English as a global language

In a key tie-up between Hollywood and China , Warner Bros has entered into a joint venture with China Media Capital to develop and produce a slate of Chinese-language films, including global tentpoles, for worldwide distribution. Based in Hong Kong and with offices in Beijing and LA, Flagship Entertainment Group Limited will be 51% owned by CMC, with Hong Kong broadcaster TVB holding 10% of the CMC-led consortium. Warner Bros will own the other 49%. Financial terms were not disclosed in the deal which was announced by the partners today in Beijing. The news comes in anticipation of Chinese President Xi’s visit to the U.S. next week. Plans are to develop, invest in, acquire and produce a wide range of Chinese language films for distribution throughout China and around the world via Warner Bros’ network. The first titles under the new imprint could be released as early as 2016. This confirms — and clarifies — word that first surfaced in late August. CMC is the … [Read more...] about Warner Bros, China Media Capital Form Flagship Entertainment Group; Joint Venture To Make Local-Language Films

In a truly stunning win that caps off an equally stunning awards season run, Bong Joon-ho ’s Parasite scooped the Oscar for Best Picture tonight. Since it debuted at the Cannes Film Festival last May, Bong’s black comedy thriller has been making history, and has now become the only foreign-language film to ever take the Academy’s top prize (note that while it was a French movie, the only line of dialogue in The Artist is in English). Parasite ‘s momentum tonight at the Dolby appeared to genuinely surprise Bong who started out the evening with the Best Original Screenplay Oscar , followed by the International Feature Film prize — upon which he declared he was “bloody ready to drink” until tomorrow morning. When he later won Best Director , he said he’d thought his time on stage was over with the previous award. He then paid tribute to Martin Scorsese, and added he really was ready to drink. But the Parasite momentum wasn’t over yet, and next came Best Picture. … [Read more...] about Oscars: ‘Parasite’ Caps Historic Night With Best Picture Triumph In First For A Film Not In English

The television business is becoming increasingly global, fueled by the rapid expansion of the major streaming platforms. That also goes for the major Hollywood talent agencies. Reps have always looked for opportunities beyond the U.S. But now, because of the increased demand for locally produced international content, they have stepped up their efforts. Also factoring into the acceleration is the ongoing impasse (and legal battle) between the Big 4 talent agencies and the Writers Guild of America which in April ordered its members to fire their agents if they hadn’t signed the guild’s new Code of Conduct. With literary agents having more time on their hands and a need to develop new revenue streams to make up for writer commissions and packaging fees, agencies have sharpened their focus and doubled efforts in pursuing international opportunities over the past eight months. Related Story WGA Poised To Lose Antitrust Dismissal Move Against CAA, WME & UTA; Case On … [Read more...] about Major Talent Agencies Step Up Global Expansion As WGA Standoff Continues

EXCLUSIVE: YouTube stars Vlad & Niki have signed with Underscore Talent for management with the aim of expanding the preschool franchise into a global kids entertainment property. This month, Vlad & Niki surpassed 152 million worldwide YouTube subscribers, with 63+ million on its English channel. The franchise registers more than 293 million monthly views in the U.S. and has more than 80 billion total views worldwide on its 16 channels translated into 13 languages. Led by Underscore Talent’s Reza Izad and Dan Weinstein, the management company will work with Sergey and Victoria Vashketov, the boys’ parents, to expand and oversee all areas of the entertainment property including furthering content offerings into syndication; development of new live-action formats; gaming; and supporting the partnerships driving new animation formats, promotional campaigns and merchandise. Related Story Alicia Keys Docuseries, Quavo Basketball Series & K-Pop Doc … [Read more...] about YouTube Preschool Stars Vlad & Niki Sign With Underscore Talent To Expand Franchise Into Global Entertainment Property

Disney/Pixar’s Soul continues to shine overseas with a $96.2M cume after seven frames. In 11 markets this session, the Pete Docter-helmed original added $6.9M to its international box office kitty with No. 1s again in Russia and Korea. In China, it has surpassed Incredibles 2 to become the market’s 2nd highest-grossing Pixar title ever. China in general had a soft session as the market looks forward to the Lunar New Year releases which begin rollout on February 12. Detective Chinatown 3 will storm the box office there next weekend, having hit over RMB 350M ($54M) in overall pre-sales, per Maoyan. Pre-sales for the full roster of this year’s New Year titles through opening day February 12 are estimated at over RMB 400M ($62M). Related Story 'The Little Things' Super Bowl Weekend B.O. On Par With Liam Neeson Pics During Pandemic China last year missed out on the Lunar New Year period owing to Covid closures (and this year will face 50% capacity restrictions … [Read more...] about ‘Soul’ Nears $100M Overseas & Becomes No. 2 Pixar Pic Ever In China Where Pre-Sales Pop For Lunar New Year Movies – International Box Office