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☆ Warner Bros Discovery unveils its revamped 'Max' streaming service
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-12 | by ( Dawn Chmielewski | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

April 12 - Warner Bros Discovery Inc(WBD.O) said on Wednesday it will launch on May 23 its long-awaited new streaming service, christened "Max", which combines HBO Max's scripted entertainment with Discovery's reality shows. The opportunity to better capitalize on the streaming video revolution was one of the justifications for the merger of Discovery and WarnerMedia in 2022. "We are not trying to win the direct-to-consumer spending war," Zaslav assured investors, shortly after the merger was finalized. Zaslav repudiated his predecessor's COVID-19 era strategy of releasing new movies simultaneously in theaters and in the home, via HBO Max. Instead, Warner Bros films would enjoy a traditional theatrical release, and reap box office proceeds, before becoming available on the streaming service.

☆ Warner Bros Discovery unveils revamped 'Max' in push for streaming growth
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-12 | by ( Dawn Chmielewski | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Warner Bros Discovery eliminated "HBO" from the name of the streaming service, which for some viewers connotes bespoke series but repels others. He repudiated his predecessor's COVID-19 era strategy of releasing new movies simultaneously in theaters and in the home, via HBO Max. Instead, Warner Bros films would enjoy a traditional theatrical release and reap box office proceeds before becoming available on the streaming service. It licensed some of these shows to other streaming services, as Warner Bros Discovery looked for new ways to monetize its film and television libraries. Like other media companies, Warner Bros Discovery has yet to turn a profit on its HBO Max and Discovery+ streaming services, though the company has reduced losses from them.

☆ Warner Bros Discovery reveals pricing, promotion, and content details of its new streamer, Max, as it aims to take on Netflix and fire up Wall Street
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-12 | by ( Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Called Max, the app will feature content from HBO Max and Discovery+. Discovery announced the details of its new streaming app on Wednesday, after much anticipation from Hollywood and Madison Avenue. The prices will stay the same for HBO Max subscribers, who will begin to be automatically ported over to the new service. Presenting the entire WBD content catalog on the combined streamer without diluting HBO's prestige factor was another challenge. HBO Max has greater recognition with younger consumers, according to a new Samba TV/HarrisX poll, which could help grow awareness for Discovery+.

Warner Bros. Discovery on Wednesday unveiled its new blended streaming service of HBO Max and Discovery+, called "Max." Warner Bros. Warner Bros. Discovery had more than 96 million global streaming subscribers, from either HBO Max, HBO or Discovery+, at the end of the fourth quarter.

☆ Harry Potter series, another 'Game of Thrones' prequel coming to Max streaming service
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-12 | by ( Lisa Richwine | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Neil Hall/File PhotoLOS ANGELES, April 12 (Reuters) - Boy wizard Harry Potter is headed to streaming television in a new series based on the beloved books by author J.K. Rowling. Warner Bros Discovery (WBD.O) announced the series on Wednesday as part of the company's plans for its Max streaming service, which combines HBO Max with unscripted programming from Discovery. The seven Harry Potter books have sold more than 600 million copies worldwide. Harry Potter fan blogs and actors including Radcliffe objected to her remarks. Other new shows coming to Max include a new "Game of Thrones" prequel, titled "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight," with author George R.R.

☆ A 'Harry Potter' TV series is in the works. Here's everything we know.
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-12 | by ( Olivia Singh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Warner Bros. Television is working on a scripted "Harry Potter" TV show. AdvertisementA "Harry Potter" TV show is in the works. AdvertisementThe series will be a 'faithful adaptation of the beloved original Harry Potter books'Rupert Grint, Daniel Radcliffe, and Emma Watson starred in the "Harry Potter" films. J.K. Rowling will serve as an executive producerJ.K. Rowling is the author of the "Harry Potter" book series. The show is eyeing a release in 2026Daniel Radcliffe as Harry in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone."

