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SO Games President Laura Gouthez talks present, future of video game industry at Ventana Sur Maquinitas forum

BUENOS AIRES  — Holding a captive audience, Laura Gouthez, president of the French video game association SO-Games, spoke about the present state of the industry and its forward trajectory in a casual discussion hosted Wednesday by Maquinitas, the games sidebar that runs in tandem with the Ventana Sur market.

Credit: Holly Jones

 

Located in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the association of video game professionals is dedicated to representing actors from La Rochelle via Poitiers, Angoulême, Bordeaux, Pau, Agen and Biarritz.

 

Connecting the games ecosystem in France with broader global collaborations, Gouthez noted how the business ties together academia, industry and government to develop the audiovisual sector. Noting a stagnant trend in France after the pandemic, she believes the static months will quickly give way to a crescendo of creation.

 

“The creation of video games is down, but only the creation. The number  of video game studios has increased,” she pointed out.

 

With five years in the video game sector, Gouthez brought a depth of knowledge about the politics surrounding funding and education in the field and spoke to the production value robust incentives and support lend in creating and retaining French and international talent by way of regional schools and studios.

 

France, while behind mega-markets like the U.S., Canada and China, is the second largest video game hub in Europe directly after the U.K. and just ahead of Germany, with nearly 1,000 companies dedicated to the endeavor, and 600 studios to date.

 

“France’s sector is so strong,” Gouthez relayed. “First of all, we have a very strong fabric. Schools, for example, schools that go train all their talents, which then go to work in the studios. We also have companies and researchers such as banks, who believe in the sector and who’re going to help the studios with money first,” she continued.

 

Another boon to the industry is the increasing support of the government, which in 2017, according to Gouthez, “made a bet on the sector as well.” With Ubisoft Bordeaux helping to create “Assassins Creed Mirage” and studios in the region working on ever more ambitious productions, the bet is paying off.

 

The discussion continued, opening up to the audience who shared the challenges in the Latin American video games sector and the roadblocks that stall creation, including trouble securing necessary funds and a lack of labor support, which at times leads to exploitation, some bringing up the formation of syndicates and unions as a means to carve out more agency for creators.

 

After a spirited round of questions, the talk wrapped as the audience asked about cultural representation in French video games, as a large factor in the Latin American audiovisual ecosystem is producing art that communicates something about its country of origin. Gouthez admitted it wasn’t a large priority for France, as they seek talent from around the globe that inherently leads to a wide array of representation in the video games they produce, without specific nods to French culture or lore.

 

All-in, the conversation led to a generous exchange of ideas that ran overtime, some curiosities left unsated.

 

 

— Variety

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Aetrex launches FitStarter technology platform to offer retailers immediate footwear fitting solution

Integrating the Heeluxe SmartLast system with Aetrex’s 3D foot scanning technology, retailers can provide fit recommendations to consumers upon program implementation

 

TEANECK, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Aetrex, Inc. (“Aetrex”), a global market leader in foot scanning technology and data-driven orthotics and comfort footwear, today announced FitStarter, a personalized footwear recommendation platform designed to help retailers improve their shoe fitting service for shoppers, reduce returns and increase customer satisfaction.

 

Developed in partnership with the premier shoe fit testing company Heeluxe, FitStarter is an accurate, turnkey starting point to Aetrex’s AI-powered shoe match-making platform, FitGenius. Retailers can easily add FitStarter to their existing Albert 3D foot scanner (Albert 2 Pro or Albert 3DFit) software.

 

To support FitStarter, Aetrex is establishing multiple Fit Labs to analyze shoes submitted by participating retailers each season. A member of the Aetrex Technology team will analyze the shoes using the patented Hank Jr Shoe Fitting SmartLast system developed by Heeluxe, which leverages pressure sensor technology. Within days, retailers will have footwear and fit recommendations available within their Aetrex Albert software. Once Aetrex collects shoe data within the Fit Lab, the FitStarter platform will analyze each customer’s unique 3D foot scan data collected in store alongside the Fit Lab data to provide immediate, personalized fitting recommendations.

 

“While FitGenius remains our gold standard fit recommendation offering for retailers, not every retailer has the capacity to quickly collect the required 5,000 foot scan data points necessary to feed the AI platform,” said Larry Schwartz, CEO of Aetrex.

 

“With FitStarter, retailers can provide accurate shoe fit recommendations from day-one of installation while also collecting the foot scan data points needed to upgrade to the premium FitGenius AI.”

 

The FitStarter program provides in-store shoppers with personalized fit recommendations, while FitGenius has the capability to provide ideal footwear recommendations to consumers both in store and online. After a shopper completes an Aetrex 3D foot scan at a participating retail location, FitStarter will rank the retailer’s footwear inventory based on the likelihood of a good fit for that individual from excellent to poor. It will also display a graphic of the consumer’s selected shoe, highlighting areas that fit well and potential areas of pressure. FitStarter also considers the shopper’s preference for shoe fit, ranging from snug to roomy.

