MGM

mgmlogo-head

MGM Logo [1]

Finances

After a bankruptcy declaration in 2011, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer has regained its position as a profitable major film studio in the last five years. MGM Studios is owned by the larger parent company of MGM Holdings Inc., a company formed from what was formerly Spyglass Entertainment [2]. In 2015, the studio made $1.56 billion in revenue, resulting in an operating income of $258.78 million. This was up from $1.44 billion and $243.03 million, respectively, in 2014. 2015 was the company’s third consecutive year of posting record revenue and income. MGM Holdings’ total assets currently stand at $3.045 billion [3]. The studio has been in the process of repurchasing its stocks since its bankruptcy, and in March announced that $300 million more would be added to their repurchasing plan. The ramping up of the repurchasing plan has been taken as a sign of confidence in the company’s continued growth [4].

Recent Acquisitions

In January of 2016, MGM fully acquired the United Artists Media Group, a film and television production company that had been a joint venture with Mark Burnett, Roma Downey and Hearst Productions. MGM had acquired a 55% stake in Burnett, Downey and Hearst’s One Three Media and LightWorkers Media in September 2014, and relaunch the companies as United Artists. As of January 2016, all revenues, expenses and assets of United Artists are now consolidated under the MGM name [5].

FullSize-92x124_Barber_Gary

Gary Barber [6]

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Mark Burnett [7]

FullSize-92x124_Glickman_Jonathan

Jonathan Glickman [8]

Executives

MGM’s three top executives are Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Gary Barber, President of the Television and Digital Group Mark Burnett, and President of the Motion Picture Group Jonathan Glickman. Barber and Glickman were previously the heads of Spyglass Entertainment, where Barber oversaw the production of a total of $5 billion in box office productions. MGM became the first studio to release back-to-back films making over $1 billion at the box office under Barber’s leadership with The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and Skyfall.  Burnett was named to his position in January 2016, when MGM fully acquired his United Artists company. His former United Artists co-owner Roma Downey is President of LightWorkers Media, which is now the “faith and family division of MGM Television” [9].

Current Releases

20160409134323!How_To_Be_Single_Poster

How To Be Single [14]

MGM has only released two films thus far in 2016, both of which were coproduced with New Line Cinema and were distributed by New Line’s parent studio Warner Brothers [10] [11]. These films were How To Be Single and Barbershop: The Next Cut, both relatively small-scale but still distinctly mainstream offerings, opening in 3,343 and 2,661 theaters respectively. How To Be Single was by far the more successful, bringing in $46.8 million in domestic box office revenue and a total of $105.3 million worldwide, against a production budget of $38 million [12]Barbershop was less successful, though not necessarily a flop. It brought in $20.2 million in its opening weekend (April 15-17) against predictions in the high-$20 millions range. Its production budget has not been released to the press [13]. These films also show that MGM is willing to target underserved demographics with their films, with How To Be Single being described as attempting to be a “feminist rom-com” and Barbershop being specifically marketed towards African-Americans.

Upcoming Releases

MGM has three more coproductions with release dates in 2016, each with their own significant potential for profit.

Me Before You is slated for a June 3 release, and is a romantic drama abou a young woman (Emilia Clarke) who falls in love with a paralyzed man she is caring for (Sam Claflin) [15]. The plot description puts in squarely in the vein of other successful films like The Fault In Our Stars and Me and Earl and The Dying Girl, which also dealt with themes of serious illness and young adult romance. The film’s cast should also appeal to this young demographic, as Emilia Clarke is a rising star due to her role as Daenerys Targaryen on the HBO television show Game of Thrones (also in the film is Clarke’s Thrones co-star Charles Dance) [16], and Sam Claflin has gained fame from the Hunger Games series [17]. The film is based on the acclaimed novel of the same name by Jojo Moyes. MGM is co-producing the film with New Line Cinema (a division of Warner Bros.) and Sunswept Entertainment [18].

loc_benhur_17032016

Ben-Hur is the first of MGM’s two remakes of classic films in 2016, and will be released on August 19. It’s also the more outwardly risky- its director, Timur Bekmambetov, is hardly an established hitmaker, and the only big name in its cast is Morgan Freeman in a supporting role (the title role is played by the essentially unknown Jack Huston) [19]. Still, Ben-Hur has the name recognition of one of the most famous and successful films ever made, as well as the appeal of a big-budget summer blockbuster. MGM is co-producing the film with Paramount Pictures [20].

