Showbiz Sandbox

When the Grammy Award nominations for 2014 were announced last week, they were filled with names of artists and musicians who at this time last year few had ever heard of. One hasn’t even graduated from high school yet. Lorde, country singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves and the rapper-producer duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis rose to stardom on a wave of self-distribution, YouTube and social media. Accolades are also being handed out for some of the year’s best movies. There’s only one problem; nobody can agree on which films to award. One critics group was so divided over Best Picture that it led to a tie for two different movies. Meanwhile, producer Jerry Bruckhiemer’s year will be ending on an up note. Though he might be on the outs with Disney after the disappointing performance of “The Lone Ranger”, the mega-producer announced a new first-look deal with Paramount Pictures. Of course, we also cover the week’s top entertainment news stories including Indiana Jones heads to Disney for a reboot, Billy Joel takes up residency at Madison Square Garden and television audiences tune-in en masse for a live performance of “The Sound of Music”. Disney’s ‘Frozen’ Leads Wintry Weekend Box Office http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/12/08/disneys-frozen-leads-wintry-weekend-box-office/ (http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/12/08/disneys-frozen-leads-wintry-weekend-box-office/) China Box Office: Revenue Surges Past $3 Billion So Far in 2013, Local Movies Dominate http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/china-box-office-revenue-surges-661355 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/china-box-office-revenue-surges-661355) 'American Hustle' Named Best Picture by New York Film Critics Circle http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/new-york-film-critics-circle-661319 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/new-york-film-critics-circle-661319) 'Gravity' and 'Her' Win L.A. Film Critics Assn. Best Film of 2013 http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/moviesnow/la-et-mn-gravity-her-win-la-film-critics-assn.-best-film-20131208,0,897037.story (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/moviesnow/la-et-mn-gravity-her-win-la-film-critics-assn.-best-film-20131208,0,897037.story) 'Her' Named Best Film by National Board of Review http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/national-board-review-awards-announced-661763 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/national-board-review-awards-announced-661763) Ten Films Shortlisted for Visual Effects Oscar http://www.cartoonbrew.com/award-season-focus/ten-films-selected-for-visual-effects-oscar-shortlist-91959.html (http://www.cartoonbrew.com/award-season-focus/ten-films-selected-for-visual-effects-oscar-shortlist-91959.html) European Film Awards: 'The Great Beauty' Takes Top Prize http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/european-film-awards-great-beauty-663905 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/european-film-awards-great-beauty-663905) Grammys: New Artists With Simple Messages Shake Up Nominations http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/music/la-et-ms-grammy-predictions-nominations-2014-20131206,0,4616420.story (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/music/la-et-ms-grammy-predictions-nominations-2014-20131206,0,4616420.story) Grammy Awards 2014: Full Nominations List http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5819883/grammy-awards-2014-full-nominations-list-complete-nominees (http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5819883/grammy-awards-2014-full-nominations-list-complete-nominees) 'Late Night With Seth Meyers' Taps 'Piers Morgan' Alum as Top Booker http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/late-night-seth-meyers-taps-662018 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/late-night-seth-meyers-taps-662018) MPAA Will Collect $80 Million Settlement in Big Lawsuit Against Hotfile http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/mpaa-will-collect-80-million-661668 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/mpaa-will-collect-80-million-661668)

