#theater market challenges

[bottlewatersblog]

Top Trends Shaping the Theater Industry Share in 2024

The world of theater, a timeless form of artistic expression, has faced numerous challenges and transformations over the centuries. From the grandeur of ancient Greek amphitheaters to the intimate settings of modern black box venues, theater has continually evolved to reflect societal changes and technological advancements. In recent years, particularly post-pandemic, the theater industry has witnessed a significant resurgence, embracing change and innovation to captivate modern audiences.

Latest Trends and Statistics

1. Post-Pandemic Recovery: The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the theater industry, with many theaters worldwide shutting down temporarily or permanently. However, as restrictions have lifted, the industry has shown remarkable resilience. According to the Broadway League, Broadway theaters in New York City experienced a 92% increase in attendance in the 2022-2023 season compared to the previous year, signaling a robust recovery .

2. Embracing Digital Platforms: Theater companies have increasingly adopted digital platforms to reach a wider audience. The National Theatre in London reported that its NT at Home streaming service attracted over 13 million viewers globally in 2023, a significant increase from previous years. This shift to digital has made theater more accessible, breaking geographical barriers and offering performances to those who might not have had the opportunity to attend in person .

3. Diversity and Inclusion: There has been a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion within the theater community. In 2023, 45% of Broadway shows featured leading roles played by actors of color, up from 28% in 2019. This shift reflects a broader societal push towards representation and equity in the arts .

4. Innovative Productions: Innovation in theater production has reached new heights with the integration of advanced technologies. The use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) has enhanced storytelling, offering immersive experiences to the audience. A recent survey by the International Association of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) found that 60% of theaters are exploring the use of AR and VR in their productions .

5. Financial Performance: Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the financial performance of theaters has shown improvement. In 2023, the global theater market was valued at approximately $40 billion, a 15% increase from the previous year. This growth is attributed to both a return to live performances and the monetization of digital content .

Conclusion

The theater industry is experiencing a dynamic resurgence, marked by increased attendance, technological innovation, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The post-pandemic recovery has highlighted the resilience of theaters and their ability to adapt to changing circumstances. The integration of digital platforms and advanced technologies has expanded the reach and appeal of theater, making it more accessible and engaging for modern audiences.

[narwatharsh01]

Global Theater Industry Trends, Players, and Future Projections

The magic of the silver screen endures, and the theater market continues to captivate audiences globally. In 2024, the industry is not just surviving but thriving, navigating challenges and evolving with the times. Let's take a deep dive into the current state of the theater market, examining its size, growth trajectory, notable trends, key players, and future outlook.

Market Size and Growth:

As of 2023, the theater market was valued at an impressive USD 69.78 billion. it is set to reach a staggering USD 95.66 billion in 2029, reflecting a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.24%. Despite the surge in home entertainment options, the theater market is evidently expanding.

Technological advancements, including 3D, 4DX, and IMAX, contribute significantly to this growth. These innovations provide audiences with a more immersive cinematic experience, attracting those seeking a break from the ordinary. Rising disposable income, particularly in developing regions, further fuels the growth, allowing audiences to indulge in leisure activities such as moviegoing. The popularity of blockbuster releases also plays a pivotal role, with audiences flocking to theaters to witness the grandeur of big-budget franchises.

Theater Market Trends:

The global theater industry is witnessing several trends that are shaping its future:

Focus on Premium Experiences: Theaters are differentiating themselves by emphasizing premium formats such as luxury recliners, in-seat dining, and personalized services, offering a unique experience not easily replicated at home.

Experiential Marketing: Creative marketing strategies are employed to generate excitement around films. Interactive events, themed concessions, and engaging social media campaigns are becoming integral to the moviegoing experience.

Evolving Distribution Models: The traditional windowing system, where movies are exclusively released in theaters before hitting streaming platforms, is undergoing changes. Studios are experimenting with different release strategies, impacting traditional theater attendance.

Theater Market Players:

Key players dominate the theater market:

AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc.: The largest movie theater chain globally, boasting over 900 theaters across 11 countries.

Cinemark Holdings, Inc.: A major player with a strong presence in the United States and Latin America.

Comcast Corporation: Owner and operator of the Universal Pictures movie studio and various theater chains under the NBCUniversal umbrella.

The Walt Disney Company: Operates Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures and owns several theater chains, including Disney Theatres.

Theater Market Research Reports:

Understanding the theater market necessitates insights from research reports, providing:

Market Size and Growth Forecasts: Offering a comprehensive snapshot of the current market state and predicting its trajectory.

Consumer Trends: Identifying audience preferences and evolving behaviors, aiding businesses in adapting their offerings.

Competitive Landscape: Analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of key players, enabling businesses to develop effective competitive strategies.

Prominent research firms publishing reports on the movie theater market. These reports are indispensable for investors, businesses, and stakeholders seeking a nuanced understanding of the theater market.

Theater Market Outlook:

While the theater market faces competition from streaming services, the allure of a unique social and immersive experience remains strong. With increasing disposable income, technological advancements, and strategic marketing initiatives, the industry is poised for continued growth. The ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and distribution models will be crucial for the theater market's long-term success. The flickering flame of the theater market continues to burn bright, promising a compelling future amid the evolving entertainment landscape.

[dragons-and-yellow-roses]

I start a new job in a couple weeks that will require me to wake up at 6:30am. Am I preparing for that? Am I steadily going to sleep earlier and waking up earlier so that this transition is smooth?

It's 2:15am and I didn't sleep sooner because I was cross stitching and watching Dimension 20. I'll let you guess how well the preparing is going.

[susiephone]

*puts hands on hollywood exec's shoulders, staring unblinking into their eyes* listen to me. you will never get people who hate musicals to like musicals by making your musical less of a musical. if you hide the fact that your film is a musical in the advertising, you're going to get a lot of low ratings from people who hate musicals and went into your movie not expecting a musical and got one anyway. people who hate musicals will hate them no matter how realistic and diegetic and lowkey you try to make it. they will hate musicals even if you completely excise anything complicated, over the top, silly, or even slightly challenging. they will hate musicals even if you cut half the songs. they will hate musicals even if you cast that a-lister who can't sing worth a damn. stop trying to market to people who hate musicals. they're a lost cause. your audience should be people who love musicals. this half-assed middle ground pisses off both camps. just embrace the fact that your movie is a musical. lean into it. don't try and trick musical haters into coming to your film when you could be marketing to the theater kids. better cringe than a coward.

[aeth-eris]

★  majors/higher  education  |  signs  in  the  9th  house  ★ 

★   book   a   reading   ★   ★   masterlist   1   ★   ★   masterlist   2   ★

★  aries  in  the  9th  house  ★ 

majors  tied  to  action,  leadership,  and  bold  thinking—aries  energy  thrives  in  fields  that  require  initiative  and  innovation.  think  degrees  in  law  (debate,  litigation),  sports  science  (coaching,  performance  training),  or  military  science  (strategy,  defense).  you  might  also  pursue  something  competitive  like  entrepreneurship  or  pre-med,  where  you’re  constantly  challenged  to  stay  ahead.  aries’  restless  energy  makes  hands-on,  fast-paced  majors  appealing,  so  engineering  or  mechanics  could  also  fit.  their  love  of  adventure  means  international  relations  or  global  studies  might  appeal,  especially  if  you  want  to  explore  different  cultures  or  engage  in  diplomatic  work.  creative  fields  like  film  production  or  performing  arts  (theater,  dance)  might  call  to  you,  as  aries  loves  self-expression  and  commanding  attention.  expect  a  major  that  keeps  you  moving  and  doesn’t  confine  you  to  routine;  aries  doesn’t  do  well  in  stagnant  or  overly  theoretical  environments.  you  might  also  gravitate  toward  activism-based  studies,  like  political  science  or  criminal  justice,  where  you  can  champion  causes  and  fight  for  change.  your  education  could  take  unexpected  turns,  as  aries  energy  often  thrives  in  challenges  and  chaos—possibly  leading  you  to  switch  majors  mid-way  when  something  more  exciting  catches  your  attention.

★  taurus  in  the  9th  house  ★ 

majors  rooted  in  stability,  beauty,  and  value-driven  work.  taurus  energy  is  practical  yet  artistic,  so  degrees  in  interior  design,  architecture,  or  fine  arts  (sculpture,  painting)  align  well  with  their  aesthetic  sensibilities.  you  might  also  find  satisfaction  in  agricultural  sciences  or  environmental  studies,  connecting  with  the  earth  and  sustainable  practices.  taurus’  practical  mindset  leans  toward  finance,  economics,  or  business—majors  that  ensure  long-term  security  and  tangible  rewards.  culinary  arts  or  nutrition  could  appeal,  especially  if  you  enjoy  creating  or  nurturing  through  food.  degrees  in  real  estate  or  hospitality  management  might  align  with  taurus’  love  of  comfort  and  luxury,  allowing  you  to  curate  beautiful  spaces  or  experiences  for  others.  taurus  in  the  9th  craves  knowledge  they  can  use  practically,  so  hands-on  fields  with  clear  career  paths  are  key.  psychology  or  social  work  might  also  resonate,  especially  if  you’re  drawn  to  steady,  nurturing  roles  that  help  others  build  better  lives.  you  could  lean  toward  something  like  cultural  studies  or  anthropology  if  there’s  a  focus  on  the  sensory  aspects  of  different  traditions  (food,  art,  craftsmanship).  whatever  you  choose,  it’ll  likely  be  a  slow,  deliberate  decision,  as  taurus  takes  their  time  to  find  what  truly  aligns  with  their  values.

