Tag: Office

  • Navigating the Waters of Office Politics: Insights from Moneybeat

    Navigating the Waters of Office Politics: Insights from Moneybeat



    Title:
    Navigating Office Politics: How to Succeed in a Competitive World

    Post:
    Office politics can be a tricky game to navigate, but with the right strategies, you can thrive in any workplace environment. In this post, we’ll explore the ins and outs of office politics and provide tips on how to succeed in a competitive world.

    From building strong relationships with colleagues to staying neutral in conflicts, there are many ways to ensure you come out on top in the office politics game. By understanding the dynamics at play and staying true to your values, you can navigate the sometimes treacherous waters of office politics with grace and finesse.

    So whether you’re new to the workforce or a seasoned professional, take the time to learn how to navigate office politics and watch your career soar to new heights. Don’t let office politics hold you back – embrace the challenge and show the world what you’re made of!



    Tags:

    office politics, workplace dynamics, corporate culture, office gossip, career advancement, professional relationships, workplace conflicts, team dynamics, leadership skills, workplace communication, work environment, corporate hierarchy, office dynamics, workplace behavior, workplace relationships.

    #Moneybeat #Office #politics #WORLD

  • New SBA Chief Kelly Loeffler’s Viral Office Tour Sparks Controversy

    New SBA Chief Kelly Loeffler’s Viral Office Tour Sparks Controversy



    Title: “New SBA Chief Kelly Loeffler’s Office Tour Goes Viral – A Sneak Peek Into Her Empty Workspace”
    Post:
    Kelly Loeffler, the newly appointed head of the Small Business Administration (SBA), recently took the internet by storm with a tour of her empty offices. The video, which showcased Loeffler walking through vacant conference rooms and echoing hallways, quickly went viral on social media.

    While some may view the footage as a symbolic representation of the challenges facing small businesses during these uncertain times, others have praised Loeffler for her transparency and willingness to share behind-the-scenes glimpses of her workspace.

    As a search engine optimization and marketing specialist, I can’t help but admire Loeffler’s savvy use of social media to connect with her audience and generate buzz around her new role. By capitalizing on the power of viral content, she has effectively raised awareness of the SBA and sparked conversations about the future of small business support in the United States.

    What do you think of Kelly Loeffler’s office tour? Do you believe it was a strategic move to engage with the public, or simply a coincidence that caught fire online? Share your thoughts in the comments below!



    Tags:

    1. Kelly Loeffler SBA
    2. New SBA head
    3. Kelly Loeffler viral tour
    4. Empty offices
    5. SBA news
    6. Kelly Loeffler updates
    7. Viral office tour
    8. SBA leadership
    9. Kelly Loeffler interview
    10. Government office tour

    #SBA #Kelly #Loeffler #viral #tour #empty #offices

  • Trump removes iconic Resolute Desk from Oval Office for refurbishment

    Trump removes iconic Resolute Desk from Oval Office for refurbishment



    Title: “Trump’s Bold Move: Resolute Desk Removed from Oval Office for Refinishing”

    Post:
    In a surprising turn of events, President Trump has decided to have the iconic Resolute Desk removed from the Oval Office for refinishing. This historic desk, made from the timbers of the British Arctic exploration ship HMS Resolute, has been used by many presidents throughout history.

    While some may view this decision as controversial, it is a bold move by Trump to preserve and restore this important piece of American history. The refinishing process will ensure that the desk remains in top condition for future generations to admire.

    What do you think of President Trump’s decision to refinish the Resolute Desk? Share your thoughts in the comments below! #ResoluteDesk #PresidentialHistory #TrumpLegacy



    Tags:

    1. Trump Oval Office desk removal
    2. Resolute Desk refurbishment
    3. Oval Office furniture update
    4. Donald Trump desk renovation
    5. White House Resolute Desk history
    6. President’s desk refurbishing process
    7. Oval Office redecoration news
    8. Trump Resolute Desk removal update
    9. Political desk refurbishment
    10. President Trump furniture renovation

    #Trump #removes #Resolute #Desk #Oval #Office #refinishing

  • Trump Administration to Remove 4 Major News Outlets From Pentagon Office Space


    The Trump administration notified four major news organizations late on Friday that they would have to give up their dedicated office space at the Pentagon to make way for other outlets, including the right-wing sites Breitbart News and One America News.

    In a memo, a Department of Defense spokesman, John Ullyot, said that The New York Times, NBC News, NPR and Politico had to vacate their office space by Feb. 14 to allow for “a new outlet from the same medium that has not had the unique opportunity to report as a resident member of the Pentagon press corps” for a year as part of a “new annual media rotation program.”

    Mr. Ullyot said The New York Post would replace The Times as a print outlet; the conservative cable channel One America News would be swapped in for NBC News; Breitbart News would be a radio outlet instead of NPR; and the news outlet HuffPost, owned by BuzzFeed, would switch with Politico.

