Nick van Dyk

Ready, Set, GO The entertainment industry is gearing up for a blockbuster year of mergers and acquisitions in 2025, with experts predicting a surge in dealmaking fueled by favorable regulatory conditions under the Trump administration, declining interest rates, and a growing need to consolidate amid streaming challenges.   Big deals already on track include Paramount Global’s $8B merger with Skydance Media and Silver Lake’s $13B plan to take Endeavor private. But that’s just the beginning. Comcast’s cable network spinoff, Warner Bros. Discovery’s restructuring, and Lionsgate’s split from Starz signal a potential wave of strategic moves.   Other Potential Acquisition Targets Include: • Lionsgate: Activist investors see the company as undervalued, with its film/TV library and recent split from Starz making it attractive to traditional and tech players. • AMC Networks: Despite past skepticism about consolidation, AMC remains a target for companies looking to expand their content library, including Warner Bros. Discovery. • Roku: A valuable prize for streaming and connected TV ad buyers like The Trade Desk, tech giants like Amazon or Microsoft, and even retail players like Target.   Challenges remain, including valuation gaps and capital limitations for buyers. However, the need for content consolidation and streaming profitability may override these obstacles.   2025 is shaping up to be Hollywood’s moment for big moves—and the deals made now could reshape the entertainment landscape for years to come.   Let’s keep watching!   #Hollywood #MergersAndAcquisitions #EntertainmentIndustry #Streaming #Media Entertainment Partners

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This is officially my first personal post on LinkedIn. I won’t share company media mentions, the theatrical industry, data insights, or movies of any kind. No one is ill. No hardship. All is well, but asking for some help from this amazing network… at a minimum, give me two minutes of your time… promise you won’t regret it. THE BACKGROUND A few years ago, my son (11 at the time) and I visited the beach with a family project in mind. No paddle ball. No boogie board. Instead, we brought a tape measure, a pad of paper, and an objective to get exact measurements of a Los Angeles County Lifeguard Tower... Mission accomplished and then we set out on the “big” goal – build a replica out of Lego.  We ordered tons of bricks… coordinated the colors… found the right bathing suit clad mini-figures, etc… and once complete - posted the build on Lego’s “Idea platform” where fans can vote on their favorite projects with the goal of a submission becoming a produced set. Unfortunately, ours wasn’t selected… But that’s okay. As the Rolling Stones would say “you can’t always get what you want”. Lego helped with that life lesson and to quote another song… “Everything is Awesome.” BUT - Years later, chatting with my daughter (now the same age), recognize that there’s more that can be taught through this project and Lego… Persistence, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship. For the family to see this project through, it’s about the hustle… the hard work…  the sales… the marketing that was all absent during our initial effort.  New child and a new lesson. We’ve learned and have reposted the project. Now, thanks to some professional photographs, some great copywriting, a drive to never give up, and her suggestion to use socials to drum up awareness, we have a real marketing campaign… the missing element(s) that many in this network know is critical. THE ASK The project needs 10,000 votes for consideration.  We need you to click on the link and “support” the project.  “Liking” this post won’t get the job done. You have to “support” via the link.  https://lnkd.in/epe43qvq It’s all anonymous so no one will know it’s you… and Lego won’t send you spam! When you’re done, you’re going to feel incredible because you did something kind… all while going down the rabbit hole of Lego’s website with super cool creations. Please REPOST… Send the link to your friends. Your parents. Tell your kids, your nephew, your niece, your neighbor about how awesome you are for doing this… “This guy is trying to demonstrate the nuances of business and the power of marketing through Lego”.  It won’t cost you a nickel, but a moment of your time. Turn this initial “building project” into a successful “entrepreneurial project”… and perhaps create a great conversation starter for you and anyone under the age of 12. Thanks in advance… now back to the regular job --- the LEGO Group The LEGO Foundation LEGO Education City of Los Angeles Los Angeles County Fire Department

