Showbiz Sandbox

Content owners seem to be locked in a never-ending game of legal Whac-A-Mole in an attempt to thwart technologies that enable copyright infringement. Last week record labels managed to shutter the music streaming service Grooveshark and movie studios were granted a court ordered injunction against Popcorn Time, which has been dubbed the Netflix of Piracy. Yet now entertainment companies are concerned about audiences live streaming television shows and movies from their mobile phones using social media apps such as Periscope. That’s exactly what happened on Saturday during the welterweight title fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao. Some viewers took it upon themselves to beam video of the boxing match by transmitting the pay-per-view broadcast through their phones. Meanwhile on Broadway, this year’s Tony Award nominations were announced, recognizing the best and brightest new live theatre productions. We’ll give you a rundown of who was nominated and why walking off with one of the prestigious prizes can mean big profits at the box office. Of course, we also cover the week’s top entertainment news stories including the gigantic opening of “Avengers: Age of Ultron”, a remake of “Roots” and how “Seinfeld” is earning big bucks on subscription video-on-demand. ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ Nabs $191.3M In Domestic Debut http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-avengers-age-ultron-793000 Disney Crosses $1B At International Box Office; Propelled By ‘Ultron’, ‘Cinderella’ http://deadline.com/2015/05/disney-international-one-billion-box-office-avengers-ultron-cinderella-big-hero-6-1201420079/ ‘Furious 7’ Becomes Highest Grossing Film Ever In China http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-box-office-furious-7-china-20150428-story.html ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’: Did Major Sports Events Hurt the Box Office? https://variety.com/2015/film/news/avengers-age-of-ultron-mayweather-pacquiao-kentucky-derby-box-office-1201486386/ 2015 Tony Award Nominations http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/28/theater/theaterspecial/2015-tony-award-nominations.html Downton’s Fellowes Adapting Anthony Trollope Novel for TV http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-32472056 Periscope Piracy Sets Up Grudge Match: Hollywood vs. Twitter https://variety.com/2015/digital/opinion/periscope-piracy-sets-up-grudge-match-hollywood-vs-twitter-1201486298/ Live Nation Entertainment Buys Controlling Stake In Bonnaroo Festival

When theater owners and film distributors from around the world convened last week for CinemaCon in Las Vegas they were presented with a slate of upcoming blockbusters and cutting edge innovations which forecast an optimistic future for the industry. After ending last year with the most depressed box office returns in recent memory, 2015 is shaping up to break all records with at least four films potentially grossing more than a billion dollars. Adding to the optimistic outlook are emerging technologies that enhance the experience of going to the cinema. Upgrades such as immersive sound, laser projection and high dynamic range may help lure certain demographics back to theaters. Teenagers and young adults, for instance, have seen declining attendance since 2007 as the number of on-demand entertainment options began expanding. Meanwhile, cable giant Comcast called off its $45 billion acquisition of Time Warner Cable after government agencies informed the company they would actively work to block the merger. Regulators believed the deal, which many feared but felt would ultimately be approved, might allow Comcast to dominate not just cable television, but more importantly high speed Internet access. Of course, we also cover the week’s top entertainment news stories including the end of “Sabado Gigante”, how WikiLeaks got involved in the Sony cyberattack and Netflix just keeps growing. ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’: Hundreds of German Theaters Boycotting Marvel Film http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/avengers-age-ultron-hundreds-german-791473 Trailer Report: ‘Star Wars’ Soars to 30 Million Views in First 24 Hours http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/trailer-report-star-wars-soars-789764 Could ‘Star Wars’ Open at $500 Million? The Force Is Strong http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/could-star-wars-open-at-789889 CinemaCon Shows Moviegoing Is Getting Luxurious for Whole Family https://variety.com/2015/film/spotlight/moviegoing-gets-luxurious-for-whole-family-1201471451/ ‘Spider-Man’ Animated Movie Coming in 2018 https://variety.com/2015/film/news/spider-man-animated-movie-coming-in-2018-1201477933/ CinemaCon: Dave Hollis Delivers International Keynote Address http://celluloidjunkie.com/2015/04/21/cinemacon-dave-hollis-delivers-international-keynote-address/ CinemaCon: David Hancock Delivers Digital Cinema Update http://celluloidjunkie.com/2015/04/27/cinemacon-david-hancock-delivers-digital-cinema-update/ WikiLeaks Posts Sony Pictures Documents,

