There were reasons to feel optimistic about the trajectory of an industry that has been knocked down and counted out for half a decade. But those reasons didn’t end up counterbalancing several worrying trends — not least of which was the expansion of Netflix. - Variety
The number of UK streaming subscribers on packages that include commercials has overtaken those on higher-priced ad-free plans for the first time, in a milestone for British television. - The Guardian
In 2025, slop is everywhere. Low-effort, low-quality, AI-generated nonsense is polluting our social media feeds, search engine results, scientific journals, music streaming services, eBook marketplaces, universities, legal filings, and more. - Mother Jones
“The industry is investing heavily in the future of series like it: low-budget, mobile-only ‘microdramas’ with episodes between 60 and 90 seconds. These shows, also known as ‘verticals’ for their phone orientation, have already become widely popular in China.” - The Guardian
“Verticals as the next big thing for Vancouver creatives and crews follows a major consumer shift in the entertainment ecosystem where made-in-China microdramas that combine the immediacy of social media with the soapy emotions of TV dramas have started to captivate U.S. audiences.” - The Hollywood Reporter
Together, these AI slop channels have amassed more than 63bn views and 221 million subscribers, generating about $117m (£90m) in revenue each year, according to estimates. - The Guardian
“We are rolling out 200 of our Ultra Lux seats, which have a built-in champagne or wine cooler, each day across Europe,” says Tim Richards, chief executive and founder of the Vue cinema chain. - The Guardian
Listening to a podcast is usually a solo experience. “Going to a theater to see these podcast performers live can feel like the exact opposite: Strangers with the same niche interest crowding into one place in not just rapt, but maybe even a bit rabid, attention." - Los Angeles Times (MSN)
“A producer wanted her to audition for The Exorcist. However, her mother, Janet Leigh, shut down the opportunity, protecting her then 12-year-old daughter from early fame and any potential trauma that came with starring in one of the scariest movies ever made.” - Variety
Choosing only one post from these annual critic chats is a challenge, but this 10th in the series features the weirdly, deeply American Roofman (though for the sake of improving both brain and watchlist, read through the entire discussion). - Slate
“Does the Sad Art Dad regret his choices? Is making great art—which, in these films, has a capacious, allegorical quality—worth ruining your relationship with your kids?” - The Atlantic
“What Reiner’s vastly differing films all share is the generous and empathetic heart of their director, a deep sense of humanity, and a relentless curiosity about and love of people, in all their imperfections and quirks.” - Los Angeles Review of Books
Worth a read just for the pans: “This listless and supercilious musical – ostensibly on the theme of heartwarming home town values – ... flatlines like a hedgehog run over by an 18-wheeler.” Ouch. - The Guardian (UK)
Love it or hate it, Hallmark movies are big business in B.C., where the company films the about 40 per cent of its content — Christmas and year-round programming. When Hallmark films in B.C., it hires almost exclusively local workers to make it happen. The province estimates about 100 local crew members are hired for each movie. - CBC
