It’s been nearly seven years since Rihanna last graced the live music stage, but the global pop icon is back with a bang. With her highly anticipated performance at the Super Bowl halftime show, the Barbados-born singer is set to light up the biggest stage in the world.
When I first got the call to do the show, I was like ‘Are you sure?’ I was three months postpartum and wasn’t sure if I should be making major decisions like this,” Rihanna confessed during an Apple Music press conference ahead of the big show. “But as scary as it was, being a mom has given me this sense that I can take on the world and do anything. It’s important for me to do this year and it’s important for my son to see that.”
Creating a setlist for the 13-minute performance has been the biggest challenge for Rihanna, who has a career that spans eight albums and 17 years.
We’re on our 39th version of the setlist right now,” Rihanna revealed. “Every little change counts, but there are some songs we have to lose because of the time constraint. That’s going to be okay.”
Rihanna’s Caribbean roots will be a significant part of the halftime show, representing her home country of Barbados and Black women everywhere. Fans have been eagerly waiting for Rihanna’s next move in music, and the singer teased, “Musically, I’m feeling open to exploring, discovering, creating things that are new, things that are different, things that are off, weird. It might not ever make sense to my fans… I want to have fun with music.”
Don’t miss the chance to witness Rihanna’s electrifying return to the live music stage during the Super Bowl halftime show, airing Sunday, Feb. 12 on Fox.
The new king of social media is looking for cash and it seems he’s found a way to get it. Elon Musk‘s Twitter is asking businesses to pay a hefty $1,000 per month, plus an additional $50 per affiliated sub-account, to keep their gold check-mark verification badges. This new pricing falls under Twitter’s new service, Twitter Blue for Business, which was introduced in December and allows businesses to distinguish themselves and link affiliated individuals, businesses, and even movie characters with a small badge next to their profile picture.
However, this move doesn’t come as a surprise. After acquiring Twitter for $44 billion, Musk accumulated $12.5 billion in debt and is looking to increase subscription revenue to meet these obligations. This new pricing strategy also follows Twitter’s announcement last month of partnerships with brand-safety analytics vendors to attract back marketers who have been hesitant to spend on the platform since Musk’s chaotic takeover.
Twitter is reportedly emailing businesses offering gold check mark verification for $1000 PER MONTH!
Twitter Blue for Business customers will eventually be the only ones with verified status as Twitter plans to discontinue all legacy verified check-marks within the next few months. Musk has previously stated that the way in which these check-marks were given out was “corrupt and nonsensical”.
Twitter Blue for individuals, which includes a blue check-mark, costs $8 per month purchased on the web and $11 per month through Apple’s iOS. To prevent impersonators from flooding the platform, Twitter relaunched the program in December with new safeguards.
On a related note, Musk recently announced that Twitter will start sharing ad revenue with creators for ads that appear in their reply threads starting February 3rd, but provided no additional details on how the program will work or how much users can expect to be paid. The split in revenue will only be with creators who subscribe to Twitter Blue.
Aside from being the CEO of Twitter, Musk is also the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. On Friday, a federal jury found him not liable for Tesla investor losses over tweets he made in 2018, which led to a lawsuit by the SEC. Following the verdict, Musk tweeted, “Thank goodness, the wisdom of the people has prevailed! I am deeply appreciative of the jury’s unanimous finding of innocence in the Tesla 420 take-private case.”
Amidst the endless cacophony of digital streaming services, Spotify stands tall as a veritable colossus, with a staggering 205 million paying users and a grip on the audio market that shows no signs of loosening. Yet, despite this dominance, the Swedish-born behemoth has struggled to find financial stability, with a string of losses and controversies weighing heavy on its shoulders. But there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon – one that may just change the tune of Spotify’s narrative. The company is banking on podcasts.
Amidst a landscape littered with layoffs and cutbacks, Spotify’s CEO, Daniel Ek, has come out in defense of the company’s podcasting business, citing its contributions to the platform’s retention of paying customers. The latest earnings report was a surprising turnaround, with Ek presenting podcasts as the driving force behind a 14% increase in advertising revenue. The podcasting world has been a turbulent one for Spotify, with the departure of key executives and the recent Joe Rogan controversy. However, Ek and his team are optimistic, predicting profitability in podcasting to improve by 2023.
Spotify’s push into podcasts is a calculated move to diversify its audio offerings and reduce its dependence on music licensing, which faces stiff competition from the likes of Amazon, Apple, and Google‘s YouTube. As Arielle Nissenblatt, founder of EarBuds Podcast Collective, notes,
“Spotify is already so many people’s first choice for music, and if podcasting is positioned correctly within the app, it can turn many non-podcast listeners into loyal podcast listeners.”
