Focus Features

Posted on November 19, 2013 by Daniel Fabi

By Dan Fabi

Focus Features Logo courtesy of FocusFeatures.com

Locations

LOS ANGELES OFFICE

100 Universal City Plaza

Universal City, CA 91608

NEW YORK OFFICE

65 Bleecker Street – 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10012

INTERNATIONAL OFFICE

26 Aybrook Street

London W1U 4AN

United Kingdom

History

Focus Features is a subdivision of NBCUniversal, which primarily specializes in art films aimed at niche markets rather than mass market audiences [1]. Focus Features allows the directors of the films they produce to have a final say in the editing room to produce the film that they had initially envisioned, creating a successful brand of art house films [2]. Last year, the company celebrated its ten-year anniversary after being established in May 2002 through the merger of USA Films and Good Machine. Focus’s first widely released film was The Pianist, which received three Academy Awards for best actor, best director, and best adapted screenplay [3].

Adrien Brody wins the Oscar for best Actor in "The Pianist" (2002)

Photo Courtesy of the Associatedv Press

Key Executives

James Schamus
Photo Courtesy of news.uchicago.edu

James Schamus, Founder and Outgoing CEO

Prior to forming Focus Features, James Schamus was the co-president of production company Good Machine, which he founded in 1991. Eleven years later, Schamus merged with USA Films to create Focus Features. Schamus is also an Academy Award nominee, receiving screenwriting and original score nominations for his work on Good Machine’s Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon [4].

Peter Schlessel
Photo Courtesy of Deadline.com

Peter Schlessel, Incoming CEO

Formerly, Schlessel had founded FilmDistrict and was President for GK Films. GK has produced films such as Argo, Hugo, and World War Z. In January 2014, Schlessel’s term as Focus Features’ CEO will commence [5].

Andrew Karpen
Photo Courtesy of hollywoodreporter.com

Andrew Karpen, Outgoing Co-CEO

Karpen joined the Focus Features executive team over a year after it formed as the company’s COO. In May 2013, he was promoted to co-CEO. As Co-CEO, Karpen controlled Focus’s domestic and international activities. Before joining Focus Features, Karpen was Senior Vice President, finance of Oxygen Media, another subsidiary of NBCUniversal [6].

Adrian Alperovich
Photo Courtesy of homemediamagazine.com

Adrian Alperovich, Incoming COO

In May 2012, Alperovich was appointed Chief Operating Officer of FilmDistrict. Alperovich has been appointed to retain the title as his production company is absorbed by Focus. In January 2014, Alperovich’s term as Focus Features’ COO will commence [7].

Robert T. Gibson
Photo Courtesy of stage.nbcuni.com

Robert T. Gibson, CFO and Senior VP, Finance

In Mid-2004, Gibson joined Focus Features as Director, Finance and Strategic Planning. In 2009, he was appointed the company’s CFO. Gibson will follow the relocating of Focus Features headquarters to Los Angeles after previously being based in the company’s east coast offices [8].

Financials

In 2005, Focus Features released its highest grossing film, Brokeback Mountain. The film grossed over $83 million and received Oscars for best director, best adapted screenplay, and best original score [9]. In 2013 thus far, Focus has released six films, gaining a gross profit of $86.4 million. In 2012, the company received a gross profit of $131.2 million from eight films. By November of 2012, the company’s total gross from the six films they released was $109.1 million, most of which came from animated blockbuster film, Paranorman, with a total gross of over $56 million. From November 2012 to November 2013, Focus Features has seen a 21% drop in total gross [10].

Restructure

On October 1^st, 2013, Universal Pictures announced a restructuring of Focus Features caused by the production company’s owner, Comcast. Focus absorbed FilmDistrict and appointed many of the members of FilmDistrict’s production team. Peter Schlessel will replace James Schamus as the new CEO. Other transferring executives include Adrian Alperovich, former COO of FilmDistrict and incoming COO for Focus. After given the opportunity to relocate to Focus Features’ new headquarters in Los Angeles, former co-CEO of Focus, Andrew Karpen, chose to remain in New York City with his family [11].

Photo Courtesy of FilmDistrict

The reconstruction of Focus Features was meant to strengthen the company’s commercial competition with their rivals, some of which include DreamWorks Studios, Lions Gate Entertainment, and The Independent Film Channel LLC. By restructuring the company, Focus Features will begin producing films with more commercial potential [12].

Alison Thompson, head of Focus Features International

Alison Thompson
Photo Courtesy of hollywoodreporter.com

Along with the reconstruction of the executive team, the New York offices of Focus Features will be closed at an unspecified date and business will continue on the west coast [13]. On December 31^st, 2013, Focus Features International is set to close its headquarters. Alison Thompson, co-president of Focus International, will continue to run the department of Focus Features from outside of its London headquarters. The announcement has jolted the American Film Market, a major buyer of Focus International [14] [15].

Recent Film Releases

Dallas Buyers Club

Photo courtesy of critic.de

On November 1^st, Focus Features released the film Dallas Buyers Club to several select cities. The film tells the true story of a severely homophobic man, Ron Woodroof whom in 1985 is diagnosed with HIV, a disease he believed only homosexuals could catch. He then teams up with a group to form a “buyers club;” a group dedicated to purchasing medicines that they could not obtain in the United States. The film is rated R for profanity, violence, and nudity [17].

Photo Courtesy of UPI/Christine Chew

Due to it’s limited release, the film opened in nine theaters and gained $350,000 in its first week. As of November 17^th, the film has made about $3 million domestically. The film is directed by Jean-Marc Vallee and is starring Matthew McConaughey, Jared Leto and Jennifer Garner [18]. The film has gained much attention for its informational portrayal of the HIV virus as well as its groundbreaking performances by the lead actors. Lead actors McConaughey and Leto have been predicted for Oscar nominations by some of the industry’s top critics.[19].

The World’s End

Photo Courtesy of reggiestake.com

On August 23^rd, 2013, Focus released one of its highest grossing films of the 2013 fiscal year thus far called The World’s End. In it, a team of friends retries their “pub crawl” attempt, which they had failed 20 years earlier. The crawl involves twelve pubs in which each member must complete a pint of beer before they can move onto the next. The final pub, “The World’s End,” is the ultimate destination and one that the group failed to reach 20 years ago. Gary King, played by Simon Pegg, leads his team to the ultimate goal until they find that humankind is at stake [20].

Blu-Ray package Edgar Wright's Cornetto Trilogy box set

Photo Courtesy of edgarwrighthere.com

The film was largely anticipated largely due to the reunion of the famed team of Director Edgar Wright and actors Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. The three have worked together on two previous films, Shaun of the Dead (2004) and Hot Fuzz (2007) [21]. The World’s End is the final installment of what’s known as the “Cornetto trilogy” due to the films’ ever-present color schemes that relate to some of the company’s ice cream flavors.

Upcoming Film Releases

Fifty Shades of Grey

Photo Courtesy of Amazon.com

In May 2011, the novel Fifty Shades of Grey was released and immediately became a widespread smash. Focus Features subsequently picked up the movie rights to the series for $5 million. The film has an estimated budget of around $40 million [22].

The film (and book) is about literature student Anastasia Steele who through a business interview meets billionaire entrepreneur Christian Grey. The man, who is tormented by his inner demons, explores an intimate relationship with Steele. The two launch into graphic and descriptive bouts of sexual fantasy [23].

Entertainment Weekly cover for the stars of "Fifty Shades of Grey," Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson

Photo Courtesy of Entertainment Weekly

Fifty Shades of Grey has been a large topic of conversation in the media and one whose details have been kept hidden. There have been numerous rumors of casting and some announcements of cast dropouts. Pacific Rim actor Charlie Hunnam announced that he was dropping out from being the title character, Christian Grey. Since then, Jamie Dornan has been hired, an actor who has appeared in Marie Antoinette and the ABC show Once Upon a Time [24].

Sources

[1] Focus Features Description

[2] Ten Years of Focus Features Anniversary Video

[3] The Pianist Film Awards

[4] James Schamus Bio

[5] Focus Features to Absorb FilmDistrict

[6] Andrew Karpen Bio

[7] FilmDistrict Names Three New Marketing Executives

[8] Robert T. Gibson Bio

[9] Brokeback Mountain Film Awards

[10] Box Office Mojo – Focus Features All Time

[11] Focus Features Brings in Majority of FilmDistrict Team Post Shake-Up

[12] Focus Features Hoovers Profile

[13] Focus Features New York Office to Close

[14] Focus Features International Will Close Doors Dec. 31

[15] AFM Adjusts to Life After Focus Features Int’l

[16] Box Office Mojo – Focus Features Future Releases

[17] IMDb – Dallas Buyers Club

[18] Box Office Mojo – Dallas Buyers Club

[19] Rotten Tomatoes – Dallas Buyers Club

[20] IMDb – The World’s End Plot Summary

[21] IMDb – Edgar Wright

[22] Fifty Shades of Grey Film Facts

[23] Fifty Shades of Grey Plot Summary

[24] Fifty Shades of Grey Casting

Focus Features

Posted on November 2, 2013 by Iara Rogers Benchoam

By Iara Rogers Benchoam

LOS ANGELES OFFICE

100 Universal City Plaza

Universal City, CA 91608

NEW YORK OFFICE

65 Bleecker Street – 3rd Floor

New York, NY 10012

INTERNATIONAL OFFICE

26 Aybrook Street

London W1U 4AN

United Kingdom

HISTORY

Focus Features is the sister company of NBCUniversal. The art-house unit of Universal Pictures, Focus produces and distributes specialty films in the U.S. and distributes films globally through Focus Features International. Focus aspires to challenge its viewers with controversial issues and deep concepts. Focus formed in 2002 with the merge of USA Films, Universal Focus, and Good Machine In February 2011, Focus Features partnered with Screen Media and launched Focus World, a VOD (video on demand) label aimed to bringing global and indie films to audiences across multiple platforms. Focus World films released to date include Resurrect Dead, C.O.G., and Underground: The Julian Assange Story. [1] Currently, Focus is undergoing changes in key executives and domestic headquarters with the merge of FilmDistrict. [2]

Focus’ competitors are DreamWorks Studios, Lionsgate Entertainment Corp, and The Independent Film Channel LLC. These companies share values of specialty and high-quality produced films.

