Poster for ‘Challengers’ starring Zendaya (Photo © 2024 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc)
Two-time Emmy winner Zendaya wished everyone “the most beautiful new year” while sharing the poster for her upcoming movie Challengers on Instagram. The R-rated drama finds Zendaya playing a tennis coach caught up in a love triangle with Mike Faist (West Side Story) and Josh O’Connor (The Crown).
Oscar nominee Luca Guadagnino, director of 2015’s A Bigger Splash, 2017’s Call Me by Your Name, 2018’s Suspiria, and 2022’s Bones and All, directed Challengers from a screenplay by Justin Kuritzkes. The film was originally set to open in theaters on September 15, 2023 but was delayed due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Amazon MGM Studios is now targeting an April 26, 2024 theatrical release.
“Challengers stars Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, a former tennis prodigy turned coach and a force of nature who makes no apologies for her game on and off the court. Married to...
Two-time Emmy winner Zendaya wished everyone “the most beautiful new year” while sharing the poster for her upcoming movie Challengers on Instagram. The R-rated drama finds Zendaya playing a tennis coach caught up in a love triangle with Mike Faist (West Side Story) and Josh O’Connor (The Crown).
Oscar nominee Luca Guadagnino, director of 2015’s A Bigger Splash, 2017’s Call Me by Your Name, 2018’s Suspiria, and 2022’s Bones and All, directed Challengers from a screenplay by Justin Kuritzkes. The film was originally set to open in theaters on September 15, 2023 but was delayed due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Amazon MGM Studios is now targeting an April 26, 2024 theatrical release.
“Challengers stars Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, a former tennis prodigy turned coach and a force of nature who makes no apologies for her game on and off the court. Married to...
- 1/2/2024
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Exclusive: Rushi Kota (Never Have I Ever) has signed on for a role in Sony and Black Bear’s GameStop film Dumb Money, from director Craig Gillespie. He joins an ensemble that already includes Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, Sebastian Stan, Pete Davidson, Shailene Woodley, Anthony Ramos, Vincent D’Onofrio, Dane DeHaan, America Ferrera and Myha’la Herrold.
The dramedy based on Ben Mezrich’s book The Antisocial Network tells the story of fortunes made and lost overnight in the David vs. Goliath GameStop short squeeze of January 2021, when a loosely affiliated group of amateur investors and internet denizens took down one of the biggest hedge funds on Wall Street, thereby threatening to upend the establishment.
While unconfirmed, we hear that Kota will play Baiju Bhatt, one of the co-CEOs of the stock trading and investing app Robinhood. Almost always overshadowed by CEO and co-founder Vlad Tenev (Stan), Bhatt doesn’t always...
The dramedy based on Ben Mezrich’s book The Antisocial Network tells the story of fortunes made and lost overnight in the David vs. Goliath GameStop short squeeze of January 2021, when a loosely affiliated group of amateur investors and internet denizens took down one of the biggest hedge funds on Wall Street, thereby threatening to upend the establishment.
While unconfirmed, we hear that Kota will play Baiju Bhatt, one of the co-CEOs of the stock trading and investing app Robinhood. Almost always overshadowed by CEO and co-founder Vlad Tenev (Stan), Bhatt doesn’t always...
- 10/24/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: America Ferrera is set to join the A-list ensemble of Sony and Black Bear Pictures’ upcoming dramedy Dumb Money. She joins Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, Sebastian Stan, Shailene Woodley, Anthony Ramos, Vincent D’Onofrio, Dane DeHaan and Pete Davidson, with Craig Gillespie directing.
The pic based on Ben Mezrich’s book The Antisocial Network tells the story of fortunes won and lost overnight in the David-vs.-Goliath GameStop short squeeze that may have ended up changing Wall Street forever. It offers a gripping portrayal of how a loosely affiliated group of private investors and internet trolls on a subreddit called WallStreetBets took down one of the biggest hedge funds on Wall Street, firing the first shot in a revolution that threatened to upend the establishment.
The script adapted by Rebecca Angelo & Lauren Schuker Blum. Ryder Picture Company’s Aaron Ryder, Black Bear’s Teddy Schwarzman and Gillespie will produce.
The pic based on Ben Mezrich’s book The Antisocial Network tells the story of fortunes won and lost overnight in the David-vs.-Goliath GameStop short squeeze that may have ended up changing Wall Street forever. It offers a gripping portrayal of how a loosely affiliated group of private investors and internet trolls on a subreddit called WallStreetBets took down one of the biggest hedge funds on Wall Street, firing the first shot in a revolution that threatened to upend the establishment.
The script adapted by Rebecca Angelo & Lauren Schuker Blum. Ryder Picture Company’s Aaron Ryder, Black Bear’s Teddy Schwarzman and Gillespie will produce.
- 10/21/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Gamestop brought more than power to the players when it caused a financial catastrophe on Wall Street in 2021. At the time, Gamestop shares soared to unfathomable heights, making millionaires out of Redditors and costing hedge funds millions as traders scrambled to contain the situation. The impossible event taught Wall Street a valuable lesson about what happens when traders go against their masters, and now Sony is making a Gamestop movie to preserve the story.
According to Deadline, Vincent D’Onofrio, Anthony Ramos, and Dane DeHaan will join Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, Sebastian Stan, and Pete Davidson in the dramedy presentation. The concept is based on Ben Mezrich’s book The Antisocial Network, with a script by Rebecca Angelo and Lauren Schuker Blum.
Presented as a David-vs.-Goliath story, Dumb Money investigates how a group of private investors and internet trolls on a subreddit called WallStreetBets hoodwinked one of the most formidable hedge funds on Wall Street.
According to Deadline, Vincent D’Onofrio, Anthony Ramos, and Dane DeHaan will join Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, Sebastian Stan, and Pete Davidson in the dramedy presentation. The concept is based on Ben Mezrich’s book The Antisocial Network, with a script by Rebecca Angelo and Lauren Schuker Blum.
Presented as a David-vs.-Goliath story, Dumb Money investigates how a group of private investors and internet trolls on a subreddit called WallStreetBets hoodwinked one of the most formidable hedge funds on Wall Street.
- 10/17/2022
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Anthony Ramos, Vincent D’Onofrio and Dane DeHaan have joined the all-star ensemble of Sony and Black Bear Pictures’ upcoming dramedy Dumb Money. They join Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, Sebastian Stan and Pete Davidson, with Craig Gillespie directing.
Related Story Sony Swoops On Buzzy GameStop Movie 'Dumb Money' With Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, Sebastian Stan, Pete Davidson & Shailene Woodley; Filming Underway Related Story 'Night Of The Cooters': George R.R. Martin & Vincent D'Onofrio Confirmed To Attend Short Film Screening At SFiFF Related Story Shailene Woodley Joins Ensemble Cast of Craig Gillespie's 'Dumb Money' For Black Bear Pictures
The pic based on Ben Mezrich’s book The Antisocial Network tells the story of fortunes won and lost overnight in the David-vs.-Goliath GameStop short squeeze that may have ended up changing Wall Street forever. It offers a gripping portrayal of how a loosely affiliated group of private investors and internet trolls...
Related Story Sony Swoops On Buzzy GameStop Movie 'Dumb Money' With Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, Sebastian Stan, Pete Davidson & Shailene Woodley; Filming Underway Related Story 'Night Of The Cooters': George R.R. Martin & Vincent D'Onofrio Confirmed To Attend Short Film Screening At SFiFF Related Story Shailene Woodley Joins Ensemble Cast of Craig Gillespie's 'Dumb Money' For Black Bear Pictures
The pic based on Ben Mezrich’s book The Antisocial Network tells the story of fortunes won and lost overnight in the David-vs.-Goliath GameStop short squeeze that may have ended up changing Wall Street forever. It offers a gripping portrayal of how a loosely affiliated group of private investors and internet trolls...
- 10/17/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: After helping tell the crazy behind-the-scenes story of the leaked Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee sex tape in Hulu’s Pam & Tommy, director Craig Gillespie looks to have found another wild true story to adapt for the big screen. Sources tell Deadline that he has signed on to direct MGM’s feature adaptation of New York Times bestselling author Ben Mezrich’s The Antisocial Network.
The book recounts one of the biggest news stories of 2021, about a ragtag group of amateur investors, gamers and Internet trolls who brought Wall Street to its knees by reviving the challenged brick-and-mortal video game retailer GameStop, making it the first so-called meme stock.
MGM landed the rights to Mezrich’s book proposal in January 2021, only a week after the true-life story began taking shape on Wall Street, and quickly made it a priority at the studio by tapping Lauren Schuker Blum & Rebecca Angelo to adapt.
