NBCUniversal Completes DreamWorks Animation Acquisition
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Advancing its position in kids and family entertainment, NBCUniversal, a division of Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA), announced Monday, August 22, 2016 that it had completed its acquisition of DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (DWA). The studio will become part of the Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, which includes Universal Pictures, Fandango, and NBCUniversal Brand Development.
Under terms of the deal valued at approximately $3.8 billion, DWA stockholders are receiving $41 in cash for each share of DWA common stock, and post-closing, DWA shares will no longer be listed on the NASDAQ.
In addition, on September 21, 2016, DWA will redeem all $300 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of its 6.875% Senior Notes due August 15, 2020 at a redemption price of 105.156% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the date of redemption.
About NBCUniversal
NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience.
NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, world-renowned theme parks, and a suite of leading Internet-based businesses. NBCUniversal is a division of Comcast Corporation.
About DreamWorks Animation
DWA is a global family entertainment company with business interests that span feature film and television production; licensing and consumer products; location-based entertainment; and new media properties, including the company’s controlling interest in AwesomenessTV. The company’s feature film heritage includes many of the world’s most-beloved characters and franchises, including Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon, while its 32 feature film releases have amassed more than $13 billion in global box office receipts. DWA’s television business has quickly become one of the world’s leading suppliers of high-quality family programming, reaching consumers on linear and on-demand platforms in more than 130 countries and winning a total of 25 Emmy™ Awards to date. The company’s deep portfolio of intellectual property is supported by a robust, worldwide consumer products practice, which includes licensing, and location-based entertainment venues around the world. DWA is also the majority owner of AwesomenessTV, a leading video destination for Generation Z and Millennial audiences, and also owns 45% of Oriental DreamWorks, a world-class animation studio in China that produces family entertainment for both Chinese and global audiences.
Note: This press release contains forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. Readers are directed to Comcast’s periodic and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a description of such risks and uncertainties. Comcast does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
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Thursday, August 25, 2016
Original "MST3K" Flies to Digital Broadcast Network, "Comet"
Original "Mystery Science Theater 3000" Comes to COMET - The Cult Classic to Begin Airing September 4, 2016
Original Japanese Godzilla Films and Other Shows Also Added; Programming Available in Nearly 100 Markets Via Sinclair, Tribune, Titan and Other Affiliates
LOS ANGELES & BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sinclair Television Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBGI) (“Sinclair”), and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (“MGM”), partner in COMET, a science fiction broadcast network, announced today a license agreement for episodes of the original “Mystery Science Theater 3000” (MST3K) from Shout! Factory. In addition, the classic Japanese Godzilla feature films from 1954 – 1975 have also been added to the upcoming roster of programming.
Watch #MST3K, #Godzilla and many more classic tv shows and movies on @WatchComet
“Mystery Science Theater 3000,” one of the most beloved cult television series of all time, follows the motley crew of a human host and his two robot sidekicks aboard the Satellite of Love. The hapless host, trapped by mad scientists on a satellite in space, is forced to watch some of the most outrageously unfortunate B movies ever created. Together they do a running commentary on the films, affectionately mocking their flaws with inspired wisecracks and acting as a demented movie theater peanut gallery. More than 190 episodes were produced as well as a feature film in 1996. Classic episodes of the series will begin September 4, 2016 on over 95 Comet Affiliates across the United States.
In addition to “Mystery Science Theater 3000,” COMET will begin airing numerous new shows and films, including “Jeremiah” on Thursdays beginning September 1, 2016, “Poltergeist: The Legacy” beginning September 5, 2016, “Dead Like Me” beginning September 6, 2016, and the original “The Outer Limits” on September 7, 2016.
COMET, a partnership between Sinclair and MGM, is the first-ever 24 hour/7 day per week science fiction digital broadcast network and features more than 1,500 hours of premium MGM content. Currently the network is in over 95 markets, covering over 80 million homes. In addition, Comet is available online and untethered at www.COMETtv.com. COMET offers popular favorites, cult classics and undiscovered gems on a daily programming schedule. The network is also the exclusive broadcast home of the “Stargate” Franchise.