 ★  gemini  in  the  9th  house  ★ 

majors  focused  on  communication,  ideas,  and  variety���gemini  thrives  in  fields  that  stimulate  the  mind  and  offer  flexibility.  journalism,  creative  writing,  or  media  studies  are  strong  fits,  as  gemini  excels  in  storytelling  and  connecting  with  others.  degrees  in  education  (teaching,  curriculum  development)  might  appeal,  especially  if  you’re  drawn  to  sharing  knowledge  in  dynamic  environments.  gemini’s  curiosity  could  also  pull  you  toward  marketing,  public  relations,  or  advertising—majors  that  let  you  craft  messages  and  explore  trends.  linguistics,  foreign  languages,  or  international  studies  might  resonate,  allowing  you  to  learn  and  communicate  across  cultures.  gemini’s  love  of  tech  and  information  could  lead  to  fields  like  computer  science,  digital  media,  or  data  analysis.  their  versatility  means  you  might  combine  seemingly  unrelated  interests,  like  a  double  major  in  psychology  and  graphic  design  or  sociology  and  creative  writing.  gemini  doesn’t  thrive  in  rigid  or  overly  specialized  fields;  they  need  variety,  collaboration,  and  intellectual  stimulation.  philosophy  or  political  science  could  also  align,  especially  if  you  enjoy  debating  and  exploring  complex  ideas.  gemini  in  the  9th  house  often  means  your  education  will  involve  constant  learning  and  adapting—expect  internships,  networking,  and  possibly  changing  majors  to  keep  things  fresh.

 ★  cancer  in  the  9th  house  ★ 

majors  that  center  around  nurturing,  emotional  connection,  and  building  safe  spaces  for  others.  cancer  energy  thrives  in  fields  like  psychology,  counseling,  or  social  work—anything  where  you  can  provide  care  and  emotional  support.  education  might  also  appeal,  particularly  in  early  childhood  development  or  special  education,  as  cancer  loves  nurturing  young  minds.  degrees  in  nursing,  midwifery,  or  healthcare  align  with  cancer’s  caregiving  nature,  especially  if  you’re  drawn  to  maternal  health  or  pediatrics.  cancer’s  connection  to  home  and  history  could  lead  to  majors  like  interior  design  (creating  comforting  spaces)  or  history  and  anthropology,  focusing  on  family  lineage  or  cultural  traditions.  culinary  arts  or  hospitality  management  could  also  resonate,  especially  if  you  love  bringing  people  together  through  food  or  creating  warm,  inviting  environments.  cancer  in  the  9th  might  draw  you  toward  majors  that  focus  on  healing  or  personal  growth,  like  alternative  medicine,  holistic  therapy,  or  even  spiritual  studies.  film  and  media  studies  could  appeal  if  you’re  interested  in  storytelling  with  emotional  depth.  whatever  you  choose,  it’s  likely  tied  to  themes  of  care,  protection,  and  emotional  resonance.  you  might  also  feel  pulled  toward  studying  abroad  in  places  that  feel  familiar  or  tied  to  ancestral  roots,  seeking  deeper  connections  with  your  personal  history.

 ★  leo  in  the  9th  house  ★ 

majors  centered  around  creativity,  leadership,  and  self-expression.  leo  thrives  in  fields  where  they  can  shine,  so  performing  arts  (theater,  dance,  or  music)  might  be  at  the  top  of  your  list.  film  studies  or  directing  could  appeal  if  you  want  to  create  bold,  visual  stories  that  captivate  an  audience.  degrees  in  business,  entrepreneurship,  or  leadership  studies  might  also  resonate,  as  leo  loves  being  in  charge  and  inspiring  others.  if  you’re  drawn  to  communication,  public  relations  or  marketing  with  a  focus  on  branding  and  storytelling  could  fit.  leo’s  dramatic  flair  might  pull  you  toward  law—especially  areas  like  courtroom  litigation  where  your  charisma  and  presence  can  shine.  education,  particularly  as  a  professor  or  in  roles  that  allow  for  mentorship,  could  also  appeal,  as  leo  loves  to  teach  and  lead.  graphic  design  or  fashion  might  be  your  calling  if  you’re  drawn  to  creating  visually  impactful  work.  majors  involving  performance,  creativity,  or  roles  where  you  can  stand  out  will  feel  most  fulfilling.  study  abroad  programs  in  culturally  vibrant  or  artistic  cities  might  inspire  your  studies.  whatever  you  choose,  it’ll  likely  be  something  where  your  natural  talent  for  commanding  attention  and  creating  joy  takes  center  stage.

 ★  virgo  in  the  9th  house  ★ 

majors  grounded  in  precision,  practicality,  and  service.  virgo  excels  in  detail-oriented  fields,  so  degrees  in  healthcare  (nursing,  medical  technology,  public  health)  or  environmental  science  could  be  strong  fits.  you  might  also  thrive  in  majors  like  biology,  chemistry,  or  nutrition,  especially  if  you’re  drawn  to  solving  real-world  problems.  virgo’s  analytical  nature  makes  them  well-suited  to  data-heavy  fields  like  statistics,  economics,  or  information  systems.  education  is  another  natural  fit,  particularly  in  curriculum  design  or  teaching  science  and  math  subjects.  virgo’s  focus  on  improvement  could  lead  to  degrees  in  psychology,  especially  counseling  or  behavioral  analysis,  where  you  help  others  refine  and  improve  their  lives.  technical  writing,  editing,  or  publishing  might  appeal  if  you’re  drawn  to  language  and  its  meticulous  application.  environmental  studies,  agricultural  science,  or  urban  planning  align  with  virgo’s  interest  in  sustainable  systems.  virgo  in  the  9th  house  often  seeks  practical  applications  for  higher  learning,  so  your  education  might  focus  on  how  to  create  order  and  efficiency  in  the  world.  internships  or  research  opportunities  are  likely  to  play  a  key  role,  as  virgo  thrives  on  hands-on  experience.  you’re  also  likely  to  be  drawn  to  majors  where  you  can  serve  others  and  create  meaningful,  measurable  change.

 ★  libra  in  the  9th  house  ★ 

majors  tied  to  beauty,  harmony,  and  interpersonal  connection.  libra  thrives  in  fields  like  art  history,  design,  or  fashion,  where  aesthetics  and  balance  play  a  central  role.  degrees  in  law,  especially  focused  on  mediation  or  human  rights,  align  with  libra’s  natural  sense  of  fairness  and  justice.  if  you’re  drawn  to  communication,  public  relations  or  marketing  might  appeal,  particularly  in  industries  like  luxury  goods  or  entertainment.  libra’s  love  of  people  and  relationships  could  also  pull  you  toward  psychology  or  sociology,  exploring  how  humans  connect  and  interact.  education,  especially  in  arts  or  humanities,  is  another  natural  fit—teaching  subjects  like  literature,  philosophy,  or  visual  arts  could  fulfill  your  love  for  beauty  and  intellectual  stimulation.  majors  like  international  relations  or  cultural  studies  align  with  libra’s  global  perspective  and  interest  in  diplomacy.  libra  in  the  9th  house  also  points  to  a  strong  desire  for  study  abroad  experiences,  especially  in  culturally  refined  cities  like  paris,  florence,  or  tokyo.  you  might  also  be  drawn  to  interior  design,  event  planning,  or  hospitality  management—fields  where  you  create  harmonious  and  beautiful  spaces.  whatever  you  choose,  it  will  likely  involve  collaboration,  creativity,  and  a  focus  on  creating  balance  in  the  world  around  you.

 ★  scorpio  in  the  9th  house  ★ 

majors  steeped  in  intensity,  mystery,  and  transformation.  scorpio’s  fascination  with  the  unseen  might  lead  you  toward  psychology,  especially  fields  like  forensic  psychology,  trauma  therapy,  or  psychoanalysis.  criminology,  law  enforcement,  or  investigative  journalism  are  also  natural  fits,  as  scorpio  thrives  in  uncovering  hidden  truths.  degrees  in  medicine  or  research,  particularly  in  areas  like  oncology,  genetics,  or  pathology,  align  with  scorpio’s  need  to  transform  and  heal.  scorpio’s  deep,  transformative  energy  might  also  pull  you  toward  majors  like  philosophy,  theology,  or  occult  studies,  where  you  explore  life’s  profound  questions.  anthropology,  archaeology,  or  history  with  a  focus  on  ancient  civilizations  could  appeal  if  you’re  drawn  to  uncovering  buried  secrets.  scorpio’s  intensity  lends  itself  to  creative  fields  as  well—screenwriting,  film  directing,  or  novel  writing  in  genres  like  horror,  thriller,  or  fantasy  might  resonate.  scorpio  in  the  9th  house  might  also  gravitate  toward  environmental  studies  or  activism,  especially  if  there’s  a  focus  on  regeneration  or  fighting  for  underrepresented  causes.  your  educational  journey  may  feel  transformative  and  even  karmic,  with  pivotal  experiences  that  challenge  your  worldview  and  deepen  your  understanding  of  life’s  complexities.  you’re  drawn  to  majors  that  let  you  explore  the  depths  and  create  profound  change.

 ★  sagittarius  in  the  9th  house  ★ 

majors  focused  on  exploration,  freedom,  and  the  pursuit  of  knowledge.  sagittarius  in  the  9th  house  practically  screams  for  degrees  in  international  relations,  global  studies,  or  cultural  anthropology—anything  that  allows  you  to  explore  different  cultures  and  philosophies.  you  might  also  be  drawn  to  majors  in  philosophy,  religious  studies,  or  political  science,  as  sagittarius  loves  diving  into  big-picture  questions  about  morality  and  society.  education  is  another  natural  fit,  particularly  higher  education,  where  you  could  thrive  as  a  professor  or  academic  researcher.  travel  and  adventure  are  key  themes,  so  tourism  management,  hospitality,  or  even  adventure  filmmaking  could  appeal  if  you  want  to  combine  movement  and  creativity.  sagittarius’  connection  to  optimism  and  growth  might  also  lead  you  to  fields  like  motivational  speaking,  public  relations,  or  even  sports  management.  if  you’re  drawn  to  physicality,  degrees  in  physical  education,  sports  science,  or  outdoor  recreation  could  align  with  your  adventurous  spirit.  study  abroad  programs  or  internships  in  foreign  countries  might  feel  essential  to  your  academic  journey.  whatever  you  choose,  it’ll  likely  involve  expanding  your  horizons,  chasing  new  experiences,  and  finding  ways  to  bring  a  sense  of  inspiration  and  adventure  to  your  studies  and  career.

