Rapidly Advancing Technology: Movie Studios Struggle To Adapt
Don’t stand in front of the runaway bus.
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It's Thursday, June 12th. Here's what's happening.
🍿 The Big Picture
Technology is advancing faster than markets (or people) can keep up, creating disruption across all industries, including film production, distribution, and consumption. I call this phenomenon RAT: Rapidly Advancing Technology.
Artificial Intelligence, streaming platforms, data-driven FAST channels, and handheld viewing (YouTube, TikTok, Reels) are decentralizing how entertainment is distributed and consumed. At the same time, they’re shaping a generation that expects instant gratification at home (at no extra cost), rather than paying more to travel and watch films in theaters.
The smart move? Don’t stand in front of the runaway bus (the one with the RAT on the roof). Instead, partner (or invest in) the companies driving this transformation and be a part of the future. Because technology moves at the speed of time, and time stops for no one.
🎥 Extra Coverage
The proposed split-up of Warner Bros. Discovery into two companies was not well received by credit ratings agency Fitch. The firm downgraded the stock to Junk status, citing the company's smaller size, debt load and future lack of diversification. (Reuters)
Comcast's legacy TV spinoff (Versant) has named Frank Tanki as Chief Marketing Officer. The company will include cable networks such as MSNBC, CNBC, USA Network, Oxygen, SYFY and E, as well as digital movie assets such as Rotten Tomatoes and Fandango. (Deadline)
The always on point Ted Gioia is wise to point out how the streaming channels (looking at you, Netflix and Amazon Prime) have added ad tiers just to push you into accepting pay hikes on premium tiers. (The Honest Broker)
With Cannes finally in the rear view, it's the perfect time to analyze just how much winning the festival actually helps. (PricePoint)
📈 Movie Stock Index
Market Close: Thursday, June 12th, 2025
Total Value: $108,423.99
Today's Change: -$179.94 (-0.17%)
Total Gain/Loss (Since 05/12/25): $8,423.97 (8.42%)
Tough day for the movie stocks. Our MovieNewsPro Stock Index closed down 1.21%. Theater chains AMC, Marcus and Cinemark were down on the day, but Imax rose 3.77% on news that the company was expanding its stock buyback plan.
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
Tribeca Film Festival, US - June 4-15
Sydney Film Festival, Australia - 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
Doc Edge Film Festival, New Zealand - June 18-July 31
Frameline San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival, US - June 18-28
Oakville Film Festival, Canada - June 18-25
Raindance Film Festival, UK - June 18-27
Sheffield DocFest, UK - June 18-23
Nepal America International Film Festival, US - June 19-22
Brussels International Film Festival, Belgium - June 20-28
Kimolos International Film Festival, Greece - June 21-25
Mediterrane Film Festival, Malta - June 21-29
London Screenings, UK - June 23-25
Sunny Side Of The Doc, France - June 23-26
Biarritz Film Festival Nouvelles Vagues, France - June 24-29
Docs Ireland, Ireland - June 24-29
Palm Springs ShortFest, US - June 24-30
Nantucket Film Festival, US - June 25-30
Oak Cliff Film Festival, US - June 26-29
FilmFest Munich, Germany - June 27-July 6
📺 Watch This Tonight
Love and Mercy (2014)
Directed by Bill Pohlad
Brian Wilson's music changed the world of pop music forever. R.I.P. Brian.
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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.
