Specifically, the TCA is a bi-annual gathering of over 200 critics across the country and Canada (both in print and online) who gather for the proverbial scoop on what is “hot” and what is “not” in the world of orginal content across all platforms.

This year there were sessions with Disney Entertainment Television, CBS, NBC and PBS; Hallmark Channel, Crunchyroll and Starz; and an updated discussion with Hub Entertainment Research to explore the new trends in how people consume content, and how new shows will find an audience in the future.

It was a whirlwind of activity, complete with a roster of actors representing their TV series (including Oscar winner Kathy Bates in the upcomong reboot of Matlock, the legendary Reba McEntire in her upcoming NBC sitcom, Happy’s Place; and Justin Hartley in the returning Tracker), and the annual TCA Awards, which honor the best content of the season as voted by the membership. All this was was all held at the glorious Langham Huntington, Pasadena.

Matlock debuts in the Thursday 9 p.m. ET hour on CBS (out of sitcom Ghosts and into the sophomore legal-themed dramedy Elsbeth) on October 17.

Happy’s Place, which reunites Reba McEntire with her former Reba co-star Melissa Peterman, opens in the Friday 8 p.m. ET half-hour on NBC (into returning Lopez vs. Lopez) on October 18.

And Tracker, the most-watched network primetime series at present, moves into the Sunday 8 p.m. ET hour (out of granddaddy newsmagazine 60 Minutes and into returning The Equalizer) in season two.

After 25 years as a TCA member, however, there was still one thing missing…my exploration of Los Angeles. So, in celebration of that quarter of a century landmark, I decided to spend an afternoon as a tourist and booked two tours with Hollywood Bus Tours.

Located smack in the middle of the famed Hollywood Blvd. (where you can easily spend hours just walking up and down the streets to see the 2,784 stars, to-date, on the Hollywood Walk of Fame), the start of the initial tour was right on time and our first destination was to the historical Hollywood sign. The Hollywood sign was officially dedicated in the hills above Hollywood in 1923. It originally read “Hollywoodland,“ but the four last letters were dropped after its renovation in 1949.

Under the guidance of our tour guide “Charlie From the Bronx,” this memorable trip into the Hollywood Hills, and initially past the former home of the legendary game show host, Bob Barker, led me to wonder what a resident deep in these Hollywood Hills does when it simply needs a few odds and ends.

“Charlie From the Bronx” was a treasure trove of information and nostalgia about the Hollywood celebrity world and the city in general. The van was small and intimate, comfortable on what was a particularly warm day. And the view as we trekked up the hills was simply breaktaking…and quite unexpected.

The Bermans – Morgan and Jodi (front) and Marc (back)

As we headed back, quicker no doubt going downhill, “Charlie From the Bronx” assured us we would be back in time for the two-hour Celebrity Homes Tour. And there is was, a colorful open bus waiting to speed off into 120 minutes of non-stop sights under the guidance of our super friendly, energetic, and also vastly knowledgable tour guide, Shane.

L.A. hot spots, famous landmarks, celebrity homes, and more! Led by Shane, it was past – and into – the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Beverly Hills, the Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive, West Hollywood, and a selection of famous homes and celebrity hotspots. Think Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher, and Oscar winner Al Pacino, among so many other stars!

“I have lost track how many celebrities we have seen since I started doing this tour,” noted Shane, who had no shortage of information and stories about every single star and landmark.

If you plan on booking a tour, or two (or two) with Hollywood Bus Tours, other tours are available, such as “A Taste of LA,” a five hour exporation of the most famous hotspots in the city. That is my plan for my next visit. And Hollywood Bus Tours is my suggestion for any one in search of fun, information and adventure. Oh…and you will be treated like a like a King (or Queen) too!

Thank you, Chris Chris Leschinger. 

The post Hollywood Bus Tours: Exploring The ‘Entertainment Capital Of The World’ appeared first on Programming Insider.

Uplifting, inspirational, positive, heartwarming, trusted, valuable, and family friendly. These are the descriptors for UP Entertainment, the multiplatform brand offering for viewers of all ages seeking entertainment – in any category – with relatable stories of love and respect and hope and faith. Celebrating 20 years, UP Entertainment features original and acquired content, scripted and non-scripted, and the diversified library focuses on a positive impact on people through uplifting stories.

“UP Entertainment is truly an embodiment of its own name. It is a warm comfortable pair of slippers on a chilly morning,” said Tim Winter, the industry veteran and former head of the Parents Television and Media Council (PTC). “Today, in particular, it is pivotal to have a family friendly destination like UP Entertainment that makes us feel good about ourselves.”

