Amblin Partners

Posted on February 18, 2016 by Paul Honnick

image sourced from AmblinPartners.com

by Paul Honnick

Amblin Partners

100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608

amblinpartners.com

Key Executives at Amblin Partners

Michael Wright – CEO

Steven Spielberg – Chairman

Holly Bario – President of Production

Jeff Small – President and Co-CEO

Kristie Macosko – Executive

Images sourced from AmblinPartners.com

Amblin Partners: A New Company Led by a Hollywood Legend

Amblin Partners, is a new film, television, and digital content creation company that develops and produces films using the Amblin Entertainment, DreamWorks Pictures, and Participant brands to leverage their power and board awareness to tell stories that appeal to a wide range of audiences. The partnership was officially formed on December, 15, 2015, by Steven Spielberg of DreamWorks Studios, Jeff Skoll of Participant Media, Anil Ambani of Reliance Group, and Darren Throop of Entertainment One (eOne). [1]

Legendary director Steven Spielberg is the chairman of Amblin Partners, having invested $50 million of his own money into the venture. This is the first time Spielberg has invested his own funds into his brands since founding DreamWorks more than two decades ago, in 1994. [2]

Tech billionaire Jeff Skoll, former eBay executive and founder of Participant Media, made the single largest reported contribution, investing $200 million in the partnership. [2]

Reliance Group of India was a previous equity partner of DreamWorks Pictures and is continuing its seven-year relationship with Spielberg. [2] [5]

The fourth partner, Entertainment One (eOne) of Canada, initially discussed a $50 million investment, however, the final contribution was not disclosed. [2] eOne handles the direct distribution of Amblin Partners films in multiple territories outside of the U.S., including Australia, New Zealand, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the Benelux. [1]

The partnership also secured a $500 million line of credit through half a dozen lenders arranged by J.P. Morgan Chase and Comerica Bank. J.P. Morgan Chase has financed DreamWorks Studios since its inception in 1994. [1] [2]

Amblin Partners is led by CEO Michael Wright, and President and Co-CEO Jeff Small, who previously served as CEO and COO of DreamWorks respectively. Wright joined DreamWorks Pictures in 2014 and signed a four-year contract extension in February. [8] Small, who has been with DreamWorks for the past nine years, was originally named COO when the partnership was formed in December, but was quickly promoted to President and Co-CEO in February. Small also signed a contract extension. [9]

In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Spielberg and Skoll said that the partnership will produce films appealing to adults through the DreamWorks label, while focusing more on family entertainment through the Amblin label, and Participant will focus on projects with socially relevant themes and messages. While the partnership will release some Participant branded films, Participant Media will remain a separate company and continue making documentaries and some scripted films on its own. [1] [4]

Amblin Partners also struck a multi-year deal with Universal Pictures to market and distribute their films produced domestically and in select international territories. Under this agreement, Universal Pictures and Focus Features will handle four to seven films per year, the first film being “The Girl on the Train,” scheduled to be released in October 2016. [3] The Universal deal also represents a chance for director Steven Spielberg to continue doing business with the company where he launched his Hollywood career and defined the modern blockbuster with such films as “E.T.” and “Jurassic Park.” [3] [7] Spielberg has also maintained offices on the Universal Studios lot throughout his career. However, the deal with Universal is strictly for marketing and distribution. Universal did not invest in Amblin Partners, and reportedly charges a commission of more than 7% per film under the terms of the deal. [3] [4]

Amblin Partners’ distribution deal with Universal effectively ends Spielberg’s and DreamWorks Pictures’ previous partnership with Disney, which is set to expire in August. However, under the legacy deal, Disney will distribute two Amblin Partners productions, “The BFG,” and “The Light Between Oceans.” [1] [6] At the conclusion of the partnership, Disney will retain the library of films produced by Spielberg during his tenure with Disney, including the upcoming “The BFG.” [2]

Upcoming Films

Films in various stages of production include “The BFG,” “The Light Between Oceans,” “The Girl on the Train,” “A Dog’s Purpose,” which is scheduled to be released in the first quarter of 2017, and “Ready Player One,” a co-production between Amblin Partners and Warner Bros. Pictures that is scheduled to be released in December 2017. [1]

“The Girl on the Train,” scheduled to be released on October 7, is to be the first film distributed under Amblin Partner’s new deal with Universal. The film is based on the New York Times best seller novel by Paula Hawkins and stars Emily Blunt (Sicario), Rebecca Ferguson (Mission:Impossible – Rogue Nation), Haley Bennett (The Equalizer), Justin Theroux (The Leftovers), Luke Evens (Furious 7), Allison Janney (Mom), Edgar Ramirez (Zero Dark Thirty), Lisa Kudrow (The Comeback) and Merritt Wever (Nurse Jackie). The film is about a recently divorced woman who spends her daily commute fantasizing about the seemingly perfect couple who live in a house that her train passes every day, until one morning she witnesses something shocking and becomes entangled in a mystery. [10]

Principal photography began on “Thank You For Your Service” in February. It is based on a novel by David Finkel and stars Miles Teller (Whiplash), Haley Bennett (The Girl on the Train), Joe Cole (Peaky Blinders), Amy Schumer (Trainwreck), Beulah Koale (The Last Saint), Scott Haze (Child of God), Keisha Castle-Hughes (Whale Rider), Brad Beyer (42), Omar Dorsey (Selma) and Jayson Warner Smith (The Birth of a Nation). The film revolves around a group of soldiers returning from Iraq who struggle to integrate back into family and civilian life while dealing with the traumas of war. The film also marks the directorial debut of Jason Hall. [11]

