Netflix

Posted on November 12, 2013 by Will Roth

By Will Roth

Netflix logo – courtesy digitaltrends.com

Corporate Headquarters

100 Winchester Circle, Los Gatos, CA 95032

(408) 540-3700

www.netflix.com

History

Netflix was founded in 1997 by software executives Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph. Two years later, the company offered its subscription service of unlimited DVD rentals for a monthly fee. Since its inception, Netflix has grown exponentially in terms of consumer popularity and financial revenue. Today, over 40 million subscribers consume roughly 1 billion hours of content per month through the company. [1]

Key Executive

Reed Hastings Courtesy of Netflix

Reed Hastings co-founded Netflix in 1997 and has served as its Chairman, CEO, and President since. Prior to this, he founded Pure Software, which he then sold to Rational Software. Following a stint in the Peace Corps during college wherein he taught high school math in Swaziland, he has served as the president of the California State Board of Education and remains a member of the California Teachers’ Association. [2] [3]

Financials

Netflix made its initial public offering on May 22, 2002 with 5,500,000 shares at $15.00 each. [4] As of November 15, 2013 one share sat at $349.78. The company’s all-time high was $389.16. However, it hasn’t always been a steadily increasing stock market commodity. On November 30, 2011 its price fell to $62.37. This came after the company’s decision to separate its DVD rental and streaming services. After watching the stock fall, company executives decided to abort the plan. Its stock recovered quickly and has climbed even higher than it was before the proposed change. [5]

Innovation

Netflix is a company that always seems to be ahead of the curve. After amassing 6.3 million members as a strictly DVD rental service, it launched its online streaming service in 2007. [4] After hovering around $20 per stock for years, this development started the company skyrocketing, topping out at roughly $290. This promptly fell after the announcement of Qwikster, which was the proposed streaming-only branch of Netflix. While this was a failure, it was innovative nonetheless.

Click here to watch a BloombergTV feature on Qwikster.

Netflix has rebuilt its popularity and image largely through original content.

latintimes.com

House of Cards was the first heavily advertised piece of original content from Netflix. “A Congressman works with his equally conniving wife to exact revenge on the people who betrayed him. [6]” The entire 13 episode first season was released at once so that viewers could “binge watch” it. Many analysts questioned whether this was a good business decision, theorizing that viewers wouldn’t remain hooked long enough for Netflix to prosper financially. [7] The numbers proved those doubters wrong. In the financial quarter following the show’s debut, Netflix gained 3 million new subscribers. In that quarter alone, the company made back its money on the program in which it had invested $100 million. [8] The show received 9 Emmy nominations and won for Outstanding Casting, Directing, and Cinematography in a Drama Series. [9]

pcmag.com

Netflix also found success in its debut of the fourth season of the cult hit Arrested Development. Executives attributed the bump of 630,000 new subscribers in the second quarter of 2013 to the show’s dedicated fan base. [10] The season earned three Emmy nominations. [11]

In addition to original content, Netflix has been innovative in customizing the user experience. In 2006, the company announced the “Netflix Prize,” which would award $1 million to the person or team who came up with the best algorithm to accurately give entertainment recommendations based on personal preference. Three years later, they had received submissions from more than 40,000 teams from 186 countries. [4] The prize was awarded in 2009, but the company never implemented the algorithm. According to Netflix, the “additional accuracy gains that we measured did not seem to justify the engineering effort needed to bring them into a production environment. [12]“

Also in the vein of user experience, Netflix recently added the option of multiple profiles to its streaming service. Chief Product Officer Neil Hunt acknowledged that most accounts are shared, usually within one household. In an effort to tailor recommendations to each user specifically, customers can now specify who is watching. The service is free of charge and will also help Netflix in collected more accurate user data. [13]

Competition

One might assume that Netflix is a competitor with cable providers. CEO Reed Hastings has a different view. In a letter to investors, he outlined his company’s main areas of focus moving forward, breaking down its competition into two categories. The first is “competitors-for-time,” meaning entertainment options that do not bid against Netflix. While markets may not overlap between Netflix and video game providers, sports networks, and piracy, all of those options eat up consumer time that could be spent watching Netflix. The other category is “competitors-for-content.” The largest competitor here is HBO. Hastings discloses that the companies have bid against each other for movie licensing and original content in the past, and that they seem to be pushing each other to be better consumer-oriented services. Hastings also lists Amazon, Hulu and others as competitors-for-content. At the same time, he believes that there will be enough room for everyone. “Many consumers will subscribe to multiple services if they each have unique compelling content. [14]

On The Horizon

Netflix plans to build upon its success with original content. It has renewed each of its original shows for second seasons, and has expressed desire to make another season of Arrested Development as well. “[We would] be delighted to produce a fifth season of Arrested Development, if possible, given fan reaction.” The company also plans to produce its own full-length documentaries and comedy specials and stream them exclusively. [15]

There is also speculation that Netflix is pushing for day-and-date movie releases, meaning that it could begin streaming a film the same day it premieres in theaters. Though Netflix has not confirmed this, theater owners are wary that the development could put them out of business. Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, accused theaters of refusing to adapt, saying “not only are they going to kill theaters — they might kill movies.” Currently, theaters have a 90 day exclusivity deal, wherein films cannot be shown anywhere else for three months. But recent studies state that theaters make 96% of total revenue from a film’s first six weeks. At the very least, we can expect Netflix to cut the amount of time between theatrical releases to streaming down to between 30-45 days. This would spell greater profits for both Netflix and movie studios while only trimming 4% of theaters’ revenue. [16] At the very least, we can expect an innovator like Netflix to be on the forefront of the entertainment business in the years to come.

Sources

[1] About Netflix

[2] About Reed Hastings

[3] Reed Hastings Profile – Bloomberg Businessweek

[4] Netflix Company Timeline

[5] Nasdaq

[6] House of Cards imdb

[7] Variety Binge Watching

[8] The Atlantic Wire

[9] Emmys – House of Cards

[10] Huffington Post Tech

[11] Emmys – Arrested Development

[12] Forbes

[13] The Verge

[14] Letter to Investors

[15] Tech Crunch

[16] Variety

Pandora

Posted on November 11, 2013 by Jamie Neukrug

By Jamie Neukrug

The Pandora Media Inc. Logo [1]

Pandora Media Inc.

2101 Webster Street
16th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone Number: (510) 451 4100
URL: http://www.pandora.com
Twitter Handle: pandora_radio

Key Executives

la-et-ct-pandora-brian-mcandrews-ceo-20130911-001 [2] Brian McAndrews–CEO, President, & Chairman

tim-westergren [3]Tim Westergren–Chief Strategy Officer,Founder

PANDORA RADIO/BUSINESS [4] Tom Conrad–Chief Technology Officer

Unknown [5] Mike Herring–Chief Financial Officer

Pandora Radio [6]

A Brief History

In January 2000, Tim Westergren founded a company called Savage Beast Technologies, based on his idea to develop a music genome. This technology was used to develop playlists based on individual consumer preferences. Westergren originally marketed these music recommendation service businesses without much success. In 2004, he shifted his target audiences from businesses to individual users and changed the name to Pandora. Listenership increased sharply. A 2007 ruling on increased royalty prices threatened to ruin Pandora, but the issue was resolved in 2009. The introduction of the iPhone app that allowed people to stream music was a game changer. [7]

Financial Information

Pandora earns the majority of its revenue (87%, 87%, and 88% in the last three years) through computer and mobile based advertising sales. The company offers a free subscription plan which generates revenue through these advertisements, as well as Pandora One, which offers a commercial free option to subscribers for a fee. The ability to reach audiences through mobile and other “on-the-go” devices has increased profits significantly. Total revenue has grown from $137.8 million in 2011 to $427.1 million in 2013. Pandora Media Inc.’s common stock on the NASDAQ market, NYSE, is currently valued at $28.45, a 1.01% decrease from its previous close, as it continues to fluctuate. Based on the latest report, Pandora has over 70% share of internet radio within the top 20 stations in the United States. [8]

The Numbers [8]

Year	Total Revenue (in millions):	Listener Hours (in billions):	Active Users (in millions):
2011	$137,800	3.83	29.3
2012	$274,340	8.23	47.6
2013	$427,145	14.01	65.6

About Pandora

Pandora’s Business Model [9]

By allowing its subscribers to dictate the type of songs and comedy they want to hear, Pandora has become internet radio’s market leader in the United States. Listener playlists are developed based on their feedback from a library of songs that have been categorized based on hundreds of musical qualities. Since its inception, Pandora has grown to have 200,000,000 registered users, over 1,000,000 songs in its collection, over 4 billion stations created, and has expanded internationally to Australia and New Zealand. Listeners can mix up to 100 stations, customizing them to their liking. They can also create profiles and connect with others based on mutual preferences. In addition to computers, Pandora has expanded to mobile “apps” on smartphones such as Blackberry, Android, the iPhone, and other interactive devices including the Android tablets, iPad, and Amazon Kindle Fire, and the Nook. Pandora made deals with car companies, including BMW and Buick, and can now be accessed in vehicles. [10] [11]

chart-of-the-day-internet-only-audio-providers-june-2010

Pandora Media vs. Other Internet Audio Providers [12]

The Music Genome Project sets Pandora apart from competition. [13]

The Music Genome Project®

Pandora’s executive team recognizes the need to accommodate the individual musical tastes of subscribers. The Music Genome Project® is the most intricate system ever created to choose music based on its characteristics. Trained musicologists thoroughly analyze songs based on attributes such as voice, tone, genre, and rhythm. The library includes everything from the week’s Top 40 to classic hits from past decades. The project is often compared to human DNA because every detail is diverse. Musicologists utilize the data stored in the Music Genome Project® to create a satisfying, unique listening experience for all. [14]

Celine Dion performed in NYC in October. [15]

Pandora Presents

“Pandora Presents” is Pandora’s series of live concerts that allow listeners to connect with their favorite artists. Originating in 2012, these performances continue to be a successful display of user appreciation and set Pandora apart from competition. Pandora employees personalize it further by using listenership they have identified for specific artists to invite certain users to attend the show. [16]

During a recent October concert in Los Angeles, recording artist, Bridgit Mendler, mentioned Pandora’s role in helping to develop her fan base. [17] Celine Dion performed in New York City on October 29, 2013, promoting her new album “Loved Me Back to Life.” Past entertainers include Dr. Dog, Walk the Moon, Theophilus London, and other emerging artists.