The book recounts one of the biggest news stories of 2021, about a ragtag group of amateur investors, gamers and Internet trolls who brought Wall Street to its knees by reviving the challenged brick-and-mortal video game retailer GameStop, making it the first so-called meme stock.
MGM landed the rights to Mezrich’s book proposal in January 2021, only a week after the true-life story began taking shape on Wall Street, and quickly made it a priority at the studio by tapping Lauren Schuker Blum & Rebecca Angelo to adapt.
- 4/4/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM) has acquired worldwide distribution rights to Luca Guadagnino’s “Bones and All,” starring Timothée Chalamet and Taylor Russell.
The project, Guadagnino’s first U.S.-set feature, also stars Mark Rylance, André Holland, Jessica Harper, Michael Stuhlbarg, David Gordon-Green, Francesca Scorsese and Chloë Sevigny.
“I am delighted that MGM, a studio that so clearly loves filmmakers and respects bold vision, is going to bring my movie into the world and that the amazing work of Timothée, Taylor, Mark and the rest of the cast will be seen in theaters,” Guadagnino said. “‘Bones and All’ could not be in better hands with Kevin Ulrich, Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy at the helm. I am truly proud to be associated with the iconic lion that has roared at the start of so many of my favorite films over the decades.”
The sale was handled by WME on behalf of Frenesy Film Company,...
The project, Guadagnino’s first U.S.-set feature, also stars Mark Rylance, André Holland, Jessica Harper, Michael Stuhlbarg, David Gordon-Green, Francesca Scorsese and Chloë Sevigny.
“I am delighted that MGM, a studio that so clearly loves filmmakers and respects bold vision, is going to bring my movie into the world and that the amazing work of Timothée, Taylor, Mark and the rest of the cast will be seen in theaters,” Guadagnino said. “‘Bones and All’ could not be in better hands with Kevin Ulrich, Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy at the helm. I am truly proud to be associated with the iconic lion that has roared at the start of so many of my favorite films over the decades.”
The sale was handled by WME on behalf of Frenesy Film Company,...
- 3/22/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
In the wake of being acquired by Amazon, MGM has made its first bold theatrical move, picking up worldwide distribution rights to Oscar-nominated filmmaker Luca Guadagnino’s first U.S.-set feature film, Bones and All. Timothée Chalamet, Taylor Russell, Mark Rylance, André Holland, Jessica Harper, Michael Stuhlbarg, David Gordon-Green, Francesca Scorsese and Chloë Sevigny star.
Directed by Guadagnino and written by his longtime collaborator David Kajganich, the pic is adapted from the Camille DeAngelis novel. The pic reps a reteam with Guadagnino and his Call Me by Your Name actors Chalamet and Stuhlbarg.
The movie is a story of first love between Maren (Russell), a young woman learning how to survive on the margins of society, and Lee (Chalamet), an intense and disenfranchised drifter, as they meet and join together for a thousand-mile odyssey which takes them through the back roads, hidden passages and trap...
Directed by Guadagnino and written by his longtime collaborator David Kajganich, the pic is adapted from the Camille DeAngelis novel. The pic reps a reteam with Guadagnino and his Call Me by Your Name actors Chalamet and Stuhlbarg.
The movie is a story of first love between Maren (Russell), a young woman learning how to survive on the margins of society, and Lee (Chalamet), an intense and disenfranchised drifter, as they meet and join together for a thousand-mile odyssey which takes them through the back roads, hidden passages and trap...
- 3/22/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
MGM has acquired the worldwide distribution rights to “Bones and All” a new film reteaming “Call Me By Your Name” director Luca Guadagnino and star Timothée Chalamet.
“Bones and All” was shot in the Ohio Tri-State area in the spring of 2021, and it is the first feature film Guadagnino has filmed set in the U.S. It also stars Taylor Russell, Mark Rylance, André Holland, Jessica Harper, Michael Stuhlbarg, David Gordon-Green, Francesca Scorsese and Chloë Sevigny.
No specific release plans were laid out, though Guadagnino said in a statement that the film will be seen “in theaters.” The news comes as last week Amazon closed its deal to acquire MGM and placed MGM’s film group chairman Michael De Luca as part of an interim leadership structure reporting to Amazon Studios and Prime Video SVP Mike Hopkins.
“Bones and All” is a story of first love between Maren, a young...
“Bones and All” was shot in the Ohio Tri-State area in the spring of 2021, and it is the first feature film Guadagnino has filmed set in the U.S. It also stars Taylor Russell, Mark Rylance, André Holland, Jessica Harper, Michael Stuhlbarg, David Gordon-Green, Francesca Scorsese and Chloë Sevigny.
No specific release plans were laid out, though Guadagnino said in a statement that the film will be seen “in theaters.” The news comes as last week Amazon closed its deal to acquire MGM and placed MGM’s film group chairman Michael De Luca as part of an interim leadership structure reporting to Amazon Studios and Prime Video SVP Mike Hopkins.
“Bones and All” is a story of first love between Maren, a young...
- 3/22/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Amazon and MGM said Thursday that their $8.5-billion deal has closed. The storied, nearly century-old studio — with more than 4,000 film titles, 17,000 TV episodes, 180 Academy Awards and 100 Emmy Awards — is now part of Amazon “and will complement Prime Video and Amazon Studios’ work in delivering a diverse offering of entertainment choices to customers,” Amazon said in its announcement.
Amazon Studios and streaming service Prime Video are led by Amazon’s Mike Hopkins. No news on management structure in terms of how the two studios will fit together; an Amazon spokesperson said the digital giant is planning to make offers and welcome all of MGM’s current employees.
It’s early days yet with the deal just closed this morning, but here’s what else could be gleaned about the new entity:
In terms of production, Amazon is excited by MGM’s slate and doesn’t anticipate changes in release dates or...
Amazon Studios and streaming service Prime Video are led by Amazon’s Mike Hopkins. No news on management structure in terms of how the two studios will fit together; an Amazon spokesperson said the digital giant is planning to make offers and welcome all of MGM’s current employees.
It’s early days yet with the deal just closed this morning, but here’s what else could be gleaned about the new entity:
In terms of production, Amazon is excited by MGM’s slate and doesn’t anticipate changes in release dates or...
- 3/17/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon has won unconditional EU antitrust approval for its $8.5 billion acquisition of storied U.S. movie studio MGM, the European Commission said Tuesday.
It said the deal would not pose competition concerns in Europe.
That’s a big hurdle passed for the merger, announced last May. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission must still weigh in and is reportedly on the cusp of a deadline to contest the deal or not to – the latter amounting to a tacit greenlight.
“We’re pleased with the Commission’s decision and, with MGM, look forward to providing more choice of quality entertainment for viewers,” an Amazon spokesperson said.
The e-commerce giant with its massive market cap of $1.4 trillion is buying the century-old studio behind the James Bond and Rocky franchises from investors led by Anchorage Capital, whose founder Kevin Ulrich is chairman of MGM. The deal is the first in what had been...
It said the deal would not pose competition concerns in Europe.
That’s a big hurdle passed for the merger, announced last May. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission must still weigh in and is reportedly on the cusp of a deadline to contest the deal or not to – the latter amounting to a tacit greenlight.
“We’re pleased with the Commission’s decision and, with MGM, look forward to providing more choice of quality entertainment for viewers,” an Amazon spokesperson said.
The e-commerce giant with its massive market cap of $1.4 trillion is buying the century-old studio behind the James Bond and Rocky franchises from investors led by Anchorage Capital, whose founder Kevin Ulrich is chairman of MGM. The deal is the first in what had been...
- 3/15/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
London is getting ready to ring in the BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday, returning to an in-person ceremony live from the Royal Albert Hall after a scaled-down hybrid format amid the Covid crisis last year. The weekend is rife with festivities planned to honor nominees and winners, but also has a slightly different look than in pre-pandemic times — most events require a lateral-flow test taken within 24 hours, for example.
Also, the awards ceremony, hosted by Rebel Wilson, will kick off at 5pm local time on Sunday (airing two hours later on BBC 1 and on Britbox in the U.S.). This is a start that’s earlier than usual, but is in line with 2021, while the entire Sunday schedule has shifted up this year versus 2020.
The Critics Choice Awards, which is airing live from Los Angeles that same night, is hosting a late soirée at London’s Savoy Hotel. It will...
