Boxoffice Pro reported September 16 that Sony Pictures placed Spider-Man: Brand New Day at US$936.7 million in the United States and Canada after 47 days, passing The Force Awakens' previous nominal domestic total. The ranking compares dollars in current terms: it is not adjusted for inflation, does not compare admissions and does not by itself establish the film's final profitability or worldwide rank.
Read this story →The Belgian Competition Authority closed its proceeding September 11 after making Live Nation's commitments binding. Formal ownership remains with Live Nation, but the entire Pukkelpop operation and related assets must move to an organization controlled by founder Chokri Mahassine. That operator receives independent control over artists, booking, programming, ticket prices, suppliers, staff, venue, dates, capacity and staging for ten years, potentially fifteen. A monitoring trustee will supervise compliance. The closure is neither a finding of infringement nor an admission by Live Nation.
Read this story →Founder Alx Preston said a publisher stopped funding an unannounced project, leaving no immediate income or alternative. Nearly everyone was laid off and survival is uncertain, though the studio is still seeking a path forward; this does not confirm closure.
Read this story →Canada signed the two modernized treaties at TIFF: The Market on September 13. Canadian Heritage says the United Kingdom relationship produced 98 film and television projects worth about C$629 million over the last decade, while the Spain relationship covers 16 projects worth nearly C$123 million since the 1985 treaty. The new texts are signed but not yet in force: both countries must ratify them, and Canada will publish them only after that process. No new project, start date or future funding amount is guaranteed.
Read this story →Pathfinder Core and Sketch hardcovers rise from US$59.99 to US$69.99, pocket rules from US$29.99 to US$34.99, select Lost Omens books by US$5 and Starfinder Alien Core to US$69.99. Adventures, scenarios, fiction, accessories and PDFs remain unchanged; Canadian prices and retailer timing are unknown.
Read this story →FNN reported that Gyu-Kaku disclosed employees at some locations had opened character-card packages before customer distribution and privately removed some cards. The chain says the employees were disciplined under internal rules, all stores are being checked for similar conduct and the management system for campaign benefits is under review. Gyu-Kaku did not disclose the number of affected stores or cards, and the report does not establish resale activity.
Read this story →In a September 16 Screen Daily interview republished by Piece of Magic, chief executive Caspar Nadaud says digital creators take part in release decision-making because they understand their fanbases while the distributor supplies exhibition expertise. The company reports US$4 million in Europe for Markiplier's Iron Lung and more than US$14.5 million across 41 territories for The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act. It also plans Godzilla Minus Zero in 46 markets in November and projects up to 20% growth after nearly US$46.2 million in 2025 box office; those company figures and forecasts are unaudited.
Read this story →The CEO said a June beta push added two hours per day Monday–Thursday for four weeks, but was optional and declined by four employees. He acknowledged possible social pressure and said public social-media activity may be considered in lawful hiring decisions.
Read this story →PC Gamer reports that several current or former employees said remaining staff were being made redundant, while a human-resources employee described staying through final wrap-up work. No company statement or authoritative filing confirms that the studio has closed.
Read this story →Asmodee will handle EEA distribution before the worldwide summer 2027 launch. Retailers, supported languages, product configurations, prices and an exact date remain unknown, and distribution outside the stated territory cannot be inferred.
Read this story →Larsen wrote that an internal meeting discussed three upcoming comics as having sold more than 300,000 copies each. He did not identify the titles or say whether the number means retailer orders, shipments or purchases by readers; The Beat guessed the three-title Marvel Midnight launch but labeled that identification a speculative swing, not confirmation.
Read this story →CESA says the five-day show runs September 17–21 with 540 domestic and 598 international exhibitors. Its 1,138 exhibitors narrowly exceed the prior 1,136 record, but 3,999 booths are below last year's 4,157.
Read this story →Oricon reported that the limited Blu-ray edition sold an estimated 27,000 copies in its first week and ranked first on Japan's weekly Blu-ray chart, while the regular edition sold an estimated 9,000 and ranked third. The ranking covers September 7 through 13 after both editions launched September 9. The limited set includes a 142-minute cut with some added scenes, character commentary and a bonus CD; the estimates are not worldwide shipments or lifetime sales.
Read this story →After public suspicions, LEVEL-5 reissued corrected videos, attributed some elements to human errors and admitted casual AI use in promotional-video work. It promises to limit future use to efficiency without direct customer-facing output and claims its games contain no direct generative-AI output; that claim is not independently audited.
Read this story →Boxoffice Pro reported September 16 that Rewards+ pricing begins at US$10.99 per month and varies by ZIP code. Members receive one 2D ticket each month, with unused tickets rolling forward, and may buy up to four additional discounted tickets monthly. Regal also advertises 20% off snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, no online convenience fee on eligible Rewards+ tickets and 100 loyalty points per qualifying dollar. Local prices, screening restrictions and the full definition of eligible purchases remain market-dependent.
Read this story →Music Business Worldwide reported September 16 that MNRK acquired eleven Black Label Society studio albums plus live releases, compilations, EPs and Zakk Wylde solo recordings. MNRK plans reissues, catalog curation and campaigns across streaming, vinyl and new formats, with Wylde remaining involved in presentation. No price, release calendar or format list was disclosed. Engines of Demolition, the band's twelfth studio album released in 2026, is specifically outside the acquisition.
Read this story →The MPA published a commissioned study September 15 comparing two 2027–2035 scenarios: one without a federal incentive and one in which an incentive starts in 2027. The model measures the proposed policy's additional production spending, economic activity, jobs and labor income. Its publication does not mean Congress has introduced or enacted the measure, and the projected benefits depend on assumptions selected for research sponsored by an interested trade group.
Read this story →Fulton said Xbox regards Fable as vital to the platform's identity and offered that internal view as the reason the project survived a long development. His account is not a formal Microsoft policy, production guarantee or new date announcement.
Read this story →A September 16 company release republished by National Law Review and Headliner says Wonder hired former CAA media-finance agent Inder Gill to lead studio partnerships and packaging and former Fanfix co-chief Ryan Ascencio to lead growth in Los Angeles. Wonder says 90% of its revenue comes from U.S. clients and that it has raised more than US$15 million; those figures are not independently audited. The expansion follows the Los Angeles premiere of Jidenna's KITA and Junie Lau's Goldfish Mayhem, projects the company uses to demonstrate shared creator ownership. No ownership percentage or standard contract is public.
Read this story →Boxoffice Pro reported September 16 that Screenvision and CMX extended their agreement through April 20, 2031 and added nine IPIC sites with 73 screens. The revised format across the circuit includes a preshow that ends at the published showtime plus exclusive premium ad placements. The parties did not disclose financial terms or a site-by-site rollout. Ending the preshow at the listed time does not by itself establish when trailers end or the feature begins at every screening.
Read this story →The September 15 complaint alleges copyright infringement and deceptive trade practices and lists 1,000 recordings the labels say copy or sample works they own or license. The plaintiffs seek an injunction and statutory damages. The filing proves the claims were made, not that DistroKid is liable; no merits response from DistroKid was found.
Read this story →Mattel and BBC Studios announced a multi-year worldwide license covering Barbie, Hot Wheels, Polly Pocket, UNO and Fisher-Price Little People. First products are due in fall 2026, but individual items, prices, retailers and market dates remain unannounced.
Read this story →Everplay reported first-half revenue of £66.9 million, down 8%, and adjusted EBITDA of £9.2 million. StoryToys revenue rose 43% to £15.9 million and active subscribers rose 22% to 408,000. Capitalized development spending reached £16.4 million, with 65% directed to Everplay-owned IP; the figures are company-reported.
Read this story →The program spans early readers, activity books, story collections and interactive middle-grade fiction using familiar DC heroes and villains. Its stories align with DC lore but are not adaptations of particular films or series, and HarperPop expects to publish roughly two or three titles each season.
Read this story →D&D head Dan Ayoub described that reversal as a rug pull and said the brand had lost sight of what mattered to its audience. He called a one-size-fits-all approach a mistake and said rebuilding trust takes longer than a year, framing repair as something Wizards must demonstrate through actions. The comments express management's intent; future licensing and product decisions will show whether creators see a lasting change.
Read this story →September 15 was the deadline for employees to tell human resources whether they would relocate or leave. The Beat reports that vice-president of licensed publishing Sven Larsen publicly confirmed that he and his spouse will move to California; no other senior personnel decisions were verified in the report.
Read this story →HOBBY Watch reported that Bandai Spirits will begin operating Bandai Hobby Center Osaka in Sakai, Osaka, Japan, in November. The 3,360.85-square-metre facility at Mitsui Fudosan Logistics Park Sakai is the company's first plastic-model production base in western Japan and is planned to house seven multicolour moulding machines. Western port access is intended to shorten logistics routes, but no product-level output, retail allocation or export-volume commitment has been announced.
Read this story →Universal Distribution will offer Rebellion's frontlist and backlist to comic and game stores in the United States and Canada under a non-exclusive agreement. Ordering begins in October for December 2026 releases, including the weekly 2000 AD, monthly Judge Dredd Megazine and graphic-novel collections.
Read this story →Brand manager Chloé Menier says Trade Invaders' first Zig & Sharko board game launches in October. Xilam has signed initial Piggy Builders book, audio and licensing partners but still seeks a master-toy company and more agents; Submarine Jim is making its first licensing-market presentation.
Read this story →Channel 4 Sales becomes the exclusive UK airtime-sales partner for 5's portfolio plus MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon in 2027. Paramount keeps direct sales for Paramount+ and Pluto TV, social, sponsorship and creative partnerships. Financial terms are undisclosed.
Read this story →Weck says the cooperation agreement covers content, consumer products and immersive experiences in China. He describes the Teletubbies' 2027 anniversary as a platform for new partnerships. No product, attraction, venue or launch date is disclosed.
Read this story →Founder Nicola Bertona remains 247 chief executive and becomes vice president of strategy and commercial development for Rainbow's TV, Digital and Talent structure. Price, exact stake and first joint production were not disclosed.
Read this story →Capcom says Resident Evil Requiem and PRAGMATA received Awards for Excellence at the Japan Game Awards 2026, while PRAGMATA additionally received the Breakthrough Award. The result does not announce new content, release dates or sales performance.
Read this story →Netflix and Paramount jointly said they mutually ended the animated-film agreement while keeping Brad Bird's Ray Gunn and the untitled Jack and the Beanstalk project on Netflix and continuing their broader content-licensing relationship. TheWrap reports that John Lasseter and Louie del Carmen's Cosmic Motors, previously intended for Netflix, is now planned for a Paramount theatrical rollout in 2027. The statement does not identify the destination of other Skydance Animation projects.
Read this story →Reuters reports that Comcast and Paramount Skydance are examining strategic options for SkyShowtime, citing a board letter and an internal note from the chief executive. Ending the joint venture is among the options, but no decision, timetable, valuation or preferred path has been announced. Existing subscriptions and catalogs therefore have not been reported as changing now.