Just when you thought the online music streaming space couldn’t get any more crowded or competitive, along comes Deezer. The French company already boasts 5 million paying subscribers in 80 countries and now plans to launch in the United States, where Spotify and Pandora are the market leaders. However, none of these companies are actually profitable, which may be why services like Rdio went through a round of layoffs in November and Turtable.fm is shuttering. Profitability seems to be an issue for Sony Pictures too. The movie studio lost $181 million last quarter leading to the announcement of significant cost cutting measures in the wake of some summer box office duds. Disappointing earnings and a declining subscriber base are also a problem at Time Warner Cable. As telcos and satellite providers continue to erode their market share, rumors have begun swirling that the second largest cable operator in North America might be acquired by one or more of its competitors, including Comcast. Of course, we also cover the week’s top entertainment news stories including the Thanksgiving weekend’s record breaking box office, “Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark” lowers the curtains on its Broadway run and the mediocre sales figures of Lady Gaga’s latest album. Paul Walker Dies in Car Accident at Age 40 http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/paul-walker-dies-car-accident-660798 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/paul-walker-dies-car-accident-660798) Paul Walker's Death: 'Fast & Furious 7' Delayed But Won't Be Scrapped http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/paul-walkers-death-fast-furious-660825 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/paul-walkers-death-fast-furious-660825) 'Catching Fire,' 'Frozen' Are Hot at the Movies http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB100014240527023.... (http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304355104579232291023007608) 'Doctor Who' Anniversary Special Grosses $10.2 Million Globally in Cinemas http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/doctor-who-anniversary-special-grosses-660553 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/doctor-who-anniversary-special-grosses-660553) 'Frozen,' 'Catching Fire' Set Thanksgiving Weekend Records http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-st-frozen-does-not-chill-at-the-box-office-20131127,0,4420758.story (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-st-frozen-does-not-chill-at-the-box-office-20131127,0,4420758.story) Sony Pictures Details Budget and Film Slate Cuts http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-sony-pictures-details-budget-and-film-slate-cuts-at-thursday-meeting-20131121,0,4003114.story (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-sony-pictures-details-budget-and-film-slate-cuts-at-thursday-meeting-20131121,0,4003114.story) Pixar Undergoes Layoffs Due to 'The Good Dinosaur' Delay http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-pixar-layoffs-good-dinosaur-delay-20131122,0,6910438.story (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-pixar-layoffs-good-dinosaur-delay-20131122,0,6910438.story) Fumbled Lady Gaga Release Could Cost Interscope $25 Million http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2013/11/lady-gaga-sales-slump-could-cost-interscope-25m-and-what-that-says-about-the-record-biz.html (http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2013/11/lady-gaga-sales-slump-could-cost-interscope-25m-and-what-that-says-about-the-record-biz.html) Lady Gaga's Artpop Sells 75% Less In Debut Week Than "Born This Way" http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2013/11/lady-gagas-artpop-sells-75-less-in-debut-week-than-born-this-way.html (http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2013/11/lady-gagas-artpop-sells-75-less-in-debut-week-than-born-this-way.html) And the World’s Highest Paid Musicians Are… http://www.thedailyswarm.com/headlines/and-worlds-highest-paid-musicians-2013-are/ (http://www.thedailyswarm.com/headlines/and-worlds-highest-paid-musicians-2013-are/) Turntable.

Over the past year filmmakers from Steven Spielberg to Steven Soderbergh have lamented over Hollywood’s love affair with expensive tentpole releases. However, according to Harvard Business School professor Anita Elberse (https://twitter.com/anitaelberse) the entertainment industry is obsessed with blockbusters because they work. She explains why in a wide ranging interview about her new book on the subject, “Blockbusters: Hit-Making, Risk-Taking, and the Big Business of Entertainment”. Not only are the number of big budget films studios churn out on the rise, apparently so is the level gun violence in hit titles. After studying 945 movies released from 1950 to the present day, researchers discovered gun violence portrayed in movies more than doubled during the time frame. Meanwhile, in the television world most have forgotten about daytime soap operas. That hasn’t kept companies like Prospect Park from trying to keep shows such as “One Life To Live” and “All My Children” alive online. Unfortunately, they don’t seem to be getting any help from the network that originally aired the soaps and are now going to court over the matter. Of course, we also cover the week’s top entertainment news stories including a movie for Monster High dolls, a new HBO show for John Oliver, pricy reruns for “The Simpsons” and a new manager for the rock band U2. Blockbusters: Hit-making, Risk-taking, and the Big Business of Entertainment http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0805094334/ (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0805094334/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0805094334&linkCode=as2&tag=showbsandb-20) Syd Field, Author of the Definitive Work on Writing Screenplays, Is Dead at 77 http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/19/arts/syd-field-author-of-the-definitive-work-on-writing-screenplays-is-dead-at-77.html (http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/19/arts/syd-field-author-of-the-definitive-work-on-writing-screenplays-is-dead-at-77.html) 'Hunger Games: Catching Fire' Claims Victory in Brazil http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-hunger-games-catching-656739 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-hunger-games-catching-656739) Chinese Film, Internet Video Companies Sue Search Giant Baidu in Anti-Piracy Push http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/chinese-film-internet-video-companies-655605 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/chinese-film-internet-video-companies-655605) Gun Violence in American Movies Is Rising, Study Finds http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/11/business/media/gun-violence-in-american-movies-is-rising-study-finds.html (http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/11/business/media/gun-violence-in-american-movies-is-rising-study-finds.html) South Korea's Supreme Court Overturns Restrictive Rating for Gay Romance Film http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/south-koreas-supreme-court-overturns-655978 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/south-koreas-supreme-court-overturns-655978) 'Philomena' Gets Its R Rating Lowered To PG-13 http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-philiomena-rating-20131115,0,4838022.story (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-philiomena-rating-20131115,0,4838022.story) Scarlett Johansson In 'Her': Can She Pull Off An Oscar Run? http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/moviesnow/la-et-mn-scarlett-johansson-her-voice-20131115,0,6133301.story (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/moviesnow/la-et-mn-scarlett-johansson-her-voice-20131115,0,6133301.story) Soaps Producer Ramps Up ABC Lawsuit: 'Mega Soap' Fraud Scheme Alleged http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/soaps-producer-ramps-up-abc-655678 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/soaps-producer-ramps-up-abc-655678) Shakespeare In Love To Get West End Play http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/news/shakespeare-in-love-to-get-west-end-play-8937636.html

