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☆ A historian says the naval battle in 'Gladiator II' only got one thing wrong
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-23 | by ( Olivia Singh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The scene is rooted in real-life naval battles that began during Julius Caesar's reign in Rome. Ridley Scott's "Gladiator II" takes a few creative liberties and diverges from history to up the ante for audiences. "Gladiator II" is set 15 years after Russell Crowe's Maximus Decimus Meridius died in the Colosseum in the 2000 movie "Gladiator." Staged naval battles really did happen in RomeA naval battle taking place at the Colosseum in "Gladiator II." AdvertisementThe sharks featured in "Gladiator II" are most likely an addition from Scott, who tends to include animals in his movies.

Persons: Julius Caesar's, Ridley Scott's, Russell Crowe's Maximus Decimus Meridius, Geta, Joseph Quinn, Caracalla, Fred Hechinger, Paul Mescal, Maximus, Connie Nielsen, Lucius, Neil Corbould, Alison Futrell, Futrell, Emperor Claudius, Scott Organizations: Paramount, National Geographic, University of Arizona Locations: Rome, Denver , Colorado

☆ Starring on 'The White Lotus' changed Fred Hechinger's life. Now, he's playing an unhinged emperor in 'Gladiator II.'
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-23 | by ( Olivia Singh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The actor said that starring on "The White Lotus" changed his life. Hechinger's Caracalla is sick and twisted — a 'dangerous concoction'Fred Hechinger, Pedro Pascal, and Joseph Quinn in "Gladiator II." "Gladiator II" is also a study of what unchecked power does to a civilization. Advertisement'The White Lotus' gave Hechinger his big breakFred Hechinger as Quinn on season one of "The White Lotus." Hechinger prides himself on playing varied roles, whether he's a menacing emperor in "Gladiator II," a concerned grandson in "Thelma," or a school staff member in "Nickel Boys."

Persons: Fred Hechinger, Emperor Caracalla, Ridley Scott's, He'll, Hunter, Fred Hechinger's, Joseph Quinn, Paul Mescal's, Ridley, Hechinger, Hechinger's Caracalla, Pedro Pascal, Aidan Monaghan, Maximus Decimus Meridius, Russell Crowe, Caracalla, Geta, Quinn, Mescal, Maximus, Connie Nielsen, They'll, HBO Hechinger, Quinn Mossbacher, he's, Nicolas Cage, Christian Bale, Thelma, he'll, Kraven Organizations: Business, Paramount Pictures, HBO, Hollywood, Marvel Comics Locations: Rome, Hawaii, Maui

☆ 'Wicked' tallies $19 million in previews, as 'Gladiator II' team-up heads for $200 million opening weekend
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-22 | by ( Sarah Whitten | Whitten Is A Social Media Writer For Cnbc. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +5 min

The box office this weekend will be painted pink and green, with a splash of red. Universal’s “Wicked” and Paramount’s “Gladiator II” arrive ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday and are expected to tally more than $200 million in combined ticket sales this weekend. Whatever it hauls in for the weekend, “Wicked” should debut as the highest-opening Broadway adaptation in cinematic history. Meanwhile, “Gladiator II” tallied $6.5 million from Thursday previews and is expected to add between $60 million and $80 million to the domestic weekend tally. Cinemark has a “Gladiator II” popcorn bucket shaped like the Colosseum and a gladiator helmet that fits over its drink cups to hold popcorn.

Persons: Paramount’s, ”, Shawn Robbins, “, Paul Dergarabedian, “ It’s, ” Robbins, Greg Marcus, Marcus Theatres, Marcus, ” Marcus, NBCUniversal Organizations: Fandango, Amazon, Hollywood, Rotten, Comscore, Marcus Corporation, Marcus Hotels, Resorts, Comcast, CNBC Locations: U.S, Canada, ”, Comscore, NBCUniversal

Donald Trump names a new pick for attorney general after Matt Gaetz withdrew from consideration. And President-elect Donald Trump has a new pick for who he wants to be the next attorney general. Russia’s use of such a missile, which can strike far beyond Ukraine and can carry a nuclear warhead, is a warning to Ukraine, Washington and other NATO states, analysts said. Staff Pick: Denzel Washington brings his charm to ‘Gladiator II’Denzel Washington as Macrinus in a scene from "Gladiator II." The best Advent calendars on Amazon include options with chocolate, beauty and skin care products, Legos, dog treats and more.