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Original Japanese Godzilla Films and Other Shows Also Added; Programming Available in Nearly 100 Markets Via Sinclair, Tribune, Titan and Other Affiliates
LOS ANGELES & BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sinclair Television Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBGI) (“Sinclair”), and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (“MGM”), partner in COMET, a science fiction broadcast network, announced today a license agreement for episodes of the original “Mystery Science Theater 3000” (MST3K) from Shout! Factory. In addition, the classic Japanese Godzilla feature films from 1954 – 1975 have also been added to the upcoming roster of programming.
Watch #MST3K, #Godzilla and many more classic tv shows and movies on @WatchComet
“Mystery Science Theater 3000,” one of the most beloved cult television series of all time, follows the motley crew of a human host and his two robot sidekicks aboard the Satellite of Love. The hapless host, trapped by mad scientists on a satellite in space, is forced to watch some of the most outrageously unfortunate B movies ever created. Together they do a running commentary on the films, affectionately mocking their flaws with inspired wisecracks and acting as a demented movie theater peanut gallery. More than 190 episodes were produced as well as a feature film in 1996. Classic episodes of the series will begin September 4, 2016 on over 95 Comet Affiliates across the United States.
In addition to “Mystery Science Theater 3000,” COMET will begin airing numerous new shows and films, including “Jeremiah” on Thursdays beginning September 1, 2016, “Poltergeist: The Legacy” beginning September 5, 2016, “Dead Like Me” beginning September 6, 2016, and the original “The Outer Limits” on September 7, 2016.
COMET, a partnership between Sinclair and MGM, is the first-ever 24 hour/7 day per week science fiction digital broadcast network and features more than 1,500 hours of premium MGM content. Currently the network is in over 95 markets, covering over 80 million homes. In addition, Comet is available online and untethered at www.COMETtv.com. COMET offers popular favorites, cult classics and undiscovered gems on a daily programming schedule. The network is also the exclusive broadcast home of the “Stargate” Franchise.
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Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Kobe Bryant's Venture Capital Fund Invests in VIPKID
Kobe Bryant Announces Investment in Chinese Education Company VIPKID
First education investment ever by Bryant Stibel’s new $100 million fund
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--VIPKID, the leading online education platform for children in China to learn English through teachers in North America, today announced it has received investment from the $100 million fund by Bryant Stibel, the venture capital firm announced by Kobe Bryant and Jeff Stibel at the NYSE on August 22, 2016. The investment in VIPKID marks Bryant Stibel’s first ever investment in education, as well as the firm’s second investment in a Chinese company following their first investment in Alibaba in 2014.
Bryant Stibel @kobebryant @stibel invests in @TheVIPKIDLife, their 1st ever edu investment, from their $100M fund.
Two months ago, the basketball legend met with VIPKID, a company that uses the on-demand economy model to connect children in China with teachers in North America, aiming to give children in China a virtual North American elementary school experience. “Their platform is changing things,” Kobe Bryant said in an interview with the Los Angeles Times on Monday. Bryant said it took him only five minutes of listening about VIPKID to decide he wanted to invest. “It’s a no-brainer for me. We have to look for companies adding value to society, helping kids learn and grow.”
“We value Kobe`s influence in the U.S. and around the world,” said Cindy Mi, founder and CEO of VIPKID. “With this investment, we can strengthen the bridging of resources between the U.S. and China and further improve VIPKID`s strategic plans for international development.”
The connection between VIPKID and Bryant Stibel was facilitated by Learn Capital, the Silicon Valley VC firm that is at the forefront of the global educational technology sector. Earlier this month on Aug. 3, VIPKID announced a $100 million Series C round led jointly by Sequoia Capital and Jack Ma’s Yunfeng Capital. Winning support from Bryant Stibel less than a month later establishes VIPKID as an industry leader and global contender in the online education space.
The new funding will accelerate VIPKID’s plans to fuel efforts in curriculum and product development, and maintain its leading position in content, teaching standards, product experience, and service quality. With the company currently hiring over 1,000 instructors a month across North America, the financing will also help grow its network of teachers. Additionally, VIPKID will also speed up the strategic development of globalizing its entire platform.
