The rise and fall of theater subscription service MoviePass is captured in new HBO documentary “MoviePass, MovieCrash.”
Dubbed “the Netflix of the movie theater” in the trailer, MoviePass was founded by Stacy Spikes and Hamet Watt in 2011 before former CEOs Mitch Lowe and Ted Farnsworth allegedly utilized fraudulent business tactics; the duo were charged by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in a 2022 lawsuit. The lawsuit additionally named ex-MoviePass Vice President Khalid Itum as a defendant, with Itum being accused of submitting false invoices for the company.
MoviePass filed for bankruptcy in 2020 after launching a $9.99 per month subscription in 2017 allowing people to see a movie a day. Upon moving to the $9.99 one movie per day model, subscriptions went from 20,000 to 100,000 users within two days, ultimately capping at more than 3 million subscribers in 2018. Yet the company still lost more than $150 million in 2017 alone. MoviePass filed for bankruptcy in 2019.
The company later...
Dubbed “the Netflix of the movie theater” in the trailer, MoviePass was founded by Stacy Spikes and Hamet Watt in 2011 before former CEOs Mitch Lowe and Ted Farnsworth allegedly utilized fraudulent business tactics; the duo were charged by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in a 2022 lawsuit. The lawsuit additionally named ex-MoviePass Vice President Khalid Itum as a defendant, with Itum being accused of submitting false invoices for the company.
MoviePass filed for bankruptcy in 2020 after launching a $9.99 per month subscription in 2017 allowing people to see a movie a day. Upon moving to the $9.99 one movie per day model, subscriptions went from 20,000 to 100,000 users within two days, ultimately capping at more than 3 million subscribers in 2018. Yet the company still lost more than $150 million in 2017 alone. MoviePass filed for bankruptcy in 2019.
The company later...
- 5/16/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Andrew Garfield’s arc as Peter Parker in his The Amazing Spider-Man film series may have come to an abrupt end when fans were expecting more, but it still lives in their hearts nonetheless. This became apparent recently when Marvel fans jumped in the picture to remind everyone of his web-slinger saga by Marc Webbs after the shooting of the stunt scenes faced some criticism.
Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker in his own superhero film series.
This critical approach came from Jon Watts, the helmer of all three of Tom Holland’s movies as Parker, who recently shared some pretty bold advice for the next Spider-Man director regarding the slinging stunt scenes. But instead of gaining appreciation from fans for it, Watts instead faced criticism, with fans reminding him of how Garfield managed to pull those stunts off for his saga.
Jon Watts Has Some Bold Advice for the Next...
Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker in his own superhero film series.
This critical approach came from Jon Watts, the helmer of all three of Tom Holland’s movies as Parker, who recently shared some pretty bold advice for the next Spider-Man director regarding the slinging stunt scenes. But instead of gaining appreciation from fans for it, Watts instead faced criticism, with fans reminding him of how Garfield managed to pull those stunts off for his saga.
Jon Watts Has Some Bold Advice for the Next...
- 5/13/2024
- by Mahin Sultan
- FandomWire
If you're a movie lover -- specifically someone who loves going to the movies -- there's a more-than-decent chance that you got sucked into a MoviePass subscription at some point between 2015 and 2018. At one point, it was a deal that seemed too good to be true. Unlimited movies, all for as low as $10 per month depending on where you live in the country. Either way, it represented insane value for moviegoers and felt like a real moment of change in the industry. Then, it all flamed out in spectacular fashion in the summer of 2018.
MoviePass lost tens of millions of dollars. The business model was called into question, and its parent company ultimately had to file for bankruptcy. It was a disaster of epic proportions. But, it turns out, most of us aren't even aware of just how bad it was behind the scenes. A new documentary is here to...
MoviePass lost tens of millions of dollars. The business model was called into question, and its parent company ultimately had to file for bankruptcy. It was a disaster of epic proportions. But, it turns out, most of us aren't even aware of just how bad it was behind the scenes. A new documentary is here to...
- 3/10/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Say this for Mitch Lowe, the former CEO of MoviePass: He may have helped destroy a briefly beloved brand and he may be awaiting trial on fraud charges stemming from that destruction, but he sat down for interviews for Muta’Ali’s upcoming HBO documentary MoviePass, MovieCrash and he gives what might be my favorite quote illustrating the true nature of capitalism.
Discussing the wave of out-of-control spending and public exuberance that preceded MoviePass’ fall — MoviePass-branded helicopters were landing at Coachella and Dennis Rodman was being trotted out in red hats while the offices were running out of supplies and seven customer service reps were handling countless complaints — Lowe says, without any evident self-awareness: “I sensed a resentment by the MoviePass employees. Each individual has their various roles and not all roles get to party.”
“Not all roles get to party.”
Man, that’s good.
As for MoviePass, MovieCrash?...