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From the Latest FilmLA Report • Scripted TV production in Los Angeles dropped 99% in Q3 2023 compared to 2022. • FilmLA calls for a significant expansion of California’s $330 million production incentive due to a 20% drop in local filming. • Other jurisdictions like New York, Ontario, Georgia, and the U.K. offer more competitive, uncapped or larger subsidies, putting California at a disadvantage. • Strikes in 2023 and a decline in Peak TV also contributed to a production slowdown. • Global production declines occurred, with Georgia and the U.K. also seeing reduced TV releases. • California temporarily boosted its incentives in 2021, but ongoing state budget deficits limit further expansions. • FilmLA warns California must act to support its entertainment industry or face continued market share losses. FilmLA Seeks 'Vast Expansion' of California Tax Credit (variety.com) https://lnkd.in/gps_6c9A

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Keep an eye on Rembrand, a digital platform using AI to add virtual product placement into videos. They just raised $23 million from savvy investors like Tom Chavez and others. The concept is relatively simple and has been around for a while, but the company is definitely getting some traction. Rembrand began with YouTube and expanded to LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram. They’ve also worked with about 20 brands including those under PepsiCo, L'Oréal, and Amazon. The company is led by CEO Omar Tawakol, who has great startup experience. He sold data management platform BlueKai to Oracle in 2014 and voice collaboration platform Voicea to Cisco in 2019. It’s another intriguing use of AI and video, and it gives advertisers another weapon in their arsenal as they monetize content. What other uses of AI advertising have you seen that impresses you?

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California Production Coalition: Fighting to Keep Hollywood Filming in California. https://lnkd.in/g-BtDZgq Entertainment Partners is excited to be part of the California Production Coalition to ensure California remains THE place to film! California has phenomenal resources and over 100 years of experience in productions. Excited to see this coalition being launched today! It's very important to note, Productions in California bring high-paying jobs and economic activity to every part of our state. And I'm proud to be part of the fight to protect that. Are you ready to join the fight for film, TV, and streaming production in California?   Along with nearly early three dozen film, television, and streaming production businesses and associations have formed the California Production Coalition to advocate for policies that strengthen California’s film industry. It’s a pleasure to be working alongside other businesses to improve conditions for filming in our home state. The group, including members like the Motion Picture Association (MPA), Television City Studios, and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, aims to address declining production activity, which has been slow to recover after the pandemic and last year’s strikes.   Representing prop houses, equipment leasing firms, payroll companies and other service providers, the coalition is focused on expanding California’s film tax credit program. Their first priority: supporting Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposal to increase the annual program from $330M to $750M. This expansion could boost local jobs and revenue, building on the $961.5M in tax revenue and over 110,000 jobs supported by the credit between 2015 and 2020, per the LAEDC.   The coalition, which began organizing last summer, aims to educate policymakers and the public on the benefits of keeping productions in-state. They also advocate for reducing red tape to make California more competitive with rivals like Georgia, New Mexico, Canada, the UK and Australia.   With production volumes down 17% globally and reality TV shoots in Los Angeles declining by 56%, coalition members warn of the economic ripple effects on businesses that rely on a thriving production ecosystem.   The coalition’s mission: ensure that Hollywood’s legacy and economic contributions remain rooted in California, while creating a stronger, more competitive future for the state’s film and TV industry.   https://lnkd.in/gxXi4BuQ https://lnkd.in/gxXi4BuQ Entertainment Partners #CaliforniaProductionCoalition #CaliforniaFilmIndustry #TaxCredits #Hollywood #jobs

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Attn #Independent #music companies! Increased consolidation isn’t exactly INDEPENDENT. Rather, it creates a scenario where the #multinational owns even more “independent” #distribution companies, a #royalty calculation company, independent #musicpublishing #administration, (and more!) and as a result of this consolidation, is able to capture and analyze the data of the #indie companies’ clients. Can you say Big Brother? I know of at least one substantial indie label whose biggest artist was poached by their mini-major distributor who had access to their #data. Ouch. Do you really want to pay your #distributor to dilute and potentially reduce/destroy your business? Per the post below, there is an agnostic alternative that doesn’t compromise the #freedom and true independence for independent rights holders and ensures the integrity of your company’s data is protected. And, it saves money as well! #freedomofchoice #moneymatters #business #musicindustry #technology

