In January, Universal Orlando shared the first official “look” inside its highly anticipated new theme park, Universal Epic Universe, a development that the company expects to be a game changer.
On offer was a rendering of the park’s front gate and plaza — not exactly click bait for fans eagerly awaiting more news about the development. You can see that rendering at the bottom of this story.
Yesterday, however, NBC affiliate Wesh 2 in Orlando captured aerial footage of what it said was one of the rollercoasters already operating in the new park, which isn’t expected to open until 2025.
The helicopter footage shows a five-car coaster running along twisty black tracks. As they move through the turns the cars, which are blue, spin with g forces pull them this way and that.
Watch the video below.
New: Chopper 2 flew over @UniversalORL's #EpicUniverse today and spotted ride testing in the 'Dark Universe' world: https://t.
On offer was a rendering of the park’s front gate and plaza — not exactly click bait for fans eagerly awaiting more news about the development. You can see that rendering at the bottom of this story.
Yesterday, however, NBC affiliate Wesh 2 in Orlando captured aerial footage of what it said was one of the rollercoasters already operating in the new park, which isn’t expected to open until 2025.
The helicopter footage shows a five-car coaster running along twisty black tracks. As they move through the turns the cars, which are blue, spin with g forces pull them this way and that.
Watch the video below.
New: Chopper 2 flew over @UniversalORL's #EpicUniverse today and spotted ride testing in the 'Dark Universe' world: https://t.
- 3/15/2024
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Lionsgate is expanding two of its biggest movie franchises, John Wick and Twilight, with new TV series offshoots. The company’s Vice Chairman Michael Burns shared information about the two projects during a Q&a at the Morgan Stanley media conference.
“We’re going to go out with the Twilight series, an animated series, I think there’ll be a lot of interest in that,” he said, adding about John Wick, “I think we’ll take one of our great action franchises starring Keanu Reeves, I think it’ll be a television series.”
This is the same Twilight series, news of which leaked last April as being in early development at Lionsgate. According to sources, the project had been envisioned as animated from the get-go.
The new John Wick series, confirmed by Deadline, comes on the heels of prequel The Continental, which consisted of three one-and-a-half-hour movies.
“We ended up...
“We’re going to go out with the Twilight series, an animated series, I think there’ll be a lot of interest in that,” he said, adding about John Wick, “I think we’ll take one of our great action franchises starring Keanu Reeves, I think it’ll be a television series.”
This is the same Twilight series, news of which leaked last April as being in early development at Lionsgate. According to sources, the project had been envisioned as animated from the get-go.
The new John Wick series, confirmed by Deadline, comes on the heels of prequel The Continental, which consisted of three one-and-a-half-hour movies.
“We ended up...
- 3/6/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
David Zaslav has a funny way of making friends.
In a week where the Warner Bros Discovery CEO once again alienated almost everyone with the cutting of the completed Coyote vs Acme for a tax write down, Zaslav now is praising the Writers Guild of America, his foe for several months this year.
“They are right about almost everything,” the exec told the New York Times about the scribes and the deal they made with the studios after five bitter months that shut Hollywood down. “So what if we overpay? I’ve never regretted overpaying for great talent or a great asset,” Zaslav added in what seems like a 180 and more from where he, the AMPTP and others in the CEO Gang of Four were back in the spring.
Going through their own corporate contractions, overpaid is probably not the label Zas’ fellow Gang of Four were hoping to be tattooed with today
With Zaslav,...
In a week where the Warner Bros Discovery CEO once again alienated almost everyone with the cutting of the completed Coyote vs Acme for a tax write down, Zaslav now is praising the Writers Guild of America, his foe for several months this year.
“They are right about almost everything,” the exec told the New York Times about the scribes and the deal they made with the studios after five bitter months that shut Hollywood down. “So what if we overpay? I’ve never regretted overpaying for great talent or a great asset,” Zaslav added in what seems like a 180 and more from where he, the AMPTP and others in the CEO Gang of Four were back in the spring.
Going through their own corporate contractions, overpaid is probably not the label Zas’ fellow Gang of Four were hoping to be tattooed with today
With Zaslav,...
- 11/15/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Vince McMahon, the longtime former CEO of WWE, is selling nearly one-third of his stake in Tko Group Holdings.
The wrestling impresario is unloading 8.4 million shares, which had a market value of around $700 million as of Thursday’s close. Last summer, McMahon was listed as owning 28 million shares in Tko, the newly formed parent of WWE and UFC. Endeavor, which owns the UFC, holds a 51% controlling interest in Tko, which began trading last September.
In connection with McMahon’s sale, an SEC filing said, Tko as a company intends to acquire $100 million in shares. CEO Ari Emanuel and President and COO Mark Shapiro; and other members of Tko’s board of directors have “indicated an interest” in picking up $1 million in stock apiece, with a number of additional directors ticketed for another $850,000.
No shares are being sold by Tko as part of the transaction, a press release noted. The purchases...
The wrestling impresario is unloading 8.4 million shares, which had a market value of around $700 million as of Thursday’s close. Last summer, McMahon was listed as owning 28 million shares in Tko, the newly formed parent of WWE and UFC. Endeavor, which owns the UFC, holds a 51% controlling interest in Tko, which began trading last September.
In connection with McMahon’s sale, an SEC filing said, Tko as a company intends to acquire $100 million in shares. CEO Ari Emanuel and President and COO Mark Shapiro; and other members of Tko’s board of directors have “indicated an interest” in picking up $1 million in stock apiece, with a number of additional directors ticketed for another $850,000.
No shares are being sold by Tko as part of the transaction, a press release noted. The purchases...
- 11/9/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Good afternoon Insiders, Max Goldbart here. The clocks have gone back and it’s getting chilly but we’re here to warm your week with the very latest news and analysis. Read on and sign up here.
To The Med
Turkish delights: We spotlighted Turkey this week, and about time too as the country celebrates its 100th anniversary of independence. Turkish execs were out in force at Mipcom Cannes last month and we felt it was about time to examine a nation that has been churning out buzzy dramas and telenovelas for decades. Outfits such as distributor Global Agency and producer Tims & B have been at the forefront of the rise of Turkish TV in the international arena, which has continued throughout the reign of divisive leader Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Regions such as Central and Eastern Europe, Asia and Latin America have long been acquirers of its telenovelas, and word...
To The Med
Turkish delights: We spotlighted Turkey this week, and about time too as the country celebrates its 100th anniversary of independence. Turkish execs were out in force at Mipcom Cannes last month and we felt it was about time to examine a nation that has been churning out buzzy dramas and telenovelas for decades. Outfits such as distributor Global Agency and producer Tims & B have been at the forefront of the rise of Turkish TV in the international arena, which has continued throughout the reign of divisive leader Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Regions such as Central and Eastern Europe, Asia and Latin America have long been acquirers of its telenovelas, and word...
- 11/3/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The Writers Guild of America has opened investigations on both coasts into complaints by members of delayed and smaller than usual residual checks.
Instigated over the past few days as the WGA strike moves deeper into its fourth month, the probe specifically is looking at issues with third-quarter payments that scribes on a number of network and premium cable shows have reported apparently late or lower than usual payments, I hear.
“What’s been showing up in my mailbox is definitely smaller than previous quarters and last year,” one showrunner said of his recent residuals checks.
“The quarter isn’t over yet, but my checks so far seem delayed,” one veteran writer said, noting how the lack of incoming funds is hurting his ability to meet core financial obligations.
Former Law & Order: Svu showrunner Warren Leight took to social media over the weekend about the issue, generating a number...
Instigated over the past few days as the WGA strike moves deeper into its fourth month, the probe specifically is looking at issues with third-quarter payments that scribes on a number of network and premium cable shows have reported apparently late or lower than usual payments, I hear.
“What’s been showing up in my mailbox is definitely smaller than previous quarters and last year,” one showrunner said of his recent residuals checks.
“The quarter isn’t over yet, but my checks so far seem delayed,” one veteran writer said, noting how the lack of incoming funds is hurting his ability to meet core financial obligations.
Former Law & Order: Svu showrunner Warren Leight took to social media over the weekend about the issue, generating a number...
- 9/12/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
SAG-AFTRA has handed out more interim agreements to film and television projects, including waivers featuring a new casting designation. An untitled Guy Ritchie film and Destry Allyn Spielberg’s directorial debut Please Don’t Feed the Children were among five films given an interim casting agreement as of Thursday.
This is the first time the union’s interim agreement list has featured two designations. According to the SAG-AFTRA website where the list appears, these new designations allows “members to audition and/or engage in negotiations regarding casting for these productions, but may not yet travel, rehearse, or otherwise begin rendering services for the production.”
