Weinstein Company

Posted on March 15, 2014 by Roxanne Silver

By Roxy Silver

[1] The Weinstein Company Logo

HISTORY

Brothers Bob and Harvey Weinstein founded Miramax Films in 1979 and sold it to Disney in 1993. In 2005, they launched The Weinstein Company, TWC, a multimedia and distribution company that encompasses Dimension Films, a genre-label founded in 1993 by Bob Weinstein [2]. TWC and Dimension Films have released mainstream genre and specialty films [3]. Recently the company has made a huge push in its television division.

KEY EXECUTIVES

[4] Harvey Weinstein, Co-Chairman TWC

[5] Bob Weinstein, Co-Chairman TWC & Dimension Films

FINANCIALS

TWC is privately held. Box office wise, currently TWC is ranked 9th with 2.5% of the market share, grossing $69.1 million from its 8 films [6]. This marks a decrease from the prior year in which TWC ranked 8th with 4.5% market share, grossing $491.7 million while releasing 21 films [7].

IN THEATERS

[8] Lee Daniels’ The Butler captures the story of a White House butler who served seven presidents through dramatic and changing times in American history.

“Lee Daniels’ The Butler”

The drama starring Forest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey “was expected to do well, but we didn’t expect to do this well,” shared Erik Lomis, President of Distribution for TWC. “The Butler” is the company’s first No. 1 debut since 2009 [9] with an opening weekend of $24.6 million on August 16, 2013 [10]. The film has accumulated grosses of $116.6 million domestically and grossed $146.5 million internationally [11].

[12] Vampire Academy is based on a best selling series about two “mortal vampires” who attend a boarding school and have to protect each other from the terrible forces.

“Vampire Academy”

The highly anticipated fantasy film was a flop for TWC. In attempt to imitate the success of box office hits like “Twilight” and “The Hunger Games,” this young-adult adaption didn’t compliment the best-selling book series as the box office sales attest: It premiered in theaters on February 7, 2014, reeling in $3.9 million during its opening weekend [13]. The film has accumulated grosses of $7.79 million domestically and $7.6 million foreign, totaling $15.3 million worldwide [14].

AWARDS SEASON

TWC had an extremely successful year leading up to The Academy Awards, but fell short with only 11 nominations compared to the 17 from the year before [15]. Regardless, the three films nominated received wide recognition.

[16] 20 Feet From Stardom

“20 Feet From Stardom”

“Millions know their voices, but no one knows their names”- “20 Feet From Stardom” is a documentary that told the story of Darlene Love who backed up idols, Stevie Wonder, Frank Sinatra, Luther Vandross and Elvis Presley. The film shared her story of struggle of being feet away from the spotlight, but never making it [17]. This film was TWC’s only Academy Award winner for Best Documentary Feature [18].

[19] Philomena

“Philomena”

Philomena captures the story of a mother searching for her son but instead finding his gay lover. The drama was nominated for Best Picture, Best Original Score, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay, but didn’t win any awards at the Oscars [20]. With an opening weekend of $128,435, to date the film combines $37.5 million domestic with $62.4 million foreign, netting TWC $87.9 million [21].

[22] August: Osage County

“August: Osage County”

The dark comedy based on a Pulitzer Prize winning play portrays a dysfunctional family coming together after a death. Starring Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts, it was nominated for two Oscars[23]. The film had a limited opening weekend of $179,302 in December 2013 and a wide opening of $7.1 million [24]. The film has accumulated $37.7 million domestically and $34.7 million foreign, netting TWC $52.4 million [24].

STRATEGICALLY TWC TAKES ON TV

A $370 million line of credit from Union Bank helped TWC enter the television market in 2013 [25]. TWC’s COO David Glasser explained, “We’ve invested a lot in TV because we see it as a big part of our future.”[26] Now in 2014 the future is here. Having TV under TWC’s belt is an asset creating versatile operations, revenue, and a presence in the TV industry.

TWC acquired the U.S. distribution rights to the Sky Italia drama series, ‘Gomorra’ from Beta Film, an international distributor [27]. Stefano Sollima directed this series based on a bestselling novel about the Neapolitan crime administration Camorra, and is set for release in 2015 [28]. Harvey Weinstein shares “This project caught our eye a while back for its world-class acting talent, as well as Sollima’s abilities to craft a thriller like none other.” [29] This acquisition benefits TWC with new innovative programming, and Beta Film providing ‘Gomorra’ access into American homes.

