KARACHI – Netflix has officially begun production on Queenstown, marking the streaming giant’s first original television series commissioned in New Zealand after more than a decade of offering content in the country.

The eight-episode drama is currently being filmed on location in Queenstown, one of New Zealand’s most popular luxury ski destinations on the South Island. Set against the backdrop of the town’s affluent ski-resort community, Queenstown follows a wealthy family whose internal conflicts spill over into the lives of the people who work for them.

The story explores themes of power, loyalty, family conflict and desire.

What is Queenstown centered on?

Netflix described the series as a drama centered on “a wealthy family at war with itself,” unfolding within the glamorous yet competitive world of Queenstown’s elite. The writer and creator of Queenstown is Chloe Stearns, who also serves as an executive producer. Moreover, Glendyn Ivin will direct the series and executive-produce it, while New Zealand filmmaker Roseanne Liang will direct selected episodes.

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The cast of Queenstown

The cast is led by Emmy Award nominee Rufus Sewell, alongside Frances O’Connor, Alycia Debnam-Carey, and New Zealand actor Te Kohe Tuhaka. Amanda Duthie, Netflix’s Content Director for Australia and New Zealand, described the project as a significant milestone for the company.

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She said that producing the first locally commissioned Netflix series in New Zealand represents an important step for the platform and praised the drama as a compelling story about class, family, and power set in the world of a luxury ski resort. On the other hand, Executive producers Jodi Matterson and Libbie Doherty also expressed confidence in the project, calling creator Chloe Stearns an exceptional new storytelling talent and predicting the series would become a favourite among audiences.

Where is the production of Queenstown taking place

Furthermore, Netflix’s original productions in the region have so far largely focused on Australia, producing successful titles including Heartbreak High, Boy Swallows Universe, and Apple Cider Vinegar.  The production has received support from the New Zealand Film Commission and the country’s Screen Production Rebate programme.

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Netflix has not yet announced an official release date for Queenstown.

Key Points:

• Netflix has started production on Queenstown, its first original series commissioned in New Zealand.
• The drama consists of eight episodes and is being filmed in Queenstown.
• The story revolves around a wealthy family and the people working for them amid power struggles, loyalty and desire.
• Rufus Sewell, Frances O’Connor, Alycia Debnam-Carey and Te Kohe Tuhaka lead the cast.
• The series is created by Chloe Stearns and directed by Glendyn Ivin and Roseanne Liang.

KARACHI – A coalition of US state attorneys general has filed a lawsuit seeking to block Paramount’s proposed $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, arguing that the deal would significantly reduce competition in the entertainment industry.

The lawsuit, filed on Monday in a federal court in California, alleges that the merger violates US antitrust laws by combining two of Hollywood’s largest film studios. The states argue that the transaction would lead to higher prices, fewer theatrical releases and reduced quality and diversity of content.

Who filed the lawsuit?

The legal challenge was brought by attorneys general from Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon and Washington. They have asked the court to prevent Paramount from completing the deal while the case is being heard. If necessary, they also plan to seek a temporary restraining order.

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According to the complaint, the merger would leave four major studios controlling more than 85 per cent of the US market for wide-release theatrical films. The states claim Paramount would hold more than 30pc of the blockbuster film distribution market, increasing its bargaining power over cinema operators.

The lawsuit argues that cinemas could be forced to surrender a larger share of ticket revenue while facing stricter conditions on discounts and complimentary tickets. As a result, theatres may increase ticket prices and reduce investment in premium experiences such as luxury seating, larger screens and upgraded concessions.

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State officials also claim the merger would weaken competition in the licensing of basic cable television channels. Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery currently rank among the largest providers of cable programming, with rights to major sporting events, including March Madness and Major League Baseball broadcasts.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta said the proposed merger would harm consumers, theatres and cable distributors by reducing competition and limiting content choices.

“The unlawful merger of these two entertainment behemoths would lead to higher prices, lower quality, and less content for film and television,” Bonta said.

What was Paramount’s reaction to Antitrust claims?

Paramount dismissed the lawsuit, calling it a flawed interpretation of US antitrust law. The company argued that the combined business would be better equipped to compete with dominant technology and streaming companies such as Netflix, Amazon, and Google.

