Warner Bros. Discovery’s fourth-quarter success largely depends on strong performance at Food Network, as the cable channel draws its highest number of eyeballs — and ad dollars — when the holidays roll around. But in 2023, the network had additional tasks to check off for the company, including driving viewers to Max and pushing them to the theater for titles including Warner Bros. Timothée Chalamet-led “Wonka.”
With a “huge” turnout of 34 million viewers across 52.5 hours of holiday-themed programming, Food Network chief Betsy Ayala told Variety‘s “Strictly Business” podcast she’s proud of the results, which were driven by seasonal favorites including “Holiday Baking Championship,” “Holiday Wars” and “Beat Bobby Flay: Holiday Throwdown,” as well as new competition series “Elf on the Shelf: Sweet Showdown.”
U.S. Networks chief marketing officer Karen Bronzo touted the wider implications of Food Network’s success within Wbd. “The holiday really punctuates this for me...
With a “huge” turnout of 34 million viewers across 52.5 hours of holiday-themed programming, Food Network chief Betsy Ayala told Variety‘s “Strictly Business” podcast she’s proud of the results, which were driven by seasonal favorites including “Holiday Baking Championship,” “Holiday Wars” and “Beat Bobby Flay: Holiday Throwdown,” as well as new competition series “Elf on the Shelf: Sweet Showdown.”
U.S. Networks chief marketing officer Karen Bronzo touted the wider implications of Food Network’s success within Wbd. “The holiday really punctuates this for me...
- 1/31/2024
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Four Hollywood CEOs returned to the bargaining table Thursday for a second day of talks with the Writers Guild of America, as the industry looked for signs of progress toward a deal that would end the 143-day strike.
As of shortly after 6 p.m., the CEOs were still in the room in Sherman Oaks, as a marathon bargaining session continued.
The CEOs who attended the session were, once again, Bob Iger of Disney, David Zaslav of Warner Bros. Discovery, Donna Langley of NBCUniversal, and Ted Sarandos of Netflix.
Sources said the two sides were making progress in several areas, though significant issues remained. It was not clear whether the CEOs would be able to return for a third day of bargaining on Friday, though the sources stressed that the parties aim to capitalize on momentum and are committed to getting a deal.
They said the studios made moves in multiple...
As of shortly after 6 p.m., the CEOs were still in the room in Sherman Oaks, as a marathon bargaining session continued.
The CEOs who attended the session were, once again, Bob Iger of Disney, David Zaslav of Warner Bros. Discovery, Donna Langley of NBCUniversal, and Ted Sarandos of Netflix.
Sources said the two sides were making progress in several areas, though significant issues remained. It was not clear whether the CEOs would be able to return for a third day of bargaining on Friday, though the sources stressed that the parties aim to capitalize on momentum and are committed to getting a deal.
They said the studios made moves in multiple...
- 9/22/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Around 15 picketers gathered outside CBS Studios in New York on Monday morning to protest Drew Barrymore’s decision to bring back her eponymous daytime talk show amid the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. “The Drew Barrymore Show” is set to return Sept. 18.
While Barrymore is not technically violating SAG-AFTRA rules as the host of the show, some WGA members believe that whether it’s in violation against the strike is “still in dispute” and could be at least considered a “moral violation.”
Jonathan Bines, a writer for “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” picketing in front of CBS, says that it would be hard to imagine a new iteration of the show that doesn’t, in some form, employ the task of writing or the ideas of prior WGA writers.
“I know that writing takes place in the sense that ideas are tossed around, stuff that the producers tell the host that...
While Barrymore is not technically violating SAG-AFTRA rules as the host of the show, some WGA members believe that whether it’s in violation against the strike is “still in dispute” and could be at least considered a “moral violation.”
Jonathan Bines, a writer for “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” picketing in front of CBS, says that it would be hard to imagine a new iteration of the show that doesn’t, in some form, employ the task of writing or the ideas of prior WGA writers.
“I know that writing takes place in the sense that ideas are tossed around, stuff that the producers tell the host that...
- 9/11/2023
- by Anna Tingley
- Variety Film + TV
Updated: The Writers Guild of America met again with negotiators from the major studios on Friday afternoon, but the sides appeared to make little progress toward ending the 109-day strike. The guild issued a message to members Friday evening confirming that the sides plan to gather again next week.
The guild has held talks each of the last four days with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, but the two sides remain far apart on the major issues, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. The WGA’s message to members stated that the sides “continue to exchange proposals” and will meet again next week though no specific dates were included.
“Thank you for the many messages of support and solidarity as we talk with the AMPTP. As always, be skeptical of rumors from third parties, knowing that the Guild will communicate when we think there is something of significance to report,...
The guild has held talks each of the last four days with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, but the two sides remain far apart on the major issues, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. The WGA’s message to members stated that the sides “continue to exchange proposals” and will meet again next week though no specific dates were included.
“Thank you for the many messages of support and solidarity as we talk with the AMPTP. As always, be skeptical of rumors from third parties, knowing that the Guild will communicate when we think there is something of significance to report,...
- 8/19/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
The Writers Guild of America met again with representatives of the major studios on Thursday, as negotiators continued to search for a path toward resolving the 108-day writers strike.
The CEOs of the major studios — including Ted Sarandos of Netflix and David Zaslav of Warner Bros. Discovery — are also expected to hold a joint call on Friday to discuss the next move in the talks. Donna Langley of NBCUniversal and Dana Walden and Alan Bergman of Disney are also expected to participate.
A resolution has remained elusive, after the WGA delivered its response to the latest proposal from the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers on Tuesday. The two sides remain far apart on several items, including a staffing minimum in TV and a viewership-based streaming residual.
Several sources on the studio side professed shock and frustration at the guild’s response. They also said they are reluctant to...
The CEOs of the major studios — including Ted Sarandos of Netflix and David Zaslav of Warner Bros. Discovery — are also expected to hold a joint call on Friday to discuss the next move in the talks. Donna Langley of NBCUniversal and Dana Walden and Alan Bergman of Disney are also expected to participate.
A resolution has remained elusive, after the WGA delivered its response to the latest proposal from the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers on Tuesday. The two sides remain far apart on several items, including a staffing minimum in TV and a viewership-based streaming residual.
Several sources on the studio side professed shock and frustration at the guild’s response. They also said they are reluctant to...
- 8/17/2023
- by Gene Maddaus and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Endeavor swung to a big profit in the second quarter thanks to the sale of its Img Academy business, which will help fuel a stock buyback program and a cash dividend payments at the end of the current quarter.
The parent company of WME, Img, UFC and other media and sports assets delivered revenue of $1.43 billion in the quarter, up about 8% from the year-ago quarter. Adjusted earnings before interest taxes, depreciation and amortization totaled $304.9 million, up slightly from the year-ago mark ($306.4 million). Net income swelled to $666.5 million, from $42.4 million a year ago.
Endeavor is in the process of closing its $21 billion transaction to combine UFC and wrestling giant WWE into a single sports entity that will trade as a separate stock under the ticker symbol Tko. Endeavor will maintain a 51% interest in the combined company and therefore consolidate its earnings.
Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel faced questioning from analysts later Tuesday...
The parent company of WME, Img, UFC and other media and sports assets delivered revenue of $1.43 billion in the quarter, up about 8% from the year-ago quarter. Adjusted earnings before interest taxes, depreciation and amortization totaled $304.9 million, up slightly from the year-ago mark ($306.4 million). Net income swelled to $666.5 million, from $42.4 million a year ago.
Endeavor is in the process of closing its $21 billion transaction to combine UFC and wrestling giant WWE into a single sports entity that will trade as a separate stock under the ticker symbol Tko. Endeavor will maintain a 51% interest in the combined company and therefore consolidate its earnings.
Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel faced questioning from analysts later Tuesday...
- 8/8/2023
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Can San Diego Comic-Con catch a break?
For two years, the biggest annual fan convention in North America was forced to cancel the five-day gathering due to the Covid-19 pandemic — placing Comic-Con International, the non-profit organization that runs Sdcc, under unprecedented financial strain. Last year, Sdcc came roaring back with a masked-and-vaccinated convention that was a robust success, with blockbuster Hall H panels for the “Star Trek” TV universe, “House of the Dragon,” “The Walking Dead” and, especially, Marvel Studios.
This year’s Comic-Con — which is scheduled to start July 19, less than a month away — is increasingly likely to have none of those panels.
At least, that’s what studios across the industry are anticipating. If SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP cannot come to terms by the June 30 contract deadline and the guild goes on strike, actors will almost certainly join writers and showrunners in sitting out promotional events like Comic-Con,...
For two years, the biggest annual fan convention in North America was forced to cancel the five-day gathering due to the Covid-19 pandemic — placing Comic-Con International, the non-profit organization that runs Sdcc, under unprecedented financial strain. Last year, Sdcc came roaring back with a masked-and-vaccinated convention that was a robust success, with blockbuster Hall H panels for the “Star Trek” TV universe, “House of the Dragon,” “The Walking Dead” and, especially, Marvel Studios.
This year’s Comic-Con — which is scheduled to start July 19, less than a month away — is increasingly likely to have none of those panels.
At least, that’s what studios across the industry are anticipating. If SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP cannot come to terms by the June 30 contract deadline and the guild goes on strike, actors will almost certainly join writers and showrunners in sitting out promotional events like Comic-Con,...
- 6/23/2023
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
That was the week that was, and last week was an upfronts week like no other.
Variety’s team of New York-based television and digital reporters offer a debrief on the 2023 programming presentations in New York on the latest episode of Variety‘s weekly podcast “Strictly Business.”
