Entertainment Industry Updates

Dina LaPolt, a prominent entertainment attorney, has officially introduced her new venture, LaPolt Media.

This company aims to create diverse content while leveraging LaPolt's extensive legal knowledge.

It will also spearhead promotional efforts for her forthcoming book, “Street Smart: Succeeding in a Man’s World,” which is set to be published on October 7, along with the anticipated podcast, “The Stiletto Room,” launching in Spring 2025.

Samantha Gayle Bullock has been appointed as the Chief Media Officer and Executive Producer for “The Stiletto Room.”

Bullock leads a dedicated team that collaborates with The Press House for public relations and Crowd Surf for social media strategies, in addition to carefully selected partners for publishing and podcast distribution.

Reflecting on her journey, Bullock shared, “Fifteen years ago, I enrolled in Dina’s UCLA music business course, which opened my eyes to the inner workings of the music industry, even while I was managing my indie rock marketing agency.

It was a turning point for me, and now, collaborating with Dina is a fulfilling opportunity to help realize her vision for LaPolt Media.”

In addition to the new company, LaPolt continues to run her law firm, which focuses on representing talent across film, television, fashion, and music.

This firm remains her top priority.

“Establishing LaPolt Media is a culmination of my experiences advocating for creators and challenging industry norms,” LaPolt stated.

“I aspire to empower individuals to take control of their narratives, embrace their strength, and create meaningful change through various mediums, be it a book or a podcast.”

She emphasized that her legal practice will always be her primary commitment.

“With the LaPolt Media team, I’m dedicated to creating a platform that elevates authentic voices and visions—no fluff, just unfiltered and powerful truths.”Universal Music Canada has made significant leadership changes, promoting Julie Adam to the role of President and CEO.

Previously serving as Executive Vice President and General Manager, Adam will now oversee the strategic direction and management of the company from its Toronto office. She has been instrumental in driving revenue growth through innovative e-commerce and direct-to-consumer strategies, while also enhancing brand partnerships and artist engagement initiatives.

In another key appointment, Jeffrey Remedios has taken on the role of President of Strategic Development for Republic Collective, which encompasses several major labels including Def Jam and Island Records. His new responsibilities will focus on expanding international A&R efforts, developing new products, and fostering overall business growth. Remedios will work closely with Monte and Avery Lipman, balancing his time between the New York and Toronto locations of Republic.

In the realm of interviews, "The Zach Sang Show" has welcomed Kim Taylor Bennett as its Executive Interview Producer.

Bennett brings a wealth of experience, having produced for renowned platforms such as MTV and BBC, and has contributed to notable publications including GQ and The Fader. She recently led production for Spotify for Artists and hosted the platform’s Best Advice podcast. In her new position, Bennett will manage the development and editing of all interviews for the show, which has featured prominent artists like Ariana Grande and Tinashe.

Expressing her excitement about joining the show, Bennett praised Zach Sang’s interviewing style, highlighting his ability to create a relaxed and engaging atmosphere for guests, which she believes is essential for meaningful conversations.

Additionally, Warner Chappell Music has secured an exclusive worldwide administration agreement with Luke Steele, the singer-songwriter from the Australian band Empire of the Sun.Luke Steele has made a name for himself as a prominent solo artist, having released two albums and two EPs with his band, The Sleepy Jackson. His debut solo album, "Listen to the Water," showcases his talent, alongside collaborations with big names like Jay-Z and Beyoncé.

As a member of the duo Empire of the Sun, Steele and his partner Nick Littlemore have enjoyed considerable success. The group has received numerous accolades, including eight ARIA Awards and two APRA Awards, and has sold over 5.5 million albums worldwide, amassing billions of streams. Their latest project, "Ask That God (Deluxe)," is now available, and they are gearing up for a global tour starting on February 8 in Australia, which will continue through May with further dates to be announced.

