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# Italy Meets Hollywood

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## Posts

- [Lucas Museum of Narrative Art: Los Angeles Gets a New Home for Visual Storytelling](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/09/lucas-museum-of-narrative-art-los-angeles-gets-a-new-home-for-visual-storytelling/) - On September 22, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will open in Los Angeles. Founded by George Lucas and his wife, Mellody Hobson, the museum is taking shape in Exposition Park after a long and complicated journey: initially envisioned for San Francisco and later Chicago, the project has taken more than sixteen years to come
- [Creative Arts Emmys 2026: “Widow’s Bay” Leads with Eight Wins, Italian Talent Among the Honorees](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/09/creative-arts-emmys-2026-widows-bay-leads-with-eight-wins-italian-talent-among-the-honorees/) - The Creative Arts Emmy Awards kicked off the week of the 78th Emmy Awards in Los Angeles with two ceremonies, held September 5 and 6 at the Peacock Theater, primarily honoring the technical and creative categories that shape American television, from cinematography and visual effects to editing and production design, as well as selected performance
- [Meta Reaches Landmark Settlement Over Teen Safety, Setting a Potential New Standard for Social Platforms](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/09/meta-reaches-landmark-settlement-over-teen-safety-setting-a-potential-new-standard-for-social-platforms/) - Meta has reached an agreement with a bipartisan coalition of U.S. attorneys general to resolve one of the most consequential legal disputes over child and teen safety on social media. Approved by a federal judge on August 27, the settlement provides for payments of up to approximately $18 billion over ten years and, more significantly,
- [Martin Scorsese Named Honorary President of the Accademia del Cinema Italiano- David di Donatello Awards](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/09/martin-scorsese-named-honorary-president-of-italys-david-di-donatello-awards/) - Martin Scorsese has been officially appointed Honorary President of the Accademia del Cinema Italiano, the institution behind the David di Donatello Awards, Italy’s most prestigious film honors. The appointment, formally approved by the Academy’s Board of Directors on September 1, follows a proposal made by Italy’s Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli in agreement with the
- [The Dog Stars: Ridley Scott’s Italy-Shot Film Opens Theaters](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/08/the-dog-stars-ridley-scotts-italy-shot-film-opens-theaters/) - The Dog Stars, Ridley Scott's new post-apocalyptic feature starring Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin and Margaret Qualley, has arrived simultaneously on two sides of the Atlantic, bringing to the U.S. and Italian box offices a major Hollywood production largely shot in Italy. In the United States, the 20th Century Studios release opened on August 28 with
- [Stefania Ippoliti President Of Tuscany Film Commission](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/12/focus-stefania-ippoliti-president-of-tuscany-film-commission/) - Stefania Ippoliti, born in Florence, pursued her legal studies in her hometown and currently resides there while working. Since 2006, she has spearheaded the Cinema division and the implementation of regional policies for audiovisual production at Mediateca Toscana’s Film Commission. Formerly Italian Film Commission president, she now serves as the head of the Tuscany Film
- [A Record-Breaking Summer for the U.S.-Italy Box Office](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/08/a-record-breaking-summer-for-the-u-s-italy-box-office/) - There are summers that simply perform well, and there are summers that change the way an industry talks about itself. 2026 belongs firmly to the second category. Across North America and Italy, the theatrical business was carried by two very different kinds of event: The Odyssey, Christopher Nolan's original, filmmaker-driven adaptation, and Spider-Man: Brand New
- [In Conversation with Lorenzo Grasso](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/08/in-conversation-with-lorenzo-grasso/) - Lorenzo Grasso appears in the credits, but his name rarely gets a second glance. Yet he has been part of some of the most-watched productions of recent years: from Gomorrah (the series) to The Equalizer 3, and on films that have screened at Cannes, Venice, Sundance, and Tribeca. Born in Florence, he grew up on
- [Italian Talent Takes Center Stage This Festival Season: From Los Angeles to Venice and Toronto](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/08/italian-talent-takes-center-stage-this-festival-season-from-los-angeles-to-venice-and-toronto/) - Los Angeles has just wrapped its two most established short film festivals. The first to close was the 30th edition of the LA Shorts International Film Festival, followed shortly after by the 22nd edition of the HollyShorts Film Festival. Both events are Academy Award- and BAFTA-qualifying festivals, underscoring the role Los Angeles continues to play
- [Telluride Film Festival 2026 (September 4–7, 2026, Telluride, Colorado)](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/08/telluride-film-festival-2026-september-4-7-2026-telluride-colorado/) - Festivals such as Sundance, Toronto and New York publish their line-ups weeks ahead of the opening, complete with trailers and premiere dates. Telluride does not. Since 1977, the festival has withheld its program until the afternoon it begins — a policy with no equivalent among major events on the international circuit. Telluride is also careful
- [New York Film Festival, September 25-October 12](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/08/new-york-film-festival-september-25-october-12/) - The 64th New York Film Festival returns to Lincoln Center from September 25 through October 12, bringing to New York a carefully curated selection of some of the year’s most significant international cinema. Presented by Film at Lincoln Center, NYFF has occupied a distinctive position on the U.S. festival calendar since 1963: rather than functioning
- [Hollywood’s Big Bet on Video Game IP Meets a Shaken Games Industry](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/08/hollywoods-big-bet-on-video-game-ip-meets-a-shaken-games-industry/) - Hollywood is betting heavily on video game IP at the very moment the industry that creates those games is weathering intense turbulence, marked by layoffs, restructurings and consolidation. The result is a paradox that is reshaping licensing strategies and the relationship between publishers and audiovisual producers. In recent months, Microsoft’s Xbox division has announced the
- [78th Emmy Awards — September 5–6 & 14, 2026, Los Angeles](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/08/78th-emmy-awards-september-5-6-14-2026-los-angeles/) - The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards will take place on September 14 in Los Angeles, celebrating a television season in which established hits and new series are competing at the top of the awards race. The main ceremony will air on NBC, while the Creative Arts Emmy Awards — honoring many of the industry's technical and
- ["Quinn" at HollyShorts: the Italian short film competes at the HollyShorts Film Festival](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/08/quinn-at-hollyshorts-the-italian-short-film-competes-at-the-hollyshorts-film-festival/) - On Friday, August 21, at 7:30 PM, the lights of the TCL Chinese Theatre 6 in Los Angeles will go up on Quinn, a short film directed by Gianluca Mangiasciutti and Stefano Usberghi. It is the only entirely Italian title in the 2026 lineup of the HollyShorts Film Festival, now in its 22nd edition and
- [“Odyssey” and “Spider-Man” Rewrite the Summer Box Office](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/08/odyssey-and-spider-man-rewrite-july-box-office/) - There are months that simply perform well, and there are months that change the way an industry talks about itself. July 2026 belongs firmly to the second category. Across North America and Italy, the theatrical business found itself carried by two very different kinds of theatrical event: The Odyssey, Christopher Nolan's original, filmmaker-driven adaptation, and
- [2026 World Cup: Record Ratings in the United States and Strong Results in Italy](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/07/2026-world-cup-record-ratings-in-the-united-states-and-italy/) - The 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup, held across the United States, Mexico and Canada, concluded on July 19, 2026, delivering unprecedented viewership figures both in the United States and in Italy, underscoring the structural growth of soccer audiences in television markets not traditionally centered on the sport. In the United States, the final
- [Mamma, That's All Right: Two Italian Musicians in Tennessee at the LA Shorts International Film Festival](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/07/mamma-thats-all-right-two-italian-musicians-in-tennessee-at-the-la-shorts-international-film-festival/) - The LA Shorts International Film Festival, one of the most prestigious Academy Awards®-qualifying festivals in the United States, will host the California premiere of Mamma, That's All Right on August 5, 2026. The short documentary, directed by Valentina Signorelli and presented by NIAF and the Aurelio De Laurentiis Film Prizes, was selected from more than
- [Venice International Film Festival (September 2–12, 2026), Venice Lido, Italy](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/07/venice-international-film-festival-september-2-12-2026-venice-lido-italy/) - The Biennale di Venezia has unveiled the official lineup of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, presented at a press conference by Biennale President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco and Artistic Director Alberto Barbera. The full slate of titles set to take over the Lido from September 2 to 12 confirms the growing weight of Italian production within
- [Neon Acquires Global Rights to Luca Guadagnino's "Artificial"](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/07/neon-acquires-global-rights-to-luca-guadagninos-artificial/) - Neon has finalized a deal to acquire the worldwide rights to Artificial, the new film directed and co-produced by Luca Guadagnino. The project had previously been set up at Amazon MGM Studios, which subsequently decided to part with it, concluding that a different distribution partner would be the better fit for the film. Budgeted at
- [Fox to Acquire Roku in $22 Billion Streaming Deal](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/07/fox-to-acquire-roku-in-22-billion-streaming-deal/) - Fox Corporation announced the acquisition of Roku, Inc. in a cash-and-stock deal that values the streaming platform at approximately $22 billion in enterprise value, with consideration of $160.00 per share in a combination of cash and FOX Class A common stock. The agreement, unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, marks a
- [The Odyssey Opens to $17.6M in U.S. Previews, $39.8M Globally](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/07/the-odyssey-opens-to-17-6m-in-u-s-previews-39-8m-globally/) - Christopher Nolan is opening the weekend with above-average numbers. The Odyssey, his $250 million epic inspired by Homer's poem, has already accumulated nearly $40 million worldwide in just a few days ($39.8M to be precise), before the actual opening weekend has even begun. The figure breaks down into three distinct numbers: $17.6 million from Thursday
- [The Odyssey Conquers the Global Box Office](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/07/the-odyssey-conquers-the-global-box-office/) - The Odyssey, Christopher Nolan's new film released by Universal Pictures, closed its opening weekend with an estimated worldwide gross of $264.1 million, the biggest debut of the director's career, ahead of the opening results of Oppenheimer, Tenet, and The Dark Knight Rises. In the United States, the film grossed $124.5 million from 3,919 theaters. It
- [Televerse Festival (August 14–16, 2026, Los Angeles)](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/07/televerse-festival-august-14-16-2026-los-angeles/) - From August 14 to 16, 2026, Los Angeles will host the second edition of Televerse, the festival organized by the Television Academy, dedicated entirely to the world of television. The event will be held at the JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE, in the heart of the city, which for three days will become a meeting
- [In Conversation with Frank Scherma](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/07/in-conversation-with-frank-scherma/) - President and co-founder of RadicalMedia, the independent production company he built alongside longtime partner Jon Kamen, Frank Scherma is a leading figure in the entertainment industry. Under their leadership, RadicalMedia has partnered with some of the world's most iconic brands, including Apple, Nike, Mercedes-Benz, Google, and Coca-Cola, while expanding far beyond advertising into award-winning film,
- [The US Box Office Wins Back Audiences: Summer 2026 Compared to Previous Years](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/07/the-us-box-office-wins-back-audiences-summer-2026-compared-to-previous-years/) - U.S. movie theaters are in the middle of a season the industry has been waiting a long time for. As of June 28, the summer season's box office (conventionally measured from the first weekend of May through September 7, Labor Day) has already brought in roughly $1.8 billion, a figure just 2% off the same
- [Locarno Film Festival 2026: The Magic of Cinema Returns to Piazza Grande](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/07/locarno-film-festival-2026-the-magic-of-cinema-returns-to-piazza-grande/) - Running August 5 to 15, 2026, the Locarno Film Festival celebrates its 79th edition. The program features 233 films in total, including 8 international premieres and 17 titles in the International Competition. Opening the festival is Les Yeux Vertes, a French-Belgian-Swedish co-production by directing duo Fanny Liatard and Jérémy Trouilh. Italy is well represented. In
- [U.S. Box Office – July 4th Weekend 2026: "Minions & Monsters" Leads a Muted Independence Day](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/07/u-s-box-office-july-4th-weekend-2026-minions-monsters-leads-a-muted-independence-day/) - Traditionally one of the most lucrative windows on the American film calendar, this year's Independence Day weekend closed below expectations. Coinciding with the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding, the North American box office posted one of the weakest July 4th frames of the post-pandemic era — a result compounded by the
- [Italian Cinema: A New Deal to Unite Distributors, Theaters, and Film Commissions](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/07/italian-cinema-a-new-deal-to-unite-distributors-theaters-and-film-commissions/) - At Ciné – Giornate di Cinema, the summer industry gathering held every year in Riccione where Italian film distributors present their upcoming release slates to industry professionals, a major agreement was signed between three of the country's leading film organizations: ANICA (the National Union of Film Publishers and Distributors), ANEC (the National Association of Cinema
- [In Conversation with Alessandra Tarissi De Jacobis](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/06/in-conversation-with-alessandra-tarissi-de-jacobis/) - Alessandra Tarissi De Jacobis is an attorney qualified in both Italy and California, with over 20 years of experience in business and legal affairs for the entertainment industry. She works across the full life cycle of audiovisual projects, with a focus on international and independent productions. Her recent work includes projects with Guadagnino, Sorrentino and
- [Italian Global Series Festival, (July 3-11, 2026, Riccione and Rimini), Italy](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/06/italian-global-series-festival-july-3-11-2026-riccione-and-rimini-italy/) - Early July on Italy’s Adriatic Riviera means long days, warm evenings and full cinemas: in 2026, Rimini and Riccione once again welcome the Italian Global Series (IGS) Festival, turning the seaside cities into a summer hub for international television storytelling. Organized by APA ((Italian Audiovisual Producers Association) in collaboration with Cinecittà and supported by the
- [Google Backs A24 With $75 Million to Develop AI Filmmaking Tools](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/06/google-backs-a24-with-75-million-to-develop-ai-filmmaking-tools/) - Google is investing around $75 million in A24 in a deal focused on research and development of artificial intelligence tools for filmmaking, marking the tech giant’s first direct stake in an independent film studio according to reports from Variety and Deadline. The agreement involves DeepMind, Google’s AI research arm, which will work closely with A24’s
- [Videocittà – Agorà (July 10–12, 2026, Gazometro, Rome)](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/06/videocitta-agora-july-10-12-2026-gazometro-rome/) - Rome's Gazometro lights up again this summer for the ninth edition of Videocittà, the festival of vision and digital culture conceived by Francesco Rutelli. From July 10 to 12, under the title "Watercult 2026," this edition places water at its center — as natural resource, climate urgency and artistic inspiration — across immersive installations, video
- [The Indie Horror Surge: What the 2026 Box Office Numbers Tell Us](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/06/the-indie-horror-surge-what-the-2026-box-office-numbers-tell-us/) - Two first-time feature directors. A combined budget of under $11 million. Over $260 million at the worldwide box office. Summer 2026 has barely started, and the indie sector is already rewriting the rules. Backrooms, A24's adaptation of Kane Parsons' viral YouTube series, crossed $100 million domestically in just six days, a milestone that most arthouse
- [LA Shorts International Film Festival (July 30– August 12, 2026, Los Angeles)](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/06/la-shorts-international-film-festival-july-30-august-12-2026-los-angeles/) - Now in its 30th edition, the LA Shorts International Film Festival stands as one of the most prestigious and largest international short film festivals in the world. Founded in 1997, it is the longest-running short film festival in Los Angeles, and an official qualifying event for the Oscars®, the BAFTAs, the Goya Awards and the
- ["Produced By" Conference 2026 – The Future of Cinema Between Independence and the Studios](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/06/produced-by-conference-2026-the-future-of-cinema-between-independence-and-the-studios/) - The "Produced By" Conference is the annual gathering organized by the Producers Guild of America, held this year on the Universal Studios Lot in Los Angeles, a facility running entirely on renewable energy. A full day of panels, networking, and conversations among the leading voices of the American film and television industry. Among those in
- [MIA Market Doubles Down on Animation and International Finance at Cannes Unveiling](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/06/mia-market-doubles-down-on-animation-and-international-finance-at-cannes-unveiling/) - Rome's MIA, the International Audiovisual Market in Rome, used Cannes to announce one of the most significant structural evolutions in its twelve-year history. The message to the international industry is clear: Italy is open for business, and it wants partners at every stage of the value chain. The announcement came on May 18 at the
- [Filming Italy Sardegna Festival, June 18–28, 2026, Cagliari](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/06/filming-italy-sardegna-festival-june-18-28-2026-cagliari/) - The Filming Italy Sardegna Festival, conceived and directed by Tiziana Rocca, returns this summer for its ninth edition, to be held from June 18 to 28 in Cagliari and at the Forte Village resort. Now in its ninth year, the festival has established itself as a singular event in the international audiovisual calendar, distinguished by
- [Mike Hopkins, Head of Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios: 'Prime Video Is Profitable. And About James Bond…”](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/06/mike-hopkins-head-of-prime-video-amazon-mgm-studios-prime-video-is-profitable-and-about-james-bond/) - Mike Hopkins, Head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, is one of the most authoritative voices in the global entertainment industry. In a recent wide-ranging interview with Variety, he outlined a clear picture of where Amazon is headed — and why its strategy matters closely to European markets as well. The starting point is
- [Giffoni Film Festival (July 17-25, 2026 Valle Piana), Italy](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/06/giffoni-film-festival-july-17-25-2026-valle-piana-italy/) - The myth of Icarus lies at the heart of the visual identity for the 56th edition of the Giffoni Film Festival, scheduled from July 17 to 25, 2026, in Giffoni Valle Piana, in the heart of Campania. Artistic director Luca Apolito has chosen the archetypal figure of one who dares to fly beyond the known
- [Summer 2026 Begins: Memorial Day Box Office Results and Emerging Audience Trends](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/05/summer-2026-begins-memorial-day-box-office-results-and-emerging-audience-trends/) - The Memorial Day holiday weekend has long served as Hollywood's unofficial starting gun for the summer season — and the 2026 edition delivered results that warrant close attention from industry stakeholders. The numbers tell a story not just about individual films, but about a fundamental shift in how audiences are engaging with theatrical entertainment. The
- [The Horror Economy: How Low-Budget, High-Concept Films Are Reshaping the 2026 Summer Box Office](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/06/the-horror-economy-how-low-budget-high-concept-films-are-reshaping-the-2026-summer-box-office/) - Two first-time feature directors. Two micro-budget horror films. Over $200 million combined at the domestic box office. The summer of 2026 has barely started, and the indie sector is already rewriting the rules. Backrooms, A24's adaptation of Kane Parsons' viral YouTube series, crossed $100 million domestically in six days — a milestone that most arthouse
- [In Conversation with Fabrizio Mancinelli](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/05/in-conversation-with-fabrizio-mancinelli/) - Born and raised in L’Aquila, Fabrizio Mancinelli is a composer, songwriter, and conductor whose international career spans film, television, animation, and concert music. Trained at the “Alfredo Casella” Conservatory in L’Aquila and later at the University of Southern California, he studied with Academy Award winner Luis Bacalov and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Gian Carlo Menotti.
- [Hollywood and the Big Screen: A Renewed Commitment](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/05/hollywood-and-the-big-screen-a-renewed-commitment/) - Four intense days, seven major studios on stage, dozens of screenings reserved for exhibitors. The great annual American cinema convention CinemaCon closed a few weeks ago, with a message that sounded almost like a collective mantra: theatrical cinema is not dead — far from it. Sony set the tone from the start, with CEO Tom
- [David di Donatello Awards: ‘The Last One for the Road’ Leads 71st Edition at Cinecittà](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/05/david-di-donatello-awards-the-last-one-for-the-road-leads-71st-edition-at-cinecitta/) - The 71st David di Donatello Awards had one clear frontrunner from the moment nominations were announced: The Last One for the Road (Le città di pianura) by Francesco Sossai, which led the field with 16 nominations. The ceremony on May 6, broadcast live from Cinecittà’s new Teatro 23, confirmed the central role of The Last
- [The Vertical Drama Boom Begins to Attract Hollywood Talent](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/05/the-vertical-drama-boom-begins-to-attract-hollywood-talent/) - Over recent months, the "vertical drama" segment — scripted series designed exclusively for smartphones and consumed in vertical format — has been attracting growing attention within the U.S. audiovisual industry. Born in Asia, particularly in China, where dedicated micro-drama platforms have generated billions of views and new monetization models, the format is now entering the
- [Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery: The Merger Enters Its Final Phase As Europe Raises Its Voice](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/05/paramount-warner-bros-discovery-the-merger-enters-its-final-phase-as-europe-raises-its-voice/) - Less than three months after the signing of the definitive agreement at the end of February, the mega‑acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance has accelerated and is moving toward closing much faster than expected. On April 23, Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders approved the transaction, confirming Paramount Skydance’s victory over rival bidders – including
- [First Playable, June 10-12, Florence, Italy](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/05/first-playable-june-10-12-florence-italy/) - Preparations are underway for the eighth edition of First Playable, Italy’s leading business event dedicated to the video game industry, set to take place in Florence from June 10 to 12, 2026. Organized by IIDEA – the Italian Interactive Digital Entertainment Association – in collaboration with Toscana Film Commission and with the support of the
- [AWE USA 2026 , June 15–18, Long Beach, California](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/05/awe-usa-2026-june-15-18-long-beach-california/) - From June 15 to 18, 2026, the Long Beach Convention Center will host , one of the leading international events dedicated to augmented reality, virtual reality, wearable technologies, and spatial computing. Organized under the theme “I, Spatial – Humans Empowered by Spatial AI,” the conference will explore how XR technologies and artificial intelligence are reshaping
- [The Academy Rewrites the Rules of the International Oscar Race](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/05/the-academy-rewrites-the-rules-of-the-international-oscar-race/) - The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has approved one of the most significant regulatory revisions in recent years for the Oscar race, introducing changes that will also directly impact the International Feature Film category. The new rules will take effect with the 99th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 14, 2027. The most significant
- [Taormina Film Festival, June 10–14, Taormina, Italy](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/04/taormina-film-festival-june-10-14-taormina-italy/) - This June, the Taormina Film Festival returns for its 72nd edition — and it's shaping up to be one of the most compelling editions yet. Scheduled from June 10 to 14, 2026, the festival takes over the Ancient Theater perched above the Mediterranean, one of the most visually stunning venues in world cinema. Founded in
- [Cannes Film Festival, May 12–23 and Marché du Film, May 12–20, Cannes, France](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/04/cannes-film-festival-may-12-23-marche-du-film-may-12-20-cannes-france/) - The 79th Cannes Film Festival will take place from May 12 to 23 at the Palais des Festivals, with South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook presiding over the main competition jury. His appointment signals a rigorously auteur-driven edition: this year’s competition is dominated by international art cinema, with a markedly reduced Hollywood footprint. Veteran directors returning
- [Matteo Milleri Closes Coachella: "Anyma" Redefines the Live Concert Experience](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/04/matteo-milleri-closes-coachella-anyma-redefines-the-live-concert-experience/) - Matteo Milleri closed the Main Stage at Coachella, the iconic California music festival, delivering one of the most significant moments of the 2026 edition. The Italian-American artist and producer is the creative force behind Anyma, the project through which he has redefined what a live electronic music experience can be. His performance — built as
- [Riviera International Film Festival, May 5-10, 2026, Sestri Levante, Italy](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/04/riviera-international-film-festival-may-5-10-2026-sestri-levante-italy/) - Now in its tenth edition, the Riviera International Film Festival (RIFF) has established itself as one of Italy's most distinctive platforms for independent cinema, bringing together emerging directors, international producers, and industry professionals in the coastal town of Sestri Levante, on the Ligurian Riviera. The festival's tenth edition will open on May 5 with the
- [The New Four-Year Agreement Between Hollywood Writers and Studios](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/04/the-new-four-year-agreement-between-hollywood-writers-and-studios/) - Hollywood has reached a significant labor agreement. The Writers Guild of America (WGA), the writers' union, and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), representing studios and platforms, have concluded a new four-year collective bargaining contract, running from May 2, 2026, to May 1, 2030. Unlike previous agreements, which typically lasted three years,
- [“The Rookie”: A Contemporary Network Case Study in Gen Z Engagement](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/04/the-rookie-a-contemporary-broadcast-case-study-in-gen-z-engagement/) - “The Rookie”, ABC’s police procedural starring Nathan Fillion, has in the last two seasons turned into an industry case study for how a broadcast drama can still break through with younger viewers in 2026. Once framed as a classic “dad show” aimed at an older audience, it is now widely cited in the American trade
- [Mònde Festival of Cinema on the Pilgrim Routes, May 28–31, 2026, Foggia, Puglia](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/04/monde-festival-of-cinema-on-the-pilgrim-routes-foggia-puglia-may-28-31-2026/) - Now in its ninth edition, Mònde – Festival of Cinema on the Pilgrim Routes takes place in Foggia, in northern Puglia, from May 28 to 31, 2026. The festival is built around a straightforward premise: cinema and walking as complementary practices, both understood as forms of attention and discovery. Founded by artistic director Luciano Toriello —
- [David di Donatello Awards, May 6, 2026 – Rome, Italy](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/04/david-di-donatello-awards-may-6-2026-rome-italy/) - The 71st edition of the David di Donatello Awards —widely regarded as one of Italy’s most prestigious film industry honors — will be held on May 6, 2026, at Cinecittà Studios in Rome. The ceremony will be broadcast live on Rai 1 and hosted by Flavio Insinna and Bianca Balti, and will mark the inauguration
- [Cinecittà 2026: A New Chapter for Italy's Iconic Studios](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/04/cinecitta-2026-a-new-chapter-for-italys-iconic-studios/) - Founded in 1937 and long synonymous with the golden age of Italian and international cinema, Cinecittà is once again at the center of the global production map — and the numbers tell the story clearly. The most visible sign of this momentum came in March, when Netflix officially began production on its live-action Assassin's Creed
- [In Conversation with Stefano Gallini-Durante](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/04/in-conversation-with-stefano-gallini-durante/) - Based in Los Angeles, Italian producer Stefano Gallini-Durante develops projects across film and documentary while maintaining a strong connection with his native Italy. His producing credits include Voice from the Stone (2017), the gothic horror thriller shot in Italy starring Emilia Clarke, and the documentary En La Caliente: Tales of a Reggaeton Warrior (2024). His
- [US BOX OFFICE – Weekend Of April 4–6, 2026](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/04/us-box-office-weekend-of-april-4-6-2026/) - The Easter weekend delivered the strongest result of the year to date for the North American theatrical market, driven by the release of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (Illumination/Universal), which set the top opening of 2026 both domestically and internationally. The film debuted to an estimated $372.5 million globally, the highest-grossing opening since James Cameron's
- [Creators, Anime and New Mini‑Studios: The IShowSpeed Case](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/04/digital-creators-anime-and-new-mini-studios-the-ishowspeed-case/) - One of the most interesting signs of the ongoing dialogue between Hollywood and the creator economy comes from a project announced in April: an anime‑style series centered on IShowSpeed, a young YouTube star with tens of millions of followers worldwide. Behind the pseudonym IShowSpeed is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., a 21‑year‑old American streamer from Cincinnati
- [GDC 2026: A More Connected, Experience-Driven Festival of Gaming](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/03/gdc-2026-a-more-connected-experience-driven-festival-of-gaming/) - The 2026 GDC Festival of Gaming in San Francisco introduced a more immersive and interconnected format, placing hands-on experiences and real-time industry exchange at the center of the event. The Festival Hall became a key activation space for independent developers. The IGF Pavilion showcased award-nominated titles, while alt.ctrl.GDC stood out for its focus on experimental
- [InFocus: Puglia Returns to Los Angeles with NewFilmmakers LA, April 2026](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/03/infocus-puglia-returns-to-los-angeles-with-newfilmmakers-la-april-2026/) - NewFilmmakers Los Angeles — a year-round nonprofit organization dedicated to showcasing independent artists through monthly festivals and industry-focused programming, under the leadership of Executive Director Larry Laboe — returns with InFocus: Puglia, a program created by artistic director Silvia Bizio, in partnership with the Apulia Film Commission and with the support of Mònde – Festa
- [In Conversation with Roberta Sparta'](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/03/in-conversation-with-roberta-sparta/) - Founder and Creative Lead of Sparta Productions, a Los Angeles–based production company, Roberta Spartà develops and produces content for film, television, and digital platforms, with a particular focus on independent projects and stories that move between Europe and the United States. After a career as an actress — which led her to become the only
- [Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery: an agreed mega-deal reshaping the U.S. media landscape](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/03/paramount-warner-bros-discovery-a-mega-deal-reshaping-the-u-s-media-landscape/) - The announced acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount marks one of the most significant steps in the reshaping of the global audiovisual industry, but for now it remains a transaction still subject to regulatory approval and shareholder votes. Under the terms of the agreement signed at the end of February, Paramount Skydance plans to
- [When Micro-Dramas Beat the Streamers: The Battle Moves to the Phone](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/02/when-micro-dramas-beat-the-streamers-the-battle-moves-to-the-phone/) - In 2026, the center of gravity for serialized entertainment is shifting from the living‑room screen to the smartphone, and the clearest sign is the explosion of vertical micro‑dramas. According to the latest Omdia analysis presented at MIP London, US users now spend more time per day on micro‑drama apps than they do on Netflix, Disney+
- [SXSW 2026 March 12–18, Austin TX](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/03/sxsw-2026-march-12-18-austin-tx/) - From March 12 to 18, 2026, Austin, Texas will once again become one of the world’s most strategic meeting points for the creative industries as South by Southwest (SXSW) returns with a program that brings together film, television, music, technology and innovation on an unprecedented scale. Across seven days, SXSW will host more than 850
- [Blue Water Film Festival 2026 – March 19–22, 2026](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/03/blue-water-film-festival-2026-march-19-22-2026/) - The 7th Annual Blue Water Film Festival will take place March 19–22, 2026, across La Jolla and San Diego, continuing its mission as a U.S.-based festival dedicated to environmental storytelling and ocean. Founded in 2020 and presented by the non-profit Blue Water Institute, the event coincides with United Nations World Water Day and continues its
- [GDC Festival of Gaming: San Francisco Welcomes Italian Trade Agency Delegation](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/03/gdc-festival-of-gaming-san-francisco-welcomes-italian-trade-agency-delegation/) - San Francisco is once again set to become the global capital of interactive entertainment as the GDC Festival of Gaming returns March 9–13, 2026, for its milestone 40th edition at the Moscone Center. On this occasion, the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), in collaboration with IIDEA – the Italian Interactive Digital Entertainment Association – will lead
- [Los Angeles, Italia – Film, Fashion & Art Festival 2026 (March 8–14, 2026)](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/02/los-angeles-italia-film-fashion-art-festival-2026-march-8-14-2026/) - The 21st edition of Los Angeles, Italia – Film, Fashion & Art Festival will take place in Hollywood from March 8 to 14, 2026, with screenings and events hosted at the TCL Chinese Theatres – Screen 1, reaffirming its role as one of the most established international platforms dedicated to the promotion of Italian cinema
- [CinemaCon – April 13–16, 2026 – Las Vegas, NV](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/03/cinemacon-april-13-16-2026-las-vegas-nv/) - From April 13 to 16, 2026, Caesars Palace in Las Vegas will host CinemaCon, the leading annual convention dedicated to theatrical exhibition and global film distribution. The event is organized by Cinema United, the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 31,000 movie screens across all 50 U.S. states, underscoring its central
- [NAB Show – April 18–22, 2026 – Las Vegas, NV](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/03/nab-show-april-18-22-2026-las-vegas-nv/) - Scheduled to take place April 18–22, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the NAB Show confirms its role as one of the leading global events for professionals in broadcast, media, and entertainment. Organized by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), the show brings together decision makers, technology providers, and content companies across the entire
- ["You, me & Tuscany": Tuscany Reinforces Italy as a Strategic Destination for International Productions](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/03/you-me-tuscany-tuscany-reinforces-italy-as-a-strategic-destination-for-international-productions/) - Set for release in U.S. theaters on April 10, 2026, You, Me & Tuscany brings Italy to the heart of a romantic comedy conceived from the outset for an international audience. Directed by Kat Coiro (Marry Me) and distributed by Universal Pictures, the film follows Anna, a passionate chef who finds herself confronting love —
- [Los Angeles Moves to Streamline Film Production Permits](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/03/los-angeles-moves-to-streamline-film-production-permits/) - The Los Angeles City Council has unanimously approved a series of measures aimed at simplifying the city’s film production permitting system, in an effort to strengthen the region’s competitiveness as a global production hub. The initiative responds to growing concerns within the entertainment industry about the steady migration of film and television projects away from
- [Banijay–All3Media, a New Global Super Indie](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/03/banijay-all3media-a-new-global-super-indie/) - Banijay and All3Media will combine their businesses to create one of the leading independent production and distribution groups on the global stage. The deal, announced in early March, brings together Banijay Entertainment and All3Media into a single entity that will retain the Banijay brand and be jointly owned by Banijay Group and RedBird IMI. Based
- [U.S. Streaming Market: New Hierarchies in a Mature Ecosystem](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/02/u-s-streaming-market-new-hierarchies-in-a-mature-ecosystem/) - In just a few quarters, the picture of the U.S. streaming market has shifted again, confirming how mature, saturated and yet still fluid this ecosystem has become. Recent data points to a phase where the priority is no longer growth at any cost, but the ability to retain increasingly selective users in a context of overlapping offers
- [Legendary Actor Franco Nero Receives Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/02/legendary-italian-actor-franco-nero-receives-star-on-the-hollywood-walk-of-fame/) - Italian acting legend Franco Nero was celebrated this week with the unveiling of his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a milestone honoring a remarkable career spanning more than six decades and over 200 films. The ceremony took place on February 12, 2026, in front of the historic Montalbán Theatre in Los Angeles, where
- [Variety Highlights a New Generation of “Creators to Watch”](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/03/variety-highlights-a-new-generation-of-creators-to-watch/) - In its latest industry list, Variety spotlights a new cohort of emerging storytellers and creative entrepreneurs whose work reflects the rapidly evolving structure of the global entertainment business. The annual “Creators to Watch” selection identifies talent working across multiple formats — from film and television to digital platforms and creator-driven media ecosystems — underscoring how
- [Ben Affleck and Matt Damon Sign First-Look Deal with Netflix for Artists Equity](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/03/ben-affleck-and-matt-damon-sign-first-look-deal-with-netflix-for-artists-equity/) - Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have expanded the strategic footprint of their production company Artists Equity through a multi-year first-look deal with Netflix, positioning the company as a hybrid player operating across theatrical and streaming distribution. Under the agreement, Netflix will become the primary home for films developed by Artists Equity specifically for streaming, with
- [In conversation with Tony Neiman](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/02/in-conversation-with-tony-neiman/) - Composer, pianist, and arranger Tony Neiman trained in Italy with a strong classical and jazz foundation, earning degrees in Classical Piano from the “L. Perosi” Academy in Campobasso and in Composition and Jazz from the “Alfredo Casella” Conservatory in L’Aquila. After a long and well-established career in Italy as a concert performer and composer —
- [Warner Bros. Discovery: The Netflix–Paramount Battle Enters Its Decisive Phase](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/02/warner-bros-discovery-the-netflix-paramount-battle-enters-its-decisive-phase/) - Since our January overview, the battle for Warner Bros. Discovery has entered its decisive phase, turning what looked like a done deal with Netflix into a full‑scale bidding war with Paramount Skydance. WBD has now formally set a special shareholder meeting for March 20 to vote on the Netflix transaction, while simultaneously opening a seven‑day
- [GDC Festival of Gaming 2026: industry data and creative convergence ahead of the return to San Francisco](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/01/gdc-2026-industry-data-and-creative-convergence-ahead-of-the-return-to-san-francisco/) - The GDC Festival of Gaming (GDC) will return to San Francisco’s Moscone Center in 2026, reaffirming its role as a key global gathering for the game industry and an increasingly relevant point of connection with film, television, and the wider entertainment ecosystem. Insights from the latest State of the Game Industry survey highlight an industry
- [Academy Awards 2026 – March 15, Dolby Theatre, Los Angeles](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/02/academy-awards-2026-march-15-dolby-theatre-los-angeles/) - The 98th Academy Awards® nominations, announced January 22, 2026, offer an early view into one of the most competitive awards seasons in recent memory and signal strategic momentum for films, studios and distribution campaigns shaping the 2025 market cycle. According to Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, the nominations reflect both historical records and a diverse
- [Sundance 2026: Independent Cinema Amid Social Tensions, New Voices and a Cautious Market](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/01/sundance-2026-independent-cinema-amid-social-tensions-new-voices-and-a-cautious-market/) - Sundance 2026 confirms its role as a privileged observatory on the state of American and international independent cinema, but does so in a context marked by political and social tensions that directly enter the films' narratives and public debate. In the first days of the festival, the atmosphere in Park City is described as both
- [In Conversation with Sergio Vitaliti](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/01/in-conversation-with-sergio-vitaliti/) - Sergio Vitaliti has built his professional career within the Vivendi Group, developing solid international experience in finance within the entertainment sector. For more than five years, he worked at Blizzard Entertainment, where he served as Financial Director Europe, overseeing the financial management of European operations in a highly competitive global environment. He subsequently joined Vivendi’s
- [VIVA VERDI!: A Living Legacy, from Casa Verdi to the Academy Awards® Nomination](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/01/viva-verdi-a-living-legacy-from-casa-verdi-to-the-oscar-shortlist/) - VIVA VERDI!, the documentary set inside Milan’s historic Casa Verdi, has reached a major international milestone. The original song Sweet Dreams of Joy, with music and lyrics by Nicholas Pike and performed by celebrated soprano Ana María Martínez, has been officially nominated for the Academy Awards® in the Best Original Song (Music and Lyrics) category.
- [The Sale of Warner Bros. Discovery and the New Balance of the Global Audiovisual Industry](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/01/the-sale-of-warner-bros-discovery-and-the-new-balance-of-the-global-audiovisual-industry/) - The long saga surrounding the sale of Warner Bros. Discovery is now entering its decisive weeks and has the potential to profoundly reshape the balance of the global audiovisual industry. After months of behind‑closed‑doors negotiations and public twists, the WBD board has chosen to back Netflix, rejecting increasingly aggressive bids from Paramount Skydance and defending
- [NATPE Global & Realscreen Summit, Feb 2–7, 2026, Miami](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/01/natpe-global-realscreen-summit-feb-2-7-2026-miami/) - The NATPE Global and Realscreen Summit 2026, taking place from February 2–7, 2026 at the InterContinental Miami, stands out as one of the most significant weeks on the international calendar for the audiovisual content business. The 2026 edition will open with a moment of strong symbolic and cultural relevance: during the Realscreen Awards, Dr. Jane
- [Filming Italy Los Angeles 2026 (FILA), February 10-14, Various Venues, Los Angeles](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/01/filming-italy-los-angeles-2026-fila-february-10-14-various-venues-los-angeles/) - The 11th edition of Filming Italy – Los Angeles will take place in Los Angeles from February 10 to 14, 2026, reaffirming the festival’s role as one of the key platforms dedicated to promoting Italian cinema and audiovisual content in the United States. Created and directed by Tiziana Rocca, Filming Italy – Los Angeles is
- [Disney+ Moves Toward Microcontent Strategy in 2026](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/01/disney-moves-toward-microcontent-strategy-in-2026/) - After testing sports fans’ appetite for short-form content, Disney is preparing to bring microcontent directly into the Disney+ app. Announced at CES in Las Vegas, the initiative will see Disney+ integrate short, swipeable video formats starting in 2026, designed for quick, feed-style consumption within the platform itself, rather than as a standalone or social-only product.