Read this story →TheWrap, following Axios and a TechNet statement, reports that Netflix, Amazon and YouTube launched the Streaming Access and Choice Alliance under TechNet. The group says it will advocate technology-neutral entertainment policy and continued investment in live sports and other programming. Its launch comes as the Justice Department and Federal Communications Commission consider the legal environment around pooled sports broadcasting rights, but the alliance has not published a detailed position on every proceeding.
Read this story →ActuaLitté reported September 14 that former deputy editorial director Pauline Mermet has served as Dargaud France's editorial director since September 7. François Le Bescond remains through the end of April 2027 as literary director attached to general management, continuing with his authors and retaining editorial responsibility for Lucky Luke during the transition.
Read this story →Advanced Television reports that billboards calling for the deal to be blocked began appearing September 14 in New York and California. The campaign follows the July 13 federal antitrust lawsuit by California and 11 other state attorneys general and is asking film professionals to submit experiences as potential evidence. Its site says a trial is scheduled for March 2–19, 2027 and correctly notes that the court has not yet ruled.
Read this story →License Global, attributing the appointment to Deadline, reports that Sony named Kampel executive vice president and head of consumer products and licensing. She will coordinate licensing across Sony Pictures' film, television, game-show and Crunchyroll divisions, with the function moved to the corporate level under a common strategy and operating model. No new license, product calendar, financial target or staff reduction accompanied the reorganization.
Read this story →License Global reports a worldwide agreement covering LEGO-branded headwear, bags, small accessories and apparel, with accessories as the main focus. The deal also includes possible products for LEGO theme parks and says manufacturing must meet the group's sustainability and quality standards. Neither partner has published launch dates, retailers, prices, specific territories or a first product list.
Read this story →Fizz Creations and Libertas announced a worldwide Fuggler collection planned for 2027, with digital gaming positioned as the lead category and impulse, novelty and collectible products alongside it. The companies identify the United States, United Kingdom and Europe among intended markets and are presenting the range to trade buyers at LA Toy Previews from September 14–23. They do not name the game's platforms, consumer release dates, prices, retailers or complete territory list.
Read this story →Skevington told License Global that the licensing department recorded 15% year-over-year revenue growth in each of the past three years. She identified live events and experiences as a strong growth area, citing Age of Dinosaurs VR and the touring Dinosaurs Live show. In the United Kingdom, the team is seeking food, beauty and wellness, apparel, homeware and direct retailer collaborations. The interview provides no audited accounts, absolute revenue base or concluded future deals.
Read this story →On September 13, Culture Minister Miki Zohar publicly said he would act to revoke Abraham and Szor's Israeli citizenship after NAZA's Venice award. TheWrap and Cadena SER reproduced the statement, but neither source establishes that a legal proceeding has opened, that Zohar can order revocation on his own or that citizenship has changed.
Read this story →Bleeding Cool reported September 13 that BOOM says the US$14.99 issue has passed 250,000 orders before its October 7 release. Every cover in the blind bag is exclusive to that package, with Frank Miller, Cliff Chiang and Jamie McKelvie among the artists; one-of-one Dell'Edera sketches and one-in-500 glow-in-the-dark covers are also planned. Orders are not audited consumer sell-through or a final print count.
Read this story →The Associated Press reported September 11 that Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group co-heads Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy attended TIFF to promote Clockwork. Sean Baker's Ti Amo! will be the label's first release; no additional acquisition, annual release target, budget or commercial result was announced.
Read this story →At TIFF on September 13, Nelson said independent drama financing has never been more difficult in his experience, although he sees early signs of improvement. He said Wilson Shedd took about 13 years to reach the screen and connected that delay to fewer buyers, studios and investors; his account is direct evidence about his project and professional view, not a comprehensive market measure.
Read this story →Screamwire relayed Deadline's September 13 report that Vertical has acquired U.S. rights and is targeting a wide theatrical release in spring 2027. Deadline's originating page returned an access error during verification, Vertical supplied no accessible owner announcement, and spring remains a target rather than an exact date.
Read this story →Filmofilia reported September 11 that The Mage has secured distribution for Taiwan and Southeast Asian territories. The University of Hong Kong separately lists an October 8 Hong Kong theatrical release, but the sources do not identify every territory, local distributor, platform or date.
Read this story →Registration runs September 14–October 18 for Indonesian citizens aged 17 or older who have never commercially published a board game. Entry costs Rp250,000 with no stated participant cap; the creation period continues through November 19 and requires playtesting. Local judging is November 30, prototype submission runs January 23–31, national judging is February 1 and awards are February 8, 2027.
Read this story →ENGI, Studio KADAN, Chiptune, Bellnox Films and Raging Bull will merge into Studio One Base in November 2026. The wholly owned KADOKAWA company will have about 310 employees at Sunshine City in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. KADOKAWA says the five labels and their production lines will continue while management, back-office, recruitment and training functions are consolidated. The release announces no layoffs, cancellations or title-specific production changes.
Read this story →Variety reported September 9 that Messina submitted a letter asking the federal judge overseeing the Live Nation-Ticketmaster antitrust case to reject a proposed consent decree that would leave the company intact. He argues the remedy would not repair competition and alleges Live Nation shut him out of some amphitheatres; those claims remain a party's allegations, not judicial findings.
Read this story →Toei Animation announced September 10 that it will oversee pre-production and production management while Lagos-based CR motion+ performs the core animation on a 20-minute short. Ichiro Takano writes, with Takashi Washio and Jide Martin producing. Completion is targeted for spring 2027, followed by planned international film-festival premieres. No named festival, public streaming service, broadcaster or theatrical distributor is attached.
Read this story →Eiga.com reported September 9 that Lionsgate will distribute new Toei Animation projects in the United States and receive the first opportunity to consider future co-productions. The first named release is Monkey Quest, a science-fiction adventure inspired by Journey to the West and planned for North America in 2027; Charades handles territories outside the United States. No primary contract, financial terms, full territory list or exact release date was accessible.
Read this story →ICv2 reported on September 11 that IDW posted US$460,000 in fiscal third-quarter net income, up from US$281,000 a year earlier, and moved year-to-date results from a prior-year US$1.5 million loss to a US$457,000 profit. Quarterly sales rose 4.8% to US$7.1 million. Management attributed a US$771,000 comic-shop increase to licensed and crossover titles, partly offset by a US$381,000 book-channel decline tied to backlist sales.
Read this story →A truck accident destroyed the entire D&D Beyond Marketplace allocation of Arcana Unleashed, Arcana Unleashed: Deadfall and its map pack; the driver was safe. Replacement stock was reallocated, with some orders still expected by September 15 and most by the end of release week; digital access remains September 15. US and Canadian Ultimate Bundle preorders placed July 8 through September 14 will receive a digital-dice coupon, and the Ultimate Bundle has been removed from the Marketplace.
Read this story →CWA says nearly 1,900 Blizzard workers ratified collective bargaining agreements covering the World of Warcraft and Overwatch teams. The agreements require bargaining over artificial-intelligence implementation and provide 14-month recall rights after layoffs. They also add four weeks of severance beyond prior practice.
Read this story →Autism Society Japan published an opinion September 9 after the manga's final chapter. The group says families and supporters reported that the title term had been used to mock disabled people and that the work caused anxiety or discomfort. It argues that an anime could magnify those effects even with age restrictions or distribution outside terrestrial television. The statement documents the organization's position and messages it received, not independently measured prevalence or a response from the production.
Read this story →Pink said September 12 that reposting a message about Macklemore did not mean she wanted another artist silenced or fired. She said concern for Jewish concertgoers motivated her response and that part of her explanation disappeared when comments were disabled; neither Ed Sheeran nor tour organizers have announced a lineup change.
Read this story →Arka Media Works and Dream Theatre announced September 10 that Dream Theatre will exclusively manage Baahubali licensing and merchandise in India and act as a strategic partner internationally. The mandate covers the core franchise and both animated Eternal War films across apparel, collectibles, figures, publishing, games, experiences and other categories; no licensee, product or sale date is confirmed yet.
Read this story →In a September 12 Interview conversation with Jennifer Aniston, Bullock said people running auditions early in her career asked her to lower her pants and that she refused. She also said criticism led her to stop making romantic comedies and choose Crash to demonstrate dramatic range; she now misses comedy and wants to make it again, without announcing a specific project.
Read this story →Xbox Game Studios will publish Physint after Kojima Productions expanded its partnership with Xbox and Sony Interactive Entertainment left the project. Bloomberg sources attributed Sony's exit to budget, profitability, schedule and exclusivity concerns, saying the game had missed deadlines and remained years away. An Xbox spokesperson reaffirmed confidence in Kojima Productions, OD, Physint and the partnership; Sony has not publicly confirmed those reasons.
Read this story →Chief executive Annie Murray told Variety on September 12 that the commission planned to announce in Toronto a program bringing mid-career Māori, Aboriginal Australian and Indigenous Canadian filmmakers together for intensive workshops and collaborative storytelling in all three countries. Funding, signed Australian and Canadian partners, commissioned works and a launch statement remain unconfirmed.
Read this story →An accessible third-party transcript records Fernandes saying IMAX increased its Japanese network by 20% ahead of Demon Slayer and that the film then generated almost $80 million for the company. IMAX's investor calendar confirms the conference appearance. The remarks do not identify the exact film, fiscal period or screen-count chronology in the excerpt, and the amount is an attributed company figure rather than an independently audited title ledger.
Read this story →ORICON reported on September 11 that Ito underwent emergency surgery after doctors identified symptoms of a cerebral hemorrhage. His agency, Mausu Promotion, said his life was not in danger, his postoperative condition was good and he would pause professional activity to focus on rehabilitation. The hiatus is open-ended; neither a medical prognosis nor a timetable for returning to individual roles has been announced.
Read this story →Wyld Holdings, parent of Wayland Games, Warcradle Studios, Occam Distribution, Kraken Wargames, Battle Foam and OnTableTop, acquired Wargames Illustrated. Wyld's owner page now lists the magazine and its digital archive among the group's brands. Lyle Lowery, whose credits include White Dwarf and No Quarter, is becoming editor-in-chief as the group plans to expand audience and digital subscriptions.
Read this story →Public achievement-tracking services exposed private Steam achievement metadata for unreleased games, including reported entries tied to Persona 6 and Kingdom Hearts IV. The records indicate internal activity but do not confirm final titles, content or release dates.
Read this story →Mintrocket reported that worldwide sales of DAVE THE DIVER exceeded ten million units. The announcement does not provide a platform, region or audited sell-through breakdown.
Read this story →The organizer announced that the Game Designers Award will end with its 2026 edition. No successor programme was identified.
Read this story →The Steam page identifies Juggernaut as a free-to-play retro first-person shooter from MAGES. Its generative-AI disclosure lists source code at 100 percent, graphics at 60 percent, sound at 50 percent and effects at 100 percent. A separate paid Juggernaut Asset Maker Pro tool is also listed on Steam.
