Newsroom

News & Stories

Announcements, events and behind-the-scenes from across Art City's divisions. Like the stories you love and save them for later.

5 Nov 2026Music

Global Royalty Collections Hit Record €14.06B in CISAC Report, while Adobe Partners with UMG & WMG for Premiere Mobile

Two major updates regarding global rights collection revenues and tech licensing agreements have been released:

CISAC Global Collections Report 2026: International organization CISAC released its annual report on November 4, 2026, revealing that global music collections reached a record €14.06 billion in 2025 (an 11.9% YoY increase). Digital music revenues accounted for €6.41 billion (45.6% of the total), while total creative collections across all art domains reached €15.5 billion.
Adobe Licensing Deal with UMG & Warner Music: On November 3, 2026, Adobe announced a partnership with Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group to integrate licensed music into Adobe Premiere for mobile. The integration enables users to search, preview, and edit up to 60-second music clips into non-commercial personal video projects.
Source: CISAC Official Global Collections Report 2026 & Adobe Press Release

Phars Films acquires overseas rights to Shah Rukh Khan's King in record deal

Distribution

Nov 5, 2026

Phars Films acquires overseas rights to Shah Rukh Khan's King in record deal

The Middle East-based distributor has committed a record minimum guarantee reported at ₹175 crore, replacing Yash Raj Films to handle international distribution for the action thriller. Dubai-based distributor Phars Films has acquired international distribution rights for the upcoming action feature King, starring Shah Rukh Khan, taking over duties originally slated for Yash Raj Films. The acquisition involves an unprecedented overseas minimum guarantee reported at ₹175 crore. The transaction represents a historical benchmark for an Indian theatrical release, where international minimum guarantee agreements had previously never crossed the ₹100 crore mark. Under the strategy, Phars Films is expected to manage distribution directly in the Middle East while licensing individual overseas markets to local sub-distributors. Territory-level transactions are already underway, including a reported high-value sub-distribution offer in Germany, though distribution across North America and the United Kingdom will see operational adjustments from Yash Raj Films' typical direct handling. Co-produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix Pictures, the title shifts away from the commission-based distribution model previously used for Khan's releases such as Jawan and Dunki. The agreement significantly reduces financial risk for the production by securing upfront recovery, while setting a worldwide overseas theatrical recoupment benchmark estimated between $48m and $50m. The production faces a competitive international theatrical rollout across the Christmas and New Year corridor, where it is anticipated to contend for cinema screen allocations alongside Hollywood releases including Avengers: Doomsday, Dune Part 3, and Jumanji 3. Source: pinkvilla.com

Music

Nov 5, 2026

Global Royalty Collections Hit Record €14.06B in CISAC Report, while Adobe Partners with UMG & WMG for Premiere Mobile

Two major updates regarding global rights collection revenues and tech licensing agreements have been released: CISAC Global Collections Report 2026: International organization CISAC released its annual report on November 4, 2026, revealing that global music collections reached a record €14.06 billion in 2025 (an 11.9% YoY increase). Digital music revenues accounted for €6.41 billion (45.6% of the total), while total creative collections across all art domains reached €15.5 billion. Adobe Licensing Deal with UMG & Warner Music: On November 3, 2026, Adobe announced a partnership with Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group to integrate licensed music into Adobe Premiere for mobile. The integration enables users to search, preview, and edit up to 60-second music clips into non-commercial personal video projects. Source: CISAC Official Global Collections Report 2026 & Adobe Press Release

Pixar Appoints New Studio Head, US Proposes 20% Film Tax Credit Act, and Daisy Ridley Set to Star in Psychological Horror Feature

Productions

Nov 5, 2026

Pixar Appoints New Studio Head, US Proposes 20% Film Tax Credit Act, and Daisy Ridley Set to Star in Psychological Horror Feature