 ★  capricorn  in  the  9th  house  ★ 

majors  rooted  in  structure,  ambition,  and  long-term  success.  capricorn  in  the  9th  house  suggests  a  preference  for  fields  that  offer  tangible  career  paths  and  clear  rewards,  such  as  law,  business  administration,  or  economics.  you  might  also  excel  in  architecture,  engineering,  or  urban  planning,  as  capricorn  thrives  on  building  systems  and  structures  that  last.  degrees  in  political  science,  public  policy,  or  governance  could  appeal  if  you’re  drawn  to  leadership  roles  and  creating  societal  impact.  capricorn’s  disciplined  energy  might  also  lead  you  toward  accounting,  finance,  or  real  estate—fields  that  align  with  your  pragmatic  mindset  and  interest  in  material  security.  academia  or  teaching  might  also  appeal,  especially  if  you’re  focused  on  rising  to  leadership  positions,  like  becoming  a  dean  or  head  of  a  department.  capricorn  in  the  9th  values  practicality,  so  you  may  prioritize  internships,  certifications,  or  degrees  with  clear  professional  applications.  environmental  science  or  sustainability  studies  could  resonate,  especially  if  you’re  drawn  to  creating  lasting  change  in  ecological  systems.  your  educational  journey  will  likely  be  marked  by  hard  work,  steady  progress,  and  a  focus  on  achieving  long-term  goals,  with  a  major  that  reflects  your  ambition  and  desire  for  mastery.

 ★  aquarius  in  the  9th  house  ★ 

majors  centered  around  innovation,  social  change,  and  intellectual  freedom.  aquarius  thrives  in  unconventional  fields,  so  degrees  in  computer  science,  information  technology,  or  artificial  intelligence  are  natural  fits.  if  you’re  drawn  to  the  social  sciences,  majors  like  sociology,  political  science,  or  human  rights  might  appeal,  especially  if  there’s  a  focus  on  progressive  or  revolutionary  ideas.  aquarius’  love  of  innovation  might  also  lead  to  engineering,  especially  aerospace  or  renewable  energy,  where  you  can  create  futuristic  solutions.  degrees  in  environmental  studies  or  urban  planning  could  resonate  if  you’re  interested  in  designing  sustainable  communities.  aquarius  in  the  9th  house  suggests  a  fascination  with  global  movements  and  humanitarian  efforts,  so  international  relations  or  global  health  might  align  with  your  vision  for  creating  change.  you  might  also  be  drawn  to  fields  like  psychology  or  neuroscience,  exploring  how  the  mind  works  and  how  it  shapes  behavior.  aquarius  values  intellectual  freedom,  so  you  could  pursue  interdisciplinary  studies  that  allow  you  to  combine  multiple  interests,  like  technology  and  ethics  or  science  and  art.  your  educational  journey  might  involve  unconventional  paths,  like  online  programs,  self-directed  learning,  or  studying  abroad  in  innovative  or  forward-thinking  countries.

 ★  pisces  in  the  9th  house  ★ 

majors  infused  with  imagination,  spirituality,  and  emotional  depth.  pisces  in  the  9th  house  suggests  a  pull  toward  fields  like  creative  writing,  fine  arts,  or  film  studies,  where  you  can  channel  your  dreams  into  storytelling  or  visual  expression.  degrees  in  psychology  or  counseling  might  appeal,  especially  if  you’re  drawn  to  helping  others  navigate  their  emotions  or  uncover  deeper  truths.  pisces’  spiritual  energy  might  also  lead  you  toward  religious  studies,  theology,  or  even  alternative  medicine,  focusing  on  healing  and  connection  to  the  divine.  majors  in  marine  biology  or  environmental  sciences  might  resonate,  especially  if  you  feel  called  to  protect  and  explore  the  natural  world.  pisces  also  thrives  in  fields  like  music,  dance,  or  acting,  where  emotional  expression  takes  center  stage.  humanitarian  studies  or  social  work  could  be  a  fit,  particularly  if  you  want  to  help  underserved  populations  or  work  for  global  peace.  pisces  in  the  9th  house  also  points  to  a  love  for  escapism  and  exploration,  so  degrees  in  tourism,  hospitality,  or  cultural  studies  might  align  with  your  wanderlust.  your  educational  journey  may  feel  fluid  and  intuitive,  with  shifts  in  direction  driven  by  inner  callings  rather  than  external  expectations.

 ★   book   a   reading   ★   ★   masterlist   1   ★   ★   masterlist   2   ★

[captainsophiestark]

Come Here Often?

Cassian x Reader

Masterlist - Join My Taglist!

Written for my personal fic writing challenge for 2024, Sophie's Year of Fic! Featuring a new fic being posted every Friday, all year long :)

Fandom: A Court of Thorns and Roses

Summary: Everyone in the Inner Circle knows Cassian and Y/N have feelings for each other, except the two idiots in question. Thankfully, the IC's not known for minding their own business, especially in matters like this.

Word Count: 1,772

Category: Fluff, Humor

Putting work into an AI program without permission is illegal. You do not have my permission. Do not do it.

"Are you sure you don't want to go see a show at the Ampitheater tonight?" I asked, trying to give Mor a guilt trip with no more than a look as we carried bags towards the river house. She just scoffed at my attempt.

"I already told you, I can't. I wish I could, but our lovely High Lord has me doing work all night tonight."

I huffed. "Fine. Let me know if I can do anything to help with the work, since I'm losing my theater buddy."

Mor shot me a grin. "I'm sure you could find somebody to replace me if you really wanted to."

I narrowed my eyes at her. I knew what she wasn't saying: that I should invite Cassian. To do something, if not to go to the amphitheater. I regretted ever telling her I'd caught feelings for the Illyrian general.

"Whatever, Mor," I scoffed, failing to come up with a better comeback. She grinned, clearly sensing her victory, but luckily for me I'd reached my room. "Enjoy all that work you have to do tonight!"

I didn't wait for her response before ducking through the door and shutting it behind me. I could hear her laughing as she continued down the hallway to her own room, but I did my best to block it out as I dropped my bags.

I hovered a little longer in my room, taking my time putting away the things we'd brought back from the market, until I heard Mor leave to go do whatever work Rhys had her doing. I checked both ways in the hallway when I finally emerged before heading down to the kitchen.

All of my friends had been hounding me about Cassian lately, and as much as I loved them, if I heard another word from anyone trying to nudge me into asking him out or whatever, I was going to lose it.

I made my way towards the kitchen, intending to make myself a snack before figuring out what I wanted to do with the rest of my evening, but I stopped short at the sound of harsh whispers coming from within. It sounded like somebody was having a heated conversation, and I didn't want to interrupt anything. But then my stomach rumbled, and I decided to go in anyway.

I cleared my throat and made as much noise as possible so I wouldn't interrupt any Inner Circle members in the middle of something serious. When I rounded the corner, I found Cassian and Azriel sitting at the table in the middle of the space, leaned back in their chairs and trying way too hard to look casual.

"Hey guys..." I said, eyeing them both suspiciously as I slowly moved further into the room. Az gave me a little nod, and Cassian gave me a smile that looked more than a little forced. "What, uh... what are you both up to?"

"Rhys needs my help with something," Azriel said, standing abruptly. I narrowed my eyes at him, but of course his expression gave away nothing as he headed for the door. "I'll see you both later."

I watched him go, then turned my gaze to Cassian once Az was gone. His back was to me, so I couldn't read his expression, but his shoulders were tensed and he hadn't turned from the doorway Az had disappeared through.

"Okay..." I said, deciding to just move past it as I turned to the counter to start making myself a snack. "What about you, Cass, you got anything going on tonight?"

Cassian cleared his throat. "Me? Nope."

I heard him shifting in his chair behind me, and a moment later he was standing at my side. I prayed he couldn't hear my heart racing faster at his proximity as I tried to keep my focus on the fresh fruit in front of me.

"So, uh, you..." Cassian's wings rustled behind him, usually a sign of nerves. I frowned. "You come here often?"

I paused, setting the knife down and opting to slowly turn to face Cassian, one eyebrow raised. He fidgeted as he stared back at me, and I caught him forcing a grimace off his face in favor of a small smile. I'd never seen him look so nervous before.

"I... Cass, we both live here."

The grimace returned in full force, and I couldn't help smiling as Cassian brought a hand to his forehead.

"That's not what I meant to ask you," he said, shaking his head and meeting my eyes again. "What I meant was, uh... do you have a bandage?"

"A bandage? Did something happen? Did you get hit-"

"Dammit! No, I'm fine. Never mind, I need to go find Az-"

He started to push off the counter, but on a reflex, I stopped him with a hand on his forearm. He stopped dead in his tracks and stared at me, and my heart almost stopped in my chest at the intensity of his gaze.

I quickly pushed down the butterflies in my stomach to give Cassian a once-over. No matter what he said, he clearly was not fine. I didn't see any obvious physical injury, but a hard hit to the head would definitely explain some things, and when I met his eyes again he had a weird look in them.

"Cassian, are you sure you're okay? What's going on?"

He took a deep breath and then hesitated, his eyes darting over my face and his brow furrowed. Then, he sighed, his face and shoulders relaxing with him.

"I'm sorry, I just... I was trying to ask you out." My eyebrows shot up, but Cassian continued before I could muster a coherent response. "I've been wanting to do it for a while now, but I lost a bet to Az last week and my 'punishment' that I finally had to go through with it. I've been trying to figure out the best way to do it, but... I guess that wasn't it."

