The behind the scenes drama of the MCU usually stays behind the scenes, but one of the most dramatic talent exits from Marvel’s Cinematic Universe happened in public.
In 2018, director James Gunn was fired from the helm of the third Guardians of the Galaxy movie after some past unpleasant tweets were unearthed online by conservative commentators. Walt Disney chairman Alan F. Horn stated that the “offensive attitudes and statements” on Gunn’s Twitter feed were “indefensible” and “inconsistent” with the studio’s values, while Gunn said he took “full responsibility” for the way he conducted himself in the past.
The Guardians cast wasted no time in jumping to Gunn’s defense, and Marvel fans signed an online petition asking for him to be reinstated. Marvel Studios also began trying to find a way for him to be rehired as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’s director. Eventually, he was.
In 2018, director James Gunn was fired from the helm of the third Guardians of the Galaxy movie after some past unpleasant tweets were unearthed online by conservative commentators. Walt Disney chairman Alan F. Horn stated that the “offensive attitudes and statements” on Gunn’s Twitter feed were “indefensible” and “inconsistent” with the studio’s values, while Gunn said he took “full responsibility” for the way he conducted himself in the past.
The Guardians cast wasted no time in jumping to Gunn’s defense, and Marvel fans signed an online petition asking for him to be reinstated. Marvel Studios also began trying to find a way for him to be rehired as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’s director. Eventually, he was.
- 3/15/2023
- by Kirsten Howard
- Den of Geek
It is truly the end of another era at Walt Disney Studios. In a move that many were expecting, Alan Horn, 78, is retiring as Chief Creative Officer of Disney Studios Content, effective Dec. 31 after a nine-year run at the Burbank, CA lot in an executive TV and motion picture industry career that has spanned close to 50 years.
Back in December, Alan Bergman was named Disney Studios Content Chairman; after co-running the division with Horn as a Co-Chairman since May 2019, as the media conglom made a commitment to spend $14 billion to $16 billion over the next four years. Horn remained on as Chief Creative Officer at the time, shedding some of his duties to zero on the studio’s creative pipeline.
Horn, similar to former NBCUniversal Vice Chairman Ron Meyer, was renowned for his relationships with filmmaking talent and smoothing feature productions out. He is known for his gracious and astute approach to film production situations.
Back in December, Alan Bergman was named Disney Studios Content Chairman; after co-running the division with Horn as a Co-Chairman since May 2019, as the media conglom made a commitment to spend $14 billion to $16 billion over the next four years. Horn remained on as Chief Creative Officer at the time, shedding some of his duties to zero on the studio’s creative pipeline.
Horn, similar to former NBCUniversal Vice Chairman Ron Meyer, was renowned for his relationships with filmmaking talent and smoothing feature productions out. He is known for his gracious and astute approach to film production situations.
- 10/11/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Change effective January 1, 2021.
Alan Bergman has been named chairman, Disney Studios Content, and Alan Horn will continue to serve as the division’s chief creative officer, Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced on Monday (December 21).
The changes are effective January 1, 2021. The executives have led the Studios group as co-chairmen since May 2019, and both report to Chapek.
Bergman will oversee creative, production, marketing, and operations for Disney Studios Content, which encompasses the production hubs at Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, Searchlight Pictures and Blue Sky Studios, as well as Disney Theatrical Productions.
Horn will focus...
Alan Bergman has been named chairman, Disney Studios Content, and Alan Horn will continue to serve as the division’s chief creative officer, Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced on Monday (December 21).
The changes are effective January 1, 2021. The executives have led the Studios group as co-chairmen since May 2019, and both report to Chapek.
Bergman will oversee creative, production, marketing, and operations for Disney Studios Content, which encompasses the production hubs at Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, Searchlight Pictures and Blue Sky Studios, as well as Disney Theatrical Productions.
Horn will focus...
- 12/21/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Disney Studios has promoted Alan Bergman to Chairman, Disney Studios Content, the company announced Monday. Alan Horn will remain as Chief Creative Officer. Both will report to Disney CEO Bob Chapek.
The duo previously served as co-chairmen since May 2019.
“The Walt Disney Studios’ achievements under the leadership of Alan Horn and Alan Bergman have been nothing short of extraordinary. Having worked closely for years with Alan Bergman, an exceptional leader and proven executive, I couldn’t be more pleased to name him as Chairman,” Chapek said in a statement to TheWrap. “And we are incredibly fortunate to have Alan Horn continue as the Studios’ Chief Creative Officer. Our studios are unmatched in their ability to create incredible cinematic experiences, and with this new structure, we are ensuring a vital continuity of leadership.”
As chairman, Bergman will oversee creative, production, marketing and operations for Disney Studios Content, which encompasses Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios,...
The duo previously served as co-chairmen since May 2019.
“The Walt Disney Studios’ achievements under the leadership of Alan Horn and Alan Bergman have been nothing short of extraordinary. Having worked closely for years with Alan Bergman, an exceptional leader and proven executive, I couldn’t be more pleased to name him as Chairman,” Chapek said in a statement to TheWrap. “And we are incredibly fortunate to have Alan Horn continue as the Studios’ Chief Creative Officer. Our studios are unmatched in their ability to create incredible cinematic experiences, and with this new structure, we are ensuring a vital continuity of leadership.”
As chairman, Bergman will oversee creative, production, marketing and operations for Disney Studios Content, which encompasses Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios,...
- 12/21/2020
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Disney this morning has named Alan Bergman as Chairman, Disney Studios Content, with Alan Horn continuing to serve as the division’s Chief Creative Officer.
The two previously served as Co-Chairmen since May 2019. News was swirling heading into Disney Investor Day on Dec. 10 that Horn might possibly retire, but that’s not the case for the motion picture industry vet of 50 years. He remains integral to the Disney production pipeline as the company will commit $14 billion-$16 billion to Disney+ streaming content over the next four years.
Both Bergman and Horn will continue to report to Disney CEO Bob Chapek, and all production studio heads will continue to report in to Bergman and Horn as they oversee big-screen features and Disney+ movies and series.
Together Bergman and Horn have seen the 2012 integration of Lucasfilm and the 2019 absorption of 20th Century studios, and have propelled The Walt Disney Studios to industry box...
The two previously served as Co-Chairmen since May 2019. News was swirling heading into Disney Investor Day on Dec. 10 that Horn might possibly retire, but that’s not the case for the motion picture industry vet of 50 years. He remains integral to the Disney production pipeline as the company will commit $14 billion-$16 billion to Disney+ streaming content over the next four years.
Both Bergman and Horn will continue to report to Disney CEO Bob Chapek, and all production studio heads will continue to report in to Bergman and Horn as they oversee big-screen features and Disney+ movies and series.
Together Bergman and Horn have seen the 2012 integration of Lucasfilm and the 2019 absorption of 20th Century studios, and have propelled The Walt Disney Studios to industry box...
- 12/21/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Alan Bergman has been named chairman of Disney Studios Content, where he will help guide the company’s push into the world of streaming and reemergence from a global health crisis that has upended traditional ways of doing business.
Alan Horn, who served as co-chairman of the studios group with Bergman, isn’t stepping down despite rumors that he was eyeing retirement. He will continue to serve as the division’s chief creative officer, helping to guide the company’s film slate. Both men will report to Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Chapek.
