Hollywood
Lionsgate inks 30+ licensee partners for ‘The Hunger Games’ franchise
MUMBAI: Lionsgate is celebrating the final chapter of its blockbuster The Hunger Games film franchise with the introduction of a new collection of themed products inspired by the franchise, including offerings specific to the upcoming final installment, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2, which premieres in theaters on 20 November, 2015.
The merchandising program, the largest of its kind handled by Lionsgate’s internal consumer products team, includes a comprehensive, cross-category product lineup that ranges from apparel, accessories and jewelry, to the iconic Mockingjay pins from each of the films, to trend and collectible products.
The themed products are being licensed in partnership with numerous partners, including global toymaker Mattel; design and merchandising company of apparel and accessories, Bioworld Merchandising; pop-culture collectible maker Funko; monthly geek and gaming gear subscription service Loot Crate; worldwide costume and costume accessories licensee Rubie’s Costume Company; and wall art, stationary and accessories manufacturer Pyramid International.
The World of The Hunger Games collection delivers the most iconic moments from the past three films, including The Hunger Games, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1. With the release of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2, an entirely new collection of products were developed using creative elements that focus on the climatic events from the final film.
“The release of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 allows us to celebrate the entire film franchise with Hunger Games fans worldwide. Our partners from around the world have created an amazing assortment of products that deliver the heart and emotion of The Hunger Games franchise,” said Lionsgate SVP franchise management, domestic consumer products Randy Shoemaker and Lionsgate SVP franchise management, international consumer products Sheila Clarke.
The World of The Hunger Games products will be available at retailers and specialty stores worldwide.
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.