So far the guild has granted 102 interim agreements through the close of business Thursday, with a majority of the waivers allowing projects not tied to Alliance of Motion Picture and Television producer-repped studios to film during the SAG-AFTRA strike. (The Unknown Country was recently granted an agreement...
This is the first time the union’s interim agreement list has featured two designations. According to the SAG-AFTRA website where the list appears, these new designations allows “members to audition and/or engage in negotiations regarding casting for these productions, but may not yet travel, rehearse, or otherwise begin rendering services for the production.”
So far the guild has granted 102 interim agreements through the close of business Thursday, with a majority of the waivers allowing projects not tied to Alliance of Motion Picture and Television producer-repped studios to film during the SAG-AFTRA strike. (The Unknown Country was recently granted an agreement...
- 7/28/2023
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated: Comcast dropped a bombshell Sunday, announcing that NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell is leaving the company, effective immediately. The “mutual” decision comes after an investigation led by outside counsel into a complaint on inappropriate conduct by Shell.
“Today is my last day as CEO of NBCUniversal,” Shell said in a statement. “I had an inappropriate relationship with a woman in the company, which I deeply regret,” said Shell, who is married. “I’m truly sorry I let my Comcast and NBCUniversal colleagues down, they are the most talented people in the business and the opportunity to work with them the last 10 years has been a privilege.”
Comcast made the announcement in a short press release; no successor has been named. In a memo to staff, Comcast Chairman and CEO Brian Roberts and President Mike Cavanagh said that in the interim, Shell’s senior team will report directly to Cavanagh.
That includes Donna Langley,...
“Today is my last day as CEO of NBCUniversal,” Shell said in a statement. “I had an inappropriate relationship with a woman in the company, which I deeply regret,” said Shell, who is married. “I’m truly sorry I let my Comcast and NBCUniversal colleagues down, they are the most talented people in the business and the opportunity to work with them the last 10 years has been a privilege.”
Comcast made the announcement in a short press release; no successor has been named. In a memo to staff, Comcast Chairman and CEO Brian Roberts and President Mike Cavanagh said that in the interim, Shell’s senior team will report directly to Cavanagh.
That includes Donna Langley,...
- 4/23/2023
- by Lynette Rice and Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated with launch date: Warner Bros Discovery has confirmed its long-expected plan to jettison the “HBO” from HBO Max, announcing that its rebranded streaming service will be called Max.
The new offering, which combines programming from HBO Max and Discovery, will go live May 23. The company made the announcement during a press event at Stage 14 on its Burbank lot.
“This is a real moment for us … This is our time. This is our chance, and everything is possible,” CEO David Zaslav said in his introductory remarks. “I feel like, for our company, this is our rendezvous with destiny.” The $43 billion Warner Media-Discovery merger closed a bit more than a year ago, and 2023 also happens to be the 100th anniversary of the founding of Warner Bros. The centennial provided a centerpiece for an opening video as well as Zaslav’s comments. He called 2022 “a year of coming together, a year of restructuring,...
The new offering, which combines programming from HBO Max and Discovery, will go live May 23. The company made the announcement during a press event at Stage 14 on its Burbank lot.
“This is a real moment for us … This is our time. This is our chance, and everything is possible,” CEO David Zaslav said in his introductory remarks. “I feel like, for our company, this is our rendezvous with destiny.” The $43 billion Warner Media-Discovery merger closed a bit more than a year ago, and 2023 also happens to be the 100th anniversary of the founding of Warner Bros. The centennial provided a centerpiece for an opening video as well as Zaslav’s comments. He called 2022 “a year of coming together, a year of restructuring,...
- 4/12/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Ike Perlmutter, who is generally someone who keeps a low profile, has made a rare public show of his dissatisfaction with Disney.
The former chairman of Marvel Entertainment and largest individual shareholder in Disney went public with his complaints about the company’s direction, saying it should “sadden” investors in the company that he is gone. Since selling Marvel to Disney in 2009, Perlmutter had become an increasingly marginal figure in the day-to-day management of Marvel, most recently overseeing its consumer products operations as Kevin Feige continues to lead Marvel Studios.
The investor released a statement, in which he claims he was fired over his “fixation on fiscal disciple” and support for activist shareholder Nelson Peltz. The Trian CEO had waged a proxy fight in pursuit of a board seat and other considerations, but withdrew earlier this year after CEO Bob Iger unveiled plans to cut $5.5 billion in costs.
Perlmutter’s...
The former chairman of Marvel Entertainment and largest individual shareholder in Disney went public with his complaints about the company’s direction, saying it should “sadden” investors in the company that he is gone. Since selling Marvel to Disney in 2009, Perlmutter had become an increasingly marginal figure in the day-to-day management of Marvel, most recently overseeing its consumer products operations as Kevin Feige continues to lead Marvel Studios.
The investor released a statement, in which he claims he was fired over his “fixation on fiscal disciple” and support for activist shareholder Nelson Peltz. The Trian CEO had waged a proxy fight in pursuit of a board seat and other considerations, but withdrew earlier this year after CEO Bob Iger unveiled plans to cut $5.5 billion in costs.
Perlmutter’s...
- 4/6/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated: Rupert Murdoch and Ann Lesley Smith are no longer engaged, Deadline has confirmed, only weeks after news that the two were planning to tie the knot this summer. Smith was set to be wife No. 5 for the media mogul and chairman of Fox Corp.
Previously, March 20: Rupert Murdoch is engaged — again.
The 92-year-old billionaire announced, via an interview with the New York Post, that he will wed Ann Lesley Smith, the former San Francisco Police chaplain who is 26 years his junior.
Murdoch divorced Jerry Hall, his fourth wife, last August. Speaking of his new love, he told the Post‘s Cindy Adams: “I dreaded falling in love — but I knew this would be my last. It better be. I’m happy.”
Murdoch said he nervously popped the question last week on St. Patrick’s Day in New York, adorning Smith’s finger with an Asscher-cut diamond engagement ring.
Previously, March 20: Rupert Murdoch is engaged — again.
The 92-year-old billionaire announced, via an interview with the New York Post, that he will wed Ann Lesley Smith, the former San Francisco Police chaplain who is 26 years his junior.
Murdoch divorced Jerry Hall, his fourth wife, last August. Speaking of his new love, he told the Post‘s Cindy Adams: “I dreaded falling in love — but I knew this would be my last. It better be. I’m happy.”
Murdoch said he nervously popped the question last week on St. Patrick’s Day in New York, adorning Smith’s finger with an Asscher-cut diamond engagement ring.
- 4/4/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Sean “Diddy” Combs Says “It’s Time For BET To Be Black-Owned Again” As Paramount Explores Stake Sale
Sean “Diddy” Combs on Wednesday bolstered recent media reports that he is kicking the tires of BET Networks, which is in the early stages of being shopped by parent Paramount Global.
Combs would join other interested parties in a stake sale of Paramount assets joining fellow moguls Tyler Perry and Byron Allen, who both have also thrown their hat in the ring.
Related Story Byron Allen & Tyler Perry Eyeing BET As Paramount Explores Sale Of Majority Stake – Update Related Story All3Media's Objective Media Group Sets Up Label With Viacom International Studios UK Exec Oliver Wright Related Story Paramount CEO Bob Bakish Says Keeping Showtime "More Value-Creating" Than Agreeing To $3B Sale, Touts "Insane" 'Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning'
“It’s time for @BET to be Black-owned again so we have the power to tell our own stories, control our own narrative!
Combs would join other interested parties in a stake sale of Paramount assets joining fellow moguls Tyler Perry and Byron Allen, who both have also thrown their hat in the ring.
Related Story Byron Allen & Tyler Perry Eyeing BET As Paramount Explores Sale Of Majority Stake – Update Related Story All3Media's Objective Media Group Sets Up Label With Viacom International Studios UK Exec Oliver Wright Related Story Paramount CEO Bob Bakish Says Keeping Showtime "More Value-Creating" Than Agreeing To $3B Sale, Touts "Insane" 'Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning'
“It’s time for @BET to be Black-owned again so we have the power to tell our own stories, control our own narrative!
- 3/16/2023
- by Dade Hayes and Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
The biggest bank failure since the financial crisis more than 15 years ago has hit streaming giant Roku.
In an SEC filing Friday, the company disclosed that 26% of its cash was held at Silicon Valley Bank, and the funds were “largely uninsured.” The 16th largest bank in the U.S., with more than $200 billion in assets, Svb collapsed earlier in the day and was taken over by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. It ranks as the second-largest bank failure in U.S. history after Washington Mutual in 2008.
Roku’s filing says the Fdic has told those with insured funds at the bank that they will have full access to their insured deposits no later than Monday morning. Uninsured depositors, meanwhile, will receive an “advance dividend” over the next week. “Uninsured depositors will receive a receivership certificate for the remaining amount of their uninsured funds,” according to the filing. “As the Fdic sells the assets of Svb,...
