TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Monday 1 July 2024
'A Quiet Place' hits $6.8M, Chicken Soup for the Soul files bankruptcy, AI in film, Julianne Nicholson in 'Janet Planet', Dropout revives, Prius revolution, Holofcener's career, Costner's gamble.
Today’s Highlights:
'A Quiet Place: Day One' Makes Box Office Noise With Franchise-Best $6.8M in Previews The prequel film starring Lupita Nyong'o and Joseph Quinn earned $6.8 million in Thursday previews and is projected to open to $40 million-plus.
Redbox Owner Chicken Soup For The Soul Entertainment Files For Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection Financial struggles led Redbox's parent company to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, seeking a debtor-in-possession loan to stabilize operations.
IATSE Agreement Clears the Way to Use Artificial Intelligence as a Tool A new agreement permits the use of AI in film production with provisions for worker consultation and training and banning outsourcing to non-union labour.
Julianne Nicholson Expands Her Repertoire with 'Janet Planet' Nicholson explores parent-child dynamics in "Janet Planet," drawn by the role's complexity and emotional depth.
Dropout's Revival Under Sam Reich's Leadership Sam Reich turned around the struggling comedy platform Dropout, focusing on key series and rebranding for growth and stability.
Hollywood's Role in Launching the Toyota Prius and the Green Revolution Deborah Levin's campaign using Hollywood's influence helped make the Prius an "it" car, boosting the hybrid car market and environmental awareness.
Nicole Holofcener Reflects on Career and Iconic Collaborations Holofcener discusses her career highlights, including working with Jennifer Aniston and James Gandolfini and her approach to storytelling.
Hollywood Writers and Actors Struggle to Maintain Health Insurance Post-Strike Changes in employment due to strikes have made it difficult for many in the industry to meet health insurance eligibility requirements.
Kevin Costner's Risky Move with 'Horizon' Costner's latest film project, Horizon, involves him investing his own money, defying Hollywood norms, and gambling on his enduring star power.
Podcast Industry Faces Post-Boom Challenges Following a period of massive investment, the podcast industry deals with the fallout, including unsustainable spending and market corrections.
NEWS
'A Quiet Place: Day One' Makes Box Office Noise With Franchise-Best $6.8M in Previews | THR News
'A Quiet Place: Day One' made a loud entrance at the domestic box office with a franchise-best $6.8 million in Thursday previews. Heading into the weekend, tracking suggests that the prequel film starring Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn will open to $40 million-plus. Based on solid reviews and audience scores, there's plenty of room for upside. The sci-fi horror-thriller cost $70 million to produce before marketing.
Redbox Owner Chicken Soup For The Soul Entertainment Files For Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection
After months of financial struggles, Redbox parent Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. In a message to employees, the company announced the Delaware court filing and its application for a debtor-in-possession loan. Upon court approval, payroll funding is expected early in the week, along with securing funds for reinstating medical benefits retroactive to May 14, 2024.
From: Deadline
IATSE Agreement Clears the Way to Use Artificial Intelligence as a Tool
Under the new agreement between major studios and the union representing film crews, artificial intelligence can be used as a tool with few limitations. The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees revealed contract details, including provisions for workers to consult employers about AI use, a committee for AI skills training, and a ban on outsourcing AI work to non-union labour. Workers using their AI systems can charge a "kit rental fee" like other employee-owned gear.
From: Variety
INSIGHTS
Continuing to Expand Her Repertoire with Films Like ‘Janet Planet,’ Julianne Nicholson Says She Is ‘Up for a Challenge’
"Janet Planet" features moments focusing on connection rather than plot progression. Though viewed through Lacy's perspective, Janet, played by Nicholson, draws the most interest. Nicholson attributes much to Baker’s writing and the familiar environment of Amherst Pioneer Valley. The film captures the intimacy and disconnect in the parent-child relationship, showing the transition as a child realises their parent’s imperfections. Nicholson was attracted to the role for its exploration of these dynamics and the deep bond between Janet and Lacy.
From: IndieWire
This comedy streamer came back from the brink stronger—and funnier—than ever
Improv’s golden rule is never to say no, but Sam Reich knows this doesn’t always apply to business. Over his nearly 20 years at Dropout (formerly CollegeHumor), Reich saw multiple leaders chase various revenue streams. In 2020, IAC sold the struggling company to Reich for no money and a minority stake. As CEO, Reich limited the "yes and-ing," focusing on Dropout TV. Its growth led to the company rebranding as Dropout in September. The platform now features 11 active series, including Game Changer and Dimension 20.