“With so much anger in the world right now, we need – and we seek – a platform that accentuates the positive,” he said. “We want to feel good. We want to celebrate. And we want to spend time as a family consuming content we can comfortably share together. For the audience, and for advertisers seeking positive brand representation, UP Entertainment fills that need.”

Charley Humbard, UP Entertainment Founder & CEO said, “There are 60 million people that seek programming that is positive and aligns with their values.  We have been curating content for them for over 20 years and know them better than anyone.  We are their trusted choice, and we ensure we are on major platforms where they can find our brands.  We have created subscription ad free services for them so they can choose an even more personalized and predictable experience and we continually innovate to ensure they have the best user experience in the streaming world.”

The Marketplace Today

Once upon a time, a typical market had three broadcast networks, two or three independent stations, and PBS. Flash to the arrival of Fox and there were four broadcast networks. Next, there were six networks and a plethora of cable networks. Now, of course, there are also a variety of digital platforms and other venues to stream programming. Consumers today have exponentially more viewing options, and they can choose from an array of programs, both on linear broadcast and on the streaming platforms.

At the height of the pandemic, millions of viewers found a safe haven with UP’s emphasis on positive storytelling. UPtv’s ratings surged across every daypart, according to Nielsen Media Research, and the strongest gains, particularly among women and adults 25-54, were in the weekday and weekend daytime blocks where viewing doubled over the prior quarter.  Post-pandemic the emphasis on positive storytelling continues to bring viewers to the channel.

“The proliferation of options that focus on dark and complex programming has opened a door for UPtv to tell stories that are lighter and offer uplifting characters,” noted Hector Campos, Senior Vice President of Content Strategy & Acquisitions at UP Entertainment. “Our collection of series and movies focus on love, laughter and positivity, which leave you feeling uplifted every day. Our audience knows what to expect and will not have to lunge for the remote because of questionable content.”

UP Entertainment

“Our viewers depend on us for more feel-good stories than anywhere else,” said Campos. “That is why UPtv is the trusted brand for adults seeking positive stories and uplifting moments. Since our launch in 2004, we have never strayed from our purpose of uplifting others with quality entertainment, and during that time, we have expanded our offering from two cable networks into the Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) and FAST space. We are meeting our audience wherever they are consuming content.

The FAST model offers programming for free, monetized through advertising. FAST services provide both linear channels and on-demand options at no cost to the viewers.

“aspireTV, the network for Black life, style, stories and culture, is on the move and is poised to reach even greater heights as it expands its reach and enriches its programming lineup,” noted Angela Cannon, General Manager, aspireTV. “With a commitment to delivering compelling content that resonates with audiences across platforms, viewers can expect to find the network on both traditional linear platforms and the rapidly growing FAST services with aspireTV Life.”

“aspireTV also recently launched its highly anticipated subscription streaming service, “aspireTV+,” now available to subscribers on Amazon Prime Channels, ensuring unparalleled accessibility for audiences nationwide,” she said.

In addition to aspireTV+, UP Entertainment also offers UP Faith & Family, the leading subscription streaming service for uplifting entertainment. Serving over a million families, UP Faith & Family has thousands of faith and family titles available to stream including exclusive premiere titles.

Also under the UP Entertainment umbrella is the SVOD GaitherTV+, which features a library of Country, Bluegrass and Christian concerts and specials; and Cine Romántico, a FAST channel in partnership with PixL Dos, featuring the best of Hollywood TV romance movies in Spanish.

Additionally, UP represents partner brands Ovation TV, the content hub for the arts, culture, and entertainment, and its AVOD and FAST services including Journy.

UP Entertainment’s pro-social initiative, “UPlift Someone,” meanwhile, has inspired over 200 million people to uplift others through its social videos.

The Benefits for Brands with a Sponsorship on UP

“Successful advertising, of course, starts with the right message and messenger. But other components of a prosperous advertising campaign include the right vehicle that reaches the right consumer demographic,” said Tim Winter. “UP understands how important it is for the program content to be consistent with their brand images. That’s why family friendly platforms offer such a huge value premium for advertisers. Their content is safe. Their audience is dependable. And the reach is quantifiable.”

“The whole advertising-supported media environment today is a tempest and a family friendly outlet like UPtv is a safe port in the storm for advertisers,” he said.

“Brand affinity is strong and growing at UPtv, with our viewers responding to our content more positively than ever before,” said Lisa Fischer, UP Entertainment’s Executive Vice President of Advertising Saless, who cites QSR, finance, insurance, pharma, telecom, theatrical and online and package goods as the primary brand partner categories. “We’re up by 36 percent from our most recent viewers’ study. And UPtv is trusted TV, with 43 percent more of our viewers who say UPtv is trustworthy.”