The Magnificent Seven, set for release on September 23, is a remake of the classic John Sturges Western starring Steve McQueen and Charles Bronson, itself a remake of Akira Kurosawa’s legendary Seven Samurai. The film is being directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, Southpaw), and stars Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, and Ethan Hawke, among others [21]. That combination of commercially successful director and all-star cast is a solid predictor for the film’s financial success. Pratt, especially, has been a major draw at the box office, headlining such hits as Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World [22]. MGM is co-producing the film with Columbia Pictures, a subsidiary of Sony Pictures [23].

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Michael B. Jordan [28]

In Development

Future projects of MGM’s include a recently announced reboot of the Tomb Raider series, which they will coproduce with Warner Bros [24] (Daisy Ridley, star of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, has been confirmed as being in talks to star in the series) [25]. This would be the newest in a succession of recent MGM coproductions with Warner Bros., including films like the Hobbit trilogy and Creed and its upcoming sequels [26]. Other future MGM productions include a remake of the 1968 heist thriller The Thomas Crown Affair with Creed star Michael B. Jordan [27].

Conclusion

It’s not clear whether MGM will make a return to producing or distributing films by themselves, or whether they will continue serving only in a co-producer or co-distributor role, as they have since their bankruptcy. The studio has released progressively more films per year since the 2010 bankruptcy, climbing from one release in 2010 to seven in 2015 [29]. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer is still a long way from their former position as the largest and most profitable movie studio in Hollywood [30], but the success they’ve had in their recent films and their continued financial growth bodes well for the future of the company.

[1] Koscis, James (November 10th, 2009). MGM LogoJames Koscis Design + Imaging. Retrieved: April 18th 2016.

[2] Ovide, Shira and Spector, Mike (November 5th, 2010). Everything You Need to Know about the MGM BankruptcyThe Wall Street Journal. Retrieved: April 10th 2016.

[3] Investor RelationsMGM Studios. Retrieved: April 12th 2016.

[4] Lieberman, David (March 25th, 2016). MGM Board Adds $300M To Stock Repurchase PlanDeadline. Retrieved: April 13th 2016.

[5] McNary, Dave (December 14th, 2015). Mark Burnett Named President of MGM Television. Retrieved: April 12th 2016.

[6] TodayMGM Studios. Retrieved: April 12th 2016.

[7] TodayMGM Studios. Retrieved: April 12th 2016.

[8] TodayMGM Studios. Retrieved: April 12th 2016.

[9] TodayMGM Studios. Retrieved: April 12th 2016.

[10] How to Be Single (2016)- Company CreditsIMDb. Retrieved: April 15th 2016.

[11] Barbershop: The Next Cut (2016)- Company CreditsIMDb. Retrieved: April 15th 2016.

[12] How to Be Single (2016)Box Office Mojo. Retrieved: April 10th 2016.

[13] Barbershop: The Next Cut (2016)Box Office Mojo. Retrieved: April 10th 2016.

[14] How To Be SingleIMDb. Retrieved: April 10th 2016.

[15] Titles- Me Before YouMGM Studios. Retrieved: April 17th 2016.

[16] Game of ThronesIMDb. Retrieved: April 17th 2016.

[17] Sam ClaflinIMDb. Retrieved: April 17th 2016.

[18] Me Before You- Company CreditsIMDb. Retrieved: April 17th 2016.

[19] Ben-HurIMDb. Retrieved: April 18th 2016.

[20] Ben-Hur (2016)- Company CreditsIMDb. Retrieved: April 18th 2016.

