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MASTERCLASS MASTERPIECE
Writer/showrunner Russell T Davies and producer Nicola Shindler will headline a talent masterclass at Series Mania Forum on March 25 in Lille, France, unveiling first-look clips from their Channel 4 drama “Tip Toe.”
The collaborators, whose credits include “It’s a Sin,” “Years & Years” and “Queer as Folk,” will discuss the five-part series starring Alan Cumming and David Morrissey. The show explores contemporary threats facing the LGBTQ+ community through the story of two Manchester neighbors whose lives become entangled in escalating tensions.
Series Mania founder Laurence Herszberg praised the duo’s “remarkable and long-standing creative partnership,” noting their ability to create “emotionally resonant television” that connects with global audiences. Shindler previously received the Woman in Series Award at the 2023 Forum.
“Tip Toe,” filmed in Manchester, is produced by Quay Street Productions, part of ITV Studios. The masterclass takes place during Series Mania Forum (March 24-26), the industry component of the broader festival running March 20-27.
AI AMBITION
Gengis AI has launched as one of Singapore’s first production-ready AI-enabled studios, integrating artificial intelligence across development, virtual production and post-production workflows for film, commercials and short-form content.
Founded by veteran producers Karen Seah and Tan Sian Ju of Refinery Media, alongside virtual production specialist Joel Lim, the studio embeds AI-assisted tools into existing production pipelines rather than offering standalone technology. Key capabilities include AI-driven VFX generation and intelligent virtual set extensions optimized for LED walls.
The studio operates from LED virtual production facility X3D Studio, and is collaborating with Refinery Media on digital-first microdramas, including a vertical reimagining of the “SupermodelMe” IP.
“AI promises transformation for media, yet most teams struggle to deploy it safely and effectively,” said Lim, co-founder and CEO, emphasizing the studio’s focus on keeping “human creators at the centre.“
EUROPEAN EXPANSION
Piece of Magic Entertainment will release “Iron Lung,” YouTube star Markiplier’s debut feature film, across 16 European territories on Jan. 30, day-and-date with its U.S. launch. The horror/sci-fi thriller, which Markiplier wrote, directed, produced and stars in, expands to Germany, Austria, Poland, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Czechia, Slovakia, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, joining previously announced releases in the U.K., Australia and Canada.
Based on David Szymanski’s indie horror game, the film follows a convict sealed inside a decaying submarine exploring an ocean of blood on a desolate moon after an apocalyptic event called “The Quiet Rapture.”
The self-distributed U.S. release has already generated $5 million in presales and is slated for over 2,500 screens. Markiplier commands 38 million YouTube subscribers with 23 billion total views. Caroline Rose Kaplan, Troy Baker and Elsie Lovelock co-star.
ODIA OPENER
Prakash Films has acquired pan-India theatrical rights to Abhishek Swain’s Odia-language mass entertainer “Bindusagar,” set for worldwide release April 10 to coincide with Maha Bishuba Sankranti, the Odia New Year. The film marks independent studio Platoon One Films’ entry into regional cinema. Prakash Films, a leading Eastern India distributor known for releasing “Dhurandhar,” “Jolly LLB 3,” “Stree” and “Munjya,” will handle all-India distribution.
Indian National Film Award winner Prakruti Mishra leads the ensemble cast alongside Dipanwit Dashmohapatra, Satya Ranjan, Sonalli Sharmisstha, Robin Das, Kishore Swain, Jagannath Seth, Pranab Rath and Sukant Rath.
Blending mass appeal with rooted storytelling, “Bindusagar” is positioned as one of 2026’s biggest Odia theatrical releases, backed by Prakash Films’ extensive distribution network across Eastern India and beyond.
English (US) ·