Showbiz Sandbox

Like so many other working actors in New York John Keating saw his world turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic. Suddenly, his side gig narrating audio books became a lifeline like never before. We talk to Keating about the impact of the coronavirus shutdown, what it’s like to record an audiobook at home and a new online production of the ghostly tale “The Weir” put together by The Irish Repertory Theatre. Meanwhile, screenwriters have been locked in a year-long battle with their agents who the scribes claim have placed their own interests ahead of the writers they supposedly represent. Now the peace agreement between the Writers Guild of America has come to an agreement with United Talent Agency which would end packaging deals. Is it just a matter of time before the other big talent agencies follow suit? Of course we also cover some of the week’s top entertainment headlines including a big promotion for Netflix’s content chief, Ted Sarandos, China begins reopening movie theatres and “Dancing With The Stars” ditches its longtime hosts. John Keating on IMDb https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1577688/ The Weir at The Irish Rep https://irishrep.org/show/irish-rep-online-2020/the-weir-3/ China’s Cinemas to Reopen July 20 https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/chinas-cinemas-reopen-july-20-1303401 China to Begin Reopening Cinemas In Low Risk Areas Starting July 20 http://chinafilminsider.com/headlines-from-china-china-to-begin-reopening-cinemas-in-low-risk-areas-starting-july-20/ Nick Cannon Dropped by ViacomCBS After Making Anti-Semitic Comments https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/nick-cannon-dropped-viacomcbs-anti-semitic-comments-podcast-1234706748/ Nick Cannon Apologizes for Anti-Semitic Comments; Fox Stands Behind ‘The Masked Singer’ Host https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/nick-cannon-the-masked-singer-fox-statement-1234706861/ Tom Bergeron Out as ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Host https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/tom-bergeron-as-dancing-stars-host-1303087 Theaters, Music Venues in England to Reopen With Socially Distanced Audiences From Aug. 1 https://variety.com/2020/biz/news/u-k-theaters-music-venues-to-reopen-from-august-1-1234709292/ WGA Wins Historic Deal With UTA https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/uta-talks-writers-guild-agreement-sources-say-1303270 UTA Drops Lawsuit, Signs Deal with WGA as Agency Fight Thaws https://www.latimes.

With concerts and live performances canceled, cinemas closed, movie studios delaying releases, and streaming video or music the only entertainment audiences can enjoy, the industry is slowly grinding to a halt. Perhaps show business folk were recovering from the Fourth of July holiday weekend or are preparing for Bastille Day, but there was hardly any entertainment news to report. Even so, we tell you why North America’s largest cinema chains are suing the state of New Jersey, what is happening to the release of the latest “Halloween” horror films and why music may be disappearing from elevators. Plus, proving just how strange a year 2020 has become, the Venice, Toronto, Telluride and New York Film Festivals – usually fierce competitors – have decided to collaborate on what entries they present, not to mention how to do so safely. Archie Comics Partners With Spotify In Podcast Series https://deadline.com/2020/07/archie-comics-universe-spotify-podcast-series-deal-1202981485/ Former Fox News anchor Shep Smith heads to CNBC to host evening newscast https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/08/media/shepard-smith-cnbc/index.html Tucker Carlson’s Chief Writer Resigns Over Racist and Sexist Posts https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/tucker-carlsons-writer-resigns-over-racist-and-sexist-posts-the-latest-trouble-for-foxs-most-controversial-star/2020/07/11/2a50dbba-c394-11ea-b178-bb7b05b94af1_story.html ‘MacGyver,’ ‘Magnum P.I.’ Boss Peter Lenkov Fired at CBS https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/macgyver-magnum-pi-boss-peter-lenkov-fired-at-cbs-1302107 Hong Kong Disneyland Will Close Again Amid Coronavirus Spike https://variety.com/2020/biz/news/hong-kong-disneyland-coronavirus-disney-world-1234704748/ Venice, Toronto, Telluride and New York Film Festivals Join Forces in Non-Competitive Alliance https://variety.com/2020/film/news/venice-toronto-telluride-and-new-york-film-festivals-join-forces-in-non-competitive-alliance-1234701022/ Movie Chains Suing NJ for Treating Them Differently From Churches https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/movie-theatre-giants-sue-new-jersey-unconstitutional-covid-19-closures-1302152 Laemmle Chain Exploring Sale of at Least One Theater https://variety.com/2020/film/news/laemmle-exploring-sale-1234698148/ Body of Actress Naya Rivera Found in Lake Piru, Officials Say https://www.latimes.