[21] The Magnificent SevenIMDb. Retrieved: April 18th, 2016.

[22] Chris PrattIMDb. Retrieved: April 18th, 2016.

[23] The Magnificent Seven (2016)- Company CreditsIMDb. Retrieved: April 18th, 2016.

[24] McNary, Dave (February 25th, 2016). Warner Bros. Joins MGM on ‘Tomb Raider’ RebootVariety. Retrieved: April 20th, 2016.

[25] Ritman, Alex (March 21st, 2016). Daisy Ridley Confirms ‘Tomb Raider’ Reboot Talks. The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved: April 20th, 2016.

[26] McNary, Dave (February 25th, 2016). Warner Bros. Joins MGM on ‘Tomb Raider’ RebootVariety. Retrieved: April 20th, 2016.

[27] Kit, Borys (February 24th, 2016). Michael B. Jordan, MGM to Remake “The Thomas Crown AffairThe Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved: April 20th, 2016.

[28] Michael B. JordanIMDb. Retrieved: April 23rd, 2016.

[29] Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer: CompletedMovie Insider. Retrieved: April 23rd, 2016.

[30] Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, IncEncyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved: April 23rd, 2016.

 

MGM Studios

by Abby Schwartz

[1] MGM‘s iconic logo and mascot Leo the Lion

History

MGM Studios was founded in 1924 through the merger of three pre-existing studios: Metro Pictures Corp., Goldwyn Pictures, and Louis B. Mayer Productions. This leading entertainment company is involved primarily in the production and distribution of films and television programs.  Some of the studio’s early work include successful classics such as Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz [2]. Once a major player in the industry, MGM filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in 2010 but emerged shortly thereafter, leaving Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum of Spyglass Entertainment as heads on the company [3]. A mere two years later however, Birnbaum left MGM to return to producing, making Barber the sole CEO and Chairman of the company [4]. 2014 marks the 90th Anniversary of the studio. In celebration, movies will be re-released on Blu-ray and a special trailer will be played throughout theaters giving the viewers a glimpse into the rich history of the company [5].

Key Executives

 

[6] Gary Barber (L)- Chairman and CEO

[7] Jonathan Glickman  (R)- President, Motion Picture Group

 

Screen Shot 2014-11-30 at 3.26.17 PM

 

[8] Roma Khanna (L)- President, Television Group and Digital

[9] Dene B. Stratton (R)- CFO

 

 

Finances

Although still partially privately held by MGM Holdings Inc. MGM has been publicly releasing its finances since its bankruptcy in 2010 and IPO for MGMB was offered in 2012. In its most recent quarterly report (Q3), the company announced net income of $28.5 million, up from 16.5 in the same quarter last year. The revenue however, came in about $9 million lower in comparison to the same quarter in 2013 [10]. This drop was expected since 2013 generated significant revenue thanks to the “theatrical explosion” of Skyfall, the 23rd installment in the successful James Bond franchise, in late 2012 [11].

MGM also revealed in its report that it had paid $343 million for a 55% stake in a joint venture with Mark BurnettRoma Downey, and Hearst Entertainment Productions [12]. All of the interests will be consolidated in United Artists Media Group – a new media venture. This venture gives MGM a stake in successful television shows such as Survivor, The Voice, Shark Tank, and the upcoming miniseries A.D. [13].

Upcoming Projects

The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies (12/17/14)

[14] The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies Trailer

The Hobbit: Battle of Five is the final installment in Peter Jackson’s Hobbit trilogy based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy novel of the same name.  It is a co-production with New Line Cinema, WingNut Films, and Warner Bros. who also is the film distributor.  According to Jackson, the movie is not so much about this final battle per se, but rather about what will happen to beloved characters. The film stars franchise favorites Ian McKellen and Martin Freeman [15]. This past week, according to iSpot.tv, The Hobbit spent the most money in television advertising, having twelve variations of the ad play on 47 networks [16].

