Lionsgate Entertainment

Posted on October 5, 2014 by masicili

by Maggie Sicliano

[1] Lionsgate Entertainment Logo

History

Lions Gate Entertainment Corporation was founded by Frank Giustra on July 3, 1997 as a Canadian-American entertainment company, and is based in Santa Monica, California. Currently headed up by Jon Feltheimer, Lionsgate is constantly changing. It plays on its exposure from 2012 when it acquired Summit Entertainment and launched “The Hunger Games” franchise. Recently, it has become an international player due to a 13-year strategy to create a foundation for growth. It also continues to enhance its television presence. [2]

Key Executives

[3] Chief Executive Officer: Jon Feltheimer

[4] Vice Chairman: Michael Burns

Contact Information

Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.
2700 Colorado Avenue
Suite 5000
Santa Monica, CA 90404

P: 310-449-9200
F: 310-255-3870
W: http://www.lionsgate.com [5]

Financials

Lions Gate Entertainment Corp has a net income growth of +4015.05%, a revenue of 552.88 M, a revenue growth of +10.86%, and an Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization of +33.12% M (September 2014). In the past five years the overall revenue has increased 13.22%, but the net income as gone down 176.11%. [6] In the box office Lionsgate is currently ranked #7 with a 5.9% market share, and a total gross of $543.3 million from the 18 movies tracked in 2014. [7]

In Theatres

“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1”

[8] “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1” is the first part of third movie in The Hunger Games’ series that follows a young Katniss Everdeen after she destroys the games and finds herself in District 13.

The series, based on the books of the same name by Suzanne Collins, starring Jennifer Lawrence, was surprisingly the lowest-grossing movie of the series franchise thus far, but was the front runner of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. After the five day break, “Mockingjay” turned out as the third highest five day grosser just behind its second movie, “Catching Fire“, and child phenomenon, “Frozen“. [9] The film is once again directed by “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” visionary Francis Lawrence. [8]

“John Wick”

[10] “John Wick” follows an ex-hitman on his quest for revenge.

The suspected flop starring Keanu Reeves in yet another action film was a pleasant surprise in its opening weekend. Coming in at #2 [11], the action flick wasn’t on the same level as other Lionsgate thrillers such as “The Expendables 3″ and “3 Days to Kill“, but it did well for its audience (skewed male) as well as had a decent showing, 18% gross, in IMAX. [12]

Awards and Accolades

This September it was announced that CEO Jon Feltheimer will receive the Producers Guild of America‘s Milestone Award for 2015. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the success of the entertainment industry. His leadership positions range from positions at New World Entertainment, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and now, Lionsgate Entertainment. Since being named CEO in 2000, Feltheimer has had a myriad of achievements under his belt. In the past he was behind the Oscar winners “Crash“ and “Precious“, and more currently “The Hunger Games” franchise and the start of the “Divergent“ series’ franchise. [13]

[14] The thriller follows a man lost at sea and his struggle for survival.

The most recent award winner for Lionsgate was J.C. Chandor‘s “All Is Lost” starring Robert Redford with the 2014 Golden Globe for Best Original Score for a Motion Picture. As the upcoming award season gears up, the award nominations have yet to be released. [14]

Coming Soon

“Spare Parts”

“Spare” Parts [16] Poster

“Spare Parts” Trailer [15]

Sean McNamara directs the true life story about a robotics team formed by Hispanic high school students, under their new teacher Fredi (George Lopez). The experience of building a product with next to no money, no experience, but a lot of heart, will bring them closer together and give them lessons that will last longer than just the competition run. Set to release on January 16, 2015, it will play to the family and child demographic, and is a sure heart-warmer. [16]

“Insurgent”

“Insurgent” [18] Poster

“Insurgent” Teaser Trailer [17]

With new director Robert Schwentke, Shailene Woodley stars in the “Hunger Games“–esque thriller, that follows fugitives Tris (Woodley) and Four (Theo James). They are racing to find help against the overambitious Erudite elite. [18] The movie will be released in 2D, Real 3D, and Digital 3D on March 20th, 2015.”The second film in the “Divergent” franchise takes the story and action to another level and, by partnering with RealD, we were able to blend gripping performances and mind-blowing spectacle to create a unique event on screen,” said producers Douglas Wick and Lucy Fisher. [19] “Insurgent” will draw on the the Veronica Roth books series by the same name’s fan base, a young adult demographic, and fans of the first “Divergent” movie.

“Mortdecai”

“Mortdecai” [21] Poster

“Mortdecai” Trailer [20]

Art dealer aficionado Charlie Mortdecai, Johnny Depp, juggles a host of contenders as he tries to recover a stolen painting in hopes that it leads to Nazi gold. Joined by big names Gwyneth Paltrow and Olivia Munn, director David Koepp takes Mortdecai out of his element and across the pond for a mystery of Depp-proportions on January 23, 2015. [21]

“The Age of Adaline”

“The Age of Adaline” [23] Poster

“The Age of Adaline” Trailer [22]

Blake Lively plays Adaline Bowman, the mysterious and solitary woman who has miraculously remained 29 years old for eight decades. After keeping to herself for so long, she is revitalized through the chance meeting of Ellis Jones, played by Michiel Huisman. Shaped by director Lee Toland Krieger, the film also stars Harrison Ford and Ellen Burstyn, and is set to be released on April 23, 2015. [23]

