Showbiz Sandbox 503: An Actor’s Life During A Pandemic




Showbiz Sandbox show

Summary: 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.<br> 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? <br> 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.<br> <br> <br> John Keating on IMDb<br> <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1577688/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1577688/</a><br> The Weir at The Irish Rep<br> <a href="https://irishrep.org/show/irish-rep-online-2020/the-weir-3/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://irishrep.org/show/irish-rep-online-2020/the-weir-3/</a><br> China’s Cinemas to Reopen July 20<br> <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/chinas-cinemas-reopen-july-20-1303401" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/chinas-cinemas-reopen-july-20-1303401</a><br> China to Begin Reopening Cinemas In Low Risk Areas Starting July 20<br> <a href="http://chinafilminsider.com/headlines-from-china-china-to-begin-reopening-cinemas-in-low-risk-areas-starting-july-20/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://chinafilminsider.com/headlines-from-china-china-to-begin-reopening-cinemas-in-low-risk-areas-starting-july-20/</a><br> Nick Cannon Dropped by ViacomCBS After Making Anti-Semitic Comments<br> <a href="https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/nick-cannon-dropped-viacomcbs-anti-semitic-comments-podcast-1234706748/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/nick-cannon-dropped-viacomcbs-anti-semitic-comments-podcast-1234706748/</a><br> Nick Cannon Apologizes for Anti-Semitic Comments; Fox Stands Behind ‘The Masked Singer’ Host<br> <a href="https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/nick-cannon-the-masked-singer-fox-statement-1234706861/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/nick-cannon-the-masked-singer-fox-statement-1234706861/</a><br> Tom Bergeron Out as ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Host<br> <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/tom-bergeron-as-dancing-stars-host-1303087" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/tom-bergeron-as-dancing-stars-host-1303087</a><br> Theaters, Music Venues in England to Reopen With Socially Distanced Audiences From Aug. 1<br> <a href="https://variety.com/2020/biz/news/u-k-theaters-music-venues-to-reopen-from-august-1-1234709292/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://variety.com/2020/biz/news/u-k-theaters-music-venues-to-reopen-from-august-1-1234709292/</a><br> WGA Wins Historic Deal With UTA<br> <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/uta-talks-writers-guild-agreement-sources-say-1303270" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/uta-talks-writers-guild-agreement-sources-say-1303270</a><br> UTA Drops Lawsuit, Signs Deal with WGA as Agency Fight Thaws<br> <a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2020-07-14/wga-nears-deal-with-united-talent-agency" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.latimes.</a>