Marvel Studios has long been celebrated for its unparalleled ability to craft captivating narratives, shrouded in secrecy and brimming with unexpected twists. Yet, it seems to have no idea about its upcoming Agatha. Marking the return of Kathryn Hahn as the titular witch, the series has yet again gotten a name change.
Kathryn Hahn in a still from WandaVision as Agatha
While fans are certainly confused, believing that might be a marketing stint, even the Chief Brand Officer of Disney’s Marketing unit is confused after Marvel tweeted a hilarious name change for the upcoming show. Although the tweet has since been deleted, fans have been busy speculating what these various name changes can mean.
Marvel Studios Changes Agatha’s Series Name, Yet Again
Agatha gets its fourth new title
A spin-off to WandaVision, Marvel Studios; Agatha follows the titular character of Agatha, played by Kathryn Hahn. Expected to be...
Kathryn Hahn in a still from WandaVision as Agatha
While fans are certainly confused, believing that might be a marketing stint, even the Chief Brand Officer of Disney’s Marketing unit is confused after Marvel tweeted a hilarious name change for the upcoming show. Although the tweet has since been deleted, fans have been busy speculating what these various name changes can mean.
Marvel Studios Changes Agatha’s Series Name, Yet Again
Agatha gets its fourth new title
A spin-off to WandaVision, Marvel Studios; Agatha follows the titular character of Agatha, played by Kathryn Hahn. Expected to be...
- 5/14/2024
- by Maria Sultan
- FandomWire
Las Vegas – The Walt Disney Co. showcased its investments in cutting-edge advertising technology on Wednesday at the Consumer Electronics Show, with top executives talking up the company’s enhanced ability to serve marketers across linear and streaming platforms around the world.
“2023 was Disney’s biggest year in our history for investments in ad technology, including the global expansion of Disney+ with ads,” said Rita Ferro, Disney’s president of global advertising, told the crowd at the Cosmopolitan hotel. “Our tech stack was intentionally built for streaming, to work seamlessly across the global marketplace. It was made for you to buy once and deliver everywhere.”
A procession of executives gave short presentations on innovations and strategic moves made to allow advertisers greater ability to target discrete groups of consumers — capabilities that Madison Avenue has dreamed of for decades.
Joe Earley, Disney’s president of direct-to-consumer streaming, sketched out the scope of Disney’s streaming business,...
“2023 was Disney’s biggest year in our history for investments in ad technology, including the global expansion of Disney+ with ads,” said Rita Ferro, Disney’s president of global advertising, told the crowd at the Cosmopolitan hotel. “Our tech stack was intentionally built for streaming, to work seamlessly across the global marketplace. It was made for you to buy once and deliver everywhere.”
A procession of executives gave short presentations on innovations and strategic moves made to allow advertisers greater ability to target discrete groups of consumers — capabilities that Madison Avenue has dreamed of for decades.
Joe Earley, Disney’s president of direct-to-consumer streaming, sketched out the scope of Disney’s streaming business,...
- 1/11/2024
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Disney convened its fourth annual Tech and Data Showcase for advertisers at CES in Las Vegas on Wednesday, kicking it off with affirmation from CEO Bob Iger.
“We know from a century of experience that when we marry our exceptional creativity with our relentless commitment to innovation, the results are never less than extraordinary,” Iger said in a video message. “The possibilities before us have never been more exciting and I’m so pleased for you to hear from the team today about the trails they’re blazing.”
Disney Advertising President Rita Ferro came onstage a minute later, beginning a series of exec remarks highlighting various initiatives across content, advertising and technology. (Chief Brand Officer Asad Ayaz focused his segment on the company’s big plans for fan confab D23.)
Ads are a key component to Disney meeting its closely scrutinized goal of turning a profit in streaming by the end of this year.
“We know from a century of experience that when we marry our exceptional creativity with our relentless commitment to innovation, the results are never less than extraordinary,” Iger said in a video message. “The possibilities before us have never been more exciting and I’m so pleased for you to hear from the team today about the trails they’re blazing.”
Disney Advertising President Rita Ferro came onstage a minute later, beginning a series of exec remarks highlighting various initiatives across content, advertising and technology. (Chief Brand Officer Asad Ayaz focused his segment on the company’s big plans for fan confab D23.)
Ads are a key component to Disney meeting its closely scrutinized goal of turning a profit in streaming by the end of this year.
- 1/11/2024
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney plans to break new ground this year with its biennial fan convention D23, streaming portions of it on Disney+ for the first time and expanding to international markets.
Asad Ayaz, the company’s Chief Brand Officer, delivered the news during Disney’s fourth annual Tech and Data Showcase, an advertising-focused event held this year at CES in Las Vegas.
The team planning this summer’s D23, slated for August 9 to 11 in Anaheim, CA, has ambitions to “take it to a whole new level,” Ayaz said. The most recent edition, in 2022, drew almost 80,000 paid attendees and generated 280 billion digital and social media impressions (a media value of $3.8 billion), he said. “It’s akin to our Super Bowl or Comic-Con weekend.”
Along with the streaming dimension, which may include the mainstay “Legends” awards for Disney all-timers, new components this summer include musical performances from top artists and exclusive shopping experiences. In addition,...
Asad Ayaz, the company’s Chief Brand Officer, delivered the news during Disney’s fourth annual Tech and Data Showcase, an advertising-focused event held this year at CES in Las Vegas.
The team planning this summer’s D23, slated for August 9 to 11 in Anaheim, CA, has ambitions to “take it to a whole new level,” Ayaz said. The most recent edition, in 2022, drew almost 80,000 paid attendees and generated 280 billion digital and social media impressions (a media value of $3.8 billion), he said. “It’s akin to our Super Bowl or Comic-Con weekend.”
Along with the streaming dimension, which may include the mainstay “Legends” awards for Disney all-timers, new components this summer include musical performances from top artists and exclusive shopping experiences. In addition,...
- 1/11/2024
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
The marketing for Disney and 20th Studios’ “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” got off to a strong start with 75 million views in 24 hours across platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, X/Twitter and more, Variety has learned. Social engagement for the trailer came in with 72,000 mentions in 24 hours, boosted by 11,000 TikTok comments and a top 10 trend on X. The studio launched a trailer tease the day before the official clip’s drop, and that earned 25 million views in 24 hours. All in all, “Kingdom” content earned a combined 100 million views during the film’s marketing launch period.
While the full “Kingdom” trailer debuted to a sturdy 75 million views in 24 hours, that number of course does not compete with such recent Disney blockbusters as “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (172 million views), “Avatar: The Way of Water” (148 million) and “The Little Mermaid” (104 million views). Not that the studio was ever expecting “Apes” to...
While the full “Kingdom” trailer debuted to a sturdy 75 million views in 24 hours, that number of course does not compete with such recent Disney blockbusters as “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (172 million views), “Avatar: The Way of Water” (148 million) and “The Little Mermaid” (104 million views). Not that the studio was ever expecting “Apes” to...
- 11/9/2023
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Disney and TikTok today announced a collaboration to celebrate The Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary. Fans on the platform “will be able to watch videos from across Disney’s brands, create their own videos with Disney music and effects, play daily Disney trivia, and collect and trade “Character Cards” to win unique profile frames.”
The initiative launches Monday with more than 48 Disney handles participating. The four-week activation will be live in 24 regions around the world, allowing fans of Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel, ESPN, National Geographic, Disney Parks and many more to access daily content related to their favorite characters, franchises, TV shows and movies.
“For more than 100 years, Disney has been a leader in creative innovation and storytelling, so we are thrilled to continue that legacy with this first-of-its-kind experience on TikTok,” said Asad Ayaz, Chief Brand Officer of The Walt Disney Company, in a statement. “With over...
The initiative launches Monday with more than 48 Disney handles participating. The four-week activation will be live in 24 regions around the world, allowing fans of Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel, ESPN, National Geographic, Disney Parks and many more to access daily content related to their favorite characters, franchises, TV shows and movies.
