As Paramount Global approaches Tuesday’s annual shareholder meeting and a high-stakes town hall for employees the following day, new details are emerging about Skydance Media’s latest acquisition offer.
The David Ellison-led Skydance, which has been in the running for months to take control of Paramount, had sweetened its offer in recent days in order to assuage the concerns of non-voting shareholders. In the current scenario, those shareholders would be in line to receive $15 a share, a 26% premium over the company’s stock price as of Friday. Sources familiar with the discussions confirmed the proposed terms to Deadline after The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg had reported them earlier Sunday.
In a two-step transaction, Skydance would first acquire National Amusements, which controls nearly 80% of the voting shares of Paramount, though only about 10% of its equity value. The second step would see the company pump cash into Paramount, which would then acquire Skydance.
The David Ellison-led Skydance, which has been in the running for months to take control of Paramount, had sweetened its offer in recent days in order to assuage the concerns of non-voting shareholders. In the current scenario, those shareholders would be in line to receive $15 a share, a 26% premium over the company’s stock price as of Friday. Sources familiar with the discussions confirmed the proposed terms to Deadline after The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg had reported them earlier Sunday.
In a two-step transaction, Skydance would first acquire National Amusements, which controls nearly 80% of the voting shares of Paramount, though only about 10% of its equity value. The second step would see the company pump cash into Paramount, which would then acquire Skydance.
- 6/3/2024
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
AI or artificial intelligence has been perceived as one of the major threats to jobs across different industries. However, it is its use within the entertainment industry that has raised several questions and generated significant criticism from industry people. One of the main points of contentions during the twin SAG-AFTRA strikes, AI is still in use and will continue to be used.
A still from Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse | Sony Pictures
And Sony is one of the first major studios to remark that they would be using the technology to cut costs. After the statement went viral, some fans even went on to appeal to Sony to keep AI out of the Spider-verse movies. Setting the record straight, the franchise director opened up about the use of such technology in the movies.
Beyond the Spider-Verse To Not Use AI Despite Sony’s Statement A still from Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse...
A still from Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse | Sony Pictures
And Sony is one of the first major studios to remark that they would be using the technology to cut costs. After the statement went viral, some fans even went on to appeal to Sony to keep AI out of the Spider-verse movies. Setting the record straight, the franchise director opened up about the use of such technology in the movies.
Beyond the Spider-Verse To Not Use AI Despite Sony’s Statement A still from Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse...
- 6/2/2024
- by Maria Sultan
- FandomWire
Belt-tightening and cost-cutting continues across Hollywood as the Peak TV era has come to a close, and another legacy TV brand is being shuttered as a result.
Sony Television is shutting down its TriStar Television banner, which recently has been responsible for series like “Lucky Hank” (AMC), “The Afterparty” (Apple TV+), “On Becoming a God in Central Florida” (Showtime), “The Last Tycoon” (Amazon), and “Good Girls Revolt” (Amazon). In its heyday, TriStar TV produced and distributed “The Nanny,” “Mad About You,” and many more series.
A source says the decision is part of a larger shift around Sony Pictures Television’s boutique labels, not unlike the shuttering of the Gemstone brand several years ago, and that the hope is to weave all of TriStar’s values and goals into the bigger studio.
As THR first reported, TriStar TV’s active productions will be absorbed into the larger Sony Television operation,...
Sony Television is shutting down its TriStar Television banner, which recently has been responsible for series like “Lucky Hank” (AMC), “The Afterparty” (Apple TV+), “On Becoming a God in Central Florida” (Showtime), “The Last Tycoon” (Amazon), and “Good Girls Revolt” (Amazon). In its heyday, TriStar TV produced and distributed “The Nanny,” “Mad About You,” and many more series.
A source says the decision is part of a larger shift around Sony Pictures Television’s boutique labels, not unlike the shuttering of the Gemstone brand several years ago, and that the hope is to weave all of TriStar’s values and goals into the bigger studio.
As THR first reported, TriStar TV’s active productions will be absorbed into the larger Sony Television operation,...
- 5/31/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
For, like, forever, Spider-Man has been one of the biggest fan-favorite characters introduced initially in Marvel Comics and then in the MCU.
However, while his initial live-action projects did justice to him through the ways the filmmakers helmed them under the production direction of Sony, the latest films in the franchise haven’t been all too favorable, all because of the excessive use of AI.
Spider-Man in the comics. | Credit: Marvel Comics.
Yet, while that’s that, it seems like things are about to get worse instead of getting better. This comes after the CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment (Spe), Tony Vinciquerra, recently confirmed that the studio is eyeing to use more AI to reduce costs in the near future.
And, as expected, this news is anything but good for all those fans who were hoping to see more projects like the ones before.
Spider-Man Projects to Use More AI?...
However, while his initial live-action projects did justice to him through the ways the filmmakers helmed them under the production direction of Sony, the latest films in the franchise haven’t been all too favorable, all because of the excessive use of AI.
Spider-Man in the comics. | Credit: Marvel Comics.
Yet, while that’s that, it seems like things are about to get worse instead of getting better. This comes after the CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment (Spe), Tony Vinciquerra, recently confirmed that the studio is eyeing to use more AI to reduce costs in the near future.
And, as expected, this news is anything but good for all those fans who were hoping to see more projects like the ones before.
Spider-Man Projects to Use More AI?...
- 5/31/2024
- by Mahin Sultan
- FandomWire
Sony Pictures has made a bold statement by confirming it will use Artificial Intelligence to produce future movies and TV shows.
Chief executive Tony Vinciquerra recently attended an investor conference in Japan and told attendees that the studio is "very focused on AI" as they look to cut costs.
"We'll be looking at ways to use AI to produce films for theaters and television in more efficient ways, using AI primarily," Vinciquerra said.
He'd later add, "The agreements that came out of last year’s strikes and the agreements that will come out of the IATSE and Teamster [negotiations] will define roughly what we do with AI."
He's referring to the ongoing negotiations between Hollywood's major crew union and top studios; the fear is that AI tools like OpenAI's "Sora" will undermine labour from crewmembers and talent. Now, the IATSE hopes to secure the same guarantees as actors and writers...
Chief executive Tony Vinciquerra recently attended an investor conference in Japan and told attendees that the studio is "very focused on AI" as they look to cut costs.
"We'll be looking at ways to use AI to produce films for theaters and television in more efficient ways, using AI primarily," Vinciquerra said.
He'd later add, "The agreements that came out of last year’s strikes and the agreements that will come out of the IATSE and Teamster [negotiations] will define roughly what we do with AI."
He's referring to the ongoing negotiations between Hollywood's major crew union and top studios; the fear is that AI tools like OpenAI's "Sora" will undermine labour from crewmembers and talent. Now, the IATSE hopes to secure the same guarantees as actors and writers...
- 5/31/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
Mit einem nachgebesserten Angebot kehrt Skydance jetzt wieder zurück in das Bieterrennen um Paramount Global und hofft damit, die bisher betont unzufriedenen stimmrechtslosen Klasse-b-Aktionäre des Unternehmens auf seine Seite zu holen. Das berichtet das Wall Street Journal.
David Ellison kehrt zurück an den Verhandlungstisch (Credit: Imago / TheNews2)
Während die Gespräche zwischen Sony/Apollo und National Amusements über einen Kauf von Paramount Global nach Aussage von Tony Vinciquerra, CEO von Sony Pictures Entertainment, voranschreiten, kehrt nach einem Bericht des Wall Street Journals nun auch Skydance Media zurück an den Bietertisch. Die Firma von David Ellison, die lange als Favorit für die Übernahme des Traditionsstudios gegolten hatte, den Paramount-Vorstand aber mit seinen Angeboten nicht überzeugen konnte, legt ein neu überarbeitetes Angebot vor, um das Pendel wieder in seine Richtung schlagen zu lassen.
Demnach würde der Betrag, den Skydance und seine Finanzpartner an Shari Redstone, Paramounts Hauptaktionärin, zahlen würden, reduziert und gerechter...
David Ellison kehrt zurück an den Verhandlungstisch (Credit: Imago / TheNews2)
Während die Gespräche zwischen Sony/Apollo und National Amusements über einen Kauf von Paramount Global nach Aussage von Tony Vinciquerra, CEO von Sony Pictures Entertainment, voranschreiten, kehrt nach einem Bericht des Wall Street Journals nun auch Skydance Media zurück an den Bietertisch. Die Firma von David Ellison, die lange als Favorit für die Übernahme des Traditionsstudios gegolten hatte, den Paramount-Vorstand aber mit seinen Angeboten nicht überzeugen konnte, legt ein neu überarbeitetes Angebot vor, um das Pendel wieder in seine Richtung schlagen zu lassen.
Demnach würde der Betrag, den Skydance und seine Finanzpartner an Shari Redstone, Paramounts Hauptaktionärin, zahlen würden, reduziert und gerechter...
- 5/31/2024
- by Thomas Schultze
- Spot - Media & Film
“It’s still progressing.”
That’s what Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO Tony Vinciquerra had to say about his studio’s talks with Paramount Global for a potential merger. His comments tonight at the Hollywood premiere for Sony’s Bad Boys: Ride or Die come on a day when Skydance has reportedly sweetened its deal for the Shari Redstone-run conglom. Aside from that, Vinciquerra couldn’t disclose any more updates because, alas, he’s under an NDA which Sony signed two weeks ago. That gives them access to Paramount Global’s books and allows deal talks to move ahead.