 

“Like Aetrex, Hank Jr Shoe Fitting is focused on data-driven technology solutions to improve footwear fit and design, bringing natural synergy to our partnership,” said Dr. Geoffrey Gray, founder of Heeluxe and Hank Jr Shoe Fitting, Inc.

 

“This partnership allows us to bring our shoe data and testing process to the masses in an effort to help shoppers around the world get into the right fitting footwear on the first try, quickly and easily.”

 

FitStarter will be available to existing and interested Aetrex foot scanning partners on January 1, 2024 on a service subscription model. To learn more about FitStarter and all Aetrex technology offerings, visit aetrex.com.

 

About Aetrex

Aetrex, Inc. is widely recognized as a global leader in foot scanning technology and data-driven orthotics and comfort footwear. Aetrex has developed state-of-the-art foot scanning devices, including Albert, Albert 2 Pro and Albert 3DFit (2022 and 2023 CES Innovation Award Honorees), Albert Pressure and iStep, designed to accurately measure feet and determine foot type and pressure points. Since 2002, Aetrex has placed over 12,000 scanners worldwide that have performed more than 50 million unique customer foot scans, currently averaging more than 2.5 million scans a year.

 

The company is renowned for its over-the-counter orthotics – the worlds #1 premium foot orthotic. With fashion, function and quality at the forefront, Aetrex also designs and manufactures stylish, performance footwear. Based in New Jersey, Aetrex is consistently named one of New Jersey’s Top 100 Privately Held Companies and was also included in NJBIZ’s Top 30 Manufacturing Companies. It has remained privately owned by the Schwartz family for three generations. For additional information, visit www.aetrex.com.

Contacts

Media
Simone Migliori

aetrex@matternow.com
617-874-5484

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Daniel Radcliffe tried to direct doc about ‘Harry Potter’ stunt double: ‘I thought I’d know how… turns out, I didn’t’

Daniel Radcliffe almost made his directorial debut with the documentary “David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived,” about his “Harry Potter” stunt double who was left paralyzed after a tragic on-set accident.

 

At the London premiere of the HBO and Sky doc, Radcliffe Zoomed in from New York City — where he’s currently starring in the Broadway revival of “Merrily We Roll Along” — for a Q&A with Holmes and director Dan Hartley, in which he revealed that he initially set out to helm the film himself.

 

“I had always wanted to do something about Dave because I wanted to share him with the world for the person that he is. And Dave’s natural humility meant that he was kind of unsure about that for a while — he wanted to make something broader about stunts in general. But eventually, I sort of convinced him that he should be front and center of it,” Radcliffe said. “And we shot some stuff because for some reason, I thought — having never done anything like this before — that I would know how to direct a documentary. Turns out, I didn’t. At all.”

 

Radcliffe and Holmes knew Hartley from his work as a video operator on the “Harry Potter” franchise, and asked him to step in. Hartley had previously directed the drama “Lad: A Yorkshire Story” in 2013.

 

“We wanted someone we knew and that would connect to the material in the same way that we did. We were kind of scared of somebody from the outside coming in with a slightly more salacious lens,” Radcliffe said. “Dan had obviously made a feature film before. He hadn’t made a documentary, but we trusted him immensely and we talked about all the docs that we loved and we were very much on the same page. Then Dan shot a couple of afternoons of interviews and showed us, and from that moment it was so clear.”

 

Radcliffe said that when he showed Hartley the footage he had shot, “he very kindly went, ‘If you want to make a documentary that you know, looks good, you should probably start again.’ So we did, and he just absolutely hit the nail on the head and made the film that you see in front of you.”

 

Radcliffe instead took on the role of an executive producer on the film, which follows Holmes’ recovery after suffering a spinal cord injury during pre-production rehearsals for “Deathly Hallows Part 1,” in addition to appearing in it. Variety chief TV critic Alison Herman praised the documentary in her review, writing that it is “an attempt on Radcliffe’s part to use his fame to shed light on his friend’s story — and navigate the complex mix of guilt, motivation and admiration spurred by the two men’s contrasting, interwoven fates.”

 

As for what Holmes hopes viewers take away from the movie, he referred to a lyric from Taylor Swift’s song “August”: “Living for the hope of it all.”

 

“[Hope] is the first thing you should look for, and the last thing you should let go,” Holmes continued. “It’s a bit messy out there right now, isn’t it? And just to see the collective support that allowed me to live my life and also what we can create when we all trust and love each other and are open — I think we should all be more willing to share our vulnerabilities. It’s what makes us human, and no one should be ashamed of it in any way, shape or form. It’s the scars of life that make us who we are.”