“For more than 100 years, Disney has been a leader in creative innovation and storytelling, so we are thrilled to continue that legacy with this first-of-its-kind experience on TikTok,” said Asad Ayaz, Chief Brand Officer of The Walt Disney Company, in a statement. “With over...
- 10/13/2023
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Lylle Breier, who most recently served as Senior Vice President, Global Marketing Partnerships, Promotions, Synergy and Special Events at Disney, has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Marketing Partnerships and Special Events. According to the official announcement, Breier “will hold a pivotal role spanning global studio marketing and enterprise corporate functions, overseeing various responsibilities central to the company’s growth and engagement strategies.”
For Breier, this “multifaceted position will include responsibility for driving all marketing partnerships for both feature films and streaming releases, encompassing multi-platform brand campaigns, creative content production, event sponsorships and product placement for Disney Live Action, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios/Marvel Entertainment, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, and Disney+,” according to the official release. Additionally, she will “also be responsible for the strategy, production, and operation of Special Events, including premieres, stunts, stage presentations, and fan conventions,” like D23 Expo, the all-Disney fan...
For Breier, this “multifaceted position will include responsibility for driving all marketing partnerships for both feature films and streaming releases, encompassing multi-platform brand campaigns, creative content production, event sponsorships and product placement for Disney Live Action, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios/Marvel Entertainment, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, and Disney+,” according to the official release. Additionally, she will “also be responsible for the strategy, production, and operation of Special Events, including premieres, stunts, stage presentations, and fan conventions,” like D23 Expo, the all-Disney fan...
- 10/9/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Lylle Breier has been promoted to executive vp of marketing partnerships and special events at the Walt Disney Co.
In the newly created role, the Disney veteran will play a key role spanning global marketing campaigns and enterprise corporate functions that are central to the company’s growth strategies. Breier will continue to report directly to Asad Ayaz, who serves as both chief brand officer for Twdc and president of marketing at Walt Disney Studios and Disney+.
She’ll be responsible for driving all marketing partnerships for feature films and streaming releases, as well as multi-platform brand campaigns, creative content production, event sponsorships and product placement for Disney Live Action, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios/Marvel Entertainment, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios and Disney+.
Breier will also be responsible for special events, including premieres, stunts, stage presentations, and fan conventions.
“Whether securing multi-platform partnerships or pulling off large-scale events across the globe,...
In the newly created role, the Disney veteran will play a key role spanning global marketing campaigns and enterprise corporate functions that are central to the company’s growth strategies. Breier will continue to report directly to Asad Ayaz, who serves as both chief brand officer for Twdc and president of marketing at Walt Disney Studios and Disney+.
She’ll be responsible for driving all marketing partnerships for feature films and streaming releases, as well as multi-platform brand campaigns, creative content production, event sponsorships and product placement for Disney Live Action, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios/Marvel Entertainment, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios and Disney+.
Breier will also be responsible for special events, including premieres, stunts, stage presentations, and fan conventions.
“Whether securing multi-platform partnerships or pulling off large-scale events across the globe,...
- 10/9/2023
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Walt Disney Company has elevated Lylle Breier to executive VP of marketing partnerships and special events.
In her new role, Breier responsibilities will span global studio marketing and enterprise corporate functions departments, overseeing various aspects of the company’s growth and engagement strategies. This includes spearheading marketing partnerships for theatrical and streaming releases, multi-platform brand campaigns, creative content production, event sponsorships and product placement for the studio’s many brands, like Pixar, Disney Animation and Marvel.
Breier will also be in charge of the strategy, production, and operation of special events, such as premieres, stunts, stage presentations, and fan conventions. She will continue to report to Asad Ayaz, Disney’s chief brand officer and president of marketing.
“Whether securing multi-platform partnerships or pulling off large-scale events across the globe, Lylle has been at the center of some the industry’s most elaborate, memorable and successful programs,” Ayaz said in a statement.
In her new role, Breier responsibilities will span global studio marketing and enterprise corporate functions departments, overseeing various aspects of the company’s growth and engagement strategies. This includes spearheading marketing partnerships for theatrical and streaming releases, multi-platform brand campaigns, creative content production, event sponsorships and product placement for the studio’s many brands, like Pixar, Disney Animation and Marvel.
Breier will also be in charge of the strategy, production, and operation of special events, such as premieres, stunts, stage presentations, and fan conventions. She will continue to report to Asad Ayaz, Disney’s chief brand officer and president of marketing.
“Whether securing multi-platform partnerships or pulling off large-scale events across the globe, Lylle has been at the center of some the industry’s most elaborate, memorable and successful programs,” Ayaz said in a statement.
- 10/9/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
The Walt Disney Company announced that they are extending Bob Iger’s contract as CEO through 2026. The former head of the company had returned to the position, after retiring in 2021, in November of 2022.
This is not the first time that the board has extended Iger’s tenure at the company. In fact, this is at least the third time that his contract has been extended — in 2017 (when it was supposed to be up in 2018), when it was extended until 2019 and then later that same year when it was elongated further until 2021.
When he returned to the company in November 2022, after a brief and disastrous run by Iger’s chosen successor Bob Chapek, he swore that he was just there to choose a successor (which he has yet to do) and that he would only run the company for another two years.
This is a total reversal of that and speaks...
This is not the first time that the board has extended Iger’s tenure at the company. In fact, this is at least the third time that his contract has been extended — in 2017 (when it was supposed to be up in 2018), when it was extended until 2019 and then later that same year when it was elongated further until 2021.
When he returned to the company in November 2022, after a brief and disastrous run by Iger’s chosen successor Bob Chapek, he swore that he was just there to choose a successor (which he has yet to do) and that he would only run the company for another two years.
This is a total reversal of that and speaks...
- 7/12/2023
- by Kristen Lopez
- The Wrap
Ke Huy Quan, Stephanie Hsu and Saweetie are among those honored on Gold House’s 2023 Most Impactful Asians A100 list.
The A100 List honors trailblazers across the industry who are at the forefront of what the organization calls the “new gold age.” Gold House will celebrate these honorees and announce several new initiatives at the second annual Gold Gala during Aapi month on May 6 in downtown Los Angeles.
“It’s impossible to fully appreciate the artistic and entrepreneurial renaissance that is currently underway without Gold House,” said honoree Jose Antonio Vargas, the founder of Define American and one of the lead producers of Broadway’s “Here Lies Love.” “With Gold House at the forefront, not only are Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the mainstream — we are helping define what is mainstream.”
Honoree and PBS news anchor Amna Nawaz also stated, “When it comes to the power of journalism, I...
The A100 List honors trailblazers across the industry who are at the forefront of what the organization calls the “new gold age.” Gold House will celebrate these honorees and announce several new initiatives at the second annual Gold Gala during Aapi month on May 6 in downtown Los Angeles.
“It’s impossible to fully appreciate the artistic and entrepreneurial renaissance that is currently underway without Gold House,” said honoree Jose Antonio Vargas, the founder of Define American and one of the lead producers of Broadway’s “Here Lies Love.” “With Gold House at the forefront, not only are Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the mainstream — we are helping define what is mainstream.”
Honoree and PBS news anchor Amna Nawaz also stated, “When it comes to the power of journalism, I...
- 5/1/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
As Asian Pacific American Heritage Month kicks off, Gold House has unveiled this year’s A100, the Api leadership coalition’s sixth annual list of the Asian Pacific leaders who have most significantly impacted American culture and society in the last year.
Among the five categories included in the list — activism and journalism; business and technology; entertainment and media; lifestyle and fashion; and sports and gaming — one person tops each category as an overall A1 (maximum impact).
“Gold House’s A100 List is a vital representation of the diverse opportunities and achievements of and for Asian Pacific leaders,” said Michelle Yeoh, a Gold House A100 Hall of Famer and inaugural Gold Gala Honoree last year. “Becoming begins with seeing — and it shows how we’re just getting started. I’m so proud to be part of past classes and applaud this year’s class.”
This year, Bela Bajaria, the chief content officer at Netflix,...
Among the five categories included in the list — activism and journalism; business and technology; entertainment and media; lifestyle and fashion; and sports and gaming — one person tops each category as an overall A1 (maximum impact).
