Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including events for Gaga Chromatica Ball, Star Wars: The Acolyte and The Garfield Movie.
The Garfield Movie premiere
Chris Pratt and Hannah Waddingham premiered their new Garfield movie in Hollywood on Sunday, as the iconic cat also had his paws immortalized in cement in front of the Tcl Chinese Theatre.
Hannah Waddingham, Chris Pratt and Garfield creator Jim Davis Danielle Misher (co-head, global theatrical marketing, Sony Pictures Entertainment), Josh Greenstein (president, Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Motion Picture Group), Andrew A. Kosove (co-ceo, co-founder, Alcon Entertainment) and Broderick Johnson (co-ceo, co-founder, Alcon Entertainment)
Gaga Chromatica Ball premiere
Lady Gaga, appearing in two show-stopping looks, walked the red carpet and sat for a Q&a at the world premiere of her HBO concert special in Los Angeles on Thursday.
Lady Gaga
Star Wars: The Acolyte...
The Garfield Movie premiere
Chris Pratt and Hannah Waddingham premiered their new Garfield movie in Hollywood on Sunday, as the iconic cat also had his paws immortalized in cement in front of the Tcl Chinese Theatre.
Hannah Waddingham, Chris Pratt and Garfield creator Jim Davis Danielle Misher (co-head, global theatrical marketing, Sony Pictures Entertainment), Josh Greenstein (president, Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Motion Picture Group), Andrew A. Kosove (co-ceo, co-founder, Alcon Entertainment) and Broderick Johnson (co-ceo, co-founder, Alcon Entertainment)
Gaga Chromatica Ball premiere
Lady Gaga, appearing in two show-stopping looks, walked the red carpet and sat for a Q&a at the world premiere of her HBO concert special in Los Angeles on Thursday.
Lady Gaga
Star Wars: The Acolyte...
- 5/24/2024
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
If there were any lingering doubts that the Walt Disney Co. is now comfortable leaning into the edgier aspects of its increasingly aligned portfolio, they evaporated about 10 minutes into Tuesday’s upfront presentation when Ryan Reynolds promised that eventual Disney+ library member Deadpool & Wolverine would be a boon to advertisers targeting “testicular trauma” and “cocaine content.”
There was noticeably less cursing than during the week’s previous upfront events, at least until Jimmy Kimmel took the stage, but the embrace of Hard-r content was apparent from the pitch’s opening moments. Emma Stone, the Oscar-winning star of the Disney-produced Poor Things, was on hand to introduce Bob Iger — and, a month after he won his proxy fight with Nelson Peltz, voice her support for the recently embattled CEO.
“I think we’re incredibly fortunate to have a captain like Bob Iger at the helm of the Walt Disney Co., ensuring...
There was noticeably less cursing than during the week’s previous upfront events, at least until Jimmy Kimmel took the stage, but the embrace of Hard-r content was apparent from the pitch’s opening moments. Emma Stone, the Oscar-winning star of the Disney-produced Poor Things, was on hand to introduce Bob Iger — and, a month after he won his proxy fight with Nelson Peltz, voice her support for the recently embattled CEO.
“I think we’re incredibly fortunate to have a captain like Bob Iger at the helm of the Walt Disney Co., ensuring...
- 5/14/2024
- by Mikey O'Connell
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Rita Ferro, president of global advertising at Disney, emphasized the company’s reach during the company’s upfronts presentation to advertisers Tuesday.
Before detailing the company’s daily interactions with half the world’s population, its industry-leading 11.5% share of content distribution in April (according to Nielsen) and its “billions of consumer touchpoints,” Ferro got animated. She was depicted in a short sketch that placed her in the middle of the Family Guy set, seated on the living-room couch in between Peter Griffin and his dog, Brian. (See a still from the short below.)
“Sorry I’m late – I was streaming,” Peter jokes in the sketch, emphasizing the last word of the sentence after he is shown leaving the bathroom. “I didn’t really hear the sink running in the bathroom,” the animated version of Ferro responds, before delivering a rapid-fire pitch for Disney’s wares.
Related: Marvel Teases Disney+ Release Dates For ‘Agatha All Along,...
Before detailing the company’s daily interactions with half the world’s population, its industry-leading 11.5% share of content distribution in April (according to Nielsen) and its “billions of consumer touchpoints,” Ferro got animated. She was depicted in a short sketch that placed her in the middle of the Family Guy set, seated on the living-room couch in between Peter Griffin and his dog, Brian. (See a still from the short below.)
“Sorry I’m late – I was streaming,” Peter jokes in the sketch, emphasizing the last word of the sentence after he is shown leaving the bathroom. “I didn’t really hear the sink running in the bathroom,” the animated version of Ferro responds, before delivering a rapid-fire pitch for Disney’s wares.
Related: Marvel Teases Disney+ Release Dates For ‘Agatha All Along,...
- 5/14/2024
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
“I am deeply optimistic about our company, and in a world that is so in need of entertainment is a true privilege,” said Disney boss Bob Iger today in a rare appearance on stage at the start of the media giant’s upfront presentation in New York City. “To run a company that is the embodiment of creative excellence, of great and bold storytelling, of quality, and of innovation.”
“Today we’re going to share with you the incredible projects that we’re working on. And then later Jimmy Kimmel will be out to tear them all apart. I think he’ll probably be tearing me apart too.”
As he noted from the get-go, this is the first time Iger has been in front of advertisers and other clients on an upfront stage since he ran ABC Entertainment back in the early days of Bill Clinton’s presidency.
Related: Marvel...
“Today we’re going to share with you the incredible projects that we’re working on. And then later Jimmy Kimmel will be out to tear them all apart. I think he’ll probably be tearing me apart too.”
As he noted from the get-go, this is the first time Iger has been in front of advertisers and other clients on an upfront stage since he ran ABC Entertainment back in the early days of Bill Clinton’s presidency.
Related: Marvel...
- 5/14/2024
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including events for The Fall Guy, The Idea of You and Unfrosted.
AFI Life Achievement Award
The American Film Institute presented the 49th AFI Life Achievement Award to Nicole Kidman on Saturday in Hollywood, with Meryl Streep, Reese Witherspoon, Morgan Freeman, Naomi Watts, Zoe Saldaña, Aaron Sorkin, Zac Efron, Miles Teller, Joey King, Mike Myers and Kidman’s husband Keith Urban all on hand to honor the star.
Miles Teller, Reese Witherspoon, Lee Daniels, Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep and Zac Efron Michelle Pfeiffer and David E. Kelley
The Idea of You premiere
Anne Hathaway, Nicholas Galitzine, Reid Scott and Ella Rubin joined producer Gabrielle Union and director Michael Showalter at the New York premiere of their Prime Video rom-com on Monday.
Reid Scott, Ella Rubin, Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine Gabrielle...
AFI Life Achievement Award
The American Film Institute presented the 49th AFI Life Achievement Award to Nicole Kidman on Saturday in Hollywood, with Meryl Streep, Reese Witherspoon, Morgan Freeman, Naomi Watts, Zoe Saldaña, Aaron Sorkin, Zac Efron, Miles Teller, Joey King, Mike Myers and Kidman’s husband Keith Urban all on hand to honor the star.
Miles Teller, Reese Witherspoon, Lee Daniels, Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep and Zac Efron Michelle Pfeiffer and David E. Kelley
The Idea of You premiere
Anne Hathaway, Nicholas Galitzine, Reid Scott and Ella Rubin joined producer Gabrielle Union and director Michael Showalter at the New York premiere of their Prime Video rom-com on Monday.
Reid Scott, Ella Rubin, Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine Gabrielle...
- 5/3/2024
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Aaron Laberge, who helped oversee Disney’s expansion into streaming during two stints totaling 20 years, is exiting the company.
On July 1, the exec will become Chief Technology Officer at Penn Entertainment, holding the same title he did at the end of his Disney run.
Penn is largely known for its gaming operation. In 2023, the company teamed with ESPN and rebranded its sports book as ESPN Bet.
The news was conveyed to Disney employees by Laberge as well as a separate message from Disney Entertainment Co-Chairs Dana Walden and Alan Bergman as well as ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro. (Read the full memos below.)
As Disney’s Cto, Laberge oversaw a number of product rollouts, including the integration of Hulu into Disney+ and the planned launch of an ESPN streaming app.
