Latest news with #AGBO
Metro
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Meet the 'hidden' Russo sibling leading her Marvel director brothers' studio
You don't have to be a major cinephile to recognise the names Joe and Anthony Russo thanks to their work on four of Marvel's biggest-ever films, including Avengers: Endgame – briefly the highest-grossing film of all time. Often referred to simply as 'the Russo brothers', their entire careers have been publicly intertwined, working together first in sitcoms like Arrested Development before indie films and then linking up with Disney to make their names internationally. But alongside that timeline, there's also been another Russo building a profile in the industry – a Russo sister, Angela Russo-Otstot. Russo-Otstot, 46, has had plenty of her own successes, selling a script to HBO in her early 20s – 'quite atypical and a very fortunate place to start' – before spending a decade as a TV writer-producer on shows like The Shield. But what many may not realise is how influential she's become in recent years. After all, this is the woman who is producing the eagerly anticipated Avengers films, Doomsday and Secret Wars, alongside her siblings, thanks to her role as Chief Creative Officer at AGBO, the studio Joe and Anthony founded in 2017. Or as Joe tells me later: 'I mean, she really runs the company.' Russo-Otstot has been more under the radar than her brothers, but this has shifted as she has taken charge at AGBO and stepped into a more visible job. 'As the person who heads up the company, I am able to see everything through, whether it's across film or series or gaming or animation,' she tells me when we meet at the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews. 'Because of that, I am out there, in production and beyond – releasing as well – and able to participate more.' We're talking in Scotland in April because Russo-Otstot and her brother Joe are here supporting the Sands International Film Festival, which AGBO co-founded as a major sponsor with the University of St Andrews after Joe's daughter attended as a student. Russo-Otstot is comfortable herself in this setting after teaching screenwriting and playwriting at two Cleveland-based universities, the family's hometown, during a break from Hollywood to raise her kids. She describes it as 'life-changing'. 'In doing those courses, I really shifted my focus to championing other writers, and that prepared me very well for my time at ABGO, when I came back and started in the story department. Sometimes I wrote or developed on projects [including 2021 Tom Holland crime drama Cherry], but often I worked in partnership and mentorship of the writers that we had.' Russo-Otstot focuses a lot on AGBO's mentoring and passion for indie filmmaking during our conversation, which might seem surprising when the studio's producing one of the biggest movies currently shooting (when we meet, her brothers are already filming Avengers: Doomsday in London, which is why I presume only Joe is able to get away). But they walk the walk too. It was such a strange request because I was a writer and not a traditionally trained executive 'Anthony and Joe have always had a mentality of paying it forward because they were mentored by Steven Soderbergh when they were starting out.' Award-winning filmmaker Soderbergh also came to Sands in 2024, while later that day Russo-Otstot and her brother will participate in a talk alongside filmmaker Frank E. Flowers, whose upcoming swashbuckler The Bluff, starring Priyanka Chopra, they have developed (thanks to another blossoming partnership, this time with Amazon). She does admit she was baffled when her brothers initially asked her to work with them, however. 'I thought it was such a strange request because I was a writer and not a traditionally trained executive, but to them that was exactly the point,' she says. 'They wanted a collection of artists working with executives that would shepherd other artists and really protect them throughout the development process especially – but also make sure that the creative was the driver first and foremost.' AGBO is at the forefront of major cinematic and streaming releases thanks to the work the three Russos have done for Netflix too. The Gray Man, executive produced by Russo-Otstot and directed by her siblings, is one of the most watched films ever on Netflix with 139.3million views in its first 91 days, while she was also a producer on this year's The Electric State. When we're meeting, The Electric State has not long been rinsed by critics and its rumoured budget of $320m (£234.3m) widely reported on ('Not confirmed!' Russo-Otstot interjects). To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video But she appears unfazed after telling me that 'success for a streamer means something very different than theatrical'; she's also a big fan of the power of day and date global releasing and how it allows everybody to engage 'in a singular conversation around it'. And as to the long-gestating Electric State specifically? 