The next Hollywood-produced blockbuster: A start-up

Posted on September 16, 2014 by Chris Morris

As technology and entertainment become more closely aligned, more big names in the film and television industries are launching Silicon Valley-like accelerators—short-term programs that include mentorship and education for start-ups—to get early looks at up-and-coming businesses.

Time Warner’s Turner Broadcasting and Warner Bros., along with Disney, have launched accelerators in the past few years, and more are on the way, giving entrepreneurs who focus on the entertainment space a potential head start as their businesses begin to gain traction.

Crytek develops animation production tool

Posted on June 8, 2012 by Chris Morris

Crytek is a leader when it comes to graphics engines for videogames, but now it’s hoping to expand into film and TV.

The developer, responsible for such tentpole games as “Far Cry” and “Crysis,” is nearing completion on a production tool called Cinebox, which will streamline the creation of animation for any form of media.

Just how popular are pirate sites?

Posted on January 12, 2011 by Chris Morris

The entertainment industry’s war on piracy is well known, but exactly how big an army it has been battling has always been something of a mystery.

MarkMonitor, which protects online brands for its clients, has done some counting, though, and it estimates that Web piracy sites distributing software, films and other products attract roughly 53 billion visits per year.

The Shared Enemy of Hollywood, Gene Simmons and Hustler

Posted on October 29, 2010 by Chris Morris

It takes extraordinary circumstances to unite Hollywood filmmakers, one of rock’s most outlandish stars and a porn company. But when you’re facing off against 4chan, any ally is a good one.

4chan, for the unfamiliar, is the Internet’s most infamous message and image board. And its denizens are the online equivalent of Beetlejuice. Mutter their name and they’ll appear, but you may not like the results.

Hollywood and Gaming: Over and Done With?

Posted on June 16, 2010 by Chris Morris

Not too many years ago, studios would have fought tooth and nail for the licensing rights to an upcoming film that had hit potential. Today, it’s a much less crowded field.

THQ, which has made millions making games from the Pixar films, recently struck a deal with Dreamworks to makes games based on their upcoming properties. For THQ, it’s a chance to appeal to the younger segment of the gaming world, a demographic it has been solidly in control of for years. For Dreamworks, it’s a chance to expand its properties beyond the theater screen—with minimal financial risk.

Chris Morris: Journalist

Tag Archives: hollywood