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☆ Disney to break out sports revenue in financial reports
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

A sign is shown at one of the entrances to Disney Studios in Burbank, California, U.S., July 25, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File photo Acquire Licensing RightsOct 18 (Reuters) - Walt Disney (DIS.N) will break out its sports programming revenue from the fourth quarter onwards following a restructuring of the company announced earlier this year, the media firm said on Wednesday. Results from Disney's media and entertainment business will be reported in two segments: entertainment and sports. The move comes as Disney scouts strategic partners for its sports network ESPN. The company in February announced a sweeping restructuring that created three internal units and included trimming the company's workforce by nearly 4%.

Persons: Mike Blake, Walt Disney, Yuvraj Malik, Devika Organizations: Disney Studios, REUTERS, Sports, ESPN, Disney, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Burbank , California, U.S, India, Bengaluru

Oct 16 (Reuters) - Nelson Peltz's activist hedge fund Trian Fund Management has built a stake in Allstate Corp (ALL.N), one of the insurers struggling to cope with the fallout of natural disasters such as the Maui wildfire in Hawaii, people familiar with the matter said. It has blamed natural disasters that are sometimes amplified by climate change for its poor performance. Allstate has hired investment bankers to advise it on how to handle Trian, the sources said. Allstate and Trian did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Trian has previously pushed for change at companies such as Procter & Gamble (PG.N), Unilever (ULVR.L) and Invesco (IVZ.N).

Persons: Nelson, Tom Wilson, Carl Icahn, Matthew, Walt Disney, Bob Iger's, Trian, Svea Herbst, Bayliss, David French, Greg Roumeliotis, Rod Nickel Organizations: Management, Allstate Corp, Allstate, Trian, Insurance, Walt, Procter, Gamble, Unilever, Svea, Thomson Locations: Hawaii, Northbrook , Illinois, New York

☆ Netflix may hike prices after success of password-sharing crackdown
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-16 | by ( Samrhitha A | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The only profitable major streamer, Netflix has resisted joining rivals like Walt Disney (DIS.N) in hiking ad-free prices this year and instead curbed password-sharing outside households to tap the more than 100 million viewers who use its service without subscribing. It could hike prices after the end of the Hollywood actors strike, a media report said earlier in October. So far, most viewers subscribing to Netflix after the password crackdown have opted for the ad-free plans, analysts said. "Using these tactics, Netflix will likely double its ad-supported viewership next year," said Insider Intelligence analyst Ross Benes. Revenue in the third quarter likely rose 7.7% to $8.54 billion, the fastest growth in five quarters, thanks to strong programming that included the latest seasons of "Sex Education" and "Virgin River".

Persons: Dado, Walt Disney, Bernstein, Ross Benes, Samrhitha, Aditya Soni, Sayantani Ghosh, Devika Organizations: Netflix, REUTERS, Hollywood, Writers Guild of America, Intelligence, Wall, Revenue, Thomson Locations: Hollywood, Bengaluru

☆ In the Market: Inside a startup’s struggle in a higher-for-longer world
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-16 | by ( Paritosh Bansal | Thomson Reuters | Paritosh Oversees The Work Of More Than Journalists Across The Globe Who Write About Finance | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

Marvel, a unit of Walt Disney (DIS.N), initially planned to use Tractiv's software in a post-production process, documents show. They provide rare, sometimes blow-by-blow insight into the hardship facing startups, key drivers of American innovation. In February 2021, Tractiv got a major break when it gave a demonstration of the software to venture capital firms. The next few months Tractiv had a series of conversations with major financial services companies, including banks such as JPMorgan Chase (JPM.N). Several showed interest in Tractiv's software but did not buy it.

Persons: Beresford Hodge, Walt Disney, Drew Orsinger, Tractiv's, they're, Mark Almeida, Tractiv, Orsinger, Hans Morris, Morris, JPMorgan Chase, Jan, Nyca, Nyca's Morris, Paritosh Bansal, Anna Driver Organizations: Walt Disney Studios, REUTERS, Tractiv, Marvel Studios, Marvel, Walt, Disney, Hollywood, Venture, Reuters, SpaceX, CME Group, Honeywell, Nyca Partners, JPMorgan, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, Tractiv, headwinds