With most of the world’s cinemas having been closed for the past five months due to the coronavirus pandemic, Hollywood studios and other film distributors have been unable to release new movies theatrically. However, even if movie theaters are able to open their doors, will studios be willing to release expensive blockbusters at a time when a new COVID-19 outbreak could shut them down again at any moment? Meanwhile the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences invited over 800 new professionals from around the world this year, achieving their goal of diversifying the organization’s membership base. Of course we also cover some of the week’s top entertainment headlines including the WGA avoids a strike by reaching a deal on a new contract with producers, Beavis and Butt-Head grow up and the United Kingdom pledges to $2 billion for arts programs. CAA Will Not Return To NY, LA, Nashville Offices Until At Least January 2021 https://deadline.com/2020/07/caa-will-not-return-to-ny-la-nashville-offices-until-at-least-january-2021-1202975783/ SAG Awards Postponed Until March 2021 Due To Coronavirus Pandemic https://deadline.com/2020/07/sag-awards-postponed-march-2021-coronavirus-pandemic-1202976191/ Alamo Drafthouse Moves Into Large-Scale Layoffs, Including Creative Director Mike Sampson https://www.indiewire.com/2020/07/alamo-drafthouse-layoffs-1234570943/ Sundance 2021 Will Be Held in at Least 20 Cities https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/29/movies/sundance-virus.html Designers to Wrap Empty UK Theatres with Message of Hope https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2020/jul/03/designers-wrap-uk-theatres-scene-change Drive-in Movies Will Screen at Walmart Parking Lots Nationwide in August https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2020-07-03/walmart-drive-in-movies-tribeca-enterprises-august Motion Picture Academy Invites 819 New Members, Surpasses Five Year Diversity Goal, Vows To Advance Inclusion Efforts https://deadline.com/2020/06/motion-picture-academy-819-new-members-diversity-record-1202974231/ Fox News Fires Ed Henry After Workplace Investigation Into Alleged Sexual Misconduct https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/ed-henry-fired-fox-news-sexual-misconduct-1234695459/ Utkarsh Ambudkar Set as Male Lead in CBS Comedy Pilot ‘Ghosts’ https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/utkarsh-ambudkar-set-as-male-lead-cbs-comedy-pilot-ghosts-1301295 Nick Cordero, Standout Actor in Broadway Musicals, Dies of COVID-19 Complications at 41

When it comes to social media, Hollywood seems to have a love/hate relationship. Celebrities and entertainment companies love being able to promote themselves and their latest work directly with fans and audiences, but they hate it when they get into trouble with their tweets and Facebook posts. Our former co-host Karen Woodward works as a social media manager with some of the best and brightest in the entertainment industry. She stops by to explain how being earnest and sincere is the ideal approach to successfully tackling social media. Woodward also fills us in on the latest trends in social media and whether it’s worth getting onto Instagram and TikTok. Of course we also cover some of the week’s top entertainment headlines including why the value of the music streaming service Spotify has skyrocketed, China cracks down on fan-fiction and IMDb wins a court case for the ages. Karen Woodward’s Website http://www.karenwoodwardonline.com/ The First Post-COVID Blockbuster Hit Isn’t a Hollywood Film https://celluloidjunkie.com/2020/06/28/the-first-post-covid-blockbuster-hit-isnt-a-hollywood-film/ Russian Director Kirill Serebrennikov Found Guilty of Fraud in Moscow Court https://deadline.com/2020/06/russian-director-kirill-serebrennikov-found-guilty-fraud-moscow-court-1202970632/ Dixie Chicks Officially Change Name to ‘The Chicks https://variety.com/2020/music/news/dixie-chicks-change-name-1234689849/ Disney to Overhaul Splash Mountain Ride Amid Outcry https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/disney-overhaul-splash-mountain-ride-outcry-1298664 Disneyland Unions Plan Protest at Theme Park Over “Rapid Timetable” to Reopen https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/disneyland-unions-plan-protest-at-theme-park-rapid-timetable-reopen-1300119 Spotify, Heading Towards a $50BN Market Cap, Is Worth Double What It Was 3 Months Ago https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/spotify-heading-towards-a-50bn-market-cap-is-worth-double-what-it-was-just-3-months-ago/ Ansel Elgort Denies Sexual Assault Allegations https://ew.com/movies/ansel-elgort-denies-sexual-assault-allegations/ Comedian Jeff Ross Denies Accusation He Had Sexual Relationship With Underage Girl https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/jeff-ross-denies-sexual-relationship-underage-girl-1234646254/ David Guillod, Hollywood Executive, Charged With Sexually Assaulting 4 Women

