Clear Channel

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Lucy Bartozzi

by Lucy Bartozzi

http://www.clearchannel.com

200 E. Basse Road San Antonio, TX 78209

(210) 822 – 2828

About Clear Channel

Clear Channel Communications is a global media and entertainment company specializing in radio broadcasting and outdoor advertising. The company was founded in 1972 in San Antonio, TX with the purchase of a single FM radio station [1]. Currently, Clear Channel is privately owned by Bain Capital and Thomas H. Lee Partners [2]. Clear Channel operates as CC Media Holdings and consists of two main businesses: Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings and Clear Channel Media and Entertainment [1].

Clear Channel Media and Entertainment

Clear Channel Media and Entertainment (CCME) owns and operates 840 broadcast radio stations, reaching nearly 243 million monthly listeners. CCME services 150 U.S. markets, as well as 140 radio stations in Australia and New Zealand. This gives Clear Channel the largest reach of any radio or television outlet in the United States [3]. Operations of CCME include radio broadcasting, online and mobile services and products, program syndication, entertainment, traffic data distribution, and music research services [2]. CCME’s content is distributed on a variety of platforms including AM/FM stations, satellite radio, the Internet, in-vehicle navigation systems, iHeartRadio, and mobile devices. Properties of CCME include Premiere Networks, a national radio network with 90 radio programs in syndication, Katz Media Group, the leading media representation company in the United States, and Total Traffic Network, a service that delivers real-time local traffic flow and information to over 3,000 radio and 200 television affiliates [4].

iHeartRadio

iHeartRadio, launched in 2008 by Clear Channel, gives users access to over 1,500 live radio stations across the country and the ability to create custom stations. This service is available online and as a mobile application for smartphones and tablets, as well as in-vehicle systems and some gaming consoles. Users are able to stream a wide variety of content, including pop, country, talk, sports, and college radio. In just 13 months, iHeartRadio reached a milestone of 20 million registered users [5].

Key Executives [6]

Bob Pittman, Chief Executive Officer

Tom Casey, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President

Robert H. Walls Jr., Executive Vice President and General Counsel

John Hogan, Chairman and CEO of Media and Entertainment

Financials [2]

Clear Channel estimates that nearly half of their revenue is derived from CCME, with the primary source of this revenue being the sale of commercials on their radio stations
Clear Channel’s total revenue for 2012 equaled $6,246,884
CCME’s total revenue for 2012 equaled $3,084,780, a $98 million increase from 2011
In 2012, CCME saw an increase in digital revenue, event sponsorship revenue, and traffic business revenue; however, direct expenses and SG&A expenses increased as well

New Developments at Clear Channel

On March 6, 2013 Clear Channel and eOne, the fastest-growing independent music company in the U.S., announced an agreement to share revenue from digital and terrestrial radio. Since its inception, eOne Music has charted more than 100 albums on Billboard’s Independent Chart. Clear Channel has recently entered into similar agreements with Big Machine Label Group, Glassnote Entertainment Group, DashGo, rpm Entertainment, Robbins Entertainment, and Naxos [7].

On March 11, 2013 Clear Channel introduced a new feature for their iHeartRadio service which will enable users to to add short local news, weather, and traffic updates into their custom station when listening online. Clear Channel hopes that these “Add-Ins” will provide users with a custom experience they can’t find anywhere else. Users will be able to receive localized information based on their current location or choose to receive updates from different markets across the country. Add-Ins will soon be available on the iPhone, Android, and other platforms [8].

On March 13, 2013 Clear Channel launched its second broadcast Electronic Dance Music (EDM) station, Evolution 93.5 Miami. The new format will feature non-stop dance music from artists such as Skrillex, David Guetta, Calvin Harris, and more. On March 25, the station began airing a two-hour long daily show titled “All Gone Pete Tong” featuring Pete Tong’s Essential New Tune of the Week and the hottest track from the global Top 100 chart on Beatport.com. The show broadcasts Monday through Friday from 7 – 9 p.m. EST and additionally features Tong’s mixes, on-air interviews, and guest-hosted radio shows. EDM fans across the country can listen to Evolution as well on iHeartRadio [9].

On March 28, 2013 Clear Channel announced the return of their iHeartRadio Music Festival, as well as the continuation of their partnership with Macy’s. For its third year, the event will be held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on September 20 and 21, 2013. Macy’s iHeartRadio Rising Star campaign will return as well, spotlighting America’s emerging musicians and giving one lucky artist or band the opportunity to perform at the iHeartRadio Music Festival. Clear Channel listeners, iHeartRadio fans, and Macy’s shoppers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite performer online until May 12. Bon Jovi, Jason Aldean, Lil Wayne, Swedish House Mafia, Taylor Swift, Linkin Park, and Aerosmith are just a few of the names that have previously performed at the festival [10].

On April 1, 2013 Clear Channel Media and Entertainment announced a partnership with Big Machine Records to launch The Band Perry’s sophomore album, PIONEER. Following the release of the album on April 2, Clear Channel will launch a two-week on-air and online Artist Integration Program to introduce the new music to fans and listeners. On April 3, The Band Perry will perform for iHeartRadio Live at the iHeartRadio Theater. The goal of this campaign is to raise audience awareness by featuring custom content and spots on a multitude of Clear Channel’s different platforms [11].