In an SEC filing Friday, the company disclosed that 26% of its cash was held at Silicon Valley Bank, and the funds were “largely uninsured.” The 16th largest bank in the U.S., with more than $200 billion in assets, Svb collapsed earlier in the day and was taken over by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. It ranks as the second-largest bank failure in U.S. history after Washington Mutual in 2008.
Roku’s filing says the Fdic has told those with insured funds at the bank that they will have full access to their insured deposits no later than Monday morning. Uninsured depositors, meanwhile, will receive an “advance dividend” over the next week. “Uninsured depositors will receive a receivership certificate for the remaining amount of their uninsured funds,” according to the filing. “As the Fdic sells the assets of Svb,...
- 3/10/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Meta Platforms has agreed to pay a record 725 million to settle a class-action lawsuit brought by Facebook users who alleged that the company allowed third parties to access their personal data.
The UK research firm Cambridge Analytica, whose clients included former president Donald Trump, was the most prominent example of what the complaint described as a broad-scale privacy lapse. In 2018, it was revealed that Cambridge Analytica gained improper access to the personal information of some 87 million Facebook accounts.
The case was filed in U.S. District Court in the Northern District of California in San Francisco. Judge Vince Chhabria must approve the settlement.
The case was an embarrassing episode for Facebook and its founder, Mark Zuckerberg, who was brought before Congress to answer questions about data security. It followed more than a year of intense media coverage of how Trump used social media (with an assist from Russia) to upset Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election.
The UK research firm Cambridge Analytica, whose clients included former president Donald Trump, was the most prominent example of what the complaint described as a broad-scale privacy lapse. In 2018, it was revealed that Cambridge Analytica gained improper access to the personal information of some 87 million Facebook accounts.
The case was filed in U.S. District Court in the Northern District of California in San Francisco. Judge Vince Chhabria must approve the settlement.
The case was an embarrassing episode for Facebook and its founder, Mark Zuckerberg, who was brought before Congress to answer questions about data security. It followed more than a year of intense media coverage of how Trump used social media (with an assist from Russia) to upset Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election.
- 12/23/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Layoffs are under way at Paramount Global, with several dozen employees expected to formalize their departures today, insiders have confirmed to Deadline.
The cuts, which are expected to affect fewer than 100 workers in both New York and Los Angeles, are concentrated largely in the ad sales group. CBS Studios and Paramount Television Studios employees are also affected, sources added.
Related Story Paramount Global CFO Says Ad Market Soft But Not "Anything Close To” Covid Days Related Story Paramount Global Stock Flies As Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Boosts Stake Related Story The CW To Shed Wbd, Paramount Content In 2023-24 Season; Former Owners "Not Precluded From Selling Us Programming" If It's "A Deal We Like," Says Nexstar CEO
A number of business areas had been publicly targeted for streamlining in recent weeks, among them international operations, marketing and ad sales. The sales group has been undergoing a transformation in recent weeks,...
The cuts, which are expected to affect fewer than 100 workers in both New York and Los Angeles, are concentrated largely in the ad sales group. CBS Studios and Paramount Television Studios employees are also affected, sources added.
Related Story Paramount Global CFO Says Ad Market Soft But Not "Anything Close To” Covid Days Related Story Paramount Global Stock Flies As Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Boosts Stake Related Story The CW To Shed Wbd, Paramount Content In 2023-24 Season; Former Owners "Not Precluded From Selling Us Programming" If It's "A Deal We Like," Says Nexstar CEO
A number of business areas had been publicly targeted for streamlining in recent weeks, among them international operations, marketing and ad sales. The sales group has been undergoing a transformation in recent weeks,...
- 11/16/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Twitter has asked a judge to compel Elon Musk to produce documents from a federal investigation in connection with his long-aborning deal to buy Twitter.
“Elon Musk is presently under investigation by federal authorities for his conduct in connection with the acquisition of Twitter. Through counsel, he has exchanged substantive correspondence with those authorities concerning their investigations. Twitter wants those documents, because they bear upon key issues in this litigation,” the company said in a court filing Thursday, noting that it first requested the documents back in July.
After much legal arm twisting, Musk agreed earlier this month to buy Twitter for 44 billion. That’s the price he signed his name to back in April, pending financing. In the interim, the richest man in the world has complained about the proportion of the platform’s accounts comprised by bots, placed the deal on hold then two hours later said he...
“Elon Musk is presently under investigation by federal authorities for his conduct in connection with the acquisition of Twitter. Through counsel, he has exchanged substantive correspondence with those authorities concerning their investigations. Twitter wants those documents, because they bear upon key issues in this litigation,” the company said in a court filing Thursday, noting that it first requested the documents back in July.
After much legal arm twisting, Musk agreed earlier this month to buy Twitter for 44 billion. That’s the price he signed his name to back in April, pending financing. In the interim, the richest man in the world has complained about the proportion of the platform’s accounts comprised by bots, placed the deal on hold then two hours later said he...
- 10/14/2022
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
More details are emerging about the fatal shooting of a Law & Order: Organized Crime crew member this morning as the New York Police department scrutinizes the violent crime.
A crew member on the NBC series told Deadline that he saw a man with “something under his shirt” running away from the scene. Also, it appears that the vehicle the victim — a 31-year-old parking-enforcement worker — was sitting in when he was shot multiple times had an orange parking cone on its roof at the time.
It appears that there was no security or NYPD officers from the department’s Movie and TV unit on the scene at the time of the killing, which happened at 5:15 a.m. local time.
“It is unclear right now if this was an established set or not, or whether the victim was close to where filming was supposed to occur,” a law enforcement source told Deadline.
A crew member on the NBC series told Deadline that he saw a man with “something under his shirt” running away from the scene. Also, it appears that the vehicle the victim — a 31-year-old parking-enforcement worker — was sitting in when he was shot multiple times had an orange parking cone on its roof at the time.
It appears that there was no security or NYPD officers from the department’s Movie and TV unit on the scene at the time of the killing, which happened at 5:15 a.m. local time.
“It is unclear right now if this was an established set or not, or whether the victim was close to where filming was supposed to occur,” a law enforcement source told Deadline.
- 7/19/2022
- by Dominic Patten and David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Twitter chairman said that the company plans legal action after Elon Musk informed the company’s board that he is terminating his 44 billion merger agreement.
Bret Taylor, chairman of the Twitter board of directors, wrote that the social media platform is “committed to closing the transaction on the price and terms agreed upon with Mr. Musk and plans to pursue legal action to enforce the merger agreement. We are confident we will prevail in the Delaware Court of Chancery.”
Earlier Friday, Musk’s attorneys filed a letter with the SEC (read it here) accusing Twitter of being in material breach of the transaction agreement. They wrote that the company, after repeated requests for data on its accounts, “has failed or refused to provide this information”
His attorneys wrote that “to the extent that Twitter has underrepresented the number of false or spam accounts on its platform, that may constitute a...
Bret Taylor, chairman of the Twitter board of directors, wrote that the social media platform is “committed to closing the transaction on the price and terms agreed upon with Mr. Musk and plans to pursue legal action to enforce the merger agreement. We are confident we will prevail in the Delaware Court of Chancery.”
Earlier Friday, Musk’s attorneys filed a letter with the SEC (read it here) accusing Twitter of being in material breach of the transaction agreement. They wrote that the company, after repeated requests for data on its accounts, “has failed or refused to provide this information”
His attorneys wrote that “to the extent that Twitter has underrepresented the number of false or spam accounts on its platform, that may constitute a...
- 7/8/2022
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed longtime speculation that the league’s Sunday Ticket rights will be going to a streaming service after nearly 30 years on DirecTV.
“I clearly believe we will be moving to a streaming service,” the commissioner told CNBC. (Watch the full interview above.) He was speaking from Sun Valley, ID, where he is attending the Allen & Co. conference along with an array of media and tech execs, many of whom are NFL rightsholders.
Goodell said deal terms will be finalized by the fall. The current DirecTV deal for Sunday Ticket, which gives subscribers access to every game played on Sundays no matter where they live, runs through the end of the 2022 season. Given aggressive investments in live sports by Apple and Amazon recently, the two tech giants have been reported to be in the mix for Sunday Ticket. ESPN has also been thought to be in pursuit.
“I clearly believe we will be moving to a streaming service,” the commissioner told CNBC. (Watch the full interview above.) He was speaking from Sun Valley, ID, where he is attending the Allen & Co. conference along with an array of media and tech execs, many of whom are NFL rightsholders.
