Deadline’s Most Valuable Blockbuster tournament is back. While studios during Covid wildly embraced the theatrical day-and-date model when cinemas were closed, they soon realized there’s nothing more profitable than a theatrical release and the downstreams that come with it. If anything, theatrical is the advertisement for a movie’s longevity in subsequent home entertainment windows. Entering the conversation in 2023 were the streamers, such as Apple, who have also realized the necessity of theatrical to eventize their movies. The financial data pulled together here for Deadline’s Most Valuable Blockbuster Tournament is culled by seasoned and trusted sources.
The Film
Barbie
Warner Bros
The road to riches for a live-action Barbie movie was long. The most recent ramp-up had come in 2009, when Universal and Greatest Showman producer Laurence Mark became attached. Then the project segued to Sony with Laurie MacDonald and Walter F. Parkes attached as producers, and at...
The Film
Barbie
Warner Bros
The road to riches for a live-action Barbie movie was long. The most recent ramp-up had come in 2009, when Universal and Greatest Showman producer Laurence Mark became attached. Then the project segued to Sony with Laurie MacDonald and Walter F. Parkes attached as producers, and at...
- 5/6/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Time100, Time Magazine’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world, includes some notable show business figures, including Taraji P. Henson, Michael J. Fox, Fantasia Barrino, Alia Bhatt, Sofia Coppola, Colman Domingo, and America Ferrera.
Also on the list: Ynon Kreiz, Donna Langley, Dua Lipa, Hayao Miyazaki, Leslie Odom Jr., Elliot Page, Dev Patel, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Maya Rudolph, and Jeffrey Wright.
The Time100 issue has four worldwide covers featuring singer-songwriter Lipa, football quarterback Patrick Mahomes, actor Henson, and Yulia Navalnaya, a leader of Russia’s opposition movement.
A New York City gala celebrating the issue is set for April 25, with a primetime TV special airing May 12 on ABC.
The new issue pairs well known personalities writing about the roster’s subjects. Taraji P. Henson, herself on the list, writes about Fantasia Barrino. Other pairings include Tom Harper on Alia Bhatt, Rashida Jones on Sofia Coppola, Lenny Kravitz on Colman Domingo,...
Also on the list: Ynon Kreiz, Donna Langley, Dua Lipa, Hayao Miyazaki, Leslie Odom Jr., Elliot Page, Dev Patel, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Maya Rudolph, and Jeffrey Wright.
The Time100 issue has four worldwide covers featuring singer-songwriter Lipa, football quarterback Patrick Mahomes, actor Henson, and Yulia Navalnaya, a leader of Russia’s opposition movement.
A New York City gala celebrating the issue is set for April 25, with a primetime TV special airing May 12 on ABC.
The new issue pairs well known personalities writing about the roster’s subjects. Taraji P. Henson, herself on the list, writes about Fantasia Barrino. Other pairings include Tom Harper on Alia Bhatt, Rashida Jones on Sofia Coppola, Lenny Kravitz on Colman Domingo,...
- 4/17/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Margot Robbie and her husband and producing partner Tom Ackerley had always been honest with Mattel about how they wanted to approach “Barbie” from all sides of the conversation. “But it would always be coming from a place of love and positivity,” said the actress and producer.
When their company LuckyChap pitched the toy giant, it had been going through a sea change with new CEO Ynon Kreiz, and a new direction for the toy line that allowed more room for creativity. “The changes that Mattel made in 2016 made this movie possible,” Robbie said to IndieWire over Zoom. “If we had tried to make this before 2016, before they diversified their Barbie line and called every Barbie ‘Barbie,’ I don’t know how we would’ve built a Barbie Land and everyone in it without just not making a movie we’d really be able to stand behind.”
Each development update felt like a win,...
When their company LuckyChap pitched the toy giant, it had been going through a sea change with new CEO Ynon Kreiz, and a new direction for the toy line that allowed more room for creativity. “The changes that Mattel made in 2016 made this movie possible,” Robbie said to IndieWire over Zoom. “If we had tried to make this before 2016, before they diversified their Barbie line and called every Barbie ‘Barbie,’ I don’t know how we would’ve built a Barbie Land and everyone in it without just not making a movie we’d really be able to stand behind.”
Each development update felt like a win,...
- 2/19/2024
- by Marcus Jones
- Indiewire
Scooter Braun, Emmy Rossum and Helen Mirren are among 400 celebrities and industry executives who’ve signed an open letter supporting Israel’s inclusion in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
Although there has been no suggestion the European Broadcasting Union, which organizes the annual singing competition, has any intention of barring Israel from the event, the open letter has been published in response to a handful of fringe voices calling for a ban.
Other signatories to the letter include “The Big Bang Theory” star Mayim Bialik, Kiss frontman Gene Simmons, “Once Upon a Time” actor Ginnifer Goodwin and “Ray Donovan” lead Liev Schreiber, among hundreds of others. Industry figures also include Saban CEO Haim Saban, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr, Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz and WME partner David Levy.
Organized by industry body Creative Community For Peace, the letter states: “We believe that unifying events such as singing competitions...
Although there has been no suggestion the European Broadcasting Union, which organizes the annual singing competition, has any intention of barring Israel from the event, the open letter has been published in response to a handful of fringe voices calling for a ban.
Other signatories to the letter include “The Big Bang Theory” star Mayim Bialik, Kiss frontman Gene Simmons, “Once Upon a Time” actor Ginnifer Goodwin and “Ray Donovan” lead Liev Schreiber, among hundreds of others. Industry figures also include Saban CEO Haim Saban, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr, Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz and WME partner David Levy.
Organized by industry body Creative Community For Peace, the letter states: “We believe that unifying events such as singing competitions...
- 2/14/2024
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
After the Barbie Oscar snubs for Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig, Mattel has been getting negative reviews from activist investor Barington Capital.
Barbie may have earned a $1.4 billion dollars at the worldwide box office. But Barington in a recent letter to Mattel advised the toy maker to fix or sell off its American Girl and Fisher-Price brands as part of possible strategic alternatives to raise its share price.
“Mattel’s Fisher-Price and American Girl segments have witnessed dramatic and consistent revenue declines over a multi-year period,” the activist investor wrote to the toy maker. After unveiling his company’s fourth quarter results, Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz told media analysts the Fischer-Price and American Girl properties remained valuable toy brands that the company would continue to invest in.
“We believe we have a very strong portfolio, we always evaluate our portfolio to position the company for growth in line with our...
Barbie may have earned a $1.4 billion dollars at the worldwide box office. But Barington in a recent letter to Mattel advised the toy maker to fix or sell off its American Girl and Fisher-Price brands as part of possible strategic alternatives to raise its share price.
“Mattel’s Fisher-Price and American Girl segments have witnessed dramatic and consistent revenue declines over a multi-year period,” the activist investor wrote to the toy maker. After unveiling his company’s fourth quarter results, Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz told media analysts the Fischer-Price and American Girl properties remained valuable toy brands that the company would continue to invest in.
“We believe we have a very strong portfolio, we always evaluate our portfolio to position the company for growth in line with our...
- 2/7/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Beverly Hilton’s International Ballroom was abuzz Sunday evening with the rolling thunder of excited conversations, clinking glasses and the general whoosh of pedestrian traffic around a party packed with mega-stars and supernovas including Taylor Swift, Oprah Winfrey and Bruce Springsteen.
But when Steven Yeun stepped up to the stage to accept his trophy for “Beef,” the din fell by several decibels. The emotion in his voice as he spoke of his feelings of “isolation and separateness” carried through the ballroom, causing silence followed by rapturous applause.
The respect shown to Yeun was one of many notable moments that you had to be room where it happens to fully appreciate. As always, a big part of the fun of attending the Globes is the people watching and the chance to gauge reactions to the ceremony from a room full of industry insiders.
Here’s a rundown of highlights from those observations.
But when Steven Yeun stepped up to the stage to accept his trophy for “Beef,” the din fell by several decibels. The emotion in his voice as he spoke of his feelings of “isolation and separateness” carried through the ballroom, causing silence followed by rapturous applause.
The respect shown to Yeun was one of many notable moments that you had to be room where it happens to fully appreciate. As always, a big part of the fun of attending the Globes is the people watching and the chance to gauge reactions to the ceremony from a room full of industry insiders.
Here’s a rundown of highlights from those observations.
- 1/9/2024
- by Cynthia Littleton and Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
From Hollywood strikes to the ascent of AI to sinking stock prices, 2023 was a topsy-turvy year for media and entertainment.
Cynthia Littleton and Andrew Wallenstein, hosts of Variety podcast “Strictly Business,” discuss the highs and lows of the past year on the latest episode.