- [Rainbow Takes Full Ownership of Geronimo Stilton, Accelerating Its Global IP Strategy](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/01/rainbow-takes-full-ownership-of-geronimo-stilton-accelerating-its-global-ip-strategy/) - Rainbow, the Italian group founded by Iginio Straffi and internationally known for franchises such as Winx Club, has established itself as one of the leading European players in kids & family animation, with activities spanning audiovisual production, licensing, consumer products, and digital entertainment. In recent financial periods, the group has accelerated its growth thanks to
- [HBO Max launches in Italy with premium series and Italian original productions](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/01/hbo-max-launches-in-italy-with-premium-series-and-italian-original-productions/) - HBO Max officially debuts in Italy on 13 January, marking an expansion of the Warner Bros. Discovery streaming presence in Europe and further integrating Italy into the global premium content ecosystem. The platform brings together HBO Originals, Max Originals, titles from Warner Bros. Pictures and Warner Bros. Television, DC Universe content, and live sports from
- [FIFA chooses TikTok as its partner platform for 2026 World Cup content](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/01/fifa-chooses-tiktok-as-its-partner-platform-for-2026-world-cup-content/) - FIFA’s decision to select TikTok as its partner platform for content related to the 2026 World Cup marks a significant moment in the ongoing transformation of global sports communication and digital storytelling. The agreement reflects a broader shift in how major international organizations approach audience engagement, placing platform-native, short-form content at the center of their
- [EnTech Fest, February 25, 2026, Los Angeles](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/01/entech-fest-february-25-2026-los-angeles/) - Organized by Digital Entertainment Group (DEG), EnTech Fest returns on February 25, 2026, at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles for a new edition dedicated to the future of digital entertainment. The event, now a key meeting point for the streaming, distribution and media technology community, brings together for one day executives, platforms, technology
- [Kidscreen Summit 2025, February 22-25, 2026, San Diego](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/01/kidscreen-summit-2025-february-22-25-2026-san-diego/) - From February 22 to 25, 2026, San Diego will host the Kidscreen Summit, a key event for the international kids & family content industry, bringing together each year leading decision makers from the audiovisual, licensing and digital platform sectors. The 2026 edition will take place at the Sheraton San Diego Resort, a waterfront venue overlooking
- [Avatar and the Global Box Office Outlook](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2026/01/avatar-and-the-global-box-office-outlook/) - The recent box office milestone reached by Avatar: Fire and Ash offers a useful reference point for assessing how Hollywood is entering 2026, amid the return of major franchises and an ongoing reassessment of streaming and distribution models. Avatar: Fire and Ash exceeded the one-billion-dollar threshold within fifteen days of release, generating approximately $300 million
- [December Box Office Confirms the Return of Event Franchises and Targeted Counterprogramming](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/12/december-box-office-confirms-the-return-of-event-franchises-and-targeted-counterprogramming/) - The latest U.S. box office weekend confirms December’s return as a battleground between event franchises and targeted counterprogramming, with Avatar: Fire and Ash acting as the primary catalyst for industry attention. The third chapter in James Cameron’s saga debuted with an estimated $88–89 million domestically and approximately $345 million worldwide, placing the opening at the
- [2025: the year of Italy’s boom and the rise of “creator-first” AI and niche strategies](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/12/2025-the-year-of-italys-boom-and-the-rise-of-creator-first-ai-and-niche-strategies/) - 2025 proved to be a year of consolidation rather than disruption. After a phase marked by aggressive subscriber growth and production peaks, the media industry shifted its focus toward new balances between economic sustainability, regulation, and technological innovation. On the one hand, the global race toward creators, artificial intelligence, and niche content reshaped the strategies
- [83rd Golden Globe Awards – January 11, 2026 – Beverly Hills, California](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/12/83rd-golden-globe-awards-january-11-2026-beverly-hills-california/) - The 83rd Golden Globe Awards will officially open the 2026 awards season on Sunday, January 11, broadcasting live from the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+ in the United States. Traditionally positioned at the start of the awards calendar and in close proximity to Oscar campaigns, the Golden Globes
- [Sundance Film Festival 2026 — Jan 22–Feb 1, 2026 — Park City, Utah](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/12/sundance-film-festival-2026-jan-22-feb-1-2026-park-city-utah/) - The 2026 Sundance Film Festival returns to Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, for what will be its final edition in the Beehive State before relocating to Boulder, Colorado in 2027, closing a decades-long chapter of independent cinema history in Utah. The festival’s transition marks both a celebration of its Utah legacy and an
- [68th annual Grammy Awards: Music’s Biggest Night Returns to Los Angeles](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/12/68th-annual-grammy-awards-musics-biggest-night-returns-to-los-angeles/) - The 68th Annual Grammy Awards will take place on February 1, 2026, returning to Los Angeles for an evening that celebrates excellence across the global music industry. Hosted at the Crypto.com Arena, the ceremony once again positions the city as the epicenter of music, culture, and entertainment at the start of the year. This year’s
- [CES 2026 — Jan 6–9, 2026 — Las Vegas, Nevada](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/12/ces-2026-jan-6-9-2026-las-vegas-nevada/) - CES 2026, taking place in Las Vegas from January 6 to 9, will bring the global technology community together at a decisive moment for innovation, technology and content creation. As the largest tech trade show in the United States — and one of the most influential technology events in the world — CES remains, true
- [Paolo Sorrentino’s La grazia: Italian Excellence on the Global Stage](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/12/paolo-sorrentinos-la-grazia-italian-excellence-on-the-global-stage/) - La grazia, Paolo Sorrentino’s latest feature, opened in U.S. theaters in early December 2025, making the film eligible for Oscar consideration across multiple categories. Premiering at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, the film earned a major accolade: the Coppa Volpi for Best Actor, awarded to Toni Servillo. With La grazia, Sorrentino returns to political
- [In Conversation with Len Amato](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/12/in-conversation-with-len-amato/) - Len Amato is an independent producer of film and television and the founder of Crash & Salvage. He began his career in New York as a freelance reader for Warner Bros. and Universal Pictures before becoming the first story editor at Tribeca Productions, Robert De Niro’s production company. He later joined Spring Creek Productions, where he served as President
- [Netflix vs. Paramount: The High-Stakes Battle for Warner Bros. Discovery](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/12/netflix-vs-paramount-the-high-stakes-battle-for-warner-bros-discovery/) - In recent months, the U.S. entertainment industry has been consumed by one of the most closely watched and potentially transformative developments in years: the possible acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Netflix, with Paramount mounting an aggressive counter-move that has ignited a full-scale contest for control of the company. The implications go well beyond the
- [“Playing God” Makes Oscar® Shortlist: A Historic Milestone for Italian Animation](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/12/playing-god-makes-oscar-shortlist-a-historic-milestone-for-italian-animation/) - With its inclusion in the 2025 Oscar® shortlist for Best Animated Short Film, Playing God by Studio Croma Animation marks an unprecedented achievement: it is the first Italian animated short to reach this stage of the Academy Awards® selection. The recognition caps an extraordinary international trajectory, including 180 official festival selections, 92 awards, and key
- ["Sandokan” Returns: How Rai Revives an Iconic IP for the Global Drama Market](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/12/sandokan-returns-how-rai-revives-an-iconic-ip-for-the-global-drama-market/) - With the revival of Sandokan, Rai brings back one of the most iconic intellectual properties in the history of Italian television through a new event series developed for both domestic and international audiences. Originally launched in 1976 - with Kabir Bedi in the title role and directed by Sergio Sollima- and based on the novels
- [“Joachim and the Apocalypse”: An Italian Visionary Film Bridging Theology, Technology, and Global Art Cinema](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/12/joachim-and-the-apocalypse-an-italian-visionary-film-bridging-theology-technology-and-global-art-cinema/) - Joachim and the Apocalypse, the latest feature by Italian director Jordan River and produced by Delta Star Pictures, has recently drawn international attention following River’s audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. The meeting came shortly after the announcement that the film has been submitted for consideration in multiple categories for the 2026 Academy
- [Spotify and the Podcast Landscape in 2025: Wrapped’s Top 10 and the Future of Audio-Video](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/12/spotify-and-the-podcast-landscape-in-2025-wrappeds-top-10-and-the-future-of-audio-video/) - Spotify closes out 2025 by reaffirming its role as a central player in the global podcast ecosystem. The platform’s annual rankings once again offer a clear snapshot of audience tastes and emerging trends, while pointing to new opportunities for creators, brands, and institutions across the media and entertainment industries. At the center of this narrative
- [SEG3 LA: Where Culture Meets Emerging Technology (December 10–12, 2025 — Los Angeles)](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/11/seg3-la-where-culture-meets-emerging-technology-december-10-12-2025-los-angeles/) - SEG3 LA takes place this December, serving as a forum where culture, entertainment, and emerging technologies intersect. The conference brings together executives, innovators, founders, and creatives from across media, gaming, music, sport, and consumer technology to discuss how technological change is influencing the global cultural landscape. Speakers include representatives from organizations such as Warner Bros.
- [YouTube and TikTok Overtake TV Among Young Audiences](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/12/youtube-and-tiktok-overtake-tv-among-young-audiences/) - According to Activate Consulting’s Technology & Media Outlook 2025, as reported by Variety in 2025, Generation Z in the United States continues to reshape its audiovisual consumption habits, confirming a structural shift that has been unfolding over recent years. The study finds that 43% of Gen Z prefer spending their entertainment time on YouTube and
- [Italy Takes Center Stage at AFM2025](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/11/italy-takes-center-stage-at-afm2025/) - At the American Film Market in Los Angeles, the Focus on Italy panel was held, organized by the Italian Trade Agency Los Angeles Office, in coordination with the Consulate General of Italy in Los Angeles and in close collaboration with the Ministry of Culture – Directorate General for Cinema and Audiovisual, the Association of Executive
- [How “Playing God” Took Flight: Domestic and International Strategies Behind a Global Festival Hit](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/11/how-playing-god-took-flight-domestic-and-international-strategies-behind-a-global-festival-hit/) - Playing God (2024), produced by Studio Croma Animation, is an Italian-French co-production led by Italy. The animated short film has already achieved an impressive global footprint, with more than 160 official selections and 80 awards across major festivals worldwide. Sayonara Film oversaw the Italian distribution, while Autour de Minuit handled the international rollout, positioning the
- [Interview with Attilio De Razza, producer of “Familia”](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/11/interview-with-attilio-de-razza-producer-of-familia/) - Attilio De Razza is one of the most established film producers in the Italian audiovisual industry. After an important chapter in comedy, television, and theatre production, he expanded his work into cinema, creating films that range from mainstream comedy to auteur-driven projects. Among his most notable titles are Indivisible (2016), It’s the Law (2017), The
- [Mayonézë: How a Vision-Driven Short Became a Serious Oscars® Contender](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/11/mayoneze-how-a-vision-driven-short-became-a-serious-oscars-contender/) - Mayonézë: a journey, a village, and a cry that finds its voice Mayonézë, the live action short film directed by Giulia Grandinetti and produced by Riccardo Neri for Lupin Films, is one of those projects that begin long before the first take. It originates from an unexpected detour, from the instinct to explore, from an
- [In Conversation with Gary Lucchesi](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/11/in-conversation-with-gary-lucchesi/) - Gary Lucchesi is one of Hollywood’s most respected producers and studio executives. After beginning his career at the William Morris Agency — where he became one of the youngest talent agents in the company’s history — he went on to hold senior leadership roles at Tri-Star Pictures and Paramount, overseeing landmark films including Ghost, The Untouchables, The Godfather Part
- [Italy to Bring a Strong Delegation at the American Film Market 2025](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/09/italy-showcases-a-strong-delegation-at-the-american-film-market-2025/) - Italy returns to Los Angeles for the 46th edition of the American Film Market (AFM), bringing a vibrant delegation of producers, distributors, international sales agents, and institutional representatives. Coordinated by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in collaboration with the Directorate General for Cinema and Audiovisual of the Italian Ministry of Culture and Cinecittà, this year’s
- [The New Era of Podcasts: The Audio-Video Hybrid Reshaping Entertainment](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/11/the-new-era-of-podcasts-the-audio-video-hybrid-reshaping-entertainment/) - In 2025, the U.S. podcast market is undergoing an unprecedented transformation. Once a purely audio format, podcasts have evolved into full-fledged video podcasts, no longer confined to traditional audio platforms but integrated into a cross-media ecosystem that includes YouTube, Spotify, TikTok and, increasingly, streaming services such as Prime Video, Hulu and Netflix. The shift is
- [Hollywood’s Big Bets: American Originals Headline AFM 2025](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/11/hollywoods-big-bets-american-originals-headline-afm-2025/) - At this year’s American Film Market in Los Angeles, US sellers are doubling down on genre-driven and star-powered cinema, presenting a slate that underscores both the global appeal and the commercial ambitions of American production. Among the most active players, Voltage Pictures stands out with a dynamic lineup tailored for international buyers as well as
- [Academy Awards – Shortlists Announcement (December 16, 2025)](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/11/academy-awards-shortlists-announcement-december-16-2025/) - December 16 marks one of the most anticipated milestones on the road to the Academy Awards: the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will unveil the official shortlists, narrowing the field of contenders in key categories ahead of the final nominations. It is a moment of great attention for the international industry, as it
- [43% of Gen Z Prefer YouTube and TikTok to Traditional TV and Streaming](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/11/43-of-gen-z-prefer-youtube-and-tiktok-to-traditional-tv-and-streaming/) - A new report from Activate Consulting, presented in the 2025 Tech & Media Outlook and highlighted by Variety, reveals a profound shift in the media consumption habits of younger audiences in the United States. According to the study, 43% of Gen Z prefer spending their entertainment time on YouTube and TikTok rather than watching traditional
- [Playing God: Arianna Gheller on the Journey of an Oscar-Qualifying Short](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/09/playing-god-arianna-gheller-on-the-journey-of-an-oscar-qualifying-short/) - Playing God, directed by Matteo Burani and produced by Arianna Gheller, is a 2024 animated short that represents an Italy–France co-production, with Italy as the majority partner. Produced by Studio Croma Animation, the film is distributed internationally by Autour de Minuit and in Italy by Sayonara Film, and has already achieved remarkable success on the
- [Netflix explores Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition, setting the stage for an industry-defining deal](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/11/netflix-explores-warner-bros-discovery-acquisition-setting-the-stage-for-an-industry-defining-deal/) - In recent days, the U.S. entertainment industry has seen a dramatic development: Netflix is actively exploring a possible acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, one of Hollywood’s most historic and influential studios. According to authoritative industry sources such as Variety, Deadline, Reuters, and IMDb, Netflix has retained Moelis & Co., an investment bank, to assess a
- [Bad Bunny to Headline the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/10/bad-bunny-to-headline-the-2026-super-bowl-halftime-show/) - Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2026, set for February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, with the event broadcast live on NBC, Telemundo, and streamed on Peacock. The Super Bowl continues to be the most-watched television event in the United States, recently surpassing 120 million viewers and drawing
- [Interview with Charlie Trainer, Stand-In Actor on Modern Family and Network TV Series](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/09/interview-with-charlie-trainer-stand-in-actor-on-modern-family-and-network-tv-series/) - Charlie Trainer is a stand-in actor who has worked on some of television’s most recognizable productions, including the long-running Modern Family and other network series. Trained in acting, Charlie brings a diverse background—from a degree in Political Science to professional experience in landscaping, hospitality, and media—to every role he undertakes. Fluent in Italian and highly
- [American Film Market (November 11–16) - Fairmont Century Plaza, Los Angeles](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/09/afm-2025/) - Italy to Bring a Strong Delegation at the American Film Market 2025 From November 11–16, 2025, ITALIA @ AFM brings the best of Italy’s screen industry to Los Angeles. Join producers, sales agents, and institutional partners for a full slate of market activity—project showcases, curated meetings, and practical sessions on co-productions, distribution, and filming in
- [Interview with Matteo Burani- Playing God's director](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/10/interview-with-matteo-burani-playing-gods-director/) - Matteo Burani on Stop-Motion, Art, and the Journey Toward the Oscars Playing God, directed by Matteo Burani and produced by Arianna Gheller, is a stop-motion animated short that has made its mark on the international festival circuit. With over 160 official selections, 80 awards, and three Oscar-qualifying recognitions — including Best Animated Short Film at
- [Exploring Venice Immersive with Co-curator Liz Rosenthal](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/10/exploring-venice-immersive-with-co-curator-liz-rosenthal/) - Venice Immersive is the section of the Venice International Film Festival entirely dedicated to works of virtual reality, augmented reality, and immersive arts. Established in 2017 as the first official competition for Extended Reality (XR) works within an A-list film festival, Venice Immersive quickly became an international benchmark for the experimentation and advancement of new
- [Italy’s Audiovisual Industry Grows to €16.3 Billion, Strengthening Its Global Role](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/10/italys-audiovisual-industry-grows-to-e16-3-billion-strengthening-its-global-role/) - Presented during the MIA Market in Rome, the Seventh APA Report on Audiovisual Production (October 2025) confirms the steady expansion of Italy’s audiovisual sector, which has reached a total value of €16.3 billion, marking a 9% increase over the previous year. The report highlights a sustained growth trajectory that has outpaced the national GDP, with
- [Interview with Francesco Costabile: with "Familia", Italy Heads Toward the Oscars](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/10/interview-with-francesco-costabile-with-familia-italy-heads-toward-the-oscars/) - Familia, the second feature film directed by Francesco Costabile, has been selected by ANICA (the Italian Association of Film and Audiovisual Industries) to represent Italy in the race for Best International Feature Film at the upcoming Academy Awards, which will take place on March 15, 2026. Premiering at the 81st Venice International Film Festival in
- [Torino Film Festival (November 21–29, 2025) and Torino Film Industry (November 20–25, 2025) Turin, Italy](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/10/torino-film-festival-november-21-29-2025-and-torino-film-industry-november-20-25-2025-turin-italy/) - In November, Turin will once again become the beating heart of Italian and European cinema with the 43rd edition of the Torino Film Festival (November 21–29) and the Torino Film Industry (November 20–25). These two major events, featuring screenings, industry meetings, and audiovisual markets, reaffirm the city’s dynamic and international spirit. Once known as “the
- [Sony Puts Gaming and Anime at the Core of Its Creative Strategy](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/10/sony-puts-gaming-and-anime-at-the-core-of-its-creative-strategy/) - Sony Pictures Television is setting its sights on the next era of global entertainment, identifying anime and video games as the key drivers of intellectual property in the years ahead. During his MIPCOM keynote, Sony Pictures Television chairman Keith Le Goy said the dominance of U.S. comic book universes such as Marvel and DC, which
- [Hotel Costiera Conquers Amazon USA: An International Success for Lux Vide and Made in Italy](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/10/hotel-costiera-conquers-amazon-usa-an-international-success-for-lux-vide-and-made-in-italy/) - The new global hit Hotel Costiera, produced by Lux Vide – one of Italy’s leading scripted production studios founded in Rome by Ettore Bernabei and now part of the Fremantle Group – together with Amazon MGM Studios, has reached the number one position on Prime Video USA in October 2025, as reported by Variety and
- [Taylor Swift Reinvents the Box Office with “The Life of a Showgirl”](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/10/taylor-swift-reinvents-the-box-office-with-the-life-of-a-showgirl/) - Taylor Swift has once again redefined the rules of entertainment with the launch of her twelfth studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” paired with the unconventional cinema event “The Official Release Party of a Showgirl,” held the weekend of October 3–5 and topping both the U.S. and global box office. A Non-Traditional Event This
- [Netflix enters the world of video podcasts: alliance with Spotify for 16 new titles](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/10/netflix-enters-the-world-of-video-podcasts-alliance-with-spotify-for-16-new-titles/) - Netflix is officially opening its doors to the world of video podcasts, marking one of its boldest moves in recent years. The streaming giant has announced a partnership with Spotify to bring to its catalog a selection of 16 video podcasts produced by Spotify Studios and The Ringer, the network founded by Bill Simmons. The
- [Venice Film Festival 2025 (August 27 – September 6, 2025), Italy](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/07/venice-film-festival/) - The official poster for the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, opening August 27, has been revealed. Created by Manuele Fior, it depicts Venice’s rooftops and chimneys floating in a fantastical setting, inspired by Fior’s desire to “lift the horizon upward above the rooftops…to an imaginary country visible to anyone walking the Venetian calli.” Set against
- [Big Screens, Big Questions: What Future for Theatrical Exhibition?](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/10/big-screens-big-questions-what-future-for-theatrical-exhibition/) - The theatrical distribution and exhibition market is undergoing profound transformation. At The Grill 2025 in Los Angeles – the annual conference organized by The Wrap, a leading trade publication in the entertainment industry – three top executives examined the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of cinema: Jeff Goldstein, President of Global Distribution at Warner Bros. Pictures; Andrew Cripps, Head
- [The Academy Museum Honors Carlo Rambaldi on His Centennial, as Alien Perspective Extends His Legacy](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/10/the-academy-museum-honors-carlo-rambaldi-on-his-centennial-as-alien-perspective-extends-his-legacy/) - The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures celebrates the centennial of Carlo Rambaldi (1925–2021) with an extraordinary retrospective tracing his entire artistic and technical career, running from October 30 to November 30, 2025. Universally remembered as the Academy Award–winning artist who created E.T. (1982) for Steven Spielberg, Rambaldi began sculpting three-dimensional works as a child, later
- [Interview with Gaia Tridente – Director of MIA |Mercato Internazionale Audiovisivo, Rome](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/09/interview-with-gaia-tridente-director-of-mia-mercato-internazionale-audiovisivo-rome/) - MIA – Mercato Internazionale Audiovisivo in Rome – promoted by ANICA (National Association of Cinematographic, Audiovisual and Digital Industries), chaired by Alessandro Usai, and APA (Audiovisual Producers Association), chaired by Chiara Sbarigia, and directed by Gaia Tridente – has become one of Europe’s leading hubs for networking, co-production, and the development of audiovisual content on
- [Pordenone Silent Film Festival (October 4–11, 2025), Pordenone, Italy](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/09/pordenone-silent-film-festival-october-4-11-2025-pordenone-italy/) - Since its founding in 1982, the Pordenone Silent Film Festival – Le Giornate del Cinema Muto has become the most important international event dedicated to the preservation, study, and celebration of early cinema. Archivists, scholars, musicians, and film professionals from around the globe—including regular delegations from the United States such as the Library of Congress,
- [After the Acquisition of Paramount, David Ellison Prepares Strategic Bid for Warner Bros. Discovery](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/09/after-the-acquisition-of-paramount-david-ellison-prepares-strategic-bid-for-warner-bros-discovery/) - In September 2025, the international media industry has seen a significant development with David Ellison, CEO of Paramount and founder of Skydance Media, reportedly preparing a bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, as highlighted by Reuters, Variety, Deadline, and The Hollywood Reporter. This possible acquisition represents a strategic turning point for the entire sector, with potential repercussions on market dynamics, streaming platforms, and
- [Will Gen Alpha Bring Audiences Back to Theaters?](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/09/will-gen-alpha-bring-audiences-back-to-theaters/) - For years, Hollywood has treated the movie theater as an endangered species. Bigger TVs, endless streaming options, and the rise of mobile devices seemed to consign the multiplex to nostalgia. Even Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos—long criticized for bypassing theaters—famously framed them as a fading institution. Yet new research suggests that the youngest moviegoers, Gen Alpha
- [MIA | International Audiovisual Market (Rome, October 6–10, 2025)](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/09/mia-international-audiovisual-market-rome-october-6-10-2025/) - From October 6 to 10, 2025, Rome will host the 11th edition of MIA | Mercato Internazionale Audiovisivo, reaffirming its position as one of the leading global gatherings for audiovisual professionals. Organized by ANICA (National Association of Cinematographic, Audiovisual and Digital Industries) and APA (Audiovisual Producers Association), and directed by Gaia Tridente, MIA stands out
- [Focus On Italy at the AFM 2024](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/11/focus-on-italy-at-the-afm-2024/) - After 44 years in Santa Monica, the American Film Market (AFM) has moved to Las Vegas, marking a new era for the largest U.S. market dedicated to international cinema. The energy of Las Vegas has infused fresh vitality into the event, which continues to serve as a premier platform for global deal-making and industry networking.
- [Los Angeles 2028 Approaches: “The Road to LA ’28” Brings Africa’s Olympic Dreams Into Focus](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/09/los-angeles-2028-approaches-the-road-to-la-28-brings-africas-olympic-dreams-into-focus/) - The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games are coming soon, and a new project is ready to show the journey of African athletes to people all over Africa. According to an exclusive report from Variety, the 12-episode docuseries “The Road to LA ’28” will air on free channels thanks to the African Union of Broadcasters (AUB).
- [Netflix Outlines Guidelines for Using Generative AI in Production](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/09/netflix-outlines-guidelines-for-using-generative-ai-in-production/) - As generative AI becomes increasingly integrated into creative and production workflows, Netflix has introduced a set of principles that clarify how these tools should be used and in which cases explicit approval from the company is required. These guidelines are not limited to directors and producers working directly with Netflix but also extend to external
- [Rome Film Fest (October 15–26, 2025), Rome](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/09/rome-film-fest-october-15-26-2025-rome/) - The Rome Film Fest returns for its 20th edition from October 15 to 26, 2025, once again transforming the Eternal City into an international hub for cinema, culture, and creative exchange. Hosted at the Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone, the striking cultural complex designed by Renzo Piano, the festival takes place in a venue
- [Lucca Comics & Games 25 (October 29–November 2, 2025), Lucca, Italy](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/09/lucca-comics-games-25-october-29-november-2-2025-lucca-italy/) - From October 29 to November 2, 2025, the historic and vibrant city of Lucca, in the heart of Tuscany, will host the 59th edition of Lucca Comics & Games, today recognized as the largest European convention dedicated to comics, games, and pop culture, and one of the most important international events for the creative industries. What distinguishes Lucca
- [AFI FEST 2025 (October 22–26, TCL Chinese Theatres, Los Angeles)](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/09/afi-fest-2025-october-22-26-tcl-chinese-theatres-los-angeles/) - Organized by the American Film Institute (AFI) — one of the leading U.S. cultural institutions dedicated to advancing and preserving the art of the moving image — AFI FEST returns for its 39th edition from October 22 to 26, 2025, reaffirming its role as Los Angeles’s leading fall industry event dedicated to international cinema. Hosted
- [A new Streaming Platform: FOX 1](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/08/a-new-streaming-platform-fox-1/) - Fox 1, the new premium streaming platform from Fox Corporation, launches with a bold strategy: focusing on live news, sports (including NFL), and the broadcast network that continue to drive linear TV audiences in the U.S. Priced at $19.99 per month, Fox 1 positions itself higher than most major competitors, delivering exclusive access to Fox
- [Interview with Michele Greco, the producer who brings together Italian and American talent](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/08/interview-with-michele-greco-the-producer-who-brings-together-italian-and-american-talent/) - Michele Greco is a widely respected executive producer and line producer who has built a solid reputation working in the main North American production hubs, such as Los Angeles, Atlanta, and major Canadian cities. Over the years, he has contributed to successful series such as Chicago P.D. (2013–2014), The Rookie, and Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist. He
- [Nielsen Data: A Pivotal Turn as Streaming Surpasses the Combined Total of Broadcast and Cable for the First Time](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/08/nielsen-data-a-pivotal-turn-as-streaming-surpasses-the-combined-total-of-broadcast-and-cable-for-the-first-time/) - The headline marks a truly historic moment in the evolution of how Americans consume television. In May 2025, streaming accounted for 44.8% of total TV viewership, surpassing the combined 44.2% share of broadcast (20.1%) and cable (24.1%) for the first time ever, according to Nielsen’s monthly report, The Gauge™. This milestone represents the largest share
- [Taylor Swift Sets Audience Record on Travis Kelce’s Podcast](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/08/taylor-swift-sets-audience-record-on-travis-kelces-podcast/) - Taylor Swift’s recent appearance on the “New Heights” podcast—co-hosted by her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, and his brother Jason Kelce—has set a new benchmark not only for music but for podcast media as a whole. The episode, released on August 14, drew staggering numbers: it peaked at 1.3 million concurrent viewers
- [Variety Entertainment & Technology Summit, September 25, Los Angeles](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/08/variety-entertainment-technology-summit-september-25-los-angeles/) - Returning for its sixth consecutive year, the Variety Entertainment & Technology Summit will once again take place on September 25, 2025, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles. Since its inception in 2020, as a response to the growing intersection between digital content, technological innovation, and entertainment strategies, the Summit has quickly gained prestige,
- [New York Film Festival 2025 (September 26-October 13), Lincoln Center](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/08/new-york-film-festival-2025-september-26-october-13-lincoln-center/) - The 63rd New York Film Festival (NYFF63), running from September 26 to October 13 at Lincoln Center, reaffirms its position as one of the world’s most prestigious showcases for international cinema. This year’s program features 34 films in the Main Slate and a rich Currents section presenting 16 features and 24 shorts from 28 countries.
- [COSM: The Future of Immersive Entertainment](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/08/cosm-the-future-of-immersive-entertainment/) - Immersive entertainment is transforming how audiences experience content, and COSM has positioned itself as a major player in this evolving sector. Founded in the United States, COSM develops Shared Reality spaces—venues where physical and virtual environments merge in real time. A distinctive feature of COSM venues is the seamless LED dome, measuring 26.5 meters (87
- [Emmy Awards 2025: The 77th Edition Live on September 14 – Nominations, Trends, and How to Watch the Ceremony](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/08/emmy-awards-2025-the-77th-edition-live-on-september-14-nominations-trends-and-how-to-watch-the-ceremony/) - CBS will broadcast the 2025 Emmy Awards, as part of the rotating system among the United States’ four major broadcast networks. In a television landscape where streaming platforms now command most of the nominations, media attention, and audience engagement, the Emmys’ return to a traditional network stage carries considerable symbolic weight. On one hand, it
- [Skydance Media Completes $8 Billion Acquisition of Paramount](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/08/skydance-media-completes-8-billion-acquisition-of-paramount/) - The Media Empire Changes Hands The legendary Paramount Pictures—once under the stewardship of its founding father Adolph Zukor and, for nearly four decades, controlled by the Redstone family through National Amusements—has been acquired by Skydance Media. This marks the end of an era in which the Redstones, most recently Shari Redstone, loomed large over the
- [Locarno Film Festival (August 6-16), Switzerland](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/07/locarno-film-festival-august-6-16-switzerland/) - Locarno Film Festival (August 6–16), Switzerland Celebrating its 78th edition, the Locarno Film Festival returns to the lakeside city on Lake Maggiore from August 6 to 16, 2025. Founded in 1946, Locarno has earned a reputation as a leading showcase for auteur cinema and emerging talent across the global industry. This year’s edition presents an
- [Italian Musician Roberto Tola Triumphs at the 2025 Hollywood Independent Music Awards](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/08/italian-musician-roberto-tola-triumphs-at-the-2025-hollywood-independent-music-awards/) - Roberto Tola was awarded Best Jazz Song at the 2025 Hollywood Independent Music Awards for his track Lightness. He also received nominations in the categories Latin Traditional for From Rio To São Paulo and Holiday for Christmas For Sale. This recognition adds to Tola’s growing international acclaim as a guitarist and composer with over forty
- [Cinecittà: A Strategic Renaissance Under Manuela Cacciamani’s Leadership](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/07/cinecitta-a-strategic-renaissance-under-manuela-cacciamanis-leadership/) - Under the leadership of Manuela Cacciamani, appointed CEO in July 2024, Cinecittà has entered a new phase of development rooted in strategic vision, cultural responsibility, and industrial renewal. A centerpiece of both Italian and international film heritage, the Roman studios have long represented a unique intersection of creativity and production capacity. Today, thanks to Cacciamani’s
- [Disney Giant Concludes 2025 Upfronts with Unprecedented Advertising Investments](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/07/disney-giant-concludes-2025-upfronts-with-unprecedented-advertising-investments/) - Disney Advertising announced it has completed its 2025-2026 Upfront negotiations, reporting overall volume as “consistent” with the previous year, despite significant growth in advertising sales for sports and streaming. Streaming accounted for more than 40% of Upfront volume, confirming its central role in Disney’s commercial strategy in a market where global ad-supported inventory is steadily
- [Surprise Move: Warner Bros. International TV to Join Discovery Global After Split](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/07/surprise-move-warner-bros-international-tv-to-join-discovery-global-after-split/) - In a move that surprised many industry observers, Warner Bros. International Television Production (WBITVP)—the London-based studio responsible for international scripted and unscripted productions—will not become part of the new Warner Bros. group led by David Zaslav, as initially expected. According to Deadline, WBITVP will instead fall under the newly formed Discovery Global, the international division
- [In conversation with Vicki Dobbs Beck](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/07/in-conversation-with-vicki-dobbs-beck/) - Vicki Dobbs Beck is the Vice President of Immersive Content at Lucasfilm and Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), focused on ILM’s award-winning Immersive Storytelling portfolio. With a career spanning over 30 years at Lucasfilm, she has contributed to some of the most iconic film franchises of our time, including Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, and Pirates of the Caribbean. A pioneer in immersive media,
- [Netflix and Amazon Are Redefining Television in France: The Era of Free Live Streaming Has Begun](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/07/netflix-and-amazon-are-redefining-television-in-france-the-era-of-free-live-streaming-has-begun/) - Following the recently announced deal between Netflix and TF1, France Télévisions has also stepped in by signing an agreement with Amazon Prime Video to bring its free-to-air channels to the platform. This marks a major shift in the French market — and potentially far beyond. The Netflix–TF1 partnership, described by co-CEO Greg Peters as “the
- [Davide Fiore on A Little Fellow: The Legacy of A.P. Giannini, Founder of Bank of America](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/07/interview-with-davide-fiore-director-and-producer-of-a-little-fellow-the-legacy-of-a-p-giannini/) - Davide Fiore is an Italian director, editor, and producer based in Los Angeles. Originally from Turin, he works in the audiovisual industry with clients including Amazon, Netflix, Apple TV+, VICE Media, and Ferrari. His portfolio includes documentaries, music videos, commercials, and short films. Fiore's latest achievement, the documentary "A Little Fellow: The Legacy of A.P.
- [Rome Hosts International Emmy® Semi-Final Judging for the First Time](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/07/rome-hosts-international-emmy-semi-final-judging-for-the-first-time/) - On July 4, Rome welcomed, for the first time, a Semi-Final Round of Judging for the International Emmy® Awards, one of the most prestigious international events celebrating excellence in television produced outside the United States. The event was promoted by Fondazione Roma Lazio Film Commission in collaboration with the Publishing, Media & Audiovisual Section of
- [Telluride Film Festival (August 29-September 1), Colorado, U.S.](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/07/telluride-film-festival-august-29-september-2-colorado-u-s/) - Now in its 52nd edition, the Telluride Film Festival has once again transformed the quiet mountain town of Telluride, Colorado, into a global hub for cinema lovers, industry professionals, and award-season watchers. Held from August 29 to September 1, 2025, the festival maintained its signature blend of elegance, discretion, and prestige, offering a carefully curated
- [California Expands Film & TV Tax Credit Program](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/07/california-expands-film-tv-tax-credit-program/) - “California is where filmed entertainment was born, and with this expansion, we’re making sure it stays here,” said Governor Gavin Newsom as he announced the historic growth of the state’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program. With the annual funding more than doubling—from $330 million to $750 million—California is reinforcing its position as the global
- [Are U.S. consumers still skeptical of generative AI in film and television?](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/06/are-u-s-consumers-still-skeptikal-of-generative-ai-in-film-and-television/) - According to a survey by Luminate, most U.S. consumers have tried generative AI at least once, but many remain skeptical about its use in creating entertainment content. 52% of Americans have used a generative AI app; 44% use it at least occasionally. Usage is higher among younger people, higher earners, and men. Despite this, interest
- [Whoopi Goldberg Joins Cast of Italian Soap Opera "A Place in the Sun" ("Un posto al sole")](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/06/whoopi-goldberg-joins-cast-of-italian-soap-opera-a-place-in-the-sun-un-posto-al-sole/) - Oscar-winning actress Whoopi Goldberg has officially announced that she has reached an agreement to join the cast of the historic Italian soap opera "A Place in the Sun" ("Un posto al sole"), produced by Fremantle and broadcast on Rai 3 since 1996. The announcement came through a video posted Friday on social media, filmed during
- [AVP Summit 2025, Audio-Visual Producers Summit – July 21–23, 2025, Merano, Italy](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/06/avp-summit-2025-audio-visual-producers-summit-july-21-23-2025-merano-italy/) - The fourth edition of the Audio-Visual Producers Summit will take place this year in the beautiful setting of Merano, from July 21 to 23, 2025. The Summit is a three-day event dedicated to the Italian and international audiovisual industry, bringing together representatives from some of the most prestigious production and distribution companies, television networks, digital
- [PunchUp Live, the “Shopify for Performers,” Raises $2.3 Million Seed Round to Expand Beyond Comedy](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/06/punchup-live-the-shopify-for-performers-raises-2-3-million-seed-round-to-expand-beyond-comedy/) - PunchUp Live, a ticketing and live entertainment platform focused on stand-up comedy, has raised a new $2.3 million seed round led by Social Leverage. The funding will allow the company to expand into new sectors such as music, magic, and live podcasts, while continuing to support comedians and live performers. The company had previously closed
- [The record launch of Switch 2 does not ease the uncertainties facing the video game industry](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/06/the-record-launch-of-switch-2-does-not-ease-the-uncertainties-facing-the-video-game-industry/) - With 3.5 million units sold in just four days, the new Nintendo Switch 2 marked the strongest global launch in the brand’s history. A result that represents a significant early success for the new generation of the hybrid console, in a period marked by economic uncertainty and the impact of U.S. tariffs on imported consumer
- [YouTube’s Television Dominance](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/06/youtubes-television-dominance/) - As major SVOD platforms continue to compete for dominance in the streaming market, YouTube has strengthened its lead in 2024 as the most-watched platform on Connected TV (CTV) in the United States, establishing itself as the top choice on large screens. According to Nielsen data, YouTube reached a 12.5% share of total U.S. CTV viewing
- [In Conversation with Pietro Scalia](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/06/in-conversation-with-pietro-scalia/) - The Art of Editing Is Listening to the Story Pietro Scalia is one of the most awarded and respected film editors in the international film industry. Born in Sicily and raised in Switzerland, he trained in the United States, where he earned a Master’s degree in Film and Theatre Arts from UCLA. After starting his
- [San Diego Comic-Con International (July 24-27), San Diego Convention Center](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/06/san-diego-comic-con-international-july-24-27-san-diego-convention-center/) - San Diego Comic-Con International will return from July 24 to 27, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center. Recognized as one of the most influential events in the global entertainment calendar, Comic-Con brings together a broad spectrum of participants across comics, animation, film, television, and digital media. With over 130,000 attendees expected, the convention serves
- [TUDUM 2025: Netflix's First Live Global Fan Event Broadcast from the U.S.](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/06/netflix-airs-its-first-tudum-live-show-in-the-us/) - For the first time, Netflix streamed its global fan event TUDUM live from the U.S.A., broadcasting directly from the Kia Forum in Inglewood, Los Angeles, transforming what was once an occasional in-person gathering into a full-scale entertainment show. Named after the sound that plays before a Netflix program begins (“tuh-dum”), TUDUM is both a celebration
- [Warner Bros. Discovery Will Split into Two Publicly Traded Companies](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/06/warner-bros-discovery-will-split-into-two-publicly-traded-companies/) - Warner Bros. Discovery has announced plans to split into two publicly traded companies through a tax-free transaction, with the goal of unlocking the full value of its diverse portfolio and enhancing operational agility in a rapidly evolving media landscape. The new Streaming & Studios company will include: Warner Bros. Television and Motion Picture Group DC
- [Live Nation Is Investing $1 Billion in 18 New Live Venues Across the United States](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/06/live-nation-is-investing-1-billion-in-18-new-live-venues-across-the-united-states/) - Live Nation is making a bold statement about the future of live entertainment, announcing a $1 billion investment to build or upgrade 18 new venues across the United States over the next 18 months. This expansion spans a variety of formats—from intimate clubs to large-scale amphitheaters—and targets mid-sized cities like Allentown (PA), Birmingham (AL), and
- [Giffoni Film Festival (July 17–26, 2025) – Giffoni Valle Piana, Italy](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/06/giffoni-film-festival-july-19-28-2025-giffoni-valle-piana-italy/) - Recognized as one of the most important and innovative cultural events in Italy and worldwide, the Giffoni Film Festival returns for its 55th edition from July 17 to 26, 2025, in Giffoni Valle Piana, a small town in the Campania region of southern Italy, just a few miles from the cities of Salerno and Naples.
