{"id":20260,"date":"2014-10-05T19:17:51","date_gmt":"2014-10-05T23:17:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bejone03.expressions.syr.edu\/trf235\/?p=20260"},"modified":"2014-12-01T15:43:20","modified_gmt":"2014-12-01T20:43:20","slug":"universal-pictures-6","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bejone03.expressions.syr.edu\/trf235\/2014\/10\/05\/universal-pictures-6\/","title":{"rendered":"Universal Pictures"},"content":{"rendered":"
by John Rooney<\/pre>\n
 <\/p>\n
\"Universal
Universal Pictures logo\u00a0[17]\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/p><\/div>Location:\u00a0<\/strong>100 Universal Plaza, Universal City, California 91608<\/p>\n
Web:\u00a0<\/strong>http:\/\/www.universalpictures.com<\/p>\n
History<\/strong><\/p>\n
Universal Pictures, Inc. was founded in 1912 by filmmaking partners Carl Laemmle and Robert Cochrane. \u00a0As the oldest American film studio, Universal maintains its status as a powerhouse in the world of movie production and distribution. The studio is part of NBCUniversal, which is altogether owned by Comcast.\u00a0[1]\u00a0<\/a>In its over one-hundred years of history, the studio has produced dozens of beloved classics such as Jurassic Park<\/em>, E.T.<\/em> and Jaws<\/em>.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
Key Executives<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0[2] \u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
Donna Langley, Chairman, Universal Pictures<\/p>\n
\"Donna<\/a>
Donna Langley, Chairman Universal Pictures\u00a0[2]\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n
Promoted to chairman in September of 2013, Langley has the task of overseeing all film production for Universal Pictures and Focus Features.<\/p>\n
Jeff Shell, Chairman, Universal Filmed Entertainment<\/p>\n
\"Jeff<\/a>
Jeff Shell, Chairman,
Universal Filmed Entertainment\u00a0[2]\u00a0<\/a><\/p><\/div>Shell took over in September of 2013. \u00a0He came from Comcast, where he previously was the head of Universal International. \u00a0He is in charge of worldwide operations for the film studio.<\/p>\n
Ron Meyer, Vice Chairman, NBCUniversal<\/p>\n
\"Ron<\/a>
Ron Meyer – www.nbcumv.com\u00a0[2]\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/p><\/div>Also appointed in September of 2013, Meyer’s job is to oversee all operations and planning for the company from films to theme parks.<\/p>\n
Finances<\/strong><\/p>\n
Universal finished 2013 in third place in terms of revenue, just behind Warner Brothers and Disney. \u00a0The studio also saw its largest worldwide revenue ever, $3.67 billion ($1.42 billion domestic, $2.25 billion international). \u00a0This was a considerable increase from the $3.13 billion the studio made in 2012. \u00a0 Films such as Identity Thief<\/em>, The Purge<\/em>,\u00a0and Mama <\/em>helped the studio achieve such success.\u00a0[3] <\/a><\/p>\n
In 2013, Universal broke the $2 billion revenue mark in the international market for the first time ever. \u00a0Fast & Furious 6, <\/em>another huge film for Universal, opened at number one in 65 international territories and gave the studio it biggest opening weekend ever. \u00a0Other films such as Despicable Me 2<\/em> and Oblivion<\/em> helped throw Universal into the global spotlight.\u00a0[4]<\/a><\/p>\n
Competition<\/strong><\/p>\n
For years, some of Universal’s main competition has been other large film studios such as Disney, Warner Brothers, Fox, and CBS.\u00a0[5]\u00a0<\/a>However, another large area of competition for Universal and other film companies is movie and TV streaming software such as Netflix and Hulu. \u00a0A consumers ability to stream content online from a subscribed service is sure to hurt DVD sales. \u00a0Additionally, online streaming companies have been making all sorts of business ventures in order to create and sell their own original content. [6]\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
Recent Film Releases<\/strong><\/p>\n
Neighbors<\/i>\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
\"Good<\/a>
Neighbors\u00a0[7]\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n
An R-rated comedy from Good Universe,\u00a0Neighbors<\/em>\u00a0is a hilarious account of a young husband and father’s struggles to peacefully coexist with a\u00a0<\/i>reckless group of fraternity brothers. \u00a0The film stars Seth Rogen and Zac Efron, with Rose Byrne and Dave Franco in supporting roles. \u00a0It was directed by Nicholas Stoller, who is famous for other projects such as\u00a0Forgetting Sarah Marshall\u00a0<\/em>and\u00a0Get Him to The Greek. \u00a0<\/em>The film received positive reviews for the most part, earning a 73% from the top critics at “Rotten Tomatoes”.\u00a0[7]<\/a><\/p>\n