Read this story →Polyarc announced that its time as a studio has ended after nearly twelve years. The statement says active development is winding down and the studio's work is finished. Polyarc shared a hiring link for affected developers.
Read this story →Ubisoft is testing Ubisoft Connect Services with Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown on Steam. The setup preserves cross-progression, cross-play, safety, challenges and rewards without installing or launching the full Ubisoft Connect PC application. Ubisoft says the service is intended to roll out progressively to more Steam games.
Read this story →EA confirmed that NHL 27 uses AI voice technology for its broadcast commentary. EA says John Buccigross and Darren Pang gave full consent and actively collaborated after more than fifty recording sessions. Update 1 includes pronunciation and repetition fixes, with more name coverage planned.
Read this story →Bloomberg sources say Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is considering combining Electronic Arts and Savvy Games Group. No decision has been made and any combination would reportedly wait for Savvy's Moonton acquisition. Electronic Arts declined to comment to PC Gamer.
Read this story →Kelly told License Global on September 11 that Mattel is treating the Masters of the Universe film as the start of a new franchise phase involving collectibles and publishing. She described a strategy of fewer but larger licensing opportunities, closer links between physical and digital experiences and growth plans for Hot Wheels and UNO in the Middle East; she announced no new licensee, product or release window.
Read this story →The announced asset purchase includes interests connected to Peaky Blinders, Simon's Cat, The Two Robbies and Friends and 4Cast Media. Stock due at closing was worth about $15.9 million at GameSquare's September 4 closing price, with possible stock and cash earn-outs; the final value depends on the closing price and approvals, and the deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter.
Read this story →Its No Cinema Left Behind proposal estimates A$85.4 million in national renewal costs: about A$39.33 million from operators, A$45.725 million from the Commonwealth and A$345,000 from targeted state or local support. Research cited by Variety says 129 cinemas and 318 screens would need at least five years of modeled profit to self-fund replacement.
Read this story →Kimmel announced that the full interview would not air on television and would instead appear on the show's YouTube channel. He said the choice was made for local stations, especially Texas ABC affiliates, amid FCC threats and license reviews; ABC is separately challenging the agency in court.
Read this story →The live-action film has Armando Iannucci and Simon Blackwell attached to write, while the separate animated feature is intended to introduce a new visual design. STUDIOCANAL is also seeking licensing partners and more international experiences for Paddington's 70th anniversary, but gives no release dates, distributors or new licensees.
Read this story →Parker and Stone accepted responsibility for the years-long schedule delay, apologized to pgLang and Paramount and said they still believe in the project. Variety continues to describe Whitney Springs as in production, but the statement supplies no release date, filming timetable or guarantee of completion.
Read this story →Wallace & Gromit and Friends – at Baaa-ttersea opens September 18 on the ground floor of Boiler House North and runs through May 3, 2027. The space combines exclusive products, imports from Asia, photo areas, modeling and drawing activities, with Christmas and Year of the Sheep activations planned.
Read this story →Screen Daily reports that Aura bought the U.S. rights from QC Entertainment while Capture launches international sales in Toronto. The film follows investigators trapped in a New Orleans church after releasing vampires; no U.S. release date, price or primary transaction announcement was found.
Read this story →The actors technically play themselves in Betr's three-minute spot, but Variety says the dialogue and relationship echo Entourage. Ellin said he was not involved, called the imitation objectionable and asked for more recognition of the show's writers; Betr replied that it intentionally reunited the performers as themselves.
Read this story →Suno made v6 available globally and is retiring older models. It says v6 uses licensed data from Warner Music Group, BMG and Believe plus preference data, with revenue sharing for rights-holder redistribution and later opt-in artist-derived experiences. Universal and Sony are not named partners.
Read this story →Webtoon told Publishers Weekly that the beta currently covers Canvas comics, with a tentative fall 2026 expansion, while Originals remain translated by people. Creators may provide notes and must supervise output; no broad quality or adoption data was supplied.
Read this story →An SEC filing says each company received a Justice Department second request on September 8. The Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period now runs until 30 days after both substantially comply, unless it ends earlier by agreement or termination; Fox still targets the first half of 2027.
Read this story →ENGI, Studio KADAN, Chiptune, Bellnox Films and Raging Bull will merge into Studio One Base in November 2026. The wholly owned KADOKAWA company will have about 310 employees at Sunshine City in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. KADOKAWA says the five labels and their production lines will continue while management, back-office, recruitment and training functions are consolidated. The release announces no layoffs, cancellations or title-specific production changes.
Read this story →Publishers Weekly reported, citing Circana, that manga unit sales rose 40% from 2025 to 2026. It places Viz above half the measured market and Yen Press and Kodansha around 10% each; the raw dataset was not inspected directly.
Read this story →BoardGameWire reports an H1 loss just above $2 million, versus almost $7 million in H1 2025, on revenue of $3.68 million. Current liabilities reportedly exceed current assets by $7.34 million, while eight undelivered crowdfunded games have raised about $14 million. DC Super Heroes United and DCeased are now expected in the first quarter of 2027. After existing shareholders subscribed for 7.76% of the rights issue, CMON is seeking more than $17.5 million from outside investors. The article supports the reported interim numbers, revised delivery windows and fundraising plan; it does not establish that the financing will complete or that every campaign will ship on the revised schedule.
Read this story →Xbox Game Studios will publish Physint after Kojima Productions expanded its partnership with Microsoft, while Sony Interactive Entertainment is no longer the publisher. No release date or final platform list is confirmed.
Read this story →The Court's September 9 order sets September 25 as the response deadline for 12 state attorneys general. A separate district-court bond hearing is set for September 24. Neither date grants the complaint, resolves its merits nor approves or blocks the transaction.
Read this story →The complaint, as described by TheWrap, alleges deceptive data-tracking and advertising practices and faults design choices around children's profiles. Netflix denies the allegations and says it uses safeguards and follows applicable law; no court has ruled on liability or a remedy.
Read this story →Ahuja told TheWrap that large acquisitions can be disruptive and that Sony is emphasizing organic investment in game adaptations, anime, experiences, YouTube and short-form work. He also expects more streaming bundles, but named no project, transaction or spending level.
Read this story →Autism Society Japan published an opinion September 9 after the manga's final chapter. The group says families and supporters reported that the title term had been used to mock disabled people and that the work caused anxiety or discomfort. It argues that an anime could magnify those effects even with age restrictions or distribution outside terrestrial television. The statement documents the organization's position and messages it received, not independently measured prevalence or a response from the production.
Read this story →The new committee's first meeting examined police and fire permit fees, possible waivers for low-risk shoots and a FilmLA pilot for a low-impact permit. The discussion did not adopt a fee reform or guarantee savings for a production.
Read this story →An accessible third-party transcript records Fernandes saying IMAX increased its Japanese network by 20% ahead of Demon Slayer and that the film then generated almost $80 million for the company. IMAX's investor calendar confirms the conference appearance. The remarks do not identify the exact film, fiscal period or screen-count chronology in the excerpt, and the amount is an attributed company figure rather than an independently audited title ledger.
Read this story →Rapport24 reports the U.S. distribution deal. Producer and screenwriter Veslemøy Ruud Zwart says the team is aiming for about 2,000 U.S. cinemas in 2027 and that a trailer has played in roughly 3,000; no U.S. date or booked-screen list is provided.
Read this story →Retail Monster will represent the property across apparel, accessories, stationery, collectibles, home goods, fast-moving consumer goods and games. The role extends an existing North American relationship; Character Options handles UK toy distribution. No new licensee, product or date is named.
Read this story →Overture opens Maestro Media's publishing, licensing, manufacturing and commercial infrastructure to outside designers, publishers, licensors and retailers. Its models include co-publishing a finished game, development and go-to-market partnerships, or title acquisition. The first designer submission window is scheduled for January 1 through January 30, 2027. The report establishes the program models and first submission window; it does not identify selected games or guarantee an agreement for any submission.
Read this story →In a sponsored License Global interview, executive Jade Deng names Miiloo, Muuzi, Ooddlings and Booho for 2027 and seeks partners at Brand Licensing Europe. She says Miiloo has 10 million video views and Walmart toys; independent metrics, AI safety design and firm launch dates are not supplied.
Read this story →AMC disclosed a settlement with entities tied to Kirkman, Glen Mazzara, David Alpert, Charles Eglee and Gale Anne Hurd. It will pay $85 million by September 18 and $35 million by January 31, 2027; the latter is an advance against modified adjusted-gross-receipts participation. AMC recorded an $85 million third-quarter charge and reduced 2026 free-cash-flow guidance from about $220 million to about $150 million. The settlement is not an admission of liability.
Read this story →The company will begin reporting with La Bola Negra, which opens October 16 before reaching Netflix December 2 after a 47-day window. The policy also covers selected releases including the next Cliff Booth film, Narnia and Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory, not Netflix's entire film slate.
Read this story →Participating Believe and TuneCore artists and labels may opt their repertoire into new Suno models under a framework promising compensation and protection. Music made with the partner model can be distributed through Believe or TuneCore, while Suno plans download limits and other safeguards. Neither company disclosed rates, launch timing or the detailed consent workflow.
Read this story →Exophase surfaced achievement lists for hundreds of forthcoming games after data normally kept private became accessible through Steam's API. Exophase owner Mike Bendel attributed the exposure to an apparent Valve API error. The material included announced projects such as Kingdom Hearts IV and Persona 6, but some lists may be placeholders, works in progress or associated with cancelled builds. This lead establishes a large technical exposure, not the final content, release status or authenticity of every entry; achievement details and story spoilers should not be reproduced.
Read this story →Paramount filed replies supporting its bond request and says approvals in 69 territories leave the lawsuits as the final obstacle. It claims delay could cost up to $1.88 billion, including $7 million per day beginning October 1. Those figures are Paramount's assertions, not court findings; the judge has not granted a bond or ruled on the merger, and a hearing is scheduled for September 24.
Read this story →Mintrocket announced that DAVE THE DIVER has sold more than ten million copies. The mobile versions remain scheduled for September 17 on iOS and Android. The milestone is the developer's cumulative-sales disclosure; no platform split, independently audited sell-through or revenue figure is supplied.
Read this story →Eiga.com reported September 9 that Lionsgate will distribute new Toei Animation projects in the United States and receive the first opportunity to consider future co-productions. The first named release is Monkey Quest, a science-fiction adventure inspired by Journey to the West and planned for North America in 2027; Charades handles territories outside the United States. No primary contract, financial terms, full territory list or exact release date was accessible.
Read this story →Music Business Worldwide reports that Suno's September 1 answer admits obtaining YouTube audio with YT-DLP for training but argues the use was fair and challenges the labels' standing and anti-circumvention theory. The dispute covers 560 recordings and fact discovery is due to close September 30. An admission about acquisition is not an admission of infringement or liability.