Cassian huffed a little laugh at himself, his expression drooping as he stared at the ground. I just blinked at him for a few seconds, trying to process everything he'd just told me.

"Hold on... you're asking me out because you lost a bet to Az?"

"Not just for that," Cassian assured me quickly, looking worried. "Or, I guess, if you're not into it, then maybe yes?"

I just laughed, which didn't seem to make him feel better. I felt guilty, but I also just couldn't help it. My heart leapt as I put a hand on Cassian's shoulder and his eyes snapped to mine again.

"Cass... I barely escaped that exact same bet with Mor last week."

His brows furrowed. "What?"

"Yeah," I said, laughing a little. I couldn't quite help it. Cassian apparently felt the same way about me as I did about him, as evidenced by our friends' ridiculous tactics. My heart soared, and I stepped a little closer to him. "I cheated a little to get out of losing, but she's been pressuring me to ask you out somewhere anyway for the last week and a half."

"Because... you like me?"

"Yeah. A lot."

The frown finally lifted from his face, replaced with a beaming grin that made my heart race. Slowly, he moved one arm to wrap around my waist, pulling me a little closer to him. I let one hand rest against his chest, and Cassian's lopsided smirk almost made me faint.

"Our friends are going to be rubbing this in for a long time, but I can't make myself care," he said, voice low. I bit my lip and smiled up at him.

"Same. Especially since I think they're all out of the house right now on a fake assignment for Rhys."

"That's definitely a perk of all their bullshit."

"So... what now?"

Cassian's eyes flashed as he leaned forward, pulling me flush against his chest. He dropped his mouth towards mine until they were barely inches apart, then met my eyes. Based on his grin, I knew he could hear my heart beating out of my chest.

"I have a few ideas," he breathed.

A heartbeat later, his lips were on mine, and fireworks exploded in my chest. Being with Cassian like this just felt right, and now that we were finally together, I never wanted to let him go.

I wasn't sure who initiated it, but we deepened the kiss as Cassian's grip tightened on my waist. I let my hands wander over his chest, to his shoulders and arms, but stopped dead in my tracks when I heard a disgusted scoff from behind me.

Cassian and I broke apart, arms still around each other, and turned towards the door to find our friends standing there, staring at us with their hands on their hips.

"Well, I guess this is what we wanted," said Mor with a shrug.

"Pretty sure I told him to ask her out, not make out with her in the kitchen," Az chimed in from beside her. Rhys and Feyre just grinned at us, while Amren stared, clearly unimpressed.

"Do you all mind?" Cassian ground out, his hands tightening a little more around my waist. Mor just grinned and skipped into the kitchen completely undisturbed, heading for my unfinished fruit platter.

"Not at all," she said. Cassian sighed, but I couldn't keep myself from laughing. Our friends were absolutely ridiculous, but I loved them dearly. And Cassian and I had just made out in the kitchen, so I really don't think much in this world could've ruined my mood.

"Why don't the two of you go see a show or something?" Feyre suggested, following Mor into the kitchen, the other batboys following behind her. Cassian narrowed his eyes at his brothers, but I just smiled, at last stepping out of his grasp and taking his hand.

"That's a great idea, Feyre. Cass? What do you think?"

His expression softened the minute his gaze shifted to me. My heart melted.

"Sure. How about we go to Rita's after, too? Do some dancing?"

"Sounds like a plan. Just let me go get changed."

"I'll meet you back down here."

We shared a smile, and I leaned up to give Cassian one last quick kiss before turning on my heel to go get ready. Rhys and Az both smiled at me as I left the room, and I shot them a wink as I left. I would've preferred it if they'd all given Cassian and I our space tonight, but at the end of the day, we wouldn't have admitted our feelings for each other without our nosy, pushy friends. So I couldn't exactly stay mad at them, at least not this time.

****************

Everything Taglist: @rosecentury @kmc1989

[d-criss-news]

Darren Criss Is Betting Big on Maybe Happy Ending, the Musical You're About to Fall in Love With

Darren Criss on the Timelessness of MAYBE HAPPY ENDING

Darren Criss has danced up the corporate ladder as J. Pierrepont Finch, stripped down to his skivvies as a queer East German rock star and tackled the “profane poetry” of David Mamet. And still, he says, there’s one thing he hasn’t done: “I haven’t taken any risks on Broadway.”

That ends this season with Maybe Happy Ending, a new musical on a mission to draw audiences to the Belasco Theatre without the benefit of a recognizable title, popular source material or songs that have already spent time on the Billboard Hot 100. “It's a really, really hard market right now to be making art,” Criss says to Broadway.com Editor-in-Chief Paul Wontorek, chatting at So & So's Neighborhood Piano Bar. And commercial Broadway theater? It’s “tedious, expensive and a gamble.” So naturally, Criss is going double or nothing as both star and producer of Broadway’s next thrilling crap shoot.

Maybe Happy Ending takes the trappings of a classic love story and inserts futuristic robots with outdated software. Criss plays Oliver opposite Helen J Shen’s Claire—a pair of Helper-Bots who, on a quest to contact their former owner, evoke a kind of Millennial-Gen Z mismatch. But rather than getting swept away by love, the two retired machines take the concept itself and try to break it down to its zeros and ones. As Criss explains, “[It’s] two computers trying to computationally synthesize and process what love is and why human beings do this.”

The musical was a hit when it debuted in Seoul, South Korea nearly a decade ago, and now, writers Will Aronson and Hue Park have a crafted an English-language version that Criss thinks has the potential to ascend to the proverbial Heaviside Layer of musical theater. “This is the seminal version that I hope can last in perpetuity for the ages,” he says, adding confidently, “I do feel like this is a timeless piece.”

Original musicals have the most challenging road on Broadway. But when you look to grassroots successes like Urinetown, or Dear Evan Hansen, or even The Prom—which ran in New York for less than a year but inspired a starry film and a slate of regional and international productions—you see how quickly an unknown quantity can become canon. “People are always like, ‘There’s no one creating original things,’” Criss says. “They are. It’s just really, really hard to produce them because you really have to believe in something hard enough to be OK with the risk.”

The fact that Maybe Happy Ending has earned that belief from some of the theater’s heaviest hitters is telling. Director Michael Arden, hot off a 2023 Tony Award for his revival of Parade, chose the piece as his next musical. And producers Jeffrey Richards and Hunter Arnold, with nearly 20 Tony Awards between them, have given Arden free rein to make a capital “B” Broadway meal of it.

The show’s cast is deceptively modest (Marcus Choi and Dez Duron complete the four-hander), but there’s nothing minimalist about Arden’s vision for Maybe Happy Ending or the high-tech space he’s worked out with set designer Dane Laffrey. In short, “They don’t f**k around,” says Criss. “This show is very technologically advanced. I think it's kind of the ace in the hole that people aren't expecting.” He tosses out comparisons to Miss Saigon’s descending helicopter and The Phantom of the Opera’s haunted chandelier—emblems of the bygone ‘80s megamusical. In an era of subtlety and economy (think recent Tony winners Kimberly Akimbo or The Band’s Visit), this, Criss promises, is “a big-a** mother**king spectacle.”

It's another bold, all-in move from the Maybe Happy Ending team, but Criss is determined to hedge no bets this time around. He looks back at his Broadway resume: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (“Glee was white-hot and I was going in for three weeks after Daniel Radcliffe”); Hedwig and the Angry Inch (“People love that show. With or without me, it would be just fine”); American Buffalo (“A beloved and respected American play”).

“They're all classics to some degree,” he concludes. “This is not that.” Of course, understanding what Maybe Happy Ending is not is less of an issue than getting audiences to understand what it is. Right now, Criss says, there are rumblings around town that it’s “the cute little robot show.” The thought puts a mischievous grin on his face: “You have no idea.”

[the-bensolos]

No I’m SO sorry but it’s truly so funny to me that a lot of dudes going to see challengers for the idea that they’ll see a hot naked Zendaya and what they actually get treated to is tasteful and delicate aspects of the male form from the visionary that is Luca Guadagnino (and of course very very explicitly homoerotic imagery.) And there is a healthy amount of sexualization for both forms. But the fact that there is full frontal male nudity in this movie, the only true nudity in this movie is of the male form, marketed the way it is is just so good. Like I work in a theater and the amount of dudes coming out lambasting that this movie sucks is so fucking delicious. The way straight guys have to sit and accept the queerness of this movie that it EXISTS, that it’s beautiful and tender and gentle, and intimate, but also loud, and brash, and seeped into every conceivable corner adds another 10 on top of this already 10/10 movie.

[vmygdvlv]

Stray Kids AU (italian boy version) ;

Lee Know as Leonardo Caruso

Leonardo came from a Sicilian family, Caruso surname basically gives it out, but he moved around considerably due to his parents jobs and making him growing up around different cities: late childhood in Florence, high school in Rome and University’s life in Milan.

Even if he never lived the Sicilian lifestyle and customs, he proudly says he is. He also deeply loved the food and culture. He doesn’t know Sicilian unfortunately but at lest he was fluent in different languages (Italian aside) such as English, French and Spanish. He knows some Germans basics, but he’s not able yet to hold long conversations.

Leonardo was born into a loving family that celebrated creativity and passion. His father, Giovanni, was an architect who admired precision, yet harbored a secret love for theater. His mother, Maria, was a marketing manager with a deep appreciation for literature and the performing arts. Together, they nurtured Leonardo’s talents from an early age, recognizing the spark in him that longed to create and express.

As a child, Leonardo was constantly moving to music. He loved the way dance allowed him to express emotions that words could not capture. His parents, recognizing his passion, enrolled him in dance classes, where he thrived. Dance became a vital part of his life, not just as a hobby, but as a form of self-expression. However, when it came time to choose a field of study, Leonardo didn’t pursue dance professionally.