Chairman and CEO Sony Pictures Entertainment Tony Vinciquerra on talks with Paramount : “It’s still progressing…” pic.twitter.com/jXBaXdiwDp
— Deadline Hollywood (@Deadline) May 31, 2024 Deadline also asked Vinciquerra about exhibitors’ fears over a Sony-Paramount merger, and how that might lead to less product in a marketplace that’s already been evaporated...
That’s what Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO Tony Vinciquerra had to say about his studio’s talks with Paramount Global for a potential merger. His comments tonight at the Hollywood premiere for Sony’s Bad Boys: Ride or Die come on a day when Skydance has reportedly sweetened its deal for the Shari Redstone-run conglom. Aside from that, Vinciquerra couldn’t disclose any more updates because, alas, he’s under an NDA which Sony signed two weeks ago. That gives them access to Paramount Global’s books and allows deal talks to move ahead.
Chairman and CEO Sony Pictures Entertainment Tony Vinciquerra on talks with Paramount : “It’s still progressing…” pic.twitter.com/jXBaXdiwDp
— Deadline Hollywood (@Deadline) May 31, 2024 Deadline also asked Vinciquerra about exhibitors’ fears over a Sony-Paramount merger, and how that might lead to less product in a marketplace that’s already been evaporated...
- 5/31/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Natalie Sitek
- Deadline Film + TV
Sony Pictures is embracing generative artificial intelligence to cut costs.
Chief executive Tony Vinciquerra, at an investor conference in Japan, said on Thursday that the company is “very focused on AI” and mobilizing to adopt the technology into the moviemaking process to streamline production.
“We’ll be looking at ways to use AI to produce films for theaters and television in more efficient ways, using AI primarily,” Vinciquerra said.
In the backdrop of the comments: Ongoing negotiations between Hollywood’s major crew union and top studios on a new contract, which is set to expire on July 31. Like the actors and writers strikes, guardrails on the use of AI have emerged as a key negotiating point.
Since the resolutions of the work stoppages last year, buzzy AI tools like OpenAI’s text-to-video model Sora have created anxiety in Hollywood that they could undermine labor from crewmembers and talent. Union protections...
Chief executive Tony Vinciquerra, at an investor conference in Japan, said on Thursday that the company is “very focused on AI” and mobilizing to adopt the technology into the moviemaking process to streamline production.
“We’ll be looking at ways to use AI to produce films for theaters and television in more efficient ways, using AI primarily,” Vinciquerra said.
In the backdrop of the comments: Ongoing negotiations between Hollywood’s major crew union and top studios on a new contract, which is set to expire on July 31. Like the actors and writers strikes, guardrails on the use of AI have emerged as a key negotiating point.
Since the resolutions of the work stoppages last year, buzzy AI tools like OpenAI’s text-to-video model Sora have created anxiety in Hollywood that they could undermine labor from crewmembers and talent. Union protections...
- 5/30/2024
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sony’s Spider-Man franchise, particularly with Miles Morales in the Spider-Verse series, has consistently wowed audiences and critics. Despite superhero fatigue and post-pandemic box office challenges, Sony remains confident in Miles Morales’ ability to shine in the upcoming Spider-Verse installment titled Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse.
Miles Morales aka Spider-Man in Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse | Sony
With its unique blend of action and heart, the Spider-Verse series has carved out its own special place in the superhero genre, promising fans yet another thrilling adventure. Thus, they are pretty confident Morales will find a strong footing this time as well.
Sony Is Confident Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse Will Do Terrific at the Box Office
On a recent Sony Group Corporation conference call as reported by Variety, Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO Tony Vinciquerra shed light on the challenges facing the film industry, which includes the rise of streaming platforms, the post-pandemic era, and...
Miles Morales aka Spider-Man in Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse | Sony
With its unique blend of action and heart, the Spider-Verse series has carved out its own special place in the superhero genre, promising fans yet another thrilling adventure. Thus, they are pretty confident Morales will find a strong footing this time as well.
Sony Is Confident Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse Will Do Terrific at the Box Office
On a recent Sony Group Corporation conference call as reported by Variety, Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO Tony Vinciquerra shed light on the challenges facing the film industry, which includes the rise of streaming platforms, the post-pandemic era, and...
- 5/30/2024
- by Sampurna Banerjee
- FandomWire
Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc., the company known for making hundreds of iconic movies for the past 37 years, seems confident about one particular thing. With Will Smith and Martin Lawrence starring in the upcoming film Bad Boys: Ride or Die, people do not seem too hopeful for the success of the film.
Martin Lawrence and Will Smith in Bad Boys: Ride or Die | Columbia Pictures
On the other hand, it seems that Sony Pictures Entertainment is pretty confident about the release of the upcoming film. Despite the claim that cinemagoers have been decreasing by the year. the CEO of the company stated that it’s going to be “Just fine”.
Sony Pictures’ CEO Is Pretty Confident In Bad Boys: Ride or Die
We do not judge films before they are released. Unfortunately, people and fans do. Starting in 1995, veteran director Michael Bay worked with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence to create a film titled Bad Boys.
Martin Lawrence and Will Smith in Bad Boys: Ride or Die | Columbia Pictures
On the other hand, it seems that Sony Pictures Entertainment is pretty confident about the release of the upcoming film. Despite the claim that cinemagoers have been decreasing by the year. the CEO of the company stated that it’s going to be “Just fine”.
Sony Pictures’ CEO Is Pretty Confident In Bad Boys: Ride or Die
We do not judge films before they are released. Unfortunately, people and fans do. Starting in 1995, veteran director Michael Bay worked with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence to create a film titled Bad Boys.
- 5/30/2024
- by Visarg Acharya
- FandomWire
Bad Boys: Ride Or Die: Early Reviews & Box Office Predictions Out! (Photo Credit – Instagram)
Will Smith, Martin Lawrence and Vanessa Hudgens are all set to put the theater on an energetic high with probably the best film of the Bad Boys franchise. Bad Boys: Ride or Die is ready to release in the theaters on June 5 internationally, on June 6 in India and on June 7 in North America.
Currently riding high on the popularity list of IMDb globally, the official synopsis of the film says, “When their former captain is implicated in corruption, two Miami police officers have to work to clear his name.”
Predicting the box office performance of the film, Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO Tony Vinciquerra in a conversation with Variety promised a resurgence at the box office with the string of films ready to release in June and July.
Trending 5 Things That Did Not Work for Jennifer Lopez...
Will Smith, Martin Lawrence and Vanessa Hudgens are all set to put the theater on an energetic high with probably the best film of the Bad Boys franchise. Bad Boys: Ride or Die is ready to release in the theaters on June 5 internationally, on June 6 in India and on June 7 in North America.
Currently riding high on the popularity list of IMDb globally, the official synopsis of the film says, “When their former captain is implicated in corruption, two Miami police officers have to work to clear his name.”
Predicting the box office performance of the film, Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO Tony Vinciquerra in a conversation with Variety promised a resurgence at the box office with the string of films ready to release in June and July.
Trending 5 Things That Did Not Work for Jennifer Lopez...
- 5/30/2024
- by Trisha Gaur
- KoiMoi
The next “Spider-Verse” film may have a new animation style: AI.
Sony Pictures Entertainment (Spe) CEO Tony Vinciquerra does not mince words when it comes to artificial intelligence. He likes the tech — or at the very least, he likes the economics.
“We are very focused on AI. The biggest problem with making films today is the expense,” Vinciquerra said at Sony’s Thursday (Friday in Japan) investor event. “We will be looking at ways to…produce both films for theaters and television in a more efficient way, using AI primarily.”
That’s about the strongest support for AI we’ve heard from a film studio head.
Vinciquerra knows how controversial his comments could be with creatives.
“We had an 8-month strike over AI last year,” Vinciquerra began his response to the first analyst question (from Nomura Securities) during his Q&a portion of the annual event. He also acknowledged that...
Sony Pictures Entertainment (Spe) CEO Tony Vinciquerra does not mince words when it comes to artificial intelligence. He likes the tech — or at the very least, he likes the economics.
“We are very focused on AI. The biggest problem with making films today is the expense,” Vinciquerra said at Sony’s Thursday (Friday in Japan) investor event. “We will be looking at ways to…produce both films for theaters and television in a more efficient way, using AI primarily.”
That’s about the strongest support for AI we’ve heard from a film studio head.
Vinciquerra knows how controversial his comments could be with creatives.
“We had an 8-month strike over AI last year,” Vinciquerra began his response to the first analyst question (from Nomura Securities) during his Q&a portion of the annual event. He also acknowledged that...
- 5/30/2024
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Columbia Pictures’ Bad Boys: Ride or Die has been cleared for a theatrical release in China, landing in cinemas there on June 22.
This is the second Bad Boys movie after Bad Boys for Life to play mainland China. Filmmakers Adil and Bilall return after that threequel with this fourthquel.
