Latest news with #AccessIndustries
Roya News
4 days ago
- Business
- Roya News
Calls to boycott sports platform DAZN grow over ties to 'Israeli' leadership
A growing online campaign is calling for the boycott of DAZN, a global sports streaming service, over claims of the platform's connections to 'Israeli' political and military figures, as well as its perceived stance on the ongoing war in Gaza. Organizers of the campaign cite several reasons behind their calls, primarily centered around the company's ownership, executive leadership, and public statements by affiliated figures. Ownership and leadership concerns DAZN is owned by Access Industries, founded by British-American businessman Len Blavatnik. Critics point to Blavatnik's past financial support for 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Likud party. Attention has also been drawn to Access Industries' president Danny Cohen, who has written opinion pieces criticizing media outlets for what he calls anti-'Israel' bias. Cohen previously signed a letter urging the BBC not to air a documentary focusing on Gaza's humanitarian crisis. Military background and political views Shay Segev, DAZN's CEO, is an 'Israeli' national who served in the 'Israeli' military for four years. Campaigners have raised concerns about his background and its potential influence on the platform's neutrality. In addition, DAZN reporter Emily Austin has faced criticism for expressing strong support for the 'Israeli' military and denying the severity of Gaza's humanitarian crisis in public statements.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Blavatnik Family Foundation Makes $25 Million Donation to USC to Build Virtual Production Center
The family foundation of longtime showbiz investor and film producer Len Blavatnik has donated $25 million to USC's School of Cinematic Arts to establish the Blavatnik Center for Virtual Production. The 15,000-square foot center will help expand the university's virtual production curriculum that aims to give students a foundation in all aspects of using virtual production and the generative AI tools that it requires. Blavatnik, founder of investment firm Access Industries, with interests ranging from Warner Music Group to A24. More from Variety Rebel Wilson Escalates Battle With 'The Deb' Producers in 'Bizarre Outburst of Jealousy' After Cannes Yacht Party Warner Music/Blavatnik Foundation to Donate $1 Million to Fire Relief in Los Angeles Larry Auerbach, Longtime Senior Leader at William Morris Agency and USC School of Cinematic Arts, Dies at 95 'Virtual production has become an integral part of filmmaking, led by the next generation,' said Blavatnik, founder of the Blavatnik Family Foundation. 'I'm proud to support the School and provide young filmmakers with the tools and resources needed to master these emerging technologies and lead the industry's future.' The Blavatnik Center will house two stages with wraparound LED panel walls, as well as performance capture, camera tracking and lighting systems. According to USC, 'the stages can be operated separately or joined together to form a large production set for students. It will contain multiple classrooms and labs equipped with computers with real-time 3D design software and digital asset libraries.' 'We are so grateful for the Blavatnik family's generosity and for what it will mean for scaling up the virtual production workforce our industry desperately needs,' says Elizabeth M. Daley, the dean of the USC School of Cinematic Arts. 'At USC, we understand the importance of state-of-the-art tools in helping to facilitate the masterful storytelling that grounds our curriculum. The Blavatnik Center will be an important workspace as we collaborate on creating the dynamic filmmaking of the future.' USC's virtual production curriculum is currently led by Habib Zargarpour, who created the Virtual Production System in 'The Jungle Book' and 'Ready Player One,' alongside Scott Kroopf, who leads the producing track at the School of Cinematic Arts, Ken Williams, who serves as the executive director and CEO of the Entertainment Technology Center at USC, and Brad Kean, director of Creative Technology at the School of Cinematic Arts. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar
Los Angeles Times
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
The future of filmmaking? USC gets $25 million for virtual production center
Oil baron and music mogul Len Blavatnik's family foundation has made a $25 million donation to the USC School of Cinematic Arts to create a virtual production center, the university said this week. The 15,000-square-foot center will house two stages with wraparound LED walls that students and industry professionals will use to gain experience with virtual production technology, USC said. The facility will also house camera tracking, performance capture and lighting systems, as well as classrooms and labs with computers equipped with real-time 3D design software and digital asset libraries. Virtual production has emerged as a key growth area for the entertainment industry. The technology relies on advancements in gaming software that allow crews to transform a wall of LED screens into fantastical and interactive backdrops. Shows such as the 'Star Wars' series 'The Mandalorian,' sci-fi hit 'Westworld' and fantasy title 'House of the Dragon' were all shot on virtual production stages. As film and TV production in California has slowed and made work scarce for many industry professionals, the boom in virtual production has created new jobs for cinematographers, environmental artists, lighting technicians and professionals who can run the so-called LED walls. With virtual production stages, filmmakers can create the look of a desert planet without going to Tunisia, as George Lucas did for 'Star Wars,' or shoot scenes in daylight at any time of day. 'Virtual production has just become critical to our industry, and our job is to always train students for the future,' said Elizabeth Daley, dean of the School of Cinematic Arts. 'We are very concerned that they leave [the school] really able to work with these tools and with enough serious knowledge of them to be able to adjust and advance.' The center is expected to open in fall 2027, she said. Blavatnik is no stranger to the entertainment business. In addition to founding Blavatnik Family Foundation, he also started the New York-based investment firm Access Industries, which has stakes in entertainment companies including indie movie and TV studio A24 and is the majority owner of record label giant Warner Music Group. Born in Ukraine, Blavatnik acquired Warner Music Group through Access Industries in 2011 and later took the company public. The billionaire is a dual citizen of the U.S. and Britain. In an emailed statement, Blavatnik cited the importance of new technologies to the filmmaking process. 'USC's pioneering approach — building a virtual production studio for the future — makes this the right time and place to invest in our industry,' he said. USC has had a dedicated virtual production program for several years and has trained more than 400 students and alumni on the technology. The university currently has a smaller wall donated by Sony, but demand is high and students often spend time preparing and breaking down their sets. With the new facility, which will be known as the Blavatnik Center for Virtual Production, the multiple stages will allow students more time to work with the technology and less on prep work, said Habib Zargarpour, co-head of the virtual production program at USC. 'Virtual production is definitely here to stay; it's going to be a standard part of production,' he said. 'As more and more of our students and directors and artists learn about the tools, then they can contribute to the success of the technology in the industry because they know how to use it.'
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Questex Launches BxR – The First U.S. Event Dedicated to Branded Residences
Key players confirmed to participate including Marriott International, Accor, Hilton, Access Industries and Kerzner International Registration now open at NEW YORK, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Questex announces the launch of BxR – Brand x Residential, the first U.S. event dedicated entirely to investment, development and strategy within branded residences. Taking place on June 3, 2025 in New York City, BxR brings together pioneers and investors shaping the future of mixed-use developments. BxR is where iconic brands meet landmark residences. The event offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of brand power, investment strategy and real estate innovation. Held alongside the NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum (NYU IHIF), BxR offers an exclusive platform to explore one of the most dynamic and high performing asset classes in hospitality real estate. Register here. 'Branded residences are not just reshaping real estate, they are redefining lifestyle, investment and development potential,' said Alexi Khajavi, Group President, Hospitality and Wellness, Questex. 'As demand grows and new players enter the space, BxR arrives at a pivotal moment to connect the people, brands and capital driving this transformation.' The event features a highly curated agenda of investment insights; case studies and in-depth discussions focused on the opportunities and challenges within branded residences. Content spans development finance, brand selection, architecture and design, operational models, and value creation across urban and leisure markets. Attendees will join 100+ branded residential pioneers and investors for candid conversations, targeted networking and actionable takeaways designed to unlock opportunity and accelerate growth in this booming asset class. 'The time is now,' said Barry Landsberg, BxR Host and Managing Director, Landsberg Strategies. 'Branded residences in the US have taken off, accounting for over a third of total supply globally and showcasing distinctive, value-enhancing lifestyle experiences. I'm looking forward to a robust and in-depth discussion with a broad range of leaders and voices.' What to Expect at BxR: Exclusive content including a market overview and candid fireside chats on how to capitalize on residential brand value Strategic panel discussions on aligning development, finance and investment goals, plus a scenario-based debate on matching projects to the right brands Interactive sessions like BxR Connect, hosted roundtables and a wrap-up action plan, designed to spark fresh thinking and build meaningful partnerships Premium networking including a networking lunch and evening drinks reception to connect with developers, investors and brand leaders Top-tier speakers including: Sarah Khalifa, Vice President, Mixed Use Development, US & Canada, Marriott International Annie Wickstrom, Head of Hospitality and Mixed-Use Real Estate Assets, Access Industries Jeff Tisdall, Chief Business Officer, Accor One Living Jan Hazelton, Vice President, Development, Kerzner International Peter Bazeli, Principal and Managing Director, Weitzman Associates John Woodruff, Principal, Darkhorse Investments & Advisors Erik Eveleigh, Vice President, Development (Americas), Starwood Hotels Kitty Jones, Premier Real Estate & Branded Residences, Catherine Jones Marketing & Communications Michael Wilkings, Founder & President, Debut Design + Development Wendy Hansen, Counsel, Eversheds Sutherland Confirmed sponsors include Marriott International, Accor and Hilton, three of the leading players in the branded residences space. To view the agenda, see here. For more information about BxR 2025 and to register, visit Stay connected with BxR on LinkedIn and follow #BxR2025 About BxR BxR – Brand x Residential is the first U.S. event solely focused on branded residences, connecting developers, investors, advisors and global brands to uncover opportunities and accelerate growth. BxR takes place June 3, 2025 in New York City, co-located with the NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum. About QuestexQuestex helps people live better and longer. Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: hospitality and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy – connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here. Media ContactKirsty McKennaBxRkmckenna@
Indian Express
16-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Top 10 cities with most billionaires in 2025: This Indian city ranks #6 globally
Top 10 global cities with the most billionaires in 2025: Where do the world's richest people live? There are over 3,000 billionaires across 78 countries, with a combined net worth of $16.1 trillion. Yet, nearly a quarter of them, worth a total of $3.3 trillion, have chosen to call just ten cities home, according to Forbes' World's Billionaires List 2025. Maintaining its four-year streak (except in 2021, when it was briefly overtaken by Beijing), New York City, popularly known as the Big Apple, continues to top the list in 2025. The Big Apple is home to 123 billionaires with a collective net worth of $759 billion. Moscow, Russia's capital, ranks second with 90 billionaires worth a total of $409 billion, overtaking Hong Kong, which now stands at number three, with 72 billionaires. Hong Kong remains one of three Chinese cities in this year's top 10. In a notable shift, London climbed two spots to claim the fourth position, with 71 billionaires. Access Industries founder Len Blavatnik remains the city's wealthiest resident. Beijing, dubbed the billionaire capital of Asia, rounds out the top five with 68 billionaires, up five from last year. Its richest resident is Lei Jun, co-founder and CEO of Xiaomi, with a net worth of $43.5 billion. San Francisco and Shanghai tie for the eighth rank, each with 58 billionaires. While San Francisco added eight new billionaires, Shanghai welcomed five. Mumbai, India's financial hub and the home base of Mukesh Ambani, ranks sixth in 2025, down two places from last year. The city now hosts 67 billionaires with a combined worth of $349 billion. Among its new entrants are four members of the Doshi family of Waaree Industries, which went public in October. Source: Forbes World's Billionaire List 2025 | Data as of: March 7, 2025 Cherry Gupta is an Assistant Manager - Content at The Indian Express. She is responsible for crafting compelling narratives, uncovering the latest news and developments, and driving engaging content based on data and trends to boost website traffic and audience engagement. One can connect with her on LinkedIn or by mail at ... Read More