[18]

Recent News

Pandora Media vs. iTunes Radio

Pandora vs. iTunes Radio [19]

With Apple Inc.’s recent release of its new service, iTunes radio, Pandora’s competition continues to grow. Like Pandora, it creates playlists based on the music the listeners’ choose. It also features the same service options, one with advertisements and commercial free iTunes Match. iTunes Radio allows users to view their entire history and categorize songs by “Hits,” “Variety,” and “Discovery.” [19] Both services allow users to post to Twitter or Facebook, but while Pandora posts both song and station, iTunes only provides the latter. Apple hopes their loyal 575 million iTunes users will convert to iTunes Radio.

Despite the fact that this new application is just as technologically advanced, Mike Herring, Pandora’s Chief Financial Officer, stated that listening hours grew 9% since last month. Pandora’s market share rose to 8.06% in October 2013 from 7.77% in September, when iTunes Radio was first released. [20]

Other Competition: Pandora Media Inc. also competes with broadcast radio providers including Clear Channel, CBS and Sirius XM, a satellite radio provider. Additional rivals include online radio providers such as CBS’s Last.fm, Slacker Personal Radio, and Clear Channel’s iheartradio and interactive media stations RDIO, Apple’s iTunes Music Store, Spotify, Rhapsody, and Amazon. [8]

Pandora Mobile [22]

Pandora Removes 40-Hour-Per-Month Limit: Pandora has removed its 40-hour-per-month limit on free mobile listening, allowing people unlimited time to use the service. Pandora was able to make this change due to its success in mobile revenue advertising, trailing only Google and Facebook. The limit was placed in March 2013 to control royalty costs, but management eliminated it to stay on top of their competition. [21]

iPad Redesign: On September 18, 2013, Pandora released the Pandora 5.0 for the iPad. This was the greatest redesign of the app since its launch in April 2010. The iPad’s large screen and touch capability allows users to easily navigate and search their favorite music. This update was made for Android tablets as well. Pandora 5.0 features more intricate music discovery and exploration, a personal music profile and newsfeed, and the ability to connect and share music with friends. [23] [24]

Pandora 5.0 on Android Tablets [24]

Pandora on Google Chromecast: Pandora is also now available on Google Chromecast, a TV-connected device that delivers audio and video signals wirelessly to any screen in your home. Chromecast consumers can now use Pandora with the click of their smartphone or tablet. Once the music is sent to the television, the device is no longer needed for the music to continue. The Play, Pause, Thumb, and Skip buttons are still managed through the mobile device used. Listeners can customize the music they choose with Google Play or the App Store. [25] [26]

Sources:

[1] Dayandadream.com: Pandora Media Inc. Logo

[2] LA Times: Brian McAndrews Image

[3] Business Innovation Factory: Tim Westergren Image

[4] Mercury News: Tom Conrad Image

[5] Apple Insider: Mike Herring Image

[6] Pandoraradioformac.org Internet Radio Image Source

[7] NY Times Article History of Pandora

[8] Pandora’s Financial Information (Annual Report/Form 10-K)

[9] Bizibly.wordpress.com: Pandora Business Model Image Source

[10] Pandora.com: About Pandora Media Inc.

[11] Pandora.com/mobile: Pandora Going Mobile

[12] BusinessInsider.com Pandora Popularity Graph

[13] Slashgear.com: Pandora Music Genome Project Image

[14] About the Music Genome Project on Pandora.com

[15] Yahoo News: Celine Dion Image

[16] Pandora’s Press: About Pandora Presents

[17] Online.wsj.com: Bridgit Mendler at Pandora Presents

[18] Youtube.com Bridgit Mendler Performance

[19] GadgetReview.com: Pandora vs. iTunes Radio

[20] Business at NJ.com: Pandora Succeeding Against Competition

[21] Prnewswire.com 9/1/13 Pandora Removes 40 Hour Per Month Limit

[22] Boston Globe Article Image

[23] 9/18/13 Pandora.com Press: iPad Redesign

[24] Phandroid.com Pandora 5.0 Image

[25] 10/31/13 Pandora.com Blog Google Chromecast

[26] Variety.com: Article on Pandora for Google Chromecast

Time Warner

Posted on November 7, 2013 by Isabel Sherman

By Isabel Sherman

Time Warner Logo [1]

Time Warner Inc.
One Time Warner Center
New York, NY 10019-8016
Phone Number: 212-484-8000
www.timewarner.com

Key Executives:

Jeff Bewkes- Chairman of the Board and CEO, Time Warner Inc. [1]

John K. Martin-
Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, Time Warner Inc. [1]

Howard M. Averill- Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief Financial Officer of Time Warner Inc. [1]

Paul T. Cappuccio- Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Time Warner Inc. [1]

Gary L. Ginsberg- Executive Vice President of Corporate Marketing and Communications at Time Warner Inc. [1]

For more information on executives click here.

About Time Warner Inc.:

[1]

[1]

[1]

Time Warner Inc. is a multinational media corporation that provides high-quality media and entertainment content through varied outlets. It is one of the largest media conglomerates in the world. [16] It has businesses in television networks, film and television shows, and publishing. The company’s four operating divisions are Home Box Office (HBO), Time Inc., Turner Broadcasting System and Warner Bros. Entertainment. [1]

[31] Visual representation of Time Warner’s TV assets

Time Inc. runs consumer titles including People, Time, and Fortune. [16]

Warner Bros Entertainment runs Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema, Warner Bros. Television Group, and DC Entertainment. [1]

[37] Turner Broadcasting’s Brands

Turner Broadcasting operates some of the leading cable TV networks CNN, HLN, TNT, TBS, AdultSwim, Turner Sports, TCM, truTV, and Cartoon Network. Cartoon Network is a go-to channel for kids. CNN is the original 24-hour news network and delivers news to global audiences across all platforms. [1]

HBO is the most successful TV-service in the world. In 2012 it was the number one domestic premium pay television service in primetime and total day ratings. As of 2013, there are approximately 114 million HBO and Cinemax cable subscribers worldwide. There are 8.5 million registered users on HBO GO, which is an unlimited access online/tablet/smart-phone service to watch HBO shows and movies that comes free with an HBO subscription. [1] Current popular HBO shows include The Newsroom, Girls, Veep, True Blood and Game of Thrones. [4]

[18] Girls – A show about 20-something girls in New York created by Lena Dunham is currently filming it’s third season, set to air in January

[33] The Newsroom – A political drama series created by Aaron Sorkin just finished its second season on HBO

Competitors:

Major competitors to Time Warner Inc. include NBC Universal, 21st Century Fox, and The Walt Disney Company. [16]

A Brief History Starting with the Warner Brothers in 1923……

[36] A graphic representing the unsuccessful merger of Time Warner and AOL that led to its split in 2009

In 1923, Polish immigrant brothers, the Warners, created the film company Warner Brothers Pictures Inc. in Los Angelos. [2] In 1972, Kinney National Company bought Warner Bros. and established Warner Communications (WCI). [2] In 1989, Time Inc., which was at the time, the third largest cable operator in the country, merged with WCI and Time Warner was formed. [3] The company purchased Turner Broadcasting System in 1996. [3] In January 2001, a $106 billion merger between AOL and Time Warner was approved. [2] The company was called AOL Time Warner, but in 2003 it became just Time Warner. [3] In 2009, Time Warner split with AOL. [2]

Financials:

Time Warner is publicly traded under the NYSE with the symbol TWX.

Chart over the last three months (Sept. 18-Nov. 18) Visible upward trend [38]

The third quarter for the company ended September 30, 2013. [6]

IMPORTANT STATS FROM 3RD QUARTER:

44 percent increase in earnings from $822 million for the same quarter a year ago to $1.18 billion for the third quarter of 2013 [5]
HBO and Turner’s channels provided the biggest increase for Time Warner in the quarter, revenue rose by $182 million to $3.5 billion, increasing 5% [5]
Adjusted Operating Income increased 8% to $1.7 billion [6]
Adjusted Operating Income margins increased year-over-year for the eighth time in the last nine  quarters [6]

OTHER RECENT STATS:

TBS Logo [20]

At Turner, as of September, TBS was the #2 ad-supported cable network in primetime for adults 18-34 and 18-49 [6]

TNT Logo [21]

CNN Logo [22]

TNT finished the quarter (in September) as the #2 network among adults 25-54 in total day time ratings [6]

Total day ratings for CNN in its key demographic increased by 15% (September) [6]

[25]

[32] Boardwalk Empire took home 5 Emmys on September 22

September 22, 2013: HBO received 27 Primetime Emmy Awards, for series including Veep, The Newsroom, 5 for Boardwalk Empire and 11 for the HBO movie Behind the Candelabra. [25] This is the 12th year in the row that HBO has the highest number of Emmy Awards than other station) [6]

[1]Gravity was released October 4, 2013 and has made $234,279,000 so far. [29]

Alfonso Cuaron’s 3D space movie, Gravity, was the top October opening of all-time. It debuted to $55.8 million in North America. Sandra Bullock and George Clooney star in the movie. The movie contributes to Time Warner Inc.’s total revenue. [19]

RECENT NEWS:

Home Box Office:

September 2013: HBO is set to release a new series, Looking, which stars Jonathon Groff, best known for Glee and the broadway show, Spring Awakening. The series centers on the life of three gay friends living in San Francisco. The show is created by Andrew Haigh and is set to be released Sunday, January 19^th at 10:30 p.m. on HBO. It is currently filming in San Francisco. [9]