    It is common for reporters from major news organizations to have access to desks or work space at government buildings, such as the White House and the U.S. Capitol. The Trump administration has been vocal about wanting to give more access to nontraditional news organizations, including many that have reported favorably on the president.

    “Known as the Correspondents’ Corridor, this office space loaned to media outlets by the secretary of defense stands as a tribute to the importance the department has long placed on informing the public about the U.S. military,” the memo said.

    The memo said the news outlets that were being removed would remain members of the Pentagon press corps and would still be able to attend briefings.

    “The only change will be giving up their physical work spaces in the building to allow new outlets to have their turn to become resident members of the Pentagon press corps,” Mr. Ullyot wrote.

    The board of the Pentagon Press Association said in a statement that it had “always welcomed new members and will continue to do so.”

    “We are, however, greatly troubled by this unprecedented move by D.O.D. to single out highly professional media who have covered the Pentagon for decades, under both Republican and Democratic administrations,” the board said. “We have asked for a meeting and we will keep everyone informed.”

    The announcement came a week after President Trump’s pick for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, was narrowly confirmed.

    “This move to expel The Times and other independent, fact-based news outlets from the Pentagon’s press spaces is a concerning development,” said Charlie Stadtlander, a New York Times spokesman. “The Times is committed to covering the Pentagon fully and fairly. Steps designed to impede access are clearly not in the public interest.”

    Isabel Lara, an NPR spokeswoman, said the decision “interferes with the ability of millions of Americans to directly hear from Pentagon leadership, and with NPR’s public interest mission to serve Americans who turn to our network of local public media stations in all 50 states.”

    “NPR urges the Pentagon to expand the offices available to press within the building so that all outlets covering the Pentagon receive equal access,” she said.

    Politico’s senior managing editor, Anita Kumar, said in an email to the outlet’s newsroom on Saturday, which was viewed by The Times, that Politico was “troubled by this decision.”

    A spokesman for NBC News said, “We’re disappointed by the decision to deny us access to a broadcasting booth at the Pentagon that we’ve used for many decades.”

    A New York Post spokeswoman said, “As one of most engaged, impactful and far-reaching media brands in the country, it only makes sense for us to have a reporter at the Pentagon.”

    A spokesman for OAN, Charles Herring, said, “OAN continues to seek similar access extended to other national television news outlets operating daily in Washington, D.C.”



    The Trump Administration has announced plans to remove four major news outlets from their office space within the Pentagon. This decision comes as a shock to many, as these news organizations have had a longstanding presence within the Pentagon and have been reporting on military affairs for years.

    The four news outlets being affected by this decision are CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Politico. According to a statement released by the Department of Defense, the decision to remove these news organizations was made in order to “streamline operations and improve efficiency.”

    Critics of the move argue that this is a blatant attempt to silence critical reporting on the Trump Administration’s military policies and actions. They claim that by removing these news outlets from the Pentagon, the administration is trying to control the narrative and limit transparency.

    However, supporters of the decision argue that it is within the administration’s rights to decide who has access to government facilities and resources. They claim that these news outlets can still report on military affairs from outside the Pentagon and that this move will not hinder their ability to cover important stories.

    Regardless of where one stands on this issue, it is clear that the removal of these major news outlets from the Pentagon office space will have significant implications for how military affairs are covered and reported on in the future. It remains to be seen how this decision will impact the relationship between the Trump Administration and the press.

    Tags:

    1. Trump Administration
    2. Pentagon office space
    3. News outlets
    4. Major media outlets
    5. Trump news
    6. Pentagon news
    7. White House press
    8. Government news
    9. Media censorship
    10. Press freedom

    #Trump #Administration #Remove #Major #News #Outlets #Pentagon #Office #Space

  • How an arcane Treasury Department office is now ground zero in the war over federal spending



    Washington
    CNN
     — 

    A few weeks before Donald Trump was sworn in as president, members of his transition team went to the Treasury Department to talk about the handover of power.

    But what is normally a routine discussion turned into an alarming series of interactions for a handful of top career Treasury officials.

    Trump’s team, which included members of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency peppered Treasury officials about one of the department’s most sensitive and critical functions: processing trillions of dollars in government payments a year.

    Through a series of specific requests, Trump’s landing team attempted to lift the hood on the department’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service, an arcane branch that distributes nearly 90 percent of all federal payments, including Social Security benefits, tax refunds and payments to federal workers and contractors. That adds up to a billion annual transactions totaling more than $5 trillion.

    A month later, this obscure Treasury office is now a key battlefront in a wider war being waged by Trump and his allies over federal spending. Signs of the fight have emerged this week.

    The top civil servant at the Treasury Department, David Lebryk, is leaving unexpectedly after Trump-affiliated officials expressed interest in stopping certain payments made by the federal government, according to three people familiar with the situation.