There is no disputing the financial success of “Thor: The Dark World”, a sequel in the franchise based on the Marvel Comics superhero. What’s less clear is what the film’s box office grosses say about the adoption of 3D. During opening weekend 700 2D screens in North America accounted for 60% of tickets sales, as opposed to the 40% earned by 3,100 3D screens. Is this yet another sign audiences have given up on 3D movies? Netflix doesn’t care how you see a superhero movie, so long as you’re watching it through their service. Last week the on-demand video powerhouse cut a deal with Disney to produce four new original series based on Marvel superheroes, all of which will lead up to a crossover miniseries. As if competing with Netflix wasn’t bad enough, television broadcasters are still figuring out how to deal with DVRs and the growing number of audiences who time shift their content. One major broadcast network is pushing for advertisers to pay for increased viewership on DVRs for up to seven days after a show originally airs. Of course, we also cover the week’s top entertainment news stories including the death of Blockbuster Video, the official release date for “Star Wars: Episode VII” and Richard Branson brings reality television into space. Will 'Thor: The Dark World' Near $90 Million in Domestic Debut? http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-preview-will-thor-653923 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-preview-will-thor-653923) ‘Thor: The Dark World’ Strikes Big With $180 Mil Worldwide http://variety.com/2013/film/news/box-office-thor-the-dark-world-strikes-big-with-180-mil-worldwide-1200815937/ (http://variety.com/2013/film/news/box-office-thor-the-dark-world-strikes-big-with-180-mil-worldwide-1200815937/) 'Wolverine' Sequel in the Works With James Mangold http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/wolverine-sequel-works-film-second-653337 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/wolverine-sequel-works-film-second-653337) 'Hunger Games' Theme Park Possible, Says Lionsgate CEO http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hunger-games-theme-park-says-654613 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hunger-games-theme-park-says-654613) CBS Chief Lobbies To Extend Ad Payment Window for Delayed Viewing http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-cbs-moonves-lobbies-for-commerical-ratings-20131106,0,7454805.story (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-cbs-moonves-lobbies-for-commerical-ratings-20131106,0,7454805.story) Disney's SOAPnet Channel Headed for the Drain http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-fi-ct-disney-soapnet-20131109,0,3311291.story (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-fi-ct-disney-soapnet-20131109,0,3311291.story) Big Fish to Close on Broadway December 29, 2013 http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Breaking-News-BIG-FISH-to-Close-on-Broadway-December-29-2013-20131110 (http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Breaking-News-BIG-FISH-to-Close-on-Broadway-December-29-2013-20131110) Morissette To Bring 'Jagged Little Pill' To Stage http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/theater/2013/11/07/alanis-morissette-to-craft-musical-theater-version-of-jagged-little-pill/3464219/ (http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/theater/2013/11/07/alanis-morissette-to-craft-musical-theater-version-of-jagged-little-pill/3464219/) 'Star Wars: Episode VII' Gets December 2015 Release Date http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/star-wars-episode-vii-gets-654284 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/star-wars-episode-vii-gets-654284) Blockbuster Video-Rental Chain Will Shut All U.S. Stores http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-11-06/blockbuster-video-rental-chain-will-shut-remaining-u-s-stores.html (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-11-06/blockbuster-video-rental-chain-will-shut-remaining-u-s-stores.html) Why DC Entertainment Is Leaving New York http://blogs.wsj.