“We are thrilled to have someone of Aaron’s caliber join our Penn executive team,” Penn CEO Jay Snowden said. “Having...
On July 1, the exec will become Chief Technology Officer at Penn Entertainment, holding the same title he did at the end of his Disney run.
Penn is largely known for its gaming operation. In 2023, the company teamed with ESPN and rebranded its sports book as ESPN Bet.
The news was conveyed to Disney employees by Laberge as well as a separate message from Disney Entertainment Co-Chairs Dana Walden and Alan Bergman as well as ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro. (Read the full memos below.)
As Disney’s Cto, Laberge oversaw a number of product rollouts, including the integration of Hulu into Disney+ and the planned launch of an ESPN streaming app.
“We are thrilled to have someone of Aaron’s caliber join our Penn executive team,” Penn CEO Jay Snowden said. “Having...
- 4/22/2024
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Aaron LeBerge. (Courtesy photo)
Penn Entertainment has hired a former streaming executive away from the Walt Disney Company to serve as its new chief technology officer.
Aaron LeBerge spent more than two decades at Disney, where he most-recently served in the role of President and Chief Technology Officer for Disney Entertainment and ESPN.
At Penn, LeBerge will be responsible for overseeing the technical aspects of the company’s entertainment, casino gambling and sports betting businesses. He starts in the role in early July, subject to certain regulatory approvals, the company said in a statement.
“We are thrilled to have someone of Aaron’s caliber join our Penn executive team,” Jay Snowden, the President and CEO of Penn Entertainment, said on Monday. “Having overseen a global organization of thousands of engineers, product developers, designers, technologists, and data scientists that created some of the largest scale and most successful media properties in the world,...
Penn Entertainment has hired a former streaming executive away from the Walt Disney Company to serve as its new chief technology officer.
Aaron LeBerge spent more than two decades at Disney, where he most-recently served in the role of President and Chief Technology Officer for Disney Entertainment and ESPN.
At Penn, LeBerge will be responsible for overseeing the technical aspects of the company’s entertainment, casino gambling and sports betting businesses. He starts in the role in early July, subject to certain regulatory approvals, the company said in a statement.
“We are thrilled to have someone of Aaron’s caliber join our Penn executive team,” Jay Snowden, the President and CEO of Penn Entertainment, said on Monday. “Having overseen a global organization of thousands of engineers, product developers, designers, technologists, and data scientists that created some of the largest scale and most successful media properties in the world,...
- 4/22/2024
- by Matthew Keys
- The Desk
Disney has lot one of its top streaming executives.
Aaron Laberge, the chief technology officer for Disney Entertainment and ESPN, will leave at the end of June to become the Cto of Penn Entertainment, the gambling company that is partnered with Disney on the ESPN Bet sports betting platform.
According to a memo to staff Monday from Disney Entertainment chiefs Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, as well as ESPN chief Jimmy Pitaro, the move was a “personal decision,” and they are beginning to look for a new Cto, witjh Chris Lawson taking over in the interim.
At Penn, Laberge will be tasked with leading technology and execution for the company’s digital efforts, including the nascent ESPN Bet platform. Penn announced ESPN Bet last year, in a $2 billion deal with ESPN.
“We are thrilled to have someone of Aaron’s caliber join our Penn executive team,” said Penn CEO Jay Snowden.
Aaron Laberge, the chief technology officer for Disney Entertainment and ESPN, will leave at the end of June to become the Cto of Penn Entertainment, the gambling company that is partnered with Disney on the ESPN Bet sports betting platform.
According to a memo to staff Monday from Disney Entertainment chiefs Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, as well as ESPN chief Jimmy Pitaro, the move was a “personal decision,” and they are beginning to look for a new Cto, witjh Chris Lawson taking over in the interim.
At Penn, Laberge will be tasked with leading technology and execution for the company’s digital efforts, including the nascent ESPN Bet platform. Penn announced ESPN Bet last year, in a $2 billion deal with ESPN.
“We are thrilled to have someone of Aaron’s caliber join our Penn executive team,” said Penn CEO Jay Snowden.
- 4/22/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Aaron Laberge, president and Cto of Disney Entertainment and ESPN, will leave the company this summer after a cumulative total of more than 20 years, after which he will join casino and sports-betting operator Penn Entertainment as chief technology officer.
In a note to Disney staff Monday, Laberge said he made a personal decision to leave the company to devote more time to his family as they go through a challenging period. (Read the memo below.)
At Disney, Laberge has been responsible for leading all technology and product development in support of Disney’s two media divisions — Disney Entertainment and ESPN — including the teams that build and run Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+. In the role, he has helped set the vision and strategic leadership for how the company uses technology to drive its business. Laberge reports to Disney Entertainment co-chairs Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, as well as ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro.
In a note to Disney staff Monday, Laberge said he made a personal decision to leave the company to devote more time to his family as they go through a challenging period. (Read the memo below.)
At Disney, Laberge has been responsible for leading all technology and product development in support of Disney’s two media divisions — Disney Entertainment and ESPN — including the teams that build and run Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+. In the role, he has helped set the vision and strategic leadership for how the company uses technology to drive its business. Laberge reports to Disney Entertainment co-chairs Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, as well as ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro.
- 4/22/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Alan Bergman, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, presents the studio’s upcoming slate at CinemaConPhoto: Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney
CinemaCon, as one might occasionally need to remind friends and family not particularly invested in entertainment industry conventions, isn’t the same thing as Comic-Con. It’s not an event that’s geared towards fans,...
CinemaCon, as one might occasionally need to remind friends and family not particularly invested in entertainment industry conventions, isn’t the same thing as Comic-Con. It’s not an event that’s geared towards fans,...
- 4/12/2024
- by Brent Simon
- avclub.com
The Walt Disney Studios dazzled attendees at the 2024 CinemaCon convention in Las Vegas earlier today. The Disney movies previewed come from all the company’s production studios: Disney Live Action, Marvel Studios, Pixar, Walt Disney Animation Studios, 20th Century Studios, and Searchlight Pictures.
Alan Bergman, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, took to the stage at The Colosseum at Caesar’s Palace to speak about the power of the theatrical film experience and the upcoming flow of Disney movies that will be delivered to theaters in the coming months before turning the microphone over to Tony Chambers, executive vice president and head of theatrical distribution.
Chambers thanked the members of the exhibition trade industry in attendance and kicked off the Studio’s presentation with 13 minutes of footage from the highly anticipated all-new action-adventure spectacle from 20th Century Studios, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, which opens in theaters nationwide on May...
Alan Bergman, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, took to the stage at The Colosseum at Caesar’s Palace to speak about the power of the theatrical film experience and the upcoming flow of Disney movies that will be delivered to theaters in the coming months before turning the microphone over to Tony Chambers, executive vice president and head of theatrical distribution.
Chambers thanked the members of the exhibition trade industry in attendance and kicked off the Studio’s presentation with 13 minutes of footage from the highly anticipated all-new action-adventure spectacle from 20th Century Studios, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, which opens in theaters nationwide on May...
- 4/12/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
Disney entertained the CinemaCon crowd in Las Vegas on Thursday with 75 minutes of footage including big crowd-pleasers Deadpool & Wolverine, Inside Out 2, and Alien: Romulus, and an appearance by Dwayne Johnson to promote Moana 2.
Fresh from a victorious boardroom battle for CEO Bob Iger and on the back of a year when Disney ceded its box office throne to Universal, the pressure was on the studio to bring the goods at its presentation – and it delivered with a rousing roster of peeks at 2024 tentpoles and one from the 2025 pipeline.
Barry Jenkins also appeared on stage at The Colosseum...
Fresh from a victorious boardroom battle for CEO Bob Iger and on the back of a year when Disney ceded its box office throne to Universal, the pressure was on the studio to bring the goods at its presentation – and it delivered with a rousing roster of peeks at 2024 tentpoles and one from the 2025 pipeline.
Barry Jenkins also appeared on stage at The Colosseum...
- 4/12/2024
- ScreenDaily
The official launch of Hulu on Disney+ was celebrated at a star-studded party at Mother Wolf in Hollywood on April 5.
Hosted by Disney’s Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, with a special appearance by Bob Iger, the evening included a blue arrivals carpet and an exclusive cocktail reception.
“Today, I think, consumers want not only quality but they want volume and they want convenience. And this is now all three in one place,” Iger told Variety about adding Hulu to Disney+. “It’s great to have this array of great content very conveniently located instead of having to close one app and go to the other app. I think what streaming demands is a great user experience. That’s what this is aimed for.”
