Latest news with #Mod
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Ambika Mod says 'doors are starting to open' as she reflects on One Day success
A year after the sweeping success of her lead role in Netflix's One Day, Ambika Mod has shared her personal insights and experiences about being a brown woman in the film industry Netflix's One Day star Ambika Mod has opened up about her experience navigating the film industry as a woman and those who compare her career trajectory to her former co-star Leo Woodall. The actress shared her candid thoughts after new survey research from Mastercard revealed that women in film feel progress is reversing, but that younger generations are best poised to affect positive change. Speaking at a panel event alongside film director Nisha Ganatra (Freakier Friday), Mod said: 'It's great to see such a positive shift on screen, as the new research from Mastercard reflects. There's a real sense that change is taking hold, and that people are starting to believe in a more equal future for women in film.' 'It's something I've seen in my own experience, progress is happening, and doors are starting to open,' she continued. 'But the findings are also a timely reminder that we're not there yet - especially when it comes to behind-the-scenes roles. If we want lasting change, we need to make sure opportunities exist not just in front of the camera but across every part of the industry.' Following the success of the Netflix miniseries, Mod has gone on to star in the television series The Stolen Girl and hit movie Black Bag, alongside Cate Blanchett, BAFTA award winner Marisa Abela and fellow Netflix alum Regé-Jean Page, and was also named on the 2024 Time100 Next list recognising rising influential leaders. But despite her incredible success, her career trajectory is often compared to her former One Day co-star. Woodall's career has skyrocketed since the series, starring as the lead in Prime Target for Apple TV+ and recently earning a role in the upcoming Anthony Bourdain biopic, Tony. Speaking to British GQ, Mod shared she doesn't have access to the same 'privilege' as Woodall, though their careers are often compared. She said: 'It's mad because we wouldn't be going for the same roles at all, and we're very different people. I think we're going to have very different careers. If I compare myself to someone like Leo, I'm always going to come up short, because there's a privilege there that I don't have access to.' She revealed in the interview that she still struggles not to compare herself to her white peers. 'Being brown is not particularly easy in this industry. You don't get the same opportunities. You don't get the same ascension.' Despite her success on One Day and BBC 's This is Going to Hurt, Mod says she still feels she has to prove herself in a way white actors do not. 'I've been the lead of two very successful, critically-acclaimed TV shows and I still feel like I have to keep on proving myself. A lot of my white peers don't really have to tackle that." Mastercard's Women in Film research also cited that while representation of women on screen has improved, there is more pressure on women to 'prove themselves' than their male counterparts - particularly in behind-the-scenes roles. Still for Mod, the future is bright as ever with a slew of exciting projects on the horizon including two big theatre shows. Mod's one-woman show, Every Brilliant Thing, will soon kick off in the West End and be followed by a performance in Porn Play at the Royal Court. She will also take on a lead role in Sacrifice, the first English-language feature from French director Romain Gavras alongside Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Evans, Vincent Cassell and Charli XCX.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Wall Street is bracing for Tesla earnings pain after the EV-maker's dismal delivery numbers
Tesla will report first-quarter earnings on Tuesday after the closing bell. Barclays and Wedbush expressed concerns over Tesla's profit margins and brand damage. The EV maker's stock has plunged 44% this year amid a sales slowdown. Tesla is set to report its first-quarter earnings on Tuesday, and Wall Street is bracing for more pain. The electric vehicle maker's stock is down 44% year-to-date as investors grapple with numerous worries, including a slowdown in vehicle sales, the impact of President Donald Trump's 25% auto tariffs, and reported delays of a lower-cost Tesla model. Investors already got a glimpse of Tesla's first-quarter results when the company reported vehicle deliveries data earlier this month, which were significantly worse than expected. The company said it delivered 336,681 vehicles in the quarter, well below estimates of nearly 380,000 and down 13% from a year ago. Tesla stock fell as much as 6% on Monday. Here's what Wall Street expects from Tesla when it reports results on Tuesday. Barclays warned that falling profit margins or a tepid outlook from Tesla management "could be a splash of cold water on the stock." In a note last week, the firm's analysts said its 2025 Tesla earnings per share estimate is $2.24, which is below consensus estimates of $2.65 and well below the consensus estimate at the start of the year of more than $3.20. The firm said that while there is potential for a "good narrative" for Tesla related to CEO Elon Musk refocusing his time at the company and a coming Full-Self-Driving event, that could be outweighed by "weak fundamentals." "Amid a soft start on 2025 volume, we believe it will be increasingly difficult for Tesla to achieve volume growth in 2025 — we now forecast negative volumes," Barclays said. Barclays rates Tesla at "Equal Weight" and lowered its price target to $275 from $325. Wedbush analyst Dan Ives, who has long been bullish on Tesla, said in a note on Sunday that Elon Musk is facing a "Code Red Situation." According to Ives, Musk needs to distance himself from the government's DOGE committee, which investors worry is distracting him from Tesla this year and turning the EV maker's brand into a political talking point. Ives said there is "potentially 15%-20% permanent demand destruction for future Tesla buyers due to the brand damage Musk has created with DOGE." Ultimately, Ives said Tesla's earnings call on Tuesday will represent a "fork in the road" for the company. Ives wants to see a number of announcements on Tuesday, including: a date for its cyber