Cosmo DeNicola Companies News


Monday, December 13, 2021

Steinberg Sports & Entertainment Superbowl Party

Los Angeles, CA - Leigh Steinberg, Super-Agent and one of the most influential figures in professional sports, has brought together leaders in athletics, business, politics, tech, entertainment, & the non-profit world for his annual Super Bowl celebration this year (the 25th anniversary of the film “Jerry Maguire”) the Super Bowl is being held right in Leigh’s backyard & with over 2000 guests expected, the gathering is sure to be one for the ages!

Join us on the Sony Pictures Entertainment Studio Lot for a look behind the scenes at where some of the world’s greatest stories have been told. We will be honoring the stories of past, and with support for the non-profit organization the Lantern Network we are helping to write the stories of the future. Keeping to tradition, the event network will also shine a light on brain health and wellness as Cosmo DeNicola and Leigh honor heroes in the sports community at the Steinberg DeNicola Humanitarian Awards.

As one of the only premier events on Saturday afternoon of Super Bowl weekend, this celebration offers an exclusive opportunity for networking and the ability to make genuine connections with a very special guest list.

Monday, December 13, 2021

FBA Fall Board Meeting

Palm Beach, FL - November 10, 2021 – Amtech and Automation Presidents attended the FBA Fall Board of Directors Meeting. The event was held from November 8 -10 2021. It provided Board Members and C Level Executives from the Packaging Industry to share recent experiences and best practices.

The meeting was respectful of COVID considerations and enabled the guests to interact in meetings, seminars and social activities.

“I was so excited to have the opportunity to introduce myself and Automation products live to the group” stated first time participant Eric Nolan, Automation President.

Plans were made to schedule the FBA’s Annual Meeting April 10 – 12, 2022 at the Montage in Laguna Beach, CA.

Monday, December 13, 2021

Amtech’s PEO Insperity Offers Merit Scholarship Program

Fort Washington, PA - Announcing the 2023 Insperity Services, L.P. Scholarship Program for high school juniors who will be completing or leaving high school and entering college in the fall of 2023.

This scholarship program was established by Insperity Services, L.P. for the children of employees of Insperity Services, L.P. and designated subsidiaries. To enter your child into the 2023 Insperity Services, L.P. Scholarship Program (for students who will complete high school and enter college in 2023) use the link below.

We wish your child the best as he / she participates in the 2023 Insperity Services, L.P. Scholarship Program.

Monday, December 13, 2021

Amtech Supports FBA Programs

Fort Washington, PA - September 8, 2021 - Amtech is firmly committed to the long-term success of the corrugated packaging industry and recognizes the important role the FBA plays in promoting the industry.

To support FBA’s efforts, Amtech made a 3-year pledge to support the Corrugated Industry Promotion Program, the purpose of which is to inform corrugated customers, retailers, packaging designers/specifiers, industry employees and future new hires about the benefits of corrugated packaging and to correct misinformation about our industry.

In exchange for commitment:

  1. Amtech will be invited to participate in the yearly design and roll-out of the Corrugated Industry Promotion Program, including selection of the program’s overall theme, specific areas of focus and key messages as well as identifying options for how best to deliver those messages.

 

  1. Amtech will Attend the Corrugated Industry Promotion Program update meeting the day before each Fall FBA Board of Directors Meeting.

 

  1. Amtech will Participate in the FBA spring Annual Meeting to interact with the FBA Board and FBA members.

At the annual meetings, Amtech representative will attend all general sessions and social events and will have the opportunity to promote Amtech at a special Partner Reception event. Amtech representatives will also provide input to the corrugated Industry Promotion Program during a special session held during the annual meeting and will receive recognition from FBA for your valued support of the Promotion Program.

“I am so proud to extend our commitment to support the Packaging Industry and FBA’s programs another three years”, stated Amtech CEO Cosmo DeNicola.

Monday, December 13, 2021

Amtech User Conference 2022

SAVE THE DATE: Amtech User Conference 2022

October 23, 2022 – October 27, 2022

Amtech Software is pleased to announce it’s 2022 User Conference! Our customers will be able to take advantage of over 80 training sessions, functional educational tracks, and post-conference virtual one-on-one training sessions.

