Fremantle Buys Asacha Media Group In Major European M&A Deal

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Peter Chan Ho-sun has assembled a starry cast headed by Zhang Ziyi and box office sensation Lei Jiayin for his new feature film “She Has No Name.” The film, which recently completed principal photography, probes the progress of women’s rights in China. “One woman’s suffering gives rise to the revolution of women’s social rights in China,” reads a tagline.

Joe Otterson TV Reporter The 96th annual Academy Awards ceremony drew 19.5 million viewers on ABC Sunday night. Per the time zone adjusted fast national ratings, Sunday’s telecast drew 19.5 million viewers and a 3.8 rating in the adults 18-49 demographic airing from 7:00-10:29 p.m ET. By comparison, the 2023 telecast drew 18.8 million viewers and a 4.0 rating in the final tallies.

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief “Escaping Man,” a Chinese drama feature about a man dragged into a kidnap plot, heads the FilMart slate of Hong Kong-based sales agency Autumn Sun Company. The protagonist is a man who spent 20 years in jail after being falsely accused of rape. After his release, he intends to confront the woman, but instead falls for her again — to the point that she is able to manipulate him into kidnapping the child for which she is the nanny.

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Thailand is poised to get serious about its commitment to the film industry, and plans to launch a major new body, the Thailand Creative Culture Agency, with a budget of THB7 billion ($200 million). Long a destination for Hollywood, China and India productions, and currently playing host to the lensing of Season 3 of “The White Lotus,” Thailand has many of the elements that could contribute to building a major film industry. These include diverse locations, skilled crews, studio facilities and a location production, or incentive, scheme.

Jaden Thompson Malachy McCourt, an Irish American author who also appeared on television as the bartender in “Ryan’s Hope,” died in Manhattan on March 11. He was 92. The New York Times received confirmation of his death from his wife, Diana McCourt.

Naman Ramachandran Oscar, BAFTA and Grammy-winning composer A.R. Rahman (“Slumdog Millionaire”) is set to release 16 new compositions with the Dubai-based Firdaus Orchestra. Firdaus Orchestra is an all-woman ensemble of 50 musicians from 23 Arab countries, mentored by the composer.

Naman Ramachandran Celebrated Philippines filmmaker Lav Diaz‘s examination of the human condition continues with “Kawalan.” The work-in-progress has been selected for the 22nd Hong Kong — Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF), the project market that operates concurrently with FilMart. In the film, Tomas, the old venerable mayor of the remote town of Kawalan, learns that the invading Japanese will set up a garrison there. He organizes willing members in his community to set up a hidden settlement in the middle of the forest, where they can live unaffected by the horrors of war.

Naman Ramachandran Taiwan-based anime distribution and licensing company Muse Communication has acquired Asian distribution rights for anime “Dan Da Dan,” it was revealed at Hong Kong rights market FilMart on Monday. Written and illustrated by Yukinobu Tatsu, Japanese manga series “Dan Da Dan” was serialized in Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ app and website from 2021. The anime series based on it is due to bow in October.

Naman Ramachandran India’s B62 Studios has an early 2024 hit with February release “Article 370,” and also has an ambitious slate lined up with plans for expanding into eastern Asia. B62 was launched by the brothers Dhar — Lokesh and Aditya — and is named after their address in Delhi’s Lajpat Nagar neighborhood, where they grew up watching the best of Bollywood alongside arthouse cinema. Lokesh Dhar went on to a flourishing career in film marketing, distribution and syndication before turning to producing, while Aditya Dhar directed military action film “Uri: The Surgical Strike,” one of the biggest Indian box office hits of 2019.

The official Nielsen fast national ratings for the 96th Academy Awards came a bit later than usual Monday afternoon, but, in general, it was good news for AMPAS and its broadcast network ABC. This year’s Oscars telecast drew an average of 19.5 million viewers.

Wait, what?! Did Love is Blind‘s Brittany Mills and Kenneth Gorham get back together??

