Latest news with #AGBO
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Aura Launches "Lifetime of Protection" Ad Featuring Robert Downey Jr. to Spotlight The Need for Protection at Every Stage of Life
Produced under the creative direction of Joe Russo, co-founder of AGBO; and directed by AGBO's Ryan McNeely, the spot shows Downey aging from childhood to senior years using specialized VFX underpinned by artificial intelligence and machine learning. BOSTON, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Aura, the leading AI-powered online safety solution for individuals and families, launched a new commercial titled "A Lifetime of Protection" showcasing the company's commitment to helping families navigate online risks throughout every stage of their lives, from protecting children from cyberbullying, online predators and the mental health impacts of technology to protecting older adults from telephone and text scams, identity theft and bank fraud. "The digital world is evolving faster than ever, and every new device or app introduces new kinds of threats," said Hari Ravichandran, founder and CEO of Aura. "At Aura, we understand that online safety needs adapt as people move through different life stages. Our platform is built to grow alongside your family—whether protecting a child when they get their first phone or intervening before an aging grandparent is targeted with a scam." Featuring Robert Downey Jr., "A Lifetime of Protection" was created in collaboration with AGBO co-founder and acclaimed filmmaker Joe Russo. The cinematic ad uses advanced AI and machine learning to de-age and then age Downey as he walks through an illustration of a full life, protected from a myriad of evolving digital risks. The commercial showcases Aura's role, at the users' side, throughout all life's twists and turns. The spot will run on streaming platforms and during high-impact TV moments throughout the year and follows the release of new AI tools designed to help parents safeguard their children from online harm. "The surge in online crime in recent years is alarming," said Downey. "Protecting our families, friends, and neighbors requires genuine innovation, so it's reassuring to know there's a resource available that looks out for all of the people we love at every stage of our digital worlds." "The concept behind this commercial is beautiful– the idea that this app can protect you through all stages of life is powerful," said Russo. "I enjoyed bringing that symbolism to life on screen. What made it even more compelling was that we did so using the same AI technology Aura uses to protect families every day. It's rare when both the method and the message align so seamlessly on screen." A Platform That Grows With YouAura's "Lifetime of Protection" ad highlights its all-in-one approach to digital safety—offering AI-powered protection that evolves with your family's needs. Whether it's helping parents manage screen time and spot signs of cyberbullying, shielding adults from identity theft and financial fraud, or keeping seniors safe from scams with a simple interface, Aura adapts to every stage of life. As online threats evolve to include not just stolen data but emotional harms like cyberbullying and body image issues, Aura is redefining what protection means—giving families deeper insight into their digital lives and overall wellbeing. "At Aura, we believe your safety should grow with your family," said Hari Ravichandran. "This is more than a product—it's a lifelong promise." To learn more about how Aura can protect you and your family, visit About Aura:Aura is one of the fastest-growing online safety solutions for individuals and families. Whether you're protecting yourself, your kids or your aging loved ones, Aura meets your needs at every stage of life. From real-time threat detection and scam alerts to tools that help parents protect their kids from predators, cyberbullying and tech-driven mental health risks – Aura empowers families to thrive in the digital world. Learn more at About AGBO:AGBO is an Academy Award-Winning independent studio focused on developing and producing intellectual property universes spanning film, TV, gaming, and publishing. The "Lifetime of Protection" spot was directed by Ryan McNeely, who oversees AGBO's Animation and Virtual Production Studios. Superconductor (the creative agency founded by the Russo Brothers and Justin Lin) wrote and developed the spot. The project was creatively overseen in production and post by AGBO Co-Founder and acclaimed filmmaker Joe Russo, who served as Creative Director. For information about AGBO, visit and for information about Superconductor, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Aura Sign in to access your portfolio
Forbes
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
How To Craft A Leadership Narrative That Drives Positive Influence