Persons: Harry Potter, —, Max, J.K, Rowling, Rupert Grint, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Casey Bloys, Evan Agostini, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley, Letts, David Heyman, Harry, David Zaslav, Zaslav, Channing Dungey, Kirsten Acuna Organizations: Warner Bros . Television, Warner Bros, Discovery, Service, HBO, Max, Business, Twitter, WB, Hollywood Locations: Los Angeles, WarnerMedia

☆ Warner Bros. Discovery unveils 'Max' super-streaming service
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-12 | by ( Oliver Darcy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

The new service, announced by CEO David Zaslav at a press event Wednesday, will launch May 23 and give consumers access to a large library of programming across Warner Bros. Discovery’s sprawling portfolio: Warner Bros., HBO, HGTV, Food Network, Cartoon Network, TLC and others. The ad-free version will cost $15.99, the price of the company’s existing HBO Max service. Warner Bros. Discovery's forthcoming "Max" streaming service Courtesy of Max“We are a global leader in sports and we are a global leader in news,” Zaslav said. Warner Bros.

☆ The Video Streaming Numbers Game Is Shifting
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-10 | by ( Dan Gallagher | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Warner has scheduled an event for this week to introduce an offering that will combine its HBO Max and Discovery+ services onto a single platform. Once it seemed there was never anything good on TV. Streaming has only solved part of the problem. Viewers certainly are awash in content: According to Reelgood, which aggregates data from streaming platforms, subscribers can currently choose from a total of 36,674 TV shows and movies among the nine largest subscription-based streaming services, at any time day or night. But quantity doesn’t mean quality; only 46% of those shows and movies are considered quality or high-quality offerings based on their IMDb viewer scores, according to Reelgood’s data.

☆ Here are Monday's biggest analyst calls: Tesla, Walmart, First Republic, Nikola, McDonald's & more
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-10 | by ( Michael Bloom | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Here are Monday's biggest calls on Wall Street: Bernstein reiterates Tesla as underperform Bernstein said more price cuts are coming for Tesla. Morgan Stanley reiterates Walmart as overweight Morgan Stanley said its latest survey shows Walmart+ membership is at a record. UBS reiterates McDonald's as buy UBS said the fast food giant is extremely well positioned. UBS upgrades Regions Financial to buy from neutral UBS said in its upgrade of the regional bank that it likes the company's balance sheet. Northcoast upgrades McDonald's to buy from neutral Northcoast said it sees improved profitability for McDonald's .

The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® Credit Card is still available as an upgrade from the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card or Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card . You can find Priority Pass lounges and restaurants by searching for your airport on the Priority Pass website or through the Priority Pass app. Priority Pass LoungesTypically, airport lounges in the Priority Pass network are off-limits to the general public unless you have access through a membership, airline ticket, elite status, or via a paid day pass. Priority Pass Restaurants, Cafés, Spas, and MoreIn addition to airport lounges, the Priority Pass network includes restaurants and cafés at airports like Houston (IAH) and San Francisco (SFO). Credit Cards With Priority Pass Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Is Priority Pass membership automatic when you open an eligible credit card?

☆ Hollywood film and TV writers are preparing for a strike. Here's how Disney, Netflix, and other entertainment giants could weather a work stoppage.
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-04 | by ( Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

The writers guild asked its members to authorize a strike, which would come at a risky time for Hollywood. Netflix, Amazon, and Disney have content stockpiles that could help them through a work stoppage. A Hollywood writers strike is looming at a precarious time for the media and entertainment industry. During that 100-day strike, more than 60 TV shows shut down and ratings and ad sales dropped. The landscape of entertainment options is "much more competitive than it was during the last writers strike," media consultant Peter Csathy told insider.

☆ Dish Network—and Its Customers—Are Still Reeling From Cyberattack
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-25 | by ( Will Feuer | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Dish Network has yet to say whether customers’ personal information was compromised in a recent data breach. About a month after Dish Network Corp. disclosed a cyberattack, the satellite-TV and wireless provider is still working to get all its operations up and running. Customers said they are still struggling to access certain services such as HBO Max and other third-party streaming services, get into their accounts and reach customer-service call centers. Millions of people are waiting for updates from the company on whether their personal information was compromised in the data breach.