Game Changers for Lionsgate Entertainnment

Middle of November, Lionsgate and CBS Films announced a multi-year film distribution partnership that unites the companies on up to 12 wide release films, beginning with the release of 2015’s “The Duff“. The agreement holds CBS Films responsible for the production and marketing efforts of films, whereas Lionsgate will oversee more of the distribution side on multiple platforms: theatrical, home entertainment, etc. “The Duff” withholding, Lionsgate also receives exclusive international sales for all titles. [24] Lionsgate has also announced that it will be making “The Expendables 3” workout videos in collaboration with Scott Herman Fitness to celebrate the digital HD release of “The Expendables 3 Unrated Edition” on November 11, 2014. [25] Lionsgate is also using the American Film Market to launch its name in and among the independent films’ world. It features a range of films from “La La Land“, starring big names such as Emma Watson and Miles Teller, to the story of the oil drilling catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico, “Deepwater Horizon“, due out in 2015 and September 30, 2016, respectively. [26]

The Future of Lionsgate Entertainment

This past October, Lionsgate announced that both it and Tribeca Enterprises will be launching their own online streaming service beginning the first half of 2015. The online video service will make the studios’ movies and ones from outside studios available to viewers. They plan to draw on many of their industry contacts.“We are pleased to join with Lionsgate . . . to create a highly curated experience that disrupts the ‘more-is-more’ model in today’s streaming on-demand landscape,” said Jane Rosenthal, chief executive of Tribeca Enterprises. “Tribeca Short List aims to be a service where you can see films you never got to watch, forgot to watch, and want to watch.” Details such as films available and pricing have yet to be released. [27] Based in New York, the service will be overseen by members of both studios as well as an advisory board of knowledgable frontrunners in the American entertainment industry. [28] It was also just announced that Dalian Wanda Group, the Chinese conglomerate, wants to own a controlling stake in Lionsgate to expand its rapidly growing film industry. Lionsgate has yet to comment on their publicized interest. [29]

Sources

[1] Lionsgate Entertainment Logo, www.thehungergames.net, RT: 11/25/14

[2] Lionsgate Company, www.lionsgate.com, RT: 11/5/14

[3] Key Executive: Jon Feltheimer, www.lionsgate.com, RT: 11/26/14

[4] Key Executive: Michael Burns, www.lionsgate.com, RT: 11/26/14

[5] Lions Gate Entertainment Corp, http://finance.yahoo.com, RT: 11/5/14

[6] Lions Gate Entertainment Corp, www.wsj.com, RT: 11/5/14

[7] Box Office by Studio, www.boxofficemojo.com, RT 11/30/14

[8] LIONSGATE MOVIES Mockingjay Part 1, www.lionsgate.com, RT: 11/5/14

[9] Mockingjay Part 1 Remains Champ, www.ign.com. 11/30/14. RT: 11/30/14

[10] LIONSGATE MOVIES John Wick, www.lionsgate.com. RT: 11/30/14

[11] John Wick, www.boxofficemojo.com. RT: 11/29/14

[12] Weekend Report, www.boxofficemojo.com, Subers, Ray. 10/26/14. RT: 11/29/14

[13] Jon Feltheimer to Receive Producers Guild’s 2015 Milestone Award, deadline.com, 9/9/14. RT: 9/14/14

[14] All Is Lost, www.lionsgate.com. RT:11/29/14

[15] Spare Parts Trailer, www.youtube.com, 11/6/14. RT: 11/30/14

[16] Lionsgate Movies: Spare Parts, www.lionsgate.com. RT: 11/30/14

[17] Divergent Teaser Trailer, www.youtube.com, 11/12/14. RT: 11/30/14

[18] The Divergent Series: Insurgent, www.lionsgate.com, RT: 11/30/14.

[19] The Divergent Series: Insurgent to be Released in 3D, www.lionsgate.com, RT: 11/5/14

[20] Mortdecai Trailer, www.youtube.com, 11/12/14. RT: 11/30/14

[21] Johnny Depp Is A British Rogue in America, www.deadline.com, The Deadline Time. 11/12/14. RT: 11/30/14.

[22] The Age of Adaline Trailer, www.youtube.com, 11/19/14. RT: 11/30/14

[23] The Age of Adaline, www.lionsgate.com, RT: 11/30/14

[24] CBS Films and Lionsgate Announce Multi-Year Film Distribution Partnership, www.lionsgate.com, 11/13/14, RT: 11/19/14

[25] The Expendables Workout, www.lionsgate.com, 11/11/14, RT: 11/19/14

[26] Lionsgate Aims for the Fences at American Film Market, variety.com, RT: 11/5/14

[27] Lionsgate and Tribeca film studios are launching a new streaming service, www.washingtonpost.com, Kang, Cecilia. 10/20/14. RT: 11/5/14

[28] Tribeca Short List, www.lionsgate.com. RT: 11/30/14

[29] Dalian Wanda Group’s Interest, www.variety.com, Lang, Brett. 12/1/14. RT: 12/1/14

DirecTV

Posted on October 5, 2014 by mjnixon

by Marla Nixon

DIRECTV logo, Photo courtesy of: [1] www.slashgear.com

CONTACT INFORMATION [2]

2260 E Imperial Hwy

El Segundo, CA 90245 United States

(310) 964-5000

www.directv.com [3]

COMPANY OVERVIEW

DIRECTV was founded in 1990 and is currently one of the world’s largest digital television services. The company provides services to over 32 million customers in the United States and Latin America (20 million in the United States and 18 million in Latin America). These services include HD, 3D and Video-On-Demand programming. DIRECTV is known for their #1 ranking in customer service as well as their sports programming which includes the NFL Sunday Ticket (see below “Deals and Acquisitions” for more details) [4].

ELECTED OFFICERS [5]

Michael White, Chairman, President & CEO, Photo courtesy of: [5] www.directv.com

Chairman, President & CEO: Michael White

Chief Human Resources Officer: Joseph Bosch

President, DIRECTV Latin America: Bruce Churchill

Chief Financial Officer: Patrick Doyle

General Counsel: Larry Hunter

Chief Technology Officer: Romulo Pontual

Chief Accounting Officer: Steve Adams

FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT

DIRECTV announced their 2014 3rd Quarter results on November 6th, 2014 [6]. The results showed a revenue growth of 6%, making their total revenue $8.4 billion. This revenue growth was due to an increase in U.S. ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) and DIRECTV Latin America (DTVLA) subscriber growth. However, this increase in revenue was offset by a lower ARPU at DTVLA. The lower ARPU at DTVLA was due to unfavorable changes in exchange rates.