Max (01/30/15)

Not much is known about this co-production with Warner Bros. due out this January. Directed by Boaz Yakin, the film tells the story of Max, a service dog who returns to the U.S. after his handler’s traumatizing death. Once stateside, he is adopted by the man’s grieving family and helps them heal, moving past their tragedy [17].

Hot Tub Time Machine 2 (02/20/15)

[18] Hot Tub Time Machine 2 Trailer (NSFW)

This comedic farce is the sequel to the 2010 film Hot Tub Time Machine and stars funny men Craig Robinson, Rob Corddry, and Clark Duke who are all reprising their characters introduced in the first film. Joining them will be Parks and Recreation’s Adam Scott, who fill the spot left opened by John Cusack.  Originally due out Christmas Day, it was announced in October that the film was being pushed back until February, thus avoiding direct competition with Sony’s fellow buddy film The Interview which stars comedy duo James Franco and Seth Rogan [19]. MGM will distribute and co-produce the film with Paramount Pictures.

Don’t Mess With Texas (05/08/15)

[22] Vergara and Witherspoon pose for a photo on set

Bringing together Reese Witherspoon and Sofía Vergara, the female centric comedy set for a spring release is about a cop (Witherspoon) who goes on the run with a prisoner (Vergara), who is the wife of a drug dealer [20]. Co-produced with Warner Bro. and Newline Cinema, the action-comedy is being directed by Anne Fletcher known for popular films such as The Proposal and more recently Guilt Trip [21].

Poltergeist (07/24/15)

The 80s film about a Californian family haunted by supernatural forces and was also produced by MGM, is getting an update. This remake of the horror film is written by Pulitzer Prize Winner David Lindsay-Abaire and being produced by The Evil Dead‘s Sam Raimi [23]. Initially, the film – based on the original, considered by many to be the scariest film of all time – received an R rating from the MPAA, but producer Steven Spielberg successfully lobbied for the film to receive a PG-13 rating [24]. Rosemarie DeWitt, who plays mom Amy Bowen, revealed that the iconic line from the original “They’re Here” will be featured in the film which will also have lots of modern tech gadgets like iPads to reflect on the current times [25].

Bond 24 (11/06/15)

The currently working-titled film will be the 24th installment in the successful franchise.

Daniel Craig as James Bond in a movie poster for Skyfall (2012)

Daniel Craig and Sam Mendes will reprise their roles as 007 and director respectively [26]. Additionally, Academy Award Winner Christoph Waltz has been tapped to play iconic villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld, who has not been featured in a Bond film since 1981 [27]. Hilary Swank has recently been rumored to be the next Bond Girl, making her the oldest one in the history of the franchise, but many believe this to be just talk and that the coveted role will go to French actress Léa Syedoux [28]. In legal news, MGM continues a copyright infringement case against Universal over Bond, claiming that their upcoming film ‘Section 6’ is a rip-off of the spy franchise. Universal has been trying to get the case dismissed since its filing in May claiming that MGM is afraid of any possible competitors [29].

Ben Hur (02/26/16)

Though not premiering for over a year, this remake of the 1959 film based on Lew Wallace’s 1880 novel is already creating significant buzz. The film marks the first known collaboration between MGM and Burnett/Downey and tells the epic story of a falsely accused prince (Ben Hur) who manages to survive years of slavery and vows to take vengeance on his friend Messala who betrayed him. Boardwalk Empire star Jack Huston is confirmed to play the title role. He joins the previously cast Morgan Freeman who is slated to play Ben Hur’s mentor Ildarin [30]. Toby Kebbell, Ayelet Zurer and Olivia Cooke are slated to star as Massala, Naomi (Ben Hur’s mother), and Tirzah (Ben Hur’s sister) respectively [31].

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Sources

[1] Leo The Lion GIF. (n.d.). Retrieved November 19, 2014.

[2] MGM HomePage. (n.d.). Retrieved November 19, 2014.

[3] McNary, D. (2010, November 4). Judge OKs MGM Bankruptcy Motions. Retrieved November 19,  2014.

