2017 - FilmTake

Was Wanda Group’s Chairman Barred from Leaving China?

August 28, 2017 FilmTake Comments Off

Wanda Group dismissed “vicious rumours” that its chairman Wang Jianlin and China’s richest person, was detained by authorities and forbidden to leave China.

[Part Two] Hollywood Financing is Broke

August 7, 2017 FilmTake Comments Off

Tang Media is set to purchase Open Road Films for an undisclosed amount. The price might as well be one dollar, given Open Road’s massive debt load.

Production

Hollywood Financing is Broke [Part One]

July 31, 2017 FilmTake Comments Off

Sony Pictures’ co-financing partner, LStar Capital, informed the studio at the last minute that they would no longer invest in Sony’s slate.

Wanda Group’s House of Cards

July 18, 2017 FilmTake Comments Off

A mysterious document that appeared on social media in China places all of Wanda’s Hollywood acquisitions in jeopardy.

Production

Paramount’s China Lifeline is Gone [Update]

July 16, 2017 FilmTake Comments Off

If reports from China are to be believed (clearly they cannot), a company with $19 million in revenue was going to finance $1 billion of Paramount’s slate.

Production

Is Sony Pictures for Sale?

June 28, 2017 FilmTake Comments Off

Mismanagement of Sony’s film unit over the years has propelled the studio into a downward spiral. Sony is under pressure by investors to sell the film unit.

Cable Television’s Worst Quarter Ever!

June 22, 2017 FilmTake Comments Off

After decades of stifling innovation and blocking new content delivery models, cable companies are paying a hefty price that shows no sign of stopping.

Can Trump’s Treasury Secretary Mnuchin Shake Fraud Lawsuit?

June 20, 2017 FilmTake Comments Off

RKA Film Financing is suing Relativity Media for misappropriating funds meant to finance advertising budgets for future releases, into the troubled company.

The End of Film Territories in Europe is Closer Than You Think!

June 18, 2017 FilmTake Comments Off

By Cannes Film Festival 2018, unless some unforeseen events occur, it will no longer be possible to license films to specific territories.

Netflix Will License Original Content to China’s iQiyi

April 25, 2017 FilmTake Comments Off

Censorship and foreign content restrictions will limit Netflix’s ability to transition their licensing agreement with iQiyi into a meaningful foothold.

Inside Baidu’s Hollywood Expansion

April 24, 2017 FilmTake Comments Off

Since launching in 2010, iQiyi has accumulated the most paid SVOD subscribers in China, however, calculating an accurate subscriber base is challenging.

Broadcast & PayTV

Update: MGM is Sole Owner of Epix

April 6, 2017 FilmTake Comments Off

After a decade of digital partnerships, studios and distributors are moving towards a wholly-owned strategy.

Barclays UK Launches a £100M TV Production Loan Program

March 30, 2017 FilmTake Comments Off

“The rise in popularity of SVOD services led the Barclays Media team to consider how it could improve the types of funding provided to better support its TV clients.”

Profit at IMAX China Fell 13% in 2016

March 30, 2017 FilmTake Comments Off

After the slowest growth rate in a decade at China’s box office, the Shanghai-based subsidiary of IMAX Corp. saw net profit fall 13% from 2015.

The “Netflix of China” Signs Streaming Deal with Warner Bros.

March 26, 2017 FilmTake Comments Off

China’s iQiyi online video service entered into a streaming output agreement with Warner Brothers.

Paramount Pictures Deal is Dead

March 21, 2017 FilmTake Comments Off

Paramount will not receive the $1 billion in slate funding from China’s Shanghai Film Group, and Hua Hua Media. A source said, the “Paramount deal is dead.”

Streaming

Cable TV is Doomed!

March 7, 2017 FilmTake Comments Off

The days of cable television are numbered after the launch of YouTube TV in the U.S. The will cost $35 a month for a family plan with at least 40 channels.