The announcement provides Disney, which has been a box office juggernaut under Bergman and Horn’s leadership, with stability at the top and comes as the axis of the movie business has shifted during the coronavirus pandemic away from cinemas and toward digital distribution. In October, Disney restructured its media and entertainment divisions to put a greater...
Alan Horn, who served as co-chairman of the studios group with Bergman, isn’t stepping down despite rumors that he was eyeing retirement. He will continue to serve as the division’s chief creative officer, helping to guide the company’s film slate. Both men will report to Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Chapek.
The announcement provides Disney, which has been a box office juggernaut under Bergman and Horn’s leadership, with stability at the top and comes as the axis of the movie business has shifted during the coronavirus pandemic away from cinemas and toward digital distribution. In October, Disney restructured its media and entertainment divisions to put a greater...
- 12/21/2020
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Laying the course for the future, Alan Bergman is succeeding Alan Horn as Walt Disney Studios chairman, while Horn will focus solely on his role as chief creative officer, the company announced Monday.
The move isn’t a surprise. The two executives have been running Hollywood’s most prosperous movie studio together since spring 2019, when Bergman was named co-chairman and Horn gained the additional title of chief creative officer.
Horn, whose 50-year-plus career makes him one of Hollywood’s most respected figures, is following a similar path to that laid out by former Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Iger....
The move isn’t a surprise. The two executives have been running Hollywood’s most prosperous movie studio together since spring 2019, when Bergman was named co-chairman and Horn gained the additional title of chief creative officer.
Horn, whose 50-year-plus career makes him one of Hollywood’s most respected figures, is following a similar path to that laid out by former Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Iger....
- 12/21/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Laying the course for the future, Alan Bergman is succeeding Alan Horn as Walt Disney Studios chairman, while Horn will focus solely on his role as chief creative officer, the company announced Monday.
The move isn’t a surprise. The two executives have been running Hollywood’s most prosperous movie studio together since spring 2019, when Bergman was named co-chairman and Horn gained the additional title of chief creative officer.
Horn, whose 50-year-plus career makes him one of Hollywood’s most respected figures, is following a similar path to that laid out by former Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Iger....
The move isn’t a surprise. The two executives have been running Hollywood’s most prosperous movie studio together since spring 2019, when Bergman was named co-chairman and Horn gained the additional title of chief creative officer.
Horn, whose 50-year-plus career makes him one of Hollywood’s most respected figures, is following a similar path to that laid out by former Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Iger....
- 12/21/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Disney will massively ramp up the volume of Marvel and Star Wars series on its Disney+ streaming service.
Kareem Daniel, Chairman, Media and Entertainment Distribution for The Walt Disney Company, revealed Wednesday during the Disney Investor Day presentation that it would launch “roughly” 10 Marvel series, 10 Star Wars series and 15 live-action, animation and Pixar series over the next few years.
“With these Disney+ originals, along with theatrical releases and library titles, we will be adding something new to the service every week,” he said.
Fifteen all-new Disney live-action, Disney Animation, and Pixar features will also be released directly on Disney+.
This comes as the second season of The Mandalorian is wrapping up on the service.
Disney, which unveiled the news as part of its presentation, didn’t give any detail on the series, but it is likely to include the upcoming Cassian Andor series, which is a prequel of Rogue One...
Kareem Daniel, Chairman, Media and Entertainment Distribution for The Walt Disney Company, revealed Wednesday during the Disney Investor Day presentation that it would launch “roughly” 10 Marvel series, 10 Star Wars series and 15 live-action, animation and Pixar series over the next few years.
“With these Disney+ originals, along with theatrical releases and library titles, we will be adding something new to the service every week,” he said.
Fifteen all-new Disney live-action, Disney Animation, and Pixar features will also be released directly on Disney+.
This comes as the second season of The Mandalorian is wrapping up on the service.
Disney, which unveiled the news as part of its presentation, didn’t give any detail on the series, but it is likely to include the upcoming Cassian Andor series, which is a prequel of Rogue One...
- 12/10/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
A month ago, Disney announced a major streamlining of its media and entertainment businesses, separating content creation from distribution. Distribution and commercialization was centralized into a single global unit, Media and Entertainment Distribution, led by Kareem Daniel, while content creation was divided into three groups: Studios, General Entertainment and Sports, headed by Alan Horn and Alan Bergman Peter Rice and Jimmy Pitaro, respectively.
Today, Rice, chairman of General Entertainment Content, unveiled the structure of his division, which includes a new direct report, Nat Geo’s Courtney Monroe; changes in titles and responsibilities for existing direct reports Gary Marsh and Dana Walden; and restructuring of the division’s marketing operations, which will be handled by Shannon Ryan and newly appointed Jayanta Jenkins, alongside FX marketing president Stephanie Gibbons. (Rice made the announcement in an internal memo. You can read it below the story.)
Marsh, previously president and chief creative officer for Disney Channels Worldwide,...
Today, Rice, chairman of General Entertainment Content, unveiled the structure of his division, which includes a new direct report, Nat Geo’s Courtney Monroe; changes in titles and responsibilities for existing direct reports Gary Marsh and Dana Walden; and restructuring of the division’s marketing operations, which will be handled by Shannon Ryan and newly appointed Jayanta Jenkins, alongside FX marketing president Stephanie Gibbons. (Rice made the announcement in an internal memo. You can read it below the story.)
Marsh, previously president and chief creative officer for Disney Channels Worldwide,...
- 11/10/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated with Georgia results: A pair of races in Georgia will now determine the balance of power in the U.S. Senate after the race between Democratic challenger John Ossoff and GOP incumbent David Perdue was close enough to force a runoff.
They now join the other race, pitting Democrat Raphael Warnock and incumbent Sen. Kelly Loeffler, in a pair of run-off elections set to take place January 5. The current Associated Press count in the Senate is 48-48, with seats in Alaska and North Carolina looking to favor the GOP incumbents, meaning Democrats will need to win both run-offs to take the chamber.
Georgia hasn’t elected a Democrat to the Senate since Zell Miller in 2000. Loeffler was appointed to her spot in January after the retirement of three-term GOP senator Jonnny Isakson.
Updated with latest results, November 5 Am: Fending off the toughest challenge of his political career, South Carolina...
They now join the other race, pitting Democrat Raphael Warnock and incumbent Sen. Kelly Loeffler, in a pair of run-off elections set to take place January 5. The current Associated Press count in the Senate is 48-48, with seats in Alaska and North Carolina looking to favor the GOP incumbents, meaning Democrats will need to win both run-offs to take the chamber.
Georgia hasn’t elected a Democrat to the Senate since Zell Miller in 2000. Loeffler was appointed to her spot in January after the retirement of three-term GOP senator Jonnny Isakson.
Updated with latest results, November 5 Am: Fending off the toughest challenge of his political career, South Carolina...
- 11/7/2020
- by Dominic Patten and Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
The Walt Disney Company’s Monday announcement that it was undertaking a major reorganization of its film and television teams with a goal of bolstering its streaming services was a hit with investors. Shares of the entertainment giant rose on the news that the company would refocus its operations to produce movies and shows and decide at a later date if they would debut on the big screen, cable or streaming arms Hulu and Disney Plus.
