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  • $1,000 Cash Bonus Given To 125,000 Disney Employees

    $1,000 Cash Bonus Given To 125,000 Disney Employees

    Walt Disney Co. announced Tuesday, it is giving a one-time cash bonus of $1,000 to 125,000 employees. They are also investing $50 million to create a new higher education program for workers.

    “We are directing approximately $125 million to our cast members and employees across the country and making higher education more accessible with the launch of this new program,” CEO Bob Iger said in a statement.

    Nearly 88,000 hourly employees in the U.S. will be able to take advantage of Disney’s education initiative.

    “I have always believed that education is the key to opportunity; it opens doors and creates new possibilities,” Iger said. “Matched with the $1,000 cash bonus, these initiatives will have both an immediate and long-term positive impact.”

    The new education initiative is designed to cover tuition costs for hourly employees, and going forward it will continue to receive $25 million in annual funding, Disney’s statement said.

    The entertainment giant is just one of a number of companies handing back money to its employees since the December passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which lowered tax rates for corporations. AT&T, Wells Fargo, Boeing, Comcast, Bank of America and Walmart are just a few who have passed along the new tax benefits to workers.

    As for the bonuses, they are for full and part-time employees in the United States who have been with the company since Jan. 1. For those who are eligible the bonus will be given in two parts, the first in March and the next in September. Executive level employees are exempt.

    The two initiatives will cost the company $175 million this fiscal year. Disney said its current ongoing education reimbursement program will continue to be open to all full-time employees with no changes.

     

  • Freeform Releases New Footage Of ‘Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger’

    Freeform Releases New Footage Of ‘Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger’

    Marvel’s debut offering on the Freeform network, Cloak & Dagger, has given us a sneak peek at some fresh video and has finally been given us a premiere date. Fan-favorite heroes Cloak and Dagger are set to begin their highly anticipated, two-hour premiere, live-action adventure on June 7! The teenage superhero saga is an adaptation of the popular ’80s comic book title Cloak & Dagger.

    Ahead of the first ever Freeform Summit on Thursday, Marvel and Freeform revealed new footage of Tandy Bowen and Tyrone Johnson from “Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger” above. The series will premiere on Freeform on Thursday, June 7, 8:00 – 10:00 pm ET/PT.

    “Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger” is the story of Tandy Bowen (Olivia Holt) and Tyrone Johnson (Aubrey Joseph) – two teenagers from very different backgrounds, who find themselves burdened and awakened to newly acquired superpowers which are mysteriously linked to one another. Tandy can emit light daggers and Tyrone has the ability to control the power of darkness. They quickly learn they are better together than apart. “Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger” stars Olivia Holt, Aubrey Joseph, Andrea Roth, Gloria Reuben, Miles Mussenden, Carl Lundstedt, and J.D. Evermore. Also joining the cast, who have not yet been announced are Emma Lahana and Jaime Zevallos.

    The series is co-produced by Marvel Television and ABC Signature Studios. Joe Pokaski (“Underground,” “Heroes”) serves as showrunner and executive producer; Jeph Loeb (“Marvel’s The Punisher,” “Marvel’s The Defenders”), Marvel’s head of Television, and Jim Chory (“Marvel’s The Punisher,” “Marvel’s The Defenders”) also serve as executive producers. Gina Prince-Bythewood (“Love & Basketball”) directed the first episode.

  • Experience the Chinese New Year Night Market at Hong Kong Disneyland

    Experience the Chinese New Year Night Market at Hong Kong Disneyland

    When the sun goes down and the stars come out at Hong Kong Disneyland, Main Street, U.S.A. transforms into a bustling Night Market in celebration of the Chinese New Year.

    Discover stalls filled with festive delicacies and specialties will line the walkway, while Mickey and his friends visit to wish everyone prosperity in 2018. There will even be atmosphere entertainment to drum up the festive spirit.

    Hong Kong Disneyland Food

    All day long, guests can also enjoy Pluto-themed decorations honoring the Year of the Dog and dine on holiday menu items across the resort. Wishing Fish at the Market House Bakery are a festive start to the year – you can also find them at outdoor vending carts around the park.

    Hong Kong Disneyland

    Dozens of new seasonal merchandise items are on sale as well, such as StellaLou in her first traditional Chinese outfit.

