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Tag: Fifty Shades of Grey

  • Comcast Q1-2015 revenue up 2.6%, operating income up 9%

    Comcast Q1-2015 revenue up 2.6%, operating income up 9%

    BENGALURU: Comcast Corporation reported 2.6 per cent growth in consolidated revenue in Q1-2015 (quarter ended 31 March, 2015, current quarter) to $17853 million as compared to the $17408 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. Comcast consolidated operating income increased nine per cent in Q1-2015 to $3890 million from $3568 million in Q1-2014.

     

    The company’s Cable Communications, Filmed Entertainment and Theme Parks segments reported growth in revenue, while Cable Networks Broadcast Television and NBU Universal segments reported a y-o-y fall in revenue.

     

    Comcast chairman and CEO Brian L Roberts said, “We are off to a great start in 2015, with 7.6 per cent operating cash flow growth and record quarterly free cash flow. Cable had a terrific quarter, once again reflecting strong results in high-speed Internet and business services. We have made progress in transforming the customer experience while delivering improved products and innovations faster than ever before. At NBC Universal, we had another excellent quarter, led by Super Bowl XLIX, which was the most-watched television program of all time, along with the tremendous box office success of Fifty Shades of Grey, and the exceptional performance of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley in Orlando. We begin 2015 with great momentum and remain confident that we are well positioned with an impressive portfolio of complementary businesses to continue our strong performance and drive shareholder value.”

     

    Segment Results

     

    Cable Communications

     

    The company’s largest segment by revenue, Cable Communications reported 6.3 per cent revenue growth in Q1-2015 to $11430 million as compared to the $10757 million in Q1-2014, led by 21.5 per cent growth by its Business Services segment. Within the Cable Communications segment, revenue from Video grew three per cent to $5331 million in Q1-2015 from $5178 million in Q1-2015; High-speed Internet grew 10.7 per cent to $3044 million from $2750 million in Q1-2014; Revenue from Voice declined 1.5 per cent to $906 million from $920 million in Q1-2014; Business services revenue increased 21.5 per cent to $1114 million in Q1-2015 from $917 million in Q1-2014; Advertising Revenue fell 0.6 per cent to $504 million from $507 million in Q1-2014; Revenue from ‘Other’ grew 9.5 per cent to $531 million from $485 million in the corresponding year ago quarter.

     

    NBC Universal

     

    Revenue for NBC Universal decreased four per cent to $6604 million in the first quarter of 2015 compared to $6876 million in the first quarter of 2014. Excluding $376 million of revenue generated by the broadcast of the NFL’s Super Bowl in the first quarter of 2015 and $1100 million of revenue generated by the Sochi Olympics in the first quarter of 2014, revenue increased 7.9 per cent. Operating Cash Flow increased 14.0 per cent to $1494 million compared to $1311 million in Q1-2014, driven by strong results at Theme Parks and Broadcast Television. 

     

    Cable Networks

     

    For the first quarter of 2015, revenue from the Cable Networks segment decreased 5.9 per cent to $2359 million as compared to $2505 million in Q1-2015. Excluding $257 million of revenue generated by the Sochi Olympics in Q1-2014, revenue increased 4.9 per cent, reflecting a 4.8 per cent increase in distribution revenue and a 4.3 per cent increase in advertising revenue. Excluding a benefit from a reduction in deferred advertising revenue, advertising growth would have been stable as audience ratings declines were offset by higher prices and volume. Operating cash flow increased 0.3 per cent to $898 million compared to $895 million in Q1-2014, reflecting lower  programming and production costs due to the broadcast of the Sochi Olympics in the first quarter of 2014, partially offset by lower revenue.

     

    Broadcast Television

     

    For the first quarter of 2015, revenue from the Broadcast Television segment decreased 14.2 per cent to $2248 million compared to $2621 million in Q1-2014. Excluding $376 million of revenue generated by the NFL’s Super Bowl in Q1-2015, as well as $846 million of revenue generated by the Sochi Olympics in Q1-2014, revenue increased 5.5 per cent, driven by a 5.5 per cent increase in advertising revenue, as well as higher retransmission consent fees.  Operating cash flow increased 48.9 per cent to $182 million compared to $122 million in Q1-2014, reflecting lower programming and production costs due to the broadcast of the Sochi Olympics in Q1-2014 and a profitable Super Bowl, partially offset by lower revenue.

     

    Filmed Entertainment

     

    For Q1-2015, revenue from the Filmed Entertainment segment increased seven per cent to $1446 million compared to the $1351 million in Q1-2014, reflecting higher content licensing and home entertainment revenue, partially offset by lower theatrical revenue. Operating cash flow increased 1.7 per cent to $293 million compared to $288 million in Q1-2014, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by increased marketing expenses ahead of the release of Furious 7 early in the second quarter.