 

“David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived” is now available to stream on HBO and will premiere in the U.K. on Sky Documentaries and streaming service NOW on Nov. 18.

 

 

— Variety

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Lace up your skates! Mercer rink skating season in progress

Mercer County’s public ice skating center offers a fun, affordable activity for people of all ages.

Located at Mercer County Park, the Skating Center is open to the public seven days a week during the operating season, which kicked off Oct. 29, 2023.

“Our rink is a treasure where generations of Mercer County residents have learned to skate, gathered with friends and family, or enjoyed watching local hockey teams compete,” said Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes.

“Ice skating is a great way for everyone in the family to stay active during the cold winter months.”

Click for information on operating hours and fees. 

 For more information on group lessons, please visit: mercerskatingschool.com/

To obtain a complete public skating schedule, directions or more information, visit www.mercercountyparks.org or call the Skating Center at (609) 371-1766

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Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk celebrates 15th anniversary with more than $3M raised for kids

Presented by Kinecta Federal Credit Union, the Annual Event Broke Records and Will Help Thousands of Children with Diverse Needs, Public Education and Scholarships

 

LOS ANGELES — (BUSINESS WIRE) — The Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk celebrated its 15th anniversary event with more than $3 million raised for children with special needs, public education, and national scholarships—totaling over $24 million in donations since its inception in 2009. Thousands of registrants contributed to these causes at the milestone event, which was supported by Presenting Sponsor Kinecta Federal Credit Union and over 100 generous businesses and donors, and featured Brooke Burke, Mr. T and Amanda Kloots along with performances from Young Selena singer and America’s Got Talent golden buzzer winner Madison Taylor Baez, Team Siwa’s pop group XOMG POP! and teen group FuturePop.

“I am very fortunate to have a platform to do good, and to be part of an organization at Skechers and the community of the South Bay that believes in giving back. It’s been my greatest joy to make a difference through philanthropy, especially the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk,” said Michael Greenberg, founder of the Walk.

“For over 15 years, I’ve seen thousands of our children form friendships, mature into young adults, realize their purpose, set out into the world—all the way knowing that we are here for them, behind them. The Walk has been such a beautiful and moving day to be part of, year after year—from seeing all the walkers to our generous celebrities and volunteers to incredible organizations like Kinecta and companies with so much heart—all here to uplift our kids. I’m deeply grateful for this experience—I know we’re helping future generations, and I encourage every community to do the same. I always say, ‘give until it hurts.’ But really, seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces, it just feels good.”

 

“This walk is about the power of friendship, which is actually quite profound when you think about it,” added fitness encourager and television host Brooke Burke. “Friendship is the thread that connects every human. It inspires us to make the impossible possible. And it’s the constant I’ve seen over the 12 years I’ve supported this walk. From the parents, neighbors and kids to the engaged sponsors and performers, athletes and icons who have graced this stage, everyone is here to celebrate friendship year after year.”

 

“This is my first time here, and what a thrill it’s been,” added actor and icon Mr. T. “Every kid has room to grow—there are no ceilings to what any person can learn and achieve. And what an amazing, special day this community has made to help them on their way. The energy and enthusiasm at this event is incredible. This Walk’s going to keep celebrating for 15 more years and beyond—and I’m so happy to be part of this beautiful legacy of love for our kids.”

 

Historically California’s largest event for children with special needs and education, the 3.5-mile Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk supports the future Friendship Campus (The Greenberg Family / Skechers Center)—a $55 million, 3.25-acre campus that will offer a life-changing community for friendship and learning. Planned for completion by year-end 2025, the facility will include numerous vocational programs including a Creative Arts Center, Culinary Institute, Recreation Center, Life Skills programming, and early education and mentoring opportunities, giving young adults the tools to transition to the workforce and find lifelong passion and purpose.

 

The Campus will also be home to the new headquarters for the Friendship Foundation, which offers companionship, celebrates uniqueness and encourages acceptance for all with diverse abilities. The organization offers over 60 in-person programs such as art, music, fitness, sign language, science, social emotional wellness and yoga, as well as pop-up programs like virtual scavenger hunts and talent shows that are free for anyone to attend locally and across the United States.

 

Academically, the Walk supports public school education foundations—reducing class sizes, updating labs, libraries and facilities and protecting teachers’ jobs. The Skechers Foundation’s national scholarship program also gives a portion of Walk proceeds to students with financial need and proven excellence in academics, athletics and leadership, donating more than $1.1 million in scholarships to date.