Instead, he chose to study Performing Arts Management, a field where he could combine his love for the arts with his natural talent for organization and leadership. Thanks to his family economic status, he was able to enroll at the Università Bocconi. Even if the school had a residence located right on campus, he decided to rent a rather cheaper place since the university’s regulations, obviously, would not allow animals inside and he wanted to bring with him his cat (Bella) and his little parrot (Gino).

There was also some times where the dream of becoming a professional dancer/choreographer would come up in conversations, but since it was not a well-supported field in Italy he decided to pick a more solid path while enjoying dance’s classes and teaching it to kids as a part-time job. This decision helped him creating choreographies for shows and events around the country, giving him the possibility to know more while coordinating both studies. His parents supported this decision wholeheartedly, understanding that it was a path that allowed him to blend his passion with practicality.

Leonardo’s time in Milan wasn’t without its challenges. The competitive nature of his field sometimes led to intense stress, and his perfectionist tendencies made it difficult for him to accept anything less than excellence. Leonardo’s perfectionism wasn’t his only burden. His fear of failure, of not living up to the high standards he set for himself, created a constant state of anxiety. He became obsessed with his work, unable to detach from it even when he knew he needed to. His mind was always racing, always thinking about the next project, the next goal. He pushed himself to the brink, ignoring the toll it was taking on his mental and physical health.

However, unlike those who might have crumbled under such pressure, Leonardo’s drive was tempered by the unconditional support of his family and friends. His father often reminded him of the importance of balance “It’s the imperfections that make something truly beautiful.” While his mother encouraged him to stay true to his passions. “Art is about expression, Leo. Don’t lose yourself in the pursuit of success.” This foundation of love and support kept Leonardo grounded. He learned to balance his high expectations with self-compassion, realizing that mistakes were not failures, but opportunities to learn and grow.

His life in Milan was filled with both work and play. By day, he attended classes, managed events, and collaborated on projects. By night, he would often find himself in a dance studio, lost in the music, or out exploring the city’s vibrant arts scene with his friends. The balance between his studies and his love for dance made him a well-rounded individual, respected by both his peers and his professors.

He might be seen as energetic, charismatic, and driven, with a strong sense of discipline and creativity. His personality would reflect a blend of confidence and approachability [when he wanted] combined with a passion for his interests such as dance, football (he is an AC Milan supporter) and museums. On the other hand he was impulsive, potentially causing issues in some situations, impatient, with high expectations and a tendency to have conflict avoidance.

Through it all, Leonardo remained a paradox—a man of incredible strength and fragile insecurity. He was a loyal friend, always there for those he cared about, yet he struggled to let others be there for him. He was creative and innovative, yet trapped by his own need for control. And while he pursued beauty in all things, he often overlooked the beauty within himself.

Even if he came out as an introvert, he actually loved social interactions, especially if he could’ve communicate with people who had a similar interest. Plus drinking was a common part of Italian social life, so he did likely partake in it. When he was younger this thing helped him a lot in social settings, making him feel more comfortable and confident. Now he just enjoyed being there and have a nice glass, maybe two or three, of Chianti (red wine) or Negroni (cocktail).

He was also a social smokers. Didn’t have an addiction since he was a really health-conscious and has active lifestyle, but he smoked during night out or in social gatherings. Normally the pack of Camel Blu he bought on Friday lasted seven days. He stoled the first cigarette from his father.

Leonardo, also, got frustration with inefficiencies like bureaucracy, the chaos of traffic, that’s why he decided to have a motorbike instead of a car, relaxed attitudes toward time since he gets annoyed by people being late or plans not starting on time; gossip culture finding it intrusive and unnecessary and overly traditional mindsets. These aspects clash with his desire for structure, privacy, and progressiveness.

Family background

He has a supportive relationship with his parents, who encourage his interests and career aspirations. He has a strong bond with both his older brother and younger sister. They share common interests in art, design, and fashion, and often collaborate on creative projects.

Giovanni “Gianni”, father (architect, 60) supportive and disciplined, with a strong emphasis on education and professional success. He has a passion for art and design.

Maria, mother (marketing manager, 55) – warm and encouraging, with a strong influence on Leonardo’s cultural and academic interests. She enjoys cooking

Luigi, older brother (graphic designer, 30) – creative and outgoing, with a passion for music and the arts. He is close to his younger brother and often shares his interests in fashion and trends.

Rosa, younger sister (fashion design student, 22) – studying fashion design in Milan, she looks up to Leonardo and shares his enthusiasm for artistic and creative pursuits. Energetic and fashion-conscious

Friendship

His social life would revolve around close relationships and local traditions. Also his friends are the ones made along the way, having a tight-knit group of people from school and cultural events.

Francesco – an old friend from high school in Rome, they bonded over sports and have maintained a close relationship.

Sofia – his sister’s friend, who shares interests in design and fashion. They became friends through family gatherings and shared activities.

Elena – a university classmate in Milan who shares his interest in performing arts. They met through academic projects and social events

Cesare (Chagbin) – they met in Milan through a mutual friend, connecting over coffee to discuss a potential collaboration. The friend knew Leonardo was interested in organizing dance events and thought Cesare could help with the business side, given his expertise in finance and management. Their shared ambitions quickly deepened their relationship, with Leonardo’s creativity and Cesare’s business acumen complementing each other perfectly. Over time, their professional connection blossomed into a strong, supportive bond, with both relying on each other for advice, motivation, and friendship.

Riccardo (Bang Chan) – they met at a dance workshop in Milan. Carlo was attending to improve his rhythm for music production, while Leonardo was refining his choreography skills. They connected over their shared dedication to mastering their craft. Their mutual respect for each other’s dedication led to a lasting friendship, with Riccardo often offering guidance and support as Leonardo navigated his studies and creative pursuits.

Edoardo (Hyunjin) – they met thanks to their professional collaboration in a major fashion and performing arts event in Milan. They began collaborating on dance performances, with Edoardo designing costumes for Leonardo’s shows. Their friendship is built on mutual respect for each other’s talents. Leonardo admires Edoardo’s fashion design skills, while Edoardo appreciates Leonardo’s dedication to dance.

Federico (Felix) – Leonardo met Federico through Cesare. Cesare and Federico were childhood friends from Naples, and when Leonardo and Cesare became close during their time in Milan, Cesare introduced Federico to Leonardo. Federico’s warm and friendly nature quickly led to a strong bond between them. Despite their different fields of study, their shared love for creativity and the arts solidified their friendship

Giulio (Han) – they met at a university event in Milan where they both attended a literary discussion panel. Giulio was studying literature and Leonardo was intrigued by his insights. They struck up a conversation, discovering a mutual interest in storytelling and the arts. Their shared passions and intellectual curiosity led to a close friendship

Vittorio (Seungmin) – met at a theater production in Rome. Lee Know was assisting with choreography, and Seungmin was part of the musical ensemble. They connected over their love for performing arts. They discovered a shared enthusiasm for storytelling and visual arts, which led to a strong connection. Their friendship grew as they collaborated on various artistic projects and supported each other’s academic and creative pursuits.

Valerio (Jeongin) – met during a collaborative project between Milan and Turin’s universities. Leonardo, studying performing arts management, was tasked with organizing a multimedia performance event, while Valerio, a sound engineering student, was responsible for the sound design. Their friendship is characterized by a dynamic where Leonardo plays a somewhat protective and advisory role, while Valerio brings fresh ideas and energy to their interactions

Neighborhoods

Milan – Isola District, a trendy and up-and-coming neighborhood with a mix of modern and industrial charm

Rome – Testaccio, known for its authentic Roman atmosphere, food scene, and a more local, laid-back vibe

Florence – Santo Spirito, a charming and bohemian neighborhood with a strong local vibe and artistic flair, with plenty of bares and cafes

Favorite Italian artists

Tedua – his lyrical depth, unique flow, and ability to blend trap with introspective themes would resonate with his appreciation for artistry and emotional storytelling. His innovative style aligns with Leonardo’s love for both modern and classic influences.

Marracash – appreciated for his depth and socially conscious lyrics. He loves his lyrical depth, versatile sound, emotional expression and cultural significance. Marracash’s music offers the kind of artistic and meaningful content that Leonardo value. Songs such as Crudelia, Madame and Bravi a Cadere are some of the first songs he added to his playlist

Lazza – his technical skill as a rapper and his classical piano background would intrigue Leonardo, who appreciates both precision and creativity. Lazza’s versatility in both hardcore rap and more melodic tracks would align with Leo’s eclectic tastes.

Adriano Celentano – one of the most important singers of Italian pop music. In the beginning of his career, he was heavily influenced by Elvis Presley and other American musicians.

Lucio Battisti – widely recognized for songs that defined the late 1960s and 1970s era, considered a progressive artist, though his original approach to the music was highly influential for many later performers

Favorite dishes

Pasta alla norma, sicilian classic made with fried eggplants and ricotta salata

Pizza alla diavola, spicy and flavored

Cannoli, a sweet and crunchy sicilian dessert

Osso buco, milanese specialty, consisting of braised veal shanks cooked with vegetables, white wine and broth

Caprese salad, a light and refreshing dish with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil

Pasta alla carbonara, a satisfying rich and creamy roma’s pasta dish, made with eggs, cheese, guanciale, and pepper

Favorite movies

La Vita è Bella (1997) by Roberto Benigni: a heartwarming and tragic story set against the backdrop of World War II

8½ (1963) by Federico Fellini: a surreal ad introspective film about the struggles of a filmmaker

The Best of Youth (2003) by Marco Tullio Giordana: an epic tale spanning decades, exploring family and personal growth

Favorite writers

He would likely be drawn to writers who explore themes of identity, independence, relationships, and the human condition

Luigi Pirandello – “Uno, Nessuno e Centomila”, the first book he read and one of his all time favorite, narrates Pirandello’s exploration of identity and the masks people wear. It resonate with Leonardo’s reflective side, as he values self-awareness.

