Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Post

For better or worse, Disney dominance is essential for sustained theatrical recovery. An unexpectedly strong August continues with the usual (Disney films lead the way) and the unusual (both are R-rated). They’re also a testament to M&A strategy: Both are franchises that Disney acquired from 20th Century-Fox. With three films in the top 10 (#8 is “Inside Out” from Pixar with its $642 million to date) and the distributor represents nearly 54 percent of the weekend’s gross. Disney's return to dominance is critical for any hope of sustained recovery. That one of the titles is the strongest (by far) Marvel film in five years; another is a return to form for Pixar.

Star Wars and Marvel are losing steam. Recent data reveals a concerning trend for Disney+: - Star Wars and Marvel's share of catalog demand dropped from 29% to 22% in just two years - New Star Wars series struggling to match "The Mandalorian" Season 1's success - Only 6 of the top 20 shows on Disney+ are now from Marvel or Star Wars, down from 11 in Q2 2022 Despite this decline, these franchises still outperform: - 22% of demand with only 12% catalog share So, what's next for Disney+? Well, I doubt it will be anything revolutionary.  If Robert Downey Jr. coming back to the MCU is any indication, they will keep throwing money at their franchises and pumping out the same kind of below average to average productions like they have been. What *should* Disney+ do? Slow down, experiment, risk.

When you think "pop," what brand do you think of? What about when you think of superhero franchises? If you're like most people, you think of Coca-Cola. And you think of Marvel. So who better to partner up for an innovative AR experience with collectible cans? Not to mention the chance to win Disney and Marvel prizes. We've seen brands partner with movie/show franchises before, and it's always exciting for fans, but this AR experience is taking it to another level! With 38 different designs possible to collect, there's certainly no shortage for consumers. I can definitely see this influencing future marketing campaigns, especially collaborations, in a big way! #Marvel #Coke #Marketing #AR

In recent years, most entertainment companies exclusively guarded their major franchises on their streaming platforms. Batman is owned by Warner Bros., so the franchise's movies belonged to Max. Paramount owns the Star Trek franchise, so they made a home at Paramount+.   But, with a renewed focus on profit over subscriber numbers, companies are switching focus.   "The gold rush is over, and now streamers and audiences are at a stalemate. Of all the entertainment companies, only Disney has a library strong enough to hold out for now. If you want Pixar or Marvel or Star Wars, you have to pay the mouse. But all the other media titans are coming around to Sony's point of view: maybe it’s better to be an arms dealer than a platform owner."    https://lnkd.in/gkNQ2W_i

Sony's Spider-Man Universe has faced some major ups and downs. From the success of Venom to the failures of Craven and Morbius, Sony’s strategy has been a rollercoaster. But why did they choose not to use Spider-Man, and what’s next for the franchise? 🕷️💥 Find out more in our detailed breakdown! (Link in the comments below!)

“𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱’𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀”: 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝘃𝘀 𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻 And the winner is… Japan! In terms of all-time grossing revenues, more than half of the media franchises originate from Japan, with the top 2 spot going to 𝗣𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻 ($147bn) and 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼 𝗞𝗶𝘁𝘁𝘆 ($89bn). A trio of Disney characters rounds up the top 5: 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗼𝗵 ($76bn), 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 ($74bn) and 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝘀 ($70bn). Disney also has other franchise in the top 20, including some from their acquisitions in this century (Lucasfilm and Marvel). [Source: https://lnkd.in/gphzATBn]

Looking at the big #movie releases this year, most of them are prequels, sequels, or the latest installments in big franchises. 'Godzilla X Kong', 'Deadpool & Wolverine', 'Furiosa', 'Gladiator 2', Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim', 'Ghostbusters Frozen Empire', 'Alien Romulus', 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes', 'Mufasa', &c. It's pretty clear there's a lack of new ideas in #Hollywood. I love to see a franchise expand, but every sequel/prequel/spin-off needs to justify its existence and give us something new. Not only that but there needs to be original stuff too. New franchises to get invested in, or just standalone movies that make a big impact. Sadly, we don't seem to get many of them nowadays. Everything has to be a franchise or part of a "cinematic universe" rather than existing on its own merit, and there's far too much safe stuff that's riding the hype of a franchise or previous movie rather than cutting it's own path. I know there's safety in proven brands and popular franchises, but mix it up a bit. Take some risks. Have some cool ideas. Get back to making lower budget movies with unique stories. I'm sure audiences and cinemas would be grateful. #entertainment #moviesandtv #moviecriticism