DIRECTV stock quotes from June 2014 to present (6 months), Photo courtesy of: [7] www.money.cnn.com

Their current stock price (as of December 1st, 2014) is at $87.37 per share. This price has a year-to-date increase of 26.51% and a three-year increase of 89.69% [7]. Although financials have shown an increase it is important to note that DIRECTV has sustained subscriber loss in both the United States and Latin America units. This subscriber loss has been attributed to their credit policies and a rise in competition [6] [8].

MAIN COMPETITORS

DIRECTV has three main competitors: Comcast, Dish Network and Time Warner Cable [9]. Comcast is their biggest competitor ranking number one in the pay-TV market with 22.5 million video subscribers (DIRECTV holds about 20 million video subscribers) [10]. There is currently a proposed merger between Comcast and Time Warner Cable (see Tuned In [15] and The Eyes Have It [16] graphics under “Deals and Acquisitions). This merger is still under consideration by the FCC, but if approved will put Comcast even further in the lead of the pay-TV market [11].

DEALS AND ACQUISITIONS

On September 1st, 2014, a negotiation dispute between Raycom Media and DIRECTV caused a 7-day standoff that resulted in a blackout for some DIRECTV subscribers. 43 Raycom stations, including channels with NFL programming, went dark on DIRECTV. The dispute was resolved before the Sunday NFL game and all channels were restored [12].

Displays percentage of the market Comcast and DIRECTV will have if both mergers are approved, Photo courtesy of:[15] www.wsj.com

In May of 2014 AT&T announced that it planned on acquiring DIRECTV with a $48.5 billion merger. If combined, DIRECTV and AT&T will have more than 26 million subscribers in the United States. This would put DIRECTV ahead of Comcast (22.5 million subscribers as of Fall 2014) in the market for pay-TV. However, if the Comcast and Time Warner Cable merger occurs, DIRECTV would still remain second-largest. Looking at the graphic “The Eyes Have It [16],” if the DIRECTV and AT&T merger is made they will have a total of 25.8 million subscribers, unfortunately that number will remain dwarfed by Comcast if the Comcast-Time Warner Cable merger occurs bringing them up to 33.1 million subscribers (note that The Eyes Have It graphic only shows data up to 2013, data not referencing The Eyes Have It are current). However, both mergers have yet to be approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) [13]. Both mergers have been under heavy consideration by the FCC because of the massive amount of subscribers each merger affects. If either or both merger are approved the pay-TV market competition will rise dramatically. On September 25th, 2014, DIRECTV stockholders approved the merger with AT&T in a vote that represented 77% of all outstanding shares. The voting results showed that more than 99% of votes casted were in favor of the merger agreement [14].

Current subscribers to DIRECTV, AT&T, Comcast and Time Warner Cable, Photo courtesy of: [16] www.wsj.com

To learn more about the AT&T and DIRECTV merger watch a news broadcast here. Video courtesy of: [17] www.wsj.com.

On October 1st, 2014, DIRECTV renewed it’s deal with the National Football League (NFL) for the NFL Sunday Ticket. The NFL Sunday Ticket includes the showing of all out-of market games (regular season games outside of their local markets) as well as real time stats [18]. The NFL Sunday Ticket has been given exclusive rights to DIRECTV and is being extended for 8 years. The price was confirmed at $1.5 billion per season which is a 50% price increase compared to what DIRECTV paid in previous years. DIRECTV produces revenues of about $600 million from the NFL Sunday Ticket with around 2 million subscribers. This revenue is far below what they are now paying for the rights of the NFL Sunday Ticket programming [19]. A possible reason for DIRECTV’S agreeing to a dramatically increased price is their proposed merger with AT&T (see above paragraph). If DIRECTV did not renew it’s deal with the NFL for the Sunday Ticket, AT&T was allowed to walk away from the deal without any penalties [19] [20].

In early November, AMC Networks threatened to go dark on DIRECTV if negotiation standards are not met. With their hit show The Walking Dead halfway through its season a blackout would be dangerous for DIRECTV business. The contract is set to expire in 2015 and there have been warnings aired on the show that DIRECTV subscribers may not continue to receive programming from AMC [21]. However, DIRECTV has stated that subscribers will be able to view every episode of the upcoming season of The Walking Dead in a public promise on their website [22].

DIRECTV and Guest-tek announced a strategic relationship on November 13th. This relationship expands technology and programming for hotels and guests [23].

LOOKING FORWARD

DIRECTV is now offering 4K Television. 4K television, also known as Ultra HD, is the latest HD technology and is called 4K because of the image width (4,000 pixels) [24]. DIRECTV is the first and only multi-channel video provider to offer 4K/Ultra HD TV. To receive DIRECTV 4K programming, subscribers need the DIRECTV Genie HD DVR and a DIRECTV 4K ready television. Currently the only DIRECTV 4K ready TV’s are the 2014 Samsung Ultra HD/4K television models [25]. The DIRECTV 4K programming was released on November 14th and currently has about 20 movie titles to choose from [26].

Photo courtesy of: [27] www.seriable.com

DIRECTV has also been creating some of their own content programming since 2013. Most recently, a new drama called “Kingdom” starring Jonathan Tucker and Nick Jonas has had a 20-episode renewal a week after its premiere. The show is about a mixed Martial Arts group living in Venice, CA. “Kingdom” has been their most-watched series on their Audience Network [28]. The DIRECTV Audience Network is devoted to their original programming [29].