The drama roiling the industry was evident in all the Writers Guild of America picket signs that swarmed around the major events held from May 15 to May 17. That added to the general madness of the week that is a television and advertising industry tradition but is starting to feel anachronistic in the streaming era. But the upfronts are still a hard habit to break. Netflix even crashed the party this year, albeit virtually.
Behind the velvet ropes, there were plenty of signals of the industry’s difficult transition from linear to streaming. Variety’s Jennifer Maas, Joe Otterson, Todd Spangler and Brian Steinberg...
Variety’s team of New York-based television and digital reporters offer a debrief on the 2023 programming presentations in New York on the latest episode of Variety‘s weekly podcast “Strictly Business.”
The drama roiling the industry was evident in all the Writers Guild of America picket signs that swarmed around the major events held from May 15 to May 17. That added to the general madness of the week that is a television and advertising industry tradition but is starting to feel anachronistic in the streaming era. But the upfronts are still a hard habit to break. Netflix even crashed the party this year, albeit virtually.
Behind the velvet ropes, there were plenty of signals of the industry’s difficult transition from linear to streaming. Variety’s Jennifer Maas, Joe Otterson, Todd Spangler and Brian Steinberg...
- 5/24/2023
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
The American Music Awards are likely to take a one-year sabbatical, Variety has learned.
Following news announcing that the Billboard Music Awards would move the date to Nov. 19, 2023, typically a Sunday held for the AMAs, it would seem to leave parent company Dick Clark Productions no choice but to bump the AMAs to 2024, when it can take the May slot previously held by Billboard.
Multiple sources say that neither has secured a broadcast partner and producer Dick Clark Productions, which is owned by Penske Media Corp. (parent company of Variety and Billboard) had to make the decision of which show to throw its weight behind. Since Pmc owns the publication Billboard, insiders suggest that the thinking was to promote its own brand. Chatter among music industry professionals is that the AMAs, which launched in 1973, was becoming stale.
However, a spokeswoman for Pmc asserted that discussions are ongoing for both awards telecasts.
Following news announcing that the Billboard Music Awards would move the date to Nov. 19, 2023, typically a Sunday held for the AMAs, it would seem to leave parent company Dick Clark Productions no choice but to bump the AMAs to 2024, when it can take the May slot previously held by Billboard.
Multiple sources say that neither has secured a broadcast partner and producer Dick Clark Productions, which is owned by Penske Media Corp. (parent company of Variety and Billboard) had to make the decision of which show to throw its weight behind. Since Pmc owns the publication Billboard, insiders suggest that the thinking was to promote its own brand. Chatter among music industry professionals is that the AMAs, which launched in 1973, was becoming stale.
However, a spokeswoman for Pmc asserted that discussions are ongoing for both awards telecasts.
- 3/24/2023
- by Shirley Halperin and Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Accepting the Writers Guild of America award for original screenplay on Sunday night, Daniel Kwan skipped past the typical thank-yous to his agent and manager and instead shouted out his strike captain.
“Get involved,” he told the crowd. “If you don’t have a captain yet, go find one… Let’s go give ’em hell.”
It was a fitting capstone on the event, which at times felt more like a labor rally than an awards show. The WGA is set to begin negotiations with the major studios in just two weeks, and the possibility of a writers strike may be as high as it’s been since the last work stoppage in 2007-08.
“Hold out for what you deserve!” urged “The Goldbergs” star Wendi McLendon-Covey, presenting the award for drama series. “We cannot do it without you! Hold out until the last minute!”
In recent weeks, WGA officials have been tamping down the rhetoric,...
“Get involved,” he told the crowd. “If you don’t have a captain yet, go find one… Let’s go give ’em hell.”
It was a fitting capstone on the event, which at times felt more like a labor rally than an awards show. The WGA is set to begin negotiations with the major studios in just two weeks, and the possibility of a writers strike may be as high as it’s been since the last work stoppage in 2007-08.
“Hold out for what you deserve!” urged “The Goldbergs” star Wendi McLendon-Covey, presenting the award for drama series. “We cannot do it without you! Hold out until the last minute!”
In recent weeks, WGA officials have been tamping down the rhetoric,...
- 3/6/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Meredith Stiehm, president of the WGA West, got right to the point in her remarks Sunday at the guild’s 2023 award ceremony. With contract negotiations less than two weeks aways, Stiehm rallied the troops about the need for solidarity, and she emphasized the guild’s role as serving as the “good sheriff” helping to tame the Wild West for writers.
The guild, Stiehm told the crowd at the Fairmont Century Plaza, is “walking around like Gary Cooper — low key but watchful, vigilent and a little swagger.” The guild is “looking to keep the peace” but is devoted to enforcing the rules established by its contracts. “The guild says there are rules, there are laws,” she said referring to a fight that the WGA recently settled over $42 million in residual payments owed to guild members.
“The guild with its superior stuff set that right and Netflix paid that $42 million,” she said.
The guild, Stiehm told the crowd at the Fairmont Century Plaza, is “walking around like Gary Cooper — low key but watchful, vigilent and a little swagger.” The guild is “looking to keep the peace” but is devoted to enforcing the rules established by its contracts. “The guild says there are rules, there are laws,” she said referring to a fight that the WGA recently settled over $42 million in residual payments owed to guild members.
“The guild with its superior stuff set that right and Netflix paid that $42 million,” she said.
- 3/6/2023
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Spoiler Alert: Do not read if you have not watched Fox’s Sept. 11 premiere of “Monarch.”
With Susan Sarandon at the front of every “Monarch” poster around town, viewers may have been shocked to see that at the end of Sunday’s premiere, her character, Dottie Roman, is seemingly dead.
During the first episode, which aired following the NFL game on Fox, Dottie learns she has cancer but is determined to die on her own terms. She enlists her daughter Nicky (Anna Friel) to help her, holding her hand while she swallows an entire bottle of pills.
Despite the shocking episode end, the show’s producers promise there’s much more to come with Sarandon.
“Susan’s a part of the show. She hovers over everyone. She influences everything,” executive producer Jon Heldman said during the show’s recent Television Critics Association press conference. “She comes in and out of the show.
With Susan Sarandon at the front of every “Monarch” poster around town, viewers may have been shocked to see that at the end of Sunday’s premiere, her character, Dottie Roman, is seemingly dead.
During the first episode, which aired following the NFL game on Fox, Dottie learns she has cancer but is determined to die on her own terms. She enlists her daughter Nicky (Anna Friel) to help her, holding her hand while she swallows an entire bottle of pills.
Despite the shocking episode end, the show’s producers promise there’s much more to come with Sarandon.
“Susan’s a part of the show. She hovers over everyone. She influences everything,” executive producer Jon Heldman said during the show’s recent Television Critics Association press conference. “She comes in and out of the show.
- 9/12/2022
- by Emily Longeretta
- Variety Film + TV
Kate Siegel has her first chance at an Emmy nomination for Best Movie/Limited Actress for her riveting performance as Erin Greene in Netflix’s “Midnight Mass,” directed by Mike Flanagan. Watch our recent interview with the actress.
The seven-episode horror series tells of a tiny island community rocked by the arrival of two men — the disgraced Riley (Zach Gilford) returning after spending four years in prison for killing a teenage girl in a drunk driving accident, and Father Paul Hill (Hamish Linklater), the new priest at St. Patrick’s Church. Siegel plays Erin, a former girlfriend of Riley’s who works on the island as a teacher and is expecting a child. The actress has been terrific in the film “Hush” and the limited series “The Haunting of Hill House,” both also directed by Siegel’s husband Flanagan, but her lead performance in “Midnight Mass” is her best yet,...
The seven-episode horror series tells of a tiny island community rocked by the arrival of two men — the disgraced Riley (Zach Gilford) returning after spending four years in prison for killing a teenage girl in a drunk driving accident, and Father Paul Hill (Hamish Linklater), the new priest at St. Patrick’s Church. Siegel plays Erin, a former girlfriend of Riley’s who works on the island as a teacher and is expecting a child. The actress has been terrific in the film “Hush” and the limited series “The Haunting of Hill House,” both also directed by Siegel’s husband Flanagan, but her lead performance in “Midnight Mass” is her best yet,...
- 6/27/2022
- by Brian Rowe
- Gold Derby
The fourth season of Netflix’s “Stranger Things” has been unlike its previous seasons both in tone and the length of the show’s episodes. But according to Matt and Ross Duffer — collectively known as the Duffer brothers — they had no other choice.
In an interview for Variety’s Showrunners Sitdown With Kate Aurthur presented by FX, the Duffer Brothers said that because of how “Stranger Things 4” was structured, with its four distinct storylines, “If you look at one of the episodes — like, you couldn’t cut it out 15 minutes early,” Matt Duffer said.
Ross Duffer cited the finale as an example: “Reel one is build-up dread. Reel two is action, chaos. And then, reel three is our traditional coda, come down after all of that. You didn’t really want to break it after just the build-up. It wouldn’t feel like a satisfying episode. So, at a certain point we just said,...
In an interview for Variety’s Showrunners Sitdown With Kate Aurthur presented by FX, the Duffer Brothers said that because of how “Stranger Things 4” was structured, with its four distinct storylines, “If you look at one of the episodes — like, you couldn’t cut it out 15 minutes early,” Matt Duffer said.
Ross Duffer cited the finale as an example: “Reel one is build-up dread. Reel two is action, chaos. And then, reel three is our traditional coda, come down after all of that. You didn’t really want to break it after just the build-up. It wouldn’t feel like a satisfying episode. So, at a certain point we just said,...
- 6/24/2022
- by Kate Aurthur
- Variety Film + TV
Lamorne Morris has signed with CAA for representation.