Last week Woody Allen wrote an “open letter” to the film industry pointing out that casting is the only single card credit at the beginning of a movie which is not honored by the Academy Awards. Like many before him, the filmmaker argued casting directors are crucial to any good movie, especially his. Should the Oscars consider adding a category for casting directors to recognize them alongside editors, cinematographers and other craftspeople? Meanwhile, a film that hasn’t started the casting process in earnest is “Star Wars: Episode VII”. The movie doesn’t even have a script yet, which is why its filmmakers have been trying to convince Disney to push its release date back a year to 2016. In the television world there was bad news for Time Warner Cable last week. Their dispute with CBS which led to a month-long blackout of the network cost the company over 300,000 subscribers. This likely means other cable providers will be afraid to pick fights with broadcasters over the rising cost of programming. Digital rights, however, are an entirely different battle. Of course, we also cover the week’s top entertainment news stories including why “slow TV” is such a hit in Norway, the rising cost of the “Hunger Games” franchise and the Jonas Brothers officially call it quits. The International Fate of ‘12 Years’ http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/29/business/media/steve-mcqueens-film-is-a-box-office-test-case.html (http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/29/business/media/steve-mcqueens-film-is-a-box-office-test-case.html) Cinemark Breaks Its NC-17 Ban for 'Blue Is the Warmest Color' http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cinemark-breaks-nc-17-ban-651987 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cinemark-breaks-nc-17-ban-651987) Woody Allen Pens Rare Open Letter to Hollywood http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/woody-allen-pens-rare-open-651493 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/woody-allen-pens-rare-open-651493) Why 'Hunger Games: Catching Fire's' Budget Ballooned to $130 Million-Plus http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/why-hunger-games-catching-fires-651660 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/why-hunger-games-catching-fires-651660) Star Wars: Disney CEO Bob Iger's Firm 2015 Date Leaves 'Episode VII' Team Scrambling http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/star-wars-episode-vii-disney-651482 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/star-wars-episode-vii-disney-651482) Pixar Digs Up Old-School Editing Supplies to Save Ken Loach's Final Film http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/pixar-digs-up-old-school-651506 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/pixar-digs-up-old-school-651506) Twitter #Music Will Live Despite Planned Demise Of Mobile App http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2013/10/twitter-music-lives-despite-planned-demise-of-mobile-app.html (http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2013/10/twitter-music-lives-despite-planned-demise-of-mobile-app.html) The Jonas Brothers Have Broken Up 'For Now' http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/29/jonas-brothers-break-up_n_4173301.html (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/29/jonas-brothers-break-up_n_4173301.html) Panasonic Announces an End to Plasma TVs http://www.electronichouse.com/article/panasonic_saying_goodbye_to_plasma/ (http://www.electronichouse.com/article/panasonic_saying_goodbye_to_plasma/) James Blake Wins Mercury Prize http://pitchfork.com/news/52837-james-blake-wins-mercury-prize/ (http://pitchfork.com/news/52837-james-blake-wins-mercury-prize/) Is Norway’s Slow TV Phenomenon The Future Of Reality Programming? http://www.deadline.com/2013/11/slow-tv-norwegian-phenomenon-continues-with-9-hour (http://www.deadline.com/2013/11/slow-tv-norwegian-phenomenon-continues-with-9-hour) Wynton Marsalis to Lead Jazz Studies at Juilliard http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/28/wynton-marsalis-to-lead-jazz-studies-at-juilliard/ (http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/28/wynton-marsalis-to-lead-jazz-studies-at-juilliard/)

There was a time if a Hollywood studio pushed back the release date for one of its eagerly anticipated titles it signaled the movie might be in trouble. If there was ever a sign that such stigmas no longer apply when delaying a release date, one need l...

Instead of promoting new releases through traditional avenues such as radio and television, record labels are beginning to rely on YouTube as the most effective method for reaching younger audiences. As Dawn C. Chmielewski (https://twitter.com/DawnC331), an entertainment writer for the Los Angeles Times explains, its not just musicians that are getting a boost from this new practice, but also some of the self-made tastemakers who have become YouTube stars. Television networks are also beginning to love technology, specifically DVRs. Though the industry has long despised the timeshifting devices which allow viewers to skip commercials, executives are once again discovering how they can significantly boost ratings. Meanwhile, more details are emerging about why the film adaptation of “Fifty Shades of Grey” lost its male lead. Beyond being uncomfortable with his new found stardom, Charlie Hunnam was also pushing for script revisions according to some reports. Of course, we also cover the week’s top entertainment news stories including why the creators of “South Park” missed the deadline for their latest episode, “The Lion King” becomes Broadway’s first billion dollar production and the hit television series “Glee” announces its final season. New Data From Pew on E-Readers and Tablets http://www.digitalbookworld.com/2013/new-data-from-pew-on-e-readers-and-tablets/ (http://www.digitalbookworld.com/2013/new-data-from-pew-on-e-readers-and-tablets/) Jeffrey Katzenberg: 'Turbo' TV Show Being Produced Largely in South Korea http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jeffrey-katzenberg-turbo-tv-show-649393 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jeffrey-katzenberg-turbo-tv-show-649393) 'Fifty Shades': Charlie Hunnam's Script Showdown and the Chaotic Final Days http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/fifty-shades-charlie-hunnams-script-648778 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/fifty-shades-charlie-hunnams-script-648778) Darren Aronofsky, Paramount Spar Over 'Noah' Final Cut http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/darren-aronofsky-paramount-spar-noah-648777 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/darren-aronofsky-paramount-spar-noah-648777) TV Ratings: 'American Horror Story' Scares Up More Records, Jumps 44 Percent http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/american-horror-story-coven-scares-647166 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/american-horror-story-coven-scares-647166) Big 4 Broadcast Networks Feel Good About Fall, Thanks to 'DVR Lift' http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-fall-tv-scorecard-20131021,0,773717.story (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-fall-tv-scorecard-20131021,0,773717.story) Ryan Murphy: Glee to End Next Season, Reworked Series Finale Will 'Honor' Finn http://tvline.com/2013/10/17/glee-final-episode-rachel-finn-season-6-finale/ (http://tvline.com/2013/10/17/glee-final-episode-rachel-finn-season-6-finale/) NFL Games on Netflix or Google? It Could Happen http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-nfl-games-on-netflix-or-google-it-could-happen-20131016,0,7397071.story (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-nfl-games-on-netflix-or-google-it-could-happen-20131016,0,7397071.story) NBC’s Broncos-Colts Matchup Dominates Primetime Sunday http://variety.com/2013/tv/news/nbcs-broncos-colts-matchup-dominates-primetime-sunday-1200747623/ (http://variety.com/2013/tv/news/nbcs-broncos-colts-matchup-dominates-primetime-sunday-1200747623/) Netflix Orders Thriller-Drama from 'Damages' Creators http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-netflix-orders-thriller-drama-from-damages-creators-20131014,0,4616599.story (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-netflix-orders-thriller-drama-from-damages-creators-20131014,0,4616599.story) Nirvana, Kiss, Hall and Oates Nominated for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame http://www.rollingstone.

