Warner Bros.'s 'Scoob!' will be heading straight to video on demand on May 15

The new Scooby-Doo animated film Scoob! is the latest movie to head straight to video on demand on May 15. Warner Bros. will make this animated film available for 48-hour rental at $20 or for purchase at $25 in the US and Canada. The film won't be immediately available to stream as part of Warner Bros.' HBO Max service.

Warner Bros. CEO Ann Sarnoff said that the COVID-19 pandemic had required the company to call for "creative thinking and adaptability in how [Warner Bros.] distributes content." And they aren't the only ones to do so. Earlier in the month, Universal Pictures brought Trolls World Tour straight to VOD services. Disney will be debuting its Artemis Fowl adaptation on Disney+.

Source: The Verge + Engadget

Epic Games begrudgingly brings 'Fortnite' to Google Play Store

Image courtesy of Epic Games

Epic Games finally caved and brought Fortnite to the Google Play Store, but they aren't exactly pleased with it. When the game launched on mobile in 2018, the developer notably sidestepped the Play Store and asked users to download the title right from its website to avoid Google's substantial 30% revenue cut from in-app purchases of Play Store downloads. And with Fortnite being a popular free-to-play game when it launched, it would have lost significant income from the game. 

After 18 months of the company's harsh rhetoric when it comes to Google's gatekeeping, Fortnite is on the Play Store, while also still available through fortnite.com. 

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Neil Gaiman: Production of 'The Sandman' Netflix adaptation on hold due to COVID-19

Image courtesy of DC Comics/Vertigo

It's been a long road trying to get the adaptation of Neil Gaiman's beloved comic series, The Sandman, off the ground. And just as it was about to go into production as a Netflix original, the production got temporarily shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Gaiman shared some details over on his Tumblr about where the show was before production stopped. He said, "It's going really well, except it's kind of hibernating right now until people start making TV again. The scripts for the first season are written, casting had started, directors hired, sets were being built. Everything was ready to go into production, and then we moved into a pause. As soon as the world is ready to make TV drama, Sandman will move smoothly back into being made. In the meantime, we are taking the opportunity to get the scripts as good as we can."

While the wait might be too much for some fans, others might be heartened to hear that the production is moving forward. After waiting for the franchise to be turned into a show or movie since the '90s, we're getting closer to this 11-episode Netflix series, and that's something we're looking forward to seeing once this pandemic is over.

Source: IndieWire

Apple extends Services availability to more countries

Services, including subscriptions to Apple News, Apple TV, Apple Arcade, Apple Music, and iTunes continue to be Apple's largest growing profit center and the company is making these available in more countries to grow market share. 

“We’re delighted to bring many of Apple’s most beloved Services to users in more countries than ever before,” said Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple Music and International Content. “We hope our customers can discover their new favorite apps, games, music, and podcasts as we continue to celebrate the world’s best creators, artists, and developers.”

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