Disney Names Adam Smith Chief Product & Technology Officer for Disney Entertainment & ESPN
Adam Smith (Photo Credit Kim Reierson)
BURBANK, Calif., August 16, 2024 (ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEWS) – Adam Smith has been appointed Chief Product & Technology Officer for Disney Entertainment and ESPN, according to an announcement made by Disney Entertainment Co-Chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden, along with ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro.
In his new role, Smith will oversee the global Product and Technology group, which spans Disney’s entertainment and sports media businesses. He will be responsible for the technology strategy, development, and deployment across the company’s streaming platforms, networks, consumer digital touchpoints, proprietary advertising technology, and emerging technologies. Smith’s responsibilities will include leading a global team of technologists, including engineers, product managers, designers, data scientists, and technical operations teams.
Smith will officially join Disney on September 3 and will report jointly to Bergman, Walden, and Pitaro. The three chairmen expressed their enthusiasm in a joint statement, saying, “We could not be more thrilled to have Adam join the Disney team in this pivotal role. We’ve been aggressive in advancing our technological capabilities to better support our world-class media, streaming, and advertising businesses, and Adam brings a bold, consumer-focused vision for the future and a proven ability to effectively lead global teams in implementing ambitious, scalable and flexible products and technology that will continue to elevate storytelling as the center of the Disney experience.”
Smith also shared his excitement about joining Disney, stating, “Disney has built and nurtured an unparalleled portfolio of brands bringing joy and delight to fans of all ages, thanks to a culture of creativity that embraces innovation. I believe Disney is uniquely positioned to thrive in the next evolution of media and has made significant progress in a very short time while keeping storytelling front and center.”
Before joining Disney, Smith served as Vice President of Product Management at YouTube, where he led Music and Premium services, as well as Subscriptions and Commerce, since 2016. His career at Google and YouTube spans over 20 years, where he held various executive roles, including leading key consumer-facing products and global content strategies. Smith’s extensive experience also includes roles at Random House/Bertelsmann. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MBA from Stanford University.
Source: The Walt Disney Company
LG Launches New Curated Content Channel "LG Channels Showcase"
Photo Credit: LG Electronics USA
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., July 3, 2024 (EntertainmentInterviews.com) - LG Electronics USA has announced the launch of its new FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) channel on LG Channels, named "LG Channels Showcase" (Channel 999). This new channel will feature a variety of studio films from Amazon MGM Studios, Lionsgate, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Shout! Studios, along with exclusive content available only on LG Channels, such as the award-winning series "LG Presents: The Rivalries."
In July, the channel will feature movies such as "Hercules" (2014), "Tomb Raider" (2018), "Pompeii" (2014), and "Red Dawn" (2012). The rotating library will also include classics like "The Terminator," "Thelma & Louise," "Sophie's Choice," and "Big Eyes."
The "LG Channels Showcase" will also highlight exclusive content such as the docuseries "LG Presents: The Rivalries," which showcases intense NCAA matchups in Division II and Division III sports. Additionally, viewers can enjoy "LG's Taste of Tennessee," a series where BBQ expert and author Matt Moore joins local Nashville restaurant owners and former Tennessee Titans players to celebrate community, cuisine, and optimism in Tennessee.
LG Channels is available on LG Smart TVs (models 2016-present) and can be accessed via the dedicated key on the LG Magic Remote or the home screen. LG Channels has consistently ranked among the top five most accessed apps on LG Smart TVs across all regions where the service is offered, attracting an increasing number of viewers with its wide selection of content.
In July, the channel will host several themed movie marathons, including:
Fourth of July Marathon on July 4 featuring "The Lucky Ones," "Home of The Brave," "Killing Streets" (1991), and "Windtalkers."
Summer Vacation Marathon on July 13 featuring "Beach Party," "Blame it On Rio," "But I'm a Cheerleader," and "Man Up."
Summer Romance Marathon on July 21 featuring "Vicky Cristina Barcelona," "Mystic Pizza," and "Look Who's Talking."
Sports Movie Marathon on July 26-27 featuring "Beach Kings," "Flying Scotsman," "Swimming Upstream," "The Cutting Edge," "The Cutting Edge: Going for the Gold," "Hurricane Season," "The Longshots," "More Than A Game," "Pride," and "Who's Your Caddy."
For more information, visit www.LG.com.
Source: LG Electronics USA via PR Newswire
B&B Theatres to Open State-of-the-Art Cinema at American Dream, New Jersey
Photo Credit: CJ 4DPLEX
RUTHERFORD, N.J., July 2, 2024 (ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEWS) - B&B Theatres has announced the opening of a new cinema and entertainment complex at American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The new location will feature the world's largest ScreenX auditorium and marks the company's first presence in New Jersey.