“Looking” Season 1 Trailer [8]

[23] Susan Lacy and her Emmy Awards for American Masters and Inventing David Geffen

September 2013: Susan Lacy is moving from PBS to HBO to produce and direct documentaries for HBO. She is best known as the creator and executive producer of American Masters, a television series that documents the history of icons of American culture. [17] As well as numerous Emmys for American Masters, Lacy has received an Emmy for “Outstanding Documentary or Non-Fiction series” for Inventing David Geffen. [17]

[24] Susan Lacy produced and directed under PBS before she signed the multiyear deal with HBO

[30] Poster for Valentine Road which premiered October 7th on HBO

October 2013: The documentary Valentine Road, directed by Marta Cunningham, premiered on HBO, based on an 2008 shooting at a junior high school in Oxnard, Calif. The movie premiered as a part of National Bullying Prevention Month. [11]

Read an interview with the director here:

Variety Article: Interview with Valentine Road Director

November 2013 – HBO signs John Oliver to star is a comedy series set to start in January 2014. The show will be weekly on Sunday nights and will take a satirical view on the news and current events. John Oliver will be leaving The Daily Show with John Stewart to join the HBO family. [10]

John Oliver [10] on the Daily Show

Turner Broadcasting System:

[28]

October 2013: Turner Broadcasting and Verizon announced a multi-year renewal agreement to provide Turner’s Networks, including CNN, TBS, TNT and Cartoon Network, to Verizon FiOS TV subscribers across a plethora of platforms. This is a long term distribution agreement that will give FiOS TV subscribers’ access to a large array of on-demand programming. [26]

[27]

October 2013: A disagreement over prices between Cable ONE and Turner Broadcasting led Turner to cut channels from Cable ONE on October 1, 2013. [13] A Cable ONE press release stated that Turner Broadcasting wanted an almost 50% increase in price for the channels. It was the largest recess of channels in the company’s history. [14] Cable ONE has 730,000 customers in 19 states and is the 10th largest cable company in the U.S. [14] On October 26, 2013 Cable ONE, according to The Anniston Star, “has reached an agreement with Turner Broadcasting System Inc. to restore Cable One’s carriage of Turner’s channels CNN, CNN en Espanol, HLN, Turner Classic Movies, TNT, TBS, Cartoon Network, truTV and Boomerang.” [13]

[35] Miami Heat opening night game

October 2013: TNT showed exclusive NBA coverage of the Miami Heat against the Chicago Bulls game on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 8 p.m. ET. The game was the second highest-rated and most-viewed opening night game in network history with 5.4 million viewers and a 3.3 U.S. rating. [7]

[34] Jack Black guest-starring on Conan

November 2013 : Turner Broadcasting is being forced to pay a $25,000 fine by the Federal Communications Commission. [15] In April 2012, a promotional gag for TBS’ Conan used the emergency weather tones to gain attention for a commercial advertising the appearance of Jack Black on the show. The FCC has warned broadcasters not to air the real EAS tones for any reason other than airing a real alert or a test to avoid panicking the public. [15]

Sources:

[1] Time Warner Website

[2] Britannica: Time Warner Inc.

[3] History of Time Warner

[4] Time Warner: About HBO

[5] NY TImes: Time Warner Profits

[6] TWX_3Q13 Earnings Report

[7] TNT Chicago Bulls Vs. Miami Heat Press Release

[8] Looking Season 1 Trailer

[9] About the New HBO Series

[10] HBO- John Oliver

[11] NYTimes Valentine Road

[12] Time Inc. to Split from Time Warner

[13] CableOne Dispute Resolved

[14] CableOne Agreement with Turner

[15] FCC Fines For Conan Ad.

[16] Hoovers- Time Warner

[17] NYTimes Susan Lacy Leaves PBS

[18] Girls Poster

[19] Hollywood Reporter – Gravity

[20] TBS Logo

[21] TNT Logo

[22] CNN Logo

[23] Susan Lacy

[24] PBS Logo

[25] Reuters: Emmy’s Recap

[26] Turner-Verizon Deal

[27] Cable One

[28] FiOS Verizon

[29] Box Office Mojo- Gravity

[30] Valentine Road

[31] Neatorama- Time Warner

[32] Boardwalk Empire Poster

[33] The Newsroom Poster

[34] Jack Black on Conan – FCC Fine

[35] Miami Heat Picture

[36] Split of AOL and Time Warner

[37] Turner Broadcasting Brands Image

[38] Yahoo Finance – TWX

20th Century Fox

Posted on November 4, 2013 by Kathryn Moshenek

By Katie Moshenek

20th Century Fox logo for Runner Runner(2013) [1]

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

10201 W. Pico Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90064

www.foxmovies.com

Brief history

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, also known as 20th Century Fox, is currently one of the major film studios in America. Starting in 1935 as a merger between two major film corporations, 20th Century Fox was sold to News Corp. in 1985, and in early 2013 News Corp. split into News Corp. and 21st Century Fox, with the latter company retaining Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.[2][3] Movies that 20th Century Fox is most known for include Avatar, the Star Wars franchise (now with Disney), and Independence Day.[4]

Key Executives

Rupert Murdoch [5]

21st Century Fox Chairman and CEO- Rupert Murdoch

Rupert Murdoch was in charge of News Corp. since 1979 and when the company split in June 2013, Murdoch became Executive Chairman of News Corp. and the Chairman and CEO of 21st Century Fox, of which 20th Century Fox is a subsidiary of. Murdoch has been extremely influential in media through purchasing media companies and creating his own.[6]

Jim N. Gianopulos [7]

20th Century Fox Chairman and CEO- James N. Gianopulos

James N. Gianopulos has been at 20th Century Fox as President of 20th Century Fox International and then CEO since 1994, overseeing Titanic and Avatar, the highest grossing films of all time.[8]

Financials

June 30th is the end of 21st Century Fox’s fiscal year and according to their reports, for 20th Century Fox this past year was up $300 million from $8.36 billion to $8.64 billion. This past quarter, which encompassed all of April, May, and June of 2013, was also up $21 million from the past quarter from $2.014 billion to $2.035 billion.[9]

In Recent News

The Book Thief poster [10]

20th Century Fox’s movie The Book Thief is out in limited release until Thanksgiving weekend in hopes it will gain momentum and find its audience. [11] The book-turned-movie is about a little girl in WWII finding solace in stealing and sharing books when Nazi’s in Germany are burning them up. Leading up to the movie’s release though, Fox was not letting a marketing chance pass by and ended with some truly creative advertising. On October 23rd, Fox bought two whole pages of ad space in The New York Times, which is worth $105,840, and left them completely blank except for a small url on the second page which goes to a site about the film.[12]

Little Free Library [13]

Further creative marketing has popped up. On November 20th Century Fox also partnered with Little Free Libraries, a company that creates little free “’take a book, leave a book’ gathering places”, to advertise 20th Century Fox’s upcoming movie The Book Thief by creating custom Little Libraries.[13]

Ivanhoe Pictures [14]

Also in early November, 20th Century Fox’s subsidiary Fox International Productions made a deal with Ivanhoe Pictures, a TV and film company. Ivanhoe Pictures is a recent company and focuses on projects with global appeal. Ivanhoe Pictures has signed a four year, $130 million co-finance deal with FIP and the money will go towards co-financing 10 local-language projects FIP has now in India, South Korea, China, and Taiwan. Those areas are the top four local Asian markets and the companies don’t intend to miss out on any action, especially within China, which is predicted to soon be the largest film market in the world.[15][16]

What’s Next?

Proposed Miami Wilds[17]

20th Century Fox and Dinosaurier-Park International, a Germany company that runs the biggest outdoor dinosaur park in Europe, are battling over park space in Miami-Dade County. With 120 vacant acres, the space surrounds Zoo Miami and after over a decade of work, the county is finally vetting the two companies’ proposals. If the county decides to go with 20th Century Fox’s proposal for “Miami Wilds”, the park will become a theme park inspired by their two blockbuster animated films Ice Age and Rio, will cost $930 million to make, create 2,750 jobs, have 30,000 square feet of retail space, outdoor event space, and a massive water park, and would open around 2018.[17]

Epic Magazine Logo [18]

In late August when Epic Magazine launched with its new business model for journalism, 20th Century Fox was the first to bite. Launched by two seasoned magazine-to-movie writers, one whom had even written the Wired Magazine story that was the base for Argo [19], Epic was created to have long and in-depth articles published online for free and would be funded by selling the film rights to film companies.