Read this story →License Global reports more than 300 exhibitors, 84 first-time participants and 13% year-over-year growth, including Universal Music Group's event debut. The figures come from the event organization and describe attendance supply, not signed licenses or product launches.
Read this story →A Central District of California docket shows JYP's September 4 application for a DMCA subpoena. The company alleges an account named New Vibs distributed Han's “back to life” to YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and Apple without authorization and asks for identifying records from Symphonic. Filing the request does not prove infringement, identify the operator or establish that the subpoena has issued.
Read this story →The report says Jamey Stegmaier disclosed spending about $90,000 on advertising across recent crowdfunding campaigns. It reports that one campaign's final advertising dollar returned roughly one dollar in attributable pledges, illustrating sharply diminishing marginal returns. Stegmaier also relayed a peer publisher's view that paid acquisition can become loss-making once fulfilment and product costs are counted. The figures are publisher-specific disclosures summarized by a specialist outlet, not an industry benchmark, audited study or guarantee of performance on another campaign.
Read this story →Golden Goose managing director Adam Bass says the brand differentiates itself from Star Wars through non-canon “day off” humor, faithful reproduction of the armor's asymmetry and an older collector audience. The interview describes strategy and desired evergreen categories, not a newly signed licensee, product or Lucasfilm position; its rights discussion is limited to the United Kingdom.
Read this story →CESA announced that the Game Designers Award will end with its sixteenth edition in 2026. The award was established under the leadership of Masahiro Sakurai to recognize game-design originality. The end of this specific award program is official; it does not imply the end of the broader Japan Game Awards or other CESA initiatives.
Read this story →Licensing executive Amy Horlacher says the program is increasingly important for revenue and audience growth and points to work involving COVER Corporation, IP Mixer and Hololive VTuber Juufuutei Raden as a way to reach younger international audiences. The interview gives no new agreement, revenue figure, product or measured result.
Read this story →France and South Korea announced September 7 that each will mobilize €500 million for film, audiovisual and moving-image investment over five years, with France's share routed through Bpifrance from 2027–2031. The summit also created IRIS to support independent cinemas, distributors and circulation networks, launched an 18-month Audiovisual Next Gen program for 20 under-35 professionals, and formed a Lumière Alliance already joined by 54 public agencies. These are commitments and structures, not proof that all money has been disbursed or productions completed.
Read this story →The Authors Guild and co-plaintiffs filed a summary-judgment motion September 4 asking Judge Sidney H. Stein to find copyright infringement and reject the defendants' fair-use defense; OpenAI and Microsoft filed their own motions. Summary judgment permits a ruling without trial only where the court finds no material factual dispute requiring one. Opposition briefs are due in early October and replies in early November. The filings state competing legal positions and do not establish that infringement occurred or that either side will win.
Read this story →Capcom reported on September 7 that shipments and digital sales passed one million worldwide on the game's September 4 launch day. The PS5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC release also pushed lifetime Onimusha series sales above ten million units; Capcom did not provide a platform split or audited sell-through figure.
Read this story →Its analysis covers 203 companies with annual turnover below £10 million. Indielab says 114 had falling reserves, 83 lost more than 30% and 63 lost at least half; the typical company retained about £42,000. Based on the current decline, it estimates roughly 40% could fail within two years if conditions do not change. That is a model-based warning, not proof that named companies will close.
Read this story →A September 7 report says Uncivilized now offers comics-only at US$5, graphic novels at US$15 and both at US$20; DREGS!-only and mixed tiers are due in December. The announced slate includes Hideko Mizuno's FIRE!, second editions of Ex Libris and The Sickness volume one, and four named books for the first half of 2027.
Read this story →The studio says each production is written, shot and edited twice: roughly 50 vertical episodes lasting one to three minutes, plus a 90-minute horizontal film. Its launch slate covers Wuthering Heights, Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, The Great Gatsby and Beauty and the Beast; it plans to offer the feature versions to television and streaming buyers at MIPCOM in Cannes, France, October 12–15. No completed buyer sale or delivery timetable for every title is confirmed.
Read this story →Mubi acquired worldwide rights outside North America and plans international cinema screenings and streaming in 2027. Janus Films and Criterion retain North American rights, while the film's festival path includes an October 1 New York Film Festival premiere and the BFI London Film Festival. Country dates and the balance between theatrical and streaming availability have not been announced.
Read this story →The initiative formally launched during the Venice Film Festival after beginning its first academy intake in March 2026 with 25 young Palestinian women. Its founders aim to combine education, production and professional links and are working toward a degree accredited by Al-Quds Open University. Current reporting does not establish permanent facilities, long-term funding, future cohort capacity or completed accreditation.
Read this story →Microsoft consumer-products director Shabnam Elmi told License Global that Dungeons II's new mobs, biomes and adventures create licensing opportunities across toys, collectibles, apparel, role play and promotions. She said Minecraft works with more than 250 active licensees and will seek partners at Brand Licensing Europe in those and other categories. The interview announces a strategy, not a newly signed partner, product line or release schedule.
Read this story →The collection launches September 9 in Japan and September 10 globally through Crocs and selected retailers. Four styles reference Yami Yugi, Dark Magician, Seto Kaiba and Blue-Eyes White Dragon, with separate charms; selected retail promotions include a Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game card and Atmos Ikebukuro in Tokyo hosts a limited pop-up. Regional inventory and card eligibility are not universal guarantees.
Read this story →DeAPlaneta was appointed licensing agent for the named roster in Iberia, France and Central and Eastern Europe. The companies say the arrangement extends a relationship begun with Skibidi Toilet representation in October 2025 and will be presented at Brand Licensing Europe and Milano Licensing Day. No licensee, product category, release date or revenue is yet confirmed.
Read this story →PIA announced on September 7 that weather-related delivery disruption has moved the set's nationwide bookstore and online-bookstore release from September 9 to September 15. Limited sales still begin September 9 at Kinokuniya's Shinjuku and Yokohama Sogo stores, expand to selected Sanrio shops and department-store counters from September 11, and remain planned for Pompompurin Festival at Yokohama Red Brick Square on September 12-13. Sanrio's online shop will follow on an unspecified schedule.
Read this story →In a September 3 statement to Parliament, the UK culture secretary formally recorded that she would not issue a public-interest intervention notice after Paramount strengthened earlier assurances through a legally binding deed. The undertakings protect a diverse range of UK broadcast and on-demand services, distinct editorial identities and specified news programming, with annual compliance statements and departmental monitoring. The government also declined intervention on foreign-state-influence grounds absent new information. The merger is not thereby completed or globally cleared.
Read this story →FCC chair Brendan Carr said on Fox News’ Sunday Briefing on September 6 that the agency was looking at multiple actions after President Donald Trump criticized Welker’s account of his primary-endorsement record and called for FCC punishment. Carr said the commission might issue guidance about broadcasters’ obligations concerning what he called fake polls, especially polls he characterized as voter suppression. NBC News stood by Welker. No formal complaint, investigation, rule, guidance or penalty was announced.
Read this story →Telluride held The Humanity Dilemma presentation and an AI AI AI panel on September 5. Festival executive director Julie Huntsinger called AI a threat; Center for Humane Technology co-founder Tristan Harris called for a pause in frontier development, while Bill Gates said he could support a credible plan to slow or stabilize it. The program also included Liz Garbus’ short documentary Love, Rendered, whose filmmakers said they used AI with family photographs and stories to recreate an elderly couple’s first meeting.
Read this story →At The Echo Chamber’s Venice press conference on September 6, Sarandon said films had recently been taken away from her and that agencies continued telling people not to hire her. She linked the lost work and her inability to work for a major studio to her public support for Palestine, and thanked Pallaoro for disregarding warnings. She did not identify any project, agency or studio, and EFE did not independently establish a blacklist or the motives of unnamed employers.
Read this story →Willits told PC Gamer that Saber spreads staff across projects of different sizes and can move people rather than leaving teams isolated on one game. He argued that studios with hundreds of people on a project before a vertical slice—a representative playable build proving the concept—will struggle. He said remasters and smaller releases can finance larger productions and cited SnowRunner as an experiment that began with one developer.
Read this story →Animate announced on September 7 that products matching Uma Musume designs with regional motifs from all 47 Japanese prefectures will launch September 26. Badges, acrylic figures, eco bags and sports towels form the range. Animate stores across Japan and its online shop will run a fair through October 25, awarding one of five random postcards for each qualifying ¥1,100 purchase or reservation deposit and adding prefecture-specific shelf displays in physical stores.
Read this story →Anime! Anime! reported on September 6 that ZOZOTOWN will accept made-to-order purchases from noon JST on September 9 through noon on October 9. Illustrator OkiCha redrew Atsushi, Dazai, Akutagawa, Chuya, Fyodor and Nikolai in a pop cartoon style for seven product types, including shirts, embroidered hoodies and tote-bag sets. Delivery is planned for late January 2027, and overseas shipping eligibility is not established.
Read this story →Maryland’s official WARN log lists 213 affected workers at ZeniMax Online Studios in Cockeysville and 166 at ZeniMax Media in Rockville. Both notices were filed July 6, classify the action as a mass layoff with no recall and give September 4 as the effective date. The log establishes the planned scope and date, but does not verify every separation or identify teams, individuals, remaining headcount or project effects.
Read this story →At a Venice symposium, Gyllenhaal said the commissioner asked the production to explore AI. She said the team trained a licensable model on Monroe films it had licensed, placed a generated face over Johnson’s and then discarded the result because it erased the humanity of Johnson’s performance. The account does not identify every licensor or vendor and is not an independent technical audit.
Read this story →In a September 3 motion, the FCC argued that the court lacks subject-matter jurisdiction and that ABC has not shown the causal link required for its First Amendment retaliation claim. ABC alleges that the early reviews target protected programming speech; the FCC says they stem from a separate employment-discrimination inquiry. This is a dismissal request, not a ruling, and the stations may keep operating during review. A hearing is set for the week of October 5.
Read this story →Gourmet Watch reported from Kura Sushi's September 5 notice that the chain ended every part of the campaign when stores opened September 6 after an internal investigation found employee misconduct. The cancellation covers collaboration food, Bikkura Pon prizes, teacup and plate giveaways, receipt entries, videos and decorations. Television ads may temporarily still describe the campaign as active; the company did not identify the employee or quantify losses.
Read this story →Speaking at the DVF Awards in Venice, Fonda said the pending transaction would lead to fewer jobs, higher consumer prices and fewer places for creators to sell projects. She also said she knows and likes Paramount Skydance chief David Ellison because of Grace and Frankie, but that relationship does not change her opposition. Her remarks are predictions, not proof of those outcomes or a new regulatory decision.
