Fall doesn’t technically start in our hemisphere until September 22, but north of the film industry equator, autumn truly kicks off at the end of August. New releases unseen until now, past festival films finally getting their due, and fall festival premieres with distribution abound. Who said the fall movie season was dead this year because of last year’s strikes?
Well, whoever did was dead wrong, because there’s a firehose of sparkling new movies coming to theaters through the rest of the year. We’ve got Ridley Scott and Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington and his sons Malcolm and John David, Pedro Almodóvar with high priestesses of cinema Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore, Saoirse Ronan in not one but two Oscar contenders, Amy Adams back on the big screen, real pains, different men, and complete unknowns. Plus, horror readies for spooky season (and after a great horror summer) with a gluttony of gross-outs,...
Well, whoever did was dead wrong, because there’s a firehose of sparkling new movies coming to theaters through the rest of the year. We’ve got Ridley Scott and Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington and his sons Malcolm and John David, Pedro Almodóvar with high priestesses of cinema Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore, Saoirse Ronan in not one but two Oscar contenders, Amy Adams back on the big screen, real pains, different men, and complete unknowns. Plus, horror readies for spooky season (and after a great horror summer) with a gluttony of gross-outs,...
- 8/20/2024
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
The assassination attempt on the life former President Donald J. Trump hasn’t just shaken up the 2023 presidential race or resulted in heightened security at this week’s Republican National Convention in Milwaukee: It’s resulted in “The Daily Show” tearing up its coverage plans of the convention this week.
The Comedy Central show was going to have a robust on-the-ground presence at the convention as part of their ongoing Indecision 2024 package, much as they have every election cycle. Instead, they’re going to cancel tonight’s (Monday July 15) show altogether and then host shows from their New York City studios Tuesday through Thursday.
“Our apologies for the inconvenience,” Comedy Central said in a statement posted on X. “But due to logistical issues and the evolving situation in Milwaukee, we need to reschedule our events on the ground in Wisconsin and will look to make those up in the coming weeks.
The Comedy Central show was going to have a robust on-the-ground presence at the convention as part of their ongoing Indecision 2024 package, much as they have every election cycle. Instead, they’re going to cancel tonight’s (Monday July 15) show altogether and then host shows from their New York City studios Tuesday through Thursday.
“Our apologies for the inconvenience,” Comedy Central said in a statement posted on X. “But due to logistical issues and the evolving situation in Milwaukee, we need to reschedule our events on the ground in Wisconsin and will look to make those up in the coming weeks.
- 7/15/2024
- by Christian Blauvelt
- Indiewire
Paramount and Skydance will merge after all.
In a huge twist just before the July 4 holiday, David Ellison’s Skydance Media has reached a tentative agreement with Shari Redstone to buy the holding company National Amusements and in turn merge Paramount Global with Skydance, IndieWire has learned, and according to reports in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. The deal has now been referred to a special committee appointed by Paramount’s board to review and approve the deal.
It wasn’t more than a couple weeks ago that talks between Redstone and Skydance fell apart at the finish line. Skydance sounded like it had moved on. Just yesterday, a new bidder emerged, billionaire Barry Diller. The craziest saga in M&a corporate Hollywood news keeps getting crazier.
According to WSJ, Skydance would pay $1.75 billion to buy National Amusements (Nai) after IndieWire previously reported Skydance was set to...
In a huge twist just before the July 4 holiday, David Ellison’s Skydance Media has reached a tentative agreement with Shari Redstone to buy the holding company National Amusements and in turn merge Paramount Global with Skydance, IndieWire has learned, and according to reports in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. The deal has now been referred to a special committee appointed by Paramount’s board to review and approve the deal.
It wasn’t more than a couple weeks ago that talks between Redstone and Skydance fell apart at the finish line. Skydance sounded like it had moved on. Just yesterday, a new bidder emerged, billionaire Barry Diller. The craziest saga in M&a corporate Hollywood news keeps getting crazier.
According to WSJ, Skydance would pay $1.75 billion to buy National Amusements (Nai) after IndieWire previously reported Skydance was set to...
- 7/2/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
After receiving a record nine nominations this year at the 2024 Southern California Journalism Awards, it was announced last night at an awards dinner gala at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles that IndieWire’s Senior Social Media Manager, Veronica Flores, and Senior Social and Cultural Editor, Vincent Perella, had won Best Use of Social Media to Enhance and/or Cover a Story by a Group for their work on “How Barbie Became Real.” Judges for the category commented, “Well put together, clean editing, snappy and just right for social media. Great job!”
In addition to this win, IndieWire’s Deputy TV Editor and TV Critic Ben Travers, who won an award last year for Criticism of TV, received third place in the same category for a number of his reviews, including his piece, “‘I Think You Should Leave’ Season 3 Is the Song of the Summer.”
IndieWire’s Features Writer,...
In addition to this win, IndieWire’s Deputy TV Editor and TV Critic Ben Travers, who won an award last year for Criticism of TV, received third place in the same category for a number of his reviews, including his piece, “‘I Think You Should Leave’ Season 3 Is the Song of the Summer.”
IndieWire’s Features Writer,...
- 6/24/2024
- by Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
“Late Night with Seth Meyers” will no longer feature a live band, which doesn’t bode well for “It’s Time to Ask Fred (Armisen) a Question.”
Meyers’ version of “Late Night” succeeded Jimmy Fallon’s back in 2014. Fallon’s house band The Roots followed him to “The Tonight Show,” so Meyers assembled the 8G Band, led by fellow “SNL” alum Fred Armisen. At first, Armisen was the regular drummer; he later only appeared for a week here and there due to his own busy schedule. The 8G Band’s guitarist Seth Jabour, bassist Syd Butler, and keyboardist Eli Janney were nightly staples. Armisen is still technically the bandleader.
IndieWire has confirmed that come Season 12, debuting in September 2024, the 8G Band will no longer be part of the show. The band is exiting due to budgetary reasons.
Vulture first reported the news in an interview published with “Late Night” associate musical director and keyboardist Janney.
Meyers’ version of “Late Night” succeeded Jimmy Fallon’s back in 2014. Fallon’s house band The Roots followed him to “The Tonight Show,” so Meyers assembled the 8G Band, led by fellow “SNL” alum Fred Armisen. At first, Armisen was the regular drummer; he later only appeared for a week here and there due to his own busy schedule. The 8G Band’s guitarist Seth Jabour, bassist Syd Butler, and keyboardist Eli Janney were nightly staples. Armisen is still technically the bandleader.
IndieWire has confirmed that come Season 12, debuting in September 2024, the 8G Band will no longer be part of the show. The band is exiting due to budgetary reasons.
Vulture first reported the news in an interview published with “Late Night” associate musical director and keyboardist Janney.
- 6/12/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
“The Strangers” marketing campaign got a little too strange.
Around 11:30 p.m. Pt Tuesday night, TikTok shut down Lionsgate’s page after a promotional livestream for the studio’s upcoming horror-franchise prequel “The Strangers – Chapter 1” was found to have violated the social media platform’s terms of service.
The video was removed. In its place, a TikTok alert read: “We do not allow showing or promoting dangerous activities and challenges. This includes dares, games, tricks, inappropriate use of dangerous tools, eating substances that are harmful to one’s health, or similar activities that may lead to significant physical harm.”
A Lionsgate spokesperson did not respond to IndieWire’s request for comment on the stream being taken down.
The Lionsgate TikTok page has been restored. On it are five videos promoting the film, but no livestream.
“The Strangers – Chapter 1” livestream showed a masked person — the Scarecrow from the film — with...
Around 11:30 p.m. Pt Tuesday night, TikTok shut down Lionsgate’s page after a promotional livestream for the studio’s upcoming horror-franchise prequel “The Strangers – Chapter 1” was found to have violated the social media platform’s terms of service.
The video was removed. In its place, a TikTok alert read: “We do not allow showing or promoting dangerous activities and challenges. This includes dares, games, tricks, inappropriate use of dangerous tools, eating substances that are harmful to one’s health, or similar activities that may lead to significant physical harm.”
A Lionsgate spokesperson did not respond to IndieWire’s request for comment on the stream being taken down.
The Lionsgate TikTok page has been restored. On it are five videos promoting the film, but no livestream.
“The Strangers – Chapter 1” livestream showed a masked person — the Scarecrow from the film — with...