 

The Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk thanks Presenting Sponsor Kinecta Federal Credit Union and all of its sponsors, including Nickelodeon, Rare Beauty, Schwartz Family Foundation, Steel Sports, United Legwear & Apparel Co., Big 5 Sporting Goods, Petco Love, TJX Companies, Chevron, Bank of America, Ross Stores, Barco, Dakine, Vertra, LA Kings, LA Dodgers, McCarthy, LA Angels, Continental Development, WSS, Turkish Airlines, Cushman & Wakefield and many more companies that are committed to supporting our children.

 

To watch this year’s Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk and learn more about the event, please visit skechersfriendshipwalk.com or YouTube, and follow the Walk on Facebook, X and Instagram.

 

About Skechers Foundation

Established in 2010 to help children in need, the Skechers Foundation is dedicated to strengthening communities to ensure the health, success and well-being of youth worldwide. We invest in a global network of charitable organizations dedicated to embracing individuals with diverse abilities, improving education, empowering disadvantaged families and providing humanitarian, disaster and economic relief. By supporting millions through our products and services, we aspire to make a valiant effort in creating stronger, self-sufficient individuals for future generations.

 

About Skechers USA, Inc.

Skechers U.S.A., Inc. (NYSE:SKX), a Fortune 500® company based in Southern California, designs, develops and markets a diverse range of lifestyle and performance footwear, apparel and accessories for men, women and children. Collections from The Comfort Technology Company™ are available in 180 countries and territories through department and specialty stores, and direct to consumers through digital stores and over 4,900 Company- and third-party-owned physical retail stores. The Company manages its international business through a network of wholly-owned subsidiaries, joint venture partners, and distributors. For more information, please visit about.skechers.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

 

About Kinecta Federal Credit Union

Headquartered in Manhattan Beach, California, Kinecta Federal Credit Union is one of the country’s largest credit unions, with assets of $6.7 billion and more than 270,000 members from coast to coast. Banking the Southern California area for more than 80 years, with additional branches in New York, New Jersey, Northern California and Florida, Kinecta offers its members a full range of financial products from banking, lending and insurance to wealth management services. Kinecta has been recognized by the Mortgage Bankers Association as a recipient of its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Residential Leadership Award, and received the Best of Show award granted by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Technology Council. Residents of Rochester, NY, voted Kinecta as a finalist for Best Credit Union in the Democrat & Chronicle’s annual Rochester Choice Awards in 2022. Forbes awarded Kinecta as a top-ranked credit union in California on its America’s Best Credit Unions in Each State 2022 List. Kinecta has 29 branches, and its members can use a network of more than 5,800 shared branches and access over 85,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide. For more information on Kinecta, visit the website and LinkedIn.

 

This announcement contains forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, Skechers’ future domestic and international growth, financial results and operations including expected net sales and earnings, its development of new products, future demand for its products, its planned domestic and international expansion, opening of new stores and additional expenditures, and advertising and marketing initiatives. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking language such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “will,” “could,” “may,” “might,” or any variations of such words with similar meanings. Any such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause or contribute to such differences include the disruption of business and operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic; delays or disruptions in our supply chain; international economic, political and market conditions including the effects of inflation and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations around the world, the challenging consumer retail markets in the United States, and the impact of wars, acts of war and other conflicts around the world; sustaining, managing and forecasting costs and proper inventory levels; losing any significant customers; decreased demand by industry retailers and cancellation of order commitments due to the lack of popularity of particular designs and/or categories of products; maintaining brand image and intense competition among sellers of footwear for consumers, especially in the highly competitive performance footwear market; anticipating, identifying, interpreting or forecasting changes in fashion trends, consumer demand for the products and the various market factors described above; sales levels during the spring, back-to-school and holiday selling seasons; and other factors referenced or incorporated by reference in Skechers’ annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q in 2023. Taking these and other risk factors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic into consideration, the dynamic nature of these circumstances means that what is stated in this press release could change at any time, and as a result, actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. The risks included here are not exhaustive. Skechers operates in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time and we cannot predict all such risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all such risk factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Moreover, reported results should not be considered an indication of future performance.

Contacts

Jennifer Clay

SKECHERS USA

jennc@skechers.com
(310) 937-1326

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Six Flags Magic Mountain breaks ground on California’s largest solar energy project

Phase One for New 12.37-Megawatt Solar Carport Structure Begins on November 1

 

LOS ANGELES — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #SixFlagsMagicMountain — Six Flags Magic Mountain, the undisputed Thrill Capital of the World, in partnership with Solar Optimum and DSD Renewables (DSD), today announced the official ground breaking of a new 12.37-megawatt solar carport and energy storage system. The Six Flags Magic Mountain project is the largest single-site commercial renewable energy project in California and largest solar project allocated toward a for-profit organization in the United States.

