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Spyglass Entertainment will take over Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. after MGM finishes restructuring its $4-billion debt with creditors. The reorganized film studio would be valued at about $1.9 billion.

The article discusses efforts by theater chains in the U.S. to boost attendance by offering amenities including dinner, reserved seating, and more luxurious surroundings. By one estimate as many as 400 U.S. theaters offer dining. Details are presented about the layout, pricing, and logistical demands of such facilities.

The article discusses the debut weekend for the motion picture "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1" from film studio Warner Bros. U.S. revenues came to $125.1 million, making it the highest-grossing opening weekend for any of the seven "Harry Potter" films. Warner executive Dan Fellman attributed the film's success to its popularity among those between the ages of 18 and 34.

The article discusses the growing importance to U.S. motion-picture studios of foreign markets. By one estimate foreign ticket sales account for about two-thirds of the global box office. When making movies, studios are increasingly mindful of the need to include actors and themes that will appeal to foreign audiences.

The article discusses an abundance of three-dimensional motion pictures scheduled to play in U.S. theaters during 2010. "Alice in Wonderland" and "Toy Story 3" are among the films that will compete for space on screens equipped for showing three-dimensional films. Patrick Corcoran of the National Association of Theatre Owners notes that demand for such screens exceeds supply.

The article discusses funding for the motion-picture "Precious." Amateur film investors Sarah Siegel-Magnes and Gary Magnes provided about $12 million for the film. Premila Hoon of Entertainment Capital Advisors notes that private investors are likely to become increasingly more important in the movie industry.

The article discusses Hollywood movies to be released during the summer of 2009. Several pictures including "Terminator Salvation" and "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" depict events prior to those featured in earlier installments of their respective series. Brief descriptions of ten upcoming films are presented.

The article discusses motion pictures scheduled to be released during the 2008 holiday season. In an effort to maximize revenues amid a weakening U.S. economy, movie studios have been reconfiguring release dates to avoid competing with one another. "The Soloist" from Paramount Pictures and "The Road" from the Weinstein Co. have had their debuts pushed back into 2009.

The article discusses director Olivers Stone's movie entitled "W." A biography of U.S. president George W. Bush, the film found no major U.S. studios willing to back it financially. Stone instead had to turn to international investors including Victor and Samuel Hadida of France, and Hong Kong venture capitalist Johnny Hon.

The article discusses fans' angry reaction to the decision by Alan Horn of Warner Bros. to delay release of the forthcoming "Harry Potter" movie by 8 months. Harry Potter fans have posted outraged videos on the Internet, and an online petition aimed at angry moviegoers has attracted over 45,000 signatories.

The article discusses a glut of movie production in Hollywood. In 2007 over 600 feature films were released in the U.S., compared to 466 in 2002. Abundant financing has resulted in intense competition among studios to have their films shown in theaters. The movie "My Mom's New Boyfriend" starring Antonio Banderas and Meg Ryan was released on DVD without ever having appeared in U.S. theaters.

The article reports that U.S. firm Dreamworks SKG and Reliance ADA Group of India are nearing terms on creating a joint motion picture venture. The arrangement would provide Dreamworks with the means to continue producing films after it severs relations with Paramount Pictures. Dreamworks co-founder Steven Spielberg is thought to favor Universal Pictures as the distributor for the new venture's movies.

The article discusses the possibility of a labor strike in the Hollywood motion picture industry. A contract between movie studios and the Screen Actors Guild expired on June 30, 2008. Negotiations for a new contract have not gone smoothly. Key points of contention include actors' compensation for presentations of their work on digital video discs and the Internet.

The article reports that movie production studios are increasingly entering into co-ownership arrangements for the films they produce. Shared ownership reduces a studio's risk, but also cuts into the profit it earns from successful movies. For example, Paramount Pictures and Lucasfilm Ltd. together own the film "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull."

The article examines prospects for the motion picture industry for the summer of 2008. A series of films featuring comic book heroes, including "Iron Man" and "The Incredible Hulk" are expected to be box office successes, as is the sequel "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." Motion picture receipts have been weak in the winter of 2008.

The article focuses on a slow start in sales which was seen at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. A discussion of an increase in sales which was initiated by the near record $10 million purchase of the film "Hamlet 2" by Focus Features is presented. The deal which was responsible for the sale of the film and which was brokered by the Creative Artists Agency is presented.

The author reports on the various films which are being shown at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. According to the article, several different themes are featured in the films including dysfunctional families, classic rock music and high school melodramas. Several of the films which are being shown at the film festival are mentioned, including "Choke," Phoebe in Wonderland" and "The Wackness."

The article discusses Paramount Pictures. The firm's "Star Trek" movie exceeded expectations by earning over $76 million on box-office revenues during its debut week. Paramount chief executive Brad Grey praised director J.J. Abrams for his work on the film. Since Grey joined Paramount in 2005 the studio has purchased DreamWorks SKG and reduced overhead costs by more than $60 million.

The article reports that independent film makers in the U.S. are having an increasingly difficult time selling overseas distribution rights. In years past revenues from such rights have provided a significant portion of a film's production costs. However, rising copyright piracy and the growth of film industries abroad have reduced demand for rights to U.S. films.

The article reports that Paula Wagner, chief executive of United Artists Entertainment LLC, is negotiating her departure from the firm. In a statement Wagner indicated a desire to return to movie producing. Her departure would allow corporate parent Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. to exert greater control over United Artists films.

The article discusses the bidding process for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). Time Warner Inc., Lions Gate Entertainment, and News Corp. are among firms believed to have an interest in MGM. Although MGM owes its creditors $3.7 billions, bids received thus far are reportedly in the neighborhood of $2 billion. MGM could seek bankruptcy protection.