Sources

[1] http://www.clearchannel.com/Corporate/Pages/about.aspx

[2] http://edgar.secdatabase.com/1389/73970813000003/filing-main.htm

[3] http://www.clearchannel.com/CCME/Pages/default.aspx

[4] http://www.clearchannel.com/CCME/Pages/Brands.aspx

[5] http://www.clearchannel.com/CCME/Pages/iHeart.aspx

[6] http://www.clearchannel.com/Corporate/Pages/our-team.aspx

[7] http://www.clearchannel.com/Pages/Clear-Channel-And-Entertainment-One-(Eone)-Announce-Agreement-To-Share-Digital-And-Broadcast-Radio-Revenue-With-Artists.aspx

[8] http://www.clearchannel.com/Pages/iHeartRadio-Introduces-Local-News,-Traffic-and-Weather-Add-Ins-to-its-Custom-Stations-.aspx

[9] http://www.clearchannel.com/Pages/Clear-Channel-Media-And-Entertainment-Brings-EDM-To-Miami%E2%80%99s-Airwaves-With-Evolution-93-5.aspx

[10] http://www.clearchannel.com/Pages/The-iHeartRadio-Music-Festival—The-Biggest-Live-Concert-Event-In-Radio-History—Returns-to-the-MGM-Grand-in-2013-.aspx

[11] http://www.clearchannel.com/Pages/Clear-Channel-Media-and-Entertainment-and-Big-Machine-Label-Group-to-Launch-Artist-Integration-Program-Around-The-Band-Perr.aspx

Sinclair Broadcast Group

Posted on April 2, 2013 by vapane

by Victoria Pane

[14]

Sinclair Broadcasting Group Inc. is one of the largest broadcast companies to date. SBG owns and operates programs or provides sales services to 112 TV stations that span 61 markets nationwide. Sinclair Broadcasting Group reaches about 29.8% of U.S. TV households. Station affiliates include FOX, ABC, MyTV, CW, CBS, NBC, MTN and Azteca.

Headquarters Address: 10706 Beaver Dam Road, Hunt Valley, Maryland 21030

Telephone– (410)-568-1500

Social Media- Facebook LinkedIn

[15]

Executives

David Smith– Chief Executive Officer

David Amy-Chief Financial Officer

Steven Marks– Chief Operating Officer

Barry Faber-Executive Vice President

David Bochenek-Chief Accounting Officer

History

Located in Hunts Valley, Maryland, the Chesapeake Television Corporation was founded by Julian Sinclair Smith in 1971. Station ownership started in Baltimore (WBFF), Pittsburgh (WPTT/WPMY) and Columbus (WTTE). The last of the remaining stocks were bought by Smith’s four son is 1985 and since then the company has been named Sinclair Broadcasting Group. David B. Smith has served as

url President and CEO since 1988, while the other three brothers hold various executive positions. With the help of the brothers the company has done nothing but grow in audience size and content range. The year 1995 changed it all when the company became publicly traded. Sinclair owns the majority of its stations, but they do operate some affiliates for the networks using local marketing agreements.

Picture above[16]

Screen shot 2013-04-01 at 9.09.23 PM

See all stations under Sinclair’s control here

Picture Right [17]

Recent News

Since the beginning of the New Year SBG has been placing new General Managers in many of its markets across the country. On January 2, 2013. Noreen Parker was named GM of WTTA-TV (MY TV Tampa Bay) in Tampa, Florida. On January 3^rd Sinclair announced that Jim Lapiana would be the new GM of WPGH-TV (Fox 53) and WPMY-TV (MNT 22) in Pittsburgh. Also on January 3^rd Ronna Corrente was named GM of WDKY-TV (Fox 31) in Lexington, Kentucky. And lastly on March 7^th, Terry Gaughan was named GM of WCGV-TV (My 24) and WVTV-TV (CW 18) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Another major piece of employee news is Steve Pruett joined senior management team as Chief Operating Officer of Chesapeake TV. Pruett has meny years of experience in the media, up until recently he was the CEO of Communication Corporations of America (CCA). Along with being the COO of Sinclair Television Group in the mid-sized market, Marks will also oversee the Company’s most recent strategy for small markets.

During February, Sinclair Broadcasting Group made a deal hoping to create initiative for small market television. The company signed an agreement to purchase stock and broadcasting assets of four television stations owned by COX Media Group. The deal was set for $99 million. These stations operate four different markets and reach about 0.9% of U.S. TV households. David Smith, President and CEO of Sinclair was quoted: “Over the past 18 months, we have led the industry’s consolidation efforts in the mid-sized markets, purchasing 30 TV stations and creating over $400 million of equity value. We believe our platform size and leadership position allow us to bring meaningful purchasing power and negotiating leverage to these stations. Including synergies, we believe the CMG stations can generate approximately $20 million of cash flow, on average.”

[6]

Also in February of this year, Sinclair reached an agreement with DirecTV regarding the retransmission consent agreement. They have entered a short-term extension to the existing contract so that both parties will be able to enter into a formal agreement. In conclusion, DirecTV will continue to carry all of Sinclair’s stations.

On February 28^th SBG announced an agreement to purchase 18 television stations owned by Barrington Broadcast Group, LLC for $370 million. It also entered agreements to operate or provide sales services for another six stations. These 24 stations are located in 15 different markets and reach 3.4% of U.S TV households. David Smith commented: “This week, we launched our small market television group when we announced we would be acquiring certain of the COX Media television stations. The Barrington stations are an important part of that strategy, providing meaningful scale to the group. Including synergies, we believe the Barrington stations can generate approximately $71 million of cash flow, on average.”

Screen shot 2013-04-01 at 11.38.43 AM [8]

Conflicts with FCC ownership rules have forced Sinclair to sell its station WSYT (Fox) in Syracuse, NY and assign its local marketing agreement and purchasing option on WNYS (MNT) in Syracuse. The Company also sold its station WYZZ (Fox) in Peoria, IL. The license assets of four stations will be bought by Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation and Howard Stirk Holdings (newly formed and controlled by Armstrong Williams who is the founder and CEO of Graham Williams Group).

On April 2nd, SBG announced its full support of MobileDTV. Over the next six months, the Company will being to broadcast 10 mobile-cable signals in nine different markets. This is in partnership with Cunningham Broadcasting Company that broadcasts two stations in Columbus, Ohio (WSYX-TV and WTTE-TV). Consumers in these markets will be able to use MobileDTV on their smartphones or tablets to enjoy local over-the-air broadcasting for free simply by installing a plug-in adaptor. Sinclair has long been a mobile tv advocate has committed to offer some FOX affiliates on this developing platform. MobileDTV is expected to help with targeted advertising and the TV anywhere anytime for consumers.

