Studio Netflix
Netflix plans to release 80 films in 2018; nearly as many as all six major studios combined.
Production
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.
China’s iQiyi and Sony Sign Coproduction Agreement
iQiyi, a Chinese online video site owned by Baidu, announced in December that the company is coproducing a three-part local-language series with Sony.
Anatomy of a Successful Salesman
If there is one thing that Relativity Media’s Ryan Kavanaugh knows, it’s a comeback. Relativity Media’s Ryan Kavanaugh has given many successful pitches…
China’s State-Owned Film IPO Bonanza
One week before Shanghai Film went public, state-owned Omnijoi Media, listed on the ChiNext. On the very next day, China Film made debut on the main board.
FilmRise Content Search
BOTTOM LINE ~> FilmRise secures capital to acquire content for online consumption. The digital distribution company just raised $25M to expand their licensing operations. The Brooklyn-based company gained momentum with previous library acquisitions of B-films, namely from Troma Entertainment, but have since moved into more speciality projects including documentaries about Janis Joplin and Steve McQueen.