 

Taking place in person at the beautiful Wyndham Bonnett Creek Resort in Orlando, FL, we are planning exciting networking events including an evening at Epcot Center with exclusive fireworks viewing.

 

Registration will be opening soon and training spots will be limited.   Visit www.amtechsoftware.com for more information or contact trowland@amtechsoftware.com to learn more.

 

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Reports Record Q3 2021 Results

Growth driven by increased distribution, expanded offerings of original, exclusive, and overall library of content and new user platforms 

 

Affirms 2021 revenue outlook

 

Board sets $10 million common stock repurchase authorization

 

COS COB, CT – Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSSE) (the “Company”), one of the largest operators of streaming advertising-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) networks, today announced its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021.

 

“We delivered a strong quarter that increases our confidence that we can meet our 2021 goals, with record all-time revenue and the second-best Adjusted EBITDA performance in our history,” said William J. Rouhana Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment. “We are seeing momentum in our AVOD networks, highlighted by viewership growth at Crackle in Q3 and strong growth at Popcornflix since our September relaunch. This growth reflects our focus on expanding distribution of our networks and our lineup of original and exclusive content, including additional titles from the recently acquired Sonar assets, as well as our new technology platforms. With the initial launch of our highly anticipated Chicken Soup for the Soul streaming service, as well overall ad impression growth at Crackle Plus, consolidation of our television production activities, Screen Media’s growing lineup of acquired films, and our recent international partnership and acquisition activity, we are poised to accelerate execution of our strategy into 2022.” 

 

Third Quarter 2021 Financial Summary

 

  • Net revenue of $29.1 million, compared to $22.1 million in the second quarter of 2021, and $19.4 million in the year-ago period. The 50% year-over-year growth was driven by an increase in ad sales and licensing. Gross revenue for the third quarter was $29.6 million.
  • Net loss of $16.7 million compared to a net loss of $11.1 million in the second quarter of 2021, and a net loss of $13.0 million in the year-ago period; $14.5 million net loss before preferred dividends, compared to an $8.8 million net loss in the second quarter 2021 and a $12.0 million net loss in the year-ago period.
  • Adjusted EBITDA of $4.9 million compared to $3.2 million in the second quarter 2021, and $4.2 million in the year-ago period. Adjusted EBITDA growth was partially offset by investments in the Company’s recently launched technology platforms, marketing and employee compensation.

 

Recent Business Highlights 

 

  • Launched new free ad-supported streaming service, Chicken Soup for the Soul, which will use the beloved and internationally recognizable megabrand to bring its original mission of “Changing Your World One Story at a Time” to platforms around the world.
  • Announced the formation of the Chicken Soup for the Soul Television Group led by industry leader David Ellender, which consolidates TV production activities and will help capitalize on the global appeal of the brand.
  • Made significant progress on international growth strategy with the acquisition of a majority stake in Locomotive Global Inc., a production company based in India, and the signing of an international VOD agreement with Keshet Broadcasting, the largest broadcaster in Israel.
  • Increased Popcornflix’s viewership by 50% following the re-launch of its AVOD technology platform with a new user experience.
  • Grew original and exclusive content to a record 22% of total ad impressions, including the recently integrated Sonar content.
  • Sold out of ad inventory for the fourth quarter in a row and continued to drive advertising innovation by integrating ads with high-quality advertising partners.

 

Common Stock Repurchase Authorization

 

The Company’s Board of Directors today approved a two-year authorization for the repurchase of up to $10 million in Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. common stock. The Company anticipates that any potential repurchase activity would be conducted opportunistically, in open-market transactions.

 

Third Quarter Financial Highlights

 

Gross profit for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, was $6.2 million, or 21% of net revenue, compared to $6.7 million in the second quarter of 2021, or 30% of net revenue, and compared to $4.5 million, or 23% of net revenue for the year-ago period. 

 

Operating loss for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, was $13.2 million compared to an operating loss of $7.8 million in the second quarter 2021, and $11.3 million in the year-ago period.

 

Net loss was $16.7 million, or $1.04 per share, compared to a net loss of $11.1 million, or $0.79 per share, in the second quarter 2021, and a net loss of $13.0 million, or $1.04 per share in the prior-year period. 

 

Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, was $4.9 million, compared to $3.2 million in the second quarter 2021, and $4.2 million in the same period last year. 