Find a list of available stations and markets here.

SBGI Financial Reports

[13]

Sinclair announced its first quarter of 2013 estimates of a net broadcast revenue of about $251.9 millon to $254.9 millon. Also an EBITDA of approximately $90.3 million to $93.3 million. The Board of Directors declared a $0.15 dividend to all Class A and B stock holders as of close on March 1st, 2013. The dividend became payable on March 15th.

Listen to the First Quarter Earnings Webcast and Conference call here

Financial Events Calendar

May 1, 2013- First Quarter 2013 Earnings Report

June 6, 2013- Annual Shareholders Meeting

August 7, 2013- Second Quarter Earnings Report

November 6, 2013- Third Quarter 2013 Earnings Report

Industry Conferences

March 4-6 dbAccess Media, Internet and Telecom Conference Palm Beach, FL.

April 8-9 Wells Fargo Investor Forum at NAB Las Vegas, NV.

May 7-9 Jefferies 2013 Global Technology, Media and Telecom Conference The Westin, NYC

May 20-22 Barclay’s High Yield and Syndicated Loan Conference Chicago, IL.

May 30^th– The Benchmark One on One Investor Conference Milwaukee, WI.

Sept 30-Oct 2 Deutsche Bank’s 21^st Annual Leveraged Finance Conference Scottsdale AZ.

Sources

1.http://www.sbgi.net/about/history.shtml

2.http://www.sbgi.net/about/profile.shtml

3.http://www.sbgi.net/site_mgr/temp/Parker%20Tampa_kv9j79fq.shtml

4.http://www.sbgi.net/site_mgr/temp/Lapiana%20Pittsburgh_nf4w27hf.shtml

5.http://www.sbgi.net/site_mgr/temp/Corrente%20Lexington_y574z5b9.shtml

6.http://www.sbgi.net/site_mgr/temp/_q81qytdm.shtml

7.http://www.sbgi.net/site_mgr/temp/_8tv8hrf9.shtml

8.http://www.sbgi.net/site_mgr/temp/_7xfvjv6f.shtml

9.http://www.sbgi.net/site_mgr/temp/_vhm639mg.shtml

10.http://broadcastengineering.com/company-news/sinclair-broadcast-group-buys-18-barrington-tv-stations

11.http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2013-03-01/news/bs-bz-sinclair-acquisition-20130301_1_sinclair-s-ceo-stations-directv-customers

12.http://www.sbgi.net/site_mgr/temp/MobileDTV13_t7j41d11.shtml

13.http://www.reuters.com/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=SBGI.O

14/15.http://www.sbgi.net/

16.http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bal-david-smith-2010-photo,0,4271489.photo

17. http://www.sbgi.net/business/television.shtml

Disney/ABC Television Group

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Mila Morgensztern

By Mila Morgensztern

500 South Buena Vista Street, Burbank, CA 91521-4581, United States. (2)

Tel: 818-560-1000

Fax: 818-560-1930

www.disneyabctv.com

COMPANY OVERVIEW: (3)

The Walt Disney company is one of the most diversify international entertainment company. They operate in many different sectors such as Disney media Network( broadcasting, cable, publishing…), Disney Parks and Resorts, The Walt Disney Studios (Movies, Music, TV), Disney Consumer Products (merchandising) and Disney Interactive (digital media platforms). Overall, all those segments have been added overtime. Furthermore, this corporation is established in a variety of Countries such as Japan, France, Australia, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Romania and many others. However, this report will only focus on a section of The Walt Disney Studios as it will only explore the recent TV department news.

BUT WHERE DOES SUCH A MAJOR CORPORATION COMES FROM? (4)

Originally, this company was called Buena Vista Television Communications and was launched in September 1995. But the following year the company acquired Capital Cities Communications. In addition, in 2001, Disney/ Buena Vista Television group also acquired Saban entertainment and Fox Family Worldwide. And in 2002, the company changed its name to Disney/ABC Television Group. Additionally,today due to their collaboration with Apple, the company was the first to benefit from the hit TV series via Itunes.

EXECUTIVES: (5)

President ABC entertainment group – Paul Lee:

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Disney/ABC group – Peter Seymour:

President and Chief Creative Officer, Disney Channels Worldwide – Gary Marsh:

Executive Vice President, Global Communications, Disney ABC group – Kevin Brockman:

FIRST QUARTERLY REPORT OF 2012:

12% increase net income from the previous year. It rose to nearly 1.2 billion dollars with a revenue of 4.8 billion dollars. Furthermore, Morgan Stanley and Benjamin Swinburn, explained that it might be due to improvements in attraction parks. In addition, the parks revenues keep increasing and went up to 3.2 billion dollars for this quarter. (6) In addition, below you can see The Walt Disney company Quarterly Data Comparison. Overall, it can be said that this company main aspect is that, it is constant in term or revenues and net incomes.

Additionally, Disney/ABC consists of all the Walt Disney company and ABC branded Television properties; which includes ABC television network and ABC entertainment.

(7)

OVERALL, IT HAS ASSETS IN MANY INDUSTRIES: (8)

11 films and theaters: Touchstone Pictures, Lucas Films, and Walt Disney Pictures are some examples.
3 music groups: Disney music group, Walt Disney records and Hollywood records.
4 television groups: ESPN , Disney Junior, Disney ABC television group,and ABC-Owned television stations group.
Approximately 35 radios in Los Angeles, New york, Miami …
3 publishing groups: Hyperion Books, Disney Publishing Worldwide and ESPN the Magazine.
10 attraction parks/resorts in which include Vacation clubs, tourism, or Cruise line.
And other areas such as merchandising and technology for instance.

DISNEY/ABC MAIN COMPETITORS:

(9)

DISNEY/ABC TV SHOWS’ DIFFUSION, LATEST NEWS AND RELEASES.

