Does this year’s Sundance lineup suggest an American crisis of identity? “In a pre-election year of uncertainty, a failing economy and an apparently interminable war, the national mood is uneasy. American navel-gazing has rarely been deeper or more intense.”
Author: sbergman
Leif’s Year?
Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes is one of those musicians who is so famous in his home country that he can barely walk the streets, but still virtually unknown in many other corners of the music world. But this could be the year that he breaks into the pantheon of top-tier soloists worldwide.
When Funding’s On The Line, No One Is Happy
The power of the UK’s Arts Council to make or break arts organizations with its funding decisions is a constant headache for those who depend on government funds to keep their organizational heads above water. But the council says that it would be irresponsible not to periodically reevaluate how public dollars are being spent.
A Sellers’ Year At Sundance?
The writers’ strike could turn out to be a boon to filmmakers hoping to peddle their work to major studios at the Sundance Festival this month. “Studio specialty divisions and a slew of relatively new distribution companies will be looking for movies to fill their threatened schedules for later this year and 2009. And that could drive up prices for the undiscovered gem even more.”
Grammys Likely To Be Low-Key Affair
The Grammys “were supposed to be a balm to the ailing music industry, a 50th-anniversary celebration of artistry and longevity at a time of mass layoffs and sharply declining sales. Instead the music world began bracing for the latest havoc from the continuing strike by Hollywood writers, as a stalemate with the Writers Guild of America threatened to force record labels and organizers of the Grammy Awards to proceed with a show with severely diminished star wattage.”
Black Ink In Baltimore
“After five years of red ink that led to an accumulated deficit of almost $19 million in 2006, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra successfully balanced its books last season.” Ticket sales are up as well…
Why Did You Guys Come Back, Anyway?
So much was made of the January return of several late-night talk hosts in the midst of the writers’ strike that it seems fair to ask who’s actually winning this strange TV battle? David Letterman doesn’t appear to be benefiting much from having a writing staff, Jay Leno still can’t see more than one way to do a late night show, and Jon Stewart just looks like he’s having no fun at all…
Bafta Nominees Unveiled
The UK’s Bafta Film Award nominees were unveiled today, with Golden Globe winner Atonement leading the field. “Amid fears that a writers’ strike could jeopardize this year’s Oscars ceremony, the red carpet BAFTA show at London’s Royal Opera House on Feb. 10 could attract plenty of Hollywood glamour.”
Oscars Might Not Be Broadcast
Hollywood continues to insist that the Oscars will not be canceled, regardless of whether the writers’ strike is still ongoing. But there is a very real risk that the ceremony could be severely scaled back, and even pulled off television entirely.
The Inherent Contradictions of Sundance
“The Sundance Film Festival is always the most paradoxical of events, and this year’s edition is shaping up as no exception… [It] celebrates independence, but it has become known as a site for celebrity swag.” And for a fest that is known for launching unknown films and filmmakers, it sports an unusual number of high-profile movies with famous names attached.