Guy Moot, the co-chair and CEO of Warner Chappell Music, expressed his admiration for Steele, stating, “I’m a longtime fan of Luke. As one of Australia’s most influential and successful musical talents, he’s consistently pushed boundaries and delivered groundbreaking work with every release. We’re proud to be supporting him at such a pivotal moment in his career and look forward to seeing where his vision takes electronic music next.”

In other news, Capitol Records has appointed Brian “Busy” Dackowski as the executive VP and head of pop/rock digital marketing. In this new capacity, Busy will be responsible for developing and executing digital marketing strategies for the label's pop and rock artists.

Tom March, chairman and CEO of Capitol Music Group, praised Dackowski, saying, “Busy is one of the best music marketers in the world. Having him lead our digital marketing team is going to be a game-changer for all the artists on our roster.”

Before joining Capitol, Busy worked at Atlantic Records for over 20 years, where he held various leadership roles, including executive VP of viral marketing and analytics. He played a crucial role in the digital marketing for major soundtracks, including those for "Barbie" and "Twisters."

Additionally, Andrew Jarrín and Jason Mageau have launched a new artist management firm called Culture Wave.

Having spent five years at Roc Nation and co-founding Royal Division Entertainment, the duo aims to represent a diverse roster, which includes Free Nationals, Spiritbox, Nowhere2Run, Polaris, Senses Fail, Kittie, and others. Culture Wave also manages Sirius XM host José Mangin, Sparrow Sound Studios, and producer-songwriter Dr. Blum.

New Initiatives in Music Industry

A new venture has emerged in the music landscape as LaPolt Media is launched by esteemed entertainment attorney Dina LaPolt. This initiative is designed to empower artists with a comprehensive suite of services that spans creative direction, digital strategy, touring, and more.

Under the umbrella of Red Light Management, the newly introduced Culture Wave is poised to support artists on various fronts, including publishing, label negotiations, and brand collaborations.

The team behind Culture Wave boasts impressive credentials. Olu Famuyide, with a 15-year track record at major labels like Warner Records and Roc Nation, brings his wealth of knowledge in both agency and label environments. Tori Borengasser, known for spearheading digital marketing campaigns for high-profile artists such as Nicki Minaj and The Weeknd, adds her expertise to the mix. Andrew Purcell joins with two decades of experience in management and promotion from acclaimed organizations like Roc Nation and The Syndicate. Rounding out the team is Rachel Hacken, who has a decade of experience in tour marketing and event production, having worked with industry leaders like WME and AEG.

In other industry news, Concord Music Publishing has elevated two executives in its Nashville branch. Kourtney Kirkpatrick has ascended to Senior VP of Synchronization, overseeing the television division and managing a talented team across major U.S. cities. She is responsible for promoting a diverse catalog that features legendary artists like Phil Collins and Rodgers and Hammerstein.

Meanwhile, Matt Turner has been named VP of A&R, where he will continue his critical work in talent identification and client negotiations, focusing on songwriters within the country genre.

Additionally, Nicky Jam has departed from Sony Latin after over ten years and has signed a global deal with Virgin Music Group. This new partnership will enable Virgin to manage Jam’s extensive catalog on platforms like YouTube, where he has achieved remarkable milestones, including seven videos that have surpassed one billion views.

Victor González, President of Virgin Music Group for Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula, expressed his enthusiasm for this new collaboration, highlighting Jam's influential role in shaping Latin music and the significance of this partnership for the team at Virgin.In the coming months, audiences can anticipate the first releases under this exciting new collaboration.

Additionally, Audiomovers has unveiled its latest podcast series titled "Unsung," featuring UK producer and collaborator with Central Cee, eight8, in the premiere episode.

The podcast is hosted by industry professionals Jocelin Francis, Matt Soczywko, Mirek Stiles, and Igor Maxymenko, offering in-depth breakdowns of Pro Tools sessions along with insider tips and techniques from producers, artists, and sound engineers.

