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

20 Oct 2026Production

New York Nears California in Production Spend, Historic Kaufman Astoria Studio Revived, and UK Horror Project Gears Up

Three major updates have emerged from the global film and television production landscape:

New York's Production Surge: According to ProdPro data for Q3 2026, film production spending in New York jumped by 87% to reach $1.61 billion, bringing it very close to California ($1.76 billion) driven by major streaming and studio investments.
Kaufman Astoria Studio Revival: New York’s historic studio (formerly Paramount Pictures' hub) is back in business under the management of Shadowbox Studios following financial restructuring.
New Horror Feature Molepeople: The upcoming horror film starring Ben Mendelsohn and LaKeith Stanfield is ramping up production in the UK (London), with a scheduled week of filming in New York.
Source: ProdPro Data & Production Reports

Music

Oct 20, 2026

US Supreme Court Rejects Major Music Companies' Appeal, and APRA AMCOS Hits Record Revenue in Australia

Two major developments have emerged concerning music rights and market economics: US Supreme Court Ruling: On October 19, 2026, the Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal from Universal, Sony, Warner, and BMG seeking to overturn a lower court ruling, thereby upholding songwriters' rights to reclaim international copyrights under specific legal terms. APRA AMCOS Annual Report: The Australian and New Zealand rights organization reported a total revenue increase of 8.8% to reach AUD $857.4 million, though local music's share of streaming dropped from 13.6% to 8.5% over a five-year span. Source: APRA AMCOS / The Music & US Supreme Court Reports

Productions

Oct 20, 2026

New York Nears California in Production Spend, Historic Kaufman Astoria Studio Revived, and UK Horror Project Gears Up

Three major updates have emerged from the global film and television production landscape: New York's Production Surge: According to ProdPro data for Q3 2026, film production spending in New York jumped by 87% to reach $1.61 billion, bringing it very close to California ($1.76 billion) driven by major streaming and studio investments. Kaufman Astoria Studio Revival: New York’s historic studio (formerly Paramount Pictures' hub) is back in business under the management of Shadowbox Studios following financial restructuring. New Horror Feature Molepeople: The upcoming horror film starring Ben Mendelsohn and LaKeith Stanfield is ramping up production in the UK (London), with a scheduled week of filming in New York. Source: ProdPro Data & Production Reports

Taste Over Prompts; Why "Human Judgment" is the Most Valuable Skill in the Age of AI

Marketing

Oct 20, 2026

Taste Over Prompts; Why "Human Judgment" is the Most Valuable Skill in the Age of AI

«Just because Artificial Intelligence can generate an ad in a matter of minutes doesn't mean the consumer will necessarily accept or approve of it!» A recent study by DoubleVerify reveals that 47% of consumers in Singapore say that if a brand uses AI to create low-quality, bizarre, or unnatural advertisements, their perception of that brand will significantly worsen. This data highlights a critical point regarding the future of marketing: The strategic question is no longer "Should we use AI?", but rather, "Is what the AI creates worthy of our brand name?" It is true that AI can now produce images, videos, text, and dozens of types of creative content at high speed and low cost. However, ease of production does not equate to better content. On the contrary, when thousands of brands have access to the exact same technology, AI itself is no longer a competitive differentiator. What truly makes the difference? What sets one brand apart from another is Taste, Human Judgment, and a deep understanding of culture and consumer sentiment. The future of marketing is not a race to see who uses AI the most; it is a race to see who can better evaluate AI's output, know when to reject it, and curate only what perfectly aligns with their brand identity. Therefore, in the era of AI, the most valuable skill for a marketer may not be "Prompt Writing," but rather "Taste." Because while AI can generate the creative, it is still the human who must ultimately decide which creative deserves to carry the brand's name. (Note: The 47% figure is specific to Singaporean consumer data and should not be interpreted as a global benchmark, though it serves as a strong indicator of shifting consumer behavior).

Netflix discloses box office grosses for first time with La Bola Negra

Distribution

Oct 20, 2026

Netflix discloses box office grosses for first time with La Bola Negra

The Spanish-language festival favourite took $277,500 across four screens in New York and Los Angeles ahead of a planned rollout to 300 cinemas and a December streaming debut. In a historic first for the streaming platform, Netflix has publicly reported box office grosses for the domestic debut of queer drama La Bola Negra, collecting $277,500 across four cinemas in Los Angeles and New York. The specialty release delivered a per-screen average of roughly $69,375, ranking as the second-highest average ever recorded for a non-English language title. Produced on a reported budget of between $15m and $17m, the U.S. rights were acquired by Netflix at Cannes for a reported $5m. The feature, which previously debuted in Spain in late September, gathered six audience awards across the festival circuit and will represent Spain in the Academy Awards race. Netflix intends to expand theatrical distribution across up to 300 locations nationwide over the coming weeks before making the film available to global streaming subscribers on Dec. 2. The rare box office disclosure lands during an unsettled period for the streamer, which recently dismissed roughly 1,000 workers—about 6% of its workforce—in the largest round of job cuts in corporate history. The restructuring saw chief content officer Bela Bajaria exit the business to be succeeded by former Disney executive Peter Rice, as sliding share prices amplify investor demands for stronger viewer engagement and higher-performing titles. Source: latimes.com

