Hollywood on Fire: LA Blazes Fuel Industry’s Flight

Plus: Is Instagram Making Efforts to Attract TikTok Creators?

Author

Ryan Pearson
January 21st, 2025 • Read: 3 minutes

Happy Tuesday! The sun is peeking through after days of rain, and it feels like a good time to catch up on the buzz from across the globe. Whether you're sipping coffee, winding down after work, or just looking for a quick hit of what’s happening, today’s newsletter has you covered.

From the fires threatening LA's cultural heart to Instagram's bold bid to lure TikTok creators, there’s no shortage of stories to unpack. We’ll dive into the shifts in streaming, explore why Gen Z is rediscovering malls, and check in on the surprising tarnish on Paris Olympic medals. Plus, a closer look at how Apple’s “Severance” became a $200M phenomenon, what TikTok bans mean for security, and the evolving workplace debates led by C.E.O.s and former President Trump.

There’s so much to dive into today—grab your favorite drink, and let’s get into these stories together! 🌟

- Ryan

1. 🔥 LA fires threaten to push Hollywood further away

Wildfires in Los Angeles are worsening, raising concerns for the film industry's operations in the area. As natural disasters grow more frequent, Hollywood may need to reevaluate its ties to Southern California, impacting jobs and production hubs.

2. ⚽️ How the future of sports streaming died

Venu Sports, a service meant to centralize sports streaming, collapsed before launch due to concerns over cost, competition, and feasibility. ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros.-Discovery invested in it, but Fubo challenged its viability, signaling uncertainties for the future of sports streaming.

3. 🎬 IMDb founder steps down as CEO after 35 years

IMDb founder Col Needham is stepping down as CEO after 35 years, marking a new chapter for the iconic film database. The move signals a shift in leadership as the company adapts to changing industry demands and user expectations.

4.  ‘Severance’: Apple TV+ series has made more than $200M for a streamer

Apple TV+ series Severance has generated over $200 million in revenue, according to reports. The show's success highlights the growing impact of high-budget, original content on the streaming platform's bottom line.

5. 📱 Instagram is reportedly trying to attract TikTok creators with large bonuses

Instagram is offering substantial bonuses to TikTok creators in an effort to entice them to join its platform. This move aims to bolster Instagram’s presence in the short-form video space as competition with TikTok heats up.

6. 🤔 Does banning TikTok solve the national security issue?

The U.S. government is considering a nationwide TikTok ban, citing concerns about data privacy and potential Chinese government influence. With over 150 million American users, this debate underscores the tension between national security and free expression in the digital age.

7. 🤖 About a quarter of U.S. teens have used ChatGPT for schoolwork – double the share in 2023

About 25% of U.S. teens have used ChatGPT for schoolwork, double the share reported in 2023. This highlights growing reliance on AI tools in education and raises questions about their impact on learning and academic integrity.

8. 🏢 C.E.O.s, and President Trump, want workers back in the office

C.E.O.s and President Trump push for workers to return to the office, emphasizing the benefits of in-person collaboration and productivity. This shift impacts workplace norms as companies balance employee flexibility with operational priorities.

9. 🕶️ Gen Z is turning into big-time Mallrats

Gen Z is flocking back to malls, driven by nostalgia, social experiences, and TikTok trends. Retailers and mall operators are benefiting from this renewed interest, offering opportunities to revive struggling shopping centers.

10. 🥇 Paris Olympics medals are tarnishing, putting LVMH in the spotlight

The gold, silver, and bronze medals awarded at the Paris 2024 Olympics are reportedly tarnishing, sparking criticism of LVMH, which oversaw their production. This raises concerns about quality control and reputational risks for the luxury giant associated with the prestigious event.

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