Even in the best of times being a Hollywood talent agent has never been an easy job.  The dog eat dog nature of the agency business has never been more apparent than during the last few weeks when 11 agents suddenly defected from Creative Artists Agency, one of the industry’s leading agencies, to become partners at a rival firm, United Talent Agency. Following in the footsteps of their agents were A-list clients such as Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianiakis, Ed Helms, Melissa McCarthy and Chris Pratt. This isn’t the first time big shot agents have deserted their agencies for greener pastures and taken their clients with them, nor will it be the last. In fact, CAA was founded in 1975 when Michael Ovitz along with Ron Meyer and several other agents, abruptly departed the William Morris Agency to form their own firm. The now legendary Ari Emanuel did the same thing 20 years later to start Endeavor. Meanwhile, changes are also afoot in how television networks want advertisers to pay for commercial time. Two major conglomerates, Time Warner and Viacom, are moving away from Nielsen ratings and offering to let advertisers pay for the “impact” their ads have through metrics such as increased brand recognition, increased loyalty program registrations and consumer engagement on social media. Of course, we also cover the week’s top entertainment news stories including Jay-Z makes a streaming media play with Tidal, filmmaker David Lynch backs out of “Twin Peaks” reboot, and NBC selects “The Wiz” as its next live televised musical. Will ‘Furious 7’ Become Universal’s First Billion-Dollar Baby? http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/will-furious-7-become-universals-786448 DreamWorks Animation Stock Rises as ‘Home’ Opening Exceeds Expectations http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/dreamworks-animation-stock-rises-home-785262 Time Warner, Viacom Back Away From Nielsen Guarantees For Ads https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/time-warner-viacom-nielsen-tv-advertising-upfront-1201471240/ ‘The Wiz’ Set as NBC’s Next Live Musical http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/wiz-set-as-nbcs-next-785343 Alabama Officials Find Harper Lee in Control of Decision to Publish Second Novel http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/04/03/alabama-officials-find-harper-lee-in-control-of-decision-to-publish-second-novel/?_r=0 Digital Audience Ratings: ‘Corden’ Hits Huge Debut; https://variety.com/2015/digital/news/digital-audience-ratings-corden-hits-huge-debut-10-years-of-greys-makes-top-10-1201462670/ Jay Z, Kanye, Rihanna Throw Support Behind Streaming Service Tidal

Thanks to the success of new shows like “How To Get Away With Murder”, “Black-ish”, “Fresh Off The Boat”, “Jane the Virgin” and, of course, “Empire”, Deadline Hollywood reports this year’s pilot season is experiencing an explosion of minority casting. Networks are now writing roles specifically for ethnic actors and demanding series pilots feature a diverse cast. Though long overdue, the suggestion that the “pendulum might have swung a bit too far in the opposite direction” ruffled a few industry feathers. In less controversial news, the Library of Congress announced the 25 recordings it will be adding to the National Recording Registry this year. Among them are classics by The Doors and Radiohead, Broadway cast albums and hits by The Righteous Brothers and Johnny Mercer. There are even a few historical wax cylinder recordings dating all the way back to the 1890s. And just when you thought the awards season was long over, the New York Independent Film Critics held their annual meeting to select the IRA Film Awards. Our host Michael Giltz was on hand to argue, discuss and vote for the best in movies from last year with a prestigious group that believes they have better taste than all those other awards shows. We’ll go over the list of winners. Of course, we also cover the week’s top entertainment news stories including who will replace Jon Stewart as host of “The Daily Show”, the popular television series “Downton Abbey” calls it quits as does Zayn Malik, a now former-member of One Direction. IMDb Preserves Legal Win Over Revelation of Actress’ Age http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/imdb-preserves-legal-win-revelation-784985 2014 IRA Film Award Winners http://popsurfing.blogspot.com/2015/03/2014-ira-film-award-winners-iras-are.html IRA Awards Best Films of the 1960s http://popsurfing.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-ira-awards-best-movies-of-1960s.html Steve Martin, The Doors and Radiohead Albums Named to National Recording Registry http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/steve-martin-doors-radiohead-albums-783734 Sorry Wrong Number Radio Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1r5GZral6zs Vernacular Wax Cylinder Recordings http://cylinders.library.ucsb.edu/homewax.php Trevor Noah Will Succeed Jon Stewart At ‘Daily Show’ https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/trevor-noah-will-succeed-jon-stewart-at-daily-show-1201462430/ The Onion Reviews The Hunger Games: Catching Fire http://www.theonion.com/video/the-onion-reviews-the-hunger-games-catching-fire,34637/ Zayn Malik Quits One Direction