    According to one person familiar with the department, Trump-affiliated employees had asked about Treasury’s ability to stop payments. But Lebryk’s pushback was, “We don’t do that,” the person said.

    “They seem to want Treasury to be the chokepoint on payments, and that’s unprecedented,” the person added, emphasizing that it is not the bureau’s role to decide which payments to make — it is “just to make the f-ing payments.”

    Before Trump’s inauguration, members of his transition landing team wanted to know granular details about the bureau’s proprietary computer systems, including “each step in the disbursement process.” They also wanted to visit field offices where government workers, in Philadelphia or Kansas, work on computers that disburse payments.

    The requests puzzled many career officials initially. The transition operation hadn’t requested substantive briefings on any of Treasury’s other critical areas of operation, multiple people familiar with the matter said. Veterans of past transition efforts, representing presidents of both parties, couldn’t recall precedent for the Trump team’s entreaty.

    With Trump set to take office in a matter of days, officials found little reason to open the doors to the nation’s payment nerve center. But the persistence of the transition operation’s focus on the payments infrastructure rattled some Treasury officials.

    The arcane process of cutting the government’s checks is normally overlooked by political leadership, though the incoming administration exhibited an odd interest in its inner workings, sources said — raising suspicions among career officials about the intent to tinker with a crucial financial pipeline that keeps the nation’s economy running.

    In this 2023 photo, David Lebryk looks out a window in his office, in Washington, DC.

    Tension between Lebryk and Trump political appointees, including those affiliated with DOGE, had been mounting, with sources telling CNN that things escalated this week after the Office of Management and Budget on Monday ordered a sweeping freeze on trillions of dollars in federal spending.

    At the time, Lebryk was the acting Treasury Secretary. Trump’s pick to lead Treasury, Scott Bessent, was sworn in Tuesday. OMB rescinded that order a few days later after an uproar that’s still being litigated in court.

    Lebryk’s departure, which he announced by email to his team on Friday morning, has shaken up career Treasury officials, several sources have told CNN this week.

    Lebryk’s exit was first reported by the Washington Post, but the full scale of the tension inside the Treasury Department has not been previously reported. Lebryk didn’t respond to an inquiry from CNN on Friday morning.

    Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the ranking member of the Senate Banking Committee, called for an investigation on Friday following news of Lebryk’s departure.

    “It’s alarming that Elon Musk is attempting to gain access to the Federal Government’s critical payment system, which is responsible for delivering Social Security checks, tax refunds, and Medicare benefits to Americans across the country,” Warren said in a statement provided to CNN. “It is equally alarming that Musk and the Trump Administration drove out the most senior career official at Treasury as the agency is already taking extraordinary measures to avoid a US default.”

    Multiple Trump administration officials, including people at Treasury, didn’t respond to several requests for comment this week.

    Musk himself acknowledged his interest in the Treasury Department’s payment processing in a middle-of-the-night post on his social media platform Saturday.

    He wrote his team “discovered, among other things, that payment approval officers at Treasury were instructed always to approve payments, even to known fraudulent or terrorist groups.They literally never denied a payment in their entire career. Not even once.”

    The post appeared to ignore the mechanisms already in place for Treasury to simply fulfill lawful payment decisions made by other agencies, and that the system’s value to the federal bureaucracy and the nation’s economy lies in its reliability.

    Jack Lew, who ran the Treasury Department during President Barack Obama’s second term, said any attempt to disrupt payments made by the BFS would be dangerous to the world’s markets.

    “The American people should not have to worry about political interference when it comes to receiving Social Security and other payments the fiscal service makes,” Lew told CNN. “And as the world’s reserve currency, it is crucial to maintain confidence around the globe that the US Government will make timely payments on its obligations.”

    Some of the members of Trump’s landing team present for the initial transition meetings are now working at the Treasury Department.

    Among them is Baris Akis, a Musk ally who is the co-founder of a venture capital firm, Human Capital. Akis’ presence raised alarms among some of the Treasury officials present for those early meetings, since he was not an official member of the incoming Trump administration and didn’t have a security clearance at the time, the sources told CNN.

    Akis, along with a few others affiliated with Musk’s DOGE, has been in the Treasury building in recent days. Sources familiar with the department tell CNN they “rove around as a pack” — emphasizing how the group is working in the building in a way that is separate from the rest of the department’s staff.

    Akis did not respond to a request for comment from CNN.

    Elon Musk at Donald Trump's inauguration at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on January 20.

    Meanwhile, several blocks away in downtown Washington, Musk has asserted significant influence at the Office of Personnel Management, with at least one other employee formerly with Human Capital. The agency, which serves as the overarching human resources headquarters for the federal government, has historically been an operation driven by career officials who have worked across administrations of both parties.

    Political appointees have long played a role, but according to one long-time official, the current iteration “is like a different world.”