Alessandro Baricco – “Seta”, his personal favorite, represents the poetic and evocative style of Baricco’s storytelling. This book appeals him, who appreciates beauty and subtlety in art.

Giovanni Verga – “I Malavoglia”, Verga’s realistic portrayal of rural life and the struggles of a Sicilian family definitely interest him, who has a deep appreciation for stories about resilience and family ties.

Favorites seaside spots

Caprera – located on the northeastern coast of Sardinia, Caprera Island is known for its pristine landscapes, historical significance, and outdoor adventures

Taormina – located in Sicily, perched on a rocky cliff above the Ionian Sea, Taormina is a charming beach town known for its beautifully restored mediaeval buildings

Bari – features a charming old town and a lovely coastal promenade

Most used slang words

Figo – similar to “cool” or “handsome,” often used to compliment someone’s appearance or style

Sbroccare – means to “freak out” or “lose it,” reflecting his passionate nature

Che tamarro – someone with flashy, tacky taste

Gufare – to jinx something or bring bad luck.

Sgasare – to accelerate quickly (usually with a car or motorbike).

Most used slurs

Cazzone – term meaning “big idiot,” used to describe someone who is perceived as quite foolish

Imbecille – means “imbecile,” used to express that someone is not very smart

Merda – literally means “shit,” used to express frustration or anger

Testa di cazzo – meaning “dickhead” (very strong, derogatory term)

Vaffanculo – a strong expression meaning “fuck off” or “go to hell,” often used when someone is extremely irritated

Representatives phrases

Essere se stessi è il vero successo [ being oneself is true success ] reason: emphasizes authenticity

Il tempo vola quando ci si diverte [ time flies when you’re having fun ] reason: reflects his enjoyment of life and creativity

La bellezza è negli occhi di chi guarda [ beauty is in the eye of the beholder ] reason: highlights his appreciation for diverse perspectives.

Favorite idioms

L’abito non fa il monaco [ the habit doesn’t make the monk ] meaning: appearances can be deceiving

Prendere due piccioni con una fava [ to catch two pigeons with one bean ] meaning: to achieve two goals with one action

Essere al settimo cielo [ to be in the seventh heaven ] meaning: to be extremely happy

[bananaofswifts]

01 - Taylor Swift

No one in the music industry wielded more power over the past year than Taylor Swift, who made history at stadiums, movie theaters and on the Billboard charts, leaving even the most seasoned executives speechless. While they’d long celebrated her staggering popularity as a singer, songwriter and performer, her force as a strategic business leader suddenly came into sharper focus — and industry veterans took notes as they watched some of her bravest and most innovative business risks reap remarkable rewards.

At 34, she is one of the music industry’s most charismatic and influential leaders — and she rewrites the rules.

“The piece of advice I would give to the other executives on this list is that the best ideas are usually ones without industry precedent,” Swift tells Billboard. “The biggest crossroads moments of my career came down to sticking to my instincts when my ideas were looked at with skepticism. When someone says to me, ‘But that has never been done successfully before,’ it fires me up. We have to take strategic risks every day in this industry, but every once in a while, you have to really trust your gut and take a flying leap. My rerecordings are my favorite example of this, and I’m extremely grateful to my team and fans for taking that leap with me because it absolutely changed my life.”

Sage advice for an industry in which instinct has largely been supplanted by metrics and data analysis.

In December, Time named Swift its 2023 Person of the Year. In September, after encouraging her 279 million Instagram followers to vote and linking to vote.org, the nonpartisan nonprofit said it received over 35,000 registrations. She appears on the cover of this issue of Billboard and in the No. 1 spot of our annual Power 100 issue because her force across the business of music is now unparalleled — and because she models commitment to innovation that the rest of the business will need in order to tackle the big challenges ahead.

Swift’s gambles have paid off handsomely over the past year.

Her massive The Eras stadium tour, which began in March after she controversially put all the tickets on sale at once, crashing Ticketmaster and sparking mass hysteria, grossed an estimated $906.1 million in 2023 and is poised to become the highest-grossing global tour of all time before it wraps in December, according to Billboard.

The Golden Globe-nominated Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour film, taped during her six-show run at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., in August, has grossed over $261.6 million worldwide since its October opening, according to AMC Theatres Entertainment. In January, the publicly traded movie-house chain announced that the film’s box-office take made it the highest-grossing concert/documentary picture ever released, surpassing Michael Jackson’s 2009 This Is It. Once again blazing a new path, Swift made a groundbreaking distribution deal directly with AMC Theaters instead of linking with a film studio.

Swift has shaken up the catalog market, too. When Scooter Braun infuriated her by acquiring the master recordings of her first six albums through his Ithaca Holdings and then sold them to investment firm Shamrock Capital at a profit, Swift rerecorded the albums with loving precision and added bonus tracks to the new releases. They performed phenomenally well, as she deftly used her tour to promote them. When her latest rerecording (and 14th studio album overall), 1989 (Taylor’s Version), spent its fifth week at atop the Billboard 200 at the end of 2023, Swift beat Elvis Presley’s record for the most weeks at No. 1 by a solo artist. Her industry market share last year was 1.72%. If she were her own genre, she’d rank ninth for 2023 — bigger than jazz.

“She’s the smartest artist I’ve ever worked with,” says Messina Touring Group’s Louis Messina, who promotes Swift’s tours and has worked with her since 2005. “She outworks everybody and she has always had this vision. If you’re around her, you can’t help but believe in her.” —Melinda Newman

[tlbodine]

Overthinking: Welcome to Dead House

Welcome to Dead House (1992) is first in series and proof of concept for what Goosebumps would become. To briefly contextualize the series: R.L. Stine (Bob to his friends) began as a comedy writer. He worked in magazines and television, helping to create the surreal muppet humor kid's show Eureka's Castle.

He started writing the Fear Street series -- a bunch of YA horror novels -- in the late 80s, at a time when horror was at its peak in pop culture and teen slashers were all over the movie theater. But horror for younger kids was a largely untapped market rife for the taking. (Alvin Schwartz's Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark books blazed the way initially, between 1989 and 1991).

And thus, Goosebumps was born. The challenge? Writing books that would intrigue the middle grade set (generally readers between 8-12) and deliver them some proper scares without being too traumatizing. Where the Fear Street books often draw on tropes from 80s slashers, Goosebumps is more likely to emulate the kind 1950s pulp monster movies that Stine would have grown up on. Eventually, a pretty consistent formula would arise, and some favorite recurring elements begin here: siblings, a dog, an unfamiliar location, unhelpful parents. But in other ways, Welcome to Dead House is decidedly un-Goosebumps-like. We'll break that down, but first...

The Story

Welcome to Dead House is about Amanda and Josh, siblings who are rather reluctantly moved to the unnervingly named town of Dark Falls after their father (a writer eager to quit his day job and write full-time) inherits a house from an unknown great-uncle. He's excited for the opportunity to sell the old house and live off that until his career really takes off, and his wife is going along with that plan for....some reason. Hey, it was the 90s, maybe it could have worked!

Along for the ride is Petey, a white terrier who's normally sweet-tempered and obedient but will spend the rest of this book barking and growling at everyone he meets. If they'd just paid attention to Petey's instincts, this book's tragedies could have been avoided. Alas.

After a tour by the charming, handsome, (and utterly unpopular with Petey) realtor Mr. Dawes, the family moves into the big house. It's on a shady street, with tall trees looming over all the buildings, and a cemetery at the end of the block just past the school. Nobody ever seems to turn their lights on. We do eventually meet the neighborhood kids, though. There's a ton of them and they're very friendly but more than a little unnerving. Also, they keep telling Amanda that they used to live in her house. What's up with that?

We eventually figure out, after a few nights at atmospheric creepy haunting events -- figures seemingly appearing and disappearing on the stairs, giggling in the closet, curtains fluttering without a breeze -- that the neighborhood kids are undead ghouls. In fact, everyone in town is dead, courtesy of a toxic gas leak from a nearby factory. And in order to maintain their living dead status, they must annually sacrifice and drink the blood of a family. Which they do by luring them out with an enticing letter about inheriting The Dead House.

What a racket!

We find this out after, tragically, catching up with a now-ghoulified Petey. They had to kill the dog because he was onto them. Those jerks. Also, they're about to start the sacrifice with mom and dad. Luckily, the ghouls are weak to bright light, so the kids are able to free their parents by knocking down a tree (just go with it) and they haven't sold their old house so they pack up and leave right away.

Just in time for...new owners to show up at Dead House? Amanda tells them, "I used to live in your house." before they speed away, and surely that realtor couldn't have been Mr. Dawes...

Overthinking It

I read Welcome to Dead House the first time out of the library. I was already a dyed-in-the-wool Goosebumps fan at this point, so I read it with a kind of reverence, as if it were an ancient tome and not a book that had come out less than five years before I read it.

I have, since, always remembered it as the only Goosebumps book where a character actually dies.

In fact, in my memory, all of the characters die. That's the way I've remembered it for thirty years: the parents are lured to a party with all the neighborhood ghouls. There they are dead and turned. Petey is found dead and turned. And in the end, the kids have joined the rest of the community in perpetuating the cycle.

"I used to live in your house."

I had, apparently, completely forgotten the climax where we rescue the parents. What I had remembered instead was the truly chilling line from Mr. Dawes: "It's time to join your parents. It doesn't hurt to die."

Now, this would not be the first time I have rewritten the ending of a childhood story to be darker than it actually was. We all recall that I spent many years firmly believing that The Velveteen Rabbit ended with the titular stuffed bunny being burned alive in the trash heap. But in this case, if Reddit is any indication at least, I'm not the only one who thinks Stine's ending is at least ambiguous.