Goodell said deal terms will be finalized by the fall. The current DirecTV deal for Sunday Ticket, which gives subscribers access to every game played on Sundays no matter where they live, runs through the end of the 2022 season. Given aggressive investments in live sports by Apple and Amazon recently, the two tech giants have been reported to be in the mix for Sunday Ticket. ESPN has also been thought to be in pursuit.
- 7/8/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated with approval: The Nevada Gaming Commission has approved a limited license for MGM Resorts International shareholder Barry Diller to work in the state’s casino industry after probing the billionaire Iac chairman and former media mogul about a federal investigation into his purchases of shares of Activision Blizzard.
Iac has a 14 stake in MGM Resorts. Diller and Iac’s CEO Joey Levin are on the board. Diller, his stepson Alexander von Furstenberg and David Geffen reportedly acquired stock in the videogame giant right before it was acquired by Microsoft early this year, boosting the stock. Diller has said he had no knowledge of the upcoming deal.
According to the WSJ, the commission voted 4-1 to approve Diller for a two-year license while the investigation is pending, rather than granting him a full license.
Previously: The Nevada Gaming Commission today sent Iac Chairperson Barry Diller and CEO Joey Levin’s...
Iac has a 14 stake in MGM Resorts. Diller and Iac’s CEO Joey Levin are on the board. Diller, his stepson Alexander von Furstenberg and David Geffen reportedly acquired stock in the videogame giant right before it was acquired by Microsoft early this year, boosting the stock. Diller has said he had no knowledge of the upcoming deal.
According to the WSJ, the commission voted 4-1 to approve Diller for a two-year license while the investigation is pending, rather than granting him a full license.
Previously: The Nevada Gaming Commission today sent Iac Chairperson Barry Diller and CEO Joey Levin’s...
- 5/20/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Elon Musk now says he’s “still committed to acquisition” of Twitter, hours after he tweeted that the 44 billion deal is “temporarily on hold,” sending Twitter stock into a tailspin and contributing to the circus-show quality of this deal.
Musk said then he was waiting for more details and due diligence around the social media platform’s revelation that fewer than 5 of its monetizable daily active users are false or spam accounts.
Twitter stock regained a few bucks after tweet no. 2 this morning but is still down 12 at 39.50 — well below Musk’s 54.20 a share bid as Wall speculates he he may be trying to back out of purchase or renegotiate the price.
Still committed to acquisition
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 13, 2022
The world’s richest man tweeted in the past hour stating that he has put the deal on hold “pending details supporting the calculation”, which was contained in a Twitter filing Monday.
Musk said then he was waiting for more details and due diligence around the social media platform’s revelation that fewer than 5 of its monetizable daily active users are false or spam accounts.
Twitter stock regained a few bucks after tweet no. 2 this morning but is still down 12 at 39.50 — well below Musk’s 54.20 a share bid as Wall speculates he he may be trying to back out of purchase or renegotiate the price.
Still committed to acquisition
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 13, 2022
The world’s richest man tweeted in the past hour stating that he has put the deal on hold “pending details supporting the calculation”, which was contained in a Twitter filing Monday.
- 5/13/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Afternoon all, Max Goldbart here preparing you for another dose of International Insider in what, as ever, has been a busy old week. Scroll down for all the news and analysis.
Piers Vs Donald
Guess Who’s Back x 2: Did you miss them? By their own sky-high standards, Piers Morgan and Donald Trump have been relatively quiet over the past few months but, no longer, after a promo vid for Rupert Murdoch’s new channel Talk TV showed the former Potus storming off Morgan’s Uncensored set. The pair, who have been happy to extol the virtues of their friendship in the past, have since been engaged in a public spat, with Trump branding Morgan “part of the Fake News Media” and Morgan challenging him for failing to provide proof of the perceived 2020 election rig. This all after Trump’s daughter Ivanka supposedly offered Morgan her congratulations on his new show.
Piers Vs Donald
Guess Who’s Back x 2: Did you miss them? By their own sky-high standards, Piers Morgan and Donald Trump have been relatively quiet over the past few months but, no longer, after a promo vid for Rupert Murdoch’s new channel Talk TV showed the former Potus storming off Morgan’s Uncensored set. The pair, who have been happy to extol the virtues of their friendship in the past, have since been engaged in a public spat, with Trump branding Morgan “part of the Fake News Media” and Morgan challenging him for failing to provide proof of the perceived 2020 election rig. This all after Trump’s daughter Ivanka supposedly offered Morgan her congratulations on his new show.
- 4/22/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Is it truly a marketplace for branded tentpoles and uber low-budget fare at the box office as the pandemic eases? And is everything in between just future programming for a streamer?
Surely if you ask any filmmaker, established or budding, they truly don’t want their art lost to obscurity in a streaming queue, or worse, to have their movie’s demand be tied to algorithm.
This weekend, three movies aimed at families and guys aged 18-34 will hopefully expand the theatrical marketplace, that is before Disney/Marvel’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness sucks up all the air. DreamWorks Animation/Universal’s original villain movie The Bad Guys looks to do the best out of three with 15 million, while Focus Features’ Robert Eggers’ violent 70M Viking epic The Northman is eyeing between 8M-12M, and Lionsgate’s Nicolas Cage satire The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is...
Surely if you ask any filmmaker, established or budding, they truly don’t want their art lost to obscurity in a streaming queue, or worse, to have their movie’s demand be tied to algorithm.
This weekend, three movies aimed at families and guys aged 18-34 will hopefully expand the theatrical marketplace, that is before Disney/Marvel’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness sucks up all the air. DreamWorks Animation/Universal’s original villain movie The Bad Guys looks to do the best out of three with 15 million, while Focus Features’ Robert Eggers’ violent 70M Viking epic The Northman is eyeing between 8M-12M, and Lionsgate’s Nicolas Cage satire The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is...
- 4/20/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Tech billionaire Elon Musk has made an unsolicited offer to acquire Twitter for 54.20 a share – valuing the social media giant at 41.4 billion. He said he would take the company private and “unlock” its potential.
His “best and final” offer to the board was revealed in an SEC filing today and follows an April 4 disclosure he’d amassed a stake of more than 9 in the social media giant, becoming the company’s largest individual shareholder. Twitter then announced the Tesla founder would join the board, but, on Sunday, Twitter CEO Parad Agrawal said that decision had ben withdrawn leaving Wall Streeters guessing at Musk’s intentions.
He revealed them in a letter to Twitter chairman Bret Taylor dated April 13. “I invested in Twitter as I believe in its potential to be the platform for free speech around the globe, and I believe free speech is a societal imperative for a functioning democracy.
His “best and final” offer to the board was revealed in an SEC filing today and follows an April 4 disclosure he’d amassed a stake of more than 9 in the social media giant, becoming the company’s largest individual shareholder. Twitter then announced the Tesla founder would join the board, but, on Sunday, Twitter CEO Parad Agrawal said that decision had ben withdrawn leaving Wall Streeters guessing at Musk’s intentions.
He revealed them in a letter to Twitter chairman Bret Taylor dated April 13. “I invested in Twitter as I believe in its potential to be the platform for free speech around the globe, and I believe free speech is a societal imperative for a functioning democracy.
- 4/14/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Like Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and India Arie, Ava DuVernay’s Array is no longer doing business with Spotify.
Just more than a year after the activist Oscar nominee’s film collective inked a first-look deal with the music and podcast streamer, a spokesperson for Array has confirmed the plug has been pulled. Even though Array had set the Leap Files podcast as its inaugural offering with Spotify, no actual projects had made it to the streaming platforms yet.
A spokesperson for Spotify said today the company had no comment on Array’s exit, which occurred in the past few weeks.
However, it can’t be ignored that the exit comes as classic rockers and others have taken Spotify to task for the Covid-19 vaccine “misinformation” and repeated use of the N-word by Joe Rogan. As the likes of the “Heart of Gold” songwriter have pulled their music from the service,...
Just more than a year after the activist Oscar nominee’s film collective inked a first-look deal with the music and podcast streamer, a spokesperson for Array has confirmed the plug has been pulled. Even though Array had set the Leap Files podcast as its inaugural offering with Spotify, no actual projects had made it to the streaming platforms yet.
A spokesperson for Spotify said today the company had no comment on Array’s exit, which occurred in the past few weeks.
However, it can’t be ignored that the exit comes as classic rockers and others have taken Spotify to task for the Covid-19 vaccine “misinformation” and repeated use of the N-word by Joe Rogan. As the likes of the “Heart of Gold” songwriter have pulled their music from the service,...
- 2/17/2022
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
While it’s always best to see a film in a movie theater — especially one that’s singled out as one of the year’s best pictures — that may prove difficult this year given pandemic restrictions and precautions. Some are available in theaters, and some of those are only in theaters, but many are available on streaming services you likely already have.