With the buzz generated from “Netflix Original Series,” TWC is jumping in. The highly anticipated Weinstein Company drama ,“Marco Polo”, is in production for Netflix and will premiere nearing the end of 2014 [30]. Harvey Weinstein reported, “We are proud to present a series that rivals some of the most successful films we’ve ever made. We are excited to introduce him (Marco Polo) to the world.” [31]

TWC‘s recent partnership with media company Gannett gives TWC an advantage with exclusive access to use Gannett’s expansive media library and retain distribution rights from Gannett’s television stations, newspapers, and digital assets [32]. Weinstein’s President of Television Maryam Banikarim, told Street Insider, “This groundbreaking venture will allow us to discover and explore rich new narratives for a wide array of audiences.” [33]

COMING SOON TO THEATERS NEAR YOU

TWC is continuing their Oscar worthy slate of films this summer, staying true to their demographics and genres of past films. These soon-to-be hit films with A-list names will hopefully yield them success at the 2015 Oscar’s and in the box office.

“The Giver”

The Giver Trailer [34]

“The Giver”, a science-fiction film, directed by Phillip Noyce stars Oscar winners Meryl Streep, Katie Holms, Jeff Bridges, and singer Taylor Swift [35]. The film, which various companies attempted to produce previously, is loosely based on the classic 1993 Lois Lowry novel. Jeff Bridges called it “your next favorite movie.” [36] The story, set to release in August, illustrates a utopian society in which a boy is chosen to learn from an elder the true pains and pleasures of the real world [37].

“Sin City: A Dame to Kill For”

Sin City Trailer [38]

The drama/thriller film directed by Robert Rodriguez [39], is a sequel to the successful 2005 Weinstein film “Sin City” which domestically grossed $74 million [40]. The black and white, 3D-esque thriller will be hitting the screens in August. The star packed cast includes Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Lady Gaga, Jeremy Piven, Jessica Alba, and Bruce Wills to name a few [41]. Considering the triumph the original picture had and the megastar cast “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For” will likely attract crowds to the box office.

“Begin Again”

Begin Again Trailer [42]

The romantic-comedy film from writer-director John Carney is set to release on July 4th [43]. “Begin Again” follows a distressed ex-recrod label executive, Mark Ruffalo, fall in love with a young singer-songwriter, Kira Knightley, after her boyfriend, Adam Levine, dumped her [44]. At the Tribecca Film Festival Carney explained, “Begin Again is a true New York story about magical opportunities.” [45] This classic summer “romcom” will catch movie goers attention from the star studded cast, to the simple yet entertaining plot.

FUTURE OF TWC

The future for TWC is positive and optimistic. Prior to last year TWC was a dominant player in Oscar awards. Presuming this year was a fluke, TWC should bounce back stronger next Oscar season. Additionally, the significant infusion of cash into its TV segment, will bolster the company’s position in the industry, while likely improving its bottom line.

Sources

[1] Weinstein Company Logo, Ramascreen.com, RT: 4/12/2014

[2] “About The Weinstein Company”, Weinsteinco.com, RT: 4/11/2014

[3] “Dimension Films”, Disney.Wika.com, RT: 4/11/2014

[4] Harvey Weinstein, Co-Chairman, Time, RT: 4/10/2014

[5] Bob Weinstein, Co-Chairman TWC & Dimension Films, Zimbo.com, RT:4/10/2014

[6] Studio Market Share 2014, BoxofficeMojo.com, RT: 4/15/2014

[7] Studio Market Share 2013, BoxofficeMojo.com, RT: 4/15/2014

[8] Lee Daniels’ The Butler Movie Poster, IMBD, RT: 4/12/2014

[9] “The Butler’ Serves Up Box-Office Sucess at No. 1”, Fox News, 8/18/2013, RT: 4/12/2014

[10] “Weekend Box Office: ‘Lee Daniels’ The Butler Wins Again”, Movie Fone, 8/25/2013, RT: 4/12/201

[11] Lee Daniels’ The Butler (2013), BoxofficeMojo.com, RT: 4/13/2014

[12] Vampire Academy Movie Poster, themidnightgarden.com, RT: 4/14/2014

[13] “BOX OFFICE: Vampire Academy’ Has No Bite”, Yahoo Movies, 2/10/2014, RT: 4/14/2014