 

“We’re thrilled to be breaking ground on this monumental project and taking the next step towards a cleaner, greener future,” said Six Flags Magic Mountain Interim Park President Jeff Harris.

 

“We’re continuing to make advancements towards improving and protecting the environment, and are honored to be industry leaders, paving the way for other theme park companies around the world. Our partners and established solar and renewable energy industry experts at Solar Optimum and DSD Renewables, as well as our partners with Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s Office, have been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition, allowing us to break ground at an increased timeline. Getting a glance at what this massive structure will bring to our parks and community is simply remarkable,” he added.

 

Key components of the Six Flags Magic Mountain solar installation include:

  • A 637,000 square foot, 12.37-megawatt solar carport built over the main guest parking lot and team member parking lot;
  • The park will be able to offset 100% of its energy usage with solar power;
  • Estimated 3,544 guest parking spaces and 771 team member parking spaces;
  • Approximately 30 electric vehicle charging spaces in the guest parking lot;
  • Added shade coverage to keep cars cool for guests and team members;
  • Increased security systems and protection;
  • Battery storage system producing approximately 2 megawatts of power with up to 8-megawatt hours of capacity that can be deployed daily;
  • Produce 20.8 million kilowatt hours of energy annually, which is equivalent to the electricity consumption of 2,874 homes;
  • Offset greenhouse gas emissions each year comparable to 34,194 barrels of oil consumed, 5,110 tons of waste recycled rather than landfilled, and 17,612 acres of U.S. forests;
  • Offset carbon dioxide equivalents each year comparable to taking 3,182 cars off the road, 37.8 million miles driven by an average gasoline-powered automobile, and 1.6 million gallons of gasoline consumed; and
  • Produce 517.89 million kilowatt hours of energy in a 25-year period, which offsets greenhouse gas energy consumption equivalent to 911 million miles driven by gasoline-powered automobiles and the carbon sequestration equivalent to 434.3 thousand acres of trees planted.

 

The Six Flags Magic Mountain project is the third solar installation for Six Flags. Properties in Northern California at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and New Jersey at Six Flags Great Adventure have also developed on-site solar capabilities with over 30 megawatts of fully operational solar power systems installed. These three sites will rank as the largest volume of onsite Solar PV systems for any U.S. organization with a combined total of 42.37 megawatts.

 

“We are excited to break ground on this solar-plus-storage project at Six Flags Magic Mountain and watch the Solar Optimum team work their installation magic. Solar canopies have always been an excellent use of otherwise underutilized space and this site, with its wide open parking lots, provides the perfect canvas to build on,” said Danielle Fidel, Senior Director, Developer Network at DSD. “Partnering with Solar Optimum through DSD’s Developer Network has allowed us to make this project a reality for Six Flags and we’re looking forward to it coming to life!”

 

“The Six Flags Magic Mountain solar project stands as the largest of its kind in the nation, boasting an impressive area exceeding 637,000 square feet of shade structures,” said Arno Aghamalian, CEO and Founder of Solar Optimum. “The magnitude of this undertaking is a marvel in itself, and as we initiate the construction phase, we are excited to offer a glimpse into what this project will evolve into by the year’s end.”

 

“Not only does this project rank as a remarkable national achievement, showcasing the integration of solar technology, carports, energy storage, and electric vehicle charging, but it is also a testament to the dedication and collaborative spirit of all those involved,” continued Aghamalian. “From the offices of the Governor and LA County Supervisor to SCE, our development partners, and a dedicated team of individuals, we are rapidly ushering this project to completion.”

 

For 63 years, Six Flags has been committed to protecting and improving the environment and its communities, striving toward the expansion of sustainability and ESG-related initiatives and efforts. By actively working to reduce the environmental impact of its amusement park operations, the company continues to make meaningful advancements in adopting solar power throughout its operations and otherwise reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For more information regarding Six Flags’ sustainability and ESG-related initiatives, visit sixflags.com.

 

About Six Flags Magic Mountain

Six Flags Magic Mountain, known as the Thrill Capital of the World, boasts 20 world-class roller coasters—more than any other theme park on the planet—and is home to more than 100 rides, games, and attractions, including roller coaster icons like Twisted Colossus, Tatsu, Goliath, and X2. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com/magicmountain.

 

About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company with 27 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For 63 years, Six Flags has entertained hundreds of millions of guests with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks and unique attractions. Six Flags is committed to creating an inclusive environment that fully embraces the diversity of our team members and guests. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com.

