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What happens when the Chinese Film Market Overtakes the United States?

By
Jeremy Evans
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Photo Courtesy of the Associated Press | Ng Han Guan

The population in China is 1.4 billion people.  The population in India is 1.4 billion people.  The population in the United States of America is nearly 329 million people.  With developing and growing economies in China and India, not to mention the communist versus democratic versus representative governments and economies in each country, it was arguably only a matter of time that the population in China would pass the United States in annual box office spending. 

According to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), for 2019 the U.S. box office is likely to reach $12.11 billion in comparison to $11.05 billion in China.  Those numbers are expected to grow in 2020, with the United States and China switching places as the leader in box office spending.  There are three possible consequences/reactions to the Chinese consumer potentially outspending the American consumer in 2020 and beyond. 

The New [Continued] Frontier

The truth is, Netflix and other streamers and studios have tried to break into the Chinese market for years.  It is a difficult dealmaking situation to navigate because of the communist government and its controls over the consumer, content, and distribution.  That control affects production and distribution both ways (as seen by Google/YouTube employees who did not appreciate the censorship controls parent company Alphabet, Inc. was allowing Chinese officials to require/implement) and for actually gaining traction with the Chinese consumer.  Chinese consumers cannot currently be reached without the Chinese government’s blessing.  India, by comparison, has been much more accommodating with their love for content through Bollywood.  The aforementioned does not mention another key component in this, specifically that existing entertainment companies in China like Tencent are favored by the Chinese government.   

Needless to say, as spending and profits grow in the East, entertainment companies in the West will continue their pursuit of reaching consumers in that part of the world.

Influence

Similarly, as profits grow in the East, entertainment companies in West will want to and possibly be influenced to create and distribute local and non-American based content.  There is proof that this is already happening with Netflix’s investment in India, Google’s/YouTube’s attempts at breaking into the Chinese market, and Comcast’s purchase of Sky in the United Kingdom.  Interestingly, and importantly, foreign-based content will likely also be available to American consumers to consume, particularly where streamers are concerned.    

Headquarters

American and Japanese companies in entertainment and beyond have for years utilized each other’s geography to invest and have local headquarters (Sony is the most obvious example).  American companies like studio Lionsgate, NBCUniversal, and others have international offices in London.  If all is fair in love and war, American entertainment companies would be wise to get boots on the ground in mainland China to begin developing relationships and implementing the strategy for dealmaking.  Chinese investment in entertainment has already occurred in the United States to some extent, which makes sense for an open and capitalist economy. It is expected. History has shown that content can have an effect on relationships between countries and consumers, so in addition to more content there could also be some broader dealmaking.    

We The North: Raptors Win Game 1

By
Stephen Patrick
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Photo courtesy of USA Today

Toronto rocked Thursday night at Scotiabank Arena as the Raptors posted a convincing, 118-109 win over the Golden State Warriors during the first match-up of the NBA Finals.

The game, an international affair swirling in an atmosphere the NBA dreams of, lived up to the hype. The biggest storyline of the night was Kevin Durant’s hope-dashing injury. While DeMarcus Cousins was cleared to play, KD has been the driving force behind the Warriors’ last two championship runs.

Without him, all eyes were on Seth Curry and Kawhi Leonard. And the superstars shined while the Raptors’ bench and role players gave them the punch they needed for victory.

Dissecting the tactics

For Golden State, it was the two-time defending champions’ second loss in an NBA Finals game since 2016. Pascal Siakam had 32 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

Kawhi Leonard added 23 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Marc Gasol chipped in with 20 points and seven boards and Fred VanVleet continued his strong playoff run with 15 points.

The Warriors’ Stephen Curry scored over 30 once again with 34 points. In doing so, he became the first player to reach 100 three-pointers executed in the finals. Klay Thompson had 21 points. With a triple-double, Draymond Green did what he could for the Warriors, but it was not enough.

“We’ve got to stay solid,” Siakam said when asked about going forward against the Warriors. It’s a great team we’re playing against,” “It’s gonna be tough. We’ve just got to be ourselves. They’re gonna make adjustments. We’ve got to be ready for that.”