    The first five days of the Lunar New Year will bring a newly designed Year of the Dog-themed Lai See Packet for guests, which contain a chocolate gold coin and a merchandise coupon for even more good fortune. And to top things off, God of Fortune Goofy will share blessings guests at The Annex on Main Street, U.S.A.

    Hong Kong Disneyland

    Disney friends will appear in different festive outfits day and night to offer their best wishes, including StellaLou, who will be celebrating her first Chinese New Year at Hong Kong Disneyland.

    Chinese New Year is only the beginning of a very exciting year at Hong Kong Disneyland! The seasonal favorite Disney Friends Springtime Carnival and the new “We Love Mickey!” Main Street Projection Show both start in March, while “Moana: A Homecoming Celebration” debuts in May as the first attraction of the ongoing multi-year expansion plan.

  • Disney’s ‘Sword in the Stone’ Live-Action Remake Finds Director

    Disney’s ‘Sword in the Stone’ Live-Action Remake Finds Director

    Continuing their strategy of reimagining animated classics into live-action movies, Disney is developing a Sword in the Stone movie and it looks like they may have found their director.  Juan Carlos Fresnadillo is in talks with Disney to helm its live-action reimagining of the 1963 animated movie.

    The filmmakers credits include, directing 2002’s “Intacto” as his first full-length feature and the 2011 horror movie “Intruders”, but the native of Spain is perhaps best known for directing the zombie thriller “28 Weeks Later”.

    The Sword in the Stone remake has been in development since 2015.  Game of Thrones writer Bryan Cogman has been attached to write the script and Brigham Taylor will produce.

    The original animated version was based loosely on T.H. White’s novel of the same name, eventually becoming became part of the author’s multi-book King Arthur fantasy, “The Once and Future King.”

    The 1963 animated flic followed Arthur, a 12-year-old orphan, who became king after removing a sword from an anvil in London. The movie was a box office success and brought in $22 million after being made on a $3 million budget. This was the last animated Disney film to be released prior to Walt Disney’s death in 1966.

    Live-action remakes have been hugely successful for Disney. They’ve created live-action versions of its animated titles, including “Alice in Wonderland,”  “Maleficent,”  “Cinderella,” “The Jungle Book,” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Disney is also set a live-action version of “Mulan” for November and has three live-action reimaginings set for 2019 with “Dumbo,” “Aladdin,” and “The Lion King.”

  • ‘Toy Story 4’ Finds Its New Writer

    ‘Toy Story 4’ Finds Its New Writer

    Toy Story 4 has a new writer! Pixar has tapped Stephany Folsom to pen the next instalment of the franchise that put them on the map. She will now be tasked with bringing the adventures of Woody and Buzz to life for the upcoming sequel for the company’s most popular property.

    Toy Story 4 will be Folsom’s first major credit. In 2013 she made the Black List for her original screenplay 1969: A Space Odyssey, or How Kubrick Learned to Stop Worrying and Land on the Moon. She was also brought on late to do some work on Thor: Ragnarok although it’s not clear what exactly her role was. She recently she had a little tiff with Marvel that made news after she wasn’t given a “Story by” credit on the film.  It seems that is in the rearview mirror for her, now that she is responsible for the future story of Disney Pixar’s most popular franchise.

    Originally the film was going to be written by Rashida Jones and her writing partner Will McCormack, but last year she parted ways with the company. Reports claimed that Jones left the project early on after an unwanted advance from Pixar head John Lasseter.

    Lasseter recently took a leave of absence following claims of sexual harassment and misconduct, but Jones issued a statement to The New York Times, saying, “We did not leave Pixar because of unwanted advances.” She continued, “We parted ways because of creative and, more importantly, philosophical differences.”

    With the last sequel topping over $1 billion in global box office this film has a lot to live up to. The sequel is dated for release June 21, 2019, although with Lasseter leaving and a new writer just coming on board you can expect there ay be a delay for the release.

  • Former Apple Exec Hired To Head Disney’s Streaming Service

    Former Apple Exec Hired To Head Disney’s Streaming Service

    Disney has been looking for the right person to head up their forthcoming online streaming endeavor and it looks like the search is complete. Former Apple and Samsung executive Kevin Swint has been hired, by Disney’s BAMTech Media, to build and run Disney’s Streaming Service.