- [LA Shorts International Film Festival (July 16-28)](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/06/la-shorts-international-film-festival-july-16-28/) - Recognized as one of the most prestigious short film festivals globally, the LA Shorts International Film Festival returns for its 29th edition from July 17 to 28, 2025, reaffirming its role as a significant platform for short-form cinema and a key meeting point for the international audiovisual community. Accredited by the Academy of Motion Picture
- [Google Launches Strategic Partnership with Director Darren Aronofsky to Advance AI-Driven Storytelling](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/05/google-launches-strategic-partnership-with-director-darren-aronofsky-to-advance-ai-driven-storytelling/) - Director Darren Aronofsky, known for films such as Black Swan and The Whale, has announced a new narrative project titled Primordial Soup, which will harness cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies to tell stories in innovative ways. The announcement coincides with Google’s launch of two new AI-powered tools: Veo 3—a video model capable of adding sound, dialogue,
- [Why AI Data Transparency Matters to Content Owners](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/06/why-ai-data-transparency-matters-to-content-owners/) - Companies developing generative AI models use massive amounts of training data. This often includes copyrighted content used without the consent or compensation of the rights holders. But little is known about exactly which works are being used, and that’s why many are now asking for more transparency. Several countries — including the UK, the U.S.,
- [Sicily and Sardinia Take Center Stage in Italian Cinema: Taormina Film Festival and Filming Italy Sardegna Scheduled for Summer 2025](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/05/sicily-and-sardinia-take-center-stage-in-italian-cinema-taormina-and-filming-italy-sardegna-scheduled-for-summer-2025/) - Italian film tradition will be showcased this summer thanks to two important film festivals, both under the direction of Tiziana Rocca, which are set to transform the Mediterranean islands of Sicily and Sardinia into international centers for cinema. Taormina Film Festival: 71 Years of Cinematic Excellence (June 10-14) The historic Taormina Film Festival will celebrate
- [Interview with the Italian Film Commissions Association. Insights from President Jacopo Chessa and Vice Presidents Alessandra Miletto & Fabio Abagnato on Italy’s Audiovisual Landscape](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/05/interview-with-the-italian-film-commissions-association-insights-from-president-jacopo-chessa-and-vice-presidents-alessandra-miletto-fabio-abagnato-on-italys-audiovisual-landscape/) - The Italian Film Commissions Association (IFC) is the national body that coordinates Italy’s 19 regional Film Commissions. The association promotes Italy as a strategic destination for both national and international audiovisual productions, representing the system’s shared interests and fostering cooperation among regions. Among its priorities are the training of local crews and the strengthening of
- [First Playable: the premier business event for game developers returns to Florence from 11-13 June 2025](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/05/first-playable-the-premier-business-event-for-game-developers-returns-to-florence-from-11-13-june-2025/) - The seventh edition of First Playable, the leading international business event dedicated to the video game industry in Italy, will be held in Florence from Wednesday 11 to Friday 13 June 2025. The initiative is promoted by IIDEA, the national trade association for the video game sector, and by Toscana Film Commission – Fondazione Sistema
- [Adapting Video Games for Film and TV: What Really Works?](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/05/adapting-video-games-for-film-and-tv-what-really-works/) - Adapting intellectual property born in the world of video games for film or television is a complex process that requires time, strategy, and a deep understanding of the target audience. Despite a few standout successes — like Minecraft, which grossed over $900 million worldwide — most projects struggle when transitioning from an interactive format to
- [Actress Natasha Lyonne Makes Her Directorial Debut with a Sci-Fi Film Featuring AI-Generated Visuals](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/05/actress-natasha-lyonne-makes-her-directorial-debut-with-a-sci-fi-film-featuring-ai-generated-visuals/) - Known for cult series like Russian Doll and Poker Face, actress and screenwriter Natasha Lyonne makes her feature directorial debut with Uncanny Valley, a project that blends science fiction storytelling with technological experimentation. The film will be produced by Asteria — the studio Lyonne co-founded — and will combine traditional filmmaking techniques with AI-generated visuals,
- [AWE USA 2025 (June 10-12), Long Beach, California](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/05/awe-usa-2025-june-10-12-long-beach-california/) - From June 10 to 12, 2025, the Long Beach Convention Center will host AWE USA 2025, one of the world’s most significant events dedicated to augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and spatial computing. The conference will bring together over 5,000 professionals from the sector—including developers, creators, investors, and business leaders—to explore the latest innovations
- [Tribeca Film Festival 2025: June 4–15, New York](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/05/tribeca-film-festival-2025-june-4-15-new-york/) - The Tribeca Film Festival 2025 will take place in New York City from June 4 to 15, reaffirming its role as a dynamic platform for cinematic innovation and artistic expression. This year’s edition opens with the world premiere of Billy Joel: And So It Goes, a deeply personal portrait of one of America's most iconic
- [Max reverts to HBO Max: quality over quantity, says CEO Zaslav](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/05/max-reverts-to-hbo-max-quality-over-quantity-says-ceo-zaslav/) - During the upfronts in New York — the annual events where major U.S. media companies present their upcoming programming to advertising investors — Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav stated: “Today, no consumer is asking for more content, but for better content.” With these words, he announced a decision that is sure to spark discussion:
- [The Sinners Case: A New Financing Model for Cinema](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/05/the-sinners-case-a-new-financing-model-for-cinema/) - Ryan Coogler’s vampire horror Sinners is making a strong showing at the box office, but what’s drawing even greater industry attention is the groundbreaking financial deal the director struck with Warner Bros.—an agreement that challenges long-standing studio financing norms and guarantees him revenue from day one of distribution. Let’s break it down. Sinners marks Coogler’s
- [Gen Z, Streaming, and Continuous Marketing: How Hollywood Is Preparing to Withstand Economic Challenges](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/04/gen-z-streaming-and-continuous-marketing-how-hollywood-is-preparing-to-withstand-economic-challenges/) - During the Variety Entertainment Marketing Summit, presented by Deloitte and held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, marketing executives from major studios and streaming platforms discussed new strategies to keep audiences engaged amid an unstable economic environment. Key points discussed included: Hollywood stands strong against the crisis: "We work in a business that we hope is
- [IIDEA Presents Annual Report Showing Significant Growth in Italian Video Game Sector](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/04/iidea-presents-annual-report-showing-significant-growth-in-italian-video-game-sector/) - The Italian Interactive Digital Entertainment Association (IIDEA) recently presented its Annual Report on the Video Game Sector at the Ministry of Culture in Rome, revealing substantial growth across multiple metrics. The key statistics from the report include: Market size: Total turnover: €2.4 billion (a 3% growth compared to 2023) Software segment: €1.8 billion (76.8% of
- ["Sinners" and the Historic Deal Behind It: Could This Be the Future of Hollywood?](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/04/sinners-and-the-historic-deal-behind-it-could-this-be-the-future-of-hollywood/) - Ryan Coogler's latest film "Sinners" has topped the box office with a solid $45.6 million opening weekend of April 18-20, 2025, marking the biggest debut for an original film since Jordan Peele's "Us" in 2019. The period horror-drama earned an "A" CinemaScore, making it the only horror film in over 35 years to achieve this
- [Clayton Townsend: Navigating Cinema from Blockbusters to Independent Stories](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/11/clayton-townsend-navigating-cinema-from-blockbusters-to-independent-stories/) - Production veteran Clayton Townsend took his first steps on a film set as a teenager. Born in 1961 in Cleveland, Ohio, he soon moved to New York and later Los Angeles to pursue his passion for filmmaking. His career spans cinematic classics with acclaimed directors like Oliver Stone (Born on the Fourth of July (1989),
- [Interview with Marco Spagnoli, Artistic Director of the Italian Global Series Festival: Italy’s Serialized Storytelling Goes Global](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/04/interview-with-marco-spagnoli-artistic-director-of-the-italian-global-series-festival-italys-serialized-storytelling-goes-global/) - From June 21 to 28, 2025, Rimini and Riccione will host the inaugural edition of the Italian Global Series Festival, a new international event dedicated to television series. Leading its artistic direction is Marco Spagnoli—director, journalist, and critic with extensive experience in the Italian audiovisual sector—whose most recent work, “Pino Daniele – Nero a metà”,
- [DEG EnTech Fest + Summer Symposium 2025- June 3, 2025, Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/04/deg-entech-fest-summer-symposium-2025-june-3-2025-skirball-cultural-center-los-angeles/) - The DEG EnTech Fest + Summer Symposium is an annual event organized by the Digital Entertainment Group (DEG), taking place on June 3, 2025, at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. This initiative merges two previously separate gatherings: the EnTech Fest, traditionally held at the beginning of the year, and the Summer Symposium, which
- [Digital Entertainment World 2025  – May 22, UCLA Palisades Ballroom, Los Angeles](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/04/digital-entertainment-world-2025-may-22-ucla-palisades-ballroom-los-angeles/) - Digital Entertainment World 2025: On May 22 in Los Angeles, the digital entertainment industry gathers at UCLA’s Palisades Ballroom Digital Entertainment World (DEW) is a major annual conference that brings together professionals from the media, entertainment, and technology sectors to discuss the latest trends and innovations in digital entertainment. Organized by Digital Media Wire, the
- [David di Donatello Awards – May 7, 2025, Rome, Italy](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/04/david-di-donatello-awards-may-7-2025-rome-italy/) - The prestigious David di Donatello Awards, often referred to as the Italian equivalent of the Academy Awards, will celebrate their 70th edition on May 7, 2025. Established in 1956 by the Accademia del Cinema Italiano, these awards have long represented the pinnacle of recognition for excellence in Italian and international cinema. The official nominations for
- [Tariffs and Media: Economic Impact Concerns Greater Than Direct Tariff Effects](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/04/tariffs-and-media-economic-impact-concerns-greater-than-direct-tariff-effects/) - The recent tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, which have triggered a global market downturn, will also impact Hollywood's film industry and the media sector in general. According to analysts, the damage won't be so much direct as it will be a consequence of a potential economic slowdown. "Tariffs won't cause much direct harm to
- [CinemaCon 2025: Luca Guadagnino and the Renewed Centrality of Theatrical Cinema](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/04/cinemacon-2025-luca-guadagnino-and-the-renewed-centrality-of-theatrical-cinema/) - From March 31 to April 3, Caesars Palace in Las Vegas hosted CinemaCon 2025, the leading annual event for the global film industry and theatrical exhibitors. The event highlighted tensions between studios and exhibitors due to a 10% decline in box office revenue during the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2024. Both sides placed
- [NAB Show 2025 | April 5-9 | Las Vegas Convention Center](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/03/nab-show-2025-april-5-9-las-vegas-convention-center/) - The NAB Show 2025, scheduled for April 5-9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is the premier event for professionals in the broadcast, media, and entertainment industries produced by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB). This year's show will focus on five key forces shaping the future of the industry: artificial intelligence (AI), the creator
- [Cannes Film Festival 2025 – May 13–24, Palais des Festivals, Cannes](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/04/cannes-film-festival-2025-may-13-24-palais-des-festivals-cannes/) - The Cannes Film Festival, now in its 78th edition, will take place from May 13 to 24 at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France. Widely considered one of the most prestigious film events in the world, the festival continues to celebrate and promote the very best of international cinema. French actress Juliette Binoche will
- [Netflix's Transformation Strategy: Strong Financial Results and New Revenue Streams](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/04/netflixs-transformation-strategy-strong-financial-results-and-new-revenue-streams/) - Netflix has demonstrated exceptional financial performance in recent months while implementing a significant transformation strategy focused on new subscription models, advertising, live content, and expanding into the gaming sector. Q1 2025 Financial Results Netflix reported revenues of $10.54 billion for the first quarter of 2025, representing a 13% growth compared to the same period in
- [Interview with Maura Delpero](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/12/interview-with-maura-delpero/) - Maura Delpero, an Italian director and screenwriter, is one of the most compelling voices in contemporary cinema. Her latest film, Vermiglio, has been nominated for Best Non-English Film at the Golden Globes. We met her in Los Angeles just days before the announcement, where she was promoting Vermiglio, Italy's official submission for the 2025 Oscars
- [Pumaisdue Represents Italian Excellence in Audiovisual Localization](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/04/pumaisdue-represents-italian-excellence-in-audiovisual-localization/) - The Italian dubbing studio Pumaisdue has received two nominations at the 2025 EGA Awards , the event promoted by the Entertainment Globalization Association that celebrates outstanding achievements in audiovisual localization. The EGA Awards were created to recognize the work of the professionals who adapt films and series for international audiences—voice actors, dubbing directors, translators, subtitlers,
- [Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Brings Hollywood to Favignana, Sicily](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/04/christopher-nolans-the-odyssey-brings-hollywood-to-favignana-sicily/) - Renowned director Christopher Nolan is currently in Italy filming his upcoming epic, The Odyssey, an ambitious adaptation of Homer’s classic poem. The production has turned the picturesque island of Favignana, off the coast of Sicily, into a full-scale Hollywood set, drawing a constellation of A-list actors and sparking strong interest both locally and internationally. The
- [How Creators Are Licensing Their Content to Train AI](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/03/how-creators-are-licensing-their-content-to-train-ai/) - An increasing number of independent creators are beginning to license their video content for the training of generative AI models, turning what was once a threat (unauthorized scraping) into a monetization opportunity. While most of the content used for training still comes from production companies and professional distributors, there’s growing interest in high-quality videos created
- [Does AI Work in Gaming—or Not? Variety Takes the Pulse at the Recently Concluded GDC](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/03/does-ai-work-in-gaming-or-not-variety-takes-the-pulse-at-the-recently-concluded-gdc/) - With rising costs and smaller teams, AI is becoming a hot topic across the entertainment world — gaming included. At the recently concluded Game Developers Conference (GDC), Variety’s VIP+ spoke with several professionals from the video game industry to understand if, and how, AI is truly helping their workS. According to Brian Ward, CEO of
- [GDC 2025: San Francisco, Video Game Capital, Welcomes Italian Trade Agency Delegation](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/03/gdc-2025-san-francisco-video-game-capital-welcomes-italian-trade-agency-delegation/) - The 39th annual Game Developers Conference (GDC) took place from March 17 to 21, 2025, at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, bringing together the brightest minds in the gaming industry. This year's theme, "Connecting the World through Games," reflected the increasingly global nature of game development and the power of interactive entertainment to
- [Interview with Daniele Truocchio](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/03/interview-with-daniele-truocchio/) - From Italy to Hollywood: A Composer’s Journey of Innovation and Impact Daniele Truocchio is a highly talented composer and social entrepreneur, renowned for creating captivating and emotive soundtracks. His mastery in blending tradition and innovation has established him as a standout figure in the international music scene. How did your journey lead you to the
- [Italian Global Series Festival  | June 21-28 | Rimini and Riccione, Italy](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/03/italian-global-series-festival-june-21-28-rimini-and-riccione-italy/) - The Italian Global Series Festival (IGSF) is set to debut from June 21 to 28, 2025, in the picturesque cities of Riccione and Rimini. This inaugural event, organized by the Associazione Produttori Audiovisivi (APA) in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Culture and the Italian Society of Authors and Publishers (SIAE), aims to celebrate and
- [Netflix and Crunchyroll: Kings of the Anime Boom](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/03/netflix-and-crunchyroll-kings-of-the-anime-boom/) - As global demand for Japanese anime and the manga that inspires it continues to rise, two key streaming platforms—Netflix and Crunchyroll—are increasingly dominating the international market. According to a recent Bernstein report, the two companies control over 80% of the global anime streaming market, which generated $3.7 billion in revenue in 2023. Crunchyroll, which has
- [GDC (Game Developers Conference), San Francisco | March 17–21, 2025](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/03/gdc-game-developers-conference-san-francisco-march-17-21-2025/) - The Game Developers Conference (GDC), the world’s premier event for video game development, will take place from March 17 to 21, 2025, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. This annual gathering is a cornerstone for professionals and businesses in the gaming industry, featuring a robust program of conferences, workshops, and networking opportunities to explore
- [Immaginaria Film Festival 2025  | April 11-13 | Cinema Nuovo Sacher, ROME](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/03/immaginaria-film-festival-2025-april-11-13-cinema-nuovo-sacher-rome/) - The 20th edition of Immaginaria – International Film Festival of Lesbians & Other Rebellious Women will take place from April 11 to 13, 2025, at the Cinema Nuovo Sacher in Rome. A landmark event in independent women’s cinema, the festival is dedicated to films by and about women, with a strong focus on lesbian and
- [SeriesFest 2025 | April 29- May 4 | Sie FilmCenter, Denver](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/03/seriesfest-2025-april-29-may-4-sie-filmcenter-denver/) - SeriesFest: Season 11 will take place in Denver, Colorado, from April 29 to May 4, 2025, celebrating the art of independent episodic storytelling. Since its founding in 2015, SeriesFest has established itself as a premier festival that attracts industry professionals, independent creators, and TV enthusiasts from around the world. The festival provides a unique platform
- [Italy in Netflix's Engagement Report: "Deceitful Love" Tops the Charts](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/03/italy-in-netflixs-engagement-report-deceitful-love-tops-the-charts/) - Netflix has released its latest Engagement Report covering the second half of 2024, providing insight into the platform’s most-watched content globally. The Netflix Engagement Report is a biannual report published by Netflix that provides detailed data on content consumption on the platform. This report covers approximately 99% of all viewing time on Netflix, offering a
- [Amazon MGM Studios Expand Theatrical Releases, Reinforcing Cinema's Role in Their Future Strategy](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/03/amazon-mgm-studios-expand-theatrical-releases-reinforcing-cinemas-role-in-their-future-strategy/) - At the 2025 South by Southwest (SXSW) conference, Amazon and MGM Studios unveiled their theatrical release plans for 2025, reflecting a growing commitment to the big screen. With an ambitious goal of releasing 12 to 14 films annually by 2026, the company is using 2025 as a transitional year to expand its international distribution and
- [Visionary Artist and Music Entrepreneur Veronica Vitale Secures $500K Deal with Hollywood Studios](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/03/visionary-artist-and-music-entrepreneur-veronica-vitale-secures-500k-deal-with-hollywood-studios/) - After 18 months of meetings and six months of negotiations, Veronica Vitale—an artist, composer, and music entrepreneur—has signed a $500,000 agreement with Hollywood studios for the production and marketing of her upcoming multimedia project, set for release in mid-2025. The project spans an album, docufilm, music film, and Japanese manga, addressing themes like cyber hate,
- [Hollywood Meets the Strip: Warner Bros. and Sony Bet Big on Las Vegas Film Hub](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/03/hollywood-meets-the-strip-warner-bros-and-sony-bet-big-on-las-vegas-film-hub/) - Las Vegas is set to make its mark in the entertainment industry as Warner Bros. Discovery and Sony Pictures unveil plans for Summerlin Studios, a large-scale film and television production campus in collaboration with Howard Hughes Holdings. This ambitious project signals a transformative moment for Nevada’s film industry, contingent upon the passage of AB 238,
- [An Oscars Night of Firsts, Triumphs for Independent Cinema, and a Tech Glitch](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/03/an-oscars-night-of-firsts-triumphs-for-independent-cinema-and-a-tech-glitch/) - The 2025 Academy Awards celebrated milestones and historic achievements, marking a night of firsts and a significant triumph for independent cinema. The independent film Anora dominated the night, winning five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director (Sean Baker), Best Actress (Mikey Madison), Best Original Screenplay (Sean Baker), and Best Editing (Sean Baker). Sean Baker made
- [<span class="notranslate">Filming Italy 2024 Industry Panel: The Renaissance of the Italian Audiovisual Industry & Its Impact on Italian Talent in the U.S." (Los Angeles, Feb 27th 2024)</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/03/filming-italy-2024-panel/) - Filming Italy Los Angeles returned in 2024 with the industry panel "The Renaissance of the Italian Audiovisual Industry & Its Impact on Italian Talent in the U.S." on February 27th, 2024. The event, organized by Tiziana Rocca Production in collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency Los Angeles Office, the Consulate General of Italy in Los Angeles,
- [SXSW 2025, Conference & Festivals, March 7-15, Austin](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/02/sxsw-2025-conference-festivals-march-7-15-austin/) - Celebrating the convergence of tech, film, music, education, and culture, South by Southwest (SXSW) is an annual event held in Austin, Texas, since 1987. The 2025 edition will take place from March 7 to 15, offering a dynamic platform for creatives, innovators, and industry professionals to exchange ideas, showcase new projects, and network. SXSW is
- [Filming Italy Los Angeles 2025, February 19-22](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/02/filming-italy-los-angeles-2025-february-19-22/) - Filming Italy – Los Angeles 2025 Celebrates Its 10th Edition, Strengthening the Italy-U.S. Creative Bridge The 10th edition of Filming Italy Los Angeles is set to take place from February 19 to 22, 2025, in Los Angeles, marking a decade of cultural exchange and industry collaboration. Created and directed by Tiziana Rocca (Agnus Dei) in
- [Hollywood, Representation, and Change: A Conversation with Madeline Di Nonno](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/02/hollywood-representation-and-change-a-conversation-with-madeline-di-nonno/) - For two decades, the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media has been at the forefront of advocating for on-screen representation. President and CEO Madeline Di Nonno has spent over 30 years in the entertainment industry, leading initiatives that promote equity and representation. Under her leadership, the Institute has conducted groundbreaking research, influencing Hollywood to
- [The Struggle to Keep Film and TV Productions in L.A.](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/02/the-struggle-to-keep-film-and-tv-productions-in-l-a/) - Los Angeles, once the undisputed epicenter of film and television production, is facing significant challenges in maintaining its status as the industry's primary hub. In recent years, a combination of high production costs, competitive tax incentives from other regions, and the global expansion of the entertainment industry have pushed many productions elsewhere. This trend has
- [Amazon MGM Studios Takes Creative Control of James Bond Franchise](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/02/amazon-mgm-studios-takes-creative-control-of-james-bond-franchise/) - Amazon MGM Studios has taken creative control of the iconic James Bond film series, marking a significant turning point in the franchise’s history. This shift comes after more than six decades under the stewardship of the Broccoli family, with longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson stepping back. Wilson has announced his retirement from
- [Los Angeles Italia Film Festival 2025](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/02/los-angeles-italia-film-festival-2025/) - February 23-March 1, 2025 TCL Chinese Theatres & Online on Eventive.org The 20th annual Los Angeles, Italia – Film, Fashion and Art Festival returns to Hollywood on the eve of the 97th Academy Awards, celebrating Italian excellence in cinema, fashion, and the arts. The festival will take place at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres in
- [Oscars 2025: Two Italians Compete in the Live Action Short Film Category](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/02/oscars-2025-two-italians-compete-in-the-live-action-short-film-category/) - Italians in the Spotlight at the 2025 Oscars As the 2025 Oscars approach, Italy’s creative influence shines brightly with notable talents competing across key categories. Among the standout nominees is the iconic Isabella Rossellini, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her remarkable performance in “Conclave” In an exceptional twist, two short films featuring the work
- [Berlinale 2025, 13-23 February 2025](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/02/berlinale-2025-13-23-february-2025/) - The 75th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) is set to take place from February 13 to 23, 2025, in Berlin, Germany. Celebrating its diamond jubilee, the festival continues to be a pivotal event for entertainment professionals worldwide, including those from the United States and Italy. This edition marks the inaugural leadership of Artistic Director Tricia
- [Oscars 2025: Isabella Rossellini Shines with Nomination for “Conclave”](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/01/oscars-2025-isabella-rossellini-shines-with-nomination-for-conclave/) - 13 nominations for “Emilia Pérez”, 10 for “The Brutalist” The 2025 Academy Award nominations have been announced, and among the standout contenders is Isabella Rossellini, who has earned a nod for Best Supporting Actress for her remarkable performance in “Conclave”. This marks a major milestone in Rossellini's illustrious career, as the nomination highlights her ability
- [Netflix Revenue Rises 16% in Q4, Expands Theatrical Strategy with Gerwig’s Narnia Deal](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/02/netflix-revenue-rises-16-in-q4/) - Netflix closed 2024 on a high note, reporting a 16% year-over-year revenue increase in Q4, reaching $10.25 billion—beating expectations of $10.11 billion. The streaming giant added 19 million paid memberships in the quarter, marking its largest-ever quarterly gain and bringing its global subscriber base to 302 million. The company’s operating income saw a significant 52%
- [Super Bowl LIX: A Record-Breaking Spectacle](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/02/super-bowl-viewership-hits-new-record/) - The 2025 Super Bowl has etched its name in the annals of television history, shattering viewership records and solidifying its position as the premier sporting event in the United States. Super Bowl LIX, which took place on February 9, 2025, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, captivated an unprecedented audience of 127.7 million viewers
- [You Tube: TV Overtakes Mobile as the Primary Viewing Device](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/02/you-tube-tv-overtakes-mobile-as-the-primary-viewing-device/) - In a recent annual letter, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan announced that TV screens have surpassed mobile devices as the primary platform for watching YouTube in the United States. Currently, users watch over 1 billion hours of content per day on their TVs. This shift is attributed to the app’s pre-installation on smart TVs and its
- [Interview with Dario Di Zanni](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/01/interview-with-dario-di-zanni/) - Dario Di Zanni is a serial entrepreneur and product manager with significant experience in the interactive entertainment sector. He co-founded Kinetic Energy and previously worked for companies such as Disney and AMC. Throughout his career, he has contributed to the development of digital and physical products, including Disney’s first direct-to-consumer product, laying the foundation for
- [Global Sports Business Forum in Los Angeles, January 24](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/11/global-sports-business-forum-in-los-angeles-january-24/) - The Global Sports Business Forum, hosted by the UCLA Anderson School of Management, is a premier event that brings together industry leaders, innovators, and professionals from the sports, entertainment, and technology sectors. Held in Los Angeles, a city renowned for its vibrant sports culture and as the future host of the 2028 Summer Olympics, the
- [Grammys 2025: Bradley Cooper’s Maestro Wins as Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift Snubbed](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/02/grammys-2025-bradley-coopers-maestro-wins-as-billie-eilish-and-taylor-swift-snubbed/) - The 2025 Grammy Awards delivered a night full of historic wins, unexpected losses, and powerful performances. Beyoncé cemented her place as the most decorated artist in Grammy history, finally securing the elusive Album of the Year award for her country album “Cowboy Carter”. Long predicted yet often denied, this long-awaited victory thrilled her fans and
- [Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Lady Gaga and More Unite for FireAid Concert](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/01/billie-eilish-olivia-rodrigo-lady-gaga-and-more-unite-for-fireaid-concert/) - A star-studded lineup of musical legends is coming together for FireAid, a benefit concert aimed at supporting the communities devastated by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles County. The event will feature performances by Billie Eilish and Finneas, Lady Gaga, Stevie Nicks, Pink, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Sting, among others. Iconic acts like
- [FOX Sports Unveils Extensive Super Bowl LIX Coverage and Tubi Takeover](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/01/fox-sports-unveils-extensive-super-bowl-lix-coverage-and-tubi-takeover/) - FOX Sports is preparing extensive coverage for Super Bowl LIX, its 11th presentation of the iconic event. As part of this, FS1 (a sports channel owned by Fox Sports) will offer a special live presentation on February 7, featuring a lineup of daily shows, including First Things First, The Facility, Speak, Breakfast Ball, and The
- [During Wildfires, Angelenos Found Solace in the Familiar Refuge of Movie Theaters](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/01/during-wildfires-angelenos-found-solace-in-the-familiar-refuge-of-movie-theaters/) - During the devastating wildfires in early January, many Angelenos sought refuge in an unexpected yet familiar place: movie theaters. Fires like the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire displaced thousands and blanketed the city with smoke, disrupting daily life and reigniting fears of confinement reminiscent of the pandemic. In these trying times, cinemas provided a welcome
- [Kidscreen Summit 2025: February 9-12, San Diego](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/01/kidscreen-summit-2025-february-9-12-san-diego/) - The Kidscreen Summit is one of the leading global events dedicated to the children's entertainment industry. Held annually, the summit gathers top professionals from around the world to discuss the latest trends in content creation, distribution, and digital platforms. With its dynamic mix of networking opportunities, high-quality panels, and pitch sessions, the Kidscreen Summit serves
- [Revealing 2025: The Future of Gaming in 8 Key Trends](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/01/revealing-2025-the-future-of-gaming-in-8-key-trends/) - The gaming industry in 2025 is undergoing significant transformations, driven by eight key trends shaping its future: Game IPs Dominate Hollywood Warner Bros. aims to replicate the billion-dollar success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie with the upcoming Minecraft adaptation. HBO is preparing the second season of the award-winning The Last of Us, while Sony
- [NATPE Global and Realscreen Summit, February 3-7, InterContinental Miami](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/01/natpe-global-2025-5-7-february-miami/) - NATPE Global and RealScreen Summit Come Together NATPE Global, North America's premier content marketplace, will take center stage from February 5-7, 2025, at the InterContinental Miami. This highly anticipated event is a crucial hub for entertainment professionals, including distributors, producers, and content buyers from North America, Latin America, and Europe. Organized by the National Association
- [EnTech Fest 2025, February 5th, Los Angeles](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/12/entech-fest-2025-february-5th-los-angeles/) - EnTech Fest 2025 is scheduled for February 5, 2025, at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. This one-day event aims to unite industry leaders, academics, tech professionals, and students to explore the latest innovations and technologies in higher education and beyond. Program Highlights: Exhibitions: Attendees can explore emerging technologies, consumer experiences, immersive storytelling, artificial
- [Disney and Fubo Merge to Create Second-Largest Digital Pay-TV Service](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/01/disney-and-fubo-merge-to-create-second-largest-digital-pay-tv-service/) - Disney is merging its live TV streaming service, Hulu + Live TV, with FuboTV, a streaming company focused on sports. This will create the second-largest online pay-TV service in North America, with 6.2 million subscribers. Only YouTube TV will be bigger. Hulu + Live TV and Fubo are both virtual multichannel video programming distributors (VMVPDs).
- [Paola Cortellesi's Film Enters the Oscar Race](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/01/paola-cortellesis-film-enters-the-oscar-race/) - Great pride for Italian cinema: The film directed by and starring Paola Cortellesi, “There's Still Tomorrow”, is officially in the running for the 2025 Oscars. As reported by Wildside’s press release, the work has been admitted to the selection process in three prestigious categories: Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Actress for Cortellesi's remarkable
- [Nominations and Film Events Postponed Due to Los Angeles Wildfires as Actors and Producers Unite to Raise Funds](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/01/nominations-and-film-events-postponed-due-to-los-angeles-wildfires-as-actors-and-producers-unite-to-raise-funds/) - Following the wildfires devastating vast areas of Los Angeles, several awards and film-related ceremonies have been delayed or rescheduled. Here are the main changes: 2025 Oscars: The voting window, which began on Wednesday, has been extended to Tuesday, January 14, with the announcement of the nominations postponed to Sunday, January 19. Writers Guild of America:
- [Hollywood Ablaze: Productions Halted and Millions Donated Amid Los Angeles Wildfire Crisis](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/01/hollywood-ablaze-productions-halted-and-millions-donated-amid-los-angeles-wildfire-crisis/) - The wildfires devastating Los Angeles have significantly impacted the entertainment industry, halting numerous productions and leading to the cancellation or postponement of key events. Productions Halted Several television series and programs have suspended filming due to the fires. Among them are Grey's Anatomy, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Apple TV+’s Loot, NCIS, NCIS: Origins, The Neighborhood, Poppa's
- [Content Americas 2025: January 21-23, Miami Beach](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/12/content-americas-2025-january-21-23-miami-beach/) - Content Americas 2025 is set to take place from January 21 to 23, 2025, at the Miami Downtown Hilton, reaffirming its position as a premier event for the content licensing, production, and distribution industries. This gathering brings together professionals from the Latin American, U.S. Hispanic, and global Spanish-language markets, while also serving as a hub
- [CES 2025: Innovation and Technology in Las Vegas](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/01/ces-2025-innovation-and-technology-in-las-vegas/) - From January 7 to 10, 2025, Las Vegas will once again become the global hub of technological innovation with CES (Consumer Electronics Show), the largest international trade show dedicated to consumer electronics and technology. This annual event, organized by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), serves as an essential platform for uncovering future trends and solutions
- [Golden Globes and Critics' Choice Awards: January 5 and 12, 2025,  Los Angeles](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/12/golden-globe-awards-2025/) - Italy's Role in Hollywood's Award Season: Guadagnino, Vermiglio, Ripley, and My Brilliant Friend The Golden Globes and Critics' Choice Awards, two of the most prestigious markers of awards season, are shaping the road to the Oscars. With nominations announced in quick succession, these honors reveal the strongest contenders and emerging trends in Hollywood's annual race
- [The American Box Office Kicks Off 2025 with Successes and New Milestones](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2025/01/the-american-box-office-kicks-off-2025-with-successes-and-new-milestones/) - The first weekend of 2025 in the United States recorded a total gross of $105.5 million, marking a 23% increase compared to the same period in 2024, which brought in $85.9 million. While still far from pre-pandemic levels—such as the $219.5 million in 2016 led by Star Wars: The Force Awakens—the American film market is showing signs
- [Italy's Oscar Contenders: Delpero, Perego, Guadagnino and Mancinelli in the shortlists](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/12/italys-oscar-contenders-delpero-perego-guadagnino-and-mancinelli-in-the-shortlists/) - On December 17, the Academy unveiled the shortlists for ten categories for the 97th edition of the Oscars, giving Italy four reasons to cheer as projects with national ties advance in the race for the golden statuette. The categories announced include International Feature Film, Documentary Feature, Live Action Short Film, Original Score, and Original Song.
- [Hollywood Top Deals 2024](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/12/hollywood-top-deals-2024/) - Skydance Acquires Paramount and the Year’s Other Major Agreements In 2024, Hollywood experienced a wave of transformative mergers and deals that reshaped the entertainment industry. Recognizing these pivotal moves, The Hollywood Reporter highlighted the standout players and agreements in its annual "Top Dealmakers of 2024" list. Undoubtedly, the most significant transaction of the year
- [TikTok Seeks Supreme Court Intervention to Block Nationwide Ban](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/12/tiktok-seeks-supreme-court-intervention-to-block-nationwide-ban/) - TikTok has filed an urgent appeal with the Supreme Court, requesting an injunction to block a federal law that would enforce a U.S.-wide ban on the app unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, divests its stake by January 19, 2025. The move follows a ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit,
- [Hollywood's Tumultuous 2024: The Unexpected Winners of a Challenging Year](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/12/hollywoods-tumultuous-2024-the-unexpected-winners-of-a-challenging-year/) - The year 2024 proved turbulent for Hollywood, marked by box office disappointments (Joker: Folie à Deux and Kraven the Hunter), widespread layoffs, prolonged labor strikes, and shrinking production opportunities amid a broader industry downturn. Yet, amidst the struggles, a few key players and projects managed to emerge victorious. Disney faced significant hurdles at the start
- [Sundance Film Festival 2025: The Most Anticipated Films in Park City](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/12/sundance-film-festival-2025-the-most-anticipated-films-in-park-city/) - The Sundance Film Festival, set to run from January 23 to February 2, 2025, in Park City, Utah, continues to be a beacon for independent cinema. Under the direction of Eugene Hernandez, the festival is expected to present nearly 100 feature films and 50 shorts across its various categories. While the official lineup is yet
- [Blockbuster Thanksgiving Revives Box Office, Is It Enough for Hollywood?](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/12/blockbuster-thanksgiving-revives-box-office-is-it-enough-for-hollywood/) - Thanksgiving 2024 just made Hollywood history. The box office exploded with Moana 2 leading the charge at $221M domestically—the biggest debut to date on this beloved Holiday. Joining the festive frenzy, Wicked and Gladiator II, which premiered the prior weekend, each crossed $300 million globally. This brought the U.S. and Canada’s five-day total from Wednesday
- [Is the "Peak TV" Era Over?](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/12/is-the-peak-tv-era-over/) - The term "Peak TV" refers to a golden age of television, characterized by an overwhelming volume of high-quality scripted series catering to diverse tastes and audiences. This phenomenon saw a dramatic expansion in the number of shows produced annually, driven by the rise of streaming platforms and increased competition to capture viewer attention. Iconic productions
- [Gaming and Media Giants Dominate Fandom’s Top 2025 Franchises](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/12/gaming-and-media-giants-dominate-fandoms-top-2025-franchises/) - A new report by Fandom, the world's largest fan platform, highlights the entertainment franchises that captivated audiences this year, with gaming IPs claiming unprecedented dominance. Topping the list is Warhammer, propelled by massive anticipation for Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 and Amazon's upcoming movie adaptation featuring Henry Cavill. Other standout franchises include Marvel, League of
- [SEG3 LA: Where Culture Meets Emerging Technology in the Heart of Entertainment](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/11/seg3-la-where-culture-meets-emerging-technology-in-the-heart-of-entertainment/) - Los Angeles, December 11, 2024 SEG3 LA, the premier event at the intersection of culture and emerging technology, returns to Los Angeles, cementing its place as a hub for global innovation. This dynamic gathering brings together visionaries from sports, entertainment, gaming, consumer, and technology industries to explore the transformative power of new technologies. The event
- [A New Era of Storytelling: Immersive Entertainment Demands Innovative Creators](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/12/a-new-era-of-storytelling-immersive-entertainment-demands-innovative-creators/) - With Apple’s release of "Submerged", its first original scripted film for the Vision Pro headset, director Edward Berger proclaimed it a turning point for filmmaking. This sentiment rings true as immersive technologies - spanning advanced spatial tech, LED screens, dome projections, and next-gen headsets like Vision Pro, Meta Quest, and HTC Vive - transform how
- [Orange Teams with OpenAI, Meta to Launch AI Models for African Languages](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/12/orange-teams-with-openai-meta-to-launch-ai-models-for-african-languages/) - French telecom corporation Orange has announced a strategic partnership with OpenAI and Meta to develop artificial intelligence models tailored to African languages. This initiative, set to roll out its first models in early 2025, aims to address the gap in AI capabilities for understanding regional languages like Wolof and Pulaar, spoken by millions across West
- [Mubi Expands Creative Horizons with Launch of Mubi Editions](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/12/mubi-expands-creative-horizons-with-launch-of-mubi-editions/) - Music to the ears of cinephiles who love to show off hefty film books on their coffee tables. Mubi will launch a publishing arm, Mubi Editions, next April, focusing on titles on cinema and the arts. Following in the footsteps of companies like A24, which released novelizations of its X trilogy, and TikTok’s recent entry
- [The Professional Days of Cinema 2024 (The Professional Cinema Days) – December 4-7 Sorrento, Italy](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/12/the-professional-days-of-cinema-2024-the-professional-cinema-days-december-4-7-sorrento-italy/) - A Cinematic Industry Cornerstone in beautiful Sorrento The "Giornate Professionali di Cinema" (The Professional Cinema Days), Italy’s premier cinema industry event, has returned for its 47th edition in Sorrento. Organized by ANEC (Associazione Nazionale Esercenti Cinema) in partnership with ANICA (Associazione Nazionale Industrie Cinematografiche Audiovisive), this annual gathering unites 1,500 professionals spanning the entire cinematic
- [Universal Confirms Equal Pay for Wicked Stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/12/universal-confirms-equal-pay-for-wicked-stars-ariana-grande-and-cynthia-erivo/) - Universal Pictures has addressed online rumors suggesting a pay gap between Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, emphasizing that both actresses received equal compensation for their roles in the highly anticipated film adaptation of the Broadway hit. The speculation, which originated on Reddit, claimed Grande earned $15 million for portraying Glinda, the “good” witch,
- [Netflix’s Live Strategy in Action](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/12/netflixs-live-strategy-in-action/) - Netflix continues to push boundaries, transforming live events into streaming triumphs. In November, the much-hyped Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight dominated global charts, racking up 233 million viewing hours, making it the #1 show of the month. Though far from Netflix's biggest hit of the year—Fool Me Once boasted 512 million hours in January—this
- [The Current Development and Acquisition Strategies of HBO and Max](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/12/the-current-development-and-acquisition-strategies-of-hbo-and-max/) - The television product strategy under Casey Bloys' leadership at HBO and Max has been analyzed in a recent report, shedding light on the platforms' evolving development and acquisition policies. The analysis explores programming trends, criticisms from agents, and economic challenges faced by the two entities. HBO, long considered the flagship brand of the Warner Bros.
- [Golden Globes 2025: Viola Davis Honored, Nikki Glaser Hosts, and Top Contenders Revealed](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/11/golden-globes-2025-viola-davis-honored-nikki-glaser-hosts-and-top-contenders-revealed/) - The 2025 Golden Globe Awards are set to dazzle Hollywood on January 5, 2025, at the iconic Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. The ceremony, one of the most prestigious nights in entertainment, will air live on CBS and Paramount+, celebrating excellence in both film and television. This year, Emmy-nominated comedian Nikki Glaser will
- [One in Five Americans Turn to Social Media Influencers for Their News](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/11/one-in-five-americans-turn-to-social-media-influencers-for-their-news/) - In the heat of the 2024 election, news influencers seemed to be everywhere. At both the Republican and Democratic conventions this summer, content creators had dedicated spaces—closer to the audience and stage than the booths assigned to traditional journalists. They not only covered the events live with privileged access but also interviewed the candidates and
- [Global Stage Hollywood Film Festival](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/10/global-stage-hollywood-film-festival/) - Global Stage Hollywood is a dynamic film festival held from November 1st to 3rd, 2024, at the famous TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. This three-day event celebrates international and diverse cinema, with a special focus on Japanese films. The festival will feature screenings, panels, and performances by creators from around the world, aiming to foster
- [Infinity Festival](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/11/infinity-festival/) - The Infinity Festival will be held in Hollywood from November 6-9, 2024, focusing on the intersection of entertainment and technology. Taking place at venues like The Aster and the iconic Avalon Hollywood, this event gathers top industry leaders, innovators, and creatives from Hollywood and Silicon Valley. Since its inception in 2018, Infinity Festival has become
- [Linecheck Music Meeting & Festival 18-23 Nov, Milan](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/11/linecheck-music-meeting-festival-18-23-nov-milan/) - The tenth edition of Linecheck Music Meeting & Festival, a key event dedicated to promoting the international visibility of the Italian music industry, will take place in Milan from November 18–23, 2024, at the stunning BASE Milano venue (a multifunctional cultural center located in the heart of the Tortona district). Since its inception in 2015,
- [Disney Turns Streaming Losses Into Gains: A New Era for Direct-to-Consumer?](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/11/disneys-streaming-business-is-profitable/) - After years of financial losses and sweeping reforms, Disney’s streaming business has finally turned a profit. Under CEO Bob Iger’s leadership, the company’s direct-to-consumer segment — which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ — has achieved profitability for two consecutive quarters, signaling a pivotal moment for the entertainment giant. In the fiscal fourth quarter, Disney’s streaming
- [Beyoncé to Perform at NFL Christmas Halftime on Netflix](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/11/beyonce-to-perform-at-nfl-christmas-halftime-on-netflix/) - Beyoncé Performs Live in Her Hometown Houston for Netflix's NFL Christmas Game NFL fans are in for a special holiday treat as Beyoncé takes center stage during Netflix’s debut NFL Christmas Gameday on December 25. Her performance will highlight the second of Netflix’s two Christmas matchups, as the Houston Texans face off against the Baltimore
- [Netflix Bets on Italy: The Leopard Is Ready to Roar](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/11/netflix-bets-on-italy-the-leopard-is-ready-to-roar/) - The wait is over: on Tuesday, November 19, the first official teaser trailer for The Leopard - Il Gattopardo was released. This six-episode Netflix series—entirely filmed in Italy and produced locally by Indiana Production and Moonage Pictures—will debut on the platform in 2025. Arriving over 60 years after Luchino Visconti's cinematic masterpiece, the series brings
- [Netflix’s Squid Game Video Game Drops Ahead of Season 2 Premiere](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/11/squid-game-video-game-sets-launch-date-at-netflix/) - Netflix has announced that Squid Game: Unleashed, its mobile game adaptation of the record-breaking Korean thriller, will launch on December 17. Inspired by the gripping survival drama that captivated audiences in 2021, the game brings the brutal competition to players' fingertips. Available exclusively through the Netflix app, Squid Game: Unleashed invites fans to compete for
- [Eytan Keller: a trailblazer in unscripted TV innovation](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/10/eytan-keller-a-trailblazer-in-unscripted-tv-innovation/) - Interview of Eytan Keller, a multiple Emmy and Directors Guild Award-winning creator/producer/director, Eytan, you've been at the forefront of some groundbreaking unscripted television formats, from Iron Chef America to Scariest Places on Earth and American Gladiators (which has recently been chronicled in the Netflix documentary series Muscles and Mayhem). In your opinion, what are the
- [Live Nation Faces Shifting Trends Despite Blockbuster Summer Profits](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/11/live-nation-faces-shifting-trends-despite-blockbuster-summer-profits/) - Live Nation Entertainment (LNE), one of the leading global companies in the live entertainment sector, continues to report impressive financial results, bolstered by its “most active summer concert season ever”. Yet, a deeper analysis of its 2024 Q3 earnings suggests the company may need to rethink its strategy as growth increasingly relies on rising ticket
- [Disney’s Urgent Hunt for Bob Iger’s Successor: Six Possible Paths to Leadership](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/11/disneys-urgent-hunt-for-bob-igers-successor-six-possible-paths-to-leadership/) - With Bob Iger’s tenure at Disney slated to end in 2026, the company has launched a rigorous search for its next CEO under the leadership of incoming Chairman James Gorman. Known for his seamless succession planning at Morgan Stanley, Gorman has a clear mandate: prevent another leadership debacle like Bob Chapek’s brief and turbulent tenure.