[4] Finke, N. (2012, October 3). MGM’s Roger Birnbaum Steps Down To Return To Producing; Gary Barber Now Revived Studio’s Sole Chairman & CEO. Retrieved November 19, 2014.

[5] METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER CELEBRATES 90 YEARS OF EXTRAORDINARY FILMMAKING. (2014, January 22). Retrieved November 11, 2014.

[6] Gary Barber Photo. (n.d.). Retrieved November 21, 2014.

[7] Jonathan Glickman Photo (n.d.). Retrieved November 21, 2014.

[8] Roma Khanna Photo (n.d.). Retrieved November 21, 2014.

[9] Dene B. Stratton Photo (n.d.). Retrieved November 21, 2014.

[10] Wanvari, T. (2014, November 18). MGM Holdings revenue down, income up in Q3-2014. Retrieved November 22, 2014.

[11] MGM HOLDINGS INC. For the quarter ended September 30, 2014. (2014, November). Retrieved November 22, 2014.

[12] Lang, B. (2014, November 13). MGM Spent $343 Million for Mark Burnett/Roma Downey Joint Venture. Retrieved November 22, 2014.

[13] Fleming, M., & Busch, A. (2014, September 22). MGM Buys 55% Of Roma Downey And Mark Burnett’s Empire; Relaunches United Artists. Retrieved November 22, 2014.

[14] The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies – Official Main Trailer [HD]. (2014, November 6). Retrieved November 23, 2014.

[15] Truitt, B. (2014, November 6). ‘Five Armies’ closes the curtain on Middle-earth. Retrieved November 23, 2014.

[16] ‘The Hobbit’ Battles Its Way to Top TV Ad Spend Position. (2014, November 26). Retrieved November 29, 2014.

[17] Max. (n.d.). Retrieved November 26, 2014.

[18] Hot Tub Time Machine 2 – Red Band Trailer. (2014, July 24). Retrieved November 26, 2014.

[19] McClintock, P. (2014, October 14). Christmas Exodus Continues as ‘Hot Tub Time Machine 2’ Pushes Back Release – Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 26, 2014.

[20] Don’t Mess with Texas. (n.d.). Retrieved November 27, 2014, from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2967224/

[21] Anne Fletcher. (n.d.). Retrieved November 29, 2014.

[22] Sofia Vergara and Reese Witherspoon. (n.d.). Retrieved November 30, 2014.

[23] Poltergeist. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2014.

[24] Marquina, S. (2014, October 17). Poltergeist Reboot Scores PG-13 Rating By the MPAA. Retrieved November 27, 2014.

[25] Malkin, M. (2014, October 5). Will Poltergeist Remake Include ”They’re Here”? Retrieved November 30, 2014.

[26] Bond 24. (n.d.). Retrieved November 25, 2014.

[27] London, C. (2014, November 23). You weren’t expecting this, 007. But…BLOFELD’S BACK! Bond will be having kittens as evil foe returns – with double Oscar winner Christoph Waltz tipped to play him . Retrieved November 26, 2014.

[28] Leston, R. (2014, November 29). Hilary Swank Linked With Bond 24. Retrieved December 1, 2014.

[29] Patten, D. (2014, October 7). Universal Hits Back At “Desperate” James Bond Lawsuit From MGM & 007 Producers. Retrieved November 23, 2014.

[30] Fleming, M. (2014, September 16). ‘Ben-Hur’ Remake: ‘Boardwalk Empire’s Jack Huston Lands Title Role. Retrieved November 28, 2014.

[31] Sneider, J. (2014, November 13). ‘Ouija’ Star Olivia Cooke May Play Jack Huston’s Sister in ‘Ben-Hur’ Remake (Exclusive) – TheWrap. Retrieved November 29, 2014.