Wallenstein, president and chief media analyst of Variety Intelligence Platform data division, pointed to the spread of easy-to-use generative AI tools as the biggest unknown that is casting a cloud over the industry. “This is something that is still just in the very early stages of transforming so many processes, particularly in production — and even of course beyond this industry,” Wallenstein observed.
The hosts also discuss the twists and turns of the streaming wars in a year when traditional Hollywood faced steep cuts. Netflix earned the right to do a “victory lap,” the hosts agreed, for solidifying its global lead in streaming subscribers.
“It was the...
Cynthia Littleton and Andrew Wallenstein, hosts of Variety podcast “Strictly Business,” discuss the highs and lows of the past year on the latest episode.
Wallenstein, president and chief media analyst of Variety Intelligence Platform data division, pointed to the spread of easy-to-use generative AI tools as the biggest unknown that is casting a cloud over the industry. “This is something that is still just in the very early stages of transforming so many processes, particularly in production — and even of course beyond this industry,” Wallenstein observed.
The hosts also discuss the twists and turns of the streaming wars in a year when traditional Hollywood faced steep cuts. Netflix earned the right to do a “victory lap,” the hosts agreed, for solidifying its global lead in streaming subscribers.
“It was the...
- 1/4/2024
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Barbie‘s huge impact this awards season continued to be felt on Monday, as the film claimed a leading nine nominations at the Golden Globes, including three of six slots in the category of Best Original Song – Motion Picture.
Likely to land at least a pair of Song noms at the Oscars, the film’s recognition today on the music front came for the tunes “Dance the Night” by Mark Ronson, Andrew Wyatt, Dua Lipa and Caroline Ailin, “I’m Just Ken” by Ronson and Wyatt, and “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish O’Connell and Finneas O’Connell.
Other Song contenders at this year’s Golden Globes will include Bruce Springteen’s “Addicted to Romance,” penned for the Vertical romance She Came to Me from Rebecca Miller; The Super Mario Bros. Movie‘s “Peaches” by Jack Black, Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic, Eric Osmond and John Spiker; and Lenny Kravitz...
Likely to land at least a pair of Song noms at the Oscars, the film’s recognition today on the music front came for the tunes “Dance the Night” by Mark Ronson, Andrew Wyatt, Dua Lipa and Caroline Ailin, “I’m Just Ken” by Ronson and Wyatt, and “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish O’Connell and Finneas O’Connell.
Other Song contenders at this year’s Golden Globes will include Bruce Springteen’s “Addicted to Romance,” penned for the Vertical romance She Came to Me from Rebecca Miller; The Super Mario Bros. Movie‘s “Peaches” by Jack Black, Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic, Eric Osmond and John Spiker; and Lenny Kravitz...
- 12/11/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
After a remarkable run in theaters, Greta Gerwig’s pop culture phenomenon Barbie is making its way to streaming, having set a premiere date on Max of December 15th.
The highest grossing film in the history of Warner Bros, at a worldwide gross exceeding $1.4 billion, Barbie stars Margot Robbie as the “stereotypical” version of the Mattel doll, who comes to suffer an existential crisis after traveling from Barbie Land into the real world with new beau, Ken (Ryan Gosling).
Gerwig directed from her script written with Noah Baumbach. Pic’s starry ensemble also includes America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Simu Liu, Will Ferrell, Ariana Greenblatt, Emma Mackey, Alexandra Shipp, Issa Rae, Michael Cera, Hari Nef, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Rhea Perlman, Ncuti Gatwa, and Emerald Fennell, among others.
Robbie and Tom Ackerley produced under their LuckyChap Entertainment banner, alongside Mattel’s Robbie Brenner and Heyday Films’ David Heyman, with LuckyChap’s Josey McNamara...
The highest grossing film in the history of Warner Bros, at a worldwide gross exceeding $1.4 billion, Barbie stars Margot Robbie as the “stereotypical” version of the Mattel doll, who comes to suffer an existential crisis after traveling from Barbie Land into the real world with new beau, Ken (Ryan Gosling).
Gerwig directed from her script written with Noah Baumbach. Pic’s starry ensemble also includes America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Simu Liu, Will Ferrell, Ariana Greenblatt, Emma Mackey, Alexandra Shipp, Issa Rae, Michael Cera, Hari Nef, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Rhea Perlman, Ncuti Gatwa, and Emerald Fennell, among others.
Robbie and Tom Ackerley produced under their LuckyChap Entertainment banner, alongside Mattel’s Robbie Brenner and Heyday Films’ David Heyman, with LuckyChap’s Josey McNamara...
- 12/4/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Mattel has appointed former 20th Television, Apple TV+, Sony Television and CBS Network executive Michelle Mendelovitz as the head of the toymaker’s Television Studios division.
Mendelovitz will be tasked with overseeing the development, production and distribution of Mattel’s robust slate of episodic content on broadcast and streaming globally, reporting to Mattel’s chief franchise officer Josh Silverman.
“Mattel is a globally revered brand that I’ve always admired for its ability to empower and relate to their audience generation after generation,” she said in a statement. “Taking that bold spirit to speak to themes that impact people’s worlds, while simultaneously entertaining audiences of all ages, is what we are focused on as we grow Mattel Television Studios into an inspiring storytelling home for best-in-class creators.”
The move comes fresh off the brand’s smashing success with the “Barbie” movie and as Mattel aims to pump out a...
Mendelovitz will be tasked with overseeing the development, production and distribution of Mattel’s robust slate of episodic content on broadcast and streaming globally, reporting to Mattel’s chief franchise officer Josh Silverman.
“Mattel is a globally revered brand that I’ve always admired for its ability to empower and relate to their audience generation after generation,” she said in a statement. “Taking that bold spirit to speak to themes that impact people’s worlds, while simultaneously entertaining audiences of all ages, is what we are focused on as we grow Mattel Television Studios into an inspiring storytelling home for best-in-class creators.”
The move comes fresh off the brand’s smashing success with the “Barbie” movie and as Mattel aims to pump out a...
- 11/16/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Former 20th Television Head of Drama Michelle Mendelovitz has been tapped to take the reins as Head of Mattel Television Studios.
In her new role, Mendelovitz will oversee the development, production, and distribution of Mattel’s slate of episodic content on broadcast and streaming globally. She reports to Josh Silverman, Chief Franchise Officer, Mattel.
“Michelle is a powerful creative leader with a wealth of experience working with top studios and creators to make innovative, quality content across genres and platforms,” said Ynon Kreiz, Chairman and CEO of Mattel. “We are excited for her to join at a time of such momentum for the company, and for the important role she will play in developing stories that resonate in culture and growing Mattel’s global fan base.”
Mendelovitz moves to Mattel following senior roles at Disney 20th Television Studios, Apple TV+, Sony Pictures Television, and CBS Television Network. She most recently served as Executive Producer,...
In her new role, Mendelovitz will oversee the development, production, and distribution of Mattel’s slate of episodic content on broadcast and streaming globally. She reports to Josh Silverman, Chief Franchise Officer, Mattel.
“Michelle is a powerful creative leader with a wealth of experience working with top studios and creators to make innovative, quality content across genres and platforms,” said Ynon Kreiz, Chairman and CEO of Mattel. “We are excited for her to join at a time of such momentum for the company, and for the important role she will play in developing stories that resonate in culture and growing Mattel’s global fan base.”
Mendelovitz moves to Mattel following senior roles at Disney 20th Television Studios, Apple TV+, Sony Pictures Television, and CBS Television Network. She most recently served as Executive Producer,...
- 11/16/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Mattel is bringing on a TV veteran to lead its Mattel Television Studios division.
The toy giant, which owns IP like Barbie and Hot Wheels, has hired Michelle Mendelovitz to lead its TV studios division. Mendelovitz was most recently executive producer at HiddenLight, the production company from Hillary and Chelsea Clinton, but she previously served as senior VP and head of drama development at Disney 20th Television Studios, and as a senior creative executive for scripted & unscripted programming at Apple.
She will report to Josh Silverman, Mattel’s chief franchise officer.
Mattel has made leveraging its toy IP for the screen a top strategic priority. The runaway success of this year’s Barbie movie only underscored that effort. Mattel’s TV series include programs based on Barbie, Barney, Thomas & Friends, Hot Wheels, and Fireman Sam, among others.
“Michelle is a powerful creative leader with a wealth of experience working with...
The toy giant, which owns IP like Barbie and Hot Wheels, has hired Michelle Mendelovitz to lead its TV studios division. Mendelovitz was most recently executive producer at HiddenLight, the production company from Hillary and Chelsea Clinton, but she previously served as senior VP and head of drama development at Disney 20th Television Studios, and as a senior creative executive for scripted & unscripted programming at Apple.