- [Crowded Holiday Box Office Highlights Scheduling Challenges](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/11/crowded-holiday-box-office-highlights-scheduling-challenges/) - With too many big films releasing at the same time, studios risk losing audiences and profits. After a sluggish fall movie season marked by fewer releases, Hollywood is gearing up for a jam-packed holiday schedule. Blockbusters like Wicked, Gladiator 2, and Moana 2 are set to dominate theaters starting Thanksgiving weekend. But this overcrowding raises
- [AFM 2024: November 5-10, 2024 Palms Hotel, Las Vegas](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/11/afm-2024-november-5-10-2024-palms-hotel-las-vegas/) - The 2024 edition of the American Film Market (AFM), the largest U.S. market dedicated to international cinema, will be held in Las Vegas for the first time after 44 years in Santa Monica. In collaboration with the Directorate General for Cinema and Audiovisual at the Italian Ministry of Culture and Cinecittà, the Italian Trade Agency
- [ValueAct Quietly Secures a $1-Billion Stake in Meta](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/11/valueact-quietly-secures-a-1-billion-stake-in-meta/) - Without fanfare or public demands, ValueAct Capital has made a bold move into Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. In recent weeks, the San Francisco-based investment firm has quietly amassed a $1-billion stake, now one of its largest holdings alongside Salesforce. ValueAct is no stranger to high-profile investments in technology companies. It
- [Documentaries, features and cartoons: friendships Shine in This Year’s Awards Contenders](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/11/documentaries-features-and-cartoons-friendships-shine-in-this-years-awards-contenders/) - Friendship often plays a quiet second fiddle to romance in movies, but this awards season, it’s stepping into the spotlight. Projects like Netflix’s Will & Harper and Nickel Boys, alongside Challengers, A Real Pain, and Memoir of a Snail, bring platonic bonds into sharp focus, proving they’re just as compelling — and as transformative —
- [Netflix Explores Live TV](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/11/netflix-explores-live-tv/) - Netflix Explores Live TV, Shifting Strategy in Response to Market Trends Netflix, a pioneer of on-demand streaming, is expanding its programming to include live events, from cooking shows to wrestling and football. Among its new live offerings is Dinner Time Live With David Chang, a cooking show where Chang prepares dishes in front of viewers
- [Take-Two Interactive Sells Private Division to Focus on Core Business](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/11/take-two-interactive-sells-private-division-to-focus-on-core-business/) - Take-Two Interactive, known for producing popular video games like “Grand Theft Auto,” has sold its game development studio, Private Division, which created “Tales of the Shire.” This sale was mentioned in Take-Two’s earnings report for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025. The details of who bought the studio and the sale price were not
- [Samsung TV Plus: A Quiet Contender in the FAST Arena](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/11/samsung-tv-plus-a-quiet-contender-in-the-fast-arena/) - Samsung is positioning itself for a breakthrough in the free ad-supported streaming (FAST) market with Samsung TV Plus. The tech giant revealed that its platform now reaches 88 million monthly active users (MAUs) globally—a significant milestone, surpassing Tubi’s reported 80 million MAUs as of Q1 2024. Samsung TV Plus, built directly into Samsung smart TVs,
- [New Multi-Year Deal Secures Grindstone’s Star-Powered Films with Lionsgate Through 2027](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/11/new-multi-year-deal-secures-grindstones-star-powered-films-with-lionsgate-through-2027/) - Lionsgate has renewed its longstanding agreement with Grindstone Entertainment Group, extending their partnership through 2027. This multi-year extension deepens a collaboration that has spanned nearly 17 years, building an impressive 700-title content library that appeals to diverse audiences across platforms. Grindstone has built a reputation for delivering thrilling, star-studded films. Recent projects include Fall, Damaged
- [Hollywood Pins Hopes on Thanksgiving: Will Fall’s Biggest Releases Revive a Sluggish Box Office?](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/11/hollywood-pins-hopes-on-thanksgiving-will-falls-biggest-releases-revive-a-sluggish-box-office/) - Hollywood is banking on Thanksgiving weekend to rekindle the year’s flagging box office. With the highly anticipated releases of Wicked, Gladiator II, and Moana 2, studios are hoping to emulate some of the buzz that drove the Barbenheimer phenomenon this summer, though the odds of replicating that unique synergy seem slim. As Fandango’s director of
- [AFM Reimagined: Las Vegas Brings New Energy Amid Industry Downturn](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/11/afm-reimagined-las-vegas-brings-new-energy-amid-industry-downturn/) - The American Film Market (AFM) has embarked on a new journey. After 43 years in Los Angeles and Santa Monica, AFM is now hosted at Las Vegas’ Palms Casino Resort from November 5-10. This change redefines the event: exhibitor offices, conference rooms, panels, Location Expo, and screenings are all centralized in one location, making shuttles
- [ITTV International Forum and TechInEntertainment, 4 November Hollywood](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/11/ittv/) - The ITTV International Forum and TechInEntertainment (TiE) returns to Los Angeles this November with a clear mission: to lead the conversation on innovation and strategic partnerships in global entertainment. Now in its sixth edition, the event will be held at NeueHouse Hollywood on November 4th and aims to provide a vital platform for dialogue, especially
- [AFI Film Fest 2024, Los Angeles October 23-27](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/10/afi-film-fest-2024-los-angeles-october-23-27/) - AFI FEST is Back at the TLC Chinese Theatres: Showcasing the Best in Global Cinema and Oscar-Qualifying Shorts The AFI FEST has long been recognized as a premier event in the cinematic world, offering a platform for both emerging talents and established filmmakers to showcase their work. Each year, the festival draws film enthusiasts to
- [Women’s Sports Is Paying Off](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/11/womens-sports-is-paying-off/) - Women’s Sports Gain Momentum as GroupM Doubled Media Spend Women’s sports are finally getting their time to shine. GroupM, a WPP-owned advertising firm, says that it has “exceeded” its goal to double the annual media spend on women’s sports programming, a target set earlier this year in connection with the widely viewed NCAA women’s basketball
- [Media Rating Council Approves Nielsen’s Integration of Streaming Data into TV Ratings](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/11/media-rating-council-approves-nielsens-integration-of-streaming-data-into-tv-ratings/) - The Media Rating Council, an organization that sets standards for media audience measurement to ensure data accuracy and reliability, has given Nielsen the green light to include data collected directly from streaming services into its national TV ratings. This approval allows Nielsen to combine first-party streaming data with its traditional panel-based ratings, marking a step
- [Netflix Lengthen Animation Deal with Universal, Adds Live-Action Films Starting in 2027](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/10/netflix-and-universal/) - Netflix and Universal are expanding their partnership, renewing their licensing agreement for animated films from Illumination and DreamWorks Animation (DWA) and adding live-action titles from Universal Pictures and Focus Features beginning in 2027. This move bolsters Netflix's content offerings and enhances its lineup with new titles from a trusted partner in animation and beyond. Under
- [Europe’s AI Boom Puts Strain on Green Goals and Data Centers](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/11/europes-ai-boom-puts-strain-on-green-goals-and-data-centers/) - The rapid growth of artificial intelligence is challenging Europe to manage power-hungry data centers while staying aligned with strict environmental goals. As companies like Nvidia develop high-performance, energy-intensive chips, European data centers are grappling with the need to cool these devices efficiently, often requiring much lower water temperatures. Steven Carlini of Schneider Electric emphasizes cooling
- [Starz and YouTube Extend Multi-Year Bundling Deal for Premium Cable Access](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/11/starz-and-youtube-extend-multi-year-bundling-deal/) - Starz and YouTube have renewed their partnership, securing a multi-year extension that will allow YouTube TV subscribers to continue adding the Starz premium channel for an extra monthly fee. This agreement not only sustains their existing collaboration but also paves the way for new bundling options and exclusive offers. Alison Hoffman, Starz Networks’ president, commented
- [Governor Newsom Proposes to Double California Film & TV Tax Credit Program](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/11/governor-newsom-proposes-to-double-california-film-tv-tax-credit-program/) - ‘Lights, Camera, Jobs!’ That was the message emblazoned on the banner behind California Governor Gavin Newsom as he announced a major new effort to keep Hollywood production at home. Standing at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood alongside Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and key industry leaders, Newsom unveiled a proposal to more than double California’s annual
- [The Academy Museum Celebrates Sophia Loren: 90 Years of an Icon](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/10/academy-museum-sophia-loren-90-years-icon/) - The Academy Museum Celebrate Sophia Loren, 7-30 November The world’s most prestigious film institution, the Academy of Motion Pictures, is partnering with Cinecittà to present 'Sophia Loren: la Diva di Napoli,' an extensive retrospective celebrating the iconic Italian star on her 90th birthday. This tribute, which showcases Loren’s most significant works cherished by audiences worldwide,
- [New Live Music Data Signals Hopeful Future Amid Ongoing Affordability Concerns](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/10/new-live-music-data-signals-hopeful-future-amid-ongoing-affordability-concerns/) - The live music industry hit record-high earnings at the halfway mark of 2024, but soaring ticket prices and slowing audience growth painted a mixed picture for its long-term prospects. However, fresh Q3 2024 data offers a more encouraging outlook, though the persistent issue of affordability remains a concern. Pollstar’s latest figures, covering the top 100
- [LA TV and Film Production Falls Below Strike Levels in Q3, Reality TV Down 56% as Industry Calls for More Incentives](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/10/la-tv-and-film-production-falls-below-strike-levels-in-q3-reality-tv-down-56-as-industry-calls-for-more-incentives/) - The Los Angeles TV and film production industry saw a sharp decline in the third quarter of 2024, with filming activity dipping below levels seen during the 2023 strike. FilmLA reported 5,048 shoot days in Q3, the weakest quarter of the year so far, and a 36.4% drop from its five-year average. Reality TV took
- [Independent Production Thrives at Rome’s MIA Market with 60 Selected Projects](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/09/independent-production-thrives-at-romes-mia-market-with-60-selected-projects/) - While studios and major production companies tighten their belts, independent cinema seems to be thriving. This is reflected in the tenth edition of MIA, the International Audiovisual Market—an event promoted by ANICA, chaired by Francesco Rutelli, and APA, chaired by Chiara Sbarigia, and directed by Gaia Tridente—which returns to Rome from October 14 to 18,
- [From Megalopolis to Superman: A Guide to the 2024 Rome Film Fest](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/10/from-megalopolis-to-superman-a-guide-to-the-2024-rome-film-fest/) - The 19th Rome Film Fest will return to the Eternal City from October 16th to 27th, featuring a mix of films for the big screen and TV series. Several Italian movies that didn’t make it to Venice, along with various international productions already showcased at festivals worldwide, are part of the lineup. This includes Francis
- [The Sixth Report on Italian Audiovisual Production is out!](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/10/the-sixth-report-on-italian-audiovisual-production-is-out/) - At the tenth edition of the MIA-International Audiovisual Market in Rome, the sixth APA (Association of Italian Audiovisual Producers) Report reveals that the Italian audiovisual industry is growing and entering a new phase. The report highlights that the industry's value in 2023 has nearly doubled compared to 2017, exceeding 2 billion euros and achieving a
- [Amazon’s Apple TV+ Deal: A Piece of Its Expanding Streaming Strategy](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/10/amazons-apple-tv-deal-a-piece-of-its-expanding-streaming-strategy/) - Amazon's streaming service, often seen as a financial loss to support its broader e-commerce ambitions, is evolving into a self-contained marketplace. The recent agreement to offer Apple TV+ subscriptions via Prime Video Channels marks another step in the largest online retailer and technology provider’s strategy to become, as CEO Andy Jassy once said: “The center
- [Is Netflix Rethinking Its Talent Compensation Model?](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/10/is-netflix-rethinking-its-talent-compensation-model/) - As Netflix prepares for its Q3 earnings report, speculation grows over whether the company will change its talent compensation structure. Netflix pioneered the “upfront buyout” model, paying substantial sums to secure A-list talent. However, rumors suggest a shift towards a traditional studio approach—less money upfront with potential backend payouts based on success. Chief Content Officer
- [SAG-AFTRA Strike Nears Three Months: Video Game Companies Return to Negotiations](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/10/sag-aftra-strike-nears-three-months-video-game-companies-return-to-negotiations/) - SAG-AFTRA and the major video game companies are set to resume in-person negotiations on October 23, as the strike that began on July 26 nears its third month. The strike, which affects some of the largest names in the video game industry, was triggered after prolonged negotiations over the Interactive Media Agreement stalled, leaving both
- [Hollywood’s SOS: FilmLA Urges California to Expand Tax Credits Amid Production Crisis](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/10/hollywoods-sos-filmla-urges-california-to-expand-tax-credits-amid-production-crisis/) - Hollywood is sending an SOS to Sacramento. Recent data reveals a dramatic 19.7% decline in filming activity in the Los Angeles area from 2022 to 2023. This sharp downturn highlights a worrying trend, with California’s share of the global production market shrinking from 22% to 18%. FilmLA, the quasi-public agency that handles film permits in
- [Berger’s Oscar Buzz Continues with Conclave, Shot Entirely in Italy](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/10/bergers-oscar-buzz-continues-with-conclave-shot-entirely-in-italy/) - Edward Berger, the acclaimed director of All Quiet on the Western Front, might soon find himself on the Oscar stage again. His latest film, Conclave, based on Robert Harris’s 2016 novel, has been gaining praise globally. This time, we’re not on the trenches of World War II amid terror and explosions, but within the walls
- [Limp Bizkit’s $200M Fraud Lawsuit Shakes the Music Industry](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/10/limp-bizkits-200m-fraud-lawsuit-shakes-the-music-industry/) - Limp Bizkit, the iconic nu-metal band that shot to fame in the late '90s, has filed a massive lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), one of the largest music companies in the world. The litigation, led by frontman Fred Durst, accuses UMG of concealing royalties owed to the band, amounting to over $200 million. The
- [Zuckerberg’s Metaverse Gains Momentum, but Not Through VR](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/10/zuckerbergs-metaverse-gains-momentum-but-not-through-vr/) - Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, recently unveiled the highly anticipated Orion AR glasses at the company's annual Meta Connect event, a major step forward in the social technology corporation’s ambitions. While virtual reality (VR) has long been their main focus, it is now augmented reality (AR) that is gaining traction, signaling a shift in the company’s
- [Apple TV+ Joins Prime Video: Expanding Streaming Options for $9.99 Per Month](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/10/apple-tv-joins-prime-video-expanding-streaming-options-for-9-99-per-month/) - Amazon and Apple are expanding their partnership by making Apple TV+ available on Amazon’s Prime Video in the U.S. as an add-on subscription for $9.99 per month. The move, announced by Amazon, allows Prime subscribers to access Apple TV+ content directly through the Prime Video app, bringing Apple's streaming service to a larger audience. This
- [The $200M Disaster of "Joker: Folie à Deux": A Box Office Flop That Shakes Warner Bros.](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/10/the-200m-disaster-of-joker-folie-a-deux-a-box-office-flop-that-shakes-warner-bros/) - Warner Bros.’ latest release, Joker: Folie à Deux, has stirred up quite a reaction in both critical and financial circles. Despite its hefty $200 million budget and star power, including Joaquin Phoenix reprising his role as Arthur Fleck and Lady Gaga stepping in as his co-lead, the film has experienced a disastrous opening weekend, raising
- [Modì: Second Depp’s movie with Scamarcio Excite San Sebastián](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/10/modi-second-depps-movie-with-scamarcio-excite-san-sebastian/) - Johnny Depp triumphs at the San Sebastián Festival. The former star of Pirates of the Caribbean presented his film Modì – Three Days on the Wing of Madness during Spain's most prestigious festival, a biopic dedicated to the Livorno artist Amedeo Modigliani and his second project behind the camera after The Brave in 1997. The
- [The Race to Replace TV: Netflix and YouTube's Borrowing Game](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/10/the-race-to-replace-tv-netflix-and-youtubes-borrowing-game/) - Traditional television is in crisis. In the race to replace it, classic streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+ are not the only competitors. The transformation of viewing habits—where people no longer sit in front of the TV with the remote at a specific time waiting for their favorite show to
- [Apple’s Bold Play in the AI Race: How the iPhone Maker is Leveraging 34 Million Developers for an Edge](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/10/apples-bold-play-in-the-ai-race-how-the-iphone-maker-is-leveraging-34-million-developers-for-an-edge/) - As Apple enters the AI race with Apple Intelligence, the tech giant is banking on its army of 34 million app developers to give it an edge over competitors. Set to launch alongside the iPhone 16, Apple’s new AI system aims to make Siri smarter and more capable of performing tasks directly on users' devices,
- [Disney Faces Class Action Lawsuit After Major Data Breach](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/10/disney-faces-class-action-lawsuit-after-major-data-breach/) - It looks like Mickey Mouse might need a magic wand after all. As if economic troubles and the complicated succession of CEO Bob Iger weren't enough, the Walt Disney Company is now facing a class action lawsuit following a massive data breach that leaked over 1.1 terabytes of sensitive information in July 2024. Filed on
- [Zurich Summit: Hollywood Executives Predict Virtual Movie Stars Are Inevitable](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/10/zurich-summit-hollywood-executives-predict-virtual-movie-stars-are-inevitable/) - At the Zurich Summit, Hollywood executives explored the growing influence of artificial intelligence on the film industry, predicting that AI could soon create virtual movie stars while reshaping the way films are made. The panel featured Jim Rivera, Chief Product Officer at AI production company Flawless, David Unger, CEO of Artist International Group, Chris Jacquemin,
- [From the Variety Summit Entertainment&Technology](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/10/from-the-variety-summit-entertainmenttechnology/) - Entertainment Content Visionaries Panel Malik Ducard - Chief Content Officer, Pinterest Abhijay Prakash - President, Blumhouse Lisa Katz - President, Scripted, NBCUniversal Entertainment Ben Davis - EVP, Original Programming, AMC Networks and AMC Studios Sarah Aubrey - Head of Original Programming, Max Michael Schneider (Moderator) - TV Editor, Variety The panel discussion focused on the
- [Interview with Sarah Coursey](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/10/interview-with-sarah-coursey/) - Senior Vice President International for Happy Accidents, Sarah Coursey has extensive experience in global sales, acquisitions, and development. Beyond her professional achievements, Coursey has a deep passion for Italy, where she lived for several years before relocating to Los Angeles. This interview is taking place while she is covering UK and European clients from Rome,
- [DirecTV to Acquire Dish for $1: Inside the Game-Changing Pay-TV Merger](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/10/directv-to-acquire-dish-for-1-inside-the-game-changing-pay-tv-merger/) - EchoStar has confirmed it will sell its Dish TV service and digital business Sling to competitor DirecTV in a blockbuster deal that merges two of the largest pay-TV providers. The announcement, made on Monday, sent EchoStar shares plunging over 11%, signaling the magnitude of the industry shift. As part of the agreement, DirecTV will acquire
- [Disney+ Launches New Password Sharing Crackdown in the U.S.](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/10/disney-launches-new-password-sharing-crackdown-in-the-u-s/) - Subscribers can now add an extra member outside their household for a monthly fee Disney+ has officially begun enforcing its password-sharing crackdown in the U.S., along with other regions like Canada, Europe, and parts of Latin America and the Asia-Pacific. The crackdown introduces a new feature where account holders can add an "extra member" who
- [California Stands Firm with Silicon Valley, Says No to AI Regulations](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/10/california-stands-firm-with-silicon-valley-says-no-to-ai-regulations/) - California lets Silicon Valley go free and, for now, refrains from regulating artificial intelligence. Acquiescing to the criticisms raised by Big Tech, Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a broad bill on AI safety, which would have been the first of its kind in the country. The measure, promoted by Democratic Senator Scott Wiener in Sacramento,
- [Intimacy Coordinators Seek to Become Part of SAG-AFTRA](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/10/intimacy-coordinators-seek-to-become-part-of-sag-aftra/) - SAG-AFTRA has officially taken steps to represent intimacy coordinators by filing a petition with the National Labor Relations Board. This marks the latest development in the union’s five-year effort to professionalize the role, which gained prominence in the wake of the #MeToo movement. Intimacy coordinators are responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of actors
- [The Game That Revolutionized Music, Skateboarding, and Video Games: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/10/the-game-that-revolutionized-music-skateboarding-and-video-games-tony-hawks-pro-skater/) - When Tony Hawk's Pro Skater hit the market on September 29, 1999, it became more than just a successful video game. It transformed skateboarding culture, introducing millions to both the sport and punk music. Tony Hawk, already a skateboarding legend, helped launch a cultural revolution that continues to resonate today. At the time, skateboarding, particularly
- [How Celebrities Are Fighting to Protect Their Image From a Tsunami of AI Deepfakes](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/10/how-celebrities-are-fighting-to-protect-their-image-from-a-tsunami-of-ai-deepfakes/) - Celebrities are facing a rapidly escalating issue: unauthorized AI-generated content misusing their name, image, and likeness (NIL) is flooding the internet. This surge in fake content, spurred by generative AI, is making it harder for famous personalities and their teams to combat these infringements, despite their efforts. The problem has grown so fast that handling
- [Variety Summit: Entertainment&Technology](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/09/variety-summit-entertainmenttechnology/) - "The future is bright" says Aron, CEO AMC Theatres at Variety Summit At the Variety Summit in Los Angeles on September 26, 2024, Matt Donnelly, Senior Entertainment & Media Writer for Variety, had an insightful conversation with Adam Aron, CEO and President of AMC Theatres, that illuminated the ongoing resilience and evolution of the movie
- ["Vermiglio" Selected as Italy’s Oscar Contender for 2025](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/09/vermiglio-selected-as-italys-oscar-contender-for-2025/) - Maura Delpero’s second feature film, Vermiglio, has been chosen as Italy’s official submission for the 2025 Academy Awards, competing for a spot in the Best International Feature Film category. Following its successful run at the Venice Film Festival, where Delpero received the prestigious Silver Lion, the film has been making waves in the international film
- [‘Citadel: Diana,’ the Second Chapter of the Citadel Franchise, is "Made in Italy"](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/09/citadel-diana-the-second-chapter-of-the-citadel-franchise-is-made-in-italy/) - Set to premiere worldwide on October 10 on Prime Video, “Citadel: Diana” brings a thrilling new chapter to the “Citadel” franchise, starring Italian actress Matilda De Angelis (“The Undoing”) as Diana Cavalieri, an undercover agent trapped behind enemy lines.The Italian-language spin-off continues the high-stakes action of the original series, created by Joe and Anthony
- [Marco Bellocchio Brings the Story of Enzo Tortora and His Fight for Justice to TV](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/09/marco-bellocchio-brings-the-story-of-enzo-tortora-and-his-fight-for-justice-to-tv/) - Already in 2022, renowned Italian director Marco Bellocchio had told ANSA (Italian News Agency) about his desire to make a TV series about host Enzo Tortora "to tell the story of the great injustice he suffered while at the peak of his success with the show Portobello. That moment has now arrived." But let's go
- [Ted Sarandos and Netflix's Shift to Data Transparency](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/09/ted-sarandos-and-netflixs-shift-to-data-transparency/) - Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s co-CEO, has undergone a notable shift in his stance on data transparency within the streaming industry. Previously, Netflix was known for its reluctance to disclose detailed viewership data, favoring a more opaque approach that kept its competitors and creative talent in the dark. However, Sarandos is now advocating for greater transparency, positioning
- [Fall 2024: Historic Decline in Scripted Shows Signals Lasting Shift for Broadcast TV](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/09/fall-2024-historic-decline-in-scripted-shows-signals-lasting-shift-for-broadcast-tv/) - As the U.S. broadcast networks unveil their fall 2024 lineups, they will mark a significant milestone: the fewest original scripted series in at least 20 years. This decline includes past challenging years like 2020, impacted by COVID-19, and 2007, during the previous Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike. In a landscape where Hollywood is supposedly
- [Enzo Sisti: A Master of Hollywood-Italian Collaborations](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/09/enzo-sisti-how-he-became-one-of-hollywoods-most-trusted-professionals-in-italy/) - From Accounting to Producing: How He Became One of Hollywood's Most Trusted Professionals in Italy Born in Rome in 1945, he is the man that major American producers rely on when they choose to film in Italy. From The Passion of the Christ to No time to Die, from Ben Hur to Equalizer 3, this
- [AFC American Film Convention, October 15-17](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/09/afc-american-film-convention-october-15-17/) - First-Ever American Film Convention in Los Angeles Reveals Event Details Whether you are a Cinematographer, Director, Actor, Producer, or Distributor, there is a place for you this October: the American Film Convention in Los Angeles. “The AFC is specifically handcrafted by filmmakers for the film industry. All parts of the film industry have a place
- [Hit Week 2024: The Kolors in Miami and Emma in Los Angeles](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/09/hit-week-2024-the-kolors-in-miami-and-emma-in-los-angeles-for-the-celebration-of-italian-music-around-the-world/) - The Kolors and Emma for the celebration of Italian Music in the U.S. The 18th edition of Hit Week, the festival dedicated to promoting Italian music across the globe, returns to the United States from October 11th to 15th, 2024. Organized with the support of ICE - Italian Trade Agency and FIMI (Federazione Industria Musicale
- [New York Film Festival 62, September 27 - October 14, New York](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/09/new-york-film-festival-62-september-27-october-1-new-york/) - RaMell Ross, McQueen, Almodóvar: New York Film Festival Returns with a Diverse Global Cinema Lineup Sean Baker’s Palme d’Or-winning dramedy Anora and other Cannes prizewinners, such as Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light and Roberto Minervini’s first fictional film The Damned, will be featured at this year’s New York Film Festival. The
- [Ottx Annual Summit 2024](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/09/ottx-annual-summit-2024/) - OTT.X Gears Up for its Anticipated 6th Annual Summit OTT.X is preparing for its 6th annual Summit, scheduled for September 25-26, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. This year's event will feature a conference program with interactive sessions focused on addressing industry challenges, standards development, immersive research, and the latest trends and technologies in streaming. Conference
- [Mia Market 2024, Rome, October 14-18](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/07/mia-market-2024-rome-october-14-18/) - MIA - Mercato Internazionale Audiovisivo will return to Rome from October 14 to 18, 2024, marking the tenth edition of one of the most significant events in the international audiovisual industry. Jointly organized by ANICA (Italian Association of Film, Audiovisual, and Digital Industries) and APA (Italian Audiovisual Producers Association), MIA has steadily grown in prominence
- [California Gov. Gavin Newsom Signs AI Bills That Give Performers Greater Protections](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/09/california-gov-gavin-newsom-signs-ai-bills-that-give-performers-greater-protections/) - If not the studios, then the law. California Governor Gavin Newsom signed off on legislation aimed at protecting Hollywood actors and performers from unauthorized artificial intelligence, which could be used to create digital clones of their likeness without their consent. The new policy, signed on September 17th, reflects the state’s effort to address concerns about
- [Hollywood's 10 Percent Problem: Is the Film Industry Too Risk-Averse?](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/09/longlegs/) - A recent study reveals a surprising trend in Hollywood: only 10% of the over 500 movies released or scheduled for release by major studios and streaming platforms between 2022 and 2026 were developed internally. This revelation has sparked a debate about whether the industry's current approach is the new standard or a sign that it
- [TIFF 2024](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/08/tiff-2024/) - Toronto International Film Festival: September 7 -17, 2024 The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is one of the most prestigious and anticipated film festivals in the world, and this September, it will once again take center stage in Toronto, attracting filmmakers, industry professionals, and cinephiles from around the globe. TIFF has long been dedicated to
- [Emmy Awards 2024: 10 Out of 12 Winning Shows Filmed Outside Los Angeles](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/09/emmy-awards-2024-10-out-of-12-winning-shows-filmed-outside-los-angeles/) - The mid-September Emmy appointment marks the start of Hollywood's school year: the awards season kicks off with accolades for TV series and programs and culminates with the Oscars in early March. The 76th Emmy Awards edition has shown that the upcoming year is rather unusual. Firstly, the competing productions, those aired or streamed between June
- [2024 Emmy Awards: Hacks Surprises in Comedy, Shogun Triumphs in Drama](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/09/2024-emmy-awards-hacks-surprises-in-comedy-shogun-triumphs-in-drama/) - Hacks snagged the top comedy prize from the highly favored The Bear, which was expected to repeat its success from last season with its second installment. The HBO/Max show about a seasoned comedian trying to regain her audience and comedic edge also won for writing (with Italian screenwriter Lucia Aniello on the team) and for
- [To Caesar What Is Caesar’s: Divine Inspiration and Dollar Signs in Hollywood’s Religious Production Boom](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/09/to-caesar-what-is-caesars-divine-inspiration-and-dollar-signs-in-hollywoods-religious-production-boom/) - “Yes! I see the light!” The scene unfolding between the studios and glass-walled offices high in Hollywood echoes the iconic moment in The Blues Brothers, where John Belushi, bathed in divine blue light, dances down the church aisle, touched by God. After a series of box office successes by Christian filmmakers, faith-based movies are now
- [Hollywood, Take Notice: AI and TikTok Are Already Reshaping the Industry](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/09/hollywood-take-notice-ai-and-tiktok-are-already-reshaping-the-industry/) - AI is starting to reshape Hollywood, though not in the way many anticipated. While much of the conversation focuses on software automating tasks such as scriptwriting, de-aging actors, filling backgrounds, or dubbing entire series, the real transformation may lie in how AI alters viewing habits altogether. Computer-generated content—and the platforms that host it—has the potential
- [Toronto Set to Shake Up the Fall Film Market Scene!](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/09/toronto-set-to-shake-up-the-fall-film-market-scene/) - The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is firing the opening shot in a brewing battle for dominance in the fall film markets, setting its sights on challenging the American Film Market (AFM) for indie film business supremacy. With TIFF set to introduce its formal market in 2026, bolstered by an eight-figure investment from the Canadian
- [Shogun Dominates at Creative Emmys; Italian Talent Shines in Visual Effects](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/09/shogun-dominates-at-creative-emmys-italian-talent-shines-in-visual-effects/) - With the overwhelming triumph of Shogun, Hollywood kicks off the awards season in what has been the darkest year in decades for the industry's employment figures. The Creative Emmys Awards, held on Saturday and Sunday at the Peacock Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles, honor a multitude of technical categories over two days. These awards serve
- [Venice Film Festival rewards socially conscious cinema, with a twist: room for series!](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/09/venezia-i-vincitori/) - Euthanasia, Holocaust, child education, illegal abortion, Nazi right-wing: the awards lineup at the 81st Venice Film Festival gives the impression that what convinced the jury, led by French actress Isabelle Huppert, were strong and provocative themes. Cinema with a conscience has truly found its home at the Lido. Another notable aspect is the prominent role
- [The 11 Italians Competing for Emmy Awards with Ripley](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/09/the-11-italians-competing-for-a-emmy-award-with-ripley/) - Among the many productions competing at the Emmy Awards this year, Ripley stands out and is expected to triumph in multiple categories. This eight-episode series, directed by Steven Zaillian, revives the charming con-artist character created by Patricia Highsmith in the mid-50s and was filmed almost entirely in Italy The story unfolds across various Italian locations,
- [<span class="notranslate">Gianfranco Cordara</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/11/focus-gianfranco-cordara/) - Gianfranco Cordara is a journalist, writer, and media executive with years of experience in the entertainment industry. He recently served as VP of Global Content Operations for Disney+. Before that, he was the Head of Disney Digital International and the Publisher and Creative Director of Global Magazines for Disney Publishing Worldwide. He also serves
- [AI Music Generators Face Legal Battle from Major Record Labels](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/09/ai-music-generators-face-legal-battle-from-major-record-labels/) - AI music startups Suno and Udio AI are facing a major lawsuit from top record labels, including Universal, Sony, and Warner, over copyright infringement claims. This case, seen as potentially precedent-setting for various creative industries, could either reinforce the labels' market dominance or significantly impact their assets and relevance to artists. Rather than seeking to
- [Disney Bets Big on Star Wars Outlaws to Break Hollywood’s Gaming Curse](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/09/disney-bets-big-on-star-wars-outlaws-to-break-hollywoods-gaming-curse/) - Disney is testing gamers’ appetite for Hollywood IP once again with Ubisoft's latest offering, Star Wars Outlaws. This AAA title, released on August 30th, follows the expiration of EA’s exclusive 10-year rights deal for the Star Wars franchise. Developed by Massive Entertainment, Outlaws ventures into open-world gameplay, echoing the style of Ubisoft’s popular franchises like
- [Chick-fil-A’s Bold New Move: The Fast-Food Giant is Launching Its Own Streaming Service!](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/09/chick-fil-as-bold-new-move-the-fast-food-giant-is-launching-its-own-streaming-service/) - Chick-fil-A is known for its chicken sandwiches and faith-driven principles, but the fast-food giant is making an unexpected leap into the entertainment world. The company has announced plans to launch its own streaming service, aiming to compete with major players like Netflix. This bold move marks a significant expansion beyond its traditional food business, raising
- [Telegram Faces Global Crackdown: Deepfake Scandals and CEO Arrest Fuel Growing Legal Troubles](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/09/telegram-faces-global-crackdown-deepfake-scandals-and-ceo-arrest-fuel-growing-legal-troubles/) - Telegram is grappling with increasing legal issues, following the arrest of its founder in France, and now facing scrutiny in South Korea. The South Korean police have initiated a preliminary investigation into Telegram's involvement in abetting sex crimes, according to a report by Yonhap News Agency. This move comes amid the country's efforts to address
- [The Venice Film Festival: Balancing Artistic Prestige and Financial Realities](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/08/public-funding-and-free-rent-the-secret-to-venice-film-festivals-success/) - Under the artistic direction of Alberto Barbera, the world's oldest film festival has been relaunched and expanded. Venice’s Mostra del Cinema has revitalized its infrastructure and screening rooms, enhanced the quality of film selections—many of which start at the Lido and go on to receive numerous awards worldwide—and attracted Hollywood stars and celebrities from around
- [Venice Film Festival: Marco Bellocchio Receives the Robert Bresson Award](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/08/venice-film-festival-marco-bellocchio-receives-the-robert-bresson-award/) - Marco Bellocchio will receive the 25th Robert Bresson Award. The award ceremony will take place on Saturday, August 31, at 12:30 p.m., at the Italian Pavilion - Sala Tropicana 1 at the Hotel Excelsior, during the 81st Venice International Film Festival. The award, presented by the Fondazione Ente dello Spettacolo and Rivista del Cinematografo with
- [2024 Emmy Nominations: FX dominates the scene](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/07/2024-emmy-nominations-fx-dominates-the-scene/) - 'Shogun' Tops the List with 25 Nods, Followed Closely by 'The Bear' with 23 The Primetime Emmy Awards are back in September, signaling another fiercely competitive awards season. Emmy voters had a challenging task this season. Only shows that aired between June 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024, are eligible, including major series like The
- [Sara Furio: An American in Rome](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/08/sara-furio-an-american-in-rome/) - The importance of embracing cultural humility in the entertainment industry to engage with global audiences Don’t let her name fool you. Sara, born and raised in Chicago by her Italian immigrant parents, now calls Rome home. She spent nearly a decade building Netflix’s international efforts, from Hollywood to Bollywood and London to Rome. As a
- [Tim Burton on Beetlejuice Beetlejuice at Venice Film Festival](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/08/tim-burton-on-beetlejuice-beetlejuice-at-venice-film-festival/) - ‘Not a Sequel Cash Grab’—A Passion Project Met with Enthusiastic Reception At the Venice Film Festival, Tim Burton, alongside his star-studded cast, unveiled Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the much-anticipated follow-up to the 1988 cult classic. Thirty-six years after Beetlejuice charmed audiences, Burton and Michael Keaton have returned with the next chapter of this supernatural comedy, set to
- [NBA vs WBD: TV Rights Battle](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/08/warner-nba-rights/) - NBA Slams Warner Bros Discovery in Court Battle Over Amazon TV Rights Deal, Calls Company Too Small to Compete The NBA has slammed Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) in an escalating legal battle over broadcast rights, accusing the media giant of lacking both the financial strength and the audience reach to compete with Amazon’s lucrative deal.
- [Disney Parks: High prices are starting to outpace demand and consumer willingness to pay](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/08/disney-parks-high-prices-are-starting-to-outpace-demand-and-consumer-willingness-to-pay/) - Disney's theme parks, long synonymous with the "Happiest Place on Earth" are facing a tough reality. Despite their immense popularity, rising prices and extra fees are causing a slowdown in growth, as highlighted in the company's recent earnings report. The report showed that while Disney overall had a positive Q3, its Experiences sector, which includes
- [Venice Immersive](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/08/venice-immersive/) - The 81st Venice International Film Festival lineup is gradually being unveiled, with the Venice Immersive XR – Extended Reality section now announced. Scheduled to run from August 28 to September 7, the festival's Venice Immersive program will feature all types of creative XR expressions: 360° videos, virtual and mixed reality experiences of any length, including
- [Hollywood faces the Cable-pocalypse](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/08/hollywood-faces-the-cable-pocalypse/) - Media Giants Struggle as the Industry Faces Unprecedented Crisis The media sector, particularly linear television, is undergoing a deep and relentless crisis. Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and Paramount, two giants in the industry, are facing enormous write-downs and economic difficulties, but WBD's situation under CEO David Zaslav appears especially concerning. Despite enjoying moments of luxury
- [Venice Film Festival 2024 lineup](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/07/venice-film-festival-2024-lineup/) - Five Italian Films in Competition at the Star-Studded Venice Film FestivalHow is Italian Cinema Doing? Not Bad, if you look from the Lido di Venezia. Twelve films have been selected for the 81st edition of the Film Festival, running from August 28 to September 7. The works created in Italy are even more numerous when
- [Disney's Epic $1.5B Move Sparks Gaming Investment Boom as GameStop's $2.1B Sale Breaks Records – Report](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/08/disney-epic-games-investment-2024/) - After a turbulent first half of 2024 marked by layoffs, closures, and business disruptions, the video game industry is showing signs of recovery, according to a recent report from DDM Games. This sector analysis comes as the industry faces record-high investments, reversing some of the damage sustained during the previous year. Digital Development Management (DDM),
- [AI Job Cuts: The Animation Guild Fights Back in Critical Contract Battle](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/08/ai-impact-animation-jobs/) - The ongoing rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has become a pivotal issue in labor negotiations throughout Hollywood. From the Writers Guild of America (WGA) to SAG-AFTRA, the influence of AI has sparked significant discussions, leading to a historic double strike and shaping recent contracts. Now, as the Animation Guild (IATSE Local 839) enters negotiations
- [Animation Industry on Edge: AI Threats, Layoffs, and Outsourcing Stalemate Pushes Talks to September](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/08/animation-industry-ai-threats-layoffs-outsourcing/) - Negotiations between the Animation Guild (IATSE Local 839) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have ended this week without a deal. According to reports, both parties plan to resume discussions in mid-September to reach a new three-year contract. These talks, which began on August 12, have yet to yield an agreement,
- [Hollywood Summer Lessons 2024: Between Nostalgia and New Box Office Challenges](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/08/hollywood-box-office-summer-2024-lessons/) - Hollywood's summer movie season of 2024 was a mix of successes and disappointments, revealing important trends and lessons for the industry. Although the domestic box office saw a 12% decline compared to the previous year, global figures show a slight growth compared to 2022, suggesting that the much-anticipated recovery of cinema may already be underway.
