Hollywood Breakdown

Amid an industry-wide wave of reorganization, Disney has just announced a restructuring and the creation of a new division for content distribution.

The movie business has struggled to make money during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some industry insiders say it should prioritize streaming.

Hollywood’s production schedule is largely back up and running after shutting down at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, raising questions about the standards and protocols in place across the industry.

Emmy Awards host Jimmy Kimmel said he believes the Emmys will have their lowest ever ratings this year. Viewers will see a virtual ceremony this Sunday.

The Oscars have announced new requirements for films to be eligible for Best Picture. The requirements will take effect in 2024.

Two of this year’s biggest blockbusters — “Mulan” and “Tenet” — will be released this weekend. This will test the pandemic-era business strategies for both Warner Bros. and Disney.

A new Hollywood management firm has been quietly drawing personnel from the top talent agencies. This came to a head when four top agents at Creative Artists Agency announced they were leaving the company on Aug. 23.

Longtime NBCUniversal chairman Ron Meyer has been ousted, the latest high-profile departure of a major Hollywood executive. This came after news broke that he had an affair with a young actress, who was later revealed to be Charlotte Kirk. In his statement, the former executive said that the affair was brief and consensual.

AMC announced it will start to reopen its theaters in parts of the country where COVID protocols allow it. But it remains to be seen whether this move will pay off for the chain. Many states, including California, have not allowed movie theaters to reopen.

Disney reported losses of $4.7 billion last quarter in their latest earnings call. Still, investors saw promise in the company’s streaming revenue, as Disney’s stock rose 10%.