Has Bianca Censori been playing chess this whole time while the world has been assuming she’s been in Trouble?!

We’re on the precipice of a new JoJo Siwa era, and it ain’t for the youngsters… or the faint of heart!

Jerry Foley, who has directed close to 4,000 hours of late-night television, has died.

It’s not the near sweep that Oppenheimer had, but ABC certainly has something to celebrate out of last night’s Academy Awards.

EXCLUSIVE: DJ Nurre, one of Endemol Shine North America’s top unscripted executives, has left the company after six years.

It wasn’t quite a La La Land-level Oscar snafu, but Al Pacino likely wishes he had a do-over after semi-botching the announcement of Oppenheimer‘s Best Picture win and failing to name the nominees on Sunday. Watch the clip below.

In addition to his Oscars Best Picture announcement, there’s something else combining Al Pacino and reading on the way – his memoir.

Keep The Party Going: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett will grace the Hollywood Bowl on Thursday, April 11 in a one-night tribute to the iconic singer-songwriter’s life and career.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is the subject of a new documentary feature announced today at SXSW. Matthew Stafford: Locked In will debut Thursday, April 18 on the Rams’ digital platforms, local broadcast stations, and on NFL Network. 

Following a breach-of-contract lawsuit filed after he departed the agency, former CEO Bill Weinstein and Verve have agreed on a settlement.

“This is my worst nightmare,” exclaimed the social media influencer-podcaster Bobbi Althoff atop her first SXSW panel today “Superstar Brands: Connection in the Era of Creators.”

EXCLUSIVE: ANIMA, the Filipino studio behind Venice winner On The Job 2: The Missing 8 and Sundance winner Leonor Will Never Die, is joining with Project 8 Projects to co-produce Antoinette Jadaone’s teenage pregnancy drama Sunshine.

Selena Gomez made quite a statement with her bold fashion choice on Saturday night as she celebrated her boyfriend Benny Blanco’s 36th birthday. The Only Murders in the Building star opted for a classic Old Hollywood look with a touch of modern glamour.

Vanessa Hudgens announced her pregnancy on a grand stage. The actress broke the news on the Oscars red carpet, showing off her pregnant belly in a form fitting black dress.Vanessa Hudgens comments on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s ‘High School Musical’ comparisonsVanessa Hudgens says Austin Butler’s breakup pushed her to ‘the right person’: ‘I’m so grateful’Hudgens wore a black turtleneck dress by Vera Wang that hugged her body and showed off her belly. She accesorized the look with jewelry, including earrings, a necklace and some rings.

Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves looked incredible at last night’s Academy Awards. The pair decided to wear Versace for the occasion, making for one of the most stunning couples of the evening.America Ferrera and Matthew McConaughey to star in new drama: More detailsMatthew McConaughey and Camila Alves share reasons why they left LA for TexasDespite both wearing Versace, McConaughey and Alves had on very different and distinct outfits.

Clair Norris, who plays Bernadette Taylor on EastEnders, has taken a huge milestone step with her boyfriend Lewis Wood and has been flooded with congratulations.The soap star, 26, who has been in Albert Square since 2017, took to Instagram to share the exciting news that they had purchased their first home together.The couple have been together for five years and on Saturday, 3 March shared snaps as they held their keys and customised keyrings in front of their new pad.They added the caption: "And we’re in!!! Time to make this house a home." A second photo saw a basket filled with new home goodies for the couple, along with a balloon and cards of congratulations.They were flooded with comments on their milestone moment including from James Bye, who plays Martin Fowler in EastEnders, as he said: "Congratulations." Co-star Lorraine Stanley also wrote: "Congratulations that’s amazing!!! I’m so happy for you both, can’t wait to come over for a cuppa." While EastEnders star Barbara Smith penned: "Omg!!!!!!!! I remember you talking about this ages ago so happy u made ur dream a reality." Fans were also quick to share their support as one wrote: "Very happy congratulations!", and a second said: "Congratulations to you both!!! Enjoy your new home." A third gushed: "Best of luck to you both x enjoy your new home xx." Clair and her boyfriend can often be spotted on romantic getaways together having visited Prague, Croatia and Spain. Celebrating their five-year anniversary in July last year, Clair shared a sweet video as they took in the sunset view while in Croatia and lovingly wrote the caption: "5 Years Of Us.