Watch the Kingdom series trailer here. Video courtesy of: [30] www.youtube.com.

SOURCES

1. DIRECTV’s Logo, www.slashgear.com, RT: 11/29/2014

2. Contact Information, www.hoovers.com, RT: 11/29/2014

3. DIRECTTV’s Website, www.directv.com, RT: 11/29/2014

4. “Our Company”, www.directv.com, RT: 11/30/2014

5. Elected Officers, investor.directv.com, RT: 11/28/2014

6. 2014 3rd Quarter Results, investor.directv.com, RT: 11/30/2014

7. DIRECTV Stock Quotes, www.money.cnn.com, RT:11/30/2014

8. “Tighter Credit, Competition Pressure DirecTV,” www.multichannel.com, RT: 11/30/2014

9. Competitors, www.hoovers.com, RT: 11/30/2014

10. Comcast Vs. DIRECTV, www.fool.com/investing, RT: 11/30/2014

11. Comcast and TimeWarner Merger, www.wsj.com, RT: 11/30/2014

12. “DirecTV, Raycom Media Blackout Ends Just in Time for NFL Games,” www.variety.com RT: 11/30/2014

13. “What Investors Need to Know About the AT&T-DirecTV Merger,” www.fool.com/investing, RT: 11/30/2014

14. DIRECTV Stockholders Approve Merger with AT&T, www.investor.directv.com, RT: 11/30/2014

15. “Comcast, TWC Blast Critics of Merger,” www.wsj.com, RT: 11/30/2014

16. “AT&T Has Approached DIRECTV About Possible Acquisition,” www.wsj.com, RT: 12/1/2014

17. Wall Street Journal Video, www.wsj.com, RT:12/1/2014

18. DIRECTV NFL Sunday Ticket, www.directv.com, RT: 11/30/2014

19. “DIRECTV Extends Its Deal With NFL For $12 Billion,” www.trefis.com, RT:11/30/2014

20. “CMO Today: NFL Sticks with DIRECTV for Sunday Ticket,” www.wsj.com, RT: 11/30/2014

21. “AMC Holds The Walking Dead Ransom In Dispute With DIRECTV,” www.digitaltrends.com, RT: 12/1/2014

22. DIRECTV Promise, www.directvpromise.com, RT:12/1/2014

23. DIRECTV and Guest-tek Strategic Relationship, www.guestek.com, RT: 12/1/2014

24. “4K TV and Ultra HD: Everything you need to know,” www.techradar.com, RT: 12/1/2014

25. “What is a DIRECTV 4K Ready TV and how does it work?” www.support.directv.com, RT: 12/1/2014

26. DIRECTV 4K TV Press Release, www.investor.directv.com, RT: 12/1/2014

27. Kingdom Photo, www.seriable.com, RT: 12/1/2014

28. “DIRECTV Orders 20 More Episodes of Original Drama ‘Kingdom,'” www.variety.com, RT: 12/1/2014

29. DIRECTV Audience Network, www.directv.com, RT: 12/1/2014

30. Kingdom Trailer, www.youtube.com, RT: 12/1/2014

Paramount Pictures

Posted on April 9, 2013 by John Peter Amato Jr

Paramount’s Logo
Courtesy: jennielsen.com

Paramount Pictures
5555 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 956-8398

Paramount Pictures is the fifth oldest film studio in America. It is a Viacom company, and with over 1,000 titles and numerous awards, it continues to produce entertaining, lucrative, and successful content. Divisions within Paramount include Paramount Vantage, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc, Paramount Studio Group, Worldwide Television Distribution, Paramount Famous Production, and Paramount Parks and Resorts [10].

Brad Grey, C.E.O. and chairman of Paramount Pictures, has held his positions since 2005.

Brad Grey, C.E.O., Chairman, Paramount Pictures
Courtesy: hollywoodreporter.com

After succeeding Sherry Lansing, Grey is responsible for 8 of Paramount’s top 10 highest grossing films of all time, including the Transformers series, Star Trek, Iron Man 1 & 2, Shrek the Third, and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

Paramount takes advantage of its rich historical value and prime location. It is the last remaining studio in the Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles.The studio hosts tours and many events within the studio. It is a major tourist destination in Los Angeles. An intimate tour of the studio leaves a visitor with a sense of the 100 year Hollywood history Paramount has to offer. Visiting offers opportunity to see where some of the most celebrated films and TV shows of all time were produced [4].

Paramount Studios
Courtesy: flickr

HERE AND NOW

G.I. Joe: Retaliation Film Poster
Courtesy: collider.com

Paramount is notorious for their highly grossing blockbuster films. Currently sitting at the top of the box office is Paramount Picture’s G.I. Joe: Retaliation. This science-fiction action, starring Dwayne Johnson, Bruce Willis, and Channing Tatum, has already grossed $86.4M [8]. Despite the criticisms of the movie from fans and authors on websites such as rottentomato.com, the studio has still benefited from a lucrative return on their mediocre sequel to G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. Scott Mendelson, a box office pundit and film market analyst, describes Paramount’s success:

Paramount did a few very smart things during the production of this Jon Chu-helmed sequel. In fact, other than the fact that it’s not a very good movie (arguably the hardest variable to plan on, natch), Paramount Pictures and MGM’s handling of G.I. Joe: Retaliation may be a primer on how to successfully launch a tentpole film in today’s marketplace [3].

Paramount held off on the release of the movie, which was planned to go into theaters in June 2012. Fast forward 9 months to March 2013, add in increased 3D ticket prices with Paramount’s decision to adapt the film to 3D, and G.I. Joe: Retaliation has pulled in $233M and counting worldwide. Because the international market went for the 3D option, the decision to wait 9 months to convert the movie into 3D really paid off [3].