She will report to Josh Silverman, Mattel’s chief franchise officer.
Mattel has made leveraging its toy IP for the screen a top strategic priority. The runaway success of this year’s Barbie movie only underscored that effort. Mattel’s TV series include programs based on Barbie, Barney, Thomas & Friends, Hot Wheels, and Fireman Sam, among others.
“Michelle is a powerful creative leader with a wealth of experience working with...
- 11/16/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Former head of drama development at Disney’s 20th Television Michelle Mendelovitz has been named head of Mattel Television Studios.
In her new role, Mendelovitz will oversee the development, production, and distribution of Mattel’s slate of episodic content on broadcast and streaming globally.
She will report to Mattel executive vice president and chief franchise officer Josh Silverman.
Currently, Mattel Television Studios produces animated and live-action series and specials based on its popular IP including Barbie, Thomas & Friends, Hot Wheels, Fireman Sam, Polly Pocket, Barney, Masters of the Universe, Monster High and Pictionary. Per the studio, it has premiered 12 series and specials this year.
“Michelle is a powerful creative leader with a wealth of experience working with top studios and creators to make innovative, quality content across genres and platforms,” Mattel chairman and CEO Ynon Kreiz said. “We are excited for her to join at a time of such momentum for the company,...
In her new role, Mendelovitz will oversee the development, production, and distribution of Mattel’s slate of episodic content on broadcast and streaming globally.
She will report to Mattel executive vice president and chief franchise officer Josh Silverman.
Currently, Mattel Television Studios produces animated and live-action series and specials based on its popular IP including Barbie, Thomas & Friends, Hot Wheels, Fireman Sam, Polly Pocket, Barney, Masters of the Universe, Monster High and Pictionary. Per the studio, it has premiered 12 series and specials this year.
“Michelle is a powerful creative leader with a wealth of experience working with top studios and creators to make innovative, quality content across genres and platforms,” Mattel chairman and CEO Ynon Kreiz said. “We are excited for her to join at a time of such momentum for the company,...
- 11/16/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
As pro-Israel and pro-Palestine groups of demonstrators waved flags and vied for support from passing motorists at a busy Los Angeles intersection on Wednesday night, an audience of around 200 people filed through a security checkpoint into the city’s Museum of Tolerance.
Attendees, the protesters chanting outside, and scores of police officers had shown up because of a video collage titled Bearing Witness, compiled by a unit of the Israel Defense Forces from raw footage of the deadly attack by Hamas militants against Israel on Oct. 7, in which 1,400 people were...
Attendees, the protesters chanting outside, and scores of police officers had shown up because of a video collage titled Bearing Witness, compiled by a unit of the Israel Defense Forces from raw footage of the deadly attack by Hamas militants against Israel on Oct. 7, in which 1,400 people were...
- 11/9/2023
- by Miles Klee
- Rollingstone.com
On Wednesday evening, while most of Hollywood was cheering the news that the months-long actors strike had just come to an end, some 200 invited members of the industry — most of them avowed supporters of Israel — convened at the Museum of Tolerance in West L.A. for a screening of a film unlike any other: Bearing Witness, which comprises 43 minutes of footage of atrocities committed by Hamas terrorists against Israeli citizens on Oct. 7.
The somber gathering took place under heavy guard. Another media outlet leaked the location at which it would be taking place, resulting in threats against the museum and necessitating an FBI advance team in the days leading up to it. On Wednesday, a considerable number of LAPD officers were stationed inside the museum’s theater, out on the surrounding streets and in a helicopter overhead. But in the end, there appeared to be no more than a few...
The somber gathering took place under heavy guard. Another media outlet leaked the location at which it would be taking place, resulting in threats against the museum and necessitating an FBI advance team in the days leading up to it. On Wednesday, a considerable number of LAPD officers were stationed inside the museum’s theater, out on the surrounding streets and in a helicopter overhead. But in the end, there appeared to be no more than a few...
- 11/9/2023
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach got away with a lot of bite-the-hand humor towards Mattel in their script for the blockbuster “Barbie” film. But the company still had a lot of questions about the script for their satirical comedy — including one scene where an exec of the company gets shot.
Gerwig and Baumbach spoke about their process writing the script for the “Barbie” film during a Thursday Q&a with “Angels in America” playwright Tony Kushner at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York City. At the Q&a, the two spoke about the notes they received during their first submitted draft of the script. One note they received comes in the film’s final act, where the Kens of Barbieland compete in a beach battle. During the chaos, Will Ferrell’s fictional Mattel CEO arrives with his mob of male executives, one of which gets shot with a fake arrow in the fray.
Gerwig and Baumbach spoke about their process writing the script for the “Barbie” film during a Thursday Q&a with “Angels in America” playwright Tony Kushner at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York City. At the Q&a, the two spoke about the notes they received during their first submitted draft of the script. One note they received comes in the film’s final act, where the Kens of Barbieland compete in a beach battle. During the chaos, Will Ferrell’s fictional Mattel CEO arrives with his mob of male executives, one of which gets shot with a fake arrow in the fray.
- 11/4/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
“Barbie” screenwriters Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach recently joined Tony Kushner for a discussion about the record-breaking Warner Bros. blockbuster and revealed one of the first notes Mattel gave them on the script: Please don’t have the Mattel exec stand-in characters be shot.
In the third act of “Barbie,” an all-out beach battle takes place between the warring Ken characters. It’s at this moment that Will Ferrell, playing the fictionalized CEO of Mattel, arrives in Barbieland along with his armada of nameless male Mattel execs. At one point one of these execs gets shot with a fake arrow during the ensuing, bloodless mayhem.
“There was a note when we first turned the script it,” Baumbach told Kusher. “On page 111: ‘Does a Mattel executive have to be shot?’ At the time we were like, that should just be on the ad!’
“But all the notes had a question mark at the end,...
In the third act of “Barbie,” an all-out beach battle takes place between the warring Ken characters. It’s at this moment that Will Ferrell, playing the fictionalized CEO of Mattel, arrives in Barbieland along with his armada of nameless male Mattel execs. At one point one of these execs gets shot with a fake arrow during the ensuing, bloodless mayhem.
“There was a note when we first turned the script it,” Baumbach told Kusher. “On page 111: ‘Does a Mattel executive have to be shot?’ At the time we were like, that should just be on the ad!’
“But all the notes had a question mark at the end,...
- 11/3/2023
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Hollywood Coalition Urging Release Of Israeli Hostages Launches Campaign To Raise Awareness – Update
Updated with campaign launch: Many of the Hollywood A-listers who earlier this month signed a letter calling for the release of Israeli hostages taken during an attack by Hamas have launched a campaign, #ReleaseTheHostagesNow, to raise awareness of the urgent issue.
The coalition, spearheaded by letter organizer Creative Community For Peace, former CBS boss Nina Tassler and Sipur Studios CEO Emilio Schenker, used their social media platforms to raise the profile of the 239 hostages still being held.
Participants included Helen Mirren, Michael Douglas, Billy Crystal, Amy Schumer, Debra Messing, Julianna Margulies, Mayim Bialik, Mandy Moore, Chelsea Handler, Sharon Osbourne, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Zooey Deschanel, Elizabeth Banks, Jerry O’Connell, Joshua Malina, Alyssa Milano, Chuck Norris, Phil Rosenthal, Dr. Phil, Dean Cain, Kristin Chenoweth, Josh Peck, Juliette Lewis, Howie Mandel, Marg Helgenberger, Brooklyn and Nicola Peltz Beckham, and Constance Zimmer.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Julianna Margulies (@juliannamargulies)
The...
The coalition, spearheaded by letter organizer Creative Community For Peace, former CBS boss Nina Tassler and Sipur Studios CEO Emilio Schenker, used their social media platforms to raise the profile of the 239 hostages still being held.
Participants included Helen Mirren, Michael Douglas, Billy Crystal, Amy Schumer, Debra Messing, Julianna Margulies, Mayim Bialik, Mandy Moore, Chelsea Handler, Sharon Osbourne, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Zooey Deschanel, Elizabeth Banks, Jerry O’Connell, Joshua Malina, Alyssa Milano, Chuck Norris, Phil Rosenthal, Dr. Phil, Dean Cain, Kristin Chenoweth, Josh Peck, Juliette Lewis, Howie Mandel, Marg Helgenberger, Brooklyn and Nicola Peltz Beckham, and Constance Zimmer.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Julianna Margulies (@juliannamargulies)
The...
- 10/31/2023
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Mattel beat Wall Street expectations in the third quarter for revenue and adjusted earnings per share, thanks in large part due to the successful release of Barbie in July.