'Look, that film is going to be an evergreen title. It's a family film that will stay on platform, and so it will be returned to again and again over the years, which is wonderful and exciting.' She's also proud of the film's ambition in bringing together live action and animation 'in such a seamless manner'. 'We had to work with a whole host of artists, hundreds and hundreds of them – human artists – who painstakingly brought those robots to life in such a beautiful and exciting manner. What was achieved in terms of the level of execution with visual effects in that film is quite a feat.' It's also far from a cheap feat. 'I am very excited, though, to be back in the theatrical space with the Avengers, and there's certainly a power of global connectivity with those films as well – they've also achieved that to a degree that perhaps no one else has.' The Avengers films are the crown jewel in the Russo family's portfolio, and these two upcoming movies are the first Marvels that AGBO will also produce. It feels like 'something that's come full circle' for her brothers, shares Otstot-Russo, and in terms of her being along for the ride, she continues: 'It's kind of lovely that they're bringing what they've learned and developed and we've done together at AGBO over the last eight or nine years back to Marvel for this run.' For brother Joe, 53 (Anthony is the oldest by 17 months, and their other sister, Gabriella Russo Rosalina, opted to follow in their father's footsteps into law instead), Russo-Otstot is the best at 'everything'. 'You can collaborate with her on anything, and she's always going to make it better, figure out the right path through it, how to creatively execute it, who the best partner and creative talent is for it. She really is, in my mind, one of the best executives in the business,' he tells me ahead of their talk later. You could argue their collaboration was foreshadowed when Russo-Otstot and their mother cooked meals for the cast and crew on the set of the Joe and Anthony's first film, Pieces, in 1997 – but Russo says he never would even have dreamed at that moment where they'd all be in 2025. More Trending 'We were just two kids from Cleveland who made a movie for very little money, using our uncle's shop to film at and family and friends for the crew members. It's been a very strange trajectory for us.' He's also relishing bringing the two major creative endeavours of his and Anthony's career together, alongside their sister. 'I love it because our two families are AGBO and Marvel and to bring them together, to me, is really fulfilling. And we have a lot of creative assets at AGBO, Marvel has a lot of creative assets… so we put the chocolate and the peanut butter together and we get something really special.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Insomniac Games rumoured to be working on three games – but what are they? MORE: 'Expansively unsettling' and deeply personal horror film finally released in the UK MORE: Eagerly anticipated horror's producer explains why '0.0 percent watchable' film flopped
Indian Express
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Priyanka Chopra calls out quote on virginity and marriage falsely attributed to her: ‘Don't believe everything you scroll past'
Priyanka Chopra is busy promoting her upcoming Hollywood action comedy Heads of State, but she couldn't help but notice a quote doing the rounds on social media which has been falsely attributed to her. The actor decided to call it out and clarified that she never said those words. She also cautioned against the misuse of social media. The quote in question read, 'Don't look for virgins as wife. Get a woman with good manners. Virginity ends in one night but manners last forever.' Priyanka shared the screenshot of a portal attributing the quote to her on her Instagram Stories and wrote, 'This is not me, my quote or my voice. Just because it's online, doesn't make it true.' Priyanka Chopra warned her followers against falling for similar fake content. 