The Raptors opened up the game striking from 3-Point Land going 5-14, while rust showed on the Warriors from the long lay-off and turning the ball over seven times. The Raptors didn’t look back as they took the lead at halftime 59-49.

The Warriors’ customary third-quarter burst was nowhere to be found as the Raptors clinched down tough, holding them off every time they attempted a spurt. The Warriors only outscored the Raptors by 3.  

But, as the game drew to a close, Siakam made big play after big play. As the Raptors celebrated, the Warriors held their breath as Andre Iguodala limped after hitting a floater with a little over two minutes left.

Durant has carried the Warriors throughout their championship run in the half-court when shots were hard to come by. Golden State went 5-0 in its first five postseason games without its all-star forward. Faced with long and active defenders, the Warriors couldn’t overcome the Raptors’ defense.

Bottom line? This game underscored how valuable Durant is and any conversations about the Warriors being better without him should be put to bed.

The net result: Our NBA Finals ranking

By
Stephen Patrick
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Photo courtesy of USA Today

It’s NBA Finals time and summer is upon us! This event could be a classic because with Kevin Durant injured, the Raptors look to have a true chance at winning their first title.

That being the case, SportsRadioAmerica.com examines the top five players this year.

1. Kawhi Leonard

The Claw has been the best player this postseason. KD is out for what seems like most of the season and Leonard plays defense on the opposite team’s best wing.

He’ll be matched up against Klay Thompson or Andre Iguodala and be more of a rover on the defensive end. Leonard scores so easily, it’ll be hard to stop him. He has strength, length and skill above all players not named Kevin Durant.

2. Steph Curry

Curry has been unstoppable since KD’s injury. He’s averaged 35.8 points, 6.6 assists and 7.6 rebounds. Per usual, his jumper is falling as he’s shooting 46.5 percent from the field.

Durant is expected to miss at least game one and it’ll be up to Curry to carry most of the load this finals. Even so, the Warriors are a great team with or without KD. Curry can catch fire at the blink of the eye.

3. Klay Thompson

Speaking of catching fire, Thompson shines when the lights are brightest. He hit a number of big shots to swing the momentum during the Warriors and Blazers series.

The Warriors are almost impossible to beat if Thompson is locked in. The key in this match-up is to predominantly pit Klay against Leonard. If he has to use his energy on the defensive end, it’ll impact his offense and give the Raptors hope.

4. Draymond Green

Mr. Do Everything, Green took his play to another level during the Western Conference. The old Draymond returned. He can attack the rim, play all five and defend all five positions. He can run the break, too.

Whatever you need, Green gets it done on the basketball court. The three-time All-Star unleashed on the Blazers. He’s always been able to create good shots for his teammates, who have been suppressed by KD.

5. Kyle Lowery

Finally, there’s the savvy veteran point guard who’s has had an up-and-down career in Toronto. Lowry finally broke through with the playoff run of an All-Star in the Eastern Conference finals, averaging 19.1 points per game while shooting 50.7 percent.

In fact, Lowry might be the most important player for the Raptors. His size and defensive prowess and ability to be physical with Steph Curry on defense will be Key. While he isn’t the best offensive scorer, he’ll make Curry work on the other end of the floor.

Lowery actually might be the key player in the entire series. If Lowery has a great finals, it might just be enough to put the Raptors over the top with KD.

Howard’s In: Michigan’s new head man

By
Stephen Patrick
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Photo courtesy of USA Today

Now that Juwan Howard has been named new head basketball coach of the University of Michigan Wolverines, will this signal the rebirth of the Fab Five?

In one, full-circle swoop, Howard accepted a five-year deal starting at $2 million. He also interviewed with the Cavaliers, Lakers and Timberwolves. Howard takes over from John Beilein, who’ll be the new head coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Michigan has been a top basketball program under Beilein.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to lead the University of Michigan’s storied basketball program,” Howard said. “I have been very fortunate to be part of a great championship organization in the Miami Heat for the last nine years — three as a player and six as a coach. It was always going to take something incredibly special to for me to leave Miami; however, I know in my heart this is the right place and the right time.”