Revenue in the period ending September 30 rose 9% over the same quarter a year ago to $1.9 billion. Earnings without a non-cash charge came in at $1.08 per share, up from 82 cents in the year-ago frame. Including the non-cash charge of 59 cents for establishing a valuation allowance on foreign deferred tax assets, Eps totaled 41 cents.
Analysts had expected earnings of 86 cents a share and revenue of $1.83 billion.
Despite the double beat, Mattel shares slid 7% in after-hours trading after finishing the regular trading day down a fraction, at $20.11. While the stock surged more than 15% through late summer and into the fall as Barbie was percolating through pop culture, it has slumped more recently and is roughly flat for the year.
One drag on shares was...
Revenue in the period ending September 30 rose 9% over the same quarter a year ago to $1.9 billion. Earnings without a non-cash charge came in at $1.08 per share, up from 82 cents in the year-ago frame. Including the non-cash charge of 59 cents for establishing a valuation allowance on foreign deferred tax assets, Eps totaled 41 cents.
Analysts had expected earnings of 86 cents a share and revenue of $1.83 billion.
Despite the double beat, Mattel shares slid 7% in after-hours trading after finishing the regular trading day down a fraction, at $20.11. While the stock surged more than 15% through late summer and into the fall as Barbie was percolating through pop culture, it has slumped more recently and is roughly flat for the year.
One drag on shares was...
- 10/25/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Mere minutes after some of Hollywood’s biggest stars and executives issued a letter condemning the terror attacks on Israel and the taking of hundreds of hostages, The WGA East has publicly joined the Guild’s West Coast leadership in deciding to stay silent on the murderous siege of the Jewish state two weeks ago.
Admitting this “will strike some of you as inadequate,” Wgae president Lisa Takeuchi Cullen and others in the leadership said officially the Guild would be saying nothing on the matter – as a point of policy. At the same time they did note calling out “the atrocities in Israel committed by Hamas on October 7 and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza” on their personal social media feeds.
“We hope you are holding up in these difficult times,” the correspondence to members begins “A number of you have reached out to us in recent weeks about whether...
Admitting this “will strike some of you as inadequate,” Wgae president Lisa Takeuchi Cullen and others in the leadership said officially the Guild would be saying nothing on the matter – as a point of policy. At the same time they did note calling out “the atrocities in Israel committed by Hamas on October 7 and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza” on their personal social media feeds.
“We hope you are holding up in these difficult times,” the correspondence to members begins “A number of you have reached out to us in recent weeks about whether...
- 10/24/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
A massive collection of some of Hollywood’s biggest names have commended President Joe Biden for his “unshakable moral conviction” and helping to get home some of the hostages taken by Hamas in their terror attack against Israel.
A letter to Biden posted Monday on the website NoHostageLeftBehind has signatures from Amy Schumer, Bob Odenkirk, Gal Gadot, Chris Rock, Bradley Cooper, Madonna, Greg Berlanti, Constance Wu, Judd Apatow, Tyler Perry, Sacha Baron Cohen, Paramount Global boss Shari Redstone, Taika Waititi, Olivia Wilde, Jason Blum, WME’s Ari Greenburg, Gersh’s Leslie Siebert, Zoe Saldana. Seth Meyers, Sean “Puffy” Combs and many more.
Read the full letter below.
“Thank you for your unshakable moral conviction, leadership, and support for the Jewish people, who have been terrorized by Hamas since the group’s founding over 35 years ago, and for the Palestinians, who have also been terrorized, oppressed, and victimized by Hamas for...
A letter to Biden posted Monday on the website NoHostageLeftBehind has signatures from Amy Schumer, Bob Odenkirk, Gal Gadot, Chris Rock, Bradley Cooper, Madonna, Greg Berlanti, Constance Wu, Judd Apatow, Tyler Perry, Sacha Baron Cohen, Paramount Global boss Shari Redstone, Taika Waititi, Olivia Wilde, Jason Blum, WME’s Ari Greenburg, Gersh’s Leslie Siebert, Zoe Saldana. Seth Meyers, Sean “Puffy” Combs and many more.
Read the full letter below.
“Thank you for your unshakable moral conviction, leadership, and support for the Jewish people, who have been terrorized by Hamas since the group’s founding over 35 years ago, and for the Palestinians, who have also been terrorized, oppressed, and victimized by Hamas for...
- 10/23/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
A dizzying amount of A-list Hollywood actors, comedians and entertainment executives signed an open letter to President Joe Biden on Monday, calling for the release of all hostages taken by terrorist group Hamas.
Amy Schumer, Sacha Baron Cohen, Chris Rock, Gwyneth Paltrow, Katy Perry, Bradley Cooper, Justin Timberlake and more were among the highly visible figures to sign the note, launching a formal campaign called #NoHostageLeftBehind. The note stands in response to events following the Oct. 7 terror attack on Israel at the hands of the extremist group, and its release of four hostages in recent days.
“We are heartened by Friday’s release of the two American hostages, Judith Ranaan and her daughter Natalie Ranaan and by today’s release of two Israelis, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, whose husbands remain in captivity,” the letter read. “But our relief is tempered by our overwhelming concern that 220 innocent people, including 30 children,...
Amy Schumer, Sacha Baron Cohen, Chris Rock, Gwyneth Paltrow, Katy Perry, Bradley Cooper, Justin Timberlake and more were among the highly visible figures to sign the note, launching a formal campaign called #NoHostageLeftBehind. The note stands in response to events following the Oct. 7 terror attack on Israel at the hands of the extremist group, and its release of four hostages in recent days.
“We are heartened by Friday’s release of the two American hostages, Judith Ranaan and her daughter Natalie Ranaan and by today’s release of two Israelis, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, whose husbands remain in captivity,” the letter read. “But our relief is tempered by our overwhelming concern that 220 innocent people, including 30 children,...
- 10/23/2023
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: The Writers Guild of America hasn’t said anything publicly about the savage attack on Israel by terrorists on October 7, and a number of irate showrunners and others will be discussing that silence Friday.
Almost a week after dozens of high-profile WGA members put out an open letter reprimanding guild leadership for “when terrorists invaded Israel to murder, rape, and kidnap Jews… the Guild stayed silent,” guild members are getting together to say something more.
“The guild wants this to go away, but we aren’t going away — it is outrageous they’ve said nothing, absolutely outrageous,” one individual who plans on joining today’s virtual meeting told Deadline.
Chaired by American Soul creator Jonathan Prince, a Zoom meeting is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Pt today to discuss why the WGA has been silent about Hamas’ onslaught against the Jewish state, which has left more than 1,400 dead and thousands injured.
Almost a week after dozens of high-profile WGA members put out an open letter reprimanding guild leadership for “when terrorists invaded Israel to murder, rape, and kidnap Jews… the Guild stayed silent,” guild members are getting together to say something more.
“The guild wants this to go away, but we aren’t going away — it is outrageous they’ve said nothing, absolutely outrageous,” one individual who plans on joining today’s virtual meeting told Deadline.
Chaired by American Soul creator Jonathan Prince, a Zoom meeting is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Pt today to discuss why the WGA has been silent about Hamas’ onslaught against the Jewish state, which has left more than 1,400 dead and thousands injured.
- 10/20/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
4th Update, Oct 16: Casey Wasserman is the latest Hollywood heavyweight to speak out in support of Israel.
“There is no justification for this,” the Wasserman chairman-ceo – and chairman of the L.A. 2028 committee – reportedly said at an International Olympic Committee session in Mumbai on Monday. “I unequivocally stand in solidarity with Israel, but let me be clear I also stand with the innocent civilians in Gaza who did not choose this war.”
Referencing the terrorist kidnapping of Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Games, Wasserman continued, “Unfortunately, the Olympics are not immune to the world we live in.
“At its worst, it is a platform for hate to express itself on the stage and we will always remember the 11 members of the Israeli Olympic team who were taken hostage and murdered in Munich.
“But at its best it is an opportunity for sport to show the world a better path with peace and unity,...
“There is no justification for this,” the Wasserman chairman-ceo – and chairman of the L.A. 2028 committee – reportedly said at an International Olympic Committee session in Mumbai on Monday. “I unequivocally stand in solidarity with Israel, but let me be clear I also stand with the innocent civilians in Gaza who did not choose this war.”
Referencing the terrorist kidnapping of Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Games, Wasserman continued, “Unfortunately, the Olympics are not immune to the world we live in.
“At its worst, it is a platform for hate to express itself on the stage and we will always remember the 11 members of the Israeli Olympic team who were taken hostage and murdered in Munich.
“But at its best it is an opportunity for sport to show the world a better path with peace and unity,...