[14] Vampire Academy (2014), BoxofficeMojo.com, RT: 4/14/2014

[15] OSCARS: Nominations By Studio & Distributor, Deadline Hollywood, RT: 4/12/2014

[16] 20 Feet From Stardom Movie Poster, Filmberg.com, RT: 4/13/2014

[17] “20 Feet From Stardom Synopsis”, 20feetfromstardom.com, RT: 4/12/2014

[18] “Oscars 2014: ’20 Feet From Stardom’ wins for documentary”, Los Angles Times, 3/02/2014, RT: 4/12/2014

[19] Philomena Movie Poster, impawards.com, RT: 4/14/2014

[20] Oscar Nominations By Picture, Deadline Hollywood, RT: 4/14/2014

[21] Philomena (2013), Boxofficemojo.com, RT: 4/14/2014

[22] August: Osage County Movie Poster, broadyway.com, RT: 4/15/2014

[23] “Harvey Weinstein on disappointing Oscar showing for ‘Osage County’ have only myself to blame”, Entertainment Weekly, 2/21/2014, RT: 4/15/2014

[24] August: Osage County (2013), Boxofficemojo.com, RT: 4/15/2014

[25] “The Weinstein Co. Finalizing $370 Million Credit Facility: Report”, Deadline Hollywood, 9/19/2013, RT: 4/16/2014

[26] “The Weinstein Company: stirring drama”, ScreenDaily.com, 4/02/2014, RT: 4/16/2014

[27] “TWC Closes Deal for U.S. Rights to Italy’s ‘Gomorrah’ Skein”, Variety, 4/07/2014, RT: 4/16/2014

[28] “Weinstein to build Gomorra in US”, c21media.net, 3/08/2014, RT: 4/17/2014

[29] Weinstein Co Acquires Italian Crime Drama Series ‘Gomorra’ , Deadline Hollywood, 4/08/2014, RT: 4/15/2014

[30] Marco Polo (TV Series 2014), IMBD, RT: 4/18/2014

[31] “‘Marco Polo’: Production underway for Weinstein Company’s Netflix Show”, Entertainment Weekly, 4/08/2014, RT: 4/16/2014

[32] “Gannett (GCI) and The Weinstein Co. Enter First Look Film And Television Deal”, Streetinsider.com, 4/02/2014, RT: 4/16/2014

[33] “Gannnett Co., Ince And The Weinstein Company Enter Into A Unique First Look Film And Television Development Deal”, PR News Wire, 4/02/2014, RT: 4/16/2014

[34] The Giver Trailer, YouTube, 3/19/2014, RT: 4/14/2014

[35] “Weinstein Dates ‘The Giver’ Starring Meryl Streep and Jeff Bridges for August 2014”, IMBD, 9/21/2013, RT: 4/16/2014

[36] “Jeff Bridges Talks About Your Next Favorite Movie”, Moviepilot.com, 2/12/2014, RT: 4/16/2014

[37] “‘The Giver’ trailer: Meryl Streep! Jeff Bridges! Color?!”, Entertainment Weekly, 3/19/2014, RT: 4/17/2014

[38] “Sin City 2″ Trailer Release”, Weinsteinco.com, 3/17/2014, RT: 4/16/2014

[39] Sin City: A Dame To Kill For Trailer, YouTube, 4/06/2014, RT: 4/16/2014

[40] Sin City (2005), Boxofficemojo.com, RT: 4/17/2014

[41] “5 Reasons you should be excited for Sin City: A Dame To Kill For”, Metro, 3/07/2014, RT: 4/16/2014

[42] Begin Again Trailer, YouTube, 3/28/2014, RT: 4/16/2014

[43] “‘Begin Again’ Movie 2014 Official Trailer Released Starring Adam Levine and Keira Knightley”, Hallels.com, 4/01/2014, RT: 4/16/2014

[44] “Trailer and Poster for Begin Again Starring Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo”, Movienewz.com, 4/03/2014, RT: 4/16/2014

[45] “Begin Again To Close Tribeca Film Festival”, Triebcaflim.com, 3/20/2014, RT: 4/16/2014

Relativity Media

Posted on November 4, 2013 by Erin Morris

By Erin Morris

Courtesy of Relativity Media

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

KEY EXECUTIVES

Ryan Kavanaugh, CEO and Founder [1]

[1]

Tucker Tooley, President [1]

[1]

Happy Walters, Co-Chief Operating Officer [1]

[1]

Gregory Shamo, Co-Chief Operating Officer [1]

[1]

HISTORY

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

FINANCIALS

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

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

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

RECENT RELEASES

Don Jon

[5]

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

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

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

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

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

Romeo and Juliet

[9]

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

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

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

FUTURE RELEASES

Out of the Furnace

[12]

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

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

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

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

A trailer for the film can be viewed here.

