Latest news with #US-produced
Hype Malaysia
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
From Cast To Filming Locations: Everything We Know About HYBE & Paramount Pictures' New K-Pop Movie
The K-Pop phenomenon has taken the world by storm, with new emerging idols and global projects sprinkled throughout the year to keep fans guessing and anticipating. In recent months, US-produced Korean films have emerged to be the hot topic now, with mega companies riding on their wave with new films well on their way. HYBE America and Paramount Pictures announced Tuesday (22nd July 2025) that they will be partnering for a new K-Pop-themed movie starring well-known K-Pop artists premiering in 2027. Here's what we know so far about the untitled film: 1. Star-studded Casting The film will star two prominent Korean stars, namely Eric Nam (에릭남) and 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' star Ji Young Yoo (유지영). Eric, who will voice Aang in Paramount's upcoming feature, 'The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender', will work alongside Ji Young Yoo, who appeared in 'Freaky Tales' and 'Until Dawn'. The film will follow a young Korean American woman who defies her family's wishes by enrolling in a televised competition to find the next K-pop girl group. 2. Directed by Benson Lee, With Big Names Joining Producer Lineup The partnering film will be directed by Benson Lee, who worked on the 80s Teen Comedy film 'Soul Searching'. Meanwhile, James Shin of HYBE America, Scooter Braun, Arthur Spector and Joshua Davis of Epic Magazine join the project as producers. 'This film is my love letter to K-pop — its energy, passion, magic, and the incredible community behind it. I'm deeply grateful to Paramount Pictures for championing the project, to our producers for their unwavering dedication, to our talented and dynamic cast, and to the legends of the genre helping us bring this story to life. This one's for the dreamers', says James in a statement from Deadline. 3. The Film Will Be Shot Entirely In Korea The untitled film, set in the world of K-Pop music survival shows, will be the first major American studio-produced film shot entirely in South Korea. Producer James Shin revealed to Deadline, 'We're thrilled to partner with Paramount Pictures on this historic opportunity to bring this story to audiences worldwide. This film captures the incredible dedication and artistry that defines K-pop and its insatiable popularity, while showcasing the universal themes of chasing your dreams against all odds.' Are you excited for the upcoming HYBE and Paramount Pictures film? Sources: Deadline, Variety Alyssa Gabrielle contributed to this article
Barnama
7 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
New Sugar Cane Coke Coming To US Market After Trump Push
File Photo: Bottles of Coca-Cola are seen at a grocery store in Los Angeles. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson BERLIN, July 25 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Pushed by the US president, Coca-Cola announced it will offer a new version within US borders made with domestically produced sugar cane, while still producing its usual high-fructose corn syrup version, Anadolu Ajansi reported. This decision, prodded by Donald Trump on social media, followed the company's quarterly financial results this week. James Quincey, Coca-Cola chairman and chief executive officer, said in a statement that the firm will continue to expand its products made with sugar cane due to consumer demand. bootstrap slideshow Quincey said the new soda variety will not replace 'classic' Coke, as the use of corn syrup in the company's offerings will continue. Mexican Coke, which uses white sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup, is already available in the US market but is more expensive. Some consumers accustomed to the Mexican version prefer it and actively seek it out. Coca-Cola's decision to make a new soda with US-produced sugar cane is reportedly a strategic move to promote sugar production in the US and meet consumer demand. Sugar imports to the US face tariff quotas, which keep domestic sugar prices well above the global average. While the new version of Coke is expected to hit shelves in the coming weeks, there are concerns about sugar cane production in the US, as it may fall short of domestic demand. Experts say there is no significant health difference between sugar cane and corn syrup, as it is the overall sugar consumption that needs to be reduced.
Japan Forward
22-07-2025
- Business
- Japan Forward
Can Alaska LNG Tip the Scales in Japan–US Tariff Talks?