Though 20th Century Fox and Epic only have a first-look deal, it’s nothing to disregard. The deal will allow 20th Century Fox do just what the deal sounds like: get a first look, and be the first in line to purchase the film rights if Fox wants the story. It’s a great deal for Fox so that they will get to have first pick of fresh stories, but also good for the magazine who will not only make money off of it, but will not have to go through the chaos of fighting film companies when an article gets noticed.[20][21]

Online Silk Road Marketplace Logo[22]

In mid-October, 20th Century Fox snagged its first article to use despite it not even being written yet.[23]The article being written by Joshua Davis is a real and ongoing story, and is about the owner of the online black market site “Silk Road” who was arrested for drug trafficking as well as hiring a hitman to kill one of his employees.[24] 20th Century Fox has already hired Dennis Lehane, writer of Shutter Island and Mystic River as well as episodes of Boardwalk Empire and The Wire, to turn the article into a script. Fox has also hired Peter Chernin and Jenno Topping to produce alongside the two founders of Epic Magazine, Joshua Davis and Joshuah Bearman.[25]

Sources

[1] 20th Century Fox logo for Runner Runner(2013)

[2] Brief chronology of 20th Century Fox

[3] Guardian article on News Corp. split

[4] 20th Century Fox’s highest grossing films

[5] Photo of Murdoch courtesy of Wikipedia

[6] Murdoch Bio

[7] Photo of Gianopulos courtesy of University of Southern California

[8] Gianopulos Bio

[9] 21st Century Fox quarter earnings

[10] The Book Thief poster courtesy of Imp Awards

[11] Yahoo on The Book Thief

[12] Adage article on NYT blank ads

[13] 20th Century Fox and Little Free Libraries partnership

[14] Photo of Ivanhoe Pictures logo courtesy of Deadline.com

[15] LATimes article about 20th Century Fox and Ivanhoe Pictures deal

[16] Hispanic Business article on TCF and Ivanhoe Picture deal

[17] Huffington Post article on proposed parks

[18] Epic Magazine logo from their Tumblr

[19] Deadline article on making of Argo

[20] Deadline article on Epic Magazine launch

[21] The Verge article on first-look deal with 20th Century Fox

[22] Online Silk Road Marketplace logo courtesy of Wikipedia

[23] The Verge article on Silk Road film

[24] The Verge article on arrest of Silk Road owner

[25] Deadline article on Silk Road film production

DreamWorks Animation

Posted on November 4, 2013 by Cori Rosen

By Cori Rosen

Photo Courtesy of collider.com [1]

1500 – A Seasport Blvd

Redwood City, CA

(650) 562-9000

www.dreamworksanimation.com

A BRIEF HISTORY

DreamWorks Studios was founded by Jeffrey Katzenberg, Steven Spielberg, and David Geffen in 1994. Katzenberg started DreamWorks SKG after he dashed from Disney following power struggles with Michael Eisner, former CEO of The Walt Disney Company. DreamWorks SKG built a new business division, DreamWorks Animation in 2000. Then in the autumn of 2004, Dreamworks Studios spun-off its animation division into DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc., a publicly traded company. [2] [3]

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Dreamworks Animation is a boast-worthy creative company that churns out high-quality entertainment. Dreamworks Animation has theatrically released a whopping twenty-seven animated feature films, including blockbuster favorites Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, and this summer’s Turbo. Although the entertainment factory is widely known for its feature CGI animated films, the company also creates television specials and series as well as live entertainment properties. [4]

[5]

KEY EXECUTIVES

Jeffrey Katzenberg, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Photo Courtesy of DreamWorks Animation [6]

After co-finding DreamWorks SKG, Katzenberg was at the helm of DreamWorks Animation when it became an IPO. Under his leadership, DreamWorks Animation has blossomed into the world’s largest animation studio in the world and received nine Academy Award nominations and two Best Animated Feature wins. [6]

Lew Coleman, President and Chief Financial Officer

Photo Courtesy of DreamWorksAnimation.com [7]

Previously President and Director of the Company, Coleman took on his current position in 2007. Coleman recently oversaw the formation of a joint venture that established a prominent China-focused entertainment company between DreamWorks Animation with China Media Capital, Shanghai Alliance Investment, Ltd., and Shanghai Media Group. [7]

Heather O’Connor, Chief Accounting Officer

Photo Courtesy of DreamWorksAnimation.com [8]

O’Connor previously served as Director of SEC Reporting for DreamWorks Animation and also worked within the Accounting and Financial Planning & Analysis departments at DreamWorks LLC. [8]

Andrew Chang, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Photo Courtesy of DreamWorksAnimation.com [9]

Prior to his current position, Chang held positions as head technology lawyer and head of litigation starting in October 2004 when the Company became publicly-traded. [9]

Ann Daly, Chief Operating Officer

Photo Courtesy of DreamWorksAnimation.com [10]

Daly has worked as Chief Operating Officer since the company’s IPO in 2004. Previously, she served as head of the animated division of DreamWorks SKG since 1997. [10]

QUICK FINANCIALS

DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.’s total revenue for its third quarter, which came to a close on Sept. 30th, was $154.5 million with a net income of $10.1 million, and earning per share a total of $.012 on a fully diluted basis. A contribution of $120.7 million and gross profit of $55.4 million derives from the feature film segment of the company’s revenue. The films Turbo, The Croods, Rise of the Guardians, and Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted were released in the third quarter. Television series and segment specials contributed a revenue of $18.2 million and turned a gross profit of $4.2 million. AwesomenessTV, an online channel operator that Dreamworks recently acquired, contributed revenue of $3.6 million. The consumer products segment contributed $18.2 million in revenue and $4.2 million in gross profit. [11] [12]

Photo Courtesy of SeekingAlpha.com [13]

IN THE NEWS

Photo Courtesy of Zolmax.com [15]

• Netflix
Netflix announced a multi-year deal with Dreamworks for 300 hours of original television programming inspired by characters from the animation company’s franchises, such as Shrek, The Croods, and its upcoming feature flicks. Characters from Classic Media, which Dreamworks purchased a year ago, are also a part of this deal. Therefore, shows may develop that star familiar faces like Casper the Friendly Ghost, Lassie, and She-Ra. [14]

Photo Courtesy of Techcrunch.com [17]

•The Second Screen
M-Go, an online movie storefront, is a joint venture between DreamWorks Animation and Technicolor. Similar to Walmart’s Vudu and Apple’s iTunes, M-Go focuses on transactional movie sales and rentals. It already has deals with five major Hollywood studios, NBCUniversal, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Twentieth Century Fox, and Warner Bros. Digital Distribution, to sell and rent movies to users. In effort to get M-Go on more devices, M-Go announced on September 4th that the M-Go app will be available on 2012 and 2013 LG Smart TVs. [16]

Photo Courtesy of Dailymail.co.uk [19]

• The More Characters The Merrier
DreamWorks Animation recently acquired the library of Chapman Entertainment, a U.K.-based children’s television company. DreamWorks snagged its television portfolio, which includes popular titles like “Fifi and the Flowertots,” “Roary the Racing Car,” “Raa Raa the Noise Lion,” and “Little Charley Bear”. This acquisition directly follows DreamWorks Animation’s purchase of Classic Media in July 2012. [18]

Photo Courtesy of zap2it.com [21]

•Dragons Dominates its Demographic
The second season of Dreamworks Dragons: Riders of Berk premiered on Cartoon Network on Sept. 19th. The first season of the cartoon, based on the Academy Award-nominated film How to Train Your Dragon, ranked number one in its timeslot among boys ages 2-14 versus all other TV networks. [20]

Photo Courtesy of cdn.funcheap.com [24]

• Turbo Races for Profit
Turbo just released on home video November 12th. Turbo underperformed at the box office, failing to rise to the success of last summer’s Madagascar 3. Rise of the Guardians also tanked in theaters, causing DreamWorks to take an $87 million write down. However, Rise of the Guardians later brought in $42.4 million through pay TV deals. Hopefully Turbo will see similiar results and reel in $46 million in consumer products necessary to make Turbo a lucrative endeavor. Wall Street analysts have commended DreamWorks ability to turn a mediocre box office performer into a hit on DVD, Blu-Ray, and Digital HD. [22] [23]

Photo Courtesy of Variety.com [26]

• Everybody was Kung-Fu Fighting
Oriental DreamWorks–a co-venture between DreamWorks Animation (45% equity stake), China Media Capital, Shanhai Alliance Investment, and Shanghai Media Group (combined 55% equity stake between the three)–is in the process of developing four feature films. Kung Fu Panda 3 in addition to one other co-produced U.S.-Chinese animated flick and two-live action projects in Chinese are currently slated for development. [25]

COMING SOON

• Mr. Peabody & Sherman

[28]

Mr. Peabody & Sherman, which features the voices of Ty Burrell and Max Charles, is set for release on March 7th, 2014. The Rob Minkoff directed film–coined as a big screen adaption of the Rocky & Bullwinkle cartoon–follows Mr. Peabody and his adopted boy Sherman as they hurtle back in time to repair history and ultimately save the future. [27]

Photo Courtesy of http://media2.firstshowing.net [30]

• And They’re Back! DreamWorks Animation plans to give audiences a shot of nostalgia with a new short film Rocky & Bullwinkle, arriving in 2014. Directed by Gary Trousdale, the updated version of the original short will feature the voices of June Foray as Rocket “Rocky J. Squirrell and Tom Kenny (Spongebob Squarepants) as Bullwinkle J. Moose. [29]

Photo Courtesy of entertainmentwallpaper.com [32]

• How to Train Your Dragon 2
Riding on the success of 2010’s How to Train Your Dragon–a half-billion dollar player at the global box office and Oscar nominee–, DreamWorks Animation will release its sequel on June 13th, 2014. How to Train Your Dragon 2 reunites the voices of the first film, Jay Baruchel, Kristen Wiig, Gerald Butler, and Jonah Hill. [31]

SOURCES

[1] Collider.com – Dreamworks Animation Logo

[2] DreamWorksStudios.com – DreamWorks Animation History

[3] Forbes.com – DreamWorks Animation’s Complicated Legacy

[4] DreamWorksAnimation.com – About the Company

[5] Youtube.com – Behind the Scenes of DreamWorks Animation

[6] DreamWorksAnimation.com – Jeffrey Katzenberg’s Bio

[7] DreamWorksAnimation.com – Lew Coleman’s Bio

[8] DreamWorksAnimation.com – Heather O’Connor’s Bio

[9] DreamWorksAnimation.com – Andrew Chang’s Bio

[10] DreamWorksAnimation.com – Ann Daly’s Bio

[11] MarketWatch.com – Third Quarter Financial Report

[12] Tbvision.com – TV Sales aid DreamWorks Animation Revenue

[13] SeekingAlpha.com – DreamWorks Animation Skg Inc StockCharts

[14] Zolmax.com – Netflix Deal with DreamWorks Animation

[15] Zolmax.com – Netflix Photo

[16] TechCrunch.com – M-Go now on LG TVs

[17] TechCrunch.com – M-Go Photo

[18] Variety.com – Chapman Entertainment

[19] Dailymail.co.uk – Chapman Entertainment Photo

[20] BroadwayWorld.com – Cartoon Network

[21] Zap2it.com – DreamWorks Dragons Photo

[22] BizJournals.com – Turbo on Home Video

[23] Reuters.com – Turbo failed to Match Predecessor

[24] Cdn.funcheap.com – Turbo Photo

[25] Variety.com – Oriental DreamWorks

[26] Variety.com – Oriental DreamWorks Photo

[27] Screenrant.com – Mr. Peabody & Sherman

[28] Youtube.com – Mr. Peabody & Sherman Trailer

[29] Rocky & Bullwinkle Short – FirstShowing.net

[30] Firstshowing.net – Rocky & Bullwinkle Photo

[31] Deadline.com – How to Train Your Dragon 2

[32] Entertainmentwallpaper.com – How to Train Your Dragon 2 Photo

CBS Corporation

Posted on November 4, 2013 by Gabrielle Sferra

By Gabrielle Sferra

Courtesy of CBS Corporation [1]

CBS Headquarters

51 W. 52nd Street
New York, NY 10019-6188
1-212-975-4321

History

CBS Corporation is a major media conglomerate founded by William S. Paley in 1928. While the company originated in radio broadcasting, television broadcasting soon became CBS’s area of success. Historically, programs such as “I Love Lucy”, “Gunsmoke“, and “All in the Family” catapulted CBS into profitable success [2]. In 1995, Westinghouse Broadcast bought CBS and sold it again in 2000. Viacom and CBS Corporation were considered a unit since 1970, but in 2006, the company split into two and CBS Corporation became what it is today [3].