IN THE NEWS

From the Theater to the Classroom

[14]

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

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

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

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

From the Big Screen to the Small Screen

[17]

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

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

[19]

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

SOURCES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[12] Relativity’s About Out of the Furnace. RT. 11/18/20

[13] Article Oscar Buzz for Out of the Furnace. RT. 11/18/20

[14] About the Relativity School. RT. 11/18/20

[15] Article about the Romeo and Juliet screening at high school film festival. RT. 11/18/20

[16] Deadline Article on Act of Valor TV series. RT. 11/19/20

[17] Act of Valor Box Office Results. RT. 11/19/20

[18] Deadline Article on Limitless TV series. RT. 11/19/20

[19] Limitless Box Office Results. RT. 11/19/20

Relativity Media

Posted on October 30, 2013 by Trevor Bulger

By Trevor Bulger

[1] Courtesy of GeekForE.

Relativity Media engages in full-scale film and television production and distribution, music publishing, sports management and digital media. Relativity Media has produced, distributed, or financed over 200 films and generated more $22 billion in box office revenue worldwide. The company partners with and invests in other media-related companies, including a recent partnership with Major League Gaming (MLG). [2] Currently, their film Free Birds is in theaters.

Executives:

Ryan Kavanaugh Tucker Tooley Happy Walters Gregory Shamo Robbie Brenner
CEO President Co-COO Co-COO Pres., Production

Ryan Kavanaugh is both the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Relativity Media. He is a producer, and has been producer or executive producer of many of Relativity Media’s recent movies, including Out of the Furnace and The Family.

Tucker Tooley, as president of Relativity since 2007, oversees its daily operations, as well as marketing and distribution. He was also producer of We’re The Millers, released in summer 2013.

Happy Walters, since 2012, has served as Co-Chief Operating Officer for Relativity. He helps determine the direction that Relativity Media will go in future seasons and handles day-to-day operations.

Gregory Shamo oversees the corporate, business, and legal affairs of Relativity Media, as well as assisting the day-to-day operations of the company. He has helped lead several of the major deals that Relativity Media has made, including the distribution agreement they have made with Twentieth Century Fox.

Robbie Brenner, the President of Production, leads the production team in filmmaking. She has overseen a large number of the films produced by Relativity Media, and led the acquisition of Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s Don Jon. [3]

Recent Releases:

Don Jon Official Trailer
Don Jon, directed by and starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, is a comedy about Jon, a rather stereotypical stud who can get a different girl every weekend, and Barbara, a girl raised on Disney looking to find her Prince Charming. It focuses around their attempt to find intimacy despite their differences and the fantasies of the culture of the time. [4]

Don Jon opened on 27 September, and made a domestic gross of over $24 million, on a production budget of only $6 million, reaching #5 in the weekend box office on its opening weekend. [5]

Free Birds Official Trailer
Free Birds, directed by Jimmy Hayward and excellently premiering in the month of November, is a buddy comedy about a pair of turkeys who want nothing to do with each other, but must team up in order to change history and remove turkeys from the holiday menu. [6]

Free Birds is currently in its fourth week, having opened on 1 November. It has already grossed over $42 million out of its $55 million budget, and has remained in the Top 5 weekend box office for all three weekends. [7]

Financial Information for Relativity Media is unavailable, as it is not a publicly traded company.

The Shift:

Relativity Media has largely focused on financial backing of projects created by other groups or studios, but that is changing. The company spent months exchanging one financial backer for a full consortium of investors, and with the closure of this shift, the company is ramping up production on a large variety of coming projects as it becomes a full-fledged studio capable of releasing 10 to 15 movies per year. [8]

Among the upcoming projects is the adaptation of the memoir Not Without Hope, which will be financed, produced, and distributed by Relativity Media. Dwayne Johnson is planned to star in the film, which is based on a story of four friends who were tragically stranded at sea, struggling to survive while hoping for help to come. [9]

Another upcoming project, to be released on 6 December, is Out of the Furnace, a gritty drama produced by Scott Cooper, about a blue collar man whose brother is pulled into a crime ring. When his brother disappears, he takes matters into his own hands to find justice for his brother. [10]