Persons: Donald Trump, Matt Gaetz, Putin, Trump, Pam Bondi, Gaetz, Bondi, Ballard, “, Vance, Republicans ”, ”, Read, Vladimir Putin, Yesterday’s, Jussie, Jair Bolsonaro, Bolsonaro, Max Verstappen, Denzel Washington, Aidan Monaghan, Paramount Pictures Denzel Washington, ” Washington, smirk ”, Washington, Ronda Racha Penrice, — Michelle Garcia Organizations: Ballard Partners, Justice Department, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Prisons, Trump, Republicans, Department, Gaetz, DOJ, West, Defense, NATO, Justice, Chicago police, Former, Paramount Pictures, Ronda Racha, NBC Locations: Ukraine, Bondi, West Russian, Russia, Washington, Illinois, Chicago, Wisconsin, Uzbekistan, Las Vegas, Ronda

☆ Denzel Washington commands ancient Rome and movie theaters with ‘Gladiator II’
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-22 | by ( Ronda Racha Penrice | Atlanta-Based Writer Ronda Racha Penrice Is The Author Of | Black American History For Dummies. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +5 min

The biggest surprise of “Gladiator II” is not that Denzel Washington is great. Instead, it’s how pivotal his character Macrinus is to the long-awaited sequel starring Paul Mescal as the heir of Russell Crowe’s iconic character Maximus. But it’s Washington’s Macrinus who moves “Gladiator II” forward. “His grand purpose,” Washington told NBC News, “is to take over the world.”Denzel Washington plays Macrinus, Pedro Pascal plays Gen. Acacius and Connie Nielsen plays Lucilla in “Gladiator II.” Aidan Monaghan / Paramount PicturesTo select his gladiators, Macrinus leans into their rage. “Almost everything that is done in the film, I’ve done before: fight scenes, swords, riding horses,” he said, noting one exception.

Persons: “, Washington, Paul Mescal, Russell Crowe’s, Lucius, Washington’s Macrinus, ” Washington, Denzel Washington, Macrinus, Pedro Pascal, Acacius, Connie Nielsen, Lucilla, ” Aidan Monaghan, stokes, ”, Crowe’s, —, Ridley Scott, Thelma, Louise, ” Scott “, Scott, ’ ” Washington, “ He’s, ’ ” Paul Mescal, Caesar, Janty Yates, Cuba Scott, I’ve, “ I’ve, It’s, Malcolm, Katia, John David, Pauletta, “ we’re Organizations: NBC News, Paramount Pictures, Netflix Locations: ” Washington, Cuba, Pittsburgh

☆ Paul Mescal's 'Gladiator II' character appears in the first movie — here's a refresher on who Lucius is
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-22 | by ( Palmer Haasch | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

In "Gladiator," Lucius is just a child — here's what you need to know about him. In "Gladiator II," Paul Mescal's Lucius is a vengeful heir to the throne who's out for blood — but in the first "Gladiator" film, his character is just an innocent child who mucks up his parents' coup d'état. Compared to his appearance in the first film, Lucius is a bit difficult to recognize. Here's what you need to know about Lucius, and how Mescal's storyline in "Gladiator II" connects to the first film. "Gladiator II" reveals that Maximus was really Lucius' father.

Persons: Paul Mescal, Lucius Verus, Lucius, Maximus, Paul Mescal's Lucius, mucks, Ridley Scott's, Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix . Long, Maximus Decimus Meridius, Crowe, Emperor Commodus, Phoenix, Empress Lucilla, Connie Nielsen, Denzel Washington, Macrinus, Aidan Monaghan, Marcus Aurelius, Commodus, Lucilla, Spencer Treat Clark, Rome, haggard, Marcus Acacius, Pedro Pascal, Denzel, Rome —, Lucilla — Lucius Organizations: Paramount, DreamWorks, Denzel Washington, Universal Locations: Rome, Numidia, North

☆ 'Wicked' vs. 'Gladiator II': If you see only one movie this weekend, the choice is clear
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-22 | by ( Palmer Haasch | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

"Gladiator II" and "Wicked" are facing off at the box office this weekend. Related storiesCritics Score Audience Score "Wicked" 90% 98% "Gladiator II" 72% 84%If time is of the essence, there's no tie-breaker there. AdvertisementRuntime "Wicked" 2h 40m "Gladiator II" 2h 28mIf you want something you can see with the whole family, the choice is clear: "Wicked" is more kid-friendly. 'Gladiator II' has more Paul Mescal in it, thoughPaul Mescal is in "Gladiator II" and not "Wicked." Ultimately, follow your own taste"Wicked" nor "Gladiator II" are both worth the price of theater admission (and maybe even a popcorn and soda).

