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VISUAL CREATORS
For your artistic side.

🔥 Coogler's Sinners Deal: Panic in Hollywood!

The Story: Ryan Coogler's groundbreaking deal with Warner Bros. for his film "Sinners" has sparked considerable debate in Hollywood. Coogler secured ownership rights of the film after 25 years, along with final cut and first-dollar gross, setting precedent and triggering anxiety among studio executives who fear it could disrupt the industry as it stands.

The Details:

• Coogler's deal allows ownership of "Sinners" to revert to him after 25 years, a rare achievement for high-profile directors in Hollywood, particularly for an African American filmmaker.

• The film portrays themes of Black ownership and cultural heritage, aligning with Coogler's motivation for the rights reversion, which he deems vital for legacy.

• Studio executives have expressed concerns that this deal may inspire other directors to demand similar terms, potentially unraveling the traditional studio system built on ownership of film libraries.

• Coogler’s previous films, including "Black Panther," have collectively grossed over $2.5 billion, making him a strong negotiator able to secure such favorable terms.

• While "Sinners" opens to positive reviews and strong box office, the implications of Coogler's contract reverberate through Hollywood, provoking debate on ownership and artistic control for Black creatives.

Why It Matters: Coogler's contract embodies a pivotal shift in the landscape of the film industry, advocating for more equitable treatment of Black creators who have historically been marginalized. By reclaiming ownership, Coogler not only sets a precedent for future artists but also fosters a broader conversation about economic justice and creative autonomy in Hollywood. This situation underlines the urgency for fair negotiations for diverse filmmakers and reflects a transformative moment in an industry currently grappling with its own legacy of exploitation and inequity.

PRODUCTION MASTERY
The commercial aspects of creativity.

🎬 Trump Slaps 100% Tariffs on Films!

The Story: President Donald Trump has announced a controversial 100% tariff on films produced outside the U.S., citing national security concerns over foreign competition and foreign filming locations. The move coincides with the release of Marvel's Thunderbolts, which raises questions about how such tariffs would be applied to films with partial foreign production.

The Details:

• Trump claims that foreign films pose a national security threat and are damaging the American film industry by utilizing international incentives.

• The recent Marvel film, Thunderbolts, opened to a stellar $76 million domestically, but includes scenes filmed in Malaysia, raising questions about tariff applicability.

• It remains unclear how the government will enforce these tariffs on digital products like movies that are streamed rather than physically imported.

• The announcement has led to significant stock losses for major streaming services, highlighting the potential economic impact of these tariffs.

• Industry experts are concerned that this blanket tariff could destroy independent film sectors and complicate international collaborations.

Why It Matters: Trump's declaration has sent shockwaves through the film industry, with key questions about enforcement and economic impact looming large. The move has potential ramifications for production practices, international collaborations, and the broader creator economy, particularly impacting independent filmmakers who rely on affordable international options. As the film industry continues to recover post-pandemic, this proposed tariff raises urgent concerns about the future of creative storytelling in a global market, stressing the need for local production incentives rather than punitive tariffs.

CREATOR ECONOMY
Navigating the digital creative world.

🎬 Apple’s Hollywood Gamble: Is It Working?

The Story: Apple TV+ is navigating the complex landscape of Hollywood with mixed results. The service boasts critical acclaim, amassing awards for shows like “CODA,” but is now reassessing spending and production strategies amid unflattering subscriber counts and hefty losses. Industry insiders highlight Apple’s need for a sustainable model that balances quality with audience reach.

The Details:

• Apple TV+ has experienced highs with critical accolades, winning Best Picture and nominations for titles such as “Killers of the Flower Moon,” but struggles with profitability and viewership.

• Despite spending over $20 billion on original content, Apple TV+ lags behind competitors like Netflix, capturing only 0.2% of overall TV viewing in the U.S.—a stark comparison to Netflix's dominance.

• The platform is shifting gears to control project budgets better, aiming to reduce costs while maintaining creative relationships with talent, who appreciate the company’s approach to filming.

• Following a disappointing box office return on some projects, Apple is now striving for a sustainable strategy by reining in production spending and licensing more existing content from other studios.

• Notably, Apple’s recent cuts in subscription pricing and strategic partnerships with Amazon aim to boost sign-ups and bolster subscriber growth.

Why It Matters: For creative professionals navigating the industry, Apple TV+’s journey is a microcosm of the streaming wars' current state. As Apple adjusts its approach, understanding how these shifts affect content quality and production budgets can inform how creators pitch potential projects. The balance between artistic integrity and fiscal responsibility is increasingly crucial in an era where streaming platforms prioritize profitability alongside prestige. With so many streaming options, staying informed on these trends can help creators position their work to meet the evolving demands of powerful entities like Apple.

🔥 Press Worthy

📽️ VISUAL CREATORS

Pope Francis' tombstone lettering has designers buzzing due to its glaring kerning issues. Inscribed as "F R A NCISC VS," typography experts deride it as an "abomination." They suggest the irregular spacing appears to stem from a mathematical layout rather than artistic design, sparking debates on aesthetics and tradition.

Artist Stuart Semple is in hot water after Yves Klein's estate won a lawsuit against him for his Easy Klein paint. A judge ruled Semple infringed on the Klein trademark, leading to a €16,000 damages order. Semple, shocked by the verdict, vows to appeal.

📈 PRODUCTION MASTERY

Luis von Ahn, CEO of Duolingo, announced a shift to an AI-first model, stating they'll replace contractor roles with AI. Despite his claims, former contractors report job losses already occurring, highlighting a growing AI jobs crisis affecting creative roles across industries.

Actors are regretting deals to license their likenesses for AI avatars, discovering their digital doubles in scams and propaganda. Misuse cases, including political propaganda and health scams, reveal the dire need for clearer contracts and ethical standards in AI licensing.

🎭 CREATOR ECONOMY

Judge Chhabria is raising eyebrows over Meta's AI training defense, questioning if it's fair use. He challenged lawyers to find proof of market harm, suggesting that AI's potential to flood the market with copied works could infringe on authors' rights. This case may set a crucial precedent for AI and copyright!

As AI redefines design, today's designers are morphing into editors and orchestrators. No longer just creators, they're guiding AI outputs, blending aesthetics with strategy. This shift empowers designers to be hybrid thinkers in a world where creativity is more collaborative than ever.

📚 Learn & Grow

📽️ VISUAL CREATORS

• Why you need to channel your five-year-old mind to ignite creativity

• Aspect Ratios with Sinners Director Ryan Coogler

📈 PRODUCTION MASTERY

• Matthew Specktor on Hollywood's 'fascist turn' toward blockbusters: 'It erodes the soul of the city'

• Author Tom Perrotta's Advice on Becoming a Writer

🎭 CREATOR ECONOMY

• Here are the winners of the 2025 Pulitzer Prizes

• Why you should be more willing to admit when you don't know something