Universal Pictures

Ten Companies Secure Spot in 2024 Class of the Comcast NBCUniversal SportsTech Accelerator

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 22, 2024

Today, 10 companies were accepted into the fourth class of the Comcast NBCUniversal SportsTech Accelerator , powered by Boomtown.

Key Points: 
  • Today, 10 companies were accepted into the fourth class of the Comcast NBCUniversal SportsTech Accelerator , powered by Boomtown.
  • The exciting opportunities and impactful outcomes of the SportsTech program have continued to fuel interest and demand with more than 1,500 applicants for this year’s class, from across 52 countries.
  • Since the first class in 2021, SportsTech alumni have achieved 132 pilots, partnerships, and commercial deals with consortium partners.
  • Comcast NBCUniversal SportsTech Class of 2024 includes:
    Aquimo drives value to brands, sports teams, and media through massive multiplayer mobile skill-sports games that integrate the motion of users’ phones and let millions play on any TV or live-stream broadcast – with no download required.

DREAMWORKS ANIMATION AND UNIVERSAL PICTURES ANNOUNCE THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY THEATRICAL RE-RELEASE OF THE OSCAR®-NOMINATED ANIMATED COMEDY ADVENTURE "SHREK 2"

Retrieved on: 
Friday, March 8, 2024

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., March 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation today announced the U.S. theatrical re-release of the Academy Award®-nominated comedy, Shrek 2, in celebration of the film's 20th anniversary. The animated classic, directed by Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury and Conrad Vernon, will return to theaters nationwide on April 12, 2024.

Key Points: 
  • The animated classic, directed by Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury and Conrad Vernon, will return to theaters nationwide on April 12, 2024.
  • Upon its original release in May 2004, Shrek 2 shattered box office records, becoming the highest-grossing U.S. opening weekend for an animated film of all time.
  • Its release solidified the Shrek franchise as a cultural phenomenon and one of the most beloved film series in animation history.
  • "The enduring popularity of Shrek 2 and the Shrek franchise is a testament to its universal appeal and timeless storytelling," said Margie Cohn, president of DreamWorks Animation.

Orange Comet and Universal Products & Experiences Dive Into JAWS: Infested Waters with New Experience on Roblox

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 27, 2024

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Orange Comet, Inc, a next-gen gaming and entertainment company, is set to make waves with an exciting new project. Today, the company proudly announces its collaboration with Universal Products & Experiences to bring JAWS, the 1975 landmark film from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment, to an all-new audience through an immersive experience entitled JAWS: Infested Waters. Currently in soft launch, this adrenaline-charged experience unfolds on Roblox, the immersive platform for communication and connection.

Key Points: 
  • Today, the company proudly announces its collaboration with Universal Products & Experiences to bring JAWS, the 1975 landmark film from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment, to an all-new audience through an immersive experience entitled JAWS: Infested Waters.
  • Orange Comet and Universal Products & Experiences Dive Into JAWS: Infested Waters with New Experience on Roblox
    Capturing the essence of the breathtaking and terrifying action-thriller, the JAWS: Infested Waters experience on Roblox is a group survival adventure that thrusts visitors into the heart of the action.
  • The JAWS: Infested Waters experience is designed to offer a multifaceted experience that combines elements of strategy, teamwork, and action.
  • Get ready to dive into terrifying waters as JAWS: Infested Waters comes to Roblox for a new generation of thrill-seekers.

GU to Launch New "GU x UNDERCOVER" Collection

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 15, 2024

NEW YORK, Feb. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GU, the Japanese apparel retailer with the brand theme "TOKYO TO SOHO", announces the launch of its third collaboration collection with UNDERCOVER, the leading Japanese fashion brand with an unmatched presence. Items will be available at the GU store in Soho, New York from Friday, March 22nd.

Key Points: 
  • Items will be available at the GU store in Soho, New York from Friday, March 22nd.
  • Starting from the keyword "KOZMIK/NOISE," the approach for this collection is to take items that at first glance seem basic and alter their look and how they're worn.
  • The collection also includes "triple collaboration" items featuring graphics from the UNIVERSAL MONSTERS* characters such as Frankenstein and Creature from the Black Lagoon.
  • I hope that this collaboration will be an opportunity for people of all generations and regions to learn more about UNDERCOVER and GU."

Slick City Action Park Begins Offering Revolutionary Indoor Slide Park Franchises

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 15, 2024

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Slick City – inventors of the world's first indoor slide park designed for all ages - is thrilled to announce it is launching into the franchising world.

Key Points: 
  • In addition to solid historical financial data, Slick City offers franchisees the benefit of partnering with a highly experienced leadership team.
  • Slick Slide has also been aggressive in defending their intellectual property against use by would-be competitors, with over 40 patents filed or granted and several favorable settlements already reached, which helps protect the unique experience inside every Slick City Action Park.
  • Slick City is dedicated to constant innovation, and the brand will introduce new slide designs frequently.
  • Slick City has received awards and accolades including "Best Place for a Kid's Birthday Party" in St. Louis.

Geena Davis Institute Publishes New Study Revealing Women in STEM are Underrepresented in TV and Film

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 13, 2024

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- New findings from the latest report by the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media reveal male STEM characters on-screen continue to outnumber female STEM characters, despite 71% of young women ages 11-24 agreeing it is important to have female STEM representation on-screen.

