Business
The Last of Us” Season 2: Cast and Creators Share Insights at SXSW
The cast and creators of the highly anticipated second season of “The Last of Us” gathered at SXSW to discuss the upcoming season. The panel featured cast members Pedro Pascal (Joel), Bella Ramsey (Ellie), Gabriel Luna (Tommy), Kaitlyn Dever (Abby), Isabela Merced (Dina), and Young Mazino (Jesse), along with co-creators Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin.
Navigating Expectations and Surprising Fans
With the immense success of season one, Druckmann and Mazin acknowledged the pressure to deliver a worthy follow-up. Mazin emphasized their approach to cater to both fans of the game and newcomers to the series. “We try and think about the people who have played the game and make sure that we keep them on their toes and a little bit surprised,” Mazin stated. Druckmann highlighted the emotional weight of adapting “The Last of Us Part II,” emphasizing the dedication of the entire production team to doing justice to the source material.
A Glimpse into Season 2
Attendees were treated to a trailer for season two, offering a glimpse into the evolving relationship between Joel and Ellie five years after the events of the first season. Ramsey described the changed dynamic, hinting at a rift between the characters. Pascal added that their relationship is in “a different place” and that it is “fucking heartbreaking”.
Big Ideas: Tribalism, Love, and Loss
The creators delved into the central themes of season two, including tribalism, the destructive nature of love, and the consequences of loss. Druckmann explained that the season explores the complexities of community and the dehumanization that can occur when groups clash. Mazin emphasized the escalation of these themes, highlighting the potential for isolation and the lengths characters will go to protect their loved ones.
New and Expanded Characters
The panel also touched on new characters and expanded roles in season two. Gabriel Luna discussed Tommy’s evolution into a father, emphasizing how it solidifies his purpose and strengthens his commitment to protecting his family and community. The introduction of new characters like Gail, played by Catherine O’Hara, and the expansion of existing characters like Isaac, played by Jeffrey Wright, promise to add depth and nuance to the narrative. Additionally, the inclusion of Joe Pantoliano as Eugene, a character mentioned but not seen in the game, offers a rewarding experience for longtime fans.
Music as a Binding Force
Music continues to play a significant role in “The Last of Us,” particularly in the relationship between Joel and Ellie. Ramsey shared that music serves as a bonding experience for the characters, mirroring the connection between the actors on set. The guitar, a symbol of Joel’s promise to teach Ellie, takes on a more prominent role in season two.
Diving into the Game
The actors discussed their individual approaches to engaging with the source material. Kaitlyn Dever shared her experience playing the game with her father, while Young Mazino admitted to playing the second game up to a certain point.
How to Find More Free Events
- SXSW Official Schedule: Use the SXSW website to filter for free events.
- Eventbrite: Browse listings for unofficial SXSW events, many of which are free or low-cost.
Whether you’re a badge holder or not, SXSW 2025 offers something for everyone. From delicious food to live music and interactive experiences, there’s no shortage of fun to be had without spending a fortune. So, grab your friends and enjoy the best of Austin without a badge!
Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life
The film industry, like many others, is closely tied to the economy. When the stock market faces challenges, Hollywood and the broader cinema world feel the effects in several ways. Let’s explore how stock market issues are influencing movies and the people who make them.
1. Delays in Movie Releases
When there’s uncertainty in the stock market, studios often delay movie releases. Why? Because changes in release dates can make investors nervous. A study found that when studios announce delays, stock prices tend to drop, especially for big-budget films. This shows that investors worry more about rising costs than whether a movie will succeed at the box office.
2. Strikes and Production Shutdowns
Recent strikes by writers (WGA) and actors (SAG-AFTRA) have caused many movies and TV shows to stop production. These strikes happened because workers wanted better pay and job security. Without actors to promote their work, studios have delayed big releases, which could hurt their profits. For example, some Christmas movies might be pushed back if stars can’t attend premieres or interviews.
3. Advertising and Budget Cuts
Economic problems often lead to cuts in advertising budgets. Since movies rely heavily on ads to attract audiences, this can hurt ticket sales. Studios may also reduce spending on new projects, meaning fewer movies get made. Families feeling the pinch might also cut back on trips to theaters or cancel streaming subscriptions.
4. Licensing and Merchandise Challenges
Hollywood doesn’t just make money from tickets—it also earns a lot from licensing deals (like toys or clothes based on popular movies). However, rising costs for these products could mean fewer deals, reducing income for studios like Disney.
5. Opportunities During Tough Times
Interestingly, movie theaters often do well during economic downturns. When people can’t afford expensive vacations or concerts, they turn to movies as a cheaper form of entertainment. However, with ticket prices for premium formats like IMAX rising, theaters might need to offer discounts to keep audiences coming.
Looking Ahead
The film industry is facing a tough moment with strikes, stock market instability, and economic uncertainty all happening at once. While this creates challenges like delayed releases and reduced budgets, it also opens doors for smaller films and affordable entertainment options. As Hollywood navigates these issues, 2026 is being seen as a critical year for recovery.
