Hollywood
Relativity, LAMF ink 5-year co-financing & production deal
MUMBAI: After claiming to have received a fresh infusion of funds to the tune of $100 million, Relativity Media has now entered into a five-year agreement to co-finance and co-produce films with LAMF LLC (Los Angeles Media Fund).
As per the terms of the deal, LAMF will have a limited first look at Relativity Studios’ upcoming slate of feature films.
Under the terms of the partnership, Relativity Studios and LAMF will co-produce and co-finance films to be distributed domestically and internationally by Relativity Studios. The deal follows a co-financing and co-production deal reached by Relativity and LAMF in 2014 for the psychological thriller, The Disappointments Room, directed by D.J. Caruso and starring Kate Beckinsale, set for theatrical release in 2016.
Relativity Studios president Dana Brunetti said, “Relativity and LAMF share a common vision for creating great content. We are thrilled to work more closely with them as Relativity embarks on an exciting next chapter.”
LAMF co-CEO Jeffrey Soros added, “Kevin’s and Dana’s experience and track record as a producing team in creating highly entertaining and commercially successful movies, coupled with Relativity’s new ambitions and distribution capabilities, offer LAMF an exciting platform for collaboration. We look forward to working together on a number of projects to create truly compelling films.”
The partnership with LAMF comes after Relativity earlier this month announced plans to acquire Kevin Spacey and Brunetti’s Trigger Street Productions.
Hollywood
David Zaslav could net up to $887m as Warner Bros Discovery sells up
Media mogul strikes gold as Paramount Skydance deal triggers massive windfall
NEW YORK: While the average office worker might hope for a nice clock and a round of applause upon leaving, David Zaslav is looking at a slightly more substantial parting gift. The chief executive officer of Warner Bros Discovery is positioned to receive a windfall of up to $887 million following the company’s blockbuster $110 billion sale to Paramount Skydance.
In a twist of corporate fate that feels scripted for the big screen, the deal marks the finale of a high-stakes bidding war. It comes after Netflix, once the frontrunner, decided to exit stage left and abandon its pursuit of the HBO Max parent company.
While most people receive a standard final paycheck, the filing released on Monday suggests Zaslav’s exit package is built a little differently. If the deal closes as expected in the third quarter of 2026, the numbers break down like this:
The cash out: A severance package of $34.2 million, covering his salary and bonuses.
The equity: $115.8 million in vested shares he already owns.
The future fortune: A massive $517.2 million in unvested share awards, essentially “future stock” that turns into real money the moment the ink dries on the merger.
Perhaps the most eye-catching figure is the $335 million earmarked for tax reimbursements. However, this particular pot of gold has an expiration date.
The company noted that these reimbursements are tied to specific tax-code rules that significantly decline as time passes. If the deal hits a snag and drags into 2027, that tax payout drops to zero. With hundreds of millions on the line, the chief executive officer likely has every incentive to ensure the closing process moves at double-speed.
