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There are many exciting things happening in the entertainment industry. As streaming giants make strategic financial moves; new series are premiering while legal battles rage on, there is plenty catching up to do.
Netflix rumbles with substantial debt raise intended for refinancing and expansion. In addition to launching a flexible subscription offering in the UK, Disney+ is set to entrance younger viewers with another “Star Wars” spinoff.
There’s Apple TV+ having a wonderful new show starring Billy Crystal and Hulu bringing out Demi Lovato’s thought provoking document.
Strategic Expansions Lead to Netflix Raising $1.8 Billion
Netflix has stated that it plans to raise around $1.8 billion in cash, which will enable it to refinance its present debt and cater for “general corporate purposes.”
This move fits into the general strategic direction of Netflix, which has seen it enter into some very large deals for instance a recently signed WWE deal worth around 500 million dollars annually and also acquire streaming rights for NFL games that take place on Christmas Day.
This is its first new debt issue since April 2020, after Moody's and S&P Global had upgraded the firm’s investment rating earlier this year. Currently, Netflix has about 14 billion of outstanding debts.
The company expects that the funding injection will enhance its ability to produce and distribute content thereby maintaining its competitiveness in an ever-changing streaming market.
Disney+’s Most Recent “Star Wars” Spinoff: “Skeleton Crew”
Disney+ is set to debut a new Star Wars spinoff series entitled Skeleton Crew on December 3rd. In an exclusive preview by People Magazine, the show was described as being written for young viewers who would be able to relate with coming of age experiences.
In Skeleton Crew four kids from earth get lost in space floating through challenges and adventures within the Star Wars universe.
Ravi Cabot-Conyers, Kyriana Kratter, Robert Timothy Smith and Ryan Kiera Armstrong star in the series with Jude Law. Jon Watts and Christopher Ford have created a fresh perspective on 'Skeleton Crew' that blends all-time favourite "Star Wars" themes with youthful exuberance.
Former Netflix Executive Disputes Her Dismissal
Jessica Combs, an erstwhile executive at Netflix has sued the company for sacking her after raising sexual harassment complaints against it.
According to Combs, who made her claims on social media site LinkedIn, the official reason given for her firing was a violation of vaccine mandate over COVID-19 whereas she said that management was trying to dismiss her because she had raised issues about inappropriate conduct at work place.
The lawsuit exposes ongoing problems of workplace culture as well as handling of harassment complaints within the entertainment industry.
Depending on what unfolds in this case, it could have ramifications on how companies deal with such complaints in future especially among high-profile and influential organizations such as Netflix.
Disney+ UK Introduces “Extra Members” Feature
Disney+ UK has launched a new feature that enables subscribers to add users from outside their households at an extra cost.
However, the exact cost of this "Extra Members" fee remains undisclosed; however, it is a strategic move by Disney+ to improve its subscription model and offer more flexible ways for users to watch films.
The Extra Members feature requires additional users to be added from the same country as that of the original subscriber. It may also come with several conditions in place
This initiative is part of Disney+'s bid to accommodate a varied audience while competing against other streaming platforms that have family sharing options similar to those mentioned above.
Billy Crystal Stars in New Apple TV+ Series "Before"
Billy Crystal will star in a new limited series, “Before” set to premiere on Apple TV+ on October 25th. The series follows Eli (Crystal), who is a child therapist that meets a boy with an inexplicable link towards his past life.
This intriguing premise explores themes of memory, trauma, and the complexities of the human psyche.
The cast also includes Judith Light, Rosie Perez, Maria Dizzia, and Ava Lalezarzadeh. Created by Sarah Thorp and directed by Adam Bernstein, “Before” delivers on its promise with these actors delivering strong performances in captivating narratives that make one think deeply about what’s going on within them.
Apple TV + continues to expand its range of psycho-dramas by bringing this new piece into focus for Billy Crystal fans.
Demi Lovato and Hulu: Demi Lovato’s “Child Star” Documentary
Hulu also happens to be the platform where Demi Lovato will release her forthcoming documentary, a tell-all film called “Child Star” that explores aspects of former child actors’ lives.
Also co-directed by the pop star with Nicola Marsh, this non-fiction highlights include interviews with iconic personalities including Drew Barrymore, Kenan Thompson and Christina Ricci.
“Child Star,” which makes its debut on September 17th, aims to show what it’s like for young actors growing up in the shadow of fame.
In her personal capacity as a one-time child star, Lovato has added her unique perspective to this venture making it an unavoidable attraction for those curious about what life is like behind the camera or off-stage when you are famous.