As negotiations between Japan and the United States over President Donald Trump's tariffs intensify, a US liquefied natural gas (LNG) project is viewed as Tokyo's trump card. The project involves a 1,300-kilometer pipeline running from the North Slope gas field in northern Alaska down through the state to a newly constructed liquefaction plant. Once completed, it could supply 20 million tons of LNG annually to Japan and other East Asian countries. The concept itself has existed for a long time, but the primary obstacle has been the enormous cost. Estimated at $44 billion USD (over ¥6 trillion JPY), the project is more than twice as expensive as another LNG project currently underway in Texas. With rising material prices, the cost is expected to increase even further as the project undergoes additional review. If the project's costs are passed on to LNG prices, it could lead to "high prices" for the consumers. Scheduled to begin operations in 2030, after Trump's tenure, the project faces uncertainties. Takafumi Yanagisawa, senior researcher at The Institute of Energy Economics, Japan, points out that "the risk of policy changes following a change in administration must be carefully considered." There are clear advantages for Japan. Currently, most US-produced LNG is shipped from Gulf Coast terminals, taking roughly 30 days via the Panama Canal and about 40 days via the Cape of Good Hope. In contrast, LNG shipped from Alaska can reach Japan in under 10 days. US-produced LNG, including but not limited to that from Alaska, has another advantage: it does not contain a "destination clause" restricting resale to third parties. A tanker loaded with liquefied natural gas (LNG) arrives at a pier. (©Sankei) Japan's LNG procurement is based on long-term contracts that ensure a stable supply of a fixed volume over an extended period. But even if demand falls, such as during a warm winter, the contracted amount must still be purchased. Since US LNG contracts lack a destination clause, any surplus can be resold to other countries, helping Japan mitigate the risk of excess supply. JERA company of Japan signs Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) agreement at the U.S. Department of Energy headquarters in Washington, D.C. on June 11, 2025. (©US Department of Interior) Private companies are already expanding their procurement of US LNG. JERA, Japan's largest thermal power producer, has signed contracts with four American companies to purchase up to 5.5 million tons of LNG annually. While diversifying supply sources is the primary goal, another important factor is that "the contracts offer greater flexibility" compared to LNG imports from the Middle East, says Mineko Hida, general manager of JERA's LNG Division. JERA has also expressed interest in the Alaska LNG project. At a press conference in late June, Chairman Yukio Kani praised the concept as "very good." He emphasized the short transport time to Japan and the absence of geopolitical risks along the route, such as those linked to the Strait of Hormuz in the Middle East. JERA is reportedly closely monitoring the ongoing review of the project plan. US LNG currently accounts for about 10% of Japan's total LNG imports. With global demand for LNG expected to continue rising, increasing imports from the US will also help strengthen the country's energy security. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and US President Donald Trump meet in the Oval Office, the White House, on February 7. (©Prime Minister's Office) In the Japan-US tariff negotiations, differences persist over issues such as automobile tariffs. President Trump has repeatedly labeled trade with Japan in automobiles as "unfair." However, increasing imports of American cars, which are unpopular among Japanese consumers, or reducing Japan's automobile exports, is unrealistic. If Japan concedes too easily, it risks encouraging repeated unreasonable demands. The Japanese government should therefore approach the negotiations with firmness and persistence. On the other hand, if Washington remains focused on correcting the trade imbalance, no argument about the contributions of Japanese companies to the American economy is likely to sway President Trump. The only way to break the deadlock is by expanding imports of US products that also benefit Japan. While the Alaska LNG project won't immediately reduce the US trade deficit, advancing this initiative with Japan's involvement — one of Trump's pet projects — could have a positive impact. President Donald J. Trump participates in a walking tour of Cameron LNG Export Terminal Tuesday, May 14, 2019, in Hackberry, La. (©White House/Shealah Craighead) In early June, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry sent Takehiko Matsuo, the Vice Minister for International Affairs, to a US government briefing on the Alaska LNG project. While it's clear the government is considering the project as a bargaining chip, another senior Ministry official expressed caution, stating, "LNG prices are directly linked to electricity and gas rates. If the price is high, we simply won't buy it. It all depends on economic viability." So how should Japan engage with the risky Alaska LNG project? Yanagisawa stresses that if Japan decides to participate, "government involvement is essential." He suggests that development support through the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) could be considered to help keep LNG prices affordable. Should it prove difficult for Japan to take on the project alone, another option would be to share the investment burden with other Asian LNG-importing countries and regions, such as South Korea and Taiwan. "If it's economically viable, then we should do it," the senior METI official said, without ruling out the possibility. Can we leverage the few cards we hold as negotiation tools to break the deadlock? Now is the time to apply wisdom and safeguard Japan's national interests. Author: Shunichi Takahashi, The Sankei Shimbun ( Read this in Japanese )
NZ Herald
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Media Insider: Taxpayer-funded Jacinda Ardern movie ‘Mania' scrapped