- 10/16/2023
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" became a bona fide hit this year. After it premiered this July, the film grossed over $1.4 billion worldwide, which, according to Box Office Mojo, makes it the highest-grossing movie of the year so far, beating films like "The Super Mario Bros. Movie," "Oppenheimer," and "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3." Since it's pulled in passionate audiences worldwide, it's no wonder Mattel is eager to make even more movies inspired by its popular toy brands. Its upcoming film slate is being dubbed the "Mattel Universe." While the success of "Barbie" has certainly helped push the company to begin development on these films, the Mattel Universe has actually been years in the making. Let us explain.
How Did the Mattel Cinematic Universe Begin?
According to The New York Times, talks of a Mattel Universe first began when CEO Ynon Kreiz took over as Mattel's new chairman and chief...
How Did the Mattel Cinematic Universe Begin?
According to The New York Times, talks of a Mattel Universe first began when CEO Ynon Kreiz took over as Mattel's new chairman and chief...
- 10/16/2023
- by Michele Mendez
- Popsugar.com
Riz Ahmed has posted an impassioned plea on social media calling for “an end to the indiscriminate bombing of Gaza’s civilians” amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
“We are told there are two sides to what is happening in Israel and Palestine. But in my heart, I know there is only one — the side of our humanity,” the Oscar-nominated actor wrote. “What happened in Israel last week was horrific and wrong. The pain and fear so many are feeling is deep and real. What’s happening in Gaza now, and has been happening in Palestine under the Occupation for decades, is horrific and wrong. The depth and reality of this suffering cannot be ignored.”
Ahmed continued, “If we look only in one direction, we will go even deeper into darkness. But that is exactly what is happening right now. We are being asked to look away while the civilians of Gaza,...
“We are told there are two sides to what is happening in Israel and Palestine. But in my heart, I know there is only one — the side of our humanity,” the Oscar-nominated actor wrote. “What happened in Israel last week was horrific and wrong. The pain and fear so many are feeling is deep and real. What’s happening in Gaza now, and has been happening in Palestine under the Occupation for decades, is horrific and wrong. The depth and reality of this suffering cannot be ignored.”
Ahmed continued, “If we look only in one direction, we will go even deeper into darkness. But that is exactly what is happening right now. We are being asked to look away while the civilians of Gaza,...
- 10/16/2023
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
As hundreds of thousands of Israeli troops mass on the border with Gaza for a near-certain ground invasion in response to murderous terrorist attacks that started last week, the striking SAG-AFTRA has planted its flag in the dire situation.
“SAG-AFTRA deplores and condemns the horrific acts of aggression against the Israeli people on Oct. 7,” bluntly said the 160,000-member strong guild Friday.
“The attack was a fundamental violation of human rights and dignity,” the guild added. “There is no justification for the murder and kidnapping of civilians. We mourn the loss of life and urge the safe return of those who are missing and held hostage.
“We stand united against hatred and violence and pray for peace.”
Friday’s comment by SAG-AFTRA echoes in many ways what the Directors Guild of America put out on October 11, one of the first of what is now many Hollywood groups and studios to offer...
“SAG-AFTRA deplores and condemns the horrific acts of aggression against the Israeli people on Oct. 7,” bluntly said the 160,000-member strong guild Friday.
“The attack was a fundamental violation of human rights and dignity,” the guild added. “There is no justification for the murder and kidnapping of civilians. We mourn the loss of life and urge the safe return of those who are missing and held hostage.
“We stand united against hatred and violence and pray for peace.”
Friday’s comment by SAG-AFTRA echoes in many ways what the Directors Guild of America put out on October 11, one of the first of what is now many Hollywood groups and studios to offer...
- 10/14/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Comcast has pledged $2 million to aid humanitarian efforts in Israel and the Middle East.
The donation will give $1.5 million immediately to Save the Children Federation Inc., Doctors Without Borders, Direct Relief, and American Friends of Magen David Adom.
The NBCUniversal parent will also donate up to $500,00 for all employee donations to the organizations in addition to contributions previously made through its matching gift program.
“We are horrified and deeply saddened by the brutal attack on Israel. Our hearts go out to the families who have lost their loved ones through unspeakable acts of terrorism and the devastation of war,” Comcast CEO Brian Roberts and president Mike Cavanagh said in a note to employees on Tuesday. “As these catastrophic events unfold, we are so grateful for the tireless dedication and bravery of our NBC and Sky news colleagues who are on the ground risking their lives to shine a light on this terrible conflict.
The donation will give $1.5 million immediately to Save the Children Federation Inc., Doctors Without Borders, Direct Relief, and American Friends of Magen David Adom.
The NBCUniversal parent will also donate up to $500,00 for all employee donations to the organizations in addition to contributions previously made through its matching gift program.
“We are horrified and deeply saddened by the brutal attack on Israel. Our hearts go out to the families who have lost their loved ones through unspeakable acts of terrorism and the devastation of war,” Comcast CEO Brian Roberts and president Mike Cavanagh said in a note to employees on Tuesday. “As these catastrophic events unfold, we are so grateful for the tireless dedication and bravery of our NBC and Sky news colleagues who are on the ground risking their lives to shine a light on this terrible conflict.
- 10/13/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Gal Gadot, Jerry Seinfeld, Jamie Lee Curtis, Chris Pine, Mayim Bialik, Liev Schreiber, Amy Schumer and Michael Douglas are among more than 700 celebrities and entertainment executives who are standing in support of Israel.
They signed an open letter, created by the nonprofit organization Creative Community for Peace, condemning the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas’ attack on Israel and calling for the return of hostages.
The letter also called on the entertainment community to refrain from sharing misinformation about the war.
On Saturday morning, the terrorist organization Hamas launched attacks on southern Israel. The escalating conflict has led to a rising death toll that has surpassed 2,700 victims on both sides as of Thursday, according to the Associated Press.
“My heart is aching for the lives lost and families shattered,” Gadot shared in a statement. “I’m praying for everyone who has been affected by Hamas’ terrorism and brutality. And I hope that...
They signed an open letter, created by the nonprofit organization Creative Community for Peace, condemning the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas’ attack on Israel and calling for the return of hostages.
The letter also called on the entertainment community to refrain from sharing misinformation about the war.
On Saturday morning, the terrorist organization Hamas launched attacks on southern Israel. The escalating conflict has led to a rising death toll that has surpassed 2,700 victims on both sides as of Thursday, according to the Associated Press.
“My heart is aching for the lives lost and families shattered,” Gadot shared in a statement. “I’m praying for everyone who has been affected by Hamas’ terrorism and brutality. And I hope that...
- 10/12/2023
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In a strong sign of support of Israel from Hollywood, more than 700 figures from the entertainment industry have signed an open letter to condemn Hamas and demand the safe return of hostages being held in Gaza.
The letter is the first major move from the entertainment industry, as Israel has been under attack.
Released by the nonprofit Creative Community for Peace, the letter has been signed by celebrities and Hollywood leaders including Gal Gadot, Jamie Lee Curtis, Chris Pine, Mayim Bialik, Liev Schreiber, Amy Schumer, Michael Douglas, Jerry Seinfeld, Debra Messing, Ryan Murphy, Greg Berlanti, Haim Saban, Irving Azoff, Ynon Kreiz, Mark Hamill, Howie Mandel, Bella Thorne, Antoine Fuqua and more.
The open letter calls on the entertainment community at large to speak out forcefully against Hamas, to support Israel, to refrain from sharing misinformation about the war and to do whatever is in their power to urge Hamas terrorists...
The letter is the first major move from the entertainment industry, as Israel has been under attack.
Released by the nonprofit Creative Community for Peace, the letter has been signed by celebrities and Hollywood leaders including Gal Gadot, Jamie Lee Curtis, Chris Pine, Mayim Bialik, Liev Schreiber, Amy Schumer, Michael Douglas, Jerry Seinfeld, Debra Messing, Ryan Murphy, Greg Berlanti, Haim Saban, Irving Azoff, Ynon Kreiz, Mark Hamill, Howie Mandel, Bella Thorne, Antoine Fuqua and more.
The open letter calls on the entertainment community at large to speak out forcefully against Hamas, to support Israel, to refrain from sharing misinformation about the war and to do whatever is in their power to urge Hamas terrorists...
- 10/12/2023
- by Elizabeth Wagmeister
- Variety Film + TV
You are reading an exclusive WrapPRO article for free. Want to level up your entertainment career? Click here to subscribe.
Spyglass Media Group founder Gary Barber, Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz and a group of other leaders in the entertainment industry denounced the “brutal attacks” by Hamas in Israel in a joint statement Thursday received exclusively by TheWrap.
“We denounce the brutal attacks by Hamas in Israel. These atrocities will have a devastating impact on future generations,” the statement read. “We unequivocally stand in solidarity with Israel in the global fight against terrorism. Am Yisrael Chai.”