“The Rock,” Dwayne Johnson
Courtesy: businessinsider.com

The success can also be attributed to the films’s low budget and the decision not to reshoot parts of the film. With $233M made on worldwide sales, Paramount has already begun profiting heavily from the movie. Increasing its moderate $130M budget would not have made it an exponentially more entertaining film, according to Mendelson [8][3]. By sticking to its budget, appropriating 9 months for the transition to 3D, and refraining from taking exessive reshoots during post production, this mediocre sequel translated into a lucrative worldwide film.

JUST AROUND THE BEND

Upcoming on Paramount’s agenda is the release of some huge titles. Star Trek Into the Darkness is set to release on May 17 [10]. This sequel is being directed and produced by J.J Abrams, the man who previously produced and directed the recent 2009 Star Trek.

Star Trek Into the Darkness Film Poster
Courtesy: taylormarsh.com

There are high expectations for this Paramount Picture franchise. Because Star Trek is such a storied franchise, fanatics are concerned about the anagonist’s role as well as overall expectations for the film. Benedict Cumberbatch, the man purportedly playing the role of “Khan,” speaks to these concerns [7]:

“That way madness lies… I think that’s the thing, isn’t it? If you have an over preoccupation with perception and trying to please people’s expectations, then you can go mad. We’ve got J.J. Abrams, and he’s already beautifully cracked that nut in the first film, and I think it pleased a lot of the varying camps: people who were coming to the franchise for the first time, the J.J. Abrams fans and the Star Trek fans, so that was a big comfort to me [2].

Paramount hopes to capitalize on the excitement of the film following the extremely successful 2009 Star Trek that found its way into the top 10 highest grossing films in Paramount history.

FURTHER DOWN THE LINE
There are two films Paramount is set to release within the next six months that have gained the attention of film-fanatics.With the phenomenon of AMC’s The Walking Dead, Paramount is “feeding” on America’s cultural fetish with zombies in Marc Forster’s apocalyptic horror film World War Z starring Brad Pitt [10].

World War Z Film Poster
Courtesy: movienewz.com

Set to release on June 21, there have been some setbacks during production and a reported thrift between Pitt and Forster. After initial production had finished, this $125M budget film had to reshoot for seven weeks and its entire third act was rewritten [9]. Regardless, Paramount has high expectations for this gutty apocalyptic film, hoping it will be a summer blockbuster.

After the success and popularity of the 2004 film Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, news of the sequel has been highly anticipated. Starring Will Ferrell, this goofy comedy’s plot is still up in the air. Anchorman The Legend Continues is set to release on December 20, and fans are gearing up for another round of laughs [10].

Anchorman The Legend Continues Film Poster
Courtesy: Wikipedia.com

Paramount’s executive decisions to make these movie sequels shows the studio’s main goal-to make successful, lucrative films. By taking advantage of names like Will Ferrell in the upcoming Anchorman, franchise names like Star Trek, and cultural fetishes like zombie apocalypses, Paramount hedges their bets with expected profitable films.

PARAMOUNT’s GLOBAL REACH
In one of the most luxurious places in the world, Paramount Hotels and Resorts has partnered with the United Arab Emirates-based luxury developer DAMAC Properties to build a 540 room hotel in Dubai. This building, DAMAC Towers by Paramount, acts as a gateway for Paramount to spread their media content around the globe. The hotel will offer residences as well as temporary stays [1].

DAMAC Towers by Paramount
Courtesy: damacproperties.com

It will feature Paramount themed restaurants, bars, swimming pools, and contain a movie theater. The rooms will also have the accommodation to access exclussive Paramount films. According to initial reports, the Dubai venture has been a success, with the first level of residences already sold out. Construction is projected to be finished by the end of 2015. Paramount Hotels and Resorts is also extending its reach to Boao, China, where another hotel should be completed by the end of 2016 [5].

Sources:

[1] http://www.damacproperties.com/en/offer/offers/damac-towers-by-paramount.html

[2] http://screenrant.com/star-trek-2-into-darkness-images-gallery/

[3] http://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2013/04/08/paramount-did-everything-right-with-g-i-joe-retaliation-except-make-a-good-movie/

[4] http://www.paramountstudiotour.com

[5] http://www.travelerstoday.com/articles/5593/20130402/paramount-pictures-open-first-movie-themed-hotel-dubai.htm

[6] http://www.imdb.com/list/BrYbKOsKKBQ/

[7] http://www.latinospost.com/articles/16107/20130408/star-trek-darkness-villain-spoilers-report-claims-knowledge-john-harrisons.htm

[8] http://movies.yahoo.com/box-office/

[9] http://io9.com/5918390/zombie-movie-world-war-z-is-an-undead-disaster

[10] http://www.paramount.com

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Posted on December 2, 2012 by jwu17

By Jimena Wu

Official 20th Century Fox 2012 Logo – Courtesy of Google Images

Company Information [2]

10201 W. Pico Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA, 90064 United States

(310) 369-1000

http://www.foxmovies.com

Brief Overview

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation is a subsidiary of Fox Inc., owned by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation. 20^th Century Fox Film Corporation’s motion pictures are produced or acquired by the company’s smaller units, including: Fox 2000 Pictures, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Fox International Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox Animation and Blue Sky Studios [1].

The company has had major success with motion pictures, including the huge hits Star Wars, Titanic, and it’s most successful in the box office yet, Avatar, released in 2009. Avatar recorded up to a gross of $749,766,139, including nine Academy Awards nominations and three wins. [23]

Top 3 Competitors [2]

The Walt Disney Studios

MGM Studios, Inc.

