#foreign markets

[msfbgraves]

A new, insidious anti wga take is "Minirooms are good, because group writing produces bad scripts."

I live in a film landscape with very few writing teams. And do you know why Hollywood dominates the worldwide film industry? Because they can produce good scripts incredibly fast, and cheaply. The only reason most European things even get made at all is that these productions are subsidised by tax money. It makes no financial sense to compete with the oiled machine that is Hollywood, they simply cannot sustain the amount of good writers that the Hollywood system can. Writer's rooms with well paid writers are a huge upfront cost, but they are the reason that near everybody in the world watches Hollywood productions. Minirooms can't work as fast, or as well, and that's why they're creaming their pants about AI, because that can work even faster. If that output stops, they're going to lose so much foreign revenue. It's cheaper to program American content, but if there isn't enough of that, it's suddenly cheaper to program other foreign content. Who cares what language they're dubbing from amirite? Maybe domestic movies start to fare better! Right now, Hollywood attracts all the best foreign talent, too - Brits, Irishmen, Germans, Dutchmen, Italians, Swedish, French, Australian, South African, Latin American, Indian, Chinese - the reason they all get cast is not because it's more convenient for the Yanks to hire foreigners they often simply are world class greats. And they can and do work anywhere the work is good.

So no, the US couldn't put out so much good stuff with minirooms only. And if they already hold a lot of foreign chains hostage, saying so much capacity must go to their product - and goodness that's often what it is - if it gets too bad you cannot compel enough people to go see it even then. AI could resolve the unsustainability of minirooms by being faster, but it can't sustain a minimum of quality and that was already hurting the box office.

And sure one good writer can write a very good movie or series but they cannot do it fast, not for long, and even the best showrunners are already understaffed. If Hollywood cannot supply the cheapest "content" for movie theatres, Latin America, China, Africa and Europe are going to program any other foreign stuff, while India, New Zealand and Australia are going to buy other English language fare. Or perhaps they'll dub. Simply put you need a lot of writers and the very best actors to supply the whole world. Minirooms aren't cutting it, even the execs know that, that's why they're hoping to exploit people with theft machines.

[esonetwork]

Empowered Women In Hollywood | Tales From Hollywoodland

New Post has been published on http://esonetwork.com/empowered-women-in-hollywood-tales-from-hollywoodland/

Empowered Women In Hollywood | Tales From Hollywoodland

In this episode of “Tales from Hollywoodland,” the hosts explore the evolution of empowered women in the film and television industry. They celebrate early pioneers like Mary Pickford and discuss the founding of United Artists. The episode highlights influential figures such as Mae West, Joan Crawford, Sherry Lansing, Lucille Ball, Marlo Thomas, and Mary Tyler Moore. The hosts also examine the portrayal of strong female characters, citing Sigourney Weaver’s role in “Aliens” and Disney’s Mulan. They acknowledge the impact of women in executive roles, like Donna Langley and Amy Pascal, and the legal battles for career control by actresses like Bette Davis and Olivia de Havilland.

Links

Tales From Hollywoodland on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/talesfromhollywoodland 

Tales From Hollywoodland on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/talesfromhollywoodland/

#empoweredwomen #filmindustry #television #MaryPickford #MaeWest #JoanCrawford #LucilleBall #MarloThomas #SigourneyWeaver #BarbraStreisand #TaylorSwift #BetteDavis #OliviadeHavilland #femaledirectors #challengesintheindustry #foreignmarkets #actresses #StevenJayRubin #ArthurFriedman #JulianSchlossberg #TalesFromHollywoodland

[ifindtaxpro]

Expanding your business to foreign markets? 🌍 Don't miss this guide on navigating international taxation. Learn the key considerations to thrive globally while staying tax-compliant. 💼💰 #InternationalTaxation #BusinessExpansion #GlobalMarkets 🌐📊

[thistransient]

Taipei is not hosting the big national lantern festival this year but there are still some cool things set up around the city, this one is outside Songshan Station 松山站

[hanzajesthanza]

"the michael kandel translation of "the witcher" short story can't hurt you!!"

the michael kandel translation of "the witcher" short story:

[jennilah]

i think Long Distance actually finally coming out was the universe kind of making up for the other bullshit it put me through this year. just in time for christmas <3

[sirghostheart]

Is anyone overtaken by anger whenever they think of Hollywood's tendency to remake whole ass foreign movies instead of subbing of even dubbing the damn thing because god forbid the average yankee is exposed to a non anglo culture

Or is it just me?