Best known for starring as Winston on the hit Fox comedy “New Girl” opposite Zooey Deschanel, Morris currently leads the hybrid live-action and animated series “Woke.” The second season of the Hulu series premiered in April and followed the aftermath of Morris’ cartoonist character Keef Knight being thrust into the spotlight after standing up against the white police officer who had racially profiled and assaulted him in the series premiere. The eight new episodes explored how Keef, an apolitical artist-turned-activist, grappled with the responsibility of gaining a following.
“The question for Keef this season is, what else can you do? Are you a one-trick pony?” Morris told Variety TV business writer Jennifer Maas ahead of the season’s launch.
“Like, we know this thing happened to you, and we know you want to speak about it. You get ruffled up by the...
Best known for starring as Winston on the hit Fox comedy “New Girl” opposite Zooey Deschanel, Morris currently leads the hybrid live-action and animated series “Woke.” The second season of the Hulu series premiered in April and followed the aftermath of Morris’ cartoonist character Keef Knight being thrust into the spotlight after standing up against the white police officer who had racially profiled and assaulted him in the series premiere. The eight new episodes explored how Keef, an apolitical artist-turned-activist, grappled with the responsibility of gaining a following.
“The question for Keef this season is, what else can you do? Are you a one-trick pony?” Morris told Variety TV business writer Jennifer Maas ahead of the season’s launch.
“Like, we know this thing happened to you, and we know you want to speak about it. You get ruffled up by the...
- 6/8/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Fear and loathing are on the rise in Hollywood as top execs and rank-and-file employees grapple with growing uncertainty about their place in a rapidly changing entertainment industry. One pervasive concern: that the streaming-fueled content bubble has finally burst, with more consolidation on the way.
Wall Street darling Netflix lost 54 billion in market value in one day last month amid concerns about a slide in subscriber numbers and promptly reorganized its marketing department once again, axing writers on its fledgling Tudum fan site five months after launch. And the fallout from the Warner Bros. Discovery merger and Amazon’s acquisition of MGM has just gotten underway, with top exec Michael De Luca exiting the latter April 27 and squashed initiatives at the former. Neither the disrupted nor the disruptors are feeling too good these days.
“We’re all waiting on pins and needles for someone to pull the figurative trigger on the inevitable restructuring,...
Wall Street darling Netflix lost 54 billion in market value in one day last month amid concerns about a slide in subscriber numbers and promptly reorganized its marketing department once again, axing writers on its fledgling Tudum fan site five months after launch. And the fallout from the Warner Bros. Discovery merger and Amazon’s acquisition of MGM has just gotten underway, with top exec Michael De Luca exiting the latter April 27 and squashed initiatives at the former. Neither the disrupted nor the disruptors are feeling too good these days.
“We’re all waiting on pins and needles for someone to pull the figurative trigger on the inevitable restructuring,...
- 5/4/2022
- by Brent Lang and Diane Garrett
- Variety Film + TV
The Targaryens are returning to HBO.
“House of the Dragon,” HBO’s first spin-off series of its record-breaking juggernaut “Game of Thrones,” will premiere on Aug. 21, the network announced Wednesday. HBO also revealed a new poster for the series and additional images from the show, which you can view below.
Set two centuries before the events of “Game of Thrones,” the ten-episode prequel series will depict how the House of Targaryen fell into a bitter and brutal civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons — presaging the beginning of the end of the ruling family of Westeros.
The series was created by author George R. R. Martin and Ryan J. Condal (“Colony”), based on Martin’s novel “Fire & Blood.” Condal and director Miguel Sapochnik are executive producers and co-showrunners on the series; Martin and Vince Gerardis are executive producing as well.
Much like the original series, “House of the Dragon” boasts a sprawling cast,...
“House of the Dragon,” HBO’s first spin-off series of its record-breaking juggernaut “Game of Thrones,” will premiere on Aug. 21, the network announced Wednesday. HBO also revealed a new poster for the series and additional images from the show, which you can view below.
Set two centuries before the events of “Game of Thrones,” the ten-episode prequel series will depict how the House of Targaryen fell into a bitter and brutal civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons — presaging the beginning of the end of the ruling family of Westeros.
The series was created by author George R. R. Martin and Ryan J. Condal (“Colony”), based on Martin’s novel “Fire & Blood.” Condal and director Miguel Sapochnik are executive producers and co-showrunners on the series; Martin and Vince Gerardis are executive producing as well.
Much like the original series, “House of the Dragon” boasts a sprawling cast,...
- 3/30/2022
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
Variety has expanded its television editorial staff with three new hires.
Emily Longeretta, formerly senior entertainment editor for Us Weekly, has joined Variety’s Focus department as senior TV features editor, overseeing TV-related features and the 10 to Watch franchise, Impact lists and other franchises. She will work closely with senior editor, TV awards, and deputy TV editor Michael Schneider and other editors in steering TV features and awards season coverage. She will be based in Los Angeles.
Jennifer Maas, formerly a TV reporter for The Wrap, has signed on as a TV business writer, based in New York. Maas will cover television industry news as well as corporate earnings, financial, M&a and business-related news and analysis, reporting to Variety co-editor-in-chief Cynthia Littleton.
Selome Hailu, who joined Variety last year as an intern, has been promoted to reporter. Based in Los Angeles, she will focus on working with Schneider to cover the TV awards beat,...
Emily Longeretta, formerly senior entertainment editor for Us Weekly, has joined Variety’s Focus department as senior TV features editor, overseeing TV-related features and the 10 to Watch franchise, Impact lists and other franchises. She will work closely with senior editor, TV awards, and deputy TV editor Michael Schneider and other editors in steering TV features and awards season coverage. She will be based in Los Angeles.
Jennifer Maas, formerly a TV reporter for The Wrap, has signed on as a TV business writer, based in New York. Maas will cover television industry news as well as corporate earnings, financial, M&a and business-related news and analysis, reporting to Variety co-editor-in-chief Cynthia Littleton.
Selome Hailu, who joined Variety last year as an intern, has been promoted to reporter. Based in Los Angeles, she will focus on working with Schneider to cover the TV awards beat,...
- 1/6/2022
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Lilly Wachowski, one half of the Wachowski sisters who directed the original “Matrix” trilogy, on Wednesday clarified why she’s not involved as a director or writer on the upcoming “Matrix 4,” saying that the idea of returning to something older in her career felt “expressly unappealing.”
Lilly Wachowski said that her sister Lana Wachowski had come up with an idea for “The Matrix 4” in the short period of time between their parents dying and couldn’t find the motivation to do it.
“There was something about the idea of going backwards and being a part of something that I had done before that was expressly unappealing,” Wachowski said at Showtime’s TCA panel Wednesday on behalf of “Work in Progress,” for which she’s the showrunner. “Like, I didn’t want to have gone through my transition and gone through this massive upheaval in my life, the sense...
Lilly Wachowski said that her sister Lana Wachowski had come up with an idea for “The Matrix 4” in the short period of time between their parents dying and couldn’t find the motivation to do it.
“There was something about the idea of going backwards and being a part of something that I had done before that was expressly unappealing,” Wachowski said at Showtime’s TCA panel Wednesday on behalf of “Work in Progress,” for which she’s the showrunner. “Like, I didn’t want to have gone through my transition and gone through this massive upheaval in my life, the sense...
- 8/25/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
The Emmy-nominated second season of Amazon Prime Video’s “The Boys” featured a knock-down-drag-out sex scene between (formerly secret) Nazi superhero Stormfront (Aya Cash) and leader of the Supes of the Seven Homelander (Antony Starr) that looked very realistic — you know, as far as mid-air superhero intercourse goes — thanks to the show’s VFX team and the decision to treat it more like a stunt scene than a sex scene.
“It’s wild. The special effects are bonkers on this show,” Cash said during TheWrap’s Emmy Screening Series panel for “The Boys” on Wednesday, which featured the Season 2 star and executive producer and writer Rebecca Sonnenshine in conversation with TV reporter Jennifer Maas. “They’re so well done and it’s amazing to watch back, because I don’t tend to like to watch myself, but I loved watching ‘The Boys,’ because there is so much magic on top...
“It’s wild. The special effects are bonkers on this show,” Cash said during TheWrap’s Emmy Screening Series panel for “The Boys” on Wednesday, which featured the Season 2 star and executive producer and writer Rebecca Sonnenshine in conversation with TV reporter Jennifer Maas. “They’re so well done and it’s amazing to watch back, because I don’t tend to like to watch myself, but I loved watching ‘The Boys,’ because there is so much magic on top...
- 8/18/2021
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Be Conference 2021: “It’s part of our job as public figures now to ask, how can we make more spaces for us?” DeBose says
Actresses Javicia Leslie, Ariana DeBose, Tiffany Boone and Ashley Park came together at TheWrap’s Be Conference on Tuesday for a panel about the future of diversity on screen and behind the scenes in Hollywood. The four up-and-coming stars told TheWrap TV reporter Jennifer Maas that they hope the push for better representation among minorities in the industry isn’t just a phase amid social unrest, including the recent amplification of Black Lives Matter and anti-Asian hate movements.
“Obviously the industry moves in waves. I think that we need to be a little bit more controlling of this wave and making sure that it’s not just a wave,” Leslie, who stars on The CW’s “Batwoman,” said during the panel, titled “Next Gen Hollywood: Inspiring Change Through Storytelling.
Actresses Javicia Leslie, Ariana DeBose, Tiffany Boone and Ashley Park came together at TheWrap’s Be Conference on Tuesday for a panel about the future of diversity on screen and behind the scenes in Hollywood. The four up-and-coming stars told TheWrap TV reporter Jennifer Maas that they hope the push for better representation among minorities in the industry isn’t just a phase amid social unrest, including the recent amplification of Black Lives Matter and anti-Asian hate movements.