In a world of constant change, storytelling has become one of the most powerful tools in a leader's ... More arsenal. Attention spans are short. Workplace engagement is low. The demand for brand loyalty and organizational clarity makes storytelling an essential tool for modern leadership. Today's most effective leaders don't just direct—they inspire through narrative. By weaving vision and purpose into a compelling story, they align teams and drive engagement. Storytelling is no longer a soft skill; it's a strategic leadership imperative. While many leaders realize this, few understand the true mechanics of storytelling better than Angela Russo-Otstot, chief creative officer at AGBO—the entertainment company founded by the Russo Brothers. She oversees some of modern media's most ambitious and interconnected story universes, spanning films, television, animation and gaming. But her approach to storytelling extends far beyond entertainment. It's rooted in leadership. 'Storytelling isn't just a creative function; it's a leadership strategy,' says Russo-Otstot. 'At AGBO, everything starts with a story. That story has to be clear, emotionally resonant, and aligned across platforms. The same applies to leadership. If people don't understand the 'why' behind what they're doing, they won't stay connected to the work.' AGBO continues solidifying its reputation as a global storytelling icon with a slate of high-profile, genre-defining productions. Most recently, the studio launched the Amazon thriller series Citadel, and the highly anticipated Netflix sci-fi adventure The Electric State debuted last month. These projects build on the studio's bold, emotionally resonant storytelling track record, following recent hits like the Oscar-winning Everything Everywhere All At Once and Extraction 2, starring Chris Hemsworth. Russo-Otstot's role requires managing large, cross-functional teams while ensuring a consistent narrative across multiple formats. That challenge mirrors what many business leaders face: guiding diverse departments toward a common goal while keeping the mission intact. 'You have to build a culture where people see how their contributions support the larger story,' she explains. 'Whether you're creating a film or launching a product, the leader's job is to tell a clear and consistent narrative about where the team is headed.' That narrative can't be surface-level or performative. It must be rooted in authenticity. Russo-Otstot applies this same principle when cultivating creativity in her teams, emphasizing that innovation flourishes when people feel psychologically safe. As storytelling evolves across platforms, leadership narratives must adapt to changing environments. 'Know your core story, but be willing to adjust the plot as the world shifts,' she advises. Flexibility paired with purpose is what keeps a leadership narrative relevant and resonant. LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 01: Angela Russo-Otstot pictured at Prime Video's star-studded showcase ... More event Prime Video Presents: Trailblazers at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on October 01, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for Prime Video) Looking ahead, Russo-Otstot sees the intersection of technology and humanity as the next challenge and opportunity for leaders. 'AI, immersive media and multi-platform storytelling are changing how we experience content,' the creative leader adds. 'But the need for emotionally grounded, authentic stories remains constant. Leaders who can harness that will stand out.' Her advice to leaders is simple and profound: 'Know your story. Share it clearly. Evolve it with purpose. That's how you lead people through change and toward something bigger than themselves.' Whether leading a creative team, managing a startup or driving change in a legacy organization, storytelling amplifies your leadership. Here's how to start crafting your leadership narrative: Every compelling leadership narrative follows a recognizable structure: beginning, middle and end. Start with the origin of your journey while intertwining the challenges. This sets the stage for your audience. Share where you or your organization started, what inspired your mission or what need or opportunity sparked change. This provides essential context and helps others understand the 'why' behind your leadership. As your narrative progresses, focus heavily on the middle part, where growth and conflict unfold. This is where you outline the challenges you've faced, the lessons learned and the progress made. Don't shy away from vulnerability; this part of the story builds trust and relatability. It shows your team that you're evolving, just as they are, and that leadership is an ongoing journey, not a destination. Finally, end on a strong sentiment, not as a conclusion but as a vision. Describe the future you're building and why it matters. This part of your narrative should be forward-looking and inspiring. It's your opportunity to rally others around a shared purpose and show them the role they can play in shaping what comes next. When leaders embrace storytelling as a tool, they do more than lead. They inspire. 'The story you tell as a leader—how you talk about your values, your mission, your goals—that becomes your team's North Star,' concludes Russo-Otstot. 'But it only works if it's real. People can feel the difference.'