Executives

Sumner M. Redstone

Courtesy of CBS [5]

Mr. Redstone is the CBS’s Executive Chairman of the Board, as well as Viacom’s. His role as executive chairman resulted from the split of the two companies in 2006. He is the leading shareholder in both companies. [4]

Leslie Moonves

Courtesy Of CBS [7]

Mr. Moonves is the President and Chief Executive Officer of CBS Corporation. He is responsible for all of the corporations holdings. He has held this position since the Viacom/CBS split in 2006. He has pushed the company to new limits, and brought the network and its various programs to more than 100 countries. [6]

Financials

Courtesy of Reuters [8]

CBS Corporation is a publicly traded company in NYSE exchange. The current value of share is $58.89. This past year, the stock price has steadily increased. Starting the year at a much smaller exchange rate ($37.98), each quarter has produced more profit than the previous [9]. This past quarter, the company has earned $3.6 Billion, which is an increase of 3% from last quarter [10].

Company Holdings

Courtesy of CBS Corp. [15]

CBS Corporation is responsible for many different stations, including, but not limited to, CBS Television, CBS News, The CW, Showtime, and The Smithsonian Channel. [11] CBS is consistently the number one station on broadcast television in total viewers. However, does not lead in viewers in the ideal 18-49 demographic [12]. CBS Television is definitely geared to a much older demographic. In recent years, with the introduction of programs such as “2 Broke Girls” and “Hawaii Five-0“, the network has been trying to breach this gap. However, their popular programs are also watched by the desired 18-49 demographic, contrary to popular belief [13] [14].

Successful Programs

The Big Bang Theory

Courtesy of Chicagonerds.com [21]

“The Big Bang Theory” is CBS Corporation’s number one comedy, consistently bringing in viewers every week [16]. The show premiered in September 2007. Syndication rights were bought by TBS and is currently the number one syndicated program, both off-network and first-run syndication [17]. Each episode costs TBS around $2 Million to air [18]. Before the show aired this September, three of the lead actors (Cuoco, Galecki, & Parsons) were bargaining for higher salaries, as they currently make $350,000 an episode. The negotiations have not begun yet, however [19]. Finally, the show appeals to many advertisors, as it is popular both within and outside of the 18-49 money demographic. Each 30 second spot costs aprox. $326,260, the second highest rate for primetime television, behind NFL Primetime Games [20].

How I Met Your Mother

Courtesy of TV Listings [24]

The popular series “How I Met Your Mother” will conclude this year in its ninth season. Syndication of the popular show began in 2008 with Lifetime Network. FX picked up syndication rights as well in 2011. The non-exclusive deal allows both networks to air the program. To air an episode, it costs $725,000 [22].

With the show concluding in May, CBS has just announced a spin-off called “How I Met Your Dad”, which will focus on the feminine version of the “How I Met Your Mother” story [23].

Fall Season

CBS introduced six new shows this season, including the new primetime hit The Crazy Ones, starring Robin Williams, and The Millers, starring Will Arnett. Other series, such as Hostages starring Toni Collette, and Mom, starring Anna Faris, have not pulled in high ratings. All of the new CBS shows, unfortunately, have been dropping audience numbers week-to-week [25].

Upcoming

Courtesy of Fansided.com [27]

CBS Corporation recently worked out a deal with Netflix to air the first four seasons of the hit show “Dexter“, in order to entice people to buy subscriptions to their network Showtime. The four seasons will be available until January 1, 2014, when they will be replaced by the next four season [26].

Another news program is in the early stages of production, as Charlie Rose and Gayle King may sign on to revamp the failing program “The Early Show.” During a block of daytime talk shows, CBS is interested in pursuing a hard-hitting news show to counter program. An announcement is expected anytime for the future of the two-hour program [28].

The CW Network has had a great season for CBS Corp., as the three new shows this season (“Reign“, “The Originals“, “The Tomorrow People“) were all picked up to finish their seasons in May. Nielsen says that ratings for the CW are up 9% from last year, averaging around 2 Million viewers. While the network’s target audience is a younger demographic, the 18-49 Demo is up 11% this year for the CW [29].

Courtesy of Youtube [30]

This past week, CBS became the first network of the season to sweep four straight nights of viewers in the 18-49 demo, as well as total viewers, from Tuesday to Friday [31].

CBS Fall Schedule:

Courtesy of The Wire [32]

Sources

[1] CBS Corporation Logo

[2] William Paley Obituary NY Times

[3] Dominick, Joseph R., Fritz Messere, Barry L. Sherman, and Joseph R. Dominick.Broadcasting, Cable, the Internet, and Beyond: An Introduction to Modern Electronic Media. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2012. Print.

[4]CBS Company Portfolio

[5] Ibid.

[6] CBS Company Portfolio

[7] Ibid.

[8] Reuters CBS Portfolio

[9] Wall Street Journal

[10] CBS Corporation Investor Profiles

[11] CBS Company Portfolio

[12] TV By The Numbers – Ratings CBS

[13] The Wire – CBS Demo

[14] TV By The Numbers – CBS 18-49 Demo

[15] CBS Company Portfolio

[16] TV By The Numbers – Big Bang Theory

[17] TV Media Insights – Syndication

[18] Deadline – Syndication of Big Bang Theory

[19] Hollywood Reporter – Big Bang Theory Pay Raise

[20] AD Week – Big Bang Theory Advertisement Rates

[21] Chicago Nerds – Big Bang Theory Picture

[22] TV By The Numbers – November 18th Ratings

[23] Deadline – How I Met Your Mother Syndication

[24] Yahoo News – HIMYM Spinoff

[25] Zap2it – HIMYM Picture

[26] TV By The Numbers – Netflix & Dexter Deal

[27] Fansided- Dexter Picture

[28] NY Times – CBS’ The Early Show Revamp

[29] Variety – The CWTV

[29] Youtube CW Sizzle Preview

[30] Variety – The CWTV & CBS

[31] The Wire – CBS Fall Schedule

[32] Columbia Journalism Review

LIN Media

Posted on November 4, 2013 by Yilin Pei

By Yilin Pei

LIN Media, LLC

One West Exchange Street, Suite 5A
Providence, RI 02903
401-454-2880

http://www.linmedia.com

About the Company

LIN TV logo

LIN Media was founded in 1961 under the name “LIN Broadcasting”. In 1994, “LIN Television Corporation” spun off from “LIN Broadcasting” as a public company. In 2010, the company rebranded to LIN Media, transforming to a local multimedia company but the cooperate name didn’t change.

In 2013, LIN was re-organized into LIN Media, LLC, at Delaware.[1] Nowadatries to drive brand, potential audience and revenue growth by providing by diverse platforms such as mobile products, apps and web sites. [2]

TV Stations

LIN Media Brands

LIN Media operates or services 43 stations (40 full-power and 3 low-power stations), 7 digital channels in 23 markets with 10.5% U.S. households to deliver local news, sports, community stories and entertainment programming. The 43 stations include 11 CBS affiliates, 10 FOX affiliates, 7 NBC affiliates, 5 ABC affiliates, 8 CW affiliates, 8 MNT affiliates and a TEL affiliate and the company also operates 14 multi-station markets. [3] [4] LIN Media concentrates on median-size stations and markets which is in the range of #20 DMA to #70 DMA. [5]

LIN’s Stations and Markets

As of July 13th, 2013, household rating of LIN Media was 3.7 estimated by Nielsen, the most respected global information and measurement company. The rating of LIN Media is higher than the company’s competitors, Gray, Media General and Nexstar which ratings are respectively 3.4, 2.9 and 2.2. [6] And LIN’s big- four stations’ news rating is 24% higher than national average level.[7] In addition, LIN Media also works on Unique Local Programming such as The Rhode Show in WPRI, Mardnda – Where You Live in WOTV, and The Hampton Roads Show on WAVY. [8]

LIN Digital

LIN Digital logo

LIN Media was one of the first broadcasters to build their own digital business. LIN Digital,the subsidiary of LIN Media, differentiates LIN Media from other broadcasting companies by providing unique and high-impacted digital marketing solutions to the most honored agencies and brands in U.S. and helps them to target potential audiences by customized websites, delivering high quality videos, and mobile devices. In addition, By cooperating with television and interactive analytic companies, LIN Digital also provides value evaluation of cross-platform products for advertisers. LIN DIgital is the top 30 Ad network announced by comScore, which is the most respected digital analytics company in U.S. [9]

competitor comparison of digital revenues of Q2’13

As of the second quarter of 2013, LIN Media’s digital revenue was $25.1 million which was triple of the second quarter digital revenue of Nexstar, one of the most competitive broadcasting company of LIN Media.[10]

Nowadays, LIN DIgital’s sales has reached to 32 markets including Chicago, New York City and Los Angeles. Moreover, LIN Digital released new novel products recently which connect brands cross different platforms such as videos, displays, social media and mobile by working with HYFN and Dedicated Media, the companies that LIN Media acquires major ownership. On Oct. 24th, comScore announced that LIN Digital is the #17 comScore video network. [11]

Key Executives

Vincent L. Sadusky – President & CEO

Vincent L. Sadusky

Scott M. Blumenthal – EVP Television

Scott M. Blumenthal

Richard J. Schmaeling – Senior Vice President Chief Financial Officer

Richard J. Schmaeling

Kimberly S. Davis – Vice President Human Resources

Kimberly S. Davis

For more information on LIN Media’s executives, click here.