- 5/10/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
This year’s nominees for the 66th Southern California Journalism Awards were released today by the Los Angeles Press Club and IndieWire received a site-record nine nominations. Coming on the heels of our wins last year for Criticism of TV and Entertainment Reporting and following our 2022 win for Best Website, Traditional News Organization, the entire IndieWire staff has been nominated for Best Website, News Organization Exclusive to the Internet. IndieWire writers also earned nominations for individual accolades in eight categories.
“The nominated work illustrates the scope, insight, and unparalleled quality of our team,” said Dana Harris-Bridson, Senior VP and Editor-in-Chief at IndieWire. “We are thrilled and sincerely appreciate the Los Angeles Press Club for the Southern California Journalism Award nods.”
After winning the award for Best Criticism of TV last year, IndieWire’s Deputy TV Editor and TV Critic Ben Travers is a finalist in the category again for a number of his reviews,...
“The nominated work illustrates the scope, insight, and unparalleled quality of our team,” said Dana Harris-Bridson, Senior VP and Editor-in-Chief at IndieWire. “We are thrilled and sincerely appreciate the Los Angeles Press Club for the Southern California Journalism Award nods.”
After winning the award for Best Criticism of TV last year, IndieWire’s Deputy TV Editor and TV Critic Ben Travers is a finalist in the category again for a number of his reviews,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
Bob Bakish is expected to resign as Paramount Global CEO amid merger talks heating up with Skydance, IndieWire has learned and according to multiple media reports.
It’s expected that Bakish, who has been with the company since 1997, could step down as early as Monday, which would be ahead of the company’s earnings call on Monday afternoon. He was named CEO in 2019 back when the company was called ViacomCBS.
Reps for Paramount Global declined comment.
It’s a shocking move that comes just as Skydance is closing in on its acquisition of Shari Redstone’s National Amusements, the theater company that holds 77 percent of the controlling shares of Paramount Global.
The Wall Street Journal reported Friday that a Bakish ouster was a possibility, with some board members reportedly souring on his leadership, and CNBC first reported Saturday that his exit could be as soon as Monday. The WSJ says...
It’s expected that Bakish, who has been with the company since 1997, could step down as early as Monday, which would be ahead of the company’s earnings call on Monday afternoon. He was named CEO in 2019 back when the company was called ViacomCBS.
Reps for Paramount Global declined comment.
It’s a shocking move that comes just as Skydance is closing in on its acquisition of Shari Redstone’s National Amusements, the theater company that holds 77 percent of the controlling shares of Paramount Global.
The Wall Street Journal reported Friday that a Bakish ouster was a possibility, with some board members reportedly souring on his leadership, and CNBC first reported Saturday that his exit could be as soon as Monday. The WSJ says...
- 4/27/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
One of the biggest kids series on the planet is coming to the big screen. DreamWorks Animation is in the works on “Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie” and has set it for release on September 26, 2025 from Universal Pictures.
“Gabby’s Dollhouse” is the DreamWorks mixed media series for preschoolers that airs on Netflix and, according to Nielsen, was the most-streamed series that’s original to streaming in 2023. Each episode follows a girl named Gabby unboxing a surprise before jumping into a fantastical animated world of adorable cats living inside Gabby’s dollhouse.
Traci Paige Johnson and Jennifer Twomey, who created the series, are executive producing the “Gabby’s Dollhouse” movie. Ryan Crego, who earned a Children’s and Family Emmy nomination for his TV feature “Arlo the Alligator Boy,” is directing the film.
In the new film, Gabby heads out on a road trip with her Grandma Gigi to the urban wonderland of Cat Francisco.
“Gabby’s Dollhouse” is the DreamWorks mixed media series for preschoolers that airs on Netflix and, according to Nielsen, was the most-streamed series that’s original to streaming in 2023. Each episode follows a girl named Gabby unboxing a surprise before jumping into a fantastical animated world of adorable cats living inside Gabby’s dollhouse.
Traci Paige Johnson and Jennifer Twomey, who created the series, are executive producing the “Gabby’s Dollhouse” movie. Ryan Crego, who earned a Children’s and Family Emmy nomination for his TV feature “Arlo the Alligator Boy,” is directing the film.
In the new film, Gabby heads out on a road trip with her Grandma Gigi to the urban wonderland of Cat Francisco.
- 4/25/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer called the disgraced producer’s overturned convictions a “great day for America” and said that Weinstein intends to take the witness stand once the charges are inevitably re-tried.
“Harvey Weinstein did not get a fair trial,” Arthur Aidala, one of Weinstein’s attorneys, told press outside Manhattan’s Criminal Courts building on Thursday. “It may sound like exaggeration but it’s not: Today’s legal ruling is a great day for America because it instills in us the faith that there is a justice system.”
He continued, alluding to Donald Trump’s ongoing hush money trial in New York: “Whether it’s a former president of the United States or the most-storied Hollywood producer of our generation, the law applies to everyone.”
Aidala added that should Weinstein be re-tried in New York, Weinstein will be itching to take the witness stand. “He’s been dying to...
“Harvey Weinstein did not get a fair trial,” Arthur Aidala, one of Weinstein’s attorneys, told press outside Manhattan’s Criminal Courts building on Thursday. “It may sound like exaggeration but it’s not: Today’s legal ruling is a great day for America because it instills in us the faith that there is a justice system.”
He continued, alluding to Donald Trump’s ongoing hush money trial in New York: “Whether it’s a former president of the United States or the most-storied Hollywood producer of our generation, the law applies to everyone.”
Aidala added that should Weinstein be re-tried in New York, Weinstein will be itching to take the witness stand. “He’s been dying to...
- 4/25/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Listen up fives — and by that I mean fours. “Girls5eva” is now streaming on Netflix and you’ve run out of excuses. This heightened, hilarious series from “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” writer Meredith Scardino is exactly the kind of bingeable romp that Netflix users allegedly crave, so why aren’t you watching, rewatching, and recommending?
The title “Girls5eva” refers to a fictitious girl group from the late-90s and early-aughts, as well as their breakout song (cause 4eva‘s too short!): Dawn (Sara Bareilles), Summer (Busy Phillips), Gloria (Paula Pell), and Wickie (Renée Elise Goldsberry). The group disbanded after fifth member Ashley (Ashley Park) drowned in an infinity pool, but 20 years later they’re making a comeback.
There was a time when “Girls5eva” would have been a surefire hit. It’s executive produced by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, the team behind “30 Rock” and “Kimmy Schmidt,” the latter of...
The title “Girls5eva” refers to a fictitious girl group from the late-90s and early-aughts, as well as their breakout song (cause 4eva‘s too short!): Dawn (Sara Bareilles), Summer (Busy Phillips), Gloria (Paula Pell), and Wickie (Renée Elise Goldsberry). The group disbanded after fifth member Ashley (Ashley Park) drowned in an infinity pool, but 20 years later they’re making a comeback.
There was a time when “Girls5eva” would have been a surefire hit. It’s executive produced by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, the team behind “30 Rock” and “Kimmy Schmidt,” the latter of...
- 3/21/2024
- by Proma Khosla
- Indiewire
Cord Jefferson is calling on Hollywood to take more “risks” when it comes to low- and mid-budget films.
The “American Fiction” writer/director won the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar for adapting Percival Everett’s “Erasure” for the big screen. Jeffery Wright and Sterling K. Brown are additionally nominated in the Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor categories, respectively; the film is also up for Best Picture.
“I understand that this is a risk-averse industry, I get it,” Jefferson said during his acceptance speech onstage. “But $200 million movies are also a risk. And it doesn’t always work out, but you the risk anyway. Instead of making one $200 million movie, try making 20 $10 million movies. Or 50 $4 million movies.”
Jefferson, who was previously celebrated at the 2023 IndieWire Honors, called his remarks “a plea to acknowledge and recognize that there are so many people out there who want the opportunity that I was given.
The “American Fiction” writer/director won the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar for adapting Percival Everett’s “Erasure” for the big screen. Jeffery Wright and Sterling K. Brown are additionally nominated in the Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor categories, respectively; the film is also up for Best Picture.
“I understand that this is a risk-averse industry, I get it,” Jefferson said during his acceptance speech onstage. “But $200 million movies are also a risk. And it doesn’t always work out, but you the risk anyway. Instead of making one $200 million movie, try making 20 $10 million movies. Or 50 $4 million movies.”
Jefferson, who was previously celebrated at the 2023 IndieWire Honors, called his remarks “a plea to acknowledge and recognize that there are so many people out there who want the opportunity that I was given.
- 3/11/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Jake Gyllenhaal isn’t throwing Amazon out of the Double Deuce and under the bus. The “Road House” star says “Amazon was always clear” the new movie was intended for a streaming-only release.
