Tag: Cineverse

Cineverse Adding Executives to Expanding Podcast Network

Cineverse March 13 announced that it has hired Laura Schumer and Ben Cabonargi as directors of podcast sales. With more than four decades of media experience between them, Schumer and Cabonargi will spearhead the direct sales team for the Cineverse Podcast Network.

Ben Cabonargi

They will be tasked with selling more than 35 audio series with more than 75 million downloads. Schumer and Cabonargi report to Terry City, SVP, direct advertising sales.

Prior to joining Cineverse, Schumer served as sales executive at Pandora/SiriusXM for nine years, selling advertising for satellite, streaming and podcast. Schumer began her career in advertising sales for Warner Bros. Discovery’s Turner Broadcasting System (TBS), where she worked for seven years.

Cabonargi held several industry roles before joining Cineverse, including director of revenue partnerships at SiriusXM, VP of podcast advertising partnerships at Stitcher/Midroll Media, and VP of sales at TargetSpot.

Laura Schumer

“Our rapid podcast expansion in the past year has contributed to significant ad sales growth and the need for an expanded direct sales team that specializes in podcasts and can complement our programmatic revenue,” City said in a statement. “We are confident that Laura and Ben have the right experience, passion and leadership qualities to spearhead those efforts and continue our upward trajectory as a top 10 podcast network.”

Cineverse Podcast Network’s recently added programs include Creepy Places: A True Crime Podcast, RetroCrush and Midnight Pulp, and a partnership with The Stand Group to launch WITZ Podcast Network’s comedy programming. In the most recently reported quarter, podcast and related revenue increased 39% over the previous year.

Other podcast series include Mayfair Watchers Society, The Dead, and Murder in America.

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Cineverse Furthers Push to AI-Powered Business Opportunities with SymphonyAI Partnership

Cineverse has adopted SymphonyAI’s Revedia DataOps to unify AVOD, TVOD, SVOD, and FAST viewership data as well as ad-supported and subscription-based revenue data from previously siloed sources to perform AI-based data augmentation and conduct rapid in-depth analysis across all platforms and channels. 

The move, according to a press release, is part of a “strategic move to high-margin AI-powered business opportunities.” Cineverse said it wants to scale its streaming business with technology partnerships, expand its content licensing, build on direct ad sales, grow its podcast network, and drive revenue through Matchpoint, its proprietary streaming platform, to maximize ROI on a limited spend.  The company said it has already developed five AI modules to automate tasks and entered into multiple partnerships to extend Matchpoint’s AI capabilities. With Revedia DataOps, Cineverse will accelerate its use of advanced AI for optimized revenue and operations, according to the company.

“At Cineverse we actively embrace technology to power the future of home entertainment as we continue to move aggressively to assemble the entertainment industry’s foremost AI technology portfolio targeting the digital streaming segment,” Tony Huidor, Cineverse’s COO and CTO, said in a statement. “Our alliance with AI innovators such as SymphonyAI enables us to strengthen and accelerate decision-making and better serve Cineverse’s viewers, partners, and investors by providing highly nuanced and sophisticated business insights gleaned from immense volumes of data through the use of advanced AI.”

With this new partnership, Cineverse said it is  enhancing its Matchpoint Insights offering by integrating SymphonyAI’s Revedia DataOps platform, which will provide Cineverse with richer in-depth insights into its strategic partners’ channel performance. Foundry complements Cineverse’s Matchpoint suite, which in addition to Insights also includes Dispatch and Blueprint, extracting significant value and a much deeper understanding of data through the power of advanced predictive and generative AI.

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“In today’s fast-paced media and entertainment landscape, AI is essential for transforming fragmented data into actionable insights that drive strategic programming and distribution, revenue growth, and advertising optimization,” Mark Moeder, president of SymphonyAI’s media division, said in a statement. “We’re proud to support Cineverse’s commitment to innovation by providing advanced AI capabilities that enhance decision-making and performance.” 

