DreamWorks Animation studio, responsible for the likes of the Shrek and Kung-Fu Panda movie franchises, is laying off almost a quarter of its workforce as part of a restructuring of its animated film business following a string of box office flops. The company said it would cut 500 positions and incur a $290 million charge […]
Netflix aims to debut as many as 20 original series per year, Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos has told NATPE. “I think that we probably can launch around 20 original scripted shows a year,” he said. Netflix’s success with launching original series – particularly shows such as House of Cards and Orange Is the New […]
As well as reporting increased subscriber numbers and accelerated expansion plans, Internet entertainment streaming service Netflix used its Fourth-Quarter Letter to Shareholders to reveal it is to offer exclusively the controversial comedy, The Interview, to its US and Canadian members beginning January 24th – just thirty days after it debuted in theatres and pay-per-view. Netflix […]
The BBC has revealed plans for a new daytime show broadcast simultaneously on BBC Two, the BBC News Channel and online and focusing on breaking news, exclusive interviews and audience interaction. The show – to be hosted by award-winning journalist Victoria Derbyshire – will develop innovative and creative ways to engage with the audience on […]
The BBC, BBC Worldwide and American public service broadcaster PBS have struck a new deal to develop and deliver new programming. The partnership will seek to create content across a range of factual genres including natural history, science, history, religion and the arts. The deal will encompass around eight to ten new programming specials across […]
Amazon Studios has revealed that it will begin to produce and acquire original movies for theatrical release and early window distribution on Amazon Prime Instant Video. Whereas it typically takes 39 to 52 weeks for theatrical movies to premiere on subscription video services, Amazon Original Movies will première on Prime Instant Video in the US […]
Synacor, the technology, services and revenue specialist for video, Internet and communications providers, and device manufacturers, has acquired NimbleTV, the New York City-based provider of multiscreen, live linear television programming for pay-TV subscribers. The combination of NimbleTV’s assets and talent is part of Synacor’s broader strategy for delivering end-to-end, advanced video solutions. “As part of […]
French media company Vivendi is creating a new content unit to be headed by Canal+ CEO Rodolphe Belmer, who will take on new responsibilities at the parent company in addition to his existing role. Vivendi Contents will be tasked with developing new content formats across both music and video, and guiding investment in these. Belmer […]
Sky is to launch Fortitude, its highly anticipated new drama, on January 29th to 20 million customers in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria and Italy. The series is the first Sky original programme to première simultaneously across all five markets since Sky created the entertainment company late last year. In addition to its launch on […]
New figures reveal that the UK’s Creative Industries, which includes the film, television and music industries, are now worth £76.9 billion (€98.4bn) per year to the UK economy. This massive contribution is an all-time high and equates to £8.8 million per hour, or £146,000 every single minute, playing a key role in the Government’s long-term […]