Persons: there's, Ridley Scott, Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Lucius Verus, Paul Mescal, Connie Nielsen, Jon M, Chu, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Oz, you've, Glinda, It's, Oscar, Erivo, Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Aidan Monaghan, belting, Ariana, Giles Keyte Organizations: Pictures, Paramount, New York Times, Universal Pictures Locations: Rome

☆ The finale of 'Gladiator II' is a homage to the first film. Here's what it could mean for a future sequel.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-22 | by ( Ayomikun Adekaiyero | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

AdvertisementThe ending of "Gladiator II" pays homage to Russell Crowe's character in "Gladiator." "Gladiator II" doesn't end on a cliffhanger, but there may still be room for another sequel. Spoilers ahead for "Gladiator" and "Gladiator II." AdvertisementRome is still a mess in "Gladiator II," set 16 years after the first film. AdvertisementMescal told Variety last week at the London premiere of "Gladiator II" that he would be "massively down" to appear in the next sequel.

Persons: Russell Crowe's, Scott, I've, Denzel Washington, Cuba Scott, Maximus Decimus Meridius, Russell Crowe, Maximus, Marcus Aurelius, Lucilla, Connie Nielsen, Aurelius, Caracalla, Fred Hechinger, Joseph Quinn, Marcus Acacius, Pedro Pascal, Acacius, Aidan Monaghan, Lucius, Paul Mescal, Rome, Marcinus, Mescal Organizations: Paramount Pictures, Paramount, Variety, London Locations: Rome, Cuba, Acacius

☆ What makes a good leader? Being able to listen, say young people
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-22 | by ( Lucy Handley | In | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Bringing people together, showing determination and being a good listener are some of the qualities younger generations look for in leaders. That's according to Generation Z and millennial participants at the One Young World summit in Montreal, Canada. "People go through so much and yet their achievements are so much greater than everything that they've ever been through," she said. While some leaders "aren't really always driven by good intentions," according to Whisky, even those with differing views can "sit in the same room." Hunter is part of the Northern Irish Education Committee, in a role that she said contributes to building a peaceful society in the region.

Persons: Sue Whisky, CNBC's Tania Bryer, aren't, Cara Hunter, Hunter Organizations: Environmental Network Malawi, Northern, Northern Ireland Assembly, East Londonderry, Northern Irish Education Committee Locations: Montreal, Canada, Northern Irish, East

☆ 'Glicked' is out and could be the new 'Barbenheimer.' The films would need to make over $2 billion to match it.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-22 | by ( Ayomikun Adekaiyero | Eammon Jacobs | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

AdvertisementUniversal released "Wicked" on the same day as Paramount's "Gladiator II." The coincidental release date has seen the movies dubbed "Glicked" — an echo of "Barbenheimer." They will have to make over $2 billion to compete with "Oppenheimer" plus "Barbie." There's a new "Barbenheimer" in town, as two other highly anticipated blockbusters, "Wicked" and "Gladiator 2," have premiered on the same day. Related Video A real-life Barbie Dreamhouse opens in MalibuThis created a cultural moment, dubbed "Barbenheimer," that breathed life into a struggling industry as cinemagoers approached the films as a double bill.

Persons: Oppenheimer, Barbie Dreamhouse, cinemagoers, Barbie, Paramount's, w8vhOkU6GY Organizations: Warner Bros, Universal, Teens Locations: Malibu

☆ Archegos’ Bill Hwang sentenced to 18 years in prison for massive U.S. fraud
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-21 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

Former billionaire investor Sung Kook “Bill” Hwang was sentenced to 18 years in prison on Wednesday over the collapse of Archegos Capital Management, which cost Wall Street banks more than $10 billion. Hwang was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein in Manhattan, where a jury convicted Hwang in July on 10 criminal charges including wire fraud, securities fraud and market manipulation. Before sentencing Hwang, Hellerstein asked the defendant’s lawyer, Dani James, how she thought Hwang compared to Sam Bankman-Fried, who was sentenced in March to 25 years in prison for stealing $8 billion from users of the now-bankrupt FTX exchange. While Archegos eventually managed $36 billion, Hwang’s borrowing helped him amass $160 billion of exposure to stocks. Hwang’s co-defendant, former Archegos Chief Financial Officer Patrick Halligan, was convicted at the same trial on three criminal charges.