Below is a sampling of where you can watch all 10 films that will compete for Best Picture at the 94th Academy Awards.
Belfast: Theaters, limited release; Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, more
The Power of the Dog: Select theaters; Netflix
West Side Story: In select theaters, likely on Disney+ eventually
Dune: Select theaters; Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play – all $5.99
Licorice Pizza: In select theaters only; director Paul Thomas Anderson will be in person on Valentine’s Day at Aero Theatre; commitment...
Below is a sampling of where you can watch all 10 films that will compete for Best Picture at the 94th Academy Awards.
Belfast: Theaters, limited release; Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, more
The Power of the Dog: Select theaters; Netflix
West Side Story: In select theaters, likely on Disney+ eventually
Dune: Select theaters; Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play – all $5.99
Licorice Pizza: In select theaters only; director Paul Thomas Anderson will be in person on Valentine’s Day at Aero Theatre; commitment...
- 2/8/2022
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Michael Bass, Amy Entelis and Ken Jautz will serve as interim co-heads of CNN following the resignation of Jeff Zucker.
WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar indicated that the trio would lead the network on an interim basis through the close of the company’s merger with Discovery, which is expected in the spring or even earlier.
Kilar wrote in a memo to employees that he has “full confidence that Michael, Amy and Ken, as interim heads for News, will provide the leadership this organization needs during this time of transition.”
Bass has been executive vice president of programming for CNN U.S., Entelis is executive vice president for talent and content development at CNN Worldwide, and is executive vice president of CNN/U.S.
Although Zucker’s future was uncertain when the Discovery-WarnerMedia transaction closes, the abrupt nature of his departure came as a surprise to CNN staff and the media world in general.
WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar indicated that the trio would lead the network on an interim basis through the close of the company’s merger with Discovery, which is expected in the spring or even earlier.
Kilar wrote in a memo to employees that he has “full confidence that Michael, Amy and Ken, as interim heads for News, will provide the leadership this organization needs during this time of transition.”
Bass has been executive vice president of programming for CNN U.S., Entelis is executive vice president for talent and content development at CNN Worldwide, and is executive vice president of CNN/U.S.
Although Zucker’s future was uncertain when the Discovery-WarnerMedia transaction closes, the abrupt nature of his departure came as a surprise to CNN staff and the media world in general.
- 2/2/2022
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Canada, after delivering 7% of Spider-Man: No Way Home‘s $260M domestic opening weekend, will see its Quebec province shut down cinemas in addition to bars and gyms as public health officials look to slow the spread of the Omicron Covid variant.
CBC reports that Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé made the decision to prevent a strain on the province’s health care system.
Over the weekend, due to rising Covid concerns, theater capacities in Canadian provinces Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick were reduced to 50%.
In addition, concert venues and spas in Quebec are being told to close as of 5 p.m. today. Restaurants will reduce their indoor capacity to 50% and limit hours between 5-10Pm. Professional sports will be held without audiences. Schools will shutter early for the holiday break until Jan. 10.
The province reported 4,571 new cases of Covid-19 today and three new deaths. Currently there’s 397 people in hospitals,...
CBC reports that Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé made the decision to prevent a strain on the province’s health care system.
Over the weekend, due to rising Covid concerns, theater capacities in Canadian provinces Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick were reduced to 50%.
In addition, concert venues and spas in Quebec are being told to close as of 5 p.m. today. Restaurants will reduce their indoor capacity to 50% and limit hours between 5-10Pm. Professional sports will be held without audiences. Schools will shutter early for the holiday break until Jan. 10.
The province reported 4,571 new cases of Covid-19 today and three new deaths. Currently there’s 397 people in hospitals,...
- 12/20/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated with deal official: Vox Media has inked a deal to acquire Group Nine, a leading collection of multi-platform media brands including The Dodo, NowThis, PopSugar, Thrillist, and Seeker. The portfolio will join Vox Media brands including Sb Nation, New York Magazine, The Verge, Vox, Eater, The Cut, Vulture, Polygon, and The Strategist, along with its rapidly growing podcast and studios business, and diversified revenue model across advertising, content distribution, commerce, and subscriptions.
The merger creates a significant digital media company and further strengthens Vox Media’s business, reaching audiences at scale on all platforms from podcasts to premium streaming services like Netflix and Hulu to YouTube to TikTok and Roku as well as owned and operated websites and print. The deal, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval, is expected to close in early 2022. Financial details of the transaction weren’t released..
The transaction is not part of...
The merger creates a significant digital media company and further strengthens Vox Media’s business, reaching audiences at scale on all platforms from podcasts to premium streaming services like Netflix and Hulu to YouTube to TikTok and Roku as well as owned and operated websites and print. The deal, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval, is expected to close in early 2022. Financial details of the transaction weren’t released..
The transaction is not part of...
- 12/14/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
In the wake of Sony’s attempt to reboot Ghostbusters in 2016 with a female leading cast, the studio hasn’t given up on the IP and finally is releasing an all-new Jason Reitman-directed sequel, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, which it has protected for a theatrical release throughout the pandemic.
Exhibition bosses went nuts at CinemaCon for the movie, which has been described as having a Steven Spielberg-esque sensibility in its cast of kids — one of whom is the descendent of Harold Ramis’ Dr. Egon Spengler from the original 1980s movies. Franchise vets Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver and Annie Potts are back as well.
There’s been a fervent response to Ghostbusters: Afterlife from local press out of recent screenings, and Sony is betting that the feature, which is also produced by original Ghostbusters filmmaker Ivan Reitman, will be a holiday sleeper. If the pic comes up...
Exhibition bosses went nuts at CinemaCon for the movie, which has been described as having a Steven Spielberg-esque sensibility in its cast of kids — one of whom is the descendent of Harold Ramis’ Dr. Egon Spengler from the original 1980s movies. Franchise vets Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver and Annie Potts are back as well.
There’s been a fervent response to Ghostbusters: Afterlife from local press out of recent screenings, and Sony is betting that the feature, which is also produced by original Ghostbusters filmmaker Ivan Reitman, will be a holiday sleeper. If the pic comes up...
- 11/17/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
One woman who visited Shanghai Disneyland on Saturday either later tested positive for Covid or came into contact with someone who had it, according to reports. As a result, more than 30,000 visitors were locked in the park Sunday by Chinese government officials and forced to test negative before they were allowed to leave. According to AP “all 33,863 people who had been at the park” did indeed test negative.
The Shanghai property would remain closed on Monday and Tuesday at the very least, according to a statement from park officials obtained by AP. Shanghai Disneyland told the WSJ “it would refund tickets and notify guests as soon as there was a confirmed date for resumption of activities.”
Disney’s parks and resorts division swung to the black last quarter in a slow turnaround for one of the entertainment sectors hardest hit by the global pandemic. Parks posted an operating profit of...
The Shanghai property would remain closed on Monday and Tuesday at the very least, according to a statement from park officials obtained by AP. Shanghai Disneyland told the WSJ “it would refund tickets and notify guests as soon as there was a confirmed date for resumption of activities.”
Disney’s parks and resorts division swung to the black last quarter in a slow turnaround for one of the entertainment sectors hardest hit by the global pandemic. Parks posted an operating profit of...
- 11/2/2021
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Corporations that report more than $1 billion in profits would have to pay at least 15% in tax under a proposal that could end up in the Build Back Better Act, the cornerstone of President Joe Biden’s agenda.
The backers of the proposal, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-ma), Sen. Ron Wyden (D-or) and Sen. Angus King (I-me) outlined some of the details on Tuesday as Democrats wrangle over how to pay for the Build Back Better Act, which would expand the social safety net and programs to combat climate change.
Studios and media companies, along with lobbyists across industries, have opposed Biden’s proposal to raise the corporate tax rate, currently at 21%. But that tax hike plan appears to be dead, as Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-az), is against increasing the corporate rate and rates on high income earners.
Yet on Tuesday, she expressed support for the three senators’ proposal, saying that it...
The backers of the proposal, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-ma), Sen. Ron Wyden (D-or) and Sen. Angus King (I-me) outlined some of the details on Tuesday as Democrats wrangle over how to pay for the Build Back Better Act, which would expand the social safety net and programs to combat climate change.
Studios and media companies, along with lobbyists across industries, have opposed Biden’s proposal to raise the corporate tax rate, currently at 21%. But that tax hike plan appears to be dead, as Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-az), is against increasing the corporate rate and rates on high income earners.
Yet on Tuesday, she expressed support for the three senators’ proposal, saying that it...
- 10/26/2021
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Argus Capital Corp., a special-purpose acquisition company created by former CBS CEO Joe Ianniello, head of CBS Interactive Marc DeBevoise and other CBS alums, has gone public.