Partnership with Major League Gaming:

MLG and Relativity Media have partnered to begin producing original content about professional gamers. Though professional gaming is somewhat of a niche market, it is expanding, and quite a few people follow it closely, many saying that professional gamers deserve as much respect as professional athletes. They plan to produce content to better paint a picture of these players and the audiences to non-gamers, hoping that some of these gamers may even eventually become attached to brands in the same way that many athletes today are. It has been pointed out that both companies target similar demographic audiences, with most of their products targeting men much more than women. [2]

Sources:

[1] Geek for E: Relativity Media Logo Accessed on 19 Nov 2013

[2] All Things D: MLG Partners with Relativity Media Accessed on 19 Nov 2013

[3] Relativity Media: Executive Bios Accessed on 20 Nov 2013

[4] Relativity Media: Don Jon Accessed on 20 Nov 2013

[5] Box Office Mojo: Don Jon Accessed on 20 Nov 2013

[6] Relativity Media: Free Birds Accessed on 20 Nov 2013

[7] Box Office Mojo: Free Birds Accessed on 20 Nov 2013

[8] The Wrap: Robbie Brenner Interview Accessed on 20 Nov 2013

[9] Variety: Dwayne Johnson Accessed on 20 Nov 2013

[10] Relativity Media: Out of the Furnace Accessed on 20 Nov 2013

Columbia/TriStar Pictures

Posted on December 7, 2012 by David Jocson

by [David Jocson]

— Courtesy of Flavorwire.com

— Courtesy of Google Images

Columbia/TriStar Pictures

10202 W Washington Blvd [1]

Culver City, CA 90232

Telephone: 310-224-4000

Website: www.sonypictures.com

Executives

Michael Lynton: Co-Chairman & CEO, Sony Pictures Entertainment [2]

Amy Pascal: Co-Chairman, Sony Pictures Entertainment | Chairman, Sony Pictures

Entertainment Motion Picture Group

Doug Belgrad: President, Columbia Pictures [3]

Holdings

Sony Pictures Entertainment [4]:

Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group:

Columbia Pictures

TriStar Pictures

Locations

Headquarters: Culver City, CA [1]

Columbia Pictures Production Asia [5]: Hong Kong

Columbia Pictures Producciones Espanolas: Madrid, Spain

Columbia Pictures Producciones Mexico: Mexico City

Additional operations in: Japan, Brazil and the UK

Competition

Warner Bros. Pictures [1]

The Walt Disney Studios

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Company Description

Columbia and TriStar Pictures operate as divisions under the Columbia TriStar Motion Pictures Group of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) [5]. Columbia Pictures produces Sony Pictures’ commercial feature films [1]. TriStar Pictures distributes and markets SPE’s films, delivering entertainment to over 150 countries [6] [7].

Columbia TriStar Motion Pictures Group has released many notable franchises such as the James Bond and The Amazing Spider-Man franchises [8]. Its movies make up the bulk of the Sony Pictures’ library that includes over 3,500 films, 12 of which are Best Picture Academy Award winners [5].

The “Columbia Lady” precedes every feature film by Columbia Pictures [9]. It is the studio’s iconic trademark, having appeared in its motion pictures since the very beginning of the company.

History

Columbia Pictures began in 1918 when Jack Cohn, Joe Brandt and Harry Cohn began making short films [10]. CBC Films, as it was named after its founders back then, produced its first feature film, More to Be Pitied Than Scorned, in 1922 with great success. Two years later, the founders changed the name of CBC Films to Columbia Pictures Corporation.

The company rose to fame after signing legendary director Frank Capra to direct its feature films in 1927 [10]. Capra won Columbia Pictures its first Best Picture Academy Award for his film, It Happened One Night, in 1934. He also directed the studio’s first complete “talkie” motion picture.

In 1982, The Coca-Cola Company purchased Columbia Pictures [10]. (reuters)

In 1983, Columbia together with CBS and HBO, formed TriStar Pictures [10]. It was the newest production studio in decades. It quickly emerged as a major contender in the industry by releasing major blockbusters such as Rambo: First Blood Part II.

Sony Corporation purchased Columbia Pictures from Coca-Cola in 1989 [10]. The new owner placed Columbia under its new division, Sony Pictures Entertainment. Sony also moved the Columbia Pictures studio from Burbank to Culver City, CA. The studio operated on the former MGM lot where classics such as Citizen Kane and Gone With The Wind were produced.

