The first time we met

The churn is real. Landmark research from UK media consultancy Omdia has found 45% more streaming services were cancelled in the UK in the past 12 months as a number of deep-pocketed players entered the market, but resubscriptions rose by a colossal 84%. Alongside Netflix and Amazon Prime, consumers had access for the first time to Discovery+ and Peacock in 2021, while Disney + firmly established itself as a key player and Paramount+ will roll out imminently. That injection led to 20% more consumers cancelling their streaming services compared to the previous year. However, according to Omdia, the number of people cancelling then quickly resubscribing increased by  84%, showing that higher churn doesn’t mean subscriptions are necessarily being ditched altogether. In fact, the number subscribing to video services in the UK grew by 11% last year, with Disney+ the big winner on 21% growth, eclipsing Netflix’s 8%. At 15.5M, Netflix still has comfortably the most … [Read more...] about Landmark UK Research Shines Spotlight On Streamer Churn, Predicts Netflix Will Still Be Ahead Of Disney+ By 2026

BBC bosses have for the first time indicated they may be open to a change in the corporation’s funding model after 2027. Director General Tim Davie told a UK House of Lords Committee session on BBC Funding yesterday that he is “open minded” about the future of the £159 ($200) annual fee so long as it doesn’t lose audiences, while chair Richard Sharp said the BBC is prepared to face “existential questions” on the future. Davie, who countered that there is “jeopardy” in changing the established funding model, said he and Sharp will be involved closely with the UK government’s forthcoming landmark review of the fee, which kicks off next month. Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries, who recently rubberstamped the sale of Channel 4, has indicated a preference for the BBC to change the way in which it is funded when the charter ends in 2027. She has frozen the licence fee for the next two years, a move that will lose the BBC around £1.5BN ($1.9BN) over the next five years, it … [Read more...] about BBC Bosses “Open Minded” About Future Of Licence Fee, Will Be Closely Involved With Landmark Funding Review

Tom Hollander Starring In Billie August Post-WWII Drama ‘Me, You’ The Night Manager and Gosford Park star Tom Hollander has landed a lead role in Billie August coming of age post-World War II drama feature Me, You . Adapted from Erri De Luca’s novel Tu, Mio , it also has Daisy Jacob ( National Theatre Live: The Hard Problem ) and Alessandr Gassman ( Transporter 2 ) attached and will begin principle photography in Ischia, Italy in September. The plot follows teenage boy Marco, who sails the tranquil seas around Naples with a hardened fisherman. Marco falls love with an enigmatic girl, Caia, whose painful past fuels a ferocious resentment in him, setting off alarm bells. August ( Pelle the Conqueror , The Best Intentions ) is directing, with Greg Latter writing the screenplay. Brilliant Pictures’ Sean O’Kelly and Marc Bikindou are producing along with Cristaldi Pics’ Mark Hammond. Hollander is represented by Anonymous Content in the US and United Agents in the UK. … [Read more...] about Tom Hollander Cast In ‘Me, You’; Cleopatra’s ‘Frost’ (Exclusive); Netflix India; BBC Player Poland; Viaplay Doc; BAFTA Elevate — Global Briefs

David Bowie unquestionably became a great rock star—the greatest ever, according to a tribute published by Rolling Stone after his death in 2016. Yet, it comes closer to the truth to call Bowie a “rock star,” the quotation marks suggesting that what Bowie created was a persona of the rock god, in much the same way that Cary Grant manufactured the quintessential image of the glamorous “movie star.” This is not to take away from his genuine accomplishments as a singer, songwriter and musician—he couldn’t have forged such a compelling persona without those gifts. Bowie’s real project was making art, and rock music and performance are best understood as just some of his modes of artistic expression. Brett Morgen’s documentary Moonage Daydream , which premiered in the Cannes Midnight Screenings section, does supreme justice to Bowie by presenting him above all as an artist intent on exploring not only popular music, but painting, video, writing, dance, and film and … [Read more...] about Cannes Review: Brett Morgen’s David Bowie Documentary ‘Moonage Daydream’

Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah 's Dayaben AKA Disha Vakani has welcomed her second child. Yes, the actress was blessed with a baby boy a few days ago. Notably, her businessman-husband Mayur Padia and her actor-brother Mayur Vakani confirmed the news with Times of India. Mayur Vakani, who plays the role of Sunderlal in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah told the portal, "I am happy that I have become an uncle again. In 2017, Disha had her baby girl and now she has become a mother again, and I have become mama again. I am very happy." On the other hand, Disha Vakani's husband Mayur Padia said, "Disha is busy with our newborn son and she will speak to you soon." Well, Disha has been away from the showbiz for more than 5 years now. She is quite popular for her role of Dayaben in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah . Her fans are eagerly waiting to see her again in the show. When asked her brother Mayur about her comeback, he said, "Disha will surely return to the … [Read more...] about TMKOC’s Dayaben AKA Disha Vakani Blessed With Baby Boy, Confirms Brother Mayur Vakani