ABC, ABC familly winter/spring TV diffusion: (10)

Modern Family, Comedy – Teenagers – TV show about a big family.
Grey’s Anatomy, Drama – Teenagers and Adults – TV show about the life in a hospital.
Once upon a time, Fantazy/Drama – Teenagers and Adults – TV show about an imaginary world.
Revenge, Drama – Teenagers and Adults – TV show about a young woman that wants to revenge her father.
Pretty Little Liars, Drama – Teenagers – Tv show about 5 girls in high school.

Disney Channel TV shows 2012-2013: (11)

Special episode of “Wizards of Waverly Place” on September 27. Comedy – Teenager- TV show on Wizards
On Disney Junior, on January 11th: “Sofia the first”. Cartoon – Kids – TV show on Princess
Order of thrid season of “A.N.T. Farm” October 2012. Sitcom – Kids – Comedy
Order of second season of “Dog with a Blog” on February 4th. Comedy – Teenagers – TV show about a Dog and a Family

IN ADDITION, SOME NEW RELEASES TOOK PLACE IN 2012.

For instance:

” Last resort “ American military drama TV show, put on air the 27th of September 2012 until January 14th 2013 as it was originally a 13-episodes run. It was created by Shawn Ryan and Karl Gajdusek. (12)

Actors: Andre Braugher, Scott Speedman and Daisy Betts. (13)

“666 Park Avenue”: Drama TV show that started September 30th, 2012 on ABC. It was created by David Wilcox and is about the tenants of a building in Manhattan NYC. (12)

Actors: Rachel Taylor, Dave Annable and Robert Buckley. (13)

“Nashville” : American musical drama TV show created by Callie Khouri. The serie first releases was on ABC, the 10 October 2012. Overall, the TV show is about two female singers trying to become stars. (12)

Actors: Connie Britton, Hayden Panettiere and Clare Bowen. (13)

And the “Neighbors” is what is called a science fiction sitcom. The TV shows talks about a family living with an extraterrestrial community. The serie was created by Dan Fogelman. (12)

Actors: Dan Fogelman, Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger. (13)

HOWEVER, ABC AND DISNEY WILL ALSO HOST TV PREMIERES AND NEW SEASONS, THAT HAS OR WIILL BE RELEASED LATER IN 2013.

Red Widow – March 3rd 2013: Drama tv show created by Melissa Rosenberg. A thriller with the main character as a widow housewife trying to protect her family. (14)

Red Widow Trailer – Click here to Watch It.

Actors: Radha Mitchell, Sterling Beaumon and Goran Visnjic. (13)

Dancing with the stars – March 8th 2013. A dance competition that comes from the United Kingdom. It is currently its 16th season and is on the air since the summer of 2005. (14)

Dancing with the Stars Video – Click here to Watch It

Host: Tom Bergeron. (13)

Judges: Bruno Tonioli, Carrie Ann Inaba and Len Goodman.(13)

How to live with your parents (for the rest of your life) – April 3rd 2013. It was created by Claudia Lonow and, it talks about a young mother recently divorced. (14)

How to live with your Parents Trailer – Click here to Watch It

Actors: Sarah Chalke, Elizabeth Perkins and Rachel Eggleston. (13)

Family tools – May 1st 2013. Sitcom created by Bobby Bowman. Based on British sitcom called White Van Man and the story is about a man with no luck. (14)

Family tools trailer – Click here to Watch It

Actors: Chris Bruno and Sergio Enrique. (13)

Teen Beach Musical – Summer 2013. Tv show created by Jeffrey Hornaday and produced by Disney Channel. The story talks about a young women that likes surfing and has problems with her parents. (19)

Teen Beach Musical Trailer – Click here to Watch It

Actors: Ross Lynch, Maia Mitchell and Grace Phipps. (13)

Code 9 – This summer. It is a reality TV show that does practical jokes with a hidden camera. (19)

Code 9 Video – Click here to Watch It

Actors: Andrew Knott, Heshima Thompson and Liam Boyle. (13)

Good luck Charlie – April 2013. TV show on Disney Channel created by Phil Baker and Drew Vaupen. It talks about a newborn baby coming in the family. (19)

Good luck Charlie Trailer – Click here to Watch It

Actors: Jason Dolley, Bridgit Mendler and Mia Talerico. (13)

LASTLY, THE CORPORATE NEWS RELATED TO DISNEY/ABC TELEVISION GROUP.

In November, They increased their cash dividend by 25%. (22)

In December, The corporation finally acquired completely LucasFilm. (22)

In February, Walt Disney released fiscal information about the first quarter of 2013. It was made on December 29th 2012. (22)

Revenues: $11,341 million. (23)
Net income: $1,382 million. (23)
Free cash flow: $599 million. (23)
Compared to the previous year: 5%, 6%, 46% increase respectively.(23)

In February, the company webcasted fiscal earnings results. (22)

In May, there will be the annual shareholders’ meeting. (22)

Furthermore, the main news related to the entire television corporation, was that in the fall of 2013, several television groups are going to launch programs for US-Hispanics, on their networks. (24)

REFERENCES:

http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/File:2000px-Disney-ABC_International_Television_logo.png
http://www.cjr.org/resources/?c=disney.
http://www.disneyinternational.com/.
http://combosaurus.com/interest/disney-abc-television-group.
http://www.disneyabctv.com/division/index_executives.shtml.
http://jacksonville.com/entertainment/2012-12-06/story/fantasyland-comes-life-magic-kingdom.
http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=13728276.
http://www.hoovers.com/company-information/cs/competition.Disney-ABC_Television_Group.daa325c7c7ed5f02.html.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2012/02/disney-reports-first-quarter-2012-results.html.
http://www.hypable.com/2012/12/17/winterspring-2013-tv-schedule-see-when-your-favorite-shows-will-return/.
http://www.deadline.com/tag/disney-channel/.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/11/abc-shows-fall-tv-2012-2013_n_1581796.html.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2197797/fullcredits.
http://www.allyourscreens.com/index.php/features2/73-2013-tv-premiere-and-finale-dates.
http://www.tvwise.co.uk/2012/05/upfronts-2012-first-look-at-abcs-red-widow/.
http://reality-tv.findthebest.com/q/45/1544/When-did-Dancing-with-the-Stars-start.
http://www.telechargementz.org/video/series/vf/583548-code-9-saison-01-french-e01-df.html.
http://kinobastion.ru/trejler-the-family-tools-data-vyxoda-seriala/.
http://kidscreen.com/2012/03/13/disney-reveals-programming-slate/.
http://mynewanimatedlife.blogspot.com/2013/02/teen-beach-musical-il-nuovo-disney.html.
http://hookedonhouses.net/2011/05/02/the-duncans-denver-home-on-disneys-good-luck-charlie/.
http://thewaltdisneycompany.com/.
http://thewaltdisneycompany.com/sites/default/files/press-releases/pdfs/q1-fy13-earnings.pdf.
http://www.tvwise.co.uk/2012/05/upfronts-2012-first-look-at-abcs-how-to-live-with-your-parents-for-the-rest-of-your-life/.

