Kelly Bayett

California Production Coalition: Fighting to Keep Hollywood Filming in California. https://lnkd.in/g-BtDZgq Entertainment Partners is excited to be part of the California Production Coalition to ensure California remains THE place to film! California has phenomenal resources and over 100 years of experience in productions. Excited to see this coalition being launched today! It's very important to note, Productions in California bring high-paying jobs and economic activity to every part of our state. And I'm proud to be part of the fight to protect that. Are you ready to join the fight for film, TV, and streaming production in California?   Along with nearly early three dozen film, television, and streaming production businesses and associations have formed the California Production Coalition to advocate for policies that strengthen California’s film industry. It’s a pleasure to be working alongside other businesses to improve conditions for filming in our home state. The group, including members like the Motion Picture Association (MPA), Television City Studios, and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, aims to address declining production activity, which has been slow to recover after the pandemic and last year’s strikes.   Representing prop houses, equipment leasing firms, payroll companies and other service providers, the coalition is focused on expanding California’s film tax credit program. Their first priority: supporting Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposal to increase the annual program from $330M to $750M. This expansion could boost local jobs and revenue, building on the $961.5M in tax revenue and over 110,000 jobs supported by the credit between 2015 and 2020, per the LAEDC.   The coalition, which began organizing last summer, aims to educate policymakers and the public on the benefits of keeping productions in-state. They also advocate for reducing red tape to make California more competitive with rivals like Georgia, New Mexico, Canada, the UK and Australia.   With production volumes down 17% globally and reality TV shoots in Los Angeles declining by 56%, coalition members warn of the economic ripple effects on businesses that rely on a thriving production ecosystem.   The coalition’s mission: ensure that Hollywood’s legacy and economic contributions remain rooted in California, while creating a stronger, more competitive future for the state’s film and TV industry.   https://lnkd.in/gxXi4BuQ https://lnkd.in/gxXi4BuQ Entertainment Partners #CaliforniaProductionCoalition #CaliforniaFilmIndustry #TaxCredits #Hollywood #jobs

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Choosing the right location for your film can significantly boost your budget. Rebates can make a huge difference in your production budget. Explore your options and maximize your funding. Interested in more details? DM me for a comprehensive guide on leveraging these rebates for your next project! P.S. Have you used film tax rebates before? Share your insights below!

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I've been closely following The Boxoffice Company's Boxoffice Pro for Daniel Loria's & his team's insightful analysis of the American film industry. However, a recent episode *link mentioend below) highlighted a significant gap in the global ticketing and entertainment landscape. Loria pointed out the absence of a Fandango equivalent, to which I would like to emphasize the dominance of BookMyShow in the pockets of billions of Indians and Southeast Asians for ticket purchases. Please help me comprehend logic and reason behind the team's strong conviction that Fandango's equvivalent is non-existent anywhere in the world? I do take this opportunity to mention that BoxOffice should start paying close attention to India, Malaysia, Japan, Korea along with China for his global analysis. So, that it can be a true global leader in #entertainment analysis. Link to the episode: https://lnkd.in/gCWu6FxC #FilmIndustry #BoxofficePro #GlobalMarketInsights

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Hollywood Betting Big on Genre Films: AFM’s Vegas Move Signals Shift in the Independent Film Market For the first time in its 45-year history, the American Film Market (AFM) has traded the coastal ambiance of Santa Monica for the glitzy setting of Las Vegas, launching its 2024 event at the Palms Casino Resort. This relocation comes with high hopes for streamlined networking, concentrated events, and fresh energy—but also a dose of skepticism as the independent film market continues to erode. With a notable focus on genre films, the independent film industry is gathering to confront market challenges in a bold new setting. A New Venue and New Energy Relocating from Los Angeles, where AFM was a fixture for over four decades, the Las Vegas setting promises to bring renewed energy to the market. At the Palms Casino Resort, all activities—from screenings to panels to networking events—are conveniently held under one roof, a feature set to alleviate some of the logistical challenges of prior years. By consolidating everything into one venue, AFM aims to foster a community atmosphere, allowing filmmakers, distributors, and buyers to maximize their time without shuttling across various locations. The all-in-one setup at the Palms is already a draw for industry heavyweights. With 286 sales, production, and distribution companies registered, including significant players, AFM sees increased interest from international representatives spanning 80 countries. European delegates from Italy, France, and Germany are attending in solid numbers, underscoring the global appeal of AFM’s new setting. The Rise of Genre Films Amid Uncertain Markets In an industry facing unpredictable returns from theatrical releases, genre films have emerged as a key investment focus at this year’s AFM. Genre films, especially horror and action, command significant buyer interest due to their strong built-in audiences and relatively lower risk. The recent success of horror films like Longlegs and Terrifier 3 has reinforced this trend, with AFM showcasing an impressive slate of horror and action offerings. Projects generating buzz include George A. Romero’s final zombie movie, Twilight of the Dead, directed by Brad Anderson, and the psychological thriller Victoria Psycho, which reunites Sanctuary star Margaret Qualley with director Zachary Wigon. Action films are also gaining traction, with high-profile offerings such as Cleaner, featuring Daisy Ridley in a Die Hard-style thriller, and The Last Druid, a sword-and-sandals epic led by Russell Crowe.