Follow us on Twitter @sfmagicmountain

Like us on Facebook @sixflagsmagicmountain @sixflagshurricaneharborla

Follow us on Instagram @sixflagsmagicmountain

Follow us on TikTok @sfmagicmountain @hurricaneharborla

 

About Solar Optimum

Solar Optimum is a Los Angeles-based solar, battery storage and roofing company that provides homeowners and businesses in California, Nevada, and Arizona with progressive, premium energy solutions – with unmatched value. Since 2008, Solar Optimum has been on a mission to educate and inspire its customers to become 100% energy independent, and with over 300 MW installed, thousands of customers have now reached that goal.

 

Solar Optimum’s premier certifications, top-of-the-line products and warranties, and award-winning customer service have earned Solar Optimum the position as the #1 ranked California EPC for Solar and Battery Storage and #2 ranked National EPC for Solar and Storage (in the Residential and Commercial category) according to Solar Power World International. To learn more, visit www.SolarOptimum.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

 

About DSD Renewables

DSD Renewables (DSD) is transforming the way organizations harness clean energy while building a more sustainable future. With unparalleled capabilities including development, structured financing, project acquisition and long-term asset ownership, DSD accelerates the deployment of renewable energy resources and creates significant value for our commercial, industrial, and municipal customers and partners. Backed by world-leading financial partners, our team brings a distinct combination of ingenuity, rigor, and accountability to every project we manage, acquire, own, and maintain. To learn more, visit DSDRenewables.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

Contacts

Alex French

sfmmpr@sixflags.com
661-400-3143

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Sources: Bungie cut ~100 jobs after executives said the company’s revenue was 45% below projections for the year, citing a drop in Destiny 2’s popularity

—  Sales at studio were running 45% below projections for year 

— Layoffs are part of a bigger revamp at Sony PlayStation unit

 

 

Jason Schreier / Bloomberg:

 

Bungie’s decision to cut an estimated 100 jobs from its staff of about 1,200 followed dire management warnings earlier this month of a sharp drop in the popularity of its flagship video game Destiny 2.

Just two weeks ago, executives at the Sony-owned game developer told employees that revenue was running 45% below projections for the year, according to people who attended the meeting.

Attendees play Bungie’s “Destiny 2” during E3 in Los Angeles. Attendees play the “Destiny 2” video game developed by Bungie Inc. and published by Activision Blizzard Inc. during the E3 Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles, California, U.S., on Tuesday, June 13, 2017. For three days, leading-edge companies, groundbreaking new technologies and never-before-seen products is showcased at E3. — Photographer: Troy Harvey/Bloomberg — Photographer: Troy Harvey/Bloomberg

Chief Executive Officer Pete Parsons pinned the big miss on weak player retention for Destiny 2, which has faced a poor reception since the release of its latest expansion, Lightfall.

 

The next expansion, The Final Shape, was getting good — not great feedback — and management told those present that they planned to push back the release to June 2024 from February, according the people, who asked not to be identified because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly. The additional time would give developers a chance to improve the product.

In the meantime, Parsons told staff Bungie would be cutting costs, such as for travel, as well as implementing salary and hiring freezes, the people said. Everyone would have to work together to weather the storm, he said, leaving employees feeling determined to do whatever was needed to get revenue back up.

But on Monday morning the news got worse: Dozens of staffers woke up to mysterious 15-minute meetings that had been placed on their calendars, which they soon learned were part of a mass layoff. Bungie laid off around 8% of its employees, according to documentation reviewed by Bloomberg. Bungie didn’t respond to requests for comment.

Employees who were let go will receive at least three months of severance and three months of Bungie-paid COBRA health insurance, although other benefits, such as expense reimbursements, ended Monday, sending some staff racing to submit their receipts.

Laid-off staffers will also receive prorated bonuses, although those who were on a vesting schedule following Sony Group Corp.’s acquisition of Bungie in January 2022 will lose any shares that weren’t vested as of next month.

The layoffs are part of a larger money-saving initiative at Sony’s PlayStation unit, which has also cut employees at studios such as Naughty Dog, Media Molecule and its San Mateo office.

TD Cowen analyst Doug Creutz wrote in a report Monday that “events over the last few days lead us to believe that PlayStation is undergoing a restructuring.”

PlayStation president Jim Ryan announced last month that he plans to resign.

Many of the layoffs at Bungie affected the company’s support departments, such as community management and publishing. Remaining Bungie staff were informed that some of those areas will be outsourced moving forward.

 

 

— Techmeme

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What kind of animation are Europe’s next gen creators aiming to make? Cartoon Springboard supplies some suggestions

What kind of animation has Europe’s next gen talent got in the hopper?

 

Cartoon Springboard, an E.U. platform organized by Cartoon for burgeoning toon talents which kicks off today in Madrid, can supply some answers.

 

Of the 24 projects to be pitched Wednesday and Thursday at Madrid’s Atheneum, a large part will be made, if financed, in 2D. At least half are from women.