☆ In the Market-Inside a startup’s struggle in a higher-for-longer world
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-16 | by ( Paritosh Bansal | Thomson Reuters | Paritosh Oversees The Work Of More Than Journalists Across The Globe Who Write About Finance | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

☆ Netflix may tap price hikes after success of password-sharing crackdown
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-16 | by ( Samrhitha A | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The only profitable major streamer, Netflix has resisted joining rivals like Walt Disney (DIS.N) in hiking ad-free prices this year and instead curbed password-sharing outside households to tap the more than 100 million viewers who use its service without subscribing. "Netflix now closely resembles a utility in many markets," analysts at Bernstein said. So far, most viewers subscribing to Netflix after the password crackdown have opted for the ad-free plans, analysts said. "Using these tactics, Netflix will likely double its ad-supported viewership next year," said Insider Intelligence analyst Ross Benes. Revenue in the third quarter likely rose 7.7% to $8.54 billion, the fastest growth in five quarters, thanks to strong programming that included the latest seasons of "Sex Education" and "Virgin River".

☆ Dollar General bets on old boss’s old magic
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-13 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

NEW YORK, Oct 13 (Reuters Breakingviews) - Dollar General (DG.N) is reaching back to happier days. In that time, shares plummeted 60%, compared to rival Dollar Tree’s (DLTR.O) gentler decline of roughly a fifth. Meanwhile, Dollar General has repeatedly missed analyst expectations as net profit margin fell from nearly 7% to estimates of 3% for this quarter, according to LSEG. Under his previous stint from 2015 until 2022, shares returned an annualized 19%, beating Dollar Tree, Walmart (WMT.N) and Big Lots (BIG.N). Dollar General faces plenty of challenges shared by all retailers, from rising wages to shifting consumer spending.

Persons: Todd Vasos, Jeff Owen, Vasos, Walt Disney, Bob Iger, Howard Schultz, outperforming, doesn’t, Jennifer Saba, Larry Fink, Uncle Sam, Jonathan Guilford, Sharon Lam Organizations: Reuters, Walmart, Walt, Starbucks, X, Infosys, Thomson Locations: Europe

☆ George Clooney to studios: 'At least get in the room' with striking actors
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-13 | by ( Omar Younis | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Actor George Clooney speaks at an event for the second year of the Roybal School of Film and Television Production Magnet at the Edward R. Roybal Learning Center in Los Angeles, California, U.S., October 13, 2023. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni Acquire Licensing RightsLOS ANGELES, Oct 13 (Reuters) - Oscar winner George Clooney urged Hollywood studios on Friday to return to the bargaining table with striking actors to try and resolve their differences over a new labor contract. Negotiations between the studios and the SAG-AFTRA actors' union were suspended on Wednesday after studios rejected a demand for a bonus tied to the number of streaming TV subscribers. Don't take a vacation," Clooney said when asked about the ongoing strike while attending a ceremony in Los Angeles at the Roybal School of Film and Television Production Magnet, which he co-founded. "Hopefully we can just get in a room and get this thing solved," he said.

Persons: George Clooney, Edward R, Mario Anzuoni, Clooney, Fran Drescher, Walt Disney, Omar Younis, Lisa Richwine, Sandra Maler Organizations: Roybal, of Film, Learning, REUTERS, Hollywood, SAG, Television Producers, Netflix, Thomson Locations: Los Angeles , California, U.S, Los Angeles, California

☆ Contract talks break down between Hollywood actors, studios
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( Lisa Richwine | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

LOS ANGELES, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Negotiations between Hollywood studios and the SAG-AFTRA actors' union were suspended on Wednesday as the two sides clashed over streaming revenue, the use of artificial intelligence and other issues at the core of a three-month work stoppage. The union resumed negotiations with studios last week after the Writers Guild of America (WGA) ended its work stoppage. [1/2]Actor Billy Crudup joins fellow SAG-AFTRA actors walking a picket line during their strike in Manhattan in New York City, New York, U.S., September 28, 2023. SAG-AFTRA countered that the AMPTP had overstated the cost by 60% and accused the studios of "bully tactics." Members of the WGA approved a new three-year contract with major studios this week, five months after the union called a strike.

