Exec Shuffle For 3/28/16: Softbank Invests $250M in WME-IMG, Sony Laying Off 20 Staffers in Int’l Marketing, CAA Ups Multiple Agent Trainees
Also, NBCUniversal launches a new content studio, AOL walks away from an ongoing partnership, Discovery Communications takes a big marketing step, and plenty more. Click the link to read all about it. (SSN)
Hold the Phone: New Estimates Change Final Totals For ‘Batman v Superman’, Adds Dubious New Mark
Weekend estimates had the domestic tally at $170.1 million and a global total of $424.1 million, which set several records, including biggest opening for: a DC Comics film, Snyder himself, movies opening in 2016, March, Spring, and Easter weekend. All of those records still stand. New estimates put the take at $166.1 million domestically, behind Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 at $169.2 million. It also marked the worst Friday-to-Sunday drop-off ever. (COL)
What Could Be Long Overdue, Viacom Chief Says ‘Reimagining’ Of MTV Is In Works
After MTV launched in 1981, a hot ad campaign prompted thousands of young viewers to shout its slogan: I want my MTV!” In recent times, it seems, that phrase has not been on as many lips. With the network suffering the defection of viewers who consume video entertainment in new ways, such as on tablets, that aren’t always counted in Nielsen tallies, the network’s owner, Viacom, is preparing to unveil a broad overhaul in coming weeks. (VAR)
Meanwhile, MTV Still Makes Moves, Names Michael Klein as New Head Of Programming
Network has named the Condé Nast exec as EVP Original Content. He will oversee all original programming across MTV and its related brands. MTV has been without a head of programming since Susanne Daniels exited her post as president of programming in July. At the time, the plan was to not fill the position, with EVP Scripted Development Mina Lefevre and unscripted chief, EVP Series Development Lauren Dolgen, appointed co-heads of programming. (DH)
Skeptical Judge Gives ‘Straight Outta Compton’ Lawsuit One Last Shot
At a hearing today, U.S. District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald nearly ran a lawsuit brought by former N.W.A. manager Jerry Heller straight outta his courtroom. Heller is suing almost everyone involved in Straight Outta Compton, thanks to Paul Giamatti’s unflattering portrayal of him. Heller also says he was not compensated for the use of his likeness and claims that the defendants stole his work and breached an agreement that settled an old dispute. (HESQ)
Fox Searchlight Names Matthew Greenfield, David Greenbaum Co-Heads of Production
After announcing that president of production Claudia Lewis, company has promoted Greenfield and Greenbaum to co-heads of production. They will be responsible for Searchlight’s annual slate of films as well as all aspects of production for the company including development, packaging, budgeting, casting and production. (THR)
Petition Demands FCC Investigate Comcast’s Failure to Add African American-Owned & Operated Networks
Entertainment Studios, Inc. and The National Association of African American-Owned Media (NAAAOM) filed an historic petition with the FCC, demanding enforcement of Comcast’s failure to honor its commitment to add African American-owned cable television networks. This commitment from Comcast was outlined in the Comcast/NBCUniversal merger formally approved by the FCC and the Department of Justice in January, 2011. (SAA)
A Legitimate Question Arises: Is There a Market for Shorts That Debut at Film Festivals?
The demand for short form content has created new opportunities for short filmmakers as brands, new digital platforms and major media companies all crave quality, bite size, streamable content that has been proven to drive web traffic via social media. But what does this mean for talented short filmmakers whose work plays at top film festivals? (IW)
Trailer Buzz, Part One: ‘The Conjuring 2’
Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema have released the new look at the highly anticipated horror sequel from director James Wan. Vera Farming and Patrick Wilson return to star in the film, alongside Frances O’Connor. The movie hits theaters June 10th. (EMP)
Trailer Buzz, Part Two: ‘Suicide Squad’
Warner Bros. has also dropped the new international trailer for the comic book adaptation from writer-director David Ayer. Starring Jared Leto, Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Jai Courtney, Cara Delevingne, Joel Kinnaman, Karen Fukuhara, Adam Beach, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Common and Jay Hernandez, the flick hits theaters August 5th. (TP)