From: Fast Company
How Hollywood Turned the Humble Prius Into an “It” Car — and Helped Launch a Green Revolution
If the Toyota Prius, the world’s first modern hybrid car, had failed, carmakers might have hesitated to launch rival models, and we’d have less hope against rising temperatures. Its success owes much to Hollywood and Deborah Levin. In 2000, Levin, new to nonprofits and environmental issues, became CEO of the Environmental Media Association (EMA). At a 2001 event, she met Ed LaRocque from Toyota, who introduced her to the Prius. Inspired by its fuel efficiency, Levin launched a transformative campaign leveraging Hollywood’s influence to promote the car.
From: The Hollywood Reporter
Nicole Holofcener on ‘Self-Conscious’ James Gandolfini, ‘Sad Girl’ Jennifer Aniston and That First Season of ‘Sex and the City’: ‘I Didn’t Know If I Was Going to Be Working on Porn’
Nicole Holofcener is open to reuniting with Jennifer Aniston, her “Friends With Money” star, recalling Aniston's professionalism during a tough time post-divorce from Brad Pitt. Holofcener prefers casting familiar faces like Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Catherine Keener, despite occasional frustrations with awards recognition. She fondly remembers working with James Gandolfini on “Enough Said,” praising his talent despite his self-doubt. She was celebrated at Karlovy Vary Intl. Film Festival, Holofcener continues to write about her life, staying true to her unique style.
From: Variety
Writers and Actors Scramble to Keep Their Health Insurance in a Post-Strike Hollywood
SAG-AFTRA performers must earn at least $27,000 or work 104 days over 12 months to qualify for health insurance. In 2023, only about 25,000 of 160,000 members met these criteria. Writers Guild of America members need $43,862 in earnings over four quarters, increasing to $45,397 on July 1. Health plans offer extensions for those meeting specific requirements, but the Writers Guild of America West blames studio decisions for disrupted employment and coverage losses.
From: The Hollywood Reporter
Kevin Costner’s Moment of Truth: With ‘Horizon,’ Has the Gambler’s Luck Finally Run Out?
Kevin Costner has been defying the odds for over 40 years. After being cut from 1983’s "The Big Chill," director Lawrence Kasdan cast him in 1985’s "Silverado," which made him a star. Despite warnings to avoid baseball movies, he made two hits: "Bull Durham" (1988) and "Field of Dreams" (1989). More recently, his career revived with TV's "Yellowstone." His confidence led him to break Hollywood's golden rule: "Never invest your own money in a movie."
From: The Hollywood Reporter
The gold rush is over. Now podcasters are picking up the pieces
Last year was a disaster for the podcast industry following a period of seemingly unstoppable growth. Investors, sensing a gold rush, poured in money recklessly. Spotify led the spree, spending over a billion dollars, including $200 million on Joe Rogan and buying Gimlet and The Ringer for $230 million and $200 million, respectively. Amazon bought Wondery for $300 million, and Sirius XM acquired Stitcher for $325 million, while commentators predicted the bubble would eventually burst.
From: The Sydney Morning Herald
A Quiet Place: A Day One Stars Alex Wolff & Djimon Hounsou Dish on Cats and Monsters | Interview
Sadie Sink & Eric Bana on the Cults and Flawed Characters of A Sacrifice | Interview
A Sacrifice is an emotionally turbulent story that follows American social psychologist Ben Monroe (Eric Bana), investigating a local Berlin cult connected to disturbing events. While he immerses himself in his work, his rebellious teenage daughter, Mazzy (Sadie Sink), becomes embroiled with a mysterious local boy who introduces her to the city’s underground party scene. As their two worlds head toward a dangerous intersection, Ben must race against the clock to save his daughter.
IN DEVELOPMENT
YouTube Stars Rhett & Link to Launch Comedy Series ‘Wonderhole’ in August
YouTube stars Rhett & Link are expanding their comedy content. The duo, known for Good Mythical Morning and Mythical Entertainment, will debut a new comedy series, Wonderhole, on their YouTube channel in August. The series will feature a mix of docu-comedy, sketch comedy, original music, visual FX, celebrity cameos, and a quirky attitude. Financed independently by Mythical, Wonderhole will explore the real world in their unique style, with new episodes released weekly on YouTube.
From: The Hollywood Reporter
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