Brokeback Mountain, The Kids are All Right, Anna Karenina, Atonement, and Milk, are a handful of Focus’ Oscar wins and nominations. [3] Focus Features releases approximately 5 feature films annually. There is an expected bump up in yearly releases with the evaporation of FilmDistrict into Focus Features.

KEY EXECUTIVES

James Schamus and Peter Schlessel

Among being the co-founder and CEO to Focus, James Schamus is a screenwriter, producer, and a fervid pursuer of the art-house genre. Schamus’ notable filmography includes Hulk and Brokeback Mountain. With the merge of Focus’ and FilmDistrict, Peter Schlessel, a professional of the studio and specialty films, will take over as Focus Features’ CEO starting January 2014. [4]

Andrew Karpen and Adrian Alperovi

Adrian Alperovich will run as chief operating officer with the changes in January 2014, taking the place of Andrew Karpen who declined the offer to move to LA with the new Focus Features headquarters. [5] As co-chief executive officer, Karpen managed Focus’ international and domestic activities.

FINANCIALS

Focus Features’ annual and quarter financials are private. Since its launch in 2002, Focus Features has undergone a plummet in the box offices. In an effort to change the company’s unprofitability, Universal Pictures pushed for the merge between Focus and FilmDistrict, a change in headquarters and executives, more commercialized productions, and an increase of 10 films produced and distributed annually by the improved Focus Features. [6]

2013 marks Focus’ first year with 10 releases. An overall gross profit of $86.4 million is perceived as low in comparison to the $131.2 million in 2012 with only 7 releases. There was a -34.1% decrease in annual gross between 2012 and 2013 and a -29.9% decrease when comparing 2011 and 2013 box offices. [7]

FILMDISTRICT MERGE

October 2013, Universal Pictures, the parent company to Focus Features, announced the absorption of FilmDistrict into Focus Features with new CEO, Peter Schessel. Schessel officially begins as head of Focus Features January 2014 in the new Los Angeles headquarters. The revamped Focus Features company plans to bring in most of the FilmDistrict team alongside Peter Schessel and Adrian Alperovich. [8]

“The breadth and depth of Peter’s experience in the film business including production, acquisitions, distribution and most recently running FilmDistrict, will be a tremendous asset to Focus Features as the company broadens its portfolio beyond the production and distribution of specialty product,” said Universal Pictures chairman Donna Langley. “Peter is one of the most talented executives in the industry and I’m confident that under his leadership, Focus will become even more of a force as the specialty film business continues to evolve.” [9] Under Schessel’s administration starting January 2014, the remaining FilmDictrict productions will be released as a part of Focus Features films.

The merge serves to build Focus’ global footprint by increasing commercial films, broadening film styles, and raising annually released films to 10. These goals will further structure and change the art-house film unit and expand the company’s range of audiences. The absorption of FilmDistrict and part of its professional team will escalate Focus Features to a status above its specialty competitors.

THE WORLD’S END

Released: August 23, 2013

Following the success of Hot Fuzz (2007) and Shaun of the Dead (2004), director Edgar Wright takes on a new, explosive production with The World’s End. Director Edgar Wright’s The World’s End, tells a story about the reunion of five lifelong friends who rekindle over a drinking game but face obstacles of the apocalyptic degree. The reunited team, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, fight for the future humankind in The World’s End. [10]

Opening weekend The World’s End ranked fourth with $8,811,790 in 1,551 theaters. Currently in its 13th week, The World’s End grossed about two times as much as its budget with $46,074,336 worldwide. [11] The third in Wright’s Cornetto trilogy, The World’s End expected to soar inside and outside target audiences. With continual decrease in weekend gross, the theater count dropped dramatically every weekend, adding to the overall decrease in The World’s End profitability for Focus Features.

FUTURE

The future for Focus Features revolves around the changes in the company, innovation in a multi-platform world, oscar buzz, and additional films set for release from both FilmDistrict and Focus’ slate.

Among Focus’ four theatrical releases of 2013, Dallas Buyers Club holds the most praise and interest. Based on true events, Dallas Buyers Club tells the story of a life-enthusiast, Ron Woodroof (Matthew McConaughey), diagnosed with H.I.V.. Woodroof refuses to believe his scheduled demise in 30 days and challenges the scientific and medical community by smuggling unapproved treatments and medicines to the U.S. from Mexico. On his journey, he befriends a fellow AIDS struggler and transsexual, Rayon (Jared Leto). Together they form a buyers club to sell and distribute new HIV medicines. A story on the education, acceptance, and struggle of the AIDS epidemic, Dallas Buyers Club takes on a topic still toxic and hidden in todays world. [12]

With its initial release, Dallas Buyers Club is receiving Oscar buzz for Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto’s work. The film gained initial recognition and buzz in the Toronto International Film Festival alongside Jason Bateman‘s Bad Words. Focus Features bought the rights to distribute the two films at TIFF and expect high successes. [13]

Focus Features is currently producing Bad Words to be released March 2014, Boxtrolls to be released September 2014, and 50 Shades of Grey to be released February 2015. With the new merge, the company plans on releasing the slate that FilmDistrict carries, alongside their own slate. Universal Pictures took an educated leap with this merge; only the future will tell if Focus will prosper as a production company or flop as an amateur partnership.

SOURCES

[1] IndieWire- Focus World Launch

[2] Google Finance- Focus Features

[3] Yahoo- Focus Features Summary

[4] Hollywood Reporter- Focus 2014 CEO Changes

[5] Variety- Focus 2014 Co-CEO Changes

[6] WSJ- Focus Profit Strategy

[7] BoxOfficeMojo- Yearly Comparisons

[8] Variety- FilmDistrict Team to Focus

[9] IndieWire Focus Executives Change

[10] The World’s End Official Page

[11] BoxOfficeMojo- The World’s End Review

[12] Dallas Buyers Club Official Page

[13] Deadline- Dallas Buyers Club Oscar Buzz

IMAGE SOURCES

From top

1. WordPress- Focus Features Logo

2. Hollywood Reporter- CEO, Old and New

3a. NBCUMV- CoCEO Karpen

3b. Homemedia Magazine- FilmDistrict Alperovich

4. Firstshowing.net- FilmDistrict Merge into Focus Features

5. DraftHouse- The World’s End Poster

6. BoxOfficeMojo- The World’s End

7. BlackSheepReviews- Dallas Buyers Club Poster

8. BoxOfficeMojo- Dallas Buyers Club

Discovery Communications

Posted on October 31, 2013 by Alyson Piekarsky

By Aly Piekarsky

Discovery Communications Logo [1]

Discovery Communications World Headquarters

One Discovery Place
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Tel: 240.662.2000

http://corporate.discovery.com

Key Executives [2]

David M. Zaslav, President and CEO, Discovery Communications

David M. Zaslav [3]

Andrew Warren, Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

Andrew Warren [4]

David C. Leavy, Chief Communications Officer, Seniors Executive Vice President, Corporate Marketing & Affairs

David C. Leavy [5]

Mark Hollinger, President and CEO, Discovery Networks International

Mark Hollinger [6]

Company Overview [7]

Discovery Communications’ Mission Statement [8]

Discovery communications is the world’s #1 nonfiction media company that began as a single channel-the Discovery Channel-and evolved into a global mass media entertainment company that has over 190 worldwide television networks. Discovery currently operates 14 U.S. cable and satellite TV networks, including the Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, and the Military Channel. It also operates 3 joint venture networks in the U.S. including the Oprah Winfrey Network, The Hub, and 3net, the first 24-hour 3D network.

Top Competitors [9]

A&E Television Networks, LLC

NBCUniversal Media, LLC

Viacom Inc.

Financial Information

Discovery Communications celebrated a record-breaking 2012 and a very strong first quarter of 2013, with its best January to date and an overall 20% increase in US viewership. [10] Viewership among the key 25-54 demographic increased 10% in primetime. In 2012, the company’s revenue increased 8% to $4.487 billion, mainly due to a 5% growth at U.S. networks and 13% growth at International Networks. [11] From the first quarter to the second quarter of 2013, revenues increased 30% from $1,156 million to $1,467 million. [12] Stock prices for Discovery Communications, Inc. (DISCA) ranged from $84.06-$84.99 on Tuesday, November 12, 2013. In the past 52 weeks, stock prices have ranged from $54.89-$89.58. [13]

Facts and Figures: “Subscriber numbers as of September 30, 2013, according to The Nielsen Company in the US.” [14]

Discovery Channel

2012 at the Discovery Channel was marked by immense success, due in part to the return of hit series such as Gold Rush and Moonshiners and the emergence of breakout hits such as Fast N’ Loud, Jungle Gold, and Amish Mafia. Amish Mafia was an incredible success for the Discovery Channel as the highest-rated premiere in the channel’s history. Due to the success of its programming, viewership increased 14% from 2011 and 20% in January of 2013. [11]

In 2014, the Discovery Channel will venture to Kodiak Island in Alaska for a series in which viewers will encounter the obstacles that three multi-generational families face living on the deadly island. [15]

TLC

Theresa Caputo from TLC’s Hit Series “Long Island Medium” [16]

In 2013, 30 series returned to TLC, including Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, Long Island Medium, Sister Wives, and Breaking Amish, TLC’s highest-rated new series to date. As Discovery’s female flagship brand, TLC prides itself on being the most widely distributed female-targeted lifestyle and entertainment brand in pay-TV. The channel reaches nearly 300 million households in over 150 markets. [11]

Investigation Discovery (ID)

Investigation Discovery Logo [18]

Investigation Discovery features 24/7 “news” shows that depict true murder cases in the template of re-enactments. [17] 2012 was Investigation Discovery’s best year to date, as it delivered 45 consecutive months of year-over-year primetime gains among its key demographic (the longest streak among any cable network supported by advertisers.) [11] On Tuesday, November 12, 2013, ID launched its newest series A Crime to Remember, which highlights stories of real-life murder cases of the ‘50s and ‘60s. [19] Investigation Discovery also launched a new series titled Elder Skelter on November 6, 2013, which tells the horrifying stories of senior citizens who committed cold and calculated murders. [20]

Animal Planet

Animal Planet also celebrated 2012 as its best year-to-date, with a 17% increase in viewership from 2011. Programs such as River Monsters, Finding Bigfoot, Call of the Wildman, and Tanked paved the way for Animal Planets’ success. The future is looking bright for Animal Planet, as it is expected to continue its audience growth in the coming years. [11] On November 9, 2013, Animal Planet debuted its new series Meet The Sloths, which takes viewers behind the scenes of the lives of sloths. To promote the show, Animal Planet L!VE will feature a 24/7 Sloth Cam, broadcasting live from Zoo Atlanta. [21]

Animal Planet Logo [22]

Animalist [14]

In October of 2013, Discovery launched Animalist, a new digital video network featuring short-form series, which explore the connection between humans and animals. The Animalist programming lineup includes new shows like Discovery Sharks and Animals With Low Self Esteem. Advertisers and partners are able to reach viewers through the new digital network across mobile, YouTube, Xbox, and online at Animalist.com.