'Creating fake content is now an easy way to achieve virality. None of the links or 'sources' attached to this claim, or many others online, are reliable or credible. Take a minute to crosscheck such content and don't believe anything you scroll past. Stay safe online,' added the actor. On her appearance on The Ranveer Show in 2023, Priyanka had insisted on the importance of being a 'bold girl' instead of a 'good girl'. She had said, 'Good girls don't make history. Bold girls make history. Bold people make history. So if you want to be the lead actor of your movie, which is your life, you've got to make choices that might be contrary to what you've heard.' Meanwhile, Priyanka Chopra's next film Heads of State will premiere on Amazon Prime Video on July 2. Directed by Ilya Naishuller of Nobody fame, the globetrotting adventure movie features Priyanka alongside Idris Elba and John Cena. It's about the US President (Cena) and the UK Prime Minister (Elba), who must set aside their rivalry to thwart a global conspiracy and save the world — if they can work together. Priyanka is currently shuttling between the US and India as she's also filming for SS Rajamouli's next directorial opposite Mahesh Babu. Meanwhile, season 2 of her spy thriller show Citadel, which was set to release in 2025, has been delayed until spring 2026 as the show, produced by Joe and Anthony Russo's AGBO, is facing challenges once again. The first season of the hit show featured Priyanka Chopra alongside Richard Madden. The spy series, which spanned across six episodes, also starred Stanley Tucci, Lesley Manville, Ashleigh Cummings, Roland Moller, and Rahul Kohli, among others. Shooting for the second season was completed in November 2023. However, Amazon MGM is now making changes to improve the final product. Also Read — Diljit Dosanjh snuck in his 'kirpan' at Met Gala behind Shakira, says Priyanka Chopra looked out for him as he was all alone: 'They said this is a weapon' She is also set to reunite with her Baywatch co-star Zac Efron for Nicholas Stoller's untitled comedy film. Michael Pena has also joined the lead cast of the film, which is being produced under the collaboration of Amazon MGM Studios.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Aura Launches "Lifetime of Protection" Ad Featuring Robert Downey Jr. to Spotlight The Need for Protection at Every Stage of Life
Produced under the creative direction of Joe Russo, co-founder of AGBO; and directed by AGBO's Ryan McNeely, the spot shows Downey aging from childhood to senior years using specialized VFX underpinned by artificial intelligence and machine learning. BOSTON, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Aura, the leading AI-powered online safety solution for individuals and families, launched a new commercial titled "A Lifetime of Protection" showcasing the company's commitment to helping families navigate online risks throughout every stage of their lives, from protecting children from cyberbullying, online predators and the mental health impacts of technology to protecting older adults from telephone and text scams, identity theft and bank fraud. "The digital world is evolving faster than ever, and every new device or app introduces new kinds of threats," said Hari Ravichandran, founder and CEO of Aura. "At Aura, we understand that online safety needs adapt as people move through different life stages. Our platform is built to grow alongside your family—whether protecting a child when they get their first phone or intervening before an aging grandparent is targeted with a scam." Featuring Robert Downey Jr., "A Lifetime of Protection" was created in collaboration with AGBO co-founder and acclaimed filmmaker Joe Russo. The cinematic ad uses advanced AI and machine learning to de-age and then age Downey as he walks through an illustration of a full life, protected from a myriad of evolving digital risks. The commercial showcases Aura's role, at the users' side, throughout all life's twists and turns. The spot will run on streaming platforms and during high-impact TV moments throughout the year and follows the release of new AI tools designed to help parents safeguard their children from online harm. "The surge in online crime in recent years is alarming," said Downey. "Protecting our families, friends, and neighbors requires genuine innovation, so it's reassuring to know there's a resource available that looks out for all of the people we love at every stage of our digital worlds." "The concept behind this commercial is beautiful– the idea that this app can protect you through all stages of life is powerful," said Russo. "I enjoyed bringing that symbolism to life on screen. What made it even more compelling was that we did so using the same AI technology Aura uses to protect families every day. It's rare when both the method and the message align so seamlessly on screen." A Platform That Grows With YouAura's "Lifetime of Protection" ad highlights its all-in-one approach to digital safety—offering AI-powered protection that evolves with your family's needs. Whether it's helping parents manage screen time and spot signs of cyberbullying, shielding adults from identity theft and financial fraud, or keeping seniors safe from scams with a simple interface, Aura adapts to every stage of life. As online threats evolve to include not just stolen data but emotional harms like cyberbullying and body image issues, Aura is redefining what protection means—giving families deeper insight into their digital lives and overall wellbeing. "At Aura, we believe your