Three major industry updates spanning studio leadership, federal production incentives, and high-profile casting have emerged: Pixar Leadership Transition: Pixar Animation Studios has announced that Jonathan Garson will take over as the new head of the studio starting December 4, 2027, succeeding Jim Morris. Pete Docter and Jonas Rivera will continue guiding creative slates, including Incredibles 3. US Entertainment Revitalization Act Proposed: A new federal legislative proposal in the US aims to introduce a 20% tax credit for film and television productions, provided the project budget is at least $1 million and 75% of principal photography takes place within the United States. Daisy Ridley Cast in Horror Feature Get Rid Of It: Actresses Daisy Ridley and Sosie Bacon are attached to star in a new horror-thriller feature titled Get Rid Of It, centered on a bizarre and terrifying pregnancy. Directed by Ry Russo-Young, the project is produced by the team behind Whiplash. Source: Official Pixar Press Releases, Entertainment Revitalization Act Proposals & Production Trade Reports

Marketing

Nov 4, 2026

When Story Replaces Discounts; Why John Lewis's Christmas Ad Became a Crucial Marketing Lesson?

The British company John Lewis has released its 2026 Christmas ad; a three-minute commercial titled Gloria and Pickles that, instead of focusing on prices and discounts, highlights love and intergenerational connection. The story of the ad follows a grandmother named Gloria, who doesn't know what to buy her grandchildren as a gift. Initially, she decides to give them money, fearing she might choose a gift they won't like. However, an old childhood toy, a little dog named Pickles, comes to life and encourages her to choose a more meaningful gift. In the end, the grandmother prepares a special room full of lights, music, and games for her grandkids; a place where they can spend a joyful time together. But what is the marketing idea behind this ad? John Lewis is trying to convey the message that a good gift isn't always the most expensive one; rather, it's the one that shows how much you thought about the person. This is a clear example of emotional marketing. Because instead of simply showcasing its products, the company tells a story that can stir the viewer's emotions and associate the brand with a happy memory. The goal is that when people think about buying gifts, they don't see John Lewis merely as a shop, but as a brand connected to love and family. The lesson of this news for marketing professionals is: you don't always need to talk about the features and price of your product in an ad; sometimes a meaningful story can create an emotional connection between the customer and your brand. Or in one short verdict: «People might forget the price of a gift, but the feeling that gift gave them can stay in their memory for a long time.»

Casting

Nov 4, 2026

Casting Opens for Dark Comedy Short The Sun Starer and British-Ghanaian Drama Restful Harbour

Two new international casting calls for indie film productions have officially launched on Backstage: Casting Call for The Sun Starer: The dark comedy satire short The Sun Starer has entered pre-production in Los Angeles, California. The production is seeking two male actors for the lead role of Daniel Berger (ages 35–50) and supporting role of Dr. Donald Leary (ages 40–65), with total compensation up to $1,250. Filming is slated for late Spring or early Summer 2027. Casting Call for Restful Harbour: Production house Osun Group, featuring a script by Sheila Nortley, has launched casting for the British-Ghanaian feature Restful Harbour. Filming is scheduled for May 2027 in Accra, Ghana (Osu & Labadi Beach), with travel and accommodation provided. The project is casting Black/African female leads: Danielle (ages 25–35, £10,000 pay rate), Isabella (ages 30–40, £7,000 pay rate), and Tia (ages 18–23, £4,000 pay rate). The application deadline is November 19, 2026. Source: Backstage Casting Notices (The Sun Starer & Restful Harbour)

Karol G Makes History on Billboard Latin Airplay Chart, and BTS Draws 853,000 Fans Across Latin America

Music

Nov 4, 2026

Karol G Makes History on Billboard Latin Airplay Chart, and BTS Draws 853,000 Fans Across Latin America

Two massive updates regarding record-breaking chart achievements and massive global tour revenues have emerged: Karol G's Historic Billboard Record: On November 3, 2026, Billboard reported that Colombian star Karol G became the first artist in the 32-year history of the Latin Airplay chart to simultaneously lock down the top three spots with tracks from a single album (No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto), led by "BbY WOW" at No. 1. BTS Latin American Tour & HYBE Q3 Growth: BTS concluded the Latin American leg of their ARIRANG world tour, selling out 14 stadium shows across five cities and drawing 853,000 attendees. Concurrently, HYBE reported Q3 2026 financial results showing a 109.8% YoY revenue surge to 1.53 trillion South Korean Won. Source: Billboard Reports & The Korea Times / Yonhap News Agency