Shooting is expected to commence this Spring for the upcoming holiday comedy “Office Christmas Party,” starring Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman, TJ Miller, and Kate McKinnon. Will Speck and Josh Gordon are set to direct the film about a group of people who have to deal with a holiday office party gone awry. The film is expected to be released in December through Paramount. [12]

Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/notes/paramount-pictures/paramount-pictures-and-dreamworks-pictures-ghost-in-the-shell-is-in-production-i/10154147848862072/

Scarlett Johansson in “Ghost in the Shell.” Image sourced from Paramount Pictures official Facebook page

Production began in April on a live-action adaptation of the famous Japanese manga series “Ghost in the Shell” in Wellington, New Zealand. The film stars Scarlett Johansson (Avengers: Age of Ultron), and is directed by Rupert Sanders (Snow White and the Huntsman). The film will also star Japanese actor Takeshi “Beat” Kitano in his first U.S. role since 1995’s “Johnny Mnemonic.” Johansson plays a special-ops, human-cyborg hybrid, who leads the elite task force Section 9 devoted to stopping dangerous criminals and extremists in the sci-fi adventure. The film, scheduled to be released March 31, 2017, is a co-production between Amblin Partners’ DreamWorks and Paramount Pictures, with Paramount distributing the film. [13] [14]

Sources

Amblin Partners. Dreamworks Studios, Participant Media, Reliance Entertainment and Entertainment One Form Amblin Partners, A New Film, Television and Digital Content Creation Company. Retrieved April 23, 2016. http://www.amblinpartners.com/dreamworks-studios-participant-media-reliance-entertainemt-one-amblin-partners/
Rainey, James. Variety. December 30, 2015. Steven Spielberg Puts His Own Big Bucks Into the New Amblin Partners (Exclusive). Retrieved April 23, 2016. http://variety.com/2015/film/news/steven-spielberg-amblin-investment-1201669720/
Lang, Brent and Rainey, James. Variety. December 16, 2015. Steven Spielberg, Jeff Skoll Bring Amblin Partners to Universal. Retrieved April 23, 2016. http://variety.com/2015/film/news/steven-spiellberg-universal-1201662956/
Masters, Kim. Hollywood Reporter. Steven Speilberg, Jeff Skoll Talk Amblin Partners Deal: “We Are Hitting the Ground Running” (Exclusive). Retrieved April 24, 2016. https://edit.hollywoodreporter.com/news/steven-spielberg-jeff-skoll-talk-849554
Lang, Brent and Rainey, James. Variety. December 10, 2015. Steven Spielberg’s DreamWorks to Reboot with $200 Million From Participant and Universal Deal. Retrieved April 23, 2016. http://variety.com/2015/film/news/participant-dreamworks-universal-200-million-deal-1201658060/
Masters, Kim. Hollywood Reporter. September 2, 2015. Steven Spielberg’s DreamWorks to Split From Disney, In Talks With Universal (Exclusive). Retrieved April 23, 2016. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/steven-spielbergs-dreamworks-split-disney-819594
McClintock, Pamela. Hollywood Reporter. Steven Spielberg, Jeff Skoll Team to Form Amblin Partners, Strike Distribution Deal With Universal. Retrieved April 23, 2016. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/steven-spielberg-jeff-skoll-team-849249
Rainy, James. Variety. February 2, 2016. Michael Wright Re-Ups as CEO of Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Partners. Retrieved April 24, 2016. http://variety.com/2016/film/news/michael-wright-amblin-partners-deal-1201694796/
Busch, Anita. Deadline. February 3, 2016. Amblin Promotes Jeff Small To President & Co-CEO. Retrieved April 24, 2016. http://deadline.com/2016/02/amblin-jeff-small-president-co-ceo-promotion-steven-spielberg-1201695827/
DreamWorks Pictures. November 11, 2015. Principal Photography Begins for New York Times Best Seller ‘The Girl on the Train’. Retrieved April 24, 2016. https://dreamworkspictures.com/news/principal-photography-begins-for-new-york-times-best-seller-the-girl-on-the-train
DreamWorks Pictures. February 9, 2016. Principal Photography Begins on ‘Thank You For Your Service’. Retrieved April 24, 2016. https://dreamworkspictures.com/news/principal-photography-begins-on-thank-you-for-your-service
Kit, Borys. Hollywood Reporter. February 19, 2016. Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman to Star in ‘Office Christmas Party’ (Exclusive). Retrieved April 24, 2016. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jennifer-aniston-jason-bateman-star-867614
Paramount Pictures. April 14, 2016. Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures’ “Ghost in the Shell” is in Production in New Zealand. Retrieved April 24, 2016. https://www.facebook.com/notes/paramount-pictures/paramount-pictures-and-dreamworks-pictures-ghost-in-the-shell-is-in-production-i/10154147848862072
DreamWorks Pictures. March 3, 2016. Japanese Icon Takeshi ‘Beat’ Kitano Boards ‘Ghost in the Shell’. Retrieved April 24, 2016. https://dreamworkspictures.com/news/japanese-icon-takeshi-beat-kitano-boards-ghost-in-the-shell

Comcast/NBCU

Quote

Posted on February 18, 2016 by Conor Matthews

Conor Matthews

Comcast NBCUniversal logo featuring the iconic rainbow peackock

Since the invention of the radio, American families have gathered around the heath of the house daily, clamoring around an electric conduit of entertainment. History has developed the American hearth in time, from radio to television and film, and now, to the Internet. Since its inception, the American hearth’s form has changed, but one constant has remained—NBC. If the social, emotional, and cultural importance of Television, Radio, and Film are likened to a literal and metaphorical hearth, then NBCUniversal is the fortress in which this hearth was built.