The Spac, which is targeting deals in what it describes as “tech-driven media” sector, is offering investors 26.5 million units, priced at $10 apiece. Once public, the so-called “blank-check” company will be obligated by to make its first acquisition over the next year and a half, per the rules.
In an interview with Deadline, DeBevoise said the company’s size — it is looking to raise $250 million or more to start funding its deal spree — is “right in the sweet spot” to provide a viable foundation for media deals. “It’s not so large we can’t be nimble, but not so small that people won’t talk to us.”
While the Spac marketplace has become crowded, DeBevoise acknowledges, he said data reviewed by Argus indicates...
The Spac, which is targeting deals in what it describes as “tech-driven media” sector, is offering investors 26.5 million units, priced at $10 apiece. Once public, the so-called “blank-check” company will be obligated by to make its first acquisition over the next year and a half, per the rules.
In an interview with Deadline, DeBevoise said the company’s size — it is looking to raise $250 million or more to start funding its deal spree — is “right in the sweet spot” to provide a viable foundation for media deals. “It’s not so large we can’t be nimble, but not so small that people won’t talk to us.”
While the Spac marketplace has become crowded, DeBevoise acknowledges, he said data reviewed by Argus indicates...
- 9/22/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Hello International Insiders. Tom Grater here with the week’s biggest international headlines, from Nicole Kidman’s Hong Kong shopping trip to an Indian animation milestone. To get this sent to your inbox every Friday, sign up here.
Afghanistan Evacuation
Chaos in Kabul: Disturbing scenes in Afghanistan this week after a swift Taliban takeover of capital city Kabul caught western governments off-guard and caused panic among international personnel and local residents. Afghan filmmaker Sahraa Karimi hit the headlines on Monday when she released a desperate plea to the international filmmaking community, warning that the new regime would suppress art and that the Taliban had “massacred our people”. Video footage from Kabul airport was particularly troubling, with people so desperate to leave the country they were seen clinging to airplane wheels as they took off from the tarmac. On Tuesday, U.S. and UK troops helped secure the airport which meant...
Afghanistan Evacuation
Chaos in Kabul: Disturbing scenes in Afghanistan this week after a swift Taliban takeover of capital city Kabul caught western governments off-guard and caused panic among international personnel and local residents. Afghan filmmaker Sahraa Karimi hit the headlines on Monday when she released a desperate plea to the international filmmaking community, warning that the new regime would suppress art and that the Taliban had “massacred our people”. Video footage from Kabul airport was particularly troubling, with people so desperate to leave the country they were seen clinging to airplane wheels as they took off from the tarmac. On Tuesday, U.S. and UK troops helped secure the airport which meant...
- 8/20/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Deadline has launched the streaming site for its Contenders Television: The Nominees, out annual award-season event that this past weekend shined a light on panel presentations from 34 Emmy-nominated series featuring 117 cast and creatives from 16 broadcast and cable networks and streamers.
Click here for the Contenders Television: The Nominees streaming site.
The Saturday and Sunday virtual panels included in-depth conversation with the likes of Pose‘s Billy Porter and Mj Rodriguez, Mare of Easttown‘s Kate Winslet, Secrets of the Whales‘ James Cameron, A West Wing Reunion‘s Aaron Sorkin, Thomas Schlamme and Bradley Whitford, Christmas on the Square‘s Dolly Parton and Debbie Allen, Genius: Aretha‘s Cynthia Erivo, In Treatment‘s Uzo Aduba, Hacks‘ Jean Smart, Hamilton‘s Daveed Diggs, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Leslie Odom Jr and Philippa Soo, Cobra Kai‘s Ralph Macchio and William Zabka, Perry Mason‘s Matthew Rhys and John Lithgow, SNL‘s Kenan Thompson and Bowen Yang,...
Click here for the Contenders Television: The Nominees streaming site.
The Saturday and Sunday virtual panels included in-depth conversation with the likes of Pose‘s Billy Porter and Mj Rodriguez, Mare of Easttown‘s Kate Winslet, Secrets of the Whales‘ James Cameron, A West Wing Reunion‘s Aaron Sorkin, Thomas Schlamme and Bradley Whitford, Christmas on the Square‘s Dolly Parton and Debbie Allen, Genius: Aretha‘s Cynthia Erivo, In Treatment‘s Uzo Aduba, Hacks‘ Jean Smart, Hamilton‘s Daveed Diggs, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Leslie Odom Jr and Philippa Soo, Cobra Kai‘s Ralph Macchio and William Zabka, Perry Mason‘s Matthew Rhys and John Lithgow, SNL‘s Kenan Thompson and Bowen Yang,...
- 8/16/2021
- by The Deadline Team
- Deadline Film + TV
Ever-popular Deadline franchise The Contenders is set for the last big blowout of the TV season just as final voting for Emmys begins. Deadline’s The Contenders Television: The Nominees has grown so big that we had to spread it across an entire weekend, so in livestreamed presentations we are hosting panels for comedies, documentaries/reality and specials on Saturday August 14, and panels for Dramas, Limited Series & Movies on Sunday, August 15. Each day begins at 9 a.m. Pt.
The 34 different shows run the gamut of some of the season’s most acclaimed, awarded and nominated programs from a total of 16 networks and featuring 108 talent involved.
You can register for the event at https://contenderstelevision.deadline.com.
Moderators from Deadline include Mike Fleming Jr., Pete Hammond, Dominic Patten, Rosy Cordero, Anthony D’Alessandro, Antonia Blyth, Joe Utichi, Matt Grobar, Dade Hayes, Matthew Carey, Jill Goldsmith and Alexandra Del Rosario.
Among the stars...
The 34 different shows run the gamut of some of the season’s most acclaimed, awarded and nominated programs from a total of 16 networks and featuring 108 talent involved.
You can register for the event at https://contenderstelevision.deadline.com.
Moderators from Deadline include Mike Fleming Jr., Pete Hammond, Dominic Patten, Rosy Cordero, Anthony D’Alessandro, Antonia Blyth, Joe Utichi, Matt Grobar, Dade Hayes, Matthew Carey, Jill Goldsmith and Alexandra Del Rosario.
Among the stars...
- 8/4/2021
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated, with comments from the FTC and Facebook: A federal judge today tossed out the Federal Trade Commission’s antitrust lawsuit against Facebook, concluding that the government failed to establish that the tech platform had a monopoly on social media networks.
The judge, James E. Boasberg, still left open the possibility that the government could revive the case by amending its complaint. But he wrote that the government’s case was “legally insufficient and must therefore be dismissed.”
Boasberg also dismissed a related lawsuit brought by 48 state attorneys general, who sued Facebook late last year around the same time as FTC.
The decision is a setback to the FTC’s efforts to rein in the power of the platforms. In its lawsuit, it had sought to break up Facebook, citing its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp.
In the decision (read it here) Boasberg wrote that the FTC failed to...
The judge, James E. Boasberg, still left open the possibility that the government could revive the case by amending its complaint. But he wrote that the government’s case was “legally insufficient and must therefore be dismissed.”
Boasberg also dismissed a related lawsuit brought by 48 state attorneys general, who sued Facebook late last year around the same time as FTC.
The decision is a setback to the FTC’s efforts to rein in the power of the platforms. In its lawsuit, it had sought to break up Facebook, citing its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp.
In the decision (read it here) Boasberg wrote that the FTC failed to...
- 6/28/2021
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
NBCUniversal has wrapped its upfront advertising sales for the upcoming season, describing it as a “watershed moment and a clear signal that everything has changed.”
Jeff Shell, the company’s CEO, confirmed the news during a virtual appearance at a Credit Suisse investor conference. Sales chief Linda Yaccarino also wrote a blog post with further details.
No pricing information was offered by Shell, though he said it was “the strongest upfront in the history of NBCUniversal.” After a dire 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, media companies have seen their advertising fortunes rebound this year. Led by digital, the overall ad market has seen a broad-based revival as the economy recovers and Covid-19 infection rates decline.
At the same time, there is restlessness in a number of areas in the market. Streaming, a new focus across the media landscape, has presented measurement challenges. Nielsen has come under renewed scrutiny by networks,...
Jeff Shell, the company’s CEO, confirmed the news during a virtual appearance at a Credit Suisse investor conference. Sales chief Linda Yaccarino also wrote a blog post with further details.
No pricing information was offered by Shell, though he said it was “the strongest upfront in the history of NBCUniversal.” After a dire 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, media companies have seen their advertising fortunes rebound this year. Led by digital, the overall ad market has seen a broad-based revival as the economy recovers and Covid-19 infection rates decline.
At the same time, there is restlessness in a number of areas in the market. Streaming, a new focus across the media landscape, has presented measurement challenges. Nielsen has come under renewed scrutiny by networks,...