 

As of September 30, 2021, the company had $66.9 million of cash and cash equivalents compared to $14.7 million as of December 31, 2020, and outstanding debt net of deferred financing costs of $55.2 million as of September 30, 2021, compared to $39.8 million as of December 31, 2020. The company completed a common stock offering in July 2021 that raised gross proceeds of $75.0 million. 

 

For a discussion of the financial measures presented herein which are not calculated or presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), see "Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below and the schedules to this press release for additional information and reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures.

 

The company presents non-GAAP measures such as Adjusted EBITDA to assist in an analysis of its business. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered an alternative to GAAP measures as an indicator of the company's operating performance.

 

 

Friday, November 5, 2021

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Adds Michael Jay Solomon as Senior Advisor

COS COB, CT – Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Inc. (“the Company”) (Nasdaq: CSSE), one of the largest operators of streaming advertising-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) networks, announced today that Michael Jay Solomon, a seasoned television industry veteran, has become a Senior Advisor to the Company. 

 

Mr. Solomon will assist Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment in various business functions, including program library and company acquisitions, co-production financing, as well as sales and other activities, with a focus on assisting the Company with respect to its global AVOD rollout. 

 

Mr. Solomon has been the largest distributor of American television content in the world for the last 40 years, and he has pioneered the international marketplace for the American television industry in addition to running major media companies. After eight years with United Artists and 14 years with MCA, he founded Telepictures Corporation in 1978, which went public 14 months later in January of 1980.  Seven years later, Telepictures merged with Lorimar to form Lorimar Telepictures Corp., which was ultimately acquired by Warner Bros.  Mr. Solomon became Lorimar’s President and served on the company’s Board of Directors.  Mr. Solomon then became President of Warner Bros. International Television, heading up the company’s sales and marketing functions with a focus on television, cable and satellite companies internationally.  

 

“It’s rare to find someone with the experience, relationships and knowledge of the global television business that Michael has,” said William J. Rouhana Jr, CEO of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment. “We are privileged to have his input and expertise as an invaluable resource in helping us further build our business.”

 

“I couldn’t be more pleased to be Senior Advisor to Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment and to work with Bill Rouhana and the excellent, professional team that he has put together,” said Michael Solomon. “This is a wonderful Company that under Bill’s direction has grown substantially in a very short time. I look forward to contributing to this growth on a world-wide basis in all aspects of our industry.”

 

 

 

Friday, November 5, 2021

New Chicken Soup for the Soul Streaming Service Launches

Beloved Publishing Megabrand ‘Chicken Soup for The Soul’ Brings Its Original Mission of “Changing Your World One Story at The Time” To Linear FAST Platforms Ahead of Full AVOD Launch

 

Cos Cob, CT – Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSSE), one of the largest operators of streaming advertising-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) networks, announced today the launch of its new free ad-supported streaming service, Chicken Soup for the Soul, which is now available as a FAST channel on Plex, FreeCast, and Redbox, with LG Channels, Stirr, XUMO, and VIZIO’s free streaming service WatchFree joining in December. 

 

Additional platforms will roll out prior to the launch of a full Chicken Soup for the Soul AVOD offering, which will be available in coming weeks. The Chicken Soup for the Soul streaming service will carry thousands of hours of women’s lifestyle content as well as thousands of TV shows and movies. 

 

The Chicken Soup for the Soul streaming service will feature a robust collection of the best in home (such as Smart Home Nation), weddings (Rich Bride, Poor Bride & Wedding SOS), food (Ciao Italia and Pitchin’ In), DIY, style, travel, reality (Yummy Mummies) as well as stories from everyday heroes, in addition to classic favorites across genres like Drama, True Crime, Thrillers, Comedy and Screen Legends. The service will also feature the award-winning content that Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment has been creating for years for networks like TLC, Discovery Life, Discovery Family, A&E, CBS, The CW and Netflix such as Animal Tales, Hidden Heroes, Vacation Rental Potential, Project Dad and the award-winning series Going From Broke. 

 

“Chicken Soup for the Soul has been the world’s favorite storyteller since 1993, so I’m thrilled that we are continuing to enlighten and entertain our fans, now through TV and films,” said Amy Newmark, author, editor-in-chief and publisher of the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. “Our brand stands for hope, inspiration, and all the best in humanity, and our fans know that when content is brought to them by Chicken Soup for the Soul they will have a great experience.”