Director Doug Liman has been singing a different tune in public — likely a last-minute attempt to persuade Amazon to change its release plan.
“I adore Doug’s tenacity, and I think he is advocating for filmmakers, and film in the cinema, and theatrical releases. But, I mean, Amazon was always clear that it was streaming,” Gyllenhaal told Total Film magazine. “I just want as many people to see it as possible. And I think we’re living in a world that’s changing in how we see and watch movies, and how they’re made. What’s clear to me, and what I loved so much, was [Liman’s] deep love for this movie, and his pride at how much he cares for it,...
Director Doug Liman has been singing a different tune in public — likely a last-minute attempt to persuade Amazon to change its release plan.
“I adore Doug’s tenacity, and I think he is advocating for filmmakers, and film in the cinema, and theatrical releases. But, I mean, Amazon was always clear that it was streaming,” Gyllenhaal told Total Film magazine. “I just want as many people to see it as possible. And I think we’re living in a world that’s changing in how we see and watch movies, and how they’re made. What’s clear to me, and what I loved so much, was [Liman’s] deep love for this movie, and his pride at how much he cares for it,...
- 2/27/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
For years, the running joke in media has been that if we keep inventing and bundling streaming services, we’re effectively going to reinvent cable. At first, it made sense to separate streaming titles; some were better for movies, some for TV, and still others for sport. At least one of them comes discounted if not free with the latest iPhone, while another is built into the subscription that gets you free shipping on toilet paper. But when it comes to quality and quantity of content, what streaming service really comes out on top?
Listen, before you go about choosing let alone ranking your streaming apps, you need to assess your streaming priorities. Below, four IndieWire staffers debate our top three streamers, acknowledging that each of us has different viewing preferences and lifestyles. But with a bustling streaming climate, rising prices, and wide-ranging titles, these are the kind of tough...
Listen, before you go about choosing let alone ranking your streaming apps, you need to assess your streaming priorities. Below, four IndieWire staffers debate our top three streamers, acknowledging that each of us has different viewing preferences and lifestyles. But with a bustling streaming climate, rising prices, and wide-ranging titles, these are the kind of tough...
- 2/13/2024
- by Tony Maglio, Proma Khosla, Ben Travers and Erin Strecker
- Indiewire
Art rises to a challenge, and 2023 saw plenty of documentaries do exactly that. Amid a swarm of vanity projects and puff pieces, brand extensions and overstretched stories, the best documentaries of the year stood out for their scrutiny and decisiveness; their unique perspectives and razor-sharp editing. Rather than be dragged down by industry forces, be it the lingering effects of streaming or resurgent demand for star vehicles masked as docs, these 20 nonfiction works rose above — and, as audience members, we thank them for it.
There were some heavy hitters working in 2023. Matthew Heineman, Maite Alberdi, Steve James, and Errol Morris all delivered impressive new pieces. Breakthroughs came screaming to the forefront as well, many aided by festival or critical support (or both). Films like “Kokomo City,” “Beyond Utopia,” and “A Still Small Voice” managed to crack the zeitgeist and pique cinephiles’ interest. While over in television, genre hybrids like “Paul T. Goldman...
There were some heavy hitters working in 2023. Matthew Heineman, Maite Alberdi, Steve James, and Errol Morris all delivered impressive new pieces. Breakthroughs came screaming to the forefront as well, many aided by festival or critical support (or both). Films like “Kokomo City,” “Beyond Utopia,” and “A Still Small Voice” managed to crack the zeitgeist and pique cinephiles’ interest. While over in television, genre hybrids like “Paul T. Goldman...
- 12/12/2023
- by Ben Travers and Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
We knew A24 had a decision to make on its streaming ambitions. The indie distributor’s output deal with Showtime, struck in 2019, expired in November, leaving A24’s movies without a dedicated digital home. Free agency can be quite lucrative.
Weeks later, A24 signed with Showtime’s biggest rival, HBO, and its sister streaming service Max. Upgrade.
A December 6 announcement unveiled a multiyear, pay-1 output deal for new A24 theatrical movies to run exclusively on HBO and Cinemax, and stream only on Max. The deal also extended A24’s 2022 licensing agreement with Max for older films, which covered more than two dozen movies.
Some of the newer A24 fare heading to the Warner Bros. Discovery platforms in the pay-1 window include 2023 theatrical releases “Past Lives,” “Dicks: The Musical,” “Priscilla,” “Dream Scenario,” “The Zone of Interest,” “The Iron Claw,” and the restored re-release of Talking Heads concert film “Stop Making Sense.
Weeks later, A24 signed with Showtime’s biggest rival, HBO, and its sister streaming service Max. Upgrade.
A December 6 announcement unveiled a multiyear, pay-1 output deal for new A24 theatrical movies to run exclusively on HBO and Cinemax, and stream only on Max. The deal also extended A24’s 2022 licensing agreement with Max for older films, which covered more than two dozen movies.
Some of the newer A24 fare heading to the Warner Bros. Discovery platforms in the pay-1 window include 2023 theatrical releases “Past Lives,” “Dicks: The Musical,” “Priscilla,” “Dream Scenario,” “The Zone of Interest,” “The Iron Claw,” and the restored re-release of Talking Heads concert film “Stop Making Sense.
- 12/6/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Look, we all made mistakes during Covid. Disney was no exception, banishing “Soul,” “Luca,” and “Turning Red” to streaming as Disney+ exclusives. It will now spend the first quarter of 2024 making it up to Pixar with what Disney called “special engagement” theatrical runs for each.
“Soul” was the first and truest Covid casualty of the bunch, and it will be the first to (finally) arrive in theaters on January 12. “Turning Red” is set for a February 9 release; “Luca” will arrive on March 22. All three movies will be screened along with Pixar shorts, just like in the good ‘ol days.
Despite the “special engagement” designation, end dates have not been booked in advance, a source with knowledge of the plan told IndieWire. If a film performs at the box office, by all means, run free. Speaking of free, the movies are also expected to remain on Disney+ while they play in theaters.
“Soul” was the first and truest Covid casualty of the bunch, and it will be the first to (finally) arrive in theaters on January 12. “Turning Red” is set for a February 9 release; “Luca” will arrive on March 22. All three movies will be screened along with Pixar shorts, just like in the good ‘ol days.
Despite the “special engagement” designation, end dates have not been booked in advance, a source with knowledge of the plan told IndieWire. If a film performs at the box office, by all means, run free. Speaking of free, the movies are also expected to remain on Disney+ while they play in theaters.
- 12/5/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
The long Thanksgiving weekend is a time for family, shopping, and yes, streaming.
For decades, the day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, has been the busiest shopping day of the year. Stores across the country offer deals to eager shoppers getting a head start on their Christmas lists. These days, the shopping frenzy extends through the weekend and into what the e-commerce era has dubbed “Cyber Monday.” While no one does e-commerce quite like Amazon, there are a number of streamers getting ahead of the online-retail giant’s Prime Video service with discounts of their own.
While streaming services have spent most of 2023 raising prices, several are currently calling a truce with cost-conscious consumers — for the next few days, at least.
There are a few grinches among the bunch. Anyone looking for a Netflix, Disney+, or Apple TV+ deal is out of luck, we’re told; try Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and/or Max instead.
For decades, the day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, has been the busiest shopping day of the year. Stores across the country offer deals to eager shoppers getting a head start on their Christmas lists. These days, the shopping frenzy extends through the weekend and into what the e-commerce era has dubbed “Cyber Monday.” While no one does e-commerce quite like Amazon, there are a number of streamers getting ahead of the online-retail giant’s Prime Video service with discounts of their own.
While streaming services have spent most of 2023 raising prices, several are currently calling a truce with cost-conscious consumers — for the next few days, at least.
There are a few grinches among the bunch. Anyone looking for a Netflix, Disney+, or Apple TV+ deal is out of luck, we’re told; try Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and/or Max instead.
- 11/22/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
The Los Angeles Press Club unveiled the nominations for the 16th annual National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards, and IndieWire earned nine nominations. After 1,600 entries were evaluated by the committee, IndieWire’s entire staff was honored with a nomination for Best Entertainment Website, and eight staffers received additional nominations for their individual works.
IndieWire’s TV Critic and Deputy Editor Ben Travers was nominated in the TV Critic category for his entire body of work over the past year.
IndieWire’s Executive Managing Editor Christian Blauvelt earned a nomination in the Soft News, Arts category, for his analysis piece “Will Disney Win Against DeSantis? The Florida Lawsuit Explained.”
