NFP, an Aon company’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.

FEARLESS AT 62: LESSONS FROM BIRTHDAY BOY TOM CRUISE’S DEATH-DEFYING STUNTS Professionals across the world often face a choice: play it safe or take a leap into the unknown. This decision can make or break a career, but #Hollywood superstar #TomCruise has always been clear in making choices. Cruise's willingness to perform his own death-defying stunts has become a hallmark of his #brand which sets him apart from his contemporaries. This has also contributed significantly to the success of the blockbuster #MissionImpossible franchise. In an #industry where safety is top priority, Cruise has been consistently challenging the trend, putting his life on stake to deliver unforgettable on-screen moments. From clinging to the side of a moving plane during take-off to scaling the #BurjKhalifa to riding a bike over a cliff, Cruise's stunts have earned him the reputation as a true action hero. One needs to understand that the risks Cruise has been taking all his life are well-thought #strategic business decisions that have paid dividends. Cruise’s decisions increase the production value of his films, creating a sense of authenticity and excitement that simply can't be replicated with green screens and #CGI. As #professionals, we often find ourselves in situations where the safe choice may seem like the obvious path forward. By stepping outside our comfort zones and tackling challenges head-on, we too can unlock new avenues for growth, innovation, and recognition. ʟᴇᴛ’s ᴅᴇʟᴠᴇ ᴅᴇᴇᴘᴇʀ ᴀs ᴛᴏ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴇxᴀᴄᴛʟʏ ᴄᴀɴ ᴡᴇ ʟᴇᴀʀɴ ғʀᴏᴍ ᴄʀᴜɪsᴇ's sᴛᴜɴᴛ-ᴅʀɪᴠᴇɴ ᴀᴘᴘʀᴏᴀᴄʜ: *DIFFERENTIATE OURSELVES*: Taking calculated risks in our career can help us stand out from the crowd and become an indispensable asset to the organization. *EMBRACE CHALLENGES*: Facing difficulties and pushing the boundaries of our capabilities can lead to immense personal and professional growth. By approaching obstacles with a mindset of curiosity and determination we would notice an extraordinary shift in how much we can achieve. *ELEVATE THE FINAL PRODUCT*: By actively shaping the outcome of our work, we can create a level of impact and quality that simply can't be replicated by playing it safe. We need to embrace the opportunity to leave our mark on the projects we're involved in. *BUILD A POWERFUL PERSONAL BRAND*: Much like Cruise's death-defying stunts, our willingness to take risks and go the extra mile can become a hallmark of our professional identity. This would help us build a reputation which would open doors to new opportunities. So, the next time we find ourselves at crossroads, let’s not forget to take a deep breath and consider the lessons of Tom Cruise's high-flying career. Embrace the thrill of risk-taking, and who knows we might discover the key to unlocking our full potential.

“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]

Veteran Bollywood producer Ramesh Taurani has set the stage for an exhilarating lineup of films under his banner Tips Films, confirming the development of sequels to popular franchises and unveiling new ventures, PTI reported.... Read More At:- https://lnkd.in/gY4AFTB6 Tips Films Limted #RameshTaurani #bollywood #films #TipsFilms #popular #ventures #news #NewsUpdate #newsfeed #dailynews #IBWNews

Is a brand - art ?

Entering the entertainment industry? Understanding the roles of talent agents and managers is key to navigating your career path effectively. Agents focus on securing employment and negotiating deals, while managers shape your overall image and career progression. Both roles are nuanced with differences in their regulations, compensation structures, and client relationships. While a manager and an agent can make great additions to your team, knowing the difference between these roles is crucial to protect your interests and career. Learn more about the differences between talent managers and agents: https://lnkd.in/gNsih63e #agent #manager #talent #entertainment #team #RLEntertainment

I predict this will follow the 'new conservatism' in animated feature films following a wildly up-and-down 2023. That means, for Paramount in particular, that only big franchises get movies - no originals. But just because these movies will be based on big brands, it doesn't mean they're going to be bad. In fact, they will HAVE to be original, compelling, entertaining, and big cultural moments supported by smart consumer products and marketing (as the article details for TMNT) in order to be successful (in box office and retail). Also, worth noting is the relatively modest budgets for these films. Paw Patrol cost $30M and TMNT cost $70M. #animation #cartoons https://lnkd.in/eh63SbFX

How cool is this? The original blueprint envisioned by Walt Disney, even with only just a few films out. Disney's foresight laid the groundwork for what has become the epitome of franchise building. The principles seen in Disney's early strategy are more relevant than ever. He didn't just create films - he envisioned and created a universe that lives and breathes beyond the screen. This blueprint wasn't just about characters and stories but about creating an ecosystem where each element supports and enriches the others. It's a testament to the power of strategic planning in building a franchise that lasts.

“Paramount and Skydance said on Sunday they had reached an agreement to merge, a deal that would usher in a new era for CBS, Nickelodeon and the film studio behind the “Top Gun” and “Mission: Impossible” franchises. The deal is a turning point for the Redstone family, whose fortunes have been intertwined with the rise and fall of the traditional entertainment industry during the decades of its tumultuous ownership of Paramount and its predecessors. Shari Redstone, Paramount’s board chair, is cashing in much of her ownership in the company she fought to preserve and control. The merger has a “go shop” period that will give Paramount’s board a 45-day window to see if it can find a superior deal. But if the Skydance deal closes, it will anoint a new mogul in Hollywood. David Ellison, the tech scion behind Skydance, will become the top power broker at Paramount. The deal is in some ways the story of media writ large, with a family that made its fortune in traditional entertainment largely replaced by one enriched by technology — Mr. Ellison is the son of the Oracle founder Larry Ellison. The Ellisons’ considerable resources were a major selling point for the Redstones, who were seeking to shore up Paramount for the long-term. (…) The full value of the merger was not immediately clear because the deal is complex. Skydance and its financial backers will acquire National Amusements, the company that holds the Redstone family’s voting stock in Paramount, for roughly $1.75 billion. Paramount is also merging with Skydance, leaving the studio and its backers in charge of a media empire that includes film, TV and news properties. Paramount’s market capitalization — the value the stock market places on the company — is around $8.2 billion. The deal values Skydance at $4.75 billion. The offer from Skydance will allow many holders of Paramount’s nonvoting stock to cash out at roughly $15 per share. Investors who own voting stock will be able to sell at $23 per share. This will allow investors who feel shortchanged by the Skydance deal — there are many — to get rid of the company’s stock at a premium to its current price of $11.81.”

Thanks to Ralitsa Vasilovska for including me in the female transformational campaign. It was a pleasure to actually take some time out of the busy schedule to sit down and reflect on this topic - and summarize it all in the space of a one minute recording! Running busy lives in whatever shape or form, take their toll on us both physically and mentally and it is important we are all conscious of that and mitigate it to the best of our ability. Everyone's down time will look different to each others, but we can't be our best professional selves if we ignore the rest of our selves. If you are in the middle of a transformational project, make sure you try and carve out some time for yourself - and encourage your teams to do the same. Productivity will be boosted as a result! #womensdayiseveryday #mentalhealth #transformation #teamwork #productivityboost