Netflix Australia launch could be imminent Australians rejoice: Netflix is rethinking its avoidance of Australia, according to media reports, and could launch here as soon as next year. Initially concerned about poor internet infrastructure, Netflix could be considering delivering content outside its traditional offerings – including through internet-connected gaming...

China is willing to complete a free trade agreement with Australia as soon as possible, China’s Ministry of Commerce has said at a ministry press conference this week. “Both sides have relatively large differences in investment, agriculture and services, but have been trying to find ways to move the...

Copyrights and copywrongs: reforming educational film rights By Ruari Elkington, Queensland University of Technology At the end of November, after 18 months of deliberations, the Australian Law Reform Commission will hand down its report on the appropriateness of existing copyright laws in the new digital environment. Among the questions...

CineTel Films’ Paul Hertzberg has been re-elected to a second term as Chairperson of the Independent Film & Television Alliance‘s Executive Committee. Voting took place during the annual member meeting of the IFTA, the indie trade organization that runs the annual American Film Market in Santa Monica. This year’s...

The announcement by Paramount top brass that World War Z had delivered career-best box office for Brad Pitt served as reminder of the consistency of international markets this summer. Screen International reports today that “while blockbuster season 2013 has been strong in North America where it could even set...

Screen Daily reports today that “the stand-off over outstanding payments owed to Hollywood studios by China appears to nearing resolution in light of comments made by MPAA head Chris Dodd. Hollywood studios said they have not been paid a share of box office by Chinese officials since last autumn,...

Amid all the glitz and glamour of Samsung’s recent Galaxy S4 and Smart TV launches lay a tantalising glimpse of Australia’s online video future — but unfortunately it’s not all happy viewing. Turf wars and backroom content deals could stifle Australia’s fledgling streaming video ecosystem even before the 800...

Operating Strategy:  The Merkin Group are in advanced discussions with Blaze Media Group and other parties  to  use their experience to identify and acquire a specific group of “target” films for their  proposed Film Acquisition Fund or SPV or partnership/s ( but herinafter referred to as the fund or proposed...

The United States motion picture industry is explained by The Merkin Group in this comprehensive resource article. The Merkin Group are advising several  parties for the sole purpose of  raising capital and managing and acquiring and exploiting  the international distribution and certain other rights in approximately twenty eight (28)...

Pinewood Sheeperton is the home of the James Bond movie franchise and owns Europe’s largest film studio. Pinewood Shepperton plc (“the Company” or “Pinewood”), a leading provider of services to the global film and television industry, today announces that the Group has entered into a 50:50 Joint Venture Agreement...