Columbia Tristar Motion Picture Group

Key Executives [3]

Keith Rupert Murdoch – Chairman of Board & CEO

Ricardo Crespo – Senior Vice President of Global Creative

Eduardo Echeverria – Senior Vice President of Latin America

Pam Kunick-Cohen – Senior Vice President of Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products

Robert Marick – Executive Vice President

Brief History: The Formation of Twentieth Century Fox [5]

20th Century Fox was funded in 1935 with the merging of the Fox Film Corporation and Twentieth Century Pictures. It was co-founded by Joseph Schenck, president of United Artists, and Darryl F. Zanuck, former head of production at the Warner Bros. Studio.

Elaboration & Transformation of Company Logo after Fox Film-20th Century merged in 1935 [4]

The company separated itself from others, as the productions of The Grapes of Wrath in 1940 and How Green Was My Valley in 1941 won Academy Awards. However, by the 1950’s, movie attendance dropped, bringing film productions down as well. Consequently, studios couldn’t afford to keep contracts with directors and actors. This event of disappointment led to Zanuck leaving to Paris in 1956, striving to become an independent film producer. The company lost huge amounts of money in between the years of 1959-1962.

In 1962, Zanuck returned as president, and his film The Longest Day, released through 20th Century Fox, got an Academy Award nomination and earned enough revenue for the company to start producing again in 1963. During the 1960’s, Zanuck used the “blockbuster strategy”, consisting of releasing expensive productions. The Sound of Music, released in 1964, brought more than $79 million in revenues.

The 1980’s were hard times since many productions didn’t compensate for their production costs. However, with the entrance of Rupert Murdoch, owner of News Corporation, in 1985, the company made it to the top spot among studios, gaining more than 18% of the box-office share in 1991.

Right Here, Right Now

20th Century Fox at the Box Office

The company began the Fall of 2012 with the release of Won’t Back Down in September 28, 2012, starring Maggie Gyllenhaal and Viola Davis. However, despite its notorious casting, this movie was ranked as the worst saturated release ever, bringing only $2,603,370 in the opening weekend. The movie made a total of $5,310,554. [6]

Taken 2 Movie Poster – Courtesy of Google Images

In October 5, 2012, the awaited Taken 2, starring Liam Neeson, was released, making $49,514,769 in its opening weekend [8]. Despite all of the critics, Taken 2 was the reason the overall box office was up more than 40 percent over the same weekend last year [7]. The movie scored $361,060,485 worldwide, showing strong results for a $45 million production [8].

Following Taken 2, Chasing Mavericks, starring Gerard Butler, was released October 26th, disappointing with a $2,268,274 debut. The movie made a total domestic gross of $5,843,722, barely one-fourth of its $20 million production budget [9]. However, Hurricane Sandy could have affected this result, as it”may have suppressed business by about 10 percent.” [10]

Wreck-It Ralph Poster – Courtesy of Google Images

As the storm passes, Wreck-It Ralph came to the #1 spot in its opening weekend with $49,038,712 [11]. This movie has actually become the biggest box office ever for Disney Animations [12]. After five weeks in theaters, it still maintains itself in the top ten, recording a total domestic gross of $159,213,887 and a worldwide gross of $203,213,887 (as of December 5, 2012) [11].

Lincoln opened in limited theaters in November 9, 2012 and released worldwide November 16, recording $944,308 for the opening weekend, and $21,049,406 in its second place, getting into the box office’s top 3. Lincoln, a film produced by Steven Spielberg, remained at #3 for two weekends, including Thanksgiving weekend. As of December 5, 2012, the movie earned a total domestic gross of $87,088,719, already compensating its production costs of $65 million. [13]

Next up for 20th Century Fox was Life of Pi, released November 21, which was considered to be “tough to sell” and a “gamble” for the company [14]. This film’s production budget will definitely be hard to compensate as it cost $120 million to produce, mainly because of its unbelievable graphic effects. The movie did pretty good in the opening weekend, earning $22,451,514, and also performed fairly well during the Thanksgiving weekend in the 5th spot, behind Twilight, Skyfall, Lincoln, and Rise of The Guardians. However, it is still at half its production budget, reporting $51,676,132 in total domestic gross as of Dec. 5, 2012. [15]

Life of Pi – Movie Poster – Courtesy of Google Images

The next movie for Fox is called Parental Guidance, which was supposed to be released during the Thanksgiving weekend but will now be released December 25th, 2012. The movie has high expectancies as it has less competition during Christmas than what it would’ve had during Thanksgiving [16].

First-Quarter Earnings (Quarter ended Sept. 30) – See full News Corp. Earnings Release

Rupert Murdoch led the company to more strong results as the fiscal quarterly earnings for the first quarter, ending in September 30, 2012, reported earnings of $2.23 billion, compared with $738 million made last year. Revenue also rose in large amounts, from $7.96 billion to $8.14 billion. As for the role Twentieth Century Fox plays in this increase in earnings, filmed entertainment reported quarterly segment operating income of $400 million, $53 million higher than a year ago, when the segment operating income was $347 million. This is majorly due to the huge success Ice Age: Continental Drift had in box offices back in July. As of December 5, the $95 million film has earned a total worldwide gross of $874,920,192 [24]. Also, Fox made a licensing deal with Netflix back in May 2012, which contributed enormously to the rise in profit [17]. Through this licensing agreement, Fox classic films were distributed to Latin America. “Our alliance with Twentieth Century Fox continues to get stronger and benefit Netflix’s members across the globe,” said Jason Ropell, VP of content acquisitions at Netflix. [25]

Deals/News

August 2012

Fox to Distribute DreamWorks Animation Movies [18]

DreamWorks has decided to shift from Paramount Pictures to 20th Century Fox looking for a 5-year distribution deal. This deal will place DreamWorks’ animated titles in Fox’s animation division, Blue Sky Studios. This deal will go into effect in 2013.