Continued Momentum at Joint Ventures [11]

Discovery Channel’s U.S. joint venture networks, The Hub, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, and 3net, continue to grow and build viewership. The Hub, once available in only 56 million households at launch, is now available in 72 million. It is now the fastest-growing kids’ cable network in 2012, as it experienced 14% gains in the fourth quarter of 2012 among kids 2 to 11 in day and primetime. In November of 2013, The Hub launched a series of children’s webisodes called Spookesville Freak Files and an online game Streets of Spookesville. [23]

Oprah Winfrey Network experienced a 36% audience growth in 2012 and continues to grow in popularity. In the second quarter of 2013, OWN Network began to generate a profit and will begin to pay back Discovery Communications for its investment in the network. [24]

3net, Discovery Communications’ joint venture 3D channel with Sony and IMAX gained additional distribution in 2012 and continues to expand its content library.

Recent Company News

Espresso Education [25]

On November 7, 2012, Discovery Communications announced its acquisition of Espresso

Espresso Education [26]

Education, the leading provider of digital education content for primary school in the United Kingdom. The business will be overseen by the education division of Discovery. This marks Discovery’s first purchase of an international education company.

Acquisition of SBS Nordic Operations of ProSiebenSat.1 Group

On April 9, 2012, Discovery Communications announced the acquisition of the SBS Nordic operations of ProSiebenSat.1 Group. This purchase adds an additional 12 television networks, along with several radio stations and digital brands to Discovery’s portfolio. Together, these properties in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland form SBS Discovery Media, a combined regional business. [27]

Discovery, Time Warner Cable Renew Carriage Deal

On November 18, 2013, Discovery Communications and Time Warner Cable announced

Time Warner Cable Logo [29]

the early renewal of their carriage deal, which permits Bright House Networks to continue offering Discovery’s networks. The deal also includes TV everywhere rights, which allows Time Warner Cable subscribers to view the Discovery programming online, including on tablets and smartphones. The financials of the agreement were not released. This is the first time Discovery has agreed to make its shows available online to pay-TV subscribers. [28]

Sources:

[1] http://www.brandsoftheworld.com/logo/discovery-channel-4

[2] http://corporate.discovery.com/leadership/

[3] http://corporate.discovery.com/leadership/david-zaslav/

[4] http://corporate.discovery.com/leadership/andrew-warren/

[5] http://corporate.discovery.com/leadership/david-leavy/

[6] http://corporate.discovery.com/leadership/mark-hollinger/

[7] http://corporate.discovery.com/our-company/overview/

[8] http://corporate.discovery.com/our-company/overview/

[9] http://www.hoovers.com/company-information/cs/company-profile.Discovery_Communications_Inc.ac0da8acf4dc6039.html

[10] http://interbrand.com/en/best-global-brands/2013/Discovery

[11] http://ir.corporate.discovery.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=222412&p=irol-reportsAnnual

[12] http://ir.corporate.discovery.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=222412&p=irol-reportsOther

[13] http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=DISCA

[14] http://ir.corporate.discovery.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=222412&p=irol-newsletter

[15] http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/11/01/new-series-kodiak-to-premiere-on-the-discovery-channel-in-2014/212978/

[16] http://www.insideedition.com/investigative/5331-the-long-island-medium-can-she-really-communicate-with-the-dead

[17] http://www.cityweekly.net/utah/article-5-18280-investigation-discovery-dead-sexy.html

[18] http://nlmg.net/discovery-id/

[19] http://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/Investigation-Discovery-to-Premiere-New-Series-A-CRIME-TO-REMEMBER-1112-20131111

[20] http://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/Investigation-Discovery-to-Premiere-New-Series-ELDER-SKELTER-Today-20131105

[21] http://variety.com/2013/tv/news/animal-planet-dives-into-pop-cultures-sloth-fixation-1200774935/

[22] http://joesterloriagroup.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Animal_Planet.png

[23] http://www.4-traders.com/DISCOVERY-COMMUNICATIONS-9015/news/Discovery-Communications-Inc–Hubworldcom-Launches-Spookesville-Freak-Files-Webisodes-and-Stre-17456025/

[24] http://nypost.com/2013/07/30/oprah-winfreys-own-network-turns-a-profit-in-q2-six-months-ahead-of-schedule/

[25] http://www.sacbee.com/2013/11/07/5889741/discovery-communications-announces.html

[26] http://espressoeducation.wordpress.com

[27] http://corporate.discovery.com/discovery-news/discovery-communications-completes-acquisition-sbs/

[28] http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303985504579206111735425786

[29] http://www.polygon.com/2013/1/19/3893532/time-warner-cable-banning-select-gun-ads

Comcast – NBC Universal

Posted on October 31, 2013 by Angela Saggiomo

By Angela Saggiomo

30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10112
212-664-4444
www.nbcuni.com

Key Executives [1]

-courtesy of nbcuni.com

Stephen Burke
CEO, NBCUniversal

-courtesy of stopthecap.com

Brian Roberts
Chairman and CEO, Comcast Corporation

-courtesy of nbcuni.com

Stuart Epstein
Executive VP and CFO, NBCUniversal

-courtesy of nbcuni.com

Robert Greenblatt
Chairman, NBC Entertainment

About the Company [2]

This picture provides a detailed list of holdings under the NBCU umbrella for each platform. (courtesy of williamsager.com)

NBCUniversal is a major American media company that owns and operates content across multiple platforms. NBCU distributes content through broadcast and cable television, film, and digital media. The company is owned by the Philadelphia based Comcast Corporation.

History [3]

-courtesy of toobtalk.com

In 2004 NBC and Universal merged to form NBCUniversal, a company jointly owed by General Electric and Vivendi. In 2009 the Comcast Corporation announced intentions of acquiring NBCU and the venture was completed in January of 2011 when Comcast became majority stockholders. In 2013 Comcast gained full ownership of the media conglomerate after purchasing GE’s minority stake for $16.7 billion.

Financials* [4]

NBCUniversal had a very successful third quarter in 2013. Overall revenue increased 3.9% to $5.9 billion. For the cable networks revenue is up 4% to over $2 billion, increasing 5.4% and 4.6% in distribution and advertising respectively. Broadcast also saw an increase in revenue, up 2.6% due to an increase in retransmission fees. This is an important increase because it is a fairly new revenue stream for the company.

*all financials are compared to third quarter results of 2012 excluding extra revenue generated by the 2012 Olympics which were broadcast by NBCUniversal during that period

In the News

The Esquire Network

-courtesy of g4tv.com

In early 2013 NBCUniversal announced plans to launch the Esquire Network on the low performing G4 [6]. However after examining network brands, and with less than a month before its unveiling, it was announced that it would instead replace the female skewing Style Network. With channels like Bravo, E! and Oxygen which tend to perform better with females, NBCU saw the launch of this network as a chance to appeal to a more male audience.

Since its debut in late September, Esquire has premiered original programming as well as aired rebroadcasts of NBC favorites such as Parks and Recreation and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. The new network appeals to a male audience but differs greatly from its direct competition Spike and FX. The target audience is of the more sophisticated male population with many new shows about travel and cooking [7]. Esquire joins the ranks of NBCUniversal owned networks that are programmed around a very distinct brand, allowing them to better target specific audiences for advertisers.

Welcome to the Family! [5]

-courtesy of kidscreen.com

On November 13^th Comcast NBCUniversal announced the acquisition of the popular children’s cable network PBS Kids Sprout. NBCU already owned 40 percent of the network, buying the rest from PBS and HIT Television Ventures. The company first acquired management of the children’s network in 2011 during the merge with the Comcast Corporation.

The new ownership signals a significant change for the network, which will drop PBS from its title. NBCU plans to create much more original programming and mobile content for the network in order to better compete with rival networks such as Nick Jr. and Disney Jr. Overall NBCU has had trouble keeping up with social media content and this acquisition shows a step towards increasing their presence online [12]. By creating original shows for the network NBCU will own all rights and therefore be able to create much more digital content at a much lower cost.

On the heels of this announcement NBCUniversal also revealed that they would be shutting down KidsCo in early 2014. The network, co-owned by Corus Entertainment, could not find footing among the wide variety of children’s programing available in today’s market. Rather than splitting original children’s programming across multiple networks NBCU has decided to focus on one channel, allowing them to better distribute the content across multiple platforms. [8]

Ad Sales Overhaul

-courtesy of bloomberg.com

Following a successful season in upfront ad sales NBCUniversal has decided to revamp its Advertisement Sales Department [10]. Previously, the company would sell ad inventory on a single network. Rather, they plan to sell ad time based on “demographic and thematic lines” [9]. This way ad reps can offer sponsors distinct audience groups for a more targeted sales approach. Because NBCUniversal has so many cable channels with such defined brands they can use this new sales structure to capitalize on this strength.

Networks will be split into two major groups: mass-entertainment programming and lifestyle cable channels. The mass-entertainment channels will include NBC, USA and Syfy while the lifestyle group includes networks like E!, Bravo and Esquire [11]. The department also saw a great amount of layoffs as a result of the restructuring because many of the channels are being packaged together for ad sales.

