DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Berlinale film 'Manodrome' explores misogynistic world of incel culture
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-18 | by ( Miranda Murray | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/5] Cast members Adrien Brody, Odessa Young, Jesse Eisenberg and director John Trengove attend a photo call to promote the movie 'Manodrome'' at the 73rd Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin, Germany, February 18, 2023. The film, which premieres at the Berlin Film Festival on Saturday, explores the "manosphere" of online toxic masculinity that bubbled up into the mainstream after a series of mass killings by "incels" - the self-described "involuntary celibates" - in the 2010s. They eventually win Ralphie as a new adherent to their cult and initiate him by branding him with their symbol. "It really became this idea of a character who just immerses himself in a world of men. And it all kind of leads to a sort of madness, a kind of a fever dream," Trengove told the premiere's audience.

[1/2] Director Sean Penn attends a photo call on the red carpet to promote the documentary 'Superpower' at the 73rd Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin, Germany, February 17, 2023. REUTERS/Nadja WohllebenBERLIN, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Late in the evening of Feb. 24, 2022, just some 15 hours after Russia triggered its invasion of his country, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy found time to receive American actor Sean Penn. Sitting in a bare, apparently windowless room, Zelenskiy speculated on Vladimir Putin's motives for the invasion. In fighting against the Russian invasion, Ukraine is "fighting a fight on all of our behalf," Penn told the audience at the premiere. "You're Sean Penn.

☆ Paramount Isn’t Buffeted by Streaming Winds
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-17 | by ( Dan Gallagher | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The series ‘1923’ with Harrison Ford had its premiere on Paramount+ near the end of the recent quarter. Warren Buffett may or may not be a “Yellowstone” fan, but he sure seems to like a good drama. Paramount Global was one of the few stocks Mr. Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway bought more of during the fourth quarter, according to a filing earlier this week. And that was during a period when the famed long-term investor made some uncharacteristic quick exits. Berkshire sold off 86% of its position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing just one quarter after first buying into the chip-making titan.

☆ 'The Last of Us' is based on real science: A fungus pandemic is unlikely, but not impossible
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-16 | by ( Morgan Mcfall-Johnsen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

"The Last of Us" on HBO Max depicts a zombie apocalypse caused by a fungus pandemic. Here's the science fact and fiction behind the show, and the possibility of a fungal pandemic. The new scenario, first realized in the video game that the show is based on, is making viewers wonder whether a fungus pandemic can happen in real life. "A fungal pandemic is definitely possible," Norman Van Rhijn, a mycologist researching fungal infections at the University of Manchester, told Insider in an email. Still, fungal infections are on the rise worldwide, and researchers are concerned that more and more people are at risk.

"Star Trek: Picard" is back for its third and final season. Stewart previously played the character on seven seasons of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and in four theatrical Star Trek films. Check out the trailer for 'Picard' season 3In the third season, Picard reunites with many of his former crewmates from "The Next Generation," including characters played by Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton, Gates McFadden, Marina Sirtis, and Michael Dorn. How to watch 'Star Trek: Picard' season 3You can watch "Star Trek: Picard" season 3 exclusively on Paramount Plus. You can watch "Star Trek: Picard" for free if you sign up for a trial to Paramount Plus.

☆ How Jared Fogle went from Subway star to shunned spokesman: New documentary details fall from grace, as sandwich chain eyes potential sale
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-15 | by ( Jordan Hart | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Jared Fogle was known as Subway's spokesperson up until 2015 when his home was raided by the FBI. A new documentary of Fogle is coming in March, as Subway teases a possible sale of the company. As Subway considers a potential sale of its more than $10 billion restaurant chain, and with a documentary on Fogle set to air in just a few weeks, here's how he went from Subway celebrity to shunned spokesman. Jared Fogle. APA Subway spokesman is bornIn a 2004 interview with CBS, Jared said he weighed 425 pounds before using Subway sandwiches to aid in his over 200-pound weight loss.

☆ Netflix exec reveals sports ambitions and what's next for live sports as golf series 'Full Swing' debuts
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-15 | by ( Elaine Low | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Formula 1 racing saw a boost in TV viewership and fandom since Netflix began streaming docuseries "Drive to Survive." Amid a boom in sports docs, the streamer has tennis series "Break Point" and golf-centered "Full Swing." Netflix unscripted TV head Brandon Riegg spoke to Insider about the streamer's ambitions in live sports. "I wouldn't be surprised," Netflix VP of unscripted and docuseries Brandon Riegg told Insider ahead of the "Break Point" premiere. Also in the works are series on the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the Six Nations rugby tournament.