Bad Boys for Life had a China in August 2020 in the throes of Covid grossing only $3.2M. However, other Smith movies fared pretty darn well over there pre-Covid, i.e. 2012’s Men in Black 3 did $77.2M unadjusted for inflation and 2019’s Aladdin did $53.4M in the Middle Kingdom. Bad Boys for Life opened to $62.5M ($73M 4-day) stateside over MLK weekend 2020 before anyone knew a pandemic would shut down the business entirely for a year. The threequel went on to make $206.3M domestic, $426.5M WW.
On a investor call tonight, Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO Tony Vinciquerra said, that he was...
This is the second Bad Boys movie after Bad Boys for Life to play mainland China. Filmmakers Adil and Bilall return after that threequel with this fourthquel.
Bad Boys for Life had a China in August 2020 in the throes of Covid grossing only $3.2M. However, other Smith movies fared pretty darn well over there pre-Covid, i.e. 2012’s Men in Black 3 did $77.2M unadjusted for inflation and 2019’s Aladdin did $53.4M in the Middle Kingdom. Bad Boys for Life opened to $62.5M ($73M 4-day) stateside over MLK weekend 2020 before anyone knew a pandemic would shut down the business entirely for a year. The threequel went on to make $206.3M domestic, $426.5M WW.
On a investor call tonight, Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO Tony Vinciquerra said, that he was...
- 5/30/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
For nearly two weeks it’s been crickets when it comes to the push and pull between Skydance and Sony Pictures Entertainment/Apollo over Paramount Global.
However, making some noise during a Sony investor event tonight (tomorrow morning Tokyo time) was Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO Tony Vinciquerra. The chief executive presented business highlights and took some questions, as did the giant conglom’s other division heads.
Analysts didn’t ask about Sony’s desire for Paramount Global, nor did Vinciquerra spill any beans about the elephant in the room. But he did hint at something when asked on the call about investment strategy.
“We are looking for strategic investments … that complement our strategy. We are not going to go outside the strategy that has been enormously successful for us over the past several years,” he said. “We will not make investments that don’t complement our core strategy, and our...
However, making some noise during a Sony investor event tonight (tomorrow morning Tokyo time) was Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO Tony Vinciquerra. The chief executive presented business highlights and took some questions, as did the giant conglom’s other division heads.
Analysts didn’t ask about Sony’s desire for Paramount Global, nor did Vinciquerra spill any beans about the elephant in the room. But he did hint at something when asked on the call about investment strategy.
“We are looking for strategic investments … that complement our strategy. We are not going to go outside the strategy that has been enormously successful for us over the past several years,” he said. “We will not make investments that don’t complement our core strategy, and our...
- 5/30/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Sony Pictures Entertainment’s senior management says it remains “optimistic” about the future of cinema, despite a slow start to the North American summer season and industry talk of franchise fatigue.
Speaking on a Sony Group Corporation conference call, Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO Tony Vinciquerra blamed current box office torpor on three prongs of disruption that have affected movie production over the past five years: competition with streaming; the disruptions and cost increases brought on by the Covid-era; and last year’s writers and actors strikes. Together these have led to fewer films reaching theaters.
“What really is happening is that people got out of the habit of going into theaters. As the marketplace begins to recover in terms of having big films, you’ll see people start to go to theaters again,” said Vinciquerra. “The second half of this year, you’re going to see quite a resurgence. One...
Speaking on a Sony Group Corporation conference call, Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO Tony Vinciquerra blamed current box office torpor on three prongs of disruption that have affected movie production over the past five years: competition with streaming; the disruptions and cost increases brought on by the Covid-era; and last year’s writers and actors strikes. Together these have led to fewer films reaching theaters.
“What really is happening is that people got out of the habit of going into theaters. As the marketplace begins to recover in terms of having big films, you’ll see people start to go to theaters again,” said Vinciquerra. “The second half of this year, you’re going to see quite a resurgence. One...
- 5/30/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
We have witnessed some of the most important studio mergers recently. Following Warner Bros’ merger with Discovery and Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox, the reported Sony-Paramount deal is the latest topic of discussion in the town. Sony Pictures has reportedly joined hands with the private equity firm Apollo and made an all-cash offer of $26 billion to buy Paramount.
The logos of Sony Pictures and Paramount
Skydance Media has also been involved in a deal with Paramount for some time now. Currently, the former is waiting to hear from Paramount Global’s Special Committee. Despite their negotiation window ending on May 3rd, the parties can mutually extend the deadline.
The reported deal between Sony and Paramount can change the entire moviescape. The latter owns some major IPs that will come under Sony’s umbrella if the deal goes through. The fans took over the internet to discuss...
The logos of Sony Pictures and Paramount
Skydance Media has also been involved in a deal with Paramount for some time now. Currently, the former is waiting to hear from Paramount Global’s Special Committee. Despite their negotiation window ending on May 3rd, the parties can mutually extend the deadline.
The reported deal between Sony and Paramount can change the entire moviescape. The latter owns some major IPs that will come under Sony’s umbrella if the deal goes through. The fans took over the internet to discuss...
- 5/3/2024
- by Subham Mandal
- FandomWire
The front of the Paramount Pictures studios in Los Angeles, California. (Stock image by Hannah Wernecke via Unsplash)
Sony and Apollo Global Management have formalized their $26 billion all-cash bid for Paramount Global, according to a report published on Thursday.
The offer — first reported by the Wall Street Journal, then confirmed separately by the New York Times — was submitted on Wednesday and signed by Sony Pictures CEO Tony Vinciquerra and Apollo Global partner Aaron Sobel.
If accepted, Sony would become the majority owner of Paramount Global, which includes the Paramount Pictures studio, CBS and MTV Networks linear television channels, foreign broadcast outlets like Channel 5 in Britain and Network 10 in Australia and the streaming platforms Paramount Plus and Pluto TV.
Apollo Global would be a minority shareholder in Paramount and cede operational control to Sony, the Journal said, citing unnamed sources.
The bid comes two days before the expiration of...
Sony and Apollo Global Management have formalized their $26 billion all-cash bid for Paramount Global, according to a report published on Thursday.
The offer — first reported by the Wall Street Journal, then confirmed separately by the New York Times — was submitted on Wednesday and signed by Sony Pictures CEO Tony Vinciquerra and Apollo Global partner Aaron Sobel.
If accepted, Sony would become the majority owner of Paramount Global, which includes the Paramount Pictures studio, CBS and MTV Networks linear television channels, foreign broadcast outlets like Channel 5 in Britain and Network 10 in Australia and the streaming platforms Paramount Plus and Pluto TV.
Apollo Global would be a minority shareholder in Paramount and cede operational control to Sony, the Journal said, citing unnamed sources.
The bid comes two days before the expiration of...
- 5/2/2024
- by Matthew Keys
- The Desk
Sony Pictures Entertainment has promoted Tahra Grant to chief communications officer in the wake of longtime leader Bob Lawson being elevated to head of corp comms for the entire Sony group.
Most recently, Grant has overseen corporate communications for the Motion Picture Group, a position she’s held for the last eight years. During that time, Grant has reported to Lawson, who will now be based in Tokyo, making for an easy transition within the company upon her taking the reins. She will now report directly to Sony Pictures Entertainment chairman and CEO Tony Vinciquerra.
As head of the film side’s comms team, Grant’s tenure has included PR surrounding Sony movies “Once Upon A Time in… Hollywood,” “Where The Crawdads Sing,” the “Spider-Verse” franchise, the “Jumanji” franchise, “Little Women,” “Anyone But You,” the Tom Holland-led “Spider-Man” trilogy, the “Venom” franchise, “The Woman King,” the “Ghostbusters” franchise, “The Equalizer” franchise,...
Most recently, Grant has overseen corporate communications for the Motion Picture Group, a position she’s held for the last eight years. During that time, Grant has reported to Lawson, who will now be based in Tokyo, making for an easy transition within the company upon her taking the reins. She will now report directly to Sony Pictures Entertainment chairman and CEO Tony Vinciquerra.
As head of the film side’s comms team, Grant’s tenure has included PR surrounding Sony movies “Once Upon A Time in… Hollywood,” “Where The Crawdads Sing,” the “Spider-Verse” franchise, the “Jumanji” franchise, “Little Women,” “Anyone But You,” the Tom Holland-led “Spider-Man” trilogy, the “Venom” franchise, “The Woman King,” the “Ghostbusters” franchise, “The Equalizer” franchise,...
- 4/29/2024
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Sony Pictures Entertainment has promoted Tahra Grant to chief communications officer.
Serving as executive vp in the role, Grant will report to Spe CEO Tony Vinciquerra after previously leading corporate communications for the studio’s Motion Picture Group over the past eight years. She steps into the position vacated by Bob Lawson, who was promoted earlier this year to lead corporate communications for Sony Group Corporation and will be based in Tokyo. Grant and Lawson will continue to work together closely in their new roles.
In a message to Sony Pictures staff, Vinciquerra praised Grant’s work with film chief Tom Rothman and her leadership amid industry-wide challenges.
“With her strong relationships and partnership with Tom Rothman and our Mpg leadership, Tahra has strengthened the narrative around the vitality, sustainability and forward-looking strategies of our motion picture business, while navigating some of the most complicated industry events of our time,...