A date with destiny

Howard was a member of one of the most famous recruiting classes which included Jalen Rose, Chris Webber, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson. Howard, who went on to be an All-American, helped lead the Wolverines to back-to-back NCAA National Championships in the early 90’s.

Four McDonald’s All-Americans in one recruiting class was unheard of at that time. The record stood until 2013, when six McDonald’s All-Americans were part of the 2013–14 Kentucky Wildcats’ team.

The Fab Five legacy has diminished to off-court benefits, but as the nation has become more understanding of player needs, the Wolverine faithful hope Final Four Banners return to their rafters.

Under Erik Spoelstra and Pat Riley’s leadership since 2013, Howard has been an assistant coach with the Miami Heat. He was the fifth pick by the Washington Bullets.

Howard was in the league 19-years, playing for the Dallas Mavericks, Washington Bullets, Denver Nuggets, Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, Charlotte Bobcats and Portland Trail Blazers before joining the Heat in 2010.

The Wolverines hope Howard can bring that Fab Five flavor back to UM. Beilein certainly established Michigan as a top program, but now Howard has been brought on to win the championships that escaped him as a college player.

His time as a top player at the school and a successful run in the NBA should bring top recruits to the land of the Maize and Blue.

Diamonds and Walls: Building the Perfect Ballpark

By
Jeremy Evans
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The Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles play in the fourth inning of a baseball game, Monday, May 11, 2015, in Baltimore. It's been 25 years since the Baltimore Orioles began playing in Camden Yards, the start of a nationwide trend of major league teams moving into new ballparks. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Downtown Baltimore, Maryland. Photo Courtesy of the Associated Press (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Influenced by visiting twenty-two of the current thirty Major League Baseball (MLB) ballparks, including some no longer in existence (old Yankee Stadium, Shea Stadium, RFK, and the Metrodome), there are certain things that attract regarding baseball diamonds and walls.  With news of the Angels being courted by the City of Long Beach and Paul Goldberger’s comments about his book “Ballpark: Baseball in the American City” that baseball like America has always been a battle between urban and rural, this article discusses what makes ballparks great. 

Indeed, the greatest American ballparks, current and gone, have some very similar characteristics.  When arriving to Fenway Park, you can walk through the neighborhood or take the “T” subway to watch the Boston Red Sox play a home game.  Similarly, you can walk the neighborhood, enjoy the restaurants, bars, and pubs, after hoping off the subway, before arriving to Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.  Camden Yards, Oracle Park, Petco Park, PNC Park, and many more have easy access (in varying degrees) and great neighborhoods to enjoy before taking in America’s pastime.

Similar to the book “If I were President” by Peggy Gavan, “If I were Owner” of a baseball team, the following would be things the perfect ballpark would include.    

1. City-Centered and Focused

Ballparks that incorporate the city, existing buildings, and either add to or begin a revitalized neighborhood would be the start.  The ballpark should be a place where rich and poor can afford to attend a game.  It should also be a place where events and activities can be held beyond the game so that the ballpark becomes a community space.  Beautiful facades once draped Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, where Citi Field in Queens now takes a resemblance of that ballpark of old. Facades are a key component to any beautiful ballpark.

2. Public Transportation

Traffic is inevitable, ballclubs can make their fans treks to the ballpark easier by master planning and working with local and state governments on providing adequate public transportation.  The key to alleviating traffic is by providing multiple, but similarly equal options in ways to travel.  Equal travel options alleviates congestion. 

Ballparks are an experience and that includes ingress and egress.  Arriving by subway, and proceeding above ground to see the beautiful expanse of a ballpark, a painting of grass, dirt, and cheering inside of a city amongst concrete is like no other.  Imagine all that, with the addition of experiencing the neighborhood specific to that ballpark, its history, and fans. 

