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 for issuing filming permits in Los Angeles County, reported an 8.7% decline in shoots in the first quarter of this year, with TV series productions [...]

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 Showtime plan rise by $1, bringing the monthly cost to $12.99. Meanwhile, the Paramount+ Essential plan, which does not include Showtime content, will see a [...]

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 organization, and audio transcription capabilities. Set to launch in U.S. English this fall, with additional languages and features planned for next year, the initiative reflects [...]

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 concerns for the union’s 170,000 members is workplace safety. The talks came on the heels of multiple tragic incidents, highlighting the deadly consequences of prolonged [...]

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 in Hollywood. Studios now openly discuss their carbon neutrality goals, though the specifics are often vague. Zena Harris of Green Spark Group recalls how Al [...]

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 summer season. The sequel, although not expressly exploring relief as an emotion, has invoked a collective sense of reassurance within the industry, countering prevailing concerns. [...]