Persons: Sung Kook, Bill ” Hwang, Hwang, Alvin Hellerstein, ” Hellerstein, Archegos ’, Hwang —, Andrew Thomas, Hellerstein, Dani James, Sam Bankman, Mr, Fried, ” James, “, ” Hwang, James, it’s, Julian Robertson, Archegos, Grace, ”, Hwang’s, Patrick Halligan Organizations: Archegos Capital Management, U.S, AS FAMILY, Tiger Asia Management, Paramount, Credit Suisse, Nomura Holdings, UBS, Mercy Foundation Locations: Manhattan, U.S, New York

☆ Lindsay Lohan and Lacey Chabert reprised their ‘Mean Girls’ roles and it was so fetch
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-21 | by ( Lisa Respers France | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Lindsay Lohan and Lacey Chabert have new roles they are promoting, which allowed them to bless us with some nostalgia. Amanda Seyfried, Rachel McAdams, Lacey Chabert, and Lindsay Lohan in "Mean Girls." “My dad was there?”That fact appeared to tickle Lohan almost as much as the sight of Cohen in a wig. Lindsay Lohan Is Open to a Reboot of The Parent Trap | WWHL“I mean if [director] Nancy Meyers was a part of that, yeah,” Lohan said. Lohan stars in the Netflix film “Our Little Secret,” which starts streaming November 27.

Persons: CNN — Lindsay Lohan, Lacey Chabert, Andy Cohen, ”, Lohan, Cady, Chabert, Gretchen, Cohen, Kim Zolciak, Regina George, Rachel McAdams, Amanda Seyfried, Lindsay Lohan, Michael Gibson, Shutterstock Cohen, Michael Lohan, “ RHOA, ” Lohan, incredulously, “, tickle Lohan, Nancy Meyers, ” Cohen, Dustin Milligan Organizations: CNN, Housewives, Atlanta, Paramount, Netflix Locations: Nancy

☆ The fate of MSNBC could be in Trump’s hands
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-21 | by ( Matt Egan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

It’s true that analysts expect the Trump administration to generally be less hostile to mergers. Yet it’s also true that some Republicans – including some tapped to join the Trump administration – have been described as “Khanservatives” because they’ve called for tougher, not weaker, antitrust scrutiny. Earlier this year, Gaetz told NOTUS that the FCC chair’s work “inspired me” and he expressed hope she stays in power for a Trump administration. As Gaetz fights to survive a tough nomination process to be attorney general, Comcast dropped a bombshell in the media industry by spinning off MSNBC, CNBC, USA, Oxygen and other networks. “It’s hard not to look at the spinoff of CNBC and MSNBC as potentially a response to the new administration,” said Petro.

Persons: Donald Trump’s, Trump, Donald Trump, ” Craig Moffett, MoffettNathanson, Brendan Carr, Trump’s, Kamala Harris, Carr, Skydance’s, ”, Moffett, Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Sonnenfeld, Gaetz, Vance, Lina Khan, it’s, they’ve, JD Vance, Khan, Biden, Matt Gaetz, NOTUS, “, Brian Roberts, Will Trump, Frank Louthan, Raymond James, It’s, Louthan, Lee Petro, Dickinson, it’s “, Petro Organizations: New, New York CNN, Department, T’s, CNN, Timer Warner, Trump, Comcast, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC, DOJ, Federal Communications Commission, FCC, Paramount, Fox News, CBS, Yale, Leadership, Time Warner, Biden, Federal Trade, ”, Washington DC Locations: New York, Florida, USA

☆ What to know about Denzel Washington's family, including his actor kids
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-21 | by ( Ayomikun Adekaiyero | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Here's what to know about Washington's kids: John David, Katia, Malcolm, and Olivia. John David Washington, Washington's eldest child, stars as the lead. In 2018, John David Washington told Andscape that pursuing football was a way to escape being compared to his father. In 2020, John David Washington told Esquire that he didn't tell his father about the audition until he got the role. Katia Washington has worked on several movies, including "The Equalizer," which starred Denzel Washington, "Fences," which was directed by Denzel Washington, and "Malcolm & Marie," which stars John David Washington.