 

 

MGM

by Joanna Monfreda
Screen Shot 2014-11-24 at 3.08.04 PM

Metro Goldwyn Mayer [1]

Contact Information

MGM Studios Inc.
245 N Beverly Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Key Executives

Gary Barber
Chairman and CEO

Jonathan Glickman
President, Motion Picture Group

Roma Khanna
President, Television Group and Digital

Profile

History

Screen Shot 2014-11-24 at 3.03.57 PM

Alfred Hitchcock serving MGM mascot Leo the Lion tea [5]

In 1924 Metro Pictures Corp., Goldwyn Pictures, and Louis B. Mayer merged to form Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, a company that would go on to win 200 Academy Awards and uphold itself to an outstanding level of cinema creation. Known for films such as The Wizard of OzGone with the Windand hundreds more, the film production company paved its way during the beginning days of cinema as the leading studio in the business. [I] Through their peak from the 1930s to the 1950s MGM had many contracted actors such as Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire, Elizabeth Taylor, and Lucille Ball. [II] Through the 1960s and 1970s, MGM studio was less successful than it had been in the golden age. In the hands of Kirk Kerkorian, many of the studio’s prized props, historical lots, and other possessions were sold. He then put most of the company’s money towards the construction of the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. [III] The studio’s downhill spiral continued into bankruptcy in 2010 where the company was in 4 billion dollars of debt and desperately needed an overhaul. Since then MGM has slowly been working on building itself back up. [IV]

Finances

MGM Holdings Inc. made $233.5 million dollars in revenue in their third quarter ending in September 2014. The quarter included the months of July, August and September. The company saw $6.5 million dollars from theatrical revenue in these three months, which came from the release of Hercules in areas where MGM controls distribution.

Their worldwide home entertainment revenue was $41.7 million. This was impacted by the home distribution release of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and RoboCop.

 Another $150.6 million came from worldwide television licensing this quarter. This revenue came from not only the licensing of Teen Wolf, Fargoand Viking, but from the television licensing of Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and their horror film, Carrie. This is less than the company’s third quarter in 2013, but that is due to how much of an impact Skyfall had on the company’s revenue last year. [V]

What’s Happening Now

Orion Pictures was obtained by MGM in 1997. The studio was responsible for some of the most famous films through the 80s and 90s such as Terminator, The Silence of the Lambsand Dances with Wolves.

After declaring bankruptcy and being acquired by MGM, the studio did not see much success. It wasn’t until this past October, that MGM released a film through the small studio.

A remake of the horror film The Town That Dreaded Sundown was released by Orion Pictures on October 16th, 2014. [VI] There hasn’t been talk of MGM pushing Orion Pictures to be a stand-alone studio, but they do have their hands in other future film distribution deals. [VI][VII]

 

Along with Orion Pictures, MGM is also rebuilding United Artists. This September MGM spent $343.8 million dollars on a 55% ownership in a joint venture with Roma Downey, Mark Burnett, and Hearst Entertainment’s Steven Swartz to create United Artists Media Group. This merge includes Downey and Burnett’s production companies LightWorkers Media and One Three Media. MGM originally purchased United Artists in 1981, and since then the studio has gone through many different hands.

LightWorkers Media and One Three Media are responsible for shows such as The Voice, Survivor, The Celebrity Apprentice, The Bible and Shark Tank. United Artists Media Group is now leaning towards producing more faith based content and will be launching a faith focused, subscription channel called “Over The Top” or OTT. The channel will have new and old faith focused programming including Christian music videos, and both film and television content. [VIII] The executives saw success from their spiritual driven content such as The Bible and Son of God. They seek to target audiences interested in faith and family content because their ratings have shown there is a market for it. [IX] While the MGM works to put together a team to bring OTT to life, they are also looking into other film and digital media ventures as well. [X]

 

MGM collaborated with Warner Brothers on If I Stay a film based on the popular, young-adult novel written by Gayle Forman. The film was made with an 11 million dollar budget, and directed by R.J. Cutler. It was released on August 22th, 2014 of this year, and closed on November 6th, 2014. Its eleven-week run grossed 78.3 million dollars worldwide. [XI]

 

 

 

What’s to Come

On December 17th, 2014 the last film of The Hobbit series The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies will be released. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey grossed over one billion dollars worldwide, while its sequel, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug grossed 958.4 million dollars worldwide. [XII][XIII]

With such a large fan base, there are high expectations for the amount of money the ending film of the trilogy will bring the studio. [XIV]

 

ABC has just announced a spin off of Shark Tank that will be produced by MGM’s United Artists Media Group and Sony Picture Television called Beyond the Tank.