Facebook and Twitter have entered into a fierce battle to hold sway over the conversations taking place around television shows. The social media giants intend to mine the viewing habits of millions of users for data that might be useful to television networks. Karen Woodward (https://twitter.com/karen_woodward), a leading entertainment industry social media consultant, discusses whether social chatter can lead to higher ratings and more advertising revenue. Meanwhile, as the end of the year nears everyone is talking about awards season. Thanks to the fall film festival circuit and industry previews, virtually all Oscar hopefuls have already been seen and the handicapping of frontrunners has begun. However, it may take a while to view all entries for Best Foreign Language Film that were submitted by a record 76 countries. The popular music streaming service Spotify turned five this past week and shared a few figures behind its success. One bit of data revealed that of the 20 million tracks hosted by service, 4 million have never even been streamed… not even once. Of course, we also cover the week’s top entertainment news stories including the rise of a 16-year-old pop star from New Zealand, “Fifty Shades Of Grey” loses a cast member and the Jonas Brothers cancel their upcoming tour. Podcast Awards http://podcastawards.com (http://podcastawards.com) 'Gravity' Weekday Giant, Set To Beat 'Captain Phillips' http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-preview-gravity-midweek-647167 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-preview-gravity-midweek-647167) 'Gravity' to Get China Release In November http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/gravity-get-china-release-november-648157 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/gravity-get-china-release-november-648157) A Record 76 Foreign-Language Oscar Submissions Point To Heated Race http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/moviesnow/la-et-mn-foreign-language-oscars-20131007,0,4335269.story (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/moviesnow/la-et-mn-foreign-language-oscars-20131007,0,4335269.story) Feinberg Forecast: Updated Projections (With 20 Weeks Until the 86th Oscars) http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/race/feinberg-forecast-updated-projections-20-648133 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/race/feinberg-forecast-updated-projections-20-648133) 4 Million Songs On Spotify Have Never Been Played http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2013/10/4-million-songs-on-spotify-have-never-been-played-stats-infographic.html (http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2013/10/4-million-songs-on-spotify-have-never-been-played-stats-infographic.html) David Byrne: 'The Internet Will Suck All Creative Content Out Of The World' http://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/oct/11/david-byrne-internet-content-world (http://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/oct/11/david-byrne-internet-content-world) Jimmer Podarsky’s Website http://jimmermusic.com/ (http://jimmermusic.com/) Relativity Abandons 'Stretch Armstrong' Movie http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/relativity-abandons-stretch-armstrong-movie-648060 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/relativity-abandons-stretch-armstrong-movie-648060) TV Broadcasters Ask Supreme Court to Review Aereo Dispute http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/tv-broadcasters-ask-supreme-court-647849 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/tv-broadcasters-ask-supreme-court-647849) Alice Munro Wins Nobel Prize in Literature http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/awards-and-prizes/article/59487-alice-munro-wins-nobel-prize-in-literature.html (http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/awards-and-prizes/article/59487-alice-munro-wins-nobel-prize-in-literature.html) Lorde's 'Royals' Remains Atop Hot 100 http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5748210/lordes-royals-remains-atop-hot-100 (http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5748210/lordes-royals-remains-atop-hot-100)