Persons: Denzel Washington's, John David, Katia, Malcolm, Olivia, Washington's, John David Washington, Katia Washington, Denzel Washington, Cuba Scott, Malcolm Washington's, Olivia Washington, Young Mama Ola, Mama Ola, Samuel L, Jackson, John David Washington John David Washington, Emma McIntyre, Andscape, It's, it's, Dwayne Johnson, — Pauletta, —, Spike Lee's, Christopher Nolan's, Tenet, Gareth Edwards, Katia Washington Katia Washington, Monica Schipper, Django, Marie, Malcolm Washington Malcolm Washington, Jon Kopaloff, Malcolm Washington, August Wilson, Tony, Wilson, Malcolm Washington cowrote, Oscar, Virgil Williams, Olivia Washington Olivia Washington, Amy Sussman, Latoya Richardson, Butler Organizations: Netflix, Washington, Paramount Pictures, Santa Barbara, Film, Campbell Hall High School, Morehouse College, Louis Rams, Germany's, NFL Europe, California Redwoods, United Football League, Hollywood, HBO, Broadway, Yale, Bron Studios, Windward School, University of Pennsylvania, American Film Institute, AP, Toronto Film, New York University's Tisch School, Arts, New York, New York Amsterdam News Locations: Cuba, Pauletta Washington, Washington, Atlanta, — Pauletta Washington, Hollywood, Canadian, LA, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, American, London's, California, New York Amsterdam

☆ Billy Bob Thornton on His Movie & TV Roles: 'Friday Night Lights,' 'Landman'
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-20 | by ( Jason Guerrasio | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

But for his latest role starring in the Paramount+ drama "Landman," Thornton was tasked with a new, unique challenge: playing a version of himself. On ad-libbing his famous 'Friday Night Lights' speechThornton in "Friday Night Lights." Universal Pictures2004's "Friday Night Lights" is a beloved sports movie, and a big reason for that is the locker room speech your character, Coach Gary Caines, delivers. AdvertisementIn the pilot episode of "Landman," you film a scene at the high school football stadium in Odessa, Texas, where you filmed "Friday Night Lights." I ran into extras who were the children of extras on "Friday Night Lights."

Persons: Billy Bob Thornton, Thornton, Taylor Sheridan, it's, Tommy Norris, Norris, Tommy, Angela, Ali Larter, Monty, Jon Hamm, Billy Bob, Billy McBride, there's, Billy Wilder, Kurt Russell Bill Paxton, Stanley Donen's, Dan Aykroyd, Donna, Dan, Dudley Moore, Debbie Reynolds, Sammy Cahn, Sinatra, Stanley Donen, Bill Paxton, Bill, Rick Rossovich, Jeff Fahey, Kurt Russell, Kurt, Harvey Weinstein, Matt Damon, Penélope Cruz, Oscar, It's, Weinstein, Harvey, Matt, Damon, Cruz, Henry, Thomas, Lucas Black, Jayne Mansfield's, Gary Caines, Jerry Jones, Pete Berg, Boobie Miles Organizations: Paramount, Sporting, Bel Air, Columbia, Getty, Miramax Films, Sony, Miramax, Universal, Cowboys Locations: Fargo, West Texas, Mexican, Bel, Hollywood, Austrian, Fort Worth, Hot Springs, Odessa , Texas

☆ Comcast’s cable networks spinoff raises questions about future of the TV business
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-20 | by ( Brian Stelter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

On Wednesday morning, the media giant confirmed that it is spinning off most of its cable channels, including MSNBC and CNBC, into a separate publicly traded company. The new company doesn’t have a formal name yet — Comcast is simplycalling it “SpinCo” — a suitable label since employees’ heads are spinning with questions. Discovery, spin off their cable channels too? How might the cable bundle business model be impacted? “This is a very clear, direct statement by Comcast” that “they are exiting the cable network business,” Greenfield said.