Guy Ritchie & Jason Statham Team for Dogfight, First Portuguese Original Operation TAP Begins, and Spanish Comedy Chapapote Starts Filming

Productions

Nov 4, 2026

Guy Ritchie & Jason Statham Team for Dogfight, First Portuguese Original Operation TAP Begins, and Spanish Comedy Chapapote Starts Filming

Three feature film production announcements have emerged from Netflix's global film slate: Guy Ritchie & Jason Statham's Dogfight: Jason Statham and director Guy Ritchie are reuniting for their seventh feature, an action-thriller titled Dogfight for Netflix. Written and directed by Ritchie, principal photography is set to launch in early 2027 in the UK. Netflix's First Portuguese Feature Operation TAP: Netflix has kicked off production on its first local film in Portugal, titled Operation TAP. Directed by João Nuno Pinto, the story is loosely based on a true 1980 incident involving a 16-year-old who hijacked a TAP airplane bound for Madrid. Spanish Comedy Feature Chapapote: Principal photography has begun on the Netflix Spanish comedy Chapapote, directed by Daniel Sánchez Arévalo. The film follows a small village making an unusual financial decision in the wake of the 2002 Prestige oil spill disaster. Source: Official Press Releases from Netflix & Production Trades

PVR INOX Pictures acquires Shraddha Kapoor's Eetha in reported ₹90 crore deal

Distribution

Nov 4, 2026

PVR INOX Pictures acquires Shraddha Kapoor's Eetha in reported ₹90 crore deal

The nationwide theatrical distribution pact for the Maddock Films biographical drama marks one of the biggest box office rights deals to date for a female-led Indian feature. PVR INOX Pictures has secured the all-India theatrical distribution rights to Maddock Films' upcoming biographical drama Eetha. The theatrical pact is understood to be valued at approximately ₹90 crore, securing domestic cinema rights across the country for the Shraddha Kapoor vehicle. The reported valuation ranks the transaction among the largest theatrical distribution arrangements ever closed for a female-led film. Source: vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com

The Great Paradox of the Advertising Market: While Most Purchases Happen in Stores, Why Does Most Ad Revenue Still Come from the Internet?

Marketing

Nov 4, 2026

The Great Paradox of the Advertising Market: While Most Purchases Happen in Stores, Why Does Most Ad Revenue Still Come from the Internet?

While the majority of purchases still take place in physical stores, in-store advertising accounts for a very small portion of retailers' advertising revenue. According to a report by MarketScale, which relies on an assessment by Omdia, only about 5% of retail media advertising revenue comes from inside physical stores. At the same time, in the second quarter of 2026, only 17.1% of retail sales in the United States were conducted via the internet. These two numbers raise an important question: if most people buy in stores, why does in-store advertising still make up such a small fraction of ad revenue? For example, a customer goes to a supermarket to buy shampoo. In front of the shelf, they see several brands and decide right there which one to buy. If they see a relevant ad in that exact spot, it is likely to influence their choice. Therefore, physical stores can be a crucial opportunity for marketing professionals, because advertising in that space reaches the customer when they are close to the purchasing decision. However, there is a significant hurdle: how do we know that in-store advertising actually led to an increase in sales? So the lesson of this news for marketing professionals is: «Advertising shouldn't just be where people are looking; it must also be present where people make their purchasing decisions.»

Ed Sheeran & Arijit Singh Team Up for Indian Feature King, and Gospel Star Nathaniel Bassey Surpasses 1B YouTube Views

Music

Nov 3, 2026

Ed Sheeran & Arijit Singh Team Up for Indian Feature King, and Gospel Star Nathaniel Bassey Surpasses 1B YouTube Views

Two key developments spanning cross-border pop collaborations and streaming milestones have emerged: Ed Sheeran & Arijit Singh Collaboration: Released on November 2, 2026, the track Tu Mil Jaaye debuted as the lead single for the upcoming Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone feature King. The song features Hindi vocals by Arijit Singh alongside an English rap section performed by Ed Sheeran. Directed by Siddharth Anand, the film is scheduled for release on December 24, 2026. Nathaniel Bassey's YouTube Milestone: Nigerian Gospel artist Nathaniel Bassey officially surpassed 1.014 billion cumulative views and 5.24 million subscribers on his official YouTube channel. The achievement marks the first time an African Gospel artist has crossed the one-billion view threshold on the platform. Source: The Economic Times / Moneycontrol & The Guardian Nigeria / Voice of Nigeria

Casting

Nov 3, 2026

Open Casting Calls Announced for Romantic Drama Tender Hearts and Sci-Fi Horror Feature Under the Bed

Two key casting notices for US indie feature films have officially launched on Backstage: Casting Call for Tender Hearts: Production company Cultures Interlude, owned by James Morgan, has issued an open casting call for the LA-set romantic drama Tender Hearts. The project is seeking Black lead actors aged 21–35 for the roles of Darius and Camila, alongside crew members. Principal photography begins late January/early February 2027, offering $3,600–$5,400 per lead role for an 18-day shoot. Application deadline is January 11, 2027. Casting Call for Under the Bed: Wicked Lovely Films and Media, produced by Rae Shaw, is casting lead roles (Shade and Moon) for the fantasy sci-fi horror feature Under the Bed in the San Francisco Bay Area. Shooting is scheduled for December 2026 through January 2027 with a daily rate of $235 ($2,350 total for 10 shoot days). Auditions take place in San Francisco in November 2026. Source: Backstage Casting Notices (Tender Hearts & Under the Bed)

Distributors convene at Australian convention to map theatrical slates through 2027

Distribution

Nov 3, 2026

Distributors convene at Australian convention to map theatrical slates through 2027

Studio executives from Universal, Sony, Paramount, Disney, and StudioCanal gathered on the Gold Coast to assess robust cinema box office returns and plan distribution strategies for future theatrical releases. The theatrical distribution sector gathered on the Gold Coast for the Australian International Movie Convention to review strong recent box office earnings and project theatrical schedules extending into 2027. Senior leadership from major global and regional distributors—including Universal Pictures, Sony Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Walt Disney Studios, and StudioCanal—convened to evaluate cinema performance and navigate upcoming distribution calendars. Attendees participating in the market discussions included Mike Baard, managing director at Universal Pictures International Australasia, as studios look to maintain theatrical momentum across the territory. Source: if.com.au

Netflix European Production Head Departs, Los Angeles Cuts Low-Budget Permit Fees, and Bolo Bolo Bolo Wraps UK Shoot

Productions

Nov 3, 2026

Netflix European Production Head Departs, Los Angeles Cuts Low-Budget Permit Fees, and Bolo Bolo Bolo Wraps UK Shoot

Three major film industry developments spanning corporate restructuring, production incentives, and international features have been announced: Executive Restructuring at Netflix Europe: Anna Mallett, VP of Production for the UK and EMEA, is leaving Netflix after five years as part of a broader corporate restructuring. The initiative includes 1,000 global workforce reductions, impacting roughly 3% of the UK staff. Hollywood Low-Impact Permitting Fee Reduction: The City of Los Angeles and FilmLA extended the Low Impact Film Permit program through April 2027. The incentive slashed application fees from $931 to $350, returning over $400,000 in savings across 422 small-scale productions. Musical Feature Bolo Bolo Bolo Wraps Photography: Principal photography has concluded in the UK for director Vikas Bahl's musical drama Bolo Bolo Bolo. Starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Jimmy Shergill, the film explores the evolution of 1990s Punjabi music and is set for a 2027 release. Source: Official Statements from Netflix, FilmLA, and Production Trade Reports

13 of 351