ABOUT VIPKID
Founded in 2013, VIPKID's mission is to provide the North American elementary school experience to children in China between the ages of five to twelve years old, all from the comfort of their homes. Headquartered in Beijing, the company offers fully immersive one-on-one English language instruction provided online by the world's most highly qualified teachers. Curriculum is aligned to U.S. Common Core State Standards and uses a flipped-classroom approach to foster creativity and critical thinking skills. To date, VIPKID has over half a million registered users. For more information, go to t.vipkid.com.cn.
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First education investment ever by Bryant Stibel’s new $100 million fund
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--VIPKID, the leading online education platform for children in China to learn English through teachers in North America, today announced it has received investment from the $100 million fund by Bryant Stibel, the venture capital firm announced by Kobe Bryant and Jeff Stibel at the NYSE on August 22, 2016. The investment in VIPKID marks Bryant Stibel’s first ever investment in education, as well as the firm’s second investment in a Chinese company following their first investment in Alibaba in 2014.
Bryant Stibel @kobebryant @stibel invests in @TheVIPKIDLife, their 1st ever edu investment, from their $100M fund.
Two months ago, the basketball legend met with VIPKID, a company that uses the on-demand economy model to connect children in China with teachers in North America, aiming to give children in China a virtual North American elementary school experience. “Their platform is changing things,” Kobe Bryant said in an interview with the Los Angeles Times on Monday. Bryant said it took him only five minutes of listening about VIPKID to decide he wanted to invest. “It’s a no-brainer for me. We have to look for companies adding value to society, helping kids learn and grow.”
“We value Kobe`s influence in the U.S. and around the world,” said Cindy Mi, founder and CEO of VIPKID. “With this investment, we can strengthen the bridging of resources between the U.S. and China and further improve VIPKID`s strategic plans for international development.”
The connection between VIPKID and Bryant Stibel was facilitated by Learn Capital, the Silicon Valley VC firm that is at the forefront of the global educational technology sector. Earlier this month on Aug. 3, VIPKID announced a $100 million Series C round led jointly by Sequoia Capital and Jack Ma’s Yunfeng Capital. Winning support from Bryant Stibel less than a month later establishes VIPKID as an industry leader and global contender in the online education space.
The new funding will accelerate VIPKID’s plans to fuel efforts in curriculum and product development, and maintain its leading position in content, teaching standards, product experience, and service quality. With the company currently hiring over 1,000 instructors a month across North America, the financing will also help grow its network of teachers. Additionally, VIPKID will also speed up the strategic development of globalizing its entire platform.
ABOUT VIPKID
Founded in 2013, VIPKID's mission is to provide the North American elementary school experience to children in China between the ages of five to twelve years old, all from the comfort of their homes. Headquartered in Beijing, the company offers fully immersive one-on-one English language instruction provided online by the world's most highly qualified teachers. Curriculum is aligned to U.S. Common Core State Standards and uses a flipped-classroom approach to foster creativity and critical thinking skills. To date, VIPKID has over half a million registered users. For more information, go to t.vipkid.com.cn.
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EA Sports "Madden NFL 17" Launches with New Gameplay
Take Your Team All the Way in EA SPORTS Madden NFL 17
New Gameplay Features, Franchise Enhancements, a New Commentary Team and More Highlight this Year’s Edition
REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) launched Madden NFL 17, the latest edition of the storied franchise. This year’s title raises the bar once again, with new gameplay features and improvements to all three phases of the sport; offense, defense and special teams. The game also features a whole new way to play Franchise games, as well as the completely new commentary team of Brandon Gaudin and Charles Davis, who bring a fresh perspective to the on-field action.
“Every year our challenge is taking a franchise the fans know and love, and finding ways to make it even better”
New players and returning vets alike will find something to love about Madden NFL 17. Automatic skill moves for runners on lower difficulty levels open up the opportunity for amazing plays in every game, while new skill moves and animations will give veteran players a way to set themselves apart from the competition. Franchise players looking to quickly advance through a season can take advantage of Play the Moments - the fastest way to play Madden NFL 17- to jump into the game at key third downs, game-winning drives and more. Would-be GMs can utilize new Big Decisions to manage every facet of their team in the quickest and most convenient way ever. No matter your play style or favored game mode, this year you have the tools to take your team all the way.