If Disney was hoping that the news would focus Wall Street’s attention on growth in streaming rather than the considerable distress facing its theme parks, the plan worked like a charm. Instead of dwelling on the fact that Covid-19 has depressed attendance at the parks it has been able to open in Asia, Europe and Florida, and left other venues such as Disneyland shuttered indefinitely, the narrative heading into Disney’s next earnings...
If Disney was hoping that the news would focus Wall Street’s attention on growth in streaming rather than the considerable distress facing its theme parks, the plan worked like a charm. Instead of dwelling on the fact that Covid-19 has depressed attendance at the parks it has been able to open in Asia, Europe and Florida, and left other venues such as Disneyland shuttered indefinitely, the narrative heading into Disney’s next earnings...
- 10/14/2020
- by Matt Donnelly and Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
The Walt Disney Company is changing the way it’s managing its control over the happiest place on earth, both in the parks and on the screen, with the media production side having a new emphasis on streaming services like Disney+. The news comes from the Mouse House itself, which announced Monday that its broad structural reorganization will be effective immediately.
Hence Disney has created a new distribution group within their business structure, with the company streamlining all production verticals underneath the umbrella of Media and Entertainment Distribution. This group will be responsible for the development and production of content for the company’s streaming services, which include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, as well as the profits and losses for ad sales generated by that content. This centralized Media and Entertainment Distribution hub will be overseen by Kareem Daniel.
This appears to be a major pivot by Disney toward the future,...
Hence Disney has created a new distribution group within their business structure, with the company streamlining all production verticals underneath the umbrella of Media and Entertainment Distribution. This group will be responsible for the development and production of content for the company’s streaming services, which include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, as well as the profits and losses for ad sales generated by that content. This centralized Media and Entertainment Distribution hub will be overseen by Kareem Daniel.
This appears to be a major pivot by Disney toward the future,...
- 10/12/2020
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
News comes as International Union of Cinemas rebukes studio over pulling Soul from theatrical release in select markets.
Disney on Monday (October 12) announced a restructure of its media and entertainment divisions to aggressively support and grow the streaming services led by Disney+, which has thrived during the pandemic.
The news comes on the day the International Union of Cinemas said cinema operators were “shocked and dismayed” after Disney pulled next month’s theatrical release of Pixar’s Soul and moved it to Disney+ in the US and other territories where the service operates.
Under a new media and entertainment distribution...
Disney on Monday (October 12) announced a restructure of its media and entertainment divisions to aggressively support and grow the streaming services led by Disney+, which has thrived during the pandemic.
The news comes on the day the International Union of Cinemas said cinema operators were “shocked and dismayed” after Disney pulled next month’s theatrical release of Pixar’s Soul and moved it to Disney+ in the US and other territories where the service operates.
Under a new media and entertainment distribution...
- 10/12/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The Walt Disney Company announced a broad structural reorganization of its media and entertainment businesses Monday, in a move to ramp up and streamline its direct-to-consumer strategy. That involves the creation of the new Media and Entertainment Distribution group, which will oversee all content monetization and streaming operations. Kareem Daniel, most recently president of consumer products, games and publishing at Disney, will lead the unit.
The move comes just under a year after the launch of Disney Plus, which has since surpassed the 60 million subscriber mark.
Under the new structure, the studios will continue to develop and produce originals for Disney’s streaming services — which include Disney Plus, Hulu and ESPN Plus — and legacy platforms. Distribution and commercialization will now be centralized under the Media and Entertainment Distribution group.
“Given the incredible success of Disney+ and our plans to accelerate our direct-to-consumer business, we are strategically positioning our Company to...
The move comes just under a year after the launch of Disney Plus, which has since surpassed the 60 million subscriber mark.
Under the new structure, the studios will continue to develop and produce originals for Disney’s streaming services — which include Disney Plus, Hulu and ESPN Plus — and legacy platforms. Distribution and commercialization will now be centralized under the Media and Entertainment Distribution group.
“Given the incredible success of Disney+ and our plans to accelerate our direct-to-consumer business, we are strategically positioning our Company to...
- 10/12/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced a major restructuring on Monday, which will put its streaming service Disney+ at the center of the company’s operations. The new structure will be geared towards a “focus on developing and producing original content for the Company’s streaming services,” Disney said in announcing its reorganization on Monday. The most prominent change is the combination of the distribution and ad sales teams, which will be led by Kareem Daniel, who served as president of consumer products, games and publishing. The Media and Entertainment Distribution group will be in charge of running Disney’s streaming services and TV networks, in addition to oversight of P&l management and all distribution, operations, sales, advertising, data and technology functions. Rebecca Campbell will still head up Disney’s direct-to-consumer operations but now report to Daniel. Also Read: Disney Defends '78 Seconds' of 'Mulan' Footage Filmed in...
- 10/12/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Reacting to a tumultuous 2020 and looking to establish a corporate structure suited to the transformations to come, the Walt Disney Co. has unveiled a major streamlining of its media and entertainment businesses.
Under the new structure, the focus will be on developing and producing original content for the company’s streaming services as well as for legacy platforms. Distribution and commercialization will be centralized into a single global unit called Media and Entertainment Distribution. It will be led by Kareem Daniel, a 14-year company veteran and former president of consumer products, games and publishing.
Covid-19 has ravaged Disney more than any other media company, with a direct impact on theme parks, travel, theatrical moviegoing, TV advertising, live sports and other longtime income sources. Streaming has been a bright spot, but it is thus far a money-losing endeavor for Disney, by design. In the spring of 2019, the company advised investors that...
Under the new structure, the focus will be on developing and producing original content for the company’s streaming services as well as for legacy platforms. Distribution and commercialization will be centralized into a single global unit called Media and Entertainment Distribution. It will be led by Kareem Daniel, a 14-year company veteran and former president of consumer products, games and publishing.
Covid-19 has ravaged Disney more than any other media company, with a direct impact on theme parks, travel, theatrical moviegoing, TV advertising, live sports and other longtime income sources. Streaming has been a bright spot, but it is thus far a money-losing endeavor for Disney, by design. In the spring of 2019, the company advised investors that...
- 10/12/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
At the spry age of 98, Norman Lear just made Emmy history, breaking his own record as the award’s oldest winner ever.
And when he’s not working on projects such as “Live in Front of a Studio Audience” on ABC, or a new animated version of “Good Times” for Netflix (which Variety exclusively reported earlier this week), Lear has been a longtime advocate for sustainability in Hollywood. During the second episode of Variety‘s Sustainability in Hollywood event presented by Toyota Mirai, the legend spoke with senior TV editor Michael Schneider with his wife, Lyn Lear, about how they got first got involved in the environmental movement, their involvement in politics and why climate change shouldn’t be politicized.
Lyn shared that women were at the forefront of starting the conversation on sustainability across the industry. The producer of 2014’s Un Climate Summit documentary, “What’s Possible,” Lyn brainstormed...
And when he’s not working on projects such as “Live in Front of a Studio Audience” on ABC, or a new animated version of “Good Times” for Netflix (which Variety exclusively reported earlier this week), Lear has been a longtime advocate for sustainability in Hollywood. During the second episode of Variety‘s Sustainability in Hollywood event presented by Toyota Mirai, the legend spoke with senior TV editor Michael Schneider with his wife, Lyn Lear, about how they got first got involved in the environmental movement, their involvement in politics and why climate change shouldn’t be politicized.
