As you've probably heard by now, the Kodak Theatre will soon be no more. A judge has approved cash-strapped Eastman Kodak's request to sever its pricey naming deal for the big theater at Hollywood and Highland (home to the Oscars), and now, as Variety reports, owner CIM Group is hunting for a new naming rights partner:
CIM has already lined up three suitors interested in branding the current home of the Oscars, Variety has learned. Heading up the talks for CIM is Santa Monica-based naming rights and consulting firm Premier Partnerships, which is negotiating with marketers. CIM was approached by several interested companies immediately after Eastman Kodak first petitioned a bankruptcy court to void its naming-rights deal at the end of January, including Dell Computer, which at one point presented a proposal. Though the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is not actively involved in the process, it does have the power to veto any sponsor it deems unacceptable. Organizers would prefer a brand with a connection to the film biz or upscale pedigree. It wasn't immediately clear which three companies were considering a sponsorship deal. Regular Oscar sponsors have included American Express, the Coca-Cola Co., Hyundai and JC Penney. Samsung is ponying up considerable coin around this year's kudocast as it promotes its new line of smartphones.
So who should get the name? Make your selection below, or add your own choice.
