Columbia-TriStar Pictures

Columbia and TriStar Pictures function as divisions under the Columbia TriStar Motion Pictures Group of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) [2]. Columbia Pictures produces Sony Pictures’ commercial motion pictures. TriStar Pictures allocates and markets Sony Pictures’ Entertainment films, distributing entertainment to over 150 countries around the globe [5] [11].

Columbia TriStar Motion Pictures Group has released many notable franchises such as the James Bond, The Amazing Spider-Man, and Men In Black franchises [6]. The Sony Pictures library includes over 3,500 films, 12 of which have won Academy Award Best Picture [2].

Having appeared since the creation of Columbia, the “Columbia Lady” paves the way for each and every motion picture. It is the studio’s icon [22].

History:

Columbia Pictures was the 1918 creation of Jack Cohn, Joe Brandt and Harry Cohn, who began by making short films [9]. By 1922, CBC Films – first named after its creators – produced the very famous, More to Be Pitied Than Scorned. Within the next two years, CBC Films transformed into Columbia Pictures Corporation.

Columbia Pictures began to rise in fame when renowned director, Frank Capra, began directing in 1927 [9]. He took the company by surprise with its first Best Picture Academy Award for the film, It Happened One Night (1934). He was also the reason for the studio’s first “talkie” film.

By 1982, The Coca-Cola Company purchased Columbia Pictures [9].

By 1983, TriStar Pictures was created when Columbia came together with HBO and CBS. Seeing that it was one of the newest production studios, it quickly surfaced as a chief competitor in the film arena by releasing popular blockbusters such as The Natural and Peggy Sue Got Married.

By 1989, Sony Corporation purchased Columbia Pictures from Coca-Cola [9]. The new owner positioned Columbia beneath its new division, Sony Pictures Entertainment. They company also transferred from Burbank to Culver City, CA. Here is where the studio produced such classics like Gone With the Wind and Citizen Kane. They produced these on the MGM lot.

In 2000, Sony created Sony Pictures Digital, which was comprised of Sony Picture Imageworks and Sony Pictures Animation [9]. Imageworks developed CGI and VFX for Columbia TriStar Motion Pictures Group and the animation division. Animated feature films were produced by the animation division in Sony.

Today, the Columbia TriStar Motion Pictures Group releases Sony Pictures’ biggest films. These include 21 Jump Street, Julie and Julia, Men in Black 3, Zero Dark Thirty (5 Academy Award Nomination & Best Picture), and Skyfall – to only name a few [7].

Winter-Spring 2013:

Skyfall [28]

Action/Adventure/Crime

Worldwide Gross: $872 million

Budget: $200 million

U.S. Release Date: Nov 9

Directed by Sam Mendes

Produced by Michael G. Wilson & Barbara Broccoli

Featuring: Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, & Bereniche Marlohe

“The name is Bond…James Bond”.

Daniel Craig is back as James Bond in the 23rd installment of the Bond franchise, which is the longest-running film franchise ever. Skyfall delves into M’s secret past where Bond’s loyalty to her is tested. He is challenged to trace the threat and dispose of it at whatever cost [29].

This film was not only the highest-grossing film in the UK but it also marked Judi Dench’s final performance as M!

Zero Dark Thirty [20]

zero-dark-thirty1

Action/Drama/History

Worldwide Gross:$108,614,949

Budget: $40 Million

U.S. Release Date: Dec 19

Directed by Kathryn Bigelow

Written & Produced: Mark Boal

Featuring: Jessica Chastain, Jason Clarke, Joel Edgarton, Mark Strong, Kyle Chandler, Edgar Ramirez, & Jennifer Enle

The masterminds behind The Hurt Locker (2008), Kathryn and Mark Boal, came together once more to produce this motion picture. They collaborated with Sony Pictures who made this the last feature to be released for the 2012 calendar year [18].

After a decade of searching for the “most wanted man,” Zero Dark Thirty details the story of the chase for Osama Bin Laden that began after the horrific events of 9/11.

Upcoming Spring-Summer 2013:

After Earth [19]

Science-Fiction/Thriller

Budget: $130 Million

U.S. Release Date: June 7

AFTER EARTH TRAILER 2013

Directed by M. Night Shyamalan

Produced by Caleeb Pinkett, Will Smith, James Lassiter, & M. Night Shymalan

Featuring: Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Isabelle Fuhrman, Kristofer Hivju, Gabriel Caste

The last of the human race is forced to leave Earth and instead travel through space. After 100 years of travel, they arrive to a place called Nova Prime and they must build a modern civilization of their own [19].

