Todd Nonnenberg

As Productions Move Abroad, California Gears Up to Battle Film and TV Exodus – The Gloves Are Coming Off! California’s film and TV production game might be down, but it’s far from out! As productions flirt with international locations, the Golden State is ready to throw some heavyweight punches to keep the magic of Hollywood alive. With a powerful combination of tax credits, infrastructure investment, and a homegrown talent pool that’s second to none, California is suiting up to go toe-to-toe with global competitors. Sure, cheaper locations and irresistible international incentives have been stealing the spotlight. But here’s the plot twist: California isn’t just sitting on the sidelines. We’re rolling up our sleeves, ready to “rumble”. The goal? To remind the world that Hollywood is still the undisputed champion of content creation—no matter how far production tries to wander. The future of film in California? Bright, bold, and absolutely worth watching. https://lnkd.in/grDAwWZ3 Entertainment Partners California Film Commission FilmLA Motion Picture Association

46

12 Comments

“Puerto Rico remains an underrated powerhouse in the music industry — and here’s the latest proof. Separated from the US, this tiny island was still the third-largest exporter of top 10 singles worldwide in 2023. New data from the global recording industry trade group IFPI reveals that Puerto Rico — if separated from the United States and treated as a separate country — still ranked third on a list of exporters of top 10 singles worldwide last year. In fact, Puerto Rico was barely edged out for number two by Colombia.” “Perhaps unsurprisingly, the United States dominated that list, and it isn’t even close — 113 singles from the US reached the Top 10 worldwide in 2023. But Puerto Rico came in at an impressive third place with 45, and only one hit behind Colombia at 46. And that’s still miles ahead of the UK’s 29, followed by South Korea’s 16. Puerto Rico is actually an extreme powerhouse in the music industry in its own right, even when viewed in a bubble and not as an extension of the US, as a US territory. Already, the country is top-ranked against huge nations like the US, UK, and Japan in terms of its industry presence.” Read the article for more: #IFPI #PuertoRico #USA #UK #Colombia #SouthKorea #Japan #BadBunny #Singles #Global #GlobalMusic #Latín #LatinMusic #EU #Music #MusicBusiness #Musica #MusicIndustry #Musique #Musik #MusicBiz

4

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.

4

1 Comment

Learn how to manage firearms safety from our experienced guests like filmmaker Frank Ziede, and hear about how using VFX can prevent on-set firearms deaths, in this very important episode of VFX for Indies. Please tune in at vfxforindies.com, our YouTube channel, or your favorite podcast app.

4

1 Comment

Exciting times ahead at FolksPat Media Group, Inc. as we venture into the realm of integrating games technology into the entertainment industry! 🚀 Our focus on revolutionizing entertainment begins with our live music platform, Intusic, and extends to feature films, TV pilots, and documentaries in the pipeline. I've personally been freelancing in the entertainment industry long enough to know that one must be able to adapt. Gone are the days of massive productions requiring entire stadiums and countless extras. Thanks to advancements in gaming technology, we can now achieve more while optimizing costs and preserving artistic vision and ethics. We are exploring new possibilities in the world of entertainment today! 🎬🎵 What are your thoughts on the changes in technology?? Do you think AI robots will take over the world? Or do you believe technology is a tool that can be adapted to better serve our needs?? #EntertainmentInnovation #TechIntegration #IntusicRevolution #startup #founder #entrepreneur #immersivemedia #musictechnology #entertainmenttechnology #tech

10

Lights, Camera, YouTube! 🎬 Get ready to hear my take on the future of entertainment! I recently had the opportunity to sit down with El Mundo, the Spanish newspaper, to discuss the meteoric rise of YouTube's creator economy. I firmly believe we are witnessing the birth of a "new Hollywood" right here on YouTube. In the interview, we explored how YouTube is empowering creators and revolutionizing the entertainment industry. Some highlights of our conversation include: 1. The $70 billion+ YouTube has paid to creators, artists, and media companies over the past three years, demonstrating our commitment to supporting creative talent.2 2. Innovations like Shorts, our short-form videos with over 70 billion daily views, and memberships, which have grown 50% in the past year. These provide more ways for creators to connect with audiences and earn income. 3. How we’re addressing the impact of AI, how it's expanding creativity (not replacing it), how we are making sure creators are compensated fairly and how we are exploring AI's potential to improve the platform. Check out 👇 the full interview in El Mundo to learn more about the future of digital entertainment. #YouTube #CreatorEconomy #NewHollywood Link here: https://lnkd.in/eGABz6-C

520

22 Comments

More reasons why INDIES need to say here and out. TAX INSENTIVES FOR LA need to do more to help indies!

2

1 Comment

“Is artificial intelligence (AI) a giant step forward or a threat to artistic creativity? And what about the potential for a copyright infringement nightmare?…. From Open AI’s ChatGPT app to Google’s MusicLM music creation tool, the future is now…. “AI engines are violating the rights of the authors and creators of the underlying materials” …AI product would not exist “but for” the underlying work and the use of the AI work competes with the artists or creators’ ability to make a living.” Read the full article for more: #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #IP #IntelectualProperty #GenerativeAi #GeAi #Copyright #CopyrightLaw #DerechoDeAutor #DroitdAuteur #Music #MusicBusiness #Musica #MusicIndustry #Musique #Musik #MusicBiz #CopyrightInfrigement #Songs #MusicLicensing #Global #Royalties #MusicRoyalties #DigitalRights #Data #Songs #Training #TrainingSoftware #Text #Photos #Videos #Artists #Legal

2

1 Comment

I wonder what would happen if— and hear me out on this one— if these major companies allocated just a quarter of the resources and energy they devote to mergers and acquisitions toward developing original TV concepts and movies? Could Hollywood have already rebounded from the significant financial setbacks it faced due to the pandemic and strikes? What if investing less in existing intellectual property and more in creativity led to breakout successes? Could this transform Hollywood's reputation and, in turn, prove more profitable? I understand the concept of market consolidation and the significance of strong leadership. I also understand the allure of the high-stakes games played by Wall Street. However, I don't understand the logic in the perceived lower risk in pursuing mergers and acquisitions, which often lead to debt and layoffs, over scaling more original/creative project ideas. It often seems as though these executives and CEOs derive more enjoyment from discussions about building monopolies than they do from fostering creativity and storytelling.