Also, the awards ceremony, hosted by Rebel Wilson, will kick off at 5pm local time on Sunday (airing two hours later on BBC 1 and on Britbox in the U.S.). This is a start that’s earlier than usual, but is in line with 2021, while the entire Sunday schedule has shifted up this year versus 2020.
The Critics Choice Awards, which is airing live from Los Angeles that same night, is hosting a late soirée at London’s Savoy Hotel. It will...
- 3/10/2022
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Hollywood has spent the past week trying to imagine how Amazon will integrate MGM after its $8.5 billion acquisition of the legendary studio is complete.
Did Amazon overpay? What is the fate of MGM film chief Michael De Luca? How much will MGM TV chief Mark Burnett pocket in the sale? (The answer: enough to bring his total haul from multiple sales of his production banner to nearly $1 billion.)
But the forward-looking question is how Amazon may change once MGM is brought into Jeff Bezos’ enormous tent of e-commerce, web-hosting services and media.
As the details of the MGM deal emerged, so too did speculation about Amazon’s long-term plans. Sources close to the situation say there have even been discussions about Amazon eventually spinning off the Prime Video and Amazon Studios units into a stand-alone entity; however, Amazon sources dispute this.
Jeff Blackburn’s return to Amazon earlier this month...
Did Amazon overpay? What is the fate of MGM film chief Michael De Luca? How much will MGM TV chief Mark Burnett pocket in the sale? (The answer: enough to bring his total haul from multiple sales of his production banner to nearly $1 billion.)
But the forward-looking question is how Amazon may change once MGM is brought into Jeff Bezos’ enormous tent of e-commerce, web-hosting services and media.
As the details of the MGM deal emerged, so too did speculation about Amazon’s long-term plans. Sources close to the situation say there have even been discussions about Amazon eventually spinning off the Prime Video and Amazon Studios units into a stand-alone entity; however, Amazon sources dispute this.
Jeff Blackburn’s return to Amazon earlier this month...
- 6/2/2021
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
With the $8.75 billion Amazon-MGM deal wrapped, the question around Hollywood now is who will run it and whether MGM execs will cash big checks and head for the exits.
The acquisition announced Wednesday morning will give the tech giant a vast library to feed its Prime Video streaming service, which is a motor for Amazon Prime.
The e-commerce giant’s CEO Jeff Bezos, during his company’s annual meeting today, alluded to Amazon Studios management and MGM management working together “to re-imagine MGM’s IP for the 21st century.” But who and how is still to be announced, raising questions about the role among others of Amazon Studios chief Jennifer Salke; Mark Burnett, chairman of the MGM Worldwide Television Group; and MGM Motion Picture Group chairman Michael De Luca. There are rumors of every different scenario, including that Salke would oversee TV, De Luca film, with both reporting to Jeff Blackburn,...
The acquisition announced Wednesday morning will give the tech giant a vast library to feed its Prime Video streaming service, which is a motor for Amazon Prime.
The e-commerce giant’s CEO Jeff Bezos, during his company’s annual meeting today, alluded to Amazon Studios management and MGM management working together “to re-imagine MGM’s IP for the 21st century.” But who and how is still to be announced, raising questions about the role among others of Amazon Studios chief Jennifer Salke; Mark Burnett, chairman of the MGM Worldwide Television Group; and MGM Motion Picture Group chairman Michael De Luca. There are rumors of every different scenario, including that Salke would oversee TV, De Luca film, with both reporting to Jeff Blackburn,...
- 5/26/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon and MGM today announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Amazon will acquire MGM for a purchase price of $8.45 billion. MGM has nearly a century of filmmaking history and complements the work of Amazon Studios, which has primarily focused on producing TV show programming. Amazon will help preserve MGM’s heritage and catalogue of films and provide customers with greater access to these existing works. Through this acquisition, Amazon would empower MGM to continue to do what they do best: great storytelling.
"MGM has a vast catalog with more than 4,000 films -12 Angry Men, Basic Instinct, Creed, James Bond, Legally Blonde, Moonstruck, Poltergeist, Raging Bull, Robocop, Rocky, Silence of the Lambs, Stargate, Thelma & Louise, Tomb Raider, The Magnificent Seven, The Pink Panther, The Thomas Crown Affair, and many other icons - as well as 17,000 TV shows - including Fargo, The Handmaid’s Tale,...
"MGM has a vast catalog with more than 4,000 films -12 Angry Men, Basic Instinct, Creed, James Bond, Legally Blonde, Moonstruck, Poltergeist, Raging Bull, Robocop, Rocky, Silence of the Lambs, Stargate, Thelma & Louise, Tomb Raider, The Magnificent Seven, The Pink Panther, The Thomas Crown Affair, and many other icons - as well as 17,000 TV shows - including Fargo, The Handmaid’s Tale,...
- 5/26/2021
- by Glamsham Editorial
- GlamSham
MGM has a catalogue of more than 4,000 films including the James Bond franchise.
Amazon and MGM have announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which the tech giant will acquire one of Hollywood’s most famous studios for a purchase price of $8.45bn.
The deal means Amazon’s Prime streaming service will gain access to a back catalogue of more than 4,000 films, including the James Bond franchise, and 17,000 TV shows such as The Handmaid’s Tale and Fargo.
The agreement complements the work of Amazon Studios, which has primarily focused on producing TV series such as The Boys,...
Amazon and MGM have announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which the tech giant will acquire one of Hollywood’s most famous studios for a purchase price of $8.45bn.
The deal means Amazon’s Prime streaming service will gain access to a back catalogue of more than 4,000 films, including the James Bond franchise, and 17,000 TV shows such as The Handmaid’s Tale and Fargo.
The agreement complements the work of Amazon Studios, which has primarily focused on producing TV series such as The Boys,...
- 5/26/2021
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Amazon will acquire MGM for $8.45 billion, the companies announced Wednesday.
The deal represents tech giant Amazon’s biggest entry into the entertainment content business, as well as its second-largest acquisition behind its $13.7 billion deal to buy Whole Foods in 2017. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
The storied Hollywood studio boasts a library that includes 4,000 film titles and 17,000 hours of TV programming, catnip to a tech giant looking to feed its hungry streaming service with content as rivals like Netflix, Disney and the upcoming WarnerMedia/Discovery bulk up their offerings in the space.
“The real financial value behind this deal is the treasure trove of IP in the deep catalog that we plan to reimagine and develop together with MGM’s talented team. It’s very exciting and provides so many opportunities for high-quality storytelling,” Mike Hopkins, senior vice president of Prime Video and Amazon Studios,...
The deal represents tech giant Amazon’s biggest entry into the entertainment content business, as well as its second-largest acquisition behind its $13.7 billion deal to buy Whole Foods in 2017. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
The storied Hollywood studio boasts a library that includes 4,000 film titles and 17,000 hours of TV programming, catnip to a tech giant looking to feed its hungry streaming service with content as rivals like Netflix, Disney and the upcoming WarnerMedia/Discovery bulk up their offerings in the space.
“The real financial value behind this deal is the treasure trove of IP in the deep catalog that we plan to reimagine and develop together with MGM’s talented team. It’s very exciting and provides so many opportunities for high-quality storytelling,” Mike Hopkins, senior vice president of Prime Video and Amazon Studios,...
- 5/26/2021
- by Diane Haithman and Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
After months and weeks of speculation, Amazon and MGM are merging in a deal that has the e-commerce giant acquiring the storied studio for $8.45 billion.
It’s the first groundbreaking deal in a long anticipated marriage of the era’s big tech players and Hollywood, sparked by a digital revolution in content and the explosion of streaming. The pact, which will recast Prime Video, is the second mega-merger in as many weeks following the planned combination of AT&T’s WarnerMedia and Discovery.
Amazon declined to comment beyond the release but a person close to the company said, as Deadline reported Friday, that it intends to continue MGM’s theatrical releases and looks forward to MGM’s fan-favorites hitting theaters.
The announcement this morning is pretty bare bones and there’s no press briefing planned. It’s early days and the Seattle company didn’t address some big issues including the...
It’s the first groundbreaking deal in a long anticipated marriage of the era’s big tech players and Hollywood, sparked by a digital revolution in content and the explosion of streaming. The pact, which will recast Prime Video, is the second mega-merger in as many weeks following the planned combination of AT&T’s WarnerMedia and Discovery.
Amazon declined to comment beyond the release but a person close to the company said, as Deadline reported Friday, that it intends to continue MGM’s theatrical releases and looks forward to MGM’s fan-favorites hitting theaters.
The announcement this morning is pretty bare bones and there’s no press briefing planned. It’s early days and the Seattle company didn’t address some big issues including the...
