ScreenJunkies Roth Cornet On How "Black Panther" Will Encourage Diversity
“Black Panther” is set to open this weekend with Disney anticipating an opening weekend of $150 million at the box office. Alyssa Julya Smith sits down with Screen Junkies Editor-in-chief Roth Cornet to discuss how the film is helping with diversity in Hollywood as well as what to expect this year at the Oscar's with the Time's Up and #metoo movement.
Roth argues that films like "Black Panther" and "A Wrinkle in Time" could signal a shift in the industry that could lead to more and more lead roles for underrepresented groups in big budget blockbusters. She also discusses women as another underrepresented group in Hollywood, as only four women have directed a live-action film with a budget over $100 million, and how the studios that are making efforts to invest in more female filmmakers.
The Time’s Up and Me Too movements have been a huge topic of conversation when it comes to women in film, and Cornet discusses the impact the movement is making in Hollywood, as well as what we can expect at the Oscars this year in support of the movement.
Finally, she discusses the effect Moviepass has had on the streaming and theater industry and the constant changes the company is making as more and more people opt to purchase the monthly subscription, including the fact that the company seems to be changing their offerings on a daily basis.
The Chinese government brought the sitcom "Friends" back to its streaming services. However, it had instances of LGBTQ+ references left out, after the series had been banned on Chinese streaming platforms for years.
Season 13 "Shark Tank" contestant Tania Speaks secured a $400,000 deal for her Speaks Organic Skincare brand with "Shark" Mark Cuban while also being named one of the best pitches in the history of the show — all at 19 years old. Now 20, Speaks joined Cheddar News to talk about the skincare line, the clean beauty industry, and the moment that host Cuban was moved by her pitch. "I couldn't believe that he got emotional. I'm surprised I held back my tears that long," the young entrepreneur revealed. "It's just amazing for someone else to be inspired by your story, especially Mark Cuban himself."
The media giant formerly known as ViacomCBS has officially rebranded itself as Paramount Global with a focus on its streaming service, Paramount Plus. Naveen Chopra, chief financial officer at Paramount, joined Cheddar to discuss the company’s name change and streaming wars. "There are components of content licensing that we continue to do, either historical arrangements or opportunities to license content that don't really impinge on what we're trying to do with our owned and operated services and that continues to be an important ingredient in our broader financial model," he said. "But our number one priority is putting our best assets on Paramount Plus." Chopra also discussed theatrical release windows before feature films hit its service and the platform's subscription goals.
In efforts to help support black-owned brands. Ulta Beauty says it will make a commitment to not only give these brand shelf space but also help them navigate the ins and outs of growing a business. Last week, the beauty retailer announced in order to reach those goals, the company will spend $50 million on diversity and inclusion programs, including an accelerated program to mentor entrepreneurs of color. CEO of Ulta Beauty, Dave Kimbell, joined Cheddar to discuss more.