Cord-cutting has been a growing fear of the television industry for many years. The terrifying possibility that consumers will give up their expensive cable bundles in lieu of online streaming is quickly becoming a reality as numerous services have sprung up to provide over-the-top options. Unfortunately none of these services offers access to all the major networks forcing viewers to spend just as much, or even more, to see all their favorite programs. When you start adding up the cost of subscriptions to Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu along with newcomers such as Dish Networks Sling TV and HBO Now, cutting the cord may not be the cost savings everyone has been hoping for. Meanwhile, the music industry has been undergoing its own struggles as existing revenue models have been upended by digital distribution. Last year marked the first time that streaming music earned more than the sale of music on compact discs. This has led to a rallying cry from industry trade groups for artists to be fairly compensated regardless of the platform on which their music is accessed. Of course, we also cover the week’s top entertainment news stories including how female moviegoers are driving this year’s box office, why John Williams won’t be scoring Steven Spielberg’s next movie and the new math formula determining whether Madonna’s recent release is the top selling album of the week. At the Box Office, It’s No Longer a Man’s World http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/23/business/media/at-the-box-office-its-no-longer-a-mans-world.html?_r=0 China’s Huayi Bros. Signs 18-Movie Deal With Secret U.S. Company http://variety.com/2015/film/news/chinas-huayi-brothers-sign-18-movie-deal-with-secret-u-s-company-1201454003/ Universal Music Settling Big Class Action Lawsuit Over Digital Royalties http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/universal-music-settling-big-class-783096 ‘We Need to Limit Free’: Major Labels Begin to Question Spotify Model http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/major-labels-question-free-model-20150320 RIAA Report Shows Streaming And Vinyl On The Rise In US While Recording Industry Dips http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2015/03/streaming-and-vinyl-on-the-rise-in-us-while-recording-industry-dips.html Cary Sherman on RIAA’S New 2014 Music Revenue & Shipment Data https://www.riaa.com/news_room.php?content_selector=riaa-news-blog On the Charts: ‘Empire’ (Barely) Reigns Over Madonna http://www.rollingstone.