“Our always UPLIFTING content plus POSITIVE programs and a TRUSTED space equals a VALUABLE audience for your brands to build an uplifting and positive partnership,” she said.

“On the aspireTV side, we have seen a tremendous response from advertisers recognizing the value of the audience not only through ad spend, but also by creating content with us through aspireTV Studios,” said Fischer.  “AspireTV Studios was created to build a more diverse and equitable creative supply chain by sourcing and connecting brands with diverse owned, operated and targeted content creators and production companies. AspireTV’s commitment to culture, content and connection has created a strong sense of community with our audience that advertisers want to be part of.”

Upcoming at UP Entertainment

“One additional feature that sets us apart from our competitors is that we have our own studio for production that ensures we have at least one new movie or series premiere for each week of the year,” noted UP’s Hector Campos. “A mix of movie and scripted series across a wide range of genres, including mystery, multi-generational and period pieces.”

“‘Heartland’ season 17 is premiering exclusively across our platforms and on linear in the first quarter of 2025. It is still going strong – and growing. ‘Heartland’ is one of the top 10 most streamed shows in the country,” he said. And ‘Hudson and Rex,’ our current hit, is up by as much as 211 percent, year to year, in women 25-54. Season six opens in 2025.”

“Since June 2022, aspireTV has premiered 10 new original lifestyle focused shows, each delivering fresh perspectives and captivating storytelling of the Black experience,” noted Angela Cannon. “Among these notable additions is “Style Kings,” a design series that invites viewers into the dynamic world of award-winning Interior Designer, Justin Williams, and world-renowned Clothier, Dedrick Thomas, offering a glimpse into their extraordinary lives and creative processes.”

“Furthermore, aspireTV has forged exciting partnerships, none more thrilling than its collaboration with Herschend Entertainment and the iconic Harlem Globetrotters. Together, they are set to unveil “Harlem Globetrotters: Secrets of the City,” an exotic international travel show that promises to uncover the hidden gems and untold stories of cities around the globe,” she said.

“And central to aspireTV’s mission is its unwavering dedication to highlighting the ongoing importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This commitment is epitomized by the network’s newest show, “The Level Up Experiment,” which follows 16 junior and senior scholars from Clark Atlanta, Morehouse, and Spelman college as they embark on weekly challenges at local businesses.”

The Bottom Line

Families are a target audience with a huge amount of purchase power. Parents and children have conversations about the brands they see in TV commercials, and children’s opinions influence purchase decisions. Catering to the family unit, UP Entertainment offers an oasis of content for brands to reach their target audience in a safe and popular environment. And, for the audience, the library of content offers endless entertainment.

The post UP Entertainment: The Creators of the Uplifting Entertainment Genre Offer a Safe and Dependable Advertising Choice for Brands   appeared first on Programming Insider.

The Met Gala: A Shining Beacon of Fashion

The Met Gala is short for the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala. It is an annual fundraising event held in New York City. It marks the grand opening of the Costume Institute’s annual fashion exhibit. It’s at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. First established in 1948. The Gala has since evolved into a global cultural phenomenon. Attracting attention from fashion enthusiasts, celebrities, and media outlets worldwide.

Who Attends the Gala?

Picture this: the crème de la crème of Hollywood. Music icons, fashion designers, supermodels, and even esteemed personalities from various fields. All dressed to impress in extravagant ensembles that often defy the bounds of imagination. The guest list reads like a who’s who of popular culture. With luminaries such as Rihanna, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Kim Kardashian. All gracing the event year after year.

A Lavish Affair: The Price Tag

Now, let’s talk numbers. The Met Gala isn’t another soirée—it’s a fundraiser with a hefty price tag. Tickets reportedly cost upwards of $30,000 per person, with tables ranging from $275,000 to $500,000. But, the fundraising doesn’t stop there. In recent years, the event has raised tens of millions of dollars. With proceeds supporting the Costume Institute’s exhibitions, acquisitions, and capital improvements.

Decoding the Themes

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Met Gala is its ever-changing themes. Which serve as the creative nucleus for attendees’ sartorial choices. Each year, the Costume Institute selects a theme. That sets the tone for the event and inspires guests to push the boundaries of fashion. From “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination” to “Camp: Notes on Fashion,” these themes spark conversations and interpretations within the fashion community and beyond.

Who Chooses the Themes?

