Stay updated with the latest happenings in the entertainment industry, featuring insights on Cameron Crowe’s new docuseries, Disney+’s strategic partnerships, and Netflix’s leadership changes.
Exclusive: Cameron Crowe Joins Yi Zhou’s Docuseries
EXCLUSIVE: Cameron Crowe and Shepard Fairey, the artist behind the iconic Barack Obama ‘OBEY’ posters, will be featured in First Timers, a docuseries from multimedia artist, writer, director, and producer Yi Zhou. This series explores the challenges of taking a first step in high-pressure creative and professional environments. Viewers can purchase or rent it via Apple. Alongside Oscar winner Crowe and artist Fairey, cosmetic surgeon Dr. Simon Ourian completes the guest lineup. “This series is really about the social and emotional labor of showing up for the first time,” said Zhou. “These participants are entering industries that weren’t designed for them, reshaping what’s possible. The original soundtrack Cameron and I created serves as the emotional backbone of First Timers.” The docuseries is produced by Into the Sun Entertainment, with the soundtrack written, composed, and produced by Zhou and Jerry Maguire director Crowe under the Into the Sun Sounds collective label.
Disney+ Strikes Licensing Pact with ZDF Studios
Disney+ Strikes ZDF Studios Content Deal
Disney+ has secured a multi-year agreement to feature over 3,000 episodes and films from Germany’s ZDF Studios. This marks the latest collaboration between a streaming service and a public broadcaster as digital platforms and traditional networks seek closer cooperation in the current economic climate. Starting August 27, a curated ‘ZDF Films and Series’ collection will be available on Disney+ in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, featuring popular titles like Soko, A Crime in Munich, and Wilsberg. New seasons of ZDF series will be added shortly after their premieres on ZDF’s streaming services, with Disney+ expected to surpass 3,000 titles by year-end. “This deal signifies an exciting milestone in our collaboration with leading European broadcasters,” stated Karl Holmes, General Manager, Disney+ EMEA. Additionally, ZDF Studios has acquired international distribution rights for the three-part docuseries Maps of Power, produced for ZDFinfo by Story House Productions, which examines how geography influences political decisions, focusing on the U.S., China, and Russia.
Random Media Acquires ‘The Womb’
Random Media Acquires Psychological Thriller ‘The Womb’
The Womb, the latest feature from Frank A. Cappello (Constantine), has been acquired by Random Media. Written and directed by Cappello, The Womb follows Sami, a deaf woman navigating a dystopian suburban wasteland haunted by a terrifying supernatural entity. Her only warning of its approach is a faint hum detected by her cochlear implant. Holding onto hope for her missing family’s return, she refuses to abandon her fortified home, even as the military prepares to obliterate the entire area. The acquisition was negotiated for Random Media by Doctorow, former President of Worldwide Home Entertainment at Paramount, Fox, MGM, and the latest incarnation of Miramax. Sebastian Twardosz from Savant Artists represented the filmmakers in the negotiations.
Netflix Appoints Amanda Duthie as ANZ Content Chief
Netflix Poaches Amanda Duthie From Stan
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Amanda Duthie from Stan will take on the role of Netflix’s new content chief for Australia and New Zealand. The former Head of Originals at Stan will replace Que Minh Luu, who departed in April. Katherine Slattery, formerly Scripted Development Manager at Matchbox Pictures, has also joined as Content Manager. At Stan, Duthie was instrumental in greenlighting shows like Wolf Like Me, The Tourist, Bad Behaviour, and Black Snow. Her previous roles include Head of Arts & Entertainment at ABC TV, Head of Drama at SBS, Creative Director and CEO of the Adelaide Film Festival, and Head of Production, Development, and Studios at the South Australian Film Corporation. Minyoung Kim, Netflix Vice President, Content (APAC ex-India), expressed, “Amanda’s exceptional track record as a creative and her highly respected leadership within the local screen industry impressed me deeply. I look forward to collaborating with her to continue the success of the ANZ slate at Netflix.” No announcement has been made regarding her replacement at Stan.
Netflix Secures Rights to 2026 World Baseball Classic
World Baseball Classic A Home Run For Netflix Japan
Netflix will include the 2026 World Baseball Classic in its lineup in Japan, having secured exclusive media rights from World Baseball Classic, Inc. (WBCI), an organization owned by Major League Baseball that operates the tournament in conjunction with the Major League Baseball Players Association. This deal represents Netflix’s latest foray into live sports, which has previously included streaming WWE wrestling, NFL games, and boxing matches. Netflix will provide live and on-demand access to all 47 games from the tournament in Japan. “This partnership highlights the growing popularity of the tournament and the increasing interest from global media companies, as well as WBCI’s commitment to engaging fans through innovative digital platforms,” said Noah Garden, MLB Deputy Commissioner, Business & Media.