A federal jury decided last week that the hit song “Blurred Lines” was improperly derived from Marvin Gaye’s 1977 classic “Got to Give It Up” and ordered songwriters Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams to Pay $7.4 Million for copyright infringement. Though the verdict was a surprise, Eriq Gardner, a senior editor for The Hollywood Reporter, tells us it may not have the wide ranging implications for the music industry everyone now predicts. Gardner explains some of the legal positions taken by both sides in the case. Usually for a copyright lawsuit to be successful the melody, harmony or lyrics must be infringed upon, though in this instance it was extended to include the style and “vibe” of the work. What will this mean for songwriters in the future? Meanwhile, the MPAA published their verdict on last year’s box office figures. The good news is the organization’s annual report looks at the entire world, and not just the U.S. The bad news, at least according to some, is that box office receipts only increased 1% during what was a record breaking year in Asia. Of course, we also cover the week’s top entertainment news stories including Sony’s plans for a Ghostbuster’s universe, the worldwide premiere of next season’s “Game of Thrones” and Disney announces a sequel to “Frozen”. Hollywood, Esq. Blog at The Hollywood Reporter http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/blogs/thr-esq Tim Burton to Direct Live-Action ‘Dumbo’ for Disney http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2015/03/10/tim-burton-to-direct-live-action-dumbo-as-disney-plots-fairy-tale-strategy/ Live-Action ‘Dumbo’: PETA Asks Tim Burton to Change Ending http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/live-action-dumbo-peta-asks-780664 Liam Neeson: I’m Quitting Action Movies in Two Years http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/liam-neeson-im-quitting-action-780899 ‘Fifty Shades’ Stars Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan to Seek Seven-Figure Raises for Sequel http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/fifty-shades-stars-dakota-johnson-780410 Sumner Redstone to Miss Viacom Shareholder Meeting http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sumner-redstone-miss-viacom-shareholder-780916 Paramount Pictures Undergoes Round of Layoffs http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/paramount-pictures-undergoes-round-layoffs-780887 ‘Frozen 2’ in the Works, Disney Confirms http://www.hollywoodreporter.

Time-shifting content consumption has grown astronomically over the past several years thanks to technology like streaming and DVRs. Nearly half of all TV viewers no longer watch shows when they are first aired, upending the traditional ratings system used to measure audiences. Networks now want advertisers to pay for all the viewers of a program up to a week after its original telecast. Presently, advertisers only pay for viewers of a show during the first three days after its broadcast, a timeframe the don’t wish to extend. Complicating the matter is a dramatic increase in the number of shows airing during primetime, fracturing audiences and forcing ad execs to sift through 1,700 programs in which commercials can be placed. Buying ad time during the Academy Awards ceremony is usually a no-brainer for marketing moguls, however the Oscars telecast has become so predictably dull that it’s audience has begun to shrink. In an effort to boost ratings, the Academy’s Board of Governors is now hinting they may revert back to having only five Best Picture nominees, rather than the potential of ten. We debate why this is not such a good idea. Of course, we also cover the week’s top entertainment news stories including the high profile court battle over the authoriship of a hit song, NBC goes over-the-top and Bruce Willis heads to Broadway. Global Box Office: ‘Jupiter Ascending’ Finds Redemption in China http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/global-box-office-jupiter-ascending-779980 Older Moviegoers Bolster Box Office of ‘The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/03/08/older-moviegoers-bolster-box-office-of-the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel/?_r=0 Dev Patel Handles Robots and Retirees in ‘Chappie,’ ‘Marigold 2’ http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-dev-patel-chappie-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-20150305-story.html Sony’s Amy Pascal Delays Office Move Due to Seth Rogen Pot Stench http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sonys-amy-pascal-delays-office-779086 Oscars: Academy Weighing Return to Five Best Picture Nominees http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/oscars-academy-weighing-return-five-779066 Oscar Producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron Signal They Aren’t Returning http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/oscar-producers-craig-zadan-neil-779984 Bruce Willis to Make Broadway Debut in Adaptation of Stephen King’s ‘Misery’ http://www.