Cineverse Expands Podcast Biz With Launch of Comedy-Themed WITZ Podcast Network

Cineverse has entered into a partnership with The Sand Group to maximize distribution platforms, sponsorships, and programmatic demand for audio podcasts, including the launch of the WITZ Podcast Network – a new comedy label operated through the Cineverse Podcast Network.
 
The partnership, announced ahead of the 2025 South by Southwest (SXSW) film festival, which is taking place March 7-15  in Austin, Texas, also includes the creation of a development slate for the companies to build new IP together through podcasts and live entertainment.
 
After launching the WITZ Comedy-TV FAST channel and digital content library in 2022 with partners Best Ever Channels (BEC), The Stand Group is now  expanding its reach through podcast creation and distribution.
 
The Stand’s comedy associations include Dave Chappelle, Pete Davidson, Nate Bargatze, T.J. Miller, Sam Jay, Janeane Garofalo, Laurie Kilmartin, Andrew Dice Clay, Shane Gillis, Bill Burr, Sal Vulcano, Jim Gaffigan, Ramy Youssef, Bonnie McFarlane, Rich Vos, Ian Lara, Tim Dillon, Marcello Hernandez, Nikki Glaser, Mark Normand, Ralph Barbosa, Hannah Berner, Cipha Sounds, Aida Rodriguez, Derek Gaines, and Sienna Hubert-Ross, among others.
 
“Together we will maximize marketing, promotional and sales initiatives for shows we bring into the network for new creators and original IP,” said BEC co-CEO Barry Gordon.
 
The pact marks a significant expansion of Cineverse’s audio business into comedy, after bowing as a podcast network driven by its horror, true crime and entertainment content.
 
In addition to launching the WITZ Podcast Network, Cineverse will market its upcoming summer theatrical release, a remake of the cult classic The Toxic Avenger, directed by Macon Blair and starring Peter Dinklage. The kick-off event will feature appearances by comedians, podcast talent, musicians and stars from the upcoming film
 
“Not only does partnering with comedy leaders like The Stand Group/WITZ make us instantly credible in a genre that has proven itself time and time again as a major force in podcasting, but it also allows us to move quickly into this space,” said Erick Opeka, Cineverse president and chief strategy officer.
 

Cineverse: Slasher Box Office Hit ‘Terrifier 3’ Produces Record Quarterly Revenue

Box office hit Terrifier 3 is a fiscal gift that keeps on giving.

The third edition in the Art the Clown slasher saga contributed to Cineverse posting record third-quarter (ended Dec. 31, 2024) revenue of $40.7 million, up 207% from revenue of $19.7 million during the previous-year period.

The fiscal turnaround helped the Los Angeles-based distributor/direct-to-consumer streaming operator post net income of $7.2 million, compared with a loss of $2.7 million in the prior-year period. The financial largess allowed Cineverse to pay off its $7.5 million line of credit, and up free cash to $13 million.

“We had the strongest results … in the company’s history,” chairman/CEO Chris McGurk, said in a statement.

After debuting at No. 1 across North American screens on Oct. 11, 2024 — displacing Warner Bros. Pictures’ high-priced musical Joker: Folie a Deux — Terrifier 3, with a $2 million production budget, went on to become the highest-grossing non-rated film ever, topping previous record-holder Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé with more than $54 million at the domestic box office.

The North American results make the movie arguably the most financially successful theatrical release in 2024.

The title generated another $36 million in international revenue (which Cineverse does not have rights to) for a global haul of $90 million. The original Terrifier (2016) and Terrifier 2 (2022) combined for $16 million in ticket sales. A fourth and final edition of the franchise is in pre-production.

At the retail level, Terrifier 3 performed well across digital and physical channels. The film debuts Feb. 14, on the company’s Screambox horror subscription streaming channel.

“We are also considering multiple pay/streaming distribution channel options,” McGurk said. “[The movie] will continue to have a major positive financial impact on our fiscal fourth quarter and beyond.”

The executive said the improved balance sheet would enable Cineverse to further invest in streaming, technology, advertising, podcasts and content businesses.

“We are exploring financing options to potentially increase our credit availability, particularly for new films and other content,” McGurk said, adding that the company had no plans to issue equity offerings to support current operations.

