Top Hollywood Sales Agent Reveals Biggest Indie Film Challenge: “We’re Building Movies for Streaming Companies”

• Director Lan Hongchun created the diaspora drama Dear You, which earned $300 million in China after being produced on a $2 million budget. • The film's success is highlighted by its inclusion in the China Film Showcase at the Toronto International Film Festival.

• AI trends are currently disrupting China's entertainment industry in ways that may soon affect Hollywood. • Entertainment lawyer Fan Baile reports a surge in work as celebrity clients sue filmmakers for stealing their faces to create digital avatars.

• The Tourism Authority of Thailand and local producers launched a campaign to attract travelers by promoting filming locations from productions like "The White Lotus" and "Inherit." • TSixtySix studio head Cod Satrusayang noted that international clients who previously used Thailand only for technical service work are now requesting local stories.

• The BBC is canceling several television shows across its comedy, entertainment, sport, and news departments as part of a £500 million savings plan. • The corporation cut three entertainment programs in late July, including Drag Race UK and a celebrity spin-off of Mastermind.

• The 78th Emmy Awards will feature Hollywood stars competing for trophies in major television categories. • This year's ceremony includes 28 first-time nominees.

• The European Broadcasting Union released a report detailing the expanding musical, digital, and economic influence of the Eurovision Song Contest. • Local engagement grew through 13 city venues hosting dedicated events, including the Eurofan House at the Wein Museum which saw 23,500 visitors in six days.

• French President Emmanuel Macron hosted global film and television leaders, including representatives from Hollywood and streaming platforms, at the Lumière Summit. • The gathering served as the first event of its scale in a century to address the impact of AI, YouTube, and culture policy on the future of cinema.

• ABC and Disney+ are launching the new season of "Dancing with the Stars" with a two-night premiere this week. • Other recommended releases include a new album from Carly Rae Jepsen, the "Marvel's Wolverine" video game, and RuPaul in "Stop That Train."

• Guangdong Satellite TV and other partners hosted the Asia Pacific Discover Shenzhen 2026 APEC Reading Salon and Silk Road Cultural Market on September 3. • The event featured a media tour designed to showcase the cultural market within the Greater Bay Area, a regional economic hub in southern China.

• Rakuten Viki announced its fourth annual K-Drama Day celebration running from September 25 through October 1. • The event offers the global fandom of Korean entertainment free content, talent exclusives, and a variety of prizes.

• Amazon Ads executive Chris Wilson highlighted how brands like Off Campus, Elle, and Liquid I.V. are using entertainment and cultural moments as their primary advertising strategy. • The strategy leverages high-attention events, such as Justin Bieber's Coachella performance or Socceroos matches, to capture consumer interest.