Last week the Federal Communications Commission approved new rules that will regulate broadband Internet service and enforce net neutrality. Just in case you’re still trying to decipher the net neutrality news, Jonathan Strickland, a senior writer for How Stuff Works, explains exactly what it is how the issue has evolved over time, starting in the 19th-century with laws designed to govern railroads. Another hot topic in Hollywood lately has been the executive shuffle taking place at several studios. Former Fox exec Tom Rothman will take over for the recently departed Amy Pascal as head honcho of Sony Pictures, while Paramount begins its own search for a new leader after the departure of Adam Goodman. Surely all of these moguls would be quick to assure you that Will Smith is indeed a movie star despite a few recent box office duds, yet as his latest film hits theaters news stories abound asking whether the actor can still open a movie. Of course, we also cover the week’s top entertainment news stories including the Blade Runner sequel moves forward, Pee Wee Herman brings his playhouse to Netflix and Disney reboots Ducktales. Jonathan Strickland on How Stuff Works http://science.howstuffworks.com/jonathan-strickland-author.htm Jonathan Strikland’s TechStuff Podcast http://shows.howstuffworks.com/techstuff-podcast.htm China Monthly Box Office Tops U.S. for First Time Ever http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/china-box-office-tops-us-778499 ‘Focus’ Takes Top Box-Office Spot http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/03/01/focus-takes-top-box-office-spot/ Will Smith Box Office Grosses http://www.the-numbers.com/person/770401-Will-Smith#tab=acting Not Even Will Smith Can Open A Movie Anymore http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/style-blog/wp/2015/03/03/not-even-will-smith-can-open-a-movie-anymore-so-what-defines-the-a-list-today/ Tom Rothman Lands Top Job at Sony’s Motion Picture Group http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/tom-rothman-lands-top-job-777377 Tom Rothman, New Sony Pictures Chair, Brings Big-Budget Track Record http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-sony-succession-tom-rothman-20150225-story.html Paramount Shake-Up: Adam Goodman Prepares to Exit as Film Group President

What was billed as the closest Oscar race in recent memory turned out to be predictably dull as “Birdman” flew away with four awards including Best Picture. Not even host Neil Patrick Harris could make them more entertaining. Indiewire’s Anne Thompson attended the ceremony and stops by to give us her thoughts on this year’s Oscar winners and the ceremony itself. We also take a look at the movies that could potentially be competing for Oscar trophies next year. Filmmakers such as Ron Howard, David O. Russell, Steven Spielberg and even this year’s Best Director winner Alejandro González Iñárritu all have movies set for release. In other awards prognostication news, now that the Academy Awards are over, we have the Tony Awards for live theater to look forward to. Though once it looked as if there wouldn’t be any musicals to honor, Broadway will be awash in them come springtime. Even better, there are more new musicals than revivals scheduled for this season. Of course, we also cover the week’s top entertainment news stories including Starbucks plan to stop selling CDs, the Emmys update their rules and finding an ending to “Mission: Impossible 5” has been… well, impossible. Thompson on Hollywood http://blogs.indiewire.com/thompsononhollywood/ Oscars 2015: The Winners List http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/oscars-2015-winners-list-776233 Twenty Film Franchises in Need of a Reboot http://www.movieretriever.com/blog/316/twenty-film-franchises-in-need-of-a-reboot ‘Fifty Shades’ Sequel: Author E.L. James Demands Control Over Script http://variety.com/2015/film/news/fifty-shades-of-grey-sequel-author-e-l-james-demands-control-over-script-fifty-shades-darker-1201436512/ ‘Fifty Shades Of Grey’ Film Visible From Viewing Area For ‘SpongeBob 2′ At Concord Drive-In http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/02/16/fifty-shades-of-grey-film-visible-from-viewing-area-for-spongebob-2-viewing-area-at-concord-drive-in/ Tom Cruise’s ‘Mission: Impossible 5’ Halts Production to Figure Out Ending http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/tom-cruises-mission-impossible-5-775599 Live Boxing Returns to CBS After 15-Year Hiatus http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/live-boxing-returns-cbs-15-774675 Kristen Stewart Becomes First American Actress to Win France’s Cesar Award