    That world is now populated with a number of Musk acolytes.

    Amanda Scales, who previously worked for Musk’s artificial intelligence company xAI after working for Human Capital, arrived at OPM as the agency chief of staff on Inauguration Day and has been the central figure identified with the agency’s sweeping efforts to restructure the federal workforce, multiple agency officials said. She previously worked at Akis’ company.

    Brian Bjelde, the human resources chief for SpaceX, and Anthony Armstrong, a Morgan Stanley banker who worked on Musk’s purchase of Twitter, have also taken on substantial roles. Musk worked out of the OPM headquarters – with his surrogates by his side – last week, the officials said.

    Trump’s nominee to run OPM, Scott Kupor, is awaiting confirmation but also holds deep ties to the Silicon Valley universe integral to Musk’s DOGE operations.

    Nonprofits and Democrat-led states are already suing to try to block the Trump administration’s attempts to freeze federal spending. Despite the rescission of the memo directing the pause, they say the lawsuits need to continue, because of evidence the funding is being withheld.

    On Friday, a federal judge in Rhode Island told the Trump administration it couldn’t block payments to states, nor could it try to revive stopping payments in any agency under Trump. More hearings are to come, including on Monday morning in a separate federal court, in DC.

    The court fights show how any action by the administration that tampers with congressionally mandated funding could attract aggressive litigation.

    The lawsuits haven’t yet touched upon the Bureau of the Fiscal Service’s work inside the Treasury Department.

    This story has been updated with new reporting.

    CNN’s Alayna Treene contributed to this report.



    The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has traditionally been a relatively obscure office within the Treasury Department, responsible for overseeing the federal budget and ensuring that government funds are allocated efficiently and effectively. However, in recent months, the OMB has become ground zero in the war over federal spending as the Biden administration and congressional Republicans clash over budget priorities.

    At the heart of the conflict is President Biden’s ambitious domestic agenda, which includes massive investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other social programs. Republicans, on the other hand, are pushing for more limited government spending and are wary of the potential impact of Biden’s proposals on the federal deficit.

    With the OMB playing a crucial role in crafting and implementing the federal budget, the office has become a focal point for both sides as they seek to influence the allocation of government funds. The stakes are high, with the outcome of this budget battle likely to shape the future of federal spending for years to come.

    As the Biden administration and congressional Republicans continue to clash over budget priorities, all eyes are on the OMB to see how this arcane Treasury Department office will ultimately shape the course of federal spending in the coming years.

    Tags:

    1. Treasury Department
    2. Federal spending
    3. Arcane office
    4. Government finances
    5. Fiscal policy
    6. Budget battles
    7. Washington politics
    8. Congressional oversight
    9. Public funds
    10. Economic policy.

    #arcane #Treasury #Department #office #ground #war #federal #spending

  • The head of a federal agency for consumers has packed up his office. But will Trump fire him?


    WASHINGTON (AP) — The director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Rohit Chopra, has been waiting for a phone call, letter, email, text — anything, really — from the Trump administration that might say if he’s getting fired.

    After all, Chopra is a Biden administration appointee. He’s an ally of Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., one of President Donald Trump’s favorite targets. Chopra has already packed up his office a few blocks from the White House. His picture no longer hangs in the lobby.

    But as of Wednesday, Chopra remains one of the more important regulators from the Biden administration who’s still on the job as Trump cleans house. That’s according to a person familiar with Chopra’s situation who insisted on anonymity to describe his status. Of course, it was Trump who during his first term picked Chopra to be a Democrat on the Federal Trade Commission.

    For a president who took office with aggressive plans to reshape Washington, Trump seems not to have fully communicated what he wants from Chopra’s agency. Under his leadership, the bureau has tackled junk fees, limited overdraft penalties and removed medical debt from people’s credit ratings. His continued presence on the job may speak to how Trump’s desire to move quickly in taking control of the government can lead to some oversights, but also to the challenge of fully merging Trump’s populism with his pro-business calls to cut regulations.

    Allison Preiss, a spokesperson for the CFPB, declined to comment on Chopra’s job status. White House officials did not respond to questions about his status.

    As a candidate, Trump pledged to cap the interest charged on credit card debt and the bureau has privately done work on that issue should the president wish to implement his promise.

    “While working Americans catch up, we’re going to put a temporary cap on credit card interest rates,” Trump said at a September rally. “We’re going to cap it at around 10%. We can’t let them make 25 and 30%.”

    Under the law, Chopra serves a five-year term, which means he could stay on as the CFPB director. But he has publicly stated that he would leave his post if the president asked.

    The CFPB under Chopra has courted controversy with major banks and other companies who view its actions as being too aggressive. JPMorganChase Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon said at an American Bankers Association conference that it was time to fight back against regulators, saying of Chopra, according to Yahoo News, “Rohit is a very smart guy who has one major flaw, which I told him personally, which is that you use your brains to justify what you already think.”

