By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Walt Disney Company has signed the first major content licensing for OpenAI's Sora platform, raising fears of job losses among content creators. Disney frames the debate differently, however, saying the deal brings "... these leaders in creativity and innovation together to unlock new possibilities in imaginative storytelling." The … [Read more...] about Disney Partners With OpenAI on Billion Dollar Content Deal
Film
Netflix Acquires Warner Bros. Discovery, Reshaping Hollywood
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Streaming giant Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery have agreed to an $82.7 billion acquisition deal that will reshape the U.S. entertainment industry. The definitive agreement will see Warner Bros. Discovery splitting up its assets. As was previously announced, WBD’s Global Networks division, Discovery Global, will be split off into a … [Read more...] about Netflix Acquires Warner Bros. Discovery, Reshaping Hollywood
WildBrain CPLG Expands Licensing Programs for Dr. Seuss Enterprises
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter WildBrain CPLG and Dr. Seuss Enterprises are expanding two well-known Dr. Seuss properties with a slate of licensing partnerships and collaborations. The new expansions are bringing an array of content and products for The Cat in the Hat and How the Grinch Stole Christmas! to the UK, Europe and the Asia-Pacific. These new licensing … [Read more...] about WildBrain CPLG Expands Licensing Programs for Dr. Seuss Enterprises
ZAG Announces New Franchise Based on F1 Driver Carmen Jorda
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter ZAG has partnered with former Formula 1 driver, Carmen Jorda, to launch an entertainment franchise inspired by her racing career and personal journey. The new franchise, titled Carmen, will focus on Jorda's fight to break through institutional barriers to become a development driver in the male-dominated racing league. After her 2015 … [Read more...] about ZAG Announces New Franchise Based on F1 Driver Carmen Jorda
Sony Has Big Screen Plans as Labubu Dolls Head to Hollywood
TLL Staff The Hollywood Reporter just broke the news that Sony Pictures has signed a deal to bring the wildly popular Labubu collectible toys to the big screen. According to the exclusive story in THR, Sony has secured the screen rights to the Labubu brand and intends to develop a feature film that could eventually launch a franchise. The project is in its earliest stages: No … [Read more...] about Sony Has Big Screen Plans as Labubu Dolls Head to Hollywood
Foster Grant Releases Some ‘Wicked Good’ Eyewear
TLL Staff Foster Grant is giving Wicked fans a clear-eyed choice of 'Which Witch Will You Be' with a new eyewear release. Foster Grant is one of the world’s leading over-the-counter eyewear brands, and has just unveiled the second instalment of its Wicked x Foster Grant collection, ahead of the upcoming release of Wicked: For Good The brand is introducing two new … [Read more...] about Foster Grant Releases Some ‘Wicked Good’ Eyewear
Variety Reports Paramount Skydance to Lay Off 2,000+ Workers
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief More than 10% of Paramount's employees will be laid off in the coming weeks, as the newly merged Paramount Skydance company begins expected cost cutting measures. The news will come as a shock but not a surprise to affected employees, since major job cuts were expected well before the merger between Skydance Media and Paramount Global … [Read more...] about Variety Reports Paramount Skydance to Lay Off 2,000+ Workers
Godzilla Strikes a Chord With Fender, and Powers Up C4 Energy Drinks
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The King of the Monsters is back, shredding its way into rock history with Fender, and powering up with C4 energy drinks. The double-barreled licensing deals mark another kaiju-sized licensing victory for Toho, which has made 2025 the Year of the Lizard King. As well, both these agreements come as Toho prepares for Godzilla Day on November … [Read more...] about Godzilla Strikes a Chord With Fender, and Powers Up C4 Energy Drinks
Opinion: AI ‘Actress’ Tilly Norwood Raises the Stakes for Human Actors
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief For an actor that has appeared for just seconds in a short online video, Tilly Norwood has created an awful lot of controversy. It's got nothing to do with her acting, and everything to do with the fact Tilly Norwood isn't human. In fact, other than some lines of code, Tilly Norwood doesn't actually exist. Instead, Norwood is simply a … [Read more...] about Opinion: AI ‘Actress’ Tilly Norwood Raises the Stakes for Human Actors
Who’s News: Visionary Licensing Boss Pam Kaufman Exits Paramount
By Gary Symons Pam Kaufman, the Paramount veteran who built the studio’s consumer products and experiences division into a $7 billion retail powerhouse, is stepping down after nearly three decades with the company. Kaufman most recently served as president and CEO of international markets, global consumer products and experiences, where she oversaw licensing, franchise … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Visionary Licensing Boss Pam Kaufman Exits Paramount