Latest news with #SãoPaulo-based
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
RioFilme Wants to Find the ‘Gagacabana of Audiovisual,' Is Currently in Talks to Attract Netflix's ‘Boys From Brazil' and MipTV to Rio
It's been a busy few weeks for RioFilme. The company, one of the largest city-backed audiovisual funds in Latin America, just had its first-ever stand at the Cannes' Marché du Film as part of Brazil Country of Honor and is gearing to open a dedicated stand for the first time at Rio's buzzy Rio2C, Latin America's largest creativity event taking place from May 27 to June 1. The Rio2C stand is held in partnership with Quanta, the São Paulo-based studio and post-production group that won the bid for the 30-year concession to Rio's massive Polo Rio Cine Video, a complex of seven studios built by City Hall by 1988. Quanta has invested $15 million in renovating the complex and creating extra stages and plans to have a total of 15 fully operational studios in Polo Rio by March 2026. More from Variety Sofa Digital Adds Three Specialty Film Channels, as FAST Markets, Led by Samsung TV Plus, Boom in Brazil (EXCLUSIVE) Brazil Emerges as FAST Streaming Powerhouse, Set to Soon Become Its Second Biggest International Market in the World (EXCLUSIVE) Rio2C's Industry Pitching Captures a Brazil Intent on Remembering the Forgotten, Its Slaves, Extraordinary Artists and an Emblematic Guerrilla Fighter The stand will showcase some of the industry's leading tech resources. Audience members will be able to attend presentations about virtual production and motion capture, with Guel Arraes and Flávia Lacerda's box office hit 'The Rogue's Trial' serving as a key showcase — a clear decision to emphasize the use of modern techniques in Brazilian productions. RioFilme will also be present at several panels, including one on the future of the Brazilian audiovisual production with Ancine's Alex Braga and the Ministry of Culture's executive secretary Marcio Tavares, where the Rio company will announce its new R$100 million ($18 million) incentive rollout. Speaking with Variety in Cannes ahead of Rio2C, the President of RioFilme, Leonardo Edde, highlights the company's internationalization efforts, saying they are currently looking for the 'Gagacabana of audiovisual.' By that, the executive is of course referring to the history-making free Lady Gaga concert in Copacabana Beach, which attracted over 2 million spectators to the sands of Rio early in May and attracted great international attention. 'I am trying to find the Lady Gaga of audiovisual,' emphasized Edde. 'Rio is ready for a production of this dimension. Today, Rio is capable of hosting major Hollywood productions that need studios as well as offering the natural beauty of the city and its surroundings.' One project that can fit this ambitious bill is Netflix's series adaptation of the Ira Levin novel 'The Boys From Brazil,' which Edde says they are 'actively trying to attract' to shoot in Rio. The project is set to star 'Succession' star Jeremy Strong and hails from Peter Morgan, the creator of the critically-acclaimed Netflix series 'The Crown.' Morgan is writing the adaptation and will executive produce along with Suzanne Mackie of Orchid Pictures. In the first quarter of 2025, Rio accounted for 80% of the Brazilian film market share. Rio has also been consolidating itself as one of the most filmed cities in the world, surpassing major cinematic destinations such as Paris and Mexico City. In 2024, the city of Rio surpassed Paris' numbers by nearly 40%, authorizing 8,782 filming days for 505 productions. 'Our goal is to pass Madrid, which had 12,000 shoot days at its highest,' adds Edde. 'For that to happen, we need skilled workers and are heavily investing in technical and artistic training. Today we have technical courses running alongside high schools, so pupils come out of high schools already trained as audiovisual technicians.' 'Another main goal for 2025 is to host more international productions,' continues the RioFilme president. 'We have a cashback program for productions coming from outside Rio and a specific program for international productions that help bring the name and image of Rio to the world. We came to Cannes to try to find a major production to bring to Rio. We want to do business. RioFilme is a public company, but it is a business.' Rio City's cash rebate, which allows foreign producers to receive a refund of up to 35% of the amount spent on filming in the city, was launched in 2022 and produced whopping results in the three years since. 'Our return on the rebate is almost 700%,' says the exec. 'We've seen a very rapid return on the rebate. In year one, it was 400%, year two was 700%, and we are now executing year three and promising a new cash rebate for 2025.' Edde says that, unlike many other cities that launch attractive rebate schemes to increase demand, Rio's rebate responded to a 'long-suppressed demand.' 'Rio is already a highly popular city that is widely recognized internationally, so the rebate was years in the making, and we are becoming more and more ambitious with it every year.' Although RioFilme maintains a firm autonomy within its territory, Edde has been quick to praise the work of the Ministry of Culture and the federal support they have received under the Lula government following years of cultural cutbacks under the Bolsonaro administration. 