Lyn shared that women were at the forefront of starting the conversation on sustainability across the industry. The producer of 2014’s Un Climate Summit documentary, “What’s Possible,” Lyn brainstormed...
- 9/17/2020
- by Janet W. Lee
- Variety Film + TV
The theatrical release of Disney’s live-action remake of Mulan has once again been postponed as states continue to see a significant uptick in coronavirus cases, endangering the anticipated reopening of movie theater chains.
Mulan was originally scheduled to open on March 27th before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in America forced the film to relocate to July 24th. However, as the number of coronavirus cases continues to soar in the U.S. — and as major cities like New York and Los Angeles haven’t yet approved the reopening...
Mulan was originally scheduled to open on March 27th before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in America forced the film to relocate to July 24th. However, as the number of coronavirus cases continues to soar in the U.S. — and as major cities like New York and Los Angeles haven’t yet approved the reopening...
- 6/27/2020
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Studio reaffirms belief in theatrical release.
Disney has moved the theatrical release of Mulan back to August 21 as new Covid-19 cases across the Us reach record levels.
Niki Caro’s live-action adventure had been set for July 24. The new date means Disney’s film will open just under two weeks after Warner Bros’s Tenet, which has moved to August 12.
Solstice Studios has pushed Unhinged to July 31, and United Artists Releasing moved Bill & Ted Face The Music to August 28 on Friday.
“While the pandemic has changed our release plans for Mulan and we will continue to be flexible as conditions require,...
Disney has moved the theatrical release of Mulan back to August 21 as new Covid-19 cases across the Us reach record levels.
Niki Caro’s live-action adventure had been set for July 24. The new date means Disney’s film will open just under two weeks after Warner Bros’s Tenet, which has moved to August 12.
Solstice Studios has pushed Unhinged to July 31, and United Artists Releasing moved Bill & Ted Face The Music to August 28 on Friday.
“While the pandemic has changed our release plans for Mulan and we will continue to be flexible as conditions require,...
- 6/27/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
As Covid-19 infections continue to rise in cities across the U.S., Disney announced that it has once again moved the release date of “Mulan,” now opening August 21, striking a major blow to the movie theater industry’s hope for a strong summer reopening.
“While the pandemic has changed our release plans for ‘Mulan’ and we will continue to be flexible as conditions require, it has not changed our belief in the power of this film and its message of hope and perseverance,” Disney Studios Co-Chairmen Alan Bergman and Alan Horn said in a statement. “Director Niki Caro and our cast and crew have created a beautiful, epic, and moving film that is everything the cinematic experience should be, and that’s where we believe it belongs – on the world stage and the big screen for audiences around the globe to enjoy together.”
The film’s release was first moved...
“While the pandemic has changed our release plans for ‘Mulan’ and we will continue to be flexible as conditions require, it has not changed our belief in the power of this film and its message of hope and perseverance,” Disney Studios Co-Chairmen Alan Bergman and Alan Horn said in a statement. “Director Niki Caro and our cast and crew have created a beautiful, epic, and moving film that is everything the cinematic experience should be, and that’s where we believe it belongs – on the world stage and the big screen for audiences around the globe to enjoy together.”
The film’s release was first moved...
- 6/26/2020
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Disney has delayed the theatrical release of “Mulan” for a third time, all but officially putting an end to Hollywood’s hopes of salvaging a summer movie season.
The studio’s live-action remake was slated to debuted in theaters on July 24. Instead, “Mulan” will hit the big screen on Aug. 21.
“While the pandemic has changed our release plans for ‘Mulan’ and we will continue to be flexible as conditions require, it has not changed our belief in the power of this film and its message of hope and perseverance,” said Disney’s co-chairman and chief creative officer Alan Horn and co-chairman Alan Bergman. “Director Niki Caro and our cast and crew have created a beautiful, epic, and moving film that is everything the cinematic experience should be, and that’s where we believe it belongs — on the world stage and the big screen for audiences around the globe to enjoy together.
The studio’s live-action remake was slated to debuted in theaters on July 24. Instead, “Mulan” will hit the big screen on Aug. 21.
“While the pandemic has changed our release plans for ‘Mulan’ and we will continue to be flexible as conditions require, it has not changed our belief in the power of this film and its message of hope and perseverance,” said Disney’s co-chairman and chief creative officer Alan Horn and co-chairman Alan Bergman. “Director Niki Caro and our cast and crew have created a beautiful, epic, and moving film that is everything the cinematic experience should be, and that’s where we believe it belongs — on the world stage and the big screen for audiences around the globe to enjoy together.
- 6/26/2020
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
It’s official — at least for the time being — Disney has moved Niki Caro’s Mulan from July 25 to Aug. 21, the weekend after Tenet opens.
We were hearing noise about this earlier this week as we told you with Covid-19 cases surging nationwide and New York and China’s theaters’ reopening up in the air. The good news here for exhibition is that Disney has a plan to open Mulan in the near future, close to Tenet, and not during the holidays or 2021. Mulan‘s moola will be greatly appreciated.
“While the pandemic has changed our release plans for ‘Mulan’ and we will continue to be flexible as conditions require, it has not changed our belief in the power of this film and its message of hope and perseverance. Director Niki Caro and our cast and crew have created a beautiful, epic, and moving film that is everything the cinematic experience should be,...
We were hearing noise about this earlier this week as we told you with Covid-19 cases surging nationwide and New York and China’s theaters’ reopening up in the air. The good news here for exhibition is that Disney has a plan to open Mulan in the near future, close to Tenet, and not during the holidays or 2021. Mulan‘s moola will be greatly appreciated.
“While the pandemic has changed our release plans for ‘Mulan’ and we will continue to be flexible as conditions require, it has not changed our belief in the power of this film and its message of hope and perseverance. Director Niki Caro and our cast and crew have created a beautiful, epic, and moving film that is everything the cinematic experience should be,...
- 6/26/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Over the past decade, Kenneth Branagh has become a key collaborator within the Disney family as he’s helmed four films for the studio and its various offshoots including Thor, Cinderella, Artemis Fowl and the upcoming Death on the Nile. In an era with no shortage of studios and streamers, such loyalty is quite rare, something Branagh chalks up to a key decision that Disney film chief Alan Horn made decades ago.
“Well, it’s often a people game, isn’t it? I had a really good relationship with Alan Horn when I was doing two or three films for Castle Rock in ...
“Well, it’s often a people game, isn’t it? I had a really good relationship with Alan Horn when I was doing two or three films for Castle Rock in ...
- 6/12/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Over the past decade, Kenneth Branagh has become a key collaborator within the Disney family as he’s helmed four films for the studio and its various offshoots including Thor, Cinderella, Artemis Fowl and the upcoming Death on the Nile. In an era with no shortage of studios and streamers, such loyalty is quite rare, something Branagh chalks up to a key decision that Disney film chief Alan Horn made decades ago.
“Well, it’s often a people game, isn’t it? I had a really good relationship with Alan Horn when I was doing two or three films for Castle Rock in ...
