Category: Entertainment

Danny McBride Lists His Modern Los Angeles Condo for $1.8 Million

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Danny McBride, the actor and comedian known for his roles in “The Righteous Gemstones” and “Pineapple Express,” has just put his LA condo up for sale. Priced at a cool $1.8 million, this top-floor unit is nestled in the iconic Broadway Hollywood building and covers a generous 2,159 square feet. The space includes a single bedroom and two bathrooms. McBride has cherished this place since 2008, making it a special part of his journey in both TV hits like “Eastbound & Down” and films such as “Tropic Thunder.”

Back in 2008, McBride snagged this gem for $1,435,000. Since 2013, it’s been on the rental market, now going for about $9,000 a month. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, the condo boasts stunning views. You can gaze out at the Hollywood sign, picturesque hills, and even the famous Capitol Records building. It’s a true loft-style haven, featuring expansive windows and a spacious living area that seamlessly blends into an open kitchen setup.

Step inside, and you’ll notice the recent updates that give it a fresh, modern edge. The kitchen is a dream, decked out with top-notch Viking appliances and sleek stainless steel cabinets. It’s not just about looks; the exposed ductwork and pipes add an urban, contemporary flair. Upstairs, the bedroom is a retreat in itself, complete with a walk-in closet and a luxurious bathroom featuring marble details, dual vanities, and a deep soaking tub. Plus, there’s a terrace with a cozy fireplace, perfect for those chill LA evenings.

Residents of the building can enjoy amenities such as a rooftop pool, cabanas, a hot tub, and a gym. The property offers full-service assistance, including a 24-hour staff and valet service. The monthly HOA fee of $2,461 covers these perks and two parking spaces.

Danny McBride, a multi-talented individual involved in acting, comedy, writing, and producing, is seeking to part ways with this duplex penthouse as he has relocated to Charleston, South Carolina, where he currently resides with his family and runs his production company. The property is eligible for California’s Mills Act, which allows tax breaks to preserve historic properties and is priced attractively due to this benefit.

The 2,200-square-foot duplex penthouse, part of a 1939-built annex added to the original Broadway Hollywood Building, features banded windows providing ample natural light and unobstructed views of classic sites, structures, and scenery. The refurbished loft boasts one bedroom, two bathrooms, soaring double-height ceilings, and an expansive living area facing the picturesque views.

The condo features a contemporary open kitchen adorned with stainless steel appliances and cabinetry, accentuated by exposed ductwork and pipes on the ceiling. Additionally, a staircase leads to the loft bedroom. Features such as a walk-in closet, ensuite bathroom adorned in black, white, and gray marble, and a private outdoor terrace, complete with a fireplace, all add to the charm of this property.

The listing for this property is handled by Deedee Howard from The Agency. If you’re considering buying, you’ll find yourself in good company as there are quite a few celebrities living nearby. This beautiful building offers top notch amenities. Has been the residence of stars such as Charlize Theron, Jason Statham, Dave Navarro, and more. Adding to its allure as a celebrity hotspot is the renowned sushi restaurant called Katsuya located on the ground floor. As of now the McBride property remains a luxurious choice on the market.

December 5, 2023
Artist Transforms Descanso Gardens Into Enchanted Forest of Light

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Artists have transformed Descanso Gardens into an enchanted forest of light for the holiday season. Descanso’s annual event, Enchanted, is running from November 19, 2023, to January 7, 2024.

Enchanted features a nighttime stroll through the botanical gardens, glowing with fantastical, festive light sculptures. The mile-long path takes visitors through popular areas of the gardens decorated with special light features. Returning favorites include the town of magical stained glass houses on the main lawn by contemporary sculptor Tom Fruin and the thousands of lighted tulips that make up the “Flower Power” display on the Promenade. The oak trees in the garden’s Ancient Forest create the Symphony of Oaks, where visitors can create their own music by stepping across lit platforms around the trees to trigger different sounds. Red lanterns illuminate the Japanese Garden, turning it into Enchanted’s Garden of Good Fortune.

Those who frequent Descanso Gardens will be excited to learn that a new attraction has been added to Enchanted this year. The Rose Garden is now open during the event, with beautiful, twirling sculptures created by Los Angeles artist HYBYCOZO. The ornate, geometric shapes cast spirals of pink light across the garden. The arbor has been transformed into an entryway to the “Starlight Garden,” with large, sparkling stars hanging from above. Strings of moving lights that appear to follow those on the pathway complete the Rose Garden’s decor.

Jennifer Errico, marketing manager for Descanso Gardens, explained to Los Angeles Daily News that the decision to open the Rose Garden during Enchanted hinged on construction planned for the garden’s lake in the upcoming year. “Enchanted is all about us showing off the gardens at night, and we’ve never really been in the Rose Garden, and that is one of our most beloved places,” Errico commented.

Enchanted also offers food and drinks that can be brought into the walking path. Descanso recommends that visitors bundle up, as temperatures can drop into the 40s at night. Advance tickets are required for entry and are timed for every half-hour between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. seven days a week until January 7, 2024, with the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Member tickets are $30-$40 each and non-member tickets are $35-$45.

Descanso Gardens is a botanical garden with a living museum located in La Canada Flintridge, approximately twenty minutes away from downtown Los Angeles. The 150-acre property is nestled between mountains, allowing visitors to escape the urban landscape and enjoy an oasis in nature. Their Rose Garden and Camellia Forest are famous for their beautiful blooms that showcase years of history. The Stuart Haaga Gallery is an onsite museum that rotates exhibitions and is free to explore with admission to the gardens. The Boddy House, home of Descanso’s founder, is also on the property. The estate was designed by prominent Los Angeles architect James E. Dolena in the 1930s.

Aside from the Enchanted Forest of Lights, Descanso also puts on an annual event for the month of October called Carved, featuring spooky lights and jack-o-lanterns on the garden path.

November 29, 2023
Hollywood Strike Ends: Major Industry Shifts and Future Impacts

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One of the longest and broadest labor walkouts in the history of the U.S. entertainment industry has drawn to an amicable close after months of uncertainty. The 148-day strike by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) was settled in September, followed by the suspension of the 118-day strike by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). After the dust settles, Hollywood will have to contend with a changed environment that is influenced by changing audience dynamics, moral questions about technology, and a reevaluation of the value of entertainment.

There were many delays in production schedules and the postponement of a slew of feature films and scripted television programs, halting the industry. However, it managed to salvage its fall TV seasons on schedule, largely relying on reality shows and non-scripted programming. Notable shows like Abbott Elementary, Euphoria, and Stranger Things faced production halts, disrupting marketing plans and upending festival circuit appearances. Experts in the industry believe that the strike ending before the new year was incredibly important.

Post-Strikes Impact on Production and Programming

Hollywood had been cutting back on spending on streaming projects for years, even before this year’s strikes. There will likely be more content consolidation, which means fewer television programs. Screenwriter Michael Jamin, known for Just Shoot Me and King of the Hill, anticipates a contraction in the industry, asserting that the strikes may lead to fewer jobs but with better pay for those still working.

Concerns exist, nevertheless, regarding the financial strain on the sector. The founder and chief analyst of W Media Research, Karsten Weide, projects that Hollywood content will decline by 5 to 10% in the near future and that new content rates may drop by 50% over the next five years.

The recent agreements for authors and actors, which amount to profits of over $1 billion, have drawbacks for customers. The McDonough School of Business Adjunct Professor Steve Schiffman predicts movie ticket prices will rise as studios pass on post-strike costs to the public. Some streaming services, caught in a “death loop” wherein declining projects and growing costs could result in more subscription hikes, have already started to raise subscription prices.

Future Industry Trends and Technological Concerns

Fears of job displacement due to technology were central to the strikes, leading to protections for workers against the use of artificial intelligence. The agreements include limits on AI use in TV writers’ rooms and broad protections on how companies can utilize digital reproductions.

Nonetheless, disagreements over “synthetic” performances made with generative AI continue to raise concerns. Ben Grossmann, the Oscar-winning visual effects supervisor, questions whether producers still need to negotiate with the union for such performances, which could indirectly impact union actors.

The new agreements include clauses for continuing talks about the effects of artificial intelligence between major studios and actors’ unions, a sign of the industry’s seismic shift. With at-home streaming transforming tech companies like Apple and Amazon into entertainment giants, the entertainment landscape is rapidly shifting.

Industry observers predict that significant changes will occur over the next three years, surpassing those of previous Hollywood strikes. With concerns over the relative financial sustainability of theatrical vs. streaming releases, the entire industry is in flux.

In the years to come, the ripple effects of Hollywood’s reboot following the strikes could completely reshape how entertainment is created, enjoyed, and valued.

November 24, 2023
Understanding the WGA and SAG-AFTRA Strikes: Essential Information for You

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The crisis that has stalled the entertainment industry for much of 2023 appears set to end with an amicable agreement. The strike by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) lasted 148 days before yielding an agreement in September. The 118-day strike by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has been suspended while negotiators reach what will hopefully be a final contract with Hollywood studios. However, these agreements only represent a consensus on the conditions needed to move forward. The core conflicts and compromises will continue to affect the entertainment industry.

In the short term, many Hollywood productions slated for release at the end of this year and the beginning of next year have not been affected. Many fall programs had been finished before the strikes, and though the strikes did impact the marketing of these shows, a sizable slate of fall programming will be released anyway. However, production did stop on many shows, such as Abott Elementary and Stranger Things, as well as films like Dune: Part 2 and Gladiator 2. These delayed productions are expected to be completed and released next year, but this will cause further ripples in the release schedules of 2024, 2025, and possibly beyond. The extent of this disruption remains difficult to gauge.

Impact of Strikes on Production Schedules

The fact that the strikes came so close after the Covid-19 pandemic in some ways multiplied the effect, but in other ways, softened the blow. Industry experts have pointed out that the 2024 season had been slim on offerings even before the strikes, as Hollywood had not yet rebuilt its momentum. While this leaves elbow room for release schedules going into next year, it also means that the scripted programming hit the hardest need to restart production for a second time.

Had the strikes stretched on even longer, the disruption to the release schedule might have been much more significant. The film award season would have been impacted, with fewer productions eligible and actors and screenwriters leaving ceremony seats empty.

The strikes also came at a time when content consolidation was a growing trend in Hollywood. Following the financial impact of the pandemic and a significant amount of investment in streaming projects during that time, Hollywood had already been poised for a period in which fewer shows and films were being greenlit for production. Industry experts believe this trend will be heightened. As the new contracts increase the cost of production, there will likely be fewer new projects.

Future Trends and Predictions in the Entertainment Industry

Karsten Weide of W Media Research expects this trend to worsen over time. As reported by the Washington Post, Weide expects a near-future decrease in production volume of as much as ten percent, with the potential for as much as half within the next five years.

Weide also gave grim predictions for streaming prices, as media companies are likely to attempt to recoup costs by increasing fees. Weide warned that if this coincides with a much-decreased volume of content, it could result in a “death loop,” in which streaming platforms lose subscribers due to the heightened costs. This could end with smaller streaming platforms folding, a process Weide said has already begun.

One of the main points of contention during the strikes was the use of AI, a technology that could offset expenses but is limited in that the negotiated contracts protect writers and screenwriters from its abuse. However, experts worry that contracts leave room for AI to replace noncreative labor, and the studios will likely invest even more in whatever AI use is permitted. This accelerated movement toward automation may already be setting the stage for the next confrontation between studios and unions.

November 23, 2023
Jag Bains Makes History as First Sikh and Indian American ‘Big Brother’ Winner

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In a significant change for reality TV, Jag Bains has made history on the show Big Brother. Bains, who is 25 and owns a truck company in Omak, Washington, has become the first Sikh and Indian American to win the show in its 25 seasons. His win is not just about him winning; it shows how the show, which has had issues including different cultures, is changing.

Bains’ path to winning was full of surprises. He was up against strong competitors: Matt Klotz, a 27-year-old swimmer who has competed in the Deaflympics and is the first deaf person on the show, and Bowie Jane Ball, a 46-year-old DJ and lawyer from Australia. The three of them were all in the final episode on Thursday, fighting for the top prize. In the end, it came down to Bains and Klotz. Bains gave an excellent speech that convinced a group of seven former contestants to vote, and he won five votes to two.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Bains reflected on his unexpected victory. “I didn’t think I was going to make it this far in the game and that I was going to win,” he admitted. His win is a milestone, making him the first Sikh participant and the inaugural winner of Indian descent in the show’s history. This win means a lot to Bains personally. It connects to his own life story, as his parents came to the United States from Punjab, India. He said, “But what I will say is everything I do is for my family,” showing that he values what his parents have done for him.

Bains’ victory adds to a recent trend of groundbreaking wins on Big Brother. In 2021, Xavier Prather became the first Black champion, followed by Taylor Hale, the first Black woman winner in 2022. These victories, however, emerge against a backdrop of controversy that has long shadowed the show. Since its debut in 2000, Big Brother has been marred by allegations of racism, homophobia, and other forms of hostility among contestants.

There have been some upsetting events in past seasons. In season 21, Jack Matthews made hurtful comments about Black and Asian contestants, which made a lot of people angry. In 2013, Aaryn Gries made derogatory remarks about Black and Asian housemates, causing a lot of criticism. The show got into more trouble in 2016 when Andrew Tate was kicked off for posting racist and homophobic messages online. These incidents show that the show has struggled to be fair and respectful to everyone.

After the tragic event of George Floyd’s murder in 2020, there were many calls for more diversity in TV shows. CBS, the network that airs Big Brother, promised to make changes. George Cheeks, the head of CBS, said they would make sure that at least half of the people in their reality shows, like Big Brother, are Black, Indigenous, or people of color. This promise was an important step toward including more diverse people in TV shows.

Talking to Entertainment Weekly, Bains said he knew he was the first of his kind on the show and felt pressure to represent his community well. Because Big Brother is a game in which people often compete against each other, it was hard for Bains, who values loyalty and honesty, to play. He struggled at first, trying to be loyal to everyone. But then, after almost being sent home, he decided to be loyal to only one person: Matt Klotz. Their friendship became popular among fans.

Bains reflected on the initial challenges he faced. “I know I felt it at the beginning of the game—I sucked—I was loyal to a fault,” he admitted. This realization led to a strategic shift.

Bains’ win is important because it shows someone breaking new ground in the show. It also highlights the challenges of being true to yourself and your community in a competitive TV show. As “Big Brother” tries to deal with its issues, Bains’ story is integral to its history.

November 2, 2023
Musical Geniuses Behind ‘Dante’ Earn Grammy Nominations

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In a remarkable achievement for classical music, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, under the baton of celebrated conductor Gustavo Dudamel, has garnered significant attention in the 2024 Grammy Award nominations. Their masterful performance of “Adès: Dante” has put them in the spotlight, showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication to the arts.

Gustavo Dudamel, a renowned figure in the world of classical music, has been nominated alongside the L.A. Philharmonic in the Orchestral Performance category for their rendition of “Adès: Dante.” This nomination comes during a pivotal moment in Dudamel’s career as he prepares to transition from the Los Angeles Philharmonic to the New York Philharmonic in 2026 after a remarkable 17-year tenure.

The competition in this category is formidable, with nominees including Karina Canellakis and the Netherlands Radio, Yannick Nézet-Séguin with the Philadelphia Orchestra, JoAnn Falletta leading the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and Esa-Pekka Salonen conducting the San Francisco Symphony. This diverse group of talented conductors and orchestras highlights the vibrant and dynamic nature of the contemporary classical music scene.

Dudamel, at 42, is no stranger to Grammy acclaim, already holding four Grammy Awards. Last year, he and the L.A. Phil were nominated for “Dvořák: Symphonies Nos. 7–9,” though they did not secure the win. This year, the possibility of Dudamel earning his fifth Grammy among six nominations adds an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming awards.

His previous Grammy victories include Best Choral Performance for “Mahler: Symphony No. 8” and “Symphony of a Thousand” at the 64th Grammy Awards, and Best Orchestral Performance for “Ives: Complete Symphonies” the preceding year. He also claimed the same category at the 62nd Grammy Awards for “Norman: Sustain” and his first Grammy win during the 54th Grammy Awards for “Brahms: Symphony No. 4.”

British composer Thomas Adès, the creative force behind “Adès: Dante,” has been nominated for Contemporary Classical Composition. Adès’ composition, which Times critic Mark Swed described as “wondrously anarchic and entertaining,” premiered in May 2022 at the L.A. Phil’s Gen X festival. Adès faces competition from Andy Akiho, William Brittelle, Missy Mazzoli, and Jessie Montgomery for this prestigious award, which honors contemporary compositions written within the last 25 years.

Additionally, “Adès: Dante” producer Dmitriy Lipay has been nominated for Producer of the Year, Classical. This nomination recognizes his work on several productions with the L.A. Phil, including “Fandango” and “Rachmaninoff: The Piano Concertos & Paganini Rhapsody.”

The album Fandango, featuring Dudamel, violist Anne Akiko Meyers, opera baritone Gustavo Castillo, and the L.A. Phil, has been recognized in the Engineered Album, Classical, category. Engineers Alexander Lipay and Dmitriy Lipay are in contention for this award, which honors technical excellence in recording. The album also received a nomination for Classical Compendium.

The 66th Grammy Awards, set to air live on CBS and Paramount+ on February 4th, promise to be a spectacular event celebrating the very best in music. The ceremony, taking place in the Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles, will not only be a testament to the enduring legacy of classical music but also a platform to honor the modern-day maestros and their contributions to the rich tapestry of the musical arts.

November 1, 2023
John Carpenter’s Suburban Chronicles

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In the heart of Los Angeles, behind a picturesque white picket fence, lies the sanctuary of the legendary John Carpenter. The iconic director is known for evoking terror from the most mundane settings. Imagine, for instance, a masked villain terrorizing a quiet suburb. At the age of 75, Carpenter’s mischievous wit remains sharp. Greeting visitors to his office is a life-size cardboard cut-out of Justin Bieber from his “Believe” era, strategically placed to spook an unsuspecting friend playfully.

Carpenter’s office is adorned with memorabilia from his classic films, Big Trouble in Little China to Vampires. However, his recent endeavors, graphic novels published through Storm King Comics, and his music albums dominate his workspace. As he gears up for New York Comic-Con, the air is thick with anticipation for his latest album, Anthology II (Movie Themes 1976–1988).

The journey Carpenter began with 1974’s Dark Star has earned him a seat in the pantheon of genre greats. Although he occasionally steps into the composer or executive producer role, as seen with the recent Halloween reboots, he seldom rewatches his movies. To him, they’re chapters closed. Yet, amidst the critical acclaim lurk shadows of commercial failures and career lows. Carpenter feels the weight of those setbacks deeply.

John Carpenter’s Current Interests

Music, video games, and women’s basketball now occupy his interests more than the retrospection of his film career. As he chats animatedly about the WNBA and its stars like A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum, it’s evident that Carpenter’s passion extends beyond the cinematic world.

After 13 years since directing his last feature, The Ward, a new venture beckoned Carpenter. The advent of streaming saw him helm Peacock’s horror anthology, John Carpenter’s Suburban Screams. In this series, Carpenter digs into his horror roots to narrate a woman’s harrowing experience with a phone stalker.

Forty-five years after the release of Halloween, Carpenter remains grounded. While the world celebrates the film’s legacy, it’s simply work to him. But he acknowledges the fortune of having lived his childhood dream. He recalls the profound impact of his films on fans, noting the unusual devotion of some who even get Halloween tattoos. His journey had its low moments, too, like the initial failure of The Thing and missing out on directing Firestarter.

His recent involvement in scoring the Firestarter reboot and David Gordon Green’s Halloween series showcases Carpenter’s enduring touch. When asked about watching movies, Carpenter chuckles, admitting he prefers viewing them from the comfort of his home. His humorous take on Barbie, starring Margot Robbie, reveals his ability to find fun in unexpected places.

Carpenter’s Latest Project and Reflections

Suburban Screams, Carpenter’s latest series, is rooted in reality, with each episode exploring true horror stories. Creating tension and suspense around a woman’s account of being stalked was a challenge he relished. Carpenter’s method? Finding the perfect actress, Julie Stevens, to bring the harrowing tale to life.

Intriguing narratives fueled the transition from a decade-long hiatus to directing again. And while Carpenter remains open to running features, he believes music is the purest form of art. It transcends words and boundaries, connecting souls across time and space.

Reflecting on his career, Carpenter acknowledges the immense stress it brought. Chain-smoking and deteriorating health forced him to step back. As he ponders life’s ephemeral nature, he remains grateful for his journey.

In the end, for this master of horror, it’s the affirmation of life that remains the ultimate message of the genre.

October 17, 2023
New Frights Await as Haunted Hayride Launches in Los Angeles

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Guess what’s new at the Haunted Hayride in Griffith Park, LA? This year, they’re introducing the chilling “Hellbilly Halloween” – a spooky dive into a cannibal family’s home. Yikes!

The Haunted Hayride has been LA’s go-to for Halloween fun for the last fifteen years. From haunted houses to mazes and games, there’s something for everyone. And the cherry on top? The iconic Hayride through the eerie town of Midnight Falls is set up mainly in Griffith Park each year. If you’re looking for spooky vibes, drop by anytime from late September right up to Halloween night.

This year, the Haunted Hayride will host three haunted mazes: the Morbid Mortuary, Midnight Falls walkthrough, and the new Hellbilly Halloween. Each is full of scary characters ready to frighten you. Hellbilly Halloween is a large haunt, offering customers the chance to enter the home of a family of hillbilly cannibals. The maze allows visitors to walk through various rooms in the run-down house, full of bodies, blood, and terror. The place is also fog-filled, making it challenging to find the exit. “It was pretty scary. I was sweating,” said Sofia Lauren as she exited Hellbilly Halloween. “I was like, ‘When is this going to end?’ I was looking for the end because it was a little too long, but it was fun,” the Monrovia resident continued.

Explore the New “Hellbilly Halloween” Maze

This year, the Hayride got a bit of a facelift! Not only will there be more unexpected spooks, but you’re also in for a comfier ride. Remember how we just sat on a hay spread on the wagon floor? Well, now they’ve set up hay bales around the sides, making it much cozier to sit. So, brace yourself for a thrilling journey through the park’s wild side!

“Last year, you had to lay down on the wagon; now it’s much better, and it was scarier than last year, too, because they had more people coming at you,” said Rene Zapien, a resident of Sun Valley who visited the Haunted Hayride with his wife and two daughters.

Enjoy Upgraded Rides and New Games

Another new addition to the event is a game called Zombie Splat. Players can fight back against the zombies in this carnival-style shooting game. Actors play zombies that visitors can shoot with gelly balls, like paintballs but much softer. “I think this may be the only place where you get to fight back against the zombies rather than them sneaking up on you,” commented Ryan Wade as he exited Zombie Splat.

Victor Mathieu, general manager for the Haunted Hayride, has high hopes for this year’s Halloween season. “It’s going to be epic,” he told Los Angeles Daily News, “Overall, this event has grown and improved drastically. We’re extremely excited about this season.”

You can buy tickets for the Halloween event on the Haunted Hayride website. The prices of the tickets vary, starting from $29.99 for hayride tickets and going up to $109.99 for platinum tickets that give you access to all parts of the event. You can visit the Midnight Falls Town Square well by purchasing tickets at any price point.

October 12, 2023
Disney’s Cali Dream Town: A Real-Life Incredibles-Inspired Community Unfolds

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Disney’s entertainment giant is back with a new venture outside the entertainment industry. Disney has unveiled new details about its upcoming Storyliving project in Riverside County, a master-planned community designed to showcase the company’s whimsy and wonder. A venture into real estate is a bold and revolutionary step by the entertainment giant. However, the project is an arena to diversify entertainment through different industry packages.

One of the standout features of the development is the Parr House, a gathering space named after the mid-century style home of the superhero family in Disney and Pixar’s Incredibles 2. The Parr House will feature a main entertaining room, art studio, kitchen, dining room, boardroom, five bedrooms, and an elevated patio with views of the nearby mountains and the community’s grand oasis.

Membership of the Artisan Club, which offers access to the Parr House and other features such as a designated beach area, will be available to Cotino residents and non-residents. Open to Cotino residents and non-residents, the club will provide members with Disney entertainment, events, and spaces inspired by Disney stories.

Disney is building Cotino on 618 acres in Rancho Mirage, near where Walt Disney once owned a home. For the project, Disney is working with Arizona-based DMB Development, which specializes in planned communities. The project will ultimately include around 1,932 residential units, with sales expected to begin in 2023 and the first homes expected to be complete by 2024. Various home types, including estates, single-family homes, and condominiums, will be available. In addition, the project will dedicate at least one development section for residents aged 55 or older. The community will also include a professionally managed public beach park accessible to residents and visitors by purchasing a day pass.

Disney plans to inspire Cotino residents to pursue their interests, create new friendships, and write the next exciting chapter in their lives. The company has also stated that it’s exploring other locations for potential future projects, but Disney has not publicly announced the details.

However, Disney faces pressure to rein costs, particularly in the increasingly crowded streaming arena, where it competes with rivals like Netflix and Amazon. As a result, the company’s CEO, Bob Iger, recently announced plans to cut 7,000 jobs to raise its finances and increase profits in its streaming business. People familiar with the matter have disclosed that the layoffs will affect roles in the units formerly known as Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution and Disney General Entertainment. This is in addition to corporate positions and jobs in the theme parks, experiences, and consumer products business.

Disney’s venture into real estate development is a departure from its traditional focus on entertainment, but it could provide a new avenue for growth and profitability. The company has a loyal following of fans eager to experience the Disney brand in new ways, and the Storyliving project could capitalize on that enthusiasm. As Disney seeks to navigate the rapidly changing media landscape, it will be interesting to see how it continues to innovate and expand its business beyond its core offerings.

September 12, 2023