I think the ending I remember is certainly a stronger one, even if it's likely too dark for a Goosebumps book. It's already brutal that we kill Petey, and that the kids discover him, smelling like a corpse, with red eyes and a total disinterest in them. It's certainly for the best that they didn't find their parents in a similar state. (So why do I remember so certainly that they did?)

The book is at least purposefully ambiguous about the survival of Mr. Dawes. This is perhaps justified in that Amanda, our narrator, is frequently letting her imagination get away with her. Her natural-born anxiety is the main vector of scares for the first 2/3rds of the book. She's constantly getting herself worked up about things that aren't really there. Or is she? Because she's not really wrong about the ghost kids in her house. Her instincts actually seem pretty spot-on. I hope she lives long enough to learn to trust her own gut feelings.

I have many unanswered questions about the mechanics of the haunting in this book. They seem to be physical beings that can touch you and interact with the physical world well enough to play softball. But they can also seemingly appear and disappear at will inside the house? And the beam of a strong flashlight is enough (in the book's most horrifying sequence) to melt a ghoul's flesh off and render him to dust (not before his eyeballs pop out and roll away) but the dog isn't affected by the flashlight? Is it because he's newly turned? Are the rules different for dogs?

Also like. How does this entire town work. Is it just their neighborhood that's full of ghosts? Are there ghouls working at the grocery store? Who manages the utilities? Aside from Mr. Dawes, we never see any other adults, although presumably they must be there at the end in time to kill(?) them all (?) with sunlight??

At one point, George Romero wrote a screenplay for a film adaptation, and I am deeply saddened that we never got to see it made. I'm 100% Here For This.

If You Liked This One, THESE Will Really Give You Goosebumps

If you enjoy the idea of a young heroine rescuing her clueless parents, may I pointed you toward Neil Gaiman's Coraline (book or movie) or the Miyazaki film Spirited Away?

(I know Gaiman is persona non grata. But Henry Selick's film adaptation is top-notch. Your choice whether you feel comfortable supporting that).

For the specific horror of a beloved pet becoming an aloof, living corpse, there is of course Stephen King's Pet Sematary.

As for stories about haunted houses, there are too many to count. For the vibes of this particular book, though, may I direct you to the OG 13 Ghosts, directed by William Castle in 1960. It has essentially nothing in common with the 2000s film of the same name. Instead, it features a family who get the opportunity to change their socioeconomic status by moving into a home they've seemingly inherited, only to discover it comes with more than a dozen ghosts...and that's the least of their worries. Compare and contrast with Sinister (2012) in which an author's insistence on moving his family to a haunted house is their undoing.

When was the last time YOU read Welcome to Dead House? Do you remember the ending any differently than I do?

[thedoubteriswise]

just had the most endlessly long and detailed dream in which rachel, mickey, amy, harry, and an unspecified bunch of other related mutuals and I were in new york seeing a musical where a major role was ash playing herself. there were logistical challenges. generative ai was used in the marketing for this show and it was bad. the theater was very bright and colorful and difficult to navigate, sort of like a fun house. most places we went that were not the theater were a bit moldy. we all went camping together at one point and the people at the next campsite over were dicks. halfway through the show we identified that the floor was covered in marbles, which rachel decided they needed to pick up. mickey eventually pointed out that this was a very noisy activity for the middle of a show, so the three of us left and had drinks in the lobby. I haven't heard harry's voice enough times to reliably dream about it, so it mostly sounded like my own voice, which I did know enough to realize was wrong. amy was only ever outside my line of vision even though she was there the whole time. ash hit some incredible high notes. it's 8 am and I feel like I've been on a very tiring week long vacation

[thereasonsimbroke]

Marketing for James Gunn's #Superman movie started poorly as #WarnerBros. revealed the film's teaser poster Monday, receiving underwhelming reactions.

Despite a high-profile cast, including #DavidCorenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, the reveal faced sharp online criticism. Fans called the costume design "bulky" and "hideous," while others doubted the need for another reboot, labeling the project "DOA" and predicting it would "bomb in theaters."

With Gunn shifting into yet another "course correction" for DC, audiences seem unconvinced, creating a challenging situation ahead of the film's July 11, 2025, release.

[buzzdixonwriter]

Duty Now For The Future [AI edition]

First the eyes gave it away, then they figured out how to make them the same size and facing the same direction.

Fingers and limbs proved to be next the next tells, but now limbs usually look anatomically correct and fingers --  while problematic -- are getting better.

Rooms and vehicles and anything that needs to interact with human beings typically show some detail that's wrong, revealing the image as AI generated.

But again, mistakes are fewer and fewer, smaller and smaller, and more and more pushed to the periphery of the image, thus avoiding glaring error.

Letters and numbers -- especially when called to spell out a word -- provide an easy tell, typically rendered as arcane symbols or complete gibberish, but now AI can spell out short words correctly on images and it's only a matter of time before that merges with generative text AI to provide seamless readable signs and paragraphs.

All this in just a few years.  We can practically see AI evolving right before our eyes.

Numerous problems still must be dealt with, but based on the progress already displayed, we are in the ballpark. All of this is a preamble to a look at where AI is heading and what we'll find when we get there. I haven't even touched on AI generated music or text yet, but I will include them going forward.

. . .

The single biggest challenge facing image generating AI is that it still doesn't grasp the concept of on model.

For those not familiar with this animation term, it refers to the old hand drawn model sheets showing cartoon characters in a variety of poses and expressions.  Animators relied on model sheets to keep their characters consistent from cartoon to cartoon, scene to scene, even frame to frame in the animation.  Violate that reference -- go “off model” as it were -- and the effect could look quite jarring.*

AI still struggles to show the same thing the same way twice.  Currently it can come close, but as the saying goes, “Close don't count except in horseshoes, hand grenades, and hydrogen warfare.”

There are some workarounds to this problem, some clever (i.e., isolate the approved character and copy then paste them into other scenes), some requiring brute force (i.e., make thousands of images based on the same prompt then select the ones that look closest to one another).  

When done carefully enough, AI can produce short narrative videos narrative in the sense they can use narration to appear to be thematically linked.

Usually, however, they're just an endless flow of images that we, the human audience, link together in our mind.  This gives the final product, at least from a human POV, a surreal, dreamlike quality.

In and of themselves, these can be interesting, but they convey no meaning or intent; rather, it's the meaning we the audience subscribed to them.

Years ago when I had my first job in show biz (lot attendant at a drive-in theater), a farmer with property adjoining us raised peacocks as a hobby.  The first few times I heard them was an unnerving experience:  They sounded like a woman screaming help me.

But once I learned the sounds came from peacocks, I stopped hearing cries for help and only heard birds calling out in a way that sounded similar to a woman in distress.

Currently AI does that with video.  This will change with blinding speed once AI learns to stay on model.  The dreamlike / nightmarish / hallucinogenic visions we see now will be replaced with video that shows the same characters shot to shot, making it possible to actually tell stories.

How to achieve this?

Well, we already use standard digital modeling for animated films and video games.  Contemporary video games show characters not only looking consistent but moving in a realistic manner.  Tell the AI to draw only those digital models, and it can generate uniformity.  Already in video game design a market exists for plug-in models of humans, animals, mythical beasts, robots, vehicles, spacecraft, buildings, and assorted props. There are further programs to provide skins and textures to these, plus programs to create a wide variety of visual effects and renderings.

Add to this literally thousands of preexistent model sheets and there's no reason AI can't be tweaked to render the same character or setting again and again.

As mentioned, current AI images and video show a dreamlike quality.  Much as our minds attempt to weave a myriad of self-generated stimulations into some coherent narrative form when we sleep, resulting in dreams, current AI shows some rather haunting visual images when it hits on something that shares symbolic significance in many minds.

This is why the most effective AI videos touch on the strange and uncanny in some form.  Morphing faces and blurring limbs appear far more acceptable in video fantastique than attempts to recreate reality.  Like a Rorschach blot, the meaning is supplied by the viewer, not the creator.  

This, of course, lends to the philosophical rabbit hole re quantum mechanics and whether objects really exist independent of an observer, but that's an even deeper dive for a different day.

 © Buzz Dixon

 *  (There are times animators deliberately go off model for a given effect, of course, but most of the time they strive for visual continuity.)

[synergysilhouette]

Plotting out Disney's future: the Resurgence Era (Part II)

Originally I was gonna call this another era, but there isn't anything that makes this distinct from the Resurgence Era, and I imagine these films coming right after the RE films, so I figured they could all be in the same era. To note: if I decide to make extended posts on these, the information provided will likely be altered since I'm giving more thought for the in-depth posts.

Everlasting--Wanting to do another story based on Greek mythology, Ron Clements and John Musker approach Disney with a take on Pandora, albeit moreso using the concept rather than the actual plotline. When the world was young, a kingdom was struck by a plague. When a powerful sorcerer falls ill as well, his daughter opens up his jar of ancient magic, which heals the plague, but brings other unspeakable evils into the world. Centuries later, a young woman vows to rid the world of all evils by finding the sources in the form of demons and placing them back into the magical jar. Along her journey however, she is challenged by a question that burdens her mind constantly: what is the purpose of evil? While originally pressing for traditional 2D animation, the film ends up being a more thicker 2D style, as Disney wanted to do 3D, but this was a compromise. Check out the full post here.

Shadow Spirit--Opting for another Southeast Asian story, Disney eventually comes upon one influenced by the shadow puppet theater in Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, bringing back Adele Lim as a director and writer. While originally trying to tie those three countries together, they eventually opt to focus on Indonesian culture, making a story about a young man who goes to discover why the sun no longer rises in his kingdom. For years, the kingdom has become reliant on artificial light, to the point where many begin to question the existence of the sun, and when the man sees the sun for the first time in many years, the light from it is so powerful that his shadow comes alive and vows to assist him. It was rumored that Mark-Paul Gosselaar was going to play the prince, but IDK how true that is. Check out the post here!