Discussing the wave of out-of-control spending and public exuberance that preceded MoviePass’ fall — MoviePass-branded helicopters were landing at Coachella and Dennis Rodman was being trotted out in red hats while the offices were running out of supplies and seven customer service reps were handling countless complaints — Lowe says, without any evident self-awareness: “I sensed a resentment by the MoviePass employees. Each individual has their various roles and not all roles get to party.”
“Not all roles get to party.”
Man, that’s good.
As for MoviePass, MovieCrash?...
- 3/10/2024
- by Daniel Fienberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ozzy Osbourne has apparently been the subject of several death-hoax videos on YouTube, and the Prince of Darkness isn’t having it.
“I’m not dead,” Ozzy declared on the latest episode of The Osbournes podcast. “I’m not going any-fucking-where. And I’m gonna go up and do some more gigs before I’m finished anyway.”
Ozzy, who turned 75 earlier in December, might be referring to one of the many clickbait videos that have been inundating YouTube as of late. Although the rock legend has dealt with numerous health issues that have kept him mostly off the stage in recent years, the death-hoax videos are likely jumping the gun in a shameless ploy to generate views.
“The thing on YouTube, it’s got ‘celebrities who have died today,’ and there’s a picture of me,” said Ozzy of the dubious videos, “and I go, ‘I’m not dead. I...
“I’m not dead,” Ozzy declared on the latest episode of The Osbournes podcast. “I’m not going any-fucking-where. And I’m gonna go up and do some more gigs before I’m finished anyway.”
Ozzy, who turned 75 earlier in December, might be referring to one of the many clickbait videos that have been inundating YouTube as of late. Although the rock legend has dealt with numerous health issues that have kept him mostly off the stage in recent years, the death-hoax videos are likely jumping the gun in a shameless ploy to generate views.
“The thing on YouTube, it’s got ‘celebrities who have died today,’ and there’s a picture of me,” said Ozzy of the dubious videos, “and I go, ‘I’m not dead. I...
- 12/26/2023
- by Jon Hadusek
- Consequence - Music
After playing a few reunion shows last year, Porno for Pyros recently announced a 2024 North American farewell tour.
And while a press release announcing the tour revealed that original members Perry Farrell (vocals), Peter Distefano (guitar), and Stephen Perkins (drums) would be taking part, a bassist was unconfirmed.
That led us to wonder: Would it be original bassist Martyn LeNoble or latter-era bassist Mike Watt? Or someone else altogether?
So, when Heavy Consequence caught up with Farrell recently to discuss the band’s upcoming EP and farewell tour (tickets available here), the singer gave us the scoop on who will be playing bass on the 2024 outing, albeit a bit cryptically at first.
“Martyn LeNoble is a wonderful guy – he loves the outdoors, he loves to track animals out in the wild,” began Farrell. “He really is a naturalist. By the time we got the tour together, Martyn was heading out to the forests.
And while a press release announcing the tour revealed that original members Perry Farrell (vocals), Peter Distefano (guitar), and Stephen Perkins (drums) would be taking part, a bassist was unconfirmed.
That led us to wonder: Would it be original bassist Martyn LeNoble or latter-era bassist Mike Watt? Or someone else altogether?
So, when Heavy Consequence caught up with Farrell recently to discuss the band’s upcoming EP and farewell tour (tickets available here), the singer gave us the scoop on who will be playing bass on the 2024 outing, albeit a bit cryptically at first.
“Martyn LeNoble is a wonderful guy – he loves the outdoors, he loves to track animals out in the wild,” began Farrell. “He really is a naturalist. By the time we got the tour together, Martyn was heading out to the forests.
- 11/29/2023
- by Greg Prato
- Consequence - Music
On the heels of announcing their farewell tour, Porno for Pyros played a secret loft party in downtown Los Angeles over the weekend. The gig saw the band performing with Mike Watt, who served as the group’s bassist from 1995 to 1998.
Watt actually played with Porno for Pyros during their first reunion show last year at Welcome to Rockville, while original bassist Martyn LeNoble joined the band for their other 2022 gigs. A press release for Porno for Pyros’ 2024 farewell outing lists Perry Farrell, Peter Distefano, and Stephen Perkins as the touring band, leaving it a bit of a mystery as to who will be playing bass on the full tour.
During the loft show, Porno for Pyros performed a four-song set that included the live debut of recent comeback single “Agua,” along with classic tracks “Good God’s://Urge!,” “Tahitian Moon,” and “Pets.”
As previously reported, the band’s “Horns,...
Watt actually played with Porno for Pyros during their first reunion show last year at Welcome to Rockville, while original bassist Martyn LeNoble joined the band for their other 2022 gigs. A press release for Porno for Pyros’ 2024 farewell outing lists Perry Farrell, Peter Distefano, and Stephen Perkins as the touring band, leaving it a bit of a mystery as to who will be playing bass on the full tour.
During the loft show, Porno for Pyros performed a four-song set that included the live debut of recent comeback single “Agua,” along with classic tracks “Good God’s://Urge!,” “Tahitian Moon,” and “Pets.”
As previously reported, the band’s “Horns,...