Other signatories of the statement include Lawrence Bender, Jim Berkus, Roger Birnbaum, Jonathan Glickman, Jason Hirschhorn, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Brian Robbins, Eli Roth, Haim Saban, Chris Silbermann, Ben Silverman, Modi Wiczyk and Rick Yorn.
The joint statement follows several statements, both internally and externally, from companies including Warner Bros. Discovery, Lionsgate, Paramount Global, NBCUniversal parent Comcast...
Spyglass Media Group founder Gary Barber, Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz and a group of other leaders in the entertainment industry denounced the “brutal attacks” by Hamas in Israel in a joint statement Thursday received exclusively by TheWrap.
“We denounce the brutal attacks by Hamas in Israel. These atrocities will have a devastating impact on future generations,” the statement read. “We unequivocally stand in solidarity with Israel in the global fight against terrorism. Am Yisrael Chai.”
Other signatories of the statement include Lawrence Bender, Jim Berkus, Roger Birnbaum, Jonathan Glickman, Jason Hirschhorn, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Brian Robbins, Eli Roth, Haim Saban, Chris Silbermann, Ben Silverman, Modi Wiczyk and Rick Yorn.
The joint statement follows several statements, both internally and externally, from companies including Warner Bros. Discovery, Lionsgate, Paramount Global, NBCUniversal parent Comcast...
- 10/12/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
You are reading an exclusive WrapPRO article for free. Want to level up your entertainment career? Click here for more information.
Mattel CEO and Chairman Ynon Kreiz discussed reshaping the company from a strictly toy-based enterprise to a powerhouse film producer with this summer’s blockbuster “Barbie.”
“Mattel is one of the most iconic companies in corporate America and what really appealed to me was to transform the toy business and capture full value from the intellectual properties,” Kreiz told TheWrap’s editor-in-chief Sharon Waxman during a spotlight conversation at TheGrill, the publication’s annual business conference, on Wednesday.
“I saw an opportunity to transform the company from being a toy manufacturer to an IP company that manages franchises. This is where we realized that the people who buy our product aren’t just consumers, they’re fans. Once you know you have fans in the audience, it changes the conversation.
Mattel CEO and Chairman Ynon Kreiz discussed reshaping the company from a strictly toy-based enterprise to a powerhouse film producer with this summer’s blockbuster “Barbie.”
“Mattel is one of the most iconic companies in corporate America and what really appealed to me was to transform the toy business and capture full value from the intellectual properties,” Kreiz told TheWrap’s editor-in-chief Sharon Waxman during a spotlight conversation at TheGrill, the publication’s annual business conference, on Wednesday.
“I saw an opportunity to transform the company from being a toy manufacturer to an IP company that manages franchises. This is where we realized that the people who buy our product aren’t just consumers, they’re fans. Once you know you have fans in the audience, it changes the conversation.
- 10/4/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Speakers for TheGrill 2023 from across entertainment, media and tech industries joined TheWrap for dinner at Tesse Restaurant on Tuesday, kicking off the annual conference.
Attendees included Mattel chairman and CEO Ynon Kreiz, president of worldwide marketing for Warner Bros. Pictures Group Josh Goldstine, director of computer science and AI laboratory at MIT Daniela Rus, chairman of Global Television Studios and Sony Pictures entertainment corporate development Ravi Ahuja, and other industry-leading figures.
WrapPRO’s flagship event is being held on Wednesday at 1 Hotel in West Hollywood. Attendees are being treated to expert speakers and panels discussing topics including the future of the entertainment industry, M&a, streaming, AI and more.
Photo by Ted Soqui
Peter Csathy and Sharon Waxman, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, TheWrap, TheGrill 2023 Dinner at the Tesse Restaurant
Photo by Ted Soqui
Sharon Waxman, Ravi Ahuja, Chairman, Global Television Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment Corporate Development, and Edward Menicheschi, President...
Attendees included Mattel chairman and CEO Ynon Kreiz, president of worldwide marketing for Warner Bros. Pictures Group Josh Goldstine, director of computer science and AI laboratory at MIT Daniela Rus, chairman of Global Television Studios and Sony Pictures entertainment corporate development Ravi Ahuja, and other industry-leading figures.
WrapPRO’s flagship event is being held on Wednesday at 1 Hotel in West Hollywood. Attendees are being treated to expert speakers and panels discussing topics including the future of the entertainment industry, M&a, streaming, AI and more.
Photo by Ted Soqui
Peter Csathy and Sharon Waxman, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, TheWrap, TheGrill 2023 Dinner at the Tesse Restaurant
Photo by Ted Soqui
Sharon Waxman, Ravi Ahuja, Chairman, Global Television Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment Corporate Development, and Edward Menicheschi, President...
- 10/4/2023
- by Natalie Korach
- The Wrap
Come on, Barbie, let’s go party at my house when Greta Gerwig’s Barbie comes to 4K HD, Blu-ray, and DVD later this month! The physical release of 2023’s highest-grossing film hits shelves and online retailers on October 17, bringing laughter, existential crisis, and harsh lessons about social constructs to your living room!
Barbie converted the summer into a dance party when the musical comedy turned most theater tickets pink, earning $1.4B worldwide! The film presents the iconic blonde bombshell in ways we’ve never seen while taking Mattel to task for decades of questionable motivation concerning its portrayal of “toys for girls.” To Mattel’s credit, the legendary toy company leans into Gerwig and Noah Baumbach’s biting script, giving the Hollywood couple plenty of room to play in Barbie Land. Barbie is a unique film experience worth watching, and you can pre-order a copy of the film by clicking this link.
Barbie converted the summer into a dance party when the musical comedy turned most theater tickets pink, earning $1.4B worldwide! The film presents the iconic blonde bombshell in ways we’ve never seen while taking Mattel to task for decades of questionable motivation concerning its portrayal of “toys for girls.” To Mattel’s credit, the legendary toy company leans into Gerwig and Noah Baumbach’s biting script, giving the Hollywood couple plenty of room to play in Barbie Land. Barbie is a unique film experience worth watching, and you can pre-order a copy of the film by clicking this link.
- 10/3/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
A month after the blockbuster was made available to purchase on Digital, “Barbie” comes to physical media in October. The film will be released on 4K Blu-ray, Blu-ray and DVD on Oct. 17, complete with a host of bonus features for “Barbie” fanatics to fawn over. Unfortunately, the disc does not include an audio commentary from director Greta Gerwig.
The bonus features included on the disc are as follows:
Welcome to Barbie Land – featurette Becoming Barbie – featurette Playing Dress-Up – featurette Musical Make-Believe – featurette All-Star Barbie Party – featurette It’s A Weird World – featurette
“Barbie” hit theaters in July and smashed a number of box office records, accumulating $1.43 billion at the worldwide box office and scoring big with critics. The Warner Bros. release now has its eye on awards season, as its stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as well as Gerwig are in contention alongside the film’s bevy of craftspeople.
The bonus features included on the disc are as follows:
Welcome to Barbie Land – featurette Becoming Barbie – featurette Playing Dress-Up – featurette Musical Make-Believe – featurette All-Star Barbie Party – featurette It’s A Weird World – featurette
“Barbie” hit theaters in July and smashed a number of box office records, accumulating $1.43 billion at the worldwide box office and scoring big with critics. The Warner Bros. release now has its eye on awards season, as its stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as well as Gerwig are in contention alongside the film’s bevy of craftspeople.
- 10/3/2023
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
I love you, and you love me, but do you know what Mattel doesn’t love? Misconceptions about Daniel Kaluuya’s forthcoming Barney film. After the success of its Barbie movie, Mattel is eager to bring multiple properties to screens, and rumors about the tone and tenor for each project have been making the rounds. Speaking with The New Yorker in July, Mattel Films executive Kevin McKeon described Kaluuya’s Barney film as an A24-type endeavor, with a script that finds the purple dinosaur occupying a “surrealistic” space. However, Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz says McKeon’s description of the Barney project is inaccurate.
“That one is getting a lot of reaction,” Kreiz recently told Semafor. “It’s too early to be specific, but I can tell you we are taking a fresh approach that will be fun, entertaining and culturally oriented. It will not be an odd movie.”
Kreiz...
“That one is getting a lot of reaction,” Kreiz recently told Semafor. “It’s too early to be specific, but I can tell you we are taking a fresh approach that will be fun, entertaining and culturally oriented. It will not be an odd movie.”
Kreiz...
- 10/2/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
With Mattel Films off to the races thanks to the blockbuster success of “Barbie,” the studio is moving full steam ahead on its upcoming Barney movie produced by Daniel Kaluuya. The project became a subject of fascination for cinephiles after Mattel Films executive Kevin McKeon told The New Yorker in July that the script was similar to an A24 movie and the “surrealistic” films from Charlie Kaufman and Spike Jonze. Neither of these sources of inspirations are necessarily family friendly.
