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Digital Divide

Virtual Reality is Real and right NOW

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Virtual Reality. Hmm. A sexy topic. It plays to so many mindsets and lifestyles. From Geeks to Gamers and Content creators to Consumers seeking extreme behavior in a safe zone.

Virtually, something for everyone.

Businesses and brands are not left out of this conversation. Especially those seeking to augment the experiential thrill of a promise or the demonstration of a benefit. Categories from real estate to automotive have set up camp on the boarder of this technology, awaiting usage and delivery applications to catch up with the visual candy being offered. Read More

Cannes: Digital Revolution Makes Big Impact on Indie Markets

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Source: Gregg Goldstein, Variety.com

With advances in digital technology, the buying, selling, financing and marketing of Cannes films has never been faster or easier — but also, in many ways, never more complicated. And this year’s attendees seem most excited about new digital access to information, analytics, dealmaking tools and online screening technology.

In the Cannes Market’s just-relaunched Cinando app, buyers have info on more than 30,000 films and 40,000 execs on their iPhones and Androids, even offline. “Lists of people you want to meet, films you want to see, companies you’re meeting with and notes on them synchronize with your account when you connect to wi-fi,” says Cinando and Market exec director Jerome Paillard.

Improvements in secure screening links are also changing the way attendees do business.

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Chinese, Canadian Companies Launch $200 Million Film Fund

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Source: Patrick Frater, Variety.com

Chinese and English-language versions of “Turandot” are set to be the first two movies produced through a new partnership between Canada’s Stratagem Entertainment and Chengdu Tianyin Culture Communication Co. (CTCCC). The relationship also involves the establishment of a $200 million production fund, expected to back a slate of six to eight films over a five-year period.

The deal is in addition and separate to Stratagem’s recently hatched $800 million deal with China Film Group, New Zealand’s Huhu Studios and China Film Co-Production Corp.

CTCCC is a state-owned enterprise backed by the Chengdu city authorities, Sichuan Province and the Old Silk Road Investment Fund.

The Turandot films are based on the legend of Turan-Dokht, written by Haft-Peykar, in which a determined prince has to solve three deadly riddles in order to marry a disdainful princess. It was previously adapted as an opera by Giacomo Puccini.

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Paradym shift 2015 Digital Distribution Revolution

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Source: Raugust Communications

The year 2014 was a landmark one in the rise of digital distribution as a viable means of supporting a licensed entertainment property.

First, studios and property owners began forging deals to distribute archival content online. Scholastic signed with Netflix, the Jim Henson Company with Hulu Kids, Disney with Tencent in China, and Saban with LOVEFiLM in Europe, while IMPS launched a dedicated Smurfs YouTube channel, to name a few. These platforms offer another venue for consumers to discover and enjoy the properties and keep them alive beyond the original broadcast.

Content providers then began to produce original series based on existing franchises. Netflix, for example, is launching series inspired by Ever After High from Mattel, Dinotrux from DreamWorks, Popples from Saban, King Kong from 41 Entertainment, JustinTimefrom Guru Studios, and Winx Club from Rainbow. While the new properties are digital-only, their roots in traditional media or products help draw viewers.

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