☆ Michael B. Jordan premieres 'Creed III', hopes to expand 'Creed-verse'
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-15 | by ( Marie-Louise Gumuchian | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/5] Director Michael B. Jordan and cast member Tessa Thompson attend the premiere of the film "Creed III" in London, Britain February 15, 2023. REUTERS/Henry NichollsLONDON, Feb 15 (Reuters) - Michael B. Jordan reprises his role as boxer Adonis Creed in new film "Creed III" and the actor-director says he hopes to expand the universe around the character in future. "It was challenging but I never felt more alive," Jordan told Reuters of his directorial debut at the "Creed III" premiere in London on Wednesday. One potential storyline could concern Creed's opponent in "Creed II", Viktor Drago, son of "Rocky IV" character boxer Ivan Drago. Viktor makes an appearance in "Creed III".

[1/4] Director Peyton Reed poses at a premiere for the film "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" in Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 6, 2023. "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" is the first movie in phase five of Disney's Marvel Cinematic Universe. It takes the superhero and his resizing powers into the Quantum realm, a subatomic world where he meets new challenges. Reality melted away and brought her into the fantasy world that many children grew up reading about in the Marvel comic books, she noted. Disney artists assembled new environments, creatures, buildings and an entire internal history and logic to make the Quantum realm come to life.

Like last season, season nine of "The Masked Singer" will include special themed nights. How to watch 'The Masked Singer' season 9You can watch "The Masked Singer" season nine Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Fox. To watch every episode of "The Masked Singer" during your trial, you should wait to sign up until the season nine finale airs. Who is competing in 'The Masked Singer' season 9? Though we'll have to wait to see who the secret celebrities are, the contestant stage names for season nine of "The Masked Singer" include:AxolotlCalifornia RollDandelionDollFairyFrench HenGargoyleGnomeJackalopeMacawMantisMedusaMooseMustangNight OwlPolar BearRock LobsterSquirrelHow many episodes will 'The Masked Singer' season 9 have?

☆ 'Bridgerton' spin-off goes back in time to show 'Queen Charlotte' origins
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-14 | by ( Marie-Louise Gumuchian | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/May JamesLONDON, Feb 14 (Reuters) - Queen Charlotte, the brazen and meddling monarch in the hit Netflix period drama "Bridgerton", gets her own spin-off series showing the popular character's origin story. "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton story", which will premiere on the streaming platform on May 4, goes back in time to tell the monarch's rise to power and love life. "I really loved the fact that we could expand the universe and show people how the 'Bridgerton' world that they know came to be," Shonda Rhimes, executive producer for both "Bridgerton" and "Queen Charlotte", told fans at a teaser trailer reveal event on Tuesday. "You get to see how stories from the past educate you on the stories in the future... You get the see the growth and who they ('Bridgerton' characters) become." On Tuesday, fans got to see a teaser trailer as well as clips from "Queen Charlotte", which also features other "Bridgerton" cast members including Ruth Gemmell, who plays Lady Violet, and Adjoa Andoh as Lady Agatha Danbury.

☆ Amazon Studios is growing fast and spending big on shows like 'Citadel,' but insiders say unclear creative direction, leadership shifts, and tech bureaucracy threaten to drive away staff and talent
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-10 | by ( Lucia Moses | Elaine Low | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +20 min

The dust has been settling at Amazon Studios after a big reorg in the fall that solidified Jen Salke's power. Yet Amazon Studios faces major challenges. Amazon Studios' Head of Global Television Vernon Sanders told Insider that the goal is to deliver content with global cultural relevance. Amazon Prime VideoWhile spending on such big swings has soared, some insiders see far less budgetary support for underrepresented casts. "I do think people wonder what's the commitment to Amazon Studios," the current insider said.

☆ Take a Look at Some of the Best Super Bowl Ads Ahead of the Big Game
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-10 | by ( Aidan Pollard | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul return as Walter White and Jesse Pinkman in one of the much anticipated Super Bowl commercials. This year some advertisers have released what appear to be full-length Super Bowl commercials early, posting them to social media and YouTube. The Super Bowl has long been a kind of, well, Super Bowl for advertisers, leading companies to go bigger every year with their ads. The commercial pokes fun at corporate "rock stars" by splicing real rock and heavy metal icons into everyday office situations. Diddy does hitsA commercial released this week shows musician Diddy in a meeting with marketers from Uber who are asking him to write a song for the Uber One membership service.

