Profit Pinch: Studios Lay Off Employees While Theaters Increase Ads
Who doesn't want to sit through even more ads before the movie?
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It's Wednesday, June 4th. Here's what's happening.
🍿 The Big Picture
Disney cut jobs and AMC announced a deal to show even more ads before film showings. Somehow this doesn't sound like great news for moviegoers, but if you own Disney or AMC stock, it worked out well (both were up on the day). Meanwhile, Netflix (up 1.94%) just keeps chugging along. Is it me or are they operating from a completely different playbook?
🎥 Extra Coverage
Shareholders of Warner Bros. overwhelmingly rejected the pay package for CEO David Zaslav; however, the vote is symbolic. (The Hollywood Reporter)
A planned Las Vegas movie studio backed by Sony and Warner Bros. failed a legislative vote in Nevada. The companies were reportedly seeking a $95 million annual subsidy. (Variety)
The business is up in arms about the news that AMC plans to increase their advertising before movies. National CineMedia Inc. provides the ads for AMC. (Investing.com)
Paramount has fired its agency of record WPP Media. The studio is re-arranging relationships as it tries to complete a merger with Skydance. (Deadline)
📈 MNP Stock Index
Market Close: Wednesday, June 4th, 2025
Total Value: $106,413.55
Today's Change: -$1,065.65 (-0.99%)
Total Gain/Loss (Since 05/12/25): $6,413.52 (6.41%)
A tough day for movie stocks, as our index ended down almost 1%. Lionsgate closed down (-4.60%) and Starz also dipped (-4.58%) in tandem. AMC ended up 1.95% on news that it was squeezing a "platinum" ad into movie previews.
Disclaimer: The MovieNewsPro Stock Index is a virtual index - there are no actual funds invested. Sector index total value dollar amounts are based on an initial hypothetical investment of $100,000 on May 12th, 2025. We are not licensed investment advisors and our information should not be used as investment advice. Invest wisely.
🏆 Film Festivals
SXSW London, June 2-7
Lighthouse International Film Festival, US - June 4-8
New Media Film Festival, US - June 4-5
Sydney Film Festival, Australia - June 4-15
Tribeca Film Festival, US - June 4-15
Guadalajara International Film Festival, Mexico - June 6-14
Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market, France - June 8-14
American Black Film Festival, US - June 11-15
Provincetown International Film Festival, US - June 11-15
DC/DOX Film Festival, US - June 12-15
Monte Carlo Television Festival, Monaco - June 13-17
Transilvania International Film Festival, Romania - June 13-22
Bentonville Film Festival, US - June 16-22
CineEurope, Spain - June 16-19
📺 Watch This Tonight
Legally Blonde (2001)
Directed by Robert Luketic
The perfect combination of comedy and heart. Reese Witherspoon is a force.
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Disclaimer/Transparency
MovieNewsPro is a film industry news monitoring service. All stories have been previously reported elsewhere and are not exclusive stories to MNP. All information is believed to be accurate at the time of reporting. MovieNewsPro uses a full array of technology to gather information, including machine learning, automation and artificial intelligence throughout its business monitoring, editing and reporting process.
