KC Montero Joins Philippine Thriller ‘Shadow Transit’; APL Film Comes Onboard As Distributor

Marissa Clifford and Davud Karbassioun have just pulled back the curtain on Magna Studios, their ambitious new production company designed to thrive in today’s fast-changing media landscape. Backed by Thomas Benski’s Lumina, the studio aims to blend film, unscripted content, brand partnerships, and music—basically, a one-stop shop for cross-platform storytelling. Though it’s been quietly running for a year, this official launch signals their push to redefine how content gets made in an era where audiences consume media everywhere.

Editor’s Note: The media world is splintering across platforms, and Magna Studios is betting big on flexibility. With heavy-hitter backing and a hybrid approach, this could shake up how projects get funded and distributed—whether you’re binge-watching a docu-series or catching a branded short on TikTok. For creators and audiences alike, it’s a sign that the old Hollywood playbook is getting a rewrite.

This week's International Insider newsletter covers a whirlwind of industry updates, from the vibrant animation scene at the Annecy Festival to Warner Bros.' corporate reshuffling and Netflix's Ted Sarandos making waves in Spain. It’s a packed edition for anyone tracking global entertainment trends.

Editor’s Note: If you’re into the behind-the-scenes buzz of film, TV, and streaming, this roundup matters. Annecy’s animation focus highlights creative energy, Warner’s split signals big corporate moves, and Sarandos’ Spain visit hints at Netflix’s international strategy—all clues to where the industry’s headed next.

Vox Media and its unionized employees have dodged a strike—for now. After pulling an all-nighter at the bargaining table, they’ve hammered out a tentative three-year deal covering writers, editors, and podcasters across brands like Vox, The Verge, and Eater. No picket signs needed, at least until the union votes on the agreement.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about avoiding a messy strike—it’s a sign that digital media unions are gaining ground. With layoffs and shaky ad revenue plaguing the industry, securing a multiyear contract is a rare win for workers. If ratified, it could set a tone for other media unions fighting for stability.

Geoffrey Rush, the Oscar-winning actor, chatted at the Taormina Film Festival in Sicily about his stalled Groucho Marx biopic and his involvement in Shinya Tsukamoto’s upcoming Vietnam War film. Dressed in a vibrant Mambo Loud shirt, Rush also accepted a Taormina Excellence Award and promoted his new thriller, The Rule of Jenny.

Editor’s Note: Rush’s comments give fans a peek into his upcoming projects—or lack thereof—highlighting the unpredictable nature of filmmaking. The Groucho Marx project’s stall might disappoint fans, but his involvement in Tsukamoto’s war film suggests he’s still taking on intriguing roles. Plus, his presence at the festival keeps him in the spotlight as both a veteran actor and a cultural figure.

Irish actor Jack Hudson is stepping into the spotlight as the lead in The Devil’s Train, a wild-sounding comic book adaptation about a Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a time-traveling cowboy cyborg. The film will be helmed by Fast & Furious action director Jack Gill, with MCU stunt legend Chris Brewster also on board. Expect high-octane thrills and plenty of genre-bending chaos.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another comic book movie—it’s a mashup of Westerns, sci-fi, and stunt-heavy action, with a team that knows how to deliver spectacle. If it lives up to its premise, The Devil’s Train could be a fresh, adrenaline-packed entry in the genre. Plus, Hudson’s rising star and the stunt-world cred behind the camera make this one to watch.