[ilovepippirrip]

AAAA CAN YOU DRAW MARK X POCKET PLEASE

I CAN‼️‼️😼

(It looks so bad I barley draw pocket and Ive never drawn Mark. Im so sorry😞)

[digitaldetoxworld]

Pinterest Marketing: Unlocking the Power of Visual Discovery

 Pinterest, a visible discovery platform, has developed into a powerful advertising device for agencies of all sizes. With over 400 million energetic users monthly, Pinterest provides a unique area where brands can hook up with audiences, power visitors, and ultimately boost sales. In this comprehensive manual, we will discover strategies and first-class practices for leveraging Pinterest to maximize your advertising capability.

Understanding Pinterest as a Platform

Pinterest operates as a search engine for notions, ideas, and solutions. Unlike different social media platforms focused on connecting with buddies or sharing each day updates, Pinterest is a hub for making plans and choice-making. Users, or "Pinners," keep thoughts ("Pins") on boards, categorizing them for destiny reference. This plans-centric nature makes Pinterest a terrific platform for businesses aiming to reach consumers at special ranges of their buying journey.

Pinterest Marketing

Key Demographics

Gender: While Pinterest is frequently associated with ladies, recent trends display a growing range of male customers.

Age: Millennials and Gen Z dominate the platform, however, older demographics are an increasingly number of engaging.

Interests: Popular categories consist of home décor, food, style, splendor, DIY tasks, and travel.

Understanding your target audience's conduct and possibilities on Pinterest is important for crafting powerful marketing techniques.

Setting Up a Pinterest Business Account

To maximize Pinterest's potential, start by using setting up a Pinterest Business account. This kind of account offers get right of entry to to advanced features such as analytics, advertising, and rich Pins. Here’s how:

Sign Up or Convert: Create a new enterprise account or convert your existing non-public account to a business account.

Complete Your Profile: Use a recognizable profile photo (e.g., your emblem), write a compelling bio, and include your internet site hyperlink.

Claim Your Website: Verify your website to enhance credibility and access additional features.

Enable Rich Pins: Rich Pins offer greater context approximately an idea via pulling metadata directly out of your website.

Creating Engaging Content

Content is king on Pinterest, and visuals reign excellent. To stand out, your Pins have to be attractive, applicable, and actionable. Here are some pointers:

Design Visually Appealing Pins

Vertical Format: Use a 2:3 factor ratio (e.g., 1000 x 1500 pixels) for the finest show.

High-Quality Images: Use crisp, professional photographs or photos.

Text Overlay: Add textual content to images to provide context or spotlight key messages.

Branding: Incorporate your emblem or brand shades subtly.

Write Compelling Descriptions

Use Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords to improve visibility.

Include a Call-to-Action (CTA): Encourage users to do so, together with visiting your internet site or saving the PIN.

Provide Value: Share hints, how-to’s, or different actionable insights.

Video Pins

Videos are gaining traction on Pinterest. Use them to show off product demonstrations, tutorials, or storytelling to engage your audience in addition.

Organizing Boards Strategically

Boards are collections of Pins that help users categorize and organize their saved content material. For companies, forums can:

Reflect Your Brand: Align board topics along with your merchandise, offerings, or enterprise.

Target Niches: Create forums for precise subcategories to appeal to area of interest audiences.

Optimize Titles and Descriptions: Use keywords in board titles and outlines for higher discoverability.

Leveraging Pinterest search engine marketing

Pinterest operates as a search engine, making search engine optimization a vital thing of your method. Focus on the following:

Keywords: Research and comprise relevant key phrases in your profile, Pin descriptions, and board titles.

Hashtags: Use relevant hashtags to extend your attain.

Consistency: Regularly post and engage to hold visibility.