 

“With the addition of Chicken Soup for the Soul to our family of AVOD networks, Crackle Plus expands its audience to millions of primarily female viewers, providing our advertisers and marketing partners a hard-to-reach and underserved audience in the AVOD market,” said Philippe Guelton, president of Crackle Plus. 

 

“Chicken Soup for the Soul has been a household name for decades and their much beloved content will resonate with SmartCast audiences,” said Katherine Pond, vice president of business development at Vizio. “We’re pleased to be expanding our distribution partnership with Crackle Plus and to be working together to deliver even more content that viewers will love.”

 

“Plex is always looking for ways to broaden our content offering to keep our fans coming back again and again,” said Keith Valory, CEO of Plex. “The comforting and inspiring films and TV shows under the Chicken Soup for the Soul banner are a great addition to our lineup, especially as we head into the holiday season.”

 

“As an organization that focuses on delivering local, live and authentic free TV across multiple platforms, STIRR sees their relationship with Crackle Plus, one of the longest-running ad-supported networks in the industry as a perfect fit,” said Ben Lister, director of content acquisition and business development at STIRR. “Giving our audience access to the new Chicken Soup for the Soul streaming service is a great way for us to work together and strengthen both brands.” 

 

“Chicken Soup for the Soul is an indelible brand with tremendous appeal to XUMO users,” noted Stefan Van Engen, SVP of programming and partnerships at XUMO. “The debut of this dedicated programming on XUMO brings a wealth of high caliber, engaging content that is certain to attract millions of fans, old and new.”

 

“Chicken Soup for the Soul is a wonderful addition to SelectTV. We're always looking to add high-quality content, and it's even more exciting for our customers when we can partner with a familiar and recognizable brand," said Tracy West, executive vice president of digital content and channel distribution for FreeCast, which operates SelectTV. 

 

The Chicken Soup for the Soul streaming service joins Crackle Plus’s family of free, on-demand offerings including Crackle, Popcornflix and Truli. As part of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Crackle Plus uniquely sources its original content from sister companies Screen Media Ventures, a leading content distribution company; Landmark Studio Group, a production company of premium scripted and unscripted content; Halcyon Television, led by industry veteran David Ellender; and the recently-acquired Sonar Entertainment library of 700 movies and 1800 TV episodes, which have earned a total of 446 Emmy Nominations, 104 Emmy Awards and 15 Golden Globes.

 

Crackle Plus streaming services are currently distributed through 50 touch points in the U.S. with announced plans to expand to more than 64 touch points including Amazon FireTV, RokuTV, Apple TV, Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio), gaming consoles (PS4 and XBoxOne), Plex, iOS and Android mobile devices and on desktops at Crackle.com. Crackle is also available in approximately 500,000 hotel rooms in the Marriott Bonvoy chain.

 

 

 

 

 

Friday, November 5, 2021

Chicken Soup for the Soul Television Group Launches

Production Activities Consolidated Under David Ellender, Former Fremantle CEO, to Accelerate Domestic and International Growth

 

COS COB, CT – Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Inc. (Nasdaq: CSSE), one of the largest operators of streaming advertising-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) networks, announced today the formation of the Chicken Soup for the Soul Television Group lead by EVP, David Ellender, former CEO of Fremantle Media Ent. 

 

The Chicken Soup for the Soul Television Group will consist of four production labels including Landmark Studio Group (LSG), the recently acquired Locomotive Global, Chicken Soup for the Soul Studios and the newly formed Halcyon Studios, of which Ellender is chief executive officer and which was formed post the acquisition of the Sonar Entertainment development and production assets in June 2021. 

 

David Ellender was CEO of Sonar Entertainment, the studio that developed, produced, and co-produced a range of TV series including The Son starring with Pierce Brosnan for AMC, Das Boot for Sky Europe, Mr. Mercedes for The Audience Network and Alien Xmas for Netflix. Prior to Sonar, Mr. Ellender was CEO of Fremantle Media Ent (FME) and served on the board of directors of the Fremantle Media Group. During his tenure he helped build Fremantle’s global footprint to become one of the leading independent TV companies in the world. Earlier in his career he held senior positions as managing director Europe of Universal Studios Television and PolyGram Filmed Entertainment (PFE) where he served as global president of TV and had a seat on the PFE Board.