The Construction of America’s TV Fortress

In 1926 David Sarnoff founded the National Broadcasting Company (NBC), making it America’s first permanent radio network. [1] NBC ruled the Golden Era of Radio in the 1930s, and Sarnoff was busy developing television for NBC.

Americans gather around the “American hearth” to watch TV

In 1939 at the World’s Far, Sarnoff presented regular television service on behalf of NBC. Meanwhile, Universal—founded by Carl Laemmle in 1912—was producing huge blockbusters that garnered Academy Awards. The two media companies would hold America’s attention independent of each other until their merger in 2004, at the hands of their parents General Electric and Vivendi.

The Acquisition of America’s TV Fortress

Comcast, however, bought the entire NBCUniversal assets from GE and Vivendi in March 2013. The merge augmented Comcast’s power to produce, and distribute media, a move critiqued by Susan Crawford as being too monopolistic. “‘Comcast [is] in a prime position to be the unchallenged provider of everything — all data, all information, all entertainment — flowing over the wires in its market areas’”.[2] Despite naysayers, the merge proved fruitful as NBC emerged as No. 1 in adults 18-49 for the Primetime Season 2013-14 year; the first time in over 10 years that NBC earned this superlative.[3]

The list of assets owned by NBCUniversal, and through extension Comcast, is expansive. NBC Cable boasts the names of well-known cable networks like Bravo, E!, USA, and Syfy; while NBCU has four broadcast assets—NBC, NBC News, NBC Sports, and Telemundu.

The Optimization of America’s TV Fortress

NBCU’s unwavering dominance in the TV industry has allowed the company to look inward at the current way their business operates, specifically their relationship to advertisers. No matter the client or project, however, NBCU remains focused on retaining the bold, and effective brand their audience knows well.

On February 24, 2016, NBCU announced a reworking of NBCUx, a development that allows programmatic buys for advertising clients on the company’s linear TV networks. NBCUx uses NBCU’s Advanced Targeting Platform to pinpoint correlations between the ad’s audience and the clients’ consumers.[4] NBCUx aids clients in understanding which ad slots are most cost efficient and worthwhile. Prior to the 2016 announcement of NBCUx, NBCUx was first used by a few select clients on NBCU’s digital platforms after the company’s 2015 Upfront. Since then, the success of NBCUx has been noted by Mike Farrell of Multichannel, who writes, “With ATP, NBCU has demonstrated that ads have a higher reach, and are more efficient as they are run across the entire portfolio”.[5] Khrishan Bhatia, EVP of Business Operations and Strategy, noted that last year NBCU’s digital growth was comprised of 40% video.[6] In turn, 40% of that 40% came from programmatic sources.

The 2016 expansion of NBCUx enables clients looking to buy ads on TV to forgo the traditional Nielsen model, which uses demographics ratings. NBCUx is pioneering programmatic buys in the TV world. Bhatia told reporters, “It’s the industry’s first national programmatic TV offering at scale”. NBCUx will be NBCU’s main talking point at their May 17, 2016 Upfront in New York City.[7]

NBCUx is working hard to pinpoint valuable customers and audiences of TV, something metadata and cookie mining is already helping many online platforms do. The advertisements on online platforms, however, lack what the television advertisements do possess —ads that make people want to get up and buy a product. On the subject of advertisements, Jim Bankoff, charmain and CEO of Vox Media details, “‘awareness creation, identity creation, brand building [are] the kind of things that television and magazines have been good at, creating that experience and telling marketers’ stories’”.[8] Understanding this dichotomy, NBCU is utilizing its 2015 $200million investment in the digital publisher, Vox Media, to reinvigorate the online ad-viewing experience.[9] The synthesis of this partnership is an inventory tool called Concert.

Concert guarantees brands advertisements that are mutually beneficial for both parties, utilizing “data targeting and a large, fraud-free audience that results in performance that’s 12 times what the average banner ad delivers”. Bankoff elaborates, “…now marketers who are looking to build brand can take advantage of the capabilities but can have beautiful advertising that performs well for them that doesn’t irritate—and actually delights—the audience…”.[10] Between all of NBCU and Vox Media’s online properties, Concert will have an audience of over 170 million people, with a majority of that audience being an extremely valuable demographic—Millennials.

Bobby Moynihan of ‘Saturday Night Life’ stars in a Fiat commercial [11]

Continuing to optimize their relationship with advertisements, The NBCU Content Studio was created with brands in mind. Specifically, NBCU will utilize the celebrity brands they have, like Jimmy Fallon of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and Bobby Moynihan of Saturday Night Live to create content for companies looking to promote their own brand.[11] The NBCU Content Studio enables companies to fulfill the growing need to publish their own branded video content across multiple platforms like, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube, and their own website. The clients will be able to utilize NBCU’s “creative talent, data, distribution and scale (including its partners BuzzFeed, Vox and AOL)”, while putting a representative of NBCU Television in front of the audience. The NBCU Content Studio is an example of NBCU’s understanding of the cogent convergence of brand and media.

The Future of America’s TV Fortress

Looking at the future of NBCUniversal indicates the same strong emphasis on online platforms as the company is doing currently. Specifically, in April 2016, NBCU and Amazon reached an agreement for the latter to carry SeeSo as part of their Amazon Prime bundle.[12] SeeSo is a comedy-only streaming service which features NBC sitcoms and other syndicated comedy programs. SeeSo’s potential success, or lack thereof, will help inform potential future endeavors of the company into OTP streaming services.

