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☆ ‘Avengers Assemble:’ Five years after ‘Endgame,’ the box office needs more than just a blip
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-25 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

For many it felt like a soothing balm, underscoring the kind of communal experience people were missing as the still-new coronavirus pandemic shuttered theaters. Even allowing for that, the operatic heights achieved by “Endgame,” which grossed nearly $2.8 billion worldwide, would have been difficult to replicate. Such a concept would have sounded particularly foreign in the run-up to “Endgame,” when Marvel and its leader, Kevin Feige, appeared to possess a Midas touch. Venezuelan filmgoers watch the first screening in Venezuela of Marvel Studios' "Avengers: Endgame" at a cinema in Caracas on April 26, 2019. Unlike “Endgame,” the challenges that face the movie business can’t be undone with a snap of the fingers.

Persons: Captain, Thanos, ”, Marvel, Kevin Feige, Federico Parra, Joe, Anthony Russo, America, Russo, Joe Russo, Barbie ”, Captain America Organizations: CNN, Captain America, Marvel Studios, Marvel, DC, Warner Bros, Hollywood, “, Getty, Film, Captain, Disney Locations: Venezuela, Caracas, AFP

☆ K-pop stocks have sold off this year, but Goldman sees a turnaround
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-17 | by ( Lim Hui Jie | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Goldman Sachs, however, expressed optimism for the industry in a March 14 report, saying the K-pop sector is "misunderstood." Nonetheless, Goldman Sachs said it sees a "high potential for valuation re-rating," as companies still continue to deliver multi-year earnings growth. Goldman pointed out that Japan's top talent agency Johnny & Associates has been mired in a major scandal, leading to the industry turning more favorable to K-pop artists. In 2023, Kouhaku Uta Gassen, the largest music show in Japan, invited five K-pop artists and two localized groups produced by K-pop companies. It was the first time the show has featured male K-pop artists since 2011 and the largest number of K-pop groups ever featured in its line up.

Persons: Danielle, Hyein, NewJeans, Gary Miller, Goldman Sachs, Karina, Goldman, Kouhaku Uta Gassen Organizations: Park, Filmmagic, JYP, YG Entertainment, SM Entertainment, Hybe, SM, Johnny, Associates Locations: CHICAGO , ILLINOIS, Chicago , Illinois, Japan, U.S

☆ Brady, Jeter, Eli and Peyton Manning headline Fanatics’ effort to build a comic-con of sports
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Ian Thomas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Lance Fensterman, CEO of Fanatics Events and the former president of ReedPop — where he produced pop culture events like New York Comic-Con, Complex-Con, and Star Wars Celebration — said he sees several parallels between pop culture fans and sports fans. However, he noted, while events like New York Comic-Con have evolved to embrace multiple difference fanbases and communities, the sports-focused event space is "ready to be disrupted a bit." Tom Brady, Derek Jeter, Eli and Peyton Manning, Kevin Durant, Sabrina Ionescu and Hulk Hogan are just some of the big sports names scheduled to appear, Fensterman said. "Those are the moments that we get excited about, and we just don't see it being done anywhere else in the world of live sports events," Fensterman said. The festival was the highest-grossing and most-attended fan event in WWE history, according to Fanatics.

Persons: Con, Lance Fensterman, ReedPop, —, You've, Fensterman, Tom Brady, Derek Jeter, Eli, Peyton Manning, Kevin Durant, Sabrina Ionescu, Hulk Hogan Organizations: New York, Star, Fest, Javits Center, NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, UFC, WWE, Endeavor, IMG, WWE's Locations: New York City, U.S, New, Philadelphia

☆ Trader Joe’s just increased the price of a banana for the first time in more than 20 years
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-25 | by ( Ramishah Maruf | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Food prices have gone a bit bananas — and that includes a famously priced 19-cent fruit at Trader Joe’s. The snack-heavy grocer told CNN on Monday that it recently increased the price of the banana to 23 cents, a more than 20% increase. The 19-cent banana is a well-known deal at Trader Joe’s — so much so that it’s ranked as the favorite piece of produce by the company’s customers. However, CBS News reported that experts from the World Banana Forum in March warned that climate change and rising temperatures can drive up banana prices. Trader Joe’s noted it has been able to lower prices for some of its other produce, such as raw almonds, romaine hearts, organic tri-color bell peppers, and green onions.

