Hollywood
Star Movies & Star Movies Select HD to air ‘Whiplash’ and ‘Fantastic Four’
MUMBAI: Films have always had the power to have audiences live in a world other than their own. It seeks to be a form of a dream, an experience that showcases a life through multiple genres, be it action, romance, drama, comedy and even horror. Keeping the very same dream alive by unraveling unique stories, Star Movies and Star Movies Select HD bring forth two films that have influenced the audience in their own unique ways, the unforgettable modern classic, Whiplash and acompletely fresh perspective on the classic superhero franchise, Fantastic Four.
Whiplash will air on 14 May at 9 pm whereas Fantastic Four will be broadcasted on 15 May at 1 pm with a repeat telecast t 9 pm.
On Saturday, 14 May, Star Movies Select HD brings to us an exhilarating drama from ayoung American Director Damien Chazelle – a tale that challenges the common portrayals of a relationship between a mentor andhis student. The story of Whiplash portrays the clash between the passion of a 19 year old drummer and the obsession of an eccentric mentor – Terence Fletcher. It’s no wonder that J.K. Simmons who played the conductor went on to win an Academy Award for his performance. The movie went on to win a total of 87 awards in 2015.
On Sunday, 15 May prepare yourself to face an unstoppable force with four accidental superheroes fighting to save the Earth, on the television premiere of Fantastic Four. This story is a stark departure for one of the most popular franchise as it showcases a fresh perspective to the famed superheroes.
Hollywood
Paramount Skydance secures financing for Warner Bros Discovery deal
Debt syndication and new loans push $111 billion merger closer to close
WASHINGTON: Paramount Skydance has taken a major step towards its planned acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery, securing fresh financing and completing the syndication of its bridge loan facility.
In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the company confirmed that the bridge facility has now been distributed among a group of 18 banks, reducing total commitments to $49 billion from an earlier $54 billion. The move spreads risk across lenders and signals growing confidence in one of the year’s largest media deals.
Alongside this, the company has finalised permanent financing arrangements, including $5 billion in senior term loans and a $5 billion revolving credit facility. A previously planned $3.5 billion credit line has been dropped as part of the restructuring.
The loans are secured against key assets, including Paramount Global, Skydance Media and Warner Bros post-merger, underlining the scale and complexity of the transaction.
The financing push follows a competitive bidding process earlier this year, which saw interest from players such as Netflix before Paramount Skydance emerged as the frontrunner. The deal, valued at $111 billion, is expected to close in the third quarter, subject to regulatory approvals.
Adding to the momentum, the company has also secured significant equity backing, including investments from Middle Eastern funds, with support from billionaire Larry Ellison, who has guaranteed the equity portion of the transaction.
Commenting on the development, Paramount Skydance chief strategy officer Andy Gordon said, “Our successful debt syndication and new debt facilities represent another important milestone towards the completion of our acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery.”
Once completed, the combined entity is expected to carry net debt of just under $80 billion, reflecting the sheer scale of the merger.
As Hollywood continues to consolidate in the streaming era, this deal could reshape the competitive landscape, with Paramount Skydance betting big on scale, content and financial muscle to take on global rivals.