Serving as executive vp in the role, Grant will report to Spe CEO Tony Vinciquerra after previously leading corporate communications for the studio’s Motion Picture Group over the past eight years. She steps into the position vacated by Bob Lawson, who was promoted earlier this year to lead corporate communications for Sony Group Corporation and will be based in Tokyo. Grant and Lawson will continue to work together closely in their new roles.
In a message to Sony Pictures staff, Vinciquerra praised Grant’s work with film chief Tom Rothman and her leadership amid industry-wide challenges.
“With her strong relationships and partnership with Tom Rothman and our Mpg leadership, Tahra has strengthened the narrative around the vitality, sustainability and forward-looking strategies of our motion picture business, while navigating some of the most complicated industry events of our time,...
- 4/29/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sony’s SVP of Corporate Communications for the Motion Picture Group, Tahra Grant, has been upped to EVP, Chief Communcations Officer for Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Grant succeeds Robert Lawson in a top Corp Comm post that reports directly to Sony Pictures Entertainment Chairman and CEO Tony Vinciquerra. As we told you back in February, Lawson was promoted to SVP, Corporate Communications for the entire Sony Group and is moving to the conglom’s HQ in Tokyo, Japan.
Grant arrived at the studio in 2016 and within a year was promoted to SVP of Media Relations. Grant worked with Lawson at New York-based PR firm Rubenstein Communications. During Grant’s run at Sony Pictures, she’s streamlined and sharpened corp comm ops, handling crisis and issues with deft skills during Covid and the double strikes, before and after. Grant is known for assessing promptly entertainment business situations as they arise, as well as advance strategizing for them.
Grant succeeds Robert Lawson in a top Corp Comm post that reports directly to Sony Pictures Entertainment Chairman and CEO Tony Vinciquerra. As we told you back in February, Lawson was promoted to SVP, Corporate Communications for the entire Sony Group and is moving to the conglom’s HQ in Tokyo, Japan.
Grant arrived at the studio in 2016 and within a year was promoted to SVP of Media Relations. Grant worked with Lawson at New York-based PR firm Rubenstein Communications. During Grant’s run at Sony Pictures, she’s streamlined and sharpened corp comm ops, handling crisis and issues with deft skills during Covid and the double strikes, before and after. Grant is known for assessing promptly entertainment business situations as they arise, as well as advance strategizing for them.
- 4/29/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Jill Ratner is moving from Disney to Sony. The executive is joining Sony Pictures Entertainment as executive vice president and general counsel. She steps into a role vacated by Leah Weil, who announced in January she would transition to an advisory position after 30 years with the company.
Ratner begins her new post on May 28, and will oversee all of Spe’s legal functions, compliance and labor relations, music affairs, government/external affairs, and corporate social responsibility teams. She will report to Spe chairman and CEO Tony Vinciquerra.
Ratner comes to Sony from the Walt Disney Company, where she has served as deputy general counsel since 2019.
She previously worked at 21st Century Fox from 2004 to 2019 and help steer the company through Disney’s acquisition of most of Fox’s assets. She previously served as domestic counsel at the Motion Picture Association, and as a litigation associate at Hogan Lovells Llp and...
Ratner begins her new post on May 28, and will oversee all of Spe’s legal functions, compliance and labor relations, music affairs, government/external affairs, and corporate social responsibility teams. She will report to Spe chairman and CEO Tony Vinciquerra.
Ratner comes to Sony from the Walt Disney Company, where she has served as deputy general counsel since 2019.
She previously worked at 21st Century Fox from 2004 to 2019 and help steer the company through Disney’s acquisition of most of Fox’s assets. She previously served as domestic counsel at the Motion Picture Association, and as a litigation associate at Hogan Lovells Llp and...
- 4/25/2024
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Disney deputy general counsel Jill Ratner has exited the Mouse House to join Sony Pictures Entertainment as executive vice president and general counsel.
Beginning in her new role May 28, Ratner will be overseeing all Spe’s legal functions, compliance and labor relations, Spe music affairs, government/external affairs and corporate social responsibility teams. She will report directly to CEO Tony Vinciquerra.
The new hire is a backfilling of the chief legal role on the heels of Leah Weil exiting the post of general counsel after almost three decades with the company back in January.
Ratner has served as deputy general counsel at the Walt Disney Company since 2019 where she leads a global legal team of over 200 members. She currently has global responsibility for Disney’s litigation, IP, digital antipiracy functions, and the company’s social responsibility operations.
Prior to joining Disney, Ratner was at 21st Century Fox from 2004 to 2019 as deputy general counsel.
Beginning in her new role May 28, Ratner will be overseeing all Spe’s legal functions, compliance and labor relations, Spe music affairs, government/external affairs and corporate social responsibility teams. She will report directly to CEO Tony Vinciquerra.
The new hire is a backfilling of the chief legal role on the heels of Leah Weil exiting the post of general counsel after almost three decades with the company back in January.
Ratner has served as deputy general counsel at the Walt Disney Company since 2019 where she leads a global legal team of over 200 members. She currently has global responsibility for Disney’s litigation, IP, digital antipiracy functions, and the company’s social responsibility operations.
Prior to joining Disney, Ratner was at 21st Century Fox from 2004 to 2019 as deputy general counsel.
- 4/25/2024
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Sony Pictures Entertainment has hired Jill Ratner as their EVP and General Counsel, overseeing all of the studio’s legal functions, compliance and labor relations, Spe music affairs, government/external matters, and corporate social responsibility teams.
The news comes following the January announcement of Sony Pictures Entertainment Sevp and General Counsel Leah Weil’s departure from the studio after a 28-year run.
She starts on May 28 and will report to Spe Chairman and CEO Tony Vinciquerra.
Ratner has served as Deputy General Counsel at the Walt Disney Company since 2019 where she leads a worldwide legal team of over 200 staffers. Ratner currently has global responsibility for Disney’s Litigation, Intellectual Property, and Digital Antipiracy functions. She also leads legal support for the company’s Social Responsibility operations. Her extensive experience includes the areas of copyright, trademark, First Amendment, contract disputes, employment, antitrust, securities and class action matters. Ratner also provides strategic...
The news comes following the January announcement of Sony Pictures Entertainment Sevp and General Counsel Leah Weil’s departure from the studio after a 28-year run.
She starts on May 28 and will report to Spe Chairman and CEO Tony Vinciquerra.
Ratner has served as Deputy General Counsel at the Walt Disney Company since 2019 where she leads a worldwide legal team of over 200 staffers. Ratner currently has global responsibility for Disney’s Litigation, Intellectual Property, and Digital Antipiracy functions. She also leads legal support for the company’s Social Responsibility operations. Her extensive experience includes the areas of copyright, trademark, First Amendment, contract disputes, employment, antitrust, securities and class action matters. Ratner also provides strategic...
- 4/25/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount is currently in exclusive negotiations with Skydance on a potential merger, but there is another contender lurking — one coming from way out of left field.
The New York Times reported Thursday that Sony Pictures Entertainment is in talks with Apollo Global Management on teaming up for a potential joint bid to buy Paramount. There has not been an official offer on the table because of the formal exclusive negotiations, but this one threatens to be seismic. There is one degree of separation between the potential joint venture: Sony and the Apollo-backed Legendary Pictures already have a distribution deal.
When reached by IndieWire, Sony had no comment on the report. Same with Paramount, and Apollo did not immediately respond to our inquiry. We get it: we’re sort of speechless too.
A Sony Pictures and Paramount Pictures studio combination would be an instant Hollywood juggernaut. (So much so that...
The New York Times reported Thursday that Sony Pictures Entertainment is in talks with Apollo Global Management on teaming up for a potential joint bid to buy Paramount. There has not been an official offer on the table because of the formal exclusive negotiations, but this one threatens to be seismic. There is one degree of separation between the potential joint venture: Sony and the Apollo-backed Legendary Pictures already have a distribution deal.
When reached by IndieWire, Sony had no comment on the report. Same with Paramount, and Apollo did not immediately respond to our inquiry. We get it: we’re sort of speechless too.
A Sony Pictures and Paramount Pictures studio combination would be an instant Hollywood juggernaut. (So much so that...
- 4/19/2024
- by Tony Maglio and Brian Welk
- Indiewire
The front of the Paramount Pictures studios in Los Angeles, California. (Stock image by Hannah Wernecke via Unsplash)
Sony Pictures Entertainment is working with investment firm Apollo Global Management to put together a bid for National Amusement’s entertainment subsidiary Paramount Global, according to a report.
On Thursday, the New York Times said the two companies have yet to submit an official bid and were still discussing among themselves what a deal to acquire Paramount might look like.
The discussions come at a time when Paramount’s decision to pursue exclusive merger talks with Skydance Media have received significant pushback from some investors.
Apollo previously made an $11 billion bid for Paramount, later upping the amount to $26 billion, according to media reports. The Paramount board reportedly ignored Apollo’s bids at the urging of National Amusements owner Shari Redstone, whose family owns a controlling stake in Paramount, according to Puck.
Discussions...
Sony Pictures Entertainment is working with investment firm Apollo Global Management to put together a bid for National Amusement’s entertainment subsidiary Paramount Global, according to a report.
On Thursday, the New York Times said the two companies have yet to submit an official bid and were still discussing among themselves what a deal to acquire Paramount might look like.