3. Local Flair

For years ballparks have had four food staples, hot dogs, Peanuts, Cracker Jack, and beer.  Fine and dandy, and that speaks to America’s pastime and history.  However, it speaks nothing to the local cuisine.  Petco Park did something amazing some years ago after opening its confines and that was to bring into nothing but local vendors in terms of food and beverage.  Petco Park is now not only a venue to watch a ballgame, but to eat and drink some local flair.  Camden Yards has its crab cakes and Hoagies, the Phillies and their cheesesteaks, the Padres and Phil’s BBQ, and much, much more.  The local flavor adds to the experience and distinctiveness between ballparks. 

4. Gardens and Parks

A cherished relic, unfortunately, of the past.  Forbes Field in Pittsburgh probably did it best, but Dodger Stadium has beautiful gardens around the entire stadium prior to entering its gates along with a secret Japanese garden.  A park or gardens adds to the welcome site of a city-center especially alongside a beautiful ballpark, a stark contrast to the concrete jungle surrounding it.    

Team success also never hurt the welcomeness, attractiveness, or forgetfulness of a good or bad ballpark.

Ballbreaker: Is it Dame time?

By
Stephen Patrick
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Photo courtesy of USA Today

Magic Johnson should show the NBA a magic trick and make LaVar Ball disappear. That’s because many fans thought LaVar’s bluster would go away once Lonzo Ball was drafted, but it’s only gotten worse.

Johnson is the face of the Lakers and the assumption is, even Ball knows not to push him too far. We saw last season how well that worked. LaVar apparently thinks he’s the face of the team.

The King and the court jester

At this point, LaVar Ball will throw anybody without the last name “Ball” under the bus. As a young team last season, the last thing Luke Walton needed was his rookie PG farther talking about his coaching ability. 

Maybe LaVar thinks he should coach the Lakers. Kyle Kuzma got the brunt of the blame for a back-and-forth rap battle in which Lonzo was a full, willing participant. The NBA is were professional basketball players perform, but last season was a circus.

The King is now in LA and that makes the exposure of LaVar even more maddening. Therefore, to think LaVar Ball will simply be seen and not heard because James is in town is delusional. Remember, this is a father who thinks he can get all his sons on the Lakers.

Consequently, any hopes LeBron James’ arrival would simmer down LaVar’s hot takes were destroyed in a few days. LaVar has already made the media rounds proclaiming Lonzo the King and better than newly-acquired PG Rajon Rondo whom he described as   “little back-up.” This same Rondo won a title with the Celtics.

So, with all the nonsense LaVar Ball has caused, is it time for a change? Is it Dame Lillard time? The Lakers are James’ team now, but LeBron most certainly needs a co-star with the landscape of the NBA. 

According to some speculators, one Western Conference All-Star point guard could be a target for the Lakers via a trade. It makes sense. The Portland Trail Blazers have been a playoff team for five straight years with three first -round exits. In the Pacific Northwest, it’s been tough to recruit marquee free agents to come, no matter how much Lillard’s respected around the league.

Four on the floor

A package of Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, Brandon Ingram and a pick might get the job done. Lillard could be what Kyrie was in Cleveland, taking some pressure off LeBron.

With Rondo signed, it’s possible Dame could play the off guard. It makes even more sense because Kawhi Leonard, who’s the Laker’s preferred trade choice, will be a free agent next year. A combo of James, Lillard and Leonard would be a contender to the Warriors’ throne.

Now that LeBron’s in the latter part of his career, there‘s no time to wait on the young roster to grow. The time to win is now. Lillard has shown he has the makeup of a champion and clutch shot-making ability. He just needs to be paired with a team that can help him get over the playoff hump. For the Lakers, there may be no time like Dame time.

Gridiron Grace: Michael Vick’s football camp gets second chance

By
Stephen Patrick
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Image courtesy of S.K. Patrick

Former Pro Bowl quarterback Michael Vick and Pro Bowl wide receiver Chad Johnson were set to host a football camp in Louisville, Ky.

However, due to the controversy from his dog fighting ring in 2007, administrators at Jeffersontown High School rejected the camp one month ago. The camp was also punted by Paul Laurence Dunbar High School.