“Gold House’s A100 List is a vital representation of the diverse opportunities and achievements of and for Asian Pacific leaders,” said Michelle Yeoh, a Gold House A100 Hall of Famer and inaugural Gold Gala Honoree last year. “Becoming begins with seeing — and it shows how we’re just getting started. I’m so proud to be part of past classes and applaud this year’s class.”
This year, Bela Bajaria, the chief content officer at Netflix,...
- 5/1/2023
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Effective immediately, Walt Disney Studios President of Marketing and 18-year studio vet, Asad Ayaz, has been named the first-ever Chief Brand Officer of The Walt Disney Company.
CEO Robert Iger just announced the news.
In this newly created position reporting to Iger, Ayaz will be responsible for stewarding and elevating the Disney brand globally across the entire ecosystem of company touchpoints and consumer experiences.
The marketing maestro behind the studio’s top grossing hits, including the MCU, Pixar and Lucasfilm franchises, will continue as the studio’s President of Marketing, a position he’s held since 2018, overseeing all aspects of promotion for the Burbank lot’s feature and Disney+ global slate. In that regard, he’ll report to Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman.
As Chief Brand Officer, Ayaz will develop and execute brand marketing campaigns for the Walt Disney Company across its entire suite of content and consumer experiences, highlighting...
CEO Robert Iger just announced the news.
In this newly created position reporting to Iger, Ayaz will be responsible for stewarding and elevating the Disney brand globally across the entire ecosystem of company touchpoints and consumer experiences.
The marketing maestro behind the studio’s top grossing hits, including the MCU, Pixar and Lucasfilm franchises, will continue as the studio’s President of Marketing, a position he’s held since 2018, overseeing all aspects of promotion for the Burbank lot’s feature and Disney+ global slate. In that regard, he’ll report to Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman.
As Chief Brand Officer, Ayaz will develop and execute brand marketing campaigns for the Walt Disney Company across its entire suite of content and consumer experiences, highlighting...
- 4/6/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The Walt Disney Company has named Asad Ayaz its first-ever chief brand officer. In the newly created role, effective immediately, he will report to CEO Bob Iger and will be responsible for streamlining a singular vision for marketing initiatives across the entire company.
Ayaz will also continue as president of marketing for the studio, overseeing all aspects of marketing and publicity for films and series as well as for Disney+ globally. In that position, which he’s held since 2018, he reports to Disney entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman.
“Asad is an exceptional creative leader with a deep understanding of what Disney means to millions of people around the world,” Iger said. “His taking on this role is particularly noteworthy and consequential as we commemorate our historic 100th anniversary, and I am confident that his strategic, operational, and creative prowess, along with his profound passion for Disney, will make him an outstanding steward of our stories,...
Ayaz will also continue as president of marketing for the studio, overseeing all aspects of marketing and publicity for films and series as well as for Disney+ globally. In that position, which he’s held since 2018, he reports to Disney entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman.
“Asad is an exceptional creative leader with a deep understanding of what Disney means to millions of people around the world,” Iger said. “His taking on this role is particularly noteworthy and consequential as we commemorate our historic 100th anniversary, and I am confident that his strategic, operational, and creative prowess, along with his profound passion for Disney, will make him an outstanding steward of our stories,...
- 4/6/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Marketing wizard Asad Ayaz has been named Disney’s first-ever chief brand officer, effective immediately. CEO Bob Iger unveiled the appointment Thursday. Ayaz will report directly to Iger on anything related to branding.
It’s a huge promotion for Ayaz. In the newly created role, he will be responsible for stewarding and elevating the Disney brand globally across the company’s entire ecosystem and consumer experiences. He will also continue as president of marketing for Walt Disney Studios, overseeing all aspects of marketing and publicity for the Studios’ films and series as well as for Disney+ globally, reporting to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman.
“Asad is an exceptional creative leader with a deep understanding of what Disney means to millions of people around the world,” Iger said in a statement. “His taking on this role is particularly noteworthy and consequential as we commemorate our historic 100th anniversary, and I am confident that his strategic,...
It’s a huge promotion for Ayaz. In the newly created role, he will be responsible for stewarding and elevating the Disney brand globally across the company’s entire ecosystem and consumer experiences. He will also continue as president of marketing for Walt Disney Studios, overseeing all aspects of marketing and publicity for the Studios’ films and series as well as for Disney+ globally, reporting to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman.
“Asad is an exceptional creative leader with a deep understanding of what Disney means to millions of people around the world,” Iger said in a statement. “His taking on this role is particularly noteworthy and consequential as we commemorate our historic 100th anniversary, and I am confident that his strategic,...
- 4/6/2023
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Disney Entertainment, the new division run by Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, will oversee the main streaming services including Disney+ as details of the company’s strategic restructuring emerge.
Related Story Dana Walden & Alan Bergman To Oversee New Disney Entertainment Unit Related Story Bob Iger Says He Prevented Marvel Chair Isaac Perlmutter From Firing Kevin Feige In 2015 Related Story Disney Appreciates Nelson Peltz's Decision To Back Off Proxy Fight, Says It "Respects And Values The Input Of All Shareholders"
Additionally, the TV and film unit will now share some back-end functions with ESPN and employees from Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution, the Bob Chapek-created unit previously run by Kareem Daniel, and International Content and Operations coming under Disney Entertainment and ESPN.
Rebecca Campbell, Chairman, International Content and Operations, is the most senior executive to leave the business as part of the changes, which CEO Bob Iger said would also include around 7,000 job losses.
Related Story Dana Walden & Alan Bergman To Oversee New Disney Entertainment Unit Related Story Bob Iger Says He Prevented Marvel Chair Isaac Perlmutter From Firing Kevin Feige In 2015 Related Story Disney Appreciates Nelson Peltz's Decision To Back Off Proxy Fight, Says It "Respects And Values The Input Of All Shareholders"
Additionally, the TV and film unit will now share some back-end functions with ESPN and employees from Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution, the Bob Chapek-created unit previously run by Kareem Daniel, and International Content and Operations coming under Disney Entertainment and ESPN.
Rebecca Campbell, Chairman, International Content and Operations, is the most senior executive to leave the business as part of the changes, which CEO Bob Iger said would also include around 7,000 job losses.
- 2/9/2023
- by Peter White and Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Studio Ghibli-Lucasfilm Project Confirmed As Baby Yoda Short ‘Zen – Grogu And Dust Bunnies’ – Update
Updated, 4:15 p.m.: Studio Ghibli set the internet abuzz on Thursday when it hinted at a collaboration with Lucasfilm. And now, Disney+ has given the project a name — that being Zen – Grogu and Dust Bunnies.
Zen is an original, animated short directed for the streaming service by Katsuya Kondo, which will be released this Saturday, November 12, as both Disney+ and its acclaimed Star Wars series The Mandalorian celebrate their third anniversary. The film’s protagonist is Grogu, the breakout Mandalorian character known to many as Baby Yoda.
The hand-drawn piece will feature music by the show’s Oscar- and Emmy-winning composer, Ludwig Göransson, who most recently penned the score for Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Take a look at the poster for Zen – Grogu and Dust Bunnies below.
Previously, November 10: Studio Ghibli took to Twitter on Thursday to hint at a collaboration with Lucasfilm.
It’s...
Zen is an original, animated short directed for the streaming service by Katsuya Kondo, which will be released this Saturday, November 12, as both Disney+ and its acclaimed Star Wars series The Mandalorian celebrate their third anniversary. The film’s protagonist is Grogu, the breakout Mandalorian character known to many as Baby Yoda.
The hand-drawn piece will feature music by the show’s Oscar- and Emmy-winning composer, Ludwig Göransson, who most recently penned the score for Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Take a look at the poster for Zen – Grogu and Dust Bunnies below.
Previously, November 10: Studio Ghibli took to Twitter on Thursday to hint at a collaboration with Lucasfilm.
It’s...
