Hollywood
Global Genesis Group acquires worldwide rights for ‘The Distance Between us’
NEW DELHI: The award-winning feature film The Distance Between Us, which was awarded the best feature narrative at the 2014 world’s independent film festival has been acquired by the Global Genesis Group for exclusive worldwide distribution.
The movie is a love story about immigrants finding hope in America. The film also examines broken ambitions and the triumph of the human spirit.
“We believe that many of us can relate to struggles in a relationship, life’s challenges and finding the American dream,” said Global Genesis Group CEO Scott Staff.
The deal was struck at the ongoing American Film Market.
Chandu Yarram makes his debut as a writer and director with The Distance Between Us. Sanjay Currie is the executive producer and the film was shot entirely in the US – in New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania. The film stars Rahul Rai, Leah Kavita, Ariane Mallon, Akshay Reddy, Axita Patel, Ashok Chaudhry, Nicken Kotak and Roni Mazumdar.
Global Genesis Group’s core business is the production and distribution of television series, feature films and merchandising as well as creating and developing its own original IP’s to generate merchandising and sponsorship opportunities globally. Movie Buff Creations is an American based independent film production house with a unique approach that differentiates it from other independent production companies. The core team of Movie Buff Creations has worked for some of the world’s largest management consulting companies – offering a valuable Asian-Indian American view of life internationally and of immigration.
Hollywood
Disney sells out ad slots for 98th Oscars broadcast
Strong demand for live events turns the Academy Awards into a global, multi-platform marketing moment
NEW YORK: Hollywood’s biggest night has also become one of advertising’s hottest tickets. Disney has sold out all advertising inventory for the 98th Oscars, underscoring the growing demand from brands eager to ride the cultural wave of major live events.
The sell-out marks the sixth consecutive live tentpole success for Disney Advertising. The streak includes last year’s 97th Oscars, the 59th Annual CMA Awards, and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, signalling strong appetite among marketers for moments that bring audiences together in real time.
For advertisers, the Oscars are no longer just a single night of glitz and gold statues. Disney’s “Content Everywhere” strategy has expanded the awards show into a sprawling, multi-platform brand playground spanning linear television, streaming, social media and digital content.
“Live continues to be one of the most powerful ways for brands to connect with engaged audiences at scale, and the Oscars represent the very best of culture, creativity and community,” said Disney Advertising SVP, entertainment and streaming solutions John Campbell. He added that the company has reshaped the show’s commercial potential into a connected experience that stretches well beyond the broadcast.
Brands such as Mazda, Pfizer and Volkswagen of America are tapping into Disney’s wider ecosystem, appearing across original content segments including Know Your Movies on Hulu and Critically Acclaimed on Disney+. Partnerships also extend to social media through TikTok Pulse Premiere and to custom brand storytelling created by Disney CreativeWorks.
The result is what Disney calls the “Oscars Everywhere” approach. Rather than a few high-profile ad breaks, advertisers now find themselves woven through a series of moments before, during and after the ceremony.
These include On The Red Carpet at The Oscars, a live pre-show syndicated across major local markets and streamed nationwide, and the After the Oscars Show, which keeps the conversation going once the final award has been handed out.
This year’s sponsors include Rolex, returning for its ninth year, and Burger King, which joins the Oscars advertiser roster for the first time. Other brands in the mix include Disney Cruise Line, Dunkin’, Eli Lilly and Company, Eucerin, Intuit TurboTax, L’Oréal, McDonald’s, Microsoft, Miebo, Paris Baguette, Peacock, Starbucks, State Farm, Toyota and Verizon.
The 98th Oscars will take place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. The ceremony will be broadcast live on ABC and streamed on Hulu, reaching audiences in more than 200 territories worldwide.