Persons: AFTRA, Walt Disney, Billy Crudup, Mike Segar, AMPTP, Lisa Richwine, Gursimran Kaur, Kim Coghill, Robert Birsel Organizations: Hollywood, SAG, Writers Guild of America, WGA, Alliance, Television Producers, Netflix, REUTERS, Guild of America, Thomson Locations: U.S, California, Manhattan, New York City , New York, Los Angeles, Bengaluru

☆ Striking Hollywood actors, studios suspend contract negotiations
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Actor Billy Crudup joins fellow SAG-AFTRA actors walking a picket line during their strike in Manhattan in New York City, New York, U.S., September 28, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsOct 12 (Reuters) - Talks between Hollywood studios and negotiators for the SAG-AFTRA actors' union have been suspended after the union presented its most recent proposal, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) said on Wednesday. This week, members of the WGA approved a new three-year contract with major studios, five months after the union called a strike. The new contract provides pay raises, some protections around use of artificial intelligence and other gains. AMPTP said it hoped the actors' union would reconsider and return to productive negotiations soon.

Persons: Billy Crudup, Mike Segar, Walt Disney, AFTRA, AMPTP, Gursimran Kaur, Kim Coghill, Robert Birsel Organizations: SAG, REUTERS, Hollywood, Alliance, Television Producers, Walt, Netflix, Guild of America, WGA, Thomson Locations: Manhattan, New York City , New York, U.S, Hollywood's, Bengaluru

Disney+ Hotstar logo is seen in this illustration taken August 22, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsMUMBAI, Oct 11 (Reuters) - Private equity firm Blackstone (BX.N) has held preliminary discussions with Walt Disney (DIS.N) to acquire a stake in the Indian arm of the entertainment firm, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday. Blackstone-backed U.S. media firm Candle Media, founded by former Disney executives, led conversations between the two parties last week, one of the sources said. Indian newspaper The Economic Times first reported the talks earlier on Wednesday. Disney has also held talks with Indian billionaires Gautam Adani and Sun TV Network (SUTV.NS) owner Kalanithi Maran, Bloomberg News reported last week.

Persons: Dado Ruvic, Walt Disney, Blackstone, Gautam Adani, Kalanithi Maran, Mukesh Ambani's, M Sriram, Aditya Kalra, Christian Schmollinger, Stephen Coates Organizations: Disney, REUTERS, Rights, Blackstone, Reuters, Candle Media, Economic Times, Sun TV Network, Bloomberg News, Indian Premier League, Thomson Locations: Rights MUMBAI, India, Mumbai, New Delhi

☆ Disneyland, Disney World lift some park ticket prices
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A Spider Bot is pictured on a backpack ahead of the opening of the Avengers Campus area at Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California, U.S., June 1, 2021. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsOct 11 (Reuters) - Walt Disney Co (DIS.N) said on Wednesday it is raising some theme-park ticket prices for its Disneyland resort in California and Walt Disney World in Florida, weeks after the entertainment giant unveiled a hefty spending plan for its parks business. The company has hiked prices at Disneyland by up to 8.9%, with the price per ticket on busy days such as holidays increasing by 8.4% to $194. Yearly pass prices at Walt Disney World in Orlando are rising by up to 10%, with the most expensive Incredi-Pass now selling for $1,449, up $50. Earlier this month, Disney said it will offer discounts on ticket prices for children at its theme parks for a limited period as it looks to spur traffic.

Persons: Mario Anzuoni, Disney, hasn't, Chavi Mehta, Devika Organizations: Disney, REUTERS, Walt Disney Co, Walt Disney, Thomson Locations: Anaheim , California, U.S, California, Florida, Orlando, United States, Bengaluru

☆ Peltz's Trian up 3% this year even as Disney bet soured
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-10 | by ( Svea Herbst-Bayliss | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

NEW YORK, Oct 10 (Reuters) - Nelson Peltz's Trian Fund Management returned nearly 3% in the first nine months of the year, investors said on Tuesday, as his bet on Walt Disney Co (DIS.N) contributed to the activist hedge fund lagging its peers' returns. Disney's stock price has tumbled roughly 30% since February, when Peltz ended a battle for a board seat but kept Trian invested in the stock. Some blue-chip activist investors, including Bill Ackman's Pershing Square Capital Management and Jeff Smith's Starboard Value, are posting better numbers. The average activist investor gained nearly 7% through the end of September, according to Hedge Fund Research data. At the end of June, the average activist investor was up 11.5% while Trian was up roughly 6%, HFR data and investors said.