In 2000, Sony created Sony Pictures Digital [10]. Sony Pictures Digital comprised of Sony Pictures Imageworks and Sony Pictures Animation. Imageworks developed CGI and VFX for Columbia TriStar Motion Pictures Group and the animation division. The animation division produced Sony Pictures’ animated feature films.

Today, the Columbia TriStar Motion Pictures Group releases Sony Pictures’ biggest films such as The Amazing Spider-Man, 21 Jump Street and Men In Black 3 [8].

Fall-Winter 2012

Looper [11]

Action | Sci-fi | Crime

Budget [12]: $30 million

Worldwide Gross: $165 million

U.S. Release Date [11]: Sep. 28

— Courtesy of IMDb.com

Directed by Rian Johnson

Featuring:

Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Joe

Bruce Willis as Old Joe

Emily Blunt as Sara

Looper tells the story of Joe, an assassin for the mob, who is sent back in time to kill himself in order to “tie a loose end [11].”

Hotel Transylvania [13]

Family | Animation | Comedy

Budget [14]: $85 million

Worldwide Gross: $296 million

U.S. Release Date [13]: Sep. 28

— Courtesy of IMDb.com

Directed by Genndy Tartakovsky

Featuring:

Adam Sandler as Dracula

Andy Samberg as Jonathan

Selena Gomez as Mavin

Kevin James as Frankenstein

Hotel Transylvania is about Count Dracula overprotecting his teenage daughter from falling in love with a human boy who stumbles upon Dracula’s “monster resort [13].”

The film is Genndy Tartakovsky’s first feature motion picture. Tartakovsy is a three-time Emmy Award winner known for creating famous cartoons such as Samurai Jack and Dexter’s Laboratory [15].

Hotel Transylvania became the best opening movie of all-time for September. It also became Sony Pictures’ most successful animated feature at the box office [16].

Skyfall [17]

Action | Crime | Adventure

Budget [18]: $200 million

Worldwide Gross: $872 million

U.S. Release Date [17]: Nov. 9

— Courtesy of IMDb.com

Directed by Sam Mendes

Featuring:

Daniel Craig as James Bond

Javier Bardem as Silva

Judi Dench as M

Skyfall is the 23rd installment of the Bond franchise. It is about a former agent of M who comes back to seek vengeance upon her while terrorizing MI6 and battling agent 007 [17].

In early December, Skyfall became the highest grossing film ever in the UK [19].

The movie also marked Judi Dench’s final role as M [20].

Zero Dark Thirty [21]

Action | Drama | History

Budget [22]: n/a

Worldwide Gross: n/a

U.S. Release Date [21]: Dec. 19

— Courtesy of IMDb.com

Directed by Kathryn Bigelow

Featuring:

Chris Pratt as Justin, a member of Navy SEAL Team 6

Jason Clarke as Dan

Jessica Chastain as Maya

Zero Dark Thirty recounts the hunt for Osama bin Laden that began after 9/11 and culminated in his death by SEAL Team 6 in May 2011, after a decade of searching for the “world’s most wanted man [21].”

Zero Dark Thirty was the last feature film Sony Pictures Entertainment was going to release before the end of 2012 [23].

Kathryn Bigelow and Mark Boal, the minds behind The Hurt Locker, collaborated again to produce the widely-anticipated movie [23].

News

Sony Pictures Entertainment became the highest grossing movie studio of the year, having earned $1.7 billion in the U.S. alone [24]. Internationally, it earned over $4 billion, beating its previous record of $3.5 billion in 2009 [23]. The new record was achieved in large part to Skyfall, the highest grossing Bond film ever. The film received a cumulative $669.2 million during its opening weekend alone. However, other blockbusters helped too. The Amazing Spider-Man earned $754 million, Men In Black 3 earned $624 million, Hotel Transylvania earned $283 million and 21 Jump Street earned $201 million. Sony Pictures Entertainment released a total of 9 No. 1 movies at the domestic box office in 2012.

Kazuo Hirai, CEO of Sony Corporation, told The Hollywood Reporter that Sony was not going to sell Sony Pictures Entertainment amidst rumors that Sony was going to sell the film division due to financial losses [25]. The Hollywood Reporter quoted him saying, “There is no reason to sell these industry-dealing businesses and no consideration is being given to the idea.” Hirai made it clear that Sony Pictures Entertainment was not going to be sold anytime soon.