Boto--At some point, Disney considers whether to do another mermaid film or a fairy-centric film, since both haven't been focused on by the company in a while. Eventually, both ideas are greenlit. With the success of "Encanto," Disney decides to go for another Latin American story, this time focusing on Brazil, and use it to highlight the Afro-Latin lead. Taking from the story of the boto, a young woman discovers that her father is a merman, and goes on a sea adventure to find him. While the original plan had been to have her venture through the Atlantic Ocean as a human, they eventually opt to make her a mermaid, having the foresight to see it as a marketing opportunity to have an original black mermaid after the polarizing reception they received for depicting Ariel as black in their live-action remake of "The Little Mermaid" and the Disney Junior show. While the film was originally planned to be 3D, they opted for 2D since it'd be cheaper for the animation effects (and also because it was influenced by anime, notably Studio Ghibli's "Ponyo" and the Pokemon series), and the film was noted as being an allegory for mixed-race people--even though in Latin America, mixed-race individuality is very common and not viewed quite the same as in the United States. Check out the full idea here!

Cosmas --After the mermaid idea is greenlit, Disney opts for what they call a "Tudor-Era fantasy epic," though in actuality the historicity, while visible in some aspects, is more of a guideline than a rule. The story focuses on a young man discovers he is a changeling, he races to the realm of the fairies to discover his true heritage, son of the fairy king and queen. Fading between fantasies and nightmares, he realizes the darkness follows him as he returns to the magical world. The animation is also 2D, and is heavily influenced by the art styles used in "Fantasia," "Fantasia 2000," and "Sleeping Beauty." Due to it's similarities to the mermaid story of trying to find your "true" family, extensive rewrites had to be done with both films, and audiences often compare them as two sides of the same coin. Check out the full idea here!

Totsuhwa--Wanting to adapt another fairy tale, Disney invests in adapting "Little Red Riding Hood," and during development, a suggestion that it use a Native American backdrop guides the project. Eventually, they settle on taking influence from the Indigenous peoples of the Southeastern Woodlands, in contrast to "Crest," which primarily focused on the Southwest. An early suggestion to set the film in France using the Beast of Gevadauan was dropped, as was setting the film in French Louisiana, but the Beast of Gevadauan was seen as interesting enough to carry over to the Native American setting, as well as incorporating the Native American story of "The Boy and the Wolves," recorded in Andre Lang's yellow fairy tale book. As time went on, the story took on a specific Cherokee influence, and focused on a young woman who follows a wolf into the deep woods to find her missing grandmother. Due to her red coat, the wolf calls her Totsuhwa, Cherokee for Cardinal. Check out the full idea here!

Esper--Given the popularity of adapting book series, someone eventually pitches Disney adapting "The Chronicles of Narnia." However, the lengthy premise and desire to focus on the lesser-known books cause significant production delays to the point where Disney almost cancels the project. It's only when someone comes forward with an idea that takes influence from the books rather than being literal adaptations does Disney take notice. Taking influence from 80s and 90s dark fantasy films, Studio Ghibli films, and Guillermo del Toro films with details used from "The Magician's Nephew" and "The Silver Chair," the story takes place in the fantasy realm of Decem, a young princess is raised in secret when her father's kingdom is left in ruins. With the help of spiritual guides, she ventures around the land of Viconeia to gain an army and defeat the Ruined Queen, who leaves destruction and ruin wherever she goes. Along the way, she rescues a prince who was trapped by the Queen, and while he proves a vital ally, she's not sure she can face what lies ahead. Check out the full idea here.

(Note: I wasn't sure whether or not this would exist in the world of my remade post-renaissance era where Disney made an animated musical for "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," but given the fact that the two books have different characters, I knew it could go either way.)

Vermillion--Originally, Disney conceived a vampiric story set in Mesoamerica, but the violent nature of vampires and bats' association with death and the underworld in Maya culture made production stall as Disney considered shelving the project entirely. Eventually they discovered that bats are associated with good luck and prosperity in China. Taking this into account while still wanting to produce a vampire story, Disney makes a protagonist who is vampire-adjacent, having Bat-like skills without the bloodlust or label as a vampire, and designing his character similar to Batman. The film is made in the traditional 2D style. Check out the full post here.

(Art by maneki_neko on Renderosity)

Laisani--To complete their unofficial Pacific Islander trilogy, Disney greenlights a story influenced by Melanesian cultures, using Fiji, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu as the major influences. The story takes influence from the Melanesian creation story of humans originating from birds. When an island's population begins to shrink and the bird population increases, a young woman must find the first dove to ask why the balance of humanity has been upheaved. The film would be 3D as the other Pacific Island stories.

(Note: the picture used here is a woman of Aboriginal and Torres Strait heritage, so the cultural influence isn't limited to just the three Melanesian cultures I mentioned)

Malachite--To capitalize on Disney's tendency to give their villains green at certain points in their movies, it's eventually decided to make a film on the origins of it (or at least, that's how it's marketed; in the actual film, it's stated that this isn't the first time green was associated with evil). The narrative focuses on a prince and a pauper who become friends through the years. As they grow up, the pauper discovers a secret within the palace that reveals that he was robbed of his destiny1q. The script is written by Linda Woolverton, and the film undergoes various incarnations in order to avoid comparisons to "Wicked." Like most of Disney's films of this era, it goes for a 3D approach, with the overall vibe aiming to be more theatrical and grand-scale than what they've done before; needless to say, this is a highly ambitious movie for them to make.

Snake Charmer--Following the success of RRR and positive feedback of their show "Mira, Royal Detective," Disney opts to do an Indian musical. Focusing on a South Indian-inspired kingdom, a princess named Syra seeks out Nataraja, a naga prince to help her defeat the demon who has taken over her kingdom. Given Disney's concern about the violence often covered in Indian epics, they go to great lengths to censor the bloodshed without ignoring violent outcomes, and decide to make the film 2D since 3D's realism might make the film "too disturbing."

Draigoch--After their foray into retro-inspired fantasy epics with "Melusine," an idea is brought to Disney influenced by England's 15th century War of the Roses and the red/white dragon prophecy Merlin had about England's dominance according to a 12th century monk. A kingdom is split and wars for dominance over the other due to a succession crisis, and the princess of one of the kingdoms joins a band of her loyal knights who seek out dragons in order to turn the tides in their favor. But dragons are dangerous creatures, and their greed could cost the princess more than she bargained for. This film would be 2D since Disney wants a renaissance feel to it.

Hope you enjoyed these ideas! Which one(s) sound the most fun to you? Maybe I'll flesh these out in individual posts, but I probably won't be able to do them all before my hiatus.

[iwanthermidnightz]

1) Taylor Swift

No one in the music industry wielded more power over the past year than Taylor Swift, who made history at stadiums, movie theaters and on the Billboard charts, leaving even the most seasoned executives speechless. While they’d long celebrated her staggering popularity as a singer, songwriter and performer, her force as a strategic business leader suddenly came into sharper focus — and industry veterans took notes as they watched some of her bravest and most innovative business risks reap remarkable rewards.

At 34, she is one of the music industry’s most charismatic and influential leaders — and she rewrites the rules.

“The piece of advice I would give to the other executives on this list is that the best ideas are usually ones without industry precedent,” Swift tells Billboard. “The biggest crossroads moments of my career came down to sticking to my instincts when my ideas were looked at with skepticism. When someone says to me, ‘But that has never been done successfully before,’ it fires me up. We have to take strategic risks every day in this industry, but every once in a while, you have to really trust your gut and take a flying leap. My rerecordings are my favorite example of this, and I’m extremely grateful to my team and fans for taking that leap with me because it absolutely changed my life.”

Sage advice for an industry in which instinct has largely been supplanted by metrics and data analysis.

In December, Time named Swift its 2023 Person of the Year. In September, after encouraging her 279 million Instagram followers to vote and linking to vote.org, the nonpartisan nonprofit said it received over 35,000 registrations. She appears on the cover of this issue of Billboard and in the No. 1 spot of our annual Power 100 issue because her force across the business of music is now unparalleled — and because she models commitment to innovation that the rest of the business will need in order to tackle the big challenges ahead.

Swift’s gambles have paid off handsomely over the past year.

Her massive The Eras stadium tour, which began in March after she controversially put all the tickets on sale at once, crashing Ticketmaster and sparking mass hysteria, grossed an estimated $906.1 million in 2023 and is poised to become the highest-grossing global tour of all time before it wraps in December, according to Billboard.

The Golden Globe-nominated Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour film, taped during her six-show run at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., in August, has grossed over $261.6 million worldwide since its October opening, according to AMC Theatres Entertainment. In January, the publicly traded movie-house chain announced that the film’s box-office take made it the highest-grossing concert/documentary picture ever released, surpassing Michael Jackson’s 2009 This Is It. Once again blazing a new path, Swift made a groundbreaking distribution deal directly with AMC Theaters instead of linking with a film studio.

Swift has shaken up the catalog market, too. When Scooter Braun infuriated her by acquiring the master recordings of her first six albums through his Ithaca Holdings and then sold them to investment firm Shamrock Capital at a profit, Swift rerecorded the albums with loving precision and added bonus tracks to the new releases. They performed phenomenally well, as she deftly used her tour to promote them. When her latest rerecording (and 14th studio album overall), 1989 (Taylor’s Version), spent its fifth week at atop the Billboard 200 at the end of 2023, Swift beat Elvis Presley’s record for the most weeks at No. 1 by a solo artist. Her industry market share last year was 1.72%. If she were her own genre, she’d rank ninth for 2023 — bigger than jazz.

“She’s the smartest artist I’ve ever worked with,” says Messina Touring Group’s Louis Messina, who promotes Swift’s tours and has worked with her since 2005. “She outworks everybody and she has always had this vision. If you’re around her, you can’t help but believe in her.” —Melinda Newman