Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

Minecraft Movie Leak: Unfinished Version Surfaces Online

2025-04-06

An unfinished version of the highly anticipated 'Minecraft Movie' leaked online ahead of its theatrical release. Screenshots and footage quickly spread across social media and file-sharing sites, revealing incomplete visual effects. While copyright holders swiftly removed most of the leaked content, the incident raises concerns about film security and piracy. Despite the leak, the movie's debut is a massive success, projected to earn over $130 million and potentially rival 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' as the year's top-grossing film. Starring Jason Momoa and Jack Black, the film adapts the globally popular video game 'Minecraft,' following four friends who are transported to a blocky world.

(variety.com)

Game movie leak

Boxing Legend George Foreman Dies at 76

2025-03-22

George Foreman, the charismatic boxer and infomercial icon, passed away Friday at age 76. A two-time Heavyweight Champion, Foreman transcended the boxing world, becoming a pop culture figure thanks to his wildly successful George Foreman Grill. His life story is one of remarkable resilience: from impoverished beginnings to Olympic gold, world champion, and eventually a business mogul. A near-fatal boxing experience in 1977 led him to faith and a career as an ordained minister, only to shockingly return to boxing in 1987, reclaiming the Heavyweight title in 1994. His death marks the end of an era, but his legacy will live on.

(variety.com)

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Hollywood Stars Unite Against AI Copyright Grab

2025-03-18

Over 400 Hollywood creative leaders signed an open letter to the Trump administration, protesting AI companies' use of copyrighted material without permission for AI training. They argue this undermines the economic and cultural strength of America's creative industries. The letter, signed by A-list stars like Ben Stiller, Mark Ruffalo, and Cate Blanchett, calls for upholding existing copyright laws and has sparked widespread industry debate.

(variety.com)

Tech

Technicolor Files for Bankruptcy Protection, Thousands of VFX Jobs at Risk

2025-02-27

Visual effects giant Technicolor, home to MPC, The Mill, and other prominent brands, has filed for bankruptcy protection in France after failing to secure new investors. The move threatens thousands of VFX jobs across the US, UK, Canada, and India. Some employees are already finding new opportunities; for example, a portion of The Mill's US team is launching a new venture, Arc Creative, with Dream Machine FX. Technicolor's struggles highlight challenges in the post-production industry, raising concerns within the VFX community and jeopardizing numerous ongoing film projects.

(variety.com)

Tech Visual Effects

Spotify Paid Out $10 Billion to the Music Industry in 2024: A Streaming Success Story?

2025-02-04

Spotify announced it paid a record $10 billion to the music industry in 2024, a billion more than the previous year. This brings its total payouts to roughly $60 billion since its founding in 2006. While artist compensation from streaming remains a contentious issue, Spotify highlights its contribution to the industry's revival after a period of decline due to illegal downloading. The company attributes its success to high user retention, a freemium model, and global expansion, claiming to be both the most popular and highest-paying subscription streaming service. Further details on royalty distributions will be released in their annual Loud & Clear report.

(variety.com)

Tech Streaming Music Music Industry

David Lynch, Visionary Director of 'Twin Peaks' and 'Blue Velvet,' Dies at 78

2025-01-16

Acclaimed director David Lynch, known for his dark, surrealist style in films like 'Blue Velvet' and 'Mulholland Drive,' and the television series 'Twin Peaks,' has passed away at age 78. Lynch's films blended horror, film noir, mystery, and European surrealism, creating a unique narrative style. A recipient of an honorary Oscar, his work profoundly impacted cinema and television.

(variety.com)

Film Twin Peaks Blue Velvet

Delta Air Lines Partners with YouTube Premium for In-Flight Entertainment

2025-01-09

Delta Air Lines has partnered with YouTube to offer free YouTube Premium and YouTube Music to its SkyMiles members on flights. This exclusive deal includes curated content from top YouTube creators and is part of Delta's broader strategy to enhance the in-flight experience and attract entertainment industry travelers. The airline is also rolling out an AI-powered personal assistant, Delta Concierge, and a new in-flight series hosted by Tom Brady focused on wellness travel tips.

(variety.com)

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Indie Animation 'Flow' Scores Upset Golden Globe Win

2025-01-07

Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis' 'Flow' pulled off a major upset, winning the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature. Made on a modest $3.7 million budget, the Latvian, Belgian, and French co-production beat out Disney/Pixar blockbusters and other big-budget contenders. The film, a post-apocalyptic tale of animals surviving a biblical flood, showcased the growing inclusivity of the Golden Globes towards independent and international cinema. 'Flow's' win is also a testament to the power of open-source software, as it was created using Blender, a first for a Golden Globe winner in this category. Zilbalodis' acceptance speech highlighted the significance of this win for the small Latvian film industry and his personal journey of learning collaboration.

(variety.com)

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