license model. (🇺🇸)
- BiteTheBytes has released ‘World Creator 2026.1’, a major update to its GPU-based terrain generation software. The tool, which introduces a new biome system and satellite map integration. The software is utilized by major studios like Blizzard and Grinding Gear Games for environment design. (🇩🇪)
- Developer Dan Ritchie has released ‘Howler 2026.3’, the latest update to the digital painting and animation software. The version introduces AI-based image editing, a confetti particle tool, and advanced audio recording capabilities. Ritchie manages all financing and direct distribution for the Windows-based tool, which remains a low-cost alternative for creative professionals. (🇺🇸)
- NVIDIA has open-sourced its ‘Audio2Face’ animation model, providing developers with AI tools to generate expressive facial animations from audio sources. NVIDIA is the primary developer and distributor of the technology, which is being released via GitHub and the NVIDIA Omniverse platform to support real-time digital human workflows for creators and researchers globally. (🇺🇸)
- Resolume has launched a major update for ‘Resolume Arena’, ‘Resolume Avenue’, and ‘Resolume Wire’, adding 10-bit color support and optimized loading. The company develops real-time visual software for live events, LED walls, and installations, focusing on GPU-driven processing and live control. Resolume manages all financing and direct distribution for these professional performance tools. (🇳🇱)















