Madden NFL 17 introduces the new commentary duo of Brandon Gaudin and Charles Davis, who not only bring new voices to the game, but also will be recording additional commentary throughout the year which can be added to Madden NFL 17 as it becomes available. The natural chemistry of Brandon and Charles, along with their deep football knowledge, serve as the perfect companion to the action unfolding on the gridiron, and they will be players’ constant companions throughout the game. Brandon and Charles will be regularly recording new lines in light of what’s happening around the league. In fact, the game has already received a pre-launch commentary update with an eye toward NFL pre-season storylines.
“Every year our challenge is taking a franchise the fans know and love, and finding ways to make it even better,” said Madden NFL 17 Executive Producer Seann Graddy. “I’m consistently impressed by the passion and creativity of this team, and when I look at this game I see their love of the sport and of this franchise shine through. We are so glad the fans are finally getting their chance to see the game for themselves, and look forward to hearing their feedback.”
Mobile players can get their football fix as well, as EA SPORTS Madden NFL Mobile recently launched Season 3. The game showcases new features, new challenges and a whole new roster so players can build a dominant team, take on fresh challenges every day and compete with their friends to determine who has the ultimate team. Madden NFL Mobile is free-to-download* and is available on the App Store and Google Play.
Madden NFL 17 is developed in Orlando, Florida by EA Tiburon and is available now for Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3. To learn more about Madden NFL 17, visit http://www.easports.com/madden-nfl.
EA Access members receive a 10 percent discount when they purchase a digital version of the Madden NFL 17 on Xbox Live.
All player participation has been facilitated by NFL Players Inc., the licensing and marketing subsidiary of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA).
The EA SPORTS™ brand is one of the leading sports entertainment brands in the world, with top-selling videogame franchises, award-winning interactive technology, fan programs and cross-platform digital experiences. The EA SPORTS studios create connected experiences that ignite the emotion of sports through videogames, including Madden NFL football, EA SPORTS™ FIFA, NHL® hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, Rory McIlroy PGA TOUR® golf, SSX™ and EA SPORTS UFC®.
For more information about EA SPORTS games, including news, video, blogs, forums and game apps, please visit www.easports.com to connect, share and compete.
*NETWORK FEES MAY APPLY.
About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company delivers games, content and online services for Internet-connected consoles, personal computers, mobile phones and tablets. EA has more than 300 million registered players around the world.
In fiscal year 2016, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $4.4 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognized for a portfolio of critically acclaimed, high-quality blockbuster brands such as The Sims™, Madden NFL, EA SPORTS™ FIFA, Battlefield™, Dragon Age™ and Plants vs. Zombies™. More information about EA is available at www.ea.com/news.
EA SPORTS, The Sims, Dragon Age, Plants vs. Zombies and Battlefield are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. and its subsidiaries. John Madden, NFL and FIFA are the property of their respective owners and used with permission.
EA, EA SPORTS, The Sims, Battlefield, Dragon Age, Plants vs. Zombies and SSX are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. and its subsidiaries. John Madden, NFL, NHL, NBA, PGA TOUR, UFC and FIFA are the property of their respective owners and used with permission.
Xbox and Xbox 360 are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. "PlayStation" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
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DreamWorks Animation Announces New Leadership and Structure
Universal Filmed Entertainment Group Announces Structure and Leadership Team for DreamWorks Animation Business
Universal to Assume Oversight of Operations
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following the closing of NBCUniversal’s acquisition of DreamWorks Animation (DWA) yesterday, Universal Filmed Entertainment Group today announced its new structure and senior management team for DWA business segments.
“As we integrate its operations into Universal Filmed Entertainment, we are confident the first-class team we’ve put in place to lead various segments will build on that great tradition of success across film, television and related businesses.”
“The DreamWorks Animation brand brings with it a cachet that few family entertainment companies can match,” commented Ron Meyer, Vice Chairman, NBCUniversal, Jeff Shell, Chairman, Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Donna Langley, Chairman, Universal Pictures. “As we integrate its operations into Universal Filmed Entertainment, we are confident the first-class team we’ve put in place to lead various segments will build on that great tradition of success across film, television and related businesses.”
The structure and leadership for business segments going forward:
About Universal Pictures
Universal Pictures is a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is part of NBCUniversal. NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.