Read this story →Foxtel announced the DAZN Media+ identity at its 2027 Upfront presentation. The unit plans to combine first-party data from six million sports fans in a Sports Audience Graph, use AudienceProject for independent cross-media measurement and add SureVision stadium inventory; an AI sales agent is also planned for 2027. The presentation does not prove delivery, accuracy, advertiser adoption or campaign results.
Read this story →A licence from 9 Story Distribution International brought the complete twelve-episode first season to Amazon Kids+ in the United States and Canada on September 3, accessible through Fire TV and Fire tablets. A twenty-episode second season is scheduled to follow, but no date, licence fee, exclusivity term or broader device availability is disclosed.
Read this story →SND acquired worldwide sales rights and the report names HBO Max and France Télévisions in France, Movistar Plus+ in Spain, HBO Max in Belgium and Crave in Canada as partners. Broadcasts are scheduled to begin in December, but exact territorial dates, exclusivity terms, licence values and further buyers are not disclosed.
Read this story →Sony Music announced that U☆World＊Order entered digital distribution on September 6, making the campaign's first planned original song broadly available after its music video had appeared earlier. Asuka Ogura wrote, composed and arranged the track. The release does not disclose the campaign's finances, contributor count or listening performance.
Read this story →A September 4 regulated filing reports H1 revenue of €6.1 million, operating EBITDA of negative €4.3 million and gross cash falling from €15.4 million at year-end 2025 to €8 million at the end of July. The board approved launching a French reorganization around one production line, initial employee-representative meetings and union negotiations have begun, and up to 90 positions could be removed. The plan remains under consultation, not completed layoffs.
Read this story →Starting in November, Game Pass Essential, Premium and Ultimate will include five, ten and fifteen cloud-gaming hours per month respectively. Xbox says subscribers will be able to buy extra hours, while non-members will be able to purchase streaming hours for eligible games they own; prices, the exact rollout date and regional details remain unannounced.
Read this story →The Tetris Company told the Associated Press on September 4 that it was not involved in creating Build the Wall and did not authorize or license the Tetris brand or intellectual property for it. The rights company says it is reviewing the matter. No lawsuit, formal demand, named defendant or finding of infringement has been announced.
Read this story →Spencer Spirit Holdings completed the acquisition from Sycamore Partners on September 2. The three brands will keep their California headquarters and operate independently from Spencer’s and Spirit; Hot Topic chief executive Steve Vranes remains in charge and reports to Spencer Spirit chief executive Steven Silverstein. Purchase price, store closures, license changes and integration targets were not disclosed.
Read this story →The festival office announced on September 4 that TAAF has ended after thirteen editions, following the close of online competition screenings for its March 13-16, 2026 event. Its official X account, YouTube channel and inquiry form will close September 30, while the website will remain as an archive. The statement names neither a financial cause nor a successor festival.
Read this story →TheWrap reported September 3 that Noohu filed a Los Angeles County Superior Court complaint naming Brubaker, Amazon MGM and others. The suit alleges sexual, racial and religious harassment, discrimination, assault, battery, defamation and retaliation and seeks unspecified damages. The allegations have not been proven in court, and Amazon MGM declined TheWrap's request for comment.
Read this story →Scènes de ménages and En Famille arrive September 25, followed in early 2027 by Mariés au premier regard and The Power: Qui a le pouvoir?. Disney France and M6 say several hundred episodes will be added progressively. The announcement does not identify a full episode list, exclusivity, agreement length or availability outside France.
Read this story →Integrated Media Company committed $100 million to Brainchild, founded by Michael Carroll and Fletcher Williams with content lead Adina Pitt and platform lead Tara Day. Its model starts with research-led children’s intellectual property and expands it across video, consumer products, gaming, publishing and live experiences. No first character, acquisition, production slate, distributor or release date has been named.
Read this story →In a direct interview, COREBLAZER said its agreements begin from non-interference in creative control, do not require IP or publishing rights and can extend funding after milestone reviews. It says it works with roughly 30 teams, six outside China; those descriptions are not an audit of every contract.
Read this story →The package contains legal-crime drama Parole Examiner Lee, fantasy comedy Unlock My Boss, family drama Mother and Mom and psychological drama Pale Moon. The trade report says the agreement covers Middle Eastern distribution and extends a broader MediaHub–KT Studio Genie partnership signed in late 2025; exact countries, launch dates, language versions, fees and exclusivity are not disclosed.
Read this story →Mediterráneo closed agreements taking the series beyond its existing Spanish SkyShowtime release. Walter Presents will carry it through PBS in the United States and Canada and Channel 4 in the United Kingdom and Ireland; Dubai Media acquired 24 Middle East and North Africa territories including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Local launch dates, language versions and exclusivity are undisclosed.
Read this story →The September 4 structure combines TV Globo with Estúdios Globo, creates an integrated consumer, marketing and brand directorate, and places distribution and rights together under Fernando Ramos. Legal, institutional-relations and compliance functions move to the holding company. Manuel Belmar, Manuel Falcão and Pedro Garcia are leaving through announced transitions; the report does not establish broader layoffs or program cancellations.
Read this story →Banijay Finland will produce eight episodes for Disney Nordic’s STAR Channel, hosted by Pilvi Hämäläinen and staged across Helsinki, Turku, Tampere, Kuopio and Oulu. The format began as a StukTV YouTube pilot that Banijay says exceeded 1.2 million views, then became a Dutch prime-time series and adaptations in French Canada and now Finland. No Finnish premiere date is given.
Read this story →The unit is tasked with finding talent, developing and producing ideas, and carrying them across feature films, scripted television, shows and short films. Jérémie Khiat became director on September 1, reporting to CANAL+ France deputy chief executive Jean-Marc Juramie and to STUDIOCANAL chief executive Anna Marsh for feature co-productions. No project, budget or release date is announced.
Read this story →Comicsblog reported the September 3 launch with Olivier Vatine and Sean Murphy as the first highlighted artists, while the live Pulp's surface exposes original-art, print, portfolio and artist-edition categories. A launch exhibition of Vatine work ran September 3-5 at 10 rue Domat in Paris; permanent inventory and international shipping terms remain unclear.
Read this story →A Kazarma-brokered agreement gives BOTI Global a physical-retail program for North America and EMEA. The first wave covers toys, collectibles, plush and lifestyle products built around Usagyuuun, Piyomaru, SugarCubs and Betakkuma, with later categories only planned. Retail buyers can preview the range in Los Angeles September 14–25; no retailer orders, prices or quantities are confirmed.
Read this story →The Justice Department filed a Statement of Interest September 1 arguing that copying written works for language-model training can be highly transformative and need not harm the original market when outputs do not substitute for the works. It also disputes treating a hypothetical AI-training license market as automatically decisive. The filing is advice to the court, not a ruling; it focuses on written works, separates acquisition, training and output questions, and does not decide music cases against Anthropic, Suno or Udio.
Read this story →Rolling Stone reports that U.S. District Judge André Birotte Jr. reversed his July position and dismissed the plaintiffs' central composition-infringement theory on September 1. He found that they had not identified one copyrighted composition containing the combined rhythmic elements they sought to protect. Narrower claims alleging direct sampling of sound recordings remain, so the ruling does not end every case or clear every defendant on every theory.
Read this story →Live Nation Entertainment says the production sold more than 650,000 tickets across two United Kingdom and Ireland tours and additional European engagements. It played 66 UK and Irish venues, with the latest tour ending at Dublin's 3Olympia Theatre. Producers Andrew Kay, Cuffe & Taylor and Windmill Theatre Company mounted the show for BBC Studios; revenue and profitability were not disclosed.
Read this story →PIKO announced that it acquired 7 Raven Studios on September 1. The studio will keep operating under its own label on modern and retro platforms while giving PIKO an internal pipeline for original properties and entirely new games based on its back catalog. No purchase price, staffing change, first licensed title or release date was disclosed.
Read this story →The company announced new global and regional licensees September 3 across fashion, accessories, stationery, gifts and collectibles. A global store on AndrewLloydWebber.com will consolidate physical music, apparel, archival art and limited products. Penguin Random House's Our Strange Duet, a Phantom retelling centered on Christine, is due in the United States and United Kingdom during September and October.
Read this story →The company says the September 1 measures affect about 30 employees, or 32% of its workforce, through a combination of layoffs and furloughs. It is reprioritizing its portfolio by pausing or reducing unspecified projects and restructuring partner payments. East Side expects roughly C$3.5 million in annualized savings, mostly from the fourth quarter, but identifies that figure as forward-looking.
Read this story →The event will use the El Capitan Theatre and Walt Disney Studios lot in Los Angeles, California, United States. More than 350 creators, innovators and storytellers are expected, with named participants including Dude Perfect, The Try Guys and Zach King. Disney chief brand officer Asad Ayaz is scheduled to discuss routes for creators into Disney scripted series, feature films and brand campaigns.
Read this story →Dedicated 24-hour channels for Beverly Hills, 90210 and the animal-rescue series Lucky Dog launched September 3 on Samsung TV Plus across Germany, Austria and Switzerland. A Gunsmoke channel is due to follow, but has no exact launch date. Goldvertise will sell advertising for the three feeds; contract value, exclusivity and audience figures were not disclosed.
Read this story →Yes Studios acquired global distribution and scripted-format rights to the seven-part series. Six 15-minute episodes each present a suspect's deposition and can be watched in any order; the seventh reveals the solution. The package lets Yes Studios sell the original and local adaptations internationally, but no broadcaster, territory, remake commission or license fee has been announced.
Read this story →Its first announced release, Where the Seeds Fall, is a PS5 action-adventure arriving November 5, 2026. A soldier and a Fell Child descend the World Tree toward a surface consumed by Blight, navigating ruins, wind and dangerous drops. Cygames has not yet described the label's wider slate or separate business structure.
Read this story →The spring collection will include handbags, wallets, travel pieces, novelty accessories and Patricia Nash's first rain boots. Designs use a London landmark map, marmalade motifs and Paddington's gingham pattern, with a limited Mother's Day floral capsule also planned. The announcement does not yet name territories, retailers, prices or production quantities.
Read this story →The companies completed their combination September 1 after receiving required regulatory approvals. The business operates as BMG, with Bob Valentine as chief executive, Thomas Coesfeld as chairman, Nashville as global headquarters and Berlin as European headquarters. Bertelsmann owns 67%, affiliates of Great Mountain Partners own 33% and received a one-time $1.16 billion cash payment. The owner says the catalog exceeds four million works across publishing, recordings, theatrical rights, digital distribution and film and television; promised creator benefits and performance targets remain forward-looking.
Read this story →DON'T NOD announced September 1 that it is considering an operational transformation after deteriorating economic indicators and changes in game financing. Management called a September 3 meeting with employee representatives as the first information-and-consultation step before possible implementation of a French plan de sauvegarde de l'emploi, and opened union negotiations. No layoffs, affected roles, headcount, closure, project cancellation or final plan have been confirmed; the company promises another disclosure after the meetings.