16

2 Comments

Check out the public preview of cineSearch and discover the perfect movie for you with the power of #GenAI.

2

In Episode 3, Game Changers share how they help grow our diverse portfolio of games and industry partnerships. Game Changers: Vineet Rastogi, Katrina Green, Monty Hernandez, PMP, MS, and Michelle Jang Featuring Sarah Bond, President of Xbox

73

6 Comments

Pitch, connect, or make a deal—from your phone or PC, the eZWayVerse is the place to be. 🚀⚡️ 📍SAVE-THE-DATE: December 6, 2024—REGISTER NOW & FIND OUT MORE! Welcome to the Future of Business: I’m THRILLED to announce the eZWayVerse! Experience the soft launch of the eZWayVerse and eZWayi App Celebration—powered by View3D.TV. Our groundbreaking event combines cutting-edge AI, gamified networking, and state-of-the-art digital tools to revolutionize the way you do business. What to Expect: • Interactive Networking: Pitch your products and services in a dynamic, game-inspired metaverse from your phone or computer. • AI-Powered Innovation: Explore AI podcasting, private selling rooms, and advanced marketing tools designed to drive success. • Star Power: Engage with top influencers, celebrities, and industry leaders. This is your chance to elevate your business in an immersive and interactive environment. Don’t miss your opportunity to connect, innovate, and grow. •DOWNLOAD THE FREE APP 📲 •CREATE A PROFILE AND STAY IN THE LOOP 📧 •SECURE YOUR SPOT 🕹️ Visit ezwayevents.com to register today. Interested in speaking, sponsoring, or promoting? Email us at [email protected]. Meet me in the eZWayVerse — see you there! #media #business #technology #meta #nextgen #emergingtech #metaverse #AI #innovation #ezway

12

2 Comments

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

5

2 Comments

MARTIN GROVE'S FILM FLASHBACK: STAR WARS EPISODE 1 - THE PHANTOM MENACE - 25TH ANNIVERSARY REISSUE OPENS 5/3/2024 -- If you saw STAR WARS in 1977, you likely were jolted a bit 22 years later when it suddenly became the series' fourth episode. That renumbering came when George Lucas answered fans' calls for more STAR WARS movies. Instead of new sequels, he gave them a prequel trilogy -- starting with STAR WARS: EPISODE I – THE PHANTOM MENACE, which opened May 19, 1999 via 20th Century-Fox and, most recently, had a 25th anniversary reissue May 3, 2024. Written & directed by Lucas, MENACE's stars include Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor & Natalie Portman. Its story precedes the original trilogy by 32 years. Lucas had realized while writing STAR WARS that he had far more story material than would fit into one movie. After his first episode became a global boxoffice phenomenon with $775.4M in ticket sales, Lucas moved forward with two sequels that he didn't want to direct. THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (1980), directed by Irvin Kirschner & written by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan, did $538.4M globally. RETURN OF THE JEDI (1983), directed by Richard Marquand & written by Lawrence Kasdan and Lucas, did $475.1M globally. For the next 22 years, that was the entire STAR WARS movie universe. By the 1990s, advances in computer generated imagery (CGI) caught Lucas's attention because now visual effects were possible that he couldn't do for  the earlier episodes. It also helped that Lucas could now spend whatever it took to achieve his vision on screen. His first three episodes' budgets reportedly were $11M, $18M and $32.5M while reports put MENACE's budget at $115M. News of the prequels surfaced in October 1993 as Lucas was writing MENACE. Years earlier he'd developed enough backstories to make prequels work, which accelerated his writing. Lucas hadn't wanted to write or direct the prequels, but he wasn't able to bring others on board. He asked Kasdan to return to write MENACE, but Kasdan said Lucas, himself, should now resume full creative control of his STAR WARS films. Lucas reportedly also failed to get Frank Darabont (THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION) to write the script or to hire Carrie Fisher as the project's  script doctor. Lucas also went after directors, including Ron Howard, who recalled  in November 2015 that he, Robert Zemeckis & Steven Spielberg were all offered to direct MENACE. They all told Lucas he should do it, himself. Fortunately for Lucas, he took their good advice. MENACE grossed $1.03B worldwide. STAR WARS: EPISODE II - ATTACK OF THE CLONES (2002), which Lucas directed & co-wrote (with Jonathan Hales), grossed $653.8M globally. And STAR WARS: EPISODE III - REVENGE OF THE SITH (2005), which Lucas directed & wrote, did $868.4M worldwide. #movies #martingrove #starwars  

2

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

46

9 Comments

Another big win this month bringing Vault Comics on board for day and date publishing on GlobalComix. ✍️ For those of you who may not read comics, I highly recommend taking a look at the exclusive vertical versions via the link below. You may just find your new favorite story in a format you've never seen before. #comics #digitalnative

30