Shamrock sells RBMedia sold to KKR; new rules for Netflix and other streamers in the E.U.; “Lord of the Rings” video game in production
Shamrock Capital Sells RBMedia
Westwood-based Shamrock Capital Advisors announced Sept. 4 it sold Maryland audio and e-book publisher RBMedia to New York-based KKR and Co. for an undisclosed sum. Socaltech reports Shamrock’s other investments include Santa Monica headquartered mobile point-of-sale app Appetize, which topped $50 million in funding in August 2018.
A preliminary agreement on new European Union rules regarding Netflix Inc. and other streaming services would mandate their libraries contain at least 30 percent local content, Variety reports. The measure, if passed, would give EU member states 20 months to apply the regulations, as well as raise the quota to 40 percent if desired. Netflix is reportedly not far from the 30 percent quota, but will be required to fund films and television series produced in Europe by either paying to national film funds via a surcharge in its subscription fee or by commissioning and acquiring content. https://variety.com/2018/film/news/netflix-amazon-local-product-quotas-european-union-law-1202924740/
‘Lord of the Rings’ Video Game Coming Soon
Fans of the J.R.R. Tolkien series “Lord of the Rings” will soon have an online multiplayer video game version, thanks to Burbank game publisher Athlon Games Inc. Per the Hollywood Reporter, the Berkeley-headquartered Middle Earth Enterprises which owns the franchise has signed a multi-year licensing agreement with Athlon. Athlon President Dave Miller, formerly of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and NBC Universal will oversee the project, which will be free for users.