Cineverse hopes to replicate the T3 success with Silent Night Deadly Night, partnering with French media powerhouse Studio Canal to release a re-interpretation of the classic horror property, as well as an unrated update of Troma’s The Toxic Avenger, produced by Legendary Pictures, and starring Peter Dinklage, Kevin Bacon and Elijah Wood. The movie is slated for theatrical release on Aug. 29.

Cineverse is also releasing Wolf Creek: Legacy, the third installment of the gritty “Wolf Creek” horror/thriller film series, in 2026.

McGurk said the three movies represent strong risk/reward profiles and fiscal upside for Cineverse. He said total investments for both acquisition and marketing costs are expected to be less than that of Terrifier 3 for each movie.

The executive said he believes studios and independents have recognized the success and strength of Cineverse’s media strategy of acquiring/producing low budget, niche titles, with original marketing campaigns.

“This should be a growing and important source of new revenue and profits in the future,” McGurk said.

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Cineverse and Bloody Disgusting Acquire Horror Film ‘Wolf Creek: Legacy’

Cineverse and Bloody Disgusting, its horror division, have announced the acquisition of Wolf Creek: Legacy, the third film of the popular “Wolf Creek” slasher franchise.

The announcement was made ahead of the European Film Market (EFM). Filming begins this year with an anticipated theatrical release in the fall of 2026.

John Jarratt will reprise his role as the infamous Outback Killer, Mick Taylor. The cast will also include Jay Ryan and Laura Gordon. Sean Lahiff (Carnifex) will direct while franchise creator Greg McLean will produce, alongside Bianca Martino, for Emu Creek Pictures. Lahiff is a frequent McLean collaborator serving as editor on Wolf Creek 2 and the accompanying “Wolf Creek” TV series.

Wolf Creek: Legacy follows a family of American tourists who wander innocently into Mick Taylor’s (Jarratt) hunting grounds. When the parents sacrifice themselves to save their children, the kids find themselves alone, lost and hunted in the vast Australian wilderness.

McLean, the director of the previous “Wolf Creek” films, will produce alongside Jeremy Bolt (“Resident Evil” franchise) and Kristian Moliere (The Babadook), with Adrian Speckert and Cory Todd Hughes serving as executive producers.

Greg McLean; “I’m thrilled to be returning to Wolf Creek with this exciting creative team, led by director Sean Lahiff, armed with a fantastic and genuinely frightening script,” Greg McLean said in a statement. “Mick Taylor will be terrorizing tourists, horror fans and the big screen once again very soon.”

“Wolf Creek is one of the greatest slasher movies of all time with one of the most terrifying villains,” Erick Opeka, Cineverse’s chief strategy officer and president, said in a statement. “We’re incredibly excited to bring Mick Taylor back to the big screen in what will be the perfect addition to our library alongside Terrifier 3 and our reimagining of Silent Night, Deadly Night.”

“Wolf Creek was a terrifying, Texas Chain Saw-inspired nightmare that left an undeniable mark on the genre,” Brad Miska, VP of Bloody Disgusting for Cineverse, said in a statement. “As a longtime fan, I couldn’t be more excited to be part of Wolf Creek: Legacy and to help bring the franchise back to theaters. Get ready — Mick Taylor is back, and the outback has never been more dangerous.”

“Wolf Creek: Legacy will add a new chapter to the Wolf Creek saga and Mick Taylor’s iconic path of destruction,” Sean Lahiff said in a statement. “It will be a raw and gritty chase across the outback, and I can’t wait to unleash this bold and terrifying cinematic experience on longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise.”

The deal was negotiated by executive director, acquisitions, Brandon Hill on behalf of Cineverse with Calum Gray of Architect Global.

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Cineverse Ups Fubo TV Content Partnership, Adding Three FAST Channels

Cineverse Jan. 29 announced expanded partnership with Fubo TV, the sports-themed live TV streaming platform, to distribute Cineverse’s newest channels.

Through this deal, two Cineverse free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels — “Dog Whisperer With Cesar Millan” and “Go Pro Channel” are now available — with reality TV-based “So … Real” coming soon to all of Fubo’s English-language channel plans.