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The New Power Duo: Chief Marketing Officer + Chief Entertainment Officer. The future of brand relevance and growth lies in a combination of both Entertainment & Marketing, working in tandem. As the business landscape shifts, one thing is clear—marketing and entertainment are no longer separate strategies. The most forward-thinking companies are recognizing the power of having both a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and a Chief Entertainment Officer (CEO) working hand-in-hand to drive growth, engagement, and cultural relevance. Here’s why this partnership is essential in today’s attention-driven economy: 1. CMO + CEO = Strategic Creativity: While the CMO focuses on overall brand strategy and positioning, the Chief Entertainment Officer brings creative storytelling into the mix. Together, they build a brand narrative that is not only data-driven but also emotionally resonant, capturing the hearts and minds of consumers. 2. Maximizing Audience Engagement: The CMO ensures the brand message is consistent and aligns with business goals. The CEO elevates this by turning the brand into a cultural experience, creating content and partnerships that draw people in organically. This duo ensures that every touchpoint—from social media campaigns, live experiences and hollywood style, long form & short form content, both scripted/unscripted —leaves a lasting impression. 3. Driving Revenue with Storytelling: When marketing strategies are aligned with entertainment-driven content, the opportunities for new revenue streams multiply. Whether it’s branded content, influencer partnerships, or media collaborations, the CEO works closely with the CMO to ensure these initiatives are monetized effectively. 4. Staying Culturally Relevant: The CMO ensures the brand stays on message, while the Chief Entertainment Officer keeps the brand relevant in culture. Together, they ensure that the brand is not just following trends but setting them, driving conversations and engagement across platforms. 5. Building a Creative-First Culture: Both roles work internally to foster a culture of creativity and innovation. The CMO sets the strategic direction, and the CEO empowers teams to think like creators, pushing boundaries and unlocking new possibilities for the brand. In a world where content is king and attention is gold, the partnership between the CMO and CEO is the key to unlocking both brand loyalty and growth. Together, they create a powerful synergy—combining strategy with storytelling, marketing with entertainment—to ensure brands not only stay relevant but thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Brands that act like media companies are the ones leading the charge and will continue to thrive. #MarketingLeadership #EntertainmentStrategy #CMO #ChiefEntertainmentOfficer #Storytelling #BrandGrowth #ContentMarketing #BusinessInnovation #ChiefMarketingOfficer

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MARTIN GROVE'S WEEKEND BOXOFFICE BUZZ: Now playing below -- a quick look at the upcoming July 4th holiday weekend.   . Universal/Illumination Entertainment's PG rated animated sequel DESPICABLE ME 4 is opening 7/3 at about 4,000 theatres. It's expected to generate colorful boxoffice fireworks with around $140M for five days -- or more, which is usually the case these days! The RT critics are haters at 63%, but that won't keep families away. It's tracking best with men under 25 (13 points over norm) and next best with women under 25 (12 points over norm).   . Lionsgate/Roadside Attractions' R rated Indian action crime drama KILL is opening wide 7/4. Pundits are guessing $4-6M for four days. RT critics love it at 95%, but that's based on just 20 reviews. It's tracking below norm for all demos.   (See more at www.ZAMM.com)   #movies #boxoffice #martingrove

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In the world of entertainment, the concept of residuals is both fascinating and vital for those who create the content we love—be it films, television shows, or digital media productions. Residuals are essentially forms of additional compensation paid to actors, writers, directors, and other creatives after the initial release of a project. This payment is not just a bonus but a right, often secured by unions, to ensure that creatives receive their fair share of the revenues generated over time from their works. https://lnkd.in/eutQDFdt

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Did you go to AFM? " "AFM's Vegas gamble is backfiring. After relocating from its longtime Santa Monica home this year, major film companies—including Lionsgate, FilmNation, and Neon International—are staging a  dramatic exit from the Vegas market in 2025. The powerhouse group's not mincing words: The Palms Resort is a flop, plagued by endless elevator lines and lackluster amenities. The complaints aren't isolated—two dozen industry executives and buyers at the event slammed everything from costly accommodations to the venue's dead atmosphere. While the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA), AFM's organizer, defends their Vegas choice (citing LA hotels being unavailable due to 2028 Olympics renovations), the sellers aren't buying it. They're already planning their own competing LA market, aiming to schedule just before AFM's dates. The companies say they'll consider returning if AFM relocates back to LA, but sources suggest that's a long shot for 2025. For indie film's crucial November gathering, this growing divide could reshape how business gets done." #thedailies