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

DreamWorks Animation

Posted on March 31, 2013 by Alexander Benis

by Alex Benis

DreamWorks Animation SKG

Location

1000 Flower Street, Glendale, California 91201

(818) 695-5000 ; www.dreamworksanimation.com

Key Executives

Jeffrey Katzenberg (Chief Executive Officer/Director/Co-Founder) [pictured below]

Lew Coleman (President/Chief Financial Officer)
Ann Daly (Chief Operating Officer)
Anne Globe (Chief Marketing Officer)
Heather O’Connor (Chief Accounting Officer)
Michael R. Francis (Chief Global Brand Officer)
Andrew Chang (General Counsel/Corporate Secretary)
Rich Sullivan (Deputy Chief Financial Officer)

About

DreamWorks Animation SKG is an animation studio located in Glendale, California that produces animated films, television series and live entertainment for audiences worldwide. With a staff totaling more than 2,100 employees facilitating production, DreamWorks creates and distributes on average roughly three feature-length films for theatrical release in addition to many other smaller-scale projects. Boasting the rank of being the fourteenth best place to work according to Fortune Magazine, the animation studio is the one of the most versatile in the world and is the birthplace of stories that wrestle with the imagination.

Historical Background

DreamWorks SKG was jointly founded on October 12, 1994 by the triumvirate made up of: director & producer Steven Spielberg, music executive David Geffen and former Disney executive Jeffrey Katzenberg. With its formation, artists from Spielberg’s previous unsuccessful animation studio, Amblimation, were attracted for employment. In 1995, the young animation studio signed a co-production deal with Pacific Data Images, forming the subsidiary PDI, LLC which split the ownership 60/40 favoring PDI. The new business partition would go on produce its first-ever feature film: Antz. In 1997, DreamWorks partnered with British stop-animation studio Aardman Animation to co-produce Chicken Run. At the turn of the century, DreamWorks SKG created the business division DreamWorks Animation and halted the use of hand-drawn animation following the production of Shrek (which went on to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film). In 2004, the studio became the first to produce two computer-generated animated feature films in a single year with the theatrical release of Shrek 2 and Shark Tale. The same year, DreamWorks Animation was further divided into DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. managed by Katzenberg under the terms that 12 new films be distributed by the end of 2010’s fiscal fourth quarter.

Financials

For 2012, the animation studio raked in an impressive $749.8 million – topping its previous year’s revenue by $42 million dollars which can be credited to the release of Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted. Additionally, DreamWorks ended 2012 with $82.7 million in revenue with their total assets reaching $1.945 billion and a total equity of $1.346 million. Their fiscal fourth quarter results are as follows:

From June to September, DreamWorks increased their annual revenue from $162.8 million to $186.3 million. Following the month of October, profitability increased much more rapidly – with the most likely cause being related to the marketing of their newest movie at the time: Rise of the Guardians. By December 31st, the studio’s revenue stream for the quarter was capped off at $264.66 million, slightly over a third of their annual earnings. Overall, DreamWorks incurred a $36.4 million loss over the course of the entire year in comparison to their overall revenue of the previous year.

In The News

Dreamworks’ fourth quarter holiday release, Rise of the Guardians, proved successful at the box office: being largely responsible for just over one-third of the animation studio’s overall revenue for that year. Centering around an evil spirit named Pitch, the character archetypes of imagination (The Sandman, The Tooth Fairy, Santa Clause, etc.) are given no choice but to join forces in order to defeat a looming enemy that threatens childrens’ beliefs. Starring heavyweights Alec Baldwin, Hugh Jackman and Jude Law, the film was described by one critic as being “one for the kids, [but] fun enough to put a smile on parents’ faces.” Domestically, Rise of the Guardians grossed $103 million, which was surprisingly only 34% of its $303.5 million worldwide gross. In the weeks that followed its release, the film was rewarded with a 74% fresh tomato overall.

Released just last week on March 22, DreamWorks Animations’ The Croods grossed a total $72.8 million its opening weekend. When a prehistoric family’s home is destroyed, they are forced to embark on a journey across an unfamiliar land in search of a new home. Written-and-directed by Chris Sanders (Lilo and Stitch, The Lion King) and Kirk de Micco, the feature film boasts a talented cast starring Nicholas Cage, Emma Stone and actor Clark Duke, who is best-known from roles in the ABC series GREEK and the acclaimed superhero movie Kick-Ass. The film is currently the highest-grossing film at the box office – concluding the weekend at $43.6 million. The Croods also holds a 67% fresh rating on rottentomatoes.com and a 7.5/10 on imdb.com. After just two weeks at the box office, Dreamworks first animated feature film of 2013 has grossed $227 million in total and is currently the number one ranked movie worldwide. So far, The Croods is in position to exceed studio’s 2012 revenue profitability – with two other feature-length theatrical releases later this year.

Upcoming Animations

July 19, 2013: Turbo

Following the story of a snail who gains superior speed after a freak-accident, Turbo aspires to escape his slow-paced world to compete in the Indy500. Ryan Reynolds, Paul Giamotti and Ken Jeong are all attached to the project set to be the studio’s primary summer release.