IndieWire’s Executive Editor, Business Tony Maglio received a nomination for Humor Writing for his essay “I Took My Daughters, 3 and 6, to See ‘The Little Mermaid.’ Here’s Who Slept and Who Danced in the Aisles.”
IndieWire’s Senior Reporter Brian Welk was also nominated in the Business,...
IndieWire’s TV Critic and Deputy Editor Ben Travers was nominated in the TV Critic category for his entire body of work over the past year.
IndieWire’s Executive Managing Editor Christian Blauvelt earned a nomination in the Soft News, Arts category, for his analysis piece “Will Disney Win Against DeSantis? The Florida Lawsuit Explained.”
IndieWire’s Executive Editor, Business Tony Maglio received a nomination for Humor Writing for his essay “I Took My Daughters, 3 and 6, to See ‘The Little Mermaid.’ Here’s Who Slept and Who Danced in the Aisles.”
IndieWire’s Senior Reporter Brian Welk was also nominated in the Business,...
- 11/2/2023
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
HBO programming chief Casey Bloys said on Thursday he’s already had to “adjust across the board” his slate for HBO and Max because of the impact of the recently ended writers and still-ongoing actors strikes. With SAG-AFTRA still picketing the Warner Bros. Discovery offices (and others), those adjustments are proving to be anything but final.
One-on-one with Bloys following a presentation of his 2024 slate, IndieWire asked what pending decisions still have to be made in the event a seemingly imminent SAG deal again proves elusive. Are there still potential cancellations coming? Could the axe even drop on a series previously picked up for another season? And could something as small as continuity seal the fate for a project that has sat on the shelf too long?
“All of the above,” Bloys responded. He’s been through lengthy shutdowns before; remember Covid?
Bloys, of course, hopes push does not come to shove,...
One-on-one with Bloys following a presentation of his 2024 slate, IndieWire asked what pending decisions still have to be made in the event a seemingly imminent SAG deal again proves elusive. Are there still potential cancellations coming? Could the axe even drop on a series previously picked up for another season? And could something as small as continuity seal the fate for a project that has sat on the shelf too long?
“All of the above,” Bloys responded. He’s been through lengthy shutdowns before; remember Covid?
Bloys, of course, hopes push does not come to shove,...
- 11/2/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Audiences will have to wait a little bit longer to check into “The White Lotus” Season 3.
The third installment of the Emmy-winning HBO anthology series will arrive in 2025, according to chief content officer Casey Bloys.
“‘White Lotus’ Season 3 probably would have been in ’24, that’s pushing to ’25,” Bloys said during a press conference. “It’s shows that we’ve had on the runway and we’re in the middle of shooting, obviously.”
Bloys continued with further updates, “‘Penguin’ would have been in the spring, so we’ve had to adjust across the board. The ‘It’ prequel we’re working on…’Welcome to Derry’ — we had that that scheduled previously for Halloween of ’24. That’s likely pushing into ’25.”
Pending the resolution of the SAG-AFTRA strike, “Welcome to Derry” will return to production in spring of 2024. “The Last of Us” Season 2 will shoot then as well.
“The White Lotus” Season 3 will be set in Thailand.
The third installment of the Emmy-winning HBO anthology series will arrive in 2025, according to chief content officer Casey Bloys.
“‘White Lotus’ Season 3 probably would have been in ’24, that’s pushing to ’25,” Bloys said during a press conference. “It’s shows that we’ve had on the runway and we’re in the middle of shooting, obviously.”
Bloys continued with further updates, “‘Penguin’ would have been in the spring, so we’ve had to adjust across the board. The ‘It’ prequel we’re working on…’Welcome to Derry’ — we had that that scheduled previously for Halloween of ’24. That’s likely pushing into ’25.”
Pending the resolution of the SAG-AFTRA strike, “Welcome to Derry” will return to production in spring of 2024. “The Last of Us” Season 2 will shoot then as well.
“The White Lotus” Season 3 will be set in Thailand.
- 11/2/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
“Saturday Night Live” is coming back to the air next week. Yes, there is still an actors strike going on, but yes, this is Ok. SAG-AFTRA even says so.
But if you’re still wondering why “SNL” is back on the air, your questions are warranted. “SNL” isn’t a game show or reality show that just has a celebrity host. It airs on NBC, whose parent company NBCUniversal is a struck member company with the AMPTP. And generally, they’re getting hosts who have something to promote, which is a strike no-no. In fact, Pete Davidson, who will be the host on the season premiere October 14, was supposed to be the host just before the writers went on strike and cut “SNL’s” season short.
This is hardly the first time SAG-AFTRA has had to clarify to members what actors can and can’t work on during the strike.
But if you’re still wondering why “SNL” is back on the air, your questions are warranted. “SNL” isn’t a game show or reality show that just has a celebrity host. It airs on NBC, whose parent company NBCUniversal is a struck member company with the AMPTP. And generally, they’re getting hosts who have something to promote, which is a strike no-no. In fact, Pete Davidson, who will be the host on the season premiere October 14, was supposed to be the host just before the writers went on strike and cut “SNL’s” season short.
This is hardly the first time SAG-AFTRA has had to clarify to members what actors can and can’t work on during the strike.
- 10/4/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Negotiations between the WGA and the AMPTP have ended for the day on Saturday with the studios offering the Writers Guild what a source has described as their latest, best, and final offer, and which the WGA will now review. It’s expected that the guild will respond by tomorrow ahead of the Jewish holiday beginning at sundown on Sunday.
After three straight days of talks in which top Hollywood CEOs were in the room, both sides on Saturday brought in lawyers to finalize deal language on a new, three-year contract, considered the last step and the home stretch in negotiations. On Saturday, just two major deal points remained unsettled, with some reports suggesting that contract specifics around AI protections were among the sticking points.
A source told IndieWire the expectation was that a deal should get done before the start of Yom Kippur, but the WGA and AMPTP will...
After three straight days of talks in which top Hollywood CEOs were in the room, both sides on Saturday brought in lawyers to finalize deal language on a new, three-year contract, considered the last step and the home stretch in negotiations. On Saturday, just two major deal points remained unsettled, with some reports suggesting that contract specifics around AI protections were among the sticking points.
A source told IndieWire the expectation was that a deal should get done before the start of Yom Kippur, but the WGA and AMPTP will...
- 9/24/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
After three days of robust talks, the Writers Guild and the AMPTP are heading into the weekend without a deal, just as hopes were at their highest that an end to the writers strike could finally be in sight.
IndieWire has learned that talks have ended for the day late on Friday around 8:45, with “good progress” made, but the expectation is there’s still much to complete.
The WGA said in a statement to members that negotiations will continue on Saturday.
But the mood around town is noticeably more optimistic about progress being made than even a week ago. Back then, the two sides looked like they were at a crossroads; both sides felt like the other owed them a response. Now, on the 144th day of the writers strike, there’s still no tentative agreement, but the two sides have shared joint statements about negotiation updates, meetings are running long,...
IndieWire has learned that talks have ended for the day late on Friday around 8:45, with “good progress” made, but the expectation is there’s still much to complete.
The WGA said in a statement to members that negotiations will continue on Saturday.
But the mood around town is noticeably more optimistic about progress being made than even a week ago. Back then, the two sides looked like they were at a crossroads; both sides felt like the other owed them a response. Now, on the 144th day of the writers strike, there’s still no tentative agreement, but the two sides have shared joint statements about negotiation updates, meetings are running long,...
- 9/23/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Everyone expects a same-day box-office battle between “Barbie” (Warner Bros.) and “Oppenheimer” (Universal) on July 21, but the real contention may lie between “Oppenheimer” and a film that opens 10 days earlier, Tom Cruise’s “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One”.
A new report in Puck claimed that Cruise has personally called rival studio executives and exhibitors in hopes of convincing them to relinquish Plf (premium large-format) screens that may have planned to show “Oppenheimer” and show “M:i 7” instead. Beyond the visual impact those screens provide, they also come with an upcharge that can add millions to the box office — especially for an action spectacle like a seventh “Mission: Impossible” movie.
Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” his first film for Universal after parting ways with longtime partner Warner Bros., will take over all IMAX screens in North America for three weeks, bumping “Mission: Impossible” from auditoriums. Audiences will line up to see...
A new report in Puck claimed that Cruise has personally called rival studio executives and exhibitors in hopes of convincing them to relinquish Plf (premium large-format) screens that may have planned to show “Oppenheimer” and show “M:i 7” instead. Beyond the visual impact those screens provide, they also come with an upcharge that can add millions to the box office — especially for an action spectacle like a seventh “Mission: Impossible” movie.
Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” his first film for Universal after parting ways with longtime partner Warner Bros., will take over all IMAX screens in North America for three weeks, bumping “Mission: Impossible” from auditoriums. Audiences will line up to see...
- 6/2/2023
- by Ryan Lattanzio and Brian Welk
- Indiewire
The writers strike is hitting ABC right in the schedule. The network’s fall plan, announced on Tuesday as part of Disney’s upfronts presentation, includes a full hour of reruns of the hit sitcom “Abbott Elementary.”
The “Abbott” repeats are the only scripted series currently on the primetime schedule for the 2023-24 TV season. Instead, early on (at least), we’ll get more “Judge Steve Harvey,” “Shark Tank,” and game shows “The $100,000 Pyramid,” “Celebrity Jeopardy!,” “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune,” and “Press Your Luck.” As previously announced, “Dancing with the Stars” is moving back over to broadcast from Disney+, and the long-running hidden camera show “What Would You Do?” is also making a comeback, taking the 10 p.m. slot behind those “Abbott” reruns on Wednesday night.
There will be one new series, the anticipated spinoff of “The Bachelor” called “The Golden Bachelor” that will feature an elderly bachelor looking...
The “Abbott” repeats are the only scripted series currently on the primetime schedule for the 2023-24 TV season. Instead, early on (at least), we’ll get more “Judge Steve Harvey,” “Shark Tank,” and game shows “The $100,000 Pyramid,” “Celebrity Jeopardy!,” “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune,” and “Press Your Luck.” As previously announced, “Dancing with the Stars” is moving back over to broadcast from Disney+, and the long-running hidden camera show “What Would You Do?” is also making a comeback, taking the 10 p.m. slot behind those “Abbott” reruns on Wednesday night.
There will be one new series, the anticipated spinoff of “The Bachelor” called “The Golden Bachelor” that will feature an elderly bachelor looking...
- 5/16/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Disney may not be the happiest streamer in the world any longer.
During the May 2023 earnings call on Wednesday, CEO Bob Iger said, “We realized that we made a lot of content that is not necessarily driving sub growth, and we’re getting much more surgical about what it is we make. So as we look to reduce content spend, we’re looking to reduce it in a way that should not have any impact at all on subs.”
Iger said when Disney+ launched three and a half years ago, the goal was still growing global subscribers and flooding the “digital shelves.” As with the rest of the industry, that has changed to focus on revenue, and it’s led to cost-cutting and finding content that will actually grow subscribers. That includes big tentpole projects, specifically ones that first played in theaters.
One of the challenges Iger noticed was with marketing,...
During the May 2023 earnings call on Wednesday, CEO Bob Iger said, “We realized that we made a lot of content that is not necessarily driving sub growth, and we’re getting much more surgical about what it is we make. So as we look to reduce content spend, we’re looking to reduce it in a way that should not have any impact at all on subs.”
Iger said when Disney+ launched three and a half years ago, the goal was still growing global subscribers and flooding the “digital shelves.” As with the rest of the industry, that has changed to focus on revenue, and it’s led to cost-cutting and finding content that will actually grow subscribers. That includes big tentpole projects, specifically ones that first played in theaters.
One of the challenges Iger noticed was with marketing,...
- 5/10/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Much of Hollywood has come to a standstill since the WGA strike kicked off this week, but Disney and some other studios are putting pressure on their talent to cross the picket line. Earlier this week, the company sent out a letter to showrunners and other TV writers with other contracted non-writing duties, pushing them to continue working during the strike. Other studios have also sent similar communications, as sources revealed to IndieWire.
A letter sent to showrunners from Disney’s ABC Signature on Wednesday was obtained by the Hollywood Reporter. The letter, signed by ABC assistant chief counsel Bob McPhail, says that showrunners and writer-producers are “not excused” from performing their non-writing duties amid the WGA strike, and that their personal service agreement requires them to keep working even in the event of the Writers Guild fining them for doing so.
“Your duties as a showrunner and/or producer are not excused,...
A letter sent to showrunners from Disney’s ABC Signature on Wednesday was obtained by the Hollywood Reporter. The letter, signed by ABC assistant chief counsel Bob McPhail, says that showrunners and writer-producers are “not excused” from performing their non-writing duties amid the WGA strike, and that their personal service agreement requires them to keep working even in the event of the Writers Guild fining them for doing so.
“Your duties as a showrunner and/or producer are not excused,...
- 5/5/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
To Barbie or not to Barbie, that is the question posed by director Greta Gerwig’s latest satirical send-up.
“Barbie,” set for a July 21 release, stars Margot Robbie as the blonde bombshell Mattel doll who ventures outside of her dreamland and finds herself caught up in the real world. Ryan Gosling plays Ken, while Simu Liu, Hari Nef, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, John Cena, and Dua Lipa play other variations of the dolls.
Director Gerwig, who co-wrote the script with collaborator Noah Baumbach, told audiences at CinemaCon during Warner Bros. Discovery’s presentation that Gosling was determined to portray Ken as though he was in a “drama.”
“It was like Marlon Brandon playing Ken,” Gerwig said.
And “Barbie” is already rife with film history references: The first trailer for the film had an ode to “2001: A Space Odyssey” match cut, and the footage shown during the Warner Bros. Discovery...
“Barbie,” set for a July 21 release, stars Margot Robbie as the blonde bombshell Mattel doll who ventures outside of her dreamland and finds herself caught up in the real world. Ryan Gosling plays Ken, while Simu Liu, Hari Nef, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, John Cena, and Dua Lipa play other variations of the dolls.
Director Gerwig, who co-wrote the script with collaborator Noah Baumbach, told audiences at CinemaCon during Warner Bros. Discovery’s presentation that Gosling was determined to portray Ken as though he was in a “drama.”
“It was like Marlon Brandon playing Ken,” Gerwig said.
And “Barbie” is already rife with film history references: The first trailer for the film had an ode to “2001: A Space Odyssey” match cut, and the footage shown during the Warner Bros. Discovery...
- 4/25/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
The seemingly synonymous Tucker Carlson and Fox News Media are no longer a partnership.
On April 24, Fox News Media issued a statement announcing that longtime news anchor Carlson will no longer be at the network.
“Fox News Media and Tucker Carlson have agreed to part ways,” the press statement reads. “We thank him for his service to the network as a host and prior to that as a contributor.”
Carlson’s final program aired on Friday, April 21. Fox News Tonight will continue to air live at 8 p.m. Pt/Et as an interim show helmed by rotating Fox News personalities until a new host is named, per the press release.
The announcement comes amid Dominion Voting Systems suing Fox News over a $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit in regards to the cable news channel’s coverage of the 2020 election, and then receiving a settlement from Rupert Murdoch’s cable news network well...
On April 24, Fox News Media issued a statement announcing that longtime news anchor Carlson will no longer be at the network.
“Fox News Media and Tucker Carlson have agreed to part ways,” the press statement reads. “We thank him for his service to the network as a host and prior to that as a contributor.”
Carlson’s final program aired on Friday, April 21. Fox News Tonight will continue to air live at 8 p.m. Pt/Et as an interim show helmed by rotating Fox News personalities until a new host is named, per the press release.
The announcement comes amid Dominion Voting Systems suing Fox News over a $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit in regards to the cable news channel’s coverage of the 2020 election, and then receiving a settlement from Rupert Murdoch’s cable news network well...
- 4/24/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Jeff Shell is stepping down as CEO of NBCUniversal following an internal investigation for what has been described as an “inappropriate relationship” with an employee. The “mutual” decision was announced by NBCUniversal’s parent company Comcast on Sunday afternoon.
“Today is my last day as CEO of NBCUniversal. I had an inappropriate relationship with a woman in the company, which I deeply regret,” Shell said in a statement. “I’m truly sorry I let my Comcast and NBCUniversal colleagues down, they are the most talented people in the business and the opportunity to work with them the last 10 years has been a privilege.”
Shell had served as CEO since January 1, 2020. His tenure notably resulted in a deal that brought all of the company’s new film releases, including titles from Illumination and Focus Features, to Peacock following their theatrical releases. Comcast president Michael Cavanagh will take over as interim CEO of the entertainment company.
“Today is my last day as CEO of NBCUniversal. I had an inappropriate relationship with a woman in the company, which I deeply regret,” Shell said in a statement. “I’m truly sorry I let my Comcast and NBCUniversal colleagues down, they are the most talented people in the business and the opportunity to work with them the last 10 years has been a privilege.”
