Hollywood
’12 Years a Slave’ set to release in India on 31 January
MUMBAI: PVR Pictures, one of the largest independent distributor of Hollywood movies in India, is all set to bring the much awaited drama 12 Years a slave to India. Based on the memoirs of Solomon Northup, the movie stars award winning actors Chiwetel Ejifor, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano and features a special appearance by Brad Pitt. The historical drama is directed by Steve Mcqueen (Hunger) and brings on board Brad Pitt as producer.
Set in the 1900’s. 12 Years a Slave is the poignant story of Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, who is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty at the hands of a malevolent slave owner, as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon’s chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist will forever alter his life.
Commenting on the release of the movie, PVR Pictures president Kamal Gianchandani said, “12 Years a Slave is meaningful cinema and acting prowess at its best. The movie handles sensitive subjects of slavery and racial discrimination beautifully winning accolades at across film festivals and award ceremonies. We are proud to bring the movie for our Indian audiences who are certain to appreciate good cinema.”
12 Years a Slave has won Golden Globe award for the Best Picture Drama and has received nine Oscar nominations.
Release Date in India – 31 January, 2013
Director – Steve McQueen
Writers – Matt Whitely
Producer – Mark Hulme & Marcos A. Rodriguezs
Starring – Chiwetel Ejifor, Lupita Nyong’o, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Brad Pitt
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.