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Universal to Assume Oversight of Operations
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following the closing of NBCUniversal’s acquisition of DreamWorks Animation (DWA) yesterday, Universal Filmed Entertainment Group today announced its new structure and senior management team for DWA business segments.
“As we integrate its operations into Universal Filmed Entertainment, we are confident the first-class team we’ve put in place to lead various segments will build on that great tradition of success across film, television and related businesses.”
“The DreamWorks Animation brand brings with it a cachet that few family entertainment companies can match,” commented Ron Meyer, Vice Chairman, NBCUniversal, Jeff Shell, Chairman, Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Donna Langley, Chairman, Universal Pictures. “As we integrate its operations into Universal Filmed Entertainment, we are confident the first-class team we’ve put in place to lead various segments will build on that great tradition of success across film, television and related businesses.”
The structure and leadership for business segments going forward:
- The DreamWorks feature animation group will be added to Universal’s portfolio of film labels and production partners and will be run by Co-Presidents of Feature Animation, Bonnie Arnold and Mireille Soria, under the leadership of Universal Pictures Chairman, Donna Langley.
- Margie Cohn, Head of Animation TV, will lead the integrated DreamWorks and Universal television animation business, reporting to Universal Filmed Entertainment Group Chairman, Jeff Shell.
- NBCUniversal Brand Development President, Vince Klaseus, will lead the combined Universal and DreamWorks Animation games, digital and consumer products organization, reporting to Shell.
- Corporate functions as well as marketing and distribution will be fully aligned with the NBCUniversal structure.
- Former DreamWorks Animation CEO, Jeffrey Katzenberg, will become Chairman of DreamWorks new media, which will oversee NBCU’s ownership stakes in Awesomeness TV and NOVA. DreamWorks Animation President, Ann Daly, will step down from her post and will serve as an advisor during the transition.
About Universal Pictures
Universal Pictures is a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is part of NBCUniversal. NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.
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Stacey Snider is New Chairman and CEO of 20th Century Fox Film
Stacey Snider to Assume Leadership of Twentieth Century Fox Film on September 1, 2016
Longtime Chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos Departs Following Storied Career at the Studio
NEW YORK & LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--21st Century Fox (NASDAQ:FOXA, FOX) announced today that it will complete its previously announced leadership succession at Twentieth Century Fox Film on September 1, 2016 when Stacey Snider assumes the role of Chairman and CEO.
“We are incredibly grateful to Jim for his many contributions to our film business over his storied career at the studio and wish him much success on his next endeavors”
Longtime executive Jim Gianopulos, the Chairman and CEO of 20th Century Fox Film, has chosen to step down from his current post earlier than planned, allowing for a more immediate transition of leadership for the film studio.
Snider, who has served as the film studio’s Co-Chairman since November 2014, will oversee all areas of the film studio, including the studio’s five production divisions, global marketing and distribution and home entertainment.
“We are incredibly grateful to Jim for his many contributions to our film business over his storied career at the studio and wish him much success on his next endeavors,” said Lachlan Murdoch and James Murdoch. “We are fortunate to have Stacey with us to lead the studio into its next chapter and are confident we will see great success under her headship.”
“I am so grateful to Jim for his guidance and friendship since I joined Fox,” said Stacey Snider. “We will all miss his wisdom and business instincts and wish him the best in whatever endeavors he takes on next. I am truly excited to embark upon this new challenge and look forward to building upon, with all my colleagues, the awesome legacy 20th Century Fox has carved into the foundation of this industry.”
“After 25 years at the studio, and 16 years as Chairman/CEO, I have experienced the greatest joys, successes and thrills that this business can offer. I am grateful for the opportunities the Murdochs have afforded me, and to all of my friends and colleagues at Fox, past and present. I am confident that the studio will flourish with the films Stacey and I have put in production and development, together and the films she and Fox’s great executives and filmmakers will produce in the future. I will miss the place where I have spent the majority of my career, and I wish everyone at Fox the best of success, health and happiness going forward,” said Jim Gianopulos.
