But … they do. The theme: Flamin’ Haute. Why, though? “To be a brand in 2019 isn’t to be just a brand. Everything, our individual selves included, is now so online. Brands must be personas, asserting themselves on every social media platform for clout and relevance, and brands must stand out through experiences and ‘activations,’ like hosting a fashion show or providing themed makeovers. The reward is exposure and attention as the economy of influencers churns on.” – Vice
Month: September 2019
Many New Accusers And Sources In Book About Harvey Weinstein
The Weinstein Company’s accountant was one of the key sources in the reporters’ investigation, for one thing. “It was Mr. Reiter who provided the reporters with an explosive internal memo from an employee who described Weinstein’s routine harassment of junior female employees and actresses. Mr. Reiter also alerted Ms. Kantor and Ms. Twohey, who were investigating financial settlements for sexual harassment from decades ago, to other recent accusations against Mr. Weinstein, bringing new urgency to the investigation.” – The New York Times
The Star Of Crazy Rich Asians On Women Of Color In Hollywood
Constance Wu is about to star in the movie Hustlers alongside Jennifer Lopez, Cardi B, Lizzo, and some rising stars on the film scene – and it’s a film directed by a woman and written by a woman. Wu wishes none of this were a big deal though – not because it isn’t, but because things should be better: “Part of us should stop being grateful for scraps from the table and demand the whole table. Because it shouldn’t have been history that I was the first in that TV show or movie. It shouldn’t be historic that Hollywood made a story that gives an Asian American a full human experience. That should be regular.” – NPR
What Did The Venice Film Festival Just Say To Women And The MeToo Movement?
About the fest’s awards. The Daily Beast headline is “Child Rapist Roman Polanski Wins Venice Film Festival Award,” so there’s one point of view. A more reportorial version comes from Variety, which soberly says the wins for The Joker and the Polanski movie An Officer and a Spy capped “a festival marked by debate over gender representation and the impact of #MeToo in the industry.” You don’t say. – Variety
How Should Writers Deal With Climate Change?
Novelist Amitav Ghosh has some ideas, but most of all, he wants writers to deal with it in their books instead of ignoring it. “Something this big and this important, there have to be an infinite number of ways to just talk about it,” he said. – The New York Times
After Controversy, Jewish Theatre Artists In Britain Form Collective To Draft ‘Best Practices ‘Guide
A few weeks ago, the group said in an open letter that Jews were not sufficiently represented onstage – or offstage, in production teams – in the theatre in Britain, criticism sparked by a production of The Falsettos. What to do about it? Well, the group, now named the Jewish Artists’ Collective, “will draft a best-practice proposal for the industry and open a conversation with both Jewish and non-Jewish artists.” – The Stage (UK)
Nothing Says ‘This Movie Needs Your Attention’ Like A Mass Walkout
The latest in a long line of cinema that makes critics and others walk out in the middle of a film? The Painted Bird, a new adaptation of the Jerzy Kozinski novel. “Cinema seats don’t tend to flip back anymore, but it sounds as if the drama within the auditorium was impressive enough without those percussive thuds.” – The Irish Times
What’s Up With British Pathé Newsreels’ Terrifying Puppets?
Er, what were you doing, British Pathé? “At the height of the Blitz, the British government made the bold decision to communicate Nazi air raid safety tips to the population the only way they knew how: the art of ventriloquism.” – Slate
How Awkwafina Went From Her Trash-Talk Viral Video About Genitalia To Serious Starring Roles In Hollywood
Nora Lum – that is, Awkwafina – is everywhere in Hollywood now, including some new Disney properties. But she got her start through fangirling actress Lucy Liu – the only visible Asian American woman in Hollywood when Awkwafina was young. (Oh, and she also got her start as a self-taught trumpet player, that traditional path to acting stardom, going to LaGuardia High School in Manhattan.) – The Guardian (UK)
The Habits Of Highly Effective Writers
It’s clear that aspiring writers should get up early, write every day, write only when they feel like it, write in the afternoon, write longhand, definitely use a laptop, never get distracted, allow themselves to fool around on the internet for certain periods of time, have a space of their own, work at coffee shops, and so much more. – The New York Times