Cannes Kicks Off, Deadline Expands Its Reach, Plus a Chat with Barry Keoghan
The newly updated International Insider newsletter is now available, featuring refreshed sections aimed at enhancing the weekly reading experience. This revamp coincides perfectly with the Cannes Film Festival, making it an exciting time for film enthusiasts. Jesse Whittock provides insights on the latest developments in the TV and film landscape.
Cannes Underway
From Local To Global Debuts
Watch on Deadline
Corden Corrals Comedy Commissioners
Think Big: The BBC Comedy Festival took place in Liverpool, attracting key figures in British comedy. Prominent voices emphasized the need for increased support for comedy talent amid a fragmented viewing landscape. James Corden passionately advocated for commissioners to greenlight new shows, suggesting the value of multi-season commitments. “How do platforms today crack comedy? I feel like the only way is to commission two series and say, ‘We believe in this, and it’s going to take time, and you can’t rely on overnight ratings,’” he stated. Akemnji Ndifornyen, co-creator of *Black Ops,* praised the BBC’s confidence in his renewed series. Meanwhile, BBC comedy chief Jon Petrie acknowledged the difficulties faced by scripted comedy, marking a recurring theme in his addresses at the festival since 2023.
The Insider Interview
When Barry Met Baz B: Although reviews for Barry Keoghan’s film *Butterfly Jam* at Cannes have been mixed, the Irish actor continues to captivate audiences. His recent conversation with Baz touched on his new film, his role as Ringo Starr in an upcoming Beatles project, and potential future endeavors in directing.
British Box Office Boomer: The UK film industry celebrates the substantial success of *The Magic Faraway Tree*, which has grossed over $20 million at the local box office. Featuring a cast that includes *Bridgerton* star Nicola Coughlan and *Baby Reindeer*’s Jessica Gunning, the film is positioned to become a franchise, taking inspiration from iconic series such as *Harry Potter* and *Paddington*.
The Essentials
🌶️ Hot One: Florence Pugh is set to star in and produce *The Midnight Library*, with Garth Davis directing.
🌶️ Hot One: Aimee-Lou Wood’s acclaimed BBC comedy-drama *Film Club* will not return for a second season, as confirmed by Jake.
🔥 A Third One: Once an online sensation, *Moshi Monsters* is making a comeback as an animated series for the late 2020s.
😲 Best of Enemies: The creators of Disney+’s *Rivals* discuss how the second season pays homage to Jilly Cooper.
🇮🇷 Spotlight on Iran: Damon Wise interviews four Iranian directors about the challenges of filmmaking in their homeland.
⚽ Golaccio!: *Ted Lasso* star Cristo Fernandez has signed a real-life contract with USL Championship team El Paso Locomotive.
🖋️ Signed: Belgian and French actress Virginie Efira has signed with United Talent Agency for representation.
🏃🏻♂️ Wasting No Time: José María Caro has been appointed Chief Content Officer at Secuoya Studios, a day after leaving HBO Max Spain.
⚖️ Sua Lipa: Samsung Electronics has denied allegations of illegally using an image of Dua Lipa to market TV sets in the U.S.
🐦 A Bird in the Hand is Worth Two in Cannes: Former Prime Video UK chief Chris Bird launched two AI ventures in France, collaborating with documentary director Dan Hartley.
🎥 Trail: A trailer has been released for *Dear England*, an adaptation of James Graham’s Olivier-winning play focused on Gareth Southgate’s tenure as England’s national team manager.
International Insider is produced by Jesse Whittock and edited by Jake Kanter. Contributions also came from Zac Ntim and Max Goldbart.
