Industry
Deal Closed: Lionsgate Acquires eOne
Lionsgate finalized its $375 million acquisition of Entertainment One (eOne) from Hasbro, expanding its library with 6,500 titles encompassing hit shows like Yellowjackets and The Rookie. The deal also involves Lionsgate taking over production financing loans for eOne projects.
Entertainment Law
Lawyers Look Ahead: Legal Predictions for 2024
The 2023 Hollywood scene encountered significant hurdles that forecast key 2024 trends. Top concerns highlighted by entertainment lawyers include federal reporting mandates for talent and production entities, AI-produced films' potential debut, and ad-supported content eclipsing subscription streaming. Legal focal points span the Metaverse, the 2023 Supreme Court's copyright ruling, and the growing impact of foreign content.
Streaming
Adding Ads: Prime Become Next Streamer To Introduce Ad-Tier
From January 29, Prime Video in the U.S. will include limited ads in series and movies, expanding to the U.K., Germany, and Canada on February 5. Amazon sees this as an opportunity to further invest in content. Customers can opt for an ad-free experience for an extra $2.99 monthly.
Television
Lessons Learned: TV Executives Reflect on 2023
Adweek's year-in-review compiles insights from 28 TV executives. Highlights underscore the industry's shift toward streaming, emphasizing flexibility, the impact of fandom and brand loyalty, the value of transparency and partnerships, and the role of a positive team culture during rapid changes and challenges.
Film Festivals
2023 in Summary: The Highs and Lows of This Year’s Festivals
This year, the global film festival circuit underwent changes due to Hollywood strikes impacting major events like Berlin and Tokyo. Berlin focused on Ukraine and Iran, showcasing documentaries and addressing political concerns. Cannes stirred Oscar speculation with titles generating awards season buzz. Karlovy Vary hosted Hollywood actors and ice skaters, Venice managed controversies, and Tokyo aimed for global recognition with a diverse gala lineup.
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