Ever since it first released in 2021, it's been one of our top picks for the best smart display. If you're in the market for an Alexa smart display, the Echo Show 8 should be your first buy. Amazon Echo Show 8 Amazon's mid-range and mid-size Echo Show 8 is the best smart display in its current lineup. Everyone in your home will likely use a smart display a little differently. The Amazon Echo Show 8 is larger than the Echo Show 5, making watching videos a more enjoyable experience.

☆ Anheuser-Busch is launching an entertainment division with help from Oscar-winning producer Michael Sugar in a push to reach consumers who don't watch ads
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-22 | by ( Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Anheuser-Busch is building an entertainment division, Insider has learned, the latest big marketer to turn to Hollywood to reach consumers who are increasingly glued to ad-free streaming services. The AB InBev effort is under a new, unannounced entity called draftLine Entertainment, a part of its internal ad agency, draftLine. DraftLine Entertainment is being run by AB InBev marketer Lauren Denowitz as global studio head, reporting to VP Fábio Baracho. The world's biggest brewer, AB InBev is well known for its marketing. In the case of AB InBev, entertainment is a way to promote the beer category at large over any individual brand.

☆ 2 charts show how Disney+ is outpacing Netflix and HBO Max with ad-supported tier signups as streamers battle for new subscribers
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-17 | by ( Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

By its third month, 36% of new subscribers to Disney+ chose its ad tier, versus 19% for Netflix in its ad tier's third month. Disney+ launched an $8-per-month ad-supported tier, Disney+ Basic, on December 8, after Netflix rolled out a similar offering, Basic with Ads for $7 per month, on November 3. Antenna data compares Disney+, Netflix, and HBO Max signups in their early months. Disney+ and Netflix have much smaller proportions of their subscribers on the ad tier than other streamers, per Antenna data. AntennaThe shares of Disney+ and Netflix subscribers choosing the ad tier were still small — 3% and 1%, respectively, Antenna found.

☆ Clients like Taylor Swift and 'Euphoria' love my realistic airbrush tattoos. Here's how I built my business.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-16 | by ( Eboni Boykin-Patterson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

The way tattoos on-screen are commonly done in the entertainment industry is with a sticker. I didn't set out to airbrush tattoos, or to work in film and TV at allI started airbrushing when I was 8. Almost as soon as I started my tattoo business, I was in high demand. We started to get calls for A$AP Rocky, Zayn Malik, Chris Brown and moreI started developing my realistic airbrush tattoo business for film and television in 2009. I was credited this time, for my airbrush work on Fezco's Grandma, Kitty, on episode 1.

☆ From Disney and Netflix to Warner Bros. Discovery, which entertainment giants would be the winners and losers of a Hollywood writers strike
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-16 | by ( Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

A possible Hollywood writers strike is looming at a risky time for the entertainment business. A Hollywood writers strike is looming at a precarious time for the media and entertainment industry. During that 100-day stoppage, more than 60 TV shows shut down and ratings and ad sales dropped. The landscape of entertainment options is "much more competitive than it was during the last writers strike," media consultant Peter Csathy told insider. Paramount also has an extensive live sports offering, which should offer some insulation if writers go on strike.

☆ 'Navalny,' portrait of Kremlin critic, wins best documentary Oscar
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-13 | by ( Mary Milliken | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/3] A still image taken from video footage shows law enforcement officers speaking with Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny before leading him away at Sheremetyevo airport in Moscow, Russia January 17, 2021. REUTERS/Reuters TV/File PhotoLOS ANGELES, March 12 (Reuters) - The film "Navalny" about the poisoning that nearly killed Alexei Navalny, Russia's most prominent opposition leader, and his detention upon his 2021 return to Moscow, won the Oscar for best feature documentary on Sunday. In the documentary, Navalny works with investigative news outlet Bellingcat and they unmask FSB agents sent to poison Navalny in 2020. He decides to return to Russia in January 2021 with Yulia and throngs of supporters await his arrival. At the end of the film, Navalny is asked what his message would be to the Russian people if he were killed.