Last week a number of respected journalists who have won praise after decades of reporting the news actually wound up in the headlines themselves. First Brian Williams, the anchor of NBC Nightly News was suspended for six month by the network when allegations arose that he exaggerated his experiences while reporting on the Iraq War. Then, esteemed New York Times media columnist David Carr suddenly died after collapsing in the newsroom leading to an outpouring of condolences. Ironically, overshadowing both of these events was an announcement from Jon Stewart, a self-professed “fake journalist” that he would be leaving “The Daily Show” after 17 years as it’s host. Such news must have executives at Comedy Central reeling, since it comes on the heels of Stephen Colbert’s departure from the network. On the other hand, Spider-Man isn’t going anywhere. He’s going to stay at Sony, however will be loaned to Disney for appearances in Marvel’s multi-character movies. The studio also plans to once again reboot the Spider-Man franchise by recasting the role. Of course, we also cover the week’s top entertainment news stories including the huge opening weekend for “Fifty Shades of Grey”, Netflix heads to Cuba and the latest awards season winners. ‘Fifty Shades’ Heads for $235M-Plus World Domination http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/global-box-office-fifty-shades-770990 ‘Fifty Shades’ Box Office: Country-by-Country Breakdown http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/fifty-shades-box-office-country-773600 ‘Fifty Shades’ Release Canceled in United Arab Emirates http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/fifty-shades-release-canceled-united-773879 ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ Banned in Russia’s North Caucasus http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/fifty-shades-grey-banned-russia-772804 Women Behaving Badly at “Fifty Shades” Screenings http://celluloidjunkie.com/2015/02/17/women-behaving-badly-fifty-shades-screening/ B&Q ‘Memo’ Tells Staff to Read Fifty Shades of Grey To Prepare for Surge In Bondage Prop Sales http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/bq-memo-tells-staff-to-read-fifty-shades-of-grey-to-prepare-for-surge-in-bondage-prop-sales-10033883.html WGA Awards: The Winners List http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/wga-awards-winners-list-773595 ‘Birdman’ Takes Top Film Trophy At ASC Awards: Winners List http://deadline.com/2015/02/ascaward-winners-2015-american-society-of-cinematograhpers-awards-winner-list-1201373498/ Jon Stewart Leaving ‘The Daily Show’

The Grammy Awards were held last weekend to honor the year’s best music. David Wild, one of the producers and writers of the Grammys telecast (not to mention a contributing editor at Rolling Stone), takes us behind the scenes at the ceremony. He explains what it’s like to get Madonna, Miley Cyrus and Nikki Minaj on the same page and the difficulty of describing Sia’s unique stage performance to Stevie Wonder. Meanwhile, a couple of big media conglomerates announced significant management changes over the past week; Amy Pascal will be stepping down as head of Sony Pictures due in no small part to the recent cyber attack against the company and Tom Staggs is anointed as the most likely candidate to take over for Disney CEO, Bob Iger when the latter steps down in 2018. Speaking of big name execs, FCC chairman Tom Wheeler finally submitted his proposal for net neutrality, which would regulate ISPs to enforce open internet protections. Of course, we also cover the week’s top entertainment news stories including why actor Michael Gambon is retiring from the stage, the uproar over news anchor Brian Williams and how Kodak is keeping film stock alive. David Wild’s Huffington Post Stories http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-wild/ Seth Rogen, Zac Efron Reteam for ‘Neighbors 2’ at Universal http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/seth-rogen-zac-efron-reteam-770801 Quentin Tarantino Personally Approving Buyers of ‘Hateful Eight’ http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/berlin-quentin-tarantino-personally-approving-771749 ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ Lubricant Claimed Ineffective In Class-Action Lawsuit http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/fifty-shades-grey-lubricant-claimed-770959 DGA Awards: ‘Birdman’s’ Alejandro Inarritu Takes Top Film Honors http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/dga-awards-birdmans-alejandro-inarritu-771113 BAFTA Awards: ‘Boyhood’ Wins Best Film, ‘Grand Budapest Hotel’ Gets Five Honors http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/bafta-film-awards-winners-announced-771169 Amy Pascal Lands in Sony’s Outbox http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/06/business/amy-pascal-leaving-as-sony-studio-chief.html Amy Pascal to Step Down From Top Sony Post http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/amy-pascal-step-down-top-755789 The Sony Hack Wasn’t the Only Thing That Hurt Amy Pascal