    Swint is being brought as senior vice president and general manager in hopes that the experienced tech execs leadership can help the service truly rival Netflix. His resume includes leading the movie group at Apple iTunes, and most recently as VP of Samsungs product/content & services.

    With the massive amount of titles Disney has acquired in recent years, including Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and now 20th Century Fox’s catalog, it seems Swint has a large toy box to play in, but he still has a lot of work to do on the still unnamed streaming service.

    It’s widely known that with Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox gave them controlling interest in Hulu, but Disney has already been laying the groundwork for their streaming dreams when last year Disney also acquired a large stake in the streaming solutions provider BAMTech for $1.58 billion. Though Disney already owned stake in BAMTech, but Disney now holds majority ownership with in this company as well.

    Any new service likely won’t see any Fox content for quite some time as regulators are expected to take as long as 18 months to approve the deal. What exactly Disney’s Streaming Service will finally look like is still taking shape, but Disney is confident they found the right man for the job. The streaming service is set to launch in 2019.

  • Disney Belle Debossed Faux Leather Purse is a True Beauty From Loungefly

    Disney Belle Debossed Faux Leather Purse is a True Beauty From Loungefly

    You’re gonna love this Disney Belle Debossed Faux Leather Purse by Loungefly! It’s a tale as old as time. You need a Disney purse that’s big enough to hold all of your necessities (BOOKS). It needs to be to be a real beauty – but still haul things like a beast. It might seem impossible to find that perfect bag you can love forever, but this one could be your forever Disney purse.

    This beauty of a purse retails for $69.99 and you can find it on the Loungefly website. The ivory satchel has a debossed design featuring Belle’s face on the front, along with a brilliant red rose hanging from the handle. The outside may be pretty, but true beauty is found within.

    Beauty and the Beast Purse

    Specifically within that fully-lined interior, featuring beautiful custom floral fabric! There is a zippered divider pouch separating the interior into two compartments, with a small zip pocket and a small open pocket built into the lining. Made of simulated leather, the purse closes with a top strap and has both handles and an adjustable, removable shoulder strap. Lovely and versatile, this purse may be your happily ever after. No Gastons allowed! 

    Product Specifications

    • Disney Belle Debossed Faux Leather Purse
    • Officially-licensed Disney’s animated Beauty and the Beast merchandise
    • Made by our friends at Loungefly
    • Ivory satchel with debossed design featuring Belle’s face on the front
    • A red rose hangs from the strap
    • Purse closes with a top strap, secured by a magnetic snap
    • Fully-lined interior features custom floral fabric
    • Interior: two compartments with zippered divider pouch, plus a small zip pocket and small open pocket built into the lining
    • Materials: simulated leather with gold-tone metal hardware
    • Removable, adjustable shoulder strap
    • Dimensions: approx 11 1/5″ wide x 9 1/2″ tall x 6″ deep (bag) / approx. 4″ diameter x 1 1/5″ thick with a 4 1/2″ strap (decorative rose)
  • ‘Maleficent 2’ Begins Filming In April

    ‘Maleficent 2’ Begins Filming In April

    Maleficent 2 is in the works and production is expected to start April 16th with Angelina Jolie reprising her leading role.

    Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales director, Joachim Rønning, is helming the film, but that’s not the only change in production staff.  The follow-up script first penned by Linda Woolverton, who wrote the first film, but it was rewritten by Jez Butterworth who was brought on last summer.

    Apparently until recently it wasn’t clear when Jolie would be reprising her role as the films former villain as well. The star has been debating if she would shoot the Dark Universe’s Bride of Frankenstein reboot or go with Maleficent 2 first. Well Tom Cruise’s The Mummy hasn’t received the best reception and it isn’t clear what exactly is happening with the Dark Universe currently, which makes Jolie’s decision pretty easy and frees her up to begin production in April.

    The production dates coming in a report from Omega Underground, unfortunately though we still don’t have a shooting date the film has not yet been given a release date.

  • Disney’s Streaming Service Has New Details Revealed

    Disney’s Streaming Service Has New Details Revealed

    With Disney’s Streaming Service in the works and their integration of the recently acquired 20th century Fox assets on the horizon, big questions are left about what content the streaming service will provide. Well during Variety’s Entertainment Summit at CES 2018 on Thursday, Disney-ABC TV president Ben Sherwood was able to share some details.