Though the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over, cinemas around the world are making plans to reopen having to take health and hygiene into consideration. In laying out their new safety protocols some theater chains are stumbling in how they make moviegoers feel comfortable with the idea of returning to the cinema. Yet, the real challenges facing exhibitors will come after they reopen. Then there is the uncertainty of what new movie releases will be available once theaters do turn on their lights, Titles such as Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet” keep getting delayed as large markets such as China are showing no signs of reopening cinemas. Of course we also cover some of the week’s top entertainment headlines including how BTS made millions performing a concert despite nobody showing up in person, DC Comics gets into podcasting and a popular video game sets a new standard for making the medium accessible to disabled people. Final Curtain? How Coronavirus Might Have Killed Off London’s West End https://www.euronews.com/2020/06/14/final-curtain-how-coronavirus-might-have-killed-off-london-s-west-end It’s Curtains for London’s West End Until 2021 as ‘Hamilton’ and ‘Les Misérables’ Remain Closed https://www.marketwatch.com/story/its-curtains-for-londons-west-end-until-2021-as-hamilton-and-les-miserables-remain-closed-2020-06-17 Oscars 2021 Gets a Later Date: April 25, and No Governors Awards https://www.indiewire.com/2020/06/oscars-2021-gets-a-later-date-april-25-no-governors-awards-1202237612/ Citing Devastating Pandemic, Academy Museum Once Again Delays Opening — to April 2021 https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2020-06-15/academy-museum-of-motion-pictures-delays-again-until-april-2021 ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Return To Production Delayed By A Day Over Health Department Testing Questions https://deadline.com/2020/06/the-bold-and-the-beautiful-return-to-production-delayed-a-day-health-department-testing-protocols-questions-1202967800/ Cannes Director Says Spike Lee’s ‘Da 5 Bloods’ Would Have Played At Festival & Netflix Rules Might Be Changing https://theplaylist.net/cannes-director-thierry-fremaux-confirms-netflix-was-going-to-screen-spike-lees-da-5-bloods-at-this-years-festival-20200613/ Lessons on Coronavirus Testing From the Adult Film Industry https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/18/well/live/coronavirus-testing-travel-covid-database-porn-adult-film.html DC Superheroes, Warner Bros. IP Coming to Spotify via Expansive Podcast Deal

While the coronavirus has shut down movies, concerts and live theater, it has absolutely decimated the comic book industry. Pop culture journalist Geoff Boucher joins us to look at the future for comic book stores and comic book movies. Spoiler alert – one of these is in dire straits. Currently, Boucher is co-authoring a book on the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Marvel Studios. And this week he’s launching another his own podcast hosted by the legendary comic book magazine Heavy Metal. Meanwhile, Chris Fenton, a longtime exec in Asia and the author of “Feeding The Dragon,” wrote a piece for Real Clear Politics saying Hollywood and China are headed for a divorce…but he explains why they should make certain it a conscious uncoupling. Of course we also cover some of the week’s top entertainment headlines including how media companies are jumping on the Black Lives Matter bandwagon, SAG-AFTRA reaches a new deal with producers avoiding a strike and the Oscars update their rules for the Best Picture category. Geoff Boucher On Facebook https://www.facebook.com/geoffboucher Heavy Metal Magazine Website http://www.heavymetal.com DC Comics Ends Diamond Comics Distribution Deal https://comicbook.com/dc/news/dc-ends-diamond-distribution-deal/ “Hasty, Sociopathic Decisions” – Image Comics’ Publisher On DC Comics https://bleedingcool.com/comics/hasty-sociopathic-decisions-image-comics-publisher-dc-comics/ A Hollywood Ending for the Coming U.S.-China Divorce https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2020/06/14/a_hollywood… Feeding The Dragon by Chris Fenton https://feedingthedragonbook.com/ ‘Cops’ Canceled By Paramount Network; ‘Live PD’ Return Evaluated By A&E https://deadline.com/2020/06/cops-canceled-paramount-network-live-pd-return-evaluated-ae-1202954910/ Grammy Awards to Drop ‘Urban’ Term https://variety.com/2020/music/news/grammy-awards-drop-urban-recording-academy-1234629747/ SAG-AFTRA, Studios Reach Agreement on Successor Contract https://variety.com/2020/film/news/sag-aftra-studios-reach-agreement-successor-contract-1234603400/ Cineworld Calls Off Cineplex Movie Theater Deal https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cineworld-calls-cineplex-acquisition-1288894

