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Awards
Record Approval Ratings: Academy Members Endorse Recent Oscar Ceremony
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences received overwhelmingly positive feedback in its latest member survey. 87% of respondents expressed satisfaction with the organization, while 84% rated the recent Oscars telecast positively. Although areas for improvement were noted, the overall report reflects strong support for the Academy from its members, signaling a positive turn after years of controversy and challenges.
Box Office
Will Summer Bring the Heat? High Hopes for Upcoming Film Releases
The domestic box office currently stands at $2 billion, trailing last year's figures by 21%. Anticipated releases like The Fall Guy aim to boost this to $3 billion. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice holds hope for a record-breaking opening, while upcoming releases like Inside Out 2 and Bad Boys: Ride or Die are generating excitement among moviegoers.
International
Contract Negotiations Ahead: Equity and Pact Advocate for Equality
Equity and Pact are gearing up to negotiate new contracts for U.K. TV and indie film, tackling significant issues like secondary payments and AI. Actors are advocating for inclusivity in hair and makeup, spurred by revelations from the documentary Untold Stories: Hair on Set, which exposed gaps in expertise for diverse talent.
Streaming
Free TV: U.K. Broadcaster Launch Joint Streaming Platform
U.K. broadcasters BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Paramount Global’s Channel 5 have joined forces to introduce Freely, a free streaming platform catering to the 4 million internet-only households in the U.K. Exclusive to Smart TVs, Freely enables users to stream live TV channels and on-demand content seamlessly, with unique features like pausing live TV for up to 15 minutes.
Film Festival
Slamdance on Sunset: Film Festival Relocates to Los Angeles
The annual Slamdance Film Festival will move to Los Angeles in 2025, with the next edition set to kick off on February 20 at the Landmark Theatres Sunset and the DGA Theater Complex in West Hollywood. Established in 1995 as an alternative to Sundance, this relocation marks a new chapter for the festival, enhancing accessibility and growth prospects.
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