DreamWorks Logo – Courtesy of Google Images

Company Perspective: “DreamWorks Animation is a great company that makes terrific films and everyone here feels privileged and honored to have been chosen to distribute their marvelous work throughout the world,” stated Fox Filmed Entertainment CEOs and Chairmen, Jim Gianopulos and Tom Rothman. “We are particularly excited to add DreamWorks Animation’s films to the strong and growing slate of movies from our outstanding Blue Sky Studios division, which is coming off another global blockbuster with Ice Age: Continental Drift, and has Epic and Rio 2in advanced production. Together we will be a dominant force in animated entertainment for years to come.” [19]

September 2012

Fox Hoped To Boost Movie Downloads By Offering Titles Ahead of Discs [20]

In order to increase movie downloads, Fox has decided to offer the option to downnload movies through Amazon, CinemaNow (Best Buy), iTunes, PlayStation, VUDU (Walmart), and Xbox, before the home video or DVR formats are available.

November 2012

Sony, Fox, and Universal Sign On For PGA’s Producers’ Mark Credit [21]

Sony Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, and Universal Pictures signed on to apply the ‘Producer’s Mark’ Certification. This is a huge advancement in the industry and a step forward to protecting the right of producers and the ‘produced by’ credit.

Independence Day ‘3D’ Cancelled [22]

Independence Day (1996) – Movie Poster – Courtesy of Google Images

Plans had been made by 20th Century Fox to produce a 3D adaptation of the 1996 blockbuster, Independence Day. However, due to difficulties in reuniting the original cast, the company has decided to cancel it. The movie was due for July 2, 2013, which was perfectly timed for it to be released during the Independence weekend. This would’ve potentially help the movie top the box office during the opening weekend and gain high revenue for the company.

Coming Soon (Click to see the trailers)

Broken City

Parental Guidance

EPIC

A Good Day To Die Hard

The Heat

References

[1] News Corporation: http://www.newscorp.com/management/20film.html

[2] Hoovers: http://www.hoovers.com/company-information/cs/company-profile.Twentieth_Century_Fox_Television.ff69d030bb3d82da.html

[3] Bloomberg BusinessWeek: http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/people.asp?privcapId=35867

[4] Logo Images: http://www.closinglogos.com/page/20th+Century+Fox+Film+Corporation

[5] History: http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/history2/66/Twentieth-Century-Fox-Film-Corporation.html#ixzz2EFVbd3Ul

[6] Box Office Mojo – Won’t Back Down: http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=main&id=learningtofly.htm

[7] Yahoo Movies – Taken 2: http://movies.yahoo.com/news/taken-2-blows-away-box-office-critics-50-163212681.html

[8] Box Office Mojo – Taken 2: http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=taken2.htm

[9] Box Office Mojo – Chasing Mavericks: http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=ofmenandmavericks.htm

[10] The Week – Hurricane Sandy: http://theweek.com/article/index/235648/6-ways-hurricane-sandy-affected-the-entertainment-world

[11] Box Office Mojo – Wreck It Ralph: http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=rebootralph.htm

[12] Wreck It Ralph: http://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/Latest-News-Wires/2012/1105/Wreck-it-Ralph-Biggest-box-office-opening-ever-for-Disney-animation

[13] Box Office Mojo – Lincoln: http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=lincoln.htm

[14] Company Town – Life of Pi: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-life-of-pi-tough-sell-20121119,0,5088507.story

[15] Box Office Mojo – Life of Pi: http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=lifeofpi.htm

[16] Parental Guidance: http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118052479

[17] Hollywood Reporter – Quarterly Profit: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/news-corp-reports-huge-rise-387027

[18] Fox to distribute DreamWorks: http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-08-20/fox-to-distribute-dreamworks-animation-movies

[19] Company Perspective – DreamWorks deal: http://www.deadline.com/2012/08/exclusive-dreamworks-animation-to-fox/

[20] Movie Downloads: http://www.deadline.com/2012/09/fox-digital-hd-movie-download/

[21] Sign for PGA: http://www.deadline.com/2012/11/producers-mark-credit-program-pga-sony-fox-universal/

[22] Independence Day 3D: http://www.nme.com/filmandtv/news/independence-day-3d-cancelled/291343

[23] Box Office Mojo – Avatar: http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=avatar.htm

[24] Box Office Mojo – Ice Age: http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=iceage4.htm

[25] Netflix and Fox Licensing Agreement: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/netflix-fox-agreement-latin-america-brazil-323988

Dreamworks Animation

Posted on September 19, 2012 by eesauerw

by Emma Sauerwein

DreamWorks Animation SKG

1000 Flower Street, Glendale, California 91201

Phone: 818-695-5000 Website: www.dreamworksanimation.com

Background

DreamWorks Animation SKG is a publicly traded, American animation studio, producing computer generated animated feature films, television series and live entertainment properties. Appealing to a demographically as well as geographically widespread audience, DreamWorks Animation is able to garner success year after year.

DreamWorks Animation Headquarters

DreamWorks Animation Logo

DreamWorks SKG was founded in 1994 by three entertainment giants, Steven Spielberg, David Geffen and Jeffrey Katzenberg. DreamWorks was able to begin creating its computer generated films in 1995 with the film, Antz, after signing a co-production deal with Pacific Data Images [3]. In 2000, DreamWorks gave animation its own business division which would regularly produce animated features. It wasn’t until October of 2004 that DreamWorks Animation SKG was spun off as its own publicly traded company, headed by Jeffrey Katzenberg [1]. Since its founding in 2004, DreamWorks Animation SKG has released 24 films, 15 of which are included in the 50 highest grossing animated features of all time [2]. The animation studio works primarily out of its original campus in Glendale, California.