“Well, it’s often a people game, isn’t it? I had a really good relationship with Alan Horn when I was doing two or three films for Castle Rock in ...
- 6/12/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Walt Disney Studios has made made two significant promotions to bolster its film group, following the exit of 20th Century Studios vice chairman Emma Watts in January.
Steve Asbell, 20th’s executive vice president of production, has been promoted to president. He will report directly to Walt Disney Studios co-chairman and chief creative cfficer Alan Horn and co-chairman Alan Bergman. Asbell has been with the company since 2002, before Disney acquired Fox’s film and TV assets, and has fulfilled his Evp role since 2012.
Vanessa Morrison, the president of the Fox Family division, has been promoted to head of all streaming production under the Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures label. She will oversee development and production for Disney Plus films, fed by the Disney live action label and the 20th Century label. Morrison will report to Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production president Sean Bailey. Prior to her Fox Family role,...
Steve Asbell, 20th’s executive vice president of production, has been promoted to president. He will report directly to Walt Disney Studios co-chairman and chief creative cfficer Alan Horn and co-chairman Alan Bergman. Asbell has been with the company since 2002, before Disney acquired Fox’s film and TV assets, and has fulfilled his Evp role since 2012.
Vanessa Morrison, the president of the Fox Family division, has been promoted to head of all streaming production under the Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures label. She will oversee development and production for Disney Plus films, fed by the Disney live action label and the 20th Century label. Morrison will report to Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production president Sean Bailey. Prior to her Fox Family role,...
- 3/12/2020
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Philip Steuer, Randi Hiller also rise amid executive reshuffle.
Steve Asbell has been named president of production at 20th Century Studios following the recent departure of Emma Watts.
Asbell has served as executive vice-president of production, at the studio since 2012 and joined in 2002. He reports to Walt Disney Studios co-chairman and chief creative officer Alan Horn and co-chairman Alan Bergman.
Vanessa Morrison has been named president of streaming at Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production and will oversee development and production of Disney+ film content from The Walt Disney Studios for both Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios.
Morrison...
Steve Asbell has been named president of production at 20th Century Studios following the recent departure of Emma Watts.
Asbell has served as executive vice-president of production, at the studio since 2012 and joined in 2002. He reports to Walt Disney Studios co-chairman and chief creative officer Alan Horn and co-chairman Alan Bergman.
Vanessa Morrison has been named president of streaming at Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production and will oversee development and production of Disney+ film content from The Walt Disney Studios for both Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios.
Morrison...
- 3/12/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Disney has finally found a successor to lead 20th Century Studios, tapping 18-year vet Steve Asbell, according to an individual familiar with the leadership change.
Asbell’s appointment comes after former head of the studio Emma Watts stepped down in February. He’ll take over as president of production for 20th Century Studios, reporting to Walt Disney Studios Co-Chairman and Chief Creative Officer Alan Horn and Co-Chairman Alan Bergman.
Watts, who spent two decades at Fox, left the studio after Disney acquired the TV and film entertainment assets from Fox last March for $71.3 billion.
Also Read: Inside Bob Iger's Sudden Disney Departure as CEO and Hollywood's Surprised Response
An individual familiar with Watts’ thinking told TheWrap at the time that the executive wasn’t forced out or asked to leave, but instead realized that the culture and focus at Disney was different and that the job she was promised,...
Asbell’s appointment comes after former head of the studio Emma Watts stepped down in February. He’ll take over as president of production for 20th Century Studios, reporting to Walt Disney Studios Co-Chairman and Chief Creative Officer Alan Horn and Co-Chairman Alan Bergman.
Watts, who spent two decades at Fox, left the studio after Disney acquired the TV and film entertainment assets from Fox last March for $71.3 billion.
Also Read: Inside Bob Iger's Sudden Disney Departure as CEO and Hollywood's Surprised Response
An individual familiar with Watts’ thinking told TheWrap at the time that the executive wasn’t forced out or asked to leave, but instead realized that the culture and focus at Disney was different and that the job she was promised,...
- 3/12/2020
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Following the departure of Emma Watts at 20th Century Studios last month, the label’s 18-year vet Steve Asbell has been named President, Production, of the Disney-owned film division, Deadline has learned. He’ll report to Walt Disney Studios Co-Chairman and Chief Creative Officer Alan Horn and Co-Chairman Alan Bergman.
Asbell previously served as Evp, Production, 20th Century Studios (20th Century Fox), since 2012 and has been with the studio since 2002. He is deeply respected by filmmakers including James Mangold, with whom he worked on The Wolverine, Logan, and the two-time Oscar-winning and $225M+ grossing Ford v Ferrari, and Ridley Scott, with whom he has worked on the 7x Oscar nominee The Martian and the upcoming The Last Duel, currently dated for a Christmas release.
More from DeadlineDisney Closes California Theme Parks From March 14 Through End Of MonthDisneyland To Close Through March Over Coronavirus Fears - UpdateNBA, Sports Risk Spark...
Asbell previously served as Evp, Production, 20th Century Studios (20th Century Fox), since 2012 and has been with the studio since 2002. He is deeply respected by filmmakers including James Mangold, with whom he worked on The Wolverine, Logan, and the two-time Oscar-winning and $225M+ grossing Ford v Ferrari, and Ridley Scott, with whom he has worked on the 7x Oscar nominee The Martian and the upcoming The Last Duel, currently dated for a Christmas release.
More from DeadlineDisney Closes California Theme Parks From March 14 Through End Of MonthDisneyland To Close Through March Over Coronavirus Fears - UpdateNBA, Sports Risk Spark...
- 3/12/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
As Hollywood enters the streaming age, feature film producers are grappling with a new buzzword in pitch meetings: "theatricality." Walt Disney Studios president of production Sean Bailey describes it as the kind of movie "you have to see on the big screen and you have to see now," quoting his boss, Alan Horn. According to one veteran film producer, the phrase — and others like "commercial potency" or "theatrically urgent" — started creeping into studio suit vernacular two years ago: "It's about what are audiences actually going to pay $15 for."...
- 3/11/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
As Hollywood enters the streaming age, feature film producers are grappling with a new buzzword in pitch meetings: "theatricality." Walt Disney Studios president of production Sean Bailey describes it as the kind of movie "you have to see on the big screen and you have to see now," quoting his boss, Alan Horn. According to one veteran film producer, the phrase — and others like "commercial potency" or "theatrically urgent" — started creeping into studio suit vernacular two years ago: "It's about what are audiences actually going to pay $15 for."...
- 3/11/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Director Steven Spielberg will no longer be directing "Indiana Jones 5", following actor Harrison Ford calling Us President Donald Trump a 'son-of-a-bitch', possibly alienating millions of conservative, 'Indiana Jones' fans:
"...Steven Spielberg, who directed all four previous films, will not direct the as-yet-untitled project with star Harrison Ford reprising his iconic role. But franchise veterans Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall will produce..."
"'Indiana Jones' is one of the greatest heroes in cinematic history, and we can’t wait to bring him back to the screen," said Alan Horn, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios.
"...Famed archaeologist and explorer Indiana Jones was introduced in 1981’s 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' – and later thrilled audiences in 1984's 'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom'...
...1989's 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade' and 2008's 'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull'. The four films...