    The streaming service is set to launch in 2019 and with the massive amount of titles Disney has acquired in recent years, including Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and now 20th Century Fox’s catalog, it seems Disney has put itself in a prime position to rival Netflix.

    Sherwood, said that his division will be the largest contributor to Disney’s subscription service and that the company overall is well poised to manage the transition to next-generation TV in his statement at the summit.

    “We’re going through this unbelievable moment of transformation in how we take television and distribute it,” said Sherwood.

    The exec explained that Disney-ABC TV will supply between seven and eight thousand episodes from its own library. He also confirmed they would be providing original content for the service that would include 3-4 feature-length films and 3-4 regular series and he also touted a “High School Musical” reboot, with the original producers on board.

    Walt Disney Company chairman and CEO Bob Iger already confirmed a live action Star Wars Series and a TV series based on the 2001 Pixar film Monsters Inc. were in the plans for the future streaming service, at a quarterly earnings call with investors.

    Sherwood, declined to comment on the pending acquisition by Disney of 20th Century Fox assets, including cable networks, in a report from Variety. Disney CEO Bob Iger has “laid out the strategic vision” for the deal, “and we’ll leave it at that”, he also told them.

    We’ll have to wait and see, but we’re sure you’ll end up seeing many of the various new properties Disney has acquired airing on their new streaming service in addition to their already existing massive library.

     

  • Disney Defends Darkening ‘Aladdin’ Extras Skin So They Could ‘Blend In’

    Disney Defends Darkening ‘Aladdin’ Extras Skin So They Could ‘Blend In’

    Disney has recently faced some harsh criticism over darkening the skin of some of the background extras in its upcoming Aladdin film.

    Based on a tale from The Arabian Nights, the film is a live-action adaptation of Disney’s 1992 animated hit. The Guy Ritchie film stars Egypt-born Canadian actor Mena Massoud as Aladdin, alongside Will Smith as the Genie.

    We just started shooting Aladdin and I wanted to intro you guys to our new family… Mena Massoud/Aladdin, Naomi Scott/Princess Jasmine, Marwan Kenzari/Jafar, and I’m over here gettin my Genie on. Here we go!

    Posted by Will Smith on Wednesday, September 6, 2017

    Disney said it brought in white actors to help fill the many background roles, stunt positions, dancers and “camel handlers” needed, according a report in the Sunday Times.

    Even with 400 of 500 background performers currently filming on Disney’s Aladdin are reportedly of Indian, Middle Eastern, African, Mediterranean or Asian descent, it’s the remaining 100 that have the British media outlets up in arms.

    Described as a stand in for one of the leads, the Times story quotes extra Kaushal Odedra as seeing as many as 20 “very fair skinned” actors lined up outside make-up tents “waiting to have their skin darkened.”

    Disney later released a statement which confirmed some actors were “made up to blend in” for crowd scenes, but only in a “handful of instances”.

    Disney defended their decision in a statement saying, “Great care was taken to put together one of the largest most diverse casts ever seen on screen.” The statements continues, “Diversity of our cast and background performers was a requirement and only in a handful of instances when it was a matter of specialty skills, safety and control (special effects rigs, stunt performers and handling of animals) were crew made up to blend in.”

    People across social media criticized Disney for the move, with some, including actor Kal Penn, labeling the company’s actions as “brownface.”

    Controversy surrounding the live-action Aladdin comes as nothing new to Disney. The production has previously sparked criticism over the casting the role of Princess Jasmine’s with British-Indian actress Naomi Scott and later they were also chastised for the introducing a new character into the story played by a white actor.

    While casting the film, the studio reportedly saw more than 2,000 actors in London, Abu Dhabi, India and Egypt. The company claimed to have trouble finding actors to fill the roles of Aladdin and Jasmine because they couldn’t easily find young actors with backgrounds in singing.

    Navid Negahban the actor who plays the sultan recently dismissed outcries that the film was being ‘whitewashed’.

    “It’s not whitewashing,” he told The Huffington Post. Aladdin needs variety like a garden, otherwise it’s going to be boring, he said. “You’re gonna go and see this beautiful garden with colorful flowers, and I just hope that you enjoy the journey.”

    “You will definitely love the film,” he added. “It doesn’t matter how old you are, the film has something for you to take away from it.”

    Aladdin is not due in theaters until May 24, 2019