As countries all over the globe shut down their economies during the COVID-19 pandemic, roughly 94% of the world’s movie theaters closed down for business due to health concerns or lack of new releases. There has been countless speculation about when cinemas would reopen or if audiences would actually return once they do. As well, Hollywood studios have pushed back the release of so many titles, what new movies will even be available to show? As the head of the film department at the research firm Omdia, and an expert in the cinema sector, David Hancock has been tracking all the data associated with the industry’s current predicament. He joins us to explain how movie theaters are reopening, what obstacles they face even if successful and why the industry may lose $35 billion in box office over the next two years due to the pandemic. Of course we also cover some of the week’s top entertainment headlines including why the Metropolitan Opera in New York has canceled its fall season, why one of the most successful e-sports athletes of all-time is retiring at 23 and filmmaker James Cameron returns to New Zealand to continue production on the “Avatar” sequels. David Hancock – Omdia https://technology.informa.com/Biographies/400733/david-hancock Omdia – Cinema Intelligence https://technology.informa.com/624347/the-impact-of-covid-19-on-the-global-cinema-business-as-at-10620 Dick Wolf Fires Writer for Threatening To Light Up Looters Who Threaten His Property https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/dick-wolf-fires-writer-threats-light-up-looters-1296878 Hartley Sawyer Fired From ‘The Flash’ After Racist, Misogynist Tweets Surface https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/hartley-sawyer-fired-flash-misogynist-tweets-surface-1297483 Gabrielle Union Files Discrimination Complaint Against ‘AGT’ Producers https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/gabrielle-union-discrimination-complaint-americas-got-talent-1234625479/ AEG to Make Significant Layoffs and Furlough Employees, Staff Memo Says https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/9398066/aeg-staff-layoffs-furlough-employees-staff-memo Byron Allen: Black America Speaks. America Should Listen. https://deadline.com/2020/06/byron-allen-black-america-speaks-america-should-listen-guest-column-1202953595/ Uzi, China’s League of Legends Legend, Retires at 23 http://www.sixthtone.com/news/1005764/uzi%2C-chinas-league-of-legends-legend%2C-retires-at-23 The Metropolitan Opera Cancels All Fall Performances https://www.nytimes.

