Business
UK Culture Media and Sport Committee report: ‘urgent action’ needed for HETV and film industries
The report outlined a package of proposed measures to ensure domestic production remains competitive
Amazon
Business
Patent deal resolves Nokia and Amazon litigation
The confidential agreement ends multi-jurisdictional litigation between the parties over the issues
Media Consumption
Ampere: European streaming revenue overtakes PSB for first time
The company predicts revenues will grow to €38.4 billion by 2029 and calls on governments to recognise the need for financially stable PSB models
Media Delivery
Ampere: streamers to spend $12.5 billion on sports rights this year
Fuelled by increasing budgets, the streamer's combined will equal a fifth of global sports rights spend
Media Delivery
WBD’s Perrette: Amazon could distribute Max in key Euro markets
Sky's HBO distribution agreement is due to expire in around a year
Artificial Intelligence
Amazon takes on OpenAI with new AI video generation capabilities
Amazon Nova Reel can provide what the company describes as "studio-quality" video, with features such as camera motion control, 360-degree rotation, and zoom
Artificial Intelligence
Adobe, Amazon, Cisco, Google, Microsoft sign up to EU’s AI Pact pledge
The Pact features voluntary pledges, including transparently labelling certain types of AI-generated content, such as deepfakes
Media Consumption
Prime Video employs Amazon Bedrock to power new user experience
Prime Video is utilising Large Language Models (LLMs) to simplify the synopses for TV series and films
Business
Amazon CEO: AWS has multi-billion dollar revenue run rate in AI already
Sales rose to $25bn during the first three months of 2024, up 17 per cent year-on-year
Production & Post
Shepperton Studios expansion opens for business
The Surrey facility adds a further 17 sound stages (taking its total to 31) as well as two new backlots
Media Consumption
Amazon, Disney, Netflix, WBD sign up to Thinkbox
“This is a hugely positive way to start 2024. Commercial TV is growing and stronger together," said Thinkbox CEO Lindsey Clay
Media Consumption
Big six streamers predicted to reach almost a billion subscribers by 2029
Netflix will remain the largest single platform, adding 44 million subscribers between 2023 and 2029 to take its total to 298 million, said Digital...
Adtech
Amazon plans to introduce QR codes as part of NFL coverage
The game between New York Jets and Miami Dolphins will include exclusive deals, only available during the broadcast
Adtech
As Amazon packs up its ad server, is this an opportunity for vendors with omnichannel offerings?
Simon Thorne, managing director, Flashtalking by Mediaocean, looks at the impact on multi-channel advertising following Amazon's decision to close its ad server
Media Management
Cloud companies respond to CMA referral
Ofcom said the decision to refer the UK's cloud market for investigation is a "significant step" for it to take
Media Consumption
Analysts: Big six streamers will hit $72 billion in revenues by 2029
Netflix will remain the leader of the pack with $34 billion expected by 2029 – more than Disney+, HBO Max and Paramount+ combined
Media Consumption
Amazon introduces adverts to Prime Video
The adverts will be introduced in the UK, Germany, United States and Canada in early 2024
Artificial Intelligence
‘Every single’ Amazon team is working with generative AI says CEO
Andy Jassy told investors AWS and the company's entertainment division are exploring how the technology can help it be "more cost-effective and streamlined" in...
Artificial Intelligence
AWS invests $100 million in generative AI development
The AWS Generative AI Innovation Center will connect AWS AI and machine learning experts with customers to help them envision, design, and launch new...
Production & Post
Amazon reveals £4.2 billion investment in UK creative industries, announces new apprenticeships
Amazon said it has doubled its investments in the creative sectors across the UK in the last five years, including new production facilities set...
Media Delivery
Amazon Prime Video ‘planning ad-supported tier’
The tech giant is said to have been holding early discussions over the past few weeks.
Production & Post
Amazon Prime finds The Power with Universal Pixels
Universal Pixels provided in-camera scenery and reflections for the production’s vehicle shots
Business
UK government publishes draft Media Bill, Ofcom to regulate global streamers
The global streamers could face fines of up to £250,000 or be restricted in the UK entirely if they are found to have broken...
Media Delivery
Amazon ‘considering separate app for sport’
Company is said to view the launch of a standalone app as a way to generate revenue from its sports deals
Business
Out! Amazon Prime ‘set to give up’ tennis streaming rights
Streamer is said to have decided not to renew its exclusive rights package with the ATP and WTA tours
Media Consumption
My Precious: The Rings of Power attracts 25 million viewers on day one
The series launched exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide on Friday
Business
Prime Video commits to further investment in training next-generation
Initiative includes funding for two students on the BA Production Technology and Management programme at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Media Consumption
Amazon Interactive Video Service basic channels adds support for HD and Full HD inputs
The expanded functionality is designed to enable streamers and viewers globally to enjoy higher video quality when using a basic channel
Production & Post
Amazon Studios, Avid partner on cloud-based production
The deal includes Avid's Media Composer software tool and Avid NEXIS media storage solutions
Media Delivery
Amazon Prime Video finally updates its user interface
The roll-out, which began yesterday, includes a primary navigation menu that is now vertically oriented and situated on the left side of the page
Business
Amazon to share Champions League rights with BT Sport
Amazon has won the rights to Tuesday night games, with BT Sport airing Champions League matches on Wednesday
Business
Amazon, Netflix ‘set to bid for Formula 1 US TV rights’
Current rights holder ESPN is expected to face competition from NBCUniversal as well as streaming services Amazon and Netflix
Business
Amazon closes $8.5 billion MGM acquisition
Deal was approved by European regulators earlier this week
Business
European Union gives approval to Amazon’s acquisition of MGM
Commission said it had concluded that the transaction would raise no competition concerns in the European Economic Area
Production & Post
Prime Video signs long-term lease with Shepperton Studios
Multimillion-pound long-term contract includes the use of nine sound stages, workshops and office accommodation
Media Delivery
Amazon’s IMDb TV launches in the UK
AVoD streamer is available via Amazon's Prime Video app
Business
Is LaLiga next on Amazon’s shopping list?
LaLiga's current broadcast contract with Movistar Plus and Mediapro runs out at the end of the upcoming season
Production & Post
Amazon invests in post production apprenticeships
The post production technical operator apprenticeship is fully accredited by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education
Production & Post
Reidel’s Bolero facilitates communication in Amazon’s The Expanse
Drama series has used the wireless intercom system across camera, grip, lighting, producers, director, assistant directors, script, and video playback
Media Delivery
Amazon says over 175 million Prime members streamed content in the past year
According to CEO Jeff Bezos, streaming hours were up more than 70 per cent year-on-year
Media Delivery
Amazon Prime reaches 200 million subscribers
In comparison, Netflix had around 204 million worldwide subscribers at the end of 2020, and Disney Plus recently announced it had passed the 100...