In the meantime, both studios and audiences are waiting to see how these financial shifts will reshape the future of cinema.
Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2025
TADC Expands from Ghana HQ to Nigeria with Private Office Launch in Abuja as First Stop on 6-State Nigerian Business and Agriculture Tour
ABUJA, NIGERIA – The African Diaspora Collective (TADC) in partnership with the Cooperative Executive Management Team (CEMT) is proud to announce the official launch of the TADC Nigeria Office in Abuja, marking the first strategic expansion stop on its 6-State Nigerian Business and Agriculture Tour through the TADC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TADC-CCI). This historic milestone reaffirms the TADC vision to build the Global Black Supply Chain and deepen ties between Africa and its global diaspora.
The Official Private Office Opening & Signing Ceremony will take place:
Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Time: 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: Near the National Assembly, Abuja
(Exact venue will be provided upon RSVP)
This exclusive event symbolizes a renewed commitment to economic collaboration, regional integration, cultural pride, and sustainable development. Guests will witness ceremonial signings, strategic announcements, and the celebration of Black excellence and solidarity.
Special Guests and Dignitaries Include:
HRM Eze Chukwudi J. Ihenetu, Royal Igbo King and Ambassador to Ghana
CEO, King Alfred Diete Spiff Foundation
National President, Ijaw Nation Development Group / Ijaw Peoples Assembly
National President, Oil and Gas Host Communities Development Council
HRM King Denohbeh Grear, Chairman of Zen Nation in Sierra Leone and Liberia (interest in finance, mineral exploration, and oil & gas)
TADC Business Delegation Includes:
American Football for African Mission (AFFAM)
CEMT (Cooperative Executive Management Team)
Partner with Africa (PWA) interested in Real Estate and Tech for HUG Diaspora
TADC’s Nigeria Office launch marks a defining moment in the effort to empower African businesses, institutions, and communities across borders. From agriculture to oil & gas research, education to cultural diplomacy, we are creating intentional pathways for shared prosperity and diaspora-led development, aligned with the African Union Theme of the Year: “Reparations and Justice for All”, UNSDGs, AfCFTA and Agenda 2063.
Media Partners:
Dedicated to telling our own stories — the Black way, on purpose.
RSVP & Contact
To attend this private event, please RSVP by emailing tadcworldwide@gmail.com
More information available here.
With Purpose and Pride,
Ambassador Davisha L Johnson, BAPSc
Goodwill Ambassador to Georgia
Founder, TADC Chamber of Commerce and Industry
President, CEMT
Email: tadcworldwide@gmail.com | WhatsApp: +233 245748797 +234 9067526712
Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life
In the world of indie filmmaking, where every dollar counts, allocating funds for film festivals might feel like setting your budget ablaze. However, this investment is crucial for your filmmaking career, and should be considered mandatory rather than optional. While it’s tempting to view festival submissions as a financial burden, savvy filmmakers understand that these events are the lifeblood of the industry, offering unparalleled networking opportunities and potential career breakthroughs.
Consider this: the person sitting next to you at a festival screening might have worked on blockbusters like “Black Panther” or collaborated with renowned directors like Spike Lee. These connections, often flying under the radar, can be invaluable to your career trajectory. People travel from all over the world to attend film festivals, creating a melting pot of talent, ideas, and opportunities. This global gathering provides a unique chance to expand your network internationally and forge relationships that could shape your future projects.
While prestigious festivals like Sundance and Cannes make headlines, it’s crucial not to overlook emerging, genre-specific, or smaller festivals like Houston Comedy Film Festival. These often offer more intimate settings conducive to meaningful connections and can be more accessible for emerging filmmakers that have projects on major platforms such as Hulu or Paramount. Small festivals provide a platform to showcase your work to a dedicated audience, connect with other indie filmmakers, gain festival experience, and build your film’s credibility. They also offer better odds of winning awards, potentially receiving grant money, and gaining recognition in the community.
When crafting your budget, consider allocating 3-5% of your total budget for festival submissions. This investment covers more than just submission fees; it includes travel costs, marketing materials, and networking events. For instance, the Palm Springs International ShortFest offers one-on-one meetings with industry professionals, allowing filmmakers to discuss their careers and projects directly with decision-makers.
The potential return on this investment is significant. Festivals can lead to distribution deals, future collaborations, brand partnerships, valuable audience feedback, and industry recognition. As Beth Barrett, artistic director for the Seattle International Film Festival, emphasizes, budgeting for festivals “should not be an afterthought, but rather a part of the overall plan”.
In conclusion, whether big or small, film festivals are not just a line item—they’re your ticket to the heart of the industry. They offer a unique blend of opportunities for exposure, networking, and career advancement that are difficult to replicate elsewhere. So, the next time you’re crafting your budget, remember: burning money never looked so promising for your filmmaking career. Embrace the festival circuit as an essential part of your journey, and you might find that the connections and opportunities gained are worth far more than the initial investment.
Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life
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