The New Zealand-produced film, titled Mania, had been originally expected to go head-to-head this year with the New Zealand/US-produced and Ardern-backed Prime Minister movie. Mania producer Emma Slade, of Auckland-based Firefly Films, confirmed on Wednesday that the film had been scrapped. 'Once we heard that another project was underway and further advanced than we were, we decided not to pursue the project further,' Slade said in a brief email response to a list of questions. Former NZ Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern. Media Insider revealed in March last year that the NZ Film Commission board had agreed to $800,000 in taxpayer funding for Mania. The film would likely have received a further $1.2 million in public support through the Government's screen production rebate. According to a synopsis provided by the NZFC at the time, the documentary would explore the 'mania' that propelled Ardern's rise as a young political leader and how that 'later collided with a backlash of hate'. The movie was neither authorised nor endorsed by Ardern, who threw her support instead behind Prime Minister. 'The producers have not sought or used Film Commission funding and that was important to me.' Nevertheless, Mania had received 'significant foreign investment and international interest', NZFC chief executive Annie Murray said earlier last year. At that stage, film bosses did not seem worried about two Ardern movies potentially being in the market at the same time. '[Production company] Madison Wells appear to be doing an authorised biopic on Dame Jacinda Ardern's political career, while the independent Mania documentary explores quite different social and political issues in New Zealand society arising out of her tenure as Prime Minister,' said Murray last June. 'It will be good for the NZ viewing public to have the contrasting stories available at about the same time. Each work will likely benefit from this as well. 'The success of Mania is not undermined by the Madison Wells' doco; NZFC is not reviewing funding and we remain confident that it can proceed as planned.' Prime Minister, which featured at the Sundance festival in January, opened in the US last month and will feature at the NZ International Film Festival in Auckland on August 2 and in Wellington on August 16. The movie Prime Minister featured at the Sundance festival in January - in attendance, from left, Gigi Pritzker, Clarke Gayford, Lindsay Utz, Dame Jacinda Ardern, Michelle Walshe and Rachel Shane. Photo / Getty It has been produced by New Zealand's Dark Doris and American firms Madison Wells and Divergent Pictures. It has been produced with Ardern's full support, including interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. The NZFC issued a statement last December saying it was delighted Prime Minister had been accepted at Sundance. In a footnote to that press release, the commission said the producers of Mania had 'informed the Film Commission that the production is on an indefinite pause, and no Film Commission funding has been drawn down'. Murray told this week's Media Insider podcast that taxpayer money committed to projects had a deadline. Producers would have to reapply for any funding should they want to resurrect the Ardern project. 'I think the fact that this new film has come out now... that would be a factor that we would take into account,' said Murray. 'But we'd have to look at it on its merits like we do with any other funding decision.' Original distributor pulled out The film was promoted at Cannes in 2023, with Auckland-based Ahi Films listed as the distributor in marketing materials. Ahi later withdrew from the project. Last July, Murray said a new distributor was now attached, but neither she nor Slade would disclose their name. 'It is not unusual for market partners to change,' said Murray at the time. 'The Film Commission is not party to the commercial negotiations between producers and distributors, but we do require producers to have a distribution partner as a condition of funding. 'The name of that distributor remains confidential for now for commercial reasons.' She said when commercial negotiations were complete, the distributors would make an announcement. Slade said at the time: 'We are currently focused on making the film. There is no need for them to be named at this stage.' Editor-at-Large Shayne Currie is one of New Zealand's most experienced senior journalists and media leaders. He has held executive and senior editorial roles at NZME including Managing Editor, NZ Herald Editor and Herald on Sunday Editor and has a small shareholding in NZME. Watch Media Insider - The Podcast on YouTube, or listen to it on iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Canada Steel Industry: Canada's steel producers tell government its tariff protection measures aren't enough, ET Infra
Advt Advt Canadian steel industry representatives told government officials in a meeting this week that their measures to protect the industry from the consequences of US tariffs are insufficient, two of the representatives who attended the meeting told Thursday, steel producers met with Patrick Haley, assistant deputy minister for trade and finance, and other officials from the ministry, telling them the measures announced earlier this month do not protect the industry from steel dumping and could cause mass layoffs, the representatives President Donald Trump increased import duties on steel and aluminum to 50 per cent from 25 per cent earlier this month. Canada is the top seller of metals to the United response, Canada announced a raft of measures, including establishing new tariff-rate quotas of 100 per cent of 2024 levels on imports of steel products from non-free trade agreement partners. Industry representatives at the meeting asked the government to extend tariff quotas to all countries with unfair trade practices, even if they have free trade and Asia have started diverting their products to Canada to avoid US tariffs, making domestic steel uncompetitive, they said. "We don't think the measures announced meet our needs under this dire time," Catherine Cobden, President and CEO of the Canadian Steel Producers Association , told attended the meeting with finance ministry officials on Thursday. The Canadian Steel Producers Association said in a separate statement on Thursday that, in its current form, the tariff-rate quota will do little to support its steel industry has laid off 1,000 workers since the first US tariffs in March, and more layoffs could be coming, the association said. Keanin Loomis, president of the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction, which includes steel manufacturers, fabricators, and constructors, said that Thursday's government meeting was heavily steel producers-focused, noting that finished steel products imported to Canada have no tariff protection Loomis also attended the meeting. In a text response to Reuters, the Canadian Finance Ministry said that the measures it announced represent a comprehensive and strategic package to defend producers and workers, and were a first Minister Mark Carney has threatened to increase counter-tariffs on US-produced steel and aluminum if Canada does not reach a broader trade deal with Trump by July 21. Trump on Friday abruptly cut off trade talks with Canada over its new tax targeting US technology firms."These are temporary and calibrated measures that could be expanded depending on the outcome of ongoing discussions with the United States. We are prepared to adjust our response as needed," a spokesperson for the finance minister said.