 

Quite a few potential standouts come from France: ”Bitches,” which won an Annecy Ciclic Prize at its MIFA Pitches; “Maestitia,” co-helmed by Merel Hamers, at Gobelins, and “Inspector, Your Pants!” from the same prestige school; “When Monsters Within,” whose key creative Pablo Alcázar studies at Valence’s La Poudrière, another venerable French animation school.

 

Some directors are known values, as streaming platforms and France’s Annecy Festival turn creators into niche stars. “All Good,” for instance, is co-directed by Diego Porral, who served as animation lead on the “Kill Team Kill” episode of “Love Death + Robots.”

 

Most crucially, around half the titles target YA viewers. Born in the U.S. with “The Simpsons,” YA animation is now exploding in Europe. One of its major challenges is to find an international audience, as a recent Cartoon Brew article suggested. Having been at it for 35 years, the level of U.S. YA shows is formidable.

 

One way to square that circle, however, may be to pitch public broadcasters over Europe looking to power up their younger-skewing digital services as they move ever more front and center to networks’ identity.

 

There it may help that so many series at Cartoon Springboard this year carry a PBS-friendly social issue undertow: Whether an eco-conscience “(Azul’s Journey,” “Freshstyle,” “No Pets)” or gender focus “(Labinocle,” “My Grandmother is a Skydiver).” Social commitment, which Europe’s young creators have in buckets, may be one way forward.

 

Running Oct. 24-26, Cartoon Springboard is supported by Creative Europe-Media and the Community of Madrid, the City Council of Madrid, Madrid Film Office, and ICEX, the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade. A quick breakdown of this year’s titles:

“All Good,” (Diego Porral, Joaquín Garralda, Spain)

 

A young adults-oriented TV comedy series, the story of a workplace burnout, directed by Porral, one of Spain’s best 2D animators, whose credits include “Love Death & Robots” and “Buñuel in the Labyrinth of the Turtles.” Another Porral-Garralda project, “Leopoldo From the Bar,” played at May’s Cannes Spanish animation showcase “Revelations!”

 

 

Read more here:

https://variety.com/2023/film/global/cartoon-springboard-diego-porral-1235766311/

 

 

— Variety

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Adam Driver recalls ‘terrifying’ experience driving old school race car for ‘Ferrari:’ ‘If you turn the wrong way, you’re dead’

Although Adam Driver portrays legendary sports-car magnate Enzo Ferrari in Michael Mann’s biographical drama, the actor didn’t get to drive one of the 1950s-era replicas for “Ferrari.”

 

Instead, he drove an “open-wheel single seater” that was modified to connect a camera to it. Asked how it was getting behind the wheel of that particular vintage sports car, Driver simply replied, “Terrifying.”

 

“It teleports you back to the time and you realize if you turn left or right the wrong way, then you’re dead,” Driver told Variety at the “Ferrari” North American premiere at the New York Film Festival Friday night. “There’s at least seatbelts in the newer cars.”

Driver described the single seater as a “moving coffin” at a New York Film Festival press conference earlier on Friday.

 

The driving occurred at “an abandoned airstrip in Modena, Italy,” he recalled. “And you can really feel how dangerous they are obviously, versus a contemporary Ferrari. The goal was to get thrown from the car because that was considered more safe than to be locked in this moving coffin.”

 

Mann then clarified Driver’s description, saying, “The idea was you’d rather be thrown from the car than dragged by the car, so that’s why they didn’t wear seatbelts.”

 

To prepare the team for the racing sequences in “Ferrari,” Mann had several actors, including Driver, test drive contemporary Ferraris in pre-production.

 

“I wanted everybody to have an experience of driving these cars on a racetrack,” Mann told the audience at the morning press conference, calling it “racecar driving 101.”

 

“Ferrari” follows the life of automotive mogul Enzo in 1957 as his company prepares to enter the Mille Miglia, a 1000-mile, open-road motorsport race. Penelope Cruz, Shailene Woodley, Gabriel Leone and Sarah Gadon attended the NYFF premiere alongside “Ferrari” director Mann and co-star Driver.

 

Mann estimates there were at least 14 or 15 cars involved in the 1957 Mille Miglia race sequence.

 

“And then the main Ferraris and Maseratis, which we recreated exactly to scale, we were able to 3D scan real [50s-era models], which are insanely valuable,” Mann continued.

 

“Our cars could go 140-150 miles an hour, and do so safely.”

 

Mann, who has known Enzo’s son Piero Ferrari for about 25 years, recalled some of the conversations he had with the Ferrari vice chairman in preparation for the biopic.

 

“There were all kinds of conversations. What was his mother like? Did his mother cook?” Mann told Variety.