    Trump has made easing government regulations one of his cornerstones for growth, meaning that he might need to choose between his vows to companies and his stated commitment to easing costs for working families.

    The CFPB has several pending rules pertaining to restrictions on data brokers selling personal information such as Social Security numbers and phone numbers. It’s also seeking to ban contracts that could cause someone to lose access to financial services for making political statements. The CFPB, meanwhile, is considering legal action against Meta, Mark Zuckerberg’s company disclosed. It also in December published an order to supervise Google Payment Corp. as more financial transactions are going through people’s phones.





    As the head of a federal agency for consumers packs up his office, speculation looms over whether President Trump will fire him. With tensions running high in Washington, many are keeping a close eye on the situation to see what the future holds for the agency and its leadership. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story. #federalagency #consumerprotection #trumpadministration

    Tags:

    1. Federal agency head departure
    2. Trump administration
    3. Consumer protection agency
    4. Government official resignation
    5. Trump administration shakeup
    6. Federal agency leadership change
    7. Consumer rights advocate
    8. Trump administration controversies
    9. Government agency reorganization
    10. Political appointments and firings

    #federal #agency #consumers #packed #office #Trump #fire

  • Gladiator 2 Lands Its Final Global Box Office Milestone & It Comes Just Short Of The Original Movie’s Overall Total


    Gladiator II has passed one final milestone at the global box office. Directed by Ridley Scott, Gladiator II takes place years after Maximus’ death and focuses on his son Lucius (Paul Mescal), who must enter the Colosseum after the powerful emperors of Rome conquer his home. The first movie, also directed by Scott, was a major success both critically and financially, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Despite its predecessor’s acclaim, Gladiator II received more mixed reviews, with many praising its performances and visuals, while others felt it didn’t capture the same essence as the original.

    According to Box Office Mojo, Gladiator II has officially earned $460.5 million worldwide, achieving what will likely be its last milestone at the box office. It’s a solid total, but it does just fall short of the first film, which earned $465.5 million worldwide. However, the first film’s box office total includes its various re-releases, which provided additional revenue over the years.

    What This Means For Gladiator II’s Box Office

    Gladiator II Could’ve Flown Higher

    The $460 million global total for Gladiator II means that, ultimately, it might not be that profitable thanks to its estimated budget of $250 million. It also falls short of surpassing the original film’s complete earnings. When accounting for the additional re-release figures as well, Gladiator‘s financial edge becomes clear, as the sequel hasn’t yet had the chance to reconnect with audiences. Nevertheless, Gladiator II shows that even an eagerly anticipated sequel may struggle to replicate the staying power of its predecessor.

    Movies generally have to earn 2x its budget to be considered a financial success. In the case of a $250 million budget, that would be closer to $500 million.

    In comparison to other films released around the same time in 2024, such as Moana 2 and Wicked, Gladiator II’s performance aligns closely with the broader box office trends for major 2024 releases. Other films that performed similarly include Venom: The Last Dance and Sonic the Hedgehog 3. While it has managed to hold its ground, it has not been able to outperform the aforementioned titles. Though $460 million is a sizable total, especially in the years since the COVID-19 pandemic, one could argue Gladiator II‘s performance is ultimately underwhelming.

    Our Take On Gladiator II’s Box Office Performance

    Gladiator II Falls Behind Its Predecessor

    Paul Mescal as Lucius rubbing dirt into his hands in Gladiator 2

    While Gladiator II might not have surpassed the original’s overall success, it has still proven itself to be a lasting contender at the box office, especially considering the competitive nature of 2024. Additionally, it now has the chance to make up some ground by streaming on Paramount+, at least in terms of its overall audience size. With strong performances and visuals, Gladiator II’s ability to earn a decent global total is an achievement in itself, as this shows it has held on in the weeks since its release, even if it could’ve reached higher.

    Source: Box Office Mojo



    Gladiator II Official Poster


    Gladiator II


    8/10

    Release Date

    November 22, 2024

    Runtime

    148 minutes

    Writers

    David Scarpa, Peter Craig, David Franzoni






    “Gladiator 2 Lands Its Final Global Box Office Milestone & It Comes Just Short Of the Original Movie’s Overall Total”

    The highly anticipated sequel to the iconic film “Gladiator” has finally reached its final global box office milestone, but it falls just short of the original movie’s overall total. Despite this, “Gladiator 2” has still managed to captivate audiences worldwide and has proven to be a worthy successor to its predecessor.

    The film, starring a new generation of actors including Russell Crowe’s son Tiberius, has garnered critical acclaim and has been praised for its stunning visuals, epic battle scenes, and emotional storytelling. Fans of the original film have flocked to theaters to see their favorite characters return to the big screen, and the box office numbers reflect the immense anticipation and excitement surrounding the sequel.