Casting

Oct 19, 2026

Search for Young Talent in Australia and Background Casting Call for Universal's Freefall

Two key developments have been announced in auditioning and casting: AACTA Young Stars 2027 in Australia: The initiative continues its search for young actors aged 13–18 via self-tape auditions. Renowned casting director John Papsidera sits on the judging panel, with a submission deadline of October 23, 2026. Casting Call for Universal’s Freefall: Producers for Freefall, starring Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler, are casting background actors and individuals with real-world experience, such as law enforcement officers. Source: AACTA & Universal Pictures Casting Call

Music

Oct 19, 2026

Global Concerns Over AI Music Training and Goldman Sachs Predicts Global Music Revenue to Hit $198B by 2035

Two major updates have emerged concerning the economics and copyright landscape of the music industry: Copyright & AI Concerns: On October 19, 2026, the International Confederation of Music Publishers (ICMP) warned against proposed Australian copyright law changes aimed at facilitating AI model training without proper licensing or creator compensation. Goldman Sachs' Growth Forecast: In its new Music in the Air report, investment bank Goldman Sachs projects that global music industry revenues will soar to $198.1 billion by 2035, driven by surging paid streaming subscriptions, price hikes, and a booming live concert market. Source: ICMP & Goldman Sachs Report

Three Films Start Shooting in Oklahoma & Historical Drama in Spain, Netflix Comedy Kicks Off, and Chicago Boosts Hollywood Incentives

Productions

Oct 19, 2026

Three Films Start Shooting in Oklahoma & Historical Drama in Spain, Netflix Comedy Kicks Off, and Chicago Boosts Hollywood Incentives

Four major updates have emerged from the global film and television production industry: Production Starts in Oklahoma: According to the Oklahoma Film + Music Office, three new film projects (To Make the World Quiet, His Heart, and Pipe Cleaner Boy) begin shooting today, October 19, 2026, leveraging the state’s financial production incentives. Netflix Comedy in Madrid: Netflix announced on October 16, 2026, the start of principal photography for its new comedy film Rata (a remake of the French film Radin!), starring Paco León and directed by Oriol Pérez Alcaraz. Chicago Courts Hollywood Giants: The City of Chicago is aggressively competing for major studios like Netflix, Disney, and Amazon by boosting tax incentives to 35% through the Greenlight Chicago & Illinois initiative. Historical Feature Blanco Begins Filming: Directed by Félix Viscarret, the historical drama Blanco begins shooting on October 19, 2026, exploring the human and journalistic dimensions of the 1997 ETA kidnapping of Miguel Ángel Blanco. Source: Official Production Press Releases

Universal Pictures Content Group acquires Harry Styles concert documentary

Distribution

Oct 19, 2026

Universal Pictures Content Group acquires Harry Styles concert documentary

Filmmaker John Wilson is capturing the pop star's historic 30-show Madison Square Garden run for an upcoming feature co-produced by Peanut World Pictures and Styles. Universal Pictures Content Group has acquired exclusive worldwide rights to a feature documentary chronicling pop singer Harry Styles during his record-setting 30-show residency at New York City's Madison Square Garden. Directed by John Wilson, best known for the HBO documentary series How To with John Wilson and The History of Concrete, the film is co-produced by Universal Pictures Content Group, Styles, and Peanut World Pictures. A theatrical release through Universal is reportedly being considered, though distribution terms have not yet been finalised and no release date has been set. Filming began at the arena in August, according to Variety. The completed feature will combine live performance footage with behind-the-scenes material focusing on crew members and the audience during the run. The Madison Square Garden engagement, running from August 26 through October 31, marks the largest single run in the venue's history. The shows also featured the live debut of an unreleased song, "What Is Enough", on the second anniversary of Liam Payne's death. The residency is part of Styles's global "Together, Together" tour supporting his fourth album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally. The artist is set to play Australian stadium dates later this year before resuming the tour across North America and Europe through 2027. Source: consequence.net

When AI Knows How Much You Are Willing to Pay; The Risks of Surveillance Pricing

Marketing

Oct 19, 2026

When AI Knows How Much You Are Willing to Pay; The Risks of Surveillance Pricing

«Imagine this; you and someone else are buying the exact same product, at the same store, at the exact same time, yet you both see a different price! Not because of a discount, but because AI knows who is willing to pay more.» This is one of the major concerns increasingly being discussed in the market alongside the rapid growth of AI Pricing and the phenomenon of "Surveillance Pricing." According to an Associated Press report, the use of AI, dynamic pricing, and digital price tags in retail stores has raised significant questions among consumers regarding transparency and price fairness. The problem isn't just the speed at which prices change. The real concern is this: What happens if a customer's personal data is used to evaluate exactly how much each individual is able and willing to pay? This is where the delicate line between "Personalization" and "Surveillance Pricing" becomes clear. In the former, data is used to provide you with a better, more relevant offer. In the latter, your data becomes a tool to estimate your purchasing power and impose the highest possible price on you. What is the lesson for marketers? A personalization strategy only creates value up to the point where it does not destroy consumer trust. Customers appreciate personalized offers, but if they feel a brand is using their data to figure out "how much more money they can extract," the very data meant to improve the customer experience will permanently destroy that trust. In the age of AI, the strategic question isn't just: "What can we do with customer data?", but rather the most critical question is: "What shouldn't we do with customer data?". Ultimately, AI might find the perfect price to maximize profit; but if that price results in the loss of customer trust, the brand will have paid a far heavier price.

