An in-depth analysis of Disney+ launch in Europe & Covid-19's impact
Disney+ lands in countries across Europe – excluding France – today amid a pandemic that very few saw coming. Analysts at TBI sibling Omdia take an in-depth look at the streamer's launch offer, including the range of shows available, its comparable cost across territories, how it will reach consumers, and the impact of Coronavirus on […]
Disney creates unified streaming & int'l unit
The Walt Disney Company has restructured to create a worldwide division that will house international operations and its upcoming streaming services. Disney senior executive VP and chief strategy officer Kevin Mayer (pictured) has been named as the chairman of the new unit, Disney Direct-to-Consumer and International. The division will house Disney's upcoming branded SVOD service, […]
Disney resumes Fox takeover talks – report
The Walt Disney Company has reportedly reopened talks with Rupert Murdoch and 21st Century Fox over the latter's entertainment assets. News Disney had first gone in for Fox's TV and film businesses emerged early last month, but those negotiations led to nothing. Disney is known to be in acquisitive mood ahead of the launch of […]
Pixar founder on leave after 'unwanted hugs' accusation
John Lasseter, the chief creative officer for Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, will take a six-month break from work after misconduct allegations. Pixar staff told The Hollywood Reporter that Lasseter often gave "unwanted hugs" and invaded the personal space of his colleagues. Staffers have also accused the man behind films such as Toy Story, […]
Annecy 2016 report
In a global animation market, the Annecy International Animated Film Festival reflected changes in the industry: emerging talent, VR tests and new technologies, and for the French sector, new challenges, reports Pascale Paoli-Lebailly Annecy Animation Film Festival's business section, MIFA, in France this month showed an international animation sector in good health, and a dynamic industry […]
Disney, Alibaba launch SVOD service
The Walt Disney Company and Alibaba Group are today launching a subscription OTT service in China. The launch represents the second market new Disney OTT brand DisneyLife has launched in, coming after its UK bow. The Mickey Mouse-themed platform is being made available for presale today, and costs RMB799 (US$125) for a one-year subscription via […]
Call of Duty firm launches studio
The firm behind popular video game Call of Duty, Activision Blizzard, has launched a television and film production studio. Former Walt Disney Company senior VP Nick van Dyk will lead Activision Blizzard Studios as co-president on the distribution side, with a currently unnamed creative chief to be unveiled shortly. Activision Blizzard Studios' first production will […]
ProSiebenSat.1 nabs 'important' Disney content deal
ProSiebenSat.1 and The Walt Disney Company have agreed a significant multi-year agreement that gives the former new US series and movies for its free, pay and SVOD channels. The deal is a coup for German broadcaster ProSiebenSat.1, with Disney's output previously going out in the territory through former local partner RTL. The master-licence agreement includes […]
Disney Movies Anywhere expands footprint
Disney's cloud-based movie service Disney Movies Anywhere is launching as an app for Roku and Android TV devices in the US, as part of awider expansion of the service. From today, US customers of Amazon Video and Microsoft Movies and TV can also connect to Disney Movies Anywhere and will be able to access their […]
Exclusive Netflix-Disney deal in the Netherlands
Netflix has agreed an deal with Disney for the studio's film titles. The agreement gives the Dutch Netflix exclusive subscription VOD rights to the features from next year. The deal covers live-action and animated movies from Disney and Pixar and titles include Marvel's The Avengers, Monsters University and The Lone Ranger. Netflix in the Netherlands […]