- 5/26/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
James Bond has a new home: Amazon and MGM announced a definitive merger agreement under which Amazon will acquire MGM for $8.45 billion.
MGM, founded in 1924, complements Amazon Studios, which has primarily focused on producing TV programming, the companies said. Amazon will help “preserve MGM’s heritage and catalog of films” and provide customers with greater access to these existing works, the companies added.
For Amazon, snapping up MGM — which has more than 4,000 movies and 17,000 TV shows in its catalog — is a way to supercharge its Prime Video service with a slew of well-known entertainment titles. In addition, Amazon is anticipating being able to mine Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer properties like the Pink Panther, Rocky and, yes, the 007 franchises for new originals.
“The real financial value behind this deal is the treasure trove of [intellectual property] in the deep catalog that we plan to reimagine and develop together with MGM’s talented team,” Mike Hopkins,...
MGM, founded in 1924, complements Amazon Studios, which has primarily focused on producing TV programming, the companies said. Amazon will help “preserve MGM’s heritage and catalog of films” and provide customers with greater access to these existing works, the companies added.
For Amazon, snapping up MGM — which has more than 4,000 movies and 17,000 TV shows in its catalog — is a way to supercharge its Prime Video service with a slew of well-known entertainment titles. In addition, Amazon is anticipating being able to mine Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer properties like the Pink Panther, Rocky and, yes, the 007 franchises for new originals.
“The real financial value behind this deal is the treasure trove of [intellectual property] in the deep catalog that we plan to reimagine and develop together with MGM’s talented team,” Mike Hopkins,...
- 5/26/2021
- by Brent Lang and Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
In the wake of Monday’s news that Amazon is making a go at MGM, it’s been radio silence. As of Friday, we hear that both sides remain actively in talks and want to get the deal done soon, but the time frame remains undefined.
With Amazon’s recent acquisition of big pics like Paramount’s Coming 2 America, and the studio’s Skydance co-productions The Tomorrow War and Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse, many sources tell us that the e-commerce giant’s absorption of the Lion studio won’t derail the MGM theatrical releases already scheduled for this year, as distributed by United Artists Releasing. Meaning, these titles won’t be acquired and strictly relegated to a streaming release like the Paramount crop. Theatrical P&a budgets for the MGM/Uar slate have been locked, is what we hear.
One source mentioned that some producers’ attorneys have already...
With Amazon’s recent acquisition of big pics like Paramount’s Coming 2 America, and the studio’s Skydance co-productions The Tomorrow War and Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse, many sources tell us that the e-commerce giant’s absorption of the Lion studio won’t derail the MGM theatrical releases already scheduled for this year, as distributed by United Artists Releasing. Meaning, these titles won’t be acquired and strictly relegated to a streaming release like the Paramount crop. Theatrical P&a budgets for the MGM/Uar slate have been locked, is what we hear.
One source mentioned that some producers’ attorneys have already...
- 5/22/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Industry executives are stunned that Amazon is in negotiations to buy Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in a deal that could reach $9 billion. Their shock comes from a belief that the price tag severely overvalues the studio behind James Bond, the Pink Panther and “Legally Blonde.”
Other companies have kicked the tires on MGM at various points during a stop-and-start sales process that has been dragging on for months. Industry insiders say that the true value of the studio is more in the $5 billion to $6 billion range along with the assumption of some debt. Even then, they are skeptical that MGM’s prize asset, its stake in the 007 franchise, can be properly monetized.
That’s because of the unprecedented creative control that’s held by Eon Productions and its owner the Broccoli family, who have been stewards of the film series dating back to Bond’s first on-screen appearance in 1962’s “Dr. No.” Under...
Other companies have kicked the tires on MGM at various points during a stop-and-start sales process that has been dragging on for months. Industry insiders say that the true value of the studio is more in the $5 billion to $6 billion range along with the assumption of some debt. Even then, they are skeptical that MGM’s prize asset, its stake in the 007 franchise, can be properly monetized.
That’s because of the unprecedented creative control that’s held by Eon Productions and its owner the Broccoli family, who have been stewards of the film series dating back to Bond’s first on-screen appearance in 1962’s “Dr. No.” Under...
- 5/22/2021
- by Brent Lang and Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Amazon is weeks into negotiations on a deal to acquire MGM for about $9 billion, industry sources tell Variety.
Chatter that Amazon (and other tech and media giants) have been sniffing around MGM has circulated for some time. But sources indicated that Amazon’s interest in acquiring the studio has taken on a new tenor beyond the usual rumor mill. The deal is said to be being orchestrated by Mike Hopkins, senior VP of Amazon Studios and Prime Video, directly with MGM board chairman Kevin Ulrich, whose Anchorage Capital is a major MGM shareholder.
Reps for Amazon and MGM declined to comment.
MGM had already effectively nailed up a “for sale” sign: Variety confirmed in December that the company was looking for a buyer.
News of Amazon’s talks with MGM began to swirl this weekend. The Information reported Monday that Amazon was in talks about a potential deal for MGM,...
Chatter that Amazon (and other tech and media giants) have been sniffing around MGM has circulated for some time. But sources indicated that Amazon’s interest in acquiring the studio has taken on a new tenor beyond the usual rumor mill. The deal is said to be being orchestrated by Mike Hopkins, senior VP of Amazon Studios and Prime Video, directly with MGM board chairman Kevin Ulrich, whose Anchorage Capital is a major MGM shareholder.
Reps for Amazon and MGM declined to comment.
MGM had already effectively nailed up a “for sale” sign: Variety confirmed in December that the company was looking for a buyer.
News of Amazon’s talks with MGM began to swirl this weekend. The Information reported Monday that Amazon was in talks about a potential deal for MGM,...
- 5/17/2021
- by Todd Spangler, Joe Otterson and Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Board chairman Kevin Ulrich said to be under pressure as investors look to sell stakes.
MGM has brought on two investment banks as it explores a possible sale, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal.
The studio has been linked with a sale for years and observers said talks could speed up in 2021, after the release of postponed James Bond saga No Time To Die.
Several years ago MGM held talks with Apple about a range of options, the WSJ said it has hired Morgan Stanley and LionTree.
Despite being a relative minnow in Hollywood with a reported...
MGM has brought on two investment banks as it explores a possible sale, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal.
The studio has been linked with a sale for years and observers said talks could speed up in 2021, after the release of postponed James Bond saga No Time To Die.
Several years ago MGM held talks with Apple about a range of options, the WSJ said it has hired Morgan Stanley and LionTree.
Despite being a relative minnow in Hollywood with a reported...
- 12/22/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
MGM has tapped two investment banks and started a formal sale process, looking to generate heat from Hollywood studios, international conglomerates, private equity firms and the growing multitude of Spacs, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing people familiar with the matter.
Here’s what Deadline hears. The private company has mulled a sale for several years but couldn’t seem to find a fit on price. The board is certainly talking; MGM doesn’t have the scale to compete against the biggest studios, but could be a valuable piece for a bigger player. But right now, it’s only talk and we’d be surprised if they engaged bankers to hang a for sale sign anytime soon. It might be like the last report about a possible MGM-related transaction, which came when they tested the waters on possibly not waiting out the pandemic on the 007 film No Time to Die,...
Here’s what Deadline hears. The private company has mulled a sale for several years but couldn’t seem to find a fit on price. The board is certainly talking; MGM doesn’t have the scale to compete against the biggest studios, but could be a valuable piece for a bigger player. But right now, it’s only talk and we’d be surprised if they engaged bankers to hang a for sale sign anytime soon. It might be like the last report about a possible MGM-related transaction, which came when they tested the waters on possibly not waiting out the pandemic on the 007 film No Time to Die,...
- 12/22/2020
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
MGM Holdings Inc. is exploring a sale, according to a source close to the situation.
The studio believes its library of content — which includes co-ownership of the James Bond franchise — would be desirable to companies looking to expand their streaming sectors.
MGM has recruited Morgan Stanley and LionTree LLC to advise on the process of a formal sale, according to the Wall Street Journal. LionTree has worked with MGM in the past. Based on privately traded shares, the company has a market value of $5.5 billion, including debt.
MGM’s current top shareholder is the hedge fund Anchorage Capital, which is led by former Goldman Sachs executive Kevin Ulrich. Ulrich is also at the head of MGM’s board of directors.
MGM has a film library of over 4,000 titles and 17,000 hours of television programming, including film franchises like “Rocky” and “The Hobbit,” as well as television shows like “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Vikings.