'Our relationship with the federal government is direct and prolific because Rio is a postcard for the country, and we want to establish ourselves as a great reference for the country's audiovisual industry.' The exec adds that Daniel Celli, the head of the Rio Film Commission, is working alongside the federal government on the development of a long-awaited national film commission, which he views as 'key' for the future of Brazil's industry. 'It's essential that we can create a national film commission that works as a hub for the whole country, because certain states and cities already have their commissions and they have to be centralized without stripping those bodies of their autonomy. I think this is the great challenge of the federal government, but also its great opportunity.' Although internationalization is a great priority, RioFilme continues its home efforts. 'We now have two main industry events where we can connect with audiences and industry members, Rio2C in the first half of the year and the Rio Film Festival in the second half. One of our focuses is the return of the Rio Film Festival as a major international festival. It has always been a reference, and we want the festival to be back to its full grandeur.' Edde also says he and his team are working to bring MipTV to Rio now that the major B2B market is looking for a new home following its Cannes departure. 'This is Brazil's moment. Rio has an Oscar with 'I'm Still Here' and an increased national interest in our national cinema. We are currently in talks to bring MipTV to Rio, we want other major events to be held in the city.' Best of Variety 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz
Economic Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Trump's trade war about to leave Americans with empty bathroom shelves? Check details
Are Americans about to face shortage of toilet papers in the United States? Suzano SA, Brazil's leading pulp exporter, reports a 20% drop in bleached hardwood pulp exports to the US due to Trump's tariffs, impacting toilet paper production. Increased costs are passed to US buyers, raising concerns of potential shortages reminiscent of the 2020 pandemic panic. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads US to face shortage of toilet paper? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads US President Donald Trump's trade war is raising an alarm among paper suppliers — one that could lead to a dreaded shortage in US supermarkets of a household staple: toilet paper. Suzano SA , Brazil's top pulp exporter, has issued a dire warning that Trump's new tariffs are disrupting shipments of a key material used in manufacturing toilet paper and other hygiene SA produces bleached hardwood pulp used by many American manufacturers. It has reported a 20 percent drop in US-bound exports in April compared to the same time last year, according to the New York Post.'In response to the tariffs, we've had to pass increased costs on to US buyers,' said Suzano CEO João Alberto de Abreu to Bloomberg News. Brazil, along with many other countries—excluding China—now faces a 10% tariff on exports to the São Paulo-based company warned that continued trade barriers could worsen supply chain tensions and push prices higher. Brazil, like other US trading partners with the exception of China, currently faces a 10% universal tariff on warning revives memories of the 2020 pandemic when there was a shortage of toilet papers, sparked by panic buying and pandemic-related logistics snarls, remain fresh for many consumers. While current store shelves remain stocked, industry analysts say it wouldn't take much to trigger renewed instability in the paper supply chain — especially if US buyers begin stockpiling in anticipation of further trade is not the only one raising concerns. Several other global suppliers have flagged the potential for new bottlenecks in essential goods if the tariff fight company's warnings also highlight a broader trend: the risk that trade disputes, once focused on high-tech or luxury goods, are now ensnaring basic commodities critical to everyday one of the world's largest producers of pulp, has become a flashpoint in the latest trade skirmish. With the US hiking tariffs across a range of imports as part of Trump's aggressive trade policy, Brazilian exporters are scrambling to protect market share while navigating higher which was a key supplier during the pandemic-era toilet paper crunch, says it is working to adapt. But the company cautions that sustained pressure from tariffs could create ripple effects that hit American consumers where it counts: the bathroom.'Pulp isn't just another commodity,' Abreu said. 'It's at the heart of some of the most essential products we use every day.'Last month, Apollo Global Management issued a stark warning that U.S. store shelves could be empty within weeks due to steep tariffs on Chinese imports proposed by Donald Trump—an economic shock that could potentially trigger a recession by Slok, Apollo's chief economist, presented a timeline detailing how the disruption of supply chains could unfold: halted shipments from China by mid-May, product shortages and declining retail sales by late May, followed by job losses in both the trucking and retail some analysts suggest that current inventory levels might cushion the initial impact, Slok warned of 'COVID-like shortages' as Chinese goods stop arriving, potentially bringing large segments of the economy to a standstill and pushing the U.S. into a recession by mid-2025.
India.com
12-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
Donald Trump's tariff war makes American cry in Toilets, crisis likely to escalate after..., THIS company issues statement, says..