Movie moguls have always faced unreliable job security, though never more so than over the last two years. Beginning in early 2012 five of the six major Hollywood movie studios have fired their top executives and reshuffled existing management. We discuss what’s causing the studio shakeup and it it will affect the movies we see in years to come. Soon enough unemployed studio big shots may be able to find work in South Korea’s film industry. With a wave of fresh homegrown talent and exciting new stories finding their way into theaters, the country’s box office has skyrocketed making it one of the world’s strongest movie markets. When it comes to box office on Broadway, it’s become a tradition for productions to boast when they’ve broken even. This also means we can do some quick math to conclude how much it costs to keep a show up and running on a weekly basis, a figure that many productions don’t always like to share. Of course, we also cover the week’s top entertainment news stories including David Letterman’s new late night contract, New York City Opera files for bankruptcy and a jury decides a concert promoter is not liable for the death of Michael Jackson. Banksy Announces a Monthlong Show on the Streets of New York http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/01/banksy-announces-a-monthlong-show-on-the-streets-of-new-york/ (http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/01/banksy-announces-a-monthlong-show-on-the-streets-of-new-york/) 'Don Jon' Shrinkage: Relativity Suffers Box Office Cold Streak http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/joseph-gordon-levitts-don-jon-640038 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/joseph-gordon-levitts-don-jon-640038) Peter Jackson's 'Hobbit' Trilogy Has Cost $561 Million So Far http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/peter-jacksons-hobbit-trilogy-has-643506 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/peter-jacksons-hobbit-trilogy-has-643506) 'Like Father, Like Son' Opens at No. 1 in Japan http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/like-father-like-son-opens-639310 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/like-father-like-son-opens-639310) DreamWorks to Remake Japanese Cannes Jury Prize Winner 'Like Father, Like Son' http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/dreamworks-remake-japanese-cannes-jury-638910 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/dreamworks-remake-japanese-cannes-jury-638910) Korean Films Top 100 Million Mark http://variety.com/2013/film/news/korean-films-top-100-million-mark-1200699251/ (http://variety.com/2013/film/news/korean-films-top-100-million-mark-1200699251/) Korea Is on the Cusp of a New Golden Era http://variety.com/2013/biz/news/korea-is-on-the-cusp-of-a-new-golden-era-1200686151/ (http://variety.com/2013/biz/news/korea-is-on-the-cusp-of-a-new-golden-era-1200686151/) Is China Taking Over Hollywood? http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/news/is-china-taking-over-hollywood-20131001 (http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/news/is-china-taking-over-hollywood-20131001) Cyndi Lauper and Harvey Fierstein's Kinky Boots Recoups in Just 30 Weeks http://www.theatermania.com/new-york-city-theater/news/10-2013/cyndi-lauper-and-harvey-fiersteins-kinky-boots-rec_66202.html (http://www.theatermania.com/new-york-city-theater/news/10-2013/cyndi-lauper-and-harvey-fiersteins-kinky-boots-rec_66202.html) Broadway Grosses for “Spider-Man Turn of the Dark” http://www.broadwayworld.com/grosses/SPIDER-MAN-TURN-OFF-THE-DARK (http://www.broadwayworld.com/grosses/SPIDER-MAN-TURN-OFF-THE-DARK) A Prince With No Fairy Godmother http://theater.nytimes.com/2013/09/29/theater/hal-prince-is-still-short-of-investors-for-prince-of-broadway.html (http://theater.nytimes.com/2013/09/29/theater/hal-prince-is-still-short-of-investors-for-prince-of-broadway.html) Matt Smith to Lead World Premiere Cast of “American Psycho” http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Matt-Smith-to-Lead-World-Premiere-Cast-of-Duncan-Shiek-and-Roberto-Aguirre-Sacasas-AMERICAN-PSYCHO-20131007

The new television season got off to a strong start last week with major broadcast networks celebrating higher prime-time viewership. That is what initial ratings results would lead one to believe, though such figures are increasingly inaccurate. Delayed viewing on DVRs and online has made it more difficult than ever to properly measure viewership in a timely fashion. Changes are also afoot at the Oscars as the Academy is modifying the way animated films are nominated for Best Animated Feature. Rather than rely on a selection committee, a majority of the organization’s 6,000 members will now be able to participate in the nomination process by viewing films on screeners. Meanwhile as the film industry moves from celluloid film to digital projection, object based audio is also being adopted over traditional channel based surround sound. Major studios recently made the issue more contentious by mandating any new audio be distributed in a common, non-proprietary format. Will this stifle future innovation in the cinema space? Of course, we also cover the week’s top entertainment news stories including why iTunes music purchases have started disappearing, Robocop returns to Detroit (literally) and “Star Wars” fans draft an open letter to director J.J. Abrams about how to make the franchise. Sony’s ‘Cloudy’ Sequel Takes a Bigger Bite Stateside With $35 Million http://variety.com/2013/film/news/box-office-sonys-cloudy-sequel-takes-a-bigger-bite-stateside-with-35-million-1200679076/ (http://variety.com/2013/film/news/box-office-sonys-cloudy-sequel-takes-a-bigger-bite-stateside-with-35-million-1200679076/) Box Office Milestone: 'Instructions Not Included' Top Spanish-Language Film of All Time in U.S. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-milestone-instructions-not-638860 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-milestone-instructions-not-638860) Oscars Revamp Animation Nomination Process http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/race/oscars-revamp-animation-nomination-process-637555 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/race/oscars-revamp-animation-nomination-process-637555) R.I.P. Romantic Comedies: Why Harry Wouldn't Meet Sally in 2013 http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/rip-romantic-comedies-why-harry-634776 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/rip-romantic-comedies-why-harry-634776) Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Opens Big for ABC; NBC Is on Fire http://www.vulture.com/2013/09/premiere-week-ratings-shield-opens-big.html (http://www.vulture.com/2013/09/premiere-week-ratings-shield-opens-big.html) Robin Williams Beats Michael J. Fox in Thursday’s Battle of the Eighties Comedy Icons http://www.vulture.com/2013/09/premiere-week-ratings-big-win-for-cbs-comedies.html (http://www.vulture.com/2013/09/premiere-week-ratings-big-win-for-cbs-comedies.html) ‘Blacklist,’ ‘Agents of SHIELD’ and ‘Sleepy Hollow’ Popular Early With DVR Owners http://variety.com/2013/tv/news/agents-of-shield-sleepy-hollow-and-blacklist-popular-early-with-dvr-owners-1200680100/ (http://variety.com/2013/tv/news/agents-of-shield-sleepy-hollow-and-blacklist-popular-early-with-dvr-owners-1200680100/) 'Downton Abbey' U.K. Ratings Rise for Second Episode of Season Four http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/downton-abbey-uk-ratings-rise-638912 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/downton-abbey-uk-ratings-rise-638912) Days After Launch iTunes Radio Is 45% As Popular As Spotify, Pandora Stock Drops 10% http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2013/09/3-days-after-launch-itunes-radio-is-45-as-popular-as-spotify-pandora-stock-drops-10.html (http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2013/09/3-days-after-launch-itunes-radio-is-45-as-popular-as-spotify-pandora-stock-drops-10.html) Spotify, Pandora and TuneIn Form Streaming Audio Task Force, Release Online Listener Survey http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2013/09/spotify-pandora-and-tunein-form-streaming-audio-tack-force-release-online-listener-survey.html