- 6/14/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Deadline Studio is back in action beginning this week with the launch of the Tribeca Festival and our virtual Tribeca Studio Presented by Verimatrix. It will be up and running beginning Thursday and featuring one-on-one video sit-downs with filmmakers and top talent at the fest, which kicks off tonight with its opening film In the Heights and wraps June 19.
Among the conversations already lined up are with Sony Pictures Classics’ 12 Mighty Orphans director/co-writer/producer Ty Roberts and castmembers Martin Sheen and Luke Wilson; IFC’s Werewolves Within with director Josh Rubin and cast Sam Richardson and Milana Vayntrub; Rlje Films’ Ted Bundy drama No Man of God with director Amber Sealey and stars Elijah Wood and Luke Kirby; and Morgan Neville discussing his new Focus Features documentary Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain.
Deadline’s Jill Goldsmith, Matt Grobar and Matthew Carey will moderate the Q&As, which...
Among the conversations already lined up are with Sony Pictures Classics’ 12 Mighty Orphans director/co-writer/producer Ty Roberts and castmembers Martin Sheen and Luke Wilson; IFC’s Werewolves Within with director Josh Rubin and cast Sam Richardson and Milana Vayntrub; Rlje Films’ Ted Bundy drama No Man of God with director Amber Sealey and stars Elijah Wood and Luke Kirby; and Morgan Neville discussing his new Focus Features documentary Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain.
Deadline’s Jill Goldsmith, Matt Grobar and Matthew Carey will moderate the Q&As, which...
- 6/9/2021
- by The Deadline Team
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated with trading details. Shares in Endeavor Group Holdings are trading at close to $26 late morning in its long awaited debut on the New York Stock Exchange Thursday, a healthy 7% gain from its pricing at $24. It opened at $27.
Previously:
Ari Emanuel, Patrick Whitesell and other members of Endeavor’s management team rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange this morning, ushering in a new, publicly traded era for the media firm.
Shares in Endeavor Group Holdings are set to begin trading Thursday at $24 a share, realizing a longtime plan for an initial public offering. The IPO bell ringing (see video above) is a well-worn publicity ritual but does not signal the actual start of shares changing hands. The ticker symbol Edr, which is what Endeavor Group Holdings will trade under, had not lit up more than an hour into the trading day, a customary lag for many...
Previously:
Ari Emanuel, Patrick Whitesell and other members of Endeavor’s management team rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange this morning, ushering in a new, publicly traded era for the media firm.
Shares in Endeavor Group Holdings are set to begin trading Thursday at $24 a share, realizing a longtime plan for an initial public offering. The IPO bell ringing (see video above) is a well-worn publicity ritual but does not signal the actual start of shares changing hands. The ticker symbol Edr, which is what Endeavor Group Holdings will trade under, had not lit up more than an hour into the trading day, a customary lag for many...
- 4/29/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Discovery said it has passed 11 million direct-to-consumer streaming subscribers and will reach 12 million by the end of February, a gain of about 7 million subscribers since December.
The parent of cable networks HGTV, TLC, Food Network and the Discovery Channel launched streaming service Discovery+ on January 4 in the U.S. and is rolling it out globally. The $5-a-month service has a limited amount of advertising and 55,000 hours of programming. It accounts for the majority of the company’s total streaming number, though Discovery also operates niche services focused on golf, European sports, food and other areas.
Executives have not laid out a specific target number of subscribers but they describe the service as a valid complement to Netflix, which has 203 million paying customers around the world. Verizon has signed on as a key distribution partner, bundling one year free of Discovery+ with many customer plans.
The streaming numbers came as the...
The parent of cable networks HGTV, TLC, Food Network and the Discovery Channel launched streaming service Discovery+ on January 4 in the U.S. and is rolling it out globally. The $5-a-month service has a limited amount of advertising and 55,000 hours of programming. It accounts for the majority of the company’s total streaming number, though Discovery also operates niche services focused on golf, European sports, food and other areas.
Executives have not laid out a specific target number of subscribers but they describe the service as a valid complement to Netflix, which has 203 million paying customers around the world. Verizon has signed on as a key distribution partner, bundling one year free of Discovery+ with many customer plans.
The streaming numbers came as the...
- 2/22/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney will massively ramp up the volume of Marvel and Star Wars series on its Disney+ streaming service.
Kareem Daniel, Chairman, Media and Entertainment Distribution for The Walt Disney Company, revealed Wednesday during the Disney Investor Day presentation that it would launch “roughly” 10 Marvel series, 10 Star Wars series and 15 live-action, animation and Pixar series over the next few years.
“With these Disney+ originals, along with theatrical releases and library titles, we will be adding something new to the service every week,” he said.
Fifteen all-new Disney live-action, Disney Animation, and Pixar features will also be released directly on Disney+.
This comes as the second season of The Mandalorian is wrapping up on the service.
Disney, which unveiled the news as part of its presentation, didn’t give any detail on the series, but it is likely to include the upcoming Cassian Andor series, which is a prequel of Rogue One...
Kareem Daniel, Chairman, Media and Entertainment Distribution for The Walt Disney Company, revealed Wednesday during the Disney Investor Day presentation that it would launch “roughly” 10 Marvel series, 10 Star Wars series and 15 live-action, animation and Pixar series over the next few years.
“With these Disney+ originals, along with theatrical releases and library titles, we will be adding something new to the service every week,” he said.
Fifteen all-new Disney live-action, Disney Animation, and Pixar features will also be released directly on Disney+.
This comes as the second season of The Mandalorian is wrapping up on the service.
Disney, which unveiled the news as part of its presentation, didn’t give any detail on the series, but it is likely to include the upcoming Cassian Andor series, which is a prequel of Rogue One...
- 12/10/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The American Film Market has unveiled its initial speakers, topics and programming calendar for AFM 2020 Online with sessions on Nov. 9-13 alongside the AFM’s marketplace and screenings.
The AFM’s opening conference — The Future of Film — will launch with Mark Gill, president and CEO of Solstice Studios, discussing how independent film, the marketplace and audience consumption will change in the near future. Elissa Federoff, president of distribution for Neon, will then discuss the future of feature film distribution and exhibition.
Gill had the first new film in theaters since the Covid-19 pandemic shutdown with “Unhinged,” and Federoff made history for her company with four Academy Awards for “Parasite,” which became the third highest-grossing foreign language film ever released in the U.S.
This year’s lineup will take place wholly online and will bring 200 speakers to two stages for conferences, panels, conversations, workshops, podcasts and presentations. John Cena, SAG-AFTRA president Gabrielle Carteris,...
The AFM’s opening conference — The Future of Film — will launch with Mark Gill, president and CEO of Solstice Studios, discussing how independent film, the marketplace and audience consumption will change in the near future. Elissa Federoff, president of distribution for Neon, will then discuss the future of feature film distribution and exhibition.
Gill had the first new film in theaters since the Covid-19 pandemic shutdown with “Unhinged,” and Federoff made history for her company with four Academy Awards for “Parasite,” which became the third highest-grossing foreign language film ever released in the U.S.
This year’s lineup will take place wholly online and will bring 200 speakers to two stages for conferences, panels, conversations, workshops, podcasts and presentations. John Cena, SAG-AFTRA president Gabrielle Carteris,...
- 10/21/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
President Donald Trump said that he is postponing talks for another Covid-19 relief bill until after the Nov. 3, a move that will delay or put in jeopardy relief for a wide swath of entertainment industry employees, movie theaters and live event venues.
Trump blamed the delay on Democrats’ demands for relief for state and local governments.
He wrote on Twitter, “Nancy Pelosi is asking for $2.4 Trillion Dollars to bailout poorly run, high crime, Democrat States, money that is in no way related to Covid-19. We made a very generous offer of $1.6 Trillion Dollars and, as usual, she is not negotiating in good faith. I am rejecting their…
“…request, and looking to the future of our Country. I have instructed my representatives to stop negotiating until after the election when, immediately after I win, we will pass a major Stimulus Bill that focuses on hardworking Americans and Small Business. I have asked…...
Trump blamed the delay on Democrats’ demands for relief for state and local governments.
He wrote on Twitter, “Nancy Pelosi is asking for $2.4 Trillion Dollars to bailout poorly run, high crime, Democrat States, money that is in no way related to Covid-19. We made a very generous offer of $1.6 Trillion Dollars and, as usual, she is not negotiating in good faith. I am rejecting their…
“…request, and looking to the future of our Country. I have instructed my representatives to stop negotiating until after the election when, immediately after I win, we will pass a major Stimulus Bill that focuses on hardworking Americans and Small Business. I have asked…...