Pin Optimization: Link again to your internet site and use descriptive, keyword-rich URLs.

Driving Traffic and Conversions

Pinterest excels at driving traffic to websites. Here’s the way to convert that traffic into actionable results:

Optimize Landing Pages: Ensure the pages Pins link to are mobile-pleasant and provide the promised content.

Use Rich Pins: They robotically update to reflect adjustments in your internet site, enhancing user enjoyment.

Promotions and Discounts: Highlight unique offers to encourage clicks and purchases.

Track Performance: Use Pinterest Analytics to screen traffic sources and conversion quotes.

Advertising on Pinterest

Pinterest Ads can amplify your attain and engagement. Ad formats include:

Promoted Pins: Regular Pins in customers’ feeds or search outcomes.

Promoted Video Pins: Videos designed to interact with audiences.

Shopping Ads: Showcase products at once linked to your e-commerce site.

Carousel Ads: Multi-picture ads are best for storytelling or highlighting several products.

To create powerful ads:

Define Goals: Choose objectives such as cognizance, visitors, or conversions.

Target Smartly: Use Pinterest’s focus on options, which include pastimes, key phrases, and demographics.

A/B Test: Experiment with unique visuals, headlines, and CTAs.

Tracking and Analytics

Pinterest Analytics presents treasured insights into your account's overall performance. Key metrics encompass:

Impressions: How frequently your Pins seem.

Engagements: Saves, clicks, and stocks.

Audience Insights: Demographics and interests of your target market.

Traffic: Website visits driven by Pinterest.

Regularly examine those metrics to refine your method and perceive areas for development.

Best Practices for Pinterest Marketing

Post Consistently: Maintain an ordinary posting timetable to live seen.

Engage with Users: Respond to feedback and observe relevant accounts.

Seasonal Content: Align content with seasonal trends and vacations.

Collaborate: Partner with influencers or other manufacturers for joint boards or campaigns.

Stay Updated: Keep up with Pinterest’s present-day capabilities and tendencies.

[aeolianblues]

On Gentrification: No Tickets At The Door

No Tickets At The Door is an in-depth look into Toronto’s diverse underground music scene and the myriad of challenges that musicians, promoters, and venues are facing during COVID-19. Questions about creative survival and perseverance during lockdown, as well as the overwhelming effects of merciless gentrification, are actively raised and discussed by the community. Part documentary, part love letter to the scene, filmmaker and musician Danny Alexander explores the creative impulses that are driving musicians today while paying close attention to the endangered status of Toronto as an incubator for the arts. Featuring interviews with prominent contributors such as Sook-Yin Lee, Dan Burke, Luna Li, Yamantaka//Sonic Titan, and TRP.P, owners of historic venues like the Horseshoe Tavern, and local politicians who are championing the arts, No Tickets At The Door examines the importance of music communities in the modern age and what is at stake if a city is no longer hospitable towards them.

[currencyexchange-1]

Best International Money Transfer

International money transfer refers to the process of sending money from one country to another. This can be done for personal reasons like supporting family, paying bills, or funding education abroad, as well as for business purposes such as paying suppliers or employees.

[coochiequeens]

Gay men and the wealthy are no longer content to exploit one woman now exploiting two at the same is becoming trendy

Why have one baby when you can have 2? People are paying $500,000 to hire 2 surrogates at once and have 'twiblings'

By Kelsey Vlamis  Jul 16, 2024, 3:04 PM EDT

Some people are hiring two surrogates at the same time to carry their babies.

Concurrent surrogacy can be complicated and costly, with prices reaching up to $500,000 or more.

Many people who do it are in their 40s and trying to build out their family quickly.

Bill Houghton still vividly remembers the moment he met his son.

He was sitting in the hospital waiting room, right outside the birthing room, when a nurse appeared carrying a little green bundle.

"I just held him in my arms and just started crying. It was so overwhelming. My husband was like, 'Oh my God, I can't believe that this is it. We're a family,'" Houghton told Business Insider. "This is my son."

Just one week later, Houghton and his husband would have the same experience all over again when their second child, another son, was delivered.