According to Paramount, the merger would create a stronger media company capable of investing in premium content while offering more opportunities for creators, workers and consumers.

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The company also warned that blocking the transaction would strengthen the market position of major technology firms rather than promote competition.

Justice Department Already Approved Deal

The legal action comes despite the US Department of Justice approving Paramount’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery in June without requiring asset sales or other concessions.

However, the merger still requires approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), UK competition regulators and the European Commission.

Regulators in China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, Serbia and North Macedonia have already cleared the transaction, while several European countries have also approved foreign investment aspects of the deal.

Consumer Lawsuit Adds Pressure

The states’ lawsuit is not the only legal challenge facing Paramount.

Earlier this year, Paramount subscribers filed a separate lawsuit claiming the merger would reduce competition in streaming, theatrical distribution and news services. The plaintiffs argue the combined company could raise subscription prices, reduce content output and tighten control over licensing and distribution.

To address industry concerns, Paramount Chief Executive David Ellison has pledged to release at least 30 theatrical films annually with a minimum 45-day exclusive cinema window while continuing to operate Paramount and Warner Bros. as separate studios.

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Industry analysts, however, have questioned whether the company can sustain those commitments while managing an estimated $79 billion in debt following the merger.

Key Points:

• A coalition of US states has filed an antitrust lawsuit to stop Paramount’s proposed $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
• The states argue the merger would reduce competition in theatrical film distribution and cable television licensing.
• Officials warn the deal could result in higher prices, fewer movies in cinemas, and less consumer choice.
• Paramount rejects the allegations, saying the merger would strengthen competition against streaming giants such as Netflix, Amazon and Google.
• The US Justice Department has already approved the transaction, but several regulatory reviews and legal challenges remain pending.

Key points:

• Audi Pakistan has revised prices following tax adjustments announced in the Budget 2026-27.
• Seven variants have become cheaper, with reductions ranging from Rs150,000 to Rs8.15 million.
• Audi A6 Sportback e-tron Executive received the biggest price cut of Rs8.15 million.
• Audi Q6 SUV e-tron Performance is now Rs5.8 million cheaper.
• Audi A3, Q3 and Q3 Sportback have also received significant price reductions.
• Audi Q8 55 TFSI quattro is the only model to become more expensive, with its price increasing by Rs15.1 million.

LAHORE – Audi Pakistan has revised the prices of its vehicle lineup following tax adjustments introduced in the federal Budget 2026-27, reducing prices for seven variants while substantially increasing the price of one model.

According to the latest price list issued by the company, buyers can now save between Rs150,000 and Rs8.15 million on selected Audi vehicles. However, the Audi Q8 55 TFSI quattro is the only model in the lineup to receive a price increase, becoming Rs15.1 million more expensive.

Which Audi model received the largest price cut?

The largest reduction has been announced for the Audi A6 Sportback e-tron Executive, whose price has been lowered from Rs42 million to Rs33.85 million, representing a saving of Rs8.15 million. Another significant revision has been made to the Audi Q6 SUV e-tron Performance, which now costs Rs36.2 million, down from Rs42 million.

Audi has also reduced prices for its entry-level models. The Audi A3 Sedan S line TFSI is now priced at Rs20.8 million, making it Rs3.7 million cheaper than before. Similarly, the Audi Q3 SUV and Audi Q3 Sportback have become more affordable after price reductions of Rs3.75 million and Rs3.9 million, respectively.

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Meanwhile, the Signature variants of the Audi Q6 SUV e-tron and Audi A6 Sportback e-tron have received relatively modest reductions of Rs150,000 each. While most of Audi’s lineup has become more affordable, the Audi Q8 55 TFSI quattro has moved in the opposite direction. Its price has increased by Rs15.1 million, making it the only model to record a price hike.

What caused the Audi price cut?

Although Audi has not provided a detailed explanation, the price reductions suggest that recent tax measures may have lowered the cost of importing or selling several models, particularly electric vehicles. In contrast, the significant increase in the Q8’s price indicates that different tax or import-related factors may now apply to that variant.