TGIF crew! Cinemagnetic in the house, ready to kickstart your weekend with the zestiest movie updates. We're the cinematic adrenaline shot you need after a long work week, here to help you blow off some steam.

Let's roll:

• Streaming's Transparency Problem 👁️

• Apple TV+ Takes on Germany 🇩🇪

• Mattel's IP Strategy 💼

• Disney's ESPN: Betting on Media 🎲

Daily US Box Office: September 6, 2023 💸

Streaming's Transparency Problem 👁️

Back in the early days of streaming, creators loved the fact that they didn't have to worry about viewership ratings. It felt liberating compared to the traditional TV grind. But things have changed. Creators are now fighting for something they used to dread – data on how many people are actually watching their shows and a bigger cut of the streaming revenue.

What's driving this change? Well, there's been a slowdown in subscriber growth, tighter budgets, and streaming platforms abruptly yanking shows from their libraries. Creators are left in the dark, not knowing if their work is hitting the mark. The streaming giants are keeping their viewer numbers under wraps, and that's causing a lot of frustration.

Some folks think streaming companies are hiding their failures, while others speculate that the numbers might not be as rosy as they'd like. This data secrecy is causing headaches for everyone, from actors and writers trying to negotiate fair deals to studios trying to figure out which content is worth investing in.

Interestingly, streaming is becoming more like traditional TV, with the rise of ad-supported services and a focus on mainstream content. But the transparency problem isn't going away, and it's creating tension in the industry. To add a twist, some countries are making deals with streaming platforms to pay extra royalties for successful local productions. So, the struggle for transparency in the streaming world is far from over.

What's coming? 🤔

Apple TV+ Takes on Germany 🇩🇪

Apple TV+ is stepping into the German TV scene with its first-ever German project, "Where's Wanda?" But hold on, this isn't your typical series. It's a darkly comedic show that delves into the extraordinary lengths parents would go to find their missing child.

The cast is brimming with German talent, including award-winning actress Lea Drinda, newcomer Leo Simon, the versatile Palina Rojinski, and the multi-talented Nikeata Thompson. Behind the scenes, you've got Christian Ditter and Tobi Baumann directing, and Oliver Lansley, the brain behind "Flack," handling the script.

Now, here's the exciting part: Apple TV+ is making its grand entrance into the German market with this show. Other streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ have already made their mark in Germany, and it looks like Apple is ready to join the party. They've even hired Dr. Franziska An der Gassen as their Creative Executive for Germany to make sure they hit the ground running.

Famous Birthdays on September 8th 🎂

Mattel's IP Strategy 💼

Barbie's making bank for Mattel – over $125 million this year, thanks to the blockbuster movie that's about to hit $1.4 billion globally. The good news? This financial boost will keep coming until at least 2024.

Here's how it works: Mattel owns Barbie's rights, and they get a slice of the movie's success, which grows as the film earns more. That $125 million includes not just movie earnings but also sales of Barbie dolls and stuff.

But it's not a one-time thing. Mattel's CEO, Ynon Kreiz, is using Barbie as a blueprint for their future plans. They're not just in it for the money; they're showcasing their brand power, cultural influence, and their knack for creative and commercial success.

Barbie's success is inspiring Mattel to take their other brands to the big screen and TV, like Hot Wheels, Matchbox Cars, Polly Pocket, and more. While not every project will be a Barbie-sized hit, they're following the same approach for future ventures.

Movies and TV Shows Released on September 8th 🎞️

Disney's ESPN: Betting on Media 🎲

You know what's become a hot topic for media companies lately? Gambling. Yep, it seems like even media giants like Disney are trying to get in on the action. Disney's ESPN recently struck a deal worth a potential $2 billion with Penn Entertainment. In exchange, ESPN will promote a new sportsbook called ESPN Bet by weaving it into their shows and content. It's like a match made in media heaven, right?

But here's the twist – these media companies won't actually let you place bets on their platforms. Instead, they're partnering up with established sports betting companies to cash in on the hype. This way, they avoid the massive costs of building their own betting technology and infrastructure, which can be a real wallet-drainer.

Initially, everyone thought sports betting would be the golden ticket for media brands. But it turns out, the gambling industry is pretty competitive and requires a boatload of cash to make it big. Plus, gamblers are savvy folks; they're always on the hunt for the best deals.

So, while media bigwigs like NBCUniversal and Fox have joined forces with betting companies, owning a full-blown betting business? Well, that's still a gamble they're not quite ready to take.

New Trailer / The Burial ▶️

Still of the Day ⏸️