Sony Pictures Entertainment joined video game company Electronic Arts to raise $1 million in donations for American troops [26]. EA planned to release its new game, Medal of Honor Warfighter, on Dec. 17th after its rival, Activision, released its game Call of Duty: Black Ops II. The release date was also planned to coincide with Columbia Picture’s Zero Dark Thirty that premieres on Dec. 19th. EA prepared exclusive maps that featured locations from the feature film available for purchase. The company said it would take a portion of the proceeds to donate a minimum of $1 million to nonprofit veterans organizations.

On October 5th, Columbia Pictures joined MGM Pictures, Passion Pictures and Red Box Films in commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Bond franchise by releasing Everything Or Nothing: The Untold Story of 007 [27]. The documentary chronicles the lives of the franchise’s author Ian Fleming and producers Harry Saltzman and Albert Broccoli.

October 5th also became Global James Bond Day [28]. The worldwide event included an online and live auction charity event in London, a franchise exhibit in the Museum of Modern Art in New York and an evening of Bond music hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Los Angeles.

Works Cited

[1]: http://www.hoovers.com/company-information/cs/company-profile.Columbia_TriStar_Motion_Picture_Group.9a3fb312ea9f08a6.html

[2]: http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/management.html

[3]: http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=8033824

[4]: http://www.cjr.org/resources/?c=sony

[5]: http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html

[6]: http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=7913345

[7]: http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/aboutsonypictures.html

[8]: http://www.imdb.com/company/co0071509/

[9]: http://www.sonypicturesmuseum.com/studio/history/columbia

[10]: http://www.sonypicturesmuseum.com/studio/history

[11]: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1276104/

[12]: http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=loopers.htm

[13]: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0837562/

[14]: http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=hoteltransylvania.htm

[15]: http://www.wired.com/underwire/2012/10/hotel-transylvania-genndy-tartakovsky/

[16]: http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/press_releases/2012/10_12/102612_goodnight.html

[17]: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1074638/

[18]: http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=bond23.htm

[19]: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-quick-20121206,0,7595314.story

[20]: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/09/judi-dench-skyfall-007-bond_n_2102516.html

[21]: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1790885/

[22]: http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=binladen.htm

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

[24]: http://boxofficemojo.com/studio/

[25]: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sony-chief-kaz-hirai-film-384605

[26]: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/electronic-arts-sony-medal-of-honor-warfighter-donation-soldiers-370401

[27]: http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/press_releases/2012/08_12/082912_anniversary.html

[28]: http://www.007.com/global-james-bond-day-announced/

DreamWorks

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Alexandra Hayes

by Alexandra Hayes

A Brief History:

Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen are the founders of DreamWorks entertainment. They founded the company in 1994, and since then have produced numerous award-winning films such as Amistad, Saving Private Ryan, American Beauty, Gladiator, Meet the Parents, Cast Away, A Beautiful Mind and so on. “In the Fall of 2004, the animation division of the studio was spun-off into a publicly traded company named DreamWorks Animation (DWA).” DreamWorks was sold to Paramount Pictures, the Viacom owned studio, in January 2006. In 2008, the company partnered with the Indian film company, Reliance Big Entertainment, headed by Anil Ambani. Since then, DreamWorks has continued producing copious amounts of critically acclaimed and entertaining films. (DreamWorks Studios)

For DreamWorks Studios’ full history click here [1].

Recent News:

January:

January 18, 2012

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Disney’s marketing chief, MT Carney’s departure was confirmed on January 8, 2012. Disney was able to keep Carney’s replacement a secret until such time that a press release could be provided. This is relevant to DreamWorks because since 2009, Disney has distributed DreamWorks’ films.

At the January 12 dinner for the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, Steven Spielberg confronted Disney’s studio chief about his frustration. “The sources say Spielberg told [Rich] Ross bluntly he was upset that he wasn’t consulted two or three weeks earlier, when Ross decided that Carney had an ‘out’ date and would be replaced.” (The Hollywood Reporter)

For the full article click here [2].

January 23, 2012

Steven Spielberg’s newest film, Lincoln, will be released in theaters in December 2012. Already the film will be distributed domestically by Disney due to DreamWorks’ partnership with the company. Recently, Fox has signed on to the project to distribute it internationally.