The discussions come at a time when Paramount’s decision to pursue exclusive merger talks with Skydance Media have received significant pushback from some investors.
Apollo previously made an $11 billion bid for Paramount, later upping the amount to $26 billion, according to media reports. The Paramount board reportedly ignored Apollo’s bids at the urging of National Amusements owner Shari Redstone, whose family owns a controlling stake in Paramount, according to Puck.
Discussions...
- 4/19/2024
- by Matthew Keys
- The Desk
The intrigue surrounding the fate of Paramount deepened on Thursday after it emerged that Sony Pictures and Apollo Global Management were said to be discussing whether to make a bid for the studio.
While exclusive negotiations are ongoing between David Ellison’s Skydance Media, RedBird Capital and Paramount Global majority shareholder National Amusements, The New York Times reported on the Sony development.
It is understood no bid has been submitted, but the Times said Sony Pictures CEO Tony Vinciquerra held talks with Apollo last week as they weigh up an all-cash offer for Paramount’s outstanding stock that would effectively take the studio private.
While exclusive negotiations are ongoing between David Ellison’s Skydance Media, RedBird Capital and Paramount Global majority shareholder National Amusements, The New York Times reported on the Sony development.
It is understood no bid has been submitted, but the Times said Sony Pictures CEO Tony Vinciquerra held talks with Apollo last week as they weigh up an all-cash offer for Paramount’s outstanding stock that would effectively take the studio private.
- 4/19/2024
- ScreenDaily
Even as Paramount Global continues to hold exclusive talks with David Ellison’s Skydance and Gerry Cardinale’s Redbird Capital, another potential buyer group is considering its own moves.
The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that executives at Sony Corp., including Sony Pictures chief Tony Vinciquerra, have been in touch with Apollo Global Management about making a joint bid for the entertainment company.
Apollo had previously made a $26 billion offer for Paramount, inclusive of equity and debt, though it was reportedly dismissed. But partnering with Sony would likely eliminate any cash or financing concerns.
The New York Times first reported the Sony talks, adding that no offer has been made, given that the exclusive negotiating window is still in place. The Times reported that one structure under consideration would see Sony and Apollo effectively take Paramount private, with Sony owning a majority of the company, with Apollo operating as a minority owner.
The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that executives at Sony Corp., including Sony Pictures chief Tony Vinciquerra, have been in touch with Apollo Global Management about making a joint bid for the entertainment company.
Apollo had previously made a $26 billion offer for Paramount, inclusive of equity and debt, though it was reportedly dismissed. But partnering with Sony would likely eliminate any cash or financing concerns.
The New York Times first reported the Sony talks, adding that no offer has been made, given that the exclusive negotiating window is still in place. The Times reported that one structure under consideration would see Sony and Apollo effectively take Paramount private, with Sony owning a majority of the company, with Apollo operating as a minority owner.
- 4/19/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Remember those rumors, oh, eight years ago about how Sony was a target for acquisition?
No more. Still, don’t say merger yet.
Deadline has confirmed that Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO Tony Vinciquerra has been in talks with Apollo Global Management about making a go for Paramount. This despite Skydance/Redbird Capital being in exclusive talks with Paramount Global‘s majority shareholder National Amusements to take control of the studio.
The Apollo and Sony plan reportedly is an all-cash one for outstanding stock in Paramount, in total making the studio private through a joint venture, per The New York Times in a story today. It’s not clear how Sony would be involved, or if it’s merely in management expertise. Our understanding at this point is that Apollo is doing a lot of the heavy lifting.
Paramount’s beaten-down stock jumped 12% in after-hours trading today as investors processed the scenario.
No more. Still, don’t say merger yet.
Deadline has confirmed that Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO Tony Vinciquerra has been in talks with Apollo Global Management about making a go for Paramount. This despite Skydance/Redbird Capital being in exclusive talks with Paramount Global‘s majority shareholder National Amusements to take control of the studio.
The Apollo and Sony plan reportedly is an all-cash one for outstanding stock in Paramount, in total making the studio private through a joint venture, per The New York Times in a story today. It’s not clear how Sony would be involved, or if it’s merely in management expertise. Our understanding at this point is that Apollo is doing a lot of the heavy lifting.
Paramount’s beaten-down stock jumped 12% in after-hours trading today as investors processed the scenario.
- 4/19/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Mark Wahlberg is a veteran actor in Hollywood and is always prepared to do whatever is required of him for any role in his movies. There are many people who support him, especially with respect to his fitness endeavors. Now, it appears Mark Wahlberg is part of a $1.8 billion Sony Pictures movie studio.
Mark Walhberg in Ted
Mark Wahlberg is famous for quite a few films such as Ted, Mile 22, Planet of The Apes and so many more. Nevertheless, he is more known for his comedy roles right now and perhaps that’s for the best as well.
Mark Wahlberg’s Dream Comes True After Becoming A Part Of A $1.8 Billion Sony Movie Studio Another scene in Ted
A couple of years ago, actor Mark Wahlberg expressed his vision for a Hollywood 2.0 film studio in Las Vegas. Recently, this vision has come to fruition with the approval of...
Mark Walhberg in Ted
Mark Wahlberg is famous for quite a few films such as Ted, Mile 22, Planet of The Apes and so many more. Nevertheless, he is more known for his comedy roles right now and perhaps that’s for the best as well.
Mark Wahlberg’s Dream Comes True After Becoming A Part Of A $1.8 Billion Sony Movie Studio Another scene in Ted
A couple of years ago, actor Mark Wahlberg expressed his vision for a Hollywood 2.0 film studio in Las Vegas. Recently, this vision has come to fruition with the approval of...
- 3/29/2024
- by Subhojeet Mookherjee
- FandomWire
Three years after arriving at Sony Pictures, Ravi Ahuja has been named President and Chief Operating Officer of Sony Pictures Entertainment, effective April 1.
The executive, who is currently Chairman, Global Television Studios and Corporate Development, is being promoted to a position that hasn’t been previously filled.
While Sony Pictures Entertainment didn’t comment on succession planning, Ahuja’s promotion has all the marks of exactly that in regards to who will ultimately take the reins after Tony Vinciquerra’s tenure ends as Spe Chairman and CEO. Duly note that Vinciquerra is not leaving the studio anytime soon.
Ahuja will keep his current chairman role and title at Sony Pictures Television and continue to report to Vinciquerra.
Similar to Vinciquerra, Ahuja is a Fox Networks vet; the duo worked together there. Ahuja joined Fox in 2007 after a 12-year run after serving as CFO of Virgin Entertainment Group. As CFO of the Fox Networks Group,...
The executive, who is currently Chairman, Global Television Studios and Corporate Development, is being promoted to a position that hasn’t been previously filled.
While Sony Pictures Entertainment didn’t comment on succession planning, Ahuja’s promotion has all the marks of exactly that in regards to who will ultimately take the reins after Tony Vinciquerra’s tenure ends as Spe Chairman and CEO. Duly note that Vinciquerra is not leaving the studio anytime soon.
Ahuja will keep his current chairman role and title at Sony Pictures Television and continue to report to Vinciquerra.
Similar to Vinciquerra, Ahuja is a Fox Networks vet; the duo worked together there. Ahuja joined Fox in 2007 after a 12-year run after serving as CFO of Virgin Entertainment Group. As CFO of the Fox Networks Group,...
- 3/6/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Sony Pictures Entertainment is upping its head of television Ravi Ahuja to president and chief operating officer of the entire studio.
While not explicitly stated by Spe chairman and CEO Tony Vinciquerra in his internal memo regarding Ahuja’s appointment to the No. 2 role, it is a clear indication of Vinciquerra’s succession plan for when he ultimately decides to retire from his top post in the coming years.
Ahuja, currently the chairman of Sony global television studios and corporate development, will take on his new responsibilities beginning April 1 and shift to Sony’s Poitier Building in Culver City, while still retaining his position as chief of Sony Pictures Television.
He will continue reporting directly to Vinciquerra, and their respective lines of reports and leadership will not be changed as a result of the promotion. Tom Rothman remains in his role as chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment’s motion picture group,...
While not explicitly stated by Spe chairman and CEO Tony Vinciquerra in his internal memo regarding Ahuja’s appointment to the No. 2 role, it is a clear indication of Vinciquerra’s succession plan for when he ultimately decides to retire from his top post in the coming years.
Ahuja, currently the chairman of Sony global television studios and corporate development, will take on his new responsibilities beginning April 1 and shift to Sony’s Poitier Building in Culver City, while still retaining his position as chief of Sony Pictures Television.
He will continue reporting directly to Vinciquerra, and their respective lines of reports and leadership will not be changed as a result of the promotion. Tom Rothman remains in his role as chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment’s motion picture group,...
- 3/6/2024
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Sony Pictures Entertainment is making a big change in its leadership.
The entertainment studio has named Ravi Ahuja president and COO, according to a memo to staff Wednesday from Spe CEO Tony Vinciquerra. Ahuja is taking on the new role “to work more closely with me and our entire leadership team as we chart our path forward through a rapidly changing and increasingly complex entertainment industry.”
Ahuja, currently chairman of Sony Pictures Television and head of corporate development, will also continue to oversee the company’s TV business in his elevated role.