“Fubo continues to be an incredible partner for us, and a leading home of a growing lineup of FAST channels that entertain audiences and bring value to advertisers,” John Stack, senior director, business development, Cineverse, said in a statement. “It is an ideal platform for our newest channels, which feature popular programming for audiences young and old, with built-in fan bases.”

Following are descriptions of the new FAST channels joining other Cineverse networks previously made available on Fubo, including “The Bob Ross Channel,” “Comedy Dynamics,” “Dove Channel” and “RetroCrush.”

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Cineverse Eyes Follow-up to ‘Terrifier’ Success with Remake of Troma’s ‘The Toxic Avenger’

In the wake of its success with two “Terrifier” films, Cineverse is hoping to strike gold again with a remake of the cult classic The Toxic Avenger, which spurred a darkly comedic franchise from the 1980s spearheaded by Lloyd Kaufman and Troma Entertainment.

Directed by Macon Blair and starring Peter Dinklage of “Game of Thrones” fame, the reimagining of the anti-hero known as “Toxie” will premiere as an unrated wide release later this year. Cineverse acquired all U.S. and Canadian theatrical, home entertainment, and streaming rights through a deal with Legendary Entertainment.

In the new film, a shocking accident transforms downtrodden janitor Winston Gooze (Dinklage) into a mutant vigilante. Armed with his signature mop, the unlikely hero battles freaks, gangsters and corrupt CEOs while trying to save his relationship with his son.

The cast of the remake also includes Kevin Bacon and Elijah Wood, along with Jacob Tremblay, Julia Davis and Taylour Paige.

Opening to critical acclaim at Fantastic Fest, The Toxic Avenger has been hailed as a riotous blend of social satire, inventive gore, and unexpected heart — earning it a 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the popular film review aggregator.

“The Toxic Avenger isn’t just a great film, it’s an important one,” said Cineverse chairman and CEO Chris McGurk. “Peter Dinklage’s transformative performance and Macon Blair’s fearless direction deliver a story that speaks to the anxieties of our time with outrageous humor and unflinching creativity. This is the kind of movie that major studios are averse to release because it dares to push boundaries, but Cineverse is rooted in championing bold, uncompromising storytelling. We believe audiences are ready — and eager — for films like this to take center stage.” 

In an interview with Media Play News last November during AFM in Las Vegas, Kaufman talked up the reboot and lamented the lack of distribution.

“It’s truly a reimagining … and it’s terrific; it’s great,” Kaufman said. “But it’s a movie they won’t let you see. I don’t know what the problem is. … Legendary doesn’t seem to be able to find a distributor, so here’s a $50 million movie with Peter Dinklage and Kevin Bacon and a whole bunch of talent, and yet there it sits.”

Now that the film has landed a distribution deal, Kaufman said, “Michael Herz (Kaufman’s partner in Troma), Toxie, and I have mopped our tears away! Macon Blair’s fantoxic reimagining of Toxie’s life is even better than Troma’s! Troma fans will be ecstatic!”

With the success of the two “Terrifier” films (with a domestic box office take of nearly $54 million, Terrifier 3 is the highest-grossing non-rated film in U.S. history) Cineverse’s horror division, Bloody Disgusting, has emerged as a champion for genre films with passionate fanbases, including the upcoming reimagining of Silent Night, Deadly Night set for release in late 2025.

“We are proud to be growing a reputation as the home for iconic franchises that have incredibly passionate fan bases who just want to see their favorite stories on the big screen,” said Cineverse chief content officer Yolanda Macias. “This wouldn’t be possible without the support of indie film and bold filmmakers that come from visionaries like Mary Parent and Legendary who were determined to figure out a smart way to get this film into theaters. We are grateful for their partnership and excited to bring this big-budget remake of this story to everyone who, like us, can’t wait to see Toxie back in theaters.”