"And it has been like that ever since," he said. "To this day, I still look at them and I think, 'Oh my God, these are my sons.' My father had sons. I never thought that I would have a son."

Houghton and his husband opted to become parents via concurrent surrogacy — a process in which two surrogates are hired to carry two babies at the same, or overlapping, time.

The resulting children can be born anywhere from one week apart, like Houghton's, to nine months apart, and have been referred to by some people in the industry as "tandem siblings" or "twiblings."

Surrogacy agencies told BI that concurrent surrogacy journeys are not uncommon, with some saying it's a rising trend in a growing industry that was valued at $14 billion in 2022 by Global Market Insights and has attracted the investments of private equity firms.

All kinds of people — couples or singles, straight or gay, young or old — have opted to build out their family two at a time via concurrent surrogacy. But there is one thing that most parents of twiblings have in common: the ability to afford them.

While Houghton hired surrogates abroad, couples who choose to go through US-based agencies can easily spend $300,000 to half a million dollars or more on concurrent surrogates, according to five surrogacy agencies that spoke to BI.

"It is a luxury, absolutely," Brooke Kimbrough, cofounder and CEO of Roots Surrogacy, told BI. "Most American families don't have $200,000 in cash to go through surrogacy generally, and then $400,000-plus in cash to be able to go through that twice at the same time."

Still, the use of concurrent surrogates could grow as surrogacy generally grows in the US, in part because celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Chrissy Teigen have started opening up about using surrogates, as well as depictions in film and TV that have made the practice more mainstream. Teigen was even pregnant at the same time as her surrogate.

Surrogacy is also becoming increasingly relevant as more and more people are opting to have kids and start building their families later in life.

Chrissy Teigen and John Legend have opened up about using a surrogate. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit

Concurrent surrogacy can help build a family quickly

Concurrent journeys typically look like regular surrogacy journeys, just times two. Gestational surrogacy, when IVF is used to place a fertilized embryo into a surrogate, is the most common form of surrogacy in the US today. Parents can use their own egg and sperm or that of donors.

Like many gay couples, Houghton and his husband each used their sperm for one of the babies, as well as the same egg donor, so their sons are technically half brothers.

While there has been increased awareness around what some call "social surrogacy" — using a surrogate when it's not medically or biologically necessary — the majority of people who conceive via surrogacy do so because they have to.

"Typically, when people come to us, they've been through a lot. This is not their plan A, it's often not plan B, maybe it's plan C," Kim Bergman, a psychologist and senior partner at Growing Generations, told BI. "They've had a lot of disappointment, and they've had a lot of trials and tribulations."

Many hopeful parents are in their 40s and are simply eager to build their families, the agencies said. A surrogacy journey can easily take one and a half to two years, so for intended parents who know they want multiple kids, concurrent surrogates can be appealing.

Certainly, some people who opt for concurrent surrogates do not fit the definition of medically necessary, at least according to the standards laid out by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

Some people have mental health reasons or a fear of giving birth. Others are actors or brain surgeons who spend 12 hours a day on their feet and who can't get pregnant and continue to do their jobs. All the surrogacy agencies BI spoke with said it's essentially never the case that someone opts for surrogacy simply for vanity reasons.

David Sher, founder and CEO of Elite IVF, told BI they've helped coordinate surrogates for celebrities, politicians, and people in demanding careers like finance or tech. He said he currently has a client who serves on the cabinet of a Western country and is trying to have a baby via surrogate in part due to her demanding schedule.

Sher said he thinks concurrent surrogacy has long been an option for intended parents but that there does seem to be an uptick in people who are opting to do it.

Part of the reason for that could be because fewer and fewer agencies are willing to do double embryo transfers, which were previously more common and could result in a twin pregnancy. The ASRM recommends against them, as twin pregnancies come with heightened risks for both the surrogate and the babies. So concurrent surrogacy is a safer option for intended parents who want to have two kids at the same time or in close succession.

Costly and complicated

Though it's viewed as a safer option, concurrent surrogacy is controversial. The ASRM guidelines actually recommend against concurrent surrogacy, as well as against social, or not medically necessary, surrogacy. But all five surrogacy agencies that BI spoke to will facilitate concurrent surrogacies.