Shell had served as CEO since January 1, 2020. His tenure notably resulted in a deal that brought all of the company’s new film releases, including titles from Illumination and Focus Features, to Peacock following their theatrical releases. Comcast president Michael Cavanagh will take over as interim CEO of the entertainment company.
- 4/23/2023
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Two days after the disaster that was the “Love Is Blind” not actually-live reunion special, Netflix has revealed that the “technical issues” cited behind the delay were, in a way, of their own making.
During Netflix’s first quarter investor call on Tuesday afternoon, co-ceo Greg Peters spoke about the outcry from fans of the popular reality series over the Season 4 reunion special, which was scheduled to broadcast on the streamer live Sunday night. Starting from 5 p.m. Pt/8 p.m. Et, viewers who attempted to log in and watch the special were greeted with an error message, and the majority of fans were ultimately unable to watch it for several hours.
On the call, Peters apologized for the issues with the livestream, and revealed that the technical issues were caused by a bug in the company’s livestream tech. According to Peters, the bug was introduced after the company...
During Netflix’s first quarter investor call on Tuesday afternoon, co-ceo Greg Peters spoke about the outcry from fans of the popular reality series over the Season 4 reunion special, which was scheduled to broadcast on the streamer live Sunday night. Starting from 5 p.m. Pt/8 p.m. Et, viewers who attempted to log in and watch the special were greeted with an error message, and the majority of fans were ultimately unable to watch it for several hours.
On the call, Peters apologized for the issues with the livestream, and revealed that the technical issues were caused by a bug in the company’s livestream tech. According to Peters, the bug was introduced after the company...
- 4/18/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
During Warner Bros. Discovery’s big unveiling of the rebooted Max streamer, the big announcement the company saved for last was the official order of a “Harry Potter” TV show. And as with every new project in the franchise, the announcement immediately drew scrutiny due to franchise creator J.K. Rowling’s extensive history of transphobia.
During a Q&a session held on the Warner Bros. Burbank studio immediately after the conference, Max and HBO Content Head Casey Bloys declined to answer a question from a reporter regarding Rowling’s controversial reputation and how it might affect the show.
“No, I don’t think this is the forum,” Bloys said during the Q&a. “That’s a very online conversation, very nuanced and complicated and not something we’re going to get into.”
Rowling, who wrote all seven books in the “Harry Potter” franchise and is set to executive produce the upcoming TV show,...
During a Q&a session held on the Warner Bros. Burbank studio immediately after the conference, Max and HBO Content Head Casey Bloys declined to answer a question from a reporter regarding Rowling’s controversial reputation and how it might affect the show.
“No, I don’t think this is the forum,” Bloys said during the Q&a. “That’s a very online conversation, very nuanced and complicated and not something we’re going to get into.”
Rowling, who wrote all seven books in the “Harry Potter” franchise and is set to executive produce the upcoming TV show,...
- 4/12/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
After less than three years, HBO Max is already getting a rebrand. Warner Bros. Discovery officially announced on Wednesday that the service, set to relaunch on May 23, will henceforth be known as just “Max” (cue the “Social Network” quote).
The decision to drop the HBO name, borrowed from the premium-cable channel owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, is one that has left many observers scratching their heads. But, during a Q&a session on the Warner Bros. Studio Burbank lot following Max’s unveiling, HBO and Max Content Head Casey Bloys told press that the prestige the HBO name provides is the exact reason it’s being yanked off the streamer.
“The same people who are concerned today about taking ‘HBO’ out of the name….were outraged that ‘HBO’ was put in the name in the first place, that it was called ‘HBO Max,'” Bloys told a room of reporters.
The decision to drop the HBO name, borrowed from the premium-cable channel owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, is one that has left many observers scratching their heads. But, during a Q&a session on the Warner Bros. Studio Burbank lot following Max’s unveiling, HBO and Max Content Head Casey Bloys told press that the prestige the HBO name provides is the exact reason it’s being yanked off the streamer.
“The same people who are concerned today about taking ‘HBO’ out of the name….were outraged that ‘HBO’ was put in the name in the first place, that it was called ‘HBO Max,'” Bloys told a room of reporters.
- 4/12/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
How much money is the “Batdance” worth? Apparently, not as much as Warner Bros. Discovery was hoping. The company is reconsidering a sale of its catalog of film and television-series soundtracks after a disappointing initial round of offers, IndieWire has confirmed.
As first reported by the Financial Times, Warner Bros. Discovery has held informal talks with potential buyers surrounding the copyrights to their soundtrack library over the last several months. Notable soundtracks that Wbd owns include the scores to the “Batman” franchise — including Prince’s tie-in album for the 1989 “Batman” movie — the Oscar-winning “Joker” soundtrack, John Williams’ music for the “Harry Potter” franchise, and the legendary musical numbers from 1939’s “The Wizard of Oz.”
Wbd’s music holdings are not to be confused with those of the record label Warner Music Group, which was founded as a part of Warner Bros. before getting sold in 2004 after the notorious AOL Time Warner...
As first reported by the Financial Times, Warner Bros. Discovery has held informal talks with potential buyers surrounding the copyrights to their soundtrack library over the last several months. Notable soundtracks that Wbd owns include the scores to the “Batman” franchise — including Prince’s tie-in album for the 1989 “Batman” movie — the Oscar-winning “Joker” soundtrack, John Williams’ music for the “Harry Potter” franchise, and the legendary musical numbers from 1939’s “The Wizard of Oz.”
Wbd’s music holdings are not to be confused with those of the record label Warner Music Group, which was founded as a part of Warner Bros. before getting sold in 2004 after the notorious AOL Time Warner...
- 4/3/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
HBO’s The Weeknd-Sam Levinson production “The Idol” will premiere out of competition at the iconic Cannes Film Festival, sources close to production have confirmed to IndieWire, before a broadcast premiere sometime this fall.
The show, which stars co-creator Abel Tesfaye (aka The Weeknd) and Lily-Rose Depp, will screen at the 76th edition of the prestigious festival, which runs from May 16 to May 27. Either the first two or three episodes in the six-part season are expected to screen at the fest, according to sources. Programmers are debating on the number of episodes to present, since the third ends on a major cliffhanger. Representatives for HBO told IndieWire that “The Idol’s” visit to Cannes remains unconfirmed.
Earlier this month, Variety reported that Tesfaye hoped to bring the show to Cannes, but it had not been screened for the festival’s programmers.
Selecting “The Idol” is an uncharacteristic move for...
The show, which stars co-creator Abel Tesfaye (aka The Weeknd) and Lily-Rose Depp, will screen at the 76th edition of the prestigious festival, which runs from May 16 to May 27. Either the first two or three episodes in the six-part season are expected to screen at the fest, according to sources. Programmers are debating on the number of episodes to present, since the third ends on a major cliffhanger. Representatives for HBO told IndieWire that “The Idol’s” visit to Cannes remains unconfirmed.
Earlier this month, Variety reported that Tesfaye hoped to bring the show to Cannes, but it had not been screened for the festival’s programmers.
Selecting “The Idol” is an uncharacteristic move for...
- 3/16/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Next month, Fox News will go to court in a $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit filed by Dominion Voting Systems over the cable news channel’s coverage of the 2020 election. But according to Lachlan Murdoch, co-chairman of Fox News’ parent NewsCorp, the coverage surrounding the case is political.
Murdoch briefly addressed the lawsuit during Fox’s presentation at Morgan Stanley’s 2023 Technology Media and Telecom Conference Thursday. Asked about updates to the case or what the public should know about the situation, Murdoch hedged to share details but defended the right-leaning cable giant by implying that the interest in the case has more to do with politics than concerns over the law or proper journalism.
“A news organization has an obligation, and it has an obligation to report news fulsomely, wholesomely, and without fear or favor, and that’s what Fox News has always done,” he said during his presentation. “And that...
Murdoch briefly addressed the lawsuit during Fox’s presentation at Morgan Stanley’s 2023 Technology Media and Telecom Conference Thursday. Asked about updates to the case or what the public should know about the situation, Murdoch hedged to share details but defended the right-leaning cable giant by implying that the interest in the case has more to do with politics than concerns over the law or proper journalism.
“A news organization has an obligation, and it has an obligation to report news fulsomely, wholesomely, and without fear or favor, and that’s what Fox News has always done,” he said during his presentation. “And that...
- 3/9/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
The bigger the budget and the longer the wait for theatrical, the longer the movie it seems as “Mission: Impossible 7” reaches a new running-time high.
