By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief James Bond may have a license to kill, but Amazon MGM Studios now has a license to film. Amazon MGM Studios issued a joint statement with Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli saying they have formed a new joint venture to house the James Bond intellectual property rights. Most importantly, under the terms of the new venture, Amazon MGM … [Read more...] about Amazon Acquires Creative Control of the James Bond Franchise
Film
Analysis: Is Nature Pitching the Ultimate Disaster Movie to Hollywood?
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Four years ago the United Nations’ environment chief, Inger Andersen, said the devastating impacts of climate change are essentially “Nature sending us a message.” Clearly, that message did not get through. Despite a series of commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the pace of global warming has increased, as has humanity’s … [Read more...] about Analysis: Is Nature Pitching the Ultimate Disaster Movie to Hollywood?
Gender Parity Achieved for the First Time for Major Film Releases
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Two new studies showed that women achieved gender parity for major US film releases in 2024, the first time that has happened. One of the studies was Dr. Martha Lauzen's annual report, It's a Man's (Celluloid) World Report. It found that out of the 100 top grossing films in 2024, women played the lead in 42% of the films, which is the … [Read more...] about Gender Parity Achieved for the First Time for Major Film Releases
Warner’s Claim to Superman Brand Hit With Legal Kryptonite
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The estate of Superman co-creator Joseph Shuster has filed a copyright lawsuit against Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). The suit comes as Warner and DC Comics are filming a new Superman film as a the anchor to a major reboot of the DC Universe. But the Shuster estate has revealed what it believes is some legal kryptonite, claiming that the … [Read more...] about Warner’s Claim to Superman Brand Hit With Legal Kryptonite
Diversity Sells, But The Entertainment Industry Still Has a Long Way to Go
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Entertainment and Character sector drives more sales of licensed products and services than any other, so the characters you see depicted form a critical part of the licensing mix. According to recent research, however, both the entertainment and licensing industries are missing out on sales due to a lack of diversity in the mix … [Read more...] about Diversity Sells, But The Entertainment Industry Still Has a Long Way to Go
Sony Pictures Announces Three New Video Game Adaptations
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Sony Pictures is continuing its program of adapting top video games into films and series with three new adaptations. The new films and series will include adaptations of the runaway hit game Helldivers (pictured above), Horizon Zero Dawn, and Ghost of Tsushima. The announcements were made at the CES 2025 tech trade show, where Sony … [Read more...] about Sony Pictures Announces Three New Video Game Adaptations
Lion Forge: The Studio Forging More Diverse Programming in Animation
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief It’s probably fair to say that increased diversity in the entertainment industry has been driven primarily by activism by under-represented groups, particularly women, racial minorities and the LGBTQ+ community. But it’s also true that the industry is getting the message, and now understands that having diversity both in characters … [Read more...] about Lion Forge: The Studio Forging More Diverse Programming in Animation
Disney and BBC Studios Announce Animated Bluey Film
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter BBC Studios has partnered with The Walt Disney Company to develop an animated feature film for the Bluey entertainment franchise. “We are incredibly excited to take Bluey to cinemas given its extraordinary success on a global scale – it is some of the most popular IP in the world," said BBC Studios CEO, Tom Fussell. "It has been such a … [Read more...] about Disney and BBC Studios Announce Animated Bluey Film
Legendary and Mondo Celebrate the Monsterverse with Exclusive Collection
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Legendary Entertainment and Mondo have created an exclusive Monsterverse collection to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the cinematic action-adventure franchise. The licensing collaboration will offer fans a slate of limited-edition products inspired by Monsterverse films including Godzilla (2014), Kong: Skull Island (2017), Godzilla: … [Read more...] about Legendary and Mondo Celebrate the Monsterverse with Exclusive Collection
Steven Singer’s Gold Dipped Roses for the Witches of Wicked
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Steven Singer Jewelers is introducing to new gold-dipped rose designs, inspired by the upcoming film Wicked. The expert jeweler has become renowned for his famous gold-dipped roses, and over the years has launched a number of licensed versions for various entertainment brands. In this case, Singer is working with Universal Pictures … [Read more...] about Steven Singer’s Gold Dipped Roses for the Witches of Wicked