The studio believes its library of content — which includes co-ownership of the James Bond franchise — would be desirable to companies looking to expand their streaming sectors.
MGM has recruited Morgan Stanley and LionTree LLC to advise on the process of a formal sale, according to the Wall Street Journal. LionTree has worked with MGM in the past. Based on privately traded shares, the company has a market value of $5.5 billion, including debt.
MGM’s current top shareholder is the hedge fund Anchorage Capital, which is led by former Goldman Sachs executive Kevin Ulrich. Ulrich is also at the head of MGM’s board of directors.
MGM has a film library of over 4,000 titles and 17,000 hours of television programming, including film franchises like “Rocky” and “The Hobbit,” as well as television shows like “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Vikings.
- 12/21/2020
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
MGM Holdings Inc., the movie studio home of the James Bond franchise, is exploring a sale, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday.
The company, which has a market value of roughly $5.5 billion based on privately traded shares and debt, has hired Morgan Stanley and LionTree LLC to launch a formal sale process, unnamed individuals with knowledge of the plan told the Journal.
The storied studio has a rich library of movies and TV shows that could be attractive to both other studios and streaming services. In addition to the James Bond and “Rocky” franchises,” MGM produces TV hits such as “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Vikings.” The studio’s library includes a 4,000 film titles and 17,000 hours of TV programming.
A rep for MGM declined to comment on the report.
According to the Journal, the company’s biggest shareholder, Anchorage Capital Group, has been an increasingly tight financial bind because of its large stake in the studio,...
The company, which has a market value of roughly $5.5 billion based on privately traded shares and debt, has hired Morgan Stanley and LionTree LLC to launch a formal sale process, unnamed individuals with knowledge of the plan told the Journal.
The storied studio has a rich library of movies and TV shows that could be attractive to both other studios and streaming services. In addition to the James Bond and “Rocky” franchises,” MGM produces TV hits such as “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Vikings.” The studio’s library includes a 4,000 film titles and 17,000 hours of TV programming.
A rep for MGM declined to comment on the report.
According to the Journal, the company’s biggest shareholder, Anchorage Capital Group, has been an increasingly tight financial bind because of its large stake in the studio,...
- 12/21/2020
- by Diane Haithman
- The Wrap
MGM appears to be getting closer to formally exploring a sale.
The Hollywood giant has enlisted Morgan Stanley and LionTree Lcc to serve as advisors in the process, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing unnamed sources. A studio spokesperson declined to comment on the article.
MGM’s top shareholder is Anchorage Capital, run by former Goldman Sachs exec Kevin Ulrich, who leads the studio’s board of directors. An Anchorage Capital rep did not respond to a request for comment.
The company has gone without a single CEO since March 2018 when Gary Barber, the Spyglass Entertainment founder who joined MGM after it ...
The Hollywood giant has enlisted Morgan Stanley and LionTree Lcc to serve as advisors in the process, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing unnamed sources. A studio spokesperson declined to comment on the article.
MGM’s top shareholder is Anchorage Capital, run by former Goldman Sachs exec Kevin Ulrich, who leads the studio’s board of directors. An Anchorage Capital rep did not respond to a request for comment.
The company has gone without a single CEO since March 2018 when Gary Barber, the Spyglass Entertainment founder who joined MGM after it ...
- 12/21/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
MGM appears to be getting closer to formally exploring a sale.
The Hollywood giant has enlisted Morgan Stanley and LionTree Lcc to serve as advisors in the process, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing unnamed sources. A studio spokesperson declined to comment on the article.
MGM’s top shareholder is Anchorage Capital, run by former Goldman Sachs exec Kevin Ulrich, who leads the studio’s board of directors. An Anchorage Capital rep did not respond to a request for comment.
The company has gone without a single CEO since March 2018 when Gary Barber, the Spyglass Entertainment founder who joined MGM after it ...
The Hollywood giant has enlisted Morgan Stanley and LionTree Lcc to serve as advisors in the process, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing unnamed sources. A studio spokesperson declined to comment on the article.
MGM’s top shareholder is Anchorage Capital, run by former Goldman Sachs exec Kevin Ulrich, who leads the studio’s board of directors. An Anchorage Capital rep did not respond to a request for comment.
The company has gone without a single CEO since March 2018 when Gary Barber, the Spyglass Entertainment founder who joined MGM after it ...
- 12/21/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Cordial yet reserved, the man seated across from me seemed well cast as a CEO. We had just attended a board meeting as “outside” directors, and he was mulling the big question: “How much disruption and cost cutting can you apply to a company, yet still keep it functional?”
With a shrug of resignation, he dug an envelope from his pocket. “The chairman told me this was a great problem-solver,” he said. Opening it, the scent announced weed; robust weed.
More about him later, but his question resonates today, as virtually every Hollywood company seems intent on restructuring itself. A scorecard is needed to understand the new reporting lines at Disney. WarnerMedia has fired respected figures like Bob Greenblatt and Kevin Reilly, along with echelons of marketing mavens. The latter is all in keeping with Jason Kilar’s determination to build a “consumer mind-set,” but a “survival mind-set” seems more in demand.
With a shrug of resignation, he dug an envelope from his pocket. “The chairman told me this was a great problem-solver,” he said. Opening it, the scent announced weed; robust weed.
More about him later, but his question resonates today, as virtually every Hollywood company seems intent on restructuring itself. A scorecard is needed to understand the new reporting lines at Disney. WarnerMedia has fired respected figures like Bob Greenblatt and Kevin Reilly, along with echelons of marketing mavens. The latter is all in keeping with Jason Kilar’s determination to build a “consumer mind-set,” but a “survival mind-set” seems more in demand.
- 11/27/2020
- by Peter Bart
- Deadline Film + TV
Kevin Ulrich, the chairman of the board at MGM and CEO of the hedge fund Anchorage Capital, was accused in a lawsuit earlier this year of sexually assaulting a woman, but she dropped her case a month later.
According to court documents obtained by TheWrap, Jennifer Perry said that Ulrich assaulted her at the Mercer Hotel in New York City on July 25, 2019. The lawsuit did not contain specific details about the alleged incident, except to say it “involved forceful physical contact and restraint” by Ulrich upon Perry.
The lawsuit was filed on June 2, 2020, and exactly one month later, an attorney for Perry filed for a dismissal without prejudice (meaning the case could not be re-filed).
A rep for MGM directed TheWrap’s inquiry to Anchorage Capital, who has not yet responded.
In his role as chairman of the board at MGM, Ulrich recently brought in Michael De Luca — a prolific...
According to court documents obtained by TheWrap, Jennifer Perry said that Ulrich assaulted her at the Mercer Hotel in New York City on July 25, 2019. The lawsuit did not contain specific details about the alleged incident, except to say it “involved forceful physical contact and restraint” by Ulrich upon Perry.
The lawsuit was filed on June 2, 2020, and exactly one month later, an attorney for Perry filed for a dismissal without prejudice (meaning the case could not be re-filed).
A rep for MGM directed TheWrap’s inquiry to Anchorage Capital, who has not yet responded.
In his role as chairman of the board at MGM, Ulrich recently brought in Michael De Luca — a prolific...
- 11/10/2020
- by Daniel Goldblatt
- The Wrap
Anchorage Capital CEO Kevin Ulrich was accused of sexually assaulting a New York woman in 2019, according to legal filings. His accuser, Jennifer Perry, discontinued the suit without prejudice a month later.
In addition to running hedge fund Anchorage, Ulrich also serves as chairman of the board at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, the studio behind the James Bond film franchise. Institutional Investor first broke the news of the sexual battery accusations.
Representatives for Ulrich and Anchorage did not immediately respond to Variety‘s request for comment. Attorneys for Perry had no immediate response.
Perry alleged she was assaulted by Ulrich in his room at the Mercer Hotel on July 25, 2019, according the lawsuit filed in New York State Supreme Court in June. It was withdrawn on July 2.
“The conduct complained of involved physical behavior and contact of a non- consensual sexual nature,” the complaint reads. It goes on to state that Perry “was caused physical pain,...
In addition to running hedge fund Anchorage, Ulrich also serves as chairman of the board at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, the studio behind the James Bond film franchise. Institutional Investor first broke the news of the sexual battery accusations.
Representatives for Ulrich and Anchorage did not immediately respond to Variety‘s request for comment. Attorneys for Perry had no immediate response.
Perry alleged she was assaulted by Ulrich in his room at the Mercer Hotel on July 25, 2019, according the lawsuit filed in New York State Supreme Court in June. It was withdrawn on July 2.