November 1, 2013: Mr. Peabody & Sherman

Mr. Peabody & Sherman is DreamWorks’ adaptation of the well-known Rocky and Bullwinkle side-cartoon about an exceptionally smart dog who owns a human as a pet. When they travel back in time, they are tested when they realize they could potentially unravel the fabric of their universe. The feature film is set to be directed by Rob Minkoff (The Lion King) and will star Ty Burrel (Modern Family) and Max Charles (The Amazing Spiderman) voicing Mr. Peabody and Sherman, respectively.

March 14, 2014: Me and My Shadow

Lesser-known than DreamWorks’ two previously-mentioned feature films, Me and My Shadow follows the story of a seemingly boring man’s shadow that craves for a more exciting lifestyle.

Other Projects Currently In Production

June 20, 2014: How To Train Your Dragon 2

November 26, 2014: Happy Smekday!

March 27, 2015: The Penguins of Madagascar

June 5, 2015: Trolls (working title)

November 6, 2015: B.O.O.: Bureau of Otherworldly Operations

[Seth Rogan supposedly attached]

December 19, 2015: Mumbai Musical (working title)

[Kevin Lima (Tarzan, Enchanted) will be directing with music composed by A.R. Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire)]

March 18, 2016: Kung Fu Panda 3

June 18, 2016: How To Train Your Dragon 3

Sources

[1] http://dreamworksanimation.com

[2] http://ycharts.com/companies/DWA/revenues

[3] http://finance.yahoo.com/q/is?s=dwa

[4] http://ir.dreamworksanimation.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=743403

[5] http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/best-companies/2012/snapshots/14.html

[6] http://screenrant.com/dreamworks-animation-lineup-2013-2016/all/1/

[7] http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the-croods/

[8] http://www.imdb.com

[9] http://boxofficemojo.com

Viacom Inc.

Posted on March 30, 2013 by Yarmine Fernandez

By Yarmine Fernandez

Current Viacom Inc. Logo. Image courtesy of
http://techandscience.com/techblog/ShowArticle.aspx?ID=3354

Contact Information

Viacom Inc.
1515 Broadway
New York, New York 10036
(212) 258-6000

CONNECT WITH VIACOM

Top Senior Management Executives

Image courtesy of http://trialx.com/
celebritie//2012/10/17/
philippe-dauman-pictures/

Philippe Dauman
President and Chief Executive Officer

Image courtesy of http://money.cnn.com/
galleries/2010/fortune/
1009/gallery.
women_men_highest_
pay.fortune/21.html

Thomas E. Dooley
Chief Operating Officer

Image courtesy of http://mtvema. mtvnimages.com/2011/ images/press/exec-bios/ Bob-Bakish.jpg?width=400&quality=0.91

Robert Bakish, President and Chief Executive Officer Viacom International Media Networks

Top Board of Directors

Image of courtesy http://money.cnn.com
/2007/08/23/ news/newsmakers
/100172390.fortune/

Sumner M. Redstone
Executive Chairman of the Board and Founder

Image courtesy of http://www.holly
wood reporter.com/lists/
shari-redstone-396263

Shari Redstone
Non-Executive Vice Chair of the Board

To learn more about Top Senior Management & Board of Directors click here [1].

Its Beginnings: The Seventies

1976 Viacom Inc. Logo
Image courtesy of
http://www.retrojunk.com
/article/show/451/
production-logos
-from-hell

The Central Broadcasting System established Viacom Inc. in the 1970s as compliance to the Federal Communications Commission. It wasn’t until June 4, 1971 that Viacom Inc. finalized the split from CBS, in which its stocks were distributed among stockholders. Even though Viacom Inc. split from CBS, it had about 90,000 cable subscribers making it one of the largest cable operators in the United States. By 1973, the number had increased to 7.5 million subscribers but this opened the gates for FCC regulations. In addition to FCC regulations, Viacom Inc. faced competition from companies such as HBO (Home Box Office), a subsidiary of Timer Warner Inc .

The Raging Eighties

The 1980s for Viacom Inc. were characterized by growth through joint ventures with Warner Communications Inc. and Warner Amex Cable Communications Inc. and the acquirement of MTV Networks. MTV Networks included Nickelodeon and VH-1 at the time. By the end of the 80s, Viacom Inc. owned five television stations, fourteen cable franchises, and nine radio stations. One of the radio stations they purchased was WLAK-FM, a Chicago based station.

The Tumultuous Nineties

The end of the eighties and the early nineties were marked with a law suit between Viacom Inc. specifically Showtime and HBO. Viacom Inc. got the better half of the suit as Time Warner Inc. was forced to pay them $75 million. By far, one of the greatest achievements for Viacom Inc. during the nineties was when they purchased Paramount Pictures Communications Inc. completing a $9.9 billion merger with the company.

For full history click here [2] or for history timeline click here [3].

Image courtesy of http://www.deadline.com/
2012/08/viacom-overpaid-
sumnerredstone
-ceo-coo-millions-shareholde
r-lawsuit-claims/

Company Overview

Image courtesy of http://daytontribune.com
/nickelodeon-boasts-the
-top-three-entertainment
-telecasts-for-the-quarter-
and-breaks-rating-record/75215/

Viacom Inc. is one of the largest global leading media companies with diverse audiences everywhere. Viacom Inc. primarily operates in Media Networks and Filmed Entertainment. The Media Networks provide entertainment content and branded products for its audiences while the Filmed Entertainment produces motion pictures. On a international scale, Viacom Inc. reaches about 700 million households. Viacom Inc. successfully targets a large demographics through the various channel platforms they own. For example, by owning Nickelodeon, Viacom Inc. has a large children population.

Some of the Media Networks Include:

Some of the Filmed Entertainment Segments:

Paramount Pictures
MTV Films
Nickelodeon Movies
Home Entertainment

For general information about these networks/segments click here [4].