Read this story →Their August 31 complaint alleges that Suno can generate songs, descriptions and images evoking named musicians and stores voice characteristics that qualify as voiceprints under Illinois law. Its claims rely on identity, publicity and biometric privacy, not copyright. The plaintiffs seek damages and an injunction, but no class has been certified and no court has found that Suno captured statutory voiceprints, defeated name filters or violated publicity rights.
Read this story →Twelve state attorneys general and the Writers Guild of America filed opposition August 31, asking the court to deny Paramount's $1.9 billion request or set a nominal $10,000 bond. They argue no material change justifies revising the parties' stipulation and that the case serves public interests. Paramount disputes that view. A September 24 hearing is scheduled, and the judge has not ruled on the bond or the merger's lawfulness.
Read this story →SAG-AFTRA said on September 1 that AB/SB 186 passed the California Legislature and is headed to Governor Gavin Newsom, independently matching reports from TheWrap and Bloomberg Law. The measure would exempt independent productions from the new US$5 million-or-70% annual cap, let major productions elect a 95% refundable value over two years and extend some older credit carryforwards; the official bill tracker still lagged during verification, so passage is reported rather than treated as enacted.
Read this story →What's on Netflix reported August 31 that Netflix holds options on Geiger, Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees, The Night Eaters: She Eats the Night, Radio Spaceman, The Infinite Horizon and Invisible Emmie. The outlet dates the deals across December 2025 to July 2026; Netflix declined comment, and no format, cast, creative team or production order is confirmed.
Read this story →A Bit Reactor representative confirmed that the studio temporarily placed an unspecified number of employees on unpaid leave before launch because of financial uncertainty and concern about the game's performance. The studio hopes to restore the positions and pay if the release succeeds; claims that most of the team was affected remain anonymous and are not treated as confirmed.
Read this story →Gerencia filed a federal complaint August 31 alleging direct infringement by Suno and contributory infringement by two Bright Data entities involving 444 registered works, plus Digital Millennium Copyright Act claims concerning 1,174 works. It alleges Spanish-language recordings and lyrics were taken from services including YouTube, Deezer and Genius for AI training. The pleaded damages arithmetic exceeds $165 million, but liability, scraping, authorization and damages are all unproven and no defendant answer was identified.
Read this story →The studio expects to sign one or two games a year, usually from teams needing US$500,000 or less and no more than two years to finish. It says contracts will use negotiable milestones, send some revenue to developers before Aggro Crab fully recoups its investment and avoid withholding the final payment until release. Rebounder and Subway Midnight are its first named projects, and generative-AI assets are excluded.
Read this story →SOCAN completed the acquisition from SoundExchange on September 1 after satisfying customary closing conditions for the transaction announced July 29. CMRRA is to continue with its current reproduction-rights services and existing expert team. SOCAN says the combination should streamline Canadian rights management for publishers, songwriters and composers, but it disclosed no price, integration costs, governance changes or measured effect on royalty timing.
Read this story →Udio's August 27 answer argues that any copying of protected expression was fair use and that, if infringement were proved, it could be innocent enough for statutory damages as low as $200 per infringed work. Udio admits obtaining some training audio from YouTube using YT-DLP, but does not admit training on Sony's identified set. These are defenses and limited admissions, not findings; Udio asks for dismissal and Sony's claims remain unadjudicated.
Read this story →Willis told Kiwi Talkz that he worked at least 12 hours daily for two months, sometimes 17 hours, and that much of the expansion was produced within three to four months. He described the pressure as indirectly induced by the assigned workload rather than an explicit company-wide mandate. His first-person account establishes his own hours and observations, not identical conditions for every employee.
Read this story →In a September 1 statement welcoming President Donald Trump's support for a federal film and television production incentive, IATSE said it is working with special ambassador Jon Voight, industry stakeholders and a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers to draft, introduce and pass legislation. The union names no bill number, sponsors, rate, budget, eligibility rules or introduction date, so the statement confirms advocacy and claimed drafting activity—not agreed text or likely enactment.
Read this story →Netflix and EverPass reached a multi-year agreement covering Netflix's NFL events in U.S. commercial venues. The 2026 slate includes the September 10 49ers–Rams game in Melbourne, a Thanksgiving Eve game, two Christmas games, a Week 18 game and NFL Honors. A separate EverPass arrangement lets DirecTV for Business market and distribute the package; fees, exclusivity and venue counts were not disclosed.
Read this story →Game Developer, citing Bloomberg and a reported employee message, says CEO Brian Ward is stepping down and described the timing as right for new leadership during a period of transformational growth. Turqi Alnowaiser, a PIF deputy governor and head of international investments, is reported to be replacing him on an interim basis. No opened first-party announcement established the reason, a permanent successor or operational changes at portfolio companies.
Read this story →From September 1, every BBFC 2D cinema classification automatically includes a complimentary video-on-demand classification that becomes valid 30 days after the cinema rating date. The BBFC will retire its separate dual-rating VoD tariff on March 1, 2027 while leaving the packaged-media service unchanged. The policy does not set a film's release window, guarantee availability or alter classification duties outside the UK.
Read this story →Both channels launched September 1 on Orange Polska, at guide positions 563 for Fix&Foxi and 577 for RiC.today. Fix&Foxi receives a fully Polish-dubbed, locally curated schedule featuring programs such as Little Bear, Marvin the Tap-Dancing Horse, Timothy Goes to School and Oscar the Balloonist; RiC.today remains in English. The issuer did not disclose carriage economics, audience reach or the additional operators it says are under discussion.
Read this story →Rovio told Mobilegamer.biz on August 25 that it will discontinue all Danish operations after completing a redundancy process. About 20 people worked on Sonic Blitz, but the company has not confirmed the number losing jobs; some may move to other Rovio projects, while remaining employees are promised transition support. The closure was discovered too late for FanBriefer's earlier editions.
Read this story →The 15-design collection will begin at participating U.S. restaurants September 15 for a limited time, according to the dated trade report and coverage of McDonald's announcement. The pairing is described as the franchises' first collaboration. Participating-store inventory, the promotion's end date and whether every design will reach each location remain unconfirmed.
Read this story →Bandai lists four room designs—Bedtime Fun, Bathtime Fun, Dazzling Seamstress and 50's Diner—inside 90-millimetre capsules, each with a miniature ring. The collection costs ¥600 per capsule and begins rolling out during the first week of September for ages 15 and older. Machine placement and timing vary by region and store, and availability outside Japan is unconfirmed.
Read this story →Gadot said in an August 31 Happy Sad Confused interview that her lawyers spent about six months negotiating possible AI scenarios for Bitcoin because she would not allow the technology to affect her performance. She says the resulting contract protects her work, the film limits AI to sets and lighting, and SAG contacted her lawyers for pointers on protecting other actors. The contract text and any union adoption are not public, while the reported $70 million budget and claimed $300 million conventional-cost comparison are not independently verified.
Read this story →Sony launched Live TV on PS5 for U.S. users on August 31 with more than 100 live channels and on-demand programming at no subscription charge, supported by advertising. The launch mix includes Naruto, Sailor Moon, Hunter x Hunter, Death Note, The Walking Dead, horror and science-fiction movies, sports, news and creator-led channels. Users select the service in the console's Media tab and connect a PlayStation account; programmes vary by market and can change. Sony says it is considering Canada and other regions but gives no dates.
Read this story →ARIA's new code applies from the chart dated August 31 and requires recordings using generative AI to be substantially human-made, free of chart manipulation and compliant with applicable law. AI-generated lead vocals or primary instruments make a track ineligible, while human performances using AI backing vocals, mastering, stem separation, drum machines or played instrument patches may qualify. Rights holders must declare AI use and can contest exclusions; ineligible recordings also lose ARIA Award eligibility. The rule does not ban distribution, radio play or royalties.
Read this story →The Beat reports that Marvel Midnight orders receive escalating extra discounts, reaching 10% for stores ordering at least 100 A-cover copies; all three first issues arrive October 7 without another Marvel release that day. Marvel also announced compact collections of Ultimate Spider-Man and Ultimates for April 14, 2027, Ultimate X-Men for June 9 and Ultimate Black Panther for June 23, each gathering its first year.
Read this story →AMC announced August 31 that Leawood Films will acquire theatrical rights to fully financed or completed small- and mid-budget films, promote them across AMC and other cinemas, and leave ownership and post-theatrical control with filmmakers. The label promises at least 45 days before premium video-on-demand and 90 days before streaming; it has not acquired a first film, and no release is expected before 2027.
Read this story →President Donald Trump said August 31 that meetings were being arranged with leaders of both parties and called on Congress to craft legislation immediately for a federal production incentive. Motion Picture Association president Charles Rivkin welcomed the support and promised to work with the White House and Congress. No bill, sponsor, rate, eligibility rules or budget score has been announced, so the statement is political backing rather than enacted assistance.
Read this story →Sensor Tower estimates reported August 31 show U.S. Netflix app downloads rose 24% on the day the service premiered an extended Grand Theft Auto VI look, 20% above the prior 30-day daily average. iOS downloads rose 54% day over day and Netflix moved from 96th to 35th among free U.S. iOS apps, while Android downloads fell 13%. The report also associates the premiere day with a 436% day-over-day increase in GTA VI preorders. Netflix and Rockstar did not publish underlying totals, and the timing does not prove the footage caused every change.
Read this story →The September 1 launch pairs Adam Cesare's gaming-horror story Zero Lives Remaining with an expanded I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream reissue containing exclusive material and archival photos. Publishers Weekly says the spring 2027 slate spans horror, fantasy, Lovecraftian fiction and supernatural noir, with 10 to 12 French-flap paperbacks planned annually.
Read this story →The Toy Book reports that Asmodee acquired the Welcome To intellectual property and existing game range from French publisher Blue Cocker. Asmodee says the current titles, including Welcome to Your Perfect Home and Welcome to the Moon, will remain distributed and that it intends to grow the property through releases to be named later. Financial terms and an integration schedule were not disclosed.
Read this story →Dupri and the So So Def companies voluntarily dismissed their royalty lawsuit against Sony Music in federal court on August 28 after saying the parties had resolved the matter. The notice provides no payment, timetable or accounting remedy and dismisses the action without prejudice, which permits the claims to be filed again. The July complaint had sought at least $18 million plus more than $10 million in interest over alleged royalty underreporting and nonpayment; Sony did not admit wrongdoing and had not answered the allegations.
Read this story →In a public departure statement reproduced by Gematsu, Kuittinen said August 31 was his final day at Housemarque after 31 years there and 33 years in games. Former deputy managing director Sami Hakala took the managing-director role on July 1, with Kuittinen supporting the transition through August. Kuittinen plans a September break and may later mentor or consult.