“Obviously the industry moves in waves. I think that we need to be a little bit more controlling of this wave and making sure that it’s not just a wave,” Leslie, who stars on The CW’s “Batwoman,” said during the panel, titled “Next Gen Hollywood: Inspiring Change Through Storytelling.
- 5/11/2021
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
“The Witcher” was forced to immediately pause production on Season 2 of the Netflix series after four people tested positive on Saturday for the coronavirus, a source with knowledge told TheWrap.
The four staffers were not part of the cast and have been isolated. Netflix will implement a round of testing of everyone involved in the series.
Filming on Season 2, which is taking place at London’s Arborfield Studios, will resume when it is deemed safe to do so.
Netflix announced in June that the Henry Cavill-led series would pick up filming again Aug. 17 after being shut down due to the coronavirus in mid-March. Production had first begun in February.
“The Witcher” stars Cavill as monster hunter Geralt of Rivia, Anya Chalotra as sorceress Yennefer and Freya Allan as Princess Ciri. Along with that trio, who will all be back for Season 2, other returning cast members include Joey Batey as Jaskier,...
The four staffers were not part of the cast and have been isolated. Netflix will implement a round of testing of everyone involved in the series.
Filming on Season 2, which is taking place at London’s Arborfield Studios, will resume when it is deemed safe to do so.
Netflix announced in June that the Henry Cavill-led series would pick up filming again Aug. 17 after being shut down due to the coronavirus in mid-March. Production had first begun in February.
“The Witcher” stars Cavill as monster hunter Geralt of Rivia, Anya Chalotra as sorceress Yennefer and Freya Allan as Princess Ciri. Along with that trio, who will all be back for Season 2, other returning cast members include Joey Batey as Jaskier,...
- 11/7/2020
- by Daniel Goldblatt
- The Wrap
Peacock, NBCUniversal’s new streaming service, has hit 10 million subscribers since first launching in April, Comcast announced Thursday.
“NBCUniversal successfully launched Peacock in cable’s footprint in April, ahead of the streaming service’s U.S. nationwide launch earlier this month, with 10 million sign-ups to date,” Comcast CEO Brian Roberts said in a statement accompanying the company’s Q2 earnings report.
The announcement was one of the few bright spots Comcast could point to, with the media giant’s second-quarter revenue plummeting due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Peacock’s ad-supported service first became available to Comcast customers on April 15, before rolling out to nationwide in mid-July. The service hit 10 million subscribers despite not being available on Roku or Amazon Fire TV, the two biggest players in the streaming world. Of course, nearly all of the 10 million signups haven’t been paying for Peacock, at least not yet. Peacock was only...
“NBCUniversal successfully launched Peacock in cable’s footprint in April, ahead of the streaming service’s U.S. nationwide launch earlier this month, with 10 million sign-ups to date,” Comcast CEO Brian Roberts said in a statement accompanying the company’s Q2 earnings report.
The announcement was one of the few bright spots Comcast could point to, with the media giant’s second-quarter revenue plummeting due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Peacock’s ad-supported service first became available to Comcast customers on April 15, before rolling out to nationwide in mid-July. The service hit 10 million subscribers despite not being available on Roku or Amazon Fire TV, the two biggest players in the streaming world. Of course, nearly all of the 10 million signups haven’t been paying for Peacock, at least not yet. Peacock was only...
- 7/30/2020
- by Sean Burch
- The Wrap
A body was discovered at Lake Piru in Ventura County, California, early Monday morning after days of searching for “Glee” actress Naya Rivera, who went missing following a swimming accident at the lake last week.
“Happening Now: A body has been found at Lake Piru this morning,” the Ventura County Sheriff tweeted on Monday. “The recovery is in progress.”
The sheriff’s office later confirmed that the body was that of Rivera, who was 33. The Ventura County Sheriff’s office will hold a press conference Monday at 2 p.m. Pt to address their findings.
Rivera went missing Wednesday after renting a boat at Lake Piru in California with her 4-year-old son. When the boat was not returned on time, rental stand employees found the boat with the child wearing a life vest and unharmed, but alone, and authorities began a search. Sonar technology has been brought to the lake given its low visibility,...
“Happening Now: A body has been found at Lake Piru this morning,” the Ventura County Sheriff tweeted on Monday. “The recovery is in progress.”
The sheriff’s office later confirmed that the body was that of Rivera, who was 33. The Ventura County Sheriff’s office will hold a press conference Monday at 2 p.m. Pt to address their findings.
Rivera went missing Wednesday after renting a boat at Lake Piru in California with her 4-year-old son. When the boat was not returned on time, rental stand employees found the boat with the child wearing a life vest and unharmed, but alone, and authorities began a search. Sonar technology has been brought to the lake given its low visibility,...
- 7/13/2020
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
A version of this story first appeared in the Drama/Comedy/Actors issue of TheWrap’s Emmy magazine.
TheWrap staff would like to recommend that you pay attention to these worthy people and shows as you think about that nominating ballot.
Elle Fanning, “The Great”
The real Catherine the Great was said to have been disgusted by her husband, Peter III, partly because of his pale complexion — which is why you could take it as an elaborate joke that Tony McNamara cast Elle Fanning as Catherine in the wry and twisted series “The Great.” If so, Fanning — all steel and wile under that alabaster façade — provides a sharp and strong punchline. — Steve Pond
“Avenue 5”
I wasn’t planning on watching “Avenue 5,” and then I found myself in the newborn unit of the hospital, unable to leave the room, take my mask off or, of course, sleep. Needing something...
TheWrap staff would like to recommend that you pay attention to these worthy people and shows as you think about that nominating ballot.
Elle Fanning, “The Great”
The real Catherine the Great was said to have been disgusted by her husband, Peter III, partly because of his pale complexion — which is why you could take it as an elaborate joke that Tony McNamara cast Elle Fanning as Catherine in the wry and twisted series “The Great.” If so, Fanning — all steel and wile under that alabaster façade — provides a sharp and strong punchline. — Steve Pond
“Avenue 5”
I wasn’t planning on watching “Avenue 5,” and then I found myself in the newborn unit of the hospital, unable to leave the room, take my mask off or, of course, sleep. Needing something...
- 7/2/2020
- by Wrap Staff
- The Wrap
As a longtime cast member of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” Kandi Burruss is a pro when it comes to the end-of-season reunions where the entire cast comes together to reflect on all the drama. While filming on the show wrapped months ago, the reunion is taped after the episodes air. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the cast and crew were forced to film the reunion remotely — something that had never been done before.
“I felt like the reunion turned out really great, surprisingly, because I didn’t think there would be a way to do that and it be good,” Burruss told TheWrap on Wednesday. “Watching it back I was like, wow, it turned out way better than I expected.”
The reality TV star credits production for figuring out how to pull off the reunion — not an easy task with up to eight vocal women and host Andy Cohen...
“I felt like the reunion turned out really great, surprisingly, because I didn’t think there would be a way to do that and it be good,” Burruss told TheWrap on Wednesday. “Watching it back I was like, wow, it turned out way better than I expected.”
The reality TV star credits production for figuring out how to pull off the reunion — not an easy task with up to eight vocal women and host Andy Cohen...
- 5/21/2020
- by Lawrence Yee
- The Wrap
As the fears over the growing spread of the coronavirus start to impact the TV industry, with two media companies already scrapping their in-person upfront events that were scheduled for later this month, others are moving forward as planned.
For the bigger upfront presentations that are scheduled for mid-May from the major broadcast networks, it appears to be business as usual … for now. The major broadcast networks that present, in what is typically referred to as “Upfront Week,” are still planning for their events to go on, but understand the situation could change if Covid-19 continues to spread.
A Disney rep told TheWrap the company “is moving ahead” with their upfront plans. Disney rolls up ABC into a larger presentation that includes cable networks like ESPN, Freeform, FX and NatGeo. At this point in time, NBCUniversal’s upfront will continue as planned, a person with knowledge of the plans tells TheWrap.
For the bigger upfront presentations that are scheduled for mid-May from the major broadcast networks, it appears to be business as usual … for now. The major broadcast networks that present, in what is typically referred to as “Upfront Week,” are still planning for their events to go on, but understand the situation could change if Covid-19 continues to spread.
A Disney rep told TheWrap the company “is moving ahead” with their upfront plans. Disney rolls up ABC into a larger presentation that includes cable networks like ESPN, Freeform, FX and NatGeo. At this point in time, NBCUniversal’s upfront will continue as planned, a person with knowledge of the plans tells TheWrap.
- 3/10/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
If you had issues trying to watch Disney+, you’re not the only one.
Disney’s new streaming service ran into tech issues for many customers soon after launching early on Tuesday morning, delaying their ability to watch their favorite shows and movies after months of anticipation. Eager customers shared several different error messages on Twitter, with some users being met with an “unable to connect” alert. Others were greeted with: “Error. Sorry something went wrong. Please try again later.” And that was for the customers that were lucky enough to even get on Disney+, with some saying they ran into tech issues just trying to sign up.
“The consumer demand for Disney+ has exceeded our highest expectations. While we are pleased by this incredible response, we are aware of the current user issues and are working to swiftly resolve them,” a Disney spokesperson told TheWrap on Tuesday morning. “We appreciate your patience.
Disney’s new streaming service ran into tech issues for many customers soon after launching early on Tuesday morning, delaying their ability to watch their favorite shows and movies after months of anticipation. Eager customers shared several different error messages on Twitter, with some users being met with an “unable to connect” alert. Others were greeted with: “Error. Sorry something went wrong. Please try again later.” And that was for the customers that were lucky enough to even get on Disney+, with some saying they ran into tech issues just trying to sign up.