"...Steven Spielberg, who directed all four previous films, will not direct the as-yet-untitled project with star Harrison Ford reprising his iconic role. But franchise veterans Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall will produce..."
"'Indiana Jones' is one of the greatest heroes in cinematic history, and we can’t wait to bring him back to the screen," said Alan Horn, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios.
"...Famed archaeologist and explorer Indiana Jones was introduced in 1981’s 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' – and later thrilled audiences in 1984's 'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom'...
...1989's 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade' and 2008's 'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull'. The four films...
- 3/1/2020
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
“I’ll change that before I leave.”
That was the simple, but loaded pledge made last September by Bob Iger, the Walt Disney Company’s former CEO and newly-minted executive chairman, when asked directly about his largely male, all-white executive leadership team.
Iger made this inclusion “vow,” as New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd put it, last year while promoting his memoir “The Ride of a Lifetime.” It was a time when many in Hollywood and on Wall Street assumed Iger would ride out the remainder of his contract through 2021, and name a successor at the finish line of his astounding career.
Instead, the prolific dealmaker shocked Hollywood on Tuesday by announcing Bob Chapek as his replacement in the CEO role, effective immediately. Iger assured stockholders and analysts he would retain full creative control of the business and remain on the lot for the next 19 months.
But what of his...
That was the simple, but loaded pledge made last September by Bob Iger, the Walt Disney Company’s former CEO and newly-minted executive chairman, when asked directly about his largely male, all-white executive leadership team.
Iger made this inclusion “vow,” as New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd put it, last year while promoting his memoir “The Ride of a Lifetime.” It was a time when many in Hollywood and on Wall Street assumed Iger would ride out the remainder of his contract through 2021, and name a successor at the finish line of his astounding career.
Instead, the prolific dealmaker shocked Hollywood on Tuesday by announcing Bob Chapek as his replacement in the CEO role, effective immediately. Iger assured stockholders and analysts he would retain full creative control of the business and remain on the lot for the next 19 months.
But what of his...
- 2/28/2020
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
After rocking a quiet Tuesday afternoon with news of leadership changes at the very top of the Walt Disney Corporation, attention has turned to respective divisions at the Hollywood superpower — and to what the side-stepping of Bob Iger and ascension of new CEO Bob Chapek might mean for the future.
This includes Disney’s Goliath of a film business, which shattered box office records to earn $11.1 billion worldwide and accounted for nearly 40% of domestic market share in 2019. That sector — including premium brands Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, Pixar Animation, Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Animation, and 20th Century Studios — will now report up to Chapek, formerly the chairman of Disney parks, experiences and products.
Iger will assume the role of executive chairman and retain full creative control of the company until December 2021, when his deal expires. On a call with investors Tuesday, Iger expressed “absolute confidence” in Chapek’s abilities to lead,...
This includes Disney’s Goliath of a film business, which shattered box office records to earn $11.1 billion worldwide and accounted for nearly 40% of domestic market share in 2019. That sector — including premium brands Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, Pixar Animation, Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Animation, and 20th Century Studios — will now report up to Chapek, formerly the chairman of Disney parks, experiences and products.
Iger will assume the role of executive chairman and retain full creative control of the company until December 2021, when his deal expires. On a call with investors Tuesday, Iger expressed “absolute confidence” in Chapek’s abilities to lead,...
- 2/26/2020
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Disney’s parks head Bob Chapek officially — and quite suddenly — took the seat of power Tuesday afternoon, with the announcement that the charismatic, longtime Disney CEO Bob Iger would be handing over the reins and shifting to an executive chairman position, where he will now steer Disney’s creative direction.
Despite Chapek’s 27 years at the company, he is lesser known than other Disney executives among Hollywood creatives.
Sources describe Chapek to Variety as a devoted company man and strong operator who can handle anything that’s thrown at him, and has a knack for building solid executive teams. That should perhaps come as no surprise, given his experience across numerous divisions of this massive conglomerate.
His decades-long career includes tenures as chairman of Disney’s parks, experiences and products division for the past two years, and as chairman of parks and resorts since 2015. Chapek also has lengthy experience in home entertainment and distribution,...
Despite Chapek’s 27 years at the company, he is lesser known than other Disney executives among Hollywood creatives.
Sources describe Chapek to Variety as a devoted company man and strong operator who can handle anything that’s thrown at him, and has a knack for building solid executive teams. That should perhaps come as no surprise, given his experience across numerous divisions of this massive conglomerate.
His decades-long career includes tenures as chairman of Disney’s parks, experiences and products division for the past two years, and as chairman of parks and resorts since 2015. Chapek also has lengthy experience in home entertainment and distribution,...
- 2/26/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
There were a lot of concerned Spider-Man fans last year when the news came out of the blue that Sony had decided to end their working relationship with Marvel Studios over the iconic web-slinger, with the announcement sending shockwaves throughout the industry so soon after the McU’s Far From Home became the highest-grossing Spidey flick ever made.
As is the case with most things in Hollywood, the disagreements were reported to be financial, with the success of Marvel’s Spider-Man movies seemingly behind Sony’s decision to withdraw from the deal, as the studio was keen to bring the character back under their umbrella in order to play a key role in their own comic book franchise, which got off to a great start with Venom’s $850 million box office haul.
Petitions were launched, Tom Holland went hiking with Robert Downey Jr. and even had a drunken phone-call with Disney boss Bob Iger.
As is the case with most things in Hollywood, the disagreements were reported to be financial, with the success of Marvel’s Spider-Man movies seemingly behind Sony’s decision to withdraw from the deal, as the studio was keen to bring the character back under their umbrella in order to play a key role in their own comic book franchise, which got off to a great start with Venom’s $850 million box office haul.
Petitions were launched, Tom Holland went hiking with Robert Downey Jr. and even had a drunken phone-call with Disney boss Bob Iger.
- 2/20/2020
- by Scott Campbell
- We Got This Covered
For the first time, Warner Bros.' Toby Emmerich, Paramount's Jim Gianopulos, Disney's Alan Horn, Universal's Donna Langley, Sony's Tom Rothman, Amazon's Jennifer Salke and Netflix's Scott Stuber gather to debate streaming service ratings, movie star value, China censorship, onscreen violence and the future of a fraught movie business.
Beginning Sunday, Jan. 5, viewers have been able to watch the roundtable discussions, on SundanceTV as part of the cable channel's original nonfiction series, Close Up With the Hollywood Reporter, produced in partnership with The Hollywood Reporter. Come back to TheHollywoodReporter.com on Mondays after the shows ...
Beginning Sunday, Jan. 5, viewers have been able to watch the roundtable discussions, on SundanceTV as part of the cable channel's original nonfiction series, Close Up With the Hollywood Reporter, produced in partnership with The Hollywood Reporter. Come back to TheHollywoodReporter.com on Mondays after the shows ...
- 2/17/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
For the first time, Warner Bros.' Toby Emmerich, Paramount's Jim Gianopulos, Disney's Alan Horn, Universal's Donna Langley, Sony's Tom Rothman, Amazon's Jennifer Salke and Netflix's Scott Stuber gather to debate streaming service ratings, movie star value, China censorship, onscreen violence and the future of a fraught movie business.