taxi network to be rolled out, when investors can expect a low-cost vehicle to enter production, a sales timeline for its Optimus robot, and how the company will return to growth in 2025. Wedbush rates Tesla at "Outperform" with a $315 price target. Wells Fargo analysts said they are seeing increasing signs of weak demand for Tesla vehicles across regions. The firm highlighted that Tesla has started to offer 0% APR on loans for its new Model Y vehicle in China, which is "a sign of weak demand." "In the US, the new Model Y is available in 2-4 weeks in New York & immediately available in LA, indicating another sign of softening demand," the bank said. Wells Fargo said Tesla is on track to deliver just 1.35 million vehicles in 2025 based on annualized first-quarter deliveries, which is 27% below consensus estimates. The bank estimates Tesla will deliver 1.66 million vehicles this year, which would represent a year-over-year decline of 7%. Additionally, the bank warned that a new low-cost vehicle could cannibalize demand for Tesla's higher-priced Model Y, hurting profit margins. Wells Fargo rates Tesla at "Underweight" with a $130 price target. Following Tesla's first-quarter delivery results, analysts at Deutsche Bank revised lower their estimates for the company's full-year deliveries. The firm now expects Tesla to deliver about 1.7 million vehicles this year, down 5% year-over-year. Importantly, Deutsche Bank highlighted that the weakness in Tesla's vehicle sales is spreading across geographical regions. "Geographically, we had already factored in a very weak performance from Europe, therefore, US likely led to the downside," Deutsche Bank said of vehicle sales. The firm also expects Tesla's profit margins to suffer, potentially dropping to the 10% to 11% range from 13.6% in the fourth quarter. Deutsche Bank rates Tesla at "Buy" with a $345 price target. JPMorgan reduced its earnings estimates for Tesla following its weak first-quarter delivery results. Following the results, the bank said it "may have underestimated the degree of consumer reaction" to Tesla and Elon Musk. "The trend in Tesla sales is worse than we and the market had appreciated, prompting us to lower our already below consensus estimates accordingly and to expect consensus to decline further, toward our new lower estimates," JPMorgan said. The bank expects Tesla to sell about 1.7 million vehicles in 2025 and earn $2.30 per share in the full year. JPMorgan rates Tesla at "Underweight" with a $120 price target. Read the original article on Business Insider
Sky News
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News
Pete Townshend's Quadrophenia talked about modern masculinity before Gen Z was born
Despite The Who's Quadrophenia being set over 60 years ago, Pete Townshend's themes of identity, mental health, and modern masculinity are just as relevant today. The album is having a renaissance as Pete Townshend's Quadrophenia A Mod ballet is being brought to life via dance at Sadler's Wells East, and Sky News has an exclusive first look. As Townshend puts it, the album he wrote is "perfect" for the stage. "My wife Rachel did the orchestration for me, and as soon as I heard it I said to her it would make a fabulous ballet and we never really let that go," he tells Sky News. "Heavy percussion, concussive sequences. They're explosive moments. They're also romantic movement moments." If you identify with the demographics of Millennial, Gen Y or Gen Z, you might not be familiar with The Who and Mod culture. But in post-war Britain the Mods were a cultural phenomenon characterised by fashion, music, and of course, scooters. The young rebels were seen as a counter-culture to the establishment and The Who, with Roger Daltry's lead vocals and Pete Townshend's writing, were the soundtrack. Quadrophenia the album is widely regarded as an essay on the British adolescent experience at the time, focusing on the life of fictional protagonist Jimmy - a young Mod struggling with his sanity, self-doubt, and alienation. Townshend sets the rock opera in 1965 but thinks its themes of identity, mental health, and modern masculinity are just as relevant today. He says: "The phobias and the restrictions and the unwritten laws about how young men should behave. The ground that they broke, that we broke because I was a part of it. "Men were letting go of [the] wartime-related, uniform-related stance that if I wear this kind of outfit it makes me look like a man." This struggle of modern masculinity and identity appears to be echoing today as manosphere influencers like Andrew Tate, incel culture, and Netflix's Adolescence make headlines. For dancer Paris Fitzpatrick, who takes on the lead role of Jimmy, the story resonates. "I think there's a connection massively and I think there may even be a little more revival in some way," he tells Sky News. "I love that myself. I love non-conforming to gender norms and typical masculinity; I think it's great to challenge things." Despite the album being written before he was born, the dancer says he was familiar with the genre already. "I actually did an art GCSE project about Mods and rockers and Quadrophenia," he says. "I think we'll be able to bring it to new audiences and hopefully, maybe people will be inspired to to learn more about their music and the whole cultural movement of the early 60s." In 1979, the album was adapted into a film directed by Franc Roddam starring Ray Winstone and Sting but Townshend admits because the film missed key points he is "not a big fan". "What it turned out to be in the movie was a story about culture, about social scenario and less about really the specifics of mental illness and how that affects young people," he adds, also complimenting Roddam's writing for the film. Perhaps a testament to Pete Townshend's creativity, Quadrophenia started as an album, was successfully adapted to film and now it will hit the stage as a contemporary ballet. It appears that over six decades later Mod culture is still cool and their issues still relatable. Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet will tour to Plymouth Theatre Royal from 28 May to 1 June 2025, Edinburgh Festival Theatre from 10 to 14 June 2025 and the Mayflower, Southampton from 18 to 21 June 2025 before having its official opening at Sadler's Wells Theatre, London on 24 June running to 13 July 2025 and then visiting The Lowry, Salford from 15 to 19 July 2025.