☆ 'The Last of Us' is a critically acclaimed show based on the hit video game series — here's how to stream new episodes of the HBO drama
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-09 | by ( Jordan Williams | Freelance Writer | Read More | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

"The Last of Us" premiered January 15 exclusively on HBO and HBO Max. The series is an adaptation of the 2013 post-apocalyptic video game of the same name. The series is based on the critically acclaimed post-apocalyptic video game series of the same name. How to watch 'The Last of Us'You can watch "The Last of Us" exclusively on HBO and HBO Max. Critics praise the HBO series' deep dive into the game's story, the cast's performances, and the writing.

☆ SZA’s Ruination Brought Her Everything
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-08 | by ( Danyel Smith | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +3 min

In the week leading up to the release of “SOS,” SZA suffered the fits and starts many artists experience before their projects premiere, though those bursts were sieved through her specific anxieties. SZA told me about “weird, negative” remarks people made to her as she was prepping “SOS” for release. When she speaks about album release dates, responses escalate quickly from ripple to tidal wave. In an interview last February, SZA said that her next album would be ready in time for summer. SZA and Punch traded surly tweets, and as it all went viral, a messy narrative was set: SZA and her label were at odds.

Persons: Wu, Tang Clan’s RZA, “, ”, ” SZA, SZA, Terrence Henderson, Punch, surly, Nicki Minaj’s, Sade Organizations: RCA Records, Dawg Entertainment

☆ How Paramount+ is punching above its weight with Stallone, Showtime, and reinvented library shows like CBS' 'Criminal Minds' and MTV's 'Teen Wolf'
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-07 | by ( Elaine Low | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Paramount+ (formerly CBS All Access) is beefing up by bringing sister network Showtime into the fold. "The shows with rich, deep libraries are the ones that get a lot of consumption," said Paramount+ streaming chief Tanya Giles. But Paramount+ (formerly CBS All Access) is beefing up by bringing sister network Showtime into the fold — rebranding both the Showtime cable network and the streamer as Paramount+ With Showtime. Paramount+ is also building upon its library with originals: The streamer recently revived "Criminal Minds," which aired on CBS for 15 seasons. In anticipation of "Criminal Minds: Evolution," viewership of the original CBS "Criminal Minds" jumped 46%, a Paramount+ spokeperson shared with Insider.

☆ The next 'White Lotus' is expected to be filmed in one of these locations in Asia
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-07 | by ( Chris Dwyer | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

When the HBO black comedy "The White Lotus" premiered in the summer of 2021, it took viewers to Hawaii's sunny Maui. The Maldives was named-dropped near the end of season two of "The White Lotus," leading fans to speculate it would be the next filming location. Cue the theories that "The White Lotus" is heading to the Southeast Asian nation known as "The Land of Smiles." Two characters spent the night in Villa Tasca in the second season of "The White Lotus." Beyond "The White Lotus," the broader trend of traveling to visit iconic TV and movie locations continues to grow.

☆ Sundance Movies: Brett Kavanaugh and Steph Curry Docs, "Cat Person"
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-06 | by ( Alison Brower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

The Sundance Film Festival was back in person for the first time since 2020. In five days I saw eight films, and while I'm not a critic, I can affirm that not one of them was a clunker. Asked about the film's aspect ratio in an audience Q&A, Jalali said, "It was prettier that way." The bulk of the films I saw were more commercial, and four of them centered on relationships. And then there was "Cat Person," based on a 2017 New Yorker story about dating by Kristen Roupenian.

Samsung is offering three different versions of the Galaxy Book3: The Book3 Pro, Book3 Pro 360, and Book3 Ultra. Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra The Galaxy Book3 Ultra is Samsung’s top-tier Galaxy Book laptop. Samsung Galaxy Book3 Pro 360The Galaxy Book3 Pro 360 is a laptop/tablet hybrid. Samsung Galaxy Book3 Pro 360 The Galaxy Book3 Pro 360 is a high-end laptop/tablet hybrid. Samsung Galaxy Book3 ProOf the three models, the Galaxy Book3 Pro is Samsung's budget option.