The agencies said they've seen many concurrent surrogacy journeys be successful and that a lot of care and prior planning goes into making them happen.

"It's not taken lightly," Bergman said, adding that concurrent journeys are rarely chosen by 30-year-olds who have plenty of time to build their families, though that does occasionally happen.

Surrogacy, in general, is expensive — commonly ranging from $150,000 to $250,000 for one child. The costs go toward surrogate compensation, agency fees, legal fees for contracts, and clinical bills.

The agencies BI spoke with said a concurrent surrogacy journey would essentially cost twice that. Meaning there's no two-for-one special.

But cost isn't the only factor to consider. Perhaps the primary drawback to pursuing concurrent surrogacy (that is, besides the high price tag) is the logistics of it.

All the agencies emphasized that concurrent surrogacy should only be pursued with full transparency and the fully informed consent of every person involved. That means matching intended parents to surrogates who are fully aware and OK with the fact that they will not be the only surrogate.

Gestational surrogacy, in which a fertilized embryo is implanted in a surrogate, is most common in the US. Jay L. Clendenin/for The Washington Post/Getty Images

There's also tons of planning and talking through hypotheticals. Are the surrogates based in the same area? Can the parents attend both births? Are we staggering expected delivery times enough? What's the plan if one surrogate gets pregnant on the first try but the other doesn't?

There's also a psychological aspect. Will both surrogates feel fully supported? How will one feel if she doesn't get pregnant right away and the other does?

"All of these conversations are front-loaded. Anytime in the conversation, the surrogate can say, 'I'm not comfortable doing this,'" Bergman said, adding that sometimes, after thinking through the logistics, some parents will change their minds and plan to space the deliveries out further than they initially wanted, like to six or nine months.

Most agencies recommended staggering the planned deliveries by at least three months. But at the end of the day, parents need to be ready for the timeline to not go exactly as planned.

Houghton and his husband had actually planned to have their babies six weeks apart, but when one of the babies was born five weeks premature, they ended up with birthdays one week apart.

Concurrent surrogacy may not be for everyone — even if you can afford it

Although the cost of concurrent surrogacy makes it prohibitive for most people, that could change in the future as more and more companies expand their fertility benefits.

There are also more nonprofits popping up that will provide grants or partial funds to people who want to build their families via surrogacy but may not have the means to.

Jarret Zafran, founder and executive director at Brownstone Surrogacy, told BI that it's not necessarily only the ultrawealthy who pursue concurrent surrogacy. He said he currently has clients who are lifelong educators on the older side who are getting ready to start the surrogacy process. They recently asked about what it would look like for them to do a concurrent journey.

"I guess it is still a luxury in the sense that most Americans would not even be in a financial position to afford it the first time," Zafran, who also had a child with his husband through surrogacy, said. "But for them, this is not a frivolous decision, and they're scraping together every single little penny that they have, all of their savings, their retirement funds, and I get it."

By using surrogates abroad over a decade ago, Houghton and his husband, who are based in Spain, spent much less on their concurrent surrogates than they would have in the US. But he's still not totally sure why they chose to do concurrent journeys rather than space the children out a bit more.

"We just liked the idea of having two kids that were about the same age that would sort of grow up together," he said, adding, "I didn't realize at the time the challenges that would come with having two kids."

In reality, he said having the two boys grow up so close together in age, not twins but in the same class in school, ended up leading to a lot of conflict and constant competition as they were growing up. He said it has gotten better now that the boys are facing their teen years and developing their own identities.

Still, if he could do it over again, he thinks he would stagger them more.

"They're unbelievable young men, and I'm so proud of everything about them," he said. "But having the two together has been a challenge."

Have a news tip or a story to share about concurrent surrogacy? Contact this reporter at kvlamis@businessinsider.com.

If a brain surgeon or politician can't do their job while pregnant have they thought about how kids in general will impact their job? What if their kid wakes them up the night before surgery because they got of had a nightmare? Are they counting on a reliable spouse or a nanny to take care to the unpleasant parts of parenting.