This Is The End [25]

Comedy

Budget: n/a

U.S. Release Date: June 14

THIS IS THE END TRAILER 2013

Directed by Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg

Produced by Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen, & James Weaver

Featuring: James Franco, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogan, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride

Friendships are tested when six friends are stuck in a Los Angeles home after catastrophic events take place [25].

Recent News:

As was said before, Skyfall became the highest grossing Bond film ever before. It beat its previous record of $3.5 billion (2009) and earned over $4 billion [28]. This has led to Sony Picture Entertainment becoming the highest grossing movie studio for the year. In accordance with Skyfall, Sony’s other releases – The Amazing Spider-Man, Men in Black 3, and Zero Dark Thirty helped reach that highest grossing title. For 2012, Sony Pictures released a total of 9 blockbuster films. The release of films is at a low point currently but they will pick up for the end of spring into summer with Will Smith’s After Earth.

Rumors spread that Sony was having financial issues and needed to sell the film division. Thankfully, these rumors have been squashed and the CEO of Sony Corporation, Kazuo Hirai, stated that Sony would not be selling. Instead, Hirai states that Sony is nearing its comeback [20].

For only the 6^th time in Oscar history, Zero Dark Thirty’s hunt for Osama Bin Laden and Skyfall, the latest movie in the Bond franchise, were tied in the Sound Editing category [10].

Works Cited:

[1]: Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group http://www.hoovers.com/company-information/cs/company-profile.Columbia_TriStar_Motion_Picture_Group.9a3fb312ea9f08a6.html

[2]: Sony Pictures http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html

[3]: Company overview of Columbia Pictures http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=8033824

[4]: Senior Management Team http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/management.html

[5]: Company overview of TriStar http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=7913345

[6]: Looper IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1276104/

[7]: Columbia Pictures Films http://www.imdb.com/company/co0071509/

[8]: James Bond Press Release http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/press_releases/2012/08_12/082912_anniversary.html

[9]: Sony Pictures History http://www.sonypicturesmuseum.com/studio/history

[10]: Zero Dark Thirty article http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/inaccuracies-push-zero-dark-thirty-out-of-the-picture-at-the-oscars-8508910.html

[11]: About Sony Pictures http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/aboutsonypictures.html

[12]: Judi Dench – Skyfall http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/09/judi-dench-skyfall-007-bond_n_2102516.html

[13]: Skyfall Financials http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=bond23.htm

[14]: LA Times – Skyfall http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-quick-20121206,0,7595314.story

[15]: Skyfall IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1074638/

[16]: Zero Dark Thirty IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1790885/

[17]: Zero Dark Thirty financials http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=binladen.htm

[18]: Skyfall article http://www.deadline.com/2012/11/skyfalls-669-2m-global-helps-sony-pictures-post-best-ever-4b-worldwide/

[19]: After Earth official site http://www.afterearth.com/site/

[20]: Sony Chief – Film Studio Not for Sale http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sony-chief-kaz-hirai-film-384605

[21]:$1 million – Zero Dark Thirty http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/electronic-arts-sony-medal-of-honor-warfighter-donation-soldiers-370401

[22]: Columbia Lady History http://www.sonypicturesmuseum.com/studio/history/columbia

[23]: Skyfall IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1074638/

[24]: Skyfall Official Site http://www.skyfall-movie.com/site/

[25]: This Is The End IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1245492/

Discovery Communications

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Jasmine White

by Jasmine White

The World’s #1 Nonfiction Media Company [2]

One Discovery Place
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Tel: 240.662.2000/ http://corporate.discovery.com/

Overview

Discovery Communications[1] entered the media sphere as a single channel, The Discovery Channel. After acquiring its rival, The Learning Channel in 1991, it would go on to enter a series of acquisitions that have earned the corporation notoriety as the world’s number one media company. Discovery is currently a publicly owned company and trades on the NASDAQ stock market. It currently reaches more than 1.8 billion subscribers in 218 countries and territories. Moreover, Discovery is proud to be a leading provider of educational products and services to schools and owns a diverse portfolio of digital media services.

[1]

Leadership [3]

Photo of John S. Hendricks John S. Hendricks is the founder of Discovery and serves as Executive Chairman. Hendricks wanted to provide viewers with quality documentaries that would allow them to explore their world. He has been the recipient of numerous awards, such as the Primetime Emmy Award, the Governors Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Photo of Robert R. Beck Robert R. Beck has been Discovery’s Financial Consultant since 2001 and is a member of the compensation committee.

Photo of J. David Wargo J. David Wargo is the Director of Discovery, chairman of the Nominating Committee and a member of the Audit Committee.

Photo of Steven A. Miron Steven A. Miron is the Director of Discovery Communications and a member of the Nominating Committee.

Finances [4]

February 14, Discovery lost 33 percent of its net income in the fourth-quarter, dropping its income to $224 million, or 61 cents per share. Analysts were expecting 76 cents per share.