“That one is getting a lot of reaction,” Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz recently told Semafor. “It’s too early to be specific, but I can tell you we are taking a fresh approach that will be fun, entertaining and culturally oriented. It will not be an odd movie.”
According to Kreiz, Kaluuya’s Barney movie will not be odd. This comes after McKeon said of the project: “We’re leaning...
“That one is getting a lot of reaction,” Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz recently told Semafor. “It’s too early to be specific, but I can tell you we are taking a fresh approach that will be fun, entertaining and culturally oriented. It will not be an odd movie.”
According to Kreiz, Kaluuya’s Barney movie will not be odd. This comes after McKeon said of the project: “We’re leaning...
- 10/2/2023
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
The live-action 'Barney' movie won't be "odd", Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz has reassured.After it was revealed that the upcoming flick - which will follow the record-breaking success of the toy company's live-action 'Barbie' movie - will focus on "Millennial angst" and be "surrealistic", the boss insists it won't be completely out there.Kreiz told Semafor: "It's too early to be specific, but I can tell you we are taking a fresh approach that will be fun, entertaining and culturally oriented. It will not be an odd movie."Mattel Films executive Kevin McKeon gave a hint of what to expect when 'Nope' star Daniel Kaluuya brings the beloved purple dinosaur to the big screen.He told The New Yorker magazine earlier this year: "We’re leaning into the Millennial angst of the property rather than fine-tuning this for kids."It’s really a play for adults.
- 10/2/2023
- by Lizzie Baker
- Bang Showbiz
The live-action 'Barney' movie won't be "odd", Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz has reassured.After it was revealed that the upcoming flick - which will follow the record-breaking success of the toy company's live-action 'Barbie' movie - will focus on "Millennial angst" and be "surrealistic", the boss insists it won't be completely out there.Kreiz told Semafor: "It's too early to be specific, but I can tell you we are taking a fresh approach that will be fun, entertaining and culturally oriented. It will not be an odd movie."Mattel Films executive Kevin McKeon gave a hint of what to expect when 'Nope' star Daniel Kaluuya brings the beloved purple dinosaur to the big screen.He told The New Yorker magazine earlier this year: "We’re leaning into the Millennial angst of the property rather than fine-tuning this for kids."It’s really a play for adults.
- 10/2/2023
- by Lizzie Baker
- Bang Showbiz
The upcoming “Barney” movie will not be too out there.
Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz confirmed that to Semafor in an interview published on Saturday.
Read More: Film Executive Says ‘Barney’ Live-Action Film Will Revolve Around ‘Millennial Angst’
“It’s too early to be specific, but I can tell you we are taking a fresh approach that will be fun, entertaining and culturally oriented. It will not be an odd movie.”
After the history-masking, game-changing, explosive success of “Barbie”, Mattel has dozens of other film adaptations based on their IP lined up for upcoming releases, including for the American Girl Doll and Hot Wheels.
Read More: Beloved-Yet-Loathed Barney Returning To TV — And He’s Had Some Work Done
Eyebrows were raised when Mattel Films executive Kevin McKeon explained that the “Barney” film would be “surrealistic” and lean into adults “millennial angst.”
“It’s really a play for adults. Not that it’s R-rated,...
Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz confirmed that to Semafor in an interview published on Saturday.
Read More: Film Executive Says ‘Barney’ Live-Action Film Will Revolve Around ‘Millennial Angst’
“It’s too early to be specific, but I can tell you we are taking a fresh approach that will be fun, entertaining and culturally oriented. It will not be an odd movie.”
After the history-masking, game-changing, explosive success of “Barbie”, Mattel has dozens of other film adaptations based on their IP lined up for upcoming releases, including for the American Girl Doll and Hot Wheels.
Read More: Beloved-Yet-Loathed Barney Returning To TV — And He’s Had Some Work Done
Eyebrows were raised when Mattel Films executive Kevin McKeon explained that the “Barney” film would be “surrealistic” and lean into adults “millennial angst.”
“It’s really a play for adults. Not that it’s R-rated,...
- 10/1/2023
- by Emerson Pearson
- ET Canada
Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz is weighing in on the forthcoming Barney film that has Daniel Kaluuya attached.
“It’s too early to be specific, but I can tell you we are taking a fresh approach that will be fun, entertaining and culturally oriented. It will not be an odd movie,” Kreiz told Semafor in an interview.
Mattel is leaning in on producing films based on their IP and earlier this year Mattel Films executive Kevin McKeon teased that the Barney film would be “surrealistic.”
“We’re leaning into the millennial angst of the property rather than fine-tuning this for kids,” McKeon said in an interview with The New Yorker. “It’s really a play for adults. Not that it’s R-rated, but it’ll focus on some of the trials and tribulations of being thirtysomething, growing up with Barney—just the level of disenchantment within the generation.”
Following the success of Barbie,...
“It’s too early to be specific, but I can tell you we are taking a fresh approach that will be fun, entertaining and culturally oriented. It will not be an odd movie,” Kreiz told Semafor in an interview.
Mattel is leaning in on producing films based on their IP and earlier this year Mattel Films executive Kevin McKeon teased that the Barney film would be “surrealistic.”
“We’re leaning into the millennial angst of the property rather than fine-tuning this for kids,” McKeon said in an interview with The New Yorker. “It’s really a play for adults. Not that it’s R-rated, but it’ll focus on some of the trials and tribulations of being thirtysomething, growing up with Barney—just the level of disenchantment within the generation.”
Following the success of Barbie,...
- 10/1/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
On the heels of the record-breaking performance of “Barbie,” veteran film executive Robbie Brenner has been elevated to president of Mattel Films.
Brenner moves up from her role as executive producer at Mattel, the longstanding toy company that’s spent years switching focus to original content based on its intellectual property under CEO Ynon Kreiz. She’s been in-house since 2018.
“Robbie joined the company five years ago to bring the vision of Mattel Films to life, collaborating with leading filmmakers to make standout quality movies based on our iconic brands that will resonate in culture and appeal to global audiences. She has done exactly that and so much more, positioning Mattel Films as a key partner for innovative creators, world-class talent, award winning producers, and major studios,” Kreiz said on Wednesday.
Brenner and her team co-produced Greta Gerwig’s pink sensation, led by Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, to the...
Brenner moves up from her role as executive producer at Mattel, the longstanding toy company that’s spent years switching focus to original content based on its intellectual property under CEO Ynon Kreiz. She’s been in-house since 2018.
“Robbie joined the company five years ago to bring the vision of Mattel Films to life, collaborating with leading filmmakers to make standout quality movies based on our iconic brands that will resonate in culture and appeal to global audiences. She has done exactly that and so much more, positioning Mattel Films as a key partner for innovative creators, world-class talent, award winning producers, and major studios,” Kreiz said on Wednesday.
Brenner and her team co-produced Greta Gerwig’s pink sensation, led by Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, to the...
- 9/27/2023
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Robbie Brenner, who was previously executive producer of Mattel Films, has been named President of Mattel Films. Brenner had a key role in the success this summer of “Barbie” which became the top-grossing movie of the year with over $1.4 billion globally.
Ynon Kreiz, chairman and CEO of Mattel, said in an official statement: “Robbie joined the company five years ago to bring the vision of Mattel Films to life, collaborating with leading filmmakers to make standout quality movies based on our iconic brands that will resonate in culture and appeal to global audiences. She has done exactly that and so much more, positioning Mattel Films as a key partner for innovative creators, world-class talent, award winning producers, and major studios.”
Mattel has announced a robust, 14-film slate of projects that are currently in active development, including live-action features based on American Girl, Barney, Hot Wheels, Magic 8 Ball, Matchbox, Major Matt Mason,...
Ynon Kreiz, chairman and CEO of Mattel, said in an official statement: “Robbie joined the company five years ago to bring the vision of Mattel Films to life, collaborating with leading filmmakers to make standout quality movies based on our iconic brands that will resonate in culture and appeal to global audiences. She has done exactly that and so much more, positioning Mattel Films as a key partner for innovative creators, world-class talent, award winning producers, and major studios.”
Mattel has announced a robust, 14-film slate of projects that are currently in active development, including live-action features based on American Girl, Barney, Hot Wheels, Magic 8 Ball, Matchbox, Major Matt Mason,...
- 9/27/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Following the massive success of its live-action Barbie, Mattel Films has tapped Robbie Brenner as President. She had been Executive Producer of Mattel Films since 2018.