NBCUniversal’s May 17 upfront will be a critical moment to test the work the company has done on NBCUx, Concert, and The NBCU Content Studio. By buying into NBCU’s Upfront, clients will validate or invalidate NBCU’s efforts to optimize the workings of their company and brand. Furthermore, this coming year will serve as a test-run for the three projects. While some clients will leave NBCU’s Upfront with three more tools at their dispense, the work will continue after this year. NBCU’s relentless position at the top of the media industry inspires to make what works, really work.

[1] “Credo & History.” NBCUniversal Careers. NBCUniversal, n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2016.
<http://www.nbcunicareers.com/our-company/credo-history>.

[2] Gustin, Sam. “Comcast’s NBCUniversal Deal: As One Media Era Ends, Another
Begins.” TIME. N.p., 14 Feb. 2014. Web. 22 Apr. 2016.
<http://business.time.com/2013/02/14/
comcasts-nbcuniversal-deal-as-one-media-era-ends-another-begins/>.

[3]”NBC Finishes No. 1 In 18-49 Demo For 2013-14 Primetime Season.” The Deadline.
N.p., 14 Sept. 2014. Web. 24 Apr. 2016. <http://deadline.com/2014/09/
nbc-ratings-primetime-2013-2014-primetime-season-835093/>.

[4] LaFayette, Jon.”New Currencies Used in NBCU Ad Data Deals.” Broadcasting & Cable. N.p., 14 Apr. 2016. Web. 19 Apr. 2016. <http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/
currency/new-currencies-used-nbcu-ad-data-deals/155515>.

[5] Farrell, Mike. “#AdvancedAd 2016: Programmatic Expands Choice.” Multichannel
News. N.p., 5 Apr. 2016. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.
<http://www.multichannel.com/news/advanced-advertising/
advancedad-2016-programmatic-expands-choice/403878>.

[6] Lynch, Jason. “NBCUniversal Will Start Selling TV Advertising Programmatically This
Fall.” AdWeek. N.p., 24 Feb. 2016. Web. 21 Apr. 2016.
<http://www.adweek.com/news/television/
nbcuniversal-will-start-selling-tv-advertising-programmatically-fall-169850>.

[7] Andreeva, Nellie. “NBCUniversal Folds All Cable Networks Into NBC Upfront
Presentation.” The Deadline. N.p., 30 Mar. 2016. Web. 23 Apr. 2016.
<http://deadline.com/2016/03/
nbcuniversal-upfront-presentation-nbc-usa-syfy-msnbc-1201728552/>.

[8] Lynch, Jason. “NBCUniversal and Vox Team Up to Sell Cross-Platform, Premium
Digital Advertising.” AdWeek. N.p., 4 Apr. 2016. Web. 22 Apr. 2016.
<http://www.adweek.com/news/television/
nbcuniversal-and-vox-team-sell-cross-platform-premium-digital-advertising-170588>.

[9] Baysinger, Tim. “Why NBCU Invested $200 Million in Vox.” AdWeek. N.p., 13 Aug.
2015. Web. 23 Apr. 2016. <http://www.adweek.com/news/television/
why-nbcu-invested-200-million-vox-166368>.

[10]Lafayette, Jon. “NBCU, Vox Harmonize in Digital Ad ‘Concert’.”
Broadcasting & Cable. N.p., 4 Apr. 2016. Web. 23 Apr. 2016.
<http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/currency/
nbcu-vox-harmonize-digital-ad-concert/155173>.

[11] Lynch, Jason. “NBCU’s New Studio Is Creating Branded Content for Viewers Beyond Its Own Platforms.” AdWeek. N.p., 20 Mar. 2016. Web. 22 Apr. 2016.
<http://www.adweek.com/news/television/
nbcus-new-studio-creating-branded-content-viewers-beyond-its-own-platforms-170264>.

[12] Would, Kristofer. “NBCUniversal’s comedy streaming service to allow
subscriptions via Amazon Read more: http://www.digitaltrends.com/movies/
nbcu-seeso-amazon-subscription/#ixzz46relKHHk Follow us: @digitaltrends on
Twitter | digitaltrendsftw on Facebook.” Digital Trends. N.p., 20 Apr.
2016. Web. 22 Apr. 2016. <http://www.digitaltrends.com/movies/
nbcu-seeso-amazon-subscription/>.

MGM Studios

Posted on December 1, 2014 by amschw01

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

[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 Burnett, Roma 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].

———————————————————————————————————

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.

Relativity Media

Posted on October 5, 2014 by jlspivac

Relativity Media Logo[1*]

by Jeff Spivack

HISTORY

Founded in 2004 by industry icon Ryan Kavanaugh, Relativity Media produces and distributes film, television, music, sports, and fashion globally. The company’s diverse portfolio and nontraditional business model distinguish it amongst its competitors. For the first five years of its existence, Relativity Media was primarily a finance and film funding company, without an actual studio or film producing division.[1] In January of 2009, Relativity Media acquired Rogue Pictures from Universal Pictures for $150 mil and in doing so, became a fully outfitted movie studio. From this point on, the studio began producing its own films in its own studios, adding more films to its release schedule each successive year.[2] In an effort to further expand their operation, in 2010 the company took over the 45-person marketing and distribution team of Starz’s Overture Films.[3] To date, Relativity Media’s film studios have produced and distributed over 30 films. The company has continuously grown, and has built a varied and multi-faceted business that delves into a number fringe markets, though in recent years analysts have remarked that Relativity’s performance may be slacking. 2014 marks the company’s ten year anniversary.[4]

Key Executives

Ryan+Kavanaugh+November+Man+Premieres+Hollywood+qlYI0FI9yDal

Relativity Media Founder and CEO Ryan Kavanaugh[2*]