The film has an all-star cast, as well as a critically acclaimed director. “Daniel Day-Lewis portrays Abraham Lincoln in the film, which also stars Sally Field as Mary Todd Lincoln and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Robert Todd Lincoln. Tommy Lee Jones and James Spader also star.” (The Hollywood Reporter)

For the full article click here [3].

February:

February 9, 2012

DreamWorks Studios will be working on remaking Alfred Hitchcock’s Rebecca (1940). The Screenplay will be written by Steven Kni ght who is known for Eastern Promises (2007). He will not only look at the previous film adaptation, but use the original book by Daphne DuMaurier, as well. (DreamWorks Studios)

For the full article click here [4].

February 17, 2012

Reliance Big Entertainment will not be breaking away from DreamWorks anytime soon, even though the company has reason to do so.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Reliance invested $325 million in DreamWorks in 2008, aiding the ailing company immensely. “Attorney Schuyler Moore, who represents Reliance in some matters, says the company still plans to be a global media player. “They are happy with all their talent relationships,” he says. “They are happy with DreamWorks. They’ve been financially successful. They are thrilled with everything that’s happened.””

This is interesting seeing that Reliance has made many deals with DreamWorks, but nothing has really come of them. However, DreamWorks’ recent 10 Oscar nominations has impressed Reliance. Therefore the company wants to work out an arrangement with DreamWorks. (The Hollywood Reporter)

For the full article click here [5].

April:

April 10, 2012

After long and strenuous discussion, Reliance Big Entertainment has decided that it wants to keep its relationship going with DreamWorks. Reliance and DreamWorks have struck a deal that will allow Spielberg’s company to make about 8-10 movies over the next 2-3 years. “On larger movies, DreamWorks will seek to partner, as it has with Fox on the upcoming Robopocalypse, set for release in July 2013, and with Participant on The Help and Spielberg’s upcoming biopic Lincoln.” (The Hollywood Reporter)

For the full article click here [6].

April 12, 2012

On Thursday, April 12, DreamWorks’ head of physical production, Steve Molen, resigned. Even though Reliance will continue to finance DreamWorks, the new deal calls for some reduction at the ailing company. “His departure is associated with reductions in that department in the wake of the company’s renegotiation with Reliance Entertainment…” (The Hollywood Reporter)

For the full article click here [7].

April 13, 2012

DreamWorks, as a result of the recent negotiations with Reliance Big Entertainment, will be laying off about 10 of their 80 current employees. Steve Molen, head of physical production, resigned due to the fact that most of the layoffs will be in his department. Other departments being affected are legal, insurance and IT. (The Hollywood Reporter)

For the full article click here [8].

April 16, 2012

DreamWorks has expressed interest in buying the new project Need for Speed based on the extremely popular video game by Electronic Arts. “The project hit the town last week in a UTA-repped package that saw brothers John and George Gatins develop the story with George writing the script. John Gatins is producing with EA.”

Need for Speed is considered the most successful videogame in the world. (The Hollywood Reporter)

For the full article click here [9].

April 23, 2012

DreamWorks has recently attained the rights to the 2011 French-Canadian film Starbuck. Oddly enough the company wants to fast-track this film to have a production start date later in the year. Even more strange is the fact that DreamWorks has asked the original director, Ken Scott, to direct and write this remake only a year after its original release.

Starbuck is a film about a man who finds out he has 533 children due to sperm donation throughout the years. He then learns that a few hundred of them a interested in meeting their biological father. DreamWorks CEO Stacey Snider said, “We were completely charmed by the story in ‘Starbuck’ and saw the potential for a commercial remake with universal appeal.”

For the full article from Variety click here [10].

For the full article from collider.com click here [11].

Sources:

[1] DreamWorks Studios http://dreamworksstudios.com/about/history

[2] Kim Masters http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/steven-spielberg-disney-rich-ross-282936

[3] Pamela McClintock http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/steven-spielberg-lincoln-fox-dreamworks-284020

[4] Jeff Sneider Variety http://www.dreamworksstudios.com/news/dreamworks-to-remake-hitchcocks-rebecca

[5] Kim Masters http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/reliance-dreamworks-caa-indian-conglom-hollywood-292383

[6] Kim Masters http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/dreamworks-secures-additional-funding-reliance-310123

[7] Kim Masters http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/risky-business/dreamworks-steve-molen-physical-production-reliance-entertainment-311692

[8] Kim Masters http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/dreamworks-layoffs-stacey-snider-steve-molen-312009

[9] Borys Kit http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/dreamworks-need-for-speed-312493