With Neil Patrick Harris as its host and a wide array of popular shows nominated for top awards, this year’s Emmys ceremony was primed to be a memorable one. The telecast was memorable alright, but for all the wrong reasons. If the Emmys were trying to combine all the worst elements of every other awards show, they succeeded. It’s hard to determine precisely why this year’s Emmys just didn’t work. It could have been a weak opening, unnecessary musical numbers or the string of depressing memorials. Worst of all, the telecast didn’t provide viewers with a better understanding of the shows being awarded. Meanwhile, one of China’s wealthiest citizens wants to spend over $8 billion building a movie metropolis that is meant to rival Hollywood. Some of the film industry’s most most recognized celebrities and important leaders have signed on to help the cause. The only question is… why? Of course, we also cover the week’s top entertainment news stories including the billion dollar launch of “Grand Theft Auto V”, Britney Spears’ new gig in Las Vegas and why WikiLeaks has taken up film criticism. Disney, Jerry Bruckheimer to Split in 2014 http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/disney-jerry-bruckheimer-split-2014-632553 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/disney-jerry-bruckheimer-split-2014-632553) Oscars: U.K. Picks 'Metro Manila' as Foreign Language Nomination http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/oscars-uk-picks-metro-manila-632337 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/oscars-uk-picks-metro-manila-632337) 65th Primetime Emmy Awards https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/65th_Primetime_Emmy_Awards (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/65th_Primetime_Emmy_Awards) Emmys: The 2013 Nominees and Winners http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/awards/emmys/2013/nominees (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/awards/emmys/2013/nominees) TV Review: 65th Primetime Emmy Awards http://variety.com/2013/tv/reviews/tv-review-emmy-awards-the-opening-1200655114/ (http://variety.com/2013/tv/reviews/tv-review-emmy-awards-the-opening-1200655114/) The 65th Primetime Emmy Awards: TV Review http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/65th-primetime-emmy-awards-tv-634288 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/65th-primetime-emmy-awards-tv-634288) Emmys Bring in 17.6 Million Viewers, Biggest Audience Since 2005 http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/tv-ratings-emmy-telecast-delivers-634618 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/tv-ratings-emmy-telecast-delivers-634618) Emmys 2013: Jack Klugman's Son Rips Cory Monteith 'In Memoriam' http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/tv/la-et-st-emmys-2013-jack-klugman-cory-monteith-20130920,0,7412808.story (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/tv/la-et-st-emmys-2013-jack-klugman-cory-monteith-20130920,0,7412808.story) Harvey Weinstein Recut Troubled Salinger Film http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/harvey-weinsteins-recut-troubled-salinger-633458 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/harvey-weinsteins-recut-troubled-salinger-633458) NFL Waging Secret Legal War Over M.I.A's Super Bowl Middle Finger http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/nfl-waging-secret-legal-war-632282 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/nfl-waging-secret-legal-war-632282) Grand Theft Auto V Muscles Its Way to Sales Record http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/09/18/grand-theft-auto-v-muscles-its-way-to-sales-record/ (http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/09/18/grand-theft-auto-v-muscles-its-way-to-sales-record/) GTA V Makes $1 Billion In Three Days http://www.engadget.com/2013/09/20/gta-v-1-billion-in-3-days/ (http://www.engadget.com/2013/09/20/gta-v-1-billion-in-3-days/) Mayweather-Canelo Fight Sets Pay-Per-View Record http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/mayweather-canelo-fight-sets-pay-632476 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/mayweather-canelo-fight-sets-pay-632476) WikiLeaks Posts 'Fifth Estate' Script, Calls Assange Film 'Fiction Masquerading as Fact'