Persons: Nelson, Peltz, Trian, Janus Henderson, Trian's, Bill Ackman's, Jeff Smith's, Svea Herbst, Bayliss, Nick Zieminski Organizations: Fund Management, Walt Disney Co, Disney, Reuters, Janus Henderson Group, Ferguson, Bill Ackman's Pershing, Capital Management, Pershing, Fund Research, Svea, Thomson Locations: Boston

☆ Hollywood writers union ratifies three-year labor contract after strike
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-09 | by ( Lisa Richwine | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

SAG-AFTRA actors and Writers Guild of America (WGA) writers walk the picket line outside Disney Studios in Burbank, California, U.S., July 25, 2023. Members of the SAG-AFTRA actors union walked off the job in July and were meeting studio negotiators again on Monday to try to reach an agreement. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which represents Walt Disney (DIS.N), Netflix (NFLX.O) and other media companies, said the contract "represents meaningful gains and protections for writers." "It is important progress for our industry that writers are back to work," the group said in a statement. Negotiators for the SAG-AFTRA actors union continued contract talks with studios on Monday.

Persons: Mike Blake, Meredith Stiehm, Walt Disney, Jimmy Kimmel, Bill Maher, ”, Lisa Takeuchi Cullen, Lisa Richwine, Chris Reese, Marguerita Choy Organizations: Writers Guild of America, Disney Studios, REUTERS, WGA, SAG, UPS, Alliance, Television Producers, Walt, Netflix, Milken, Thomson Locations: Burbank , California, U.S, Hollywood, United States, Detroit, California

Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City, U.S., September 28, 2023. ET, Dow e-minis were down 152 points, or 0.45%, S&P 500 e-minis were down 24.25 points, or 0.56%, and Nasdaq 100 e-minis were down 109.5 points, or 0.72%. Traditional safe-haven assets including gold and the U.S. dollar gained, while growing uncertainty pushed crude prices higher. The Nasdaq (.IXIC) and the S&P 500 (.SPX) posted weekly gains on Friday as mixed jobs reports kept investors on edge around the Federal Reserve's interest rate outlook. Tesla (TSLA.O) shed 1.7% as data showed the company's China-made EV sales volume for September decreased 10.9% from a year ago.

Persons: Brendan McDermid, Tesla, Lloyd Austin, Stuart Cole, Northrop, Lockheed Martin, Philip Jefferson, Michael Barr, Nelson Peltz's, Shashwat Chauhan, Arun Koyyur, Shounak Organizations: New York Stock Exchange, REUTERS, Nvidia, Big Tech, U.S, Israel, Dow, Nasdaq, Hamas, . Defense, Dow e, U.S ., Equiti, Energy, Chevron, Exxon Mobil, Occidental Petroleum, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Barrick Gold, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, Lockheed, Columbus Day, Apple, Intel, Qualcomm, Devices, JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, BlackRock, Management, Thomson Locations: New York City, U.S, China, Israel, Palestinian, Gaza, United States, Tel Aviv, Wells Fargo, Bengaluru

☆ Activist investor Peltz boost Disney stake, seeks board seat for himself -WSJ
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

A vehicle drives through the main gate at The Walt Disney Studios the day after the Writers Guild of America (WGA) announced it reached a preliminary labor agreement with major studios in Burbank, California, U.S., September 25, 2023. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsOct 8 (Reuters) - Nelson Peltz's Trian Fund Management has increased its stake in Disney (DIS.N) and the activist investor is expected to request multiple board seats, including for himself, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday. Trian is now one of Disney's largest investors with a stake worth upward of $2.5 billion after boosting its stake to more than 30 million shares, from roughly 6.4 million shares at the end of the second quarter, the WSJ reported. Trian thinks Disney shares are significantly undervalued and that the company needs a more focused board, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter. Disney and Trian did not immediately respond to a Reuters' request for comment.

Persons: Mario Anzuoni, Nelson, Trian, Peltz, Bob Iger, Urvi, Krishna Chandra Eluri, Savio D'Souza 私たち Organizations: Walt Disney Studios, Writers Guild of America, REUTERS, Management, Disney, Wall Street Locations: Burbank , California, U.S, Bengaluru

The Wall Street Journal was first to report Peltz's push for board seats. Disney had rejected Peltz as a possible board member. Disney has undergone a period of transformation, restructuring the company and streamlining operations to make the business more cost effective. In addition, Disney is laying plans to make its flagship ESPN sports network available via streaming at some point in the future. Facing trouble last year, Disney's board brought Iger out of retirement in November for a second turn at running the company.