New Delhi: The prices of toilet paper have gone up in the United States, creating a significant concern among the Americans. Suppliers of paper are interrupted due to President Donald Trump's trade war. They fear a major shortage of toilet paper in US supermarkets. According to the Suzano S.A, Brazil's largest pulp exporter, Trump's new tariffs are disrupting the shipment of a special material used in the production of toilet paper and other hygiene products. Suzano S.A. manufactures bleached hardwood pulp, which is widely used by American manufacturers. The company reported that exports to the U.S. dropped by 20% in April, a decline attributed to the tariffs imposed by Trump. If the trade war continues, a situation similar to that of 2020 may arise, when there was a severe shortage of toilet paper. Suzano CEO João Alberto de Abreu told Bloomberg News, 'In response to the tariffs, we had to pass on increased costs to American buyers.' It is important to note that Brazil and several other countries (excluding China) now face a 10 percent tariff on exports to the US. The São Paulo-based company warned that continued trade barriers could worsen supply chain issues and lead to further price hikes. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, widespread panic buying caused a toilet paper shortage—a memory still fresh in the minds of many. Currently, toilet paper remains available in stores. However, industry analysts say the supply chain is again at risk. If American buyers begin stockpiling toilet paper out of fear of further trade disruptions, the situation could deteriorate quickly. Other Global Suppliers Also Issued Warnings Several other global suppliers have also expressed their concerns and said that if the tariff battle escalates further, the supply of essential goods could be disrupted. The company's warning also indicates that trade disputes—which were previously centered on high-tech or luxury products—are now starting to affect everyday essential items as well. Brazil is the world's largest producer of pulp, and it has become a key point of contention in recent trade disputes. The United States has increased tariffs on many imports as part of Donald Trump's trade policy. As a result, Brazilian exporters are struggling to maintain their market share amid rising costs. Suzano played a key role in alleviating the shortage of toilet paper during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company states that it is operating in accordance with the current situation. However, it also warns that if tariff pressures persist, the consequences could be serious. This would impact American consumers—particularly products used in bathrooms. CEO Walter Schalka Abreu said, 'Pulp is not just a commodity. It's part of the most essential products we use every day.'
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Trump's trade war about to leave Americans with empty bathroom shelves? Check details
US President Donald Trump's trade war is raising an alarm among paper suppliers — one that could lead to a dreaded shortage in US supermarkets of a household staple: toilet paper. Suzano SA , Brazil's top pulp exporter, has issued a dire warning that Trump's new tariffs are disrupting shipments of a key material used in manufacturing toilet paper and other hygiene products. #Operation Sindoor India responds to Pak's ceasefire violation; All that happened India-Pakistan ceasefire reactions: Who said what Punjab's hopes for normalcy dimmed by fresh violations Suzano SA produces bleached hardwood pulp used by many American manufacturers. It has reported a 20 percent drop in US-bound exports in April compared to the same time last year, according to the New York Post. 'In response to the tariffs, we've had to pass increased costs on to US buyers,' said Suzano CEO João Alberto de Abreu to Bloomberg News. Brazil, along with many other countries—excluding China—now faces a 10% tariff on exports to the US. ALSO READ: From pledging to end Russia-Ukraine war in 24 hours to being 'sarcastic', how Trump backed from his promise US to face shortage of toilet paper? The São Paulo-based company warned that continued trade barriers could worsen supply chain tensions and push prices higher. Brazil, like other US trading partners with the exception of China, currently faces a 10% universal tariff on exports. Live Events The warning revives memories of the 2020 pandemic when there was a shortage of toilet papers, sparked by panic buying and pandemic-related logistics snarls, remain fresh for many consumers. While current store shelves remain stocked, industry analysts say it wouldn't take much to trigger renewed instability in the paper supply chain — especially if US buyers begin stockpiling in anticipation of further trade disruptions. Suzano is not the only one raising concerns. Several other global suppliers have flagged the potential for new bottlenecks in essential goods if the tariff fight escalates. The company's warnings also highlight a broader trend: the risk that trade disputes, once focused on high-tech or luxury goods, are now ensnaring basic commodities critical to everyday life. ALSO READ: Trump claims credit for India-Pakistan ceasefire but is 'frustrated' with Russia-Ukraine conflict Brazil, one of the world's largest producers of pulp, has become a flashpoint in the latest trade skirmish. With the US hiking tariffs across a range of imports as part of Trump's aggressive trade policy, Brazilian exporters are scrambling to protect market share while navigating higher costs. Suzano, which was a key supplier during the pandemic-era toilet paper crunch, says it is working to adapt. But the company cautions that sustained pressure from tariffs could create ripple effects that hit American consumers where it counts: the bathroom. 'Pulp isn't just another commodity,' Abreu said. 'It's at the heart of some of the most essential products we use every day.' ALSO READ: 'I still have chills...': US journalist hails Operation Sindoor in Pak's Bahawalpur where her colleague Daniel Pearl was beheaded Last month, Apollo Global Management issued a stark warning that U.S. store shelves could be empty within weeks due to steep tariffs on Chinese imports proposed by Donald Trump—an economic shock that could potentially trigger a recession by summer. Torsten Slok, Apollo's chief economist, presented a timeline detailing how the disruption of supply chains could unfold: halted shipments from China by mid-May, product shortages and declining retail sales by late May, followed by job losses in both the trucking and retail sectors. While some analysts suggest that current inventory levels might cushion the initial impact, Slok warned of 'COVID-like shortages' as Chinese goods stop arriving, potentially bringing large segments of the economy to a standstill and pushing the U.S. into a recession by mid-2025.