Four of the last five films to win Best Picture Oscars first appeared at the Telluride Film Festival before officially premiering the following week at the Toronto International Film Festival. Anne Thompson (https://twitter.com/akstanwyck) from Indiewire attended both festivals this year and fills us in on the big movies everyone will be talking about during the upcoming awards season. This past week also saw the death of Ray Dolby, the audio pioneer who founded Dolby Laboratories to advance the art of motion picture sound. We debate whether the film industry is now discouraging future inventors from working in the space. Meanwhile, revenue from digital movies and television shows continues to climb, up 24% this year alone. Unlike theatrical box office though, studios have remained tight lipped when it comes to providing actual sales figures, fearing actors and filmmakers will want a bigger cut. Of course, we cover the week’s top entertainment news stories including the big winners at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards, a racy Miley Cyrus video that racked up YouTube records and J.K. Rowling spins-off Harry Potter. Telluride and Toronto Winners and Losers: Who Came Out Ahead? http://blogs.indiewire.com/thompsononhollywood/telluride-and-toronto-wrap-who-came-out-ahead (http://blogs.indiewire.com/thompsononhollywood/telluride-and-toronto-wrap-who-came-out-ahead) Jeff Shell Moving to Universal Studios Job; Adam Fogelson Out http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jeff-shell-moving-universal-studios-624678 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jeff-shell-moving-universal-studios-624678) Disney Invites Kids to Bring iPads to Theaters for ‘The Little Mermaid’ Re-Release http://variety.com/2013/digital/news/disney-invites-kids-to-bring-ipads-to-theaters-for-the-little-mermaid-re-release-1200608309/ (http://variety.com/2013/digital/news/disney-invites-kids-to-bring-ipads-to-theaters-for-the-little-mermaid-re-release-1200608309/) Is The Motion Picture Industry Discouraging The Next Ray Dolby? http://celluloidjunkie.com/2013/09/15/is-the-motion-picture-industry-discouraging-the-next-ray-dolby/ (http://celluloidjunkie.com/2013/09/15/is-the-motion-picture-industry-discouraging-the-next-ray-dolby/) 'X Factor' Premiere Shrinks, Loses Time Slot to 'Big Brother' http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/tv-ratings-x-factor-premiere-628256 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/tv-ratings-x-factor-premiere-628256) Warner Bros. Partners With J.K. Rowling on 'Harry Potter'-Inspired Film Series http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/warner-bros-partners-jk-rowling-628244 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/warner-bros-partners-jk-rowling-628244) Miley Cyrus' 'Wrecking Ball' Video: 19 Million Views In 1 Day http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-miley-cyrus-nude-wrecking-ball-video-views-vevo-20130910,0,1932459.story (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-miley-cyrus-nude-wrecking-ball-video-views-vevo-20130910,0,1932459.story) 'Walking Dead' Companion Series in the Works at AMC http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/walking-dead-companion-series-works-629848 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/walking-dead-companion-series-works-629848) American Novels Will Be Eligible for Britain’s Man Booker Prize Next Year http://www.vulture.com/2013/09/american-novels-will-be-eligible-for-man-booker.html (http://www.vulture.com/2013/09/american-novels-will-be-eligible-for-man-booker.html) Creative Arts Emmys: HBO's 'Behind the Candelabra' Wins The Night http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/tv/la-et-st-creative-arts-emmys-hbos-behind-the-candelabra-wins-the-night-20130915,0,7488026.story (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/tv/la-et-st-creative-arts-emmys-hbos-behind-the-candelabra-wins-the-night-20130915,0,7488026.story) AMC Teases Out Mad Men Finale Over Two Years http://www.hollywoodreporter.

After a programming blackout that lasted more than month Time Warner Cable came to an agreement with CBS over retransmission consent fees. Unless the 20-year-old retransmission consent legislation is revised or updated, the number of network blackouts ...

In what seems to be an attempt to bolster sagging DVD and Blu-ray sales Hollywood studios have begun offering “retailer exclusives” on releases of their hit titles. “Star Trek Into Darkness” is the latest example of how different versions of a movie ar...

You would have thought the world was coming to an end last week when Warner Bros. announced the casting of Ben Affleck as Batman in the upcoming blockbuster which will pair the Dark Knight with Superman. Fans of the Caped Crusader weren’t the only ones...