“I’m beyond grateful to the team behind The Toxic Avenger who were so supportive and steady-handed as we searched for the perfect distribution partner for our film,” said director Blair. “It’s so cool that folks will have the chance to see this in theaters. It’s a fun, rowdy movie you want to see with a crowd. Mutant hero smashes bad guys with a mop: perfect entertainment for the whole family! Our goal was always to preserve the heart and spirit of the original Toxie, which was seared into my brain at a very young age, and try to make something that Troma fans would dig and at the same time do something with the character that feels fresh. Lloyd and Michael at Troma have been a blast to work with, absolutely everyone at Legendary are stars, and I can’t wait to start working with the champs at Cinverse to bring this version of Toxie to fans new and old.”

Blair directed the film from a screenplay he wrote based on the original 1984 The Toxic Avenger. The remake is produced by Parent, Alex Garcia, Kaufman and Herz. The executive producers are Andrew Pfeffer, Jay Ashenfelter and Blair, with casting by Mark Bennett and Julie Harkin. 
Blair’s collaborators behind the camera include Emmy Award winning director of  photography, Dana Gonzalez; production designer Alexander Cameron; editors Brett W. Bachman and James Thomas; visual effects supervisor Chris Ritvo; costume designer Vanessa Porter; with music by Will Blair and Brooke Blair.

On behalf of Cineverse the deal was negotiated by chief legal officer Gary Loffredo, Macias, and Brandon Hill, executive director of acquisitions. CAA Media Finance brokered the deal on behalf of the filmmakers.  

 

OTT.X, Cineverse Partner to Support Los Angeles County Wildfire Relief

Cineverse is joining OTT.X home entertainment trade group and online fundraising platform Pledge to launch a campaign supporting California wildfire relief.

The ongoing Los Angeles County fires have burned 40,000 acres, destroyed 14,000 structures with 27 fatalities, according to LA-Fire.

Cineverse and other OTT.X member companies are donating connected TV (CTV) ad inventory to support charities that are helping those affected. Viewers across dozens of streaming channels are prompted to text GIVELA to 707070, or scan a QR code to go to a website  and make a donation.

Cineverse, which created the 15-second video spot, is making it available to all OTT.X members to use on their linear FAST channels and AVOD platforms calling on their audiences to donate.

Through Cineverse’s network, CTV advertising reaches approximately 80 million viewers per month. Channels currently running the spot include Barney, Comedy Dynamics, Crime Hunters, Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, Dove Channel, RetroCrush, and The Bob Ross Channel. Additionally, Cineverse has made a corporate donation of $10,000 to be split among the 10 charitable organizations supporting Los Angeles wildfire relief and initially part of this campaign.

“Not only is it important in the broader sense to be helping those impacted by the wildfires, it is also necessary to raise awareness of the many organizations that may not have national brand awareness but are playing a significant role on the ground helping those who need it most,” Erick Opeka, OTT.X vice chairman and president, chief strategy officer, at Cineverse, said in a statement.

“By leveraging the power of our industry to amplify their reach, this initiative helps these charities support those who can lend a hand in the critical days and months ahead. Together, we can ensure that those in need have the resources they deserve as our community rebuilds,” added OTT.X CEO Hollie Choi.

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Current charitable organizations included are:

  • Altadena Girls is helping young girls regain their sense of self and confidence. Started by Avery, a local teen, whose community was struck by the devastating Eaton Canyon Fire, which led to the destruction of many schools, including her own.
  • Animal Wellness Foundation has rescued countless animals affected by the LA fires. They urgently need monetary donations to provide medical care, food, and shelter for the growing number of burned and injured animals in their care.
  • Baby2Baby has provided over 2M emergency supplies to children and families affected by the Los Angeles fires. Your help ensures continued support in the difficult weeks and months ahead.
  • BLHF: Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation is providing vital mental health services to marginalized communities in areas devastated by the LA wildfires, offering a path to healing and stability.
  • California Fire Foundation supports families of fallen firefighters and the firefighters themselves. Your donation strengthens their work and supports California’s firefighters and the communities they protect.
  • Chamber of Mothers LA Chapter is actively supporting moms & their families suffering from the LA wildfires through numerous local on-the-ground initiatives, including the preparation & distribution of post-partum care kits and providing psychological support services to moms and parents about parenting through this crisis.
  • GoFundMe Org’s Wildfire Relief Fund is currently supporting relief and recovery efforts related to the Palisades, Eaton and Hurst wildfires burning in L.A. County by sending emergency relief grants of $1,000 each to individuals who have lost homes, loved ones and property.
  • Los Angeles Food Bank, with partner agencies, is providing vital assistance to those impacted by the recent fires, which have disrupted access to nutritious food. Your support helps ensure ongoing relief.
  • Pasadena Humane has rescued over 400 animals from the Eaton Fire Emergency. They urgently need monetary donations to cover medical supplies and resources as they care for the increasing number of burned and injured animals arriving at our shelter.
  • PATH: People Assisting the Homeless has responded swiftly to the devastating fires impacting Los Angeles County, which has affected their unhoused neighbors. Your support enables them to provide critical resources and assistance to those in urgent need.