- 11/12/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
There’s magic in the air today after Studio Ghibli, the world-famous Japanese animation studio behind Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle teased a collaboration with Lucasfilm. Studio Ghibli announced the pairing via tweet with a short video displaying the logos of both studios. While fans of either studio were pinching themselves and dreaming of the implications of the union, Walt Disney Pictures’ President of Marketing, Asad Ayaz, retweeted the post, adding coal to the furnaces of the hype train.
pic.twitter.com/RZ74q04w7J
— スタジオジブリ Studio Ghibli (@JP_GHIBLI) November 10, 2022
Lucasfilm, who created the Star Wars franchise and cracked a bullwhip alongside Indiana Jones, is always looking for ways to expand its reach in the ever-growing entertainment world. Previously, Lucasfilm teamed with seven anime studios to create Star Wars: Visions, an anthology of nine short films set in the Star Wars universe. While combining...
pic.twitter.com/RZ74q04w7J
— スタジオジブリ Studio Ghibli (@JP_GHIBLI) November 10, 2022
Lucasfilm, who created the Star Wars franchise and cracked a bullwhip alongside Indiana Jones, is always looking for ways to expand its reach in the ever-growing entertainment world. Previously, Lucasfilm teamed with seven anime studios to create Star Wars: Visions, an anthology of nine short films set in the Star Wars universe. While combining...
- 11/10/2022
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Studio Ghibli is cooking up something sweet with Lucasfilm and Walt Disney Co.
The famed Japanese animation studio tweeted the Lucasfilm logo, a message amplified by at least one Disney executive. Walt Disney Pictures’ President of Marketing Asad Ayaz retweeted the Studio Ghibli post with a hinting eyes emoji.
Studio Ghibli is best known for producing films like “KiKi’s Delivery Service,” “Princess Mononoke,” and “Spirited Away.” The production company’s most recent film was “Earwig and the Witch,” released in 2020.
There is precedent for such a collaboration here too: Lucasfilm, the creators behind the “Star Wars” franchise, has collaborated with Japanese animators to bring anime aesthetics to the Disney+ series “Star Wars: Visions.” Lucasfilm partnered with seven anime studios to create nine short films set in the “Star Wars” galaxy.
“The goal with ‘Visions’ was always that we wanted this to be authentic Japanese anime,” executive producer James Waugh told...
The famed Japanese animation studio tweeted the Lucasfilm logo, a message amplified by at least one Disney executive. Walt Disney Pictures’ President of Marketing Asad Ayaz retweeted the Studio Ghibli post with a hinting eyes emoji.
Studio Ghibli is best known for producing films like “KiKi’s Delivery Service,” “Princess Mononoke,” and “Spirited Away.” The production company’s most recent film was “Earwig and the Witch,” released in 2020.
There is precedent for such a collaboration here too: Lucasfilm, the creators behind the “Star Wars” franchise, has collaborated with Japanese animators to bring anime aesthetics to the Disney+ series “Star Wars: Visions.” Lucasfilm partnered with seven anime studios to create nine short films set in the “Star Wars” galaxy.
“The goal with ‘Visions’ was always that we wanted this to be authentic Japanese anime,” executive producer James Waugh told...
- 11/10/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
It is quite clear from a theatrical and a streaming front, Disney is already dominating.
While CEO Bob Chapek has, of course, championed the booming Disney+ during the pandemic, the fact that theatrical remains powerful is not lost on the company. They will obviously conquer November with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which had many breathless the other night after its Hollywood premiere. December also belongs to Disney at the box office, with 20th Century Studio’s Avatar: The Way of Water.
Wakanda Forever is set to open to 175M-200M, and it won’t be surprising to see if it emulates or surpasses its first chapter, which did 700.4M stateside.
The rich man’s problem for Disney is where to best exploit its legacy IP.
But this has been a situation for Disney for decades, and a winning attribute as well. With such powerful brands, Disney can traverse frontwards and backwards the theatrical-to-home ancillary pipeline,...
While CEO Bob Chapek has, of course, championed the booming Disney+ during the pandemic, the fact that theatrical remains powerful is not lost on the company. They will obviously conquer November with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which had many breathless the other night after its Hollywood premiere. December also belongs to Disney at the box office, with 20th Century Studio’s Avatar: The Way of Water.
Wakanda Forever is set to open to 175M-200M, and it won’t be surprising to see if it emulates or surpasses its first chapter, which did 700.4M stateside.
The rich man’s problem for Disney is where to best exploit its legacy IP.
But this has been a situation for Disney for decades, and a winning attribute as well. With such powerful brands, Disney can traverse frontwards and backwards the theatrical-to-home ancillary pipeline,...
- 10/30/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including red carpets for She Hulk: Attorney at Law, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Spin Me Round and Look Both Ways.
Ted Lasso FYC event
Apple TV+ hosted another FYC campaign event with some of the Ted Lasso cast on Saturday at The Maybourne Beverly Hills.
M.J. Delaney, Sam Richardson, James Lance, Toheeb Jimoh, Sarah Niles, Nick Mohammed and Brett Goldstein
Sprung premiere
The cast and creator of Amazon Freevee’s original comedy series Sprung gathered on Sunday for the premiere event hosted at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Creator Greg Garcia, along with stars Martha Plimpton, Garret Dillahunt, Phillip Garcia, Shakira Barrera, James Earl and Clare Gillies were in attendance to celebrate the series’ launch.
Garret Dillahunt, Phillip Garcia, Shakira Barrera,...
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including red carpets for She Hulk: Attorney at Law, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Spin Me Round and Look Both Ways.
Ted Lasso FYC event
Apple TV+ hosted another FYC campaign event with some of the Ted Lasso cast on Saturday at The Maybourne Beverly Hills.
M.J. Delaney, Sam Richardson, James Lance, Toheeb Jimoh, Sarah Niles, Nick Mohammed and Brett Goldstein
Sprung premiere
The cast and creator of Amazon Freevee’s original comedy series Sprung gathered on Sunday for the premiere event hosted at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Creator Greg Garcia, along with stars Martha Plimpton, Garret Dillahunt, Phillip Garcia, Shakira Barrera, James Earl and Clare Gillies were in attendance to celebrate the series’ launch.
Garret Dillahunt, Phillip Garcia, Shakira Barrera,...
- 8/19/2022
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Disney has changed its awards team and structure and added new team members to its ranks.
New to the team is René Ridinger, who will lead the team as V.P. of awards and Nikki Adler as director of awards. In addition, Samy Gaballa, a 20-year Disney veteran, will take on the newly created role of creative arts director, spearheading all awards-related creative.
The new awards team encompasses publicity, creativity, and media. It will handle film and episodic content across all labels in Disney Studios content, including Disney Live Action, Disney Animation, Pixar Animation, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios. The team falls under Michelle Sewell, executive vice president of global publicity, and is part of the marketing team led by Asad Ayaz, president of marketing.
Ridinger is a seasoned film and TV PR and awards executive, who will focus on strategy and talent relations, working closely with internal executives and marketing and publicity teams.
New to the team is René Ridinger, who will lead the team as V.P. of awards and Nikki Adler as director of awards. In addition, Samy Gaballa, a 20-year Disney veteran, will take on the newly created role of creative arts director, spearheading all awards-related creative.
The new awards team encompasses publicity, creativity, and media. It will handle film and episodic content across all labels in Disney Studios content, including Disney Live Action, Disney Animation, Pixar Animation, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios. The team falls under Michelle Sewell, executive vice president of global publicity, and is part of the marketing team led by Asad Ayaz, president of marketing.
Ridinger is a seasoned film and TV PR and awards executive, who will focus on strategy and talent relations, working closely with internal executives and marketing and publicity teams.
- 7/11/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Disney announced Monday that the company has formed a new Awards team to handle film and episodic content across all labels in Disney Studios Content. The news comes just one day before the 2022 Primetime Emmy nominations are announced.
Led by René Ridinger, the new VP, Awards, the team encompasses publicity, creative, and media for awards campaigns for projects produced by Disney Live Action, Disney Animation, Pixar Animation, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, and more. The only exception will be Searchlight Pictures, which will remain in-house at Searchlight.