Stock Information

LIN Media LLC Class A Common St Stock Chart – Fall of 2013

LIN Media LLC Class A Common St Stock Chart – Fall of 2012

The share price of LIN Media LLC (ticker: LIN) has increased 50.9% in the Fall of 2013 (from August 26th to November 19th). On Aug. 28th, LIN Media got the lowest share price, $16.00, and On Oct. 24th, the company reaches the highest, $26.05 a piece. At the same period of 2012, the lowest share price is $3.94 and the highest share price is $5.82. [12] The success of LIN Digital is one of the main reasons of the share price’s increase.

Financial Information

For the nine months ended September 30th of 2013, LIN Media’s net revenues were $468,448 million, which have increased 31.1% compared with 2011’s $357,292 million.

As of 2013, because of the launch of LIN Digital as well as acquiring major ownership of HYFN and Dedicated Media, the company expects that the digital revenues might over $100 million, which might increase 76% compared with 2012’s $56.8 million. The company also expects that revenues will reach to the range of $190 million to $210 million to achieve a mid 20s operation margin in 2016.[13]

Dedicated Media logo

HYFN Logo

As of the third quarter ended Sept. 30th, LIN Media’s local revenues including retransmission consent fee revenues, local advertising and TV station website revenues was $105.5 million that have increased 44% by comparing with the third quarter of 2012’s $73.3 million. [14]

In addition, LIN Media estimates that $14.7 million to $17.7 million might drop in the fourth quarter’s net revenues of 2013 compared to the fourth quarter of 2012 because of the decline of significant political advertising in 2013. [15]

News

On Oct. 3rd, LIN Media held an investor conference in Austin, Texas and admitted that the company might sell some TV spectrum in FCC’s incentive auction held in 2014. That can help the company profit out of selling Class A low-power stations.

In addition, LIN Media plans to auction off WCTX, a MyNet affiliated television station located in New Haven, CT, and sign its MNT-anchored programming under ABC affiliate WTNH, and the company might make $115 million cash flow under this decision. [16]

Besides, LIN Media owned station, KHON-TV, a fox-affiliated television station located in Honolulu (#69 DMA), upgraded the newscast to high definition, switched the digital platforms and got the most advanced graphics system on Oct. 18th.[17] The improvement of technology is one of the most effective way to capture audiences.

What’s Next for LIN Media?

Public advertising is one of the foundation of LIN Media’s revenue and 2014 will have a new strong political cycle such as the heated debate of healthcare. Those political activities will give the company incremental opportunity to make profits.

For programming, Mr. Sadusky said that continuing combining high-rated sports and entertainment syndicated programming and local programming together is the most effective method in television.

As of 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, LIN Media will focus on freestyle skiing and snowboarding instead of the most popular events like ice hockey. In addition, LIN’s news stations are finding local content such as local athletes’ stories to increase coverage and attention.

Besides, LIN Media announces to keep increasing net retransmission consent fee without disclosing how many percentages they will keep. Moreover, the company plans working on shorter cycle operations with cable because of the rapid movement of the market and longer cycle operations with the networks. [18]

The company expects that the net retransmission consent fee might exceed $90 million in 2013, which might increase almost 200% compared with 2009’s $30.1 million. [19]

On Dec. 10th, LIN Media will hold a small or medium cap conference at JP Morgan. By that time, the company will discuss more about future investments and developing strategies. [20]

Competitors

Major competitors of LIN Media include Nexstar, Gray, EW Scripps, Media General and Fisher Communications. [21]

Source:

[1] LIN Media History – http://www.linmedia.com/our-company/company-history/.

[2] About LIN Media – http://www.linmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/LIN-Media-Communacopia-TV-Panel-9-25-13.pdf – Retrieved Date: Sept. 25th, 2013

[3] About LIN Media – http://www.linmedia.com/our-company/

[4] LIN’s long-term affiliations – http://www.linmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/LIN-Media-Investor-Day-Presentation_10-3-13.pdf – Retrieved Date: Oct. 3rd, 2013

[5] LIN Media’s Markets Rank Range – http://www.smallcapnetwork.com/LIN-Media-LLC-LIN-The-Next-Small-Cap-Media-or-Social-Media-Giant-SBGI-NXST-PBS/s/via/3414/article/view/p/mid/1/id/1490/ – Retrieved Date: Sept. 5th, 2013

[6] Peer Comparison of ratings – http://www.linmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/LIN-Media-Investor-Day-Presentation_10-3-13.pdf – Retrieved Date: Oct. 3rd, 2013

[7] LIN’s Local News Rating – http://www.linmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/LIN-Media-Investor-Day-Presentation_10-3-13.pdf – Retrieved Date: Oct. 3rd, 2013

[8] LIN’s Local Programmings – http://www.linmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/LIN-Media-Investor-Day-Presentation_10-3-13.pdf – Retrieved Date: Oct. 3rd, 2013

[9] About LIN Digital – http://www.linmedia.com/newsroom/

[10] Competitor Comparison of digital revenues of Q2’13 – http://www.linmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/LIN-Media-Investor-Day-Presentation_10-3-13.pdf – Retrieved Date: Oct. 3rd, 2013

[11] LIN Digital’s Video Network Rank of ComScore – http://www.lin-digital.com/pressreleases/lin-digital-debuts-top-20-comscore%E2%80%99s-video-network-rankings – Retrieved Date: Oct. 24, 2013

[12] LIN Media Class A Common St Stock Chart of the Fall 2013 – http://finance.yahoo.com/echarts?s=LIN+Interactive#symbol=lin;range=20130826,20131115;compare=;indicator=volume;charttype=area;crosshair=on;ohlcvalues=0;logscale=off;source=undefined;

[13] LIN Media Digital Revenue – http://www.linmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/LIN-Media-Investor-Day-Presentation_10-3-13.pdf -Retrieved Date: Oct. 3rd, 2013

[14] LIN’s Local Revenue – http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/71771/lin-media-3q-net-revenue-climbs?ref=search – Retrieved Date: NOV. 6th, 2013

[15] LIN’s Q4’13 Revenue Expectation – http://www.linmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/LIN-Media-LLC-Announces-Third-Quarter-2013-Results.pdf – Retrieved Date: Nov. 6th, 2013

[16] LIN Media’s Plan of Selling Spectrum – http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/71608/to-some-selling-spectum-could-makes-sense?ref=search – Retrieved Date: Oct. 30th, 2013

[17] KHON upgraded newscasts in HD – http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/71318/khon-debuts-new-onair-look-hd-news?ref=search – Retrieved Date: Oct. 18th, 2013

[18] LIN Media’s Tech, Media & Telecom Conference -http://cc.talkpoint.com/well001/111213a_dy/?entity=21_4MWG15Q- (requires registration) – Retrieved date: NOV. 12th, 2013.

[19] LIN’s Net Retransmission Consent Fee – http://www.linmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/LIN-Media-Investor-Day-Presentation_10-3-13.pdf – Retrieved Date: Oct. 3rd, 2013

[20] LIN Media’s Future Cap Conference -http://www.linmedia.com/investor-relations/calendar/

[21] LIN Media’s Competitors – http://www.linmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/LIN-Media-Investor-Day-Presentation_10-3-13.pdf – Retrieved Date: Oct. 3rd, 2013

Lionsgate Entertainment

Posted on November 4, 2013 by Simon Staples-Vangel

By Simon Staples-Vangel

-Courtesy of Destructoid

BREIF HISTORY

Lionsgate Films is a film production and distribution company and is a division of the Lionsgate Entertainment Corporation. Originally known as Cinépix Film Properties, the name was changed to Lionsgate Films in 1998. The founder, Frank Guistra, stepped down two years later in 2000 and was replaced by Jon Feltheimer, formerly of Sony Pictures, who remains the Chief Executive Officer today. Lionsgate’s first film to be successful at the box office was American Psycho, in 2000. For a long time their biggest success was Michael Moore’s Fahrenheit 9/11, which was recently surpassed by the company’s lucrative franchise, The Hunger Games. [1] [2]

KEY EXECUTIVES

-Courtesy of Lionsgate

Jon Feltheimer — CEO

-Courtesy of Lionsgate

Michael Burns — Vice Chairman

-Courtesy of Lionsgate

Steve Beeks — Co-Chief Operating Officer – President, Motion Picture Group [4]

FINANCIALS

Lionsgate reported their 2013 (although actually fiscal 2014) second quarter revenue to be $498.7 million, with an adjusted net income of $25.4 million, a pure profit of $500,000 and $84.9 million in free cash flow. This is a drop from the previous year, as the same quarter in 2012 saw Lionsgate’s revenue hit $707 million. However, last year’s second quarter saw the release of The Hunger Games on DVD and Blu-ray Disc, as well as three wide feature film releases. This year saw only two wide film releases, as the next installment in the Hunger Games series, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is coming this November, and the rest of the films will follow that pattern for the next few years. Thus, many would say that Lionsgate’s 2013 second quarter earnings were actually better than expected. They were able to make a profit without their major releases and thus are in a position to be very successful during the third quarter and the holiday film season. [5] [6] [7]