Read this story →SoundCloud launched a beta August 26 that lets about 200 U.S.-based Artist Pro creators with Fan Support enabled sell downloadable tracks from their profiles. Artists set prices, provide formats such as MP3 or WAV and track sales in Artist Studio; SoundCloud says it takes no commission, although payment fees and taxes still come out of proceeds. The company plans to widen the beta before reaching all eligible creators later in fall 2026, without a precise date or disclosed processor rates.
Read this story →Sellers can now list Palworld Official Card Game and Cyberpunk Trading Card Game inventory before their broader launches. Palworld support covers Dawn of Palpagos, two trial decks, promotional cards, sealed products and singles. Cyberpunk support includes Kickstarter booster boxes, prebuilt starter decks and exclusive cards. TCGplayer does not establish stock depth, completed-sale prices or territory-wide retail availability.
Read this story →Freestyle Digital Media announced August 31 that it acquired North American video-on-demand rights to Influence directly from the filmmakers. The distributor plans to make the film available September 4 through digital HD internet, DVD, cable and satellite platforms in North America. The announcement does not name specific storefronts, a theatrical release, exclusivity terms or the acquisition price.
Read this story →The official JoJo portal announced August 31 that four apparel items based specifically on the Diamond Is Unbreakable anime will launch exclusively at Workman stores nationwide in Japan in early September. The notice does not provide one uniform sale date, store-by-store stock, restock plans or availability outside Japan.
Read this story →U-NEXT announced August 31 that it will begin a phased, exclusive Japanese rollout of Universal+ in October 2026. NBCUniversal's film and television library will be consolidated on the service, with recent theatrical films and major series planned to arrive exclusively from spring 2027; no title-by-title catalogue, exact launch dates or pricing has been announced.
Read this story →Correction: Tippett Studio said August 30 that it is leaving its longtime Berkeley, California, facility but remains in active production on an unidentified large feature at its Toronto, Ontario, Canada, studio. It says visual-effects and animation work continues across film and television, while stop-motion remains available through project-specific external stages, fabrication and motion-control infrastructure. The statement followed the August 28–30 liquidation sale of Berkeley props, models and production equipment; it does not identify the Toronto feature, staffing or finances.
Read this story →In a Gamescom interview published August 28, Li said Tencent looks for studios able to develop over roughly ten years, stays platform-agnostic and worries less about one product than a team's long-term vision. He cited invested studios Larian and FromSoftware as independent examples and described Tencent's early research and workflow support for S-Game's move from mobile action RPGs to premium console-and-PC game Phantom Blade Zero. Li said Tencent's internal “evergreen” benchmark exceeds US$500 million in average annual gross revenue, with separate engagement measures for live-service games.
Read this story →Penske Media and SXSW announced August 28 that Penske has taken full ownership after buying 50% in 2021 and majority control in 2023. SXSW says its flagship conference and festivals and SXSW EDU will remain headquartered in Austin. The parties did not disclose the price, closing date or which remaining stakeholders transferred interests. SXSW returns March 15–21, 2027, with a new podcast festival, while SXSW EDU runs March 13–16 in Austin.
Read this story →In an interview published August 28, Rogers said an early version of the Fortnite collaboration made falling Tetriminos damage players. She says the rights holder required the crossover to remain nonviolent and beneficial, so released blocks clear lines to heal players and can act as protective cover. The Sunken Shores area also includes transformations that turn a player or nearby players into Tetriminos. Rogers did not disclose contract wording, fees, broader approval rights or a confirmed follow-up.
Read this story →Sony and Warner publishing entities filed a 48-page complaint late August 28 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against Anthropic, CEO Dario Amodei and co-founder Benjamin Mann. The publishers allege direct infringement through torrenting, additional contributory infringement by the founders, and infringement plus removal or alteration of copyright-management information by Anthropic. They identify tens of thousands of compositions and seek statutory damages, destruction of allegedly infringing copies, an accounting of training data and a jury trial. Anthropic disputes the claims and says it will defend itself in court.
Read this story →On August 29, Sharma said Microsoft is building a family of Helix devices and reiterated that the hardware is intended to play both console and PC games. She also said the industry must improve affordability and efficiency as component supply comes under pressure, but disclosed no device count, form factors, price, disc policy or launch date.
Read this story →Puck reported August 28 that Microsoft is pitching one studio or streamer a long-term package covering more than a dozen Xbox properties for film and television. Halo, World of Warcraft, The Elder Scrolls and Diablo are specifically named, and Netflix, Paramount and Universal have reportedly examined the offer. One unnamed source put the asking price above US$300 million and said at least one prospective partner balked. Microsoft and the three named companies declined to comment; there is no signed buyer, confirmed price, final property list or production order.
Read this story →Puck reports that Judge sent Paramount a lawyer letter stating his intention to exercise U.S. copyright-termination rights. The precise window depends on when the original grant took effect, while Copyright Office guidance generally requires notice two to ten years before a selected effective date. The report arrives as Comedy Central prepares a twelfth season. Paramount and Judge's representative declined comment, and neither a completed reversion nor an effective date has been established.
Read this story →Sorrell told Time Extension he was not consulted or involved and criticized the collection's treatment of its original creators. He also said its packaging, museum artwork and trailer appear generative-AI-made, but that remains his assessment: System 3 says its assets are human-made and the outlet sought further comment.
Read this story →Banijay UK and Workerbee secured rights to livestream seven 2026–27 Bundesliga matches in the United Kingdom and Ireland, beginning August 28 with Bayern Munich versus VfB Stuttgart. The agreement adds exclusive digital and social rights around those matches plus selected archive material for global YouTube distribution outside Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Banijay Rights also plans a FAST, or free ad-supported streaming television, channel; its launch date and the six remaining fixtures are unannounced.
Read this story →Wizards says drought lowered a freshwater lake serving the Panama Canal and delayed a vessel carrying part of North America's Play Booster supply. Most Prerelease and release-weekend activity should proceed, followed by possible tightness until replenishment several weeks later; Collector Boosters, Commander decks and bundles remain on schedule.
Read this story →Spyder Games and Speedy Simulator Gaming seek declarations that Mementum's asserted rights are invalid, while Mementum counterclaims for trademark infringement and unfair competition. After amended claims and counterclaims on July 30, Mementum filed an August 19 dismissal motion. A federal hearing is scheduled September 23 in San Jose, California, with trial currently set for November 29, 2027. The parties disagree over human contribution, AI generation, ownership, licensing and jurisdiction; no court has resolved those issues.
Read this story →The California Legislature's official site identifies the measure as AB 186 and marks it amended in the Senate on August 28. For refundable film credits, the text would shorten the refund period from five tax years to two, raise the annual refundable amount from 20% to 50%, and increase the refundable share from 90% to 95%. Beginning in 2027, sold film credits would also be excluded from the general US$5 million business-credit limitation. The bill would take effect immediately if enacted.
Read this story →CSVI called strikes for September 1, 2, 3, 16, 17 and 18, with three-day actions intended to recur every two weeks, plus a September 1 protest outside the Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain office. The union opposes Ubisoft's five-day return-to-office requirement and says implementation moved from October to January 2027 without negotiation. Ubisoft had not responded to the new call in the checked reports.
Read this story →Versant executive Jerramy Hainline told Deadline that Fandango distributed House of Worship as its first film through a three-day engagement at about 400 theaters. The company plans to move it through premium and transactional video on demand, ad-supported streaming and eventually Fandango's library over roughly a year. Fandango is considering more rights-driven event content in sports, reality and other categories, but announced no second title or box-office gross.
Read this story →Authentic Brands Group announced August 27 that it acquired a majority stake in OVO's intellectual property. Drake retains what the partners call a significant ownership stake and will continue shaping the creative vision. Vince Holding Corp. separately acquired OVO's operating business and will oversee design, product development, merchandising and retail as the main apparel licensee. OVO currently has 12 flagship stores and worldwide e-commerce; price, percentages, governance rights and specific new licenses were not disclosed.
Read this story →Communications manager Christopher Grünewald told GamesIndustry.biz that Limbic retained all its intellectual property, employs about 90 people and now operates without open-ended publisher funding. German public support helped finish Corsair Cove, which the studio reports sold 200,000 copies in under a month, retains roughly 700,000 Steam wishlists and has 85% positive reviews. After Park Beyond, Limbic says it is cutting scope and designing polished games for one target group.
Read this story →EN World reports that the publisher removed and re-edited its promotional video after viewers found AI-generated role-playing props in third-party stock footage. Art director Bear Weiter said the outside production and the company's missed review caused the error; the replacement removes the clips, not any game content.
Read this story →ICv2 found Chaos Rising booster displays falling from roughly US$240–250 to about US$200, and Pitch Black displays from roughly US$230–240 to US$180–185. Elite Trainer Boxes that sold near US$90 were around US$65–69, still above suggested retail.
Read this story →Mattel named Maluma, Supercar Blondie and Robert Lewandowski to the first class, linked respectively to a Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60, Lamborghini Huracán LP610-4 Lucy and 1997 Porsche 911 GT1. Each is US$25 for preorder; a free Venice, California pop-up runs August 28–30 with life-size cars and Hot Wheels' first print zine.
Read this story →ORICON reported on August 28 that Gyu-Kaku had acknowledged demand and orders beyond its expectations, leaving some customers unable to order the goods-bearing menus. Beginning August 29, each customer transaction is limited to one of each collaboration-menu item; the chain did not quantify affected locations or customers, disclose remaining inventory or set an end date for the restriction.
Read this story →The Hollywood Reporter says the partners formed a first-look arrangement for films, series, documentaries and streaming projects drawn from New York Post and California Post material. Crazy Legs receives the first development opportunity across scripted and unscripted formats. The agreement names no individual article, project, buyer, budget, production order or release date.
Read this story →STUDIOCANAL launched the label on August 27 after reporting nearly €25 million invested in close to 1,000 4K restorations over seven years. Its named program includes Manhunter: The Final Cut, Terminator 2, Pan's Labyrinth, a Jacques Tati retrospective and a 2027 David Lynch collection, alongside theatrical and home-entertainment releases, catalogue sales, licensing and selected game collaborations. Territory-specific dates, formats and the Lynch set's contents remain incomplete.
Read this story →Arcana Labs said on August 27 that it optioned Lavie's feature and plans to keep scripts, designs, storyboards, characters, settings and shot design with human artists while applying AI during animation to create movement between still images. Eric Feig is attached as producer, but the project has no distributor, production date, disclosed budget, staffing plan or independently auditable record of tool use.
Read this story →The coalition launched a public petition on August 27 asking the 12 attorneys general suing over the transaction to reject behavioral concessions and take the case to its scheduled March 2027 trial. The petition cites labor and competition-policy research, but it is advocacy: no attorney general accepted its position, no settlement proposal was disclosed and the trial timetable did not change.
Read this story →The companies announced the acquisition on August 27 ahead of the film's North American premiere in TIFF's Centrepiece program in Toronto. They plan a select Oscar-qualifying theatrical run in 2026 followed by a broader expansion in early 2027, but have not disclosed exact cinemas, dates, market count, financial terms or a home-entertainment plan.