But, St. Stephens Church stepped up to the plate and opened their football field to the camp. According to church organizers, it was important for the church to allow Vick to have a positive impact on the youth of Louisville and show second chances can go a long way in life.

Hope and Change

Football camps have traditionally had a huge impact in the black community for youth. When these young players see others from similar backgrounds achieve success, it gives hope.

Vick and Johnson participated in drills with the kids. Johnson was more active in the drills, going head-to-head playing defense against the wide receivers. Vick devoted the bulk of his time giving pointers to the young QB’s.

“It’s important for the black athletes who have done well in the NFL or NCAA to come back home,” stated Langston Gaither, Community Outreach Coordinator for St. Stephens Church. “Even if they don’t live here anymore, they bring their own teams. They can tell you I grew up on this street or I played for this team.”

The camp, held from 12 noon to 6 p.m., originally had a registration fee of $110 dollars. But, it was waived and the event was sponsored by the company Created Players, LLC. Thirty-five coaches helped lead the camp. Approximately 600 kids attended the camp to be inspired and become better athletes.

Economies of Scope in Entertainment, Media, and Sports

By
Jeremy Evans
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https://www.ap.org/en-us/formats/data
Photo Courtesy of the Associated Press

First, a quick economics lesson.  Economies of scope refers to when businesses implement a strategy of diversification of services, assets, or products offered through entry and growth into a new area or by mergers and acquisitions, either vertical or horizontal integration.  Vertical integration is where one business combines or reduces the processes and people to complete the production and/or sale of a service or product.  Horizontal integration is where one business purchases another business that competes in the same industry, which may lead to a monopoly and antitrust issues with the United States Justice Department.  Economies of scale refers to volume in terms of expanding operations and production of one existing service or product generally already under control of the business.   

In applying the economic principles discussed above to the entertainment, media, and sports industry today, there has been a combination of the industry talent and content production and distribution.  Meaning, a sports star today is just as likely to become a Hollywood Star in film, television, or news broadcasting as the athlete is to make into the hall of fame.  Also meaning that streaming and digitalization has allowed more people, ideas, services, and products to expand into new areas of content development and production. 

In sports, there are four areas where sports leagues and teams are capitalizing on additional revenue through economies of scope by international team and league development, esports, and sports gambling/betting typically though the vertical integration model.  In media and entertainment, however, economies of scope has been acquired through horizontal integration mergers, acquisitions, while new business entrants start streaming platforms to develop, license, and distribute content for consumption.  In breaking that down, look at each area individually. 

1. International Team and League Development

The list of owners in the five major professional American sports (MLB, MLS, NBA, NFL, and NHL) who also own international professional sports franchises is growing.  The list of teams who play games overseas is also growing.  While Major League Baseball has opened their seasons and played midseason games in Japan, Australia, Puerto Rico, and Mexico, with plans for London, the National Football League has played in London, Mexico, and had a previous flirtation with NFL Europe.  International play and growth is a priority of major professional sports leagues and teams in America, while the MLS is already a part of the international scene. 

2. Esports

A growing spectator and participant sport where many of the professional American sports franchises and leagues have created their own esports teams to grow revenue and tap into a new and growing audience and list of sponsors.  Esports venues will be the next wave of real estate development.   

3. Sports Betting/Gambling

Since the United States Supreme Court opened the door, professional sports franchises and leagues have jumped at the opportunity to include betting as a part of their sponsorship partners and offerings depending on the state where the franchise is located and whether the state has implemented a regulatory scheme.  Even where a regulatory scheme has not been passed through legislation and enforcement, teams have prepared for the opportunity. 

4. Mergers, Acquisitions, and Streaming of Content

With Apple, Amazon, and others entering the content space by expanding their offerings, while Disney/FOX and AT&T TimeWarner have merged or acquired much of a company’s assets, there is a golden age of content, but it does come at a cost in terms of choice.  Where the future is concerned, there is likely to be more cross-partnerships through licensing deals between entertainment and sports properties, e.g., live sports content on entertainment streaming platforms.  It is also likely that these streaming platforms will have gambling and betting opportunities for traditional and esports properties.       