Matt Soczywko, co-host and producer of “Unsung,” expressed, "The podcast celebrates the genuine narratives and the music that influences our lives. It is designed for music enthusiasts by those who share the same passion. We invite you to listen in."

In the inaugural episode, eight8 reflects on his career journey, key moments that shaped it, and his significant contributions to Central Cee's chart-topping debut album, "You Can't Rush Greatness," which features tracks like “Moi” (featuring Raye), “Gen Z Luv,” and “No Introduction.”

New episodes of "Unsung" will be available every Thursday for listeners.

In other news, Warner Music Group and Audiomack have reached an agreement to broaden their existing licensing partnership, initially established in 2019. This expansion will now encompass 47 additional regions, including various countries in Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean.

Previously, Audiomack's arrangement with WMG was its first major label deal, covering the U.S., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Canada, Jamaica, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania. With the recent expansion, territories such as the UAE, Antigua and Barbuda, Germany, Egypt, France, the United Kingdom, Mexico, the Philippines, and the Dominican Republic will now be included (a detailed list can be found below).

Over recent years, Audiomack has played a pivotal role in promoting the rise of Afrobeats artists, including Omah Lay, Ayra Starr, and Seyi Vibez. The platform has emerged as the leading app in Nigeria for both iOS and Android users and continues to gain popularity worldwide.

Music Industry Partnerships Expanding

Allan Coye, the Executive Vice President and Global Head of Recorded Music Business Development at Warner Music Group (WMG), expressed the importance of partnerships with companies like Audiomack. He emphasized that their collaboration aims to enhance music discovery and support emerging artists.

“This expanded agreement signifies our dedication to linking artists with fans around the globe while making music accessible everywhere,” Coye stated. He looks forward to further developing this partnership to reach audiences worldwide.

David Ponte, Chief Marketing Officer at Audiomack, highlighted the platform's transformation into a truly global streaming service. Over the past five years, Audiomack has set up an office in Africa, launched campaigns on multiple continents, and promoted diverse emerging talents. Ponte pointed out that the Warner Music Group library, rich with talented artists, plays a vital role in their mission to connect users with music that influences global culture.

The new territories being added to WMG's reach include a diverse list, such as the UAE, Bahamas, Germany, Egypt, and several more across various continents.

In another development, Alex "Figs" Figueroa has been appointed Vice President of Creative at Atlantic Music Group. He will be working closely with Dave Rocco, the president of creative for Atlantic, collaborating with artists from Atlantic and its affiliated labels, including 10K Projects and 300 Entertainment.

Figueroa has an impressive track record, having contributed to Artemas’ hit, “I Like the Way You Kiss Me,” and played a key role in signing Aminé to the label. He previously held significant positions at 10K Projects, first as Head of Content and then as Head of Creative.

As he transitions into this new position, Figueroa acknowledges the ongoing support from his team at 10K Projects, stating, “Nothing great is ever built alone. I’ve had the fortune of collaborating with some of the most talented individuals in the industry, and they have been instrumental in my journey.”Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. has teamed up with Cutting Edge Group to form a new collaborative venture aimed at managing a substantial collection of music from films and television.

Under this agreement, Warner Bros. Discovery will maintain creative and operational oversight of the music rights, while Cutting Edge Group will play a significant role in jointly managing the partnership following their investment.

The focus of this joint effort will be to enhance the distribution and revenue opportunities of a music catalog boasting over 400,000 compositions and song cues. This library features some of the most iconic themes and scores from television and film.

Notable franchises included are “Harry Potter” and “The Lord of the Rings,” alongside popular DC Comics films. The catalog also encompasses renowned TV series like “Friends,” “Game of Thrones,” “The Big Bang Theory,” “Two and a Half Men,” “Succession,” and “The White Lotus.”

Additionally, it highlights classic films and series such as “Rebel Without a Cause,” “The Exorcist,” “A Star Is Born,” “Blade Runner,” “The Shawshank Redemption,” “The West Wing,” “ER,” “Full House,” “Sex and the City,” and “Gossip Girl.”