About Jim Gianopolus
Gianopulos served as Chairman and CEO of 20th Century Fox Film since 2000, overseeing all feature film production, marketing, and global distribution of film and television content in all media. During his time as Chairman and CEO of Fox the studio had its most profitable years ever, and in 2014, Fox broke the all-time industry global box-office record, earning more than $5.5 billion. In 2015, the studio had the distinction of earning an industry leading 30 Academy Award nominations for such films as The Martian, The Revenant and Brooklyn.
During his tenure at the studio, Mr. Gianopulos oversaw a broad range of successful films, including most recently Deadpool, The Martian, Kingsman: The Secret Service, as well as SPY, Birdman, X-Men: Days of Future Past, Life of Pi, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, The Fault in Our Stars, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Gone Girl, the Night at the Museum series, the Ice Age animated franchise, The Simpsons Movie, Borat, The Day After Tomorrow, Walk the Line, the Star Wars Trilogy: Special Edition, The Descendants, and Moulin Rouge, among many others. He also championed two of the biggest gambles, and the two highest grossing films of all time: Avatar and Titanic.
Prior to his current post, Mr. Gianopulos served as President of Twentieth Century Fox International, a position he held from 1994-2000. Among the many notable achievements during Mr. Gianopulos’ tenure at Fox International was leading the studio’s global expansion and the release of the Oscar winners Titanic and Braveheart, and at one time having four of the five biggest box office films internationally.
About Stacey Snider
Snider joined Fox after eight years as CEO and co-chairman of DreamWorks Studios, where she was a partner with Steven Spielberg. At DreamWorks, Snider oversaw creative and financial aspects of all film development and production for the studio including a wide range of commercially successful and critically acclaimed films. Among the many highlights of her tenure there are Lincoln, co-produced with 20th Century Fox, directed by Spielberg, and starring Daniel Day-Lewis, who won an Oscar for his portrayal of the 16th President of the United States; The Help, Clint Eastwood’s Flags of Our Fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima; Dreamgirls, War Horse; The Hundred-Foot Journey; and the musical Sweeney Todd. Snider also oversaw the box-office hits Tropic Thunder, Transformers and Eagle Eye.
Prior to joining DreamWorks in 2006, Snider served as chairman of Universal Pictures, where, during her tenure running the studio she experienced notable success with a consistent output of films that were global box-office hits, while garnering wide critical praise. Erin Brockovich, A Beautiful Mind, Seabiscuit, Ray, Lost in Translation, and Brokeback Mountain were among the films that won critical and Academy Award recognition. Some of the franchises she originated and oversaw include The Bourne series, The Mummy series, the American Pie series, The Fast and the Furious series, and the Meet the Parents series.
Before she came to Universal, Snider was president of TriStar Pictures, where she worked on such films as Jerry Maguire, Sleepless in Seattle, As Good As It Gets and Philadelphia. She came to Tri-Star following her position as executive vice president of Guber Peters Entertainment.
About 21st Century Fox
21st Century Fox is the world's premier portfolio of cable, broadcast, film, pay TV and satellite assets spanning six continents across the globe. Reaching more than 1.8 billion subscribers in approximately 50 local languages every day, 21st Century Fox is home to a global portfolio of cable and broadcasting networks and properties, including FOX, FX, FXX, FXM, FS1, Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, FOX Sports, Fox Sports Network, National Geographic Channels, STAR India, 28 local television stations in the U.S. and more than 300 international channels; film studio Twentieth Century Fox Film; and television production studios Twentieth Century Fox Television and a 50% ownership interest in Endemol Shine Group. The Company also holds a 39.1% ownership interest in Sky, Europe’s leading entertainment company, which serves 21 million customers across five countries. For more information about 21st Century Fox, please visit www.21CF.com.
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Longtime Chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos Departs Following Storied Career at the Studio
NEW YORK & LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--21st Century Fox (NASDAQ:FOXA, FOX) announced today that it will complete its previously announced leadership succession at Twentieth Century Fox Film on September 1, 2016 when Stacey Snider assumes the role of Chairman and CEO.
“We are incredibly grateful to Jim for his many contributions to our film business over his storied career at the studio and wish him much success on his next endeavors”
Longtime executive Jim Gianopulos, the Chairman and CEO of 20th Century Fox Film, has chosen to step down from his current post earlier than planned, allowing for a more immediate transition of leadership for the film studio.
