Samantha Masunaga is an entertainment business reporter, with a focus on Hollywood studios and how the film business intersects with new industries. Since joining the Los Angeles Times in 2014, she has covered the aerospace industry, workplace culture and Southern California’s Japanese American community. Masunaga has previously worked for the Oregonian, the Orange County Register and the Rafu Shimpo, among other publications. A Southern California native, she is an alumna of the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism and UCLA.
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Coming off a tough first quarter at the box office, studios showed off their best films, and in some cases, star-studded casts, at the annual CinemaCon trade show in Las Vegas.
In 2024, soundstage occupancy levels decreased to 63%, down from 69% the year before. The number of on-stage shoot days for 2023 also declined, according to a new report.
Warner Bros. film studio has seen a string of box office disappointments, including ‘Mickey 17’ and ‘The Alto Knights.’ Will its ambitious slate, including ‘A Minecraft Movie,’ turn around its prospects?
Cinema United trade group Chief Executive Michael O’Leary called on studios to extend most films to a 45-day theatrical window before home video and streaming, arguing that a baseline is needed to give moviegoers clearer expectations.
Sony Pictures will release four films about the Beatles — one about each band member — in April 2028, the studio announced Monday at the CinemaCon trade conference.
With no major tentpoles and few hits, local theater owners are feeling the pinch. So far, box office revenue is down 11% compared to the same period last year.
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr has opened an inquiry into Disney and ABC’s DEI programs, marking the second investigation of a major media company.
Jen Salke, head of Amazon MGM Studios, will step down from her role, according to an internal email from the company. She will start her own production entity.
The proposed legislation would increase to 35% the amount of qualified production the credit would cover. Los Angeles has been losing productions to other states and countries with generous programs.
Amy Pascal and David Heyman will take the helm just as longtime Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson have given over creative control to Amazon MGM Studios.