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“A lawsuit filed against US streaming service Pandora by the MLC is “a wild overreach” of the US mechanical rights collecting society’s remit. Or so says Pandora, in its response to that lawsuit. As well as disputing the claims made against it - the MLC “apparently thinks it knows better than the entire music publishing industry” Expanding on that theme, Pandora argues that the MLC - which was created by the 2018 US Music Modernization Act - is not “authorised to play judge and jury over a streaming service’s legal compliance”, nor can it “insist that Pandora fundamentally change its approach to licensing an entire tier of its service solely because the MLC has taken upon itself to press a legally incoherent position at odds with the view of the rest of the music industry”…. This dispute centres on what licences Pandora requires when it comes to the songs that its users stream. With on-demand streaming, like Spotify, it is agreed that services exploit both the performing rights and the mechanical rights of songs. In some countries, these different elements of the song copyright are licensed separately. In the US, collecting societies like BMI and ASCAP license the performing rights, while the MLC administers the compulsory licence that covers mechanical rights.” #Pandora #MLC #Streaming #Legal #Licensing #Copyright #CopyrightLaw #Interactive #StreamingRoyalties #Royalties #RecordedMusic #StreamingServices #StreamingMedia #MusicStreams #MusicRoyalties #Songs #Recordings #US #Music #MusicBusiness #Musica #MusicIndustry #Musique #Musik #MusicBiz

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I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Net Influencer to discuss the creator economy's rapid growth, the expansion of 456 Growth (456 Growth Media and 456 Growth Talent); 25th Hour Social, and my predictions for the industry's future. Here are a few impactful insights from the interview that my partners Robert Bocchicchio, and Austin Cohen Esq., and the entire team at 456 Growth feel strongly about. Leveraging Data and Testing to Stay Ahead of Trends For us at 456 Growth, the key to staying ahead in the creator economy is a relentless focus on data, testing, and identifying new opportunities before they become industry norms. “You work for a big agency, and you have red tape that slows you down,” I said. “But overnight, snap your fingers—something could collapse. But also, an opportunity pops up.” 456 Growth’s agile, service-based approach involves “continuous testing, evaluation, and scaling” across its creator management and brand media divisions. According to our co-founder, some partners are eager to be on the cutting edge, while others prefer to see consistent results before adopting new strategies. “The brands that tested, even in a down economy, dominate because they didn’t lose their competitive advantage,” I explained. “The brands that tested early with things like whitelisting or Instagram Stories crushed it and built massive pyramids of creators driving 6 or 9-figure returns.” Moving from a “data-last” to a “data-first” perspective allows partnerships to be structured in a way that unlocks their full potential over the long term. With full visibility into both sides of the brand/creator relationship, 456 Growth can serve as an effective matchmaker. https://lnkd.in/e8Q6qej4 📊 #CreatorEconomy #DataDriven #InfluencerMarketing #456Growth #IndustryInsights #DigitalMarketing #Innovation #NetInfluencer #ContentCreation

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The time is fast approaching where the major studios’ strangle hold over film makers and exhibitors is perhaps coming to an end. The next paradigm shift is coming powered by the advent of efficent digital content distribution and projection technologies paired with direct to theatrical booking and distribution platforms that makes it possible for quality independent film makers to attract production / P&A financing for their projectd without the financial and marketing backing of a traditional “old guard” studios that had a strangle hold on distribution. The carrot on top of the cake for independent film makers is they now have the opportunity to retain ownership of their films through their theatrical run something that was almost impossible with the old guard studios. Cineverse is a prime example of this with their smashing direct to theatrical release of their Terrifier 3 horror franchise film.

