An abridged, ad-supported version of 'It’s a Wonderful Life' circulating on Amazon Prime omits the pivotal Pottersville scene due to copyright licensing issues, which is problematic since the scene is essential to the film's story. The film's complex copyright history, including its entry into public domain and subsequent licensing disputes, explains why the shorter version exists, but the original remains the superior version.
An abridged, ad-supported version of 'It’s a Wonderful Life' circulating on Amazon Prime omits the pivotal 'Pottersville' scene due to copyright issues, stemming from complex rights and copyright law interpretations, which have affected the film's broadcasting history and availability.
Amazon MGM paid $20 million for creative control of the James Bond franchise, taking over from long-time producers and forming a joint venture to manage the intellectual property, following Amazon's acquisition of MGM in 2021. The deal includes rights to distribute and potentially influence future Bond films, with the next actor and director yet to be announced.
A scripted adaptation of the high-profile murder case involving Karen Read, who was acquitted of her police officer boyfriend's death, is in development by LBI Productions, with rights managed by CAA. The project will explore the case's details, including the defense and prosecution perspectives, and aims to shed light on the complex legal and cultural issues surrounding the case. Additionally, a book project is also in the works.
Blumhouse has acquired the rights to future 'Saw' films from Twisted Pictures, while Lionsgate retains a 50% stake in the franchise, which includes 10 movies and various merchandise. The deal returns the franchise to its original creators, James Wan and Leigh Whannell, with Wan expressing enthusiasm for the future of the series under Blumhouse's leadership.
Blumhouse has acquired the rights to all future 'Saw' films and properties, reuniting with original director James Wan, while Lionsgate continues its partnership and retains a stake. The deal marks a return of the franchise to Wan and aims to push the legacy forward with new creative directions.
Blumhouse is acquiring the rights to the 'Saw' horror franchise from Twisted Pictures, with Lionsgate remaining a partner owning 50%, as James Wan, the creator, reconnects with the IP. No new movie is currently in development, and previous plans for 'Saw XI' have been stalled due to creative differences.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly acquired the film rights to the book "Meet Me at the Lake" by Carley Fortune, in what may be their first off-camera project for Netflix. The couple is said to have paid around $3.8 million for the rights. The book, a romance with themes of childhood trauma, mental health, and post-natal depression, caught their attention and is seen as a significant project for them as producers. However, the film's production is currently on hold due to the ongoing writers' strike in Hollywood. Additionally, tensions between the Sussexes and the Beckhams are reported, with Meghan allegedly avoiding being upstaged by Victoria Beckham and a series of perceived slights leading to ongoing disagreements between the two families.