Distributors went on a buying spree at this year’s Sundance Film Festival not only due to the quality of the movies, but also because of new-found revenue from VOD services. We give you a rundown of the titles that were acquired, how much was spent on them and whether there is any hope they will ever make that money back for distributors. Speaking of money, musician Sly Stone could be $5 million richer after winning a court ruling last week against his former manager who he claims withheld royalties. Singer Sam Smith, on the other hand, won’t be trying to cheat Tom Petty out of royalties for his song, “Stay With Me”. The artist agreed the song was similar to one of Petty’s past hits and added the legendary rocker to the writing credits. Of course, we also cover the week’s top entertainment news stories including yet another Super Bowl television ratings record, when we can expect the next “Game of Thrones” book from author George R.R. Martin, and “Empire” is becoming a much needed hit series for Fox. ‘Sniper’ Gives Back Super Bowl Crown To Miley http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2015/02/02/american-sniper-super-bowl-record/22743585/ Record-Breaking Bollywood Movie ‘PK’ Set for China Release http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/record-breaking-bollywood-movie-pk-768527 Paramount Shifts ‘Mission: Impossible 5’ Release Date to Summer 2015 http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/paramount-shifts-mission-impossible-5-767313 New All-Female ‘Ghostbusters’ Cast Chosen http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/new-all-female-ghostbusters-cast-767610 ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’ Named Best Animated Feature at Annie Awards http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/behind-screen/how-train-your-dragon-2-768827 Art Directors Guild Awards Go To ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel,’ ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘Birdman’ http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/art-directors-guild-awards-go-768854 Juliette Binoche, Marion Cotillard, Kristen Stewart Among France’s Cesar Awards Nominees http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/frances-cesar-awards-nominations-announced-767682 Sam Smith Forced To Pay Tom Petty Royalties For Song ‘Stay With Me’ http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/bizonsunday/6294030/Sam-Smith-settles-up-royalty-dispute-with-Tom-Petty-and-Jeff-Lynne.html Sly Stone Awarded $5 Million In Back Royalties, Damages

Though the Sundance Film Festival has long been one of the more important festivals held each year, it was primarily known as a launching pad for American independent films and as such international attendance was minimal. That seems to have changed over the past few years as Sundance selections started receiving Oscar nominations. Now industry professionals from all over the world show up at the festival to find the next “Whiplash”, “Precious” or “Beasts of the Southern Wild”. We didn’t have to travel from halfway around the world to attend this year’s Sundance, but we are in Park City and will fill you in on all the buzzworthy films, major acquisitions and festival news. Meanwhile, the Producer’s Guild Awards muddied the waters in the current race for the Best Picture Academy Award. While everyone assumed “Boyhood” would walk off with the prize on its way to Oscar victory, “Birdman” swept in and unexpectedly stole it. Whether this is any indication as to how Oscar voters will cast their ballots is questionable. Of course, we also cover the week’s top entertainment news stories including why American Idol winner Phillip Phillips is headed to court over his record contract, how James Patterson is promoting his new book and Mrs. Doubtfire is headed to Broadway. ‘American Sniper’ Continues To Rout At Box Office http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/01/25/american-sniper-continues-to-rout-box-office-competition/ Russia Gives Ministry Power to Move Hollywood Releases http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/russia-power-move-hollywood-releases-765620 ‘Birdman’ Unexpectedly Wins Producers Guild’s Top Film Prize http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-birdman-wins-producers-guild-of-americas-top-prize-20150121-story.html Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman’s Compensation Rises 19 Percent to $44.33 Million http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/viacom-ceo-philippe-daumans-compensation-766192 DreamWorks Animation Cutting 500 Jobs http://variety.com/2015/film/news/dreamworks-animation-cutting-500-jobs-takes-290-million-charge-1201412212/ Alan Menken Confirms He’s Working On A “Mrs Doubtfire” Musical http://popwatch.ew.com/2015/01/22/alan-menken-confirms-hes-working-on-a-mrs-doubtfire-musical/ After Leak, Bjork Releases New Album ‘Vulnicura’ Two Months Early http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-bjork-vulnicura-20150120-story.html Björk’s Record Label Details Nightmare Leak