Tom Hiddleston talked about the possibility of “Loki” not being renewed for a third season. “I truly don’t know,” he said. “There had been times...
Hosted by Disney’s Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, with a special appearance by Bob Iger, the evening included a blue arrivals carpet and an exclusive cocktail reception.
“Today, I think, consumers want not only quality but they want volume and they want convenience. And this is now all three in one place,” Iger told Variety about adding Hulu to Disney+. “It’s great to have this array of great content very conveniently located instead of having to close one app and go to the other app. I think what streaming demands is a great user experience. That’s what this is aimed for.”
Tom Hiddleston talked about the possibility of “Loki” not being renewed for a third season. “I truly don’t know,” he said. “There had been times...
- 4/8/2024
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
A day after Disney declared victory over activist investor Nelson Peltz, CEO Bob Iger said the board is proceeding with “urgency” in trying to identify the next chief executive with the “distraction” of the proxy fight over.
“This was decisive in terms of how shareholders voted,” Iger said in an appearance Thursday morning on CNBC from Disney’s Burbank, Calif., headquarters, about the results of the April 3 meeting.
Succession “is the board’s No. 1 priority,” Iger said, saying the board’s search committee to find a CEO successor met seven times in 2023 and plans to meet even more frequently this year. “They’re treating it with a sense of urgency because it is so important,” Iger said. The board is “taking it very, very seriously” because “I’m not going to be here forever.” Iger declined to provide a timeline for the selection of a new CEO; his contract extension...
“This was decisive in terms of how shareholders voted,” Iger said in an appearance Thursday morning on CNBC from Disney’s Burbank, Calif., headquarters, about the results of the April 3 meeting.
Succession “is the board’s No. 1 priority,” Iger said, saying the board’s search committee to find a CEO successor met seven times in 2023 and plans to meet even more frequently this year. “They’re treating it with a sense of urgency because it is so important,” Iger said. The board is “taking it very, very seriously” because “I’m not going to be here forever.” Iger declined to provide a timeline for the selection of a new CEO; his contract extension...
- 4/4/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
In the end, Bob Iger didn’t have to break a sweat to fend off Nelson Peltz.
No question, Disney did have to spend tens of millions of dollars to fight the proxy battle with the activist investor, which came to a head on Wednesday with the Mouse House’s annual shareholders meeting. From the start, it was an extreme long shot that a majority of shareholders (or a majority of those who opted to cast a virtual vote) would turn against Iger and install Trian Partners founder Peltz and former Disney executive Jay Rasulo as board members, in opposition to Disney’s preferred slate of 12 incumbent directors.
On Wednesday, Iger was in prime form as Disney’s avuncular statesman, addressing the meeting in a pre-taped video filmed — where else? — at the happiest place on earth, aka Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. Disney’s shareholder meeting was entirely virtual this year,...
No question, Disney did have to spend tens of millions of dollars to fight the proxy battle with the activist investor, which came to a head on Wednesday with the Mouse House’s annual shareholders meeting. From the start, it was an extreme long shot that a majority of shareholders (or a majority of those who opted to cast a virtual vote) would turn against Iger and install Trian Partners founder Peltz and former Disney executive Jay Rasulo as board members, in opposition to Disney’s preferred slate of 12 incumbent directors.
On Wednesday, Iger was in prime form as Disney’s avuncular statesman, addressing the meeting in a pre-taped video filmed — where else? — at the happiest place on earth, aka Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. Disney’s shareholder meeting was entirely virtual this year,...
- 4/3/2024
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Elon Musk is backing Nelson Peltz in the proxy battle for the future of Disney.
Onlookers are waiting with baited breath after the bitter voting to select Disney’s board of directors closed last night, with CEO Bob Iger’s nominees appearing likely to win out. However, that didn’t stop X/Twitter and Tesla owner Musk taking to social media this morning to provide his two cents.
He wrote: “Nelson Peltz should definitely be on the Disney board! He would help reform the company, improve the quality of product and generally serve in the best interests of shareholders, as he has done at many other companies. This would significantly improve Disney’s share price.”
Nelson Peltz should definitely be on the Disney board!
He would help reform the company, improve the quality of product and generally serve in the best interests of shareholders, as he has done at many other companies.
Onlookers are waiting with baited breath after the bitter voting to select Disney’s board of directors closed last night, with CEO Bob Iger’s nominees appearing likely to win out. However, that didn’t stop X/Twitter and Tesla owner Musk taking to social media this morning to provide his two cents.
He wrote: “Nelson Peltz should definitely be on the Disney board! He would help reform the company, improve the quality of product and generally serve in the best interests of shareholders, as he has done at many other companies. This would significantly improve Disney’s share price.”
Nelson Peltz should definitely be on the Disney board!
He would help reform the company, improve the quality of product and generally serve in the best interests of shareholders, as he has done at many other companies.
- 4/3/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
The minutes are ticking down to the close of Disney’s bitter proxy fight with Nelson Peltz, whose attempt to scale the board is a direct challenge to CEO Bob Iger.
Barring any hanging chads, results from voting for members of the board of directors will be revealed Wednesday at the company’s annual shareholder meeting at 1 p.m. Et / 10 a.m. Pt. (Polls officially close at 11:59 p.m. Et tonight.) Iger fought, and authorized the spending of $40 million, to quash the interloper activist investor, but win or lose, he invited the fight by botching succession.
Fumbled regime change became Peltz’s rallying cry, far more compelling that his thoughts on strategy. It’s the reason the race was so hard-fought. Iss, the most influential proxy advisory service, dealt perhaps the biggest blow to the company by backing Peltz in a move reminiscent of its withholding votes from then-ceo...
Barring any hanging chads, results from voting for members of the board of directors will be revealed Wednesday at the company’s annual shareholder meeting at 1 p.m. Et / 10 a.m. Pt. (Polls officially close at 11:59 p.m. Et tonight.) Iger fought, and authorized the spending of $40 million, to quash the interloper activist investor, but win or lose, he invited the fight by botching succession.
Fumbled regime change became Peltz’s rallying cry, far more compelling that his thoughts on strategy. It’s the reason the race was so hard-fought. Iss, the most influential proxy advisory service, dealt perhaps the biggest blow to the company by backing Peltz in a move reminiscent of its withholding votes from then-ceo...
- 4/3/2024
- by Dade Hayes, Jill Goldsmith and Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
The entertainment industry and Wall Street will be paying close attention to Disney’s annual shareholder meeting on Wednesday (April 3).
That is when the 12-person board will finally be revealed after a protracted proxy battle between the company led by CEO Bob Iger and the billionaire activist investor Nelson Peltz, who co-founded Trian Fund Management which controls approximately $3bn of Disney stock.
Each side has mounted multi-million dollar campaigns to persuade institutional and individual or retail shareholders to elect their preferred board directors. The latter group may play a key role in the vote as they collectively hold some 40% of...
That is when the 12-person board will finally be revealed after a protracted proxy battle between the company led by CEO Bob Iger and the billionaire activist investor Nelson Peltz, who co-founded Trian Fund Management which controls approximately $3bn of Disney stock.
Each side has mounted multi-million dollar campaigns to persuade institutional and individual or retail shareholders to elect their preferred board directors. The latter group may play a key role in the vote as they collectively hold some 40% of...
- 4/2/2024
- ScreenDaily
Bill Maher has fired CAA.
Sources say the host of HBO’s Real Time fired CAA, his reps for more than two decades, on Monday after he was not invited to CEO Bryan Lourd’s private Oscar party at his home on Saturday night.
Maher, according to sources, was furious that he was snubbed for the event — which was scheduled opposite the Motion Picture & Television Fund’s Night Before bash. The party at Lourd’s home drew the likes of J.J. Abrams, Barry Diller, Kamala Harris, Margot Robbie, Bob Iger, Alan Bergman, Dana Walden, Brian Robbins, Jason Blum, Brian Grazer, Donna Langley, Pam Abdy and such CAA clients as Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston, among others, according to industry newsletter Puck.
Lourd’s private party came a day after CAA toasted nominees including Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Cillian Murphy, Jeffrey Wright, Annette Bening, Carey Mulligan, Emily Blunt, Danielle Brooks, Jodie Foster and Da’Vine Joy Randolph,...