RECENT FILMS

Instructions Not Included

-Courtesy of IMDB

Lionsgate released Instructions Not Included on August 30th, 2013. The film is a Spanish language film, directed and starred in by Mexican television and occasional film actor, Eugenio Derbez. It is a comedy/drama about a single dad whose life becomes complicated by the resurfacing of his daughter’s birth mother. It became the highest grossing Spanish language film ever released in the U.S. Made only for $5 million, the film grossed a total of over $85 million worldwide. The film made $44 million in the U.S. and $41 million internationally. It’s limited opening weekend, August 30th, grossed over $7 million, while it’s wide release on September 6th earned over $8 million. The film was able to stay on the box office charts for several weeks. Although critical reviews have been mixed, the film has clearly found success in Spanish language audiences, both in the U.S. and internationally, making it a big box office win for Lionsgate. [8] [9] [10] [11]

Ender’s Game

Courtesy of Collider

Ender’s Game, which was released by Lionsgate in the U.S. on November 1st, 2013. The film, based on the novel of the same name, is a science fiction and action film about a child who enrolls in a military school because he is widely believed to be the last chance for mankind to defend themselves from the inevitable alien invasion. The film stars well known child actor Asa Butterfield in the title role and the even more well known Harrison Ford as the lead support. The film was able to rake in $27 million domestically on opening weekend, however it quickly lost steam. Reviews have been mixed, with still many very positive, and while Ender’s Game has been able to gross a total over $63 million overall, it’s budget of $110 million means that it really lost quite a bit of money. Fortunately for Lionsgate, not all is lost, as the coming months will see the release of the company’s most lucrative franchise right in time for the holiday season… [12] [13] [14]

THE MAJOR UPCOMING RELEASE!

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

-Courtesy of Latino Review

Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, is the sequal to the previous The Hunger Games, released last year, and is also based on the acclaimed novel series. Due to be released on November 22nd, 2013, in the U.S., the film stars last year’s Academy Award winner for Best Actress (albeit not for The Hunger Games), Jennifer Lawrence, alongside the well known Chris Hemsworth, who previously had a small role in the Lionsgate film, The Expendables 2. The film is expecting to be very successful, with some estimating it to gross nearly $400 million worldwide. This would surpass the $325 million earned by the original and would put Lionsgate in position to be one of, if not the biggest winners, of the winter holiday film season. The film benefits from the existing audience from the original novel series, as well as the significant star power of the cast. This isn’t limited to Lawrence and Hemsworth, as Woody Harrelson, Donald Sutherland, and Stanley Tucci, among others, help round out the cast.

-Courtesy of The Washington Post

Furthermore, Lionsgate’s effective marketing campaign for the film consists of the multifaceted website, The Hunger Games Explorer. The site combines many elements of marketing, including social media posts about the film, a reward based competition, traditional fan forums, and official releases such as new trailers or clips. The site can even be used to buy tickets to the film, as it links to ticketing websites such as Fandango. The all encompassing site is an effective design to engage fans of the film and novel series, and even to spark interests from those who are only casually interested. While Lionsgate has also gone for traditional ways of promoting the film, the website shows a forward-thinking marketing strategy, as it allows the company to group together all of its content and social media buzz in one place, while still allowing for traditional fan interactions in fan forums and discussion boards that science-fiction and action fans have typically been drawn to online. The site is the first result if you search “The Hunger Games” on multiple search engines, including Google. [15] [16] [17] [18]

OTHER FUTURE RELEASES

Obviously, The Hunger Games franchise isn’t over yet, as Lionsgate plans for each film to keep its annual November release date, up until The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 in 2015. Furthermore, Lionsgate has purchased the U.S. distribution rights for Hercules: The Legend Begins, which they plan to release in 2014 before and in competition with Paramount’s Hercules, starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. A risky move, but it shows that the company has a plan beyond its annual Hunger Games releases and they are clearly continuing to make a profit, becoming arguably the most successful “mini-major” studio to date. [19] [20]

SOURCES

[1] — Lionsgate Corporate

[2] — Funding Universe: Lionsgate Company History

[3] — Forbes: The Smart Money Behind The Hunger Games

[4] — Lionsgate Corporate Management Page

[5] — Lionsgate Press Release

[6] — Hollywood Reporter: Lionsgate Quarterly Earnings

[7] — Deadline: Hunger Games DVD/Blu-ray Sales

[8] — Lionsgate Films: Instructions Not Included

[9] — Deadline: Instructions Not Included Box Office

[10] — IMDB: Instructions Not Included

[11] — Box Office Mojo: Instructions Not Included

[12] — Fool.com Box Office Weekend: THOR, Ender’s Game

[13] — Box Office Mojo: Ender’s Game

[14] — IMDB: Ender’s Game

[15] — IMDB: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

[16] — Digital Spy: Hunger Games: Catching Fire Predicted Gross

[17] — The Hunger Games Explorer Website

[18] — Digital Spy: Hunger Games Explorer

[19] — Variety: Lionsgate To Compete With Paramount’s Hercules

[20] — LA Times: Hunger Games Release Dates

Weinstein Company

Posted on November 4, 2013 by Matthew Sarshik

By Matt Sarshik

The Weinstein Company Logo [1]

History

Created in 2005, The Weinstein Company is a multimedia production and distribution company founded by brothers Bob and Harvey Weinstein. The brothers created the company following their departure from Miramax Films, a company they founded in 1979. The Weinstein Company encompasses genre-film studio Dimension Films. The Weinstein Company left the 2012 Academy Awards with 8 awards, the most in the studio’s history, including Best Picture for The Artist. [1]

Key Executives

Harvey Weinstein
Courtesy of Biography.com [2]

Harvey Weinstein is co-chairman of The Weinstein Company and founded Miramax Films in 1979 with his brother, Bob, where they released many critically acclaimed films, receiving 16 Best Picture nominations over 16 years. [3]

Bob Weinstein
Courtesy of the NY Daily News [4]

Bob Weinstein is co-chairman of the The Weinstein Company and Dimension Films, a company he established in 1993, which primarily produces science fiction, family, and horror films including the Scream and Scary Movie franchises. [5]

Financials

Through November of 2013, The Weinstein Company ranks eighth among studios with a 5.1% market share. The studio has released 13 films in 2013 and brought in a total gross of approximate $468 million. In 2012, The Weinstein company also placed eighth among the studios, however they only held a 2.4% market share. [6]

Recent News

At the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival, The Weinstein Company picked up several features. The list was highlighted by “Can A Song Save Your Life?” starring Keira Knightley for $7 million and they secured the U.S. rights to “The Railway Man” for a reported $2 million starring Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman. The studio also used the festival to carry seven of their upcoming releases including “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” and “August: Osage County”. [7] [8] [9]

In August, The Weinstein Company agreed to an exclusive streaming deal with Netflix. The deal, set to begin in 2016, will make Netflix the sole U.S. home for all films from The Weinstein Company and Dimension Films during the premium pay-TV window. This deal builds on the already existing deal between the companies that allowed Netflix to stream select films, mostly including foreign films and documentaries. This new deal will end The Weinstein Company’s 2008 seven-year pay TV deal with Showtime. [10]

Recent Film Releases

Courtesy of Indiewire [11]

“Lee Daniels’ The Butler“, released on August 16, is an independent historical drama staring Forest Whitaker as a White House butler who serves over eight presidencies. The film also features Oprah Winfrey as the butler’s wife. [12]

On its opening weekend, the film topped the box office with a weekend gross of over $24 million. It remained atop the weekend box office results for the next two weekends. Through 14 weeks, the film has a domestic gross of over $115 million on just a $30 million budget. The film is currently the studio’s top grossing film of 2013 and fifth all-time. [13]

Originally titled The Butler, the film included director, Lee Daniels‘ name in the title after a failed legal battle with Warner Bros, which claimed the title had been used for a 1916 short. While many thought the name battle may damage the film’s prospects, Harvey Weinstein claims, “We asked people opening weekend what made them see the movie, 40 percent of the audience said the controversy”. [14] [9]

The film is already considered an awards contender, specifically for the performances from Whitaker and Winfrey.

Courtesy of IMP Awards [15]

“Fruitvale Station”, released on July 12, is the believed true story of the moments leading up to and following the tragic death Oscar Grant III at a subway stop on New Year’s Day. The film stars best actor contender Michael B. Jordan. The film was a 2013 Sundance Film Festival winner. [16]

The film was released in seven theaters, the same weekend the Trayvon Martin verdict was read, grossing a $53,898 average per theater. The film was only placed in over 1,000 theaters during its third and fourth weeks. As of October 31st, the film has a domestic total of just over $16 million. [17]

The Weinstein Company combined marketing for this film with a message to end social injustice in the name of Oscar Grant III. On film advertisements on both the studio’s website and actual business cards, audiences were encouraged to use social media to tell their stories of social injustice. [18]

Courtesy of IMP Awards [19]

On September 6, The Weinstein Company released “Salinger”, the story of reclusive author J.D. Salinger, staring Philip Seymour Hoffman and Edward Norton. [20]

The film played in four theaters over its first two weeks, then reached its high of 138 theaters in its third week. The film was not highly received at the Telluride Film Festival, resulting in Harvey Weinstein’s decision to recut the film. As a result, 13 minutes of footage was removed, with eight new minutes added. Weinstein’s updated version was used in the film’s wide release. The film has a worldwide gross of over $650,675. [21] [22]

Upcoming Releases

Courtesy of Dipson Theaters [23]

On November 22, The Weinstein Company is slated to release “Philomena” a film based on the 2009 investigative book by BBC correspondent Martin Sixsmith, stars Judi Dench as a mother in search of her son. The Motion Picture Association of America originally gave the film an R rating, however they changed their ruling to a PG-13 rating after resistance from the studio. [24]