The Guardian
25-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Ambika Mod to play porn addict in ‘funny, unsettling and honest' play at the Royal Court
Ambika Mod is to star as an academic addicted to violent pornography in a new play at the Royal Court in London. Mod, best known for her screen performances in One Day and This Is Going to Hurt, will take on her highest profile theatre role to date in Porn Play, written by Sophia Chetin-Leuner and directed by Josie Rourke. Billed as 'funny, unsettling and honest', it opens in November at the Royal Court's smaller Jerwood Theatre Upstairs. Chetin-Leuner, whose play This Might Not Be It was set in a mental health unit and staged at the Bush last year, said: 'Ever since I was a teenager, going to see plays at the Royal Court has shaped my ideals and purpose of who I want to be as a writer – so it's a terrifying privilege to have Porn Play debuting here.' The play was shortlisted for Soho theatre's Verity Bargate award in 2022. Chetin-Leuner said she began writing it to explore the effects of pornography on women but that it has 'evolved into something much more delicate and intricate over the years'. Mod, who studied at the St Albans performing arts school Theatrix, is also an improv and sketch comedian. Last summer she appeared with the comedy troupe the Free Association at the Edinburgh fringe. Her stage productions have included Nassim Soleimanpour's White Rabbit Red Rabbit, a monologue which performers deliver sight unseen. Porn Play is one of four new premieres announced by the Royal Court. Deaf Republic, which opens in August, is adapted from the poems of Ukrainian-American author Ilya Kaminsky and will be staged by the company Dead Centre, collaborating with the poet Zoë McWhinney. It will be told through spoken English, sign language, creative captioning and puppetry, using an ensemble of deaf and hearing actors. That will be followed by a co-production with the National Theatre of Greece entitled Cow | Deer created by Katie Mitchell, Nina Segal and Melanie Wilson. A performance with no words, it will evoke the lives of the eponymous animals and is described by the trio as 'an experiment in recalibration … looking beyond the purely human into the more-than-human world'. Opening in October is a new play by Nick Payne, The Unbelievers, starring Nicola Walker who is currently in the throuple comedy Unicorn in the West End. The Unbelievers will be directed by Marianne Elliott who called it an 'honest exploration of motherhood'. The theatre also announced the return of Soleimanpour's Echo, which had a short run last summer, and a tour for Breach theatre's Section 28 musical After the Act, previously staged at the New Diorama in London when it was run by David Byrne, who took over at the Royal Court in 2024. It was also announced that Tife Kusoro, whose play G drew acclaim last year, will join the theatre on attachment for 18 months and write a new play.