On the Horizon

2014 Winter Olympics

-courtesy of www.mcwade.com

NBCUniversal will air the 2014 Winter Games this February, which will take place in Sochi, Russia. NBCU has been a long time broadcaster of the Olympic games, a deal that has proven very lucrative for the company in the past. Comcast NBCUniversal made a deal to pay $4.38 billion for the exclusive rights to the next four Olympic games. The deal also stated that NBCUniversal would air all the events live for the first time. This is a decision made after the results of the events at the 2012 London Summer Olympics were revealed through social media prior to their primetime broadcast [14].

This year’s winter games will involve six new events: the ski halfpipe, women’s ski jumping, biathlon mixed relay, a figure skating team event, and luge team relays [15]. However, the games have already received a great deal of bad press as a result of strict anti-gay laws put in place by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The politician enacted a national law that bans all homosexual activity and even support [16]. While the International Olympic Committee has ensured that this will not affect the games, many have chosen to boycott the events. It is still unclear as to how this will affect the NBCUniversal coverage of the games.

To Infinity and Beyond [13]

-courtesy of chatter-fest.com

NBCUniversal has made a deal with Virgin Galactic to broadcast the eccentric billionaire Richard Branson’s first commercial flight to space. Multiple networks within the NBCUniversal family will cover the flight, which takes off next year. It will begin with a primetime special of the take off followed by interviews conducted next day on the Today Show.

This deal signals a “continued push for live event programming from entertainment channels and news organizations,” an idea that was previously unpopular because of its lack of rebroadcast opportunity[13]. However with the emergence of new media, live broadcast such as this can be very lucrative because it can air across multiple platforms at the same time. This allows companies like NBCU to maximize their reach for a single broadcast.

Sources

[1] – List of Executives – NBCUniversal

[2] – About NBCUniversal – NBCUniversal

[3] – History of NBCUniversal – NBCUniversal

[4] – NBCUniversal Financials – Comcast Corporation

[5] – NBCUniversal Acquisition of Sprout – NYTimes

[6] – Esquire Network Takes over Style – The Hollywood Reporter

[7] – Review of Esquire Network – slate.com

[8] – KidsCo Shutting Down – The Hollywood Reporter

[9] – NBCU Ad Sales Revamp – Variety

[10] – NBCU Upfront Success – Variety

[11] – NBCU Layoffs – Variety

[12] – NBCU Social Media Footprint – Forbes

[13] – NBCU to Air First Virgin Space Flight – Capital New York

[14] – NBCU Olympic Deal – NYTimes

[15] – Six New Olympic Games – NBC Bay Area

[16] – Olympic Boycott – PRNewser

Comcast – NBC Universal

Posted on October 28, 2013 by Conor McGovern

By Conor McGovern

30 Rockefeller Plaza

New York, NY 10112

212-664-4444

Key Executives [1]:

: Brian Roberts: CEO & Chairman, Comcast Corporation [2] [3]

: Stephan B. Burke: CEO, NBCUniversal [4]

: Cesar Conde: Executive Vice President, NBCUniversal [5]

: Ted Harbert: Chairman, NBC Broadcasting, NBCUniversal [6]

About NBCUniversal [7]:

NBCUniversal is a mass media company, and as of early 2013 fully owned by Comcast Corporation [9], that delievers entertainment, news and sports all across the globe. NBCUniversal creates and distributes content for broadcast and cable television, film, and online. With cooperate owenership and influence all around the world, NBCUniversal is much deserving of its name.

Broadcast & Cable Television:

NBC and Telemundo broadcast television networks are at the forefront of NBCUniversal’s television presence. Telemundo offers premium spanish language programming aimed at the Hispanic community. It is a one stop shop for a variety of shows, ranging from news to telenovelas and reality television. With powerhouse shows such as The Voice, Community, TODAY, Law & Order: SVU, America’s Got Talent and many more, NBC offers a variety of content to all television watchers across America. NBCUniversal also owns several NBC affiliates throughout the country, delivering high quality regional based content to the nation’s biggest cities.

As far as cable is concerned, NBCUniversal continues to grow its reach across all different types of audiences. NBCUniversal has cable channel offerings such as E!, USA, SyFy, The Golf Channel, NBC Sports Network, MSNBC and many others. This diverse distribution of their cable investments shows how NBCU can make an impact on your television viewing experience no matter what you enjoy.

Film & Digital Media:

Universal Pictures, one the six major film studios, is also owned by NBCUniversal. With recent and future releases such as About Time, The Best Man Holiday, and Lone Survivor, NBCUniversal will look for star-power to bring in large gains as the holiday season quickly approaches.

On the web, NBCUniversal has its hands in many nontraditional media outlets such as Hulu, Fandango, and iVillage. Fandago and Hulu link its users to an online stream or even a physical ticket to explore a vast array of movies and television entertainment. iVillage is a lifestyle, entertainment and news website geared towards women that boasts an impressive 30 million unique visitors a month [14].

Financials:

NBCUniversal continues to bring in great profit over the years with 2013 being no exception. NBCUniversal had a very solid 3rd quarter of the year with revenue increasing by 3.9% [15]. However, a huge portion of the quarterly gains were seen by the great success Despicable Me 2 has shown for Universal Pictures. On the television side of things, operating cash flow increased by 5.4% for the cable unit while plummiting by 61% for the broadcast unit [16].

NBCUniversal will look to bounce back with a great increase in revenue once the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi Russia being. NBCUniversal has exclusive rights to the Olympics and hope to bring in similar numbers to their 2012 Summer Olympic coverage, which generated $1.2 billion in revenue [16] .

What’s Happening Now?

Aiming for a Younger Demographic?

NBCUniversal just sealed a deal to bump its cable television offerings with the purchase of the childrens cable network, Sprout, from PBS and HIT Television Ventures. The numbers and terms of the transaction have yet to be released. Unlike some other television networks such as Nickelodeon and The Disney Channel, Sprout is aimed at children 5 and below. This unique age gap will give NBCUniversal the ability to introduce Sprout watchers to the NBCU brand. Sprout currently broadcasts the PBS show, Sesame Street, as well as Lazy Town and others that remain popular with the demographic. It will be interesting to see if NBCUniversal can hold on to the rights to some of the existing programming, or if they create their own original content. Another prospect to consider is NBCUniversal rebranding the channel to coincide with an age demographic more suitable to be a bridge to their other cable channels. [18]

The BPL on NBCSN:

With the relaunch of NBC Sports Network back in January of 2012, NBCSN has constantly been looking for ways to distinguish themselves from the crowd. Channels like FOX Sports 1, as well as the giant that is ESPN, both threaten to take away viewership from NBCSN. However, with the purchase of the exclusive rights to broadcast the Barclay’s Premier League, England’s top soccer league, NBCSN has done well since the late-august launch of the BPL on the network. Comparing to last years opening weekend of the BPL on FOX Soccer Channel and ESPN, NBC and NBCSN averaged a .5 rating, a 67% increase over the average .3 rating their competitors had [20]. To put this success even more into perspective, NBCUniversal had 9 million viewers watch the first 5 game weeks of the season. This is quite impressive when you look at the only 4.8 million viewers who tuned in to watch the first 5 game weeks last year [21]. While the number may not seem very high, it is quite understandable given the morning start times of these games because of the time change.

An Olympic-sized push:

The 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics are quickly approaching and NBCU is ready to go. NBCUniversal has begun its 100-day company wide countdown to the opening ceremony. There is a lot on the line for NBCU to make sure that this olympics is as profitable as ever, considering its $775 million rights fee [23]. As a way to promote the coverage of this worldwide event, NBCU will play high quality promotional commercials over the upcoming weeks across all of its broadcast and cable networks. Also, NBC and other NBCU channels have already begun to display the iconic peacock bug symbol with the olympic rings below it [24]. However it will be interesting to see if the time zone shift will have an impact on ratings as Sochi and New York have an 8-hour time difference.

Below is a Sochi 2014 promotional video NBCU will use across its variety of networks.

Courtesy of Youtube [25]:

Twitter & NBCU strike a deal:

Last month NBCUniversal and Twitter announced a partnership to bring television and social even closer. Initially the deal works for Xfinity Comcast cable subscribers who will be able to essentially see a tweet about a show or movie and turn that into a direct link to watch or DVR it. Twitter will also be using this deal to advertise out an array of NBCUniversal content through promotional tweets. Look for both companies to push this social move onto other networks to heighten its popularity. [27]

Branson and NBCUniversal Liftoff:

Comcast and Virgin Galactic have partnered to bring the unique experience of the first commercial space flight, by no one other than Richard Branson, to the NBCUniversal family of networks next year. The coverage of this event will end with a 3-hour live special the day of the launch on TODAY. NBCUniversal will attempt to build hype around this event in hope that it will be considered a monumental moment in television history. [29]

Sources

[1] http://www.nbcuni.com/corporate/management/executives/

[2] http://www.forbes.com/sites/briansolomon/2013/08/07/broadband-behemoth-comcast-makes-ceo-brian-roberts-a-billionaire-again/

[3] http://corporate.comcast.com/news-information/leadership-overview/brian-l-roberts

[4] http://www.nbcuni.com/corporate/management/senior-corporate-executives/nbc-universal/stephen-b-burke/

[5] http://www.nbcuni.com/corporate/management/senior-corporate-executives/nbc-universal/cesar-conde/

[6] http://www.nbcuni.com/corporate/management/senior-corporate-executives/nbc-universal/ted-harbert/

[7]http://www.nbcuni.com/corporate/about-us/

[8] http://www.nbcuni.com/site-content/uploads/2012/05/1-NBCU_homepage4.jpg

[9] http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-13/comcast-s-nbc-purchase-pushes-roberts-into-entertainment.html

[10] http://media.getthefive.com/uploads/article_images/nbc-universal-logo.jpg

[11] http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1557238/execs-artists-got-high-in-universal-music-west-coast-office-lawsuit-claims

[12] http://vector-magz.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/ivillage-logo.gif

[13] http://corporate.comcast.com/news-information/news-feed/fandango-smashes-records-with-its-best-year-in-company-history

[14] http://www.crunchbase.com/company/ivillage

[15] http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=670469

[16] http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/despicable-me-2-helps-boost-651661

[17] http://odol-cisec-02-whitemarsh-md.se.cim-cim-prog.cdn2.comcast.net/TeamComcast/Sprout_banner_small.jpg

[18] http://variety.com/2013/tv/news/nbcuniversal-acquires-full-ownership-of-kiddie-cabler-sprout-1200827404/