Even after the platform helped Lil Nas X turn “Old Town Road” into one of the most successful popular songs of all time, there are some (mostly older) demographics that are unfamiliar with the explosive popularity of the social media platform. Natalie Jarvey, the Senior Digital Media Editor at the Hollywood Reporter, joins us to discuss how TikTok is doing YouTube one better as a launching pad for new talent. In fact, TikTokers with tens of millions of followers, many of whom are still teenagers, have begun to attract Hollywood talent agencies, record labels and major brands, ultimately leading to big paydays. However, as fast as TikTok became the social media flavor of the moment, could its star fade just as fast. Of course we also cover some of the week’s top entertainment headlines including which major entertainment conglomerates are backing #BlackLivesMatters during recent civic protests, the Writers Guild of America takes aim at international residuals and “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia” sets a new record for a sitcom. TikTok Boom! How the Exploding Social Media App Is Going Hollywood https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/tiktok-boom-how-exploding-social-media-app-is-going-hollywood-1293505 Some Corporate Activism Backfires Amid Protests https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2020-06-01/solidarity-joining-bandwagon-some-corporate-activism-backfires-amid-protests L.A.’s Greek Theatre Postpones or Cancels All 2020 Shows https://variety.com/2020/music/news/greek-theatre-cancels-season-1234617506/ Broadway League President Hopes for January Reopening—with Full Theaters and Masks https://www.thedailybeast.com/broadway-league-president-charlotte-st-martin-hopes-for-january-reopeningwith-full-theaters-and-masks Walt Disney World to Reopen Orlando Theme Parks in July https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/walt-disney-world-reopen-florida-update-1234617216/ Across China: Lights, Camera, Action! “Chinese Hollywood” Makes a Comeback http://www.china.org.cn/china/Off_the_Wire/2020-05/29/content_76105899.htm Warner Music’s IPO Arrives With Roughly $12.5 Billion Valuation https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/9390081/warner-music-group-launches-ipo-initial-public-offering-nasdaq Disney, CBS Sued Over ‘Criminal Minds’ Sexual Harassment by California Department of Fair Employment https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/criminal-minds-harassment-greg-st-johns-disney-cbs-sued-1234616246/ It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia Renewed For 15th ...

With audiences spending countless hours streaming video during the coronavirus pandemic, and with some movies once bound for cinemas bypassing theaters and going directly to video-on-demand, the issue over residual payments to those that make all the content has once again become a hot button issue. This especially true since global streaming subscription revenue doubled in four years to $37 billion in 2019 and is expected to hit $62 billion by 2024. Rather than being based on box office, ratings or profits, when it comes to streaming, residuals turned into a low fixed annual payment, no matter how big a hit your series or movie was. Now the Writers Guild of America has proposed a tiered system based on viewership to make sure residual payments reflect the new streaming reality when it comes to the likes of Disney+, HBO Max and Netflix. Of course we also cover some of the week’s top entertainment headlines including why “Batwoman” lost its star, People magazine heads to television and Joe Rogan’s podcast payday. Venice Film Festival Still On for September, Venice Governor Confirms https://variety.com/2020/film/global/coronavirus-venice-film-festival-going-ahead-2020-1234615352/ TV Fan-Favorite Smash Heading To Broadway as a New Musical https://www.broadway.com/buzz/199335/tv-fan-favorite-smash-heading-to-broadway-as-a-new-musical/ New Zealand Returns To Production, Paving Way For ‘Avatar’ Sequels & ‘The Lord Of The Rings’ Series To Resume Filming https://deadline.com/2020/05/new-zealand-returns-to-production-paving-way-for-avatar-sequels-to-resume-live-action-filming-1202929138/ Daytime Emmys Rescheduled for June 26 as Virtual Ceremony https://www.thewrap.com/daytime-emmys-rescheduled-for-june-26-as-virtual-ceremony/ Report: Theater Producers and Concert Promoters Call it Quits on 2020 https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2020/05/report-theater-producers-and-concert-promoters-call-it-quits-on-2020 The Directors and Producers Guild of America Change Their Award Rules https://www.indiewire.com/2020/05/producers-guild-of-america-revise-award-rules-1202232134/ Theatre Stands On The Brink of Ruin https://www.telegraph.co.uk/theatre/what-to-see/theatre-stands-brink-ruin/ Coronavirus: National Theatre Preparing fFr ‘Substantial’ Staff Redundancies https://www.thestage.co.uk/news/coronavirus-national-theatre-preparing-for-substantial-staff-redundancies People Magazine to Launch Syndicated Series on Meredith Corp. TV Stations

