Business
Captain America: Civil War passes $200M domestic in less than a week
by Doc on May.11, 2016, under Business, Movies
As of Tuesday’s haul at the domestic box office, Captain America: Civil War has reached over $206 million, in just 5 days. This, coupled with Disney’s Jungle Book holding as the #2 movie after four weeks and passing $300 million soon, you would think Disney would be up on the news – but after an earnings report that didn’t meet expectations, owing in large part to the television business, especially ESPN, softening, saw stock its stock prices take a 4% hit, and Disney announcing it would close down its console gaming business, primarily the Disney Infinity line, and taking a $147 million charge to do it.
So how was the movie? [very minor spoilers perhaps ahead] On a rare occasion that I was able to see it opening weekend, I enjoyed it overall. It relied less on the incessant barrage of fighting action that was the hallmark of Avengers: Age of Ultron, and more on the story. However, some of the justification for what was ripping apart the team seemed contrived, and I think a lot of people may generally dislike the idea of friends taking differing sides and fighting each other, and at times be jovial about it. But that joviality also lightens the movie up, which otherwise be a major downer. It does, however, seem to be setting the stage for Infinity War, which is sort of expected…
Mark Stern leaving post at Syfy; USA’s Bill McGoldrick to take over original content
by Doc on Nov.04, 2013, under Business
We learned today that Mark Stern, who has been in charge of original development at Syfy for the last 11 years and most recently was President, Original Content, Syfy and Co-Head, Original Content, Universal Cable Productions, is leaving the network. He isn’t vanishing completely, as he will be taking over as executive producer on an upcoming unnamed Syfy TV series. We’ve met Mark many times and wish him all the best.
From the press release:
NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment today elevated two of its senior programming executives to new roles. Bill McGoldrick was named Executive Vice President, Original Content, Syfy, and Jackie de Crinis was named Executive Vice President, Original Programming, USA Network. Effective immediately, McGoldrick will report to Syfy President Dave Howe and de Crinis will report to USA President Chris McCumber.
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