PRO Tip Sheet: 5 Insights From This Week

This week we reported on Shane’s Smith efforts to buy back Vice Media, on how Hollywood is turning to video games as the new IP, on efforts to protect young actors after “Quiet on Set” and on how TV networks are struggling to cover Trump Republicans. 5Insights From WrapPRO]( This week we revealed Vice Media cofounder Shane Smith’s ambition to buy back the media empire he blew up. We also reported on how Hollywood is turning to video games to offset slumping superhero movies, delved into how Hollywood is working to protect actors after the “Quiet on Set” revelations, explained the thorny issue facing television networks trying to cover Trump Republicans and reported on how an Israeli kibbutz is mourning its dead and vowing to rebuild after the Hamas attack. 1. [Shane Smith Scrambles to Save What’s Left of Vice, the Media Empire He Built – and Blew Up | Exclusive]( By Waxman and Emily Smith | Source:WrapPRO]( - Shane Smith, Vice Media’s cofounder, is attempting to buy back the company after its acquisition out of bankruptcy by a consortium led by Fortress Investment Group. - The rise and fall of Vice, once valued at $5.7 billion, offers a cautionary tale of ambition, excess, and financial missteps, culminating in bankruptcy, staff layoffs, and uncertain future prospects. - The decline of Vice, once hailed for its edgy journalism and bold storytelling, reflects broader challenges in the digital media landscape, highlighting the importance of sustainable business models and effective leadership. [Keep Reading]( 2. [With Superheroes Slumping, Hollywood Turns to Video Games]( By Drew Taylor and Umberto Gonzalez | Source: [WrapPRO]( - Despite recent superhero film struggles, Hollywood is turning to video game adaptations as the next major IP, fueled by evolving audience interests and a new generation of decision-makers with a deep connection to gaming culture. - Recent video game-inspired hits like “Sonic the Hedgehog” and “Five Nights at Freddy's” signal a potential shift towards quality adaptations, challenging the traditional notion of the “video game movie curse.” - As studios invest in video game IP, the industry is witnessing a paradigm shift towards quality storytelling, leveraging the unique universes of video games and the understanding of gaming narratives among today's Hollywood talent. [Keep Reading]( 3. [After ‘Quiet on Set’ Revelations, Is Hollywood Doing Enough to Protect Child Actors?]( By Raquel ‘Rocky’ Harris and Sharon Knolle | Source:WrapPRO]( - “Quiet On Set” prompts Nickelodeon and Disney to enhance child actor protections, including implementing background checks, but experts warn of ongoing gaps and loopholes in the system. - Despite improvements, there's a culture of fear among industry professionals, with many still reluctant to speak out against abuse for fear of retaliation. - Legal changes, such as California's AB-452 removing the statute of limitations for child victims of sexual assault, aim to provide more support and avenues for justice for victims, highlighting a shift in the industry's approach to child protection. [Keep Reading]( 4. [NBC News' Ronna McDaniel Problem Looms Larger: How Should Networks Cover Trump Republicans?]( By Natalie Korach | Source:WrapPRO]( - The uproar over Ronna McDaniel's hiring and firing at NBC News highlights the challenge of covering Trump-era Republicans without promoting election falsehoods. - Experts say that media networks, facing a highly polarized political landscape, should include diverse views cautiously, and consider doing so only through digital platforms, to avoid controversy and backlash. - The struggle to represent conservative viewpoints while upholding editorial standards is exemplified by recent controversies at NBC News and MSNBC, highlighting the broader challenges of political coverage in a post-Trump era. [Keep Reading]( 5. [From the Rubble of ‘Be’eri’: A Kibbutz Mourns Its Dead and Vows to Rebuild | Photo Essay]( By Sharon Waxman | Source: [WrapPRO]( - The devastating aftermath of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Kibbutz Be’eri, Israel reveals a resilient community grappling with trauma, loss of life and the ongoing plight of hostages. - Despite the horrors endured, Kibbutz Be’eri residents are returning to rebuild their shattered lives, showcasing a tight-knit community's determination to reclaim their homes and honor the memories of those lost in the tragedy. - Through personal accounts of survival and loss, the harrowing events of Oct. 7 underscore the profound impact of terrorism on individuals and families, highlighting the need for support and solidarity in navigating the long-lasting repercussions within the entertainment industry and beyond. [Keep Reading]( With a focus on delivering actionable intelligence, the PRO Tip Sheet empowers readers to stay ahead of the game in the industry. Want to go deeper? [Explore WrapPRO today](. TheWrap | 2034 Armacost Ave Los Angeles, CA 90025 [Unsubscribe](