Snider, who has served as the film studio’s Co-Chairman since November 2014, will oversee all areas of the film studio, including the studio’s five production divisions, global marketing and distribution and home entertainment.
“We are incredibly grateful to Jim for his many contributions to our film business over his storied career at the studio and wish him much success on his next endeavors,” said Lachlan Murdoch and James Murdoch. “We are fortunate to have Stacey with us to lead the studio into its next chapter and are confident we will see great success under her headship.”
“I am so grateful to Jim for his guidance and friendship since I joined Fox,” said Stacey Snider. “We will all miss his wisdom and business instincts and wish him the best in whatever endeavors he takes on next. I am truly excited to embark upon this new challenge and look forward to building upon, with all my colleagues, the awesome legacy 20th Century Fox has carved into the foundation of this industry.”
“After 25 years at the studio, and 16 years as Chairman/CEO, I have experienced the greatest joys, successes and thrills that this business can offer. I am grateful for the opportunities the Murdochs have afforded me, and to all of my friends and colleagues at Fox, past and present. I am confident that the studio will flourish with the films Stacey and I have put in production and development, together and the films she and Fox’s great executives and filmmakers will produce in the future. I will miss the place where I have spent the majority of my career, and I wish everyone at Fox the best of success, health and happiness going forward,” said Jim Gianopulos.
About Jim Gianopolus
Gianopulos served as Chairman and CEO of 20th Century Fox Film since 2000, overseeing all feature film production, marketing, and global distribution of film and television content in all media. During his time as Chairman and CEO of Fox the studio had its most profitable years ever, and in 2014, Fox broke the all-time industry global box-office record, earning more than $5.5 billion. In 2015, the studio had the distinction of earning an industry leading 30 Academy Award nominations for such films as The Martian, The Revenant and Brooklyn.
During his tenure at the studio, Mr. Gianopulos oversaw a broad range of successful films, including most recently Deadpool, The Martian, Kingsman: The Secret Service, as well as SPY, Birdman, X-Men: Days of Future Past, Life of Pi, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, The Fault in Our Stars, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Gone Girl, the Night at the Museum series, the Ice Age animated franchise, The Simpsons Movie, Borat, The Day After Tomorrow, Walk the Line, the Star Wars Trilogy: Special Edition, The Descendants, and Moulin Rouge, among many others. He also championed two of the biggest gambles, and the two highest grossing films of all time: Avatar and Titanic.
Prior to his current post, Mr. Gianopulos served as President of Twentieth Century Fox International, a position he held from 1994-2000. Among the many notable achievements during Mr. Gianopulos’ tenure at Fox International was leading the studio’s global expansion and the release of the Oscar winners Titanic and Braveheart, and at one time having four of the five biggest box office films internationally.
About Stacey Snider
Snider joined Fox after eight years as CEO and co-chairman of DreamWorks Studios, where she was a partner with Steven Spielberg. At DreamWorks, Snider oversaw creative and financial aspects of all film development and production for the studio including a wide range of commercially successful and critically acclaimed films. Among the many highlights of her tenure there are Lincoln, co-produced with 20th Century Fox, directed by Spielberg, and starring Daniel Day-Lewis, who won an Oscar for his portrayal of the 16th President of the United States; The Help, Clint Eastwood’s Flags of Our Fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima; Dreamgirls, War Horse; The Hundred-Foot Journey; and the musical Sweeney Todd. Snider also oversaw the box-office hits Tropic Thunder, Transformers and Eagle Eye.
Prior to joining DreamWorks in 2006, Snider served as chairman of Universal Pictures, where, during her tenure running the studio she experienced notable success with a consistent output of films that were global box-office hits, while garnering wide critical praise. Erin Brockovich, A Beautiful Mind, Seabiscuit, Ray, Lost in Translation, and Brokeback Mountain were among the films that won critical and Academy Award recognition. Some of the franchises she originated and oversaw include The Bourne series, The Mummy series, the American Pie series, The Fast and the Furious series, and the Meet the Parents series.
