GLOBAL GATEWAY

Sony Music India and LA-based The Hello Group have launched THG India, a joint venture aimed at providing Indian artists with global touring opportunities and comprehensive management services. The partnership combines Sony’s local market expertise with THG’s international live touring network.

“This is a great moment for the Indian music industry and its vibrant creative community,” said Vinit Thakkar, managing director of Sony Music India. “By combining THG’s strength in global live touring and their international network with our deep local expertise, we are strategically empowering Indian artists.”

Taylor Jones, CEO of The Hello Group, added: “The Indian music scene boasts an incredible wealth of talent, and its global influence is undeniable. THG India reinforces our deep commitment to building a robust platform for these artists.”

THG’s publishing arm has achieved over 50 Billboard #1 chart results for artists including BTS, NCT 127, and The Chainsmokers, while their booking agency has orchestrated worldwide tours for Jeff Satur, Mark Ambor, and Greyson Chance, among others.

FORMAT FUSION

Japan’s Nippon TV and Blue Ant Studios have formed a strategic partnership to develop and produce Gyokuro Studios‘ unscripted formats for North American markets. The collaboration builds on Blue Ant’s successful Canadian adaptation of Nippon TV’s global hit “Old Enough!,” with a second season planned for TVO. Both companies bring proven track records – Nippon TV with “Dragons’ Den/Shark Tank” and “Silent Library,” Blue Ant with Netflix’s “Blown Away” and BAFTA-winning “The Jury.” The partnership will be led by Tom Miyauchi from Nippon TV’s new LA office launching in July, alongside Blue Ant’s Matt Hornburg and Diane Rankin, focusing on adapting innovative Japanese formats for North American audiences.

HISTORIC HILLGATE

Historian and broadcaster David Olusoga has launched Hillgate Films, a new production company focused on history-focused documentaries and series. The venture comes with a development deal from BBC Studios, which provides first-look distribution rights in exchange for growth support. Olusoga, known for BBC’s “A House Through Time” and BAFTA-winning “Britain’s Forgotten Slave Owners,” will operate as co-producer rather than standalone producer to focus on fewer, more ambitious projects. MD Ben Hall, formerly global director of programs at Motion Content Group, joins the Bristol-based company. Two projects are already in production.

CREATIVE COLLABORATION

France and the Philippines signed a film co-production treaty during Cannes. The pact between France’s Centre National du Cinéma et de l’Image Animée and the Philippines’ Film Development Council formalizes a decade-long relationship that produced acclaimed collaborations including Lav Diaz‘s “When the Waves Are Gone” and Alyx Ayn Arumpac‘s “Aswang.” Projects will now qualify as national productions in both countries, accessing public funding and streamlined distribution across Europe and Southeast Asia. “This treaty represents not just a legal framework, but a true meeting of creative visions,” said Liza Diño, executive director of Quezon City Film Commission.