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Welcome to The Brief by Kuro House, your daily dose of marketing insights to keep you ahead of the curve. I’m glad you’re tuning in—today, we’re diving into some of the most compelling stories shaping the marketing and media landscape. From seismic shifts at Paramount Skydance to the creative tension between private labels and legacy brands, there’s plenty to unpack. Let’s jump right in.

First up, a major shakeup in the entertainment industry. According to Adweek, Paramount Skydance—now under the leadership of CEO David Ellison—is set to cut about 1,000 jobs this week as part of a sweeping restructuring effort. These layoffs, which are scheduled for Wednesday, are just the beginning; Bloomberg reports that the total number could reach around 2,000 as additional cuts are expected down the line. This move comes in the wake of Paramount’s $8 billion merger with Skydance last August. Jeff Shell, president of Paramount Skydance, had previously signaled that cost-cutting measures and layoffs would be announced by the company’s third-quarter earnings report on November 10. And while the company is grappling with internal changes, it’s also making moves externally—Paramount Skydance is reportedly in the running to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, which has attracted interest from several parties. This combination of internal restructuring and ambitious acquisition plans signals a period of intense transformation for one of media’s biggest players.

Next, let’s talk about the surprisingly creative world of private label branding. In an in-depth piece for Adweek, the rise of private label brands—think Aldi’s store brands—has been dissected as both a threat and a wake-up call for category leaders like Mondelēz International. The article highlights how private labels are no longer just budget alternatives; they’re becoming culturally relevant by leaning into branding strategies that closely mimic established giants. Mondelēz, for example, has filed a lawsuit against Aldi, alleging that its lookalike products—like Aldi’s “Original” cookies, “Thin Wheats,” and “Peanut Butter Crème”—dilute the distinctive qualities of flagship brands like Oreo, Wheat Thins, and Nutter Butter. The similarities are so close, from typeface to color palette, that it’s hard to ignore. But here’s the twist: the article argues that this isn’t just lazy copycatting. Instead, it’s a sign that category leaders have become complacent, hiding behind the codes and visual cues they’ve spent years perfecting. The advice? Established brands need to be more agile and experimental, pushing their assets further to stay ahead of the curve. The piece ends with a provocative call: rather than suing competitors into oblivion, legacy brands should see the rise of private labels as a challenge to innovate and disrupt themselves.

Now, let’s celebrate creativity at its finest. Adweek also gave us a sneak peek into the upcoming 2025 Brand Genius Celebration, presented by Shutterstock. Scheduled for November 4 at Brandweek in Atlanta, this event will honor visionary brand leaders and creators who are redefining how brands connect, inspire, and make an impact. Aimee Egan, Chief Enterprise Officer at Shutterstock, put it best: “The Brand Genius Awards celebrate the visionaries who embody that belief—those redefining how brands connect, inspire, and make an impact.” It’s not just about being celebrated; it’s about honoring those who capture real stories, push boundaries, and drive creativity forward. If you’re passionate about the future of branding, this is one event you won’t want to miss.

That’s it for today’s most engaging stories. From the turbulence at Paramount Skydance to the evolving battle between private labels and legacy brands, and the celebration of creative genius, it’s clear that the marketing landscape is as dynamic as ever. Thanks for joining me on The Brief by Kuro House. Stay sharp, stay curious, and I’ll catch you tomorrow with more insights to power your day.