Courtesy of IMP Awards [25]

On November 29, the studio is set to release “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”, starring Idris Elba as Nelson Mandela in his story from childhood to his inauguration as president of South Africa. [26]

The Weinstein Company announced that a special screening of the film will take place at The Kennedy Center on November 20 with former secretaries of state Hillary Clinton and Colin Powell in attendance. This screening is part of an eight-city tour presented by The Weinstein Company and Coca-Cola. [27]

Courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter [28]

On Christmas Day, The Weinstein Company is scheduled to release the highly anticipated “August: Osage County”. The John Wells’ film surrounds a family of women who return to their Oklahoma home following a family crisis. The film has generated a lot of buzz due to its star studded cast, highlighted by Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep. [28]

The film received a variety of reviews when it premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film’s movie poster has received a lot of attention for being strategic as it shows many of the film’s stars. With so many stars, the studio aims to attract the fan bases of these high profile actors. The film expects to compete in the musical or comedy categories at the Golden Globes. [28]

Sources

Sources Accessed November 20, 2013

[1] About The Weinstein Company

[2] Biography.com – Harvey Weinstein

[3] About Harvey Weinstein

[4] NY Daily News – Bob Weinstein Photo

[5] About Bob Weinstein

[6] Box Office Mojo – Studio Market Share

[7] Weinstein Co Acquires Rights at TIFF

[8] Weinstein Co Deal for “The Railway Man”

[9] The Daily Beast – Harvey Weinstein Interview

[10] The Hollywood Reporter – Weinstein Co. Deal with Netflix

[11] Indiewire – Lee Daniels’ The Butler Movie Poster

[12] Hollywood Reporter – Box Office Milestone

[13] Box Office Mojo Lee Daniels’ The Butler

[14] USA Today – The Butler Box Office Appeal

[15] Fruitvale Station Movie Poster

[16] Box Office Mojo Fruitvale Station

[17] Deadline – Fruitvale Station Box Office

[18] The Mother Jones – Marketing for Fruitvale Station [

[19] Salinger Movie Poster

[20] IMDb – Salinger

[21] Box Office Mojo Salinger

[22] The Atlantic Wire – Salinger Recut

[23] Philomena Movie Poster

[24] Entertainment Weekly – Philomena Rating Appeal

[25] Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Movie Poster

[26] IMDb – Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

[27] Deadline – Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Special Screening.

[28] The Hollywood Reporter – August: Osage County

Relativity Media

Posted on November 4, 2013 by Erin Morris

By Erin Morris

Courtesy of Relativity Media

RELATIVITY MEDIA
9242 Beverly Blvd. Suite 300
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Telephone: 310.724.7700
Website: http://www.relativitymedia.com/

KEY EXECUTIVES

Ryan Kavanaugh, CEO and Founder [1]

[1]

Tucker Tooley, President [1]

[1]

Happy Walters, Co-Chief Operating Officer [1]

[1]

Gregory Shamo, Co-Chief Operating Officer [1]

[1]

HISTORY

Ryan Kavanaugh and Lynwood Spinks, former venture capitalists and business consultants, founded Relativity Media in 2004. The film studio originally began as a middleman agent, making deals with other studios and then arranging financial support with banks. However, in 2009, Relativity acquired Rogue Pictures from Universal, and since has been involved in developing, creating, and distributing films its own films. Over the last decade, the studio has produced, distributed or structured financing for roughly 200 films, earning over $20 billion worldwide and garnering a total of 73 Oscar® nominations for motion pictures such as The Social Network and The Fighter. [1]

FINANCIALS

Relativity Media is not a publically traded company, and as such, specific quarterly information is not available. However, box office and studio market share information is readily accessible.

Relativity ranks 9^th among film distributors for the year with a 2.3% market share as of November 20^th, 2013. The studio also finished 9^th in 2012, but with a 1.9% market share. However, with other studios gearing up for Oscar season and Relativity having just one upcoming release, both the market share and ranking might go down. [2] [3]

The studio has grossed $217,267,120 in 2013 thus far, with $104,312,782 of it earned by its four fall releases: The Family, Don Jon, Romeo and Juliet, and Free Birds. [2] [4] [5] [6] [7]

RECENT RELEASES

Don Jon

[5]

Longtime actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt made his writing and directorial debut with Don Jon, the story of a charming New Jersey man who struggles with finding true intimacy because of his porn addiction. Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore, and Tony Danza also starred in the critically acclaimed controversial film. [5]

Don Jon, which was originally produced by Voltage Pictures for $6 million, premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival where Relativity acquired the rights for $4 million. [8]

The film began its theatrical run on September 27th in 2,400 theaters with a $9 million opening weekend. Don Jon went onto gross over $24 million. [5]

Upon first glance, the numbers look astounding for Relativity – a $24 million gross on a $6 million production budget. However, when Relativity acquired the rights to Don Jon at Sundance, the studio pledged to a $27 million marketing budget. [8]

Relativity distribution chief Kyle Davies still maintained that they were pleased with the film’s performance, citing the film’s strong reviews as a success and that the studio wants “to be in the Joseph Gordon-Levitt business.” [8]

Romeo and Juliet

[9]

Relativity also acquired the rights to Romeo and Juliet, little known Italian filmmaker Carlo Carlei’s 2013 adaptation of the Shakespeare classic. Oscar, Emmy, and Golden Globe winner Julian Fellowes, creator of BBC darling Downtown Abbey, wrote the screenplay. Hailee Steinfeld, who rose to fame in 2010 when she received an Oscar nomination at 14 years old for her performance in True Grit, and Douglas Booth portrayed the titular star crossed lovers. Damian Lewis of Homeland fame played Lord Capulet, Stellan Skarsgård acted as Prince of Verona, and Oscar nominee Paul Giamatti portrayed Friar Laurence. [6] [9] [10]

Oddly, given the star power attached to the project, Relativity gave Romeo and Juliet a limited release. It opened in just 461 theaters on October 11^th, 2013 and earned $520,116 during its opening weekend and a mere $1,143,238 to date. [6]

The film received mixed reviews from critics, who called the modern adaption – which kept the traditional Verona setting but not the Shakespearean language – muddled, dull, and dumbed-down. [11]

FUTURE RELEASES

Out of the Furnace

[12]

Relativity’s remaining release for year is Out of the Furnace, a drama starring Christian Bale that will be released December 6^th, 2013. The star-studded cast also includes the likes of Oscar nominees Casey Affleck, Woody Harrelson, Sam Shepard, Willem Dafoe, Oscar winner Forest Whitaker, and Zoe Saldana of Avatar and Star Trek fame. [12]

The film focuses on Bale who plays a blue-collar man that seeks justice when his younger brother – a war veteran that got involved in a dangerous crime ring – disappears and the police fail to search for him. [12]

Directed by the critically acclaimed writer and director of Crazy Heart Scott Cooper, the film has already gained Oscar buzz for Bale, who won the statue back in 2010 for The Fighter, and Affleck, who was nominated once in 2007 for The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. [13]

Given the film’s early December release date, falling between the big Thanksgiving and Christmas opening weekends, Out of the Furnace will not directly go up against any other major films and faces little competition at the box office.

A trailer for the film can be viewed here.

IN THE NEWS

From the Theater to the Classroom

[14]

Relativity didn’t appear to believe in Romeo and Juliet enough to advertise heavily or give it a wide release, but the studio did use the film to market their latest venture: the Relativity School.

Relativity will become the first major motion picture studio to invest in forming a school for filmmaking and performing arts. Pending the State of California’s approval, Relativity will begin accepting applications in March of 2014 and class will begin four months later. [14]

On October 4^th, 2013, Relativity previewed Romeo and Juliet at the New York’s All-American High School Film Festival to promote its college. The studio also offered the festival’s young filmmakers – and prospective students – a meet and greet with Relativity President Tucker Tooley. [15]

The school, located in Downtown Los Angeles, will offer degrees in Master of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Fine Arts, and Associate of Fine Arts in fields such as Performing Arts, Entrepreneurship in Media, and Film Production. Relativity has called the school a place where “higher education meets Hollywood” due to industry insiders creating the curriculum and it being located on a working studio lot. [14]

From the Big Screen to the Small Screen

[17]

Relativity has branched out not only into education but also television. On October 6^th, 2013 it was announced that the National Geographic Channel will produce a scripted TV series based on the Relativity film Act of Valor. Act of Valor, a war film about an elite team of US Navy SEALs, garnered the studio over $80 million after its February 2012 release. [16] [17]

CEO Ryan Kavanaugh cited the 2010 Relativity-distributed Nev Shulman documentary Catfish – which later spawned a popular MTV reality series by the same name – as inspiration for the business venture. Production for the Act of Valor series will start in early 2014. It will be the first scripted show for both National Geographic and Relativity. [16]

[19]

Act of Valor isn’t the only Relativity movie that’s being given the TV treatment. It was announced on October 6^th that the Bradley Cooper flick Limitless will have a spin-off series as well. The star-studded thriller brought in over $160 million after it premiered in March 2011. Cooper will serve as an executive producer on the series. [18] [19]

SOURCES

[1] About Relativity Media – Company History and Executive Biographies and Images. RT 11/13/13

[2] Box Office Mojo Relativity Media Results for 2013. RT 11/15/13

[3] Box Office Mojo Relativity Media Results for 2012. RT 11/15/13

[4] The Family Box Office Results. RT 11/15/13

[5] Don Jon Box Office Results. RT 11/15/13

[6] Romeo and Juliet Box Office Results. RT 11/15/13

[7] Free Birds Box Office Results. RT 11/15/13

[8] Hollywood Reporter Article on Don Jon’s Production and Marketing Budgets. RT 11/15/20

[9] Relativity’s About Romeo and Juliet. RT 11/15/20

[10] IMDB for Julian Fellowes. RT 11/15/20

[11] Rotten Tomatoes Reviews of Romeo and Juliet. RT. 11/15/20