- [Content Licensing for Training AI: How Licensing Deals Look](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/08/content-licensing-for-training-ai-how-licensing-deals-look/) - As more companies develop AI models for generating videos, the need for high-quality video content is growing rapidly. These AI models require vast amounts of video data—sometimes millions of hours—to train effectively. While some developers are still scraping content from the internet, this doesn't always provide the best quality. Therefore, there’s an increasing interest in
- [TikTok’s New Tool to Promote Films and Series (Facing U.S. Ban)](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/08/tiktok-launches-spotlight/) - TikTok may be facing a countdown in the U.S., but for now, it continues to make waves, not without controversy. The popular Chinese video-sharing app has introduced a new marketing tool called Spotlight, designed to help entertainment marketers harness content generated by its user base of over 1 billion people. The main entry point for
- [NBCUniversal Wins Gold Medal at Paris Olympics: Ratings Soar 82%](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/08/nbcuniversal-paris-olympics-ratings-success/) - Forget Simone Biles, Katie Ledecky, and Coco Gauff. The real gold medal winner for Team U.S. at the Paris Olympics was Comcast and NBCUniversal. The media giant is celebrating a major triumph with its coverage of the 2024 Games. The two weeks of sports on the Seine attracted a combined average of 30.6 million viewers
- [Paramount Global Slashes 2,000 Jobs in Massive Restructuring Move](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/08/paramount-cuts-2000-jobs/) - Paramount Global is moving forward with plans to slash approximately 15% of its U.S. based workforce, a decision disclosed by co-CEO Chris McCarthy alongside the company's second-quarter financial results. The impending layoffs are expected to affect around 2,000 employees, focusing primarily on eliminating redundant roles in marketing, communications, and streamlining corporate functions such as finance,
- [Jimmy Kimmel worried about the future of talk shows](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/08/jimmy-kimmel-worried-about-the-future-of-talk-shows/) - "I don't know if there will be any in 10 years" Jimmy Kimmel, the longstanding host of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, has expressed doubt about the future of late-night television on network TV. After more than 21 years at the helm of his show, Kimmel signed a new three-year deal in 2022, though he had been
- [Disney's Future: Sequels, Baby Yoda, and Big Screen Magic Unveiled at D23!](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/08/disney-d23event-announcements/) - At the D23 Expo - The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – Disney laid out its plans for box office success, with a strong focus on animated sequels and the ever-popular Baby Yoda. The 3 days celebration, held at the Honda Center and at the Convention Center in Anaheim, featured a dazzling array of presentations from
- [Market Meltdown: U.S. Stocks Plummet Amid Global Economic Fears: Is a Recession Inevitable?](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/08/market-meltdown-us-stocks-plummet-global-economic-fears/) - U.S. stocks, which plunged at the market open Monday, saw little respite during the session and closed at or near their lows in a major correction. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended off 1,033 points, down 2.6%. The Nasdaq fell by 3.4%, and the S&P 500 by 3%. Fears of a U.S. recession cascaded across
- [Skydance Acquires Paramount: A New Era for Gaming?](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/08/skydance-acquires-paramount-a-new-era-for-gaming/) - Paramount Global has a gaming problem. David Ellison is coming to the rescue. Paramount has produced some of cinema’s most iconic classics, such as Titanic, Forrest Gump, and The Godfather, just to name a few. However, its gaming efforts have faltered, remaining a minor part of the company without gaining significant traction. Ellison’s Skydance Media
- [Meta Delivers Strong Q2 Performance, but Challenges Remain](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/08/meta-delivers-strong-q2-performance-but-challenges-remain/) - Meta is doing great. The parent company of Facebook and Instagram delivered an impressive performance in the second quarter (Q2) of 2024, surpassing market expectations and sending its stock higher. The company reported revenue of $39.07 billion, marking a 22% year-over-year increase and exceeding analysts' forecasts of $38.31 billion. This represents the fourth consecutive quarter
- [Hollywood Is Not Back Yet: Neither Is Reality TV](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/08/hollywood-is-not-back-yet-neither-is-reality-tv/) - When Hollywood writers went on strike in 2007 and 2008, unscripted TV production surged. Scripted projects stalled during the work stoppage, and studios turned to reality TV — a cheaper, faster format that didn’t rely on union writers — to fill the airwaves. Audiences began keeping up with the Kardashians, the Bachelorette, X Factor, or
- [Elon Musk Takes on OpenAI](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/08/elon-musk-takes-on-openai/) - Explosive Lawsuit Targets Secret Microsoft Deal! The tech billionaire Musk has launched a new lawsuit against OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, alleging breach of contract and fraud, especially regarding the AI development firm partnership with Microsoft. This is Musk's second legal challenge against Altman. Musk claims OpenAI deviated from its mission to develop AI
- [Emily In Paris Season 4: A Roman Holiday Brings New Drama and Romance](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/08/emily-in-paris-season-4-rome/) - The much-anticipated fourth season of the hit Netflix series Emily in Paris is set to premiere in two parts, with the first batch of episodes releasing on August 15 and the second on September 12. This season continues to follow the adventures of Emily Cooper, played by Lily Collins, a young and ambitious marketing executive
- [U.S. Box Office Sees Summer Resurgence](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/08/u-s-box-office-sees-summer-resurgence/) - But Long-Term Challenges Persist for Hollywood The U.S. box office has seen a significant resurgence this summer with hits like "Inside Out 2" and "Deadpool & Wolverine," which together grossed $2.5 billion globally. This marks a positive trend for Disney and other studios, especially after the difficult years caused by the pandemic. However, despite these
- [<span class="notranslate">The Use of the Metaverse Among U.S. Employees</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/12/working-in-metaverse/) - A Study On the Use of the Metaverse Among U.S. Employees Will "meta-working" replace work from home or even in-person work? Morningconsult.com published an essay about a tech tendency at its beginnings. Some companies have started to embrace the metaverse in their work environment, and their employees are pretty happy. Three in five tech workers
- [<span class="notranslate">Massimiliano Narciso, Lead Character Designer at Netflix and Oscar winner</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/03/massimiliano-narciso-lead-character-designer-at-netflix-and-oscar-winner/) - Italy didn't win the Oscar, but an Italian did. Massimiliano Narciso is the character designer of "War is Over "- inspired by the music of John & Yoko, which won the award for Best Animated Short Film. Born in 1975 in Milan and transplanted to Los Angeles to pursue the dream of working in
- [<span class="notranslate">Scam Artist Tom Ripley Returns on Screen in a Netflix's limited series filmed in Italy</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/03/scam-artist-tom-ripley-returns-on-screen-in-a-netflixs-limited-series-filmed-in-italy/) - With its captivating display of white shirts, languid leisure, and sun-drenched Italian opulence, the 1999 rendition of The Talented Mr. Ripley continues to be celebrated as a cinematic masterpiece. It's hard to imagine any remake could top that twisted triangle between Matt Damon, Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow. However, Ripley, a new black-and-white show coming
- [<span class="notranslate">Music Festivals Face Cancellations Despite Live Music's Soaring Popularity</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/03/music-festivals-face-cancellations-despite-live-musics-soaring-popularity/) - Despite previously expanding, several music festivals are now scaling back. Bloomberg research indicates that at least ten festivals in the U.S. have been canceled this year. Factors include more cost-aware consumers and increasing expenses related to staff, stage setups, and artist fees. Even Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, with its April event, has tickets
- [<span class="notranslate">Filming Italy – LA Reflects on the Renaissance of the Italian Audiovisual Industry</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/03/filming-italy-la-reflects-on-the-renaissance-of-the-italian-audiovisual-industry/) - Italian cinema production is thriving. Therefore, the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) – Los Angeles Office opted to center its regular industry panel within the Filming Italy – Los Angeles festival, directed by Tiziana Rocca, on the robust results of the Italian Audiovisual Industry. “Cinecittà signed contracts and agreements worth 100 million euros, with revenues
- [<span class="notranslate">LA-Italia Festival: A Radiant Tribute Bringing Together Hollywood and Italian Cinema, Guided This Year by Screen Icon Franco Nero</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/03/la-italia-festival-a-radiant-tribute-bringing-together-hollywood-and-italian-cinema-guided-this-year-by-screen-icon-franco-nero/) - 2024’s edition, dedicated to Marcello Mastroianni and Eduardo de Filippo, featured the presence of the Oscar-nominated Italian director Matteo Garrone The 19th Los Angeles, Italia Film, Fashion, and Art Festival concluded on the night of Saturday, March 9, one day before the Oscars, in the iconic TCL Chinese Theatres, right next to the Dolby Theatre. As
- [<span class="notranslate">Trian Group Takes Aim at Disney's Board in Shareholder Showdown</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/03/bob-iger-succession-at-disney/) - Boardroom Battle: Peltz Challenges Disney's Direction Under CEO Bob Iger With Disney's annual shareholder meeting on the horizon (April 3, 2024), Nelson Peltz's Trian Group has intensified its campaign for board seats, underscoring its concerns about the company's direction. While Peltz has refrained from challenging CEO Bob Iger directly, his focus remains fixed on
- [<span class="notranslate">NAB SHOW 2024</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/03/nabshow-2024/) - The annual trade show produced by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is back at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 13 to 17 April and generative AI takes center stage. Nab Show is the prominent event for the entire broadcast, media and entertainment industry, providing a platform for them to showcase the latest
- [<span class="notranslate">From Crew to White Collars: Hollywood's Current Job Crisis</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/03/from-crew-to-white-collars-hollywoods-current-job-crisis/) - No one seems to be safe in Hollywood these days. Over the past year, major studios like Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount, NBCUniversal, Amazon MGM Studios, Lionsgate, Netflix, Sony, Fifth Season, and numerous talent agencies including CAA and UTA have implemented waves of layoffs. The series cancellations during the dual strikes in 2023, coupled with
- [<span class="notranslate">OpenAI's Sora Converts Textual Input into Realistic Video Content</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/03/openais-sora-converts-textual-input-into-realistic-video-content/) - The text-to-video model debut in AI-powered video creation marks a notable advancement and a legal debate ahead and OpenAi's CEO has scheduled meetings with Hollywood studios next week. The potential of OpenAI, a U.S.-based artificial intelligence research organization founded in December 2015, has been widely acknowledged. The recent unveiling of Sora, an application designed to
- [<span class="notranslate">Labor Strike Not Over Yet in Hollywood as Crew Members Start Negotiating with Studios](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/03/labor-strike-not-over-yet-in-hollywood-as-crew-members-start-negotiating-with-studios/) - Hollywood has yet to shake off the effects of last year’s dual strikes, and a new labor showdown is unfolding. With the motto “Many crafts, one fight,” the behind-the-scenes crews could be next to challenge Studios and streamers. On March 4th, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), Teamsters, and the Hollywood Basic Crafts
- [<span class="notranslate">Arezzo Wave in LA brings the Italian excellence on the international stage of MusExpo 2024</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/03/arezzo-wave-in-la-brings-the-italian-excellence-on-the-international-stage-of-musexpo-2024/) - The music convention based in Burbank and Hollywood hosted four of the most prominent young Italian talents The Arezzo Wave Italia Foundation, established in 1987 with the aim of promoting independent music through the renowned Arezzo Wave Festival and other initiatives, facilitated the participation of four prominent Italian artists at the 23rd edition of
- [<span class="notranslate">The Silent Challenge of Decaying Movie and TV Show Files in Digital Entertainment</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/03/the-silent-challenge-of-decaying-movie-and-tv-show-files-in-digital-entertainment/) - Professionals in the industry fear the prospect that numerous digital files may one day become obsolete While tax optimization strategies, like those employed by David Zaslav and Bob Iger, have stirred controversy by deleting content from streaming platforms, the real concern lies in the deterioration of digital archives, echoing the archival tragedies of the celluloid
- [<span class="notranslate">Netflix Will Spend More on International Markets than Stateside</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/03/netflix-will-spend-more-on-international-markets-than-stateside/) - The production of episodic television is declining after a long period of growth. Netflix plans to invest more than half of its annual budget in content produced outside of North America. This year, Netflix will spend about $8 billion on international content, including its original content for international markets and licensing of titles. Production costs
- [<span class="notranslate">The Mandalorian Secures $21M Tax Credits for California Filming</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/03/the-mandalorian-secures-21m-tax-credits-for-california-filming/) - The Lucasfilm title will get $21.8 million in tax credits, becoming just the fifth movie in the history of the program to get at least $20 million The upcoming Lucasfilm theatrical release “The Mandalorian & Grogu” is one of 15 films to secure an estimated $61 million in 2024 production tax incentives through California’s Film
- [<span class="notranslate">Tyler Perry pauses the expansion of his $800 million studio after being taken aback by the capabilities of artificial intelligence.</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/03/tyler-perry-pauses-the-expansion-of-his-800-million-studio-after-being-taken-aback-by-the-capabilities-of-artificial-intelligence/) - Tyler Perry has decided to halt an $800 million expansion of his Atlanta studio complex following the debut of OpenAI’s video generator, Sora, and has issued a warning regarding the potential job losses in the film industry due to artificial intelligence. The renowned US film and TV mogul had been in the process of adding
- [<span class="notranslate">GDC 2024 (March 18-22)</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/03/gdc-2024/) - The Game Developers Conference (GDC) is 5 days of education, inspiration, and networking that makes up the gaming industry’s principal professional event. GDC is collectively organized by the Italian Trade Agency Los Angeles Office and the Audiovisual Office of the Rome headquarters, in collaboration with IIDEA - Italian Videogame Association. A delegation of 16 companies
- [<span class="notranslate">Los Angeles, Italia Film, Fashion and Art Fest 2024</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/02/los-angeles-italia-film-fashion-and-art-fest-2024/)
- [<span class="notranslate">Filming Italy Los Angeles 2024</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/02/filming-italy-los-angeles-2024/)
- [<span class="notranslate">Kidscreen Summit 2024 (4-7 February 2024)</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/02/kidscreen-summit-2024-4-7-february-2024/)
- [<span class="notranslate">Oscars 2024: Matteo Garrone’s ‘Io, Capitano’ Representing Italy</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/02/oscars-2024-matteo-garrones-io-capitano-representing-italy/) - As the Oscars approach on March 10th, 2024, Italy returns for 'Best International Feature' after the nomination of The Hand of God two years ago. Matteo Garrone’s Io Capitano is the Italian representative at the Oscars in the "Best International Feature" category. Having premiered at the Venice Film Festival and won him the Best Director
- [<span class="notranslate">Super Bowl 2024: Taylor Swift's Fanbase Boosts Kansas City Chiefs Support by 20%</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/02/super-bowl-2024/) - How big was Taylor Swift's relationship with Travis Kelce's impact on the Super Bowl and its viewership? Despite ongoing debates about the extent of her influence, it's evident that Swift's involvement heightened interest in the NFL and attracted a new segment of fans to professional football. The data point provided indicates that 20% of Super
- [<span class="notranslate">ESPN, FOX, and Warner Bros. Discovery To Launch New Streaming Sports Service in the U.S.</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/02/espn-fox-warner-bros-discovery-streaming-sports-service/) - ESPN (a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company), FOX, and Warner Bros. Discovery have decided on a joint venture to create a new streaming sports app and combine each of their sport network portfolios. Each of the three will own 1/3rd of this venture, licensing their content on a non-exclusive basis, and the app
- [<span class="notranslate">Grammys 2024</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/02/grammys-2024/) - Women dominated the 66th edition of the Grammys, which was held once again at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles while being aired live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+. In recent years, the Grammys have been criticized for overlooking female artists, but change seems to finally be taking root with this year’s focus
- [<span class="notranslate">The Exceptional Success of Christmas 2023 in Streaming Platforms</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/02/the-exceptional-success-of-christmas-2023-in-streaming-platforms/) - Winter holidays are over, and we can now analyze the data to evaluate what has worked for the streaming audiences and how Christmas Movies explain Hollywood History. Starting from December 18th, the holiday film dominates during the Christmas week. This year, the ratings for Christmas movies have experienced an increase compared to previous years, going
- [<span class="notranslate">SXSW 2024</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/01/sxsw-2024/) - South by Southwest (SXSW), one of the leading world's events in the creative industries and innovation, is back! Over 345,000 attendees from 103 countries participated in the 2023 edition, making SXSW the ideal place to promote Italian innovation in the creative fields on an international level! The 2024 edition comes back to Austin, Texas
- [<span class="notranslate">Oscar Nominations 2024</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/01/oscar-nominations-2024/) - The 2024 Oscar nominees have been announced live this morning from the Samuel Goldwyn Theater by Zazie Beetz and Jack Quaid. This year’s ceremony will be hosted once again by Jimmy Kimmel, and will air on ABC Sunday, March 10th, live from the Dolby Theater at Ovation Hollywood. Matteo Garrone’s Io Capitano is officially
- [<span class="notranslate">Content Americas 2024</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/01/content-americas-2024/) - Content Americas will take place in the refurbished Miami Downtown Hilton from January 23rd - 25th, 2024. This event connects the Latin American and North American content business markets with an international audience. Its inaugural event attracted 1,600 content executives and this year’s Content Americas has passed 830 confirmed buyers, 120 exhibitors, and over
- [<span class="notranslate">The Italian Trade Agency in LA witnesses Inaugural Renaissance Award at AGBO HQ</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/01/inaugural-renaissance-award-agbo-hq/) - The Russo Brothers' Italian American Filmmaker Forum (RBIAFF), in collaboration with the Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA), hosts an annual filmmaker fellowship program. This initiative provides production grants to emerging talents in the movie industry. These grants are specifically aimed at those who seek to develop and create stories that illuminate aspects
- [<span class="notranslate">Emmy Awards 2023</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/01/emmy-awards-2023/) - After months of anticipation, the 2023 Primetime Emmy Awards finally took place live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles Monday 15th September. Traditionally held in September, they were postponed due to the SAG-AFTRA and The Writers Guild of America strikes. The Emmy’s 75th anniversary show closes out two weeks of award shows including the
- [<span class="notranslate">Entertainment Companies Begin Wave of Layoffs</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/01/entertainment-companies-begin-wave-of-layoffs/) - It’s a rocky start of 2024 for the entertainment industry, as it is facing heavy layoffs in companies spanning film, TV, music, and gaming. This round of layoffs has hit several big companies, including Amazon, Pixar, and Universal Music Group. Entertainment, media, gaming, and technology companies have been under pressure to reduce costs due
- [<span class="notranslate">Lionsgate's Road to Strategic Revitalization</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/01/lionsgate-strategy/) - Last week, Lionsgate announced a change in its movie division leadership: Adam Fogelson will succeed Joe Drake as the chairman of movies. Over the next few months, Drake and Fogelson will work closely for a seamless handover of responsibilities. Fogelson is currently vice chair of the Motion Picture Group, overseeing the worldwide marketing and
- [<span class="notranslate">Critics Choice Awards 2024</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/01/critics-choice-awards-2024-2/) - Oppenheimer wins big at The Critics Choice Awards held in Los Angeles on January 14th. The Critics Choice Awards, presented annually by the Critics Choice Association (CCA), recognize achievements in film and television. Established in 1995, these awards are voted on by a large group of critics and entertainment journalists, marking them as a
- [<span class="notranslate">The Hollywood Award Season Kicks Off</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/01/golden-globes-2024-winners/) - The film Oppenheimer triumphs at the Golden Globes. This year, following the dissolution of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association in 2023, the Golden Globe Awards have been organized by the newly established Golden Globe Foundation. The HFPA will no longer oversee the ceremony, which is now chaired by the producers at Dick Clark Productions,
- [<span class="notranslate">Oscar: Matteo Garrone’s ‘Io, Capitano’ Selected For International Feature Film Shortlist</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/12/io-capitano-international-feature-film-shortlist/) - Makeup and hairstyle artisans from Michael Mann’s ‘Ferrari’ also got a nomination in the specific category. Io Capitano, the Italian candidate for the Oscars, has entered the shortlist of 15 international feature films from which the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Science members will choose the final five nominees seven weeks before the
- [<span class="notranslate">Ad Spending On Six Major Streaming Services Declines by 8%</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/12/ad-spending-on-six-major-streaming-services-decline-by-8-percent/) - In a digital content-dominated landscape, the streaming industry has been a beacon of innovation, offering viewers a plethora of options and flexibility. However, the recent advertising slump has cast a shadow even on the streaming giants, impacting their revenue streams. According to MediaRadar, ad spending on six major streaming services, including Discovery Plus, Hulu,
- [<span class="notranslate">Martin Scorsese to Receive Lifetime Achievement Berlin Golden Bear</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/12/martin-scorsese-to-receive-berlin-golden-bear/) - The Berlin Film Festival will honor the director of Killer of the Flower Moon on February 20th. Legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese is set to be honored with a prestigious lifetime achievement, Golden Bear, at the upcoming Berlin Film Festival. The ceremony is scheduled for February 20, 2024, at the Berlinale. Scorsese is currently enjoying
- [<span class="notranslate">Combined Disney Plus and Hulu App Has Streaming's Most Popular Catalog, Study Finds</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/12/combined-disney-plus-and-hulu-app-has-most-popular-catalog/) - The integration of Hulu into the Disney Plus app has yielded a streaming powerhouse, establishing one of the most sought-after content catalogs in the US. According to a study conducted by Ampere Analysis, the combined streaming services now claim a one-third share of the top 100 most popular movies and TV series titles in
- [<span class="notranslate">Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery Explore Merger Talks</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/12/paramount-global-and-warner-bros-discovery-explore-merger/) - In a move that signals a potential major step in the ongoing consolidation trend within the industry, the chief executives of Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery, Bob Bakish and David Zaslav, respectively, have engaged in early talks regarding a potential merger. Sources close to the matter, who were briefed but not authorized to
- [<span class="notranslate">Golden Globes 2024</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/12/golden-globes-2024-2/) - Beverly Hills - January 7th, 2024 Matteo Garrone's Io Capitano Nominated for a Golden Globe Amid Fierce Competition Matteo Garrone's critically acclaimed Io Capitano and previously honored with the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival is joining the ranks of the top non-English language films in the Golden Globes lineup. It will compete with
- [<span class="notranslate">CES 2024</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/12/ces-2024/) - Las Vegas - January 9-12th Anticipation Builds for CES 2024: A Preview of Potential Innovations As the tech world eagerly awaits the arrival of CES 2024, the premier consumer technology event set to take place in Las Vegas from January 9 to 12th, excitement is palpable among enthusiasts and industry insiders. Also this year
- [<span class="notranslate">'C’è ancora domani' Nominated Film of the Year at Nastri d'Argento</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/12/ce-ancora-domani-nastri-dargento/) - The Italian film addressing women's rights and domestic violence is garnering international acclaim. The unstoppable ascent of C’è ancora domani (There's Still Tomorrow), the directorial debut of actress and comedian Paola Cortellesi, continues. The dramedy has been nominated for Film of the Year at the Nastri d'Argento by the “Direttivo dei Giornalisti Cinematografici” (Cinematographic
- [<span class="notranslate">Netflix Reveals Historic First Engagement Report</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/12/netflix-reveals-historic-first-engagement-report/) - Matilda De Angelis' Lidia Poet's TV series is the first Italian show in the chart. Netflix has unveiled its first-ever Engagement Report, a publication highlighting titles with the highest global viewing hours. Despite persistent calls for transparency, these numbers have been closely guarded until now, providing a unique insight into user preferences on the
- [<span class="notranslate">Post-Writers' Strike Hollywood: Navigating a New Landscape in Content Creation</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/12/post-writers-strike/) - In the aftermath of the second-longest Writers Guild of America strike, optimism for a surge in new ideas and scripts flooded the industry. However, almost two and a half months after the end of the writers' strike, Hollywood finds itself in an unexpected situation – a quiet marketplace, with executives puzzled by the lack
- [<span class="notranslate">Epic Games Achieves Significant Legal Triumph Over Google in Monopoly Litigation</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/12/epic-game-google-litigation/) - In a pivotal verdict the jury in the legal battle between Epic Games and Google has unanimously ruled in favor of Epic Games. This judgment asserts that Google's operations involving its Google Play app store and Google Play Billing service are in violation of monopoly laws. This victory follows Epic Games' legal actions, initiated
- [<span class="notranslate">Critics Choice Awards 2024 (January 14)</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/12/critics-choice-awards-2024/) - The Good Mothers: The Italian Riveting Tale of Women Defying the 'Ndrangheta, Nominated for Critics Choice Awards. In a remarkable journey from the pages of a non-fiction book to the screen, the Italian TV series The Good Mothers has been making waves in the entertainment industry. The Disney+ original series, based on the book
- [<span class="notranslate">The 2023/24 Emmy Awards (January 15)</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/12/2023-emmy-awards/) - Los Angeles, January 15th 2024 Predicting the Winners: 75th Primetime Emmy Awards Showdown As the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards rapidly approach, the entertainment world is buzzing with excitement and predictions, promising a night of celebration, recognition, and fierce competition among the best in television. This year's ceremony, rescheduled from September 2023 to January 15th,
- [<span class="notranslate">The 2023 Torino Film Industry Report: Film Commission Torino Piemonte's Impact in the Piedmont Region</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/12/2023-torino-film-industry-report/) - The first Social Report of FCTP reveals an impact of over 47 million euros in the previous year. The Torino Piemonte Film Commission (FCTP) has recently unveiled its first Social Balance, an in-depth analysis highlighting its diverse impacts and economic returns. This report offers certified insights and details on how the FCTP effectively utilizes
- [<span class="notranslate">Golden Globes Now On CBS, scheduled for Sunday, January 7</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/12/golden-globes-on-cbs/) - In a notable development for the entertainment industry, the longstanding Golden Globes Awards will now be broadcast on CBS, with the scheduled to be announced on December 11th. This shift follows the acquisition of the awards' assets, rights, and properties from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) by Dick Clark Productions and Eldridge in
- [<span class="notranslate">Unveiling the Global AI Governance</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/11/unveiling-the-global-ai-governance/) - The Ernest & Young report sheds light on new regulations. In October, Ernst & Young (EY), one of the Big Four accounting firms, has released a report named "Policy Trends and Considerations to Build Confidence in AI: The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Global Regulatory Landscape," with the objective of elucidating the regulatory framework for AI on
- [<span class="notranslate">Naples' Flourishing Film Scene: An Intersection of Cinema and Urban Revival</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/12/naples-film-scene/) - The Italian city of Naples has carved a niche for itself in the global film industry as a hub of cinematic innovation, merging cultural and economic growth. In 2023, the city's film and television production generated an impressive turnover of 26 million euros, significantly boosted by acclaimed filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino's 9 million euro contribution.
- [<span class="notranslate">Apple and Paramount Global Discuss Potential Streaming Service Bundle</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/12/apple-paramount-streaming-bundle/) - Tech giant Apple and media conglomerate Paramount Global are currently in discussions to combine their respective streaming services, Apple TV+ and Paramount+. As reported by the Wall Street Journal, these discussions revolve around creating a bundled subscription service at a discounted rate. This collaboration would offer subscribers a more cost-effective way to access a
- [<span class="notranslate">ChatGPT's First Anniversary: Marking a Year of Transformative Influence in AI</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/12/chatgpts-first-anniversary-marks-year-of-transformative-influence-in-ai/) - One hundred million people are already regular users. As ChatGPT blows out its first candle, it's an opportune moment to reflect on the journey of OpenAI's language model that unexpectedly took the world by storm. Initially an experiment in democratizing advanced AI technology, ChatGPT rapidly emerged as a pivotal player in how we interact
- [<span class="notranslate">The Future of AAA Gaming: Navigating New Horizons</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/11/the-future-of-aaa-gaming-navigating-new-horizons/) - Gaming, from annual blockbusters like Call of Duty to movie adaptations of games, has become a global phenomenon, captivating audiences across demographics. Yet, beneath the surface, the industry is experiencing fundamental changes, reshaping gaming's essence. The traditional AAA model, known for its high-budget, blockbuster releases every year or every other year, is facing unprecedented
- [<span class="notranslate">The Evolving Landscape of Concert Ticket Pricing: Impact on the Resale Market</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/11/the-evolving-landscape-of-concert-ticket-pricing-impact-on-the-resale-market/) - Recent years have seen a significant transformation in concert ticketing, driven by the rise of the resale market. This shift has reshaped how fans secure tickets for their favorite live music events. A Variety Intelligence Platform and UTA IQ "State of the Live Music Business" special report shows that nearly three-quarters of concertgoers are
- [<span class="notranslate">Post-Strike Hollywood: New Opportunities and Challenges in the Global Film Landscape</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/11/post-strike-hollywood/) - Following the 118-day SAG-AFTRA strike, the U.S. film and TV industry is witnessing a revival. However, this return is not without its challenges. The strike, which affected the global film and TV landscape, has led to a backlog in productions, particularly in Europe, raising concerns about a bottleneck effect. In Italy, Nicola Maccanico, the
- [<span class="notranslate">Bob Iger's Second Act at Disney: Navigating Challenges in the Streaming Era</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/11/bob-igers-second-act-at-disney/) - Iger's second term has been anything but smooth sailing, writes Meg James in the Los Angeles Times. In his second term as CEO at Disney, Bob Iger has encountered a plethora of challenges, marking a stark contrast to his previously successful 15-year leadership. This period has been characterized by organizational difficulties, financial strains, and
- [<span class="notranslate">There's Still Tomorrow: The Global Triumph of Paola Cortellesi's Historic Dramedy</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/11/theres-still-tomorrow-the-global-triumph-of-paola-cortellesis-historic-dramedy/) - Vision Distribution has successfully closed deals for There's Still Tomorrow in 18 countries across three continents. Paola Cortellesi's black-and-white dramedy There's Still Tomorrow (C'è Ancora Domani), set in post-World War II Rome, has transcended its Italian roots to become a global phenomenon. Actress-turned-director Paola Cortellesi's movie has not only captivated audiences in its home
- [<span class="notranslate">New Hollywood Phenomenon: Reece Feldman and Speaking the Gen Z Language</div>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/11/new-hollywood-phenomenon-reece-feldman/) - His @guywithamoviecamera TikTok account quickly gained over 2 million followers. Reece Feldman's rise to becoming a TikTok consultant for Hollywood studios is a testament to his bold approach and understanding of the Gen Z audience. Starting as a production assistant on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Feldman took a calculated risk by posting behind-the-scenes videos
- [<span class="notranslate">Taylor Swift and Morgan Wallen triumphed at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/11/2023-billboard-music-awards/) - The 2023 Billboard Music Awards proved to be an eventful night with notable wins and performances. Taylor Swift's Triumph: Taylor Swift emerged as a major winner, taking home ten awards, including the prestigious Top Artist Award, Top Country Female Artist, Top Hot 100 Songwriter, and Top Song Sales Artist. Swift expressed gratitude to her fans
- [<span class="notranslate">‘The Marvels’ Disappointing Debut: A Turning Point for the MCU?</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/11/the-marvels-disappointing-debut-a-turning-point-for-the-mcu/) - The Marvels, the latest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has caused a stir with its opening weekend performance, clocking in the franchise's lowest debut at $47 million domestically. This figure falls short of the initial projections of $75 million to $80 million, only to be downsized to a range of $60 million
- [<span class="notranslate">Netflix Rejuvenates the Legendary Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/11/netflix-rejuvenates-the-legendary-egyptian-theatre-in-los-angeles/) - Netflix, the streaming giant has reinvigorated the legendary Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles with a multi-million-dollar restoration, symbolizing a bridge between Hollywood's golden past and the digital age. This historic movie house, a bedrock in cinematic history and host of the first film premiere in Hollywood a century ago, is set to reclaim its
- [<span class="notranslate">The Road to Recovery: Film and TV Industry After the Strike</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/11/the-road-to-recovery-film-and-tv-industry-after-the-strike/) - Following a tumultuous six-month strike that left primetime schedules barren, the entertainment industry is now embarking on the path to recover the lost TV season. With the SAG-AFTRA strike concluded, the focus has shifted towards resuming production, addressing logistical challenges, and grasping the wider industry ramifications. Michael Schneider of Variety offers an insightful analysis
- [<span class="notranslate">Women Dominate 67th Annual Grammy Awards Nominations</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/11/women-dominate-67th-annual-grammy-awards-nominations/) - SZA leads the pack with nine nods. The music industry is gearing up for the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, and this year's nominations reflect a powerful and diverse array of talent, with SZA emerging as the front-runner with an impressive nine nominations. The list of nominees showcases the dominance of women in the music
- [<span class="notranslate">AI, Threat Or Tool For Filmmakers?</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/11/emergent-properties-festival/) - The Emergent Properties Festival brought together filmmakers, industry experts, and technology enthusiasts to explore the creative potential of AI in cinema. The Cary Grant Theatre at the Sony Pictures lot in Burbank, California, recently hosted an event highlighting the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and filmmaking. The Emergent Properties Festival brought together filmmakers, industry
- [<span class="notranslate">Walmart And NBCUniversal Team Up For Shoppable TV</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/11/walmart-nbcuniversal-shoppable-tv/) - A New Era of Entertainment Commerce is beginning. In a groundbreaking partnership, Walmart and NBCUniversal are set to to redefine audience interaction with popular TV content by introducing "shoppable episodes" of Bravo's Below Deck Mediterranean. This innovative approach allows viewers to effortlessly purchase featured items directly through their remote control during the show's commercial
- [<span class="notranslate">Hollywood Strike Ends: SAG-AFTRA Approves Tentative Deal with Major Studios</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/11/hollywood-strike-ends-with-tentative-deal/) - Four-month-long strike concludes with a historic billion-dollar agreement. In a groundbreaking move, the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) negotiating committee has unanimously approved a tentative deal with major studios, signaling the end of a nearly four-month-long strike that has disrupted the heart of Los Angeles' entertainment industry. Following a
- [<span class="notranslate">The Rome Film Festival 2023: 5 Key Highlights</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/11/the-rome-film-festival-2023-5-key-highlights/) - 70.640 tickets sold, 543 screenings,169 films from 31 countries. Those are the significant numbers of the Festa del Cinema di Roma 2023. The annual Rome Film Festival, a celebration of cinematic art and culture in the heart of Italy's capital, concluded another remarkable edition. Like any major film festival, the 2023 Rome Film Fest
- [<span class="notranslate">2023 NAB Show New York</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/10/2023-nab-show-new-york/) - October 24-26, 2023 Jacob K. Javits Convention Center - NYC MORE THAN 50 FIRST-TIME EXHIBITORS JOIN NAB SHOW NEW YORK. The National Association of Broadcasters reconnects thousands of content economy professionals for three days in New York City. Fifty-five leading-edge companies will exhibit for the first time at the 2023 NAB Show New
- [<span class="notranslate">ITALIAN SCREENS Los Angeles – Showcasing New Italian Cinema Globally</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/11/italian-screens-los-angeles/) - ITALIAN SCREENS, an initiative by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), Cinecittà for the Directorate General for Cinema and Audiovisual of the Ministry of Culture (DGCA-MiC), and the Academy of Italian Cinema – David di Donatello Awards. ITALIAN SCREENS aims to elevate the profile of Italian cinema on the international stage.