Broadway theaters and their equivalent in the West End and local communities around the world face a much huge hurdle in reopening after being closed for months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Productions now face challenges such as paying rent for theaters which aren’t holding performances, houses that don’t accommodate social distancing, an aging audience, a lack of tourists, canceled shows and more. The list of delayed productions is too long to cover, but even shows on hold, shows that were touring or playing on Broadway are calling it quits. Last week, the Donna Summer touring musical shut down for good along with Disney’s “Frozen.” The musical was suffering from falling grosses, but even so, the move sent shivers through the Broadway community. Of course we also cover some of the week’s top entertainment headlines including why the Hollywood Bowl is going dark for the first time in 98 years, bull riding competitions get the green light and which North American network topped the rating last season. Which AMC?! TV Company Stock Pops, Theater Circuit Dips After Amazon Rumor Gets Rewrite https://deadline.com/2020/05/amc-networks-shares-rise-amc-entertainment-dips-after-amazon-report-update-1202932702/ Hollywood Bowl Season Canceled for the First Time in 98 Years https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2020-05-13/hollywood-bowl-cancels-2020-season-summer-coronavirus 2019-20 TV Season Ratings: Fox To Win Demo After Long Dry Spell https://deadline.com/2020/05/tv-ratings-2019-2020-final-rankings-masked-singer-sunday-night-football-fox-cbs-1202935271/ Endeavor’s Pro Bull Riders Will Allow Fans in Arena at South Dakota Event https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/pro-bull-riders-south-dakota-1234599062/ Broadway Reopening Date is Just a Guess at This Point https://www.nydailynews.com/coronavirus/ny-coronavirus-when-will-broadway-reopen-20200516-grikxfkej5e5vmctezqvau4i2u-story.html Broadway Will Be Dark This Summer Amid the Coronavirus https://www.marketwatch.com/story/its-certainly-sobering-to-know-that-new-york-will-be-without-broadway-this-summer-why-broadway-cant-bounce-back-from-the-coronavirus-shutdown-any-time-soon-2020-05-15 Shakespeare’s Globe Will Close Without Govt Funding http://bway.ly/6ymw3y#https://deadline.com/2020/05/shakespeare-globe-theatre-facing-closure-coronavirus-1202936997/ Disney Closes ‘Frozen’ on Broadway, Citing Pandemic https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/14/theater/frozen-broadway-closing-virus.html

When most of the global entertainment industry shut down in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it wasn’t just movie theaters, concert halls and amusement parks that were affected. The sudden lockdown forced film and television productions of all kinds to be suspended, no matter what stage they were in. What has yet to be determined is how to start filming new shows and movies while keeping cast and crew safe. Questions remain over everything from how to shoot love scenes moving forward, whether cast and crew should sequester themselves during production to how often everyone on set should be tested to how meal breaks should be handled. There are concerns over every aspect of a production, including craft services. Of course we also cover some of the week’s top entertainment headlines including an increase in cord-cutting among cable subscribers, why a major Hollywood talent agency is struggling to survive the industry’s lockdown and how the Fox network is making their upcoming television season coronavirus-proof. Germany Gives Green Light For Bundesliga Soccer Season To Restart On May 16 https://deadline.com/2020/05/germany-budesliga-restart-may-angela-merkel-1202927339/ Hollywood CEOs “Sacrifice” Base Pay, Yet Keep Big Bonuses https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hollywood-ceos-sacrifice-base-pay-keep-big-bonuses-1293435 AMC Theatres’ Stock Soars on Amazon Acquisition Speculation https://variety.com/2020/film/news/amc-entertainment-amazon-acquisition-stock-1234603290/ Colson Whitehead Wins Second Fiction Pulitzer, Ben Moser’s ‘Sontag’ Wins for Biography https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/books/story/2020-05-04/pulitzer-prize-book-winners-colson-whitehead-ben-moser WME Looking At Black Monday: 20% Of Employees Will Be Laid Off, Furloughed Or Cut To Part Time https://deadline.com/2020/05/wme-layoffs-monday-20-percent-staff-1202922043/ Sinclair Broadcast Group To Pay $48 Million Penalty To Close FCC Investigations https://deadline.com/2020/05/sinclair-broadcast-group-fcc-fines-tribune-media-1202928035/ Pay TV Subscriber Losses Hit Record Amid Pandemic, Virtual Services “Implode” https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/pay-tv-subscriber-losses-record-pandemic-virtual-services-implode-1293904 Fox Sets Corona-Proof Fall 2020 Schedule https://deadline.com/2020/05/fox-fall-2020-schedule-new-shows-las-finest-the-masked-singer-corona-proof-schedule-filthy-rich-next-1202930903/ Little Richard, Flamboyant Wild Man of Rock ’n’ Roll, Dies at 87