Beilein: Cleveland’s new man in town

By
Stephen Patrick
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0
Photo courtesy of USA Today

The winningest coach in Michigan basketball history is making the move to the NBA.  Last year, John Beilein expressed interest in coaching the Detroit Pistons. But this year, he accepted the Cleveland Cavaliers’ offer.

Beilein agreed to a five-year deal with the team. His departure ends the run of basketball excellence outside the Fab Five in Michigan basketball. Beilein went 278-150 in 12-years at the helm of the Wolverines. His tenure included two trips to the national title game, two Big Ten titles and two Big Ten tournament titles.

His coaching style meshes well with the NBA. Beilein’s offense relies heavily on player movement without the ball around the perimeter. The option is still there for players to drive to the basket, but his signature strategy is the drive and kick to the corners for 3. Very Golden State Warriors.

Plus, the Cavs still have some sharpshooters from their Finals team of last year. Collin Sexton improved over his rookie year from the land of 3, setting the Cavalier’s all-time rookie record.

Cedi Osman has shown promise as a sharpshooter, and Kevin Love is as good a stretch four as any when he’s healthy. Although there’ve been rumors the Cavs might look to trade him.

Additionally, there’ll be a couple of first-round picks coming to the franchise next month. Consequently, the Cavs should be a team to be reckoned with. So much so they could fight for the 8 spot next year as approximately 40 wins makes the playoffs in the east.

The Social Media Paradigm & Difficulty

By
Jeremy Evans
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0
Image courtesy of the Associated Press / Richard Drew

“When an irresistible force such as you

Meets an old immovable object like me

You can bet just as sure as you live

Something’s gotta give”

Johnny Mercer, 1954

A song always tells a story.  In this article, the story is about the problem presented by social media when it on the one hand is the greatest communication distribution platform ever created outside of the printing press.  On the other hand, it is a free communication platform where everyone is free to share information, along with their privacy.  Within the aforementioned context, the quintessential question of our time will be and is surrounding the power of tech, entertainment, and media companies, social or otherwise.

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution and privacy law in this country are both, admittedly, at war with social media and each other.  Social media wants more information to help drive engagement with their platforms, but also to collect information to help sell more things.  Social also wants to limit what information gets shared for fake news and intellectual property reasons, namely, copyright infringement. 

To date, social media has not been deemed at public forum by the U.S. Supreme Court where free speech can only be restricted with strict scrutiny being applied and generally only allows for time, place, and manner restrictions.  Social media giants like Twitter and Facebook, and content streamers like YouTube, deleting accounts and content that it deems inappropriate, which can be and is brushed broadly and specifically, is up to this point an allowable act.  It should no less, however, be cause for trepidation. 

There is also an issue of social media platforms becoming dangerous places in terms of physical safety because of terrorist networks utilizing it to post videos and connect with potential marks.  What should be the response?  Two not mutually-exclusive options come to mind.

1. Regulation or Lawsuit: U.S. Government challenges Social Media through Court and Congress

In this scenario, social media will be forced to act as a public platform.  Meaning, it can continue to make money, but the platforms will not be able to remove accounts or content without satisfying the strict scrutiny threshold when implementing restrictions.  The above could be completed through legislation or a lawsuit. 

2. Self-Regulation: Social Media Goes the Subscription Route

This is where social media takes the privacy and first amendment problem into its own hands and solves it by forcing users to subscribe to the platform for a fee and by agreeing to assent to specific terms and conditions.  Accessing content would become more like a private posting dashboard versus a place where everyone can post and say what they wish.  Think of this as the social media of Netflix.  Moreover, maybe there is a paywall for one “premium” platform that can be controlled with a free one that is less controlled based on Constitutional issues.  Interestingly enough, there are also some additional opportunities for entertainment and sports talent and influencers to monetize their content by implementing the subscriber model.

In this story, the irresistible force is social media in all its distribution glory.  The immovable object is the people protected by the First Amendment and wanting to keep certain information private. 

“You can bet just as sure as you live . . . Something’s gotta give.”

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