Finally at the very end of the article they address how being born so close together impacts kids. We're they really surprised that there was a lot of competition? And they article just touched on how one of the twins was born 5 weeks premature. That means at one week old the dudes in charge of its care were focused on its twibling. Considering that surrogacy pregnancies are more likely to have complications do the parents consider how they will care for one baby while another baby is in the hospital longer than expected?

[notmoreflippingelves]

Every year, I tell myself that I should really consider taking off work for Father Brown premiere day, and then it comes around and I forget to do it, and I spend all day thinking about how I would so much rather be sitting cozy under a million blankets and going back to Kembleford than being forced to do boring work things.

[chiara-klara-claire]

Books I got in May 2023 🇮🇸 🇿🇦 🇳🇱 🇩🇪

[foxnangelseo]

Apple To Invest More In India

As per undisclosed sources familiar with the matter, Apple Inc. is reportedly revamping the management of its international businesses to place a larger emphasis on India, reflecting the country's growing importance in the company's overall strategy. This move marks a significant milestone as India is set to become its own sales region at Apple for the first time, signaling the surging demand for Apple's products in the region. As a result, India is expected to gain greater prominence and visibility within the company.

The decision to focus on India could be a strategic move by Apple, given that India is one of the fastest-growing smartphone markets in the world. By prioritizing India, Apple may be seeking to gain a larger market share in the region, which could help the company offset slowing growth in other markets. The company's recent launch of an online store in India is further evidence of its commitment to expanding its presence in the country. Last quarter, despite a 5% dip in total sales, Apple achieved record revenue in India. The tech giant has set up an online store to cater to the region and plans to open its first retail stores there later this year. During the last earnings call, Apple CEO Tim Cook highlighted the company's significant emphasis on the Indian market and compared its current state to its early years in China. He mentioned how Apple is leveraging its learnings from China to scale in India. China is Apple's largest sales region after the Americas and Europe, generating around $75 billion in revenue per year. Apart from boosting Apple's sales, India is also becoming increasingly critical to the company's product development. Key suppliers are shifting to the region, and Apple is partnering with manufacturing giant Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. (also known as Foxconn) to establish new iPhone production facilities in India, according to Bloomberg News. Apple has been expanding its focus on the Indian market in recent years, and the company has been making efforts to improve its sales operations in the country. In 2020, Apple launched an online store in India, which allowed the company to sell its products directly to consumers in the country for the first time. This move was seen as a significant step for Apple, as India is one of the world's fastest-growing smartphone markets. If Apple is restructuring its international sales operations to put a more significant focus on India, it suggests that the company sees significant growth potential in the Indian market. Apple may be looking to increase its market share in India by focusing on pricing, localizing products and services, and building relationships with key partners in the country. It remains to be seen how Apple's restructuring will affect the company's operations in other regions. However, this move is undoubtedly a positive sign for India's tech industry, as it shows that major global players are taking note of the country's potential as a growth market.

Fox&Angel is an open strategy consulting ecosystem, put together by a top-line core team of industry experts, studded with illustrious success stories, learnings, and growth. Committed to curate bespoke business & strategy solutions for each of your challenges, we literally handpick consultants from across the globe and industries who fit the role best and help you on your path to success. 

This post was originally published on: Foxnangel

[lunasilvis]

Think I'm gonna set it as an official goal for myself to move to the other side of the Atlantic within now and 5-8 years. This has been on my mind since I was a kid - but life is pulling me in the directions again in ways. Also, I feel kinda lonesome in Europe, these generally are not my people and it feels like I'm stuck in a hamlet on some days. sure, I could opt for living in a big European city: Berlin, London, Paris, Barcelona. But idk if that would make the cut. There is something about North-America that draws me in, and always had.

It all feels very idealistic still. But I'd been orientating on immigration procedures to either Canada or the US. I want to take this very slow, because I have a dog here, but also because getting an immigration visa / foreign passport in either one of those places will be a very time-consuming and troubling process. And I want to make sure it's all mapped out rationally and well.

First step is finetuning my English. I've been making progress in that lately, happily. then building a solid American network thru temporary work in either Canada or the US. I plan to do the latter in 1-3 years from now. I'm excited to see where this will bring me :)