The new group will work under Michelle Sewell, EVP, Global Publicity, as part of the marketing team led by Disney Studios President of Marketing Asad Ayaz. In addition to Ridinger is Nikki Adler, who serves as Director, Awards, and Samy Gaballa, who will be Creative Arts Director.
Ridinger, a seasoned film and TV PR and awards executive, most recently led documentary publicity at Netflix,...
Led by René Ridinger, the new VP, Awards, the team encompasses publicity, creative, and media for awards campaigns for projects produced by Disney Live Action, Disney Animation, Pixar Animation, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, and more. The only exception will be Searchlight Pictures, which will remain in-house at Searchlight.
The new group will work under Michelle Sewell, EVP, Global Publicity, as part of the marketing team led by Disney Studios President of Marketing Asad Ayaz. In addition to Ridinger is Nikki Adler, who serves as Director, Awards, and Samy Gaballa, who will be Creative Arts Director.
Ridinger, a seasoned film and TV PR and awards executive, most recently led documentary publicity at Netflix,...
- 7/11/2022
- by Marcus Jones
- Indiewire
Film and TV public relations awards executive René Ridinger has been named VP, Awards at Walt Disney Studios.
Ridinger will focus on strategy and talent relations, working closely with internal executives and marketing and publicity teams.
In addition, Strategy PR vet Nikki Adler will be joining the Burbank, CA studio as Director, Awards, to oversee awards publicity, guild, and event strategy.
Samy Gaballa, a 20-year Disney veteran, will be stepping into a new role as Creative Arts Director, spearheading all awards-related creative.
The new awards team encompasses publicity, creative, and media and will handle film and episodic content across all labels in Disney Studios Content, including Disney Live Action, Disney Animation, Pixar Animation, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios.
The team is seated under Michelle Sewell, EVP, Global Publicity, as part of the marketing team led by the...
Ridinger will focus on strategy and talent relations, working closely with internal executives and marketing and publicity teams.
In addition, Strategy PR vet Nikki Adler will be joining the Burbank, CA studio as Director, Awards, to oversee awards publicity, guild, and event strategy.
Samy Gaballa, a 20-year Disney veteran, will be stepping into a new role as Creative Arts Director, spearheading all awards-related creative.
The new awards team encompasses publicity, creative, and media and will handle film and episodic content across all labels in Disney Studios Content, including Disney Live Action, Disney Animation, Pixar Animation, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios.
The team is seated under Michelle Sewell, EVP, Global Publicity, as part of the marketing team led by the...
- 7/11/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
In hindsight, Kode Abdo probably should have noticed the red flags sooner. The overeagerness. The overselling. The overpromising. But the 35-year-old up-and-coming Australian graphic designer had been so overwhelmed by the feverish pitch from Brad Lambert — how if Abdo signed him as his personal manager, he’d soon have all of Hollywood clamoring for his posters and one-sheets — Abdo overlooked the early warning signs. Until, that is, the meeting at Disney. This was in 2019, as the studio was gearing up for the release of “Avengers: Endgame.” Abdo, who had already made a splash on social media for his superhero fan art — attracting 2.2 million followers under his nom de Instagram, Bosslogic — had landed a meeting on his own with Disney’s president of marketing, Asad Ayaz. But Lambert had insisted on tagging along to help pitch his brand-new client for the biggest job of his career, making poster art for the biggest movie of the year.
- 2/16/2022
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
“You were made to be ruled.” Tom Hiddleston’s Loki spoke those words in the first trailer for The Avengers, the 2012 film that took Marvel Studios to new heights and brought Hiddleston’s God of Mischief to new levels of popularity. The $1.51 billion grosser also holds a special place in Walt Disney Studios marketing president Asad Ayaz’s heart as the first Marvel Studios campaign he ever worked on.
Nearly a decade later, Ayaz is still living in Loki’s world, with the exec’s team dreaming up mischievous ways to engage fans over the six-week run ...
Nearly a decade later, Ayaz is still living in Loki’s world, with the exec’s team dreaming up mischievous ways to engage fans over the six-week run ...
- 6/18/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
“You were made to be ruled.” Tom Hiddleston’s Loki spoke those words in the first trailer for The Avengers, the 2012 film that took Marvel Studios to new heights and brought Hiddleston’s God of Mischief to new levels of popularity. The $1.51 billion grosser also holds a special place in Walt Disney Studios marketing president Asad Ayaz’s heart as the first Marvel Studios campaign he ever worked on.
Nearly a decade later, Ayaz is still living in Loki’s world, with the exec’s team dreaming up mischievous ways to engage fans over the six-week run ...
Nearly a decade later, Ayaz is still living in Loki’s world, with the exec’s team dreaming up mischievous ways to engage fans over the six-week run ...
- 6/18/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Disney executive chairman Bob Iger said when his tenure’s up he’d love another shot as a weatherman – a first gig in his early 20s that he dearly hoped would lead to an anchor job but never panned out.
“I discovered that I was not as good as I thought I was and I was never going to fulfill my ultimate goal of being an anchor,” Iger said during a fireside chat with Asad Ayaz, president of marketing for Disney Studios Content, at the virtual Clio Awards. The Clios, the major ceremony for creative advertising, gave Iger an honorary award.
“I would say the one thing I would like to do is to be a weatherman on one of our television stations, or maybe on Good Morning America,” he joked (?) in response to a question by Ayaz. “This is not something I’ve done for 47 years and it would...
“I discovered that I was not as good as I thought I was and I was never going to fulfill my ultimate goal of being an anchor,” Iger said during a fireside chat with Asad Ayaz, president of marketing for Disney Studios Content, at the virtual Clio Awards. The Clios, the major ceremony for creative advertising, gave Iger an honorary award.
“I would say the one thing I would like to do is to be a weatherman on one of our television stations, or maybe on Good Morning America,” he joked (?) in response to a question by Ayaz. “This is not something I’ve done for 47 years and it would...
- 4/28/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney Plus launched in November 2019, at a time when coronavirus wasn’t on the World Health Organization’s radar yet and quarantine lockdowns seemed a thing of dystopian films. Soon, the streamer had to amass subscribers, maintain audience engagement and shift movie debuts, all while keeping the budding platform afloat.
Against all odds, Disney Plus has racked up more than 100 million subscribers and has become a bonafide hit among kids and adults.
“Our marketing campaigns have contributed to the platform’s success 100%,” said Joe Earley, executive VP of content curation and marketing at Disney Plus. “There is no denying the power of these brands.”
But it doesn’t just take a well-known brand to be successful in Hollywood — especially during Covid-19. Earley and Asad Ayaz, president of marketing at The Walt Disney Studios, spoke on Thursday at Variety’s Entertainment Marketing Summit presented by Deloitte about the trends that sprouted...
Against all odds, Disney Plus has racked up more than 100 million subscribers and has become a bonafide hit among kids and adults.
“Our marketing campaigns have contributed to the platform’s success 100%,” said Joe Earley, executive VP of content curation and marketing at Disney Plus. “There is no denying the power of these brands.”
But it doesn’t just take a well-known brand to be successful in Hollywood — especially during Covid-19. Earley and Asad Ayaz, president of marketing at The Walt Disney Studios, spoke on Thursday at Variety’s Entertainment Marketing Summit presented by Deloitte about the trends that sprouted...
- 4/23/2021
- by Mónica Marie Zorrilla
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: We have learned that Anastasia Ali has been promoted to VP Marketing at Disney Studios Content and Jan Coleman has been upped to VP Global Marketing Partnerships, Promotions & Multicultural.
Ali works closely with all aspects of the marketing group to develop and lead strategic marketing objectives for select theatrical films, as well as select films and series for Disney+. She previously worked on the campaigns for the $1.3 billion-grossing Marvel movie Black Panther, Will Smith’s highest-grossing movie Aladdin at $1.05 billion and this year’s Oscar-nominated Pixar pic Soul. She joined Disney in 2013 as an Mba intern and was part of the Studio Marketing rotational program for rising executives.
She co-founded Disney’s Black Employee Resource Group, The Bond, and along with Coleman co-founded rePRESENT, Studio Marketing’s center of excellence, focused on scaling multicultural marketing competencies and developing diverse talent.