“The conduct complained of involved physical behavior and contact of a non- consensual sexual nature,” the complaint reads. It goes on to state that Perry “was caused physical pain,...
- 11/10/2020
- by Brent Lang and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
In early October, with cases of Covid-19 rising in Europe, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer decided to pull the plug on its plans to release “No Time to Die” at Thanksgiving.
The studio had made a similar decision last March as coronavirus first gripped the world, pushing the release of the 25th James Bond adventure back by eight months only to discover that it hadn’t run far enough ahead of a worsening public health catastrophe. The move was financially painful, given that the studio had already spent $66 million in marketing costs. Bringing “No Time to Die” to the screen was already a pricey proposition — the film, which marks Daniel Craig’s final turn as 007, carried a $301 million net budget. Plus, Craig and producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, who control the rights to the series, have generous backend and profit participation deals, limiting the amount of money MGM is able to make on the movie.
The studio had made a similar decision last March as coronavirus first gripped the world, pushing the release of the 25th James Bond adventure back by eight months only to discover that it hadn’t run far enough ahead of a worsening public health catastrophe. The move was financially painful, given that the studio had already spent $66 million in marketing costs. Bringing “No Time to Die” to the screen was already a pricey proposition — the film, which marks Daniel Craig’s final turn as 007, carried a $301 million net budget. Plus, Craig and producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, who control the rights to the series, have generous backend and profit participation deals, limiting the amount of money MGM is able to make on the movie.
- 10/30/2020
- by Brent Lang and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Apple, Netflix and other streaming services explored the possibility of acquiring “No Time to Die,” the upcoming James Bond movie that was originally slated to debut last April. The film’s release has been postponed multiple times, with the Daniel Craig vehicle moving back to November before being pushed into 2021 as the number of coronavirus cases kept growing.
MGM, the studio behind the film, reportedly lost between $30 million to $50 million due to the delays, insiders said. Bloomberg first reported the discussions, which have been the topic du jour in Hollywood this week. Other studios, such as Paramount and Sony, have raked in tens of millions by selling movies like “Greyhound,” “Coming 2 America” and “Without Remorse” to streaming services while the exhibition sector continues to struggle during the pandemic.
“We do not comment on rumors. The film is not for sale. The film’s release has been postponed until April...
MGM, the studio behind the film, reportedly lost between $30 million to $50 million due to the delays, insiders said. Bloomberg first reported the discussions, which have been the topic du jour in Hollywood this week. Other studios, such as Paramount and Sony, have raked in tens of millions by selling movies like “Greyhound,” “Coming 2 America” and “Without Remorse” to streaming services while the exhibition sector continues to struggle during the pandemic.
“We do not comment on rumors. The film is not for sale. The film’s release has been postponed until April...
- 10/24/2020
- by Brent Lang and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Veteran industry executive and producer Alana Mayo has joined MGM as the President of the newly relaunched Orion Pictures.
The division will concentrate exclusively on underrepresented voices and authentic storytelling in film with a focus on developing, producing and acquiring feature films that amplify underserved voices, both in front of and behind the camera. The announcement was made jointly by Michael De Luca, MGM’s Film Group Chairman and Pam Abdy, MGM’s Film Group President.
Said Mayo, “We are at an exciting and critical tipping point in our industry. For years many filmmakers and creators who have been considered and treated as outsiders have nonetheless persisted in creating visionary films that drew audiences across the globe and defined culture. Many of these films and filmmakers inspired me to pursue storytelling as a career, and to work towards creating a more equitable environment for all creators,” said Mayo. I am...
The division will concentrate exclusively on underrepresented voices and authentic storytelling in film with a focus on developing, producing and acquiring feature films that amplify underserved voices, both in front of and behind the camera. The announcement was made jointly by Michael De Luca, MGM’s Film Group Chairman and Pam Abdy, MGM’s Film Group President.
Said Mayo, “We are at an exciting and critical tipping point in our industry. For years many filmmakers and creators who have been considered and treated as outsiders have nonetheless persisted in creating visionary films that drew audiences across the globe and defined culture. Many of these films and filmmakers inspired me to pursue storytelling as a career, and to work towards creating a more equitable environment for all creators,” said Mayo. I am...
- 8/20/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
MGM’s Orion Pictures is relaunching its brand as a studio label for underrepresented voices and has named veteran industry executive and producer Alana Mayo as the new Orion Pictures president, Michael De Luca, MGM’s film group chairman and Pam Abdy, MGM’s film group president.
In an internal memo from De Luca and Abdy shared with TheWrap, John Hegeman will be stepping down from his role at Orion in early October after three years with the label, as will his team, following the opening of the studio’s latest release “Bill & Ted Face the Music.”
The new Orion will focus on developing, producing and acquiring features that amplify underserved voices in front of and behind the camera.
Also Read: 'Bill & Ted Face the Music': Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter Enjoy Father-Daughter Time (in Hell) in New Trailer (Video)
Mayo will oversee the label’s day-to-day operations,...
In an internal memo from De Luca and Abdy shared with TheWrap, John Hegeman will be stepping down from his role at Orion in early October after three years with the label, as will his team, following the opening of the studio’s latest release “Bill & Ted Face the Music.”
The new Orion will focus on developing, producing and acquiring features that amplify underserved voices in front of and behind the camera.
Also Read: 'Bill & Ted Face the Music': Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter Enjoy Father-Daughter Time (in Hell) in New Trailer (Video)
Mayo will oversee the label’s day-to-day operations,...
- 8/20/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Michael De Luca was named chairman of MGM Motion Picture Group, the studio announced on Friday.
He’ll be taking over duties previously overseen by Jonathan Glickman, who TheWrap reported earlier on Friday, would be leaving the position as president after holding it for the past nine years. De Luca will report directly to MGM’s Board of Directors.
With over three decades in the film business, De Luca is a prolific producer and executive who has been nominated for three Academy Awards.
Also Read: MGM Film President Jonathan Glickman to Step Down After 9 Years
“It is rare to find an executive who is as experienced and respected inside the studio system as well as in the filmmaking community,” said Kevin Ulrich, MGM’s chairman of the board. “Mike’s incredible passion for the industry guides all that he does. Over the course of his groundbreaking career he has developed exceptional relationships.
He’ll be taking over duties previously overseen by Jonathan Glickman, who TheWrap reported earlier on Friday, would be leaving the position as president after holding it for the past nine years. De Luca will report directly to MGM’s Board of Directors.
With over three decades in the film business, De Luca is a prolific producer and executive who has been nominated for three Academy Awards.
Also Read: MGM Film President Jonathan Glickman to Step Down After 9 Years
“It is rare to find an executive who is as experienced and respected inside the studio system as well as in the filmmaking community,” said Kevin Ulrich, MGM’s chairman of the board. “Mike’s incredible passion for the industry guides all that he does. Over the course of his groundbreaking career he has developed exceptional relationships.
- 1/3/2020
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
After news broke today that MGM Motion Pictures Group president Jonathan Glickman was stepping down, it has been announced that former New Line-DreamWorks-Sony executive and Fifty Shades of Grey producer Michael De Luca has been named Chairman of the Film Group. Gary Barber before he left in 2018 was chairman and CEO of MGM.
De Luca will report directly to MGM’s Board of Directors with an expected start date in mid-February. De Luca will oversee MGM’s global film operation including development, production, marketing and distribution of MGM’s film slate, including Orion Motion Pictures. Additionally, he’ll be in charge of MGM’s On-Stage production division. In his role as Chairman of MGM’s Motion Picture Group, De Luca will also join the board of United Artists Releasing, the studio’s domestic theatrical distribution joint venture with Annapurna Pictures.
Said Kevin Ulrich, MGM’s Chairman of the Board,...
De Luca will report directly to MGM’s Board of Directors with an expected start date in mid-February. De Luca will oversee MGM’s global film operation including development, production, marketing and distribution of MGM’s film slate, including Orion Motion Pictures. Additionally, he’ll be in charge of MGM’s On-Stage production division. In his role as Chairman of MGM’s Motion Picture Group, De Luca will also join the board of United Artists Releasing, the studio’s domestic theatrical distribution joint venture with Annapurna Pictures.
Said Kevin Ulrich, MGM’s Chairman of the Board,...
- 1/3/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
MGM film president Jonathan Glickman is stepping down from the post he has held for eight years, Variety has confirmed.