Associated Press
14-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
BIRKENSTOCK OPENS NEW STORE ON KING'S ROAD BRINGING ITS UNIQUE WALKING EXPERIENCE TO THE HEART OF CHELSEA
LONDON, March 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 13th, the global footwear brand and inventor of the footbed continues its expansion in London with the opening of its fourth store in London, in the vibrant Chelsea district. Located at Blacklands Terrace on King's Road, the new 85-square-meter store is a testament to BIRKENSTOCK's dedication to craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation. King's Road, renowned for its rich history and vibrant culture provides the perfect backdrop for BIRKENSTOCK's new store. The light-filled space brings the brand's unparalleled walking experience and timeless footwear designs to Chelsea's cultural landscape. Known today for its boutiques, eclectic mix of high-end and independent shops, and trendy cafés, Chelsea seamlessly aligns with BIRKENSTOCK's heritage—where quality, craftsmanship, and timeless design come together in a way that transcends trends. With this opening, BIRKENSTOCK strengthens its retail presence in the UK, deepening its connection with local communities and welcoming loyal footbed enthusiasts and new fans alike. The London, Chelsea store marks BIRKENSTOCK's sixth retail location in the UK. In Europe, the company operates 37 stores, across eight countries, including London King's Road. With further openings planned in key cities to bring the footbed experience directly to consumers, foster community engagement, and make the brand's values more tangible. A HISTORIC AND CULTURAL ICON IN LONDON A cultural hub for centuries, King's Road has been at the forefront of style and counterculture, from its aristocratic roots in the 18th century to its role in the fashion revolution of the 1960s and 70s. The street was home to iconic movements such as Mod and Punk, as well as legendary boutiques. Today, its blend of Georgian and Victorian architecture, artistic heritage, and creative energy cements its status as one of London's most vibrant shopping destinations—making it the ideal home for BIRKENSTOCK's newest store. INSPIRED BY CHELSEA. A STORE DESIGN ROOTED IN TRADITION AND INNOVATION The store's design pays homage to the cultural heritage of King's Road, blending historical and modern influences with BIRKENSTOCK's 250-year-old shoemaking tradition. Architectural elements such as glazed ceramic tiles echo Chelsea's Victorian and Edwardian buildings, while natural materials like cork and leather—core components of the brand's iconic footbed—reinforce its commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Earthy tones and rugged, minimalist forms embody the brand's ethos, while the contrast of concrete flooring adds a modern urban touch. A visual highlight of the store is the neon sign 'Walking as Nature Intended,' reflecting BIRKENSTOCK's purpose-driven approach to product innovation. An interchangeable graphic gallery behind the cash desk adds a dynamic, seasonal element to the space. Every detail, from ceramic-tiled displays and brutalist cork elements to aluminum display accents and leather seating, is thoughtfully designed to create an immersive and tactile shopping experience. The store's prominent corner location features expansive shop windows, inviting passersby to step into the world of BIRKENSTOCK. The 85-square-meter, light-filled retail space showcases a curated selection of the brand's most iconic styles, including the ARIZONA, BOSTON, and MADRID, alongside closed-toe designs such as the UTTI SUEDE, PASADENA, and HIGHWOOD LOW LACE. Seasonal highlights and the newly launched BIRKENSTOCK Care Essentials foot care line further expand the offering—ensuring there's something for every footbed lover. OPENING EXPERIENCE To celebrate the new store, BIRKENSTOCK invites Londoners to discover its timeless designs and experience the legendary footbed firsthand on March 13th, from 11am. BIRKENSTOCK welcomes its most loyal customers and valued community members, along with new guests, for an exclusive opportunity to personalize their BIRKENSTOCK footwear. This unique in-store shoe customization service, led by South London-based artist Mark MacDonald, a specialist in hand-painted lettering and monogramming, will offer visitors a one-of-a-kind experience. Please note that the service will be available only within the artist's capacity during the day, and access to it cannot be guaranteed for all attendees. In addition, attendees will receive a limited curated gift bag featuring a handmade limited edition by designer and ceramist Srirat Jongsanguandi, created exclusively for the occasion. INFORMATION FOR MEDIA Store Address: 68 King's Road, London SW3 4UD Opening Times: Mondays – Saturdays; 10am – 7pm, Sundays 12pm – 6pm Open from March 13th Store Imagery: Download Photocredit: BIRKENSTOCK/MaartenWillemstein ABOUT BIRKENSTOCK BIRKENSTOCK is a global brand which embraces all consumers regardless of geography, gender, age and income and which is committed to a clear purpose—maintaining foot health. Deeply rooted in studies of the biomechanics of the human foot and footed on a family tradition of shoemaking that can be traced back to 1774, BIRKENSTOCK is a timeless «super brand» with a brand universe that transcends product categories and ranges from entry-level to luxury price points while addressing the growing need for a conscious and active lifestyle. Function, quality and tradition are the core values of the lifestyle brand which features products in the footwear, sleep systems and natural cosmetics segments. BIRKENSTOCK is the inventor of the footbed and has shaped the principle of walking as intended by nature ('Naturgewolltes Gehen'). With around 6,200 employees worldwide, BIRKENSTOCK is convinced that how things are made matters as much as the product itself. To ensure these quality standards, the Group operates a vertically integrated manufacturing base and produces all footbeds in Germany. In addition, BIRKENSTOCK assembles over 95% of all products in Germany and sources over 90% of materials and components from Europe. Raw materials are processed to the highest environmental and social standards in the industry. For materials testing BIRKENSTOCK operates state-of-the-art scientific laboratories. Headquartered in Linz am Rhein, the BIRKENSTOCK Group also operates its own sales offices in the United States and Canada as well as in Brazil, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Poland, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, the United Kingdom, France, Norway, the Netherlands, Dubai, Singapore and India. Birkenstock Group B.V. & Co. KG