The founder and CEO of Relativity Media, Ryan Kavanaugh, quickly and unexpectedly rose to prominence in the industry. His first notable accomplishments came in the form of successful and original film financing arrangements which he organized for Universal, Warner Bros., Sony, and other film studios. Early in his career, industry pundits thought he might have an early retirement given a DUI and probation violation he acquired during his initial successes, but he quickly turned things around and has been scandal free for the past few years.[5] In founding Relativity Media in 2004 with Lynwood Spinks, Kavanaugh managed his company in a way that is often compared to the analytical methods exhibited in the film “Moneyball”.[6] Kavanaugh is often the recipient of industry awards and accolades for his original approach and unmitigated success. In addition to his professional successes, Kavanaugh has participated in major philanthropic pursuits, founding several charitable organizations and committing large donations to charities that focus on children such as The Art Of Elysium.[7]

Relativity Media President Tucker Tooley[3*]

President of Relativity Media, Tucker Tooley, joined the staff in 2007 as the President of Worldwide Production. Before accepting a position at Relativity Media, Tooley had extensive film industry experience, previously working as president of Tooley Productions as well as Creative Executive at Interlight Productions.[8] In 2011 Tooley became the President at Relativity Media and has since been the producer and executive producer of some of Relativity’s most successful films. He also played a large part in the company’s 2009 transition from film financier to film studio and will be a major player during the studio’s eventual IPO.[9]

Financials

Relativity media has participated in the financing, distribution, or structuring of over 200 films. As of 2014, box office revenue has generated over $17 billion worldwide for the company. Much of the relatively small film studio’s success can be attributed to its performance in foreign markets.[10] Relativity Media’s most successful release to date was the 2011 Immortals, which grossed $84 million domestically and $143 million in foreign markets.[11] Theatrical releases account for only 60% of Relativity’s revenue, indicating a highly diversified revenue stream. The company will continue this campaign and plans to have 50% of its revenue coming from alternate sources by next year[12]

Initial Public Offering

Relativity Media’s IPO preparations[4*]

Beyond its slate of film releases this year, Relativity has made substantial steps towards a planned upcoming IPO by attempting to raise capital and grow its business through acquisitions, such as its $1.1 billion bid for Makers Studios which it eventually lost to a competing bid by the Walt Disney Company. Sources believe that the planned IPO will value the company somewhere between $6 billion and $10 billion. CEO Ryan Kavanaugh’s strategy for the IPO preparation is one of diversification, which he hopes will entice investors by offsetting the volatile nature of film markets.[13]

Additionally, Relativity has made strategic partnerships with multiple Chinese companies, and has publicly suggested that it may list its stock in both New York and Hong Kong. Its largest partnership will be with Chinese broadcaster, Jiangsu, with which Relativity will co-finance, produce, and distribute translatable content for both economies.[14] Kavanaugh stated the following in regards to his recent dealings in China.

We view China as being as important as the United States for Relativity. We’ve put a big bet on China, and the partnerships we announced today will further strengthen the robust foundation we have built in China.[15]

Other moves, such as plans to refinance their debt and the hiring of attorney Carol Genis make it clear that Relativity Media will likely go public within the next 12 months. Below, Kavanaugh explains his decision to hire Carol Genis.[16]

I have worked closely with Carol for more than a decade, relying on her sound counsel. She is an incredibly talented executive with an intimate understanding of our business and her experience and insight will prove vital as we prepare for an IPO[16.5]

Kavanaugh Hires New Staff[5*]

Theatrical Releases

Relativity Media’s 2013 season was less then desirable, returning only $242, releasing a total of 9 films by the end of the year.[17] Jason Dietz from Metacritic.com, a film performance rating site, had this to say about Relativity’s 2013 season.

Relatively speaking, Relativity performed horribly with critics in 2013, earning negative notices for more than half of its releases. The studio did score some hits, none bigger than the Nicholas Sparks adaptation Safe Haven, which grossed nearly $100 million worldwide against a $28 million budget. But there were also numerous duds, including animated family film Free Birds, drama Out of the Furnace, and thriller misfire Paranoia[18]

Relativity released 7 new films during the 2014 season, commanding 2.0% of the market share. As of November 30th, Relativity’s total gross for the 2014 season amounts to $181 million. Below are Relativity Media’s 2014 releases in descending order of highest grossing to lowest grossing. Hold your cursor over the movie poster to see the film’s Box Office gross. Click the poster to read a synopsis and access cast and crew information about the film on IMDb.com[19]

The Releases

Earth To Echo[6*]

3 Days To Kill[7*]

Oculus[8*]

Best Of Me[9*]

The November Man[10*]

Brick Mansions[11*]

Beyond The Lights[12*]

References

[1] About Us. Retrieved November 24, 2014, from http://www.relativitymedia.com/About.aspx

[2] Cieply, M. (2009, January 4). Universal Sells Rogue for $150 Million. The New York Times. Retrieved November 24, 2014, from http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/05/business/media/05rogue.html?_r=1&

[3] Finke, N. (2010, July 23). Relativity Takes Over Overture from Starz. Retrieved November 24, 2014, from http://deadline.com/2010/07/relativity-takes-over-overture-from-starz-56058/

[4] Riley, J. (2014, May 6). Relativity Media Celebrates 10th Anniversary (VIDEO). Retrieved November 25, 2014, from http://variety.com/2014/film/spotlight/relativity-media-celebrates-10th-anniversary-video-1201172992/

[5] About Us. Retrieved November 24, 2014, from http://www.relativitymedia.com/About.aspx

[6] Pomerantz, D. (2013, May 6). Why Ryan Kavanaugh Is Now The Most-Watched Man In Hollywood. Retrieved November 25, 2014, from http://www.forbes.com/sites/dorothypomerantz/2013/04/17/why-ryan-kavanaugh-is-now-the-most-watched-man-in-hollywood/