Persons: Mike Cavanagh, NBCUniversal, Tom Rogers, Rogers, “ it’s, ”, ” Rogers, Rich Greenfield, ” Greenfield, ’ It’s, Mark Lazarus, Lazarus, “, Joe Kernen, Greenfield’s, Greenfield, Matt Stoller, Hugh Johnston, “ SpinCo Organizations: New, New York CNN, Comcast, MSNBC, CNBC, Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros, NBC Cable, Lightshed Partners, Paramount, USA Network, SYFY, Golf, Rotten, NBC, American Economic Liberties, Disney, ” Fox Corp Locations: New York

☆ CNBC anchors and insiders worry about their futures as Comcast looks to unload the network
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-20 | by ( Lucia Moses | Madeline Berg | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

AdvertisementCNBC anchors projected an air of mild panic about the news that Comcast would spin off the network. The media conglomerate announced it would create a new entity for most of its cable networks. CNBC anchors turned their signature irreverent style on themselves on Wednesday, as their parent Comcast became a headline in announcing plans to spin off the business news network along with many other cable assets. Analysts — including those featured on CNBC — did not hold back on Wednesday about what the spinoff means for the cable network. AdvertisementOne question for CNBC folks is whether they will maintain the prestige and workplace benefits that came with being part of Comcast.

Persons: We're, Joe Kernan, David Faber, Kernan, Mark Lazarus, Faber, CNBC —, Rich Greenfield, Rich, Becky Quick, Julia Boorstin, NBCU, Elon, Trump Organizations: CNBC, Comcast, Real Housewives, NBC, LightShed Partners, Warner Bros, Discovery, Paramount, Starz, Business Locations: NBCU, London

☆ Comcast doesn't want its cable TV networks anymore
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-20 | by ( Peter Kafka | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

One of the country's biggest cable TV companies doesn't want its cable networks anymore. That's the pitch Comcast is making Wednesday as it announces plans to split off almost all of its cable TV networks into a new company. Into the spinco goes every cable network Comcast owns except for Bravo. For the record: Comcast says it thinks the cable networks it is ditching can be successful on their own. And as I said last month: Comcast is getting rid of its basic cable networks for the same reason everyone who owns basic cable networks would like to get rid of their cable networks.

Persons: Brian Roberts, Trump, Kamala Harris, Brendan Carr, Trump's Organizations: Cable, Comcast, Bravo, CNBC, MSNBC, NBC, Paramount, Warner Bros, Discovery, Disney, Federal Communications Commission, CBS, Fox News Locations: USA

☆ Meta is helping brands reach more audiences across social media — and it's all thanks to AI
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-20 | by ( ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Generative AI helps brands build more engaging ads with creative variations. Using Meta's AI tools, ObjectsHQ simply loaded lifestyle photos of its best-performing products, along with a few captions. AI for advertisingObjectsHQ is just one of many brands harnessing the power of AI-powered ad tools. AI — particularly generative AI — gives businesses of all sizes the tools to connect with the right people and create diverse, engaging content. With AI tools that save time and complement human creativity, marketers can create ad campaigns that reach audiences everywhere.

Persons: Alfred Chehebar, Justin Osofsky, ObjectsHQ, Chehebar, Meta, Osofsky Organizations: ObjectsHQ, SMB Group, Global, Meta, Meta's, Business, Insider Studios

☆ Comcast's cable network spinoff may be a signal to the media industry for necessary change
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-20 | by ( Alex Sherman | In Alex-Sherman | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Cable networks are still profitable, but they're hemorrhaging subscribers and revenue every year as Americans cancel traditional pay TV for streaming services. Still, Disney's cable networks, including FX and Disney Channel, are more integrated with its streaming platforms than NBCUniversal's cable networks are with Peacock, the company's subscription streaming service. That may ultimately be where cable networks are heading — to private ownership willing to harvest them for cash. Another possible path for the spinoff is as a rollup entity for other cable networks. Discovery's debt and its cable networks.

Persons: It's, Peacock, Mark Lazarus Organizations: Comcast, Investors, Cable, Disney, FX, Disney Channel, SpinCo's, CNBC, MSNBC, Warner Bros, Paramount Global Locations: Peacock

☆ AMC is poised to ride the box office rebound, as long as its debt doesn't get in the way
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-18 | by ( Sarah Whitten | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

Leonardo Munoz | View Press | Corbis News | Getty ImagesThe domestic box office is on the rebound, having posted its highest third-quarter ticket sales since the pandemic. AMC operates around 900 theaters and 10,000 screens globally, a larger footprint than its chief rivals Cinemark and Regal. By the time the Covid pandemic shuttered theaters and shut down Hollywood, AMC was already $5 billion in the red. Despite the better-than-expected box office performance, AMC saw a 12% decline in attendance during the period. "They talked a lot about new investments and upgrading their theaters and expanding their premium screens, adding XL screens.