Beginning Sunday, Jan. 5, viewers have been able to watch the roundtable discussions, on SundanceTV as part of the cable channel's original nonfiction series, Close Up With the Hollywood Reporter, produced in partnership with The Hollywood Reporter. Come back to TheHollywoodReporter.com on Mondays after the shows ...
Beginning Sunday, Jan. 5, viewers have been able to watch the roundtable discussions, on SundanceTV as part of the cable channel's original nonfiction series, Close Up With the Hollywood Reporter, produced in partnership with The Hollywood Reporter. Come back to TheHollywoodReporter.com on Mondays after the shows ...
- 2/17/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Last March, Emma Watts, Fox vice chairman and president of production at Twentieth Century Fox Film, was a new recruit to Team Disney, shepherding her crew as they were ingested by another studio. She went along for the ride, hoping for the best.
Last week, after 22 years at Fox, Watts bid Disney good-bye, leaving in charge senior executives Scott Aversano, Mike Ireland, and Steve Asbell. While she ran Fox as a studio, she leaves behind a glorified Disney label. Her resignation memo stated her need to “pursue new opportunities.”
While that’s boilerplate language for high-profile executive exits, here it has the added benefit of being true. “They cut her off at the knees,” said one agent. “Fox remains as a pod for Jim Cameron. It’s another sign of the diminishment and Disneyization of that company. They’re dismantling it.”
When Watts started at Fox as a creative executive more than two decades ago,...
Last week, after 22 years at Fox, Watts bid Disney good-bye, leaving in charge senior executives Scott Aversano, Mike Ireland, and Steve Asbell. While she ran Fox as a studio, she leaves behind a glorified Disney label. Her resignation memo stated her need to “pursue new opportunities.”
While that’s boilerplate language for high-profile executive exits, here it has the added benefit of being true. “They cut her off at the knees,” said one agent. “Fox remains as a pod for Jim Cameron. It’s another sign of the diminishment and Disneyization of that company. They’re dismantling it.”
When Watts started at Fox as a creative executive more than two decades ago,...
- 2/4/2020
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Last March, Emma Watts, Fox vice chairman and president of production at Twentieth Century Fox Film, was a new recruit to Team Disney, shepherding her crew as they were ingested by another studio. She went along for the ride, hoping for the best.
Last week, after 22 years at Fox, Watts bid Disney good-bye, leaving in charge senior executives Scott Aversano, Mike Ireland, and Steve Asbell. While she ran Fox as a studio, she leaves behind a glorified Disney label. Her resignation memo stated her need to “pursue new opportunities.”
While that’s boilerplate language for high-profile executive exits, here it has the added benefit of being true. “They cut her off at the knees,” said one agent. “Fox remains as a pod for Jim Cameron. It’s another sign of the diminishment and Disneyization of that company. They’re dismantling it.”
When Watts started at Fox as a creative executive more than two decades ago,...
Last week, after 22 years at Fox, Watts bid Disney good-bye, leaving in charge senior executives Scott Aversano, Mike Ireland, and Steve Asbell. While she ran Fox as a studio, she leaves behind a glorified Disney label. Her resignation memo stated her need to “pursue new opportunities.”
While that’s boilerplate language for high-profile executive exits, here it has the added benefit of being true. “They cut her off at the knees,” said one agent. “Fox remains as a pod for Jim Cameron. It’s another sign of the diminishment and Disneyization of that company. They’re dismantling it.”
When Watts started at Fox as a creative executive more than two decades ago,...
- 2/4/2020
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Existing creative team remains in place. New leader expected to be named in coming weeks.
The Fox film brand and legacy has lost one of its most powerful champions in the wake of the Disney merger as it emerged on Thursday (30) that Emma Watts, production chief at the recently rebranded Twentieth Century Studios, has resigned.
It is understood Watts came to the decision by herself. The senior executive - one of the few former Fox top brass to survive the cull after Disney acquired the studio and other 21st Century Fox entertainment assets last spring – would have taken stock of...
The Fox film brand and legacy has lost one of its most powerful champions in the wake of the Disney merger as it emerged on Thursday (30) that Emma Watts, production chief at the recently rebranded Twentieth Century Studios, has resigned.
It is understood Watts came to the decision by herself. The senior executive - one of the few former Fox top brass to survive the cull after Disney acquired the studio and other 21st Century Fox entertainment assets last spring – would have taken stock of...
- 1/30/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Existing creative team remains in place. New leader expected to be named in coming weeks.
The Fox film brand and legacy has lost one of its most powerful champions in the wake of the Disney merger as it emerged on Thursday (30) that Emma Watts, production chief at the recently rebranded Twentieth Century Studios, has resigned.
It is understood Watts came to the decision by herself. The senior executive - one of the few former Fox top brass to survive the cull after Disney acquired the studio and other 21st Century Fox entertainment assets last spring – would have taken stock of...
The Fox film brand and legacy has lost one of its most powerful champions in the wake of the Disney merger as it emerged on Thursday (30) that Emma Watts, production chief at the recently rebranded Twentieth Century Studios, has resigned.
It is understood Watts came to the decision by herself. The senior executive - one of the few former Fox top brass to survive the cull after Disney acquired the studio and other 21st Century Fox entertainment assets last spring – would have taken stock of...
- 1/30/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Emma Watts has resigned as president of production at Twentieth Century Studios, according to individuals familiar with the departure said on Thursday.
Watts came over to Disney after the media and entertainment company acquired the TV and film entertainment assets from Fox last March for $71.3 billion. Watts had spent two decades at Fox.
“Emma has made many wonderful contributions to Fox over the past two decades, shepherding a number of memorable films to the screen,” Walt Disney Studios co-chairmen Alan Horn and Alan Bergman said in a joint statement. “We truly appreciate and thank her for her commitment and partnership in overseeing the transition in this past year and wish her the best.”
An individual familiar with Watts’ thinking told TheWrap that the executive wasn’t forced out or asked to leave, but instead realized that the culture and focus at Disney was different and that the job she was promised,...
Watts came over to Disney after the media and entertainment company acquired the TV and film entertainment assets from Fox last March for $71.3 billion. Watts had spent two decades at Fox.
“Emma has made many wonderful contributions to Fox over the past two decades, shepherding a number of memorable films to the screen,” Walt Disney Studios co-chairmen Alan Horn and Alan Bergman said in a joint statement. “We truly appreciate and thank her for her commitment and partnership in overseeing the transition in this past year and wish her the best.”
An individual familiar with Watts’ thinking told TheWrap that the executive wasn’t forced out or asked to leave, but instead realized that the culture and focus at Disney was different and that the job she was promised,...
- 1/30/2020
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Emma Watts has resigned as president of production at Twentieth Century Studios, ending a two decade-long run at the film company. The move comes after mutterings that Watts was unhappy about not being given more to do at Twentieth after the company was acquired by the Walt Disney Company in 2019. In her resignation letter, Watts cited a need to “pursue new opportunities.”
It hasn’t helped that many of the films that Twentieth was slated to release, such as “Dark Phoenix” and “Stuber,” bombed at the box office. She is the latest in a long line of Fox veterans and top executives to leave the company following the sale, joining the likes of studio chairman Stacey Snider, domestic distribution chief Chris Aronson (now at Paramount), and Fox 2000 chief Elizabeth Gabler (safely ensconced at Sony in a deal that will have her develop movies based on Harper Collins properties). Some long-time Fox executives remain,...