Sources say the host of HBO’s Real Time fired CAA, his reps for more than two decades, on Monday after he was not invited to CEO Bryan Lourd’s private Oscar party at his home on Saturday night.
Maher, according to sources, was furious that he was snubbed for the event — which was scheduled opposite the Motion Picture & Television Fund’s Night Before bash. The party at Lourd’s home drew the likes of J.J. Abrams, Barry Diller, Kamala Harris, Margot Robbie, Bob Iger, Alan Bergman, Dana Walden, Brian Robbins, Jason Blum, Brian Grazer, Donna Langley, Pam Abdy and such CAA clients as Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston, among others, according to industry newsletter Puck.
Lourd’s private party came a day after CAA toasted nominees including Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Cillian Murphy, Jeffrey Wright, Annette Bening, Carey Mulligan, Emily Blunt, Danielle Brooks, Jodie Foster and Da’Vine Joy Randolph,...
- 3/15/2024
- by Kim Masters and Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Oscar week is finally here! Ask anyone who has been in the thick of awards season and they’ll likely let out a huge sigh followed by exasperated admission that this has been one of the most hectic runs in recent memory. The condensed calendar, forced by last year’s dual strikes, could translate to more lively bashes, however, as there’s light at the end of the tunnel with Sunday’s Oscars. That can only mean that champagne is currently popping at A-list bashes across Los Angeles, and The Hollywood Reporter is on the scene everywhere from Vanity Fair and Elton John to MPTF’s Night Before. See below for the roundup of all the red carpet action.
Vanity Fair
Editor in chief Radhika Jones hosted a milestone 30th anniversary party at a custom designed structure that connects the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts with Beverly Hills City Hall.
Vanity Fair
Editor in chief Radhika Jones hosted a milestone 30th anniversary party at a custom designed structure that connects the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts with Beverly Hills City Hall.
- 3/7/2024
- by Kirsten Chuba and Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The films in the running for the 2024 Best Original Score Oscar are “American Fiction,” “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “Oppenheimer,” and “Poor Things.” Our current odds indicate that “Oppenheimer” (3/1) will take the prize, followed in order of likelihood by “Killers of the Flower Moon” (4/1), “Poor Things” (9/2), “Indiana Jones” (9/2), and “American Fiction” (9/2).
Just two of the five musicians on this roster are returning contenders, with the first-timer subgroup consisting of Jerskin Fendrix (“Poor Things”), Laura Karpman (“American Fiction”), and Robbie Robertson (“Killers of the Flower Moon”). Robertson, who died last August at age 80, is this category’s eighth posthumous nominee and first since 1977, when Bernard Herrmann earned dual bids for “Obsession” and “Taxi Driver” nearly 14 months after his death. He would be the fourth deceased composer to win an Academy Award, following Victor Young and “Limelight” (1973) duo Raymond Rasch and Larry Russell.
Of the...
Just two of the five musicians on this roster are returning contenders, with the first-timer subgroup consisting of Jerskin Fendrix (“Poor Things”), Laura Karpman (“American Fiction”), and Robbie Robertson (“Killers of the Flower Moon”). Robertson, who died last August at age 80, is this category’s eighth posthumous nominee and first since 1977, when Bernard Herrmann earned dual bids for “Obsession” and “Taxi Driver” nearly 14 months after his death. He would be the fourth deceased composer to win an Academy Award, following Victor Young and “Limelight” (1973) duo Raymond Rasch and Larry Russell.
Of the...
- 3/7/2024
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Word has it that Sean Bailey had been looking to move on. However the news this week Disney’s president of motion picture studios has stepped down has much to do with CEO Bob Iger’s urgent course correction at a storied studio that just endured a relatively poor year at the box office and is facing pressure from activist shareholders to improve the stock price.
Bailey, a 15-year veteran of the company, was the executive who mined Disney’s animation vault and adapted them into live-action tentpoles that often crushed it at the box office.
For a long time...
Bailey, a 15-year veteran of the company, was the executive who mined Disney’s animation vault and adapted them into live-action tentpoles that often crushed it at the box office.
For a long time...
- 3/1/2024
- ScreenDaily
The Egot is one of the most prestigious titles in all of Hollywood.
If you aren’t familiar with the acronym, it stands for “Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony” and references a person who has won all four of the major awards across all the mediums in the entertainment industry.
We’ve compiled the list of all of the stars who are close to Egot status, meaning, they’re missing just one of the four!
Keep reading to find out more…
Every Star Who Needs the “Emmy”
Joel Grey
Justin Paul
Benj Pasek
Bruce Springsteen
Every Star Who Needs the “Grammy”
Ellen Burstyn
Jeremy Irons
Jessica Lange
Frances McDormand
Helen Mirren
Al Pacino
Vanessa Redgrave
Geoffrey Rush
Maggie Smith
Every Star Who Needs the “Oscar”
Dick Van Dyke
Cynthia Erivo
Anne Garefino
Hugh Jackman
John Kander
Alex Lacamoire
Cyndi Lauper
Katrina Lenk
Audra McDonald
Bette Midler
Lin-Manuel Miranda
Cynthia Nixon
Trey Parker...
If you aren’t familiar with the acronym, it stands for “Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony” and references a person who has won all four of the major awards across all the mediums in the entertainment industry.
We’ve compiled the list of all of the stars who are close to Egot status, meaning, they’re missing just one of the four!
Keep reading to find out more…
Every Star Who Needs the “Emmy”
Joel Grey
Justin Paul
Benj Pasek
Bruce Springsteen
Every Star Who Needs the “Grammy”
Ellen Burstyn
Jeremy Irons
Jessica Lange
Frances McDormand
Helen Mirren
Al Pacino
Vanessa Redgrave
Geoffrey Rush
Maggie Smith
Every Star Who Needs the “Oscar”
Dick Van Dyke
Cynthia Erivo
Anne Garefino
Hugh Jackman
John Kander
Alex Lacamoire
Cyndi Lauper
Katrina Lenk
Audra McDonald
Bette Midler
Lin-Manuel Miranda
Cynthia Nixon
Trey Parker...
- 2/29/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Executive turnover dialed up the palace intrigue in the Magic Kingdom this week.
Walt Disney Studios announced on Monday that 15-year veteran Sean Bailey would step down as president of its motion picture production group – a job in which he oversaw splashy live-action remakes of beloved animated properties. In his place, Searchlight Pictures co-head David Greenbaum was elevated and will report directly to top film boss Alan Bergman.
A creative shuffle amongst senior Disney film executives was always going to happen, many industry insiders who spoke with Variety said. As Disney CEO Bob Iger continues to aggressively cut costs amid a nasty proxy battle with billionaire investor Nelson Peltz – and the company’s movies suffer from an uncharacteristic box office slump and creative torpor – many saw a move like Bailey’s as inevitable.
“Disney film needs a shot in the arm, clearly,” said one top agent speaking on the condition of anonymity.
Walt Disney Studios announced on Monday that 15-year veteran Sean Bailey would step down as president of its motion picture production group – a job in which he oversaw splashy live-action remakes of beloved animated properties. In his place, Searchlight Pictures co-head David Greenbaum was elevated and will report directly to top film boss Alan Bergman.
A creative shuffle amongst senior Disney film executives was always going to happen, many industry insiders who spoke with Variety said. As Disney CEO Bob Iger continues to aggressively cut costs amid a nasty proxy battle with billionaire investor Nelson Peltz – and the company’s movies suffer from an uncharacteristic box office slump and creative torpor – many saw a move like Bailey’s as inevitable.
“Disney film needs a shot in the arm, clearly,” said one top agent speaking on the condition of anonymity.
- 2/28/2024
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
We’re almost into March of 2024, and Disney has been taking a long, hard look at itself after the disastrous 2023. When two of the most seemingly slam-dunk, profitable IPs are under your umbrella, business should be good, but alas, both Star Wars and Marvel have been plummeting in profits and reception for the House of Mouse. Bob Iger has been adamant about pulling back on the output of the franchise projects so as to not oversaturate the market. Additionally, the streaming service, Disney+, has seen a significant dip in subscribers after they lost 1.3 million accounts once they raised the prices. They have reportedly taken $300 million in streaming losses.
Variety has reported a big shake-up is now happening to the company as Disney now replaces Sean Bailey, who has been the motion picture group’s president of production for the past 15 years. David Greenbaum will now be stepping in as the...