Persons: Mario Anzuoni, Nelson Peltz, Mickey Mouse, Peltz's, Trian, Bob Iger, Peltz, Iger, Disney, Disney's, Ed Garden, Matthew, Josh Frank, Svea Herbst, Bayliss, Krishna Chandra Eluri, Savio D'Souza, Tomasz Janowski, Leslie Adler Organizations: Walt Disney Studios, Writers Guild of America, REUTERS, Walt Disney, Peltz's Trian Fund Management, Disney, Peltz, ESPN, Svea, Thomson Locations: Burbank , California, U.S, Disney, New York, Rhode Island, Bengaluru

☆ India tells X, YouTube, Telegram to remove any child sexual abuse material
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] A keyboard is placed in front of a displayed Telegram logo in this illustration taken February 21, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsMUMBAI, Oct 7 (Reuters) - India has sent notices to social media platforms X, formerly known as Twitter, YouTube (GOOGL.O) and Telegram asking them to ensure there is no child sexual abuse material on their platforms, the government said on Friday. The notices, sent by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY), emphasised the importance of prompt and permanent removal of any child sexual abuse material on the platforms. Telegram said child abuse materials were explicitly forbidden by its terms of service. The government, in the notices, also asked companies to take measures, such as content moderation algorithms and reporting mechanisms, to prevent the dissemination of child sexual abuse material in future.

Persons: Dado Ruvic, Rajeev Chandrashekhar, Chandrasekhar, Narendra Modi's, Shilpa Jamkhandikar, Shubhendu Deshmukh, Susan Fenton, Robert Birsel Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Twitter, YouTube, Telegram, Ministry of Electronics, Information Technology, Google, Reuters, Netflix, Disney, Thomson Locations: Rights MUMBAI, India, Bangalore

☆ India tells X, Youtube, Telegram to remove any child sexual abuse material from platforms
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] A keyboard is placed in front of a displayed Telegram logo in this illustration taken February 21, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsMUMBAI, Oct 6 (Reuters) - India has sent notices to social media platforms X, formerly known as Twitter, Youtube (GOOGL.O) and Telegram asking them to ensure there is no child sexual abuse material on their platforms, the government said on Friday. The notices, sent by the federal Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY), emphasised the importance of prompt and permanent removal of any child sexual abuse material on these platforms. Representatives for X and Google, which owns YouTube, as well Telegram did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. The notices also asked companies to take proactive measures, such as content moderation algorithms and reporting mechanisms, to prevent the dissemination of child sexual abuse material in the future, the statement said.

Persons: Dado Ruvic, Rajeev Chandrashekhar, Chandrasekhar, Narendra Modi's, Shilpa Jamkhandikar, Susan Fenton Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Telegram, Ministry of Electronics, Information Technology, Google, Reuters, Netflix, Disney, Thomson Locations: Rights MUMBAI, India

☆ Disney in talks with Adani, Sun TV to sell India assets -Bloomberg News
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Disney is exploring various possibilities, including selling some of its Indian operations or a mix of assets from the unit, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter. Disney, Sun TV and the Gautam Adani-controlled Adani group did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment. Disney was exploring options to sell or find a joint venture partner for its India digital and TV business, Reuters reported in July. Disney has faced increasing pressure due to the emergence of Reliance Industries' (RELI.NS) streaming platform JioCinema, run by Asia's richest man, Mukesh Ambani. Ambani has been marketing his streaming platform by offering free access to the Indian Premier League cricket tournament, digital rights of which were earlier with Disney.