ScreenX, developed by CJ 4DPLEX, is a multi-projection cinema technology that extends the traditional screen onto the surrounding walls of the auditorium, offering a 270-degree panoramic viewing experience. The new ScreenX auditorium at American Dream will include an 80-foot-wide center screen and side walls measuring 82 feet each, providing 242 feet of ScreenX viewing range.
In addition to the ScreenX auditorium, the new venue will include eight screens equipped with the latest cinematic technology, multiple bowling lanes, a full redemption arcade, and various food and beverage options, including a restaurant and full-service bar. The facility will feature laser projection, wall-to-wall curved screens, and heated, leather, electric recliners in every auditorium.
"We are incredibly excited to announce this deal with the American Dream," said Brock Bagby, President and Chief Content, Programming, and Development Officer for B&B Theatres. "This new location underscores our commitment to providing the most immersive and enjoyable entertainment experiences possible."
B&B Theatres CEO Bob Bagby added, "ScreenX is the world's first multi-projection platform, meaning the movie won't just play on the screen in front, but on the two sidewalls. It's a remarkable presentation and we're thrilled to announce that the American Dream ScreenX will be the largest in the world."
American Dream, known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment offerings, will serve as the backdrop for this new venture. "We are ecstatic that B&B Theatres will open its first New Jersey location at American Dream, offering our guests yet another exceptional immersive entertainment experience," said Bryan Gaus, Senior Vice President and General Manager of American Dream.
Don Savant, CEO & President of CJ 4DPLEX America, commented on the partnership, "Bob, Brock, and the entire B&B Theatre team have been a trusted and pivotal partner in the growth of the ScreenX brand in the U.S., and we are thrilled to announce the opening of the world's largest ScreenX auditorium at American Dream."
For more information, visit www.bbtheatres.com.
Source: CJ 4DPLEX via PR Newswire
Kristy Cox’s New Album "Let It Burn" Tops Billboard Bluegrass Chart
Photo Credit: Kristy Cox
NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 17, 2024 (ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEWS) - Australian Bluegrass artist Kristy Cox has achieved a significant milestone with her new album "Let It Burn," debuting at number one on the US Billboard Bluegrass Albums Chart. This marks a major achievement in her career, reinforcing her position as a leading figure in the bluegrass genre globally.
Upon receiving the news of her album's chart-topping debut, Cox expressed her gratitude and excitement, saying, "I am so completely blown away by the support I've received with the release of 'Let It Burn'. This album is so special to me and I am extremely proud of it. Billboard #1 - somebody pinch me!"
"Let It Burn," Cox's eighth studio album, comprises 11 tracks that reflect a blend of raw emotion and dynamic energy. The album has been lauded for its powerful compositions and the depth of its musical expression.
Jerry Salley, the album's producer, praised Cox’s dedication to her craft and the effort put into the album. "Kristy and I work really hard to find or write the best songs for every project we create, and we both sincerely feel this collection of 11 songs is the strongest she has ever recorded," said Salley.
Salley, who has an illustrious career as a songwriter, with accolades including the 2018 and 2019 IBMA Songwriter of the Year, has had over 540 of his songs recorded. His works have contributed to the sale of more than 18 million records worldwide, with notable recordings by artists such as Reba McEntire and Chris Stapleton.
The album's success is a continuation of Cox's growing recognition in the bluegrass genre, both in the United States and her native Australia. "Gaining more and more recognition and awards with every project, 'Let It Burn' is burning up the charts as she continues to be one of the hottest and most popular vocalists in the bluegrass genre," added Salley.
Cox's latest single from the album, "Front Porch of Paradise," is currently receiving airplay on radio and television.
For more information about Kristy Cox and her music, visit her linktree.
Source: Kristy Cox via PR Newswire
Netflix to Announce Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results on July 18
LOS GATOS, Calif., June 14, 2024 (ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEWS) – Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX) has announced that it will release its financial results for the second quarter of 2024 on Thursday, July 18, 2024. The results and the company’s business outlook will be available on the investor relations section of its website at ir.netflix.net at approximately 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
Following the release, Netflix will hold a live video interview featuring co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters, Chief Financial Officer Spence Neumann, and Vice President of Finance/IR & Corporate Development Spencer Wang. The interview is scheduled to begin at 1:45 p.m. Pacific Time. The management team will answer questions submitted by sell-side analysts during the session.
The live earnings interview can be accessed on the Netflix Investor Relations YouTube channel at youtube.com/netflixir. A recording of the webcast will be available shortly after the live session, at approximately 2:30 p.m. Pacific Time.
For more details and to view the financial results once released, visit Netflix Investor Relations.
Source: Netflix, Inc. via PR Newswire