Largest Studio Merger In History
The long-awaited buyout of Fox by Disney, which was announced in December 2017, is officially scheduled to close March 20th.
Production
Declining Production Incentives
In recent years, 13 states have ended their film incentive programs. This retreat marks a larger trend of states re-evaluating and reducing film incentive programs.
Netflix Steals Studio
Netflix has finally earned film studio status after buying ABQ Studios in Albuquerque, New Mexico last October for a steal.
China’s Hollywood Love Affair is Ending
After two years of running Legendary Entertainment into the ground, China’s Wanda Group is exploring a sale of the once great production company.
Studio Netflix
Netflix plans to release 80 films in 2018; nearly as many as all six major studios combined.
Has Scripted Television Peaked?
In 2017, 487 shows were produced, up 7% from 455 in 2016. In 2010, just 216 shows were produced. Netflix is now the largest supplier of new shows.
[Part Two] Hollywood Financing is Broke
Tang Media is set to purchase Open Road Films for an undisclosed amount. The price might as well be one dollar, given Open Road’s massive debt load.
Is Sony Pictures for Sale?
Mismanagement of Sony’s film unit over the years has propelled the studio into a downward spiral. Sony is under pressure by investors to sell the film unit.
Update: Wanda’s Buyout of Dick Clark Productions Falls Apart
Update: Dick Clark Productions sues Dalian Wanda for $25 million after the Chinese conglomerate failed to complete it’s $1.07 billion buyout.
Can Lionsgate Challenge the Studios Once Again?
After a string of massive hits, Lionsgate traveled full circle in 2016 when its top-grossing domestic film was Boo! A Medea Halloween.