“The consumer demand for Disney+ has exceeded our highest expectations. While we are pleased by this incredible response, we are aware of the current user issues and are working to swiftly resolve them,” a Disney spokesperson told TheWrap on Tuesday morning. “We appreciate your patience.
- 11/12/2019
- by Sean Burch
- The Wrap
If you’re tired of hearing about President Trump — or tired of hearing jokes made at his expense — Netflix and Seth Meyers have a solution for you. The “Late Night” host’s first Netflix special, “Lobby Baby,” will feature a new button that lets viewers skip past the Trump jokes, Meyers told CNN on Monday morning.
The button will resemble the “skip intro” button Netflix made famous.
“It dawned on me that because it was on Netflix, there would be this opportunity to put in technology that would allow people to skip it,” Meyers told CNN. “It was a way to build in the response to anyone who would say, ‘Oh, let me guess there’s going to be jokes about the President.'”
Also Read: Behind the 'Jesus is King' Film That Brought Together Kanye West and Imax
Meyers’ new special is set to hit Netflix on Tuesday. A...
The button will resemble the “skip intro” button Netflix made famous.
“It dawned on me that because it was on Netflix, there would be this opportunity to put in technology that would allow people to skip it,” Meyers told CNN. “It was a way to build in the response to anyone who would say, ‘Oh, let me guess there’s going to be jokes about the President.'”
Also Read: Behind the 'Jesus is King' Film That Brought Together Kanye West and Imax
Meyers’ new special is set to hit Netflix on Tuesday. A...
- 11/4/2019
- by Sean Burch
- The Wrap
Disney will not be running Netflix ads on its entertainment networks moving forward, escalating the competition between the two companies a month before the Mouse House launches its new streaming service.
The Wall Street Journal first reported the news Friday morning.
Netflix ads will still appear on one Disney-owned channel — ESPN — but will no longer run on ABC and Freeform, according to CNBC.
Also Read: Disney and #BoycottMulan Campaign: How Studios Must Adapt to Social Media Firestorms
Disney did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.
“The direct-to-consumer business has evolved, with many more entrants looking to advertise in traditional television, and across our portfolio of networks,” Disney said in a statement to CNet. “While the initial decision was strictly advertising based, we reevaluated our strategy to reflect the comprehensive business relationships we have with many of these companies, as direct-to-consumer is one element.”
Disney’s decision comes...
The Wall Street Journal first reported the news Friday morning.
Netflix ads will still appear on one Disney-owned channel — ESPN — but will no longer run on ABC and Freeform, according to CNBC.
Also Read: Disney and #BoycottMulan Campaign: How Studios Must Adapt to Social Media Firestorms
Disney did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.
“The direct-to-consumer business has evolved, with many more entrants looking to advertise in traditional television, and across our portfolio of networks,” Disney said in a statement to CNet. “While the initial decision was strictly advertising based, we reevaluated our strategy to reflect the comprehensive business relationships we have with many of these companies, as direct-to-consumer is one element.”
Disney’s decision comes...
- 10/4/2019
- by Sean Burch
- The Wrap
The winner, and New champion: “All Elite Wrestling: Dynamite” on TNT!
Professional wrestling’s “Wednesday Night Wars” officially started on cable television last night, when the new weekly Aew wrestling show debuted to 1.409 million total viewers, besting USA Network’s “Nxt,” which posted 891,000 total viewers (down 11% from last week’s show).
“Dynamite” more than doubled its competition in the key adults 18-49 demographic, scoring 878,000 viewers compared to “Nxt’s” 414,000 (putting the USA wrestling series up 1% from its week-ago broadcast in that metric).
Also Read: Inside Pro Wrestling's Big, Huge TV Push: 3 New Shows, 4 New Networks Across 4 Nights
There’s an asterisk here, however. While “Dynamite” was a brand new series debut, WWE’s “Nxt” has had an existing Wednesday night show for years. “Nxt” moved its 8 p.m. hour to USA from WWE Network two weeks ago, nabbing 1.2 million total viewers in the process. The second hour of “Nxt” followed...
Professional wrestling’s “Wednesday Night Wars” officially started on cable television last night, when the new weekly Aew wrestling show debuted to 1.409 million total viewers, besting USA Network’s “Nxt,” which posted 891,000 total viewers (down 11% from last week’s show).
“Dynamite” more than doubled its competition in the key adults 18-49 demographic, scoring 878,000 viewers compared to “Nxt’s” 414,000 (putting the USA wrestling series up 1% from its week-ago broadcast in that metric).
Also Read: Inside Pro Wrestling's Big, Huge TV Push: 3 New Shows, 4 New Networks Across 4 Nights
There’s an asterisk here, however. While “Dynamite” was a brand new series debut, WWE’s “Nxt” has had an existing Wednesday night show for years. “Nxt” moved its 8 p.m. hour to USA from WWE Network two weeks ago, nabbing 1.2 million total viewers in the process. The second hour of “Nxt” followed...
- 10/3/2019
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
The Fox Sports era of weekly WWE wrestling series “Friday Night SmackDown” debuts just two weeks from tomorrow, but before fans across the country set their DVRs or send out viewing-party invites, they might want to hold off. There are some changes coming to how the show aired for years on USA Network — and no, we’re not talking about the Tuesday-to-Friday thing.
“Friday Night SmackDown” on Fox will still air live for the eastern and central time zones, beginning at 8 p.m. Et and 7 p.m. Ct, respectively. It will continue to run tape-delayed for the west coast*, starting at 8 p.m. Pt.
Fox believes this is a “cleaner” way to air the show, one insider told TheWrap.
Also Read: Fox Sets Pair of WWE Specials - Plus a Blue Carpet Pre-Show - Ahead of Its 'SmackDown' Premiere
(Most networks send programs out on two feeds: an east coast...
“Friday Night SmackDown” on Fox will still air live for the eastern and central time zones, beginning at 8 p.m. Et and 7 p.m. Ct, respectively. It will continue to run tape-delayed for the west coast*, starting at 8 p.m. Pt.
Fox believes this is a “cleaner” way to air the show, one insider told TheWrap.
Also Read: Fox Sets Pair of WWE Specials - Plus a Blue Carpet Pre-Show - Ahead of Its 'SmackDown' Premiere
(Most networks send programs out on two feeds: an east coast...
- 9/19/2019
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Straight up, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin is stoked for his new USA Network series “Straight Up Steve Austin.” Interviewing the WWE legend and former “Broken Skull Challenge” host, you could hear the excitement in his (gravely) voice.
“It was fun because with my podcast usually I’m sitting here or right next door in my studio, and it’s just me one-on-one with the guest and I just have a very simple recording set up: two microphones, and it’s just us,” the Texas Rattlesnake told TheWrap. “[On the new TV show], you’ve got some really cool people coming out, we have different activities lined up, and you’ve got a crew of about 85 people filming all this. So it’s way different — it’s my podcast magnified a thousand times.”
There will be “a lot coming at ya” when this one premieres, Austin promised. Sounds like it.
Also Read: 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin...
“It was fun because with my podcast usually I’m sitting here or right next door in my studio, and it’s just me one-on-one with the guest and I just have a very simple recording set up: two microphones, and it’s just us,” the Texas Rattlesnake told TheWrap. “[On the new TV show], you’ve got some really cool people coming out, we have different activities lined up, and you’ve got a crew of about 85 people filming all this. So it’s way different — it’s my podcast magnified a thousand times.”
There will be “a lot coming at ya” when this one premieres, Austin promised. Sounds like it.
Also Read: 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin...
- 8/12/2019
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
(Spoiler alert: Stop reading now if you do not what to know what happened on Sunday’s “Game of Thrones” episode, “The Bells.”)
Sunday’s “Game of Thrones” broke the series record for multiplatform tune-in, with the penultimate episode, titled “The Bells,” drawing 18.4 million viewers. That includes linear viewing on HBO and streaming on HBO Go and HBO Now.
Last week’s episode, “The Last of the Starks,” drew 17.2 million multiplatform viewers. The week before that held the prior series record, as 17.8 million people watched “The Long Night” on the final Sunday in April.
On “The Bells,” which is alternatively known as “Game of Thrones” Episode 805, Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) brings her army to King’s Landing to fight the “last war” against Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) to see who will claim the Iron Throne. But when the Mother of Dragons hears those titular bells ringing, signaling surrender from Cersei’s side,...
Sunday’s “Game of Thrones” broke the series record for multiplatform tune-in, with the penultimate episode, titled “The Bells,” drawing 18.4 million viewers. That includes linear viewing on HBO and streaming on HBO Go and HBO Now.
Last week’s episode, “The Last of the Starks,” drew 17.2 million multiplatform viewers. The week before that held the prior series record, as 17.8 million people watched “The Long Night” on the final Sunday in April.
On “The Bells,” which is alternatively known as “Game of Thrones” Episode 805, Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) brings her army to King’s Landing to fight the “last war” against Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) to see who will claim the Iron Throne. But when the Mother of Dragons hears those titular bells ringing, signaling surrender from Cersei’s side,...
- 5/14/2019
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Don’t expect the Oscars to bring back a host for the 2020 ceremony.
“We’re extremely proud of how the show turned out creatively and how well it performed this year, so I think you will see us not messing with that formula to the best of our abilities,” ABC chief Karey Burke said on Tuesday, pointing to the TV ratings momentum from February’s special, which had no emcee.
Burke continued: “What I’m learning about the Oscars process is a lot of it — it really does shape throughout the course of the year based on what movies the audience is finding, and that starts to lead the creative and the thinking about what kind of telecast the Academy wants to put on in partnership with us. So they really are conversations that continue to evolve over the course of the year, but right now we’re unbelievably happy...