Persons: Dado Ruvic, Gautam Adani, Kalanithi Maran, Gautam, Disney, Mukesh Ambani, Ambani, Navamya Ganesh, Savio D'Souza Organizations: Disney, REUTERS, Rights, Sun TV Network, Bloomberg, Sun TV, Reuters, Reliance Industries, Indian Premier League cricket, Thomson Locations: India, Bengaluru

☆ Disney to offer discounts on children's tickets at theme parks
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Brendan McDermid//File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsOct 4 (Reuters) - Walt Disney (DIS.N) said on Wednesday it will offer discounts on ticket prices for children at its theme parks for a limited period as it looks to boost traffic. Disney CEO Bob Iger said in August during the third-quarter earnings conference call that the California-based company had seen "softer performance" at Walt Disney World, a part of its parks business, in Orlando. Although, Iger described the parks as "a tremendous business" and said Walt Disney World was still performing well above pre-pandemic levels. The company last month said it would nearly double its capital expenditure for its parks business to about $60 billion over the next 10 years. Walt Disney World will also introduce a package offer on Nov. 14 for families with discounted children's tickets for theme parks and dining plans, which can be used from March 3 through June 30 next year.

Persons: Brendan McDermid, Walt Disney, Bob Iger, Iger, Walt, Akash Sriram, Samrhitha, Shinjini Organizations: Walt Disney Company, New York Stock Exchange, REUTERS, Disney, Walt Disney, Thomson Locations: New York, U.S, COVID, California, Orlando, Bengaluru

REUTERS/Issei Kato/file photo Acquire Licensing RightsTOKYO, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Sony Group (6758.T) is increasing its focus on the virtual production business where it is seeing market-beating growth, a company executive said, riding on the strength of the Japanese entertainment conglomerate's technology. The business, which offers virtual production facilities to filmmakers and broadcasters, involves using a wall of light-emitting diode (LED) panels displaying images - a science-fiction landscape or a downtown cityscape - that are integrated into the scene as it is shot. "It's because we have the hardware that we can recreate in the virtual world," Yasuharu Nomura, Sony's head of virtual production, said in an interview. Sony says its virtual production business is growing by around 35% annually, faster than the overall market, with an increasing proportion of sales expected to come from services. Virtual production technology gained attention after its use in science-fiction show "The Mandalorian" from Walt Disney (DIS.N), which used in-house visual effects firm Industrial Light & Magic.

Persons: Issei Kato, Yasuharu Nomura, Walt Disney, Kota Ezawa, Sam Nussey, Miho Uranaka, Muralikumar Organizations: Sony, REUTERS, Rights, Sony Group, Hollywood, Epic Games, Citigroup, Thomson Locations: Tokyo, Japan

☆ Hollywood studios, actors on strike to resume talks next week
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

SAG-AFTRA actors and Writers Guild of America (WGA) writers walk the picket line outside Disney Studios in Burbank, California, U.S., July 25, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSept 27 (Reuters) - Hollywood studios and negotiators for Hollywood actors on strike will hold talks on Oct. 2, both side said in a joint statement on Wednesday, in the first such meeting in months. The SAG-AFTRA actors union, Hollywood's largest with 160,000 members, walked off the job in July asking for higher pay and for curbs on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in entertainment, demands similar to Hollywood writers. Other demands from actors include limits on self-taped auditions used in casting, which they argue are more costly than in-person readings. They also want hair and makeup artists who can work with various hair textures and skin tones, to ensure equity for all performers.

Persons: Mike Blake, Walt Disney, AFTRA, Urvi, Himani Sarkar, Miral Organizations: Writers Guild of America, Disney Studios, REUTERS, Hollywood, SAG, Alliance, Television Producers, Walt, Netflix, Thomson Locations: Burbank , California, U.S, Bengaluru

SAG-AFTRA actors and Writers Guild of America (WGA) writers walk the picket line outside Disney Studios in Burbank, California, U.S., July 25, 2023. Writers and actors share common concerns, including the desire for higher pay and for curbs on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in entertainment. The Writers Guild of America (WGA), which went on strike May 2, reached a tentative deal with studios Sunday. Negotiators for the SAG-AFTRA actors' union have not held talks with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which represents Walt Disney (DIS.N), Netflix (NFLX.O) and other studios, since this summer. As with writers, actors are looking for compensation that reflects the value they bring to streaming, specifically, in the form of revenue sharing.

Persons: Mike Blake, Mel Shimkovitz, Walt Disney, AFTRA, Pedro Pascal, Bob Odenkirk, We're, Lisa Richwine, Dawn Chmielewski, Rollo Ross, Miral Organizations: Writers Guild of America, Disney Studios, REUTERS, Guild of America, Netflix, WGA, SAG, Alliance, Television Producers, Walt, Entertainment, Thomson Locations: Burbank , California, U.S, Los Angeles

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