Exploring the Return of Iconic Characters in Major Franchises: A Business Strategy Perspective In the ever-evolving world of entertainment, keeping fans engaged while respecting the legacy of beloved characters is a complex dance. Recently, Robert Downey Jr. hinted at his willingness to return as Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Despite his character's definitive end in "Avengers: Endgame," Downey's openness to reprising his role showcases an interesting aspect of franchise management and business strategy. Marvel Studios, led by Kevin Feige, has expertly navigated the balance between honoring past narratives and exploring future possibilities. This potential return could involve alternate timelines or multiverse scenarios, common elements in the MCU that keep the storylines fresh and exciting for fans. This strategy not only reignites fan interest but also leverages the emotional connection audiences have with these characters. It's a reminder of the importance of adaptability and forward-thinking in business. How do you think brands can balance legacy and innovation effectively? Let's discuss! #BusinessStrategy #BrandManagement #MarvelCinematicUniverse #RobertDowneyJr #EntertainmentIndustry

Authenticity in Franchise Growth: The Blair Witch Project I've been stewing over this announcement for a while now. In the tactless race to further evolve franchises into the next big [profitable] cinematic world, we can not overlook the original creators, as they are not just the soul but the foundational pillars that hold the vision in it's totality. The recent revelation that the team behind The Blair Witch Project was unaware of new developments within their own franchise starkly highlights the need for a more inclusive approach in the entertainment industry. The Blair Witch Project, a film that reshaped horror cinema with its guerilla filmmaking and innovative storytelling/marketing, was a labor of love and creativity from its original team. Yet, as we've seen, subsequent sequels and reboots, including the latest from Lionsgate and Blumhouse, have moved forward without involving those who first breathed life into this mythos. This approach not only overlooks the deep connection these creators have with their work, but also the profound relationship they hold with their audience. Fans of franchises like these are drawn not just to the story or the thrill but to the authenticity and passion that the original creators infused into their work. The success of adaptations such as The Last of Us showcases how involving original creators can resonate with audiences, ensuring the adaptation honors its roots while evolving. If we want a successful future of franchise development, particularly in transforming films to TV adaptations, it is crucial to engage with and respect the legacy of the original creators. Consulting with them not only enriches the adaptation but also strengthens fan loyalty and engagement. It's about creating a dialogue between the past and the present, where new interpretations and visions can flourish under the guidance of those who know the story best. We need a model of development where respect for originality and creative integrity leads the way, ensuring that franchises not only grow but thrive with the original spirit intact. Because when we listen to those who started it all, we not only pay homage to their contributions but also pave the way for a future that resonates with authenticity and respect. #hollywood #entertainmentindustry #streamingwars #blumhouse #lionsgate

Shocking.... This is the story of 2 legendary Hollywood studios who sold for the same amount, but one sold for 2x its value and the other for 1/10th its value. Just before being acquired, both fired their CEO's and were led by trio of senior execs known as the Office of the CEO. Both then sold for the same price of $8 Billion, which was 2x for one of their historical book value and the other for 1/10th its peak market cap, even though the former has older movies and franchises like "Rocky" and "James Bond" and the latter that has a larger catalog, newer catalog and dozens of recent hit franchises and blockbuster hits including "Top Gun: Maverick" and "Transformers." So the questions arise >>> Question How did MGM with its old library of titles and few new releases sell to Amazon for $8.45 Billion, after it was valued at $4 Billion for decades? Answer: FANTASTIC TIMING! 😎 MGM’s top shareholder was Anchorage Capital, run by former Goldman Sachs executive Kevin Ulrich who knew or bet the height of the pandemic was the best time to sell the studio and he was right. He sold the aging MGM studio for double its value to Amazon. Question How is Paramount with its newer library of titles and many hit new releases and franchises sell to Skydance for $8 Billion after it was valued at $100 Billion at its height in 2001 and $21 Billion during the pandemic? Answer: TERRIBLE TIMING 🤢 Paramount's market cap dropped from $21 Billion at the height of pandemic (and from $100 Billion in 2001) to $8.9 Billion today. When buying and selling.....Timing is everything. Kevin Ulrich (MGM's seller) and David Ellison (Paramount's buyer) may just be the smartest men in Hollywood For more on OTT Entertainment + Sports follow Aden ®️