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Music Business Association Music Biz 2024 coming up in May. Find out more about Reactional Music and what we are delivering across interactive music, music personalisation, in-game economies, generative composable music and the possibilities for creators, composers, artists and developers

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I'm happy to announce that my original TV pilot screenplay, PROSPERITY, was awarded a semi-finalist spot in Filmmatic's drama competition! PROSPERITY is now listed in the top 5% of all projects on Coverfly. Jen Grisanti, a writing coach and story consultant was pivotal early on in the process. Writing on the side and continuing to find inspiration, while being a full-time business owner, especially in the age of AI, is not easy. But I continue to do it for the love of bringing forth my vision. When you truly love what you're doing, while you're doing it, and realize it as what it is, a Divine gift, nothing can stand between you and your vision. No matter how easy it gets to seemingly create via AI (and will continue to get easier), there's always room for your human vision to influence it. After all, it was trained on human creation and human intelligence. Even in a new coming world filled with instantly prompted niche movies, people will crave something human-centric. Something they can empathize with, identify with, and feel inspired by the journey they're taken on by a human-centric hero. I truly believe nothing will replace human creativity. As long as humans are watching, reading and paying attention to a hero's journey, nothing will replace that human-centric story. #screenwriting #screenwriter #entrepreneur #marketing #storyteller

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From the Latest FilmLA Report • Scripted TV production in Los Angeles dropped 99% in Q3 2023 compared to 2022. • FilmLA calls for a significant expansion of California’s $330 million production incentive due to a 20% drop in local filming. • Other jurisdictions like New York, Ontario, Georgia, and the U.K. offer more competitive, uncapped or larger subsidies, putting California at a disadvantage. • Strikes in 2023 and a decline in Peak TV also contributed to a production slowdown. • Global production declines occurred, with Georgia and the U.K. also seeing reduced TV releases. • California temporarily boosted its incentives in 2021, but ongoing state budget deficits limit further expansions. • FilmLA warns California must act to support its entertainment industry or face continued market share losses. FilmLA Seeks 'Vast Expansion' of California Tax Credit (variety.com) https://lnkd.in/gps_6c9A

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This morning the Los Angeles Times published a story of a new music video(https://lnkd.in/gn9sA-SA) created with Sora (https://lnkd.in/geGxt6Ah), OpenAI's emerging text-to-video solution. In “Washed Out - The Hardest Part”(https://lnkd.in/g3V36uFH) creators weren’t limited to filming locations and completed the film production process at a fraction of the cost of a music video. There are many implications with technologies like Sora, especially as it relates to protecting the livelihood of creators and intellectual property compliance. In response to developments in the entertainment industry, Fifth Sun Pictures will be adding emerging technology focused workshops to our film production program. These workshops will give students the opportunity to explore emerging technology and reflect on the future of entertainment. There is also potential for a Linked Learning collaboration with the English Department on topics like “how should we regulate AI in entertainment”, “how can human talent and creativity leverage AI as a new tool”, and “how can students experiment with AI in the classroom.”

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Interesting data factor I just considered: Sony’s film on Netflix in the U.S. are NOT available for ad-tier customers. So...if you're comparing Sony theatrical films to Netflix originals, then Sony films reach 10-25% fewer customers than Netflix. Interesting...

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Two days until our film financing/production seminar at UCLA (attend in person or virtually, or order a taped version - details on that last one soon). We're going to drill down on how to finance films (studios, streamers, equity, debt, pre-sales, tax credits, and philanthropy) with special guests from these worlds. And we're going to review the critical path once you have the funding. https://lnkd.in/g-n7HSr3

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Luminate's latest industry study, tackles 2024 Film Industry Hurdles, an in-depth look into the aftermath of the 2023 strikes, the on-going content contraction and what it means for the future of film: 🎞 Schedule Shake-Ups: Even though the strikes ended in 2023, the impact is ongoing. Learn why major releases like The Batman sequel are being pushed further out and how this opens doors for unexpected hits like Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour. 🎥 Studio Spotlight: See how Disney's strategic choices and high-budget blockbusters are shaping the market, and why their gamble on massive productions can be a double-edged sword. 🎬 Payday Display: What do films like Barbie and Murder Mystery 2 have in common? They each have two of the top most paid actors of 2023 in their cast. Download here: https://lnkd.in/gCqm6RYw

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Nielsen April 2024 Gauge report is in: Tubi share is up while overall time spent watching TV was down month-over-month. Year-over-year, Tubi’s share of TV viewing in the U.S. grew 60% - that’s faster than any other streamer. #tubi #fox #avod #ott #streaming #nielsen #viewership #ratings

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