New York Post
09-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Toilet paper shortage could be coming to US thanks to Trump tariffs
President Donald Trump's trade war is triggering alarm among global paper suppliers — one that could lead to a dreaded shortage in US supermarkets of a household staple: toilet paper. Suzano SA, the world's largest exporter of pulp, said US levies are disrupting shipments of the key raw material used in making toilet paper and other hygiene products. The Brazilian company, which produces bleached hardwood pulp used by many American manufacturers, reported a 20% drop in US-bound exports in April compared to the same time last year. Advertisement 'In response to the tariffs, we've had to pass increased costs on to US buyers,' João Alberto de Abreu, Suzano's chief executive, told Bloomberg News. 3 Americans could see a shortage of toilet paper due to tariffs imposed by President Trump. BOOM – The São Paulo-based company warned that continued trade barriers could worsen supply chain tensions and push prices higher. Advertisement Brazil, like other US trading partners with the exception of China, currently faces a 10% universal tariff on exports. The warning comes as memories of the 2020 toilet paper shortages, sparked by panic buying and pandemic-related logistics snarls, remain fresh for many consumers. While current store shelves remain stocked, industry analysts say it wouldn't take much to trigger renewed instability in the paper supply chain — especially if US buyers begin stockpiling in anticipation of further trade disruptions. 3 A Brazilian company that is the world's largest exporter of pulp said Trump's tariffs are disrupting shipments. Getty Images Advertisement The pulp industry is already feeling the effects. Shares of Suzano tumbled as much as 4.3% during trading Friday in São Paulo, hitting their lowest intraday level since June, as investors reacted to signs of mounting tariff pressures. Executives at Suzano say the tariff uncertainty is throwing off contract negotiations and pricing. Leonardo Grimaldi, an executive vice president at the company, said during an earnings call that the entire industry is entering a phase of instability. 'Since customers are still struggling to forecast how tariffs can affect their production plans, either directly or indirectly, all pulp buyers and sellers are in price-discovery mode,' Grimaldi said. Suzano is not alone in raising concerns. Several other global suppliers have flagged the potential for new bottlenecks in essential goods if the tariff fight escalates. Advertisement The company's warnings also highlight a broader trend: the risk that trade disputes, once focused on high-tech or luxury goods, are now ensnaring basic commodities critical to everyday life. Brazil, one of the world's largest producers of pulp, has become a flashpoint in the latest trade skirmish. 3 Tariffs could lead to empty store shelves in the US, according to experts. AFP via Getty Images With the US hiking tariffs across a range of imports as part of Trump's aggressive trade policy, Brazilian exporters are scrambling to protect market share while navigating higher costs. Suzano, which was a key supplier during the pandemic-era toilet paper crunch, says it is working to adapt. But the company cautions that sustained pressure from tariffs could create ripple effects that hit American consumers where it counts: the bathroom. 'Pulp isn't just another commodity,' Abreu said. 'It's at the heart of some of the most essential products we use every day.' Last month, Apollo Global Management warned that US store shelves could be empty within weeks due to Trump's steep tariffs on Chinese goods, potentially triggering a recession by summer. Apollo chief economist Torsten Slok outlined a timeline showing how supply chain disruptions will lead to product shortages, retail slowdowns, and layoffs in both the trucking and retail sectors. Advertisement The timeline predicts that Trump's tariffs will halt Chinese shipments by mid-May, trigger empty store shelves and falling sales by late May, lead to layoffs in trucking and retail and push the US into a recession by summer 2025. While some analysts caution that existing inventory may delay visible impacts, Slok predicts 'COVID-like shortages' as goods from China stop arriving and the economy grinds to a halt. The Post reached out to the White House for comment.
