The Business
‘Mulan,’ ‘Tenet,’ and awards season
COVID-19 has buffeted the entertainment industry. The Business looks at major challenges, such as how to release big-budget pictures and how to manage the awards season.
By Kim Masters • • 28m ListenThe pandemic has posed major challenges to the entertainment industry, such as how to release big-budget pictures and how to manage the awards season.
Warner Bros. took a huge risk by releasing “Tenet” in theaters at the insistence of director Christopher Nolan, while Disney experimented with its live-action “Mulan” by releasing it on their streaming service Disney+. Analyst Rich Greenfield of Lightshed Partners says that this reflects where the industry has been headed for years, but that neither release was a success.
Meanwhile, this year’s award season is underway, and the Hollywood Reporter’s awards columnist Scott Feinberg has been keeping tabs on the planning for the Emmys ceremony, as well as the virtual film festivals and campaigns leading up to the Oscars.
In this episode
3 storiesExecs talk up streaming numbers for HBO Max, Peacock, CBS All Access
At the Goldman Sachs investor conference Tuesday, media executives talked up the numbers for their streaming services.
Read the story6 minInside studios’ release strategies for ‘Mulan’ and ‘Tenet’
In a year with very few big movie releases, all eyes were on two films. There was Warner Bros.’ “Tenet,” the time-twisting spy thriller that opened exclusively in theaters at the insistence of director Christopher Nolan.
Read the story8 minEmmys and Oscars adjust to virtual ceremonies and low-key campaigns
This year’s awards season is full of twists and turns: virtual ceremonies and festivals, and Oscars campaigns that are more low-key than past years.
Read the story13 min