“Robbie joined the company five years ago to bring the vision of Mattel Films to life, collaborating with leading filmmakers to make standout quality movies based on our iconic brands that will resonate in culture and appeal to global audiences,” Ynon Kreiz, Mattel’s chairman and CEO, said Wednesday. “She has done exactly that and so much more, positioning Mattel Films as a key partner for innovative creators, world-class talent, award winning producers, and major studios.”
“Under Robbie’s leadership, we look forward to continue growing Mattel Films and bringing more exciting stories with cultural impact to the big screen to the delight of fans around the world.”
Brenner produced the multiple record-breaking Barbie movie, which was released worldwide on July 21 by Warner Bros. The...
“Robbie joined the company five years ago to bring the vision of Mattel Films to life, collaborating with leading filmmakers to make standout quality movies based on our iconic brands that will resonate in culture and appeal to global audiences,” Ynon Kreiz, Mattel’s chairman and CEO, said Wednesday. “She has done exactly that and so much more, positioning Mattel Films as a key partner for innovative creators, world-class talent, award winning producers, and major studios.”
“Under Robbie’s leadership, we look forward to continue growing Mattel Films and bringing more exciting stories with cultural impact to the big screen to the delight of fans around the world.”
Brenner produced the multiple record-breaking Barbie movie, which was released worldwide on July 21 by Warner Bros. The...
- 9/27/2023
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
On the heels of the over-billion-dollar box office success of Barbie, Robbie Brenner has been upped to the president of Mattel Films.
Brenner, whose previous title was executive producer of Mattel Films, joined the company in 2018 after a career as a successful independent producer with credits that include Dallas Buyers Club.
The first film released under Brenner’s tenure at the toy company was the Margot Robbie-fronted Warner Bros title, Barbie. The Greta Gerwig-directed film is the biggest theatrical release of the year, and the biggest box office release in Warner Bros. history, grossing over $1.4 billion at the global box office to date.
“Robbie joined the company five years ago to bring the vision of Mattel Films to life, collaborating with leading filmmakers to make standout quality movies based on our iconic brands that will resonate in culture and appeal to global audiences,” said Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz. “She...
Brenner, whose previous title was executive producer of Mattel Films, joined the company in 2018 after a career as a successful independent producer with credits that include Dallas Buyers Club.
The first film released under Brenner’s tenure at the toy company was the Margot Robbie-fronted Warner Bros title, Barbie. The Greta Gerwig-directed film is the biggest theatrical release of the year, and the biggest box office release in Warner Bros. history, grossing over $1.4 billion at the global box office to date.
“Robbie joined the company five years ago to bring the vision of Mattel Films to life, collaborating with leading filmmakers to make standout quality movies based on our iconic brands that will resonate in culture and appeal to global audiences,” said Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz. “She...
- 9/27/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The world is thinking pink in 2023, as the live-action "Barbie" film is so far the highest-grossing movie of the year, and it doesn't look like anything will be able to come for her crown. It seems impossible that it's taken 60 years for Barbie to finally make it to the big screen (save for cameos in animated movies), but Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling was well worth the wait. We're currently living through the heyday of "the brand movie," and given the groundbreaking and record-setting success of the fantastic plastic American icon, a sequel seems like a given. However, there are a multitude of factors to consider when trying to predict if a "Barbie 2" is on the horizon.
Fortunately, as a newly-minted Barbie historian and an unapologetic lover of Gerwig's film, I've been gobbling up every last tidbit of information about a possible sequel like a...
Fortunately, as a newly-minted Barbie historian and an unapologetic lover of Gerwig's film, I've been gobbling up every last tidbit of information about a possible sequel like a...
- 9/13/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Barbie currently stands as the highest-grossing movie of the year with $1.38 billion worldwide, but few imagined that the film would be that successful. According to an article from The New York Times, the original script for Barbie was 147 pages long and Mattel Films head Robbie Brenner didn’t quite know what to make of it.
“When the script did land in Ms. Brenner’s email, it was 147 pages — the length of a Quentin Tarantino film, epic by Hollywood standards,” reads the New York Times article. “She closed her office door and started reading. ‘It was like going on this crazy ride,’ she recalled. It broke rules, including the so-called fourth wall, addressing the audience directly. It poked fun at Mattel.”
However, Brenner knew Barbie was something special and immediately took it to Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz. “I’ve read a lot of scripts, and this is so different,” she told Kriez.
“When the script did land in Ms. Brenner’s email, it was 147 pages — the length of a Quentin Tarantino film, epic by Hollywood standards,” reads the New York Times article. “She closed her office door and started reading. ‘It was like going on this crazy ride,’ she recalled. It broke rules, including the so-called fourth wall, addressing the audience directly. It poked fun at Mattel.”
However, Brenner knew Barbie was something special and immediately took it to Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz. “I’ve read a lot of scripts, and this is so different,” she told Kriez.
- 9/8/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
A new article from The New York Times on how the “Barbie” movie’s success will pay off for Mattel reveals that executives at the company were first treated to a 147-page script for the film. The screenplay by Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach would be shaped into a 114 minute film. Mattel Films head Robbie Brenner was the first exec to read the script.
As The Times reports: “When the script did land in Ms. Brenner’s email, it was 147 pages — the length of a Quentin Tarantino film, epic by Hollywood standards. She closed her office door and started reading. ‘It was like going on this crazy ride,’ she recalled. It broke rules, including the so-called fourth wall, addressing the audience directly. It poked fun at Mattel.”
Brenner immediately went to Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz after she read the script and told him, “I’ve read a lot of scripts,...
As The Times reports: “When the script did land in Ms. Brenner’s email, it was 147 pages — the length of a Quentin Tarantino film, epic by Hollywood standards. She closed her office door and started reading. ‘It was like going on this crazy ride,’ she recalled. It broke rules, including the so-called fourth wall, addressing the audience directly. It poked fun at Mattel.”
Brenner immediately went to Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz after she read the script and told him, “I’ve read a lot of scripts,...
- 9/7/2023
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Barbie will contribute more than $125 million in gross billings to Mattel this year, the toymaker’s CFO said today in a shout-out to the “nice contribution” from the blockbuster film as it closes in on $1.4 billion worldwide.
Chief financial officer Anthony Disilvestro, speaking alongside CEO Ynon Kreiz at a Goldman Sachs media conference, said cash will continue to flow through 2024 and beyond.
Mattel, which owns the IP to the doll launched in 1959, has a meaningful economic participation in the Warner Bros. film, the execs said.
“Our economics are a function of the revenue, as well as profit participation, which scales up with the success of the movie,” according to Disilvestro. He said the$125 million includes direct movie participation plus sales of toys and consumer products.
Mattel defines gross billings as amounts invoiced to customers, excluding adjustments.
In a story today, the Wjs said Mattel earned 5 percent of Barbie’s box office revenue,...
Chief financial officer Anthony Disilvestro, speaking alongside CEO Ynon Kreiz at a Goldman Sachs media conference, said cash will continue to flow through 2024 and beyond.
Mattel, which owns the IP to the doll launched in 1959, has a meaningful economic participation in the Warner Bros. film, the execs said.
“Our economics are a function of the revenue, as well as profit participation, which scales up with the success of the movie,” according to Disilvestro. He said the$125 million includes direct movie participation plus sales of toys and consumer products.
Mattel defines gross billings as amounts invoiced to customers, excluding adjustments.
In a story today, the Wjs said Mattel earned 5 percent of Barbie’s box office revenue,...
- 9/7/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
The Barbie movie served as “a template” for Mattel, with 14 other live action movies in development and plans to expand into other verticals.
“What you saw around the Barbie movie was we believe a template, a case study, an opportunity to truly understand the value and appeal that our brands have, the cultural resonance, and importantly, our ability to execute these projects both creatively and commercially, and we hope to and expect to have more of those,” said Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz. “We’re not saying it will be as big or as successful as Barbie, but it will be the same approach, the same opportunity and the same capitalized methodology that we believe served us very well in this case.”
Speaking at Goldman Sachs Communacopia and Technology conference Thursday, alongside Mattel CFO Anthony Disilvestro, Kreiz outlined upcoming films involving Mattel IP, including the J.J. Abrams Hot Wheels film, a Matchbox car film from Skydance,...
“What you saw around the Barbie movie was we believe a template, a case study, an opportunity to truly understand the value and appeal that our brands have, the cultural resonance, and importantly, our ability to execute these projects both creatively and commercially, and we hope to and expect to have more of those,” said Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz. “We’re not saying it will be as big or as successful as Barbie, but it will be the same approach, the same opportunity and the same capitalized methodology that we believe served us very well in this case.”
Speaking at Goldman Sachs Communacopia and Technology conference Thursday, alongside Mattel CFO Anthony Disilvestro, Kreiz outlined upcoming films involving Mattel IP, including the J.J. Abrams Hot Wheels film, a Matchbox car film from Skydance,...
- 9/7/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.