safety should grow with your family," said Hari Ravichandran. "This is more than a product—it's a lifelong promise." To learn more about how Aura can protect you and your family, visit About Aura:Aura is one of the fastest-growing online safety solutions for individuals and families. Whether you're protecting yourself, your kids or your aging loved ones, Aura meets your needs at every stage of life. From real-time threat detection and scam alerts to tools that help parents protect their kids from predators, cyberbullying and tech-driven mental health risks – Aura empowers families to thrive in the digital world. Learn more at About AGBO:AGBO is an Academy Award-Winning independent studio focused on developing and producing intellectual property universes spanning film, TV, gaming, and publishing. The "Lifetime of Protection" spot was directed by Ryan McNeely, who oversees AGBO's Animation and Virtual Production Studios. Superconductor (the creative agency founded by the Russo Brothers and Justin Lin) wrote and developed the spot. The project was creatively overseen in production and post by AGBO Co-Founder and acclaimed filmmaker Joe Russo, who served as Creative Director. For information about AGBO, visit and for information about Superconductor, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Aura Sign in to access your portfolio
Forbes
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
How To Craft A Leadership Narrative That Drives Positive Influence
In a world of constant change, storytelling has become one of the most powerful tools in a leader's ... More arsenal. Attention spans are short. Workplace engagement is low. The demand for brand loyalty and organizational clarity makes storytelling an essential tool for modern leadership. Today's most effective leaders don't just direct—they inspire through narrative. By weaving vision and purpose into a compelling story, they align teams and drive engagement. Storytelling is no longer a soft skill; it's a strategic leadership imperative. While many leaders realize this, few understand the true mechanics of storytelling better than Angela Russo-Otstot, chief creative officer at AGBO—the entertainment company founded by the Russo Brothers. She oversees some of modern media's most ambitious and interconnected story universes, spanning films, television, animation and gaming. But her approach to storytelling extends far beyond entertainment. It's rooted in leadership. 'Storytelling isn't just a creative function; it's a leadership strategy,' says Russo-Otstot. 'At AGBO, everything starts with a story. That story has to be clear, emotionally resonant, and aligned across platforms. The same applies to leadership. If people don't understand the 'why' behind what they're doing, they won't stay connected to the work.' AGBO continues solidifying its reputation as a global storytelling icon with a slate of high-profile, genre-defining productions. Most recently, the studio launched the Amazon thriller series Citadel, and the highly anticipated Netflix sci-fi adventure The Electric State debuted last month. These projects build on the studio's bold, emotionally resonant storytelling track record, following recent hits like the Oscar-winning Everything Everywhere All At Once and Extraction 2, starring Chris Hemsworth. Russo-Otstot's role requires managing large, cross-functional teams while ensuring a consistent narrative across multiple formats. That challenge mirrors what many business leaders face: guiding diverse departments toward a common goal while keeping the mission intact. 'You have to build a culture where people see how their contributions support the larger story,' she explains. 'Whether you're creating a film or launching a product, the leader's job is to tell a clear and consistent narrative about where the team is headed.' That narrative can't be surface-level or performative. It must be rooted in authenticity. Russo-Otstot applies this same principle when cultivating creativity in her teams, emphasizing that innovation flourishes when people feel psychologically safe. As storytelling evolves across platforms, leadership narratives must adapt to changing environments. 'Know your core story, but be willing to adjust the plot as the world shifts,' she advises. Flexibility paired with purpose is what keeps a leadership narrative relevant and resonant. LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 01: Angela Russo-Otstot pictured at Prime Video's star-studded showcase ... More event Prime Video Presents: Trailblazers at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on October 01, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for Prime Video) Looking ahead, Russo-Otstot sees the intersection of technology and humanity as the next challenge and opportunity for leaders. 'AI, immersive media and multi-platform storytelling are changing how we experience content,' the creative leader adds. 