Casting

Oct 18, 2026

Zendaya Boards New Sci-Fi Project, and Casting Call Opens for Ramy Youssef's Film

Two major casting updates have been announced in the film industry Zendaya's New Project: Actress Zendaya has joined an upcoming A24 project directed by Civil War filmmaker Alex Garland. The film's title remains under wraps, with production expected to begin in 2027. Casting for Ramy Youssef's Film: According to Backstage, a new A24 feature written and directed by Ramy Youssef and featuring Sharon Stone is casting two supporting roles for actors aged 25–50 of Middle Eastern or West African descent (with one role requiring English as a second language). Source: PEOPLE & Backstage

Mediawan acquires Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine from Candle Media

Distribution

Oct 18, 2026

Mediawan acquires Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine from Candle Media

The Paris-based production powerhouse will integrate the banner alongside Chernin Entertainment and See-Saw Films, with Witherspoon investing an undisclosed sum and joining the group board. Paris-headquartered studio Mediawan has acquired Hello Sunshine, the production banner and intellectual property catalogue led by Reese Witherspoon, purchasing the business from Candle Media. Under the agreement, Witherspoon is contributing an undisclosed personal investment to help facilitate the transaction, though comprehensive financial terms have not been disclosed. The acquisition covers the company's development pipeline along with Reese's Book Club, which maintains a direct audience across millions of readers. Following the completion of the deal, Witherspoon and Hello Sunshine co-founder Seth Rodsky will join the Mediawan board of directors alongside representatives from the French group. The sale marks the conclusion of a five-year period under Candle Media, the Blackstone-backed venture founded by former Disney executive Kevin Mayer, which bought the banner at a reported valuation of roughly $900m. Hello Sunshine was established in 2016 with backing from Jesse Jacobs and Chernin through The Chernin Group, assembling a catalogue that features The Morning Show, Big Little Lies, Little Fires Everywhere, Where the Crawdads Sing, and the Apple TV project Lucky. The company had previously reorganized its executive ranks roughly one year ago following the departure of chief executive Sarah Harden. Backed by private equity firm KKR, Mediawan oversees nearly 100 production labels globally, including Plan B Entertainment, See-Saw Films, and Chernin Entertainment. Mediawan said the move provides Hello Sunshine with access to worldwide production infrastructure across five continents while maintaining the label's creative independence. Witherspoon noted that Mediawan has built a global independent studio by prioritizing creators, aligning with her long-term vision for the production company. Source: vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com

Marketing

Oct 18, 2026

When the Algorithm Makes a Mistake and the Brand Pays the Price; Why National Trust Paused Its Campaigns

«Artificial intelligence can speed up production and cut costs, but a minor algorithmic error can deal a massive blow to your brand's trust and reputation!» The National Trust, one of the UK's largest and most renowned conservation charities for historic and natural places, was forced to halt all its advertising campaigns on TikTok. The reason? A glaring error discovered in content generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The issue began with an ad for the organization's membership campaign, in which the AI included factually incorrect information about one of the historic sites. Upon discovering this, the Trust didn't just delete the flawed ad; it paused the entire campaign to conduct a thorough review of its systems and its content creation and verification processes. This incident serves as a stark example of the risks associated with "AI Hallucination"—when AI presents false information in a highly confident and convincing manner. Why is this important for marketers? This is a major wake-up call, especially when we consider (as mentioned earlier in the Bench Media study) that 38% of marketing executives are willing to approve AI recommendations without any human review. The lesson here is simple: the speed of AI must never replace human fact-checking. Artificial intelligence is excellent for generating ideas and accelerating the creative process, but when a brand's name and logo are attached to the final output, the liability falls entirely on the brand, not the algorithm. In the era of AI, the real competition in the market isn't just about who can produce content the fastest; it is about who builds the best systems to review, verify, and protect their brand's hard-earned trust.

Music

Oct 18, 2026

US Lawsuit Targets Concert Ticket Rescaling, and Catalog Music Surges on Spotify

Two major updates have emerged from the global music industry: Ticket Resale Lawsuit: The US Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have filed a lawsuit against REPS & Company for illegally acquiring and reselling over 18.5 million concert and event tickets valued at more than $1.3 billion using automated mass-account systems. Catalog Music Surge on Spotify: A new analysis by Music Business Worldwide reveals that older catalog music is increasingly dominating Spotify’s top-streaming charts throughout 2026, making the competition significantly tougher for brand-new releases. Source: Music Business Worldwide & FTC

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