"Knock at the Cabin" is an apocalyptic psychological horror film by M. Night Shyamalan. Tickets are now available for purchase for the M. Night Shyamalan horror film both online and in theaters. Check out the trailer for "Knock at the Cabin""Knock at the Cabin" is directed by M. Night Shyamalan with a screenplay by Shyamalan, Steve Desmond, and Michael Sherman. How to watch "Knock at the Cabin"You can watch "Knock at the Cabin" exclusively in theaters starting February 3. "Knock at the Cabin" is based on "The Cabin at the End of the World," a 2018 novel by Paul G. Tremblay.

☆ Netflix to feature electric cars from GM and others in programming
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/3] A Cadillac Lyriq electric vehicle (EV) under General Motors is seen during its world premiere on a media day for the Auto Shanghai show in Shanghai, China April 19, 2021. REUTERS/Aly SongLOS ANGELES, Feb 2 (Reuters) - Netflix Inc (NFLX.O) has unveiled a new star for some of its upcoming programming: electric vehicles from General Motors (GM.N) and other automakers. The streaming service announced an agreement on Thursday to feature vehicles including the Chevrolet Bolt, the electric GMC Hummer pickup and the Cadillac Lyriq in TV series and films "where relevant." Shows that will feature GM's electric vehicles include "Love is Blind," "Queer Eye" and "Unstable." Netflix productions also will include electric vehicles made by other automakers, the company said.

☆ You won't be able to watch movies and TV shows for free anymore on Peacock
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-01 | by ( Travis Clark | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Peacock is no longer offering its free plan for new subscribers. As of Tuesday, Peacock has turned off its free tier for new users — meaning if you weren't already subscribed to Peacock, you'll now have to sign up for a paid membership. The free plan included ads and limited content compared to the paid tiers. An NBCU spokesperson told Variety that the change was part of the company's growth strategy for Peacock, but that existing users of the free plan will continue to have access to it for now. By Q1 2021, the service had just 9 million paid subscribers.

☆ GM reports higher quarterly profit, expects strong earnings in 2023
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

REUTERS/Aly SongDETROIT, Jan 31 (Reuters) - General Motors Co (GM.N) on Tuesday reported a higher quarterly net income for the fourth quarter, and forecast stronger-than-expected earnings in 2023, sending its shares up over 5% in premarket trading. The company expects its core auto operations to perform at a consistently strong level in 2023, with full-year net income attributable to stockholders of $8.7 billion-$10.1 billion, adjusted EBIT of $10.5 billion-$12.5 billion, and diluted and adjusted earnings per share of $6.00-$7.00. The company expects adjusted automotive free cash flow of $5.0 billion to $7.0 billion in 2023, with net automotive cash from operating activities of $16.0 billion to $20.0 billion. EBIT-adjusted income of $3.8 billion topped the year-earlier $2.8 billion, as higher prices and increased sales volume in North America more than offset higher costs. Diluted adjusted earnings per share of $2.12 in the quarter compared with $1.99 a year earlier.

☆ Film academy says it will not disqualify surprise Oscar nominee Riseborough
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-31 | by ( Lisa Richwine | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Cast member Andrea Riseborough arrives at the premiere for 'Matilda the Musical' in London, Britain, November 21, 2022. REUTERS/Maja SmiejkowskaLOS ANGELES, Jan 31 (Reuters) - Hollywood's motion picture academy will not revoke the unexpected best actress nomination for "To Leslie" star Andrea Riseborough, the group's chief executive said on Tuesday after a review of an aggressive campaign on her behalf. The surprise nomination sparked questions about whether a campaign for Riseborough had violated lobbying rules set by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Several A-list stars posted social media comments touting her performance. "However, we did discover social media and outreach campaigning tactics that caused concern.

☆ Why Hollywood's tech evangelists are bullish on NFTs and Web3 storytelling, even after the FTX scandal tarnished blockchain's rep
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-31 | by ( Elaine Low | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Amid the FTX scandal and declining NFT sales, Web3 chatter has grown quieter in Hollywood. But proponents of NFTs and Web3 storytelling are betting on the tech's entertainment potential. Hollywood's evangelists of Web3 — the decentralized, blockchain-based future of the web that includes crypto and NFTs — were out in full force. She has worked to distance the creative and storytelling potential of NFTs and other blockchain-based technologies from the cowboy rep of the digital currency world. "I'm excited about moving Web3, blockchain technologies past sort of the hype cycle that we've seen with digital collectibles and NFTs," Greg Reed, Universal Pictures' VP of technology partnerships, told Variety.

Search resuls for: "Premiere"

25 mentions found