- [<span class="notranslate">Live Design International Show And Digital Signage Experience</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/11/live-design-international-show-and-digital-signage-experience/) - The Tech That Inspires the Live Event Industry Nov 29 - Dec 5, 2023 Las Vegas Convention Center - West Hall LDI (Live Design International) is the catalyst that connects the entire live entertainment, design, and technology community with manufacturers of state-of-the-art gear and professional training from industry leaders. Building on a 30-plus year
- [<span class="notranslate">White House AI Advisor Buchanan Says US Is “Catching Up"</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/11/white-house-ai-advisor-buchanan-says-the-us-is-catching-up/) - Biden's new executive order demands transparency for the world's biggest AI models. President Biden recently signed an executive order demanding greater transparency from major tech companies in their development of artificial intelligence (AI) models and tools, as well as outlining new rules for AI's usage. The order covers a wide range of AI applications
- [<span class="notranslate">Roku Beats Wall Street Revenue Expectations</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/11/roku-beats-wall-street-revenue-expectations/) - With improvements in its advertising business. Roku experienced a significant surge in its shares, with a 12% increase, during after-hours trading on Wednesday (Nov 1st, 2023), following a robust performance that exceeded Wall Street's revenue expectations and showcased improvements in its advertising business. The company reported a total net revenue of $912 million, representing a
- [<span class="notranslate">Disney To Acquire Remaining Hulu Stake From Comcast</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/11/disney-acquires-hulu-stake/) - Disney expects to pay Comcast's NBCUniversal a minimum of $8.61 billion. Disney has announced its plan to acquire the remaining 33% share of Hulu from Comcast, setting the stage for full ownership of the popular streaming service. According to the proposed agreement, Disney expects to pay Comcast's NBCUniversal a minimum of $8.61 billion by
- [<span class="notranslate">Sync Con 2023</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/11/sync-con-2023/) - December 1 · 5pm - December 3 · 1pm PST Avalon Hollywood 1735 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028 United States A music licensing conference in North America that aims to connect the dots between music creators & decision-makers for music use in Television, Movies, Games, Advertising, and Visual Media. 700+ Attendees 30+ Countries
- [<span class="notranslate">American Film Market 2023</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/10/american-film-market-2023/)
- [<span class="notranslate">AFI FEST</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/10/afi-fest/)
- [<span class="notranslate">The AI Summit New York</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/10/ai-summit-new-york/) - December 6-7, 2023 Javits Center - NYC AI Summit New York 2023: A Glimpse into the Future of Artificial Intelligence Situated at the epicenter of global commerce, the AI Summit New York offers a unique opportunity to engage with the trailblazing tech experts of the ecosystem and gain exclusive access to the visionary business
- [<span class="notranslate">The White Lotus Effect: Aperol's Rise In U.S. Pop Culture and Sales</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/10/the-white-lotus-effect-aperols-rise-in-u-s-pop-culture-and-sales/) - The critically acclaimed HBO series was the perfect canvas for Campari’s moment in the spotlight. In the world of spirits and aperitifs, the convergence of fate in entertainment and destiny can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Such intersection occurred when Campari, the parent company of Aperol, found itself intertwined with art and commerce through the
- [<span class="notranslate">Italian Director Luca Guadagnino To Be Honored At Jio Mami Mumbai Film Festival</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/10/luca-guadagnino-honored-at-jio-mami-mumbai-film-festival/) - The Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival has honored Italian director Luca Guadagnino with the "Excellence in Cinema (International)" award, recognizing his significant contributions to the global film industry. Guadagnino's distinctive storytelling and artistic vision, evident in films such as A Bigger Splash (2015), Call Me By Your Name (2017), Suspiria (2018), Bones and All
- [<span class="notranslate">Killers Of The Flower Moon Marks New Chapter In Apple's Cinematic Journey</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/10/killers-of-the-flower-moon-apple-cinematic-journey/) - Unlike previous releases on Apple TV+, Scorsese’s movie will not be available on the streaming service for at least 45 days. Apple, a dominant force in the realm of streaming services, is making substantial strides in the theatrical film industry. The highly-anticipated film, Killers of the Flower Moon, directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese,
- [<span class="notranslate">Hit Week 2023</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/10/hit-week-2023/)
- [<span class="notranslate">SAG-AFTRA Strike Negotiations Continue Amid Growing Restlessness</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/10/sag-aftra-strike-negotiations-continue-amid-growing-restlessness/) - The actor's strike entered its fourth month, and negotiations with major studios are intensifying. Recent developments suggest both sides are inching closer to a deal. Still, several contentious issues remain unresolved, and 3600 SAG-AFTRA members signed a letter stating that they would rather stay on strike than get a mediocre deal. The industry anxiously
- [<span class="notranslate">Taylor Swift's 'Eras Tour' Concert Films Shatters Records And Redefines The Concert Movie Experience</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/10/taylor-swifts-eras-tour-concert-film/) - The film also sparked heated debate on movie theater etiquette. In a landmark victory for both the music industry and film aficionados, Taylor Swift's concert film, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, has shattered previous records, establishing new benchmarks for concert films and revolutionizing the cinematic experience. Filmed during a stop on her tour at
- [<span class="notranslate">Netflix Ventures Into Brick-And-Mortar With Themed Retail Stores</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/10/netflix-ventures-into-brick-and-mortar-with-themed-retail-stores/) - Two stores will open in the US in 2025, with locations still undisclosed. Streaming giant Netflix is breaking new ground by announcing its foray into permanent physical retail spaces, set to open in 2025. Initially targeting two undisclosed locations in the United States, these establishments will adopt a mini theme park model, featuring food
- [<span class="notranslate">SAG-AFTRA Resumes Talks For Video Game Contract Amid Strike Concerns</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/10/sag-aftra-resumes-talks-for-video-game-contract-amid-strike-concerns/) - Negotiations with the video game companies commenced in October 2022 and have seen six rounds of bargaining to date. In an effort to avoid a potential second strike, the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) announced that it plans to hold further bargaining sessions to discuss a new video game
- [<span class="notranslate">MIA Market</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/10/mia-market/) - ROME, October 9-13th ITALY'S ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY: BALANCING GLOBAL GIANTS AND LOCAL CREATIVITY The annual report presented by Italy's TV Producers' Association, APA, at Rome's MIA market, highlights the continued investment growth in original content production in Italy. The 2022 annual report from the TV producers' association APA, revealed at Rome's MIA market, showed nearly
- [<span class="notranslate">SAG-AFTRA And Major Studios In Conflict Over Streaming Revenue Sharing</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/10/sag-aftra-and-major-studios-in-conflict-over-streaming-revenue-sharing/) - AMPTP declared that the differences between the two sides are too substantial to bridge. The negotiations between the SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) and major studios have hit an impasse, with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) declaring that the differences between the two
- [<span class="notranslate">SAG-AFTRA And AMPTP Resume Negotiations</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/10/sag-aftra-and-amptp-resume-negotiations/) - Will the WGA agreement help? After the recent historic strike by the Writers Guild of America (WGA), which concluded with an agreement that has yet to be ratified by member's vote, observers and stakeholders eagerly await a swift resolution from SAG-AFTRA as they come back to the negotiating table. Actors union and the Alliance
- [<span class="notranslate">ITTV INTERNATIONAL FORUM AND TECH IN ENTERTAINMENT SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDED</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/10/ittv-international-forum-and-techinentertainment-tie/)
- [<span class="notranslate">Disney Faces Backlash Over Reported Use Of Generative AI in Loki Season 2 Poster</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/10/disneys-loki-generative-ai-in-season-2-poster/) - Is the spiraling clock background AI-generated? Many illustrators and AI checkers say yes, it is. The promotional poster for the second season of Loki on the Disney Plus streaming service has stirred controversy within the creative community due to the alleged utilization of generative AI in its creation. The disclosure has raised worries among
- [<span class="notranslate">X - Formerly Twitter - To Test Three Tiers Of Service</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/10/x-formerly-twitter-to-test-three-tiers-of-service/) - X Corp. plans to introduce a three-tiered premium service to diversify revenue streams. Elon Musk's X Corp., previously known as Twitter, is gearing up for a major transformation by introducing a three-tiered premium service to offer customers various options and generate additional revenue streams. The company presented its plan to lenders, highlighting their actions
- [<span class="notranslate">Festa Del Cinema Di Roma</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/10/festa-del-cinema-di-roma/) - FESTA DEL CINEMA DI ROMA October 18 - 29th - ROME The 18th edition of the Rome Film Fest will be held from October 18th to 29th, 2023. The “Festa” – officially recognized by the FIAPF (Fédération Internationale des Associations de Producteurs de Films) – will take place at the Auditorium Parco della Musica,
- [<span class="notranslate">MIPCOM CANNES</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/10/mipcom-cannes/) - 16-19 October 2023 Palais des Festivals, Cannes - France MIPCOM CANNES gathers each October in the international red-carpet capital of Cannes, France, timed to coincide with the peak autumn buying season for new series and production rollouts. Deals get done through a mix of pre-scheduled agendas and casual networking, with business opportunities from morning
- [<span class="notranslate">Streaming Giants Unite: The Emergence Of The Streaming Innovation Alliance</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/10/streaming-giants-unite/) - It is the first time competing streaming providers have joined forces. In a groundbreaking move, significant players in the streaming video industry, including Netflix, Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Paramount, have come together to form the Streaming Innovation Alliance (SIA). It is the first time competing streaming providers have joined forces to advocate for
- [<span class="notranslate">Golden Globes Introduces New Categories For Blockbuster Films And Stand-Up Comedy</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/10/golden-globe-awards-introduces-new-categories/) - The Golden Globe Awards is expanding with two new categories for their upcoming broadcast in January. These additions will recognize hit movies that have captured the world's attention in either box office or streaming views and exceptional performances in stand-up comedy specials. The first new category is the "Golden Globe for Cinematic and Box
- [<span class="notranslate">Influencers Use Social Media to Grow Audience, Then They Switch</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/10/influencers-use-social-media-to-grow-audience-then-they-switch/) - Tools such as Linktree, Reddit, and Patreon help them to better engage with followers. Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube is the ultimate trio that defines mainstream social entertainment. Social media professionals use them, but there is a new tendency on the horizon to cultivate loyal communities using more sophisticated tools such as Linktree, Substack, Typeform,
- [<span class="notranslate">L.A. County Explores Tax Incentives, Fee Waivers And A Capital Fund To Help Local Film & TV Production After Strike</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/10/la-county-explores-tax-incentives/) - The L.A. County Board of Supervisors has taken steps towards boosting local film, TV, and digital production after the strikes, which was cited as a motivating factor by a report from the L.A. Economic Development Corporation, due to lost revenue. The motion by the County Department of Economic Opportunity, in consultation with FilmLA, was passed
- [<span class="notranslate">Epic Games Is Laying Off 16% of Employees</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/09/epic-games-lay-offs/) - Epic Games, creator of the popular game Fortnite, is laying off 830 of its employees. "While 'Fortnite' is starting to grow again, the growth is driven primarily by creator content with significant revenue sharing, and this is a lower margin business than we had when 'Fortnite Battle Royale' took off," CEO Tim Sweeney said
- [<span class="notranslate">In Conversation with Federico Francioni</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/09/focus-federico-francioni/) - Meet Federico Francioni, the Head of the Digital Ecosystem for Meta, the powerhouse behind Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and, more recently, Quest devices and Threads. Born in Arezzo in 1982, Federico has an impressive background in telecommunication engineering. He is a graduate of the prestigious University of Florence. He clinched victory in the Philip Morris
- [<span class="notranslate">MIA-the International Audiovisual Market in Rome</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/09/mia-the-international-audiovisual-market-in-rome/) - “MIA | Mercato Internazionale Audiovisivo directed by Gaia Tridente returns with its 9th edition to be held in Rome from October 9-13, 2023 in its historic venues of Palazzo Barberini and Cinema Barberini. More than 500 projects were submitted this year for the Co-Production Market and Pitching Forum for Animation, Doc, Drama and Film, from
- [<span class="notranslate">The Writer's Strike Is Over. WGA Leadership Authorizes Return to Work</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/09/writers-strike-ends/) - However, it could be weeks or months until production returns to where it was before the work stoppage. In a historic Hollywood labor battle, the 148-day writers' strike, the second longest Writers Guild of America (WGA) history, concluded at 12:01 a.m. PT Wednesday, September 27. This decision follows a vote from guild leadership authorizing
- [<span class="notranslate">Emigration Drama Io Capitano Will Represent Italy In The 2024 Oscars</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/09/io-capitano-italy-2024-oscars/) - "Io Capitano" already won Best Director Silver Lion and the Best New Actor prize, in Venice. Italy has chosen Matteo Garrone's powerful emigration drama, "Io Capitano," as its official submission for the Best International Film category at the 2024 Academy Awards. Io Capitano is a gripping and poignant emigration drama following the harrowing journey
- [<span class="notranslate">SAG-AFTRA Members Vote Yes To Strike Against Video Game Companies</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/09/sag-aftra-votes-to-strike-against-video-game-companies/) - The move won't start a strike right away, but it strengthens the bargaining position. More strikes are looming in the entertainment industry. If contract negotiations fail, SAG-AFTRA members have voted overwhelmingly to strike against video game companies. This strategic move won't start a strike immediately but strengthens their bargaining power and brings them closer
- [<span class="notranslate">Reruns of "Yellowstone" Bring Massive Success for Broadcast TV</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/09/reruns-of-yellowstone-bring-massive-success-for-broadcast-tv/) - Broadcast TV took a hit as streaming became more popular, but with Hollywood's double strike, reruns of popular shows are rising to the top of the viewing charts. According to the Samba TV Weekly Wrap Report for the week of September 11 - 17, 2023, Yellowstone is the most-watched linear program, sitting at number
- [<span class="notranslate">12 Films Compete To Represent Italy at the 96th Academy Awards</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/09/12-films-compete-to-represent-italy-at-the-96th-academy-awards/) - A selection committee established by ANICA at the request of the Academy of Motion Pictures voted on the film that will represent Italy in the 2024 Oscars on September 20th, 2023. Here are the list of candidates: C'e' Ancora Domani - Paola Cortellesi - At the end of World War II, a woman in
- [<span class="notranslate">Toronto International Film Festival: No Stars, But A Lot Of Good Movies</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/09/toronto-international-film-festival-no-stars-but-good-movies/) - American Fiction won the People's Choice Award. The prize often leads to the Best Picture Oscar. "For the most part, this year's TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival), which wrapped up with awards announced Sunday, was a far more muted affair — meaning that it allowed an exceptionally strong program of films to succeed on
- [<span class="notranslate">2nd Annual Metaverse Summit</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/09/2nd-annual-metaverse-summit/) - Los Angeles - October 10th, 2023 Omni Los Angeles Hotel California Plaza The concept of a metaverse, a virtual realm accessible to all, first emerged in the minds of science fiction writers. But today, it is revolutionizing the strategies of global brands. The 2nd annual Metaverse Summit will offer a wealth of use case
- [<span class="notranslate">Gary Oldman Joins Paolo Sorrentino’s Next Feature</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/08/gary-oldman-joins-paolo-sorrentinos-next-feature/) - Produced by Fremantle’s subsidiary The Apartment, Sorrentino's 10th Film Explores Mythological Roots of Naples, with the same crew behind “The hands of God’. Other key producers are Anthony Vaccarello representing Saint Laurent, Sorrentino for Numero 10, and Ardavan Safaee for Pathe. Douglas Urbanski serves as executive producer. Sorrentino’s next movie takes the audience back to
- [<span class="notranslate">Italian Comedies Are Being Dubbed In English Using AI</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/09/italian-comedies-are-being-dubbed-in-english-using-ai/) - Some of the most famous Italian sketches, dubbed by AI in English, are on social media. AI's good or evil nature is being debated, but it is helping Italian comedy find an audience worldwide and dispelling the myth that comedy only works locally. Tech journalist Andrea Indiano on Wired Italy explains that AI technology
- [<span class="notranslate">Pirated Movies Are On TikTok, One Bite At a Time</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/09/pirated-movies-are-on-tiktok/) - The videos violate copyright laws but remain available, and studios are not too upset. Social media is posing a new threat to copyright laws. The blockbuster Barbie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, is now available on streaming platforms. Before that, almost at the same time as the theatrical release, it made its appearance
- [<span class="notranslate">Netflix Aims to Expand Presence in Gaming & Local Language Content</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/09/netflix-aims-to-expand-presence-in-gaming/) - Netflix currently has more than 50 exclusive games for mobile devices as part of the streaming subscription, as well as a cloud-streaming initiative that allows users to stream the games to multiple devices. Netflix currently has more than 50 exclusive games for mobile devices as part of the streaming subscription, as well as a cloud-streaming
- [<span class="notranslate">Unity Changes Pricing Model, Putting Studios At Risk</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/09/unity-changes-pricing-model-putting-studios-at-risk/) - Now, developers will be charged each time their game is installed, even if that install is not attached to a sale. Unity Technologies, the company behind the cross-platform game engine Unity, which is used by AAA (major game studios like Blizzard) studios and indie developers alike, is changing its pay structure. “We are introducing
- [<span class="notranslate">ESPN & ABC Return to Spectrum TV</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/09/espn-abc-return-to-spectrum-tv/) - Walt Disney Co. and cable giant Charter Communications reached a deal that restored Disney channels to the pay-TV service. The more-than-10-day ESPN and ABC station blackout from Spectrum-pay-TV service proves the demise of traditional TV and cable. Still, some hope comes from the deal reached by Walt Disney Co. and cable giant Charter Communications
- [<span class="notranslate">Ferrari Vs. Mercedes</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/09/ferrari-vs-mercedes/) - This is the third film about Italy's glorious auto-racing heritage produced by Andrea Iervolino and Monika Bacardi. Oscar winner writer and director Bobby Moresco (Crash) is set to direct the third movie about Italy's glorious auto-racing heritage produced by Andrea Iervolino and Monika Bacardi’s ILBE Group, which already delivered Bobby Moresco's Lamborghini: The Man
- [<span class="notranslate">Venice Film Festival Recap</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/09/venice-film-festival-recap/) - Lights, camera, strike! Even though Hollywood's on a timeout and cultural appropriation is causing some raised eyebrows, the 2023 Venice Film Festival is still winning hearts around the globe. "From some potential early Oscar frontrunners to films every cinephile should have on their watchlist, the festival has delivered some of the most exciting and
- [<span class="notranslate">Entering 5th Month Of The Strike, A Sense of Opportunity Grows Among International Content Producers</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/09/strike-international-content-producers/) - "It's time to conquer the world market," Cinecittà CEO Nicola Maccanico said at the Venice Film Festival. During the initial stages of the walkout, there was a prevailing sense of anticipation. The entertainment industry in Hollywood contemplated the uncertain outcome. As the writers' strike enters its fifth month and the actors' strike in its
- [<span class="notranslate">New York Comic Con 2023</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/09/new-york-comic-con-2023/) - New York Comic Con (NYCC) is the East Coast’s biggest comic and pop culture event. It will occur at the Javits Center, 429 11th Ave, New York, from October 12th to the 15th. A guide to panels and screenings: Thursday, October 12 4:15 p.m. Futurama (Hulu): The season finale of the beloved sci-fi,
- [<span class="notranslate">Academy Museum's Tribute to Italian Cinema</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/09/academy-museums-tribute-to-italian-cinema/) - September 6th - November 25th, 2023 The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, designed by Renzo Piano, launches its autumn season with a rich lineup of Italian cinema. This remarkable cinematic showcase is made possible through an exclusive partnership, which has been renewed for yet another year, between CINECITTÀ and the ACADEMY, the foremost film institution
- [<span class="notranslate">Academy Museum's 2023 Gala</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/09/academy-museums-2023-gala/) - Academy Museum's Gala Los Angeles, October 14th, 2023 Meryl Streep, Oprah Winfrey, Michael B. Jordan, and Sofia Coppola will be the honorees at The Third Academy Museum Gala on Oct. 14th, 2023. The striking guilds, SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild, have approved this year's event despite ongoing work stoppages, where they have restricted their
- [<span class="notranslate">Global Gaming Expo 2023</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/09/global-gaming-expo-2023/) - Las Vegas, Nevada October 9-12, 2023 The Venetian Expo G2E 2023 will be held at The Venetian Expo from October 9-12. “G2E serves as an annual showcase for innovation in gaming, and this year’s event promises to be especially impactful as the industry transforms at a record pace,” said AGA Senior Vice President Maureen
- [<span class="notranslate">US Copyright Office Is Taking Steps Toward Rules for Generative AI</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/09/us-copyright-office-is-taking-steps-toward-rules-for-generative-ai/) - The office opened a public comment period, the last step before new rules proposal. The US Copyright Office is seeking public input on potential regulations for generative AI, specifically regarding how these technologies utilize the creations of authors and creators. The office is accepting comments until October 18th to gain insights for their ongoing
- [<span class="notranslate">SAG-AFTRA Will Vote For A Strike Against Video Game Companies</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/09/sag-aftra-will-vote-for-a-strike-against-video-game-companies/) - The vote will conclude on Sept. 25, before the bargaining starts. Hollywood's current strike has the potential to impact the video game industry as well. The National Board of SAG-AFTRA has unanimously agreed to hold a vote on strike authorization for its members, preceding negotiations with video game companies. Although the Interactive Media Agreement
- [<span class="notranslate">Hollywood Cuts 17000 Jobs In August As Strikes Continue</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/09/hollywood-jobs-cut/) - The U.S. government's Bureau of Labor Statistics released the number in its August employment report. The writer's and actor's strikes are starting to have an impact. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures, the film, TV, and music industries shed 17,000 jobs last month. "Within the industry, employment in motion picture and
- [<span class="notranslate">Meta Considering Paid Version of Facebook & Instagram</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/09/meta-considering-paid-version-of-facebook-and-instagram/) - The subscription plan, only for European Union users, will allow users to navigate ad-free. For nearly 20 years, Meta's core business has centered on offering free social networking services to users and selling advertising to companies wanting to reach that audience. Now, things could change, at least in Europe. Meta is considering a paid
- [<span class="notranslate">SAG-AFTRA Clarifies: Members Can Work On Approved Interim Agreement Productions</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/08/sag-aftra-clarifies/) - The subject has been a matter of contention among some SAG-AFTRA actors. SAG-AFTRA members can promote and audition for approved interim agreement productions. The union, on strike since mid-July, issued a statement consenting to its members to deal with some productions as a means of "strengthening the union's bargaining position and demonstrating solidarity." The
- [<span class="notranslate">AMPTP Went Public With Offer to WGA: Was it a Bad Move?</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/08/amptp-went-public-with-offer-to-wga-was-it-a-bad-move/) - The decision appeared aimed to force cracks in the unity of strikers. "They are trying to leapfrog over an important part of the deal-making process by going around our negotiating committee. This just raises red flags." With these words, prominent showrunner Mike Royce (Everybody Loves Raymond) criticized the studios' decision to make their deal
- [<span class="notranslate">Amazon In Talks With Disney About ESPN Streaming Partnership</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/08/amazon-disney-espn-streaming-partnership/) - Jeff Bezos is exploring the possibility of acquiring a minority stake in the sports network. Amazon and Disney are in discussions to develop a streaming service for ESPN, the British news agency Reuters reports. The companies are exploring the option of Amazon buying a minority stake in the sports network. According to the same
- [<span class="notranslate">Netflix Games Will Be Tested On Different Devices</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/08/netflix-games-will-be-tested-on-different-devices/) - The company is rolling out a limited beta test on TVs and computers. Netflix expands its video games offering to include TV sets, PCs, and Macs. A limited beta test will be conducted in Canada and the UK, allowing users to play games on their devices through Netflix.com. TV users can use their phones
- [<span class="notranslate">Freemantle Awarded With Hollywood Reporter's First "International Producer of the Year Award"</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/08/freemantle-awarded-with-international-producer-of-the-year-award/) - The ceremony will take place on September 3rd, in Venice. The Hollywood Reporter will grant Independent London-based company Freemantle its inaugural "International Producer of the Year" award. It will present the honor at a gala event, on September 3rd, at the Venice Film Festival where the company will bring five highly anticipated titles: Yorgos
- [<span class="notranslate">Venice: How SAG-AFTRA Waivers Impact Indie Film Sales</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/08/venice-how-sag-aftra-waivers-impact-indie-film-sales/) - The commercial aspect of the autumn film festivals, characterized by behind-the-scenes negotiations and nocturnal sales meetings where a premiere's buzz from major events like Venice-Toronto-Telluride is transformed into hefty distributor payouts, might be noticeably absent this year. Due to new stipulations concerning sales of movies that procured SAG-AFTRA exemptions to participate and promote at these
- [<span class="notranslate">AI In Games & Entertainment Conference</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/08/ai-in-games-entertainment-conference/) - Los Angeles September 12th, 2023 Digital Media Wire and Skybound present the first edition of “AI in Games & Entertainment.” The conference will be held in person at Skybound Entertainment's Headquarters in Los Angeles, California. This event is restricted to 150 attendees. The agenda will focus on business meetings, engaging conference sessions, and providing
- [<span class="notranslate">50th Telluride Film Festival</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/08/50th-telluride-film-festival/) - Telluride Film Festival August 31st - September 4th Every Labor Day weekend for the past 50 years, the population of the tiny mountain village of Telluride, Colorado, experiences a significant triple increase in size. Film enthusiasts flood the town for a four-day cinematic experience. Guided solely by their love for movies, these dedicated individuals
- [<span class="notranslate">Federal Judge Rules That AI-Created Art Isn't Copyrightable</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/08/ai-created-art-isnt-copyrightable-judge-rules/) - A US federal judge upheld a finding from the U.S. Copyright Office that a piece of art created by AI is not open to protection. A US Federal judge ruled that a piece of art created by AI is not open to copyright protection. The ruling was delivered in an order that turned down
- [<span class="notranslate">Americans Spend Over 13 Hours a Day on Digital Media</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/08/americans-spend-over-13-hours-a-day-on-digital-media/) - 78% of all U.S. households subscribe to at least one streaming service. According to a survey commissioned by Forbes Home and conducted by market research company Prolific, the average American spent slightly less time on digital media in 2022 compared to the previous year. The survey, which involved 1,005 American consumers, found that the
- [<span class="notranslate">After 4 Weeks at the Box Office, Barbie is Surpassed by Blue Beetle</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/08/blue-beetle-surpasses-barbie/) - But the Warner Bros. and Mattel movie is on track to become the highest-grossing domestic film of the year. Is the Barbie cinematic reign over? Not quite, but after four weeks of dominance at the box office, the Warner Bros. and Mattel movie was surpassed by the Latino-centric superhero flick Blue Beetle, directed by
- [<span class="notranslate">On-Demand Content Will Help Fast Services Compete With SVOD</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/08/on-demand-content-will-help-fast-services-compete-with-svod/) - On-demand options and original content will help free ad-supported streaming services become go-to options. The landscape of FAST TV, which stands for free ad-supported streaming TV, is undergoing significant changes. While it initially resembled traditional linear TV, platforms like Pluto TV, Roku, Peacock, and Tubi are now evolving towards a more on-demand streaming experience
- [<span class="notranslate">Strike: Hollywood Writers Responded to AMPTP Counterproposal</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/08/hollywood-writers-respond-to-amptp-counterproposal/) - Hopes for a quick end to the strike were quickly dispelled. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has responded to a counterproposal from the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, and hopes for a quick end to the strike were quickly dispelled. According to sources familiar with the talks, the WGA bent slightly
- [<span class="notranslate">Distributors Shopping For Movies At Fall Festivals Must Agree To New SAG-AFTRA Contract Terms</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/08/distributors-must-agree-to-new-sag-aftra-contract-terms/) - Any movie that has received a SAG-AFTRA interim agreement will need a buyer willing to adhere to new deal points. Movie distributors attending fall film festivals such as Venice, Telluride, and Toronto will need to accept new contract terms from SAG-AFTRA if they want to buy certain star-studded indie films. SAG-AFTRA's chief negotiator Duncan
- [<span class="notranslate">Linear TV Viewing Drops Below 50% Of U.S. Television Usage</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/08/linear-tv-viewing-drops-below-u-s-television-usage/) - Streaming hits record high, a Nielsen study says. According to Nielsen, broadcast and cable TV usage in the United States has dropped below 50% for the first time, suggesting that linear TV may be dying. In contrast, according to Nielsen's monthly report, streaming services like YouTube and Netflix have reached a record high of
- [<span class="notranslate">News Corp. CEO: "Negotiations With AI Companies For Content Payments Are Underway"</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/08/news-corp-ai-negotiations/) - "We have been characteristically candid about the AI challenge to publishers and intellectual property." News Corp., the owner of the Wall Street Journal, is currently engaged in discussions with AI and tech companies "to establish a value for our unique content sets and IP that will play a crucial role in the future of
- [<span class="notranslate">The 75th Emmy Awards Have A New Date: January 15th, 2024</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/08/75th-emmy-awards-new-date-jan-15th-2024/) - The Creative Arts Emmys will anticipate the event a week earlier on Jan. 6th and 7th. The 75th Emmy Awards ceremony, supposed to be in September and postponed because of the strike, now has a new date: it will be held on January 15th at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles and aired
- [<span class="notranslate">Entertainment & Technology Summit</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/08/entertainment-technology-summit/) - The Intersection of Media & Technology by Variety Magazine Los Angeles, September 21st , 2023 Variety returns in-person for its annual Entertainment & Technology Summit, presented by City National Bank on September 21st. This one-day event will explore advancing technology’s impact on TV, film, gaming, music, digital media, and consumer brands. The event will
- [<span class="notranslate">Tough Times For Media Companies</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/08/companies-revenue/) - Several major media companies — including Paramount Global, News Corp, and Disney reported their quarterly results. DISNEY The Walt Disney Company's earnings report revealed revenue struggles in most areas, except for international parks. The company reported quarterly revenue of $22.3 billion, slightly lower than the expected $22.5 billion as estimated by Refinitiv. Revenue in
- [<span class="notranslate">Warner Bros. Discovery Will Have Sports and News on Streaming</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/08/warner-bros-discovery-will-have-sports-and-news-on-streaming/) - Its streaming subscriber base shrank in the latest quarter as a result of the launch of Max. Warner Bros. Discovery streaming service will add news and live sports events in the US territory. Chief Executive David Zaslav said the company was in a position to turn its attention to news and sports after the
- [<span class="notranslate">Preliminary Guidelines to Understand the Hollywood Strike and its Impact on Italian Independent Production Companies</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/08/preliminary-guidelines-to-help-understanding-the-hollywood-strike-and-its-impact-on-italian-independent-production-companies/) - In this particularly challenging moment for the entertainment industry due to the SAG AFTRA strike, we reached out in Los Angeles the Italian lawyer, Alessandra Tarissi De Jacobis, specialized in entertainment law, licensed and admitted to practice in California and in Italy, for a better understanding of how the strike is impacting the independent producers
- [<span class="notranslate">Amazon Modifies Ad Revenue Policy for International Fire TV Apps</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/08/amazon-modifies-ad-revenue-policy-for-international-fire-tv-apps/) - The company will require international app developers to opt into their in-house ad publishing service. Starting September 1st, Amazon will enforce a new developer policy that requires domestic and foreign streaming services to allocate 30% of their in-country advertising impressions to Jeff Bezos's company. Developers offering ad-supported Fire TV apps in the United, app
- [<span class="notranslate">Netflix Emerges As Video Game Publisher</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/08/netflix-emerges-as-video-game-publisher/) - Two years ago they launched the first experiment. Now the company is getting serious about games. Netflix is not just a well-established video streaming service. Not anymore. "Two years after the first Netflix experiment with games, the streaming platform became a serious emerging videogames publisher," writes Ash Parrish, who covers video game business, culture,
- [<span class="notranslate">Lionsgate Closes Deal to Acquire eOne from Hasbro</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/08/lionsgate-closes-deal-to-acquire-eone-from-hasbro/) - Lionsgate acquires Hasbro EOne TV and Film Operations Division. The deal, of around 500 million dollars, will be finalized in November. Nearly four years ago, in August 2019, Hasbro announced its intent to acquire Entertainment One (eOne) in a $3.8 billion deal. Now Lionsgate has acquired from Hasbro eOne TV and film operations for
- [<span class="notranslate">Barbie Of Records: 1 Billion at the International Box Office</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/08/barbie-1-billion-box-office/) - It even did well in China, where the toy is not popular among girls. Did Barbie save the cinema from a destiny of streamed content? It appears so. According to official Warner Bros. estimates, the blockbuster with Margot Robbie as the title protagonist and executive producer has raked in $1.03 billion at the global
- [<span class="notranslate">Viola Davis Is Opposed To Filming Her Next Movie</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/08/viola-davis-is-opposed-to-filming-her-next-movie/) - Even if it has received a waiver from SAG-AFTRA. "I love this movie, but I do not feel that it would be appropriate for this production to move forward during the strike." Viola Davis said no to filming her upcoming action-thriller G20 during the ongoing actors' and writers' labor strikes, even though the movie
- [<span class="notranslate">‘Barbie’ Success Means More Movie And TV Projects</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/08/barbie-success-means-more-projects/) - Mattel and Warner Bros. renewed their licensing deal for dolls and games. Barbie's movie success made it clear: Mattel and Warner Bros. Discovery will stay in business together for years. Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz says more Barbie Film & TV projects will come: "It's probably a bit early to talk about sequels, but obviously,
- [<span class="notranslate">Netflix's Non-English Spoken TV Shows Grew by 30%</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/08/netflixs-non-english-spoken-tv-shows-grows/) - Movies around 20%. The viewing of Netflix's international content has grown 30% over the last weeks. The spike comes as talent strikes grind Hollywood to a halt, and Netflix's English-language shows continue to tank. "Nexttv.com" recently compared the viewing time of the past seven weeks to the same period of 2022, and the results
- [<span class="notranslate">SIGGRAPH 2023</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/08/siggraph-2023/)
- [<span class="notranslate">YouTube Ad Revenue Bounces Back As Google Shows Strong Q2 Earnings</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/08/youtube-ad-revenue-bounces-back-with-strong-q2-earnings/) - Ad revenue is up about 4%. According to the earnings statement from parent company Alphabet Inc., YouTube returned to growth in the second quarter of 2023, with ad revenue up about 4% year-over-year to $7.7 billion. The news arrived along with the announcement of a rebound in Google's advertising income (Google is also part
- [<span class="notranslate">Netflix Posts AI Job Posting</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/07/netflix-posts-ai-job-posting/) - Netflix is looking for a Product Manager – Machine Learning Platform and the estimated compensation for the position is expected to be between $300,000 and $900,000 per year. The job posting has been criticized due to the timing of the writers' and actors' strikes, especially considering that one of the key demands of the
- [<span class="notranslate">Strike: SAG-AFTRA Allows Some Productions To Continue</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/07/some-productions-still-working-despite-strike/) - Such as a horror movie starring Mads Mikkelsen and Sigourney Weaver. Hollywood is at a standstill with a historic double strike (the last one was in the '60s and brought writers and actors pensions and health insurance). However, some productions are still working. SAG-AFTRA, the union representing actors and other performers, has been granting waivers,
- [<span class="notranslate">Barbie Biggest Opening Weekend Ever For A Female Director</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/07/barbie-biggest-opening-weekend-ever-for-a-female-director/) - Making it the year's biggest opening weekend, too. With its $155 million at the box office, Barbie is the biggest opening weekend ever for a female director (Greta Gerwig) and the year's biggest opening weekend. Captain Marvel, co-directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, previously held the title after earning $153 million in 2019.
- [<span class="notranslate">Comic-Con: A Sense Of Uncertainty Strikes San Diego</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/07/comic-con-strikes/) - No stars in view, but it was still fun for the cosplayers. To a not-so-attentive eye, Comic-Con 2023 was just like any other in-person Comic-Con (unlike the virtual events in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, those were different). Cosplayers of all types filled the convention center, and lines formed inside the exhibit
- [<span class="notranslate">"Barbenheimer" Opening Weekend Rakes in $235.5 Million</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/07/barbenheimer-opening-weekend-rakes-in-235-5-million/) - Barbie numbers beat Oppenheimer 155 to 80 (million dollars). Can a doll and a physicist save cinema? The answer is yes. What was called the "Barbenheimer" weekend was a huge success, earning a combined total of $235.5 million at the U.S. box office. Barbie, portrayed by Margot Robbie, stole the show with an impressive
- [<span class="notranslate">Musk To Change Twitter's Name</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/07/musk-to-change-twitters-name/) - It will become X, the little blue bird will disappear. "Soon, we shall bid adieu to the Twitter brand and, gradually, all the birds," tweeted Elon Musk last Saturday. Before long, the tweeting matter will be once again assigned to the animal kingdom. The Tesla entrepreneur, who bought Twitter last October, will change the
- [<span class="notranslate">Venice Film Festival Lineup</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/07/venice-film-festival-lineup/) - Many top movies, no stars. Venice, August 30 - September 9 The Hollywood strikes are looming in Venice. Still, Venice Film Festival artistic director Alberto Barbera managed to attract many top movies to the Lido. The lineup presentation, Tuesday morning (July 25), disclosed films by directors Bradley Cooper, Yorgos Lanthimos, David Fincher, Michael Mann,
- [<span class="notranslate">The Boot Camp Of Billionaires - Sun Valley July 12-15</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/07/the-boot-camp-of-billionaires-sun-valley/) - Francois-Henri Pinault started discussions to buy talent management company CCA. Walt Disney Co.'s Bob Iger, Amazon.com Inc.'s Jeff Bezos, and OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman were among the media titans who attended the Sun Valley 2023 event, the annual gathering of media moguls organized in the beautiful mountains of Idaho. The event is
- [<span class="notranslate">In Conversation with Niccolo Messina, Founder of V Channels</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/07/in-conversation-with-niccolo-messina-founder-of-v-channels/) - Niccolò Messina doesn't love movies, "They put my brain on pause." He doesn't appreciate Hollywood, "It is always behind." Still, Italian entrepreneur Niccolò Messina may hold the key to preserving independent cinema in the streaming age. With his groundbreaking platform, VChannels, he has established a thriving network of 15 YouTube AVOD-specialized media, boasting an impressive
- [<span class="notranslate">Elon Musk Announces A New AI Company</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/07/elon-musk-announces-a-new-ai-company/) - Called xAI, it has already received funding for around 20 billion dollars. Elon Musk announced via Twitter the formation of a new company focused on artificial intelligence. The company, called xAI, unveiled a website and a team of a dozen staffers. According to the website, the new company will be led by Musk and
- [<span class="notranslate">Italy: The Phenomenon Of "Cineturismo"</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/07/italy-the-phenomenon-of-cineturismo/) - It brings to the country an economic benefit of 597 million and 440 thousand euros. The study "Film tourism in Italy, the economic value of the phenomenon," conducted by the Italian marketing company JFC Tourism & Management, captures an interesting trend: Italy is one of the most popular countries for movie filming, leading to
- [<span class="notranslate">YouTube Is Testing A Tool To Dub Content Using AI</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/07/youtube-is-testing-a-tool-to-dub-content-using-ai/) - The platform teamed up with Google's AI-powered dubbing service Aloud. YouTube will soon introduce a new tool to help creators automatically dub their videos into other languages using Artificial Intelligence. The platform is testing the system by teaming up with AI-powered dubbing service Aloud, which is part of Google's in-house incubator Area 120. Google
- [<span class="notranslate">The Actors' Strike And What Happens Now</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/07/the-actors-strike-and-what-happens-now/) - Venice and other festivals will likely be devoid of talent. Hollywood is at a standstill. After the Writers’ Guild, SAG-AFTRA actors went on a strike, stopping, de facto, any activity in the entertainment industry. Actors and screenwriters had not been on strike at the same time since 1960. There are several reasons for a
- [<span class="notranslate">Understanding AI and Machine Learning in the Media Industry</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/07/understanding-ai-and-machine-learning-in-the-media-industry/) - On July 5th, 2023, a report was released by IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees), the largest union representing entertainment industry workers in the United States and Canada. That report articulates the main points in the application of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technologies in the entertainment industry. Approach: The application of these
- [<span class="notranslate">2nd edition of the Audio-Visual Producers Summit</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/07/2nd-edition-of-the-audio-visual-producers-summit/) - The Audio-Visual Producers Summit comes back for its 2nd edition from July 19th to the 21st in Trieste. After the success of the previous Summit hosted in Matera, this year's event will be held at the enchanting Miramare Castle in Trieste. This three-day event will bring together top players from the US, France and
- [<span class="notranslate">Brendan Fraser is Actor of The Year at 21st Annual "Ischia Global Film & Music Festival"</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/07/brendan-fraser-actor-of-the-year-ischia-global-film-music-festival/) - Brendan Fraser named "Global Actor of the Year" at the 21st Annual "Ischia Global Film & Music Festival" starting on July 9th, ending July 16th. The Festival traditionally brings cinema, music, and entertainment stars to the Gulf of Naples. The event, founded and produced by Pascal Vicedomini, is presided over this year by the
- [<span class="notranslate">AI For Good Global Summit: Geneva, July 6-7</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/07/ai-for-good-global-summit-geneva-july-6-7/) - “AI for Good Global Summit” was held on July 6-7 to identify practical applications of AI, scale solutions for global impact, and accelerate progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Experts on generative AI discussed the current risks and future potential of this technology during the panel "The next wave of AI for Good
- [<span class="notranslate">Luca Guadagnino Will Open the 80th Venice Film Festival</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/07/luca-guadagnino-will-open-the-80th-venice-film-festival/) - The 80th Venice Film Festival will open with the latest Luca Guadagnino's movie, Challengers, a ménage à trois tennis drama starring Zendaya, Josh O'Connor, and Mike Faist that will be screened out of competition. "I am so thrilled for audiences to experience my new film Challengers at the Venice Film Festival," said Guadagnino in a statement.
- [<span class="notranslate">Survey: Streaming User Interfaces Don't Click With Consumers</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/07/streaming-user-interfaces-dont-click-with-consumers/) - Streamers are not happy about their user experience, says a new Variety VIP+ survey. Variety Intelligence Platform enlisted market research firm SmithGeiger to survey consumers' thoughts. The results reveal a striking reality: consumer opinion on streaming experience is tepid to negative almost across the board. While the most significant plurality of those surveyed (39%)
- [<span class="notranslate">Could The Panic Surrounding AI Lead To Regulation?</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/07/could-the-panic-surrounding-ai-lead-to-misguided-regulation/) - Vox.com's answer is yes, so careful reflections are needed. The growing concern: is artificial intelligence a real threat? Vox.com raises concerns about the potential ramifications of AI panic on regulation. In an article by Divyansh Kaushik and Matt Korda, the two authors write: "The proliferation of sensationalist narratives surrounding artificial intelligence — fueled by
- [<span class="notranslate">Wall Street's Mid-Year Stock Picks for Challenging Times</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/07/wall-streets-mid-year-stock-picks-for-challenging-times/) - Georg Szalai, of the THR, interviews some analysts. Here is what they say. Investment in the entertainment industry has hit a rough patch. The Hollywood Reporter has conducted an in-depth analysis to identify the Hollywood companies that are weathering the storm and are potential profitable investments and worth consideration amidst the writer's strike, layoffs,
- [<span class="notranslate">Strike: SAG-AFTRA Buys More Time To Reach Deal With Studios</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/07/sag-aftra-buys-more-time-to-reach-a-deal-with-studios/) - Averting, for now, a second strike in Hollywood. "To exhaust every opportunity to achieve the righteous contract we all demand and deserve, after thorough deliberation, the guild unanimously deliberated to allow additional time to negotiate," SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher and National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland wrote in a message to union members after the
- [<span class="notranslate">Artificial Intelligence Dominated This Year's Cannes Lions</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/07/artificial-intelligence-dominated-this-years-cannes-lions/) - The yearly event is dedicated to the ad world. A month after the famous film festival, a similar event occurs in Cannes, celebrating the advertising world. It's the Cannes Lions, where thousands of advertising professionals gather for a series of appointments at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès Convention Center. Senior Vox correspondent
- [<span class="notranslate">Strike: Should Consumers Boycott Streaming Services?</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/07/strike-should-consumers-boycott-streaming-services/) - Columnist Mary McNamara poses the question in the LA Times. Should we cancel our streaming service subscriptions until the strike is over? Mary McNamara asks in a Los Angeles Times column article. "As the writers' strike stampedes through its second month and the possibility of an actors' strike looms, it's time to ask: When
- [<span class="notranslate">CA Lawmakers Cut Big Deal for Hollywood: Refundable Tax Credit & New Safety Rules</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/06/hollywood-refundable-tax-credit-new-safety-rules/) - Governor Newsom is expected to sign the bill by the end of June. California's lawmakers will extend national film and television tax credit for 5 more years with a new "refundable" feature, allowing studios to receive cash payments from the state if their credits are more significant than their tax bills. Gavin Newsom will
- [<span class="notranslate">SAG-AFTRA Leaders Assure Actors: Negotiations Have Been Productive</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/06/sag-aftra-negotiations-2/) - Still, it's too early to say if Hollywood will avoid a second strike. As the writers' strike end is still out of sight, the Actors Guild seems close to a deal to avoid another walkout. In fact, SAG-AFTRA leaders assured members that their negotiations with studios and streamers have been "extremely productive" lately. In
- [<span class="notranslate">Biden Addresses Risks of A.I. in San Francisco Debate</div>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/06/joe-biden-addresses-ai-in-san-francisco-debate/) - “We’ll see more technological change in the next 10 years than in the last 50 years.” A.I. is such a controversial topic that President Biden convened a group of technology leaders in San Francisco to debate the “risks and enormous promises” of artificial intelligence. “We’ll see more technological change in the next 10 years
- [<span class="notranslate">NBC Universal Expands One Platform Ad System to Global Market</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/06/nbc-universal-expands-ad-system-to-global-market/) - The announcement was made at the Cannes Lions advertising convention in France. NBCUniversal intends to expand its One Platform advertising, technology, data, and measurement system into global markets through an alliance with international broadcast and tech partners. The announcement was made at the Cannes Lions advertising convention in France. International partners will include European's
- [<span class="notranslate">Writer's Strike: CBS Changes Fall Lineup</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/06/writers-strike-cbs-changes-fall-lineup/) - Reality shows will heavily replace scripted series. CBS is forced to alter its fall schedule amid writers' strike and actor walkout threats: delivering a lineup of scripted series seems nearly impossible at this point. The newly revised CBS fall scheduling plans will be revealed soon. "Obviously, it's going to be very reality-heavy," said George
- [<span class="notranslate">Hollywood Foreign Press Association Shuts Down</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/06/hollywood-foreign-press-association-shuts-down/) - The California Attorney General has signed to dissolve the embattled organization. “The HFPA is no more,” reports The Los Angeles Times. “After two years of turmoil, the tiny, improbably powerful group of international entertainment journalists that has handed out the Globes for 80 years has been dissolved by The California Attorney General.” The official
- [<span class="notranslate">Comic-Con International (San Diego, California)</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/06/comic-con-international-san-diego-california/) - July 20 - 23, 2023 Comic-Con International takes place in San Diego each year. This multi-genre entertainment and comic convention is a must for all pop culture lovers. Comic fans will find all the latest in comics, graphic novels, anime, and manga. Video games, movies, and collector's items also feature prominently. Comic-Con International is
- [<span class="notranslate">Streaming Players Form Independent Streaming Alliance (ISA)</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/06/streaming-players-form-independent-streaming-alliance/) - The new partnership put together several CTV (Connected TV streaming services). A consortium of 10 independent players in the ad-supported streaming video space announced the formation of a new alliance called ISA (Independent Streaming Alliance), engaging and working with consumers, platforms, and media. The new partnership put together several CTV (Connected TV streaming services)
- [<span class="notranslate">Taormina Film Festival</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/05/taormina-film-festival/)
- [<span class="notranslate">SAG-AFTRA Begins Negotiations, A.I. Worries Hollywood Actors</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/06/sag-aftra-negotiations/) - The union wants to create guardrails for the use of artificial intelligence in future television and film productions. The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) begin contract talks with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, and one of the main topics is the impact of
- [<span class="notranslate">Amazon Plans to Add Ad-Supported Tier to Prime Video</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/06/amazon-ad-tier/) - The discussion is in the early stages. Amazon plans to add an ad-supported tier to its Prime video streaming service. "The discussion is still in the early stages," writes Jessica Tonkell in The Wall Street Journal. "It has been going on over the past several weeks, and it comes in the wake of cost-cutting
- [<span class="notranslate">Tony Awards Winners - The Best of Broadway</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/06/tony-awards-winners/) - Ghee and Newell are the first openly nonbinary actors to win Tony Awards. “Kimberly Akimbo” won best new musical, “Leopoldstadt” was named best new play. The Tony Awards, which honor the best of Broadway, were presented on Sunday in New York. Oscar-winner and Tony Award nominee Ariana DeBose took center stage as the ceremony’s
- [<span class="notranslate">Is YouTube the Future of Television?</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/06/youtube-television/) - According to The Puck News, it could be. Contrary to the perception, Netflix, Prime Video, or Disney Plus are not the most popular video streaming services. YouTube is. The Puck News website analyzed the matter in a report by Julia Alexander: "The 18-year-old social video platform gets far fewer media attention than Netflix or
- [<span class="notranslate">SAG-AFTRA Members Approve Strike Authorization</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/06/sag-aftra-members-approve-strike-authorization/) - An overwhelming 98% margin voted Yes. Actors from SAG-AFTRA have made it clear that they won't shy away from a strike if an agreement with studios over a new contract isn't reached by June 30. An overwhelming 98% margin of members approved the vote, signaling the seriousness of their stance. "This strike authorization means
- [<span class="notranslate">Directors Guild Reaches Deal on New Contract With Studios</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/06/directors-guild-reaches-deal-with-studios/) - The Writers Guild clarified that it wouldn't help to resolve its own strike. Despite the ongoing writers' strike and the actors' decision to proceed with a walkout, the Directors Guild has successfully negotiated a groundbreaking three-year film and television contract with major studios. This momentous agreement has been deemed "historic" by the DGA in
- [<span class="notranslate">Mark Wahlberg Lobbies to Transfer Hollywood to Las Vegas</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/06/las-vegas-tax-credits/) - The actor is pushing Nevada lawmakers to pass a package of tax credits worth $190 million annually to woo film production to Las Vegas. Boogie Nights actor Mark Wahlberg lobbied Nevada state lawmakers to pass a bill that would coax more film production to Las Vegas. Nevada state lawmakers will vote on a bill
- [<span class="notranslate">Tribeca Festival 2023</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/06/tribeca-festival-2023/) - June 7th - 18th – New York This year’s Tribeca Festival, which takes place June 7th - 18th, showcases the best-emerging talent from across the globe alongside established household names. The 2023 features program includes 109 feature films from 127 filmmakers across 36 countries, 93 world premieres, and one international premiere (Marinette, France). The
- [<span class="notranslate">Disney Continues Layoffs, Now Outside The US</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/06/disney-continues-layoffs-now-outside-the-us/) - The company informed 100 Disney employees worldwide of a possible future discharge. Consolidation at Disney is not a US-only matter. Jesse Whittock and Max Goldbart, with Deadline, wrote that Disney informed 100 employees around the world that their jobs are at risk of redundancy and have begun consultations. The staff is based in London
- [<span class="notranslate">Netflix Will Make You Pay For Password Sharing</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/06/netflix-will-make-you-pay-for-password-sharing/) - But it won't be an easy task among Generation Z customers. Netflix announced it would start monetizing password sharers in the United States soon, but it will encounter some difficulties among Gen Z subscribers. A study from Morning Consults shows that streamers' most sought-after customers — Gen Zers — will be disproportionately affected by
- [<span class="notranslate">62° Festival de Television de Montecarlo</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/06/62-festival-de-television-de-montecarlo/) - June 16-20, 2023 Created in 1961 by Prince Rainier III of Monaco to "encourage a new art form, in the service of peace and understanding between men," the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, at its 62° venue, is the ideal platform to meet, exchange, and network with television and streaming industry professionals. Its lineup of legendary
- [<span class="notranslate">In Conversation with Erik Barmack</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/05/in-conversation-with-erik-barmack/) - To understand contemporary Hollywood's international growth, you must consult Erik Barmack. He has worked in television and new media production and distribution for over 25 years. He founded Wild Sheep Content, a production, strategic growth, and packaging company that has sold twenty projects to ten global partners over its first year of operation. Previously, as
- [<span class="notranslate">Winners of Cannes Film Festival 2023</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/05/winners-of-cannes-film-festival-2023/) - The winners talk French protests, writer's strike, and women in film. Justine Triet became the third woman in Cannes' 76-year history to win the Palme d'Or for her film Anatomy of a Fall. The first two were Jane Campion for The Piano in 1993 and Julia Ducournau for Titane in 2021. Jane Fonda presented
- [<span class="notranslate">Guerrilla Tactics Applied to the Writers' Strike</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/05/writers-strike-tactics/) - Improvised picketing outside working sets seems more effective than large protests. Since the writers' strike began on May 2nd, the WGA has organized large pickets outside the headquarters of the major studios to protest what they describe as the steady erosion of their members' incomes during the streaming era. What seems even more effective,
- [<span class="notranslate">Tech Week 2023</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/05/tech-week/) - San Francisco: May 30th - June 4th Los Angeles: June 5th - June 11th Tech Week is comprised of a series of pitch sessions, workshops, and panels that showcase the evolving sector of technology. This years Tech Week will start May 30th in San Francisco, and on June 5th, it will transfer to Los Angeles.
- [<span class="notranslate">Upfront 2023: WGA Strike Effects the Ad Sale Event</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/05/wga-strike-affects-ad-sale-event/) - Netflix's debut for its ad-supported tier went virtual because of the writer's protest. "Upfront," the annual series of presentations held in May in New York City by major television broadcasters, is usually one of the most important advertising sales events, with nearly half of an advertiser's video budget allocated for the next television season.