     

    Theme Parks

     

    For Q1-2015, revenue from the Theme Parks segment increased 33.7 per cent to $651 million compared to $487 million in the first quarter of 2014, reflecting higher guest attendance and per capita spending, driven by the continued success of Orlando’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. First quarter operating cash flow increased 54.6 per cent to $263 million compared to $170 million in the same period last year, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by an increase in operating costs to support the new attractions.

  • Universal to release ’Fifty Shades of Grey’ unrated home video edition

    Universal to release ’Fifty Shades of Grey’ unrated home video edition

    MUMBAI: Universal Pictures Home Entertainment will be releasing the unrated home video edition of Fifty Shades of Grey this May.

     

    The story of a searing love affair between a naive college student Anastasia Steele and a billionaire entrepreneur Christian Grey, Fifty Shades of Grey, which has grossed more than $500 million globally, will be released on Digital HD on 1 May, 2015 and Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand on 8 May, 2015.

     

    Based on E. L. James’ best-selling novel, the Blu-ray and Digital HD include an exclusive unrated version that features a never-before-seen alternate ending along with almost two hours of all-new bonus features that go behind the scenes of this year’s hottest romance.

     

    Shy and unassuming literature student Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) finds her life forever altered when she interviews the enigmatic Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan) and is dazzled by the charismatic entrepreneur and his high-flying lifestyle. As the pair embarks on a passionate affair, Ana soon discovers that Grey has dark secrets and desires that will push her to the limits of her imagination – and beyond.

     

    Dornan and Johnson head up a cast that includes Eloise Mumford, Max Martini, Marcia Gay Harden, Luke Grimes, Jennifer Ehle, Victor Rasuk and Rita Ora in the movie.

     

    Bonus features that are exclusive to Blu-ray include: Fifty Shades of Grey unrated and theatrical versions, The World of Fifty Shades of Grey: Discover the artistry involved in creating everything Fifty Shades of Grey, including in-depth profiles of stars Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson, and the characters they play. It will also feature a chat with the creator of Fifty Shades – E.L James, discussing the history of the novel and the experience making the film.

     

    Fifty Shades of Grey is directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson and written by Kelly Marcel. 

     

    The DVD comes with English SDH, Spanish and French subtitles and has a run time of two hours and six minutes.

  • Censor Board bans ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ in India

    Censor Board bans ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ in India

    MUMBAI: It finally official. Fifty Shades of Grey will not see an India release. According to media reports, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has said that they will not allow the film to be shown in cinemas as fans had eagerly waited for the release of the film in India.

     

    Fifty Shades of Grey was first screened at the 65th Berlin International Film Festival on 11 February, 2015. The film was released in 75 IMAX screens across the US on 13 February, 2015.

     

    Central Board of Film Certification Shravan Kumar did not mention the reasons for which the panel refused to approve the film adaptation. He though went on to add that the Comcast Corp unit that released the Universal Pictures film could appeal the decision. 

     

    Sources said that the board had objected to the film’s dialogue, even after Universal had made voluntary edits to the film to bring down its raunchy sex scenes and removed some forms of nudity.

     

    The film so far has grossed more than $400 million in global ticket sales. However, countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and Kenya have banned the film in their theaters for its sexual content.

  • ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ publishing partner wins lawsuit

    ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ publishing partner wins lawsuit

    MUMBAI: In a verdict with blockbuster implications, a jury in the case of Pedroza vs. Hayward and TWCS Operations Proprietary awarded a victory to Jennifer Lynn Pedroza in a dispute over royalty rights for the publishing phenomenon Fifty Shades of Grey. The jury’s verdict was announced by Pendroza’s attorneys at Vincent Lopez Serafino Jenevein, PC. 

     

    The original publisher of the trio of books was The Writer’s Coffee Shop, an independent publisher of e-books and print-on-demand books. The plaintiff, Jennifer Pedroza was one of four original partners in the start-up company that published Fifty Shades of Grey. The Writer’s Coffee Shop eventually sold the publishing rights to the books to Random House. 

     

    The verdict has confirmed that Jennifer Pedroza was a partner in The Writer’s Coffee Shop. The jury determined that fraud had been committed by Amanda Hayward and TWCS Operations Proprietary when they induced Pedroza into a Service Agreement, and also deprived her of her share of one of the most successful book deals in history. To date Fifty Shades of Grey has sold more than 100 million copies and is currently on the New York Times best seller list. 

     

    Damages will be assessed at a later court hearing after a forensic audit determines Pedroza’s appropriate share of royalties. Pedroza was represented by the Dallas law firm of Vincent Lopez Serafino Jenevein, PC.

  • ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ seduces box office with $239.7 million

    ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ seduces box office with $239.7 million

    MUMBAI: Universal Pictures’ erotica movie Fifty Shades of Grey has seduced the global box office with stupendous collections of $ 239.7 million in its opening weekend. 

     

    According to Rentrak’s box office estimates for the weekend of 15 February, 2015, the movie collected a whopping $81.7 million at the box office in North America.