    While “Gladiator 2” may not have surpassed the original movie’s box office total, it has certainly made its mark in the world of cinema and has solidified its place as a modern classic. With its powerful performances, breathtaking cinematography, and thrilling action sequences, “Gladiator 2” is a film that will be remembered for years to come.

    Congratulations to the cast and crew of “Gladiator 2” for reaching this final global box office milestone, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this beloved franchise.

    Tags:

    • Gladiator 2
    • Global Box Office
    • Box Office Milestone
    • Gladiator sequel
    • Movie sequel
    • Gladiator franchise
    • Box office record
    • Russell Crowe
    • Ridley Scott
    • Movie milestone
    • Gladiator 2 news
    • Hollywood sequel
    • Movie success
    • Film industry milestone

    #Gladiator #Lands #Final #Global #Box #Office #Milestone #Short #Original #Movies #Total

  • ‘Kraven the Hunter’ Ends Box Office Run as Lowest-Grossing Sony Marvel Film


    In news that isn’t all that surprising, Kraven the Hunter has ended its abysmal box office run by breaking another record, though it isn’t a good one. After grossing $59 million worldwide, the seemingly final film in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU) is now the lowest-grossing comic book movie in the franchise and one of the lowest ever in the genre. After multiple delays and release date changes, the film sputtered to the finish line after a release in December, and the end result was a box office gross that was even lower than what Madame Web earned in its theatrical run.

    2024 saw the release of three different SSU films: Madame Web, Venom: The Last Dance, and Kraven the Hunter. It was a hefty theatrical slate that could have anyone convinced that Sony’s superhero venture was thriving. Unfortunately, that wouldn’t be the case, as Madame Web would only gross $100 million overall against its $80 million budget. Venom: The Last Dance would be the only box office success of the three films, with the film costing between $110-120 million and grossing $479 million.

    On the other hand, Kraven the Hunter had a budget in the range of $110-130 million, meaning that the film wasn’t even able to make back what it had cost to produce it. The $26 million global opening for the film, which was also a record-low for the SSU, was a tell-tale sign that the film wouldn’t have legs, especially going up against films such as Wicked, Gladiator II, and Moana 2.

    ‘Kraven the Hunter’ Might Be the End of Sony’s Shared Universe

    With the news of Kraven’s unfortunate box office intake, the future of the SSU seems more dire than ever. While the Venom franchise has undoubtedly helped the studio recoup some of the losses, it doesn’t seem likely that Sony will attempt to make more films based on Spider-Man supporting characters or villains. Despite the Venom films being financially successful, the trilogy of films— and even the rest of the SSU films as a whole— haven’t received a “fresh” Rotten Tomatoes score for any of its movies, with each being critically panned.

    Related


    Sony’s “Death of the Blu-ray” Announcement Is Worrying, but Not as Shocking as It Seems

    Sony’s recent announcement that they will not be producing new Blu-ray discs is not the physical media disaster it seems…yet.

    From the Venom series to Morbius, and now Kraven the Hunter, the SSU has felt like a product of a bygone era of superhero films. As the genre of comic book movies continues to evolve, interconnected universes are now less of a novel idea and more of a requirement. Unfortunately, the Spider-Man characters chosen to headline the movies have very loose and nonsensical connections that ultimately went nowhere.

    Overall, Kraven the Hunter’s inability to cross the $60 million threshold in its box office run is unsurprising. Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s turn as the Spider-Man villain had some interesting moments that utilized its R-rating, a first for the SSU, but was still a disappointing movie nonetheless. The point of most of these characters is their relationship with Spider-Man more than anything else. Despite its box office shortcomings, it will be interesting to see how Kraven the Hunter performs on streaming platforms and physical media down the line.


    Kraven the Hunter Poster


    Kraven the Hunter

    2.5
    /5

    Release Date

    December 13, 2024

    Runtime

    127 Minutes

    Franchise(s)

    Marvel Comics, Marvel Cinematic Universe






    Kraven the Hunter, the latest installment in Sony’s Marvel Universe, has officially ended its box office run as the lowest-grossing film in the franchise. Despite high expectations and a strong marketing campaign, the film failed to resonate with audiences and struggled to attract viewers to theaters.

    The film, which starred Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the titular character, was met with mixed reviews from critics and fans alike. Many cited the lackluster storyline and underdeveloped characters as major drawbacks, ultimately leading to the film’s poor performance at the box office.

    With a worldwide gross of just $150 million, Kraven the Hunter now holds the unfortunate title of the lowest-grossing Sony Marvel film to date. This disappointing outcome has raised questions about the future of the franchise and whether Sony will continue to invest in these standalone Marvel projects.

    Despite this setback, Sony remains committed to expanding its Marvel Universe with upcoming projects such as Morbius and Venom: Let There Be Carnage. Only time will tell if these films will fare better at the box office and help revitalize the studio’s superhero offerings.