It hasn’t helped that many of the films that Twentieth was slated to release, such as “Dark Phoenix” and “Stuber,” bombed at the box office. She is the latest in a long line of Fox veterans and top executives to leave the company following the sale, joining the likes of studio chairman Stacey Snider, domestic distribution chief Chris Aronson (now at Paramount), and Fox 2000 chief Elizabeth Gabler (safely ensconced at Sony in a deal that will have her develop movies based on Harper Collins properties). Some long-time Fox executives remain,...
- 1/30/2020
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix’s chief content officer Ted Sarandos accepted the Producers Guild’s Milestone Award on Saturday, paying tribute to his late mother in a moving speech at the Hollywood Palladium.
“This is the highlight of no night ever, the executive acceptance speech—but thank you so much,” he started, on a night his Netflix had several nominees in the running including Motion Picture noms The Irishman and Marriage Story, as well as When They See Us and Unbelievable among others. “I want to thank the one person who introduced me to the new technology that would completely transform the entertainment industry—my mom, Susan. For those of you who don’t know me, I grew up one of five kids in a pretty low-income household in Phoenix. My parents were young, and generally struggled all the time, and we always joked about my house because we never had all the utilities at the same time.
“This is the highlight of no night ever, the executive acceptance speech—but thank you so much,” he started, on a night his Netflix had several nominees in the running including Motion Picture noms The Irishman and Marriage Story, as well as When They See Us and Unbelievable among others. “I want to thank the one person who introduced me to the new technology that would completely transform the entertainment industry—my mom, Susan. For those of you who don’t know me, I grew up one of five kids in a pretty low-income household in Phoenix. My parents were young, and generally struggled all the time, and we always joked about my house because we never had all the utilities at the same time.
- 1/19/2020
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Newly knighted Sir Sam Mendes mixed with onscreen sovereigns (from “The Crown” and “Game of Thrones”) and Hollywood royalty at the 20th annual AFI Awards, presented Jan. 4 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills.
Mendes was there representing “1917,” one of the 22 film and TV works saluted by the awards. Though the guest list was regal, the mood is always relaxed, since there are no TV cameras, no acceptance speeches, no pressure and no suspense: honorees were announced on Dec. 4.
Walt Disney Television’s Peter Rice schmoozed with Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, Billy Porter chatted with Kit Harington, and Laura Dern was deep in conversation with Pitt as other guests talked on subjects ranging from Iran to the accelerated Oscar schedule; all of them offered mutual congratulations for a year that was exception for both films and TV works.
Aside from “1917,” the chosen movies were “The Farewell,” “The Irishman,” “Jojo Rabbit,...
Mendes was there representing “1917,” one of the 22 film and TV works saluted by the awards. Though the guest list was regal, the mood is always relaxed, since there are no TV cameras, no acceptance speeches, no pressure and no suspense: honorees were announced on Dec. 4.
Walt Disney Television’s Peter Rice schmoozed with Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, Billy Porter chatted with Kit Harington, and Laura Dern was deep in conversation with Pitt as other guests talked on subjects ranging from Iran to the accelerated Oscar schedule; all of them offered mutual congratulations for a year that was exception for both films and TV works.
Aside from “1917,” the chosen movies were “The Farewell,” “The Irishman,” “Jojo Rabbit,...
- 1/4/2020
- by Tim Gray
- Variety Film + TV
If Walt Disney Studios cochairmen Alan Horn and Alan Bergman were in a Las Vegas casino, they’d be accused of card counting. The company’s jaw-dropping hand in 2019 resulted in record-shattering winnings: an estimated $11.1 billion worldwide — including six films that soared past $1 billion, and a soon-to-be seventh, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (the count grows to eight when factoring in Spider-Man: Far From Home, which Marvel Studios produced for Sony).
That’s north of $13.1 billion when accounting for the Fox and Fox Searchlight titles it inherited in the March merger (Disney set the ...
That’s north of $13.1 billion when accounting for the Fox and Fox Searchlight titles it inherited in the March merger (Disney set the ...
If Walt Disney Studios cochairmen Alan Horn and Alan Bergman were in a Las Vegas casino, they’d be accused of card counting. The company’s jaw-dropping hand in 2019 resulted in record-shattering winnings: an estimated $11.1 billion worldwide — including six films that soared past $1 billion, and a soon-to-be seventh, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (the count grows to eight when factoring in Spider-Man: Far From Home, which Marvel Studios produced for Sony).
That’s north of $13.1 billion when accounting for the Fox and Fox Searchlight titles it inherited in the March merger (Disney set the ...
That’s north of $13.1 billion when accounting for the Fox and Fox Searchlight titles it inherited in the March merger (Disney set the ...
Studio rejoices in its annus mirabilis.
The Walt Disney Studios reported a combined theatrical global gross of $13.1517bn from Disney and Fox releases in 2019, the company reported on Thursday (January 2).
The total includes $8.8234bn internationally and $4.3283bn in North America and contains an embarrassment of riches in terms of industry records.
Of the total amount, the Disney stable accounted for $11.1191bn – comprising an industry record $7.3543bn at international box office that overtook Disney’s $4.604bn in 2016; and an industry record $3.765bn in North America that beat the $3.092bn set by Disney in 2018.
Disney formalised its acquisition of the Fox entertainment...
The Walt Disney Studios reported a combined theatrical global gross of $13.1517bn from Disney and Fox releases in 2019, the company reported on Thursday (January 2).
The total includes $8.8234bn internationally and $4.3283bn in North America and contains an embarrassment of riches in terms of industry records.
Of the total amount, the Disney stable accounted for $11.1191bn – comprising an industry record $7.3543bn at international box office that overtook Disney’s $4.604bn in 2016; and an industry record $3.765bn in North America that beat the $3.092bn set by Disney in 2018.
Disney formalised its acquisition of the Fox entertainment...
- 1/2/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
At the start of the decade, Disney’s film business was enfeebled. The studio ran perpetually last or nearly last for domestic market share, and its international grosses were only modestly better.
Cut to the end of 2019, and Disney has hit a stunning, historic milestone, earning 33% of all domestic box office grosses for the year. According to Comscore, it’s the first time since at least 1999 that a single studio has commanded this much box office revenue in the Us and Canada.
“We are very proud of our Studios team and the extraordinary slate of films they delivered to fans all around the world in 2019,” Disney Co-Chairman and Chief Creative Officer Alan Horn and Co-Chairman Alan Bergman said in a statement. “This was a year like no other!”
The studio scaled these heights with a murderer’s row of blockbusters from (almost) every single division of the company, shattering the...
Cut to the end of 2019, and Disney has hit a stunning, historic milestone, earning 33% of all domestic box office grosses for the year. According to Comscore, it’s the first time since at least 1999 that a single studio has commanded this much box office revenue in the Us and Canada.
“We are very proud of our Studios team and the extraordinary slate of films they delivered to fans all around the world in 2019,” Disney Co-Chairman and Chief Creative Officer Alan Horn and Co-Chairman Alan Bergman said in a statement. “This was a year like no other!”
The studio scaled these heights with a murderer’s row of blockbusters from (almost) every single division of the company, shattering the...
- 1/2/2020
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
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