Key Executives

Jeffrey Katzenberg, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Jeffrey Katzenberg
Lew Coleman, Chief Financial Officer and President
Ann Daly, Chief Operating Officer
Anne Globe, Chief Marketing Officer
Heather O’Connor, Chief Accounting Officer [17]

DreamWorks Animation in the News

DreamWorks Animation released its latest CG animated film, Rise of the Guardians, November 21, 2012. Despite heavy advertising and high hopes of an estimated $55 million opening weekend, the film only brought in $32.6 million [8]. Unfortunately analysts are calling it one of the company’s most disappointing releases and the numbers are further reflected in the 5% decrease in stock, 94 cents to $17.11 [8]. This is news comes as a surprise due to the seasonal characters reflecting the time of year as well as a lack of competition on opening weekend. Janney Montgomery Scott financial analyst, Tony Wible, predicted the $55 million in revenue as well as a $39 million profit estimate. However, if the film continues in its slump internationally, DreamWorks Animation could be looking at a $15 million loss.

DreamWorks Animation announced in August its plans to develop a $3.1 billion cultural and entertainment district in Shanghai with its partners in China. This endeavor will be named The Dream Center and will contain many shops, reaturants and theaters upon its expected completion in 2016 [5]. The Chinese government is encouraging projects aimed at the metropolis’ middle class in order to aid the nation’s media industries. This six block district will also include Oriental DreamWorks, a new joint venture studio formed with Chinese partners, China Media Capital, the Shanghai Media Group and Shanghai Alliance. The theme will be Kung Fu Panda as the film’s third installment will be filmed and produced in Shanghai [5].
China Media Capital Logo

Proposed Dream Center

Oriental DreamWorks Logo

This summer, July 2012, DreamWorks Animation CEO, Jeffrey Katzenberg announced the creation of an indoor theme park at American Dream at the Meadowlands, NJ based around the characters of famous DreamWorks Animation films [12]. “We look forward to working with Triple Five Worldwide to incorporate DreamWorks Animation characters, storytelling and technology into a unique and innovative family entertainment experience at the venue,” says Katzenberg. The theme park aims to include a water park, themed rides, ice skating rink, indoor ski park, restaurants as well as 1.7 million square feet of retail space.

Also at the end of the summer, DreamWorks Animation reported that it had entered into an agreement to acquire Classic Media, which owns some of the best known and enduring franchises for $155 million [11]. The deal was made with Boomerang Media Holdings LLC. Classic Media has a vast portfolio of intellectual property including 450 titles and 6,100 episodes of programming. Some of these esteemed titles include, Casper the Friendly Ghost, Lassie, Where’s Waldo and Rocky and Bullwinkle. The thousands of works from Classic Media will contribute characters and stories to the family friendly entertainment giant of DreamWorks Animation SKG. The company formerly known as Classic Media has been renamed to DreamWorks Classics [11].

Classic Media Array of Characters

Technology

Since 2009, DreamWorks Animation has committed to producing all future feature films in the 3D format [9]. This transformation involved a great deal of restructuring as well as educating from within the company. The CG animation process completely changed from its standard form of 2D. 3D has become more popular over the years as big name companies create 3D televisions and fellow studios commit to the 3D promise. CEO, Jeffrey Katzenberg, worked with exhibitors to get more compatible screens as well as with technology giant, Samsung, as a partner on the 3D launch [10]. In the first Samsung model, the “3D Kit” included a copy of DreamWorks Animation’s Monsters vs. Aliens.
First DreamWorks Animation 3D Feature
In a forum hosted by USA Today at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications of Syracuse University, Katzenberg discussed the future of filmmaking technology. “3D is the greatest advancement in film history since the advancement of color in the ’30s.” When asked about the future of the growing technological process Katzenberg made it evident that while he has complete confidence in 3D, he also knows that it will take time before we see progress. “The transition from black and white to color took 20 years, the transition to sound took 8 years, I think we’ve only begun to see the effects.”
On November 8, 2012, DreamWorks Animation released the latest of its collection of mobile and tablet apps in conjunction with leading smartphone games publisher, PikPok. The newest game is in relation to the recently released Rise of the Guardians. Dash n Drop is available for $0.99 at the iTunes App Store as well as Google Play for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Android [18]. The launch trailer for this app can be found at: Dash n Drop Launch Trailer.

Financials

Due to Hurricane Sandy which hit much of the east coast at the end of October 2012, DreamWorks Animation had to postpone its quarterly results announcement until Thursday, November 1st [6]. The company’s third quarter ending September 30, 2012 resulted in a total revenue of $186.3 million and a net income of $24.4 million. This was a significant increase compared to third quarter of 2011 which garnered $160.8 million in revenue and a net income of $19.7 million [13]. The company’s success can be attributed to the international box office success of Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted, which is now the fifth highest grossing film globally of the year.

Upcoming Releases

The next DreamWorks Animation film following Rise of the Guardians is an animated feature called The Croods. Set to release on March 22, 2013, the directors are the team of Kirk DeMicco and Chris Sanders [16]. This will be the first DreamWorks Animation film distributed by 20th Century Fox as opposed to Paramount, as the
The Croods

company signed a five year distribution agreement in August 2012 [14]. The film is set in the prehistoric era and stars famous actors such as Emma Stone, Nicolas Cage and Ryan Reynolds.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJ4QJCjvN8c
As Chief Marketing Officer, Anne Globe, discussed at a question-answer forum at Syracuse University, all DreamWorks Animation films take four years to produce and therefore the slate has been announced through 2016. A film slated for 2013 titled, Turbo, will be released on July 19. This will be the 27th installment in the DreamWorks Animation collection, directed by David Soren and starring voice actors of Ryan Reynolds, Paul Giamatti, Bill Hader and Maya Rudolph [15]. Turbo is a story about a garden snail that has an impossible dream of becoming the fastest snail in the world.