If reports are to be believed, Ananya Panday and Ishaan Khatter who were apparently dating each other, have parted ways. The rumours of their romance started during the promotions of Khaali Peeli. Many media portals reported that the duo is more than just co-stars or friends. Soon, they started vacationing together. Not so long ago, when Shahid Kapoor celebrated his birthday in the presence of his family and close friends, Ananya also made it to the special guest list, which subtly confirmed her alleged relationship with Ishaan. While none of them have openly admitted to their relationship, rumours suggest that they have mutually ended their relationship owing to work commitments. In her recent tete-a-tete with News18, when Ananya was asked if she gets affected when a lot is written about her personal life, she said, "I think I have got better for sure. There are days when I feel a little upset or bogged down by certain things." "But I try to switch off. I try … [Read more...] about Ananya Panday Reacts To Break Up Rumours With Ishaan Khatter; ‘There Are Days When I Feel A Little Upset’

Powerstar Pawan Kalyan is one proud father now. The actor recently got together with his ex-wife, Renu Desai and children Akira Nandan, Aadhya. The happy father and children were looking all smiles on the occasion of Akira's High School graduation ceremony. Taking to her instagram handle, producer and director Renu Desai shared the news with a picture. She even penned an emotional note for her son on the joyous occasion. A picture of the four has been doing the rounds on the internet ever since. She wrote, "An era ends, and an era begins. Proud parents of an amazing boy on his graduation day. No more getting ready for school early morning, no more worrying about the bus timing, no more rushing to get the lunch packed on time, no more tuition, no more PTM, no more school. I have told Akira that his true journey begins now, and I hope he finds his own spot in the sunlight without needing the light of his parents. My little baby grew up really fast." On … [Read more...] about Pawan Kalyan Attends Son Akira’s Graduation Ceremony, Picture Goes Viral

Superstar Mahesh Babu is high on the reception of his latest film Sarkaru Vaari Paata. The actor has been basking in the appreciation pouring his way. The actor is taking part in success meets with fans and organising parties for his friends from film fraternity and around. Meanwhile, Lokesh Kanagaraj, the young director on a spree of big-budget, star studded movies has come down to Hyderabad for promotions of his upcoming film Vikram, starring Kamal Haasan, Fahadh Faasil and Vijay Sethupathi. Buzz is that the director has met Mahesh Babu and the duo reportedly interacted for almost an hour or more. Owing to the fact, speculations are rife about a possible collaboration between them. Mahesh Babu is always on a lookout for directors with successful films behind their back and is willing to experiment with stories. He has earlier mentioned the same and movies like Arjun, Sainikudu, Khaleja, Sarileru Nikevvaru, and Sarkaru Vaari Paata are proof to it. … [Read more...] about Vikram Director Lokesh Kanagaraj Meets Mahesh Babu For An Hour and Rumours Spark A New Collab

Rakhi Sawant has been hogging the limelight ever since she announced that she has a new man in her life. It must be noted that the controversy queen is now in a relationship with businessman Adil Khan Durrani. The actress has been very vocal about her love for her new BF, who is six years younger than her. However, according to an Etimes report, Rakhi has now received a call from a girl named Roshina Delavari, who claims to be Adil’s ex-girlfriend. Reportedly, Rakhi was left shocked and perplexed but patiently heard Roshina out, who is based in Mysore, the same city as the actress' new boyfriend. Roshina reportedly told Sawant that she and Adil have been in a relationship for 4 years. She also told her about the times they spent together and warned the actress to stay away from Adil. The report added that Rakhi immediately confronted Adil about the call and he clarified to her that Roshina was his ex, not his present. Rakhi Sawant Reveals Her BF … [Read more...] about Rakhi Sawant Opens Up About Getting A Call From New Boyfriend Adil Khan Durrani’s Ex Roshina

Mariah Carey makes a lot of money, but turns out way less than you probably think. TMZ has learned Mariah and Nick Cannon struck a settlement in their divorce, and they both declared income for 2014. We've learned Mariah says she raked in $6.3 million, and Nick scored $2.7 mil. As we reported, Mariah has demanded $50 mil from billionaire James Packer after their engagement exploded ... that's 8 times what she made 2 years ago. We've also learned the settlement requires Nick to squirrel away money for the twins, but maybe not as much as you think ... $5k a month in a trust. Mariah doesn't have to put anything in the trust. And there's this. The settlement says neither Mariah nor Nick can allow the kids to address a new significant other as mom, dad, mommy, daddy, father, mother or any facsimile thereof. Mariah and Nick share custody, but the kids are primarily with her. If Nick comes to visit, per the agreement, she foots the bill for travel and lodging. … [Read more...] about Mariah Carey’s Divorce Settlement with Nick Cannon