☆ Streamers are spending big on sports rights from soccer to MMA, and a surge in Spanish-language viewing has 'opened up a whole different market'
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-13 | by ( Claire Atkinson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Fox scored 16.7 million viewers for the World Cup final in November; Peacock had 9 million for its Spanish-language coverage. Soccer's UEFA Champions League offers the next big Spanish-language rights opportunity. "The World Cup has opened up a whole different market for Spanish-language rights," said one sports exec. That gives Peacock Spanish-language streaming rights to this year's FIFA Women's World Cup along with the men's World Cup in 2026, which is being co-hosted in Canada, Mexico, and the US. "Spanish-language rights have been going up consistently," Irwin Raij, the co-chair of law firm Sidley Austin's entertainment, sports, and media group, told Insider.

☆ Ron Howard and Brian Grazer's LinkedIn for Hollywood workers, which just raised $15 million, is disrupting how productions are staffed at Warner Bros, Paramount, and more
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-10 | by ( Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Ron Howard and Brian Grazer's Impact, a LinkedIn-like platform for Hollywood, recently raised $15 million. Hiring below-the-line crew members has largely been an offline process based on personal networks, Impact CEO Tyler Mitchell said. "We would have to find where the productions are, and more than anything, get people, whether they're independent films or other productions, using our products," he said. "I don't think there's a scenario where people will be using Impact to source 100 percent of a crew. The company has a database of 1.3 million people, including 30,000 crew members who are active users.

☆ You can finally change the size of Netflix's subtitles on your TV
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-10 | by ( Grace Mayer | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Subscribers can tailor subtitle text size and select between four text styles. Subscribers will be able to adjust subtitle text size to small, medium, or large, and choose among four text colors and styles, including: drop shadow (the default white text), dark (white text on a black background), contrast (yellow text on a black background), and light (black text on a white background). These customizable options are also similar to those offered by other streaming platforms including Disney Plus, Hulu, HBO Max, and Amazon's Prime Video. But this update could also remedy complaints about poor audio quality on streaming platforms. According to the same survey, 50% of Americans watch content with subtitles, and 62% used subtitles more on streaming platforms than on regular TV.

☆ The next big prize in sports streaming will be Spanish-language rights to soccer and more — here's why NBCUniversal's Peacock has a running start
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( Claire Atkinson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Like the original movie, "Avatar: The Way of Water" is directed by James Cameron ("Titanic"). How to watch 'Avatar: The Way of Water'"Avatar: The Way of Water" is currently only available to watch in theaters, so you can't purchase or stream the movie at home just yet. When will 'Avatar: The Way of Water' be available to watch at home? You can watch "Avatar: The Way of Water" at home starting March 28. The sequel repeats one of the biggest draws of the first "Avatar" movie in terms of being a groundbreaking visual spectacle.

Diverse creators are building incubators, their own production pipelines and venues where they can screen work and receive feedback and support each other. Of the 13,252 Oscar nominees since 1929, 6% are from underrepresented ethnicities, a USC Annenberg Inclusion at the Academy Awards report concludes. Located in Atlanta and Los Angeles, it creates collaborative spaces for diverse talent to support each other. As the most underrepresented group in the industry, Latino talent is also keen to change their narrative. There were 32 years without Latino nominees at the Academy Awards, with the most recent shutout in 2002.

You can stream the "Rocky" movies on services like Prime Video, HBO Max, and Paramount Plus. The sports drama series has grown to feature nine films, including six in the original Rocky Balboa storyline and three spinoffs about Adonis Creed. In the first two "Creed" movies, Adonis sets out to become the heavyweight champion of the world with Rocky's guidance and training. The six original "Rocky" films and the first two "Creed" movies are all available to stream, rent, or purchase online. Where to watch 'Rocky' moviesAll six "Rocky" movies and the first two "Creed" movies are all available to stream, and they're mostly spread across multiple services like Prime Video ($9/month), HBO Max ($10/month), Netflix ($10/month), and Paramount Plus ($5/month).

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