Michael De Luca, the Oscar-nominated producer of “The Social Network” and a former executive at Sony and New Line, will succeed Glickman in the newly created role of chairman of MGM’s Motion Picture Group. As head of global film operations, De Luca’s responsibilities include oversight of development, production, marketing and distribution of MGM’s film slate, including Orion Pictures, in addition to overseeing MGM’s on-stage production division.
The three-time Oscar-nominated producer begins his new gig sometime this year and will report to MGM’s board of directors.
“It is rare to find an executive who is as experienced and respected inside the studio system as well as in the filmmaking community. Mike’s incredible passion for the industry guides all that he does,” MGM’s chairman of the board Kevin Ulrich said.
Michael De Luca, the Oscar-nominated producer of “The Social Network” and a former executive at Sony and New Line, will succeed Glickman in the newly created role of chairman of MGM’s Motion Picture Group. As head of global film operations, De Luca’s responsibilities include oversight of development, production, marketing and distribution of MGM’s film slate, including Orion Pictures, in addition to overseeing MGM’s on-stage production division.
The three-time Oscar-nominated producer begins his new gig sometime this year and will report to MGM’s board of directors.
“It is rare to find an executive who is as experienced and respected inside the studio system as well as in the filmmaking community. Mike’s incredible passion for the industry guides all that he does,” MGM’s chairman of the board Kevin Ulrich said.
- 1/3/2020
- by Brent Lang and Justin Kroll
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: The knockout $55 million Thanksgiving holiday weekend opening of the Michael B. Jordan-Sylvester Stallone starrer Creed II has MGM feeling validated about its decision last summer to not put a “for sale” sign on the lawn and instead double down on a future as a theatrical release company that demonstrated the benefit of better control of its marketing and distribution because of its joint venture with Annapurna. To mix sports metaphors, the fight film was the first swing for the fences under the joint venture, and it exceeded expectations.
Creed II is the most significant positive development since that shocking day last May when chairman and CEO Gary Barber was ousted by a board that rejected his appeals to sell the company. Led by Kevin Ulrich, whose investment firm Anchorage Capital Group controls 34% of MGM, the board instead targeted expansion that will build on its TV business, the Ott service Epix,...
Creed II is the most significant positive development since that shocking day last May when chairman and CEO Gary Barber was ousted by a board that rejected his appeals to sell the company. Led by Kevin Ulrich, whose investment firm Anchorage Capital Group controls 34% of MGM, the board instead targeted expansion that will build on its TV business, the Ott service Epix,...
- 11/26/2018
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Tom Arnold hasn’t given up his quest to uncover incriminating evidence against Donald Trump, but his Viceland series The Hunt for the Trump Tapes With Tom Arnold is over. A source said it was only ever intended as an eight-episode series.
But Arnold isn’t done. “I am not quitting until I get all the tapes or Trump resigns, which ever happens first,” he told Deadline. “Every day both things get closer to happening.”
Over the course of the show that premiered September 18, Arnold searched high and low for elusive videotapes allegedly showing Trump in all manner of compromising positions – from the infamous “pee tape” in a Moscow hotel room to an outtake on The Apprentice in which Trump allegedly used the N-word. Arnold hasn’t found the tapes yet, if they exist, but he hasn’t stopped looking.
“His search was fascinating and I loved it,” said Peter Woronov,...
But Arnold isn’t done. “I am not quitting until I get all the tapes or Trump resigns, which ever happens first,” he told Deadline. “Every day both things get closer to happening.”
Over the course of the show that premiered September 18, Arnold searched high and low for elusive videotapes allegedly showing Trump in all manner of compromising positions – from the infamous “pee tape” in a Moscow hotel room to an outtake on The Apprentice in which Trump allegedly used the N-word. Arnold hasn’t found the tapes yet, if they exist, but he hasn’t stopped looking.
“His search was fascinating and I loved it,” said Peter Woronov,...
- 10/23/2018
- by David Robb and Anita Busch
- Deadline Film + TV
Kristin Cotich is departing her post as executive VP of worldwide communications for Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios.
The news was announced Wednesday by Christopher Brearton, MGM’s chief operating officer. She has served as the key PR representative for the studio since 2013.
“Kristin has been a stalwart executive for the company and has made many valuable contributions. She will be missed and we wish her well in her future endeavors,” said Brearton.
Cotich said, “For the last 5 ½ years, I had the privilege of working alongside a talented and collaborative team at MGM. It has been a tremendous honor to be a part of the company’s growth and success. I am grateful to MGM’s senior management for supporting my decision to explore other opportunities and look forward to what lies ahead.”
Cotich developed and implemented communications strategies across all of MGM’s business units and its growth initiatives, including the acquisition of Epix,...
The news was announced Wednesday by Christopher Brearton, MGM’s chief operating officer. She has served as the key PR representative for the studio since 2013.
“Kristin has been a stalwart executive for the company and has made many valuable contributions. She will be missed and we wish her well in her future endeavors,” said Brearton.
Cotich said, “For the last 5 ½ years, I had the privilege of working alongside a talented and collaborative team at MGM. It has been a tremendous honor to be a part of the company’s growth and success. I am grateful to MGM’s senior management for supporting my decision to explore other opportunities and look forward to what lies ahead.”
Cotich developed and implemented communications strategies across all of MGM’s business units and its growth initiatives, including the acquisition of Epix,...
- 8/29/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. has increased its debt capital structure to $2.5 billion, the studio announced Wednesday.
The facility includes a $1.7 billion five-year revolving credit facility, a new $400 million seven-year term loan and a new eight-year second lien term loan and repaid the entire outstanding balance on its prior $850 million term loan.
Arranged by J.P. Morgan with a syndicate of lenders, MGM said the credit facility lowers MGM’s borrowing rate to the London interbank offered rate (Libor) plus 1.75% on the revolving credit facility, extends the tenor of its overall borrowings, augments certain other terms from the company’s prior credit agreement, and provides MGM with significant financial flexibility to continue executing on its strategic growth initiatives.
“The speed of execution, enhanced terms and improvements to the structure of our credit facility are reflective of MGM’s solid financial position and excellent relationships with the financial community,” said Kenneth Kay, MGM’s chief financial officer.
The facility includes a $1.7 billion five-year revolving credit facility, a new $400 million seven-year term loan and a new eight-year second lien term loan and repaid the entire outstanding balance on its prior $850 million term loan.
Arranged by J.P. Morgan with a syndicate of lenders, MGM said the credit facility lowers MGM’s borrowing rate to the London interbank offered rate (Libor) plus 1.75% on the revolving credit facility, extends the tenor of its overall borrowings, augments certain other terms from the company’s prior credit agreement, and provides MGM with significant financial flexibility to continue executing on its strategic growth initiatives.
“The speed of execution, enhanced terms and improvements to the structure of our credit facility are reflective of MGM’s solid financial position and excellent relationships with the financial community,” said Kenneth Kay, MGM’s chief financial officer.
- 7/11/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
MGM has promoted Mark Burnett to chairman of its Worldwide Television Group in a new deal that will keep the prolific reality TV producer at the studio through 2022.
“In the past four years at MGM we have renewed all our television franchises and have added a lot of new hits,” Burnett said. “This is the most fun I have had in my career and I know we will continue to build on these successes. I believe so strongly in the future of MGM and the team that surrounds me and it was important for me to extend my involvement well into the future.”
Burnett has been with MGM since 2015 when his production company, One Three Media, was acquired by the studio.
Also Read: Mark Burnett, Bear Grylls Team Up to Revive 'Eco-Challenge'
Under Burnett, MGM Television recently expanded the scope of its unscripted content development and production with the acquisitions...
“In the past four years at MGM we have renewed all our television franchises and have added a lot of new hits,” Burnett said. “This is the most fun I have had in my career and I know we will continue to build on these successes. I believe so strongly in the future of MGM and the team that surrounds me and it was important for me to extend my involvement well into the future.”
Burnett has been with MGM since 2015 when his production company, One Three Media, was acquired by the studio.
Also Read: Mark Burnett, Bear Grylls Team Up to Revive 'Eco-Challenge'
Under Burnett, MGM Television recently expanded the scope of its unscripted content development and production with the acquisitions...
- 6/28/2018
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Mark Burnett has extended his contract to remain head of MGM’s television operations through 2022.
As part of the new pact, Burnett has been promoted to chairman of MGM’s Worldwide Television Group. Burnett previous deal was believed to expire in 2020.
“Mark is a one-of-a-kind creative individual with an incredible eye for talent and content and a long track record of success,” said Kevin Ulrich, CEO of Anchorage Capital Group and chairman of MGM’s board of directors. “We are confident that under Mark’s leadership, MGM Television’s best days are ahead.”