While debating Oscar nomination snubs has become an annual tradition, the criticism over this year’s list of nominees had to do with racial bias and a lack of diversity. Specifically, a film about civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. was nominated for Best Picture, but its female director and lead actor, both black, were surprisingly overlooked. Yet few seemed to notice is that “Selma”, the film in question, is only the twelfth film directed by a woman to receive a Best Picture nomination in the 86 year history of the Academy Awards. On only four occasions has the filmmaker also been nominated for Best Director. And six of these movies were nominated during the last 10 years, pointing towards a positive trend for female helmers. Also under represented in the Best Picture category at this year’s Oscars are hit movies. Sure, all of the nominees were successful, but only “American Sniper” earned big bucks at the box office. If only Legos were eligible to vote… maybe they’re film would have been nominated for Best Animated Feature. Of course, we also cover the week’s top entertainment news stories including Barbara Streisand’s latest platinum album, Amazon’s move into theatrical film distribution and why James Cameron is delaying the “Avatar” sequels to 201. Why Did ‘American Sniper’ Do So Well At The Box Office? http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2015/0119/Why-did-American-Sniper-do-so-well-at-the-box-office Study: 53 Percent Shun Movie Theaters Citing High Ticket Prices http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/study-53-percent-shun-movie-763435 Average Movie Ticket Price Jumps to $8.17 in 2014 http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/average-movie-ticket-price-jumps-764951 ‘The Interview’ Makes $40 Million Online and On-Demand http://variety.com/2015/film/news/the-interview-makes-40-million-online-and-on-demand-1201409731/ N.S.A. Breached North Korean Networks Before Sony Attack, Officials Say http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/19/world/asia/nsa-tapped-into-north-korean-networks-before-sony-attack-officials-say.html?_r=0 ‘The Interview’ to Get Theatrical Release in France http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/interview-get-theatrical-release-france-763013 DreamWorks Animation Planning Layoffs http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/dreamworks-animation-planning-layoffs-764726 Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger Paid $46.5 Million in Fiscal 2014

Not even two weeks into 2015 and the annual slog known as awards season has commenced in earnest. This year’s festivities were kicked off by the Golden Globe Awards over the weekend which pull double duty by honoring the best of both movies and television. We wonder if it might make more sense to hold two different ceremonies throughout the year; one for movies and one for television. The BAFTA nominations were also announced last year, though there was very little British about them, as has traditionally been the case. Guild nominations have also started pouring in as well, though what everyone wants to know is how all of this will affect the upcoming Oscar race. Meanwhile, some established artists in the movie and music industries have started to offer their latest work directly to fans. By some accounts these experiments have proven incredibly successful and profitable, or so it would seem. Unfortunately, there’s no real way to tell since sales figures for such efforts are often hard to come by. Of course, we also cover the week’s top entertainment news stories including John Travolta’s return to television, why actress Charlize Theron requested a pay raise on her next film and an update on the Sony cyber attack. Around-the-World Roundup: ‘Taken 3’ Adds $40 Million, ‘Hobbit’ Passes ‘Guardians’ http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=3998&p=.htm ‘PK’ Becomes Top-Grossing Film of All Time in India http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/pk-top-grossing-film-india-761291 BAFTA Nominations: ‘Grand Budapest Hotel’ Leads With 11 http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/bafta-nominations-2015-unveiled-762089 Golden Globes: The Complete Winners List http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/golden-globes-winners-2015-list-76120 Big Wins For ‘Transparent’ Make It Clear: TV’s Undergoing A Revolution http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2015/01/12/376617091/tv-wins-at-golden-globes-hint-at-a-tv-revolution Why It Matters That ‘Transparent’ Won At The Golden Globes http://www.forbes.com/sites/dorothypomerantz/2015/01/12/why-it-matters-that-transparent-won-at-the-golden-globes/ F.B.I. Says Little Doubt North Korea Hit Sony http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/08/business/chief-says-fbi-has-no-doubt-that-north-korea-attacked-sony.html Charlize Gets More Than $10M Deal After Fighting for Equal Pay http://pagesix.