[7]Philanthropy. Retrieved November 25, 2014, from http://www.relativitymedia.com/Philanthropy.aspx

[8] Tucker Tooley. Retrieved November 26, 2014, from http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=118221022&privcapId=24439893

[9] About Us. Retrieved November 26, 2014, from http://www.relativitymedia.com/About.aspx

[10] About Us. Retrieved November 26, 2014, from http://www.relativitymedia.com/About.aspx

[11] Immortals. Retrieved November 26, 2014, from http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=warofgods.htm

[12] Atkinson, C. (2014, June 12). Relativity Media to close $1B pre-IPO funding. New York Post. Retrieved November 26, 2014, from http://nypost.com/2014/06/12/relativity-media-to-close-1b-pre-ipo-funding/

[13] Sakoui, A., & Erlichman, J. (2014, April 14). Relativity Media Sends offer for Makers Studios Over Disney. Retrieved November 27, 2013, from http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-04-14/relativity-media-sends-offer-for-maker-studios-over-disney-s.html

[14] Sakoui, A., & Erlichman, J. (2014, June 19). Relativity Media Plans to Raise Capital Ahead of Planned IPO. Retrieved November 7, 2014, from http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-06-19/relativity-media-plans-to-raise-capital-ahead-of-planned-ipo.html

[15] Coonan, C. (n.d.). Relativity CEO Ryan Kavanaugh: ‘China Is Just as Important to Us as the U.S.’ Retrieved December 1, 2014, from http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/relativity-ceo-ryan-kavanaugh-china-712036

[16] Mcnary, D. (2014, September 2). Ryan Kavanaugh’s Relativity Continues Prepping for IPO, Taps Managing Director. Retrieved November 27, 2014, from http://variety.com/2014/film/news/ryan-kavanaughs-relativity-ipo-managing-director-1201296042/

[16.5] Mcnary, D. (2014, September 2). Ryan Kavanaugh’s Relativity Continues Prepping for IPO, Taps Managing Director. Retrieved November 27, 2014, from http://variety.com/2014/film/news/ryan-kavanaughs-relativity-ipo-managing-director-1201296042/

[17] Studio Market Share. Retrieved November 28, 2014, from http://boxofficemojo.com/studio/?view2=yearly&view=company&p=.htm

[18] Dietz, J. (2014, January 23). Metacritic’s 5th Annual Movie Studio Report Card. Retrieved November 28, 2014, from http://www.metacritic.com/feature/film-studio-rankings-2014

[19] Relativity. Retrieved November 28, 2014, from http://boxofficemojo.com/studio/chart/yr=2013&view=company&studio=relativity.htm

Image Sources

[1*]Snider, M. (2012, May 22). Relativity Media Logo. Retrieved November 30, 2014, from http://www.geekfore.com/?attachment_id=1987

[2*] “The November Man” Premiers in Hollywood. (n.d.). Retrieved November 30, 2014, from http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/aOUGAlyXxtJ/November Man Premieres Hollywood/qlYI0FI9yDa/Ryan Kavanaugh

[3*] Huver, S. Tucker Tooley Helps Stars Make it Big Read more at http://la-confidential-magazine.com/living/articles/its-all-relativity#KXq4xRUfDqI5bB4u.99. Retrieved November 30, 2014, from http://la-confidential-magazine.com/living/articles/its-all-relativity

[4*] Atkinson, C. (2014, June 12). Relativity Media to close $1B pre-IPO funding. New York Post. Retrieved November 26, 2014, from http://nypost.com/2014/06/12/relativity-media-to-close-1b-pre-ipo-funding/

[5*] Mcnary, D. (2014, September 2). Ryan Kavanaugh’s Relativity Continues Prepping for IPO, Taps Managing Director. Retrieved November 27, 2014, from http://variety.com/2014/film/news/ryan-kavanaughs-relativity-ipo-managing-director-1201296042/

[6*] http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2183034/

[7*] http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2172934/?ref_=fn_al_tt_7

[8*] http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2388715/?ref_=nv_sr_1

[9*] http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1972779/?ref_=nv_sr_1

[10*] http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2402157/?ref_=nv_sr_1

[11*] http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1430612/?ref_=nv_sr_1

[12*] http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3125324/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Spotify

Posted on March 15, 2014 by Hannah Friedland

By Hannah D Friedland

[1] Spotify’s Logo

THE SPOTIFY STORY:

[6] The most updated visuals of the Spotify application on thee platforms

[2] The most updated visuals of the Spotify application on thee platforms. Users have an on-demand stream of music on their computer, mobile device, tablet, and home entertainment system.

Spotify is a music streaming service that puts users in control of 20 million licensed songs [3]. Spotify was launched in Sweden in 2008 and came to America in 2011.

Spotify is financially a private company that offers over 20,000 new songs each day from major and independent labels including EMI, Warner Music Group, Universal, & The Orchard [3]. Artists earn royalty when their music is played, and there are over 24 million active users currently in 55 markets [3].

There are two revenue streams, free, which is “powered by advertisers” and premium for $9.99 monthly with extra features including no ads, offline, and high-quality audio [3].