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A few months ago we wrote about taking a “portfolio approach” in looking at the domestic box office. Going into the weekend of 6/14 box office trailed last year by 26.35% and the common theme was that theatrical was dead. Theatrical is (and always has been) all about the content. We said at the time that we were “One SUPER MARIO BROTHERS away from closing the gap." And now here we are or as  Comscore, Inc. Senior Media Analyst Paul Dergarabedian puts it “A veritable box office feast is already being enjoyed by moviegoers who are taking healthy servings of the high calorie cinematic treats at the multiplex offering something for every movie appetite. A main course trio of "MOANA 2," "WICKED" and "GLADIATOR II" has set into motion what is looking to easily become the biggest Thanksgiving holiday 5-day frame in box office history!” Just how big is this 5 day weekend going to be? The 5 days from 11/27 – 12/1 will outgross the entire month of February. Originally MOANA 2 was headed to Disney+, however, somewhere along the way Disney changed course and decided that it was deserving of a theatrical release. That decision is turning out to be a very fortuitous one for both our friends at Disney and in Exhibition as MOANA 2 is on track to become the biggest 5 day opening for an animated film of all time with a 3 day total of around $133 million and a 5 day of $218 million. The film received an A- CinemaScore grade from an opening night crowed that skewed female (67%) and younger (70% under 35). Meanwhile, WICKED appears to be hunkering down for a very long run. Last night the film was off 31% from opening Friday with a gross of $32 million, however if you take out the $19.2 million from last Thursday and the advance screenings, WICKED was actually defying gravity and up around 17%. That would put the 3 day at somewhere in the neighborhood of $80 million and the 5 day at close to $118 million. If those numbers hold it would bring the 10 day cume to right around $262 million and counting. And a franchise that waited 24 years for a sequel, GLADIATOR II is showing no signs with a 3 day total of just under $32 million and a 5 day of near $45 million which would bring the total to date to $112 million. Technically, last night was the 2nd highest grossing the year trailing only the Friday that DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE opened. While that Friday did $118 million,. if you back the $38.5 million from that Thursday the Friday did around $80 million of actual gross.  Friday came in somewhere just over $106 million -all of which was generated yesterday. Unofficially that would make yesterday the busiest day at the box office (in terms of pure gross) since the Saturday that AVENGERS: ENDGAME opened back in April of 2019.  If these projections are close, that would bring the 5 day weekend to around $420 million which would blow away the previous 5 day record of 2018 which generated $315.8 million over the Thanksgiving holiday. Enjoy your leftovers.

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O P T I M I S T I C ! ! ”Los Angeles Film and TV Production Sees Sluggish Rebound From Strikes, but There’s Optimism” according to a report from FilmLA which notes an anemic return to filming in the region but that jobs appeared to return in full force in March. Filming in Los Angeles has been slow to bounce back after production in the region was decimated by Hollywood’s historic season of strikes.  The main reason for the sluggish rebound: A double-digit drop in television shoots compared to the same period last year.  Also playing a factor in the decline were reductions in content spend across most major studios, series cancellations and runaway production.  While the difference was steep in January (30.6 percent fewer jobs, totaling 2,282), it was modest in February (5.1 percent fewer jobs, totaling 3,061) and nearly unnoticeable by the end of March (a 0.4 percent increase, totaling 3,274 jobs).  There’s optimism in production levels for feature films. The category rose slightly in the quarter, picking up 634 shoot days to finish an estimated 7 percent ahead of the same months last year. Movies in production included Beverly Hills Cop 4, Atlas, and Lurker, all of which are getting tax credits to film in California.  FilmLA also flagged the loss of commercial production — which slipped nearly 10 percent year-over-year and more than 33 percent below the five-year average — to other jurisdictions as a concern. Filming for smaller, lower-cost shoots, such as documentaries, music videos and still photography, similarly fell by roughly 5 percent. Entertainment Partners https://lnkd.in/g5veEE6R https://lnkd.in/gjhbnQdG