The promotion to president and COO (a position that did not exist previously) positions Ahuja as a likely successor to Vinciquerra, though a source noted that the Spe CEO is not expected to leave his post anytime soon.
Ahuja joined Sony in 2021, shaping the TV division’s content strategy; creating a dedicated game show production group; expanding on...
The entertainment studio has named Ravi Ahuja president and COO, according to a memo to staff Wednesday from Spe CEO Tony Vinciquerra. Ahuja is taking on the new role “to work more closely with me and our entire leadership team as we chart our path forward through a rapidly changing and increasingly complex entertainment industry.”
Ahuja, currently chairman of Sony Pictures Television and head of corporate development, will also continue to oversee the company’s TV business in his elevated role.
The promotion to president and COO (a position that did not exist previously) positions Ahuja as a likely successor to Vinciquerra, though a source noted that the Spe CEO is not expected to leave his post anytime soon.
Ahuja joined Sony in 2021, shaping the TV division’s content strategy; creating a dedicated game show production group; expanding on...
- 3/6/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sony Pictures chief communications officer Robert Lawson is being promoted to lead comms for all of Sony Group Corp.
In his new role as senior VP of corporate communications, Lawson will report to Sgc CEO Kenichiro Yoshida, and will be based in Tokyo.
In a note to Sony Pictures staff Wednesday evening, Spe CEO Tony Vinciquerra praised Lawson’s “invaluable strategic advice and counsel at a time of extraordinary change at Spe and throughout our entire industry.”
“Bob has always maintained a strong, collaborative working relationship with Sgc leadership and across our Sony sister companies, so this promotion is hardly surprising,” Vinciquerra added. “And his appointment to the Sgc leadership team reflects the growing importance of the US-based entertainment companies to Sgc’s overall business.”
Lawson starts in his new role April 1, though he will remain in L.A. for at least a few months as Spe transitions to new comms leadership.
In his new role as senior VP of corporate communications, Lawson will report to Sgc CEO Kenichiro Yoshida, and will be based in Tokyo.
In a note to Sony Pictures staff Wednesday evening, Spe CEO Tony Vinciquerra praised Lawson’s “invaluable strategic advice and counsel at a time of extraordinary change at Spe and throughout our entire industry.”
“Bob has always maintained a strong, collaborative working relationship with Sgc leadership and across our Sony sister companies, so this promotion is hardly surprising,” Vinciquerra added. “And his appointment to the Sgc leadership team reflects the growing importance of the US-based entertainment companies to Sgc’s overall business.”
Lawson starts in his new role April 1, though he will remain in L.A. for at least a few months as Spe transitions to new comms leadership.
- 2/22/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sony Pictures Entertainment communications chief Robert Lawson has been promoted to head of all corporate communications for its Tokyo-based parent Sony.
The choice to move Lawson, who joined Sony amid the infamous cyber attack and email leaks at the entertainment group in 2014, into the top corp comms role is indicative of Sony’s significant focus on its entertainment divisions within the company’s larger portfolio; movies, music and gaming accounts for more than half of Sony’s revenue and profit. Tapping Lawson also gives Sony’s corporate team in Japan stronger ties to the US-based divisions.
He will begin his new role April 1, reporting directly to Sony Group chairman and CEO Kenichiro Yoshida, but remain LA-based and part-time as head of Spe comms for the next few months as the company transitions and names a successor.
Lawson was named chief communications officer of Sony Pictures Entertainment in summer 2015. He soon...
The choice to move Lawson, who joined Sony amid the infamous cyber attack and email leaks at the entertainment group in 2014, into the top corp comms role is indicative of Sony’s significant focus on its entertainment divisions within the company’s larger portfolio; movies, music and gaming accounts for more than half of Sony’s revenue and profit. Tapping Lawson also gives Sony’s corporate team in Japan stronger ties to the US-based divisions.
He will begin his new role April 1, reporting directly to Sony Group chairman and CEO Kenichiro Yoshida, but remain LA-based and part-time as head of Spe comms for the next few months as the company transitions and names a successor.
Lawson was named chief communications officer of Sony Pictures Entertainment in summer 2015. He soon...
- 2/22/2024
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Chief Communications Officer Robert Lawson is being upped to SVP, Corporate Communications for the entire Sony Group. The new job will bring Lawson, a nine-year vet of the Culver City lot who was a key consigliere during the 2014 cyber-attack, to Sony HQ in Tokyo, Japan, reporting to Sony Group Corp Chairman and CEO Kenichiro Yoshida.
Scroll down to read the news which was just made official to internal staff by Sony Pictures Entertainment Chairman and CEO, Tony Vinciquerra.
Lawson’s successor will be named in the next few months. He’ll remain in Culver City for the next few months before heading to Japan. Lawson’s segue to the leadership team reflects the importance Sony is putting on its entertainment companies which rep 60% of the conglom’s overall profits. Big Sony wants the Tokyo HQ leadership team to reflect the global nature of...
Scroll down to read the news which was just made official to internal staff by Sony Pictures Entertainment Chairman and CEO, Tony Vinciquerra.
Lawson’s successor will be named in the next few months. He’ll remain in Culver City for the next few months before heading to Japan. Lawson’s segue to the leadership team reflects the importance Sony is putting on its entertainment companies which rep 60% of the conglom’s overall profits. Big Sony wants the Tokyo HQ leadership team to reflect the global nature of...
- 2/22/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Like a chimera of any intelligent person’s least-favorite storytelling models, we are (in the sense of a diagnosis) finally seeing the cinematic universe intersect with musical biopics. And where to start but the very biggest? Today brings the rather momentous news that Sam Mendes will direct a four-film Beatles epic that tells their story from each member’s perspective, arriving in 2027 via “an innovative [and groundbreaking] release cadence.” If that seems an odd term for movies, you’re correct; I’ve only ever seen it used for software, which is to say: an engineered product.
Though let’s not be too cynical just yet. The Beatles’ Apple Corps Ltd. are fully behind the project, which guarantees more of their music than any narrative feature yet. Mendes has certain ill instincts but, per his Bond pictures, can be a great keep-the-trains-running-on-time craftsman who hires the right people––imagine the Ed Sullivan Show...
Though let’s not be too cynical just yet. The Beatles’ Apple Corps Ltd. are fully behind the project, which guarantees more of their music than any narrative feature yet. Mendes has certain ill instincts but, per his Bond pictures, can be a great keep-the-trains-running-on-time craftsman who hires the right people––imagine the Ed Sullivan Show...
- 2/20/2024
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
Sam Mendes is going to have to work “Eight Days a Week” to pull this one off.
Backed by Sony, Mendes is going to make “four distinct theatrical feature films,” one from each member of the iconic band’s perspective, a February 20 press release reads. It is the first time that Apple Corps Ltd. and The Beatles — Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and the families of John Lennon and George Harrison — have granted full life story and music rights for a scripted film. (Note: Apple Corps is not Apple the gigantic iPhone maker. It is the name of the band’s conglomerate.)
Mendes will direct all four biopics, which promise to “intersect” with each other and “tell the astonishing story of the greatest band in history.”
Sony Pictures Entertainment will finance and distribute the films worldwide; each will have a “full theatrical window” in 2027. “The dating cadence of the films, the...
Backed by Sony, Mendes is going to make “four distinct theatrical feature films,” one from each member of the iconic band’s perspective, a February 20 press release reads. It is the first time that Apple Corps Ltd. and The Beatles — Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and the families of John Lennon and George Harrison — have granted full life story and music rights for a scripted film. (Note: Apple Corps is not Apple the gigantic iPhone maker. It is the name of the band’s conglomerate.)
Mendes will direct all four biopics, which promise to “intersect” with each other and “tell the astonishing story of the greatest band in history.”
Sony Pictures Entertainment will finance and distribute the films worldwide; each will have a “full theatrical window” in 2027. “The dating cadence of the films, the...
- 2/20/2024
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Sam Mendes has teamed with Sony Pictures Entertainment for The Beatles, four theatrical films about the British supergroup, each from the perspective of a different band member.
The project, coming more than 50 years after The Beatles broke up and 40 years after the death of John Lennon, will see Apple Corps (the company founded by the band members) and The Beatles — Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and the families of Lennon and George Harrison — offer up each of the Fab Four’s full life stories and music rights for a scripted film. Mendes will direct the four theatrical feature films to recapture the story of the greatest band in history.
Music films have proven to be resilient at the box office. Paramount’s Bob Marley: One Love over-performed last week, while Taylor Swift’s $15 million concert film The Eras Tour outgrossed a number of Hollywood tentpoles, with $261 million globally last year. A...
The project, coming more than 50 years after The Beatles broke up and 40 years after the death of John Lennon, will see Apple Corps (the company founded by the band members) and The Beatles — Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and the families of Lennon and George Harrison — offer up each of the Fab Four’s full life stories and music rights for a scripted film. Mendes will direct the four theatrical feature films to recapture the story of the greatest band in history.
Music films have proven to be resilient at the box office. Paramount’s Bob Marley: One Love over-performed last week, while Taylor Swift’s $15 million concert film The Eras Tour outgrossed a number of Hollywood tentpoles, with $261 million globally last year. A...