As VP of Global Marketing Partnerships, Promotions & Multicultural for the Walt Disney Studios,...
Ali works closely with all aspects of the marketing group to develop and lead strategic marketing objectives for select theatrical films, as well as select films and series for Disney+. She previously worked on the campaigns for the $1.3 billion-grossing Marvel movie Black Panther, Will Smith’s highest-grossing movie Aladdin at $1.05 billion and this year’s Oscar-nominated Pixar pic Soul. She joined Disney in 2013 as an Mba intern and was part of the Studio Marketing rotational program for rising executives.
She co-founded Disney’s Black Employee Resource Group, The Bond, and along with Coleman co-founded rePRESENT, Studio Marketing’s center of excellence, focused on scaling multicultural marketing competencies and developing diverse talent.
As VP of Global Marketing Partnerships, Promotions & Multicultural for the Walt Disney Studios,...
- 4/19/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Walt Disney chairman Bob Iger will receive an honorary Clio Award later this month during a fireside chat as the longtime executive moves into the home stretch of his tenure at the entertainment giant.
The Clios – the major award ceremony for creative advertising — said Wednesday that Iger will accept award during a virtual fireside chat April 28 moderated by Asad Ayaz, president of marketing for Disney Studios Content and recipient of the 2019 Clio Entertainment Marketing Mastermind Award.
Iger, who is Disney’s executive chairman as well as chairman of the board, was CEO for 15 years before handing the reins to Bob Chapek last February. He will step down at the end of the year. He oversaw the acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, Lucasilm, Marvel and the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox, and the hugely successful launch of Disney+.
Iger’s award will be presented during Clio Awards: Creativity Unmasked, a celebration...
The Clios – the major award ceremony for creative advertising — said Wednesday that Iger will accept award during a virtual fireside chat April 28 moderated by Asad Ayaz, president of marketing for Disney Studios Content and recipient of the 2019 Clio Entertainment Marketing Mastermind Award.
Iger, who is Disney’s executive chairman as well as chairman of the board, was CEO for 15 years before handing the reins to Bob Chapek last February. He will step down at the end of the year. He oversaw the acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, Lucasilm, Marvel and the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox, and the hugely successful launch of Disney+.
Iger’s award will be presented during Clio Awards: Creativity Unmasked, a celebration...
- 4/14/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Bob Iger, executive chairman of the Walt Disney Co. and chairman of the Board of Directors, has been tapped to receive an honorary award at the 2021 Clio Awards.
The Clio Awards — which honor excellence in advertising across the sports, fashion, music, entertainment, cannabis and health industries — will take place as a virtual event at 12 p.m. Et on April 28.
Iger will accept his award during a fireside chat moderated by Asad Ayaz, president of marketing for Disney Studios Content and the recipient of the 2019 The Hollywood Reporter & Clio Entertainment Marketing Mastermind Award. During ...
The Clio Awards — which honor excellence in advertising across the sports, fashion, music, entertainment, cannabis and health industries — will take place as a virtual event at 12 p.m. Et on April 28.
Iger will accept his award during a fireside chat moderated by Asad Ayaz, president of marketing for Disney Studios Content and the recipient of the 2019 The Hollywood Reporter & Clio Entertainment Marketing Mastermind Award. During ...
- 4/14/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Bob Iger, executive chairman of the Walt Disney Co. and chairman of the Board of Directors, has been tapped to receive an honorary award at the 2021 Clio Awards.
The Clio Awards — which honor excellence in advertising across the sports, fashion, music, entertainment, cannabis and health industries — will take place as a virtual event at 12 p.m. Et on April 28.
Iger will accept his award during a fireside chat moderated by Asad Ayaz, president of marketing for Disney Studios Content and the recipient of the 2019 The Hollywood Reporter & Clio Entertainment Marketing Mastermind Award. During ...
The Clio Awards — which honor excellence in advertising across the sports, fashion, music, entertainment, cannabis and health industries — will take place as a virtual event at 12 p.m. Et on April 28.
Iger will accept his award during a fireside chat moderated by Asad Ayaz, president of marketing for Disney Studios Content and the recipient of the 2019 The Hollywood Reporter & Clio Entertainment Marketing Mastermind Award. During ...
- 4/14/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Just over a year ago, Universal Pictures gathered the cast of “F9: The Fast Saga” in Miami during Super Bowl weekend for what co-host Maria Menounos called “a massive concert celebration.” The list of performers, including Cardi B, Wiz Khalifa, Charlie Puth, Ozuna and “F9” co-star Ludacris, was impressive. Livestreamed across the world, the event clocked in at nearly two hours — all to launch the first trailer for the next installment of the global franchise sensation.
The stunt worked like gangbusters. The 3-minute, 50-second trailer racked up more than 439 million views over its first five days on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, revving up a frenzy of anticipation for the movie’s debut over Memorial Day weekend.
Two months later, the coronavirus shut down the country, Universal pushed “F9” for a year, and the immense marketing machinery designed to catapult the movie into one of the biggest theatrical events of...
The stunt worked like gangbusters. The 3-minute, 50-second trailer racked up more than 439 million views over its first five days on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, revving up a frenzy of anticipation for the movie’s debut over Memorial Day weekend.
Two months later, the coronavirus shut down the country, Universal pushed “F9” for a year, and the immense marketing machinery designed to catapult the movie into one of the biggest theatrical events of...
- 2/24/2021
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
Gold Open has partnered with the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment Cape to launch the inaugural Gold List which honors the most outstanding Asian and Pacific Islander (Api) achievements in film each year. Gold Open is part of Gold House, which bolsters multicultural movies to box office success — most notably, the movement brought shine to Parasite and Crazy Rich Asians.
Gold List was created to move the needle forward in regards to the fair inclusion of APIs in mainstream media by helping Api films secure major award nominations and recognition — and it’s about time. With anti-Asian racism surging during the pandemic, a celebration of this kind is more than welcomed to help eclipse all the toxicity faced by Asians as well as other underrepresented voices. It should be noted that Asians are the fastest-growing immigrant population, have higher-than-average consumers of digital media, and the second most-frequent moviegoers per year.
Gold List was created to move the needle forward in regards to the fair inclusion of APIs in mainstream media by helping Api films secure major award nominations and recognition — and it’s about time. With anti-Asian racism surging during the pandemic, a celebration of this kind is more than welcomed to help eclipse all the toxicity faced by Asians as well as other underrepresented voices. It should be noted that Asians are the fastest-growing immigrant population, have higher-than-average consumers of digital media, and the second most-frequent moviegoers per year.
- 1/25/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Gold House— the nonprofit organization that seeks to promote Asian-led and multicultural films— is launching a new initiative focused on awards season.
The Gold List is a collaboration between Cape (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) and Gold Open, Gold House’s movement to bring Asian-led movies box office success. The list is chosen by the Gold Open advisory council, Gold House members, Cape board members and advisors, and other entertainment leaders. They include Walt Disney president of marketing Asad Ayaz, Black List founder Franklin Leonard and Academy officer and board governor Janet Yang.
“We know we have transformative stories; we know our ...
The Gold List is a collaboration between Cape (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) and Gold Open, Gold House’s movement to bring Asian-led movies box office success. The list is chosen by the Gold Open advisory council, Gold House members, Cape board members and advisors, and other entertainment leaders. They include Walt Disney president of marketing Asad Ayaz, Black List founder Franklin Leonard and Academy officer and board governor Janet Yang.
“We know we have transformative stories; we know our ...
- 1/25/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Gold House— the nonprofit organization that seeks to promote Asian-led and multicultural films— is launching a new initiative focused on awards season.
The Gold List is a collaboration between Cape (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) and Gold Open, Gold House’s movement to bring Asian-led movies box office success. The list is chosen by the Gold Open advisory council, Gold House members, Cape board members and advisors, and other entertainment leaders. They include Walt Disney president of marketing Asad Ayaz, Black List founder Franklin Leonard and Academy officer and board governor Janet Yang.
“We know we have transformative stories; we know our ...