Even when times are good and profits are up, some of Hollywood’s biggest stakeholders don’t always get along. For over a year now the Writers Guild of America has been duking it out over television packaging fees with the Association of Talent Agencies, suing three of its largest members; United Talent Agency, William Morris Endeavor and Creative Artists Agency. Entertainment attorney and Hollywood Reporter contributing editor Jonathan Handel fills us in on the latest court rulings in the dispute and why things aren’t looking good for the WGA. Meanwhile, cinema operators were already upset with Universal Pictures for releasing “Trolls World Tour” via premium video on demand, skipping a theatrical release due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now the studio announced plans to release its future movies on PVOD at the same time as they hit theaters, causing a few chains to boycott Universal’s titles. Film distribution veteran Jim Amos of Scout 53 breaks down the argument for us and tells us how he thinks it will be resolved. Of course we also cover some of the week’s top entertainment headlines including new rules for the Oscars, global music industry revenue continues to grow (for now) and without sports to broadcast should ESPN still be charging cable subscribers? Writers Guild Suffers Big Loss as Court Dismisses Almost All Its Claims Against Agencies https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/writers-guild-suffers-big-loss-as-court-dismisses-almost-all-claims-agencies-1292152 Studios Agree to May 11 Negotiations With Writers Guild https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/studios-agree-may-11-negotiations-writers-guild-1290811 NY State Attorney General Joins Growing Chorus Calling For Sports TV Fee Rebate From COVID-19 Shutdown https://deadline.com/2020/04/new-york-state-attorney-general-sports-tv-fee-rebate-cable-espn-comcast-covid-19-1202921233/ As Rich 2019 Paydays Roll In, Media CEO Salaries Will Be Hard To Justify In A COVID-19 Economy https://deadline.com/2020/05/hollywood-ceo-compensation-2019-coronavirus-impact-analysis-1202922215/ Global Recorded-Music Revenues Topped $20 Billion in 2019, but Streaming Growth Is Slowing https://variety.com/2020/biz/news/global-music-revenues-20-billion-streaming-slowing-1234596953/ Once Again Michael Moore Stirs the Environmental Pot https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/may/03/once-again-michael-moore-stirs-the-environmental-pot-but-conservationists-turn-up-the-heat-on-him Hollywood Reacts to Oscar Eligibility Changes: ‘It Makes Total Sense’ https://variety.

As the global entertainment industry looks to reopen in the wake of the COVID-19 shutdown there are some sectors that may not be able to welcome customers back until next year. Theme parks, for instance are designed for cramming as many people as possible into lines and onto rides. As such, the ongoing pandemic is forcing most amusement parks to delay opening until at least 2021 or even later? Claudia Nunn is a senior project manager at The Producers Group, a leading provider of production and design services for destination attractions worldwide. In other words, they help to create theme park rides and immersive environments for everyone from Disney and Universal Studios to resorts, casinos and museums all over the globe. She joins us to discuss how theme parks are dealing with the coronavirus closures, how and when they might reopen, as well as some of her past stories in developing amusement parks. Of course we also cover some of the week’s top entertainment headlines including Apple Music continues to grow, Sinclair lets freelancers fend for themselves and a court ruling means literacy may become a constitutional right. The Producers Group https://www.producers-group.com/ The Producers Group Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/TheProducersGroup The Hollywood Studio Release Schedule Shuffle: Where It’s Been and Where It’s Going https://celluloidjunkie.com/2020/04/20/the-hollywood-studio-release-schedule-shuffle-where-its-been-and-where-its-going/ Netflix Adds Nearly 16 Million Subscribers Amid Virus Shutdown https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/netflix-adds-16-million-subscribers-virus-shutdown-1291168 Disney Heir Criticises $1.5bn in Bonuses and Dividends as Company Cuts Pay https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/apr/22/disney-heir-criticises-company-over-15bn-bonuses-cuts-pay Apple Music Expands Into 52 More Countries, Including Two Dozen in Africa https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/streaming/9362249/apple-music-expands-52-more-countries-africa Gene Deitch, Prolific Animator, Is Dead at 95 https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/24/arts/gene-deitch-dead.html Shirley Knight, Adventurous Actress and Two-Time Oscar Nominee, Dies at 83 https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/shirley-knight-dead-sweet-bird-youth-dark-at-top-stairs-dutchman-actress-was-83-1133636