Before she came to Universal, Snider was president of TriStar Pictures, where she worked on such films as Jerry Maguire, Sleepless in Seattle, As Good As It Gets and Philadelphia. She came to Tri-Star following her position as executive vice president of Guber Peters Entertainment.
About 21st Century Fox
21st Century Fox is the world's premier portfolio of cable, broadcast, film, pay TV and satellite assets spanning six continents across the globe. Reaching more than 1.8 billion subscribers in approximately 50 local languages every day, 21st Century Fox is home to a global portfolio of cable and broadcasting networks and properties, including FOX, FX, FXX, FXM, FS1, Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, FOX Sports, Fox Sports Network, National Geographic Channels, STAR India, 28 local television stations in the U.S. and more than 300 international channels; film studio Twentieth Century Fox Film; and television production studios Twentieth Century Fox Television and a 50% ownership interest in Endemol Shine Group. The Company also holds a 39.1% ownership interest in Sky, Europe’s leading entertainment company, which serves 21 million customers across five countries. For more information about 21st Century Fox, please visit www.21CF.com.
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"Sailor Moon Crystal Set 1" Offers 14 Episodes of "Sailor Moon Crystal"
Popular Updated Anime Series Based On The Classic
SAILOR MOON Manga Debuts As A Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack Featuring 14 Uncut Episodes Along With Special Bonus Features
San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, thrills anime fans and legions of aspiring interstellar guardians with the home media release of SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL SET 1.
SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL SET 1 is available as a special Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack as well as a multi-disc Standard Edition DVD Set and Standard Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack. The SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL SET 1 Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack carries an MSRP of $79.99 U.S. / $99.99 CAN (Standard Edition $69.99 U.S. / $81.99 CAN); the Standard Edition DVD carries an MSRP of $39.99 U.S. / $51.99 CAN.
With these new home media releases, audiences can enjoy the action of the first 14 episodes of the acclaimed reboot of the classic anime series based on Naoko Takeuchi's original Sailor Moon manga series along with a host of notable bonus features.
The SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL SET 1 Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack contains a deluxe, 4-disc collection (two DVDs & two Blu-rays), packaged with an exclusive chipboard box with specialty printing. The LE Combo Pack also contains seven full-color collectible art cards and a premium 88-page full-color art booklet featuring episode summaries, exclusive interviews, character settings and more. Blu-ray bonus content includes series trailers, a digital art gallery and a special “Introduction to SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL” featurette with the English voice actors. Blu-ray episodes are presented in 1080p HD video format from the Japanese home video masters.
The SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL SET 1 Standard DVD Set features four discs with beautifully illustrated variant O-card packaging and specialty foil printing. Episodes will be presented in 480p standard video format.
“The saga of Sailor Moon and her band of legendary interstellar guardians is wonderfully updated for a new generation of fans in SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL and we are proud to deliver the first home media release for the new series,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Marketing Manager, Animation. “We know many new viewers along with fans of the original series have anticipated this release and they will be delighted with the crisp HD presentation and the many extra features we also included.”
Naoko Takeuchi’s landmark series, Sailor Moon, returns for a new generation! SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL tells the story of Usagi Tsukino, an awkward teenage girl whose life is turned upside-down when she becomes Sailor Moon, guardian of justice and the Legendary Silver Crystal. With Tokyo under constant threat from the dark forces of Queen Metalia, Usagi’s arrival couldn’t have come at a better time. And luckily, she won’t have to do it alone! Other Sailor Guardians are awakening to join in the fight and help Usagi answer the biggest question of all: What power does the Legendary Silver Crystal hold?
Fans are also invited to enjoy the original, classic SAILOR MOON anime series available from VIZ Media as Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo Packs as well as a multi-disc Standard Edition DVD Sets.
For more information on SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL or other award-winning anime titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.
About VIZ Media, LLC
Established in 1986, VIZ Media is the premier company in the field of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing. Along with its popular digital magazine WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, DRAGON BALL, SAILOR MOON, and POKÉMON, VIZ Media offers an extensive library of titles and original content in a wide variety of book and video formats, as well as through official licensed merchandise. Owned by three of Japan's largest publishing and entertainment companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is dedicated to bringing the best titles for English-speaking audiences worldwide.
Learn more about VIZ Media and its properties at www.VIZ.com.
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