Read this story →CEO Jesse Schell told Good Virtual Reality that the studio cut 10% of its workforce on August 21, leaving about 125 employees in its first layoff in 24 years. He said the company is moving from fewer large titles toward more small projects; headset VR has fallen from about 80% to 30% of its work, though one unannounced VR title is in production and the studio is doing more location-based interactive work. A separate report identified marketing, art, design and visual-effects workers among roughly 14 people apparently affected.
Read this story →The Match Factory acquired sales rights to restored versions of Blissfully Yours, Tropical Malady, Syndromes and a Century and Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives, excluding North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, Switzerland and Thailand. The filmmaker supervised the 4K restorations, which include remastered and remixed audio and new key art; no territory-by-territory release dates or consumer formats were announced.
Read this story →Marketing vice president Shannah Miller said in an August 27 interview that creators approaching distribution should understand which rights they surrender, who funds each commitment and how collaboration works. She described Fathom's model as one to three focused playdates supported by audience development and a protected theatrical window; the article says Fathom releases about 95 titles annually across more than 2,000 participating locations and reviews more than 3,000 projects.
Read this story →The Iowa and Montana attorneys general filed a motion asking the U.S. Supreme Court to enjoin the 12-state antitrust lawsuit challenging the pending transaction. They requested a September 15 response deadline and an October 9 conference. The filing creates a separate court route after California cancelled a settlement meeting, but the Supreme Court has not agreed to hear the dispute or altered the March 2027 antitrust trial.
Read this story →Tubi announced on August 26 that new Sony Pictures and NBCUniversal agreements will add more than 450 library films and television episodes across Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom over the next year. Named Canadian additions include Jurassic World, The Mummy and Ghostbusters (2016); Resident Evil (2002) is listed for Canada and the U.K. Exact arrival dates and the complete catalog for each country remain undisclosed.
Read this story →The Ankler reports, citing multiple unnamed sources, that YouTube is offering exclusivity windows to roughly 15 creators, with packages starting in the low seven figures and reaching about US$10 million. Sources also describe possible loss of Brandcast exposure, billboards or preferred advertising opportunities for creators who take work elsewhere. YouTube declined to comment; no signed agreement, exact named-creator terms or formal retaliation policy is confirmed.
Read this story →Upper Deck announced on August 26 that the agreement covers Transformers, Power Rangers, G.I. Joe, M.A.S.K., Jem and other brands. A September Target-exclusive Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary box guarantees its base set and may contain Peter Cullen autographs; a later 100-card Fleer line adds IDW art, lenticular inserts and selected voice-actor signatures.
Read this story →TheWrap reported that Annapurna cut approximately 30 jobs on August 26. A company spokesperson attributed the reduction to shifting market conditions and said affected workers were receiving transition support. Annapurna did not identify the divisions, roles, workforce percentage, severance terms or any specific film, series or game affected by the layoffs.
Read this story →The groups issued a joint statement on August 26 supporting protection of names, voices, likenesses and creative work in AI-generated content. Cameo says performers retain ownership of submitted videos, its policies prohibit unauthorized AI deepfakes, and it does not train digital replicas on talent videos without permission. The statement does not create a law, collective agreement or independently audited enforcement system.
Read this story →Pandiscia filed a proposed class action on August 20 in the U.S. District Court for Northern California, alleging contract breaches, unjust enrichment and unfair competition tied to the alleged use of creator content for Amazon generative-AI training. He seeks class certification, damages, injunctions and deletion of allegedly obtained material. No class has been certified, Twitch and Amazon had not responded in the opened sources, and the allegations have not been adjudicated.
Read this story →Nex and Bandai Namco Entertainment America announced on August 26 that Nex is developing PAC-MAN on Nex Playground for the third quarter of 2026. The living-room game turns chasing ghosts and collecting pellets into movement, dodging and competitive physical play. It will be offered through the separately sold Play Pass subscription; no exact date, standalone price or final feature list is available.
Read this story →Game Developer reported on August 24 that selected teams are promised multi-million-dollar capital investment, a year of mentorship and access to partners across games and entertainment. Frame1Games also plans a curated marketplace and marketing support around Summer Game Fest and The Game Awards beginning in 2027. Total fund size, investment terms, cohort size, application deadlines and selected games are not disclosed.
Read this story →Judge Lewis J. Liman granted Lively's reimbursement request in part on August 26, awarding US$363,245.40 in attorneys' fees and US$44,206.35 in other costs. The US$407,451.75 total is far below the roughly US$8 million requested. The order addresses costs from failed defamation claims and does not reopen or decide every allegation in the settled dispute.
Read this story →BoardGameWire reported on August 26 that Southern Hobby will distribute three Solis lines to US hobby stores. Six-Sided Seas enters distribution October 2 with 32 dice and a rolled stitched playmat, alongside Treat, Please! and the licensed Massive-Verse Fighting Card Game; actual shelf coverage will vary by retailer.
Read this story →Reuters reported on August 25 that California Attorney General Rob Bonta cancelled a planned Monday settlement meeting after confidential details appeared in the press. Bonta said no talks are now scheduled but left open a later good-faith meeting; Paramount denied being the source of the leaks. The report does not establish who leaked information or that negotiations are permanently over.
Read this story →TheWrap reported on August 25 that Rhimes renewed her overall Netflix agreement for five years. The arrangement keeps Shondaland and producing partner Betsy Beers developing television, film and games for Netflix and also covers merchandise and live events tied to its projects; financial terms were not disclosed.
Read this story →LEGO reported August 25 that H1 2026 revenue rose 21% to DKK 41.9 billion, consumer sales 22% and operating profit 22% to DKK 10.9 billion. It launched more than 330 products, cited Star Wars among bestselling themes, placed SMART Play in Star Wars and Pokémon, acquired 29 LEGO and LEGOLAND Discovery Centres and reached 1,106 branded stores.
Read this story →Stability AI announced on August 25 a US$76 million Series B, bringing funding under its current leadership to US$232 million. Investors include Electronic Arts, Sony Music Group, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, AMD Ventures and Pacific Alliance Ventures; the company says it will expand production tools, applied research and professional services. Valuation and individual investment amounts were not disclosed.
Read this story →Warner Bros. Television Group chair Channing Dungey's memo, reproduced by TheWrap on August 25, says the company and Register mutually agreed not to renew his contract and that he will leave next week. A successor search is underway; Matt Matzkin and six creative department heads remain in charge of their areas during the transition.
Read this story →Publishers Weekly reported that HarperCollins announced Kazé US on August 21 for a fall 2027 launch under HarperAlley and Kazé publisher Andrew Arnold. Editors Josh Sippie and Emilia Sowersby will acquire Japanese manga, Korean manhwa and Chinese manhua with the French and German Kazé teams; the first titles and exact dates remain unannounced.
Read this story →TheWrap relayed Bloomberg reporting on August 25 that investment bankers have approached would-be New Line buyers and that Warner Bros. Discovery cable networks are attracting interest. The information comes from unnamed people familiar with private discussions; Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery declined to comment. No owner has confirmed a formal sale process, bid or authorized divestiture.
Read this story →TheWrap reported on August 25 that Hawley signed a new multi-year overall agreement with Lionsgate Television and will continue expanding The Rookie franchise. His hostage-recovery drama The Envoy is now in development for HBO Max after previously being set at Hulu. No financial terms, series order, production start or release date were announced for The Envoy.
Read this story →TV Tokyo announced on August 26 that it will produce and develop the property and that a television anime has been decided. Its broader plan covers products, video, events and overseas expansion, but the broadcaster has not named the anime's staff, cast, episode format, premiere date or international partners.
Read this story →Applications opened August 26 for vocalist, guitar, bass and drum positions and close October 14. Applicants must be women living in Japan and born from April 1, 2001, through April 1, 2011; successful candidates may also voice the corresponding characters, with band activity targeted for spring 2027, but no title or anime format is announced.
Read this story →Gamescom Dev ran August 23–25 at Koelnmesse's Confex Center in Cologne, Germany. An accessible GameDev.net briefing of a GamesIndustry.biz interview attributes to Hammes the view that lean teams can do more with fewer people but still need explicit business, production and leadership skills. It reports 390 speakers, 220 sessions across 17 stages and a survey in which 47% named AI the biggest three-year influence while 27% prioritized leadership as the key skill.
Read this story →Attorney General Rob Bonta told TheWrap that talks could resume if Paramount stops alleged leaks and misrepresentations. He said a structural remedy could put a significant portion of the combined companies' roughly 50 basic-cable channels under separate ownership; Paramount denied leaking and said it remains ready for good-faith talks.
Read this story →WildBrain acquired 100% of Personality AI for about US$11 million cash and one million WildBrain shares at closing, plus later and performance-based consideration that could reach US$58 million. The acquired team and technology join WildBrain's licensing operation immediately.
Read this story →EFE reports that Disney sent a time-limited offer that can include up to one year of separation pay and employee-rate health coverage for the same period. The program sits within a broader restructuring that also includes involuntary reductions; the number of eligible or accepting executives is unknown.
Read this story →In direct interviews with Kotaku, lead character artist Alex Nguyen described recurring layoffs and lost institutional knowledge. Technical producer Nathan Hahn said workers submitted a reduction-in-force proposal in February and received no response before later cuts; these are named employee accounts, not a Microsoft admission.
Read this story →Authentic announced on August 19 that it closed the purchase of the Care Bears intellectual property, its first character-driven IP. A dedicated team will use Authentic Studios, Authentic Live and the company's licensing network, but no specific production, experience or release date has been announced.
Read this story →Game association representative Stefan Heikhaus called layoffs a serious concern while saying exhibition space is full. Gamescom director Tim Endres said the indie and entertainment area has more exhibitors than before; both framed the convention as a venue for visibility and connections, not a remedy for structural problems.
Read this story →The AFM says a July filing corrected the Warner defendant from Warner Music Group to Warner Records, the agreement's signatory, rather than dropping the claim. Its suit also names Universal Music Group and Atlantic; the labels' liability and the union's interpretation of 'new use' remain unproven.
Read this story →NPR reports that Warner Bros. sent notices to Matt McGloin and other bloggers alleging copyright violations after their predictions spread. Legal journalist Eriq Gardner assessed litigation as unlikely, but the notices themselves and their exact wording were not independently opened in this run.
Read this story →TheWrap reports that Salkin filed a copyright complaint against Sheridan, Paramount, NBCUniversal and related defendants after submitting a pilot, bible and pitch deck before Yellowstone was greenlit. She seeks an injunction, unspecified damages and a jury trial; defendants had not responded to the report.
Read this story →MANTANWEB reported on August 25 that Takeuchi, who attended College Belgrade High School in Serbia, will first transfer to a Japanese high school and plans to enter St. Thomas More School in the United States in 2027. The selection confirms the award and stated education plan, not future admission completion or athletic results.
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