- 10/6/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Sunday Am Final w/chart: The depressed state of the box office continued into its fourth weekend since the big three exhibitors reopened, with Warner Bros.’ Tenet still No. 1 with $3.4M, -26%. To date, the Christopher Nolan-directed time-twisting noir has collected $41.2M at 2,850 locations in a domestic market that’s 75% opened with an overall WW box office of $283.2M.
Some can debate whether theaters were better off closed, like they were this past summer, or open, but any pulse of business, even on a weekend like this, is progress. And that’s where where we need to remain positive.
Exhibition and distribution insiders tell me that Los Angeles, and New York (believe it or not) could turn a corner in the next couple of weeks, but even then it’s baby steps. It’s not like the floodgates will just open. The biggest problem: With the lack of a...
Some can debate whether theaters were better off closed, like they were this past summer, or open, but any pulse of business, even on a weekend like this, is progress. And that’s where where we need to remain positive.
Exhibition and distribution insiders tell me that Los Angeles, and New York (believe it or not) could turn a corner in the next couple of weeks, but even then it’s baby steps. It’s not like the floodgates will just open. The biggest problem: With the lack of a...
- 9/27/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon is showing signs it may be ramping up its efforts in linear TV streaming, confirming longtime speculation about the tech giant’s evolving streaming strategy.
Several postings for jobs at the company’s Prime Video division point to a bulked up effort to furnish Prime subscribers with live offerings. One of the postings heralds “Day 1 for the linear TV experience on Prime Video.” Already, Amazon-owned Twitch offers live streams of Premier League soccer, NFL games and other sports programming. Amazon also has a stake in the Yes network in the U.S. and is expected to begin pushing live New York Yankees broadcasts in due course.
Live offerings would complement on-demand programming from Amazon Studios as well as third-party streaming apps. Roku, a smaller but resourceful rival, has recently amplified its live offerings and is seeing a significant influx of advertising, especially as the traditional pay-tv ecosystem endures serious pressure.
Several postings for jobs at the company’s Prime Video division point to a bulked up effort to furnish Prime subscribers with live offerings. One of the postings heralds “Day 1 for the linear TV experience on Prime Video.” Already, Amazon-owned Twitch offers live streams of Premier League soccer, NFL games and other sports programming. Amazon also has a stake in the Yes network in the U.S. and is expected to begin pushing live New York Yankees broadcasts in due course.
Live offerings would complement on-demand programming from Amazon Studios as well as third-party streaming apps. Roku, a smaller but resourceful rival, has recently amplified its live offerings and is seeing a significant influx of advertising, especially as the traditional pay-tv ecosystem endures serious pressure.
- 6/24/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Endeavor, whose revenue has dropped 70% during the coronavirus pandemic, has secured a $260 million term loan as an extra cushion.
Sources familiar with the transaction tell Deadline it carries an interest rate of a bit less than 11%. The company had previously taken out a $2.8 billion loan.
Last month, Endeavor said one-third of its workforce of 7,500 would be affected by furloughs, layoffs or other staffing reductions. CEO Ari Emanuel and executive chairman Patrick Whitesell have agreed to forfeit their annual salaries. The company has been hamstrung by its reliance on live events — from sports to fashion to concerts — as well as the shutdown of film and TV production due to Covid-19.
The cuts are expected to help increase profits by as much as $200 million in 2020, sources said.
Over the years, it has grown from its traditional talent representation business at WME to add major assets like a 51% stake in the Ultimate Fighting Championship,...
Sources familiar with the transaction tell Deadline it carries an interest rate of a bit less than 11%. The company had previously taken out a $2.8 billion loan.
Last month, Endeavor said one-third of its workforce of 7,500 would be affected by furloughs, layoffs or other staffing reductions. CEO Ari Emanuel and executive chairman Patrick Whitesell have agreed to forfeit their annual salaries. The company has been hamstrung by its reliance on live events — from sports to fashion to concerts — as well as the shutdown of film and TV production due to Covid-19.
The cuts are expected to help increase profits by as much as $200 million in 2020, sources said.
Over the years, it has grown from its traditional talent representation business at WME to add major assets like a 51% stake in the Ultimate Fighting Championship,...
- 5/11/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo used his now-daily televised morning update to issue a statewide mandate that all non-essential workers in the state must stay home as the coronavirus continues to spread in the state. “16 days ago we were at zero [cases in New York] — today we’re at 2,900,” he said. “Those numbers are why we are taking this action.”
The “New York state on pause” directive follows a similar mandate laid down by California Gov, Gavin Newsom on Thursday night.
More from DeadlineL.A. County Issues 'Safer At Home' Order; All Non-Essential Retail Businesses, Indoor Shopping Malls To Close Amid Coronavirus CrisisTeamsters Local 399 Finding Jobs Outside Hollywood For Members Left Suddenly Unemployed By Coronavirus ShutdownYouTube Joins Netflix In Limiting Stream Bitrates To European Users During Coronavirus Lockdowns
“The measures are meant to flatten the curve because cases rising this fast will completely overwhelm the state’s hospital and medical supply capacity, which is already under strain,...
The “New York state on pause” directive follows a similar mandate laid down by California Gov, Gavin Newsom on Thursday night.
More from DeadlineL.A. County Issues 'Safer At Home' Order; All Non-Essential Retail Businesses, Indoor Shopping Malls To Close Amid Coronavirus CrisisTeamsters Local 399 Finding Jobs Outside Hollywood For Members Left Suddenly Unemployed By Coronavirus ShutdownYouTube Joins Netflix In Limiting Stream Bitrates To European Users During Coronavirus Lockdowns
“The measures are meant to flatten the curve because cases rising this fast will completely overwhelm the state’s hospital and medical supply capacity, which is already under strain,...
- 3/20/2020
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
(Updated with WarnerMedia statement) Rapidly after NBC and CBS pulled the plug on their New York City Upfronts presentations, WarnerMedia has done the same.
“The health and safety of the advertising community, our employees and production partners is our absolute priority, so we will alter our plans for this year’s Upfront presentation,” said Gerhard Zeiler, Chief Revenue Officer, WarnerMedia and Kirk McDonald, Chief Business Officer, Xandr. “We have the technological and creative means to showcase our unified WarnerMedia/Xandr message through a unique video experience and will do just that on May 13.”
More from DeadlineNHL Postpones Regular Season Amid Coronavirus OutbreakDisneyland In "Resolution" Talks With CA Governor Over Coronavirus; L.A. Mayor Closes City Hall To PublicCoronavirus Impacting Hollywood Offices: UTA, ICM Partners, CAA Latest To Mandate Working From Home - Update
This comes as Broadway begins to shut down and Gov. Andrew Cuomo today banned all gatherings of...
“The health and safety of the advertising community, our employees and production partners is our absolute priority, so we will alter our plans for this year’s Upfront presentation,” said Gerhard Zeiler, Chief Revenue Officer, WarnerMedia and Kirk McDonald, Chief Business Officer, Xandr. “We have the technological and creative means to showcase our unified WarnerMedia/Xandr message through a unique video experience and will do just that on May 13.”
More from DeadlineNHL Postpones Regular Season Amid Coronavirus OutbreakDisneyland In "Resolution" Talks With CA Governor Over Coronavirus; L.A. Mayor Closes City Hall To PublicCoronavirus Impacting Hollywood Offices: UTA, ICM Partners, CAA Latest To Mandate Working From Home - Update
This comes as Broadway begins to shut down and Gov. Andrew Cuomo today banned all gatherings of...
- 3/12/2020
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Update, with additional analysis The jury in the Harvey Weinstein trial might be deadlocked on two of the weightiest counts against the former producer: predatory sexual assaults involving actress Annabella Sciorra and at least one of two other women. Each count carries a possible life sentence.
Questions sent by the jury to Supreme Court Judge James Burke earlier this afternoon suggested a unanimous verdict might have been reached or be possible on assault and rape charges involving Miriam Haley and Jessica Mann, respectively, but did not indicate in which direction.
While the suggestion of deadlock might seem like cause for celebration for Team Weinstein, the situation is anything but simple or certain.
Theoretically, if the jurors agree that Weinstein is not guilty in the cases of Haley and Mann, it’s unclear how deliberations could move on to the two predatory charges – which involve Haley and/or Mann as essential components.
Questions sent by the jury to Supreme Court Judge James Burke earlier this afternoon suggested a unanimous verdict might have been reached or be possible on assault and rape charges involving Miriam Haley and Jessica Mann, respectively, but did not indicate in which direction.
While the suggestion of deadlock might seem like cause for celebration for Team Weinstein, the situation is anything but simple or certain.
Theoretically, if the jurors agree that Weinstein is not guilty in the cases of Haley and Mann, it’s unclear how deliberations could move on to the two predatory charges – which involve Haley and/or Mann as essential components.
- 2/21/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
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