The company’s shares rose by 12% following the latest earnings report, which outperformed analysts’ expectations, and there is a sense of newfound optimism on Wall Street. However, this optimism is tempered by the recent announcement of 600 layoffs, representing 6% of the company’s global workforce, and the departure of Dawn Ostroff, the “key architect of Spotify’s podcast strategy”.
Despite its struggles, Spotify remains a key player in the world of celebrity-driven podcasts, with multi-million dollar deals with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Joe Rogan, and Nasir Jones. However, not all these deals have proven successful, with Archetypes, the podcast produced by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, struggling to reach its full potential.
As the world of digital streaming continues to evolve, Spotify is gambling on the power of podcasts to steer the company towards financial stability and profitability. Whether this bet will pay off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the future of audio streaming is as uncertain as ever.
The glittering success of Avatar: The Way of Water at the box office may be hiding the true ramifications of the Hollywood megadeal that brought Disney a $71 billion juggernaut from Fox‘s entertainment empire. As the industry shifts and investors scrutinize spending with a critical eye, it is becoming increasingly clear that Disney’s purchase of Fox may prove to be CEO Bob Iger‘s biggest blunder. Despite the expansive properties and hit movie, Disney still carries a heavy debt from the Fox deal and Iger’s future tenure remains uncertain as he searches for a successor.
With a weakened stock currency and an increasingly skeptical investment community, Iger now faces the challenge of making the most of the company’s existing portfolio. It’s worth noting that had Disney not closed the deal with Fox in 2019, competitor Comcast, whose Peacock streamer is projected to suffer a $3 billion loss in 2023, would have owned 100% of Hulu and Universal and Peacock would have benefited from Fox’s IP riches.
While some argue that Disney kept the Fox assets out of the hands of its rivals, others argue that the overpayment for Fox made sense only when Disney was at the peak of its cultural domination. The plan was for the Fox studios to provide Disney with an edge in adult-skewing blockbusters and kid-friendly fare that could strengthen its position in the streaming war. However, as moviegoers shifted from theaters to streaming, particularly with adult-audience films, Fox’s offerings like The Hate U Give and Dark Phoenix struggled.
Even the kid-friendly IPs like Ice Age proved to be a disappointment, as few Disney+ subscribers watched the related streaming films. Disney’s stewardship of the Fox assets is now under question, with Wall Street raising concerns about the company’s debt and the productivity of its IP portfolio. The closure of Fox 2000 and Blue Sky, and the focus on shutting down former Fox studios rather than nurturing them, has led some to argue that Disney bought Fox only to acquire specific IPs and discarded the rest.
With $45 billion in debt as of September, Disney’s future success will depend on its ability to turn the Fox assets into viable and profitable ventures. For now, only a few brands like Avatar, Planet of the Apes, and the Marvel franchises remain as theatrically viable options for 20th Century.
In a bid to remain competitive in the ever-evolving world of streaming, Peacock, the NBCUniversal platform, is dropping its free subscription tier for new users. However, current consumers need not fret as they will still have access to the unpaid option.
With a focus on its $5 Premium offering, Peacock aims to increase its average revenue per user (ARPU) while continuing to grow its scale. The Premium Plus offering, which is priced at $10, comes with additional perks like offline downloading.
Peacock predicts reaching a content library of 100,000 hours, featuring live sports events, new original series, Universal Pictures films, library titles, breaking news, and next-day programming from NBC and Bravo. The platform is looking to reposition its brand identity amid a challenging economic landscape and a saturated market, much like its smaller streaming peers.
In a surprising move last October, Netflix acquired Girls5Eva, one of Peacock’s best-known original series, renewing it for a third season and now co-sharing global streaming rights for the first two seasons, with the third season streaming solely on Netflix.
As the demands in the creative industry continue to escalate, many actors, artists, writers, etc. find themselves struggling with stress and anxiety. From tight deadlines and high-stakes projects to the pressures of self-promotion and the need to constantly innovate, the creative life can be both rewarding and overwhelming.
But despite the many challenges they face, creatives have a unique set of skills and talents that can help them navigate the emotional landscape and find peace in the midst of chaos. Here are a few strategies for managing stress and anxiety, straight from the minds of some of the most successful and resilient creatives in the industry.
Embrace Mindfulness and Self-Care
Mindfulness and self-care are key to managing stress and anxiety,” says bestselling author J.K. Rowling. “Whether it’s taking a walk in nature, meditating, or simply taking time to disconnect from the world and focus on your breathing, finding ways to quiet your mind and care for your body can help you stay centered and calm.”