The movie opened on May 9, 2014. \u00a0It saw a successful first weekend with opening revenue at about $49 million. \u00a0The film raked in about $150 million domestically and $180 million internationally, with a total gross of over $286 million.\u00a0[8] \u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
The Purge: Anarchy<\/em><\/p>\n
\"the-purge\"<\/a>
The Purge: Anarchy\u00a0 [9]\u00a0<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n
A sequel to the 2013 thriller\u00a0The Purge, The Purge: Anarchy\u00a0<\/em>follows a group of diner employees as they fight to survive the annual “Purge”, a night where all crime is legal across America. \u00a0Written and directed by James DeMonaco, the film stars Frank Grillo, Kiele Sanchez, and Zach Gilford. \u00a0The film received mixed reviews, with critic’s complaints focused mainly on flaws in the writing.\u00a0[9]\u00a0 <\/a><\/p>\n
The film was released on July 18, 2014 and saw an opening weekend revenue of nearly $30 million. \u00a0It earned nearly $72 million domestically and about $38 million internationally, for a total of almost $111 million in revenue. \u00a0In comparison to its predecessor,\u00a0The Purge: Anarchy\u00a0<\/em>did not open as strongly, but earned about $22 million more in total revenue.\u00a0[10]\u00a0 <\/a><\/p>\n
Dumb and Dumber To<\/i><\/p>\n
\"Dumb-and-Dumber-To-Logo-550x185\"<\/a>
Dumb Dumber To\u00a0[11]\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/p><\/div>The long awaited sequel to the 1994 Farrelly Brothers comedy\u00a0Dumb and Dumber, Dumb and Dumber To\u00a0<\/em>presents the mindless antics of Harry and Lloyd once again as they set out on a mission to find Harry’s daughter. \u00a0The film stars the comedy duo of Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels and was directed by J.B. Rodgers and Bobby Farrelly. \u00a0The movie has not fared very well with critics in its first two weeks, with many saying that its brand of humor is not as fun and fresh as it used to be.\u00a0[11]<\/a><\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/a>The first Dumb and Dumber\u00a0<\/em>was wildly successful for Universal, snagging over $247 million worldwide. It’s prequel Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met\u00a0<\/em>Lloyd <\/i>was a huge box office flop, earning just over $39 million.\u00a0 Universal has commonly found success in sequels and film franchises.\u00a0Dumb and Dumber To\u00a0<\/em>opened on November 14, 2014 in 3,154 theaters with an opening revenue of just over $36 million, giving it the #1 spot for the weekend. \u00a0Thus far the film has made $67 million in the U.S. and $20 million in the international box office, adding up for a total of almost $88 million.\u00a0[12]\u00a0 <\/a><\/p>\n
What’s Next From Universal Pictures<\/strong><\/p>\n
Fifty Shades of Grey<\/em><\/p>\n
\"50<\/a>
50 Shades of Grey\u00a0[13]\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/p><\/div>Based on the wildly popular \u00a0romance novel of the same name,\u00a0Fifty Shades of Grey\u00a0<\/em>tells the story of the masochistic relationship between a wealthy business man and one of his young female employees. \u00a0The movie stars James Dornan and Dakota Johnson and is directed by Sam Taylor-Wood. The Focus Features film has completed production, and it set to make its wide release on February 13, 2015.\u00a0[13]<\/a><\/p>\n
 <\/p>\n
 <\/p>\n
 <\/p>\n
Jurassic World<\/em><\/p>\n
\"Jurassic_World\"<\/a>
Jurassic World\u00a0 [14]\u00a0<\/a><\/p><\/div>Universal hopes to continue its trend of successful sequels and film franchises with\u00a0Jurassic World,\u00a0<\/em>the fourth installment of the\u00a0Jurassic Park\u00a0<\/em>series. \u00a0It will be starring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard, with Colin Trevorrow as director and Steven Spielberg as executive producer. \u00a0The film has been in development since 2001, and was originally set to be called\u00a0Jurassic Park IV. \u00a0<\/em>Shooting began last April in locations such as Hawaii and New Orleans. \u00a0The movie is currently in post-production and editing, and is set to release on June 12, 2015.\u00a0[14]\u00a0 <\/a><\/p>\n
Warcraft<\/em><\/p>\n
 <\/p>\n
\"warcraft-poster1\"<\/a>
Warcraft Poster\u00a0 [15] \u00a0<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n