Persons: we’ve, fanbases, Joe’s, romaine, Dan Bane, Sonny …, they’ve, ” Bane Organizations: New, New York CNN, CNN, Food and Agriculture Organization, United Nations, Bureau of Labor Statistics, CBS News Locations: New York

☆ Timothée Chalamet already has audiences' hearts. The latest box-office numbers show he has their wallets, too.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-18 | by ( Jason Guerrasio | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Timothée Chalamet's recent films, 'Wonka' and 'Dune: Part Two,' have both surpassed the $200 million mark at the domestic box office. No film had crossed $200 million domestically since "Oppenheimer" last August. Chalamet, whose global box office total is over $2.5 billion, is proving he'll be a box-office draw for years to come. And now Timothée Chalamet has the box-office coin to prove he's one of the biggest draws in the movie business. Both titles have also surpassed the $200 million milestone domestically, something no other titles released this year have done so far.

Persons: Timothée, Wonka, Oppenheimer, Chalamet, —, He's, Bird, Leonardo DiCaprio, Roald Dahl's, Charlie, Frank Herbert's, Tom Cruise, Luca Guadagnino, John Travolta, Paul Dergarabedian, Dergarabedian, Timothée Chalamet, Alberto E, Rodriguez, Bob Dylan Organizations: Service, Warner Bros, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros ., Business, Hollywood

☆ Read the 19-page pitch deck ex-Meta staffers used to raise $1 million for their comedy startup
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-13 | by ( Sydney Bradley | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Danny Frenkel, the CEO of comedy startup PunchUp Live, said the industry had a pretty standard path to success. Comics would aim to score a special on Comedy Central, Netflix, or HBO to become a big headliner at large venues. But Frenkel said the problem was comedians were '"renting" those audiences from social-media platforms. PunchUp helps comedians navigate social-media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Check out PunchUp Live's 19-page pitch deck:Note: PunchUp redacted financial projections originally included in the deck.

Persons: Danny Frenkel, Frenkel, Alex Dajani, Steve Byrne, Sam Morril, Rachel Feinstein, Mark Norman, PunchUp, Morril, he's, " Frenkel, Meta Ray, Heracles Capital Organizations: Comedy Central, Netflix, HBO, Business, YouTube, Meta, Reality Labs, Heracles, Hustle Fund, Evil Twin

☆ The 8 people who made 'Dungeons & Dragons' cool just launched their answer to the game. Hasbro and its game empire should be very, very nervous.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-13 | by ( Cheryl Teh | Chris Kaye | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The cast of Critical Role launched the open beta for their new gaming system, "Daggerheart," on Tuesday. Last year, people packed into a sold-out Wembley Arena to watch the eight-person cast of Critical Role play "Dungeons & Dragons." But on Tuesday night, they took a break from the game that made them famous and launched "Daggerheart," their answer to "Dungeons & Dragons." The previous edition's Open Game License, or OGL, allowed creators to publish and profit from work compatible with the game. It's possible to rebuild your "Dungeons & Dragons" characters in "Daggerheart," and the complex capabilities built into the game allow for extended narrative-driven campaigns.

Persons: they've, —, Matthew Mercer, It's, it's, Travis Willingham, Willingham, there's, Elon Musk, Gizmodo Organizations: Twitch, Hasbro, Service, Wembley, Darrington Press, BI

☆ Aespa’s Karina apologizes to K-pop fans after relationship reveal sparks backlash
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-07 | by ( Jessie Yeung | Yoonjung Seo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Seoul, South Korea CNN —Are K-pop stars allowed to love? Under Karina’s apology post on Wednesday, the comment section was flooded with fans rallying in support. “No idols (K-pop stars) should apologize for dating in 2024,” one top comment read. And while there were messages of support there, too, there were plenty of disgruntled fans who weren’t satisfied with Karina’s apology. “Other fans pointed out that Karina’s apology hadn’t mentioned the status of her relationship – speculating that was simply confirmation they were still dating.

Persons: Karina, Lee Jae, wook, ”, “, Hyuna, Dawn, Jisoo, Ahn Bo, hyun, Aespa, hadn’t Organizations: South Korea CNN, Chosun Ilbo, Entertainment, Triple H, CNN, Twitter Locations: Seoul, South Korea, Asia, Instagram, Japan, Weibo

The four-team version of the College Football Playoff is going out with drama and controversy. “When you talk about the four best teams, watch the game,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said. 19 Oklahoma State in the Big 12 championship game, have a chance to make that leap Sunday. — The SEC champion has never been left out of the College Football Playoff. "So we’re the best teams, and do we want the best teams?” Smart asked.