- [<span class="notranslate">Content LA: A Conference Connecting the Domestic Industry with International Partners</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/05/content-la-conference/) - The strike and AI challenges among the topics discussed. Content LA took place May 18 - 19 at The Fairmount Century Plaza in Los Angeles with a mission: bringing together the domestic US business with international partners. The two day event focused on coproduction, FAST channels, and next-generation content models. The line-up included CBS,
- [<span class="notranslate">LA Production Permits Decline 69.5% in Strike's Second Week</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/05/la-production-permits-decline/) - 111 permits were granted last week, in 2022 there were 364. A good indicator of the writer's strike impact to the entertainment industry and the city of Los Angeles is represented by the decline of production permits. In the second week of the strike, FilmLA, the Los Angeles permitting agency, reported a 69.5% decline
- [<span class="notranslate">Italian-American Movie Monica Pleases Critics</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/05/italian-american-movie-monica/) - According to Rotten Tomatoes the movie is 86% fresh. "A quietly powerful film." Los Angeles Times movie critic Tracy Brown describes Andrea Pallaoro's Monica as a gem. She's not alone: 86% of American critics on the online reviews aggregator Rotten Tomatoes say the movie is worth the ticket price. "A quiet, heartfelt, and beautifully
- [<span class="notranslate">Former NBCUniversal Ad Chief Linda Yaccarino Named CEO of Twitter</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/05/former-nbcuniversal-ad-chief-linda-yaccarino-named-ceo-of-twitter/) - Elon Musk tweeted that Yaccarino “will focus primarily on business operations, while I focus on product design & new technology.” "I am excited to welcome Linda Yaccarino as the new CEO of Twitter!" Elon Musk announced the new CEO of the social media with a tweet, hours after NBCUniversal announced Linda Yaccarino was leaving
- [<span class="notranslate">"The Little Mermaid" Filmed in Sardinia</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/05/the-little-mermaid-filmed-in-sardinia/) - The Walt Disney Company’s live-action reimagining directed by Rob Marshall of the iconic and beloved animated musical classic The Little Mermaid (1989) will reach worldwide theaters on May 26th. Most of the new live-action Little Mermaid was filmed in Sardinia, with production from May to September 2021, originally scheduled for 2020 but postponed due to
- [<span class="notranslate">META Unveiled AI Sandbox, Testing Playground for Advertisers to Try New Generative AI-Powered Ad Tools</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/05/meta-ai-sandbox/) - The company also announced updates to Meta Advantage. A "testing playground for advertisers to try out new generative AI-powered ad tools," Meta’s definition for its "AI Sandbox," is true to its name. It will be a set of new tools and services powered by artificial intelligence to help advertisers efficiently build ads and improve
- [<span class="notranslate">Paramount Media Networks, Showtime, MTV Entertainment Studios to Lay Off 25% of U.S. Staff</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/05/paramount-media-networks-showtime-mtv-entertainment-lay-offs/) - MTV News will be shut down. One-quarter of all Paramount Media Networks, Showtime, and MTV Entertainment Studios U.S. staff will be laid off. After months of internal deliberations about integration amid Showtime’s rebranding into Paramount+ With Showtime, the decision has been taken. Additionally, MTV News — which was significantly affected by layoffs more than
- [<span class="notranslate">Amazon Will License Original Series And Movies to Other Media Companies</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/05/amazon-will-license-original-series-and-movies-to-other-media-companies/) - While the company has distributed shows before, this new venture will be on a much larger scale. Soon Amazon Video's original content will be available to third-party media companies, including streaming services (free, ad-supported, or subscription) and cable TV. The recently launched "Amazon MGM Studios Distribution" will, in fact, allow the company to license
- [<span class="notranslate">Prime Video Series “Costiera” in Amalfi Coast</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/05/prime-video-to-shoot-series-costiera-in-amalfi-coast/) - Directed by Emmy award winner Adam Bernstein (30 Rock, Better Call Saul, Fargo, Orange Is The New Black), the English-language thriller Costiera will release worldwide in 2024. Production will start this summer and the international cast is being kept under wraps. The series is co-produced by Amazon Studios and Luca Bernabei for Lux Vide (Fremantle company),
- [<span class="notranslate">Writers' Strike: Studios Suspend Shows, Movies, Deals with Writers and Producers</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/05/writers-strike-studios-suspend-shows-movies/) - Just days into the work stoppage, major TV studios have started sending letters telling writers and producers their overall deals are suspended. The writers' strike is starting to affect Hollywood productions. The Duffer Brothers, the duo behind Stranger Things (and showrunners of the Netflix hit), announced on Twitter that the show's fifth and final
- [<span class="notranslate">Paramount+ Reaches 60 Million Subscribers</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/05/paramount-reaches-60-million-subscribers/) - But it lost 511 million dollars and cut its dividends. Growth in streaming subscribers does not mean a gain in terms of money. Paramount+ reached 60 million subscribers worldwide in the first quarter of 2023, an increase of 4.1 million from nearly 56 million as of the end of 2022. Paramount's advertising-supported streamer Pluto
- [<span class="notranslate">TikTok Launching Ad Product for Publishers</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/05/tiktok-ad-product-for-publishers/) - The new product will let publishers sell ads alongside their posts and take home half the revenue. An ad product for publishers will be available soon on TikTok. Revenues will be shared equally between the platform and the publishers. Pulse Premiere is an evolution of TikTok’s Pulse program that allows an elite group of
- [<span class="notranslate">Italian V Channels & CA Sandaled Kid Productions Partner on 10 Film Genre Slate</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/05/v-channels-sandaled-kid-productions-partner/) - Each of the projects will be from emerging international filmmakers. Ten micro-budget feature-length genre films will result from a newly signed partnership between V Channels and Sandaled Kid Productions, writes Deadline in an exclusive article. V Channels is a network of YouTube movie channels, founded by Italian distributor/producer Niccolò Messina, that streams films in
- [<span class="notranslate">Netflix Will Spend $2.5B on Korean Content</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/05/netflix-will-spend-2-5b-on-korean-content/) - The investment was unveiled during a meeting between South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos in Washington, D.C. Over the next four years, Netflix will spend $2.5 billion in South Korea to produce Korean TV series, movies, and unscripted shows. According to the company, the hefty investment would represent twice
- [<span class="notranslate">Roku's First Quarter's Revenue Growth of 1%</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/05/rokus-revenue-growth/) - Streaming Accounts Grow More Than Expected to Hit 71.6 Million. In a time of streaming crisis, one streaming service gains. It's Roku, which, in the first quarter of 2023, earned 1.6 million active streaming accounts, above its - and Wall Street's - expectations. The company posted Q1 sales of $741 million, up 1%, and
- [<span class="notranslate">Will Hollywood's Strike Last Long?</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/05/hollywoods-strike-will-last-long/) - The dispute, which pits 11,500 television and screenwriters against the major studios, is the first in 15 years. The Hollywood writers' strike is on. It has been since Tuesday, May 2nd, but how long will it last? Anousha Sakoui and Meg James with the Los Angeles Times are confident: it will last long: "There
- [<span class="notranslate">Only 27% of Americans Think AI-Written Movies Could Be a Good Idea</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/04/ai-written-movies/) - Millennials are more interested, says a survey by Morning Consult. Only 27% of U.S. adults said AI-written movies would positively impact the entertainment industry. More than half of millennials (54%) are interested in watching a movie or TV show written partially by AI. 65% of U.S. adults are concerned about deep fakes being mistaken
- [<span class="notranslate">Writer's Strike: Opportunity for Global Content Creators?</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/04/writers-strike-an-opportunity-for-global-content-creators/) - Insiders say a shutdown could boost demand for more international fare. Someone's crisis often means opportunities for others. That could be the case if the loomed writers' strike becomes a reality. As the deadline to reach a deal between the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers
- [<span class="notranslate">The LA Independent Screenings</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/04/la-independent-screenings/) - The LA Independent Screenings (May 17-19), annually held in May in Los Angeles after the NY Upfronts, is an international television market being held at the new Fairmont Century Plaza in Century City focused on the Latin American and US Hispanic markets. It attracts over 1,000 top level television content buyers from all over the
- [<span class="notranslate">BuzzFeed News Shuts Down</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/04/buzzfeed-news-shuts-down/) - 15% of the company workforce will be axed. Pulitzer Prize-winning digital news website BuzzFeed News will shut down soon. The move, decided by BuzzFeed chief executive Jonah Peretti, will slash 15% of the company workforce, around 180 employees. Peretti said in a memo to staffers that some of them might be able to find
- [<span class="notranslate">Google CEO Warns Against AI</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/04/google-ceo-warns-against-ai/) - "It can be very harmful." "AI can be very harmful if deployed wrongly," Alphabet Inc. and Google Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai said in a CBS 60 Minutes interview that caused a stir. Pichai underlined "the urgency to work and deploy it," but at the same time, we have to be careful, and the matter
- [<span class="notranslate">Americans Spend $48 a Month on Streaming</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/04/americans-spend-48-a-month-on-streaming/) - They aim to spend less, says Deloitte's 2023 survey. Deloitte's latest Digital Media Trends survey shows worrying data for streaming services. As streaming video competition intensifies, subscription growth rates across the industry have slowed, and churn rates have increased. Insiders call it "Subscription fatigue." The increased cost of living is to blame. Deloitte's survey found
- [<span class="notranslate">SAG-AFTRA & AMPTP Set Date For Contract Talks</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/04/sag-aftra-amptp-contract-talks/) - Meanwhile, the writers' strike is getting closer. While the WGA, whose contract expires May 1, is currently in complicated negotiations with the AMPTP, and a strike is looming (98% of the writers said yes to the walkout in the recent WGA members vote), another important category in Hollywood, actors, will start talks soon with
- [<span class="notranslate">Oscars: Diversity Still Sci-Fi in Hollywood</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/03/oscars-diversity-is-still-sci-fi-in-hollywood/) - Women won 15% of this Year's Academy Awards. It was 23% last year. A study commissioned by United Nations says we'll need 300 hundred years to reach equality between men and women at this pace. The Oscars confirmed: women won 15% of this Year's Academy Awards, down from 2022, when women's prizes were 23%.
- [<span class="notranslate">Amazing Las Vegas Comic Con Returns</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/03/amazing-las-vegas-comic-con/) - APRIL 28-29-30, 2023 | LAS VEGAS, NV One hundred and fifty artists and beloved comics strips, videogames, movies, and animation such as Power Rangers, Star Wars, The Mandalorian, Spider-Man will amuse fans and interest the professionals at the Amazing Comic Con Las Vegas event, the last three days of April. Amazing Comic Con celebrates
- [<span class="notranslate">Oscars 2023, Year of the Comebacks</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/03/oscars-2023-the-year-of-the-comebacks/) - This year’s acting prizes were marked by a recognition of veteran performers: Ke Huy Quan, Jamie Lee Curtis, Brendan Fraser, and Michelle Yeoh. All 2023's actor prizes at the Oscars have something in common: they are all veterans. Some return after years of alternate fortunes in the entertainment industry, while others have always worked
- [<span class="notranslate">Writer's Strike Authorization Vote Begins</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/04/writers-strike-authorization-vote/) - The referendum will gauge union members' willingness to fight. On Tuesday, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) began holding a strike authorization vote that will continue until April 17. A YES vote would allow the union to call a strike when the current three-year contract expires on May 1. The WGA has 4,700 members
- [<span class="notranslate">Apple Developing Multiviewer Feature On Apple TV</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/04/apple-tv-multiviewer/) - It will help its sport-related area of investments. YouTube TV and Fubo already do that, and now Apple TV is working on a similar option: allowing sports viewers to follow multiple games by developing a 'multiview' feature. Sarah Perez with TechCrunch writes: "Though Apple's streaming device already supports a picture-in-picture mode, new code discovered
- [<span class="notranslate">Industry Panel "Women in Entertainment" (Los Angeles, March 1st 2023)</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/03/industry-panel-women/) - On the occasion of the Filming Italy Los Angeles Festival 2023 – the Italian Trade Agency-Los Angeles Office organized a panel to discuss the journey of women in entertainment and how far the industry still has to go. The panel was moderated by Tiziana Rocca, General Director of Filming Italy Los Angeles. Alessandra Rainaldi, the
- [<span class="notranslate">Los Angeles, March 1st 2023 - Industry Panel "Women in Entertainment"</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/03/women-in-entertainment/) - On the occasion of the Filming Italy Los Angeles Festival 2023 – the Italian Trade Agency-Los Angeles Office organized a panel to discuss the journey of women in entertainment and how far the industry still has to go. The panel was moderated by Tiziana Rocca, General Director of Filming Italy Los Angeles. Alessandra Rainaldi, the
- [<span class="notranslate">Italy at GDC 2023 with Spritz & Games Event - San Francisco, March 21 2023</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/03/italy-at-gdc-2023-spritz-games-event/) - The GDC is the industry’s premier professional event for game developers that brings the gaming community together to shape the future of the industry across five days of education, inspiration, and networking. Italy was there with 20 Italian companies in the exhibition space dedicated to the collective “Games in Italy” organized by the Italian Trade
- [<span class="notranslate">Meet the Italian Audiovisual Producers</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/03/meet-italian-audiovisual-producers/) - March 6th - The Italian Trade Agency Los Angeles Office in collaboration with APA-Association of Audiovisual Producers organized a networking event in Beverly Hills where 10 Italian audiovisual companies presented their companies and slate of IPs, meeting with 30 American producers, studio executives, and agents. Companies that make up the history of Italian TV (Publispei, Alexandra Cinematografica,
- [<span class="notranslate">NAB Show in April</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/03/nab-show/) - APRIL 15-19, 2023 | LAS VEGAS, NV NAB Show is an annual trade show produced by the National Association of Broadcasters. The NAB Show has been held since 1991 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The show's tagline is "Where Content Comes to Life." NAB show is the largest show
- [<span class="notranslate">Focus on Lionsgate with Sandra Stern</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/03/focus-on-lionsgate-with-sandra-stern/) - Our periodic meeting with Hollywood's executives takes us to Sandra Stern, recently appointed Vice Chairman of the Lionsgate Television Group. Stern has been a vital member of the Company's senior management team for the past two decades. She has helped guide Lionsgate's television business to record-breaking revenue growth every year of her tenure. She has
- [<span class="notranslate">Netflix Reviewing Its Ad Strategy</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/03/netflix-is-reviewing-its-ad-strategy/) - Now the company is considering 'build or buy' pivots away from Microsoft After Netflix decided to add a lesser costly tier with ads last July, the company announced a partnership with Microsoft as part of a pact expected to generate billions in advertising revenue for the online streaming service. It didn't work as smoothly
- [<span class="notranslate">NBCUniversal Exec Susan Rovner: "Miniseries can be a mistake."</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/03/miniseries-can-be-a-mistake/) - For the NBCUniversal executive, it's essential to build a solid library and gain the trust of subscribers. After producing long-running serials, generally a few seasons of 24 episodes each, streaming services started to consider miniseries: they are cheaper, very well received, and easier to create. There is just one problem: more is needed to
- [<span class="notranslate">Italy Meets Hollywood And Italy For Movies Join Forces</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/03/italy-meets-hollywood-and-italy-for-movies-join-forces/) - Italy Meets Hollywood and Italy for Movies join forces to bring the movie industries of Italy and American closer together. Italy for Movies (www.italyformovies.com), is the Italian portal for locations and film and audiovisual production incentives. Born in 2016 with a specific target: to increase the attractiveness and visibility of our territories in terms of tourism through film and
- [<span class="notranslate">ESPN: A Hub For All Live Sports Streaming?</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/03/espn-hub-for-all-live-sports-streaming/) - Even if it helps its competition. Isn't it the dream of every sports fan? A single sports network with all the sports events in it? Disney+ ESPN is trying to make this dream reality creating a hub for all live sports streaming — even for its competition, writes Alex Sherman on the CBNC website.
- [<span class="notranslate">A Booming Year For Universal Music</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/03/a-booming-year-for-universal-music/) - 2022 has been an excellent year for Universal Music. The company got $11 Billion in revenue, a soaring 21.6% more than the previous 2021. Jem Aswad on Variety writes that the good results are driven by streaming and a strong performance from its recorded music and publishing divisions: "Recorded music's revenues from streaming and
- [<span class="notranslate">California To Punish Productions That Fail Diversity Goals</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/03/california-punish-those-that-fail-diversity-goals/) - They will lose 4% of their tax credit allocation. Under a proposal from the California governor's office, entertainment productions that fail to meet their diversity goals will lose 4% of their tax credit allocation. The provision - writes Variety - is part of a five-year extension of the state's $330 million tax credit. Productions
- [<span class="notranslate">Meet the Italian Audiovisual Producers (Beverly Hills, March 6 2023)</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/03/meet-italian-audiovisual-producers-beverly-hills-march-6-2023/) - The Italian Trade Agency-Los Angeles Office in collaboration with APA-the Italian Association of Audiovisual Producers, has organized a special business event where Italian producers have met with American producers, agents and studios executives. Companies that have made the history of Italian TV with their IP and new players have gathered to foster news relationships and
- [<span class="notranslate">Netflix Has a Target: Young Adults</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/03/netflix-has-a-target-young-adults/) - Will the streaming service become what CW is for cable? New successes such as Wednesday, Ginny & Georgia, Outer Banks, Shadow and Bone, Heartstopper, Never Have I Ever, and The Kissing Booth trilogy, classics such as Stranger Things, projects in development such as XO, Kitty, the manga-based pirate adventure One Piece, True Spirit, and
- [<span class="notranslate">Italy At The Oscars</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/02/italy-at-the-oscars/) - Italian flavor at the Oscar 2023 awards ceremony. Among the nominations for the 2023 Oscars, there are two Italians in the running for victory: Alice Rohrwacher and Aldo Signoretti, and two other productions nominated in which we are tangentially related. Alice Rohrwacher is the director, screenwriter, and producer of Le Pupille, a 37-minute short film (nominated for
- [<span class="notranslate">65th Grammys Award Show</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/02/65th-grammys-award-show/) - The 65th Grammys Award Show was full of groundbreaking performances and history-making Grammy wins! Beyoncé made history at the ceremony by receiving enough awards, including Best Dance/Electronic Music Album with Renaissance and Best Traditional R&B Performance with "PLASTIC OFF THE SOFA", bringing her to 32 Grammy wins and making her the most awarded artist in
- [<span class="notranslate">SXSW Conference & Festival 2023</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/02/sxsw-conference-festival-2023/)
- [<span class="notranslate">Academy Awards Night And Oscar Week</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/02/academy-awards-night-and-oscar-week/) - The 95th Oscars’ ceremony will take place on March, 12th 2023, at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood. Emmy Award-winning late-night talk show host and producer Jimmy Kimmel will host the event. Here is the full list of nominees. Oscar® Week events will debut at the Academy Museum and be open to the public. Film
- [<span class="notranslate">Los Angeles, Italia Film Fashion And Art Festival</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/02/los-angeles-italia-film-fashion-and-art-festival/) - March 5th - 11th - TCL Chinese Theater, Hollywood On the eve of Oscar night, this festival has promoted Italian cinema and excellence since 2007. Its 18th edition will honor directors Ferzan Ozpetek, Carlo Carlei, and Paolo Genovese, while Jacqueline Fernandez and Violante Placido will receive the "Women Excellence Award - In the Name
- [<span class="notranslate">Golden Globes Secured 2024 Date, But No Broadcast Partner Yet</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/02/golden-globes-2024/) - The 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards will be held Sunday, January 7, 2024. The next Hollywood Foreign Press' Golden Globes ceremony has a date but still needs a TV broadcast partner to be aired. Organizers confirmed that the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards will be held Sunday, January 7, 2024. "The awards show, produced
- [<span class="notranslate">Disney Bought Fox Four Years Ago, Was It a Mistake?</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/02/disney-fox-deal/) - Some analysts blame the deal for the recent 7000 jobs cut. In 2019, Disney bought Rupert Murdoch's TV and movie studio, Fox, for 71.3-billion dollars. The deal brought to Disney valuable properties such as Avatar and The Simpsons but significantly increased the Burbank company's debt load. After almost four years, it is time to
- [<span class="notranslate">Interview with Nancy Cotton, MGM+</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/02/nancy-cotton-interview/) - Our periodic FOCUS on United States Audiovisual Industry talents is dedicated today to Nancy Cotton, Executive Vice President, Head of Scripted Programming for MGM+ (former EPIX). Ms. Cotton, what is your role at MGM+? "My title is Senior Executive, Scripted Programming, and I oversee all original scripted programming on behalf of the network. In
- [<span class="notranslate">"The Good Mothers" Win First Berlinale Series Award</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/02/the-good-mothers/) - Image courtesy of Disney Italia. The real story of the women who dare to defy the Italian mob. U.K. - Italian mafia series The Good Mothers won the inaugural Berlinale Series Award at the 73° edition of the Berlin International Film Festival. The title forms part of the first European slate by Disney+ international
- [<span class="notranslate">New Trend At Netflix: Sports Documentaries</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/02/netflix-sports-documentaries/) - The company ignores live sports but embraces sport-docs. Sports on TV is expensive, but it pays. So why has Netflix resisted paying for the rights to carry live sports for years, even as streaming rivals like Amazon, Apple, and YouTube have chased them aggressively? This is a question The New York Times tries to
- [<span class="notranslate">Italy's Coming of Age Thriller “The Gymnasts” Licensed to Over 30 Territories</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/02/italys-gymnasts-licensed-to-over-30-territories/) - The deal was confirmed at the Berlinale Series Market. Coming-of-age Italian thriller The Gymnasts has been licensed to over 30 territories, London-based super indie All3Media International confirmed at the Berlinale Series Market. Based on Ilaria Bernardini's Italian bestselling novel Corpo Libero, the six-part series features a team of elite female teen gymnasts competing in
- [<span class="notranslate">TV Guide Launches Monthly Magazine Only For Streaming</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/02/tv-guide-streaming/) - TV Insider will be on the stands in the US in March 2023. To launch a new print magazine seems an anachronism nowadays. Still, the team behind TV Guide Magazine decided to sail against the current. It launched a new magazine focused on TV streaming platforms. The monthly magazine, called TV Insider, will be
- [<span class="notranslate">Is The Podcast Golden Age Over?</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/02/podcast-golden-age-ended/) - No, but the business is adjusting itself. Is the Podcast golden age over? Layoffs, budget cuts, and scuttled deals challenge what appeared to be a long-booming industry. Journalist Reggie Ugwu on The New York Times analyses the matter starting from the story of celebrity-backed media company Religion of Sports — founded by Tom Brady,
- [<span class="notranslate">TikTok Facing Possibility Of "Strict Structural Restrictions"</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/02/tiktok-restrictions/) - National Security Risks at stake. While in Europe, the European Commission forbids its employers the use of TikTok app; for the same security reason, in the U.S., The Committee on Foreign Investment is facing escalating bipartisan pressure to separate the popular Chinese-owned video app from its parent company. Two senators urged The Committee to
- [<span class="notranslate">Filming Italy Los Angeles Festival</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/02/filming-italy-los-angeles-festival/) - The eighth edition of Filming Italy - Los Angeles with the Italian Cultural Institute of Los Angeles is kicking off. It will be held from February 28th through March 3rd, 2023 in Los Angeles, in collaboration with APA - Audiovisual Producers Association and under the auspices of the Consulate General of Italy in Los Angeles
- [<span class="notranslate">Italian Documentary on Italian Fashion, On Sale at Berlin's European Film Market</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/02/milano-the-inside-story-of-italian-fashionat-berlins-film-market/) - Image © Ufficio stampa - Sharon Stone, "Milano" "Milano — The Inside Story of Italian Fashion," directed by John Maggio, is on sale at Berlin's European Film Market, Submarine Entertainment announces on Variety. "Billed as the definitive story of the explosion of Italian fashion in the 1970s and 80s, the star-studded doc extensively features Giorgio
- [<span class="notranslate">How Hollywood's Horrible 2022 Impacted Content Spending</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/02/hollywood-horrible-2022/) - And 2023 doesn't look any better. 2022 was not a good year for the entertainment industry: from Disney to Netflix to Warner Bros. Discovery, media and tech stocks were battered as faith in streaming waned, and subscribers' growth stalled. Variety Intelligence Platform analyzes the matter: Netflix reduced its expenses in 2022 by about 5
- [<span class="notranslate">DGA Decides To Postpone Contract Talks, Strike In Sight</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/02/dga-postpones-contract-talks-strike-in-sight/) - A big labor unrest is growing in Hollywood. A gray cloud is looming. Strikes have occasionally punctuated the history of Hollywood's film industry. Still, this year almost all unions (Writers, Directors, and Actors' guilds) are contemplating them, and this time DGA is setting the page. In a recent message to its 19,000 members, the
- [<span class="notranslate">Media Companies Spend Billions Chasing Netflix On Streaming</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/02/media-companies-chase-netflix/) - A business strategy that doesn't seem to work. The TV industry is facing a tough time. Linear TV is fading, and streaming is growing at a slower rate than predicted. This affects media companies like Disney, NBCUniversal, and other Hollywood giants that have spent billions chasing Netflix. Their streaming strategy now seems to have
- [<span class="notranslate">Will Audiences Return to Movie Theaters?</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/02/will-audiences-return-to-movie-theaters/) - What the Sundance Film Festival’s market says about that... The film market has changed, and that is a fact everyone knows. How much and if the change is permanent needs to be clarified. Variety Intelligence Platform tries to answer these questions. The magazine analyzes what happened at the Sundance Film Festival, the annual gathering
- [<span class="notranslate">Submissions Open for Tax Credit Session for Foreign Works</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/02/new-tax-credit-session-for-foreign-works/) - Submissions accepted from January 10 to February 17 A new session for submissions for the so-called “foreign tax credit”, the tax credit for executive production of foreign works, is now open: applications may be submitted from 10 a.m. on January 10 2023 to 11.59 p.m. on February 17 2023 (CET) through the DGCOL platform
- [<span class="notranslate">Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max Prices Continue to Rise</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/01/streaming-prices-rise/) - Here's why... Netflix increased its prices in 2011, 2013, 2017, 2019, and 2020. It readjusted its tiers in 2022, adding a basic, ad-supported deck. Hulu adjusted its subscription fees in October 2021. Disney Plus and Apple TV Plus (both launched in 2019) raised theirs in 2022. Why? The answer rests in something other than
- [<span class="notranslate">Netflix Ended The Year Almost Doubling Wall Street Expectations</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/01/netflix-end-of-year-report/) - Slow start for the new ad-supported tier, chosen by 13% of the subscribers All good on Netflix's front. After some struggle at the beginning of 2022, the streaming giant ended the year with good results. Netflix released its fourth-quarter earnings report exceeding financial projections. The company increased its subscriber counts by 7,66 million, easily surpassing
- [<span class="notranslate">Cinema, Actually: Disney Wins At The Box Office</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/01/disney-wins-box-office/) - For the seventh year in a row. We can argue all day about the cheesy titles and the bleeding-heart projects. However, regarding the box-office performance, there is no race: Disney wins. In 2022, the Mikey Mouse company was the No. 1 studio at the box office, not just worldwide, with $4.9 billion, but also in
- [<span class="notranslate">Flavor Of Italy at the Sundance Film Festival 2023</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/01/flavor-of-italy-at-the-sundance-film-festival-2023/) - Two Italian movies in the lineup, and Italian director Luca Guadagnino honored with the Sundance International Icon Award. The Sundance Film Festival, created by Robert Redford 45 years ago, returned to Park City in person after two years online. Italian cinema was celebrated from the opening night when Luca Guadagnino, the filmmaker of Bones
- [<span class="notranslate">A Book, A Movie, A TV Series (Los Angeles, ITTV Forum&Festival, November 8 2022)</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/01/ittv-panel-2022/)
- [<span class="notranslate">Oscar Nomination Announcement 02</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/01/oscar-nomination-announcement-02/) - Nominations for the 2023 Oscars will be announced January 17th online. The 95th Oscars® will take place on Sunday, March 12, 2023. The show will air live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide from the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood.
- [<span class="notranslate">80th Golden Globes Award Ceremony</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/12/80th-golden-globes-award-ceremony/) - The Golden Globes took place January 10th, 2023 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills hosted by Jarrod Carmichael. We are glad that Italy participated in the victory of "The White Lotus" as Best Limited Series or TV Motion Picture. The second season of the HBO production, filmed in beautiful Taormina (Sicily), won in
- [<span class="notranslate">Oscar Nominations 2023</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/12/oscar-nominations-2023/) - The nominations have just been announced, and Italy will be represented by Alba Rohrwacher and Aldo Signoretti nominated in two categories: Best Short Film and Makeup. Alba Rohrwacher's short film “The Pupils” is based on a greeting card written by Elsa Morante. Produced by Alfonso Cuaron for Disney+, the short is a little Christmas story
- [<span class="notranslate">The Italian Audiovisual Industry in International Markets</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/12/the-italian-audiovisual-industry-in-international-markets/) - We are glad to share the report prepared by the Centre of Economic and Social Research Manlio Rossi-Doria, Centre of Excellence, Roma Tre University, upon request of the Italian Trade Commission – Agency. The report describes the audiovisual sector in the international context, focusing on the position held internationally by the Italian audiovisual industry. Despite
- [<span class="notranslate">Ecoflix: A Streaming Service to Save The Planet</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/12/ecoflix-environmental-streaming/) - Meet the founder of Ecoflix, the first streaming service dedicated to wildlife. David B. Casselman is a lawyer and a wildlife advocate. Throughout his legal career, he has been a passionate defender of animals. Among his many animal-related cases, all handled pro bono, he represented Robert Culp and Aaron Leider in the highly publicized litigation
- [<span class="notranslate">TikTok: The Discover List of 2022</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/12/tiktok-discover-list-2022/) - From time to time, social media channel TikTok develops a list of worth-to-be-known content creators The discover list 2022 has been published by Variety, spotlighting global creators making a positive impact on and off the platform. Divided into five categories — change makers, foodies, icons, innovators, and originators — each of the 50 nominated creators
- [<span class="notranslate">Amazon Orders Comic Based Shows</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/12/amazon-orders-comic-based-shows/) - Comic movies and tv-series have such a steady and affectionate audience that every company wants its fair share of them. Amazon, for example, will produce multiple live-action shows based on the Marvel characters controlled by Sony. The first one will be ‘Silk: Spider Society,’ from ‘Walking Dead’ author Angela Kang, Variety wrote. The show follows
- [<span class="notranslate">Netflix's 3rd Quarter Report is Out</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/12/netflix-report-published/) - Netflix's 3rd Quarter Report is out! Is the Netflix economic crisis over? Third-quarter earnings results suggest so. The streaming company gained over 2 million subscribers, avoiding the third straight quarter of subscriber losses. And the projections for the next quarter are even better: it seems it will add another 4.5 million subscribers in Q4.