     

    Rentrak senior media analyst Paul Dergarabedian said, “Universal’s erotic drama Fifty Shades of Grey felt the love from audiences as it earned a whopping $239.7 million around the globe this weekend. Generating an impressive $158 million in 58 international territories (and $81.7 million in North America), this is Universal’s second biggest international opening weekend ever behind Fast & Furious 6 at $160.3 million. Also impressive is the super cool Kingsman: The Secret Service from Fox that in its second weekend internationally took no prisoners with $23.1 million in 38 territories. This combined with the $35.6 million it earned in its North American debut gives Kingsman $58.7 million for the weekend and a worldwide total to date of nearly $80 million.”

     

    The top 12 worldwide weekend box office estimates, listed in descending order, per data collected as of Sunday, 15 February, 2015, are below:

     

    1. Fifty Shades Of Grey – $239.7 million

    2. Kingsman: The Secret Service – $58.7 million

    3. Spongebob Squarepants: Sponge Out Of Water – $44 million

    4. Somewhere Only We Know – $30 million

    5. Jupiter Ascending – $25 million

    6. American Sniper – $20.1 million

    7. Big Hero 6 – $9.9 million

    8. Taken 3 – $8.3 million

    9. The Imitation Game – $7.5 million

    10. Night At The Museum: Secret Of The Tomb – $7.1 million

    11. Detective K: The Laborer’s Daughter – $6.2 million

    12. Paddington – $5.1 million

     

    The top 12 North American weekend box office estimates, listed in descending order, per data collected as of Sunday, 15 February, 2015, are below:

     

    1. Fifty Shades Of Grey – $81.7 million

    2. Kingsman: The Secret Service – $35.6 million

    3. Spongebob Squarepants: Sponge Out Of Water – $30.5 million

    4. American Sniper – $16.4 million

    5. Jupiter Ascending – $9.4 million

    6. Seventh Son – $4.2 million

    7. Paddington – $4.1 million

    8. The Imitation Game – $3.5 million

    9. The Wedding Ringer – $3.4 million

    10. Project Almanac – $2.7 million

    11. Black Or White – $2.6 million

    12. The Boy Next Door – $1.8 million

  • Beyonce‘s ‘Crazy In Love’ scorches up ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’

    Beyonce‘s ‘Crazy In Love’ scorches up ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’

    MUMBAI: Soon to be released film, Fifty Shades of Grey, has charts souring with Beyonce‘s “Crazy In Love” song.

    The solo debut of the pop singer, more than a decade later, has been chopped up for a haunting remix for the film’s soundtrack.

    In the film which tells the story of obsessive romance, the song starts off with just a piano before Beyoncé enters with her sultry vocals.

    The soundtrack also features Michael Diamond’s remix of Beyoncé’s “Haunted” and Ellie Goulding’s Max Martin-produced power ballad “Love Me Like You Do.” It also includes music from Skylar Grey, Sia, the Weeknd, Jessie Ware and many more.

  • Jamie Dornan to play Christian Grey in Fifty Shades of Grey

    Jamie Dornan to play Christian Grey in Fifty Shades of Grey

    MUMBAI: Jamie Dornan is all set to play Christian Grey in the film adaptation of the superhit novel, Fifty Shades of Grey that is expected to go on floor in November.

     

    Universal Pictures and Focus Features’ adaptation of the book was to have Charlie Hunnam as the lead earlier, who backed out of the project more than a week ago. Negotiations with Dornan are in progress.

     

    Dornan is the star of the UK series The Fall and is also known for playing The Huntsman in ABC’s Once Upon A Time. Dakota Johnson will be the female lead for the movie. A release date of August 1, 2014 has been set. If the first movie does well, then Dornan could stay on for the rest of the movies in the series as well.

     

    Juno Temple and Frank Grillo were also offered roles but they too turned it down. Dornan has been in the news earlier for dating Kiera Knightley for a while.

  • Charlie Hunnam gets Christian Grey role in Fifty Shades Of Grey

    Charlie Hunnam gets Christian Grey role in Fifty Shades Of Grey

    MUMBAI: Sons of Anarchy star Charlie Hunnam has officially been set to play Christian Grey in Fifty Shades of Grey, the Universal Pictures and Focus Features adaptation of the runaway bestselling book series.

     

    Hunnam, who had been rumored for weeks, more recently starred in the Guillermo Del Toro-directed Pacific Rim. Author EL James made the casting official on her Twitter page. Sam Taylor-Johnson is directing a script by Kelly Marcel and Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti are producing along with the author.

     

    This follows after the official casting of Dakota Johnson to play the role of Anastasia Steele. Grey is the young, wealthy industrialist with a dark past who favors S&M relationships. His loyalty to the dominant-submissive subset is tested when he meets the young college graduate Anastasia Steele, who seems like the perfect girl for him.