Film Industry
31 dispatches
When We Wrote About Streaming Last January, We Made a Bet. The 2025 Numbers Decided.
AVOD and FAST hit $4.9B in 2024 and grew viewing hours 43% year over year. SVOD is still huge but increasingly opaque. The operational gap is real.
The Rise of Immersive Media
For decades, Disneyland and Universal Studios have offered fans one of the few places to physically step inside the worlds of their favorite films and series. And the business case has been clear: in 2024, Disney generated more than twice the operating income from its parks and experiences division ($9.27 billion) than from its entire entertainment and streaming operations ($3.92 billion). That return on experience has caught the attention of the broader industry - particularly as distributors and platforms search for new ways to extend the value of their IP.Audiences have long shown a desire to engage more deeply with stories: IMAX, 4D cinema, and premium audio/visual formats have all emerged to bring viewers closer to the action. But now, the trend is accelerating - and expanding beyond the screen entirely.
Retrospective on Distribution Models in 2024 – And What to Expect in 2025
The media and entertainment industry in 2024 faced a challenging status quo for film and TV distributors, especially independents. This article explores how the tumultuous past decade—marked by the decline of physical media, shifts in audience preferences, and major events like the pandemic and Hollywood strikes—has shaped today’s landscape. Key trends include the contraction of traditional revenue streams, the rise of AVOD and FAST platforms, and the growing demand for niche, high-concept content.
How Streaming Platforms are Using Artificial Intelligence in 2024
From automatically generated recaps and custom-tailored recommendations to smarter search tools and video quality adjustments that adapt to your internet speed, AI is enhancing every part of the streaming experience. Here’s a look at the top ways AI is being used to transform streaming in 2024—giving viewers a taste of just how smart and intuitive entertainment can become.
FilmTrack Co-Founder, Jason Kassin, Joins Molten Cloud as Strategic Advisor – Reinforcing the Media Industry’s Shift to Next-Generation Cloud Infrastructure
Molten Cloud, a software platform recognized for modernizing media operations through innovative solutions, announced today that Jason Kassin, co-founder and former CEO of FilmTrack, has joined the company as a Strategic Advisor.
Three Surprising AI Facts from a Machine Learning Engineer
Demystifying AI in VFX With Three Real-World Use Cases
Disney Activist Investors, Explained
In recent weeks, the Walt Disney Company has become the focal point of a complex narrative involving activist investors, a tale that has captivated the industry and media alike. This saga, unfolding with the drama and intrigue of a Disney film itself, involves power struggles, strategic maneuvers, and a cast of financial titans vying for influence over one of the most iconic companies in entertainment.
Revolutionizing Media Operations: The Molten Cloud Advantage
In a landscape where identical data points span contracts, rights, titles, metadata, and royalties, a siloed approach to data management is not just inefficient—it's obsolete. Molten Cloud understands that the power lies in the connections between these data points. By forging these connections from the ground up, Molten Cloud enables functionalities that were previously cumbersome or time-consuming to become instantaneous and effortless.
Demystifying On-Demand Transcoding
MRSS & HLS Explained: A Technical Guide to Free Ad-Supported TV (FAST)
Explore the evolving world of film and TV distribution with our comprehensive guide on FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV). Learn how MRSS and HLS feeds are revolutionizing content delivery and how the right tools can simplify the process for film distributors.
Stop Pitching the Same Titles to Amazon Prime (and Other Platforms) - Here's How
SAG-AFTRA Union Votes on Groundbreaking 2023 TV/Theatrical Contracts
In a day marked with anticipation and historical significance, the members of the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) are preparing to cast a pivotal vote. The ratification of the 2023 TV/Theatrical Contracts comes after an intense 118-day strike, signaling a potential turning point in the entertainment industry. Let's dive into the terms of the proposed agreement.
The WGA Basic Agreement Cheat Sheet
In the wake of the recent WGA strike, a transformative agreement with the AMPTP has emerged. While there are extensive documents that detail every nuance, we recognize the value of clarity and brevity. So, if you're seeking precise figures without wading through the legal jargon, you're in luck. Below, we've distilled the key points of the new agreement into an accessible cheat sheet. Dive in to gain a clear perspective on these pivotal changes.
The Post-Strike A.I. Playbook
Despite being the topic of contentious debate, artificial intelligence is just one of many areas in which the WGA sought - and won - protections for its members. So what exactly are the new terms for AI’s use in writers rooms? Let’s break it down.
Strike Update: Agreement Highlights & What's Next
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have reached a tentative agreement, signaling a potential end to 148 days of striking. Here is a succinct overview of the tentatively agreed upon terms, which are in effect as of September 25th, 2023, pending this week's ratification vote.
We Asked ChatGPT to Generate an Oscar-Worthy Film Idea, Here's What It Came Up With
Beyond Sci-Fi: The Present State of AI in Film
Over 100 Platforms Now Supported: Molten Cloud's New Era of Content Delivery
Highlighting Industry Evolution, Molten Cloud Enhances Its Cloud Platform to Facilitate Content Delivery to Over 100 Destinations More Efficiently.
The Secret Philosophy Behind Profitable Content Distribution
Want to know the secrets of profitable content distribution in the complex landscape of modern distribution? You’re in the right place.
SAG-AFTRA Strikes: What to Know
The entertainment world is currently being rocked by a sweeping strike led by SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists). If you're involved in the film industry, especially in distribution, it's crucial to understand the ins and outs of this major event. Here's a concise breakdown:
Demystifying FAST
Free Ad-Supported Television (FAST) is a term that's swiftly gaining momentum within the media industry. It’s no surprise, as new FAST channels seem to be sprouting up almost daily, testament to the rapidly expanding sector. However, the understanding of the mechanics and strategies underlying FAST's success remains murky for many. Today, we aim to dispel the myths and shed light on how this platform works and how you can leverage it to your advantage.
5 Tips for Monetizing with FAST
Five Lessons for Film Distributors from 2022
Don't be Walmart on Black Friday
The Role of Timing in the Distribution Pipeline
The Insatiable Demand for Content
How to spend your free time at AFM
Top 6 ways to spend your free time during Marché du Film
Making the Most of Marché du Film: Top 5 Insider Tips
MOLTEN Raises $7 Million Funding from Top Hollywood & Tech Investors to Modernize Internal Operations of Media Companies
Ashton Kutcher, Michael Ovitz and Jack Dorsey invest, along with VCs; MOLTEN introduces comprehensive cloud platform to simplify rights, content and financial management for media and entertainment businesses