Bob Bakish, president of Paramount Global, revealed during the Paramount panel at the 2023 Morgan Stanley Technology, Media, & Telecom Conference on March 8 that the first test screenings for “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” (aka “M:I7”) have started.
“I haven’t seen all of ‘Mi:7,’ but I’ve seen a bunch of it,” Bakish said. “We actually just did the first test screening for an audience last week, and the audience lost their mind. And it’s still too long, they’ve got to cut it. But the movie is insane. It’s like a complete thrill ride. And Tom, he’s very good.”
Tom Cruise reprises his role as secret agent Ethan Hunt for the first part of the franchise finale, in theaters...
Bob Bakish, president of Paramount Global, revealed during the Paramount panel at the 2023 Morgan Stanley Technology, Media, & Telecom Conference on March 8 that the first test screenings for “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” (aka “M:I7”) have started.
“I haven’t seen all of ‘Mi:7,’ but I’ve seen a bunch of it,” Bakish said. “We actually just did the first test screening for an audience last week, and the audience lost their mind. And it’s still too long, they’ve got to cut it. But the movie is insane. It’s like a complete thrill ride. And Tom, he’s very good.”
Tom Cruise reprises his role as secret agent Ethan Hunt for the first part of the franchise finale, in theaters...
- 3/8/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
The Peak TV era might finally be reaching its end. Last August, Chairman of FX Networks John Landgraf, the man who coined the phrase most often used to describe the current era of television, said 2022 would see the number of adult, scripted, English-language television series reach its absolute height. At FX’s January 12 press conference for TCA’s Winter Press Tour, he maintained the prediction — and said that it might not be great for diversity.
During his presentation, Landgraf pointed to a recent New York Times story about how orders for adult scripted series fell by 24 percent in the second half of 2022 and the general signs of slowdown from streamers and networks as they brace for a recession this year, as a reason why Peak TV is nearing its end. During a Q&a, Landgraf was asked how this cost-cutting in content will reflect in terms of shows made by and for diverse audiencs,...
During his presentation, Landgraf pointed to a recent New York Times story about how orders for adult scripted series fell by 24 percent in the second half of 2022 and the general signs of slowdown from streamers and networks as they brace for a recession this year, as a reason why Peak TV is nearing its end. During a Q&a, Landgraf was asked how this cost-cutting in content will reflect in terms of shows made by and for diverse audiencs,...
- 1/12/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
If there’s one defining moment in American soap operas, it’s Luke and Laura’s wedding on “General Hospital.” The nuptials of the super-couple (played by Anthony Geary and Genie Francis) was a major television event when it aired in November 1981, bringing in 30 million viewers to the ABC series and making the duo one of the most iconic couples in soap history.
But as famous and beloved as the couple is, their relationship started on an extremely ugly note. In an October 1979 episode, Luke raped her, and although the show initially played it as such, the event was later looked back on as a “seduction” due to the popularity of the pairing. Although the characters remained together for years, with their love story a major part of the series until Geary left the cast in 2015, the assault cast a large shadow over the rest of their storylines. And Francis,...
But as famous and beloved as the couple is, their relationship started on an extremely ugly note. In an October 1979 episode, Luke raped her, and although the show initially played it as such, the event was later looked back on as a “seduction” due to the popularity of the pairing. Although the characters remained together for years, with their love story a major part of the series until Geary left the cast in 2015, the assault cast a large shadow over the rest of their storylines. And Francis,...
- 1/11/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Flashback to two years ago, on the eve of the 2020 presidential election. IndieWire made a recommendation that, even if you never watched Fox News Channel, this might be a good time to give it a shot. We thought it would be interesting, but didn’t realize how right we were.
Fox’s early and near-solitary call that Joe Biden won Arizona had an immense impact on what became a long and drawn-out process of certifying his victory. To this day, that reality hasn’t been accepted by many Republicans — including Arizona’s current Republican nominee for governor, who based her campaign on election denial.
That accurate projection drew the displeasure of the White House, but Fox stuck by it — a decision that deflated then-President Donald Trump’s plan to declare an unfounded victory before supporters that evening.
Early calls can make a huge difference. In 2000, when the national broadcast networks...
Fox’s early and near-solitary call that Joe Biden won Arizona had an immense impact on what became a long and drawn-out process of certifying his victory. To this day, that reality hasn’t been accepted by many Republicans — including Arizona’s current Republican nominee for governor, who based her campaign on election denial.
That accurate projection drew the displeasure of the White House, but Fox stuck by it — a decision that deflated then-President Donald Trump’s plan to declare an unfounded victory before supporters that evening.
Early calls can make a huge difference. In 2000, when the national broadcast networks...
- 11/8/2022
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
“Tuca and Bertie,” the acclaimed adult animated comedy starring Tiffany Haddish and Ali Wong, has been canceled by Adult Swim after two seasons on the channel.
Creator Lisa Hanawalt announced the news on Wednesday via a Twitter post, stating that while she hopes to continue the series someday, it won’t be moving forward on Adult Swim.
This marks the first Adult Swim series cancellation since parent company Warner Bros. Discovery more closely merged its two animation studios, Cartoon Network Studios and Warner Bros. Animation. “Tuca and Bertie,” which is a Tornante Company production, was not a casualty of the restructuring, a source close to the matter confirmed to IndieWire.
“I still have a beautiful and weird ending to ‘T&b’ in mind, hopefully someday we’ll get the chance to finish this story,” Hanawalt said in her post. “In the meantime, I’m not done creating. I’ve witnessed...
Creator Lisa Hanawalt announced the news on Wednesday via a Twitter post, stating that while she hopes to continue the series someday, it won’t be moving forward on Adult Swim.
This marks the first Adult Swim series cancellation since parent company Warner Bros. Discovery more closely merged its two animation studios, Cartoon Network Studios and Warner Bros. Animation. “Tuca and Bertie,” which is a Tornante Company production, was not a casualty of the restructuring, a source close to the matter confirmed to IndieWire.
“I still have a beautiful and weird ending to ‘T&b’ in mind, hopefully someday we’ll get the chance to finish this story,” Hanawalt said in her post. “In the meantime, I’m not done creating. I’ve witnessed...
- 11/2/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Roughly 30-40 employees of The CW were laid off on Tuesday by new owner Nexstar Media, IndieWire has learned.
The move is the first large scale overhaul at the CW after Nexstar, the largest television-station owner in the United States, took control of the channel’s operation on October 3. Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global, The CW’s previous owners, sold a majority of their unprofitable joint venture to Nexstar in June.
Among those laid off on Tuesday were Paul Hewitt, the CW communications chief since it formed from the merger of Upn with The WB in 2006. In his place, Beth Feldman has been named SVP of Network Communications, taking on the role in addition to her current duties as Nexstar’s executive director of communication, Networks division.
“For the past 20 years, I have been incredibly fortunate to have played a role, albeit a small one, in helping shape, influence...
The move is the first large scale overhaul at the CW after Nexstar, the largest television-station owner in the United States, took control of the channel’s operation on October 3. Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global, The CW’s previous owners, sold a majority of their unprofitable joint venture to Nexstar in June.
Among those laid off on Tuesday were Paul Hewitt, the CW communications chief since it formed from the merger of Upn with The WB in 2006. In his place, Beth Feldman has been named SVP of Network Communications, taking on the role in addition to her current duties as Nexstar’s executive director of communication, Networks division.
“For the past 20 years, I have been incredibly fortunate to have played a role, albeit a small one, in helping shape, influence...
- 11/1/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
IndieWire has hired Brian Welk as Senior Business Reporter. In the new role, Welk continues indieWire’s expanding business coverage of film, streaming, and TV. Welk will also play a key role in IndieWire’s increasing breaking-news coverage across the entertainment industry.
Formerly, Welk was the Senior Film Reporter at entertainment trade publication TheWrap, where he worked for nearly six years.
“We’re delighted to add Brian to IndieWire’s growing business team led by Tony Maglio,” said Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire Senior VP and Editor-In-Chief. “I’m looking forward to increasing our industry coverage and analysis.”
Welk will report to Maglio, IndieWire’s Executive Editor of Business — a vertical launched with Maglio’s hiring in March. Maglio and Welk worked together for several years at TheWrap.
“I am thrilled to be reuniting with my editor Tony Maglio and joining the IndieWire team,” Welk said. “For years I have been an...
Formerly, Welk was the Senior Film Reporter at entertainment trade publication TheWrap, where he worked for nearly six years.
“We’re delighted to add Brian to IndieWire’s growing business team led by Tony Maglio,” said Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire Senior VP and Editor-In-Chief. “I’m looking forward to increasing our industry coverage and analysis.”