The Gold List is a collaboration between Cape (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) and Gold Open, Gold House’s movement to bring Asian-led movies box office success. The list is chosen by the Gold Open advisory council, Gold House members, Cape board members and advisors, and other entertainment leaders. They include Walt Disney president of marketing Asad Ayaz, Black List founder Franklin Leonard and Academy officer and board governor Janet Yang.
“We know we have transformative stories; we know our ...
- 1/25/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Star Wars world premieres, you will be missed.
Since blasting off Force Awakens back in December 2015, all the way through their fifth Lucasfilm production, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker last night, it’s an understatement to say that Disney has raised the bar on the the sense of opulence and wonder in a Hollywood premiere. Their Star Wars premieres have been so much more than buffet and a movie. Yet, it stands to reason that the kingpin of theme parks and electric parades, also knows how to throw a great party.
Is there another studio in town that takes up a third of a mile stretch on Hollywood Blvd with a long tent tricked out to look like a Star Wars Imperial Destroyer with its gridiron slotted architecture? (which is what Disney did for Force Awakens and Rise of Skywalker last night). Who else puts a full scale replica...
Since blasting off Force Awakens back in December 2015, all the way through their fifth Lucasfilm production, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker last night, it’s an understatement to say that Disney has raised the bar on the the sense of opulence and wonder in a Hollywood premiere. Their Star Wars premieres have been so much more than buffet and a movie. Yet, it stands to reason that the kingpin of theme parks and electric parades, also knows how to throw a great party.
Is there another studio in town that takes up a third of a mile stretch on Hollywood Blvd with a long tent tricked out to look like a Star Wars Imperial Destroyer with its gridiron slotted architecture? (which is what Disney did for Force Awakens and Rise of Skywalker last night). Who else puts a full scale replica...
- 12/18/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney film chief Alan Horn told Fox staffers on Thursday morning to expect ‘quite a bit of change’.
After a ruthless first wave of senior Fox executive redundancies on Thursday (March 21), Walt Disney Studios released a sanitised announcement detailing its senior leadership team following the acquisition of the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox earlier this week.
Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn sent a note to the circa 3,000 Fox staff on Thursday telling them to expect ”quite a bit of change” before news of the first Fox senior executive lay-offs leaked out. Among Thursday’s more dramatic headlines, Fox International...
After a ruthless first wave of senior Fox executive redundancies on Thursday (March 21), Walt Disney Studios released a sanitised announcement detailing its senior leadership team following the acquisition of the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox earlier this week.
Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn sent a note to the circa 3,000 Fox staff on Thursday telling them to expect ”quite a bit of change” before news of the first Fox senior executive lay-offs leaked out. Among Thursday’s more dramatic headlines, Fox International...
- 3/22/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Disney film chief Alan Horn told Fox staffers on Thursday morning to expect ‘quite a bit of change’.
After a ruthless first wave of senior Fox executive redundancies on Thursday (March 21), Walt Disney Studios released a sanitised announcement detailing its senior leadership team following the acquisition of the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox earlier this week.
Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn sent a note to the circa 3,000 Fox staff on Thursday telling them to expect ”quite a bit of change” before news of the first Fox senior executive lay-offs leaked out. Among Thursday’s more dramatic headlines, Fox International...
After a ruthless first wave of senior Fox executive redundancies on Thursday (March 21), Walt Disney Studios released a sanitised announcement detailing its senior leadership team following the acquisition of the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox earlier this week.
Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn sent a note to the circa 3,000 Fox staff on Thursday telling them to expect ”quite a bit of change” before news of the first Fox senior executive lay-offs leaked out. Among Thursday’s more dramatic headlines, Fox International...
- 3/22/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Can you hear that?
If you listen closely, you’ll probably hear – nay, feel – the crackle of excitement swirling around Avengers 4, Marvel’s upcoming blockbuster that’s reportedly set to launch its very first teaser trailer before the year’s up.
We originally believed that the footage would be online this Wednesday, November 28th, but recent reports have since cast doubt on that. However, with Disney dropping the first preview for Artemis Fowl earlier today, many folks have been quick to realize that almost all of the studio’s summer 2019 releases now have trailers out, except for one: Avengers 4.
/Film’s Germain Lussier pointed this out to Walt Disney Studios president of marketing Asad Ayaz over on Twitter and he replied back with a thinking emoji, leading fans to speculate that the Mouse House is planning to give us our first look at the Infinity War sequel sooner rather than later.
If you listen closely, you’ll probably hear – nay, feel – the crackle of excitement swirling around Avengers 4, Marvel’s upcoming blockbuster that’s reportedly set to launch its very first teaser trailer before the year’s up.
We originally believed that the footage would be online this Wednesday, November 28th, but recent reports have since cast doubt on that. However, with Disney dropping the first preview for Artemis Fowl earlier today, many folks have been quick to realize that almost all of the studio’s summer 2019 releases now have trailers out, except for one: Avengers 4.
/Film’s Germain Lussier pointed this out to Walt Disney Studios president of marketing Asad Ayaz over on Twitter and he replied back with a thinking emoji, leading fans to speculate that the Mouse House is planning to give us our first look at the Infinity War sequel sooner rather than later.
- 11/27/2018
- by Matt Joseph
- We Got This Covered
In today’s film news roundup, Disney announces key promotions in film marketing, Film Independent announces more than two dozen grants and Alamo Drafthouse will celebrate the VHS format.
Marketing Promotions
Walt Disney Studios has promoted Ryan Stankevich and Martha Morrison to the posts of senior vice president of marketing.
Studio marketing president Asad Ayaz made the announcement Tuesday. Stankevich will focus on titles from Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm, while Morrison will oversee titles from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios.
They will also handle Disney’s other live action film projects and lead global campaigns and strategy for Disney’s entire theatrical slate.
“This is a truly amazing team and I’m so proud of the work we’ve done together over the past several years,” said Ayaz in a statement. “Martha and Ryan are talented and fearless leaders who will set a bold course for our film campaigns,...
Marketing Promotions
Walt Disney Studios has promoted Ryan Stankevich and Martha Morrison to the posts of senior vice president of marketing.
Studio marketing president Asad Ayaz made the announcement Tuesday. Stankevich will focus on titles from Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm, while Morrison will oversee titles from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios.
They will also handle Disney’s other live action film projects and lead global campaigns and strategy for Disney’s entire theatrical slate.
“This is a truly amazing team and I’m so proud of the work we’ve done together over the past several years,” said Ayaz in a statement. “Martha and Ryan are talented and fearless leaders who will set a bold course for our film campaigns,...
- 9/19/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Walt Disney Studios’ Ryan Stankevich and Martha Morrison have each been promoted to Senior Vice President, Marketing, it was announced Tuesday by Studio Marketing President Asad Ayaz.
Stankevich will focus on titles from Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm, while Morrison will oversee titles from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios. They will each handle Disney’s other live action film projects.
In their new and expanded roles, Stankevich and Morrison will lead global campaigns and strategy for Disney’s entire theatrical slate, collaborating closely with all areas of the marketing organization.
Also Read: Disney Appoints Former Us Trade Rep Michael Froman to Board of Directors
“This is a truly amazing team and I’m so proud of the work we’ve done together over the past several years,” said Ayaz in a statement. “Martha and Ryan are talented and fearless leaders who will set a bold course for our film campaigns,...
Stankevich will focus on titles from Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm, while Morrison will oversee titles from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios. They will each handle Disney’s other live action film projects.
In their new and expanded roles, Stankevich and Morrison will lead global campaigns and strategy for Disney’s entire theatrical slate, collaborating closely with all areas of the marketing organization.
Also Read: Disney Appoints Former Us Trade Rep Michael Froman to Board of Directors
“This is a truly amazing team and I’m so proud of the work we’ve done together over the past several years,” said Ayaz in a statement. “Martha and Ryan are talented and fearless leaders who will set a bold course for our film campaigns,...
- 9/18/2018
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Ryan Stankevich and Martha Morrison have been promoted to Svp Marketing at Walt Disney Studios, president of marketing Asad Ayaz said today. In their new and expanded roles, the pair will lead global campaigns and strategy for Disney’s entire theatrical slate, working with all areas of the marketing organization.
