California lawmakers want to diversify Hollywood. So does an LA church

May 4, 2023
Some small production studios want to expand the presence of people of color among Hollywood directors and writers.
Krenée Tolson looks on as Geremy Dixon prepares to host an episode of the “Misfit Manifesto” podcast at Hope Studios.
Hauwa Otori

Businesses that serve TV and film productions brace for effects of the writers strike

May 3, 2023
If it's anything like the last writers strike, it could halt production for 100 days.
Writers have been on strike for over twenty days. Streaming and AI big topics of contention between writers and major studios.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

"Avatar" sequel: rebooting the Hollywood-China romance?

Dec 16, 2022
"The Way of Water" debuted in China and the U.S. on Friday amid tense relations between the countries. A simultaneous theatrical release is a big deal.
A marketing poster for "Avatar: The Way of Water" in Shanghai. The movie was released simultaneously in the U.S. and China despite the chilly relations between the two countries.
Charles Zhang/Marketplace

As streaming subscriptions fall, media giants turn to theme parks, live events for lost revenue

Aug 25, 2022
Pent up demand for in-person experiences may make up for slipping subscriber numbers.
The interest in live events and theme park tickets has skyrocketed as the industry receives pent up demand from the pandemic.
(Photo Walt Disney World Resorts via Getty Images)

"Cut!" Hollywood looks for savings as costs rise.

"Productions have to start making choices" due to inflation and supply snags, says Winston Cho of The Hollywood Reporter.
Some producers are considering whether to cut or combine scenes to offset higher expenses, says Winston Cho of The Hollywood Reporter.
Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images

Will Hollywood blockbuster season come roaring back with "Jurassic World Dominion"?

Jun 10, 2022
"Top Gun: Maverick" got things going with it broke box office records on Memorial Day weekend.
A general view of atmosphere at the Universal Pictures' "Jurassic World" premiere at Dolby Theatre on June 9, 2015 in Hollywood, California.
Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

When studios delay films, that comes with a price tag

Nov 19, 2021
Between multiple waves of promotions and interest on financing, some films may be able to recoup the cost of delays.
"['No Time to Die' is] the third highest-grossing Bond film in history. And yet, it doesn’t seem like it’s going to reach profitability," says Chris Lee of Vulture.
Mladen Antonov /AFP via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Hollywood workers vote to authorize a strike to improve conditions on set

Oct 5, 2021
A strike by the International Association of Theatrical Stage Employees could halt film and TV production across the country.
If the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees can't come to an agreement with studios and streaming services, it could shut down production nationwide.
bjones27 via Getty Images

China's movie post-production companies feel the pinch

May 19, 2021
How one visual effects and animation firm that services Hollywood and China productions is weathering the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dachang Movie Town near Beijing is where reality shows and feature films are shot.
Jennifer Pak/Marketplace

Films led by Black off-screen talent are consistently underfunded, study finds

Mar 11, 2021
A McKinsey & Company report finds that addressing racial inequities in entertainment could bring in another $10 billion a year.
Only about 6% of writers, directors and producers who work on films made in the U.S. are Black, and that number has barely budged in 15 years, according to a report from McKinsey & Company.
EvgeniyShkolenko via Getty Images