Variety has reported a big shake-up is now happening to the company as Disney now replaces Sean Bailey, who has been the motion picture group’s president of production for the past 15 years. David Greenbaum will now be stepping in as the...
- 2/27/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Big news for the Mouse House. Longtime Walt Disney Studios president Sean Bailey is departing the studio. Bailey, who has been in the position for 15 years, is leaving effective immediately. David Greenbaum, the co-head of Searchlight Pictures, is taking over. And not only is he taking over Disney Studios, but 20th Century Studios as well.
Read More: PGA, Spirit and SAG Awards spark final Oscar voting weekend
In a statement, Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman noted, “David has an incredible creative sensibility and eye for film, and he has built a reputation as an exceptional leader and creative executive, as proven by his track record at Searchlight Pictures and deep relationships throughout the industry.
Continue reading Big Changes At Walt Disney Studios: Sean Bailey Out, David Greenbaum In at The Playlist.
Read More: PGA, Spirit and SAG Awards spark final Oscar voting weekend
In a statement, Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman noted, “David has an incredible creative sensibility and eye for film, and he has built a reputation as an exceptional leader and creative executive, as proven by his track record at Searchlight Pictures and deep relationships throughout the industry.
Continue reading Big Changes At Walt Disney Studios: Sean Bailey Out, David Greenbaum In at The Playlist.
- 2/26/2024
- by Gregory Ellwood
- The Playlist
In a major shake up to Disney’s film team, Sean Bailey, who has been with Disney for 15 years, is exiting the company, effective immediately. David Greenbaum, the co-head of Searchlight Pictures, has been named president of Disney Live-Action and of 20th Century Studios, taking control of both brands in a combined division of its live-action films.
Greenbaum will have oversight over projects for both theatrical and streaming and will lead the newly combined studio group, reporting to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman.
Remaining in his role as 20th Century Studios president is Steve Asbell; Matthew Greenfield will take sole control of Searchlight Pictures as president.
Bailey will segue to a producer role on Disney’s “Tron: Ares,” as well as other projects.
“David has an incredible creative sensibility and eye for film, and he has built a reputation as an exceptional leader and creative executive, as proven by his...
Greenbaum will have oversight over projects for both theatrical and streaming and will lead the newly combined studio group, reporting to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman.
Remaining in his role as 20th Century Studios president is Steve Asbell; Matthew Greenfield will take sole control of Searchlight Pictures as president.
Bailey will segue to a producer role on Disney’s “Tron: Ares,” as well as other projects.
“David has an incredible creative sensibility and eye for film, and he has built a reputation as an exceptional leader and creative executive, as proven by his...
- 2/26/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Sean Bailey, the producer turned executive who has overseen Walt Disney Studios’ live-action division for almost 15 years, is exiting the studio.
In his place, David Greenbaum, who ran Searchlight Pictures with Matthew Greenfield, will take over in a newly created role of president, Disney live action and 20th Century Studios. Greenbaum will report to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman.
Steve Asbell continues to oversee 20th Century Studios as president while Greenfield takes sole oversight of Searchlight as president.
Per the studio’s announcement Monday, in this new role Greenbaum will lead “a combined studio group that will be home to both iconic film brands, producing a robust collection of original and legacy projects unique to each for theatrical and streaming, while increasing collaboration across the production slate.”
The move is a jump for Greenbaum, who has demonstrated a strong record in the prestige filmmaking space, along with his partner Greenfield.
In his place, David Greenbaum, who ran Searchlight Pictures with Matthew Greenfield, will take over in a newly created role of president, Disney live action and 20th Century Studios. Greenbaum will report to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman.
Steve Asbell continues to oversee 20th Century Studios as president while Greenfield takes sole oversight of Searchlight as president.
Per the studio’s announcement Monday, in this new role Greenbaum will lead “a combined studio group that will be home to both iconic film brands, producing a robust collection of original and legacy projects unique to each for theatrical and streaming, while increasing collaboration across the production slate.”
The move is a jump for Greenbaum, who has demonstrated a strong record in the prestige filmmaking space, along with his partner Greenfield.
- 2/26/2024
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Disney executive Sean Bailey is exiting after 15 years as the motion picture group’s president of production. He’ll be replaced by Searchlight’s chief David Greenbaum, who has been named to the newly created role of president of Live Action and 20th Century Studios.
In his new post, effective immediately, Greenbaum will report to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman. This shakeup merges two of Disney’s film divisions: live-action (responsible for remakes and spinoffs of the studio’s classics) and 20th Century Studios.
“David has an incredible creative sensibility and eye for film, and he has built a reputation as an exceptional leader and creative executive, as proven by his track record at Searchlight Pictures and deep relationships throughout the industry,” Bergman said in a statement. “I’m thrilled that he’ll be taking on this new and important role.”
Bailey, who has overseen Disney’s live-action slate since...
In his new post, effective immediately, Greenbaum will report to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman. This shakeup merges two of Disney’s film divisions: live-action (responsible for remakes and spinoffs of the studio’s classics) and 20th Century Studios.
“David has an incredible creative sensibility and eye for film, and he has built a reputation as an exceptional leader and creative executive, as proven by his track record at Searchlight Pictures and deep relationships throughout the industry,” Bergman said in a statement. “I’m thrilled that he’ll be taking on this new and important role.”
Bailey, who has overseen Disney’s live-action slate since...
- 2/26/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Effective immediately, Walt Disney’s President of Motion Picture Studios Sean Bailey, who turned the company’s animation vault into a multibillion-dollar live-action movie business, is departing after 15 years on the lot. Searchlight co-president David Greenbaum will take on a newly created role. He’ll be president of Disney Live action and president of 20th Century Studios.
Greenbaum’s new title will be President, Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios. He’ll report to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman. Steve Asbell will continue to serve as President, 20th Century Studios, a role he’s had since March 2020. He will report to Greenbaum.
This splits up the Searchlight Pictures executive team of Greenbaum and Matthew Greenfield, two of the most highly regarded execs in the prestige film space who right now have Poor Things squarely in the Best Picture race and other Oscar categories. That duo succeeded longtime leaders Steve Gilula and Nancy Utley,...
Greenbaum’s new title will be President, Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios. He’ll report to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman. Steve Asbell will continue to serve as President, 20th Century Studios, a role he’s had since March 2020. He will report to Greenbaum.
This splits up the Searchlight Pictures executive team of Greenbaum and Matthew Greenfield, two of the most highly regarded execs in the prestige film space who right now have Poor Things squarely in the Best Picture race and other Oscar categories. That duo succeeded longtime leaders Steve Gilula and Nancy Utley,...
- 2/26/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney’s president of motion picture studios Sean Bailey has departed the company and will be replaced by Searchlight Pictures co-president David Greenbaum.
Bailey had been at the studio for 15 years and is credited as the architect behind the lucrative business of turning animated classics from the vault into live-action hits like The Lion King, Beauty And The Beast and The Jungle Book – all of which grossed more than $1bn worldwide.
Greenbaum, who has run Searchlight alongside Matthew Greenfield, becomes president, Disney live action and 20th Century Studios, reporting to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman.
Greenbaum will lead a combined...
Bailey had been at the studio for 15 years and is credited as the architect behind the lucrative business of turning animated classics from the vault into live-action hits like The Lion King, Beauty And The Beast and The Jungle Book – all of which grossed more than $1bn worldwide.
Greenbaum, who has run Searchlight alongside Matthew Greenfield, becomes president, Disney live action and 20th Century Studios, reporting to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman.
Greenbaum will lead a combined...
- 2/26/2024
- ScreenDaily
FX’s John Landgraf’s annual tally of original series has revealed that there were 516 scripted titles on air in 2023, which was a 12% drop from 2022.
This marks the first reduction in scripted series in over a decade, since Landgraf and his team have been keeping score, outside of 2020’s Covid year.
It is notably down on the 600 shows that aired in 2022, which itself was a 7% rise from the year before.
Landgraf, speaking at TCA, joked that he was “finally correct” when it comes to peak TV. He said that it proves that even a broken watch is right twice day.
It comes 12 months after Landgraf predicted that there would be a “strong” indication that there would be a decline last year. While he was wrong a couple of times before, the exec has been proved right this time.
Landgraf is Chairman, FX Content and FX Productions. He was handed more...
This marks the first reduction in scripted series in over a decade, since Landgraf and his team have been keeping score, outside of 2020’s Covid year.