Persons: Jordan Travis, Mike Norvell, Kirby Smart, “, Go, —, ” Smart, Ralph D, Russo Organizations: College Football, CFP, Washington, Florida State, Seminoles, Atlantic Coast Conference, Louisville, Alabama, NFL, Bulldogs, Southeastern Conference, Oklahoma State, Big, SEC, AP Locations: Michigan, Texas, Alabama, Florida, ” Georgia

☆ The 15-page pitch deck a former Patreon employee used to raise $2.75 million for his sports creator app, and how he's getting athletes on the platform
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( Margaret Fleming | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Below are three key slides from the 10-page pitch to athletes and the full 15-page deck used to win over investors. Among them, seven are women, and six compete professionally while the remaining four are college athletes, Rajan said. In the pitch deck Grandstand used to get athletes on board, the company referenced YouTube sensation MrBeast to show how lucrative a creator career can be. Sandeep RajanGrandstand's pitch to investorsBut, before athletes could start earning on the platform, Grandstand had to raise capital to launch it. Here is the full 15-slide pitch deck Grandstand used to raise $2.75 million in its initial funding round:

Persons: it's, Sandeep Rajan, Rajan, James Nicholas, MrBeast, Forbes Organizations: Will Ventures Locations: Instagram

☆ The WNBA Finals brought a surge of engagement for advertisers, new data shows
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Margaret Fleming | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

This year's WNBA Finals brought in more spectators than ever before and the most viewers watching from home in 20 years. Compared to last year's WNBA Finals, fans were 30% more likely to engage online with a brand they saw advertised than they were in 2022, EDO data show. Michelob Ultra ran the most effective ad series during the Finals, tracking 211% above the average Finals engagement rate over its six ads, per EDO. Both the WNBA Finals and playoffs metrics sit well above the average primetime broadcast and cable effectiveness for advertisers, EDO shows. Bosley Hair Restoration and Old Spice were 341% and 134% more effective than 2023 WNBA average, respectively, EDO data show.

Persons: EDO's, Laura Grover, Ultra, Jimmy Butler, Nneka Ogwumike, Oofos, Michelle Cardinal's, Dawn Staley, Darren Brown, Cardinal, Ally, Stephanie Marciano, thad, Bosley Organizations: Las Vegas Aces, EDO, NBA, WNBA, Growth Agency, Brands, Gatorade Locations: York

☆ WNBA Finals feature 'Superteam' showdown for the ages
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-06 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The Aces defeated the Wings 97-83. Mandatory... Acquire Licensing Rights もっと読むNEW YORK, Oct 6 (Reuters) - A "superteam" showdown fans were clamoring for tips off on Sunday as the defending champion Las Vegas Aces play a New York Liberty team hungry for a maiden major title in the WNBA Finals. The number one Aces lost twice MVP Candace Parker to injury in July but never missed a beat as last year's Most Valuable A'ja Wilson propelled Sin City to a WNBA record 34 wins. "We saw a different level of excitement in the off season this year because of the superteam narrative," said ESPN commentator and former WNBA All-Star Rebecca Lobo. New York coach Sandy Bronello said relief was her primary emotion as the Liberty eked out an 87-84 win in Game 4 against Connecticut.

Persons: A'ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, Kiah Stokes, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Breanna Stewart, Candace Parker, Rebecca Lobo, Wilson, Stewart, Lobo, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, They've, Jonquel Jones, Sandy Bronello, Brondello, Becky Hammon, Hammon, Amy Tennery, Ed Osmond 私 Organizations: Las Vegas Aces, Dallas Wings, Michelob, The Aces, Wings, New York Liberty, WNBA, Liberty, Aces, ESPN, San Francisco Bay Area, NBA, Chicago Sky, Washington Mystics, Connecticut, Phoenix Mercury Locations: Las Vegas , Nevada, USA, Sin, San Francisco Bay, Las Vegas, New York

Built using AI technology, Eternity is one of the latest South Korean acts pushing the boundary between real and virtual entertainment. And she’s a natural-born actress.”Video Ad Feedback Are AI-powered virtual bands the future of K-pop? Using deepfake and motion capture technology, Pulse9 then produced the band’s first music video (to accompany the ironically titled track “I’m Real”) in 2021. Metaverse EntertainmentMetaverse Entertainment used AI technology to generate faces, merging the features and hairstyles deemed most desirable into four final characters. The music video for MAVE’s first single, “Pandora,” has already racked up 25 million views on YouTube since its release in January.