[19] http://worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/nbc-epl1.jpg

[20] http://advanced-television.com/2013/08/19/premier-league-record-us-ratings-for-nbc/

[21]http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/news/news/2013-14/oct/nbc-sports-enjoy-ratings-rise-for-barclays-premier-league.html

[22]http://www.urizendesign.com/img/sochi_logo.jpg

[23] http://www.entertainmentmanagementonline.com/2013/11/07/nbc-bullish-on-profitability-of-sochi-olympics/

[24] http://olympictalk.nbcsports.com/2013/10/21/nbc-universal-100-days-out-olympics-giancarlo-esposito-commercials-video/

[25] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vU4QZVO2lQs

[26] http://www.aceshowbiz.com/images/news/nbc-s-shows-to-stream-on-twitter.jpg

[27] http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/nbcuniversal-showcase-tv-shows-twitter-646261

[28] http://www.time4aviation.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/original-640×250.jpg

[29] http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/nbcuniversal-televise-first-commercial-space-654608

Universal Pictures

Posted on October 28, 2013 by Lukas Lamble

By Luke Lamble

Universal Pictures logo

History

Founded in 1912, Universal Pictures, Inc. is the oldest American movie studio and continues to be a leader in the world of motion picture production and distribution. [1] In 2004, General Electric bought Universal Pictures. [2] GE sold all of its control of Universal in 2011 to the cable provider, Comcast, creating NBCUniversal. Universal Pictures still operates as the movie production subsidiary. [3] In 2012 alone, Universal has produced a diverse selection of award-winning movies such as the film production of Les Misérables and the comedy hit, Ted. [4]

Key Executives [5]

Ron Meyer (nbcumv.com)

Ron Meyer – Vice Chairman, NBCUniversal

Meyer served as President and COO of Universal Pictures since 1995 before being made Vice Chairman of NBCUniversal in September 2013. He currently oversees all facets of the company, while still managing its portfolio of film assets amongst others

Donna Langley (nbcumv.com)

Donna Langley – Chairman, Universal Pictures

Langley began working at Universal in 2001 as the senior vice president of production. After being named Chairman of Universal Pictures in September 2013, she assumed the role of overseeing the production and distribution of the company’s feature films.

Suzanne Cole (nbcumv.com)

Suzanne Cole – Executive VP, Media, Universal Pictures

Since the beginning of her tenure at Universal Pictures, the studio has experienced some of its most lucrative successes. Because of this success, Cole was named Executive Vice President of Media in 2008. She now oversees all strategic activities for the marketing and distribution of the studio’s feature films.

Financials (all numbers in millions)

Recent years have been good for Universal Pictures and its parent NBCUniversal. From 2011 to 2012, revenue for NBCUniversal grew by almost $5,000, from $19,028 to $23,812. Filmed entertainment was responsible for approximately 21% of the total revenue in 2012, generating $5,159. That was up from $4,239 generated by Universal Pictures in 2011. [6]

NBCUniversal logo

In regards to how Universal Pictures measured up against the five other major movie studios, so far in 2013, Universal holds a 14.6% market share amongst all the studios, placing it second behind Warner Brothers. This year Universal Pictures has grossed $1,329.3 from the release of 13 movies. [7]

Competition

The main concern for NBCUniversal and Universal Pictures right now is the new technologies that are affecting traditional media production and distribution methods. This is referring mainly to companies like Netflix and Hulu that syndicate video programming online. A growing concern is that these companies and others like them are beginning to create and obtain their own original content. [8]

Recent Film Releases

Universal Pictures has developed a reputation for having great success with movie franchises with such iconic franchises such as Back to the Future, Jurassic Park, and the Bourne series. [9] In 2013, Universal stuck with this trend and reaped the benefits of new installments in the Despicable Me and Fast & Furious series, amongst an eclectic mix of other successful films. [10]

The Best Man Holiday

A sequel to 1999’s The Best Man, The Best Man Holiday picks right up with the old college friends from the The Best Man, as they all reconvene for some Christmas celebrations. Amidst all the fun times, sparks of old romances begin to rekindle and old rivalries that had faded away over time arise again. Taye Diggs, Terrence Howard, Morris Chestnut, Monica Calhoun, and Regina Hall star in this quintessential holiday comedy-drama written and directed by Malcolm D. Lee. [11]

The Best Man Holiday (vibe.com)

Released on November 15, 2013, in just three days The Best Man Holiday has nearly doubled its budget so far, bringing in $32,536,350. That’s also $6.5 million over the $24 million it was projected to earn. [12] Tagged as “just another black comedy,” The Best Man Holiday has not only offered more evidence that generally black films can succeed, but that this is no typical movie by any sense, except for the fact that it is generally crowd-pleasing. (No particular race or age group dominantly represents itself in the film’s audience demographics). In fact, CinemaScore even gave the movie an A+, an extremely rare feat for any film. [13]

Despicable Me 2

Gru (Steve Carell), a former master villain, has settled into family life after adopting and coming to love his three daughters, but peace and quiet is not lasting for the villain-turned-hero, as he is called upon to save the world from a new super-villain. And just as the world needs Gru’s help, so does his eldest daughter who has fallen for a classic bad-boy and an inevitable source of heartbreak. Kristen Wiig and Benjamin Bratt star alongside Carell in this story of one former villain’s attempt to be a hero for the world and for his own family. [14]

Despicable Me 2 (ropeofsilicon.com)

The original Despicable Me (2010) was a tremendous release for Universal, ranking seventh all-time amongst its highest grossing movies by bringing in $251,513,985 domestically. On July 3, 2013, Despicable Me 2 was released and has shattered that record, becoming the all-time highest grossing movie for Universal Pictures with $365,943,520 of domestic revenue. This income has far surpassed the film’s production budget of $76 million, and that’s not even factoring in its performance in the worldwide box office. To the delight of the studio, 60.1% of the movie’s total revenue came from foreign releases, grossing $550,100,000 worldwide. All in all, Despicable Me 2 has brought in $916,043,520 for Universal Studios, and subsequently, is still playing in 305 theaters across the U.S. [15]

Fast & Furious 6

The very CIA agent who has been trying to track them down in order to defeat a new crew of criminal drivers who are causing chaos in twelve countries across the world calls upon refugees of the law. In an effort to be pardoned from the charges against themselves, Dom and Brian (Vin Diesel and Paul Walker) get their old gang of expert drivers back together to take to the streets of London and defeat these mercenary drivers. Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson star in this pedal-to-the-metal thriller. [16]

Fast & Furious 6 (teaser-trailer.com)

The sixth film in the Fast & Furious series was the most successful installment to date for the studio, becoming its ninth highest grossing film of all time, and reaping in the most revenue of all the Fast & Furious films. Fast & Furious 6 generated $238,679,850 for Universal, making it the second highest grossing film of 2013 behind Despicable Me 2. In the worldwide box office, Fast & Furious 6 brought in another $550 million, bringing its total gross to a lofty $788,659,850. Given the $160 million budget, Universal Pictures had another major box office winner with this film. [17]

What’s to Come from Universal Studios

Fast & Furious 7

Fast & Furious 7 (hitfix.com)

Just a little over a year after Fast & Furious 6 came out, the seventh is already on its way, slated for a July, 2014 release date. This time, the brother of the defeated world-criminal from Fast & Furious 6 has come onto the scene seeking revenge for his brother’s death. [18]

Ted 2

Ted 2 (collider.com)

Universal Pictures also has plans to release the sequel to its wildly successful, raucous comedy Ted. However, Universal did not produce the original, but acquired the rights to it and distributed it as a Universal Pictures film. Despite not having the rights yet, the studio is confident it will be able to secure them and go forward with production of the sequel. [19]

Sources

[1] Universal Pictures History

[2] NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment Unite to Create NBC Universal

[3] Comcast Completes Acquisition of GE’s 49% Stake In NBCUniversal

[4] About Universal Pictures

[5] NBCUniversal Film Executives

[6] NBCUniversal 2012 Annual Report

[7] 2013 Studio Market Shares

[8] NBCUniversal 2012 Annual Report

[9] Movie Franchises by Studio

[10] Universal Pictures’ 2013 Movie Releases

[11] The Best Man Holiday Plot Summary

[12] The Best Man Holiday Box Office Performance

[13] The Best Man Holiday Performance Analysis

[14] Despicable Me 2 Plot Summary

[15] Despicable Me 2 Box Office Performance

[16] Fast & Furious 6 Plot Summary

[17] Fast & Furious 6 Box Office Performance

[18] Dwayne Johnson Tweets Fast & Furious 7 Photo

[19] Ted 2 Scheduled Release

Universal Pictures

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Moon Park

by Moon Park

Universal Pictures logo [1]

Address: 100 Universal City Plaza Universal Studios, CA. 91608

Contact Information: 818.777.1000

Major Media Company: Comcast

Parent Company: NBC Universal

Key Executives:

Ron Meyer, President and Chief Operating Officer

Adam Fogelson, Chairman

Jimmy Horowitz, President

Rick Finkelstein, Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer

James Schamus, Chief Executive Officer

(Ronald Meyer)

Profile: Universal Studios Inc. also known as Universal Pictures is an American motion picture and television studio which is located in Universal City in California. Universal Pictures is owned my Comcast and is a subsidiary of NBC Universal. It is one of the six major studios in the United States and one of the longest existing motion picture studios as well. Its main purpose is to develop, produce, and market entertainment[2]. Along with making movies, Universal also has theme parks located in Hollywood, California and Orlando, Florida[3]. Through its international production group, the studio teams up with the international studios to make blockbuster movie. They also make wide commercial and special releases in not so familiar regions. For almost a century now, Universal Pictures made diverse films such as classics: Jaws, E.T., Jurassic Park series, and Mamma Mia!. It also made franchise movies such as: Meet the Parents, Fast and Furious, Back to the Future, and the Bourne Series. Not only did they make high grossing movies, they also made quality movies which won them the Academy Awards such as: King Kong, Brokeback Mountain, The Pianist, and many more[4] . Over the years of movie making, Universal Pictures grossed over $25 billion all time (movies before 1982 has not been recorded)[5]. On the course of making movies, Universal is very successful and is on the top of the list when it comes to studios.