It is notably down on the 600 shows that aired in 2022, which itself was a 7% rise from the year before.
Landgraf, speaking at TCA, joked that he was “finally correct” when it comes to peak TV. He said that it proves that even a broken watch is right twice day.
It comes 12 months after Landgraf predicted that there would be a “strong” indication that there would be a decline last year. While he was wrong a couple of times before, the exec has been proved right this time.
Landgraf is Chairman, FX Content and FX Productions. He was handed more...
- 2/9/2024
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
When Disney CEO Bob Iger announced Wednesday that an animated Moana sequel would swim into theaters in November of this year, it inspired both excitement amongst fans of the 2016 original and questions about the live-action remake set to star Dwayne Johnson.
The live-action Moana, announced a year ago by Iger and Johnson, is slated to hit theaters in June 27, 2025. Now, it is almost certain to depart that date to give both films space, according to insiders. Disney hasn’t broached the matter, and declined comment. Johnson and Dany Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions, which is producing the live-action version, also declined comment.
The two Moana films show how bullish Iger is on the property— and for good reason.
Disney was initially developing the Moana sequel as an animated TV show, but Iger and Disney Entertainment co-chair Alan Bergman upgraded it to a theatrical release based on the strength of what they saw,...
The live-action Moana, announced a year ago by Iger and Johnson, is slated to hit theaters in June 27, 2025. Now, it is almost certain to depart that date to give both films space, according to insiders. Disney hasn’t broached the matter, and declined comment. Johnson and Dany Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions, which is producing the live-action version, also declined comment.
The two Moana films show how bullish Iger is on the property— and for good reason.
Disney was initially developing the Moana sequel as an animated TV show, but Iger and Disney Entertainment co-chair Alan Bergman upgraded it to a theatrical release based on the strength of what they saw,...
- 2/8/2024
- by Aaron Couch and Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Just weeks ago, Sir Elton John became the 19th entertainer to win the highly desirable Egot by claiming his first ever Emmy Award. And now, which person is the most likely to be the 20th Egot later this year, in 2025 or beyond? Here is a summary of the 80 people who have the best chance right now.
The most likely duo could be composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (actually meaning a 20th and 21st Egot if they win). They are producers and songwriters for the third season of “Only Murders in the Building,” so they will have a couple of opportunities in September at the Emmys. They first won an Oscar, Tony, and Grammy.
For the 2024 Grammys, nobody is nominated who could become an Egot, so the next possible chance would be 2025. There are a total of 25 people who have won everything needed except a Grammy. They are actress Ellen Burstyn,...
The most likely duo could be composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (actually meaning a 20th and 21st Egot if they win). They are producers and songwriters for the third season of “Only Murders in the Building,” so they will have a couple of opportunities in September at the Emmys. They first won an Oscar, Tony, and Grammy.
For the 2024 Grammys, nobody is nominated who could become an Egot, so the next possible chance would be 2025. There are a total of 25 people who have won everything needed except a Grammy. They are actress Ellen Burstyn,...
- 1/29/2024
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
The future of media, tech and advertising — both their promise and peril — was the topic of the day at the Variety Entertainment Summit at CES 2024, held during the technology industry’s huge annual confab in Las Vegas.
Speakers at the full-day event included Roku Media president Charlie Collier, Reddit CEO Steve Huffman, Jenefer Brown, Lionsgate’s EVP & head of global products and experiences, John Harrison, Ey’s Americas leader for media and entertainment, Tony Isetta, VP and head of content marketing for the NFL, and Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy.
Spotted among the event’s attendees were Disney Entertainment co-chairs Dana Walden and Alan Bergman among other Mouse Housers, who were there alongside panel speaker Rita Ferro, Disney’s president of global advertising.
Here are key takeaways from the Variety Entertainment Summit, held Jan. 10 at the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas:
Netflix bulks up ad user base,...
Speakers at the full-day event included Roku Media president Charlie Collier, Reddit CEO Steve Huffman, Jenefer Brown, Lionsgate’s EVP & head of global products and experiences, John Harrison, Ey’s Americas leader for media and entertainment, Tony Isetta, VP and head of content marketing for the NFL, and Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy.
Spotted among the event’s attendees were Disney Entertainment co-chairs Dana Walden and Alan Bergman among other Mouse Housers, who were there alongside panel speaker Rita Ferro, Disney’s president of global advertising.
Here are key takeaways from the Variety Entertainment Summit, held Jan. 10 at the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas:
Netflix bulks up ad user base,...
- 1/11/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Iger told employees of the company that his second turn as CEO has been more challenging than he anticipated, but that he is nonetheless “optimistic” about the entertainment giant’s future.
“I knew that there were myriad challenges that I would face coming back,” Iger said at an employee town hall Tuesday afternoon. “I won’t say that it was easy, but I’ve never second guessed the decision to come back, and being back still feels great.”
The veteran executive went on to say that “I had spent the year with the team fixing a lot of things … but I feel that we’ve just emerged from a period of a lot of fixing to one of building again, and I can tell you building is a lot more fun than fixing.”
He added that, with the fixing behind him and the building ahead,...
“I knew that there were myriad challenges that I would face coming back,” Iger said at an employee town hall Tuesday afternoon. “I won’t say that it was easy, but I’ve never second guessed the decision to come back, and being back still feels great.”
The veteran executive went on to say that “I had spent the year with the team fixing a lot of things … but I feel that we’ve just emerged from a period of a lot of fixing to one of building again, and I can tell you building is a lot more fun than fixing.”
He added that, with the fixing behind him and the building ahead,...
- 11/28/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Disney CEO Bob Iger focused on instilling employees with renewed optimism about the Mouse House’s “blessed” and “fortunate” state during a virtual company-wide town hall Tuesday, rather than making any proclamations about the company’s future.
The event, moderated by ABC News anchor David Muir, was held just over a week after the one-year anniversary of Iger’s return to the helm at Disney following the surprise ousting of Bob Chapek, and on the heels of Disney reporting its most recent quarterly and full-fiscal-year earnings and taking a stumble at the Thanksgiving holiday box office with new animated film “Wish.”
When asked by Muir if coming back to the position of CEO has been more challenging than he had anticipated, Iger, who originally ran Disney for 15 years from 2005-2020, said yes.
“I knew that there were myriad challenges that I would face coming back,” Iger said. “I won’t say that it was easy,...
The event, moderated by ABC News anchor David Muir, was held just over a week after the one-year anniversary of Iger’s return to the helm at Disney following the surprise ousting of Bob Chapek, and on the heels of Disney reporting its most recent quarterly and full-fiscal-year earnings and taking a stumble at the Thanksgiving holiday box office with new animated film “Wish.”
When asked by Muir if coming back to the position of CEO has been more challenging than he had anticipated, Iger, who originally ran Disney for 15 years from 2005-2020, said yes.
“I knew that there were myriad challenges that I would face coming back,” Iger said. “I won’t say that it was easy,...
- 11/28/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Bob Iger and top execs stressed a commitment to quality over quantity as the studio’s film slate has had a bumpy ride, talked up parks and ESPN and looked at the future of its television business at an anticipated all-hands-on-deck town hall today, one year after the Disney CEO returned to the helm.
“I spent the year with the team fixing a lot of things,” Iger said. “But I feel that we’ve just emerged from a period of a lot of fixing to one of building again and I can tell you building is a lot more fun than fixing.”
“in assessing some of our performance, recently, one of the reasons I believe it’s fallen off a bit is that we were making too much,” Iger said. “I think when it comes to creativity, quality is critical, of course, and quantity in many ways can destroy quality.
“I spent the year with the team fixing a lot of things,” Iger said. “But I feel that we’ve just emerged from a period of a lot of fixing to one of building again and I can tell you building is a lot more fun than fixing.”
“in assessing some of our performance, recently, one of the reasons I believe it’s fallen off a bit is that we were making too much,” Iger said. “I think when it comes to creativity, quality is critical, of course, and quantity in many ways can destroy quality.
- 11/28/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith, Anthony D'Alessandro and Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
A year into the run of Bob Iger 2: Return of the CEO, the Walt Disney Co. has not yet rediscovered its mojo.
For most of Iger’s initial 14-year stint in the corner office, Disney was the pace-setter in media and entertainment, pulling off stunning M&a deals and amassing a sizable competitive advantage. Now, the company has fallen back to the pack as a Biblical series of challenges have come to define a centennial year that many staffers would just as soon forget than commemorate.
On Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. Pt, Iger and a handful of top executives will convene a town hall for cast members (read: employees). There should be no shortage of questions on the minds of those listening to management frame the current circumstances. In addition to Iger, the event will feature top execs Alan Bergman (film), Josh D’Amaro (parks), Jimmy Pitaro (ESPN) and Dana Walden...
For most of Iger’s initial 14-year stint in the corner office, Disney was the pace-setter in media and entertainment, pulling off stunning M&a deals and amassing a sizable competitive advantage. Now, the company has fallen back to the pack as a Biblical series of challenges have come to define a centennial year that many staffers would just as soon forget than commemorate.
On Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. Pt, Iger and a handful of top executives will convene a town hall for cast members (read: employees). There should be no shortage of questions on the minds of those listening to management frame the current circumstances. In addition to Iger, the event will feature top execs Alan Bergman (film), Josh D’Amaro (parks), Jimmy Pitaro (ESPN) and Dana Walden...
- 11/28/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney’s decision to bring back long-time CEO Bob Iger to replace beleaguered Bob Chapek on Nov. 20, 2022 sent shock waves through Hollywood. The stock closed that week at $98.87 amid hopes he could right a struggling ship.
On Nov. 28 last year, Iger used a town hall meeting to outline first priorities and told staff that he did not expect the company to make any significant acquisitions during his second run as CEO. “We have a great set of assets here,” he said. “Nothing is forever, but I am very, very comfortable with each of the assets that we have.”
Fast-forward exactly a year, and some things have changed for the better for Disney, with Iger having focused on cost-cutting (putting Disney on track to achieve roughly $7.5 billion in cost reductions, up from the previously targeted $5.5. billion), streamlining and optimizing the company via restructuring moves.
But the conglomerate’s stock has remained under pressure,...
On Nov. 28 last year, Iger used a town hall meeting to outline first priorities and told staff that he did not expect the company to make any significant acquisitions during his second run as CEO. “We have a great set of assets here,” he said. “Nothing is forever, but I am very, very comfortable with each of the assets that we have.”
Fast-forward exactly a year, and some things have changed for the better for Disney, with Iger having focused on cost-cutting (putting Disney on track to achieve roughly $7.5 billion in cost reductions, up from the previously targeted $5.5. billion), streamlining and optimizing the company via restructuring moves.
But the conglomerate’s stock has remained under pressure,...
- 11/27/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, the Los Angeles premiere of Walt Disney Animation’s latest film “Wish” on Wednesday night was set to be a star-free affair — well, save for the literal star on which the movie is based.
But just before 5 p.m., the union announced that, after 118 days, the strike would come to an end as of 12:01 a.m. Pt on Thursday.
Of course, that meant the animated movie’s cast — including Oscar winner Ariana DeBose and Chris Pine — weren’t allowed to make a quick change into their red carpet finest and hustle over to the El Capitan Theatre for a screening set to begin at 7 p.m., but the mood was jubilant nonetheless.
With the film serving as a celebration of Disney’s 100th anniversary, the studio pulled out all the stops for the pre-premiere party on Hollywood Blvd., launching a “Wish” drone show in...
But just before 5 p.m., the union announced that, after 118 days, the strike would come to an end as of 12:01 a.m. Pt on Thursday.
Of course, that meant the animated movie’s cast — including Oscar winner Ariana DeBose and Chris Pine — weren’t allowed to make a quick change into their red carpet finest and hustle over to the El Capitan Theatre for a screening set to begin at 7 p.m., but the mood was jubilant nonetheless.
With the film serving as a celebration of Disney’s 100th anniversary, the studio pulled out all the stops for the pre-premiere party on Hollywood Blvd., launching a “Wish” drone show in...
- 11/9/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay and Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Bob Iger finally had his wish come true Wednesday.
“I’m elated,” the Disney CEO told Deadline tonight in his reaction to the deal between SAG-AFTRA and the studios.
“It’s been, as you know, a long summer in this town and it’s an industry that really needs to get back to work and wants to get back to work,” Iger added at the Wish premiere in Hollywood, just hours after the tentative agreement with the guild was made public. “I’m gonna be one of those people that’s just cheering the return to production in this community.”
Iger’s remarks late tonight come after a long 24 hours for the exec, the guild and the industry.
The 118th day of the strike, Wednesday saw hopes dashed for a Tuesday night deal, a rough-ish Q3 earnings result for Disney, worries about 2024 and the AMPTP putting SAG-AFTRA on notice.
“I’m elated,” the Disney CEO told Deadline tonight in his reaction to the deal between SAG-AFTRA and the studios.
“It’s been, as you know, a long summer in this town and it’s an industry that really needs to get back to work and wants to get back to work,” Iger added at the Wish premiere in Hollywood, just hours after the tentative agreement with the guild was made public. “I’m gonna be one of those people that’s just cheering the return to production in this community.”
Iger’s remarks late tonight come after a long 24 hours for the exec, the guild and the industry.
The 118th day of the strike, Wednesday saw hopes dashed for a Tuesday night deal, a rough-ish Q3 earnings result for Disney, worries about 2024 and the AMPTP putting SAG-AFTRA on notice.
- 11/9/2023
- by Rosy Cordero and Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Kevin Feige is no longer headed to a galaxy far, far away. The Marvel Studios boss, who was developing a Star Wars feature to produce, is moving on to other things as he focuses on the dozens of films and TV shows on his plate in the MCU.
When asked if his Star Wars feature was happening, he told Entertainment Tonight simply: “No.” It was part of a larger interview at the Las Vegas premiere of The Marvels Tuesday.
In 2019, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Feige was developing the project, and in January 2021, news broke that he had hired Loki creator Michael Waldron to pen the script.
The landscape looked different when Feige first met with Lucasfilm boss Kathleen Kennedy and then-Disney studio co-chairmen Alan Horn and Alan Bergman. The Rise of Skywalker had not yet hit theaters, and The Mandalorian and Baby Yoda had not yet powered Disney+ in its early days.
When asked if his Star Wars feature was happening, he told Entertainment Tonight simply: “No.” It was part of a larger interview at the Las Vegas premiere of The Marvels Tuesday.
In 2019, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Feige was developing the project, and in January 2021, news broke that he had hired Loki creator Michael Waldron to pen the script.
The landscape looked different when Feige first met with Lucasfilm boss Kathleen Kennedy and then-Disney studio co-chairmen Alan Horn and Alan Bergman. The Rise of Skywalker had not yet hit theaters, and The Mandalorian and Baby Yoda had not yet powered Disney+ in its early days.
- 11/8/2023
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Updated: The studios told SAG-AFTRA on Saturday that they have made their “last, best and final” offer, as they seek an end to the 114-day actors strike.
The offer includes an enhanced residual bonus for high-performing streaming shows. Under the proposal, actors who appear on the most-watched shows on each platform will see their standard streaming residual doubled.
That is an increase over the deal provided to the Writers Guild of America, which won a 50% residual bonus for writers on top-performing shows.
The package also includes comprehensive protections on artificial intelligence and the highest increase in minimums in 40 years.
The Zoom meeting included eight leaders from seven studios: Bob Iger of Disney, David Zaslav of Warner Bros. Discovery, Donna Langley of NBCUniversal, Ted Sarandos of Netflix, Brian Robbins of Paramount, Mike Hopkins and Jennifer Salke from Amazon, and Tony Vinciquerra from Sony Pictures Entertainment. Other senior executives who have been...
The offer includes an enhanced residual bonus for high-performing streaming shows. Under the proposal, actors who appear on the most-watched shows on each platform will see their standard streaming residual doubled.
That is an increase over the deal provided to the Writers Guild of America, which won a 50% residual bonus for writers on top-performing shows.
The package also includes comprehensive protections on artificial intelligence and the highest increase in minimums in 40 years.
The Zoom meeting included eight leaders from seven studios: Bob Iger of Disney, David Zaslav of Warner Bros. Discovery, Donna Langley of NBCUniversal, Ted Sarandos of Netflix, Brian Robbins of Paramount, Mike Hopkins and Jennifer Salke from Amazon, and Tony Vinciquerra from Sony Pictures Entertainment. Other senior executives who have been...