 It will be a series documenting past contestants current success and business state after being on the show. The network has called for 10 one-hour episodes, but has not released a premiere date. [XV]

 

On November 27th, 2014 NBC released their first trailer for A.D.: Beyond the Bible produced by MGM’s United Artists Media Group. Roma Downey and Mark Burnett will be the show’s executive producers.

The mini-series is scheduled to premiere on April 5th, 2015, which is Easter Sunday. It is a sequel to The Bible, and begins at the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The series continues the story of the creation of the Christian faith. [XVI]

The company already has two films are scheduled to be released in 2015. The first, Hot Tub Time Machine 2, will be produced in collaboration with Paramount Pictures. The sequel’s theatrical release is directed by Steve Pink, and will be February 20th, 2015. [XVII] The second, in collaboration with 20th Century Fox, will be a remake of the 1982 horror film Poltergeist. It’s directed by Gil Kenan, and its release date is October 26th, 2015. [XVIII]

 

[I] MGM History mgm.com. Retrieved 24 November 2014.
[II] The Historic MGM Studios seeing-stars.com. Retrieved 24 November 2014.
[III] MGM Again: 87 Years of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studio History moviefanfare.com. Retrieved 24 November 2014.
[IV] MGM Files for Bankruptcy Protection nytimes.com. Retrieved 24 November 2014.
[V] MGM Third Quarter Financial Report mgm.com. Retrieved 25 November 2014.
[VI] Iconic Film Company Orion Pictures Returns After 15 Years slashfilm.com. Retrieved 26 November 2014
[VII] MGM Quietly Revives Orion Pictures deadline.com. Retrieved 26 November 2014.
[VIII] MGM, LightWorkers Media and One Three Media Merge mgm.com. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
[IX] Mark Burnett: MGM Deal Will Drive Faith and Family Channel variety.com. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
[X] Creation of the United Artists Media Group deadline.com. Retrieved 26 November 2014.
[XI] If I Stay Box Office Results boxofficemojo.com. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
[XII] The Hobbit: an Unexpected Journey Box Office Results boxofficemojo.com. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
[XIII] The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Box Office Results boxofficemojo.com. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
[XIV] The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Trailer Release variety.com. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
[XV] Inspired by the success of “Shark Tank” ABC Announces Launch of “Beyond the Tank” mgm.com. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
[XVI] NBC’s “A.D.” Trailer Promo Released: Riveting Portrayal of Passion of Christ christiantimes.com. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
[XVII] Details of Hot Tub Time Machine 2 ropeofsilicon.com. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
[XVIII] Details of Poltergeist Remake ropeofsilicon.com. Retrieved 28 November 2014.

[1] MGM logo mgmlogo.jpg. Retrieved 24 November 2014.
[2] Gary Barber socialregister.co.uk. Retrieved 24 November 2014.
[3] Jonathan Glickman socialregister.co.uk.com. Retrieved 24 November 2014.
[4] Roma Khanna deadline.com. Retrieved 24 November 2014.
[5] Alfred Hitchcock Serving Leo the Lion instagram.com. Retrieved 24 November 2014.
[6] Hercules imdb.com. Retrieved 25 November 2014.
[7] The Town that Dreaded Sundown imdb.com. Retrieved 26 November 2014.
[8] Orion Pictures manlymovie.net. Retrieved 26 November 2014.
[9] United Artist Media Group insidetv.ew.com. Retrieved 26 November 2014.
[10] Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies imdb.com. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
[11] Shark Tank imdb.com. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
[12] If I Stay imdb.com. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
[13] A.D.: Beyond the Bible comingsoon.net. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
[14] RoboCop imdb.com. Retrieved 26 November 2014.