Key Points: 
  • LOS ANGELES, Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- New findings from the latest report by the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media reveal male STEM characters on-screen continue to outnumber female STEM characters, despite 71% of young women ages 11-24 agreeing it is important to have female STEM representation on-screen.
  • In collaboration with IF/THEN® , an initiative of Lyda Hill Philanthropies , the new study, "Portray Her 2.0, An Analysis of 15 Years of Women in STEM On-Screen, 2007–2022," takes a closer look at the depiction of STEM characters in TV and film, and outlines recommendations for improving diverse STEM representation across entertainment media.
  • Findings from "Portray Her 2.0" revealed:
    There has been little change in the amount of female STEM characters since 2007, with 37% in 2007-2017, and 38% of STEM roles portrayed by women from 2018-2022.
  • From 2018-2022, STEM characters of color increased to 42% of all STEM roles, compared to 29% in 2007-2017.

Gigantic Playground Welcomes Eric Soto as Partner & Senior Vice-President of Themed-Entertainment

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 12, 2024

Today, Gigantic Playground, a leading connected experience agency, proudly announces the strategic appointment of Eric Soto as Partner & Senior Vice-President for Themed-Entertainment.

Key Points: 
  • Today, Gigantic Playground, a leading connected experience agency, proudly announces the strategic appointment of Eric Soto as Partner & Senior Vice-President for Themed-Entertainment.
  • View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240212984079/en/
    Eric Soto, Partner & Senior Vice-President of Themed-Entertainment of Gigantic Playground (Photo: Business Wire)
    Throughout his career, Eric has catered to a broad spectrum of clients across the United States, leaving a transformative impact in sectors spanning hospitality, web, commerce, and healthcare.
  • Sharing his excitement about the new role, Eric stated, "Joining Gigantic Playground as a Partner & Senior Vice-President for Themed-Entertainment marks an exhilarating new chapter in my career.
  • Eric Soto's inclusion in the leadership of Gigantic Playground is a testament to the agency's commitment to excellence and innovation.

Pixelworks Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2023 Financial Results

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 8, 2024

PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pixelworks, Inc. (NASDAQ: PXLW), a leading provider of innovative video and display processing solutions, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. 

Key Points: 
  • Revenue in the fourth quarter of 2023 was $20.1 million, compared to $16.0 million in the third quarter of 2023 and $16.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2022.
  • On a GAAP basis, gross profit margin in the fourth quarter of 2023 was 44.7%, compared to 42.9% in the third quarter of 2023 and 53.1% in the fourth quarter of 2022.
  • Fourth quarter 2023 GAAP operating expenses were $13.1 million, compared to $14.5 million in the third quarter of 2023 and $12.0 million in the year-ago quarter.
  • Fourth quarter 2023 non-GAAP operating expenses were $12.0 million, compared to $13.3 million in the third quarter of 2023 and $10.8 million in the year-ago quarter.

10,000-room Crystal Lagoons Project Opens in Orlando Just Steps From Disney World

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 8, 2024

MIAMI, Feb. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 10,000 rooms will surround the lagoon powered by Crystal Lagoons® technology, recently inaugurated in the United States. It is located just steps from Disney World and Universal Studios in the heart of Orlando, the most visited destination in the US, with 75 million tourists annually.  This city offers a wide range of entertainment options but lacks a beach, an issue remedied in this great development with a crystalline lagoon of the multinational innovation company founded by the scientist Fernando Fischmann.

Key Points: 
  • ***The complex features the first Conrad hotel in Orlando and consolidates the presence of the multinational in the hospitality industry.
  • MIAMI, Feb. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 10,000 rooms will surround the lagoon powered by Crystal Lagoons® technology , recently inaugurated in the United States.
  • It is located just steps from Disney World and Universal Studios in the heart of Orlando, the most visited destination in the US, with 75 million tourists annually.
  • "Every hotel project incorporating a Crystal Lagoons® amenity becomes the most attractive destination in the area.

Annette Bening to Receive the Distinguished Artisan Award at the 11th Annual MUAHS Awards

Retrieved on: 
Friday, January 26, 2024

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Jan. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Make-up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild (MUAHS) Awards is pleased to announce that Oscar®-nominated actress Annette Bening will be honored with the prestigious Distinguished Artisan Award at their 11th annual ceremony, presented by Ardell, on Sunday, February 18, 2024. The event will take place at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. 

Key Points: 
  • Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Awards Slated for Feb. 18, 2024
    HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Jan. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Make-up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild (MUAHS) Awards is pleased to announce that Oscar®-nominated actress Annette Bening will be honored with the prestigious Distinguished Artisan Award at their 11th annual ceremony, presented by Ardell, on Sunday, February 18, 2024.
  • She is a Tony® Award and five-time Academy Award® nominee, and two-time Golden Globe®, and Screen Actors Guild® Award winner.
  • The Distinguished Artisan Award is presented to an artist whose consistent collaboration with Local 706 Make-up Artists and Hair Stylists has richly enhanced and created memorable characters throughout their career.
  • Returning as producers of this year's MUAHS Awards (#MUAHSawards) are IngleDodd Media and Erick Weiss of Honeysweet Creative .