Universal Pictures History: Carl Laemmle was the man to start Universal Pictures. While he was planning to start a clothing shop in Chicago in 1905, he came across people waiting in line for a nickelodeon. At that moment Laemmle decided to change his job, and opened his first theater The White Front Theater. From then on, Laemmle started to make more branches of theaters with partners and started making money. Carl Laemmle met Robert Cochrane and expanded their theaters. They made the Laemmle Film Service, which became the largest movie distributor of the country in the early 1900s. After having problems with the motion pictures, Laemmle and Cochrane made their own movies. In 1912 the Universal Film Manufacturing Company was formed and this led to Universal Pictures’ 100th anniversary in 2012 [6].

Where the company is headed today: Most good film today push towards the holidays or before it so that it could be a contender for an award ceremony held in early times of the year. Films such as: Zero Dark Thirty and Les Miserables were nominated for both the Golden Globes and the Oscars. The movie Ted also did great in the box office to end Universal’s 2012 [7].

January 2013 : On January 6, Universal renewed its domestic domestic output deal with HBO with a long term extension. This is the tenth year they are working with HBO and has been successful [8]. The epic film Jurassic Park, which was made in 1993, is scheduled to be released in IMAX and 3D on April [9]. Universal Pictures signed with Nintendo’s marketing director and assistant general manager, Dawn Paine to be their vice president of marketing mostly in overseas. In addition he is responsible for the publicity of Universal’s home entertainment business [10].

February 2013: Universal showed their new release: Fast and Furious 6 on the day of Superbowl. The movie is expected to be seen everywhere on theaters May 24 [11]. The character Ted(from the movie Ted) came out with its co-star Mark Wahlburg in the 85th Oscars. Seth McFarlane who created and played Ted hosted the show and asked Universal Pictures to pay for the appearance due to technical issues [12]. In addition, Les Miserables’ Anne Hathaway won best supporting actress and many were nominated for both Les Miserables and Zero Dark Thirty.

March 2013: Universal Pictures were fighting for legal rights with a porn producer, who adapted a pornography adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey. Universal won the rights in the end, which turned out for Smash Pictures to pay Universal for their doing [13]. Marc Abraham and Eric Newman of Strike Entertainment (an Universal Pictures co-company) decided to dissolve the company and step away from Universal after a 15 year run [14]. StudioCanal has launched legal actions against Universal, who was their former partners. StudioCanal claims that Universal’s violation was “fiduciary and contractual obligations.” They also claim that Universal hid some payments and did not report incomes. [15].

April 2013: Jurassic Park premiered on April 5th and is made $18 million in its opening weekend where budget was just at the $10 million mark [16] . From January-April, Universal Pictures came in at number one in the studio market share with its distribution. They marked 13.1% and grossed over $300 million with five movies, two of them being released in 2013 [17].

What is coming next for Universal: Universal Pictures are pushing for roughly twelve more movies to come out for 2013. Summer movies are: Fast and Furious 6, Kick Ass 2, The Purge, Despicable Me 2, R.I.P.D, etc… [18].

Financial Reports: For the fourth quarter report of Universal Pictures in 2012, they increased 9% from 1.3 to 1.4 compared with 2011 fourth quarter financial report from films such as, Les Miserables Ted, This is 40, and Bourne Legacy. Their Operating Cash Flow decreased 4.7% from $89 million to $84. For the year, they ended $5.2 billion, which was a 12.4 increase from their 2011 revenue $4.7 billion [19]Comcast Corporation (the owner of Universal) announced on March that they will release their 2013 first quarter financial report on May 1, 2013 [20].

Competition: Competition for Universal Pictures are as followed: Paramount Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Walt Disney Pictures, Columbia Pictures, and Warner Bros. Pictures. They are known as the Major Big Six Film studios in the United States.

Universal Pictures Affiliated Groups:

Bravo Media
CNBC
E!
Esquire Network
Fandango
Focus Features
Golf Channel
International Television
MSNBC
mun2
NBC Entertainment
NBC News
NBC Owned Television Stations
NBC Sports Group
NBCUniversal
NBCUniversal Cable and New Media Distribution
NBCUniversal Digital Distribution
NBCUniversal Domestic Television Distribution
NBCUniversal Television Networks Distribution
Oxygen Media
Sprout
Style Media
Syfy
Telemundo
Universal Parks & Resorts
Universal Pictures
Universal Television
USA Network

Sources:

1. http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.myfilmviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/universal-pictures-100th-anniversary-logo1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.myfilmviews.com/2012/02/16/the-story-behind-the-universal-pictures-logo/&h=811&w=1500&sz=891&tbnid=azNGy7FcyZtUPM:&tbnh=65&tbnw=120&zoom=1&usg=__8V1u5F0D3KgGXBGBzwXIMnzueIM=&docid=XETkV1Rks8ResM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=hkRiUa_mH-nh4AO5h4DQCg&sqi=2&ved=0CDcQ9QEwAQ&dur=1874

2. http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=804881

3. http://www.universalstudios.com/

4. http://www.nbcuni.com/film/universal-pictures/

5. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/studio/chart/?page=7&yr=&view=company&view2=allmovies&studio=universal.htm&p=.htm

6. http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/universal-studios-inc-history/

7. http://www.movieinsider.com/c13/universal-pictures/

8. http://www.deadline.com/2013/01/universal-pictures-extends-domestic-output-deal-with-hbo/

9. http://www.deadline.com/2013/01/jurassic-park-imax-3d-release-april-5/

10. http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=804881

11. http://www.deadline.com/2013/02/fast-and-furious-6-trailer-extended-universal-pictures/

12. http://www.deadline.com/2013/02/oscars-2013-ted-appearance-mark-wahlberg/

13. http://www.deadline.com/2013/03/settlement-reached-in-universals-fifty-shades-of-grey-porn-adaptation-suit/

14. http://www.deadline.com/2013/03/producing-partners-marc-abraham-and-eric-newman-dissolve-strike-entertainment/

15. http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=804881

16. http://boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/

17. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/studio/

18. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/schedule/?view=distributor&id=universal.htm

19. http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/12/pa-comcast-idUSnBw4kmz68a+100+BSW20130212

20. http://www.cmcsk.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=750147

Comcast/NBCUniversal

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Zachary Eisen

by Zach Eisen

NBCUniversal Media, LLC

30 Rockefeller Plaza

New York, NY 10112

212.664.4444

www.nbcuni.com

About the Company [1]:

A snapshot of what NBCU owns

NBCUniversal is a major media company owned by the Comcast Corporation. With headquarters in world-famous Rockefeller Center, NBCU owns and operates a variety of media outlets across many different platforms, including broadcast and cable television, film, and digital media. NBCU’s content is distributed around the world.

Television

NBCUniversal has a variety of holdings in both broadcast and cable television. It owns the NBC broadcast network and the Telemundo network, airing popular programs such as NBC Nightly News, Today, Saturday Night Live, and The Office. NBC also owns and operates TV stations in some of the largest markets in the country, including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. NBCU’s cable holdings include the NBC Sports Network, MSNBC, CNBC, USA, E!, Bravo, and The Weather Channel. NBC also owns the broadcast rights to the Olympics, NHL and NFL games, and many other major sporting events.

Film

NBCU owns Universal Pictures, one of the Big Six major film companies. Universal is famous for movies such as E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, Jurassic Park, Jaws, and the Bourne series [2]. The company also owns Focus Features, which is Universal’s art, foreign, and independent film division. NBCU also owns Universal Parks and Resorts, with full ownership of the parks in Los Angeles and Orlando and part ownership of locations in Japan and Singapore.

Online

NBCUniversal owns multiple digital and online companies, including NBC.com, Fandango, and iVillage. It also is part of a joint-venture in Hulu, the online streaming service.

Key Executives [3]:

Stephen B. Burke – CEO, NBCUniversal

Stephen B. Burke

Stuart J. Epstein – Executive VP and CFO, NBCUniversal

Stuart J. Epstein

Robert Greenblatt – Chairman, NBC Entertainment

Robert Greenblatt

Brian Roberts – Chairman and CEO, Comcast Corporation

Brian Roberts

For more information on NBCUniversal’s executives, click here.

Competitors:

In the broadcast television market, NBC’s main competitors are the other Big Four major networks, which are ABC, CBS, and FOX. However, cable viewership is quickly growing, which means NBC also competes with basically every television station for viewers and advertising dollars.

Ownership History [4]:

NBCUniversal was officially founded in 2004, when NBC and Universal merged into one company. At the time of the merger, Vivendi and GE shared ownership of the company. In 2009, GE and Comcast announced plans to create a joint venture out of NBCUniversal’s companies and Comcast’s cable holdings. The plan was finalized in early 2011, with Comcast taking a majority stake in the company. In early 2013, Comcast announced it would buy GE’s 49% minority stake, a $16.7 billion deal which allowed them to assume 100% ownership of NBCUniversal [5].

Financial Information [6]:

2012 was a successful year for NBCUniversal across the board. The company earned $23.8 billion in total revenue, an increase of nearly $2.7 billion, or 12.7%, from 2011. NBCU’s revenue in all four of its divisions (Broadcast Networks, Cable Networks, Film, and Theme Parks) saw increases in 2012.

The largest gains were made in the Broadcast Television division, which jumped 27.4% from the previous year. The broadcast numbers were aided by the network’s airing of the 2012 London Olympics and Super Bowl XLVI. Excluding these events from the numbers, the Broadcast division’s revenue still saw a 4.8% increase, driven by political advertisements on its Owned & Operated stations. The increased revenue from the political ads also helps explain the Broadcast division’s 7.9% increase in the fourth quarter of 2012 from the same period in 2011.

NBCU’s Cable Networks division accounted for the company’s smallest increases in 2012 (3.3%), but generated the most revenue for the company ($8.8 billion). The NHL lockout hurt ratings for the NBC Sports Network during that time, which boasts NHL coverage as its key selling point. However, ratings for that network reached all-time highs once hockey returned [15]. Advertising revenue decreased by 1.5% in the fourth quarter for NBC’s cable networks.