Persons: “, ”, Ji, Zae, Pulse9, Lil Miquela, “ I’m, Lee Soo, Netmarble, Metaverse, Kang Sung, MAVE’s, Pandora, Kang, Siri, ” Kang, ” Eternity's, — they’re Organizations: CNN, Pulse9, YouTube, South, SM Entertainment, Metaverse Entertainment, SM, Kakao Entertainment, Entertainment, Wall Street, Park Locations: “, South Korean, ”, Indonesian

☆ Web3 music platforms are combining new tech with Web2 features to give artists better compensation and 'create dope consumer experiences'
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-18 | by ( Diana Umana | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

Web3 music platforms are changing the industry, giving artists better payouts and ways to reach fans. Orin FleurimontThe importance of direct-to-consumer offerings for music artists has never been more evident. It also uses familiar terminology throughout its platform and in marketing, similar to what one would find on traditional music platforms. The benefit of this hybrid approach is clear: In April, when much of the Web3 music space faced uncertainty, Even closed its $2.2 million seed round. Safeguarding security and enhancing educationWhile integrating Web3 and Web2 experiences on music platforms offers promising benefits, there are drawbacks and areas for improvement.

Persons: Tanerélle, Orin Fleurimont, Web3, Mag Rodriguez, Weston Rich, Rodriguez, Eric Bellinger, Shaun, Snoop Dogg, Tayla Parx, Bobby Shmurda, Andreessen Horowitz, Sound.XYZ, David Greenstein, Pablo Sáez David Greenstein, Brett Shear, Christopher Lee, Erin Leydon, Lee, merch, Vérité, IYK, Jamie Kim, Audius Organizations: Service, Spotify, Apple, PTC, Investments, IYK, IRL, Atlantic Records, NFC Locations: Wall, Silicon, Web3, Sound.XYZ

☆ Patreon's CEO breaks down the company's 'next chapter' and why he's all in on community tools like group chats
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-12 | by ( Sydney Bradley | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Creators can now chat with their most dedicated fans who subscribe to their Patreon using the platform's in-app group chat tools. Patreon is introducing two new community tools: group chats and profiles. Why launch community tools now? "We are not trying to get 2 billion people on Patreon," Conte said. "It's the five to 15% of your true fans," Conte said.

Persons: Patreon, Jack Conte, Sam Haveson, we've, fandoms, Conte, TikTok, Geoff Weiss, TikTokers, I'm, We're Organizations: Patreon Locations: Patreon

☆ A pretzel-shop worker committed a $1 million fraud to buy Tesla, GameStop, and Nvidia shares - and ended up making $7,000 for his broker, SEC says
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-29 | by ( Theron Mohamed | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

A fast-food worker obtained $200,000 of advance credit by making bogus deposits, the SEC says. The Auntie Anne's employee piled the entire sum into Tesla, Nvidia, GameStop, AMC, and other stocks. His broker caught on and liquidated the holdings a day later, making a roughly $7,000 profit. The pretzel-shop worker piled about $85,000 into Apple, $78,000 into GameStop, $22,000 into Nvidia, $13,000 into AMC Entertainment, and $700 into Tesla. Tesla and Nvidia also have passionate fanbases who expect the pair to win big from the artificial-intelligence revolution.

Persons: Deyonte Jahtori Anthony, Auntie Anne's, Anthony, Anthony wasn't, Anthony couldn't Organizations: SEC, Nvidia, GameStop, AMC, Service, AMC Entertainment, Securities and Exchange Commission, Apple, Tesla, Cano Health, Electronic Arts, Resolute, Products, ETFMG, Security Locations: Wall, Silicon, North Carolina

☆ Taylor Swift: It's a 'Cruel Summer' for fans in Asia as Singapore shows sell out
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-14 | by ( Heather Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —It’s been a Cruel Summer for Taylor Swift fans in Asia. Among them was Jordan Lee, a die hard Swiftie from Jakarta who told CNN that he had come “close to snagging” a ticket, priced $80 and up. “They weren’t violent but they made their views very clear, the same would happen with Taylor Swift if she came to Malaysia,” he said. Venues can only hold about 20,000 people, which is too few for Taylor Swift and her Eras Tour, which will be a big production. Taylor Swift performs onstage during her US-leg of the Eras Tour.