In 2016, Universal will be adapting a video game to film for the first time in its history. \u00a0Based on\u00a0World of Warcraft,\u00a0<\/em>an immensely popular online gaming program,\u00a0Warcraft\u00a0<\/em>is set to be an epic fantasy tale of good versus evil. \u00a0The film has been in development since 2006 and is currently in production. \u00a0British film star Toby Kebbel and Paula Patton have been casted as two of the lead roles. The movie will have its wide release on March 11, 2016.\u00a0[15] \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
 <\/p>\n
 <\/p>\n
Steve Jobs Biography Film<\/p>\n
On November 25, 2014, Universal bought the rights from Sony Corporation to produce a biography film on Apple Inc. co-founder Steve Jobs. \u00a0It all be based on a biography by author Walter Isaacson entitled “Steve Jobs”.\u00a0[16]\u00a0 <\/a><\/p>\n
 <\/p>\n
References<\/strong><\/p>\n
[1]\u00a0http:\/\/www.history.com\/news\/the-renegade-roots-of-hollywood-studios<\/a><\/p>\n
\u00a0[2]\u00a0http:\/\/deadline.com\/2013\/09\/shocker-adam-fogelson-out-in-universal-shakeup-582309\/<\/a><\/p>\n
[3]http:\/\/www.hollywoodreporter.com\/news\/studio-smackdown-2013-warner-bros-668302<\/a><\/p>\n
\u00a0[4]\u00a0http:\/\/www.comingsoon.net\/movies\/news\/109124-universal-pictures-crosses-2b-mark-at-the-overseas-box-office-for-the-first-time<\/a><\/p>\n
[5]\u00a0http:\/\/www.hoovers.com\/company-information\/cs\/competition.Universal_Studios_Inc.7a0e7231fca927ed.html<\/a><\/p>\n
[6]\u00a0http:\/\/money.cnn.com\/2011\/07\/08\/technology\/netflix_starz_contract\/<\/a><\/p>\n
[7]\u00a0http:\/\/www.rottentomatoes.com\/m\/neighbors_2014\/<\/a><\/p>\n
[8]\u00a0http:\/\/boxofficemojo.com\/movies\/?id=townies.htm<\/a><\/p>\n
\u00a0[9]\u00a0http:\/\/www.rottentomatoes.com\/m\/the_purge_anarchy_2014\/?search=the%20purge%20anarchy<\/a><\/p>\n
[10]\u00a0http:\/\/boxofficemojo.com\/movies\/?id=purge2.htm<\/a><\/p>\n
\u00a0[11]\u00a0http:\/\/www.rottentomatoes.com\/m\/dumb_and_dumber_to\/<\/a><\/p>\n
\u00a0[12]\u00a0http:\/\/boxofficemojo.com\/movies\/?id=dumberto.htm<\/a><\/p>\n
[13]\u00a0http:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt2322441\/<\/a><\/p>\n
[14]\u00a0http:\/\/www.jurassicworld.org<\/a><\/p>\n
[15]\u00a0http:\/\/www.warcraft-themovie.com<\/a><\/p>\n
[16]\u00a0http:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/2014-11-25\/universal-pictures-acquires-jobs-film-from-sony-corp.html<\/a><\/p>\n
\u00a0[17]\u00a0http:\/\/www.universalpictures.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
by John Rooney   Location:\u00a0100 Universal Plaza, Universal City, California 91608 Web:\u00a0http:\/\/www.universalpictures.com History Universal Pictures, Inc. was founded in 1912 by filmmaking partners Carl Laemmle and Robert Cochrane. \u00a0As the oldest American film studio, Universal maintains its status as a … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":428,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[28,10,9,3062,3064],"tags":[4016,667,479,4017,965,1781,686,2010,4012,4000,4013,1287,4001,2008,693,4009,4005,1027,1216,4008,4014,4011,3852,4010,1214,1218,4003,942,534,4007,4004,4019,4021,1258,4015,925,4020,3864,51,4002,3999,4018,269,128,4006],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bejone03.expressions.syr.edu\/trf235\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20260"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bejone03.expressions.syr.edu\/trf235\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bejone03.expressions.syr.edu\/trf235\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bejone03.expressions.syr.edu\/trf235\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/428"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bejone03.expressions.syr.edu\/trf235\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20260"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/bejone03.expressions.syr.edu\/trf235\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20260\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23551,"href":"https:\/\/bejone03.expressions.syr.edu\/trf235\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20260\/revisions\/23551"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bejone03.expressions.syr.edu\/trf235\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20260"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bejone03.expressions.syr.edu\/trf235\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20260"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bejone03.expressions.syr.edu\/trf235\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20260"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}