Last week in Los Angeles our CEO James Burstall, alongside the brilliant team from Argonon USA, engaged in a packed schedule of positive, proactive and punchy meetings with US networks, streamers and content decision makers:
“I am delighted to report back that after a challenging first eight months of the year for our entire industry, the meetings have filled me with cautious optimism that commissioning is on the upturn and green shoots are beginning to emerge. The US is open for business, and I am hopeful that this renewed energy, positivity and confidence that I witnessed across the week is a marker ahead of the sector bouncing back in the months and years ahead.
The positive outlook continues with the news that the Writers Guild of America has struck a tentative deal with the global studios. This is hugely welcomed, and I am delighted to see that constructive dialogue and collaboration has helped both sides overcome the difficult issues. I hope for similar resolution for the dispute between the performer’ union SAG-AFTRA and content companies in the coming days and weeks.
Collaboration with my team has come to the fore during the last week and I was delighted to team up with our United States team in Los Angeles – including Joe Weinstock, Lindsay Schwartz and Steven McGovern – to take our creative thinking and ideas to the market.
We will have more exciting news from our West Coast base soon – watch this space”!