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• HBO and Max's Streaming Marketing Team Faces Layoffs 💼

• Humanitas Honors Writers for Spotlighting Human Stories in 2023 🎭

• Mark Ruffalo and Lili Reinhart Join Cooper Raiff's 'Hal & Harper' Family Drama 📺

• Star-Studded Cast Joins 'American Horror Story: Delicate' 👻

Daily US Box Office: August 15, 2023 💸

HBO and Max's Streaming Marketing Team Faces Layoffs 💼

Layoffs have recently struck the streaming marketing team at HBO and Max, signifying the latest in a series of downsizing moves within Warner Bros. Discovery's brands. While the exact number of job cuts has not been officially disclosed, insiders familiar with the situation have indicated that the reductions are in the double digits. Notably, these layoffs have been targeted at the streaming marketing sector, while the content division remains unaffected.

Warner Bros. Discovery's combined streaming service, Max, officially launched on May 23. As part of this transition, investors were cautioned to anticipate a decrease in Q2 streaming subscribers. This forecast was rooted in the fact that approximately 4 million streaming customers were subscribed to both Discovery+ and HBO Max, and it was expected that some Discovery+ subscribers might choose to cancel their service and migrate to the rebranded Max platform.

An earnings report from August 3 indicated that Warner Bros. Discovery experienced a loss of 1.8 million streaming subscribers during the April 1 to June 30 period. This timeframe coincided with the launch of the new combined streaming service, Max. The total count of streaming subscribers, spanning across HBO, Max, and Discovery+, now stands at 95.8 million. Notably, this report also unveiled plans to increase post-merger synergy targets to more than $5 billion over the next three years, a move that implied the likelihood of further layoffs following the cable group's earlier workforce reductions in June.

As of now, representatives from HBO and Max have not provided an official response or comment regarding these recent layoffs. The situation underscores the complex and evolving landscape of the streaming industry, where competition, consumer behavior shifts, and labor disputes have all contributed to the challenges faced by major players in the market.

What's coming? 🤔

Humanitas Honors Writers for Spotlighting Human Stories in 2023 🎭

Humanitas, the esteemed organization dedicated to honoring and recognizing exceptional writers in the realms of film and television, has unveiled its impressive lineup of winners for 2023. Each year, Humanitas honors creators whose work delves into the complexities of the human condition, crafting narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.

Among this year's prizewinners is Craig Mazin, whose masterful scripting of "The Last of Us" Season 1 episode titled "Long Long Time" garnered him the coveted Drama Teleplay award. This gripping episode, featuring performances by Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett, struck a chord with viewers, showcasing Mazin's storytelling prowess. His triumph was no small feat, considering the stiff competition that included the likes of Peter Gould, nominated for the series finale episode of "Better Call Saul."

In the realm of comedy, the spotlight turned to Amy Sherman-Palladino, whose witty and charming writing for "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" secured her the Comedy Teleplay award. Known for her distinct voice and comedic sensibilities, Sherman-Palladino's contribution to the world of television continues to captivate audiences.

Turning to the silver screen, the Drama Feature Film category celebrated the remarkable Tyler Perry for his work on "A Jazzman’s Blues." Perry's ability to craft engaging narratives with depth and emotion has solidified his reputation as a visionary filmmaker.

In the realm of comedy film, Cooper Raiff's indie gem "Cha Cha Real Smooth" earned him the Comedy Feature Film award. Raiff's unique perspective and creative storytelling approach shine through in this cinematic endeavor.

Humanitas also celebrated the exceptional efforts of Guillermo del Toro and Patrick McHale, who triumphed in the Family Feature Film category for "Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio." Their imaginative and heartfelt storytelling resonated deeply with audiences, highlighting the power of family-friendly narratives.

In a world where storytelling has the power to illuminate the human experience and spark conversations, the work of these writers stands as a testament to the enduring impact of narrative artistry. Through their words, they continue to shape and enrich our understanding of the world around us.

Famous Birthdays on August 17th 🎂

Mark Ruffalo and Lili Reinhart Join Cooper Raiff's 'Hal & Harper' Family Drama 📺

Lili Reinhart, Cooper Raiff, and Mark Ruffalo are poised to take the lead in the upcoming independent television series titled "Hal & Harper," as revealed by Deadline. The show is a passion project helmed by Cooper Raiff, who not only wrote and directed the series but also stars in it. Additionally, Raiff's filmmaking partner, Clementine Quittner, is on board as a producer through their production company, Small Ideas.

The series, which recently secured a SAG-AFTRA interim agreement, falls under the comedic family drama genre. While specific plot details remain under wraps, it is known that "Hal & Harper" revolves around the lives of two siblings and their single father. Interestingly, Raiff has envisioned the unique concept of having adult actors portray the 7- and 9-year-old siblings, emphasizing the rapid pace at which their dad is making them grow up.

Lili Reinhart, known for her role as Betty Cooper on the popular CW series "Riverdale," is reportedly set to play one of the siblings, likely Harper. Cooper Raiff himself is believed to portray the other sibling, named Hal. Mark Ruffalo, a seasoned actor with multiple Oscar and Emmy nominations, is said to take on the role of the single dad in the series. Joining the main cast are Addison Timlin and Havana Rose Liu, whose roles have been identified as Audrey and Abby, respectively.

Cooper Raiff's previous work, "Cha Cha Real Smooth," gained considerable attention at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, where it earned the Audience Award for the Dramatic Competition. The film later secured a notable $15 million distribution deal with Apple TV+. Mark Ruffalo, a versatile performer, has a strong track record, having won two Emmy Awards and earned nominations for both Oscars and Emmys.

Movies Released on August 17th 🎞️

Star-Studded Cast Joins 'American Horror Story: Delicate' 👻

FX's popular horror anthology series, "American Horror Story", is gearing up for its twelfth season titled "Delicate," and it's bringing in some star power to the cast. Amid the ongoing strikes by writers and actors, the show's creators, Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, have enlisted the talents of Emma Roberts, Kim Kardashian, and Cara Delevingne to headline the season. The announcement comes as the entertainment industry grapples with work stoppages due to labor disputes, prompting adaptations and changes in release plans.

A unique aspect of the upcoming season is that it will be released in two parts, a strategy likely influenced by the current strikes affecting production schedules. The first part of "AHS: Delicate" is set to premiere on September 20, with the second part's release date yet to be confirmed. This approach allows the show to maintain momentum and engagement even as the industry navigates the challenges posed by ongoing labor issues.

Ryan Murphy has expressed excitement about the new season and the fresh talent it brings. Halley Feiffer, who serves as the sole writer and showrunner for "Delicate," has crafted a storyline that promises to be both fun and terrifying, according to Murphy. With a cast that includes established stars like Emma Roberts and newcomers Kim Kardashian and Cara Delevingne, the series seems poised to attract a diverse and enthusiastic audience.

As "AHS: Delicate" enters the spotlight with its intriguing storyline and star-studded cast, it joins the ranks of productions navigating the challenges posed by the current labor strikes. The adaptation of a novel for its premise, along with the innovative split release strategy, demonstrates the show's ability to creatively respond to industry disruptions while maintaining its appeal to horror fans and a broader audience.

New Trailer / The Other Black Girl ▶️

Still of the Day ⏸️