The responsibility of selecting the Met Gala’s themes falls squarely on the shoulders of the Costume Institute’s curatorial team. It is led by the institute’s curator-in-charge. You can see the the themes on https://hellspin.com. Drawing inspiration from art, history, culture, and contemporary issues, these themes provide a thematic framework for the Gala’s attendees to explore and interpret through their fashion choices. The unveiling of each year’s theme generates anticipation and speculation among fashion aficionados, as they eagerly await the creative interpretations that will grace the red carpet.

Beyond Fashion: A Social Nexus

While the Met Gala is undeniably a celebration of fashion, it also serves as a social nexus where worlds collide and connections are forged. The event offers a rare opportunity for luminaries from disparate industries to come together under one roof, fostering networking opportunities, collaborations, and friendships that extend far beyond the confines of the Gala itself. From Hollywood power players to tech titans, the Met Gala transcends boundaries, uniting individuals who share a passion for creativity, philanthropy, and cultural exchange.

The Big Invitations

Invitations to the Met Gala are highly coveted and strictly controlled, with the guest list curated by none other than Anna Wintour, the formidable editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine and chair of the Gala’s organizing committee. Known as the “gatekeeper” of the Met Gala, Wintour carefully selects each attendee based on their influence, relevance to the fashion industry, and cultural impact.

Securing an invitation to the Met Gala is no easy feat. While some attendees receive personal invitations from Wintour herself, others are invited by fashion designers, brands, or co-chairs of the event. Additionally, celebrities and influential figures may also express their interest in attending, which is then reviewed by Wintour and her team.

Ultimately, being invited to the Met Gala often comes down to a combination of factors, including one’s status in the fashion and entertainment industries, their connections within the fashion community, and their ability to make a splash on the red carpet. It’s an exclusive affair reserved for those who embody the spirit of creativity, innovation, and glamour that defines the Gala.

The post Unraveling the Glitz and Glamour of the Met Gala appeared first on Programming Insider.

The Allure of Movie Slots – A Nostalgic Journey

Movie slots bring the excitement of the silver screen to the gaming world. These slots are based on popular films and feature iconic characters, themes, and storylines. In our view, these games offer an immersive experience that resonates with movie buffs and slot enthusiasts alike. Some of the most beloved movie slot games include:

These games are more than just slot machines; they’re an interactive way to relive your favorite movie moments. They often include actual clips from films, character symbols, and unique bonus features that reflect the movie’s theme. Experts believe that the emotional connection these games create is a major factor in their popularity. By playing movie slots, players not only enjoy a gaming experience but also connect with the stories and characters they love.

Hollywood’s Bet on Movie Slots – Major Films Featuring Iconic Games

Filmmakers are increasingly integrating movie slots into their narratives, recognizing their cultural impact and appeal. For instance, in Ocean’s Thirteen, Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt) uses a movie-themed slot machine to execute a clever plan. In Race to Witch Mountain, Dwayne Johnson’s character employs a slot machine in a crucial scene. Even in Twin Peaks: The Return, the enigmatic use of slot machines adds a layer of intrigue.

What draws filmmakers to incorporate movie slot scenes? Experts note that these slots can serve multiple narrative purposes:

• Advancing the plot and adding to the story, as seen in What Happens in Vegas, where a slot machine win becomes a central plot point.
• Developing characters and setting the tone, as demonstrated in Leaving Las Vegas, where slot machines underscore the protagonist’s state of mind.
• Adding humour and suspense, like in Swingers, where slot machine scenes create memorable moments.

The Symbiotic Relationship Between Slots and Cinema

The relationship between classic slots and cinema is not one-sided, but rather symbiotic, as both industries influence and benefit from each other. On one hand, movie slots are inspired by popular films, and use their themes, characters, and soundtracks to attract players and enhance the gaming experience. On the other hand, films are inspired by classic slots, and use their symbols, sounds, and visuals to create cinematic effects and references. Movie slots use film themes to create engaging games, while films incorporate slot motifs for dramatic effect. This table illustrates the connection:

Expertise shows that this symbiotic relationship is beneficial for both industries, as it creates cross-promotion opportunities, increases brand awareness, and enhances customer loyalty. By playing movie games based on movies, players can relive their favourite scenes and feel closer to their favourite characters. By watching movies based on slots, viewers can enjoy the thrill of gambling and the nostalgia of classic games.