 

“That house in the countryside was the only place in which Enzo was in repose, in which he relaxed and became informal. He was never casual or informal anywhere else. His father never made coffee, he never shaved himself his entire life — he always went to the barber shop, and the barber shop we shoot is run by the son of Enzo’s barber. Nothing’s changed.”

 

“Ferrari” premieres in theaters Dec. 25.

 

 

 

— Variety

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David’s Bridal to capture kisses in partnership with the New York Jets

David’s Bridal expands “The Things We Do for Love” campaign with New York Jets partnership

 

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — David’s Bridal, LLC “(David’s),” the nation’s leading bridal and special occasion authority, today announced a new partnership with the New York Jets, expanding on the Company’s national “The Things We Do for Love” campaign.

 

As part of this partnership, David’s is celebrating the love of Jets fans, capturing magical moments as the official Kiss Cam Sponsor for the 2023-2024 season. The partnership with the Jets is just one way that David’s is embedding itself into communities across the country as the Company makes dreams happen for brides, bridesmaids, and party-goers.

 

“New York sports fans are in a league of their own and as we focus on reaching our brides and bridesmaids, we want to connect with them everywhere they love – including at live sporting events,” said Kelly Cook, President, Brand, Technology, and Finance, David’s Bridal. “David’s has served over 70 million customers in its history and as America’s iconic go-to dress brand, we’re thrilled to partner with other iconic brands. Partnering with the New York Jets was a no-brainer as we highlight love on the Kiss Cam – maybe we’ll even see a proposal! We can’t wait to watch our brides and bridesmaids show-off all the things they love while cheering on the Jets this season.”

 

Through the partnership, David’s will also offer an unforgettable experience for one wedding party to celebrate their love at a New York Jets game and that will include tickets, parking, and food and beverage. David’s will also be highlighted throughout the season with stadium signage and marketing, radio ads, and additional activations that Jets fans are sure to love.

 

“The Things We Do for Love” campaign celebrates all that David’s has to offer in serving the modern bride, bridesmaid, and party go-er. This includes exclusive bridal gowns starting at $199, extraordinary bridesmaid dresses starting at $99, the Diamond program which helps brides win a FREE honeymoon, and Pearl by David’s, the game-changing planning platform that connects vendors and celebrants for the event of a lifetime.

 

About David’s Bridal

With 70 years of experience dressing guests for all of life’s special occasions, David’s Bridal is built on the ethos of making dreams happen. We believe everyone deserves to have the dress of their dreams regardless of style, preference, shape, size, or budget. As Dream Makers, we are kind, enthusiastic, and bold. We live to serve her, and it is our mission to help anyone, and everyone find the look that will allow them to be the best, most genuine version of themselves on their wedding day or any special occasion. David’s Bridal is dedicated to innovating solutions which serve her including Pearl by David’s, which includes a wedding website, a universal wedding registry, a robust wedding checklist, and a new vendor marketplace which beautifully pairs brides to their perfect vendor partners. David’s also launched the industry’s only loyalty program Bridal Diamond Loyalty Program. This program, with over 2 million members, provides perks and deals from partners like The Black Tux, Shutterfly, Little Tuxedos, Diamond Nexus, and much more, plus provides brides an opportunity to win a free honeymoon. With more than 190 stores located across the US, Canada, and franchise locations in Mexico, we offer the convenience of one-stop shopping for every magical event in her life including weddings, Quinceañera, graduations, prom, communions, or simply making the world her runway and beyond. David’s recently launched #frontlinefierce Philanthropy Program dedicated to amplifying the heroism, fearlessness, and bravery of those who serve others in their community. To learn more about David’s Bridal, visit www.DavidsBridal.com, download the Planning App, and connect on social media through Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

 

About the New York Jets

The New York Jets were founded in 1959 as the New York Titans, an original member of the American Football League (AFL). The Jets won Super Bowl III, defeating the NFL’s Baltimore Colts in 1969. In 1970, the franchise joined the National Football League in the historic AFL–NFL merger that set the foundation for today’s league. As part of a commitment to its fan base through innovation and experiences, the team has created initiatives such as, its trailblazing Jets Rewards program, a state-of-the-art mobile app, and 1 JD Entertainment, a comprehensive content platform that gives fans greater access to the team across all digital and social platforms. The organization takes great pride in a long-standing, year-round commitment to their community. These programs are funded by the New York Jets Foundation and look to positively influence the lives of young men and women in the tri-state area, particularly in disadvantaged communities. The organization supports the efforts of the Lupus Research Alliance, youth football and numerous established charitable organizations and causes sponsored by the NFL. The New York Jets play in MetLife Stadium, which opened in 2010, and are headquartered at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, New Jersey. For more information about the New York Jets visit newyorkjets.com.

 

Contacts

C Street Advisory Group

davidsbridal@thecstreet.com