Long before the coronavirus pandemic, independent journalism was on life support, especially at the local level. After businesses around the world shut down advertising revenue at media outlets completely disappeared and may never fully return. This is especially true at newspapers and industry trade publications, which have begun cutting staff. In a wide-ranging interview, Kelly McBride, a senior vice president at the Poynter Institute gives us her take on what journalism will look like after the pandemic. She also discusses her new role as the public editor of National Public Radio, as well as her work advising the Hollywood Reporter. Of course we also cover some of the week’s top entertainment headlines including when we all might be able to attend a live event again, the latest on the Writers Guild contract negotiations and Netflix hits a new high. Kelly McBride’s Work on Poynter https://www.poynter.org/author/kellymcbride/ HR Fires Exec Dir Over Editorial Control https://www.thewrap.com/hollywood-reporter-matthew-belloni-fired/ Poynter Exec Named NPR’s Public Editor https://www.npr.org/2020/04/06/827768275/npr-names-poynters-kelly-mcbride-as-sixth-public-editor How I’m Living Now: David Lynch, Director https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/how-im-living-now-david-lynch-director-1290834 Studios Agree to May 11 Negotiations With Writers Guild https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/studios-agree-may-11-negotiations-writers-guild-1290811 New York and LA Mayors Say Live Events ‘Difficult to Imagine’ Until 2021 https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/touring/9359311/new-york-la-live-events-not-until-2021-mayors Live Nation Sued Over Coronavirus Refunds https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9363002/live-nation-sued-coronavirus-refunds New Rules For Facebook and Google To Value News Auality: ACCC https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/new-rules-for-facebook-and-google-to-value-news-quality-accc-20200420-p54lg3.html Netflix Worth More Than Disney After Streamer’s Stock Hits All-Time High https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/netflix-shares-all-time-highs-disney-market-cap-1234581167/ Amazon Stock Hits All-Time High Amid Surge in Orders, Company Worth $1.1 Trillion https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/amazon-stock-all-time-high-coronavirus-surge-1234579638/

When Broadway houses went dark in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, nobody was certain when they might reopen. With the theatres shuttered until at least early June, commercial productions around the world are thrust into unchartered waters. Which shows will actually come back? Which upcoming productions will get delayed? Will audiences come back to theatres? Tony winning theatre producer Ken Davenport remains optimistic. He tells us that, while there will be some inevitable shuffling of staged and touring productions, the shutdown gives live theatre a chance to return smarter, stronger and more prepared for a new reality. The industry however, must act now to get ahead. Of course we also cover some of the week’s top entertainment headlines including why France is upset with Google, the straight to VOD release of “Trolls” may have been a success and the launch of the new streaming service Quibi. Ken Davenport’s Website https://www.theproducersperspective.com Ken Davenport on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KenDavenport/ The Theatermakers Studio https://theatermakersstudio.com/ 2011 Broadway Company of GODSPELL Will Reunite to Raise Money for The Actors Fund https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/2011-Broadway-Company-of-GODSPELL-Will-Reunite-to-Raise-Money-for-The-Actors-Fund-20200409 France Rules Google Must Pay News Firms for Content https://www.reuters.com/article/us-google-france/france-rules-google-must-pay-news-firms-for-content-idUSKCN21R14X Quibi Hits 1.7 Million Downloads in First Week https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/quibi-hits-17-million-downloads-first-week-1289986 ‘Trolls World Tour’: FandangoNow Reports That Movie Posts Best Weekend For Streaming Service https://deadline.com/2020/04/trolls-world-tour-fandangonow-weekend-record-1202906902/ Mort Drucker Dies: Famous Fans Post Favorites From Mad Magazine TV & Movie Caricaturist https://deadline.com/2020/04/mort-drucker-dead-obituary-mad-magazine-tv-movie-caricaturist-1202904928/ John Prine, One of America’s Greatest Songwriters, Dead at 73 https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/john-prine-obit-253684/ Hal Willner, Music Producer and Longtime ‘SNL’ Music Supervisor, Dead at 64 https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/hal-willner-obituary-979949/