“We’re extremely proud of how the show turned out creatively and how well it performed this year, so I think you will see us not messing with that formula to the best of our abilities,” ABC chief Karey Burke said on Tuesday, pointing to the TV ratings momentum from February’s special, which had no emcee.
Burke continued: “What I’m learning about the Oscars process is a lot of it — it really does shape throughout the course of the year based on what movies the audience is finding, and that starts to lead the creative and the thinking about what kind of telecast the Academy wants to put on in partnership with us. So they really are conversations that continue to evolve over the course of the year, but right now we’re unbelievably happy...
- 5/14/2019
- by Tony Maglio and Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Even queens need their coffee — especially after a “Long Night.” On Sunday’s episode of “Game of Thrones,” it appears that a Starbucks to-go cup was left next to Daenerys Targaryen in a scene that made it to TV.
Here’s a (lightened) screenshot of the moment:
HBO
If it’s not Starbucks, the item certainly appears to be a carry-out coffee or tea with a similar green coloring and a circular logo.
Don’t believe us on any of this? Re-watch last night’s episode via HBO Go and pause at the 17:38 mark.
Also Read: 'Game of Thrones': Here's Why Missandei Said 'Dracarys'
“The latte that appeared in the episode was a mistake,” an HBO rep said in a statement Monday, getting in on the joke by adding: “Daenerys had ordered an herbal tea.”
We don’t blame Dany, it probably gets pretty chilly in Winterfell’s Grand Hall — oh,...
Here’s a (lightened) screenshot of the moment:
HBO
If it’s not Starbucks, the item certainly appears to be a carry-out coffee or tea with a similar green coloring and a circular logo.
Don’t believe us on any of this? Re-watch last night’s episode via HBO Go and pause at the 17:38 mark.
Also Read: 'Game of Thrones': Here's Why Missandei Said 'Dracarys'
“The latte that appeared in the episode was a mistake,” an HBO rep said in a statement Monday, getting in on the joke by adding: “Daenerys had ordered an herbal tea.”
We don’t blame Dany, it probably gets pretty chilly in Winterfell’s Grand Hall — oh,...
- 5/6/2019
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
E! has canceled late-night talk show “Busy Tonight” after just one season. Host Busy Philipps tweeted early this morning that she is shopping the show elsewhere.
“Hey guys. Just wanted to let you know my show ‘BusyTonight’ won’t be continuing on the E network after May 16,” Philipps wrote on Twitter. “I’m beyond proud of what we’ve built in such a short period of time and I’m hopeful we can find the right place for the show to live on. Goodnight you guys. I love you.”
Hey guys. Just wanted to let you know my show BusyTonight won't be continuing on the E network after May 16. I'm beyond proud of what we've built in such a short period of time and I'm hopeful we can find the right place for the show to live on. Goodnight you guys. I love you.✨
— Busy Philipps (@BusyPhilipps) May 6, 2019
Also Read:...
“Hey guys. Just wanted to let you know my show ‘BusyTonight’ won’t be continuing on the E network after May 16,” Philipps wrote on Twitter. “I’m beyond proud of what we’ve built in such a short period of time and I’m hopeful we can find the right place for the show to live on. Goodnight you guys. I love you.”
Hey guys. Just wanted to let you know my show BusyTonight won't be continuing on the E network after May 16. I'm beyond proud of what we've built in such a short period of time and I'm hopeful we can find the right place for the show to live on. Goodnight you guys. I love you.✨
— Busy Philipps (@BusyPhilipps) May 6, 2019
Also Read:...
- 5/6/2019
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
First off let’s start by saying that this is not the same Sabrina that you grew up watching as a kid and might remember from Archie comics. While the show does manage to stick with the character and make it exciting it definitely takes the story to a darker and much less friendly place despite keeping it entertaining and engaging. Jennifer Maas of The Wrap is one of the many to admit that things surrounding Sabrina have gotten a whole lot crazier and a lot darker than we might remember them being in the past. Of course if you really
Why “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” Season 1 May “Have Nothing” on Season 2...
Why “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” Season 1 May “Have Nothing” on Season 2...
- 4/7/2019
- by Tom
- TVovermind.com
“The World’s Best” on CBS debuted to world class ratings on Sunday night. Of course, the talent show also happened to premiere immediately after Super Bowl Liii.
The new James Corden-hosted global competition series, which is kind of like “America’s Got Talent” for the entire world, started to a 14.0 rating/68 share in the 56 metered markets. That’s big, but it is 13.6 percent lower than last year’s Super Bowl lead-out show.
Following Super Bowl Lii on NBC, 2018’s “This Is Us” tearjerker scored a 16.2 rating/70 share in metered-market households, featuring a highly-teased storyline that included the reveal as to how Jack Pearson (Milo Ventimiglia) met an early end — thanks to a house fire on the night of the Super Bowl in 1998.
That post-Super Bowl episode, the one that turned us all against Crock-Pots — er, slow cookers — was way up from the prior year’s premiere of “24: Legacy” on Fox,...
The new James Corden-hosted global competition series, which is kind of like “America’s Got Talent” for the entire world, started to a 14.0 rating/68 share in the 56 metered markets. That’s big, but it is 13.6 percent lower than last year’s Super Bowl lead-out show.
Following Super Bowl Lii on NBC, 2018’s “This Is Us” tearjerker scored a 16.2 rating/70 share in metered-market households, featuring a highly-teased storyline that included the reveal as to how Jack Pearson (Milo Ventimiglia) met an early end — thanks to a house fire on the night of the Super Bowl in 1998.
That post-Super Bowl episode, the one that turned us all against Crock-Pots — er, slow cookers — was way up from the prior year’s premiere of “24: Legacy” on Fox,...
- 2/4/2019
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Michael Cudlitz says that returning to “The Walking Dead” behind the camera this time was “the best of both worlds,” adding that it was exciting to get a chance to work with both cast members he worked with as an actor on the show, and with newcomers this season. Cudlitz played Sgt. Abraham Ford before the character was killed by Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s Negan in Season 7.
“First, I was welcomed back so lovingly and taken care of by the crew and the cast,” he told TheWrap in a recent interview. TheWrap reported in July that the “Kids Are Alright” star would be directing an episode of Season 9. “Everybody was just rooting for my success and when you enter in that way, you are already in a position to succeed. The great thing about directing the cast was that the cast is changing now, so I had a wonderful experience about being [able] to direct,...
“First, I was welcomed back so lovingly and taken care of by the crew and the cast,” he told TheWrap in a recent interview. TheWrap reported in July that the “Kids Are Alright” star would be directing an episode of Season 9. “Everybody was just rooting for my success and when you enter in that way, you are already in a position to succeed. The great thing about directing the cast was that the cast is changing now, so I had a wonderful experience about being [able] to direct,...
- 10/18/2018
- by Ashley Boucher
- The Wrap
(Warning: Spoilers ahead for the “Sharp Objects” finale, “Milk”)
If you were surprised that Amma (Eliza Scanlen) ended up being the Wind Gap killer in HBO’s recently wrapped limited series “Sharp Objects,” you must not have been looking in the right places for clues.
Camille (Amy Adams) puts it all together in the final episode when she finds little teeth in the room of Amma’s dollhouse meant to represent the ivory floor in their mother Adora’s (Patricia Clarkson) bedroom. A mark of the mass murderer was pulling out the victims’ teeth.
Also Read: 'Sharp Objects' Alan Crellin: Complicit or Oblivious? Creator Marti Noxon Gives Us Her Take
Readers of the book have been looking at that dollhouse since the premiere episode, knowing the massive piece of incriminating evidence it contained — and showrunner Marti Noxon and director Jean-Marc Vallée were sure to keep the dollhouse in...
If you were surprised that Amma (Eliza Scanlen) ended up being the Wind Gap killer in HBO’s recently wrapped limited series “Sharp Objects,” you must not have been looking in the right places for clues.
Camille (Amy Adams) puts it all together in the final episode when she finds little teeth in the room of Amma’s dollhouse meant to represent the ivory floor in their mother Adora’s (Patricia Clarkson) bedroom. A mark of the mass murderer was pulling out the victims’ teeth.
Also Read: 'Sharp Objects' Alan Crellin: Complicit or Oblivious? Creator Marti Noxon Gives Us Her Take
Readers of the book have been looking at that dollhouse since the premiere episode, knowing the massive piece of incriminating evidence it contained — and showrunner Marti Noxon and director Jean-Marc Vallée were sure to keep the dollhouse in...
- 8/27/2018
- by Ashley Boucher
- The Wrap
(Spoiler alert: Do not read on unless you’ve seen Season 1 of “The Handmaid’s Tale”)
To say that Madeline Brewer’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” character, Janine, is disturbed would probably be an understatement. She’s been through a lot.
One of the enslaved ladies in red, Janine was fortunate (or unfortunate, depending on how you see it) to get pregnant in Season 1 and carry a child to term. But in Janine’s attempt to steal the baby away from the parents, she was forced to hand over the infant. Now, she’s headed to the dreaded Colonies in Season 2.
Brewer told TheWrap TV reporter Jennifer Maas in a recent interview that Janine, per usual, is looking at the bright side of being banished to the yet-to-be-seen-by-viewers wastelands of Gilead. “Janine’s way of viewing the whole thing right now is her life has been spared, her baby is safe, and she’s just thankful to be alive,” Brewer said.
Also Read: 'The Handmaid's Tale' Season 2 Trailer: Her Name Is June and She's Free, Thank You Very Much (Video)
The actress — who said The Colonies are “somehow strangely beautiful and sad and scary and dangerous” all at once — said Janine’s optimistic outlook is status quo for the character, who is consistently trying to find the good in every situation. Even the really, really bad ones.