 

“To execute on Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment’s strategy in building the leading independent AVOD streaming service, we will accelerate growth in four key directions,” said David Ellender. “These include expanding our original TV content development pipeline; improving margins by increasing our IP rights ownership; facilitating the launch of additional networks; and providing a faster path to growing international TV production and distribution activities.” 

 

“This is a big event for our company and the pursuit of our vision of building the best AVOD,” said Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment chairman and CEO William J. Rouhana Jr. “We have steadily assembled the pieces to build a first-class television production operation that can further grow our roster of AVODs and capitalize on the global appeal of our brand. I am excited to see what David and his team have in store as we unleash the full potential of our production and distribution capabilities.”

 

Chicken Soup for the Soul Television Group Entities:

Halcyon Studiosis designed to develop, finance, distribute, co-produce and produce high-end scripted content in the U.S. and Internationally, such as Hunters for Amazon Prime and Mysterious Benedict Society for Disney+. Halcyon Studios is not only focusing on developing and producing content in the U.S. but is also forging partnerships with creators and platforms in Europe and currently has projects in the UK, France, and Norway with financing that is being backed by the company.  

 

Matt Loze, Halcyon Studios president of scripted entertainment added, “Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment allows us the freedom to partner across the media landscape, as well as to design content for our AVOD network Crackle Plus. Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment’s tagline, ‘Changing the world one story at a time’ is our true North as we set sail with a ship full of new and re-imagined content.” 

 

Landmark Studio Group, led by David Ozer, CEO, focuses on financing & production of scripted TV series with moderate budgets, as well as movies such as Willy’s Wonderlandstarring Nicolas Cage and Trigger Point with Barry Pepper. 

 

Locomotive Global Inc., a production company based in India, is led by industry veterans Scott Anderson, and Sunder Aaron. Locomotive Global is currently producing and developinga number of original productions including an original series in development with Amazon Prime Video, as well as Indian local language remakes of well-known series including Ray Donovan for Netflix India.

 

Chicken Soup for the Soul Studiosrounds out the production portfolio, focusing on providing high-quality video content. It has built a deep pipeline of unique, diverse and inspiring new content to entertain and empower its viewers, including the hit series Going From Broke. Chicken Soup for the Soul Studios will endeavor to produce lifestyle entertainment (embracing food, house, garden, pets, wellbeing, self-improvement, romance, beauty and fashion) across a range of unscripted and scripted formats to the Crackle Plus networks. 

 

The Chicken Soup for the Soul Television Group as a whole plans to create compelling shows that bring out the best of the human spirit through positive storytelling—changing the world one story at a time. 

 

 

 

Monday, November 1, 2021

Popcornflix Relaunches with New Look and User Experience

Crackle Plus, a Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. company announced that its free streaming service Popcornflix has relaunched with a new redesign. The new features include updated branding and offers an improved user experience with enhanced app features, new search functionality and navigation scheme, and improved playback performance putting the content in the hands of fans instantly.

 “With its totally redesigned look and user experience, the new Popcornflix super-serves its fans with an exciting offering of Adventure and Action movies and TV shows, including a new slate of Originals and Exclusives,” said Philippe Guelton, President of Crackle Plus.

In addition, Popcornflix is launching its first Original documentary feature, Hollywood Bulldogs which will be available on the platform on Nov. 1.

Hollywood Bulldogs tells the rough-and-tumble story of the small community of British stunt performers who went on to dominate Hollywood in the 1970s and 80s. They choreographed, created, and performed the iconic action sequences of 007, Indiana Jones, Superman, Rambo, Star Wars, Conan, the Alien films and more. They crashed cars, jumped from burning buildings, shot, stabbed, kicked and punched their way into cinema history.

“The new Popcornflix is the home for all the action movies you love. And with compelling documentaries like Hollywood Bulldogs, we’ll also take you behind the scenes to see how all the magic happens,” said Jeff Meier, head of programming at Crackle Plus. “We are ramping up our efforts to bring more thrilling blockbusters and TV content to Popcornflix, so this is just the beginning!”

The new Popcornflix is now available on FireTV, AppleTV, Roku, Android, and iOS and more platforms.

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