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MARTIN GROVE'S HOLLYWOOD REPORT FOR 7/28/24: The analysts who said the movie business is dead, the pundits who claimed exhibition is doomed and the haters hurrying to bury Marvel and its superheroes can't be very happy today.   With DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE opening to $205M, per Comscore, there's no question that this summer's boxoffice recovery is real, that exhibitors are still in the game and that Marvel has a new lease on life. D&W director Shawn Levy (FREE GUY), Ryan Reynolds & Hugh Jackman made a movie people can't wait to see. Amazingly, that $205M gross is for an R rated film!   Hollywood buzz-ards were warning last week that D&W could arrive to $160-175M rather than the $200M that earlier projections indicated. But as we've seen all summer, it's no longer safe to predict big openings from advance ticket sales.   A great thing about moviegoing is that unlike stage plays and concert events, you can make a last minute decision to see a movie and walk up to the boxoffice and get tickets. Very wide releases and multiplexes with multiple auditoriums but not enough movies to play, make it likely that last-minute arrivals won't be turned away.    Driven by D&W, this weekend's domestic marketplace totaled $277.6M, per Comscore Senior Media Analyst Paul Dergarabedian, up 84.6% from the prior weekend and up 28% vs. this time last year. Comscore's year to date tally has 2024 at $4.69B, down 17% from $5.65B in 2023. The previous weekend, 2024 was also down 17% vs. 2023.   Meanwhile, back at the multiplexes: D&W's launch to $205M was at 4,210 theatres ($48,694). Internationally it's done $233.3M, per Comscore, for a worldwide cume of $438.3M. D&W reportedly cost $200M to produce and  should be very profitable.   D&W is tracking best for first choice with men over 25 (32 points over norm) and next best with men under 25 (27 points over norm). Rotten Tomatoes critics are okay at 79%, but audiences are wildly happy at 97%.   Universal/WB/Amblin Entertainment's PG-13 action adventure thriller "TWISTERS" was the weekend's #2 film with $35.3M (-57%) in weekend two via Universal at 4,170 theatres ($8,465). TWISTERS, which reportedly cost $155M to produce, has done $154.9M domestic and $63.3M internationally via WB for a worldwide cume of $221.3M.   As for next weekend: D&W will be #1 again. WB's PG-13 horror mystery TRAP, directed by M. Night Shayamalan, is opening at about 3,200 theatres. TRAP's tracking below norm for first choice with all demos. Hollywood handicappers expect a $20-25M opening.   Sony/Davis Entertainment's PG animated comedy adventure HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON is opening at about 3,000 theatres. HAROLD is tracking below norm for first choice with all demos. Analysts see a $10-15M opening.   (See more at www.ZAMM.com)   #movies #boxoffice #martingrove #deadpool #wolverine #ryanreynolds #hughjackman

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“A recent Indiewire article by Brian Welk, titled “Study Reveals Untapped Market of 40 Million People Who Will Pay for Indie Films on Streaming,” highlights a study led by former Sundance Institute CEO Keri Putnam. The “US Independent Film Audience & Landscape Study” reveals a massive audience waiting for indie collaboration, with the biggest challenge being the discoverability of independent films. To support the growth of independent film distribution, policies and funding that incentivise partnerships between streaming services and independent distributors are essential. Additionally, audience-building strategies, such as curated collections and social media advocacy, can help ensure these films find their place on the world stage.” - Diarah N’Daw-Spech ArtMattan Films

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More and more Russian cinemagoers are becoming excited about Chinese films! The Chinese comedy-drama “Successor” (“Zhua Wa Wa”), directed by Yan Fei and Peng Damo and featuring renowned actors Shen Teng and Ma Li, was recently released in Russian cinemas. “Successor” has resonated strongly with Russian audiences, performing well at the box office and earning praise for its nostalgic charm, particularly its focus on claw machines—a central symbol in the story. With its universal themes and relatable characters, the film has quickly become a favorite among Russian moviegoers, further solidifying its international appeal. Our next markets: World Content Market – Almaty 2025: 4-5 March 2025 World Content Market – Moscow Spring 2025: 8-10 April 2025 World Content Market – Moscow Autumn 2025: 26-28 November 2025 #worldcontentmarket #televisionmarket #digitalcontent #content #b2b #televisiondistribution #TVindustry #TVbroadcasting #Television #Contentindustry #TVcontent #TVseries #Contentdistribution #Contentproduction 