TEAM SPOTIFY:

[2] Spotify Founders- Daniel Ek & Martin Lorentzon

[4] Spotify Founders- Daniel Ek & Martin Lorentzon

[5] Chief Sales, Marketing, and International Growth Officer- Jeff Levick

[5] Chief Content Officer & Managing Director USA- Ken Parks

[6] Chief Content Officer & Managing Director USA- Ken Parks

[7] Head of Content- Steve Savoca

INSIDE SPOTIFY:

Social Media Merges with Music- Songs, playlists, and albums can be shared on the Spotify application through the "Send To" message option, or users can "post to feed" to their Facebook timeline, Twitter, and Tumblr within the Spotify application. ARROW

Social Media Merges with Music- Using the “send to”, or “post to feed” options users can message music to friends and post music to their Facebook timeline, Twitter, and Tumblr within the Spotify application. Source: Spotify

Spotify gives its users the option to connect with their social media Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr accounts. Users can create collaborative playlists, share music, view friends music and more which provides for ample music discovery and publicity for the company on social media platforms. There is also a private session users can activate.

Two other elements that Spotify includes are apps and Discover. While these apps add dimension to the Spotify journey, Discover is essentially a constantly updated news feed.

Discover- Spotify's "news feed" feature on the desktop application, artists are recommended, concerts nearby are posted, friends listening habits are shown all based on listening habits the user has shown. Source: Spotify

Discover- Spotify’s “news feed” feature on the desktop application. Updates with releases, playlists, artists recommendations, concerts nearby are posted, friends listening habits are shown all based on listening habits the user has shown. Source: Spotify

COMPETITORS:

Spotify is a strong contender, but it’s competing neck and neck with Rdio, Pandora, Rhapsody, Google Play Music, and Beats on price, catalogue, platforms, and features [8]. Beats Music entered the competitive on-demand music market in January [9], and is Spotify’s biggest challenger.

[10] Beats Music vs. Spotify- The two streaming services are extremely similar with the same catalogue size, the discovery element, and price.

Beats entry in the market put Spotify in “go-mode”.

SPOTIFY’S SITUATION:

Competitor streaming services are continually emerging. With more choices presented to consumers, Spotify has responded by shifting their focus to partnerships, acquisitions, customer satisfaction, and updated product development. The formula is to attract users to Spotify, engage with users, and retain them.

Partnerships

Last.fm

Last.fm is a music recommendation service. In January, Spotify and Last.fm teamed up to bring a beneficial on-demand playbar to Last.fm’s website. This makes it possible for Last.fm users to internally play the entire Spotify catalogue on Last.fm’s website [11].

The collaboration works in both companies favor. Last.fm users have a fuller experience with the power, “to play whatever you want by whoever you want directly on Last.fm” [12]. In addition, Spotify’s catalogue incorporation provides a huge presence and Last.fm users conveniently have motivation to signup for Spotify to take advantage of the essential music player.

The Last.Fm Spotify playbar at the bottom of Last.Fm’s website. Source: Lastfm.com

SoundHound

Spotify also joined forces with SoundHound for the “Add to spotify” feature on its iOS application in February. SoundHound is a popular music-recognition app, similar to Shazam. Banded together, SoundHound is now more interactive. After linking accounts, with the tap of a button users can automatically generate Spotify playlists of recognized songs without leaving SoundHound’s app [13].

Hitting the “Add to Spotify” button automatically turns songs discovered on SoundHound into a Spotify playlist. Source: SoundHound & Spotify

The mutually-beneficial relationship brings life to identified songs through Spotify playlists on SoundHoud, and the incentive to use the button will drive users to subscribe to Spotify while giving them presence on a music app [14].

Coachella

On top of that, Spotify was presented with an amazing opportunity to have presence on site at Coachella as the Official Digital Music Partner of the Coachella Music and Arts Festival in California in April. The Spotify Social tent was an on-site air-conditioned tent that offered relaxation pods, chargers, a “Mosaic Photo Booth” that uses your Spotify account to generate a picture out of your most played album art, and art from artist Apex [15].

[16] The Spotify Social tent, that capped at 150, gave people an air conditioning experience filled with music, more battery power, art, and a Mosaic Photobooth that puts your face on album covers based on your Spotify listening habits.

#WeWereThere was Spotify’s digital interactive strategy at Coachella to “connect, collect, share.” Implanted in every RFID wristband was the power to capture the experience by checking in and collecting custom Spotify curated playlists. The “My Coachella Story” digital snapshot let individuals create memories of their festival concert experiences with playlists gathered [16]. This collaboration not only transformed Coachella goers into premium users, but also created a special experience and built relationships by reliving the festival on Spotify.

[15] “My Coachella Story”- an example of a digital snapshot that shoes distance traveled, the path taken, playlists, artists seen etc. To participate users needed to simply connect their wrist band with their Spotify accounts, look for check ins at the festival, use the wristband to collect playlists and then after generate their digital card and share it with family and friends.

Sprint

Lastly, Beats launched with an AT&T package family plan deal. Rumors are circulating about Spotify planning to bundle with the #3 U.S. mobile carrier, Sprint [17] in April. This partnership will give Sprint customers a free trial. Customers will be able to pay for Spotify directly through their Sprint Accounts, which will help Spotify secure a greater market share and Sprint secure more data plans. Sprint and Spotify will announce the details on April 29th at a New York Event [18].

Acquisitions

In efforts to boost the “discovery” element, Spotify acquired The Echo Nest in March [19]. The Echo Nest is a music intelligence company that examines listening behavior and makes musical recommendations. Spotify paid $100 Million, with 90% Spotify equity [20]. The Echo Nest previously powered Rdio and Rhapsody, both of which ended their deals, deeming its technology invaluable to their operations right after Spotify acquired [21]. This potentially puts Spotify in the position to take The Echo Nest away from competitors.

Combing the two companies gives The Echo Nest a bigger audience and catalog, while Spotify, now with music-discovery data, will improve recommendation’s.