Stankevich will oversee titles from Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm, while Morrison will be in charge of titles from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios. Both will each lead various films from Disney Live Action.
“This is a truly amazing team and I’m so proud of the work we’ve done together over the past several years,” said Ayaz. “Martha and Ryan are talented and fearless leaders who will set a bold course for our film campaigns, and with several team members taking on new and expanded roles, this marks an exciting evolution of our group as we look to the future.
Stankevich will oversee titles from Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm, while Morrison will be in charge of titles from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios. Both will each lead various films from Disney Live Action.
“This is a truly amazing team and I’m so proud of the work we’ve done together over the past several years,” said Ayaz. “Martha and Ryan are talented and fearless leaders who will set a bold course for our film campaigns, and with several team members taking on new and expanded roles, this marks an exciting evolution of our group as we look to the future.
- 9/18/2018
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Several months after taking the top post, Walt Disney Studios president of marketing Asad Ayaz is firming up his team.
Ayaz on Tuesday announced Ryan Stankevich and Martha Morrison have been promoted to senior vps of marketing, responsible for leading the global campaigns for Disney's entire theatrical slate. They will report to Ayaz, who succeeded Ricky Strauss in June after Strauss was name president of content and marketing for Disney's upcoming streaming service.
Stankevich will focus on titles from Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm, while Morrison will oversee titles from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios. They will ...
Ayaz on Tuesday announced Ryan Stankevich and Martha Morrison have been promoted to senior vps of marketing, responsible for leading the global campaigns for Disney's entire theatrical slate. They will report to Ayaz, who succeeded Ricky Strauss in June after Strauss was name president of content and marketing for Disney's upcoming streaming service.
Stankevich will focus on titles from Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm, while Morrison will oversee titles from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios. They will ...
- 9/18/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Several months after taking the top post, Walt Disney Studios president of marketing Asad Ayaz is firming up his team.
Ayaz on Tuesday announced Ryan Stankevich and Martha Morrison have been promoted to senior vps of marketing, responsible for leading the global campaigns for Disney's entire theatrical slate. They will report to Ayaz, who succeeded Ricky Strauss in June after Strauss was name president of content and marketing for Disney's upcoming streaming service.
Stankevich will focus on titles from Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm, while Morrison will oversee titles from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios. They will ...
Ayaz on Tuesday announced Ryan Stankevich and Martha Morrison have been promoted to senior vps of marketing, responsible for leading the global campaigns for Disney's entire theatrical slate. They will report to Ayaz, who succeeded Ricky Strauss in June after Strauss was name president of content and marketing for Disney's upcoming streaming service.
Stankevich will focus on titles from Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm, while Morrison will oversee titles from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios. They will ...
- 9/18/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Global distribution chief Cathleen Taff promoted to president of theatrical distribution, franchise management, business & audience insights.
The Walt Disney Studios said in Thursday (June 28) that 14-year company veteran Asad Ayaz has been appointed president of marketing.
Cathleen Taff, who was appointed head of Disney global theatrical distribution in March, has been promoted to president of theatrical distribution, franchise management, and business & audience insights.
Ayaz (pictured) reports to Walt Disney Studios president Alan Bergman and will oversee all aspects of marketing operations from strategy to creative, media, digital, promotions, publicity, and “synergy” for all Disney, Walt Disney Animation, Pixar, Marvel Studios,...
The Walt Disney Studios said in Thursday (June 28) that 14-year company veteran Asad Ayaz has been appointed president of marketing.
Cathleen Taff, who was appointed head of Disney global theatrical distribution in March, has been promoted to president of theatrical distribution, franchise management, and business & audience insights.
Ayaz (pictured) reports to Walt Disney Studios president Alan Bergman and will oversee all aspects of marketing operations from strategy to creative, media, digital, promotions, publicity, and “synergy” for all Disney, Walt Disney Animation, Pixar, Marvel Studios,...
- 6/28/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The Walt Disney Co. has undergone a reorganization of its executive ranks, moving the well-regarded marketing maven Ricky Strauss to President, content & marketing, for the upcoming Disney Svod service while 14-year studio veteran Asad Ayaz has been named to the President of Marketing post (filling Strauss’ previous post). In addition Cathleen Taff, who has been taking on responsibilities of outgoing distribution chief Dave Hollis, has a new title — president of theatrical distribution, franchise management and business & audience insight.
The moves come as Disney is gearing up for its Svod service which is set to launch in late 2019. Ayaz will report to Walt Disney Studios President Alan Bergman. Strauss will report to Kevin Mayer, chairman of the Direct-to-Consumer and International (Dcti). Taff, who took over in March from Hollis, will also report to Bergman.
It’s important to note that Ott programming chief Agnes Chu (who had previously worked for ABC...
The moves come as Disney is gearing up for its Svod service which is set to launch in late 2019. Ayaz will report to Walt Disney Studios President Alan Bergman. Strauss will report to Kevin Mayer, chairman of the Direct-to-Consumer and International (Dcti). Taff, who took over in March from Hollis, will also report to Bergman.
It’s important to note that Ott programming chief Agnes Chu (who had previously worked for ABC...
- 6/28/2018
- by Anita Busch
- Deadline Film + TV
As part of a series of executive shuffles at Disney, Ricky Strauss as he becomes president of Content & Marketing for the company’s upcoming streaming service. Asad Ayaz has been named as his replacement as president of Theatrical Marketing .
Strauss will oversee development of original programming for the streaming service, as well as production partnerships and content acquisitions. He will work with Michael Paull, president, Disney Streaming Services as the service prepares for launch in 2019.
Meanwhile, Cathleen Taff has been named president, Theatrical Distribution, Franchise Management, and Business & Audience Insights, after being picked in March to replace Dave Hollis as the studio’s distribution head. Both Taff and Ayaz will report to Walt Disney Studios president Alan Bergman.
Also Read: Disney Has Already Made $2 Billion at Domestic Box Office This Year
“We’re so thankful for Ricky’s leadership, and when it came time to pass the torch, it was...
Strauss will oversee development of original programming for the streaming service, as well as production partnerships and content acquisitions. He will work with Michael Paull, president, Disney Streaming Services as the service prepares for launch in 2019.
Meanwhile, Cathleen Taff has been named president, Theatrical Distribution, Franchise Management, and Business & Audience Insights, after being picked in March to replace Dave Hollis as the studio’s distribution head. Both Taff and Ayaz will report to Walt Disney Studios president Alan Bergman.
Also Read: Disney Has Already Made $2 Billion at Domestic Box Office This Year
“We’re so thankful for Ricky’s leadership, and when it came time to pass the torch, it was...
- 6/28/2018
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
There’s a shakeup in Disney’s marketing ranks.
As part of the overhaul, longtime studio marketing chief Ricky Strauss has been named president, content and marketing, for the upcoming Disney Svod service, a Netflix rival that is set to launch in late 2019. He will be replaced as marketing president by Asad Ayaz.
The moves had been rumored for some time, particularly after Ayaz was approached for and turned down top executive jobs at Fox and Paramount. The official announcement was made after a Thursday morning meeting on the studio lot. By promoting both men, Disney is able to keep two of the most widely coveted executives on its Burbank lot and, more importantly, out of the leadership suites of its rivals.
In his new role, Strauss will oversee the development of the service’s original programming and will manage production partnerships and acquisitions. The hope is to offer a...
As part of the overhaul, longtime studio marketing chief Ricky Strauss has been named president, content and marketing, for the upcoming Disney Svod service, a Netflix rival that is set to launch in late 2019. He will be replaced as marketing president by Asad Ayaz.
The moves had been rumored for some time, particularly after Ayaz was approached for and turned down top executive jobs at Fox and Paramount. The official announcement was made after a Thursday morning meeting on the studio lot. By promoting both men, Disney is able to keep two of the most widely coveted executives on its Burbank lot and, more importantly, out of the leadership suites of its rivals.
In his new role, Strauss will oversee the development of the service’s original programming and will manage production partnerships and acquisitions. The hope is to offer a...
- 6/28/2018
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
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