Disney+ to Launch Ad-Supported Subscription Plan in Europe in November

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief HYBE Corp., the K-Pop powerhouse behind BTS, and the U.S.’s Geffen Records are to bring their global girl group audition efforts to Netflix as a docuseries that will launch next year. The two music companies announced the 2024 series and a companion-piece online show that kicks off on Thursday as their “The Debut: Dream Academy” moves up a gear. Having begun the selection process in November 2021 and screened some 120,000 submissions from young women hopefuls from around the world, they have now narrowed the field to just 20 candidates.

Nick Vivarelli International Correspondent Italy’s Fandango Sales will launch international distribution at the Venice Film Festival on Tommaso Santambrogio’s “Oceans Are the Real Continents,” set and shot in a run-down contemporary Cuba. The film opens the festival’s independently run Venice Days section.

Meghan Markle will be joining Prince Harry in Europe next month, it’s been confirmed.

Naman Ramachandran Renowned actor, director, author and activist David Harewood (“Homeland”) and his producing partner Sabina Emrit Harper have launched production company Section 52 Films, with a focus on the arts, diversity and the exploration of important social issues. The company will produce TV shows, films and documentaries aiming to shed light on stories of race, identity, mental health and equality, in the wake of Harewood’s work with the BBC including “Psychosis and Me,” “Blackface” and “Why Is COVID-19 Killing People of Colour?” Section 52 Films is named after the U.K.’s Mental Health Act Section 5(2), under which Harewood was detained during his episodes of psychosis more than 30 years ago.

“We are the ones to rely on for drama.”

Prince Harry has very publicly let it be known that he always felt ‘spare’ - while his brother Prince William was the ‘heir’ to the British throne. The Duke of Sussex’s tell-all memoir, called Spare, even alleged how his father King Charles referred to him by the nickname after Princess Diana gave birth to him in 1984.

Ellise Shafer Warner Bros. Discovery Europe has announced that it will air every match from this year’s U.S. Open on Eurosport and Discovery+ across 45 markets.

EXCLUSIVE: Hailing from Scandinavia, producer Cindy Cederlund and actor-writer Stephanie Corneliussen (Mr. Robot) have launched LA-based film and TV production company, Soullanders Entertainment.

Primavera Sound has announced that it will debut in Peru this year, marking the festival’s latest expansion.The festival, which also hosts editions in Barcelona, Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Bogotá and more, will debut in its newest South America territory in November.Primavera Sound in Lima will take place on November 22 and December 2, 7 and 8, where The Cure, Bad Gyal, Pet Shop Boys and Bad Religion will headline.

Gavin Bridge Senior Media Analyst South Korean media company Next Entertainment World (NEW) subsidiary NEW ID’s launch of ‘BINGE Korea’ signifies a pivotal shift in the consumption of Korean content for American audiences. As the leading provider of curated non-English and non-Spanish language FAST channels in the U.S., NEW ID is leveraging its experience within FAST to create the first FAST service dedicated to Korean content. ‘BINGE Korea’ is accessible via a wide range of platforms, including Samsung, LG Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV, and plans to expand to Roku, iOS, and Android TV.

Robert Halmi’s Great Point Studios has partnered with Spain’s Grup Mediapro to form Phygital FX offering expansive production services and led by Mediapro veteran Mario Sousa.

New research has revealed the most idyllic spots in Europe for wild swimming and a popular Scottish spot has placed near the top of the list.

Brits travelling to northern Europe have been warned of stormy weather as heavy rain and strong winds hit the Baltic Sea region. The extreme conditions have caused major travel disruption across countries in the area and have resulted in the death of one person.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at Large “Miss Universe” is extending its relationship with The Roku Channel and Telemundo. The Miss Universe Organization, which has been undergoing an overhaul under new owners JKN Global Group PCL, has sealed a multi-year deal with Roku and Telemundo to continue as the U.S. streaming and broadcast homes for the pageant, in both English and Spanish, respectively.

When it comes to summer footwear, nothing is quite as timeless as the ballet flat.The understated pair of pumps have become one of the most iconic looks of all time, thanks in no small part to Chanel’s signature £800 pair that have been spotted on any number of celebrities, and are identifiable by their delicate bow on the front and toe cap details.The flats have become synonymous with the quiet luxury trend, that’s all about embracing timeless, classic pieces and steering away from flashy or in-your-face fashion. Thanks to celebs like Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner, who are known for their chic, minimalist fashion, the rise of the quiet luxury aesthetic has definitely taken hold of the fashion industry recently and spawned plenty of dupes for the designer items that have become hallmarks of the trend.

Blur bassist Alex James has launched his own brand of ‘Britpop’ sparkling wine.The musician and professional cheesemaker announced the news of his latest venture on social media yesterday (August 2) – sharing a clip of himself on Twitter (X), showcasing the finished product.“Britpop sparkling wine. Perfect for the good times,” James began in the clip.

Sofia Richie is following in the footsteps of older sister Nicole by branching into fashion design.

Nick Vivarelli International Correspondent Nicole Morganti, Amazon Studios head of Italian originals, is being promoted by the streamer to the newly expanded role of head of local originals for Southern Europe encompassing Italy, France and Spain. Morganti, who has over 20 years of experience in the Italian entertainment industry, joined Amazon Studios as head of unscripted originals for Italy in February 2019 from her previously held position of Discovery Italy’s VP of talent and productions.

Roland Emmerich’s upcoming gladiator series Those About to Die has been picked up by Prime Video across Europe.

The BFI has found a new way to give indies a helping hand.