Persons: Leonardo Munoz, Cinemark, it's, Adam Aron, they're, Eric Wold, Riley, Oppenheimer, Hugh Jackman, Ryan Reynolds, Wold, King, Sony's, Hunter, Aron, Lars Niki, Alicia Reese, Reese isn't, Eric Handler Organizations: AMC, View Press, CNBC, Warner Bros, Disney, Disney AMC, Paramount, Dolby Cinemas, Getty, Roth Capital Markets Locations: New York City, Hollywood, North America, Europe, U.S, Saudi Arabia, New York, Los Angeles, fanbases

☆ 28 details you probably missed in 'Clueless'
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-18 | by ( Amory Rose | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

Cher seems to forget about her high-tech closet throughout the film. Cher's closet can pick out outfits for her. Paramount PicturesCher's massive wardrobe and fantastic outfits have become iconic, and most "Clueless" fans probably dreamt of owning the computer program Cher uses to put together her famous yellow plaid outfit at the beginning of the film. The program allows her to click between tops and bottoms that she owns to see what the combination will look like, and it can even tell her if the outfit will match or clash. Although she has this useful application and struggles to pick outfits throughout the film, Cher never uses this high-tech closet's program again.

Persons: Cher Organizations: Paramount Pictures

☆ Trump taps Brendan Carr to chair Federal Communications Commission
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-18 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Brendan Carr speaks during a House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Hearing titled Connecting America. President-elect Donald Trump will tap Brendan Carr, a critic of the Biden administration's telecom policies and Big Tech, as chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, he said in a statement on Sunday. Carr, 45, is currently the top Republican on the FCC, the independent agency that regulates telecommunications. Last week, Carr wrote to Meta's Facebook, Alphabet's Google , Apple and Microsoft saying they had taken steps to censor Americans. Trump also sued CBS over its "60 Minutes" interview with Vice President Kamala Harris.

Persons: Brendan Carr, Donald Trump, Carr, Joe Biden's, Disney's, Trump, Kamala Harris Organizations: Energy, Communications, Technology, Biden, Big Tech, Federal Communications Commission, Republican, FCC, Elon, SpaceX, Commerce Department's, Facebook, Google, Apple, Microsoft, Sunday, Disney's ABC, NBC, Paramount, CBS

☆ The Disruptor and The Dealmaker
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-18 | by ( David Faber | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Ben Affleck is taking a self-described radical approach to an industry he says has been too slow to embrace change. Artificial intelligence, streaming and the impact of trillion-dollar big tech firms all set the stage for a reimagination of the Hollywood money machine. Gerry Cardinale has risen to the pinnacle of the entertainment industry, most recently with his firm's partnership with Skydance Media to take control of Paramount. A conversation on his investment in Paramount, his partnership with Affleck and the billion–dollar opportunities in media.

Persons: Ben Affleck, Gerry Cardinale, Affleck Organizations: Hollywood, Skydance Media, Paramount

☆ Nearly 40% of young Americans get their news from influencers. Many of them lean to the right, study finds
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-18 | by ( Liam Reilly | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

New York CNN —Young American adults are increasingly getting their news from social media influencers, a majority of whom are men and lean to the right, according to a new study from the Pew Research Center. On Facebook, there were three times as many explicitly conservative news influencers (39% to 13%), and on Instagram conservatives outnumbered liberals, 30-25%. “Many Republicans have long believed that social media sites censor conservative viewpoints. Social media influencers differ from trained journalists in how they report facts, often weaving their own views into current events or presenting opinions as reportable facts. The gender gap was found across most social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, X, and Instagram, where men outnumbered women two to one.

Persons: New York CNN —, “, influencers ”, Joe Rogan, Alex Cooper, Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, ” Galen Stocking, ” Pew, influencers, they’ve, Trump, Pew, TikTok, Elon Musk, Bluesky Organizations: New, New York CNN, New York CNN — Young, Pew Research Center, Pew, “, Trump, Facebook, Republicans, Social, YouTube Locations: New York, influencers, Beijing

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