Paramount Pictures

Image courtesy of http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/mission-impossible-ghost-protocol-paramount-anniversary-logo-273798

The establishment of Paramount Pictures Inc. can be contributed to Adolph Zukor, Jesse L. Lasky and Cecil B. DeMille. The year 2012 marks the 100th year anniversary for Paramount Pictures Inc. making it one of the oldest motion pictures company in the United States. Paramount Pictures Inc. has been successful in launching revolutionary motion pictures such as The Godfather, and Chinatown. For the year 2013, a Paramount Pictures Inc. movie, Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters made the top ten in the box office resulting in a profit of $50.2 million.

Image courtesy of http://www.imdb.
com/title/tt1428538/

For more information click here [5].

“Right Here, Right Now”

Financials
Viacom Inc. seems to be stable financially. Currently, their revenues are about 3314.0 USD while their earnings per share are 0.92909 USD. However, for the year 2013 their operating income decreased from 22% to $797 million and $461 million due to
low revenues in the Filmed Entertainment and a decline in Media Networks advertising revenues. The decline in the Filmed Entertainment revenues was due to its theatrical releases, Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol (2011) and Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011). In addition, their debts increased from $8.15 billion to $8.39 billion in the months of September, November, and December. In response to these financial updates, Sumner M. Redstone stated “Viacom continues to build on its impressive global portfolio of movies, television programming and digital content. Philippe leads a talented executive and creative team at Viacom, and I am fully confident that by investing in new hits we will continue to build our outstanding brands” [6].

Viacom Inc. still continues to battle their debts issues. On March 11, 2013, they agreed to sell $300,000 million of the principal amount due >> To continue reading click here [7].

Media Networks:

Image courtesy of http://www.webtvwire.
com/watch-wendell-vinnie-full-episodes
-online-season-1-video-streaming
-torrent-search/

Not too long ago, Viacom Inc. launched a new show through Nickelodeon. The show is a comedy series called “Wendell & Vinnie,” which premiered on Sunday, February 17th 2013.

For the full article click here [8].

Also the cable network, VH1 plans to launch three shows premiering this upcoming April.

“The Gossip Game,” premiering Monday, April 1st is a show based in New York City, where seven women are trying to make it in the media entertainment industry.
Following “The Gossip Game,” the third new season of “T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle” will premiere on Monday, April 8th. The show is based on rap megastar T.I. “Tip” Harris and his family.
Last but not least, VH1 plans to launch on Sunday, April 21st, “I’m Married To A…”A documentary series whose focus will be on unusual situations that brings couples together.

For the full story click here [9].

Filmed Entertainment:

For the Film Entertainment segment, Paramount Pictures Inc. is currently working on sixteen new upcoming releases, seven of which will be premiering during this year and the rest in 2014.

Movie Title (click to view)	Date
Pain and Gain	4/26/13
Star Trek Into Darkness	5/17/13
World War Z	6/21/13

For the complete list click here [10].

What’s Cooking Within the Corporation

An important update for Viacom Inc. this year is the election of two new members that will serve on the Board of Directors. Cristiana Falcone Sorrell, one of the new members is the Senior Advisor at the World Economic Forum and Deborah Norville is a two-time Emmy winner, who is best recognized as a TV journalist. As a result of these two new members, Viacom Inc. will now have thirteen members as part of their Board of Directors.

For the full article click here [11].

Cablevision vs. Viacom Inc.

Another story that has had the spotlight are the tensions that have been brewing up between Cablevision and Viacom Inc. Cablevision is suing Nickelodeon, MTV and Comedy Central, claiming that Viacom Inc. is forcing cable operators to carry low-rated networks. Cablevision has been trying to control the rising subscriber fees by denying some of the networks that are not getting the best ratings.

For the full gossip click here [12].

What About Them Video Music Awards?

History will be made this year as MTV will be bringing the Video Music Awards to Brooklyn, New York on Sunday, August 25th 2013. The VMAs will be taking place in the Barclay Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets >> To continue reading click here [13].

References

[1] Viacom Inc. Senior Management. http://www.viacom.com/aboutviacom/Pages/seniormanagement.aspx

[2] Viacom Inc. History. http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/viacom-inc-history/

[3] Viacom Inc. History. http://www.viacom.com/aboutviacom/Pages/history.aspx

[4] Viacom Media Networks. http://www.viacom.com/ourbrands/medianetworks/Pages/default.aspx

[5] Paramount Pictures. http://www.paramount.com

[6] Viacom News. http://www.viacom.com/news/Pages/newstext.aspx?RID=737032

[7] Viacom News. http://www.viacom.com/news/Pages/newstext.aspx?RID=747213

[8] Viacom News. http://www.viacom.com/news/Pages/newstext.aspx?RID=734118

[9] Viacom News. http://www.viacom.com/news/Pages/newstext.aspx?RID=742024

[10] Box Office Mojo Paramount Pictures Upcoming Releases. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/schedule/?view=distributor&id=paramount.htm

[11] Viacom News. http://www.viacom.com/news/Pages/newstext.aspx?RID=750158

[12] Ad Age Media News. http://adage.com/article/media/viacom-crosshairs-bundling-debate/240131/

[13] MTV VMAS Coming to Brooklyn’s. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1704268/vmas-2013-brooklyn-barclays-center.jhtml

20th Century Fox

Posted on March 13, 2013 by Bria Holness

by Bria Holness

Photo courtesy of fanpop.com

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp

10201 West Pico Boulevard,

Los Angeles, California 90035

www.foxmovies.com

A Brief History

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, also known as 20th Century Fox, was established on May 31, 1935 when the founders of Fox Film Corporation and Twentieth Century Pictures decided to merge into one. It is now one of the major American film studios that produces, acquires, and distributes motion pictures. Based in Los Angeles, California, it operates as a subsidiary of Fox Entertainment Group Inc. and is responsible for some of the top grossing movies, including Avatar and Titanic. [1] [2]