The Future of Gaming and Film – A Preview

What can we expect from the future of movie slots and cinema? Based on the current trends and expert opinions, we can speculate that:

• Movie slots will continue to evolve and innovate, using new technologies, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence, to create immersive and interactive gaming experiences.
• Movie slots will also diversify and expand their audience, by offering more themes, features, and formats, such as social slots, mobile slots, and skill-based slots, to cater to different preferences and demographics.
• Cinema will continue to explore and exploit movie slots, as a source of inspiration, entertainment, and revenue, by producing more adaptations, sequels, and spin-offs, as well as creating original stories and characters based on slot themes and concepts.
• Cinema will also collaborate and partner with the gaming industry, by developing and distributing movies through gaming platforms, such as streaming services, consoles, and apps, and by offering exclusive content and rewards for gamers and viewers.

Why This Matters to the American Audience

The resurgence of movie slots in American pop culture is not a coincidence, but a reflection of the cultural values and preferences of the American audience. Movie slots represent simplicity, nostalgia, and fun, which are qualities that many Americans seek and appreciate in their entertainment choices. Movie slots also symbolize luck, hope, and opportunity, which are ideals that many Americans aspire and relate to in their life journeys.

By playing movie slots and watching movies featuring them, Americans can enjoy a form of escapism and entertainment that connects them to their past, present, and future. As movie slots and cinema continue to influence and inspire each other, we can expect more exciting and innovative products and experiences that will enrich and entertain the American audience.

The post Spinning Reels and Silver Screens: How Movie Slots Are Making a Big Play in Hollywood appeared first on Programming Insider.

The entertainment industry merging with social media and its practices has been a transformative shift. Social media is a blessing to the entertainment industry and its platforms have become powerful tools, revolutionizing how movies are promoted, financed, and consumed. This digital era has birthed a new breed of celebrity, where the power of online influence and the number of followers rival traditional stardom. As we traverse the captivating landscape of the entertainment business, we’ll uncover the hidden economic forces at play, reshaping the cinematic experience as we know it.

Financing the Silver Screen

Behind every captivating film lies a complex web of financing that brings it to life. Movie productions require substantial capital, with budgets that can reach astronomical figures. Financing films involves a delicate balance between various stakeholders, including studio investments, independent financiers, production companies, and government incentives. The negotiation of distribution deals, the securing of production loans, and the utilization of tax credits are just a few examples of the intricate financial arrangements within the industry. These financial intricacies mean both economic risks and rewards for those who finance films. 

Lights, Cameras, and Globalization

The entertainment industry has transcended borders, finding eager audiences in every corner of the globe. As movies travel across international markets, the economic implications become increasingly significant. Globalization has led to both challenges and opportunities within the industry. The economic impact of globalization on the entertainment industry affects how films must resonate with diverse cultures to achieve success. From localization efforts in adapting movies for different regions to the rise of international collaborations and co-productions, the economic interests of different countries intertwine within the realm of cinema.

Behind-the-Scenes Economics

While the spotlight often shines on the actors and directors, countless unsung heroes work diligently behind the scenes to bring movies to fruition. Among these crucial contributors are the dedicated professionals who provide entertainment payroll services. These behind-the-scenes heroes play an essential role in managing the complex financial aspects of film production, ensuring accurate and timely compensation for cast and crew members. From handling payroll taxes and managing union requirements to navigating the intricacies of industry regulations, entertainment payroll services keep the financial gears turning within the entertainment industry, enabling seamless production operations and fostering a smooth working environment for all involved. Their expertise and attention to detail are vital in maintaining the financial integrity of film projects, allowing the creative vision to flourish without financial disruptions.

Lights, Cameras, and Marketing

Within the entertainment world, marketing plays a pivotal role in a movie’s success. Movie studios invest substantial resources in promoting their films, recognizing that effective marketing campaigns can significantly impact box office results. With the rise of social media, marketing strategies have evolved to engage audiences directly and create pre-release buzz. Studios employ countless economic strategies and innovations to captivate viewers in a digitally saturated world. From teaser trailers and viral campaigns to influencer collaborations and targeted advertising, the economic impact of these marketing techniques on a film’s performance is well-known and leveraged in the industry with precision.

Lights Out or Blockbuster Hit

The ultimate goal of movie production is financial success. The economic implications of a film’s performance can be far-reaching, affecting the studio’s bottom line and the careers of those involved. Many factors contribute to a blockbuster hit or a box office flop, and various elements influence a film’s profitability. From production budgets and distribution deals to critical acclaim and audience reception, the entertainment industry has a multifaceted nature of success.

The entertainment industry is a captivating ecosystem where economics intertwines with creativity, ambition, and audience desires. We must recognize that lights, cameras, and economics create a symphony that resonates far beyond the theater walls, shaping the future of an industry that captures our imagination and entertains us for generations to come.

The post Lights, Cameras, and Economics – The Ripple Effects of Movie Production appeared first on Programming Insider.