News:

• GOODBYE, GE

On March 19, Comcast completed its purchase of GE’s 49% stake in NBCUniversal [7]. The $16.7 billion deal also included the sale of GE’s headquarters at the famous 30 Rockefeller Plaza building to Comcast. The deal brings to an end GE’s involvement with NBC, which began in 1919 when the company helped found the Radio Corporation of America, which started the National Broadcasting Company in 1926 [8]. Since then, NBC has been owned by GE, RCA, Westinghouse, Vivendi and now Comcast. Watch Wall Street Journal Live’s analysis of the deal below (video courtesy of YouTube).

• ADIÓS, NBC

For the first time ever, NBC fell out of the top four networks during a sweeps period conducted by Nielsen [9]. Univision, the Spanish language network, moved ahead of NBC as the fourth most watched network among adults ages 18-49 during the month of February. NBC struggled during that month, as its new show Do No Harm was cancelled after just two episodes, and the new comedy 1600 Penn struggled as well [10].

• THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH…

Jimmy Fallon (right) will take over for Jay Leno (left) as host of “The Tonight Show”.

…Jimmy Fallon? NBC announced in April that the Late Night host will replace Jay Leno on The Tonight Show starting in 2014 [11]. Leno, who has hosted The Tonight Show for 22 years, took over for Johnny Carson in 1992. Leno was replaced by Conan O’Brien in 2009 [12], but returned only seven months later [13] after a feud with the network over a time for his new show. It is being rumored that Saturday Night Live head writer and “Weekend Update” host Seth Meyers will replace Fallon as host of Late Night.

• USA! USA!

NBCU’s USA Network earned the best primetime ratings for a cable network in the first quarter of 2013, its eighth year in a row earning that honor [14]. Popular programs such as Suits and WWE Raw helped the network win the quarter, defeating rivals with popular programs such as AMC and its hit The Walking Dead. USA averaged over 3 million viewers during the primetime slots. Another NBCU network, Bravo, also improved, making the top ten networks among viewers ages 25-54.

• NHL COVERAGE SCORES FOR NBC SPORTS NETWORK

The NBC Sports Network is posting record numbers this year for its NHL coverage [15]. The network, formerly Comcast’s Versus, is averaging 448,000 viewers per game, up from its previous high of 348,000 viewers. The numbers may have gotten a boost because of the lockout that cut the season down to 48 games. National games airing on NBC’s broadcast network are also doing better, averaging 1.7 million viewers,just ahead of its previous tally of 1.6 million.

• ‘THE VOICE’ NEARS IN ON ‘IDOL’

The popular singing competition show, The Voice, has returned to NBC’s lineup, and has outperformed FOX’s American Idol so far [16]. Although Idol‘s first two episodes earned stronger ratings than The Voice‘s, NBC’s program is gaining momentum, while FOX’s is seeing its lowest ratings in the 12-year history of the show. The show’s performance in the ratings for the remainder of the season may tell whether it will replace Idol as America’s favorite singing show.

• USING THE SECOND SCREEN

In March, USA allowed fans of its series Psych to choose the ending of the show’s 100th episode [17]. The vote was part of a new online and mobile feature called USA Sync, an attempt by the network to use new media to add interactivity to its programming [18]. The program allows fans to post about the shows, connect with each other, and play interactive games. On the mobile platform, the service is available as an app that gives users access to more content through other applications.

• A DELICIOUS PREMIERE

The much anticipated new series Hannibal premiered on NBC on April 4. The series, about fictional evil genius Hannibal Lecter, serves as a prequel to the 1991 classic film The Silence of the Lambs. The show earned praise from Internet critics, with some calling it “riveting” [19], and others saying it was “beautifully shot and…surprisingly thoughtful” [20]. Watch a promo for Hannibal below (video courtesy of YouTube).

• FOR E!, OLDE IS NEW

Jeff Olde

In March, E! named former VH1 executive Jeff Olde head of its programming [21]. Olde will be in charge of the development of E!’s shows, including Keeping Up With The Kardashians, The Soup, and Chelsea Lately. Olde will begin his new job this summer.

Sources:

[1]: http://www.nbcuni.com/corporate/about-us/

[2]: http://www.boxofficemojo.com/studio/chart/?studio=universal.htm

[3]: http://www.nbcuni.com/corporate/management/

[4]:http://www.nbcuni.com/corporate/about-us/history/

[5]: http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/12/comcast-buying-g-e-s-stake-in-nbcuniversal-for-16-7-billion/

[6]: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/comcast-reports-4th-quarter-and-year-end-2012-results-2013-02-12

[7]: http://www.deadline.com/2013/03/comcast-completes-acquisition-nbcuniversal/

[8]: http://www.gereports.com/its-a-wrap/

[9]: http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/02/27/univision-sets-milestone-as-no-4-network-in-february-sweeps-ahead-of-nbc-in-key-demos/171192/

[10]: http://www.deadline.com/2013/02/nbc-sweeps-ratings-lastloses-to-univision/

[11]: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/04/02/source-jimmy-fallon-to-take-reins-of-tonight-show-from-jay-leno.html

[12]: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/30/arts/television/30leno.html?em&_r=0

[13]: http://www.accesshollywood.com/jay-leno-heading-back-to-late-night-conan-obrien-weighing-options_article_27490

[14]: http://variety.com/2013/tv/news/usa-suits-ratings-amc-walking-dead-1200332772/

[15]: http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2013/03/19/Media/NHL-Ratings.aspx

[16]: http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/29/in-ratings-race-the-voice-gains-on-idol/

[17]: http://www.nbcbayarea.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/NATL-Viewers-to-Choose-Psych-Ending–200075821.html

[18]: http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2013/04/01/usa-network-launches-the-next-phase-of-usa-sync-first-live-second-screen-content-syndication-platform-625513/20130401usa01/

[19]: http://www.hitfix.com/whats-alan-watching/review-nbcs-hannibal-a-riveting-silence-of-the-lambs-prequel

[20]: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/hannibal-tv-review-433109

[21]: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jeff-olde-named-es-head-431347

A+E Television Networks

Posted on April 4, 2013 by Jacqueline Grossman

by Jacqueline Grossman

Courtesy of www.aenetworks.com

A&E Overview

A&E Television Networks is a privately held media company located in New York City that owns and operates 10 channels that are available by both cable and satellite. The network’s channels reach more than 300 million households in 150 countries, producing content in 35 different languages [1]. Its mission involves bringing human stories to life, knowing full well that quality entertainment can come straight from real-world experiences. Lifetime Television, its flagship network, is the most powerful media brand targeted to women, with shows such as Dance Moms and Project Runway. Since its launch in February, 1984, Lifetime has grown significantly, reaching nearly 98 million households today [2]. In addition to this station, the A&E television channel itself offers a mix of reality-based programming and documentaries while its History, Military History, and History 2 channels air original programs on historical topics. The company also operates sister networks such as Crime & Investigation Network and The Biography Channel. It has international networks in the UK and Asia. [3].

History

AETN was formed in 1983 as a joint venture between Hearst, Walt Disney, and NBCUniversal (NBCU). The company launched Lifetime in 1984, followed by the History Channel, History Channel International, and The Biography Channel in 1995 and 1998, respectively. Throughout its history, the network has achieved incredible success, for instance in 2004 when it won 24 Emmy nominations and in 2008, when HISTORY (renamed from The History Channel) became the #1 cable network in primetime among the target demographic: adults 18-49. A&E continues to demonstrate success through its new reality television shows Duck Dynasty, Storage Wars, and Hoarders. In July of last year, NBC sold its 15.8 percent stake of A&E to Hearst and Walt Disney for $3.03 billion. [1]

Key Executives

Abbe Raven, courtesy of www.aenetworks.com

Abbe Raven has been the President and CEO of A&E Television Networks since March 2005. Before overseeing all A&E holdings, she was part of the original team that launched the History Channel and reinvented A&E (channel) in 2003. Ms. Raven is a firm believer in the motto “slow and steady wins the race,” having started as a secretary for A&E and learned the business from the bottom up. Today, she is an award-winning President and CEO who has been named one of the Top 5 Most Powerful Women in Entertainment by The Hollywood Reporter. [1]

Gerard Gruosso, courtesy of www.aenetworks.com

As, Executive VP, Finance and CFO, Gerard Gruosso is responsible for the management of A&E’s accounts, budgets, and strategic planning. He also oversees the network’s facilities and information management. Mr. Gruosso has been with A&E since 1985, beginning as Assistant Controller, working his way up to Controller and Vice President, and eventually reaching his current position. [1]

Nancy Dubuc, courtesy of www.aenetworks.com

President, Entertainment and Media Nancy Dubuc oversees the creation and development of A&E’s brand and marketing in addition to managing A&E International and A&E Digital. Before transitioning to this position, Ms. Dubuc previously served as the President and General Manager of HISTORY and Lifetime Networks. [1]

Dan Suratt, courtesy of www.aenetworks.com

Six-time Emmy Award-winner Dan Suratt is the Executive VP, Digital Media and Business Development. He handles the network’s business negotiations and digital distribution. As a result of his efforts, Mr. Suratt has doubled A&E’s site traffic to 22 million visitors per month. [1]

Competitors

A&E’s top three competitors are Discovery Communications, Inc., MTV Networks Company, and AMC Networks Inc. [4]

Company News

January

Lifetime Television was off to a great start in the first month of 2013. It’s original movie, Prosecuting Casey Anthony, generated great success for the channel; it ranked as the number one telecast across ad-supported cable in total viewers, adults 18+, women 18+, women 25-54, and women 18-49 on the night it premiered. The movie—which starred Golden Globe and Emmy Award nominee Rob Lowe—was the first opportunity to recount the infamous Casey Anthony trial. It is from the perspective of Jeff Ashton, the Florida prosecutor who was involved in the case and provides details on his aggressive investigation of Caylee Anthony’s death. [10]

February

Duck Dynasty, courtesy of www.aetv.com

A&E’s unexpected hit, Duck Dynasty, became the channel’s number 1 telecast ever and number one nonfiction series on cable in 2013. The show follows the lives of the Roberson family members, owners of Duck Commander, a business that makes products for duck hunters. Its season three premiere earned a total of 8.6 million viewers, ranking ahead of FOX’s American Idol. What is it that distinguishes this series from other “redneck” reality shows like Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, Swamp Pawn, and Buckwild? Television critics argue that it comes down to the characters themselves. The Robersons are savvy, educated businessmen with diverse yet endearing personalities. In addition, the show flows at a relaxed pace and is suitable for family audiences. [11][12]

March

Nielsen ratings for cable network TV shows, courtesy of www.nielsen.com

A&E received more great news in March. Its A&E television channel had its best quarter in history among total viewers and adults 25-54, soaring past the previously record-setting first quarter 2012. One of the key reasons for this success is the increase in well-received original series that aired in the first quarter of 2013, specifically Bates Motel, Duck Dynasty, and Storage Wars. Due to these shows, the network was up 2% in adults 25-54 (835,000 vs. 819,000) and up 6% in total viewers (1.7 million vs.1.6 million). March was the most watched month in the quarter, and it was the first time A&E averaged more than one million viewers age 25-54 in a single month. These records have propelled A&E up to become the fourth ranked most-watched cable network in all three demographics this March (18-49, 25-54, and total viewers). [8]

Vikings, the History Channel’s new show, courtesy of www.history.com

The History Channel enjoyed success from its first scripted series, Vikings. The hit drama explores the adventure, bloodshed, and passion that existed during the Dark Ages, all through the eyes of the Vikings. Vikings is special in that it not only celebrates the excitement of warfare but also demonstrates the strength of familial ties. According to the network, Vikings attracted 4.8 million total viewers, with 2.2 million adults 25-54 and 1.9 million adults 18-49. These ratings made Vikings the most-watched cable series in its timeslot. [9]

April

Storage Wars, courtesy of www.aetv.com

One of A&E’s most popular television shows, Storage Wars, is returning on April 16th with a full series of 24 episodes, despite the network’s participation in lawsuits with former show star Dave Hester. The hit series premiered in 2010 and features teams of auctioneers looking to “hit it big” by purchasing the contents of storage facilities after inspecting it for a short amount of time. Hester took the network to court claiming the show is staged; he argued that the show’s producers knew what items were in which storage locker and used this knowledge to rig the bidders’ fates. [6] Even with this controversy, Storage Wars ranked as A&E’s number one series among adults aged 18-49 and 25-54. It also achieved the number three rating for non-fiction show on cable among adults aged 25-54. Last year, the show averaged 4.2 million total viewers. [7] Click here for a link to this season’s trailer.

Contact A+E

Website: http://www.aenetworks.com/

Address: 235 E. 45th St. New York, NY, 10017 United States

Telephone: (212) 210-1400

Works Cited

1. About A&E Networks – bringing human stories to life

2. Lifetime

3. A&E International Information

4. Hoovers – A&E Competitors

5. A&E Executive Bios

6. Storage Wars Lawsuit

7. Storage Wars

8. A&E Scores Best Quarter in Network History

9. Vikings

10. Casey Anthony Movie

11. Salt Lake Tribune – Duck Dynasty

12. TV By the Numbers – Duck Dynasty Article

Comcast/NBCUniversal

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Montana McBirney

By Montana McBirney

Comcast/NBCUniversal Logo [1]

What is Comcast/NBCUniversal?

Comcast/NBCUniversal is one of the leading companies in the fields of media, entertainment, and technology. It is under the Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK). This company owns and operates television networks, theme parks, film companies, a sports firm, television stations, and a video, Internet, and phone provider to residential customers and business [2]. The company is essentially split up into two businesses: Comcast Corporation and NBCUniversal.

NBCUniversal Logo [9]

NBCUniversal owns NBC cable networks like Bravo, E!, and MSNBC. NBC Broadcast television has NBC entertainment, news, and sports. NBC Universal also owns television stations in New York, Philadelphia, Washington, and many other markets. Telemundo is also under the umbrella of NBCUniversal, along with Universal Television [3].

How did Comcast/NBCUniversal Come Together?

In 1926, the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) formed NBC. At the New York World’s Fair in 1939, NBC unveiled the television and broadcasts [4]. After General Electric became it’s parent company in 1986, NBC had many successful years critically. In 2002, they bought the Spanish language broadcaster Telemundo and Bravo and a year later NBC merged with Vivendi Universal Entertainment to become NBCUniversal [5]. In 2011, Comcast purchased the controlling 51% of NBCUniversal from General Electric for $13.8 billion.

Who are the Faces of Comcast/NBCUniversal?

CEO NBCUniversal Stephen B. Burke [7]
CEO Comcast Corporation Brian L. Roberts [8]

What Does Comcast/NBCUniversal Own?

The picture above [10] illustrates the cable and broadcast channels that Comcast/NBCUniversal owns, along with the digital, film, and park entities that it owns. Evidenced by the many cable channels it owns, the company is focused it’s efforts on the surging cable industry. In a visit to Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, CEO Brian Roberts said that, “the world is changing,” and that, “in terms of profit, cable makes more money.” He did say however that NBC is still the engine for their company and it just as much of a focus as the cable channels are [11]. NBC also owns ten stations across the United States in places like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. They also own 14 Telemundo stations in places like Miami, Houston, and San Antonio [21].

What is Comcast/NBCUniversal Doing Today?

In the ratings game, NBC won November sweeps for the first time in nine years. However, in February, NBC hit a new low, coming in fifth place in sweeps. Averaging a 1.2 rating among adults 18-49 put them behind Univision‘s 1.5 rating [23]. With shows like “Do No Harm” [34] preforming with dismal numbers (0.9/3), NBC started off badly. They cancelled the show after airing only two episodes [24].

30-rock-series-finale-airs-tonight-tracy-morgan-baby-news

[28]

NBC’s critically acclaimed comedy “30 Rock,” ended its seventh and final season on January 31st this year. Over the many season, “30 Rock” received a whopping 90 Emmy nominations [22]. Often on the show, Tina Fey and her fellow writers wrote what was exactly happening in their life into the show. General Electric employees and “KableTown” executives frequently appeared.

In February, Comcast also made a huge deal with General Electric to buy the remaining half of NBCUniversal earlier than intended. For $16.7 billion, Comcast now has entire control over NBCUniversal. This shows Comcast’s newly energized commitment to cable and broadcast television [25].

Recently, NBC has been going through some shake ups with ratings and hosts. “Today” lost out on ratings to ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Matt Lauer has a contract expiring soon that is also up in the air [26]. The most recent problem has been how NBC handled the Jay Leno – Jimmy Fallon debacle (pictured right [29]). After months of rumors, NBC announced Jay Leno would retire in the spring of next year, with Jimmy Fallon resuming his spot as host of “The Tonight Show” [27].

Also, in February, it was announced that David Axelrod, previous chief strategist to President Barack Obama’s recent campaign, would join NBC News as a senior political analyst [35].

What is Next for Comcast/NBCUniversal?

Comcast/NBCUniversal is preparing for the end of a legendary show, for new summer shows to be released, and for the upcoming Fall 2013 pilot season.

[32]

NBC’s “The Office” will be ending it’s run on Thursday, May 16th at 9p.m. Since 2005, “The Office” has collected Emmy’s, Golden Globes and many other awards in its amazing 9 season run [13].

NBC is beginning it’s summer roll out with Bryan Fuller’s “Hannibal” which averaged a 1.6 rating/4share in adults 18-49 in its premiere on Thursday, April 4. The show got 4.3 million viewers overall, which are not great numbers but good enough considering it’s lead in was the comedy “Go On” [12]. The video below is a season preview for the new show [18].

On Tuesday, April 9th, “Ready for Love,” a relationship show with three bachelors will premiere, with Eva Longoria as Executive Producer [14] will premiere. “America’s Got Talent” will be premiering its 8th season on June 4, with new judges Mel B and Heidi Klum appearing on July 10th [15].

NBC is also scheduled to premiere their new dramedy “Camp” from creators Liz Heldens and Peter Elkoff, starring “Six Feet Under” actress Rachel Griffiths. It is about Little Hawk family Camp and the parents and kids that inhabit it [16]. “Crossing Lines” is another series scheduled for summer 2013 starring William Fichtner and Donald Sutherland [17].

Comcast/NBCUniversal’s cable networks are preparing for the future as well. The E! network is premiering a new reality show about US gold medalist swimmer Ryan Lochte called “What Would Ryan Lochte Do?”. It premieres April 21st at 10pm [19]. Bravo is premiering “Million Dollar Listing,” “Newlyweds The First Year,” and the ever so popular “Real Housewives of New Jersey,” all in the upcoming months [20].

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John Malkovich [33]

Over the past few months, NBC has been green lighting and shooting upcoming fall pilots for the 2013 season. With 24 pilots (15 comedies and 9 dramas) NBC has the most of any major network. Some of the most anticipated include “About A Boy” from “Parenthood” creator Jason Katims, “Untitled John Mulaney/Lorne Michaels” comedy from the two previously named, along with “The Office” vet Craig Robinson’s untitled comedy [30]. For drama, “Hatfields & McCoys,” starring Virginia Madsen, “Wonderland,” a modern set Alice and Wonderland, and “Crossbones,” which John Malkovich recently signed onto [31].

Works Cited

[1] NBC Peacock Spreads Wings Over Comcast. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324478304578171611450891682.html

[2] Comcast Corporate. http://corporate.comcast.com/news-information/company-overview

[3] NBCUniversal About Us. http://www.nbcuni.com/corporate/about-us/

[4] Museum of Broadcast Communications: NBC. http://www.museum.tv/eotvsection.php?entrycode=nationalbroa

[5] Timeline: NBC and Universal. http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/12/03/us-nbc-comcast-timeline-idUSTRE5B22SO20091203

[7] NBCUniversal’s Senior Executives. http://www.nbcuni.com/corporate/management/senior-corporate-executives/

[8] NBCUniversal’s Board of Directors. http://www.nbcuni.com/corporate/management/board-of-directors/

[9] NBCUniversal logo. https://twitter.com/NBCUniversal

[10] NBCUniversal’s ownership table. www.dailywireless.org/2010/01/04/top-ten-digital-broadcasting-stories-of-the-decade/

[11] Montana McBirney’s notes on Brian Roberts’ visit to Newhouse.

[12] Hannibal Ratings. http://variety.com/2013/tv/news/no-big-ratings-bite-for-hannibal-in-premiere-but-nbc-has-seen-worse-1200333622/