On Burnett’s watch, MGM has revved up activity in the scripted and unscripted realm with such shows as Hulu’s “The Handmaid’s Tale,” Epix’s “Get Shorty,” Audience Network’s “Condor,” Fox’s “Beat Shazam,” and CBS’ upcoming reality-competition series “Tko,” hosted by Kevin Hart. The Lion has also made acquisitions of unscripted production companies...
As part of the new pact, Burnett has been promoted to chairman of MGM’s Worldwide Television Group. Burnett previous deal was believed to expire in 2020.
“Mark is a one-of-a-kind creative individual with an incredible eye for talent and content and a long track record of success,” said Kevin Ulrich, CEO of Anchorage Capital Group and chairman of MGM’s board of directors. “We are confident that under Mark’s leadership, MGM Television’s best days are ahead.”
On Burnett’s watch, MGM has revved up activity in the scripted and unscripted realm with such shows as Hulu’s “The Handmaid’s Tale,” Epix’s “Get Shorty,” Audience Network’s “Condor,” Fox’s “Beat Shazam,” and CBS’ upcoming reality-competition series “Tko,” hosted by Kevin Hart. The Lion has also made acquisitions of unscripted production companies...
- 6/28/2018
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Mark Burnett has re-upped with MGM until 2022 and with that has been given the title of chairman of the studio’s Worldwide Television Group. The prolific, 12-time, Emmy winning producer was brought into the company in 2015 by former chairman Gary Barber when MGM bought the remaining 45% stake it didn’t own in its United Artists Media Group joint venture from its partners Burnett, Roma Downey, and Hearst, and then put Burnett in charge of the MGM Television and Digital Group.
Mark Burnett established himself as a prolific producer with his production company One Three Media. This announcement from MGM comes as the division set the boxing competition The Contender (which he is producing) to bow on Epix in August, and just after the studio completed the acquisition of television concern Big Fish Entertainment.
MGM Television has expanded the scope...
Mark Burnett established himself as a prolific producer with his production company One Three Media. This announcement from MGM comes as the division set the boxing competition The Contender (which he is producing) to bow on Epix in August, and just after the studio completed the acquisition of television concern Big Fish Entertainment.
MGM Television has expanded the scope...
- 6/28/2018
- by Anita Busch
- Deadline Film + TV
MGM Holdings has agreed to pay $260 million to former CEO Gary Barber, three months after the executive was fired unexpectedly, in exchange for his remaining equity stake.
Privately held MGM said Thursday that Barber’s stake consisted of 274,392 shares of common stock and 3,883,529 stock options, which were equivalent to 2,302,572 shares of common stock on a net basis. It also said that Barber has agreed to customary standstill provisions with respect to MGM-related matters for a three-year period.
MGM said that transaction will be funded by a combination of cash on hand and utilization of its credit facility. The studio gave no further details.
Barber took the reins of MGM with his longtime partner Roger Birnbaum in 2010 after it emerged from bankruptcy. Barber streamlined its Hollywood operations, cut costs and made use of MGM’s library as streaming platforms came online and relaunched the James Bond franchise. However, Barber ran afoul with Kevin Ulrich,...
Privately held MGM said Thursday that Barber’s stake consisted of 274,392 shares of common stock and 3,883,529 stock options, which were equivalent to 2,302,572 shares of common stock on a net basis. It also said that Barber has agreed to customary standstill provisions with respect to MGM-related matters for a three-year period.
MGM said that transaction will be funded by a combination of cash on hand and utilization of its credit facility. The studio gave no further details.
Barber took the reins of MGM with his longtime partner Roger Birnbaum in 2010 after it emerged from bankruptcy. Barber streamlined its Hollywood operations, cut costs and made use of MGM’s library as streaming platforms came online and relaunched the James Bond franchise. However, Barber ran afoul with Kevin Ulrich,...
- 6/14/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Gary Barber and MGM have officially parted ways in a resolution between the two parties that has MGM Holdings paying out $260M to its former chairman/CEO of eight years. This comes only three months after Barber was ousted from the company in a firing that shocked employees and the town. The moves comes after both MSNBC and Reuters reported in the past month that Barber was trying to make a run at the studio and had been meeting with investments bankers to do so.
The company said in a statement posted today, that “it will purchase Mr. Barber’s remaining equity stake in MGM for $260 million, which included 274,392 shares of common stock and 3,883,529 stock options, which were equivalent to 2,302,572 shares of common stock on a net basis …. the transaction will be funded by a combination of MGM’s cash on hand and utilization of its credit.”
Under the agreement,...
The company said in a statement posted today, that “it will purchase Mr. Barber’s remaining equity stake in MGM for $260 million, which included 274,392 shares of common stock and 3,883,529 stock options, which were equivalent to 2,302,572 shares of common stock on a net basis …. the transaction will be funded by a combination of MGM’s cash on hand and utilization of its credit.”
Under the agreement,...
- 6/14/2018
- by Anita Busch and Dawn C. Chmielewski
- Deadline Film + TV
Danny Boyle is officially set to direct the upcoming James Bond 25 film from an original screenplay being written by John Hodge. These two guys have worked together over the years on films such as The Beach and the Trainspotting films. For the most part, I like the films that Danny Boyle has made and I'm actually looking forward to seeing what he ends up doing with the James Bond franchise.
Thanks to Variety, we now know when Bond 25 will be released. MGM will release the film in the United States on November 8th, 2019. Universal Pictures recently won the international distribution rights, and they will release the film in the U.K. on October 25th.
Like many of you, I'm a big fan of the James Bond franchise and I really hope that this next film ends up being a great one. With Boyle at the helm, I'm sure he'll...
Thanks to Variety, we now know when Bond 25 will be released. MGM will release the film in the United States on November 8th, 2019. Universal Pictures recently won the international distribution rights, and they will release the film in the U.K. on October 25th.
Like many of you, I'm a big fan of the James Bond franchise and I really hope that this next film ends up being a great one. With Boyle at the helm, I'm sure he'll...
- 5/25/2018
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
After months of speculation, the news has finally been confirmed that Trainspotting and Sunshine man Danny Boyle will direct Bond 25, the next film in the James Bond series.
Boyle’s appointment was only guaranteed if the screenplay he submitted to series producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson impressed the duo. It now seems the pair are more than happy with the result. Boyle had co-written the draft alongside his T2 Trainspotting scribe, John Hodge, who will join him on the Bond team.
Also in the news – John Malkovich will play Poirot alongside Rupert Grint for the BBC’s Agatha Christie adaptation The ABC Murders
Both Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli described Boyle as “exceptionally talented“, they went on to say they were “delighted” to have him on board.
MGM board Charmain (who will be distributing the film in the Us), Kevin Ulrich, said: “We couldn’t be...
Boyle’s appointment was only guaranteed if the screenplay he submitted to series producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson impressed the duo. It now seems the pair are more than happy with the result. Boyle had co-written the draft alongside his T2 Trainspotting scribe, John Hodge, who will join him on the Bond team.
Also in the news – John Malkovich will play Poirot alongside Rupert Grint for the BBC’s Agatha Christie adaptation The ABC Murders
Both Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli described Boyle as “exceptionally talented“, they went on to say they were “delighted” to have him on board.
MGM board Charmain (who will be distributing the film in the Us), Kevin Ulrich, said: “We couldn’t be...
- 5/25/2018
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Danny Boyle confirmed as director; production to begin December 3.
In a huge win for Universal Pictures, the studio has struck a deal with Eon Productions and MGM to distribute Bond 25 internationally. Production is set to begin on December 3 ahead of a year-end 2019 global launch.
Bond 25 will open in the UK on October 25, 2019, and in the Us on November 8, 2019. MGM will release the film theatrically in the Us through its new joint venture with Annapurna Pictures, while Universal will handle international theatrical roll-out. It is understood Thursday’s announcement only relates to Bond 25.
MGM will retain digital and worldwide television distribution rights.
In a huge win for Universal Pictures, the studio has struck a deal with Eon Productions and MGM to distribute Bond 25 internationally. Production is set to begin on December 3 ahead of a year-end 2019 global launch.
Bond 25 will open in the UK on October 25, 2019, and in the Us on November 8, 2019. MGM will release the film theatrically in the Us through its new joint venture with Annapurna Pictures, while Universal will handle international theatrical roll-out. It is understood Thursday’s announcement only relates to Bond 25.
MGM will retain digital and worldwide television distribution rights.
- 5/25/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
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