Set Boundaries and Prioritize Self-Preservation
The biggest sources of stress and anxiety in the creative industry is the pressure to be constantly producing,” says award-winning playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda. “It’s important to set boundaries and prioritize self-preservation, even if it means saying no to a project or taking a break from social media.”
Connect with Others and Build a Supportive Community
One of the most powerful ways to manage stress and anxiety is to connect with others and build a supportive community,” says filmmaker Ava DuVernay. “Surround yourself with people who understand what you’re going through and can offer encouragement and support. Collaborate with others on projects, attend workshops and retreats, and engage in meaningful conversations with other creatives.”
Find Joy in the Process and Let Go of Perfectionism
Perfectionism is one of the biggest contributors to stress and anxiety in the creative industry,” says graphic novelist Art Spiegelman. “It’s important to find joy in the process, to let go of perfectionism, and to remember that the journey is just as important as the destination.”
Keep Perspective and Stay Grounded in Your Values and Vision
In the midst of stress and anxiety, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s truly important,” says poet and activist Claudia Rankine. “Keep perspective, stay grounded in your values and vision, and remember why you do what you do. Use your art to bring joy and inspiration to others, and focus on the impact you want to make in the world.”
Stress and anxiety are a natural part of the creative journey, but they don’t have to define it. By embracing mindfulness, setting boundaries, connecting with others, finding joy in the process, and staying grounded in your values, creatives can overcome stress and anxiety and continue to thrive in their careers and lives.
In a private gathering, new DC Studios heads James Gunn and Peter Safran unveiled their highly anticipated initial slate of projects, giving audiences a glimpse into the visionary approach to DC storytelling that is to come.
Dubbed Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters this first wave of 10 projects (with more to come, according to Gunn) will introduce fans to a completely unified universe, breaking away from the fragmented past of separate film series and isolated universes.
“For the first time ever, everything DC-related – film, television, live-action, animation, gaming – is centralized under one creative vision,” explains Safran. Gunn adds, “From our first project forward, everything will be unified.” The duo takes the reins, bringing stability and coherence to a universe that had previously been fragmented and loosely controlled.
Their initial slate of projects includes major reboots, fresh new perspectives, and familiar faces. As they lead DC into a new era, Gunn and Safran promise a cohesive and connected universe, starting with a brand-new “Superman” movie. Get ready, DC fans, for an electrifying journey ahead, here are the 10 projects:
Creature Commandos – TV Series
DC Comics
Bringing the Unusual to Life! James Gunn’s first project in the new era of DC Studios will be the animated TV series Creature Commandos. Based on the comic property of the same name, this series brings together vampires, werewolves, and zombies in a thrilling new adventure. Already in production, Gunn reveals that this is just the beginning of a fully integrated and connected DC universe.
“Animation will lead into live-action and back into animation again,” says Gunn. He notes that any animated project has the potential to be brought to life on the big screen, and vice versa. Confirmed characters include fan-favorite Weasel from The Suicide Squad, played by Sean Gunn.
James Gunn has written all seven episodes of the series himself, ensuring a consistent and cohesive story. As the first project in this unified DCU, Creature Commandos sets the stage for a thrilling journey ahead.
Waller – TV Series
Warner Bros.
Viola Davis is staying in the DC Universe as the actress reprises her role as Amanda Waller in the new TV series focused on her character. Gunn explains that this is a multiverse and some characters will have different actors, while others will remain the same, such as with Davis as Waller and leading Team Peacemaker.
This series will fit “in between” the first and second seasons of Peacemaker, as Gunn has been busy writing Creature Commandos and Superman. Season 2 of Peacemaker will be delayed, but fans can look forward to the exciting new adventures of Amanda Waller.
Chrystal Henry (Watchmen) and Jeremy Carver (Doom Patrol) are writing the series.
Superman Legacy – Movie
DC Comics
The DCU next big move is Superman Legacy. As the launching point of the new DC era, this film will delve into the struggle of the Man of Steel to reconcile his Kryptonian roots with his human upbringing.
Superman Legacy is not a retelling of his origin, but a showcase of his unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and the American way. With a target release date of July 11, 2025, this is expected to set a new standard in superhero storytelling. Written by James Gunn, there is hope that he may also direct the film.
Safran described it as the true beginning of the DCU and praised the script as a testament to the power of kindness in a world that has forgotten its value.
Lanterns – TV Series
DC Comics
Green Lantern is finally making its long-awaited return to the screen with the highly-anticipated TV series Lanterns. Inspired by the popular HBO series True Detective, the series will follow the journey of two of the most beloved characters from the Lantern Corp., Hal Jordan and John Stewart, as they unravel a mysterious case with terrestrial roots. This series will play a crucial role in shaping the larger narrative that the production team is crafting for the DCU’s future film and TV projects.
Safran reveals that the new Lantern series will replace the previously planned “space opera” TV show that was headed by Greg Berlanti and starring Finn Wittrock and Jeremy Irvine. This new series promises to be a game-changer, elevating the DCU to even greater heights.
The Authority – Movie
DC Comics
A movie inspired by the comic book series The Authority is set to join the DC Universe, incorporating characters from Wildstorm imprint.
Gunn elaborates that the DCU is not limited to a tale of heroes and villains and that there will be a spectrum of characters ranging from anti-heroes to morally ambiguous ones like The Authority, who believe in taking matters into their own hands to fix the world.
Paradise Lost – TV Series
Warner Bros.
Welcome to the alluring world of Themiscyra. The series Paradise Lost will explore the political intrigue of an all-female society. Yes the future of Wonder Woman 3 remains uncertain, and mostly likely canceled, we’ll get our Amazonian fix by turning our attention to the exotic island of Themiscyra.
Set before the birth of Diana (Wonder Woman), this series delves into the intricacies of an all-female society, exploring the beauty and darkness behind their origin. In the vein of Game of Thrones, Paradise Lost promises to be a tale of political maneuvering and power struggles amongst the women of Themiscyra.
“What’s the origin of an island of all women?” Gunn asks. “What are the beautiful truths and the ugly truths behind all of that, and what’s the scheming like between the different power players in that society?”
While Diana will not make an appearance in the series, Paradise Lost promises to offer a captivating look into the birthplace of one of DC’s most iconic characters.
The Brave and the Bold – Movie
DC Comics
The Caped Crusader is back, but this time he’s got company. The Brave and the Bold, feature-length film is inspired by Grant Morrison‘s run on Batman, will bring the DCU’s dynamic duo of Batman and Robin to the forefront in a tale of father and son.
According to Gunn, the film will introduce audiences to Bruce Wayne as the DCU’s Batman, as well as his son Damian Wayne, a young assassin with a dark past. Despite having been kept a secret from Batman for the first decade of his life, their relationship will be the focal point of this new iteration of the classic duo.
This Batman will exist separate from Robert Pattinson‘s iteration in the upcoming Matt Reeves films, which will be categorized as Elseworlds outside of this continuity. Are you ready for a fresh take on the Dark Knight and his pint-sized partner?
Booster Gold – TV Series
DC Comics
At long last, the comic book hero Booster Gold will finally grace the screen in a stunning new adaptation. The series is set to deliver a thrilling take on the beloved character.
“Booster Gold is the tale of a loser from the future who harnesses the power of advanced technology to travel back in time and present himself as a superhero,” says Safran, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the film’s central theme. “It’s the superhero equivalent of Imposter Syndrome,” adds Gunn, further emphasizing the unique and thought-provoking nature of the project.
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow – Movie
DC Comics
Supergirl is set to soar onto the big screen and re-imagined for a new generation. Based on Tom King‘s acclaimed comic book series, this film will introduce a radically different version of the character than what audiences may be familiar with.
As Gunn explains, “In our DC Universe, we explore the fundamental difference between Superman, who was raised on Earth by loving parents from infancy, and Supergirl, who spent her first 14 years on a Kryptonian colony witnessing the brutal death and destruction of those around her.”
With the film expected to follow King’s comics, viewers can expect a captivating space-bound journey featuring Supergirl, a loyal dog, and a young girl on a mission for revenge. This Supergirl will be a fresh departure from the beloved TV series.
Swamp Thing – Movie
Warner Bros.
The DCU is set to delve into the murky depths of the swamp with a Swamp Thing film. The Gunn-Safran duo emphasized the diversity of tone within the interconnected universe, each film reflecting the unique vision of its filmmakers.
“Expect a departure from the norm as we delve into the dark origins of Swamp Thing,” Safran revealed. “Each film in the DCU offers a distinct tonal experience, making for an exciting mash-up of diverse perspectives in the future.”
While the character was previously brought to life in a 2019 live-action TV series that was unfortunately short-lived, this latest adaptation promises to uncover the mystery at the heart of the swamp.
Original Co-Creators, Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, Are Reviving The Series.
Hulu has just ordered a reboot of the hit animated series King of the Hill from 20th Television Animation and co-creators Judge and Daniels with Saladin Patterson, signing on as showrunner and executive producer.
King of the Hill, which originally aired on Fox, became one of the network’s longest-running series, premiering in 1997 and running for 13 seasons before saying its goodbye in 2010.
When Judge and Daniels reconnected with the cast at the 2017 San Francisco Sketchfest and celebrated the show’s 20th anniversary, plans for the revival went into action. Judge first hinted the show could make a return during last year’s Comic-Con saying, “King of the Hill” “has a very good chance of coming back.” The original voice cast, including Judge, Kathy Najimy, Stephen Root, Pamela Adlon, Johnny Hardwick and Lauren Tom, are all set to return to their roles.
The show will be set on the same foundation as the original, focusing on Hank Hill (Judge), an enthusiastic seller of propane and propane accessories; his wife, Peggy (Najimy), local Boggle champ and substitute teacher; and their 13-year-old son, Bobby (Adlon), who defies any expectation his father had for a son. Hank’s friends – conspiracy theorist Dale (Hardwick), military barber Bill (Root) and cool but inarticulate Boomhauer (Judge), along with Peggy’s friends Minh (Tom) and meteorologist Nancy (Ashley Gardner), and Bobby’s friend Connie (Tom) help the Hills navigate a changing world.
In the world of digital media, email newsletters have emerged as a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs and businesses alike. The recent sale of Morning Brew to Insider Inc. for a reported $75 million has put a spotlight on this growing market. But what does it take to launch and grow a successful newsletter business? We turn to Dru Riley, founder of Trends.vc, for insight into his journey and tips for success in the newsletter space.
A former software engineer, Riley left his comfortable job in 2017 to take a chance on himself. With $250,000 saved, he embarked on a journey to explore new ideas and start his own business. However, after two and a half years, Riley found himself running low on funds. That’s when he began working on a business idea that would eventually become Trends.vc.
Launched in 2020, Trends.vc quickly gained traction among entrepreneurs looking for insights on new markets and ideas. Today, the newsletter boasts over 50,000 subscribers and over 1,000 paid members. But Riley’s journey was not without challenges. In the beginning, he struggled with monetizing his business, despite its growing popularity. Eventually, he found success by offering free reports and charging for deeper insights.
Product Hunt also played a crucial role in Trends.vc’s growth. By leveraging the platform, Riley was able to increase his subscriber count from 6,000 to 25,000. However, he cautions that success on Product Hunt requires careful planning and a strategic approach.
So what’s the secret to building a successful newsletter business? For Riley, it’s all about highlighting others and putting them in the spotlight. By doing so, you can boost your brand and create meaningful relationships with your subscribers. With a combination of hard work, strategic thinking, and a little bit of luck, anyone can launch and grow a successful newsletter business, just like Riley did with Trends.vc.
There’s another shakeup. Showtime will soon be rebranded and integrated into the streaming service, Paramount+. The new moniker, Paramount+ with Showtime, will embody the premium tier of the platform and the Showtime linear network in the United States. This move marks a significant shakeup in the world of television and streaming, as Paramount+ aims to become the leading multiplatform brand in the industry.
The integration of Showtime into Paramount+ is a natural next step in the company’s strategy to become a single, global content company powered by IP. The move will undoubtedly lead to further changes within the network, including the cancellation of several shows, such as American Gigolo, Let the Right One In, and Three Women. However, the Showtime studio will continue to operate under the leadership of Chris McCarthy, who will work closely with Streaming President and CEO Tom Ryan.
In a memo to employees, Paramount Global CEO and President Bob Bakish pledged to be as transparent and thoughtful as possible during the process, stating that additional details would be shared in the coming weeks. A town hall scheduled for the week of February 23 will provide further insight into the changes and how they will strengthen the company’s focus on content, redirect increased investment into Showtime’s strengths, and provide a more integrated platform.
This news follows the departure of Showtime’s former head, David Nevins, who left the company in October, leaving the responsibilities of the network to McCarthy and Ryan. The possibility of phasing out Showtime altogether and shifting its premium programming into Paramount+ was part of the company’s consideration of new content strategies in the streaming era.
By further integrating Showtime into Paramount+, the network aims to deliver a seamless, fully integrated multiplatform premium service with more of the original, culture-shaping content that audiences love. The enhanced offering will serve both audiences and creative partners, providing an even greater ability to scale franchises and build hits across the Paramount+ universe.
This rebrand and integration marks a new chapter in the world of television and streaming, and Cre8tiveSHFT is excited to see how it will shape the future of entertainment.