“It’s like episode 6 [of Season 1] and we’re all washing blood off the wall, like there had been people hanging from the wall and we’re scrubbing blood off of it, and Janine is, like, touching it with her finger and she’s, like, ‘It’s like painting,'” Brewer said. “And like really trying hard to pretend that this isn’t so f—ed up.”
“I love that the writers wrote in there that she looks at it and has a moment of realization that she’s like, ‘Oh my God.’ And she’s just like, ‘Nope! Nope! Not going there. Not going there.’ That moment was really fun to play. But also showed Janine very clearly — how desperately she wants to look for the fun and the light and the silver lining in every situation. She’s special.”
Also Read: Here's Everything Coming to and Leaving Hulu in April
“The Handmaid’s Tale” Season 2 will be shaped by Offred/June’s (Elisabeth Moss) pregnancy and her ongoing fight to free her future child from the dystopian horrors of Gilead. In the sophomore installment, Offred and others will fight against — or succumb to — the dark truth that “Gilead is within you.”
Watch Brewer’s interview with TheWrap above.
Season 2 of “The Handmaid’s Tale” will premiere with two new episodes on April 25, with subsequent episodes released every Wednesday, on Hulu.
Read original story ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Star Madeline Brewer Tells Us Janine Pretends Gilead ‘Isn’t So F—ed Up’ (Exclusive Video) At TheWrap...
To say that Madeline Brewer’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” character, Janine, is disturbed would probably be an understatement. She’s been through a lot.
One of the enslaved ladies in red, Janine was fortunate (or unfortunate, depending on how you see it) to get pregnant in Season 1 and carry a child to term. But in Janine’s attempt to steal the baby away from the parents, she was forced to hand over the infant. Now, she’s headed to the dreaded Colonies in Season 2.
Brewer told TheWrap TV reporter Jennifer Maas in a recent interview that Janine, per usual, is looking at the bright side of being banished to the yet-to-be-seen-by-viewers wastelands of Gilead. “Janine’s way of viewing the whole thing right now is her life has been spared, her baby is safe, and she’s just thankful to be alive,” Brewer said.
Also Read: 'The Handmaid's Tale' Season 2 Trailer: Her Name Is June and She's Free, Thank You Very Much (Video)
The actress — who said The Colonies are “somehow strangely beautiful and sad and scary and dangerous” all at once — said Janine’s optimistic outlook is status quo for the character, who is consistently trying to find the good in every situation. Even the really, really bad ones.
“It’s like episode 6 [of Season 1] and we’re all washing blood off the wall, like there had been people hanging from the wall and we’re scrubbing blood off of it, and Janine is, like, touching it with her finger and she’s, like, ‘It’s like painting,'” Brewer said. “And like really trying hard to pretend that this isn’t so f—ed up.”
“I love that the writers wrote in there that she looks at it and has a moment of realization that she’s like, ‘Oh my God.’ And she’s just like, ‘Nope! Nope! Not going there. Not going there.’ That moment was really fun to play. But also showed Janine very clearly — how desperately she wants to look for the fun and the light and the silver lining in every situation. She’s special.”
Also Read: Here's Everything Coming to and Leaving Hulu in April
“The Handmaid’s Tale” Season 2 will be shaped by Offred/June’s (Elisabeth Moss) pregnancy and her ongoing fight to free her future child from the dystopian horrors of Gilead. In the sophomore installment, Offred and others will fight against — or succumb to — the dark truth that “Gilead is within you.”
Watch Brewer’s interview with TheWrap above.
Season 2 of “The Handmaid’s Tale” will premiere with two new episodes on April 25, with subsequent episodes released every Wednesday, on Hulu.
Read original story ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Star Madeline Brewer Tells Us Janine Pretends Gilead ‘Isn’t So F—ed Up’ (Exclusive Video) At TheWrap...
- 4/13/2018
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
(It should go without saying, but Jimmi Simpson shouted it for TheWrap anyway: Spoiler Alert!)
It’s Ok to admit it: you pulled apart the puzzle box that is “Westworld” Season 1 until you were experiencing reveries yourself, right?
No worries, we did too. But now that it’s been over a year and a half since the theories and details were unpacked, it’s time to piece it all back together to make sure we’re ready for the HBO series’ Season 2 premiere on April 22. That’s why TheWrap enlisted “Westworld” stars Jimmi Simpson and Simon Quarterman to help us, help you.
Also Read: 'Westworld' Creators Just Trolled All of Us and It's Glorious (Video)
In the video above, Simpson (who plays William a.k.a. the young Man in Black) and Quarterman (who plays Lee Sizemore, the head of Westworld’s Narrative Department) answered 13 of TV reporter Jennifer Maas’ very important questions about Season 1.
Sure, you know the basics, like “Who is a host?” and “Who is a human?” (Actually, is that one basic at this point?) But do you remember exactly why Delos Destinations was trying to oust Robert Ford (Anthony Hopkins)? How about which characters are missing and which are dead? Oh, how about all those tricky timelines? That’s what we thought.
Simpson and Quarterman did such a bang up job of unwrapping (get it?) the freshman installment of Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy’s sci-fi hit, that you may not need to spend 10 and half hours re-binging the first 10 episodes before next Sunday.
Also Read: 'Westworld' Creators on Shogun World in Season 2: There's Basically a 'Whole Episode in Japanese'
Of course we’re not gonna stop you from doing everything you can to bring yourselves back online properly.
Watch the full video above.
“Westworld” Season 2 premieres on April 22 at 9/8 c on HBO.
Read original story UnWrapping ‘Westworld’ Season 1 With Jimmi Simpson and Simon Quarterman (Exclusive Video) At TheWrap...
It’s Ok to admit it: you pulled apart the puzzle box that is “Westworld” Season 1 until you were experiencing reveries yourself, right?
No worries, we did too. But now that it’s been over a year and a half since the theories and details were unpacked, it’s time to piece it all back together to make sure we’re ready for the HBO series’ Season 2 premiere on April 22. That’s why TheWrap enlisted “Westworld” stars Jimmi Simpson and Simon Quarterman to help us, help you.
Also Read: 'Westworld' Creators Just Trolled All of Us and It's Glorious (Video)
In the video above, Simpson (who plays William a.k.a. the young Man in Black) and Quarterman (who plays Lee Sizemore, the head of Westworld’s Narrative Department) answered 13 of TV reporter Jennifer Maas’ very important questions about Season 1.
Sure, you know the basics, like “Who is a host?” and “Who is a human?” (Actually, is that one basic at this point?) But do you remember exactly why Delos Destinations was trying to oust Robert Ford (Anthony Hopkins)? How about which characters are missing and which are dead? Oh, how about all those tricky timelines? That’s what we thought.
Simpson and Quarterman did such a bang up job of unwrapping (get it?) the freshman installment of Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy’s sci-fi hit, that you may not need to spend 10 and half hours re-binging the first 10 episodes before next Sunday.
Also Read: 'Westworld' Creators on Shogun World in Season 2: There's Basically a 'Whole Episode in Japanese'
Of course we’re not gonna stop you from doing everything you can to bring yourselves back online properly.
Watch the full video above.
“Westworld” Season 2 premieres on April 22 at 9/8 c on HBO.
Read original story UnWrapping ‘Westworld’ Season 1 With Jimmi Simpson and Simon Quarterman (Exclusive Video) At TheWrap...
- 4/12/2018
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
“Westworld” creators Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan have made good on their promise to reveal everything about Season 2 of the HBO series, and now no mystery about the show remains.
Psych. We all just got WestRolled. In a massive fakeout, they released what quickly turned out to be a video of Evan Rachel Wood singing a surprisingly good ballady-version of Rick Astley’s 1987 hit song “Never Gonna Give You Up.” That’s followed by 20 minutes of black-and-white footage of a dog sitting in front of a piano.
This all started during the married duo’s Reddit Ama Monday when Nolan told the “Westworld” subreddit that if the post got 1,000 upvotes, they would release a super-spoilery video explaining season 2, with hopes that those who know the plot can protect others from getting spoiled.
Obviously, enough people upvoted the post to get the video posted. But you didn’t think they were actually going to reveal actual spoilers, did you?
Also Read: 'Westworld' Offers Spoilers, but Fans Aren't Sure They Want Them
Not that Nolan and Joy didn’t go the full mile to make it look like the real deal. The Rickroll was preceded by dreamy footage purported to be from the upcoming season, narrated by co-star Jeffrey Wright.
“Our season begins with Bernard waking up on a beach,” Wright says. “He can’t remember what happened, or how he got there.”
What follows are scenes in which Bernard is supposedly captured and questioned by Delos security. We see hosts being summarily executed. We see scenes of dusty, Old West towns. “Can he remember Dolores?” asks Wright. “Can he remember the choice he made?”
Then cue Wood and her Rickroll. Song concluded, we’re shown a black screen and the following message: “Dear Reddit, from all of us here at “Westworld,” thank you for watching. We hope you enjoy season 2.”
Also Read: 'Westworld' Creators on Shogun World in Season 2: There's Basically a 'Whole Episode in Japanese'
Honestly, we’re extremely impressed. Well played, you magnificent bastards.
Jennifer Maas contributed to this post
“Westworld” Season 2 premieres on April 22 at 9/8 c on HBO..
Read original story ‘Westworld’ Creators Just Trolled All of Us and It’s Glorious (Video) At TheWrap...
Psych. We all just got WestRolled. In a massive fakeout, they released what quickly turned out to be a video of Evan Rachel Wood singing a surprisingly good ballady-version of Rick Astley’s 1987 hit song “Never Gonna Give You Up.” That’s followed by 20 minutes of black-and-white footage of a dog sitting in front of a piano.