Quick Financials

During the first quarter, which encompasses the months of January, February, and March, 20th Century Fox brought in a gross income of $256.9 million, a 13.7% decrease in comparison to the first quarter of 2012; however, this is also an 123.7% increase in comparison to 2011. [19]

Key Executives

Keith Rupert Murdoch

Photo courtesy of biography.com

Murdoch is the founder of News Corporation, in which 20th Century Fox is a subsidiary of, and has been its Chairman since 1991. Since 1992, Murdoch has been the Chairman of Fox Entertainment Group Inc. and its Chief Executive Officer since 1995. He operates as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. [2]

Eduardo Echeverria

Photo courtesy of variety.com

Echeverria is Senior Vice President of Latin America at Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation and has served as so since 2001. [2] Echeverria manages the sales and marketing operations and theatrical distribution for all Fox Filmed Entertainment product in Latin America. [2]

Michael Peikoff

Since July 1, 2007, Peikoff has been Senior Vice President of Licensing and Merchandising of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. His duties include managing internal and external communication for the licensing division and managing retail marketing and licensed promotion initiatives in the U.S. [2]

Robert Marick

Photo courtesy of licensing.biz

As Executive Vice President since July of 2010, Marick manages the global licensing of Fox’s television and film assets across different platforms including television promotions, interactive gaming, literary publishing, themed entertainment, and consumer products. [2]

Ricardo Crespo

Photo courtesy of centralpa.aiga.org

Crespo has served as Senior Vice President of Global Creative at Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation since July 2010. [2] Prior to joining the 20th Century Fox team, Crespo held several leadership positions at Saatchi & Saatchi, Mattel Inc., Bozell Worldwide, and McCANN ERICKSON. [4]

In The News

Broken City

Photo courtesy of radionowindy.com

20th Century Fox Films released its first film of the year, Broken City, starring Mark Wahlberg, Russell Crowe, and Catherine Zeta Jones, on January 18th. The film told the story of a New York City cop, who one night gets involved in a scandalous shooting. He’s stripped of his badge but kept out of jail by the works of New York’s Mayor, who offers him a lump sum of money to investigate his wife. While doing so he finds himself in the middle of a much larger scandal as he realizes that the Mayor isn’t who he seems to be.

During its opening weekend, the film made about $9 million and $4 million the weekend after. With an estimated budget of $55 million, it has made an overall gross of $19,667,601 up to date. It has received mixed reviews ranging from being called a complete mess to being considered an entertaining thriller. Nonetheless, there seems to be a majority consensus—the cast and the numerous twists are great but can only keep the “weak” storyline going but so far, causing it to receive a B- from Entertainment Weekly. [5] [6]

20th Century Fox employed an interesting marketing strategy for the movie. Instead of featuring promotional quotes from legitimate movie critics, they chose to use tweets from the hashtag, #BrokenCity, in which basically anyone could be a critic.

Photo courtesy of cultureblues.com

The studio believed it was a way to be more personable and interactive and to get fans more excited for the upcoming film. However, the tactic raised many questions about the weight of movie critics’ opinions and whether or not they carry the same weight as the opinions of the fans. [7]

Wahlberg also held a special, early screening of the film as a fundraiser for the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation . He offered a chance to win tickets at Celebrities for Charity. [8]

A Good Day to Die Hard

Photo courtesy of movies.wikia.com

20th Century Fox released the fifth movie of the Die Hard franchise, A Good Day to Die Hard, starring Bruce Willis and Jai Courtney, on February 14^th. This is the first of the franchise to not be released during the blockbuster summer months and instead in the cold month of February. [9] The film tells the story of a cop, John McClane, who travels to Moscow to help his unruly son Jack, unaware that Jack is really a CIA agent attempting to stop a nuclear weapons robbery. Despite their differences, they are forced to work together to keep each other and the world safe. [5]

The film was produced for about $92 million. During its opening weekend, it made $24,834,845 domestically and $45,301,894 oversees, giving it the number one spot of films newly released that weekend. [10] However, this is over $70 million less than what the last movie of the Die Hard franchise made in the summer of 2007. With this comparison, it could be considered disappointing. [11]

Very unlike the previous films of the series, the film has been largely slated by various critics. Based on 40 “generally unfavorable” reviews, Metacritic has given the movie a 28 out of 100 and based on 184 reviews, Rotten Tomatoes has given it a score of 4 out of 10. On both sites, several reasons for such low scores have been cited but the majority seems to agree on a muddling plotline with too many holes and twists as the movie’s downfall. [12] [13]

The Croods

Photo courtesy of filmofilia.com

20th Century Fox teamed up with DreamWorks Animation for the first time in the production and release of The Croods, a prehistoric comedy for the family, starring Nicholas Cage, Ryan Reynolds, Emma Stone, and Catherine Keener. It officially premiered worldwide on March 22nd and brought in $43,639,736 during its opening weekend. [18]

The film follows the story of a caveman, Crug, who must lead his family across an unstable and dangerous landscape after an earthquake destroys their home. While doing so they come across a nomad who charms everyone but Crug with his revolutionary modern ways. [14] As of April 1st, with a budget of about $135 million, the film has made $93,893,394 domestically and $148,802,379 from foreign theaters, amounting to $242,695,773 worldwide. [18]

To build up anticipation of the release of the movie, DreamWorks made a deal with Rovio to create a mobile game based on The Croods, an impressive marketing strategy. In the game, the Croods, a family of cave men, find their way out of the Stone Age through the use of a new tool, the idea. They hunt and gather their way through new landscapes as they tame creatures they’ve never seen before.

Rovio released the game for Apple and Android devices on March 14, just about a week before the official release of the film. [15]

What’s Next for 20th Century Fox?

20th Century Fox plans to release another 3-D animated family film, Epic, which is based on the children’s book, The Leaf Men and the Brave Good Bugs. From the creators of Ice Age and Rio, Epic follows the story of a teenage girl, who finds herself magically transported into a secret universe. While there, she must team up with a group of capricious characters in order to save their world and her own from Queen Tara, the evil spider. [16]