‘Terrifier 3’ Gets Feb. 14 Streaming Debut on Cineverse’s Screambox Platform

Cineverse Jan. 15 announced that Terrifier 3, the highest-grossing non-rated film in U.S. history, will premiere Feb. 14 on the company’s Screambox subscription streaming platform.

On March 14, Cineverse’s horror division Bloody Disgusting will release Terrify Your Heart: Art’s Bloody Valentines, a behind-the-scenes documentary feature offering fans of the “Terrifier” franchise an insider’s look into the making of Terrifier 3, on Screambox, which costs $6.99 a month, or $59.99 annually.

A sneak peek of the feature aired during Terrifier 3’s return to theaters for a limited run during Christmas week.

The movie wrapped 2024 grossing nearly $55 million at the North American box office ($89.8 million globally) and topping key EST/VOD charts. In addition to its strong theatrical run, the slasher masterpiece has performed well on home entertainment, debuting at No. 1 in Fandango’s rankings, and getting as high as No. 2 with Microsoft and No. 3 on iTunes.

The release on physical media includes formats such as DVD, Blu-ray Disc, 4K UHD + Blu-ray and 4K UHD + Blu-ray Steelbook.

Terrifier 2, the second film in the franchise, continues to be a hit on Screambox, ranking as the platform’s most-watched film in 2024.

“Big and small screens alike are vibrant showcases for director Damien Leone’s creativity and vision. Wherever you watch, Art the Clown is incredibly thrilling,” Yolanda Macias, chief content officer at Cineverse, said in a statement.

In Terrifier 3, after surviving Art the Clown’s Halloween massacre, Sienna and her brother are struggling to rebuild their shattered lives. As the holiday season approaches, they try to embrace the Christmas spirit and leave the horrors of the past behind. But just when they think they’re safe, Art the Clown returns, determined to turn their holiday cheer into a new nightmare.

Produced by Phil Falcone and written and directed by Leone, Terrifier 3 stars David Howard Thornton (as Art the Clown), Lauren Lavera, Elliott Fullam, Samantha Scaffidi, Antonella Rose, Margaret Anne Florence, Bryce Johnson, Alexa Blair, Mason Mecartea, Krsy Fox, Clint Howard, Jon Abrahams with Chris Jericho, Daniel Roebuck and Jason Patric.

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Cineverse Inks Digital Media Distribution Deal With Multicom Entertainment Group

Cineverse Jan. 6 announced that it has signed an agreement with Multicom Entertainment Group to digitize and distribute Multicom’s catalog of more than 5,000 titles, including the app/channel “TheArchive,” and other curated channels, across digital platforms.

TheArchive channel features film and TV catalog programming, including Oscar winners, cult classics, primetime specials and hit series.

“We needed to scale and grow our business and [Cinverse] was the ideal solution for our needs,” Bryan Crocker, COO at Multicom, said in a statement.

“Multicom is an ideal partner for our ‘Matchpoint’ digital services as a mature media company that is ready to scale and needs our unique technology to expand globally,” said Brandon Topping, Cineverse SVP of SaaS Sales, who is spearheading the relationship with Multicom.

Matchpoint is Cineverse’s proprietary technology that is designed to allow companies to make content available for distribution online in less time and at a lower cost.

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