- 11/21/2023
- by Spencer Kaufman
- Consequence - Music
What do you get when you allow a superfan to produce your band’s newest album? Hackney Diamonds.
Andrew Watt, who helmed the Rolling Stones’ first album of original music in 18 years, wants it known that, first and foremost, he is a Stones fan, with an admittedly unhealthy obsession at that. Sure, he’s won the Grammy for Producer of the Year, as well as Grammys for albums he produced or co-produced for Ozzy Osbourne and Dua Lipa. And yeah, his credits include records by pop, hip-hop, and rock hitmakers: Justin Bieber,...
Andrew Watt, who helmed the Rolling Stones’ first album of original music in 18 years, wants it known that, first and foremost, he is a Stones fan, with an admittedly unhealthy obsession at that. Sure, he’s won the Grammy for Producer of the Year, as well as Grammys for albums he produced or co-produced for Ozzy Osbourne and Dua Lipa. And yeah, his credits include records by pop, hip-hop, and rock hitmakers: Justin Bieber,...
- 10/29/2023
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready has revealed he is drawing on his experiences in the Seattle grunge scene for a new rock opera. In an interview with Guitar World, the musician said the project is inspired by and honors the late Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell, who was also McCready’s bandmate in the supergroup Temple of the Dog.
“I look at him as one of the greatest singers and songwriters of all time, aside from being a friend,” McCready said about Cornell. “I love Chris and I’m working on a little project about the Seattle scene and a musical kind of rock opera thing. It’s just from my experience in the Seattle music scene, and he’s part of it.”
Last month, McCready shared the first preview of the rock opera when he posted a live performance of a Cornell tribute called “Crying Moon” on Instagram. He told...
“I look at him as one of the greatest singers and songwriters of all time, aside from being a friend,” McCready said about Cornell. “I love Chris and I’m working on a little project about the Seattle scene and a musical kind of rock opera thing. It’s just from my experience in the Seattle music scene, and he’s part of it.”
Last month, McCready shared the first preview of the rock opera when he posted a live performance of a Cornell tribute called “Crying Moon” on Instagram. He told...
- 9/13/2023
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Music
The soundtrack to the blockbuster film “Barbie” is filled with original compositions and has already spawned multiple hits. One of those is “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish, which debuted in the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. Will it make her a Grammy contender yet again? If she ends up with a Record of the Year nom for the single, she’ll have been nominated in that category four times in five years. Watch the video for “What Was I Made For?” above.
SEEBillie Eilish songs, ranked: Her 21 greatest hits
The song, like almost all of Eilish’s musical output, was co-written and produced by her brother Finneas. Though this time it also boasts production by behind-the-scenes heavyweights Mark Ronson and Andrew Watt. Ronson previously won two Record of the Year Grammys for his work on Amy Winehouse‘s “Rehab” and for his own “Uptown Funk” featuring Bruno Mars.
SEEBillie Eilish songs, ranked: Her 21 greatest hits
The song, like almost all of Eilish’s musical output, was co-written and produced by her brother Finneas. Though this time it also boasts production by behind-the-scenes heavyweights Mark Ronson and Andrew Watt. Ronson previously won two Record of the Year Grammys for his work on Amy Winehouse‘s “Rehab” and for his own “Uptown Funk” featuring Bruno Mars.
- 8/2/2023
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Naomi Watts may be showing off bling, but she’s staying mum about her relationship status.
This week, the “Mulholland Dr.” star appeared on the “Today Show” to talk about her mission to help erase the stigma around menopause.
Read More: Naomi Watts Reveals She ‘Wasn’t Prepared’ For Early Menopause
But as the interview came to a close, it was the big diamond on her left ring finger that was catching co-host Hoda Kotb’s eye, fueling speculation about a possible engagement to actor Billy Crudup.
“My eye is hurting. Do you see anything?” Kotb joked. “It’s like a big glint coming from some ring over here.”
She continued, “I can’t stop looking at it! It just struck me, but it’s beautiful.”
As Watts stayed silent, Savannah Guthrie said, “Hoda is asking if you’re engaged.”
When Watts only laughed, Kotb’s co-host, Savannah Guthrie, chimed in,...
This week, the “Mulholland Dr.” star appeared on the “Today Show” to talk about her mission to help erase the stigma around menopause.
Read More: Naomi Watts Reveals She ‘Wasn’t Prepared’ For Early Menopause
But as the interview came to a close, it was the big diamond on her left ring finger that was catching co-host Hoda Kotb’s eye, fueling speculation about a possible engagement to actor Billy Crudup.
“My eye is hurting. Do you see anything?” Kotb joked. “It’s like a big glint coming from some ring over here.”
She continued, “I can’t stop looking at it! It just struck me, but it’s beautiful.”
As Watts stayed silent, Savannah Guthrie said, “Hoda is asking if you’re engaged.”
When Watts only laughed, Kotb’s co-host, Savannah Guthrie, chimed in,...
- 4/28/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
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