Celebrity Big Brother star Chantelle Houghton has revealed she has been celibate for two years after ‘giving up on finding love.’ Chantelle famously entered Celebrity Big Brother as a normal person tasked with convincing her fellow a-list housemates that she too was a big name. She fell in love with castmate and Ordinary Boys’ frontman Samuel ‘Preston,’ with the pair getting married in 2006 just months after leaving Big Brother, but sadly the relationship didn’t last.

ITV's This Morning has been criticised for falling for a prank about a new TV show featuring Kate Middleton, amidst the chaos caused by the Princess of Wales' Mother's Day snap. The 42 year old shared an image of herself with her and Prince William's three children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5, on Sunday, 10 March, but drama ensued after several photo companies pulled the images after it was accused of being Photoshopped.

Hollyoaks star Jamie Lomas has reportedly quit the Channel 4 soap in a decision which has left bosses stunned. The actor has played the role of Warren Fox on the Channel 4 soap on and off since 2006.

Mark O’Hara revealed the celebrations at the end of St Mirren’s injury-time win over Aberdeen were the greatest he’s ever experienced.

Steven Naismith hailed Hearts for setting up another semi-final crack at Rangers - then promised his stars are hungry to avenge their last Hampden meeting as they eye cup glory.

St Mirren’s black-and-white army have snapped up approximately 2,000 tickets for Saturday’s big Premiership showdown with Kilmarnock.

Rolling Loud Festival rolls into Inglewood, CA’s The Lot at Hollywood Park for four days of good times, great vibes and high-profile headliners.Just a few of the big names on the bill this year include Nicki Minaj, Post Malone, Lil Uzi Vert, Future and Don Toliver.¥$ — aka Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign — are slated to perform their recently released album “Vultures” on Thursday, March 14.Bryson Tiller, $uicide Boy$, Summer Walker, Sexxy Red and Big Sean round out the expansive lineup.In total, 89 acts will take the stage over the four-day spectacular.And if you want to attend, it isn’t too late to score last-minute tickets.At the time of publication, four-day passes start at $246 before fees on Vivid Seats.Single-day passes can be scooped up for as low as $149 before fees.Need a few more details before smashing that buy button?You’re in the right place, Hip-Hop heads.We’ve got everything you need to know and more about the 2024 Rolling Loud Festival below.All prices listed above are subject to fluctuation.A complete breakdown of all the best prices on single and multi-day passes can be found here:(Note: The New York Post confirmed all above prices at the publication time. All prices are in US dollars, subject to fluctuation and include additional fees at checkout.)Vivid Seats is a verified secondary market ticketing platform, and prices may be higher or lower than face value, depending on demand.

released a statement Monday from the Princess of Wales admitting she “occasionally experiments with editing” after several photo agencies recalled her UK Mother’s Day photo. The rare admission of guilt prompted fans on X to mock the announcement, trolling the royal establishment with their own outlandish posts claiming to be real efforts from Middleton and the Palace.

Kate Middleton’s doctored Mother’s Day photo — and is convinced it was repurposed and edited from images captured at a November charity outing.“I have a strong suspicion that this ‘new’ photo of Kate Middleton and her children was taken in November 2023 [based] on the outfits,” said TikToker Allyn Aston in an analysis on her account.“There is ample evidence of bad Photoshop throughout this photo and it is my personal opinion that it is because it is old and they try to change the outfits so that it didn’t look like a match,” she added.The viral analysis — which was viewed some 210,000 times in just a few hours — shows just how deep royals fans are going down the rabbit hole. A separate theory that’s gained traction online is that the Duchess of Wales’ face in the Mother’s Day shot was taken from her 2016 Vogue magazine cover.