MGM deal throws other Hollywood giants in the spotlight

Hi and welcome to Insider Advertising for May 28. I'm deputy editor Lucia Moses, filling in for Lauren Johnson, and here's what's going on:

• Hollywood acquisition targets.
• HBO Max's plans.
• Agency travel comes back.

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Tips, comments, suggestions? Drop me a line at lmoses@insider.com or on Twitter at @lmoses.

5 Hollywood giants that Big Tech could snap up next in the wake of Amazon's MGM deal

• Amazon's MGM deal isn't just big for Amazon - it could have ripple effects on the remaining independent studios.
• Insiders are speculating other film and TV producers that could be acquired next as media and tech companies try to bulk up for the streaming wars, sources tell Claire Atkinson.
• All eyes are on Legendary Pictures, Lionsgate and Sony.

Read the story.

A top HBO Max product exec on launching ads, expanding internationally, and keeping focused as the Discovery merger looms

• 2021 is set to be a big year for HBO Max, which is planning an ad-supported tier and international rollout.
• Ashley Rodriguez talked to HBO Max product exec Sarah Lyons after WarnerMedia and Discovery's merger news.
• She talked about building HBO Max's new ad-supported and international experiences.

Read the story.

Marketers are seeking facetime with their agencies again, but some ad execs are resistant to going back to crazy pre-pandemic travel schedules

• Ad execs are starting to travel again as clients seek facetime with their agencies, they tell Lindsay Rittenhouse.
• Some agencies are prepared to push back if asked to resume hectic pre-pandemic travel schedules.
• But habits are hard to break, and agencies that don't show up in person may be at risk of losing the business.

Read the story.

More stories we're reading:

• WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar says he will stay at company at least through merger (WSJ)
• Acorns, the app that lets users invest spare change, is going public via SPAC at a valuation of over $2 billion (Insider)
• The founders of a chocolate startup turned down an acquisition from Hershey's and are using their Instagram reality show and $10 million in revenue to try for an IPO (Insider)
• The 'talent agencies' hustling wannabe influencers (Vice)
• Some 'link-in-bio' startups are taking a more active role in how creators make money, including paying them directly (Insider)

Enjoy the Memorial Day weekend see you Tuesday! You can reach me in the meantime at lmoses@insider.com and subscribe to this daily email here.