PRO Tip Sheet: 5 Insights From This Week

This week we reported on a potential joint bid from Sony and Apollo to buy Paramount, on how the closing of Participant impacts the doc world, on the rise of women’s sports rights and on how celebrity conservatorships are affecting more women. 5Insights From WrapPRO]( This week we reported that Sony entered discussions with Apollo about a possible joint bid to acquire Paramount Global. We also reported on how the shuttering of Participant Media sent shudders through the doc world, delved into the surge in popularity of women sports which are breaking viewership numbers and signing lucrative broadcast deals, explained how celebrity conservatorships have disproportionately affected women and revealed how Michael Kassan is preparing to for a showdown at Cannes Lions with his former company MediaLink. 1. [Could a Sony-Apollo Joint Bid Stop a Paramount Shareholder Revolt?]( By Barrionuevo and Jeremy Fuster | Source:WrapPRO]( - Sony Pictures is in talks with Apollo Global Management about a joint bid to acquire Paramount, challenging Shari Redstone's preference for Skydance Media and potentially adding Paramount to Sony's collection of labels, which includes Columbia Pictures and TriStar. - A Sony acquisition of Paramount would continue the trend of studio consolidation, following Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Fox and Amazon's purchase of MGM, possibly leading to a decrease in the number of wide-release films in cinemas. - Redstone, Paramount's non-executive chairwoman, is focused on finding a buyer that will purchase and maintain the entire company, while Apollo is more likely to break up Paramount and sell it off in parts if its bid is successful. [Keep Reading]( 2. [Documentary Market Shudders as Participant Media Shuts: ‘Docs Are So Dead’]( By Jeremy Fuster | Source: [WrapPRO]( - Participant Media's closure after 20 years is a significant loss for the documentary market, as the studio was known for funding and producing impactful documentaries that were not only critically acclaimed but also sparked social change. - The decline in interest and funding for documentaries has been evident, with fewer mature films being made and a shift towards celebrity-driven content, indicating a challenging landscape for filmmakers aiming to create socially conscious projects. - Despite the challenges, there remains a hope among filmmakers that the demand for documentaries still exists, even if it may not be as pronounced among industry buyers, suggesting the genre may evolve and find its place in the changing entertainment landscape. [Keep Reading]( 3. [The Rise of Women’s Sports Isn’t a Moment, It’s a Movement]( By Kayla Cobb and Loree Seitz | Source:WrapPRO]( - Women's sports are experiencing a significant surge in popularity and media attention, with record-breaking viewership numbers, lucrative broadcast deals, and increasing advertiser investment, signaling a major shift in the industry. - A viral TikTok video highlighting the inequities in women's sports facilities sparked a movement for change, leading to increased investment, better coverage, and broader audience engagement, particularly in college basketball and beyond. - Despite recent strides, there's still room for growth in women's sports, including addressing pay disparities and expanding opportunities for athletes, as the industry continues to gain momentum and attract a diverse and engaged fan base. [Keep Reading]( 4. [Three Years After Britney, Wendy Williams Shows Celebrity Conservatorships May Still Be Toxic to Women]( By Andi Ortiz | Source:WrapPRO]( - Wendy Williams' temporary financial guardianship, initially requested by Wells Fargo, highlights a broader issue of gender disparity in celebrity conservatorships, where women are often subject to adverse conditions and financial exploitation compared to male counterparts. - The documentary on Lifetime featuring Williams' guardianship underscores the heightened public scrutiny over celebrity conservatorships following the #FreeBritney movement, as fans and families alike worry about her well-being amid her aphasia diagnosis. - The challenges of conservatorships extend beyond financial management, impacting the individual's mental health and personal development, particularly when imposed at a young age, raising questions about the system's impact on individual rights. [Keep Reading]( 5. [Showdown on the Croisette: Michael Kassan to Take on His Ex-Firm MediaLink at Cannes Lions]( By Emily Smith | Source: [WrapPRO]( - Former MediaLink CEO Michael Kassan's presence at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity in June, despite his messy departure from the firm, is expected to create a showdown between him and his former company, United Talent Agency, potentially affecting deals and networking dynamics at the event. - Kassan's plans to set up a new company, along with his alternative networking events at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, threaten to upstage UTA's presence at Cannes Lions, as many attendees are clients of MediaLink and attracted by Kassan's influence. - The legal battle between Kassan and UTA, which includes accusations of financial misconduct, adds tension to their rivalry, with Kassan determined to compete with MediaLink despite UTA's efforts to enforce a non-compete clause. [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](