'But the need for emotionally grounded, authentic stories remains constant. Leaders who can harness that will stand out.' Her advice to leaders is simple and profound: 'Know your story. Share it clearly. Evolve it with purpose. That's how you lead people through change and toward something bigger than themselves.' Whether leading a creative team, managing a startup or driving change in a legacy organization, storytelling amplifies your leadership. Here's how to start crafting your leadership narrative: Every compelling leadership narrative follows a recognizable structure: beginning, middle and end. Start with the origin of your journey while intertwining the challenges. This sets the stage for your audience. Share where you or your organization started, what inspired your mission or what need or opportunity sparked change. This provides essential context and helps others understand the 'why' behind your leadership. As your narrative progresses, focus heavily on the middle part, where growth and conflict unfold. This is where you outline the challenges you've faced, the lessons learned and the progress made. Don't shy away from vulnerability; this part of the story builds trust and relatability. It shows your team that you're evolving, just as they are, and that leadership is an ongoing journey, not a destination. Finally, end on a strong sentiment, not as a conclusion but as a vision. Describe the future you're building and why it matters. This part of your narrative should be forward-looking and inspiring. It's your opportunity to rally others around a shared purpose and show them the role they can play in shaping what comes next. When leaders embrace storytelling as a tool, they do more than lead. They inspire. 'The story you tell as a leader—how you talk about your values, your mission, your goals—that becomes your team's North Star,' concludes Russo-Otstot. 'But it only works if it's real. People can feel the difference.'
See - Sada Elbalad
29-03-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
"Citadel" Franchise Faces Uncertain Future at Amazon
Yara Sameh "Citadel", Amazon MGM's spy series executive produced by Joe and Anthony Russo's AGBO, has hit more turbulence. The expensive series, which was positioned as a flagship show with a global reach, has a history of ballooning budgets and creative strife but still managed to snag a second season order. Now, that season is in flux. Multiple sources say that Amazon MGM is pushing the show from a planned fall 2025 release to a spring 2026 debut. Additionally, the continuation of all Citadel spinoff series are on hold at least until the second season is released if not indefinitely. All this stems from Amazon MGM being unhappy with what they have seen so far of season two, according to sources. An insider added the company had not yet set a date for the show's return. As initially conceived, Citadel was to have multiple international spinoff series to accompany the English-language main title, which stars Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas as globe-trotting spies. The spinoffs have included Italy's "Citadel: Diana" and India's "Citadel: Honey Bunny", both of which have performed well for the global platform in their local markets. However, the development of any spinoffs has been put on hold as the second season of the flagship series gets fine-tuned. Shooting for season two wrapped in late November last year. "Citadel" has been a troubled series from the jump — when reshoots, two competing cuts and crew defections on the first season added $75 million to the already $160 million budget. At the time, the show became the second most expensive series ever made, only falling behind fellow Amazon title Rings of Power, the Lord of the Rings TV series. Nonetheless, it was renewed for a second season ahead of the first season's April 2023 premiere. With the latest setback, insiders question if this is the end for "Citadel" a show that was championed by former Amazon MGM head Jennifer Salke. She first approached the Russo Bros. with the idea for Citadel as they were winding down their first sting in the Marvel Universe. It was supposed to be Amazon's answer to James Bond. Now Amazon is fully behind the wheel of the Astin Martin after closing a deal for creative control earlier this month. Adding to the show's woes is Salke's abrupt ouster, which caught most inside the company by surprise Thursday. While the head of TV Vernon Sanders will now be overseeing the show, it's never good to lose a top executive support beam. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) News Ireland Replaces Former Israeli Embassy with Palestinian Museum News Israeli PM Diagnosed with Stage 3 Prostate Cancer Lifestyle Maguy Farah Reveals 2025 Expectations for Pisces News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies
