Will Scarlett change Hollywood forever? | ticker VIEWS

The battle between Scarlett Johansson and Disney is officially very messy, and all actors are watching this thriller.

Johansson is taking on the multinational giant and her bold move could set a precedent for Hollywood revenue models and major contracts.

So, the battle surrounds the movie Black Widow and the fact it was released in cinemas and streamed on Disney+, at the same time.

“Disney+ has now released in both streaming and in the movies at the same time. And she (Johansson) gets none of the upside of the streaming service despite people paying for the streaming service. So she’s now suing Disney+ and it’s a pretty significant moment for actors worldwide.”

JUSTIN JOFFE, FLUX FINANCE

The story is simmering along and Disney has taken it to the next level responding to Johansson’s lawsuit suggesting it’s “especially sad and distressing in its callous disregard for the horrific and prolonged global effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.” 

Strong words indeed. Johansson was reportedly taken aback by the response.

The actors main argument is that her contract guaranteed an exclusive theatrical release.

Johansson’s lawsuit claims Disney wanted to direct audiences toward Disney+ “where it could keep the revenues for itself while simultaneously growing the Disney+ subscriber base, a proven way to boost Disney’s stock price.”

It’s one to keep an eye on.

Reece Witherspoon is another prodigious Hollywood name but she’s enjoying very different fortunes right now.

Witherspoon’s production company (Hello Sunshine) sold for a handy 1.2 billion dollars. Joffe says she has a “very smart” way of sourcing new ideas.

“She’s got a bookclub called ‘Reese’s Bookclub” it’s got over over two million readers. She learns from them (the readers) what stories they like the most, and turns them into movies. It’s genius.”

Ironically two former Disney executives, Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs, signed on to run the new venture.

The Legally Blond star, 45, is now worth more than an estimated $500 million.

AUSTRALIAN TECH TAKING ON THE WORLD

Speaking of big money Square is set to acquire Afterpay for 39 billion AUD (US$29 billion) but the bigger picture is what’s most interesting.

Tech writer and angel investor Joan Westenberg says this deal is proof of one thing.

“This is more evidence that brilliant Australian companies can succeed on a global scaler. This acquisition is sign of the strength of our eco-system. Companies like Canva, Atlassian, have shown that we are growing. That we are are force to be reckoned with. Now companies like Afterpay, and the recent acquisition of Invoice2go…Australian companies are showing we can take on the world.”

JOAN WESTERNBERG, ANGEL INVESTOR

So with more eyes on the Aussie tech and fintech sectors, which companies are worth watching?

Westenberg says there’s one group in particular.

“I’m seeing a lot of strength in Australian companies that are working in date intelligence, that are working in space and robotics and hardware. So companies that are tackling really difficult problems, but taking them head on.”

And when it comes to specific companies to look out for Westernberg suggests Goterra who specialise in building robots with maggots to bring down food waste.

And SwarmFarm Robotics who’s “robots are empowering farmers to deploy new technology in their fields with customised solutions for challenges faced in their local farming systems.”