- 2/20/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
John, Paul, George and Ringo will each be the subject of a different upcoming feature film.
Director Sam Mendes plans to make four separate movies, one from each Beatles member’s point of view. They will intersect to “tell the astonishing story of the greatest band in history,” leading up to their 1970 breakup, according to a press release. Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and the families of the late John Lennon and George Harrison have granted full life story and music rights for the scripted films.
“I’m honored to be telling the story of the greatest rock band of all time, and excited to challenge the notion of what constitutes a trip to the movies,” Mendes, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker of “American Beauty,” war drama “1917” and James Bond films “Skyfall” and “Spectre,” said in a statement.
Sony Pictures Entertainment will finance and distribute all four films theatrically in 2027. Details about...
Director Sam Mendes plans to make four separate movies, one from each Beatles member’s point of view. They will intersect to “tell the astonishing story of the greatest band in history,” leading up to their 1970 breakup, according to a press release. Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and the families of the late John Lennon and George Harrison have granted full life story and music rights for the scripted films.
“I’m honored to be telling the story of the greatest rock band of all time, and excited to challenge the notion of what constitutes a trip to the movies,” Mendes, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker of “American Beauty,” war drama “1917” and James Bond films “Skyfall” and “Spectre,” said in a statement.
Sony Pictures Entertainment will finance and distribute all four films theatrically in 2027. Details about...
- 2/20/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
What was old was extremely new on Netflix in January and even into this month.
Specifically, the Peter Farrelly-created dramedy series about addiction, Loudermilk, which was barely found in its original run on the now-unplugged AT&T Audience Network, became a must-see show on the streamer six-plus years after its original airing.
In Nielsen’s Top 10 for Streaming Originals (January 8-14), Loudermilk ranked No. 8 with 846 million viewing minutes.
But even before that list was published, Loudermilk was showing signs of life across the streamer’s own Top 10 charts. Loudermilk Season 1 was in the Netflix Top 10 most-viewed shows in the U.S. for four weeks with a peak rank of No. 4 during the week of January 15-21. Season 2 of Loudermilk ranked in the Netflix top 10 stateside during the week of July 28.
But that’s not all. Loudermilk hit the top 10 throughout the month of January in Australia,...
Specifically, the Peter Farrelly-created dramedy series about addiction, Loudermilk, which was barely found in its original run on the now-unplugged AT&T Audience Network, became a must-see show on the streamer six-plus years after its original airing.
In Nielsen’s Top 10 for Streaming Originals (January 8-14), Loudermilk ranked No. 8 with 846 million viewing minutes.
But even before that list was published, Loudermilk was showing signs of life across the streamer’s own Top 10 charts. Loudermilk Season 1 was in the Netflix Top 10 most-viewed shows in the U.S. for four weeks with a peak rank of No. 4 during the week of January 15-21. Season 2 of Loudermilk ranked in the Netflix top 10 stateside during the week of July 28.
But that’s not all. Loudermilk hit the top 10 throughout the month of January in Australia,...
- 2/15/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including events for Vanderpump Rules, Law & Order: Svu and Succession.
Law & Order: Svu 25th anniversary celebration
The Law & Order Svu crew celebrated the show’s 25th anniversary with a special event in New York on Tuesday.
Ice-t, Mariska Hargitay, Peter Scanavino and Octavio Pisano Christopher Meloni
Succession FYC event
Following their big drama series win at the 2023 Emmys, the Succession cast reunited for a FYC event on the Paramount lot on Tuesday.
Nicholas Braun, Matthew Macfayden, J. Smith-Cameron, Kieran Culkin, Alan Ruck, Brian Cox, Mark Mylod, Jesse Armstrong and moderator Seth Meyers
Vanderpump Rules premiere
Lisa Vanderpump, Ariana Madix, James Kennedy, Katie Maloney, Lala Kent, Scheana Shay, Tom Sandoval, Tom Schwartz, Ally Lewber and Brock Davies walked the carpet on Wednesday at the season 11 premiere of Vanderpump Rules, where Maloney and Lewber also celebrated their birthdays.
Law & Order: Svu 25th anniversary celebration
The Law & Order Svu crew celebrated the show’s 25th anniversary with a special event in New York on Tuesday.
Ice-t, Mariska Hargitay, Peter Scanavino and Octavio Pisano Christopher Meloni
Succession FYC event
Following their big drama series win at the 2023 Emmys, the Succession cast reunited for a FYC event on the Paramount lot on Tuesday.
Nicholas Braun, Matthew Macfayden, J. Smith-Cameron, Kieran Culkin, Alan Ruck, Brian Cox, Mark Mylod, Jesse Armstrong and moderator Seth Meyers
Vanderpump Rules premiere
Lisa Vanderpump, Ariana Madix, James Kennedy, Katie Maloney, Lala Kent, Scheana Shay, Tom Sandoval, Tom Schwartz, Ally Lewber and Brock Davies walked the carpet on Wednesday at the season 11 premiere of Vanderpump Rules, where Maloney and Lewber also celebrated their birthdays.
- 1/19/2024
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“The first time I came to this studio was 1940 when my father brought me here to show me the stage, and I was about 9 or 10 years old, and I thought, ‘Some day this will all be mine!’ It’s finally come to be – it’s only taken me 92 years to get here!” That’s what five-time Oscar winner and 53-time nominee John Williams said as the curtain was raised on the iconic Sony Pictures Entertainment lot’s newly renamed John Williams Music Building.
Joining in the celebration — and it was a celebration — were Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group Chairman and CEO Tom Rothman, Spe Chairman and CEO Tony Vinciquerra (who made opening remarks), filmmaker J.J. Abrams and of course, Williams’ longtime collaborator Steven Spielberg, who instigated the idea of putting the legendary composer’s name on the building where they have worked on 20 or their 29 films, as Spielberg noted.
Rothman...
Joining in the celebration — and it was a celebration — were Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group Chairman and CEO Tom Rothman, Spe Chairman and CEO Tony Vinciquerra (who made opening remarks), filmmaker J.J. Abrams and of course, Williams’ longtime collaborator Steven Spielberg, who instigated the idea of putting the legendary composer’s name on the building where they have worked on 20 or their 29 films, as Spielberg noted.
Rothman...
- 1/18/2024
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
On Thursday afternoon, the history-filled Sony lot in Culver City — which was the MGM lot during Hollywood’s Golden Age, home to “more stars than there are in heaven” — welcomed film composer John Williams, after whom the studio’s musical building was being renamed.
Williams, 91, who is best known for the scores of Star Wars and 29 Steven Spielberg films — 20 of which were scored in the structure that will henceforth be known as the John Williams Music Building — was on hand, as were many of his collaborators (Spielberg, J.J. Abrams and Spielberg’s producers Frank Marshall and Kristie Macosko Krieger) and colleagues (including fellow film composer Thomas Newman).
Sony Pictures Entertainment chairman and CEO Tony Vinciquerra kicked off the festivities by noting how much “magic was made right here in this building.” Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group chairman and CEO Tom Rothman then argued that the greatest of all time in many fields is debatable,...
Williams, 91, who is best known for the scores of Star Wars and 29 Steven Spielberg films — 20 of which were scored in the structure that will henceforth be known as the John Williams Music Building — was on hand, as were many of his collaborators (Spielberg, J.J. Abrams and Spielberg’s producers Frank Marshall and Kristie Macosko Krieger) and colleagues (including fellow film composer Thomas Newman).
Sony Pictures Entertainment chairman and CEO Tony Vinciquerra kicked off the festivities by noting how much “magic was made right here in this building.” Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group chairman and CEO Tom Rothman then argued that the greatest of all time in many fields is debatable,...
- 1/18/2024
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
John Williams’ film legacy is being immortalized with a Sony Pictures studio building dedicated to the Oscar-, Emmy,- and Grammy-winning composer.
The newly renamed John Williams Music Building on the Sony Pictures’ Culver City lot was unveiled January 18, with Williams’ longtime collaborator Steven Spielberg sharing his admiration for the musician.
“I have grown up with Johnny from the very beginning,” Spielberg said of Williams. “What he’s done for me is something I haven’t been able to imagine. This building is where all my stress dissipates…when I finally get to this stage of a production, and I know I’m in your hands.”
Spielberg added, “In the end I don’t recognize the movies as mine but as ours. Thank you Johnny, my movies would not be the same without you.”
Williams has earned 53 Academy Award nominations thus far, and collaborated with Spielberg specifically on films like “Jaws,...
The newly renamed John Williams Music Building on the Sony Pictures’ Culver City lot was unveiled January 18, with Williams’ longtime collaborator Steven Spielberg sharing his admiration for the musician.
“I have grown up with Johnny from the very beginning,” Spielberg said of Williams. “What he’s done for me is something I haven’t been able to imagine. This building is where all my stress dissipates…when I finally get to this stage of a production, and I know I’m in your hands.”
Spielberg added, “In the end I don’t recognize the movies as mine but as ours. Thank you Johnny, my movies would not be the same without you.”
Williams has earned 53 Academy Award nominations thus far, and collaborated with Spielberg specifically on films like “Jaws,...
- 1/18/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Television’s biggest night took place in West Hollywood, CA on Saturday, January 13th when Emmy Awards nominees and presenters, along with some of the most powerful entertainment industry influencers, joined together for MPTF's 17th annual “Evening Before” benefit.