Customer Satisfaction

With intentions to obtain more paying users Spotify has updated its business model. In January the company announced free music shuffling on iOS with a catch, non-premium users ads play in between every few tracks [22]. In February, Spotify added the “repeat one” feature [23]. Repeat one grants users the option to repeat a single track over and over [24]. These highly requested changes illustrate that Spotify cares about users.

Working with a college students budget, Spotify slashed the premium $9.99 monthly rate to $4.99 in March [25]. They partnered with SheerID to validate eligibility. This price change is valuable because college students represent an important key demographic in streaming use [26]. This differentiates Spotify from other streaming services like Rdio and Beats that charge $10 monthly.

Unique Product Development

Competition among streaming services leads Spotify to completely redesign its user interface layout on all platforms. Spotify rolled out a sleek modernized look on April 2^nd. This major design update was the first since its launch in 2008, and to keep current it was a smart move [27].

Spotify’s New Look Video [28]

The new dramatic, dark color scheme highlights important buttons, includes circular images for people, and features square album shapes [29]. The browse tab is revised and categorized between top lists, releases, news, and moods. “Your Music”, a collection of users saved albums, songs, and artists is a new addition [30]. The Your Music addition mimics iTunes library and it is comparable to Rdio’s “collection” feature. It helps users save, organize, and browse through their favorite music. The new layout feels unified and balanced, and should attract new users [31].

WHATS NEXT FOR SPOTIFY:

Spotify is headed in the right direction, but with downloads declining, new rival services like YouTube, Apple, and Amazon that have huge user bases are joining the streaming market [32].

Being active puts Spotify in the forefront, which looks great for Investors. It is rumored that an IPO is in Spotify’s near future. Though the company has declined all comments, a job advertisement for an “External Reporting Specialist” has been posted on their website and LinkedIn [33]. Their future looks competitive but successful.

Sources:

1. Spotify’s Logo 2014, Spotifypress.com, RT: 4/04/2014

2. Spotify’s Application on Three Platforms, Spotifyblog.com, RT: 4/01/2014

3. Spotify Press Fast Facts, Press.Spotify.com, RT: 4/01/2014

4.The Founders of Spotify, Press.Spotify.com, RT: 4/01/2014

5.Spotify’s Chief Sales, Marketing, and International Growth Officer, Press.Spotify.com, RT: 4/01/2014

6. Chief Content Officer & Managing Director USA,Press.Spotify.com, RT: 4/01/2014

7. Head of Content, Press.Spotify.com, RT: 4/01/2014

8. “And The Winner Is… Best Music On-Demand Streaming Service”, Cultofmac.com, 2/18/2014, RT: 4/07/2014

9. “Beats Music Is Here”, Beats Music Blog 1/16/2014, RT: 4/08/2014

10. “Beats Music vs. Spotify: Can Dr. Dre outmix the king of streaming”, Digital Trends, 1/27/2014, RT: 4/07/2014

11. “Last.fm Bands up with Spotify to offer on-demand tracks”, CNET, 1/29/2014, RT: 4/04/2014

12. “Did Someone Say On Demand?”, Last.fm Blog, 1/29/2014, RT: 4/04/2014

13. “SoundHound Launched “Add to Spotify”, Business Wire, 2/21/2014, RT: 4/07/2014

14. “SoundHound Now Lets You Easily Add Your Discovered Music to Your Spotify Playlist”, appdevice.com, 2/24/2014, RT: 4/07/2014

15. “Coachella here we come” Spotify News, 4/7/2014 RT: 4/14/2014

16. “Spotify’s Coachella #WeWereThere Campaign: High Tech and Sweet, Sweet Air Conditioning”, Billboard, 4/11/2014, RT: 4/14/2014

17. “Sprint and Spotify Plan to Partner Up”, recode.net, 4/11/2014, RT: 4/14/2014

18. “Spotify, Sprint Plan Music Bundle To Be Unveiled This Month”, Billboard, 4/12/2014, RT: 4/14/2014

19.“Spotify Acquires the Echo Nest”, Billboard, 3/06/2014, RT: 4/02/2014

20. “Spotify Acquired Music Tech Company The Echo Nest in A $100M Deal” , TechCrunch, 3/07/2014, RT: 4/07/2014

21. “Rhapsody Kills its Echo Nest partnership following Spotify acquisition”, Venturebeat.com, 3/21/2014, RT: 4/09/2014

22. “Spotify’s free shuffle mode arrives on iPhone”, The Verge,1/08/2014, RT: 4/02/2014

23. “Repeat One”, Spotify News Blog, 2/07/2014, RT: 4/08/2014

24. “Spotify users can now repeat the same song over and over and over again”, Hypbot, 2/10/2014, : 4/02/2014

25. “Spotify Offers 50% Student Discount”, Hypbot, 3/25/2014, RT: 4/02/2014

26. “Spotify introduces 50% discount for college students”, Los Angles Times, 3/25/2014, RT: 4/07/2014

27. “The Good, The Bad, The Less Ugly: Taking Spotify’s New Redesign For a Test Drive”, Billboard, 4/03/2014, RT: 4/04/2014

28. Spotify Paints It Black with New Look, YouTube, 4/01/2014, RT: 4/06/2014

29. “Spotify’s biggest redesign ever brings long awaited Collection view”, The Verge, 4/02/2014, RT: 4/07/2014

30. “Spotify paints it black with new look”, Spotify News, 4/02/2014, RT: 4/08/2014

31. “Spotify beautifies”, CNET, 4/02/2014 RT: 4/08/2014

32. “Spotify faces challenge from Internet giants before IPO” New York Post, 3/30/2014, RT: 4/14/2014

33. “Spotify seeks to hire U.S. filings expert as bankers eye IPO” Reuters, 2/17/2014, RT: 4/14/2014

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/