Music from Warner Bros., HBO, and Turner Networks will continue to be managed by Universal Music Publishing Group, while Sony Music Publishing will oversee works from the Discovery/Scripps Networks catalog.

In other industry news, Sphere Entertainment Co. has appointed Glenn Derry as Executive Vice President of MSG Ventures.

Derry will lead various technology projects within MSG Ventures, a subsidiary focused on pioneering advanced technologies for live entertainment. This division also collaborates with Sphere Studios, which specializes in immersive content creation for Sphere’s unique entertainment offerings.

His responsibilities will include implementing both innovative and existing technologies that elevate live entertainment experiences, particularly following the debut of the first Sphere venue in Las Vegas in September 2023. Derry will work from Sphere Studios in Burbank and report directly to Jim Dolan, the Executive Chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment.

Innovative Entertainment Technology

“Our goal for Sphere is to merge innovative technology with compelling narratives, creating unique experiences for audiences that they can't find elsewhere,” remarked Dolan.

“Glenn is a visionary technologist whose contributions have greatly influenced the entertainment sector. His knowledge will be instrumental as we develop this next-level entertainment platform and solidify our leadership in immersive experiences.”

Derry transitions to Sphere Entertainment from AGBO, an independent studio specializing in film, television, and gaming, where he held the role of president of production technology.

What are the Harry Potter Movies about and Where to Watch

The Harry Potter movies chronicle the adventures of a young wizard, Harry Potter, as he learns magic at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, confronts dark forces, and discovers his true destiny. For those wondering where to watch harry potter , the films are available on several streaming platforms, including Netflix, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime, or they can be rented from digital retailers. However, availability may vary by region, and using a Netflix VPN can assist in accessing the movies from anywhere if they are not available in your country.

Why Choose SafeShell as Your Netflix VPN?

If people want to access region-restricted content such as Harry Potter movies, they may want to consider the SafeShell VPN . SafeShell VPN offers a host of benefits that make it an excellent choice for bypassing Netflix's detection systems and accessing a broad range of content seamlessly. One of its standout features is the availability of high-speed servers, specifically optimized for Netflix streaming. These servers ensure smooth, uninterrupted, and high-definition playback, enhancing your overall viewing experience. Furthermore, SafeShell VPN allows users to connect up to five devices simultaneously, making it convenient for families or individuals with multiple devices. It supports a wide array of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Android TV, and Apple Vision Pro, ensuring accessibility on your preferred device.

Additionally, SafeShell VPN's exclusive App Mode allows users to unlock content from multiple regions at the same time, providing a diverse range of entertainment options without limitations. The VPN also boasts lightning-fast connection speeds without bandwidth restrictions, ensuring users experience no buffering or throttling. Security is another strength of SafeShell VPN, with its proprietary ShellGuard protocol offering top-level encryption and robust security features. This ensures that your online activities remain private and secure, allowing you to browse with peace of mind. Whether you're streaming, downloading, or browsing, SafeShell VPN delivers unmatched performance and security, making it a top choice for anyone looking to elevate their Netflix experience.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Watch Harry Potter with SafeShell VPN

To watch Harry Potter movies using SafeShell Netflix VPN , follow these steps:

• Subscribe to SafeShell VPN by visiting their website, selecting a plan that suits your needs, and clicking "Subscribe Now".

  
  

• Download and install SafeShell VPN by selecting your device type on their website and downloading the appropriate app or software version.

  
  

• Launch the SafeShell VPN app, log in to your account, and choose the APP mode for an enhanced Netflix viewing experience.

  
  

• Browse the list of servers and select one from the region whose Netflix content you wish to access, then click "Connect" to establish the connection.

  
  

• Open Netflix, log in to your account, and enjoy watching Harry Potter movies in the region you have selected.