Left behind by studios focused on big-budget tentpoles, independent films were looking for a champion. Hanny Patel, VP of Video Marketing at AT&T Entertainment Group, joined us from the Sundance Film Festival to discuss how she's creating a new market for emerging filmmakers. AT&T's DIRECTV created a new window for emerging filmmakers to have a voice. Patel shared how she created the DIRECTV CINEMA Exclusive Premieres program, securing the acquisition of over 65 films that premiered exclusively on DIRECTV. Patel’s goal was to help films whose budget that are less than $10 million, and add value to their customer experience by bringing them something new that they can’t get anywhere else.

Share:
More In Business
Starbucks’ Change Flushes Out a Debate Over Public Restroom Access
Starbucks’ decision to restrict its restrooms to paying customers has flushed out a wider problem: a patchwork of restroom use policies that varies by state and city. Starbucks announced last week a new code of conduct that says people need to make a purchase if they want to hang out or use the restroom. The coffee chain's policy change for bathroom privileges has left Americans confused and divided over who gets to go and when. The American Restroom Association, a public toilet advocacy group, was among the critics. Rules about restroom access in restaurants vary by state, city and county. The National Retail Federation says private businesses have a right to limit restroom use.
Trump Highlights Partnership Investing $500 Billion in AI
President Donald Trump is talking up a joint venture investing up to $500 billion for infrastructure tied to artificial intelligence by a new partnership formed by OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank. The new entity, Stargate, will start building out data centers and the electricity generation needed for the further development of the fast-evolving AI in Texas, according to the White House. The initial investment is expected to be $100 billion and could reach five times that sum. While Trump has seized on similar announcements to show that his presidency is boosting the economy, there were already expectations of a massive buildout of data centers and electricity plants needed for the development of AI.
Load More