WaperSAG-AFTRA members ratified animation contracts with higher wages and stronger AI protections, while Hello Sunshine cut half its staff following its buyback.
Film & TV7 items
Paramount+ added Moonbug programming and set an end for Criminal Minds: Evolution; theatrical distribution and fresh audience figures also stood out.
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SAG-AFTRA ratifies animation contracts with 12.6% wage increase
Members approved both TV animation agreements with the AMPTP by 94.95% to 5.05%. The contracts secure a 12.6% wage increase, stronger AI protections and residuals gains through June 2030.
Why it matters: The agreements establish compensation and AI safeguards for animation voice work, shaping production costs and employment terms.
Hello Sunshine cuts half its staff after Witherspoon and Mediawan buyback
Hello Sunshine is laying off about 30 employees, roughly half its staff, after Reese Witherspoon reacquired the company from Candle Media with Mediawan. The company is prioritizing film, television and Reese’s Book Club.
Why it matters: The cuts substantially shrink the production company as its new owners refocus operations.
Netflix’s Cliff Booth gets AMC-exclusive IMAX window, bypassing Cinemark and Regal
David Fincher’s film starring Brad Pitt will have an exclusive IMAX theatrical window beginning on Thanksgiving through AMC’s 500 screens worldwide. It will not play on Cinemark or Regal IMAX screens.
Why it matters: The arrangement defines the theatrical reach of a major Netflix film while excluding two large exhibition chains from its IMAX run.
You Can See Everything passes $52 million domestically
A24’s documentary has grossed more than $52 million in the U.S. Deadline reports it is expected to lead the slow Halloween weekend with around $10 million or more.
Why it matters: The documentary provides a notable box-office bright spot during an otherwise sluggish holiday frame.
Criminal Minds: Evolution to end with season 20 on Paramount+
Paramount+ will conclude Criminal Minds: Evolution with its upcoming 20th season, scheduled for 2027 without a specific premiere date. The streamer revived the procedural for season 16 in 2022.
Why it matters: The decision sets an endpoint for a long-running franchise in Paramount+’s original programming lineup.
Paramount+ acquires more than 60 hours of Moonbug children’s programming
Paramount+ acquired non-exclusive rights to Moonbug series from the CoComelon and Blippi universes. Some titles begin arriving November 1, with the agreement covering more than 60 hours of programming.
Why it matters: The licensing deal expands Paramount+’s children’s catalog with established franchises without requiring exclusive rights.
Follow-ups1
Peacock’s Crystal Lake reaches 1.7 billion viewing minutes in two weeks
The Friday the 13th prequel recorded 1.7 billion viewing minutes in two weeks, TheWrap reports. It also generated more social mentions than any other Peacock scripted original this year.
Why it matters: The new figures quantify audience demand beyond the show’s previously reported strong debut.