Welk will report to Maglio, IndieWire’s Executive Editor of Business — a vertical launched with Maglio’s hiring in March. Maglio and Welk worked together for several years at TheWrap.
“I am thrilled to be reuniting with my editor Tony Maglio and joining the IndieWire team,” Welk said. “For years I have been an...
- 10/26/2022
- by IndieWire Staff
- Indiewire
“Community” is back in session.
After much hedging from series creator Dan Harmon, the movie adaptation of the beloved NBC series is officially a go. Peacock has ordered the film, snapping it up out of what it says was a highly competitive situation. Fans have been demanding a movie followup since the fan-led social media movement #SixSeasonsAndAMovie launched in 2014.
Original stars Joel McHale, Danny Pudi, Alison Brie, Gillian Jacobs, Jim Rash and Ken Jeong will reunite with Joel McHale as an executive producer; Chevy Chase, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Donald Glover are not listed among the movie’s cast. When IndieWire asked about their apparent lack of involvement in the project, a Peacock spokesperson responded: “These are the only details we are releasing at this time.”
McHale tagged Glover among his other cast mates when he posted the below tease on Twitter the morning of the movie announcement. Chase, who is also on Twitter,...
After much hedging from series creator Dan Harmon, the movie adaptation of the beloved NBC series is officially a go. Peacock has ordered the film, snapping it up out of what it says was a highly competitive situation. Fans have been demanding a movie followup since the fan-led social media movement #SixSeasonsAndAMovie launched in 2014.
Original stars Joel McHale, Danny Pudi, Alison Brie, Gillian Jacobs, Jim Rash and Ken Jeong will reunite with Joel McHale as an executive producer; Chevy Chase, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Donald Glover are not listed among the movie’s cast. When IndieWire asked about their apparent lack of involvement in the project, a Peacock spokesperson responded: “These are the only details we are releasing at this time.”
McHale tagged Glover among his other cast mates when he posted the below tease on Twitter the morning of the movie announcement. Chase, who is also on Twitter,...
- 9/30/2022
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
The Walt Disney Company is expected to launch a membership program similar to Amazon Prime.
Per a Wall Street Journal report, the company is currently exploring a program to offer discounts or special perks to encourage subscribers to spend more on streaming services and merchandise and at theme parks, and resorts. Experts are comparing the proposed program to Amazon Prime, which includes free two-day retail shipping, Whole Foods discounts, and the video streaming service, Prime Video, for a monthly or annual fee. The WSJ report added that according to sources, the rumored program is being informally referred to as “Disney Prime” behind closed doors. It will not actually be named that, sources stressed. Talks about the potential program are in the early stages.
To note, Amazon has a market cap of approximately 1.3 trillion, where Disney’s market cap is slightly over 200 billion. In short, Amazon is worth 6.5 Disney companies combined,...
Per a Wall Street Journal report, the company is currently exploring a program to offer discounts or special perks to encourage subscribers to spend more on streaming services and merchandise and at theme parks, and resorts. Experts are comparing the proposed program to Amazon Prime, which includes free two-day retail shipping, Whole Foods discounts, and the video streaming service, Prime Video, for a monthly or annual fee. The WSJ report added that according to sources, the rumored program is being informally referred to as “Disney Prime” behind closed doors. It will not actually be named that, sources stressed. Talks about the potential program are in the early stages.
To note, Amazon has a market cap of approximately 1.3 trillion, where Disney’s market cap is slightly over 200 billion. In short, Amazon is worth 6.5 Disney companies combined,...
- 9/1/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Warner Bros. Discovery’s crusade against its own content continued this week as 37 more titles were unceremoniously pulled from HBO Max. Children’s programming and animated series were hit especially hard following news the company was tamping down efforts in those areas. Reality TV on HBO Max has been similarly decimated, a decision underscored by layoffs in the company’s unscripted division earlier this week.
“As we work toward bringing our content catalogs together under one platform, we will be making changes to the content offering available on both HBO Max and Discovery+,” Warner Bros. Discovery execs explained per Deadline. “That will include the removal of some content from both platforms.”
“At the same time, we’re already starting to bring our content catalogs together like the launch of the new CNN Originals Hub on Discovery+ and a curated collection of Magnolia Network content coming soon to HBO Max,” the statement continued.
“As we work toward bringing our content catalogs together under one platform, we will be making changes to the content offering available on both HBO Max and Discovery+,” Warner Bros. Discovery execs explained per Deadline. “That will include the removal of some content from both platforms.”
“At the same time, we’re already starting to bring our content catalogs together like the launch of the new CNN Originals Hub on Discovery+ and a curated collection of Magnolia Network content coming soon to HBO Max,” the statement continued.
- 8/18/2022
- by Alison Foreman
- Indiewire
Last year set a record for the number of scripted original series for adults, but the “Peak TV” era probably hasn’t peaked just yet, at least if you ask FX Chairman John Landgraf.
During an executive session at the Television Critics Association press tour Tuesday, the FX brand’s boss offered some tea-leaf reading about the seemingly never-ending output of more and more TV shows. “2022 will be the high watermark — in other words, that it will mark the peak of the ‘Peak TV’ era,” he said.
Landgraf has been wrong before, and he’s the first to admit that his prediction might be done “foolishly.” But he has data on his side, courtesy of the number-crunchers at FX research.
The first half of 2022 saw 357 scripted series launch across broadcast, cable, and streaming. That’s up 16 percent compared to the same time last year. And last year’s 559 shows set an all-time record,...
During an executive session at the Television Critics Association press tour Tuesday, the FX brand’s boss offered some tea-leaf reading about the seemingly never-ending output of more and more TV shows. “2022 will be the high watermark — in other words, that it will mark the peak of the ‘Peak TV’ era,” he said.
Landgraf has been wrong before, and he’s the first to admit that his prediction might be done “foolishly.” But he has data on his side, courtesy of the number-crunchers at FX research.
The first half of 2022 saw 357 scripted series launch across broadcast, cable, and streaming. That’s up 16 percent compared to the same time last year. And last year’s 559 shows set an all-time record,...
- 8/2/2022
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
Perhaps this is not the right time for streamers to put many of their eggs in advertising, after all. On Thursday, Roku lost about one-quarter of shareholder value after reporting a rough second quarter. The culprit was underperforming ad sales, causing the streaming-device manufacturer to whiff on Wall Street’s revenue forecasts and to lose (even) more money per share than expected.
The consensus among media analysts was that Roku would lose 68 cents per share on 805.2 million in revenue. Instead, the company reported revenue of 764 million; it lost 82 cents per share. While Roku added 1.8 million active accounts in the quarter and enjoyed a 19 percent year-over-year increase in terms of hours streamed, the company is dealing with what executives called a “significant” slowdown in advertising spend.
“We are seeing advertisers worried about a possible recession, so we’re seeing them reduce their spend in places that are easy for them to...
The consensus among media analysts was that Roku would lose 68 cents per share on 805.2 million in revenue. Instead, the company reported revenue of 764 million; it lost 82 cents per share. While Roku added 1.8 million active accounts in the quarter and enjoyed a 19 percent year-over-year increase in terms of hours streamed, the company is dealing with what executives called a “significant” slowdown in advertising spend.
“We are seeing advertisers worried about a possible recession, so we’re seeing them reduce their spend in places that are easy for them to...
- 7/28/2022
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
Before its 13th season premieres this fall, the adult animated sitcom “Bob’s Burgers” is hitting the big screen. “The Bob’s Burgers Movie” opens on the prime Memorial Day weekend — even as the show was one of the least-watched broadcast series of the 2021-22 season, according to Nielsen. An average of 1.61 million people watched episodes on Fox (and that includes one week of DVR viewing), ranking “Bob’s” right between the off-time-slot episodes of “Kenan” at 8:30 p.m. and “Home Sweet Home” — two cancelled NBC shows that won’t get a film adaptation anytime soon.
So what gives? It comes at a time when adult animation has never been hotter, particularly for younger audiences. Those are the same audiences who flock to streaming platforms, not all of which are measured by Nielsen. According to Fox figures, which include proprietary data shared with IndieWire for this story, “Bob’s Burgers” is the network’s second-most-streamed show,...
So what gives? It comes at a time when adult animation has never been hotter, particularly for younger audiences. Those are the same audiences who flock to streaming platforms, not all of which are measured by Nielsen. According to Fox figures, which include proprietary data shared with IndieWire for this story, “Bob’s Burgers” is the network’s second-most-streamed show,...
- 5/26/2022
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
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