Stars Attend MPTF's 17th annual "Evening Before" benefit
Credit/Copyright: Getty Images for MPTF
Co-Chaired by Quinta Brunson and Bob Odenkirk, the annual event raised over $2.5 million.
“I’m excited to celebrate with MPTF. We’ve had quite a year, and this organization and its fundraiser has helped many weather the storm, " said co-chair Quinta Brunson.
Co-chair Bob Odenkirk added, “I’m thrilled to be a co-chair of MPTF’s The Evening Before benefit with Quinta. MPTF really stepped up during a very challenging year to support the entertainment community, and I’m proud to be a part of a fundraiser that will help to sustain that vital support.”
Funds raised...
Stars Attend MPTF's 17th annual "Evening Before" benefit
Credit/Copyright: Getty Images for MPTF
Co-Chaired by Quinta Brunson and Bob Odenkirk, the annual event raised over $2.5 million.
“I’m excited to celebrate with MPTF. We’ve had quite a year, and this organization and its fundraiser has helped many weather the storm, " said co-chair Quinta Brunson.
Co-chair Bob Odenkirk added, “I’m thrilled to be a co-chair of MPTF’s The Evening Before benefit with Quinta. MPTF really stepped up during a very challenging year to support the entertainment community, and I’m proud to be a part of a fundraiser that will help to sustain that vital support.”
Funds raised...
- 1/17/2024
- Look to the Stars
After nearly three decades helping guide Sony Pictures Entertainment through transformative change and challenges, Leah Weil has decided to step down from her role as senior executive vice president and general counsel, Spe chairman and CEO Tony Vinciquerra said Tuesday.
“I have been extremely fortunate to spend the better part of my professional career here at Spe working alongside some of the best and brightest in the business,” Weil said in a memo.
Weil, Spe’s most senior legal adviser, has provided invaluable legal counsel and execution in determining the studio’s growth strategies and mergers and acquisitions. These have contributed to Spe’s successful turnaround over the years, including landmark deals like acquiring the Marvel IP rights for Spiderman.
As Spe’s top legal adviser since 1996, Weil has played a key role in guiding the studio through complex, unprecedented industry evolution and major events such as the restructuring of...
“I have been extremely fortunate to spend the better part of my professional career here at Spe working alongside some of the best and brightest in the business,” Weil said in a memo.
Weil, Spe’s most senior legal adviser, has provided invaluable legal counsel and execution in determining the studio’s growth strategies and mergers and acquisitions. These have contributed to Spe’s successful turnaround over the years, including landmark deals like acquiring the Marvel IP rights for Spiderman.
As Spe’s top legal adviser since 1996, Weil has played a key role in guiding the studio through complex, unprecedented industry evolution and major events such as the restructuring of...
- 1/9/2024
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Sony Pictures Entertainment general counsel Leah Weil is exiting her role after almost three decades with the company.
The longtime senior executive vice president is the studio’s most senior legal advisor with oversight across film and TV production, acquisition and distribution, media networks, digital content creation and distribution, operation of studio facilities and development of new entertainment offerings.
Per Sony Pictures Entertainment chief Tony Vinciquerra’s Tuesday memo to staff, Weil will continue to serve as general counsel for the studio for the next few months and will support a transition to her successor, who has not yet been named.
Among her most notable accomplishments at Sony is Weil’s oversight of the landmark deal with Marvel for the rights to Spider-Man, which is still Sony’s most important and valuable IP.
Other highlights of her tenure including leading the restructure of the Mandalay Pictures deal and MGM acquisition in the 1990s,...
The longtime senior executive vice president is the studio’s most senior legal advisor with oversight across film and TV production, acquisition and distribution, media networks, digital content creation and distribution, operation of studio facilities and development of new entertainment offerings.
Per Sony Pictures Entertainment chief Tony Vinciquerra’s Tuesday memo to staff, Weil will continue to serve as general counsel for the studio for the next few months and will support a transition to her successor, who has not yet been named.
Among her most notable accomplishments at Sony is Weil’s oversight of the landmark deal with Marvel for the rights to Spider-Man, which is still Sony’s most important and valuable IP.
Other highlights of her tenure including leading the restructure of the Mandalay Pictures deal and MGM acquisition in the 1990s,...
- 1/9/2024
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
After a 28-year run at Sony Pictures, the studio’s Sevp & General Counsel Leah Weil is departing the studio.
Weil, the studio’s most senior legal advisor to its CEOs and Sony Group leaders, has guided the Culver City lot through several opportunities, from the restructure of the Mandalay Pictures deal in the 1990s to the 2004 MGM acquisition to the landmark deal to acquire Marvel rights to Spider-Man — the latter one of the industry’s highest-grossing franchises at $10.3 billion through 12 movies. She also led the studio in all guild negotiations including the most recent WGA and SAG-AFTRA deals.
Weil was also involved in guiding Sony Pictures Entertainment’s growth and M&a strategies including the recent acquisitions of Crunchyroll, Industrial Media and Pixomondo. She was also known for her counsel for Sony during challenging crisis such as the 2014 cyber-attack and the global Covid pandemic.
“First, it is hard to...
Weil, the studio’s most senior legal advisor to its CEOs and Sony Group leaders, has guided the Culver City lot through several opportunities, from the restructure of the Mandalay Pictures deal in the 1990s to the 2004 MGM acquisition to the landmark deal to acquire Marvel rights to Spider-Man — the latter one of the industry’s highest-grossing franchises at $10.3 billion through 12 movies. She also led the studio in all guild negotiations including the most recent WGA and SAG-AFTRA deals.
Weil was also involved in guiding Sony Pictures Entertainment’s growth and M&a strategies including the recent acquisitions of Crunchyroll, Industrial Media and Pixomondo. She was also known for her counsel for Sony during challenging crisis such as the 2014 cyber-attack and the global Covid pandemic.
“First, it is hard to...
- 1/9/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including events for Wonka, Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire, The Iron Claw, Anyone But You and Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
Kevin Hart & Chris Rock: Headliners Only screening
Kevin Hart and Chris Rock were joined by friends, family, fans, and fellow comedians on Dec. 8 in NYC to celebrate their Netflix special Headliners Only.
Kevin Hart and Chris Rock
All of Us Strangers special screening
Andrew Scott, Claire Foy and Jamie Bell joined writer-director Andrew Haigh at their Searchlight film’s Los Angeles event on Saturday.
Claire Foy, Andrew Scott, Andrew Haigh and Jamie Bell
Wonka premiere
Wonka made its Los Angeles debut on Sunday with stars Timothée Chalamet, Hugh Grant, Keegan-Michael Key, Natasha Rothwell, Calah Lane and Patterson Joseph.
Natasha Rothwell, Patterson Joseph, Paul King, Calah Lane,...
Kevin Hart & Chris Rock: Headliners Only screening
Kevin Hart and Chris Rock were joined by friends, family, fans, and fellow comedians on Dec. 8 in NYC to celebrate their Netflix special Headliners Only.
Kevin Hart and Chris Rock
All of Us Strangers special screening
Andrew Scott, Claire Foy and Jamie Bell joined writer-director Andrew Haigh at their Searchlight film’s Los Angeles event on Saturday.
Claire Foy, Andrew Scott, Andrew Haigh and Jamie Bell
Wonka premiere
Wonka made its Los Angeles debut on Sunday with stars Timothée Chalamet, Hugh Grant, Keegan-Michael Key, Natasha Rothwell, Calah Lane and Patterson Joseph.
Natasha Rothwell, Patterson Joseph, Paul King, Calah Lane,...
- 12/15/2023
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Yes, streaming killed the romantic comedy star, but Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell are hoping to change that with the pre-Christmas theatrical release of their Sony movie, Anyone but You.
While streaming has hogged up a large number of star-driven comedies and romantic comedies, which have been sparse at theaters, it’s not to say that they don’t work when done right on the big screen.
Post pandemic the Universal Hawaii-set George Clooney-Julia Roberts reteam Ticket to Paradise was a bright spot for older audiences last fall with a $16.5M opening, $68.2M domestic result, $168.7M WW final take. Pre-pandemic, let’s not forget about Warner Bros.’ Crazy Rich Asians which opened to $26.5M, and finaled at $174.8M domestic, $239.3M WW.
(Watch) #AnyoneButYou star Glen Powell on making a rom-com for the big screen, not streaming: “You really have to consider how to get people to the theaters” pic.
While streaming has hogged up a large number of star-driven comedies and romantic comedies, which have been sparse at theaters, it’s not to say that they don’t work when done right on the big screen.
Post pandemic the Universal Hawaii-set George Clooney-Julia Roberts reteam Ticket to Paradise was a bright spot for older audiences last fall with a $16.5M opening, $68.2M domestic result, $168.7M WW final take. Pre-pandemic, let’s not forget about Warner Bros.’ Crazy Rich Asians which opened to $26.5M, and finaled at $174.8M domestic, $239.3M WW.
(Watch) #AnyoneButYou star Glen Powell on making a rom-com for the big screen, not streaming: “You really have to consider how to get people to the theaters” pic.
- 12/12/2023
- by Scott Shilstone and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
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