- [<span class="notranslate">2022: A Great Year for the Gaming Industry</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/12/2022-gaming/) - Merging and acquisitions in the games field has passed 100 billion dollars! The murky waters of macroeconomic uncertainty defining 2022 don't seem to affect the world of electronic gaming. The market's growth has been steady since 2012, and - as reported in a Vip + Variety's research - is projected to grow more in
- [<span class="notranslate">Oscars Season Approaches</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/12/oscars-season-approaches/) - OSCARS SEASON IS APPROACHING, AND FRONTRUNNERS ARE ALREADY SHOWING UP Will it help people return to the cinema? Oscar season is approaching, and the Los Angeles Times already notices a trend: this year's awards season seems to be shaping up as a celebration of movies. The tendency is noticeable in the content of the
- [<span class="notranslate">Growth of Italian Audiovisual Market</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/12/italian-audiovisual-market/) - The Italian audiovisual sector is growing strongly and convincingly, and affirms the identity and name of Italy in the world. “In the period 2017-2021, investments in audiovisual sector grew 14 times more than the national GDP,” said Francesco Rutelli, President of Anica (The trade association representing the Italian film and audiovisual industry) to Corriere
- [<span  lass="notranslate">In conversation with Vaun Wilmott</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/12/in-conversation-with-vaun-wilmott/) - Today's interview opens a series of FOCUS dedicated to US and Italian Audiovisual Industry talents and executives. Our first 'guest' is Vaun Wilmott, showrunner, screenwriter, author, and producer of successes such as Star Trek, Dominion, and Sons of Anarchy. He started as an actor. In 1994, Wilmott appeared in the Beverly Hills 90210 series. Then
- [<span class="notranslate">Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2023</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/12/gdc-2023/) - The 37th annual Game Developers Conference takes place March 20-24, 2023 at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, and will deliver the industry's greatest source of content and connections. This year's theme is "The Future of the Industry," with a series of talks about emergent technologies, and the next generation of games. With plenty of exciting
- [<span class="notranslate">Kidscreen Summit 2023</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/12/kidscreen-summit-2023/) - Kids entertainment industry’s most important event, Kidscreen Summit, will return to the InterContinental Miami Hotel from February 12 to 15, 2023. The trade show that brings together creators, producers, distributors, and buyers of kids programming welcomed nearly 1,800 attendees from more than 50 countries last July. The Italian Trade Agency Los Angeles Office will coordinate the participation
- [<span class="notranslate">Youtube is Planning to Launch a Streaming Video Services Store</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/10/youtube-is-planning-to-launch-a-streaming-video-services-store/)
- [<span class="notranslate">Social Media: Teens Use Youtube and TikTok</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/10/social-media-teens-use-youtube-and-tiktok/) - Facebook lost its grip among youngsters falling from 71% to 32% The landscape of social media continuously changes, especially among teens, the most aggressive users of this media. A new Pew Research Center survey of American teenagers, ages 13 to 17, finds TikTok has rocketed in popularity since its debut. It is now a top
- [<span class="notranslate">An Interview with Andrea Scrosati</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/10/an-interview-with-andrea-scrosati/)
- [<span class="notranslate">The Fast Growth of the Gaming Market<span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/10/the-fast-growth-of-the-gaming-market/) - An analysis by Variety Intelligence Platform. Variety Intelligence Platform, an in-depth analysis signed by Andrew Wallenstein, President, and Chief Media Analyst at VIP+, reports on the evolution of the gaming market. A statistical study by Ampere Analysis says that American consumers spend more time watching videos than playing video games (about five times more). Still,
- [<span class="notranslate">A Streaming Service to Save the Planet</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/10/a-streaming-service-to-save-the-planet/) - Ecoflix has partnered with Wildlife SOS to educate and inspire people to take positive action to protect wildlife and restore the planet. Can streaming services contribute to saving the planet? Yes, when its name is Ecoflix. American philanthropist and animal advocate David Casselman in November 2021 founded Ecoflix to support and empower positive change to
- [<span class="notranslate">The Bundle of Streaming Service? It won't happen fast</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/10/the-bundle-of-streaming-service-it-wont-happen-fast/) - Nothing like a cable-like digital streaming package is foreseen Will the streaming services bundle as traditional pay TV did with cable channels? According to Alex Sherman and Lillian Rizzo writing on the CNBC website, the answer is no. "The traditional pay TV business has been highly profitable for decades for large media companies. Still, almost
- [<span class="notranslate">AFI FILM FESTIVAL</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/10/afi-film-festival/) - AFI will feature 125 titles including a Special Screenings section featuring BONES AND ALL directed by Italian Academy Award®-nominee Luca Guadagnino, LE PUPILLE directed by Italian actress and director Alice Rohrwacher, NANNY directed by Nikyatu Jusu, “SR.” directed by Chris Smith, and WOMEN TALKING by Academy Award®-nominated writer and director Sarah Polley. This year’s program
- [<span class="notranslate">AMERICAN FILM MARKET 2022</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/10/american-film-market-2022/) - The American Film Market 2022 takes place in Santa Monica, California, at the Loews Beach Hotel and theatres throughout the city, from Tuesday, November 1 and runs for six days through Sunday, November 6. The only independently produced sales market in the industry, AFM Exhibitor registration is trending strong with 225 companies and growing, including
- [<span class="notranslate">Sean and Bryan Furst</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/10/sean-and-bryan-furst/) - Independent movie producers, TV producers, IP hunters, storytelling junkies... and brothers. Those are, in a nutshell, the adjectives describing Sean and Bryan Furst. The Fursts started in the Nineties with such pictures as Miramax's hitman drama "The Matador", which earned Pierce Brosnan a Golden Globe nomination, and Lionsgate's Vegas love story "The Cooler," which earned
- [<div class="notranslate">ITTV FORUM & FESTIVAL</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/09/ittv-forumfestival/)
- [<span class="notranslate">NFT + Entertainment</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/09/nft-entertainment/) - Variety Intelligence Platform, an in-depth analysis signed by Andrew Wallenstein, President, and Chief Media Analyst at VIP+, opens up about Hollywood and its relationship with NFTs (non-fungible blockchain tokens), a phenomenon that has swept the world in the last few years. "Bot Viacom and Fox announced they were supporting their intellectual property with NFT platforms
- [<span class="notranslate">Netflix pays millions to writers</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/09/netflix-pays-milions-to-writers/) - Two hundred sixteen writers who worked on Netflix theatrical films received $42 million in unpaid residuals thanks to a recent arbitration between The Writers Guild of America West and the powerful streaming company. An arbitrator ruled in favor of the WGA, which raised payment concerns over the residuals owed to a writer on the popular
- [<span class="notranslate">Instagram will ask your race</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/09/instagram-will-ask-your-race/) - A random group of Instagram users in the US will soon receive personal questions about race and ethnicity from the popular social network. The answer will be optional. Instagram is taking this potentially controversial measure to study how different groups experience the platform, the company says in a blog post reported by The Verge. Instagram
- [<span class="notranslate">Coming Soon</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/09/coming-soon-discovery-and-hbo-max-together/) - Summer 2023. There is a date - but not a brand name nor the price of the future subscriptions - for the fusion between HBO Max and Discovery+, announced last July during the company’s Q2 earnings call. “At the end of the day, putting all the content together was the only way we saw to
- [<span class="notranslate">DISNEY +, PLUS COMMERCIALS</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/09/disney-plus-commercials/) - Disney + will soon put commercial ads on its streaming service. – The Los Angeles Times writes - Subscribers will need to pay more to avoid the hassle. The price of the subscription today is 8 dollars a month. Starting from December 8th, it will be 11 dollars – 3 dollars more – for those
- [<span class="notranslate">Abortion Legislation effects Entertainment Companies</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/09/abortion-legislation-effects-entertainment-companies/) - Walt Disney Co. has changed Hulu's ad policy after a backlash from Democrats lamenting the rejection of abortion commercials. Hulu has strict rules about its commercial ads, and in the past, it has tried to avoid any controversial topics. This time, the controversy came from the decision to avoid controversy. Now the company has decided
- [<span class="notranslate">79th Venice International Film Festival</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/09/79th-venice-international-film-festival/) - La Biennale di Venezia and director Alberto Barbera present the 79th Venice International Film Festival. It will take place at Venice Lido from 31 August to 10 September 2022. Here are some of the movies in competition: White noise, directed by Noah Baumbach with Adam Driver, Greta Gerwig, and Don Cheadle. White noise will open the
- [<span class="notranslate">Emmy Awards</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/09/emmy-awards/) - Saturday, September 3, and Sunday, September 4 2022 Creative Arts Emmy Awards and Gala Monday, September 12, 5:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM ET 74th Emmy Awards NBC Telecast and Governors Gala. Here is the Emmy Awards the official website
- [<span class="notranslate">Icon Award</span>](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2022/09/icon-award/) - Julia Roberts to be honored with Icon Award at the Academy Museum Gala on October 15, 2022 The awards, presented annually at the Academy Museum Gala, reflect the museum’s mission to advance the understanding, celebration, and preservation of cinema and to expand knowledge and conversation about cinema as a global art form and cultural force. Visit the
- [Superheroes and Their New Sidekick: Mid-Tier Movies Join the Box Office Fight for Balance](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/07/mid-budget-movies-hollywood-box-office/) - Hollywood’s dependence on superhero blockbusters remains evident, highlighted by the recent success of Marvel Studios’ Deadpool & Wolverine. The film shattered records, grossing $211 million in the U.S. and Canada over its debut weekend, marking the highest-ever opening for an R-rated film. This achievement underscores the theatrical film industry’s reliance on comic book movies to
- [Video Game Industry Faces Strike as AI Concerns Mount](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/07/video-game-industry-faces-strike-as-ai-concerns-mount/) - Artificial intelligence was key to last year's Hollywood strikes. Now has triggered (or should we say, generated?) a second walkout among actors in the larger, technology-driven video game industry. On Friday, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) began its second strike in nine months, this time targeting major gaming companies that dominate an industry grossing well
- [Guja Quaranta: A Life Between Hollywood and Italy](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/07/guja-quaranta-a-life-between-hollywood-and-italy/) - A Journey from Creative Roots to International Productions Guja Quaranta just returned to Los Angeles after a shoot. An experienced producer in film, theatre, television, and advertising, she knows the ins and outs of packing and unpacking, always ready to follow the sets she's working on. With a life that spans both sides of the
- [Truth Seekers Summit  - Virtual Event on August 15](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/07/truthseekers-summit-on-august-15th-virtual-event/) - Exploring the Intersection of Truth and Media in the Digital Age The inaugural Truthseekers Summit, hosted by Variety, will take place virtually on August 2nd. This event will explore the crucial role of truth in media today, featuring keynote addresses, industry panels, and interactive sessions. Topics will include journalistic integrity, combating misinformation, and the use
- [Comic-Con 2024](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/07/comic-con-2024/) - San Diego Comic-Con 2024: What to Expect at the Ultimate Pop Culture Extravaganza San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) 2024 is almost here, promising to be the biggest pop culture event of the year. From July 24 to July 28, tens of thousands of fans will flock to the San Diego Convention Center to immerse themselves in
- [Giffoni Film Festival 2024](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/07/giffoni-film-festival-2024/) - Giffoni Film Festival (19-28 July, Giffoni Valle Piana, Italy) The 54th edition of the Giffoni Film Festival, running from July 19th to 28th, invites participants to rediscover paths and uncover the invisible connections that exist despite apparent distances, inspiring new bonds and revealing our incredible closeness. The Giffoni Film Festival, established in 1971 in Giffoni
- [Hollywood Before and After Streamers: A Conversation with Gary Marenzi](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/05/hollywood-transformation-streaming-platforms/) - Gary Marenzi knows Hollywood like the back of his hand. Originally from the San Francisco area, where he graduated from Stanford University, he has been living and working in Los Angeles for many decades. Marenzi has held prestigious positions such as President of International Television at Paramount Pictures, President of the Worldwide Television Group at
- [The Torch and the Screen: Navigating the Future of Olympic Coverage](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/07/future-of-olympic-coverage/) - For three weeks from Friday 26th, Paris will be the stage for a full schedule of competitions and sporting events at its most iconic venues, such as the Eiffel Tower Stadium, Château de Versailles, and Grand Palais. The opening ceremony, featuring dozens of boats along the Seine, promises a spectacular start. As TV crews and
- [Inside the $8 Billion Skydance-Paramount Merger](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/07/inside-the-8-billion-skydance-paramount-merger/) - Legal Shake-Ups, Power Plays, and the Future of Hollywood At the beginning of July, David Ellison’s Skydance Media has announced a monumental $8 billion investment in Paramount Global, one of the world’s oldest entertainment companies, concluding a seven-month pursuit. The deal, that will provide the historic Hollywood studio with a younger owner, much-needed cash, and
- [Warner Bros. Shakes Up Gaming Industry with Major Acquisition of 'MultiVersus' Developer](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/07/warner-bros-games-acquires-player-first-game/) - Warner Bros. Games has announced the acquisition of Player First Games, the studio behind the popular free-to-play platform fighter MultiVersus. This strategic move marks a significant expansion for Warner Bros. Games, enhancing its development capabilities and solidifying its presence in the competitive gaming market. Under the new arrangement, Player First Games will continue to operate
- [UTA Revolutionizes Entertainment](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/07/uta-revolutionizes-entertainment/) - In an exciting development for the entertainment industry, United Talent Agency (UTA) has signed Native Foreign, a creative agency and production company, for representation. Known for their innovative approach to storytelling, Native Foreign has been making waves with their integration of artificial intelligence into their creative processes. Native Foreign, an Emmy-nominated, Women’s Business Enterprise National
- [Vanished Into the Night: A Global Hit on Netflix](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/07/vanished-into-the-night-a-global-hit-on-netflix/) - The Italian Thriller Produced by Picomedia Captivates Audiences Worldwide on Netflix Vanished Into the Night, one of the most watched movies on Netflix worldwide, has captivated audiences since its release on July 11. The thriller, starring Annabelle Wallis and Riccardo Scamarcio, tells the gripping story of a divorced couple in southern Italy whose children are
- [What's Next for Paramount? Skydance's Bold Gamble to Revive a Hollywood Giant](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/07/whats-next-for-paramount-skydances-bold-gamble-to-revive-a-hollywood-giant/) - David Ellison's ambition to acquire Paramount Global began last winter, echoing the intense M&A battles of the past. Nearly three decades after Sumner Redstone and Barry Diller’s high-stakes struggle for Hollywood’s iconic studio, Ellison’s Skydance Media, along with Gerry Cardinale’s RedBird Capital, is poised to reshape Paramount, CBS, and more. After months of negotiations and
- [Inside Neon and A24's Blockbuster Success with Longlegs and Civil War](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/07/inside-neon-and-a24s-blockbuster-success-with-longlegs-and-civil-war/) - How Indie Films Are Shaking Up the 2024 Box Office?The 2024 box office has seen fluctuations, but independent distributors Neon and A24 continue to hit significant milestones, proving their power outside the traditional studio system. Neon’s horror film Longlegs opened to $22 million last weekend, marking the distributor’s best wide opening to date, surpassing records
- [Netflix Q2 Triumph](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/07/netflix-q2-triumph/) - Record Subscribers and Emmy Nods, but Can They Fix the Advertising Gap? Netflix continued to solidify its position as a leader in premium streaming with impressive Q2 2024 results. The platform added a record 8 million new subscribers, bringing its global total to 277.7 million. Netflix not only surpassed sales and profit expectations but also
- [AVPSummit June 10-12, 2024 Reggio Calabria, Italy](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/07/avpsummit-june-10-12-2024-reggio-calabria-italy/) - Third edition of the Audio-Visual Producers Summit wrapped up with interesting insights The AVPSummit is a three-day event focusing on the Italian and international audiovisual industry, bringing together representatives from prestigious production and distribution companies, television networks, digital platforms, and independent studios. The third edition of the Audio-Visual Producers Summit took place in Calabria, gathering
- [My Spy the Eternal City: The Unexpected Roman Holiday](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/07/my-spy-the-eternal-city-the-unexpected-roman-holiday/) - J.J. is a CIA agent with the muscular and sculpted physique of former wrestler Dave Bautista but a life more akin to that of an ordinary office worker: a rebellious teenage stepdaughter with whom he tries to bond by baking muffins and spending time together, often with disastrous results. J.J. has decided to give up
- [Rise of Social Video: Redefining TV's Future in a Streaming World](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/07/rise-of-social-video-redefining-tvs-future-in-a-streaming-world/) - In today's dynamic landscape of digital entertainment, the competition between traditional Pay TV, Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD), and the burgeoning field of social video platforms is intensifying. According to the latest report from the Variety Intelligence Platform (VIP), titled Social Video vs. SVOD: The Race to Replace TV, significant shifts in U.S. viewing habits
- [IATSE Members Press Leaders on AI Deal Terms as Contract Ratification Vote Begins](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/07/iatse-members-press-leaders-ai-deal-terms/) - As the IATSE contract ratification vote starts today, union members are scrutinizing the AI provisions negotiated with Hollywood's studios. During a virtual town hall on Saturday, IATSE leaders, including International President Matthew Loeb, addressed questions from about 50,000 members from 13 locals under the Basic Agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers
- [Nielsen Taps Tech Veteran Jared Grusd to Lead Gracenote](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/07/nielsen-taps-tech-veteran-jared-grusd-to-lead-gracenote/) - Monday, July 8 was the first day of school for Jared Grusd. As a veteran media and tech executive, he has taken the helm as CEO of Gracenote, the content-solutions division of Nielsen, a global leader in audience measurement and consumer behavior tracking. Grusd reports directly to Nielsen CEO Karthik Rao. Meanwhile, Sujit Das Munshi,
- [A Hacker Infiltrated OpenAI Last Year. Could China do it too?](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/07/a-hacker-infiltrated-openai-last-year-could-china-do-it-too/) - Early last year, a hacker infiltrated OpenAI's internal messaging systems, targeting the maker of ChatGPT, and obtained details about the company's AI technologies. The breach exposed internal discussions among researchers and employees but did not compromise OpenAI's core code. Sources familiar with the incident indicated that the hacker accessed information from an employee forum discussing
- [Reimagining Hollywood: The Rise of Climate Conscious Storytelling](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/07/reimagining-hollywood-the-rise-of-climate-conscious-storytelling/) - In the heart of Hollywood, a transformative dialogue is unfolding about how entertainment can engage meaningfully with environmental challenges while retaining its captivating allure. Central to this discourse is the Hollywood Climate Summit, an annual nonprofit event that converges creators from film, TV, music, fashion, gaming, sports, and social media to explore the integration of
- [Willem Dafoe Named Artistic Director of Venice Biennale Theater Department](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/07/willem-dafoe-artistic-director-venice-biennale-theater-2025-2026/) - Willem Dafoe, the esteemed American actor known for his multifaceted career spanning mainstream blockbusters and arthouse cinema, has been appointed the artistic director of the Venice Biennale theater department for 2025 and 2026. Born on July 22, 1955, Dafoe has garnered acclaim for his versatility and intense performances, earning numerous accolades including the Volpi Cup
- [Skydance Media Takes Helm at Paramount in Groundbreaking $8 Billion Deal](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/07/skydance-media-takes-helm-at-paramount-in-groundbreaking-8-billion-deal/) - Skydance Media has finalized a significant deal with Paramount Global, ushering in a new era for the companies. David Ellison, Skydance’s founder, will become chairman and CEO of the expanded Paramount, while former NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell will serve as president. Shari Redstone emphasized her father Sumner Redstone’s vision that "content was king" when he
- [A24's Valuation Hits $3.5 Billion After Major Funding Boost Led by Thrive Capital](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/07/a24s-valuation-hits-3-5-billion-after-major-funding-boost-led-by-thrive-capital/) - A24, the independent studio renowned for its arthouse cinema, Oscar-nominated films, and high-quality horror movies, has seen its valuation surge to an impressive $3.5 billion after a fresh injection of capital. This new funding round, spearheaded by venture capital giant Thrive Capital, marks a significant milestone in the studio's financial growth. While A24 has not
- [Struggling for Coverage: Hollywood's Health Insurance Battle After Strikes](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/07/struggling-for-coverage-hollywoods-health-insurance-battle-after-strikes/) - After the 2023 Hollywood strikes, actors and writers are fighting to keep their health insurance amid industry slowdowns. Many face challenges meeting earnings or workday requirements for their union health plans. Actor Miki Yamashita, known for Cobra Kai and The Lion Guard, needs surgery for non-cancerous tumors diagnosed in April. To qualify for her union’s
- [YouTube's TV Takeover: Redefining Media Power Dynamics](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/07/youtubes-tv-takeover-redefining-media-power-dynamics/) - YouTube, renowned for pioneering user-generated content, has expanded its dominance from online platforms to TV screens. According to Nielsen's The Gauge report for May, YouTube captured 9.7% of all U.S. TV viewership, surpassing Netflix's 7.6%. This significant shift is prompting media giants like Netflix, Disney, and Warner Bros. Discovery to reassess their strategies in an
- [Disneyland](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/05/disneyland/)
- [Cannes Film Festival 2024: A Cinematic Journey of Triumphs and Setbacks](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/05/cannes-film-festival-2024-highlights-and-setbacks/) - The Cannes Film Festival 2024 concluded with a mix of cinematic triumphs and setbacks. Sean Baker’s Anora was awarded the coveted Palme d’Or, while Emilia Pérez dazzled audiences with its star-studded cast and vibrant musical narrative. However, the festival faced criticism for high-profile disappointments like Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis and Kevin Costner’s Horizon: An American
- [Roku's Strategy To Help Us Survive In Overcrowded, Fragmented Streaming Jungle](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/05/roku-streaming-platform-hits/) - Charlie Collier, the president of Roku Media, discusses the platform’s biggest hits Last Tuesday, at NeueHouse in New York, there was a significant appointment about the future of streaming services in this bundling and post-easy-money era. Matt Belloni, entertainment journalist at Puck, had a lengthy conversation with Charlie Collier, president of Roku, the streaming service
- [Elon Musk’s xAI Secures $6 Billion, Reinforcing Investor Confidence in His Artificial Intelligence Vision](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/05/elon-musks-xai-secures-6-billion-reinforcing-investor-confidence-in-his-artificial-intelligence-vision/) - The startup announced that it has secured $6 billion in new funding, pushing its valuation to $24 billion. The investment round saw participation from major players such as Fidelity, Valor Equity Partners, Vy Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia Capital, Saudi Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, Kingdom Holding, and others. Securing $6 billion is a remarkable achievement for
- [Hollywood's Green Revolution: Actions or Just Empty Promises?](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/06/hollywoods-green-revolution-actions-or-just-empty-promises/) - Hollywood is vocal about tackling climate change, but without clear accountability, the real impact is uncertain. In April, Paramount's Douglas Rheinheimer showcased a new energy plant reducing CO2 emissions by 35% and saving millions of gallons of water, calling it beneficial "financially, environmentally, and also for our workforce.” The era of climate denial is over
- [IATSE Renews Battle Against Grueling Production Hours Amid Rising On-Set Accidents](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/06/iatse-renews-battle-against-grueling-production-hours-amid-rising-on-set-accidents/) - The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) announced an agreement in recent hours, but few details are known about the new contract that will regulate labor relations between studios and crew and post-production workers for the next three years. Certainly, one of the biggest
- [Apple’s AI Push Faces Big Challenges Ahead](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/06/apples-ai-push-faces-big-challenges-ahead/) - Apple's ambitious expansion into artificial intelligence (AI) faces significant challenges, particularly in markets with stringent regulations. As the tech giant introduces Apple Intelligence—a suite of AI features aimed at enhancing its devices—the road to global implementation is not without obstacles. Apple Intelligence is designed to enhance user experience through a more advanced Siri, automatic email
- [Hollywood's Big Contraction: Voices of Italians Working in the Industry](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/06/hollywoods-big-contraction-voices-of-italians-working-in-the-industry/) - Following strikes that halted cameras from May to November 2023, Hollywood's recovery has been slow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in sets and recording studios saw a 20% contraction in April compared to pre-pandemic levels. Lockdown and picket lines aside, this marks the lowest employment rates in 30 years. FilmLA, responsible
- [Paramount+ to Increase Streaming Prices Amid Business Restructuring](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/06/paramount-to-increase-streaming-prices-amid-business-restructuring/) - Paramount Global is set to raise prices for its flagship streaming service, Paramount+, as part of its efforts to revitalize its business. This move reflects a broader trend among media companies to increase streaming service prices in a bid to achieve profitability. Starting August 20, new subscribers will see the price of the Paramount+ with
- [Hollywood Turns to the FBI Against Piracy](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/07/hollywood-turns-to-the-fbi-against-piracy/) - Pirates abound on the internet, with illegal streaming sites offering a stolen lineup of TV shows and movies larger than the combined catalogs of Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon’s Prime Video. These operations are becoming increasingly sophisticated, moving overseas and taking advantage of the rising popularity of streaming to steal more content. In response, entertainment companies—under
- [Let's Go to the Movies! Inside Out 2 Is Here, and Hollywood Can Breathe Again](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/07/inside-out-2-hollywood-success/) - The big new character in Pixar’s Inside Out 2 is Anxiety, which makes sense, given how much pressure was being loaded onto the film before its release. In a Time feature, Pixar’s creative head and director of the first movie, Pete Docter, candidly admitted: “If this doesn’t do well at the theater, I think it
- [NFMLA’s Monthly Film Festival InFocus: Puglia Cinema  -  May 30th](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/04/nfmlas-monthly-film-festival-infocus-puglia-cinema-may-30th/) - "In Puglia, anything is possible" Join NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA) for its inaugural InFocus program devoted to Puglia Cinema, in partnership with the Apulia Film Commission. This special event will showcase a collection of new and exciting works by short film directors from the Italian region of Puglia, spanning various genres and showcasing the diverse
- [LA Games Conference - May 6th](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/05/la-games-conference-may-6th/) - The LA Games: Law and Finance Summit 2024 comes back May 6th at UCLA Ballroom Palisades. Hosted in-person only! The LA’s original B2B Games Conference is a key event for Los Angeles' vibrant gaming community, offering a day of valuable interactions and discussions among developers and gaming executives. It features a variety of formats including
- [SeriesFest, Denver 1-5 May](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/05/seriesfest-denver-1-5-may/) - Denver's Premier Platform for Independent TV Storytelling Often referred to as the "Sundance of television", SeriesFest returns to Denver for its 10th edition, celebrating the art of independent television series creation. This event provides a platform for emerging and seasoned creators to debut their pilots to audiences that include both industry experts and enthusiasts. It
- [Inside Out 2 Triumph Ignites Optimism at CineEurope Amid Industry Calls for More Blockbusters](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/06/inside-out-2-triumph-ignites-optimism-at-cineeurope-amid-industry-calls-for-more-blockbusters/) - Following the triumphant debut of Disney/Pixar’s Inside Out 2, CineEurope commenced in Barcelona amidst a surge of optimism and calls for sustained film production. Paramount’s President of International Theatrical Distribution, Mark Viane, extended accolades to Disney during an executive roundtable, hailing the film’s impressive $295 million global opening as a pivotal moment in kickstarting the
- [From Italy’s ‘Ripley’ to Iceland’s ‘True Detective’: The Crucial Role of Locations in Top Emmy Contenders](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/06/from-italys-ripley-to-icelands-true-detective-the-crucial-role-of-locations-in-top-emmy-contenders/) - The race in on. Voting has just begun among the Television Academy members, leading to the crowning of the year's best TV productions in mid-September. Among all the lead and supporting actors contending for Emmys in various categories, there are some silent participants: the locations. Variety's reporter Michael Schneider, who has been covering the television
- [Understanding the DOJ's Lawsuit Against Live Nation-Ticketmaster](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/05/understanding-the-dojs-lawsuit-against-live-nation-ticketmaster/) - The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has taken decisive action against Live Nation, the parent company of Ticketmaster, based in Beverly Hills, California. Allegations from the DOJ, backed by 29 states and the District of Columbia, suggest Live Nation has monopolized ticket sales and concert promotion, stifling competition and coercing artists into exclusive agreements. The
- [Disney and DeSantis Strike $17B Development Deal, Ending Legal Dispute](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/06/disney-and-desantis-strike-17b-development-deal-ending-legal-dispute/) - In a significant turn of events, Disney and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have reached a settlement, closing the chapter on a protracted legal confrontation over the development rights of the 25,000-acre Walt Disney World Resort. This accord paves the way for a massive $17 billion expansion plan, including a fifth theme park and three smaller
- [High-Flying Victory: Hollywood Embraces Union Coverage for Drone Camera Crews](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/06/high-flying-victory-hollywood-embraces-union-coverage-for-drone-camera-crews/) - In a significant development for the entertainment industry, major Hollywood studios have committed to including drone camera crews under union agreements following recent arbitration decisions favoring the International Cinematographers Guild (IATSE Local 600). This decision marks a pivotal shift following arbitration with Warner Bros. in April, where the union successfully argued for coverage of drone
- [Coping with Financial Fallout: Industry Struggles Post-Recent Strikes](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/06/coping-with-financial-fallout-industry-struggles-post-recent-strikes/) - In the aftermath of last year's strikes by writers and actors in the film and TV industry, professionals are facing prolonged financial strain, awaiting a production rebound that has been slower than anticipated. While the industry figures out how to emerge from the crisis, hundreds of thousands of people are struggling to manage their bills,
- [AI on the Lot](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/04/ai-on-the-lot/) - A Fusion of Hollywood Creativity and AI Innovation- Los Angeles, May 16th Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood's creative pioneers are set to converge with leading AI technologists at the anticipated "AI on the Lot" summit. Scheduled for May 16th at the LA Center Studios and Synapse VP stage in downtown Los Angeles, this event promises
- [The Digital Hollywood AI Summer Summit - July 22-25](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/04/the-digital-hollywood-ai-summer-summit-july-22-25/) - The Digital Hollywood AI Summer Summit, set for July 22-24, 2024, promises to be a landmark event for the entertainment, media, and technology sectors. This free, virtual event is expected to attract an audience of 12,000 participants. The summit will feature keynotes each evening and host a series of roundtables from July 22-25, addressing the
- [After Slowest Memorial Day Box Office In Decades, Will Summer Movie Season Rebound?](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/05/summer-movie-season-rebound-2024/) - Moviegoers sent an alarming message to Hollywood studios over the long Memorial Day weekend. The four-day box-office haul hit a 30-year low as offerings like "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" and "Garfield" landed with a thud. The Warner Bros.' Mad Max prequel, starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth, underperformed in its debut with $25.6 million
- [Netflix Faces $170M Lawsuit for Defamation in 'Baby Reindeer' Legal Drama](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/06/netflix-faces-170m-lawsuit-for-defamation-in-baby-reindeer-legal-drama/) - In a legal drama worthy of a Netflix series itself, Fiona Harvey, the Scottish woman who claims the character Martha in Netflix’s hit miniseries "Baby Reindeer" is based on her, has filed a lawsuit against the streaming giant for negligence and defamation, seeking at least $170 million in damages. Harvey filed her complaint Thursday in
- [Shari Redstone Halts Skydance's Attempt to Acquire Paramount Stake](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/06/shari-redstone-halts-skydances-attempt-to-acquire-paramount-stake/) - In a significant development within the media landscape, Shari Redstone has decided to terminate the negotiations between her company, National Amusements Inc. (NAI), and Skydance Media over the sale of her controlling stake in Paramount Global. This decision was first reported by The Wall Street Journal and marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing restructuring
- [Apple Enters AI Arena with iPhone Upgrades and ChatGPT Partnership](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/06/apple-enters-ai-arena-with-iphone-upgrades-and-chatgpt-partnership/) - Apple is stepping into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) with new features for its iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices. At the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple announced updates available later this year, under the banner Apple Intelligence. The Cupertino company is integrating OpenAI's ChatGPT into Siri to make it smarter and more helpful. "This
- [IATSE and Studios Gear Up for Another Round of Talks on Basic Agreement](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/06/iatse-and-studios-gear-up-for-another-round-of-talks-on-basic-agreement/) - Hollywood's top crew union, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) are poised to schedule additional negotiation dates for their Basic Agreement discussions. Despite a three-day extension of talks that concluded early Thursday morning, the parties failed to reach a new agreement. The union
- [Streaming Bundles: Can They Revive Pay-TV's Golden Days?](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/06/streaming-bundles-can-they-revive-pay-tvs-golden-days/) - Streaming bundles are gaining traction, offering a fresh take on the old cable TV model. As media companies seek to attract and retain customers, they are forming partnerships to offer discounted packages of their streaming services. This summer, Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) are set to launch a Disney+-Hulu-Max bundle. Following this, Disney, WBD,
- [AI Focus by Apple and Samsung Misses the Mark for Smartphone Buyers](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/06/ai-focus-by-apple-and-samsung-misses-the-mark-for-smartphone-buyers/) - There is a new race in artificial intelligence: the race to bring AI to your phone. Yes, companies want your smartphone to become even smarter. But do you want it? Do users care? According to Ed Ludlow, co-host of Bloomberg Technology covering tech and innovation from San Francisco, the answer is no, not yet. “Generative
- [Spotify Announces Second Price Hike in a Year for U.S. Subscribers](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/06/spotify-rises-prices/) - If your idea of relaxation includes listening to your music or favorite podcast on Spotify, this might become less carefree when the next bill arrives. The music streaming firm has announced its second price hike in a year for its ad-free, premium subscription tiers in the U.S. Starting from July, the individual plan will increase
- [Cannes Film Festival, the Curtain Rises: Italy focuses on Sorrentino](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/05/cannes-film-festival-the-curtain-rises-italy-focuses-on-sorrentino/) - The 77th Cannes Film Festival opened on Tuesday with the presentation of an honorary Palme d’Or for Meryl Streep and the unveiling of Greta Gerwig’s jury. Streep earned the kermesse first lengthy standing ovation during the opening ceremony. After Juliette Binoche introduced her, the actress shook her head, fanned herself, and danced while the crowd
- [Tribeca Festival to Premiere AI-Generated Films by OpenAI's Sora](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/06/tribeca-festival-to-premiere-ai-generated-films-by-openais-sora/) - Artificial intelligence is transforming the film industry, and the 2024 Tribeca Festival is making a significant move by dedicating a segment to AI-generated films. On Friday, the festival announced Sora Shorts, a program featuring five original short films created with OpenAI’s advanced text-to-video AI model, Sora. This event marks the debut of Sora-made movies at
- [AMC Theatres, GameStop Shares Surge After Roaring Kitty Highlights GameStop Stake](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/06/amc-theatres-gamestop-shares-surge-after-roaring-kitty-highlights-gamestop-stake/) - AMC Theatres and GameStop stocks surged early Monday following a significant endorsement from meme stock investor Keith Gill, also known as Roaring Kitty. Gill posted on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) about his substantial $116 million investment in GameStop, reigniting interest in both companies' shares. AMC Entertainment Holdings, led by CEO Adam Aron, saw its
- [Paramount and Skydance Close to Deal Before Big Meeting](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/06/paramount-and-skydance-close-to-deal-before-big-meeting/) - Paramount Global and Skydance Media are finalizing the terms of a merger, with Paramount's controlling shareholder Shari Redstone reviewing the final details. A source close to the negotiations has confirmed to Deadline that an agreement has been reached. The announcement follows a revision of the offer by Skydance, which initially seemed unlikely to be finalized
- [Fair Play: Inside the TICKET Act's Push for Transparency in Event Ticketing](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/05/fair-play-inside-the-ticket-acts-push-for-transparency-in-event-ticketing/) - The House of Representatives has passed the Transparency in Charges for Key Events Ticketing Act, commonly known as the TICKET Act, aiming to enhance pricing transparency for consumers purchasing event tickets. This legislation mandates that ticket sellers disclose the total cost, including fees, at the point of sale. Additionally, sellers must indicate whether tickets are
- [Behind Closed Doors: Sony and Paramount's NDA Signals Shift in Deal Dynamics Away from $26 Billion Acquisition](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/05/sony-paramount-nda-shift-deal-dynamics/) - The recent decision by Sony and Paramount Global to enter into a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) marks a significant milestone in their ongoing negotiations. Previously, Sony and the private e quity firm Apollo kicked off discussions with a preliminary bid of $26 billion, but the current trajectory suggests a narrower focus. Access to Paramount's financial records
- [AI's Impact on Concept Art and Hollywood's Film Future](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/05/ais-impact-on-concept-art-and-hollywoods-film-future/) - The integration of generative AI into concept art creation is heralding a transformative era in creative industries, particularly within the realm of film and television. Concept art, a multifaceted domain encompassing character designs, environments, props, and costumes, finds its stronghold in genres like fantasy, sci-fi, and action. Traditionally, artists embarked on their creative journeys armed
- [AUDIO-VISUAL PRODUCERS SUMMIT- Reggio Calabria 10-13 June, 2024](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/04/italia-audio-visual-producers-summit-reggio-calabria-june/) - "New frontiers" is the title of this year AVPSummit, held this year in Villa San Giovanni, Reggio Calabria (Italy) from June 10-12, 2024, is an international conference organized by APA/Cinecittà for DGCA Ministry of Cultural Heritage, in association with APA/Cinecittà, supported by MAECI | Italian Trade Agency, MiC and the Calabria Region, in collaboration with MPA,
- [Striking a Balance: Hollywood Writers Navigate Industry Shifts After Strike](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/05/hollywood-writers-post-strike-challenges/) - A year following the Writers Guild of America strike, Hollywood writers are still grappling with the aftermath. For Ted Sullivan, a veteran TV writer and producer with a career spanning 14 years, the landscape has dramatically shifted. Formerly employed on hit shows like "Riverdale" and "Star Trek: Discovery," Sullivan now spends his days writing without
- [Investor Concerns Mount: Paramount Stocks Tumble Amid Sony's Bid Reconsideration](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/05/investor-concerns-paramount-stock-falls/) - Paramount Global (PARA.O) shares plunged over 7% on Tuesday in response to CNBC's report, which cited insider information indicating Sony Pictures is reassessing its bid for the American media entity. Last week, Reuters disclosed that Paramount had entered discussions to share its financial records with a consortium comprising Sony Pictures and investment firm Apollo Global
- [Sony Pictures and Italy’s Wildside Team up for Co-Production Deal](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/05/sony-pictures-and-italys-wildside-team-up-for-co-production-deal/) - Sony Pictures International Productions (SPIP) and Wildside, a Fremantle Company, have struck a new multi-picture co-production deal to develop and produce local films in Italy. According to reports, the first fruit of this collaboration between Hollywood and Rome is already in the pipeline. It is the new comedy from director Alessandro Genovesi, Upside Down Family.
- [Comcast Unveils "StreamSaver": A Game-Changing Streaming Bundle](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/05/comcast-streamsaver-bundle/) - In a significant move within the streaming industry, Comcast CEO Brian Roberts announced the launch of StreamSaver, a new bundled service that integrates Peacock, Netflix, and Apple TV+. This innovative package is designed to offer Comcast’s broadband, TV, and mobile subscribers a comprehensive streaming experience at a highly competitive price point. Set to redefine the
- [Streaming Landscape Evolution: Warner Bros. Discovery Unveils Game-Changing Bundle with Disney+ and Hulu](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/05/warner-bros-discovery-streaming-bundle/) - In the midst of a rapidly evolving streaming landscape, Warner Bros. Discovery is poised to make a significant impact with its latest announcement. The introduction of a groundbreaking bundle featuring Max, Disney+, and Hulu reflects a strategic move to adapt to changing consumer preferences and redefine the streaming experience. With David Zaslav, CEO of Warner
- [Paramount Global CEO Steps Down Amid Divisions Over Potential Skydance Merger](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/05/paramount-skydance-merger/) - Latest Twist as Company Considers Skydance Deal; Sony and Apollo Prepare Counter-Offer The moment of truth is approaching for Paramount Global. This week, the Hollywood group controlled by Shari Redstone's National Amusements is expected to reach a conclusion on merger discussions with Skydance Media, while also preparing for another potential bid from Sony and Apollo.
- [MGM: A Century of Cinematic Influence](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/05/mgm-a-century-of-cinematic-influence/) - In April 1924, the merger of Metro, Goldwyn, and Mayer set a monumental precedent in Hollywood's evolution. The primary aim was to streamline production and elevate the quality of films. The resounding promise echoed through Tinseltown: "more pictures and better pictures". The birth of this powerhouse studio marked the genesis of a new era in
- [Netflix's Competitors: To Conceal or Not to Conceal Subscriber Numbers?](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/05/netflixs-competitors-to-conceal-or-not-to-conceal-subscriber-numbers/) - The recent announcement from the streaming giant to halt regular disclosure of its subscriber figures might signal another wave of disruption in the entertainment industry. At first glance, this move appears poised to challenge the conventional norms of transparency in SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand) businesses. If the trailblazer in the streaming arena sees no
- [A24 Secures North American Rights to Paolo Sorrentino's 'Parthenope' Ahead of Cannes Premiere](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/05/a24-acquires-parthenope-paolo-sorrentino-cannes/) - A24, the renowned film distribution company, has made a strategic move by acquiring the North American rights to "Parthenope," the latest cinematic venture from Oscar-winning filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino. The announcement comes just ahead of the highly anticipated world premiere of the film at the 77th Festival de Cannes, adding to the excitement surrounding Sorrentino's latest
- [Paramount's Exclusive Talks with Skydance End: Uncertainty Looms Over $26 Billion Sony Deal](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/05/paramount-skydance-merger-negotiations/) - Paramount Pictures has declined to extend its exclusive negotiation period with Skydance, a decision that could significantly alter the landscape of a potential merger. The move, disclosed by two individuals familiar with the matter on Friday, signals a pivotal juncture in the ongoing discussions between the two entertainment entities. Paramount's refusal to prolong the exclusive
- [Warner Bros. Discovery at the Crossroads: Navigating the NBA Broadcasting Battle](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/05/warner-bros-discovery-nba-broadcasting-rights/) - In a pivotal moment for Warner Bros. Discovery, spearheaded by CEO David Zaslav, the company finds itself at a crossroads as Comcast, the parent entity of NBC, extends a formidable $2.5 billion annual proposition for a slice of the NBA broadcasting rights pie. This offer, doubling Warner Bros. Discovery's current investment, looms large, potentially reshaping
- [May the Bricks Be with You: Celebrating 25 Years of Star Wars Lego Dominance](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/05/may-the-bricks-be-with-you-celebrating-25-years-of-star-wars-lego-dominance/) - In the realm of toys and pop culture, the intertwining of Star Wars and Lego has become an iconic partnership that has endured for a quarter of a century. Jens Kronvold Frederiksen, a design director at Lego, reminisces about the genesis of this collaboration, which has left an indelible mark on countless childhoods. Since its
- [Baby Reindeer, Fallout and the Binge-Watching Debate](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/05/baby-reindeer-fallout-and-the-binge-watching-debate/) - During a recent interview with Netflix analyst Kasey Moore, an interesting statistic emerged: the miniseries Baby Reindeer saw a significant surge in viewership, jumping from 10.4 million hours viewed to nearly 53 million within just one week. An unprecedented increase in Netflix's history. Moore suggested that the show's popularity could be attributed to its buzz
- [Cortellesi and Garrone Triumph at David di Donatello Awards](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/05/cortellesi-and-garrone-triumph-at-david-di-donatello-awards/) - Matteo Garrone‘s “I, Captain” and Paola Cortellesi‘s “There’s Still Tomorrow” were the standout winners at Italy’s 69th David di Donatello Awards, securing 7 and 6 statuettes, respectively. The poignant tale of two Senegalese teenagers attempting to reach Europe through the Sahara desert and the Mediterranean Sea earned the most prestigious awards of the night: Best
- [Next TV Summit- June 18, 2024](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/04/next-tv-summit-june-18-2024/) - The Next TV Summit, set to be held at The Ebell of Los Angeles June 18th, is an essential gathering for professionals in the streaming television industry. This event promises to be a comprehensive source of knowledge, presenting the latest trends, insights, and developments that are shaping the future of television. Attendees will have the
- [Variety TV FYC Fest- June 6](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/04/variety-tv-fyc-fest-june-6/) - The upcoming Variety TV FYI Fest, scheduled for June 6 in West Hollywood, is set to be a star-studded event, drawing a diverse range of talent from the entertainment industry to discuss their experiences and projects. The agenda promises a packed day of engaging panels, from roundtables with supporting actors to deep dives into the
- [A $60 Billion Vision: Disney's Strategic Focus on Theme Parks](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/05/a-60-billion-vision-disneys-strategic-focus-on-theme-parks/) - Disney's commitment to its theme park empire has never been more resolute, evidenced by its ambitious $60-billion blueprint poised to unfold over the next decade. Since the inauguration of Disney's first theme park by Walt Disney in 1955, the conglomerate's tourism arm has burgeoned into a juggernaut, boasting staggering annual revenues and sprawling complexes in
- [Sony in talks to team with Apollo to bid for Paramount](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/04/sony-in-talks-to-team-with-apollo-to-bid-for-paramount/) - In ongoing discussions, Apollo Global Management and Sony Pictures Entertainment are considering teaming up for Apollo's $26-billion bid for Paramount Global. This partnership aims to bolster the private equity firm's endeavors to secure the sought-after asset. Although the discussions are in preliminary stages, the two parties have been negotiating the framework of a potential agreement,
- [Resilience in the Age of Streaming: Physical Media Finds Its Defenders](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/04/physical-media-enthusiasts/) - In a digital era dominated by streaming services, there remains a dedicated cohort of film aficionados steadfastly holding onto physical media. Despite the onslaught of digital platforms, these collectors view DVDs and Blu-rays as more than mere relics of the past—they are a currency of culture and a safeguard against the uncertainties of an increasingly
- [Taylor Swift Breaks Spotify Records with New Album Release](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/04/taylor-swift-new-album-success/) - Taylor Swift is making waves on 4/20, but not for the reasons typically associated with the date. Amidst a break from her Eras Tour, the renowned singer-songwriter is actively promoting her latest project, the double album titled "The Tortured Poets Department." Released early on Friday, the album rollout was accompanied by the launch of its
- [Netflix's Tightened Password Security Measures Yield Profit Surpassing Wall Street Predictions](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/04/netflix-market-performance/) - Netflix’s triumph in the streaming domain persists as the company divulged a robust growth trajectory in its latest quarterly report. With a surge of 9.3 million subscribers, bringing its total to nearly 270 million in the first quarter, Netflix displayed resilience amid competitive pressures. Revenue soared by 15% to $9.37 billion, accompanied by a notable
- [Potential Outcomes: Preventing a TikTok Ban Within 9 Months](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/04/potential-outcomes-preventing-a-tiktok-ban-within-9-months/) - Recent legislative moves in the U.S. signal potential trouble for TikTok, with a bill that could lead to its ban expected to become law soon. The House gave the nod to the bill over the weekend, as part of a broader foreign aid package, in a contentious 360-58 vote. The legislation demands that China-based owner
- [Italian Cinema's Battle with Netflix over residuals: Artisti 7607 Takes Legal Action](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/04/italian-cinemas-battle-with-netflix-over-residuals-artisti-7607-takes-legal-action/) - Some of the most prominent figures in Italian cinema are speaking out against Netflix. Elio Germano, Valerio Mastandrea, Neri Marcorè, and Claudio Santamaria, alongside thousands of local acting and dubbing talents, are part of the collecting company Artisti 7607, which has filed a lawsuit against the streaming platform in the civil court of Rome, demanding
- [The Russo Brothers Award $50,000 to Filmmakers Celebrating Italian American Heritage](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/04/the-russo-brothers-award-50000-to-filmmakers-celebrating-italian-american-heritage/) - The Russo Brothers have a profound connection to their Italian heritage. Anthony, 54, and Joseph, 52, are renowned American directors, producers, and screenwriters recognized for their contributions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They also established AGBO, an independent studio nestled in an old factory in the fashion district of Los Angeles, faraway from the sprawling
- [Costiera: Prime Video's Action-Comedy Series Brings Global Talent to Italy's Amalfi Coast](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/04/costiera-prime-videos-action-comedy-series-brings-global-talent-to-italys-amalfi-coast/) - Announcing the full cast for the action-packed comedy-drama "Costiera" set against Italy's breathtaking Amalfi Coast, Prime Video has created a buzz. Emmy-winning director Adam Bernstein ("30 Rock", "Breaking Bad") leads the production, with Jesse Williams ("Take Me Out") taking the lead. The ensemble cast for this English-language series, co-produced by Amazon Studios and Luca Bernabei's
- [TO WATCH OR NOT TO WATCH: Insights on VR Video Viewing Preferences](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/04/to-watch-or-not-to-watch-insights-on-vr-video-viewing-preferences/) - Virtual reality headsets are shaping the future of entertainment, yet they're not yet in every home, and not everyone is accustomed to this format. However, history shows that groundbreaking technologies often face skepticism. For instance, when telephones were first introduced, there were concerns about spreading infections through shared usage. Now, we all carry telephones in
- [Apple Lays Off at Least 600 Workers in its first wave of post-pandemic job cuts](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/04/apple-lays-off-at-least-600-workers-in-its-first-wave-of-post-pandemic-job-cuts/) - Apple has laid off more than six hundred employees, marking the company’s first big wave of post-pandemic job cuts amid a broader wave of tech industry consolidation. The iPhone maker was largely spared from last year's massive rounds of job cuts at Amazon, Meta, Google and other tech giants after a major hiring spree during
- [Iger Won His Proxy Battle, but the “Woke” War Still on at Disney](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/04/iger-won-his-proxy-battle-but-the-woke-war-still-on-at-disney/) - During his first 15 years running Walt Disney Co., Bob Iger had a magical touch. Acquisitions of Pixar Animation, Marvel Entertainment and Lucasfilm turbocharged the company’s creative engines. Movies minted billions of dollars, sports king ESPN spawned staggering profits, and Disney’s theme parks teemed with delighted guests. Iger embraced the role of celebrity chief executive,
- [Theatrical Venues Innovate Ingenious Tactics to Captivate Audiences Amidst Industry Challenges](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/04/theatrical-venues-innovate-ingenious-tactics-to-captivate-audiences-amidst-industry-challenges/) - We find ourselves in the midst of the pre-summer lull in the movie industry. While movie theaters are eager to continue their recovery from the pandemic, the lasting effects of the 2023 strikes by the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild have left noticeable gaps in the release schedule. Several films have
- [Empowering Stories on and off the Field: A Discussion with Actress Cristina Rodlo on 'The Beautiful Game'](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/04/empowering-stories-on-and-off-the-field-a-discussion-with-actress-cristina-rodlo-on-the-beautiful-game-and-the-homeless-world-cup/) - The Beautiful Game, the latest title available for streaming on NETFLIX, presents a heartening portrayal of the rehabilitative potential inherent in team sports. It offers a nuanced exploration of individuals marginalized by circumstance or choice. Filmed in Italy, the movie, penned by esteemed British screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce and helmed by director Thea Sharrock, delicately weaves
- [Facebook's Covert Surveillance of Snapchat and Youtube Users Revealed in Court Documents](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/04/facebooks-covert-surveillance-of-snapchat-and-youtube-users-revealed-in-court-documents/) - LOS ANGELES - Newly unsealed court records reveal that in 2016, Facebook initiated a covert endeavor to surveil Snapchat user data, later extending the same surveillance tactic to YouTube and Amazon, purportedly to gain a competitive edge. According to the documents stemming from a class-action lawsuit involving consumers and Meta, Facebook's parent company, the clandestine
- [The Los Angeles Festival of Movies is here to Prove the City’s Appetite for Independent Film](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/04/the-los-angeles-festival-of-movies-is-here-to-prove-the-citys-appetite-for-independent-film/) - Los Angeles boasts the most proficient and affluent audiovisual industry in the country, and arguably the world. Alongside traditional major studios and emerging streaming giants, numerous independent productions flourish outside the realm of Hollywood commercialism. Yet, the city has grappled with sustaining a high-profile film festival in recent years, marked by the closure of the
- [The First Omen is coming out tomorrow, April 3rd](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/04/the-first-omen-is-coming-out-tomorrow-april-4th/) - In 1976, the release of The Omen, known as Il Presagio in Italian, stirred a mixed response from both audiences and critics. While some cinema experts initially balked at the horror film's portrayal of the birth of Satan's progeny, aficionados of the genre embraced it eagerly, propelling it to become one of the highest-grossing films
- [The General States of Cinema, from April 12th to 14th, in Siracusa, Italy](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/04/the-general-states-of-cinema-from-april-12th-to-14th-in-siracusa-italy/) - In Syracuse, three days devoted to the Italian Audiovisual System and to the policies for the development of the film industry. The 'General States of Cinema' will take place from April 12th to 14th, 2024, at the Maniace Castle in Siracusa, on the island of Ortigia. Organized by by the Sicilian Region, with the Department of
- [Paramount and Skydance Advance Negotiations Intensify](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/04/paramount-and-skydance-advance-negotiations-intensify/) - David Ellison, the mastermind behind Skydance Media, convened with Paramount's board of directors towards the conclusion of the prior month to explore a possible partnership. Shari Redstone's endeavor to potentially divest her media empire has taken a notable step forward. Paramount, housing one of Hollywood's most iconic movie studios alongside CBS and cable networks
- [The Shift Towards Streamlining: Understanding Why Streaming Platforms Are Reducing Their Content Offerings](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/04/the-shift-towards-streamlining-understanding-why-streaming-platforms-are-reducing-their-content-offerings/) - The landscape of streaming platforms is undergoing constant transformation, increasingly resembling the traditional cable model it once sought to supplant. Discussions loom about the possibility of platform bundles, coinciding with significant changes among major streamers. These include the introduction of ad-supported plans, restrictions on password sharing, and a renewed emphasis on live sports coverage. The
- [Netflix Enters Its Dan Lin Era](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2024/04/netflix-enters-its-dan-lin-era/) - Dan Lin, 50, starts his tenure as Netflix's new film head this week. He had spent the last two decades building Rideback Productions, which was behind the recent live-action remake of “Avatar: The Last Airbender, streamed on Netflix. He also contributed to the Oscar-nominated film “The Two Popes'' for the streaming service, and has produced
- [Ads Are Coming to TikTok](https://italymeetshollywood.com/2023/08/ads-are-coming-to-tiktok/) - Users will see sponsored posts using TikTok’s search feature. After Instagram, TikTok is entering the ad world. The social network recently announced the launch of a new advertising feature that will display sponsored video content in the app's search results. According to the company's business website, the Search Ads Toggle allows advertisers to serve

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