- 11/4/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Update, 3:14Pm After Exclusive: After meeting with studio CEOs earlier today, SAG-AFTRA has put out a statement, that they’re looking over the latest proposal from the AMPTP which the studios bill as their “last, best, and final offer.”
“We received an offer today from the AMPTP, which they characterized as their “Last, Best, and Final Offer,” said the SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Negotiating Commitee this afternoon.
“We are reviewing it and considering our response within the context of the critical issues addressed in our proposals,” they added.
The so-called “best and final” language is exactly what the studios said to the WGA in the final days of what were ultimately successful negotiations with the scribes in late September. The phrase and the tactic were widely derided at the time.
Previous Exclusive, 2:12Pm: A meeting Saturday between SAG-AFTRA and an expanded group of studio CEOs has just ended as...
“We received an offer today from the AMPTP, which they characterized as their “Last, Best, and Final Offer,” said the SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Negotiating Commitee this afternoon.
“We are reviewing it and considering our response within the context of the critical issues addressed in our proposals,” they added.
The so-called “best and final” language is exactly what the studios said to the WGA in the final days of what were ultimately successful negotiations with the scribes in late September. The phrase and the tactic were widely derided at the time.
Previous Exclusive, 2:12Pm: A meeting Saturday between SAG-AFTRA and an expanded group of studio CEOs has just ended as...
- 11/4/2023
- by Dominic Patten and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Lylle Breier, who most recently served as Senior Vice President, Global Marketing Partnerships, Promotions, Synergy and Special Events at Disney, has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Marketing Partnerships and Special Events. According to the official announcement, Breier “will hold a pivotal role spanning global studio marketing and enterprise corporate functions, overseeing various responsibilities central to the company’s growth and engagement strategies.”
For Breier, this “multifaceted position will include responsibility for driving all marketing partnerships for both feature films and streaming releases, encompassing multi-platform brand campaigns, creative content production, event sponsorships and product placement for Disney Live Action, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios/Marvel Entertainment, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, and Disney+,” according to the official release. Additionally, she will “also be responsible for the strategy, production, and operation of Special Events, including premieres, stunts, stage presentations, and fan conventions,” like D23 Expo, the all-Disney fan...
For Breier, this “multifaceted position will include responsibility for driving all marketing partnerships for both feature films and streaming releases, encompassing multi-platform brand campaigns, creative content production, event sponsorships and product placement for Disney Live Action, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios/Marvel Entertainment, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, and Disney+,” according to the official release. Additionally, she will “also be responsible for the strategy, production, and operation of Special Events, including premieres, stunts, stage presentations, and fan conventions,” like D23 Expo, the all-Disney fan...
- 10/9/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Lylle Breier has been promoted to executive vp of marketing partnerships and special events at the Walt Disney Co.
In the newly created role, the Disney veteran will play a key role spanning global marketing campaigns and enterprise corporate functions that are central to the company’s growth strategies. Breier will continue to report directly to Asad Ayaz, who serves as both chief brand officer for Twdc and president of marketing at Walt Disney Studios and Disney+.
She’ll be responsible for driving all marketing partnerships for feature films and streaming releases, as well as multi-platform brand campaigns, creative content production, event sponsorships and product placement for Disney Live Action, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios/Marvel Entertainment, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios and Disney+.
Breier will also be responsible for special events, including premieres, stunts, stage presentations, and fan conventions.
“Whether securing multi-platform partnerships or pulling off large-scale events across the globe,...
In the newly created role, the Disney veteran will play a key role spanning global marketing campaigns and enterprise corporate functions that are central to the company’s growth strategies. Breier will continue to report directly to Asad Ayaz, who serves as both chief brand officer for Twdc and president of marketing at Walt Disney Studios and Disney+.
She’ll be responsible for driving all marketing partnerships for feature films and streaming releases, as well as multi-platform brand campaigns, creative content production, event sponsorships and product placement for Disney Live Action, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios/Marvel Entertainment, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios and Disney+.
Breier will also be responsible for special events, including premieres, stunts, stage presentations, and fan conventions.
“Whether securing multi-platform partnerships or pulling off large-scale events across the globe,...
- 10/9/2023
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Walt Disney Company has elevated Lylle Breier to executive VP of marketing partnerships and special events.
In her new role, Breier responsibilities will span global studio marketing and enterprise corporate functions departments, overseeing various aspects of the company’s growth and engagement strategies. This includes spearheading marketing partnerships for theatrical and streaming releases, multi-platform brand campaigns, creative content production, event sponsorships and product placement for the studio’s many brands, like Pixar, Disney Animation and Marvel.
Breier will also be in charge of the strategy, production, and operation of special events, such as premieres, stunts, stage presentations, and fan conventions. She will continue to report to Asad Ayaz, Disney’s chief brand officer and president of marketing.
“Whether securing multi-platform partnerships or pulling off large-scale events across the globe, Lylle has been at the center of some the industry’s most elaborate, memorable and successful programs,” Ayaz said in a statement.
In her new role, Breier responsibilities will span global studio marketing and enterprise corporate functions departments, overseeing various aspects of the company’s growth and engagement strategies. This includes spearheading marketing partnerships for theatrical and streaming releases, multi-platform brand campaigns, creative content production, event sponsorships and product placement for the studio’s many brands, like Pixar, Disney Animation and Marvel.
Breier will also be in charge of the strategy, production, and operation of special events, such as premieres, stunts, stage presentations, and fan conventions. She will continue to report to Asad Ayaz, Disney’s chief brand officer and president of marketing.
“Whether securing multi-platform partnerships or pulling off large-scale events across the globe, Lylle has been at the center of some the industry’s most elaborate, memorable and successful programs,” Ayaz said in a statement.
- 10/9/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Disney has upped studio veteran Lylle Breier to EVP Marketing Partnerships and Special Events. Breier began her career at Walt Disney Studios as an undergraduate intern at Buena Vista Pictures while at UCLA. Most recently, she served as SVP Global Marketing Partnerships, Promotions, Synergy and Special Events.
In her new role, Breier will oversee global studio marketing and enterprise corporate functions as well as duties central to the company’s growth and engagement strategies. She will be responsible for driving marketing partnerships for both feature films and streaming releases, including multi-platform brand campaigns, creative content production, event sponsorships and product placement for Disney Live Action, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios/Marvel Entertainment, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios and Disney+. She will also lead the strategy, production and operation of special events, including premieres, stunts, stage presentations and fan conventions.
“Whether securing multi-platform partnerships or pulling off large-scale events across the globe,...
In her new role, Breier will oversee global studio marketing and enterprise corporate functions as well as duties central to the company’s growth and engagement strategies. She will be responsible for driving marketing partnerships for both feature films and streaming releases, including multi-platform brand campaigns, creative content production, event sponsorships and product placement for Disney Live Action, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios/Marvel Entertainment, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios and Disney+. She will also lead the strategy, production and operation of special events, including premieres, stunts, stage presentations and fan conventions.
“Whether securing multi-platform partnerships or pulling off large-scale events across the globe,...
- 10/9/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Thomas Schumacher’s longtime reign atop the business operations of Disney Theatrical Group saw the division become a major player on Broadway and in the nation’s regional theaters, with such powerhouse productions as The Lion King and Aladdin becoming longrunning and touring stage staples.
Today, Schumacher, 65, announced that he’s leaving his role of Dtg’s president and producer after three decades, telling staff this morning that he’ll segue into a purely creative role as the division’s chief creative officer. Andrew Flatt and Anne Quart, who have long worked closely with Schumacher, will jointly run the Dtg as executive vice presidents.
Schumacher has overseen not only Disney’s Broadway offerings such as the longrunning smashes The Lion King and Aladdin but past hits including Beauty and the Beast, along with any number of less enduring productions, such as its most recent, 2018’s Frozen, which did not rise to the level,...
Today, Schumacher, 65, announced that he’s leaving his role of Dtg’s president and producer after three decades, telling staff this morning that he’ll segue into a purely creative role as the division’s chief creative officer. Andrew Flatt and Anne Quart, who have long worked closely with Schumacher, will jointly run the Dtg as executive vice presidents.
Schumacher has overseen not only Disney’s Broadway offerings such as the longrunning smashes The Lion King and Aladdin but past hits including Beauty and the Beast, along with any number of less enduring productions, such as its most recent, 2018’s Frozen, which did not rise to the level,...
- 9/28/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.