See - Sada Elbalad
29-03-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
"Citadel" Franchise Faces Uncertain Future at Amazon
Yara Sameh "Citadel", Amazon MGM's spy series executive produced by Joe and Anthony Russo's AGBO, has hit more turbulence. The expensive series, which was positioned as a flagship show with a global reach, has a history of ballooning budgets and creative strife but still managed to snag a second season order. Now, that season is in flux. Multiple sources say that Amazon MGM is pushing the show from a planned fall 2025 release to a spring 2026 debut. Additionally, the continuation of all Citadel spinoff series are on hold at least until the second season is released if not indefinitely. All this stems from Amazon MGM being unhappy with what they have seen so far of season two, according to sources. An insider added the company had not yet set a date for the show's return. As initially conceived, Citadel was to have multiple international spinoff series to accompany the English-language main title, which stars Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas as globe-trotting spies. The spinoffs have included Italy's "Citadel: Diana" and India's "Citadel: Honey Bunny", both of which have performed well for the global platform in their local markets. However, the development of any spinoffs has been put on hold as the second season of the flagship series gets fine-tuned. Shooting for season two wrapped in late November last year. "Citadel" has been a troubled series from the jump — when reshoots, two competing cuts and crew defections on the first season added $75 million to the already $160 million budget. At the time, the show became the second most expensive series ever made, only falling behind fellow Amazon title Rings of Power, the Lord of the Rings TV series. Nonetheless, it was renewed for a second season ahead of the first season's April 2023 premiere. With the latest setback, insiders question if this is the end for "Citadel" a show that was championed by former Amazon MGM head Jennifer Salke. She first approached the Russo Bros. with the idea for Citadel as they were winding down their first sting in the Marvel Universe. It was supposed to be Amazon's answer to James Bond. Now Amazon is fully behind the wheel of the Astin Martin after closing a deal for creative control earlier this month. Adding to the show's woes is Salke's abrupt ouster, which caught most inside the company by surprise Thursday. While the head of TV Vernon Sanders will now be overseeing the show, it's never good to lose a top executive support beam. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) News Ireland Replaces Former Israeli Embassy with Palestinian Museum News Israeli PM Diagnosed with Stage 3 Prostate Cancer Lifestyle Maguy Farah Reveals 2025 Expectations for Pisces News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies
See - Sada Elbalad
08-03-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Michelle Monaghan, Adam Scott to Star Alongside Robert De Niro in Movie "The Whisper Man" from Netflix and AGBO
After scoring Robert De Niro to star in "The Whisper Man", Netflix and AGBO have now landed two A-listers of TV's biggest shows to join the Oscar winner. Michelle Monaghan (The White Lotus) and Adam Scott (Severance) are set to join De Niro in the movie adaptation of the Alex North novel. James Ashcroft is set to direct, with Ben Jacoby and Chase Palmer adapting the script. Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Angela Russo-Otstot and Michael Disco will produce for AGBO, marking the sixth film out of Netflix and AGBO's ongoing partnership. Based on North's New York Times bestselling novel, "The Whisper Man" revolves around a widow crime writer who, after his 8-year-old son is abducted, looks to his estranged father, a retired former police detective, for help, only to discover a connection with the decades-old case of a convicted serial killer known as 'The Whisper Man". Kassee Whiting will exec produce for AGBO as will Marcus Viscidi. Production is set to start this spring on the East Coast. AGBO and the Russo brothers continue their successful partnership with Netflix following 2019's "Mosul" with the 2020 release of Chris Hemsworth's "Extraction", the 2022 release of the Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans starrer "The Gray Man", and the 2023 release of "Extraction 2". Next up from AGBO is the adventure sci-fi film "The Electric State", which bows March 14 and stars Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, Ke Huy Quan, Jason Alexander, Woody Norman, Giancarlo Esposito, and Stanley Tucci. Monaghan is earning some of the best reviews of her career in HBO's latest season of "The White Lotus". Monaghan, along with Leslie Bibb and Carrie Coon playing friends vacationing in Thailand together, steal every scene and are sure to be in the mix for come Emmy season. Scott is in a similar position as his Apple TV+ series "Severance" has entered its second season, blowing away critics and breaking records at the streamer. It was recently announced that the second season has become the most-watched show in Apple TV+ history.
Express Tribune
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Michelle Monaghan and Adam Scott to star in Netflix thriller ‘The Whisper Man'
Netflix has added The White Lotus star Michelle Monaghan and Severance lead Adam Scott to the cast of its upcoming thriller The Whisper Man, joining Oscar winner Robert De Niro. The film, based on Alex North's bestselling novel, is produced by AGBO, the production company founded by Anthony and Joe Russo. Directed by James Ashcroft, The Whisper Man follows a widowed crime writer whose 8-year-old son is abducted, leading him to seek help from his estranged father, a retired detective. Their investigation uncovers eerie connections to an old case involving a convicted serial killer known as 'The Whisper Man.' The screenplay is adapted by Ben Jacoby and Chase Palmer, with Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Angela Russo-Otstot, and Michael Disco producing. Kassee Whiting and Marcus Viscidi serve as executive producers. Production is set to begin this spring on the U.S. East Coast. This marks another major collaboration between Netflix and AGBO, following successful projects like Extraction, The Gray Man, and Extraction 2, all of which dominated Netflix's global Top 10 charts. Monaghan is currently gaining critical acclaim for her performance in HBO's The White Lotus, while Scott's Severance has broken records on Apple TV+. Both actors bring strong TV followings to The Whisper Man, adding further anticipation for the upcoming Netflix thriller.