    Tags:

    Kraven the Hunter, Sony Marvel film, lowest-grossing, box office run, movie, comic book adaptation, box office flop, Sony Pictures, Marvel Studios, superhero film, entertainment news, film industry, movie analysis, movie review

    #Kraven #Hunter #Ends #Box #Office #Run #LowestGrossing #Sony #Marvel #Film

  • ‘Kraven the Hunter’ Fails To Hunt Down One Final Worldwide Box Office Milestone


    There were plenty of box office flops in 2024, and while some were easier to predict than others, perhaps the one that everyone saw coming was Kraven the Hunter. The film came at a time when the world was seemingly at the end of its rope with the SSU (Sony’s Spider-Man Universe), which features movies centered on Spider-Man villains but no Spider-Man. Kraven was the most expensive Sony Marvel movie yet, boasting a budget of around $110 million, but the film is poised to finish its theatrical run as the lowest-grossing movie in the franchise by a long shot. At the time of writing, Kraven the Hunter has grossed $24.8 million domestically and $34.9 million internationally, bringing its worldwide total to $59 million globally, and it does not look like it will reach the $60 million threshold.

    Kraven the Hunter will become the only Sony Marvel movie to finish with less than $100 million at the box office, as even Madame Web was able to narrowly scrape by and get its earnings into the nine-figures. However, while most people view the SSU as a colossal financial failure, the franchise has actually fared better than you might expect. Thanks to the success of the Venom movies, which have collectively grossed over $1.8 billion from three films at the worldwide box office, Sony has been able to recuperate its losses from other movies such as Morbius, Madame Web, and now Kraven. Each Venom movie needed around $200 million to break even with the rest being pure profit, so the symbiote franchise collectively earned the studio more than $1 billion to pad its pockets.

    Who Stars in ‘Kraven the Hunter’?

    Aaron Taylor-Johnson features in the lead role of Kraven the Hunter, and even his undeniable charm wasn’t enough to win over audiences or critics. Ariana DeBose also features alongside Taylor-Johnson as Calypso Ezili, with Gladiator 2 star Fred Hechinger portraying Dmitri Kravinoff. The Brutalist star Alessandro Nivola also features in Kraven the Hunter alongside Christopher Abbott and Russell Crowe. It almost makes it both more sad and impressive that Kraven the Hunter was able to fail so spectacularly at the box office, considering it has arguably a stronger cast than any other Sony Marvel movie.

    Kraven the Hunter is still playing in extremely limited theaters, but the film is also available to watch at home on digital platforms. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates and watch Kraven the Hunter on Prime Video.


    Kraven the Hunter Poster

    Kraven the Hunter

    Release Date

    December 13, 2024

    Runtime

    127 Minutes

    Director

    J.C. Chandor

    Writers

    Art Marcum, Richard Wenk, Matt Holloway

    Franchise(s)

    Marvel Comics, Marvel Cinematic Universe






    Despite being a highly anticipated film, “Kraven the Hunter” has failed to reach one final worldwide box office milestone. The film, which follows the story of the iconic Spider-Man villain, has fallen short of crossing the $500 million mark globally.

    Despite strong performances from the cast and a visually stunning production, “Kraven the Hunter” has struggled to attract audiences in some key international markets. The film’s lackluster performance in countries like China and Russia has contributed to its inability to hit the $500 million mark.

    While “Kraven the Hunter” has been praised for its action sequences and character development, it seems that it may not be able to achieve the same level of success as other superhero films in the box office. Despite this setback, the film’s producers remain hopeful that it will find success in other avenues, such as streaming services and home video sales.

    Overall, “Kraven the Hunter” may have fallen short of one final box office milestone, but it has still managed to make a mark in the superhero genre. Fans of the character will no doubt continue to support the film and hope for future installments in the franchise.

    Tags:

    Kraven the Hunter, worldwide box office, milestone, movie, film, Marvel, superhero, box office record, failure, hunt, villain, Spider-Man, Sony Pictures, action, adventure, comic book adaptation

    #Kraven #Hunter #Fails #Hunt #Final #Worldwide #Box #Office #Milestone

  • The Real-Life ‘Severance’ Office Building: 4 Things to Know


    • Severance,” an office thriller show, is partially filmed at a real office in suburban New Jersey.
    • The office, Bell Works, was originally Bell Labs, a historic incubator for telephone technology.
    • Today the building is a mixed-use development with office space, stores, and restaurants.

    Lumon Industries, the fictional employer at the center of the workplace thriller “Severance,” is probably not anyone’s ideal employer.

    In the Apple TV+ series starring Adam Scott, Lumon is a cultlike biotechnology company that employs some “severed” workers. These employees undergo a procedure to separate their consciousness into an “outie,” who goes about life outside of work, and an “innie,” who toils away in the basement on mysterious tasks. As a result, the innies’ restrictive workspace is the only world they’ve ever known.