The company attributed the decline to a rise in taxes, equity-based compensation and costs due to its acquisitions. Total revenue rose 8 percent to $1.2 billion, in line with analysts’ expectations. Discovery forecast 2013 revenue of $5.58 billion to $5.70 billion. Analysts are expecting $5.43 billion.

Executives are relying on key partnerships and programming like Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network. They say that the high-profile and expensive joint venture is on track. Despite the success of OWN and ventures like it, Discovery generally makes 33 percent less money on advertising than rivals.

Oprah’s Interview with Lance Armstrong

Discovery continues to make innovative deals to supplement its income. December 14, the corporation officially closed the deal with ProSieben[5]. ProSieben has a total enterprise value of $1.7 billion. Discovery now has 12 companies in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland, strengthening its connection in the Nordic markets. The transaction also included 19 radio stations, including the #1 radio portfolio in Sweden.

December was an eventful month for Discovery; the corporation announced a strategic alliance with TF1/Eurosport (Eurosport International and Eurosport France) [6], acquiring a 20 percent minority interest. Eurosport reaches 130 million subscribers in 59 countries across Europe. The alliance also garnered Discovery stock in France (TV Breizh, Histoire, Ushuaia TV and Stylia).

Product

[7]

Discovery Channel

Discovery Channel, launched June 17, 1985 is one of the most widely distributed cable networks in the United States. It is dedicated to creating innovative and quality nonfiction content. The genres include science, history, adventure and the like. Popular series include Deadliest Catch, MythBusters and Frozen Planet. The targeted audience is 25-54, particularly men and reaches 100 million U.S. households; 314 million international subscribers.

Myth Busters ‘Walking on Water

[8]

TLC

TLC(The Learning Channel) offers globally recognized programming that focuses on unique storytelling. Acquired by Discovery in May of 1991, it has succeeded in becoming the top 10 cable network for women. In 2001, TLC had 28 unique television series, averaging one million viewers per episode. Some of the most popular shows include, Sister Wives, Toddlers & Tiaras, 19 Kids, What Not To Wear and Here Comes Honey Boo Boo. Currently, 99 million U.S. households and 201 million international homes subscribe to TLC.

[9]

[10]

Animal Planet

Animal Planet, launched October 1, 1996, is the only channel to fully immerse viewers in the Animal Kingdom. Viewership has been up 18% since January 2012, bringing in 97 million U.S. and 275 million international subscribers. The target audience reached are adults 25-54. Viewers enjoy television shows like Whale Wars, River Monsters, Fatal Attractions, Finding Bigfoot, Pit Bulls and Parolees and Dogs 101.

[10]

Discovery Famila

Discovery Famila, launched August 2007, garners 4 million U.S subscribers. It introduces educational and entertaining, family-oriented programming to kids and families in the Spanish language. Daytime programming is geared toward preschoolers’ by offering fun and educational Spanish-language content that will preserve their native language. Evenings offer family-friendly series and specials and aspirational lifestyle content for women and families, including programs on cooking, dining, travel, design, beauty, health and parenting.

Newsroom

January 08, 2013 [10]

Successful Holiday Programming Events and Slate of Network Movie Premieres Drive Strong New Year Start for The Hub TV Network

The Hub Network, owned by Discovery, had a solid jumpstart on the New Year. The network introduced a steady flow of holiday marathons, followed by original Hub TV Network original programming. It delivered significant year-over-year audience growth reaching all key target demographics including Kids 2-11 (+63%), Kids 6-11 (+56%), Women 18-49 (+69%), Adults 18-49 (+50%), Persons 2+ (+67%) and Households (+52%).

January 14, 2013 [11]

Discovery Communications Acquires Switchover Media

Discovery acquired 100 percent of Switchover Media, an Italian media company that owns four free-to-air television channels and one pay-TV television channel in Italy. This new deal has made Discovery the third largest broadcaster in Italy in terms of collective audience share. Italy is the leading market for Discovery and key to its growth over the last two years. The acquisition of Switchover Media adds further breadth and scale and also diversifies Discovery’s portfolio to include scripted crime and children’s programming.

March 28, 2013 [12]

Revision3 Launches Robust App for Xbox 360

Revision3, A Discovery Digital Video network, announced the launch of its app for the Xbox 360® video game. Xbox LIVE Gold members in the U.S., Canada and Australia can install the new Revision3 app from the Xbox LIVE® marketplace*. Fans of Revision3 content can now watch their favorite shows. There are thousands of unique shows, including Rev3Games, Film Riot and more. Revision3 allows subscribers to view the content on their television, tablet, game station, phone, or a traditional laptop.

Sources

7. Discovery Channel Logo