This all started during the married duo’s Reddit Ama Monday when Nolan told the “Westworld” subreddit that if the post got 1,000 upvotes, they would release a super-spoilery video explaining season 2, with hopes that those who know the plot can protect others from getting spoiled.
Obviously, enough people upvoted the post to get the video posted. But you didn’t think they were actually going to reveal actual spoilers, did you?
Also Read: 'Westworld' Offers Spoilers, but Fans Aren't Sure They Want Them
Not that Nolan and Joy didn’t go the full mile to make it look like the real deal. The Rickroll was preceded by dreamy footage purported to be from the upcoming season, narrated by co-star Jeffrey Wright.
“Our season begins with Bernard waking up on a beach,” Wright says. “He can’t remember what happened, or how he got there.”
What follows are scenes in which Bernard is supposedly captured and questioned by Delos security. We see hosts being summarily executed. We see scenes of dusty, Old West towns. “Can he remember Dolores?” asks Wright. “Can he remember the choice he made?”
Then cue Wood and her Rickroll. Song concluded, we’re shown a black screen and the following message: “Dear Reddit, from all of us here at “Westworld,” thank you for watching. We hope you enjoy season 2.”
Also Read: 'Westworld' Creators on Shogun World in Season 2: There's Basically a 'Whole Episode in Japanese'
Honestly, we’re extremely impressed. Well played, you magnificent bastards.
Jennifer Maas contributed to this post
“Westworld” Season 2 premieres on April 22 at 9/8 c on HBO..
Read original story ‘Westworld’ Creators Just Trolled All of Us and It’s Glorious (Video) At TheWrap...
- 4/10/2018
- by Ross A. Lincoln and Ashley Boucher
- The Wrap
Tony Maglio has been promoted to TV Editor of TheWrap.com, the site’s CEO and Editor-in-Chief Sharon Waxman announced Tuesday. Maglio, who joined TheWrap in 2013, will remain based on the East Coast, and will continue as TheWrap’s point person on television ratings, the anchor of the site’s television coverage. Maglio will lead a talented television team that includes Reid Nakamura, Jennifer Maas and Ashley Boucher, all of whom are based in Los Angeles. “Over his years at TheWrap, Tony has grown to become a pillar of our television coverage, a respected voice in the industry and a reference for fair and...
- 3/6/2018
- by Tim Molloy
- The Wrap
The fledgling Melbourne office of Aegis media agency Vizeum has made a series of senior appointments, including Southern Cross Austereo’s Jennifer Maas as strategy director.
The former Nine, Mindshare and ZenithOptimedia executive will work alongside another recent recruit, Ron Ferdinands, who joined from FutureBrand as strategy director.
Also joining the agency is business Director Jonny MacKay, who was most recently with Omd in the UK and Australia across Fmcg, entertainment and retail accounts. Melody Arputham joins from Aegis Media’s Malaysian operation as digital manager.
Vizeum Melbourne Gm Travis Day said: “We’ve had a terrific first six months in establishing the Vizeum business in Melbourne. We have focused on attracting individuals that bring a fresh yet relevant perspective to the conversations being had with our clients. All of our new team members bring with them experience across varying disciplines and categories and are a great compliment to the talent the agency started with.
The former Nine, Mindshare and ZenithOptimedia executive will work alongside another recent recruit, Ron Ferdinands, who joined from FutureBrand as strategy director.
Also joining the agency is business Director Jonny MacKay, who was most recently with Omd in the UK and Australia across Fmcg, entertainment and retail accounts. Melody Arputham joins from Aegis Media’s Malaysian operation as digital manager.
Vizeum Melbourne Gm Travis Day said: “We’ve had a terrific first six months in establishing the Vizeum business in Melbourne. We have focused on attracting individuals that bring a fresh yet relevant perspective to the conversations being had with our clients. All of our new team members bring with them experience across varying disciplines and categories and are a great compliment to the talent the agency started with.
- 10/22/2012
- by Robin Hicks
- Encore Magazine
Chicago – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film with our unique social giveaway technology, we have 60 admit-two movie passes up for grabs to the advance screening of the new comedy “Your Sister’s Sister” starring Emily Blunt! After the screening, there will also be a Q&A with writer and director Lynn Shelton!
“Your Sister’s Sister,” which opens in limited U.S. theatres on June 15, 2012 from IFC Films, also stars Mark Duplass, Rosemarie DeWitt, Mike Birbiglia, Mel Eslyn, Jeanette Maus, Jeremy Mackie, Dori Hana Scherer, Jennifer Maas, Kate Bayley, Norman Tumolva, Steve Snoey, Evan Mosher, Kate Jarvis and Nathan M. Miller from writer and director Lynn Shelton.
To win your free passes to “Your Sister’s Sister” courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, get interactive with our unique Hookup technology directly below. That’s it! This advance movie screening is on Monday, June 4, 2012 at 7 p.m. in downtown Chicago. The more social actions you complete below,...
“Your Sister’s Sister,” which opens in limited U.S. theatres on June 15, 2012 from IFC Films, also stars Mark Duplass, Rosemarie DeWitt, Mike Birbiglia, Mel Eslyn, Jeanette Maus, Jeremy Mackie, Dori Hana Scherer, Jennifer Maas, Kate Bayley, Norman Tumolva, Steve Snoey, Evan Mosher, Kate Jarvis and Nathan M. Miller from writer and director Lynn Shelton.
To win your free passes to “Your Sister’s Sister” courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, get interactive with our unique Hookup technology directly below. That’s it! This advance movie screening is on Monday, June 4, 2012 at 7 p.m. in downtown Chicago. The more social actions you complete below,...
- 5/31/2012
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Is it a revelation or a revolution? It’s both! The Revelation Perth International Film Festival is tackling the theme of “Revolution” when its 13th annual edition begins violating Australia on July 8-18. Get set for 11 days filled French zombies, Belgian cowboys, outer space outlaws, Beat poets, cat ladies, gospel musicians and other revolutionaries.
Actually, one of the main features of the festival this year is a slew of music documentaries, mostly spotlighting both American and Australian music. On the U.S. side of things there’s Wheedle’s Groove, a look at the history of Seattle funk; Rejoice and Shout, which examines gospel music’s impact on African-American culture — and vice versa; Tom Dicillo’s Doors documentary When You’re Strange; plus The Family Jams and 72 Musicians. And, from Australia, there’s Megan Simpson-Hubberman’s classic concert film The Night of the Triffids.
There’s lots more than music docs,...
Actually, one of the main features of the festival this year is a slew of music documentaries, mostly spotlighting both American and Australian music. On the U.S. side of things there’s Wheedle’s Groove, a look at the history of Seattle funk; Rejoice and Shout, which examines gospel music’s impact on African-American culture — and vice versa; Tom Dicillo’s Doors documentary When You’re Strange; plus The Family Jams and 72 Musicians. And, from Australia, there’s Megan Simpson-Hubberman’s classic concert film The Night of the Triffids.
There’s lots more than music docs,...
- 7/2/2010
- by Mike Everleth
- Underground Film Journal
Seattle is known for a lot of things — fish, rain, the Space Needle and music. Especially music. And deservedly so. In fact, if anything, Seattle’s music scene is even more diverse and vibrant than its reputation suggests.
The Seattle International Film Festival is showcasing a few local bands in various ways, starting with having some of them play at the opening gala. A couple of documentaries that are screening here focus on the local music scene. Jennifer Maas’ “Wheedle’s Groove” tells the story of the flowering funk-music scene here in the 1970s. “Amplified Seattle” is a series of 13 short documentaries by John Jeffcoat, a project he did in collaboration with Lynn Shelton’s “$5 Cover: Seattle” Web TV series for MTV. Each of Jeffcoat’s films profiles a different band, often in intimate vignettes that highlight the creative process as well as all the ways musicians struggle to follow their dreams.
The Seattle International Film Festival is showcasing a few local bands in various ways, starting with having some of them play at the opening gala. A couple of documentaries that are screening here focus on the local music scene. Jennifer Maas’ “Wheedle’s Groove” tells the story of the flowering funk-music scene here in the 1970s. “Amplified Seattle” is a series of 13 short documentaries by John Jeffcoat, a project he did in collaboration with Lynn Shelton’s “$5 Cover: Seattle” Web TV series for MTV. Each of Jeffcoat’s films profiles a different band, often in intimate vignettes that highlight the creative process as well as all the ways musicians struggle to follow their dreams.
- 5/26/2010
- Moving Pictures Magazine
The curtains part yet again as Olympia Film Festival host several concert-worthy guests including Dame Darcy and Death By Doll and a very special visit from Steven Severin of the famed Siouxsie and the Banshees in his Only Northwest performance with his original score for the classic The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. With generous support, in the form of a $5,000 grant from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, we have been able to increase our capacity to create stronger relationships between filmmakers and the Olympia community, bringing many exciting guests.
Several Northwest premieres are spotlit on the Capitol’s mighty big screen, including the adorable story of Etienne!, as a man takes his terminally ill pet hamster on a bicycle trip up the California coast; the British crime comedy Down Terrace featuring cast members from the original The Office; and the ‘lost’ feature Shut Yer Dirty Little Mouth...
Several Northwest premieres are spotlit on the Capitol’s mighty big screen, including the adorable story of Etienne!, as a man takes his terminally ill pet hamster on a bicycle trip up the California coast; the British crime comedy Down Terrace featuring cast members from the original The Office; and the ‘lost’ feature Shut Yer Dirty Little Mouth...
- 10/17/2009
- MoviesOnline.ca
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