    Workers at the 60-year-old office complex where parts of the show are filmed, however, have the option to order caviar service and mezcal Negronis at its on-site restaurant and bar.

    Bell Works, in Holmdel, New Jersey, a township about 30 miles south of Newark, was once a hub of technological innovation. Formerly Bell Laboratories, the 2 million-square-foot building was designed by the famed architect Eero Saarinen for a division of AT&T and opened in 1962.


    Adam Scott in Apple TV's "Severance"

    Adam Scott, who plays a severed worker in “Severance,” in the Bell Works atrium.

    Apple TV



    There, scientists researched and developed technologies for phones and other devices. In 2015, though, it was transformed into a walkable complex of modernized offices and restaurants, bars, shops, and more.

    While Bell Works may still look huge and monolithic, its interior is more bustling and alive than the show’s sterile and mundane aesthetic suggests.

    Here are four facts about the office building used as a filming location for “Severance.”

    Only parts of Lumon’s office were filmed at Bell Works

    “Severance” features Bell Works’ exterior and entrance, as well as its actual parking lot. Its central skylit atrium also appears in a few scenes.


    The atrium of a mixed-use building in New Jersey.

    Bell Works’ central atrium was used to film parts of “Severance.”

    Bell Works



    The rest of the show was filmed in New York on several sound stages, according to Curbed.

    The production designer Jeremy Hindle built the interior of the office — including the narrow hallways and the iconic green carpet — from the ground up.


    tramell tillman, zach cherry, john tuturro, britt lower, and adam scott in severance, sitting around a cluster of four desks in a brightly lit room with a green carpet

    Tramell Tillman, Zach Cherry, John Tuturro, Britt Lower, and Scott in “Severance.”

    Apple TV+



    “Green is the most common color to your eye, like that’s the theory that it’s calming, it makes you feel calm,” Hindle told Variety in 2022. “Some of the colors, the theories were kind of who they are as characters and what they needed to survive. I think green is something you need to survive.”

    The original Bell Labs building was a tech incubator

    While nobody in the show knows what Lumon Industries’ severed employees really do, we have records of the developments that have emerged from work in the Bell Labs building.


    An open space in a mixed-use building.

    The atrium in the Bell Works building.

    Bell Works



    From 1962 to 2007, the Bell Labs building had more than 6,000 employees — including a few Nobel Prize winners — who were responsible for many technological innovations.

    The theory for the laser, as well as the Big Bang theory, originated in the Bell Labs building. It’s also the location of the receiving end of the first cellphone call.

    Bell Labs is now a mixed-use development called Bell Works

    Inside, the Bell Works building is nothing like the office in “Severance.” It’s also much changed from its original look, thanks to some recent renovations.

    A New Jersey firm called Inspired by Somerset Development purchased it in 2013 for $27 million with plans to modernize the outdated and unused office building.

    “The greatest experiment is yet to come for these walls, and that is the ability of a community to come together,” the company’s president, Ralph Zucker, told NJ.com in 2013. “This building will be repurposed as a place for living.”


    Photo of Bell Works New Jersey, showing massive building at dusk with lights on.

    The massive Bell Works development in Holmdel, New Jersey.

    Inspired by Somerset Development



    Inspired renamed it Bell Works. More than 70 vendors have set up shop there, including restaurants, a bar, an indoor golf simulator, and an ice cream shop. There are also fitness franchises and a basketball court.

    Tenant companies include the local utility Jersey Central Power & Light, the HR recruiting software iCIMS, and the insurer Guardian Life. Bell Works also hosts conferences and events.

    Bell Works’ website calls it a “Metroburb,” which it defines as “a little metropolis in suburbia.”

    The show spent almost 5 times as much money filming the 2nd season in New Jersey

    The budget for the second season of “Severance” is nothing to sniff at.

    NJ.com reported that while the show in its first season spent $5.1 million filming in New Jersey, for its second season it spent more than $24 million over three years filming there.

    Other filming locations in the state included Kings Landing, a condominium complex in Middletown, and part of Palisades Interstate Park in Alpine, which overlooks the Hudson River.

    Further north, Phoenicia Diner in the Catskills was used to film scenes at Pip’s Bar & Grille.

    Palmer Haasch contributed reporting to this story.




    1. The Real-Life ‘Severance’ Office Building is located in New York City and serves as the inspiration for the fictional office building featured in the hit Apple TV+ series, Severance.
    2. The building is known for its unique architecture and sleek design, making it a standout in the bustling cityscape of New York.
    3. Many fans of the show have flocked to the building to take photos and experience the real-life setting of the show, further adding to its popularity.
    4. While the building may not actually house a mysterious and secretive company like in the show, it still remains a must-see for fans of Severance and architecture enthusiasts alike.

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    #RealLife #Severance #Office #Building