Showbiz Sandbox 504: Does The Entertainment Industry Need A Government Bailout?
July 29, 2020
Most of the world’s cinemas are closed. Studios are struggling to release films theatrically. Live theatre probably won’t return until at least 2021. Who knows when concerts can safely be held. Likewise, new movies and television shows can’t get made because producers can’t get production insurance. Is it time for governments to help the entertainment business bounce back the same way they help other industries?
Meanwhile, the Emmy nominations provided some good news, at least for HBO and Netflix who racked up a combined 267 nods. In a year where an Emmy ceremony is hardly likely, the major broadcast networks only scored one nomination for a top award. We go take a stab at predicting which shows will score an Emmy this year.
Of course we also cover some of the week’s top entertainment headlines including why TikTok signed a deal with record labels, Drake charts another music industry record and how Universal Music Group profits from local music acts.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Showbiz Sandbox 503: An Actor’s Life During A Pandemic
July 21, 2020
Like so many other working actors in New York John Keating saw his world turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic. Suddenly, his side gig narrating audio books became a lifeline like never before. We talk to Keating about the impact of the coronavirus shutdown, what it’s like to record an audiobook at home and a new online production of the ghostly tale “The Weir” put together by The Irish Repertory Theatre.
Meanwhile, screenwriters have been locked in a year-long battle with their agents who the scribes claim have placed their own interests ahead of the writers they supposedly represent. Now the peace agreement between the Writers Guild of America has come to an agreement with United Talent Agency which would end packaging deals. Is it just a matter of time before the other big talent agencies follow suit?
Of course we also cover some of the week’s top entertainment headlines including a big promotion for Netflix’s content chief, Ted Sarandos, China begins reopening movie theatres and “Dancing With The Stars” ditches its longtime hosts.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Showbiz Sandbox 502: The Entertainment Industry’s Slow News Week
July 14, 2020
With concerts and live performances canceled, cinemas closed, movie studios delaying releases, and streaming video or music the only entertainment audiences can enjoy, the industry is slowly grinding to a halt. Perhaps show business folk were recovering from the Fourth of July holiday weekend or are preparing for Bastille Day, but there was hardly any entertainment news to report.
Even so, we tell you why North America’s largest cinema chains are suing the state of New Jersey, what is happening to the release of the latest “Halloween” horror films and why music may be disappearing from elevators.
Plus, proving just how strange a year 2020 has become, the Venice, Toronto, Telluride and New York Film Festivals – usually fierce competitors – have decided to collaborate on what entries they present, not to mention how to do so safely.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Showbiz Sandbox 501: Are Movie Studios Starting To Panic?
July 8, 2020
With most of the world’s cinemas having been closed for the past five months due to the coronavirus pandemic, Hollywood studios and other film distributors have been unable to release new movies theatrically. However, even if movie theaters are able to open their doors, will studios be willing to release expensive blockbusters at a time when a new COVID-19 outbreak could shut them down again at any moment?
Meanwhile the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences invited over 800 new professionals from around the world this year, achieving their goal of diversifying the organization’s membership base.
Of course we also cover some of the week’s top entertainment headlines including the WGA avoids a strike by reaching a deal on a new contract with producers, Beavis and Butt-Head grow up and the United Kingdom pledges to $2 billion for arts programs.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Showbiz Sandbox 500: Hollywood Could Use A Social Media Coach
July 1, 2020
When it comes to social media, Hollywood seems to have a love/hate relationship. Celebrities and entertainment companies love being able to promote themselves and their latest work directly with fans and audiences, but they hate it when they get into trouble with their tweets and Facebook posts.
Our former co-host Karen Woodward works as a social media manager with some of the best and brightest in the entertainment industry. She stops by to explain how being earnest and sincere is the ideal approach to successfully tackling social media. Woodward also fills us in on the latest trends in social media and whether it’s worth getting onto Instagram and TikTok.
Of course we also cover some of the week’s top entertainment headlines including why the value of the music streaming service Spotify has skyrocketed, China cracks down on fan-fiction and IMDb wins a court case for the ages.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