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As Productions Move Abroad, California Gears Up to Battle Film and TV Exodus – The Gloves Are Coming Off! California’s film and TV production game might be down, but it’s far from out! As productions flirt with international locations, the Golden State is ready to throw some heavyweight punches to keep the magic of Hollywood alive. With a powerful combination of tax credits, infrastructure investment, and a homegrown talent pool that’s second to none, California is suiting up to go toe-to-toe with global competitors. Sure, cheaper locations and irresistible international incentives have been stealing the spotlight. But here’s the plot twist: California isn’t just sitting on the sidelines. We’re rolling up our sleeves, ready to “rumble”. The goal? To remind the world that Hollywood is still the undisputed champion of content creation—no matter how far production tries to wander. The future of film in California? Bright, bold, and absolutely worth watching. https://lnkd.in/grDAwWZ3 Entertainment Partners California Film Commission FilmLA Motion Picture Association

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AI continues to be one of the biggest factors affecting the entertainment industry. SAG-AFTRA has reached an agreement with AI audio company Narrativ to protect the rights of voice actors. 🗣 The deal ensures that AI-generated audio performances are covered under union contracts, giving voice actors compensation and control over how their likeness and performances are used in AI applications. This sets a precedent for the use of AI in entertainment, aiming to balance innovation with artists' rights.

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Hollywood Betting Big on Genre Films: AFM’s Vegas Move Signals Shift in the Independent Film Market For the first time in its 45-year history, the American Film Market (AFM) has traded the coastal ambiance of Santa Monica for the glitzy setting of Las Vegas, launching its 2024 event at the Palms Casino Resort. This relocation comes with high hopes for streamlined networking, concentrated events, and fresh energy—but also a dose of skepticism as the independent film market continues to erode. With a notable focus on genre films, the independent film industry is gathering to confront market challenges in a bold new setting. A New Venue and New Energy Relocating from Los Angeles, where AFM was a fixture for over four decades, the Las Vegas setting promises to bring renewed energy to the market. At the Palms Casino Resort, all activities—from screenings to panels to networking events—are conveniently held under one roof, a feature set to alleviate some of the logistical challenges of prior years. By consolidating everything into one venue, AFM aims to foster a community atmosphere, allowing filmmakers, distributors, and buyers to maximize their time without shuttling across various locations. The all-in-one setup at the Palms is already a draw for industry heavyweights. With 286 sales, production, and distribution companies registered, including significant players, AFM sees increased interest from international representatives spanning 80 countries. European delegates from Italy, France, and Germany are attending in solid numbers, underscoring the global appeal of AFM’s new setting. The Rise of Genre Films Amid Uncertain Markets In an industry facing unpredictable returns from theatrical releases, genre films have emerged as a key investment focus at this year’s AFM. Genre films, especially horror and action, command significant buyer interest due to their strong built-in audiences and relatively lower risk. The recent success of horror films like Longlegs and Terrifier 3 has reinforced this trend, with AFM showcasing an impressive slate of horror and action offerings. Projects generating buzz include George A. Romero’s final zombie movie, Twilight of the Dead, directed by Brad Anderson, and the psychological thriller Victoria Psycho, which reunites Sanctuary star Margaret Qualley with director Zachary Wigon. Action films are also gaining traction, with high-profile offerings such as Cleaner, featuring Daisy Ridley in a Die Hard-style thriller, and The Last Druid, a sword-and-sandals epic led by Russell Crowe.

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10 Ways to get your Game funded …

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