Persons: CNN — It’s, Taylor Swift, Swift, “, Jordan Lee, ” Lee, Taylor Hill, Nur Hazlina, Pita Limjaroenrat, Thais, Suzanne Codeiro, Syed Saddiq, ”, Selena Gomez, Lady Gaga, Stuart MacFarlane, Song Seng, “ Swift Organizations: CNN, Organizers, Ticketmaster, Swift, Rights, Kuala Lumpur, Party, T, Getty, Philippine, Coldplay, Malaysian Islamic, “, ”, Arsenal FC, Kallang, Management, Singapore’s Ministry of Culture ,, Youth Locations: Asia, Singapore, Southeast Asia, Bangkok, Manila, Jakarta, United States, South America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Kuala, Thailand, “ Thailand, Philippines, Arlington , Texas, AFP, Malaysia, Indonesia, British, Malaysian, Kuala Lumpur, “ Malaysia, Hong Kong

☆ Tragedy chanting: ‘Vile’ soccer songs about deaths fueled by ‘need to hurt’ opposing fans
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —Described as “vile” and “unacceptable” and fueled by “the need to hurt,” ‘tragedy chanting’ is becoming an increasing concern to soccer authorities. Then, in 1989, overcrowding in the stands ahead of the FA Cup semifinal between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough Stadium led to the deaths of 97 Liverpool fans. Nottingham Forest fans hold up a banner in memory of the 97 victims of the Hillsborough disaster. The working group has also been in contact with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to discuss whether convictions can be pursued for fans that engage in tragedy chanting. Heysel Stadium Disaster, May 1985.

The YouTube subscriber count has quickly become an outdated relic. YouTube shorts has lowered the barrier to entry, making it easier to gain subscribers. "Especially in the world of short-form content, where your viewers are one swipe away from moving onto someone else." Nearly every social platform, from YouTube to Facebook to TikTok, is still working to crack the code for monetizing short-form video well with advertising. Short-form video ad spending worldwide for 2022 to 2028, via Insider Intelligence.

☆ Ray Dalio's hedge fund nearly tripled its GameStop and AMC bets last quarter, while Bill Miller dumped Bed Bath & Beyond stock
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-14 | by ( Theron Mohamed | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

The hedge fund nearly tripled its stake in the video-game retailer and the movie-theater chain. Meanwhile, Bill Miller's fund sold all of its remaining shares in Bed, Bath & Beyond. Dalio's Bridgewater Associates fund boosted its bets on GameStop and AMC Entertainment, while Miller Value Partners exited its Bed Bath & Beyond wager. Similarly, AMC shares surged from about $2 to over $59 during the first six months of 2021. For its part, Bed Bath & Beyond shares soared from under $4 in April 2020, to over $35 by January 2021.

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☆ Arena Football League relaunches with first Black commissioner of a professional sports league in the US
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-01 | by ( John Lynch | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The Arena Football League (AFL) is relaunching under new leadership and plans to resume play in 2024, Insider has learned. Lee A. Hutton III, the new AFL commissioner, will become the first Black commissioner of a professional sports league in the US. In assuming his role as the new AFL commissioner, Hutton will become the first Black commissioner to lead a professional sports league in the United States. AFL commissioner Lee A. Hutton III. We believe we have assembled a world-class, operational team made up of C-Suite executives, expert sports trainers, football personnel, performance facilities, legal partners, professional team owners and former athletes."

On TikTok, the hashtag “Gaylor” has more than 264 million views; the term refers to Swift fans who subscribe to the theory that she is queer. Fans have gone down these rabbit holes before, speculating over other hints across Swift’s songs, music videos and social media posts. Previous Easter eggs discovered by fans include the album title for “Lover” hidden in the background of the music video for “Me!” ahead of the album title’s announcement. “I think a lot of people have to deal with this now ... because we live in the era of social media,” Swift said. In a 2019 interview with Vogue, she addressed why she made her support for the LGBTQ community more visible.

☆ 6 YouTube commentary channel creators explain why spilling tea is harder than it used to be
▼ + stars: | 2021-07-31 | by ( Lindsay Dodgson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

On YouTube, tea, commentary, and drama channels share goings-on, feuds, and debates surrounding the most famous creators on the platform. Dustin Dailey has been posting videos to his eponymous YouTube channel for about five years. Jeffree Star and James Charles, two of the biggest beauty influencers in the world, have both faced allegations of sexual misconduct. "It used to be a lot of fun to just make videos because it used to be petty stuff." Charles has since faced allegations of grooming from several underage boys.

☆ Streetfighters, Hooligans and Nazis: Inside Sweden's Most Notorious Underground Fight Club
▼ + stars: | 2019-11-24 | by ( Karim Zidan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +20 min

Few outsiders have ever attended a KOTS fight in person. "The most notorious fight club, the one and only place for the unwanted ones, delivering the most stressed out and fucked up environment you can find. Back in 2019, the fight club started live streaming its events and charging around $14 per fight. In the exchange, a fan asked why the fight club allows anti-fascists to compete. "This is the most raw form of fighting," Hooi, who is not affiliated with any far-right groups, wrote during our interview.

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