It’s tax credit time again – that time of year when collectors give away art to institutions (in part) to claim tax breaks. Two such gifts – one in the US, the other in London point up the differences in tax laws. – New York Times
Blog
THE ART OF DIPLOMACY
The halls of the United Nations are filled with valuable art. But curating the collection is an art in itself. “The greatest problem facing the arts committee is preventing the United Nations from becoming a curiosity shop.” – Los Angeles Times
CLEAN SWEEP
On the whole, last month’s conference on the cleaning of the Elgin marbles in the 1930s was pretty decorous, despite the controversies. Until the last few minutes, of course, when “the Greek press attaché was ordered to shut up, author William St Clair was ‘disinvited’ from the closing dinner and for a moment it seemed as if scuffles might break out among the warring academics.” – The Art Newspaper
PAIN AT THE PIANO
From beginners to pros – a study of surviving musicianship. New survival guide to be published in April offers help. – Los Angeles Times
CEZANNE STOLEN LAST WEEK IN OXFORD —
— was not insured. The news underlines concern that many British museums are seriously underinsured. – The Art Newspaper
OH JESSICA, IT’S JANUARY
Welcome to January, or as it’s known in the film world, ‘January?! You’re going to release my movie in January?! Jan-u-frickin-ary?!’ This is a month that’s typically, though not exclusively, used to debut pictures that were originally scheduled for a summer or fall release — until someone important actually saw the completed films and walked from the screening room with a stride that just screamed, ‘January,’ the sound of those wing-tip shoes revealing all: Click. Click. Click. Click. Jan. U. Air. E.” – National Post (Canada) 01/07/00
CHEWED UP AND SPIT OUT
He was going to be different. His sitcom was going to fly. His deal was going to work. He liked the nice cars. Business class. Nice restaurants. The studio liked him. He had a deal. And suddenly it was all over. A cautionary tale in the land of sitcoms. – National Post (Canada) 01/07/00
FOR THIS YOU WANT TAX BREAKS?
Even as the entertainment industry is sounding the alarm about runaway productions leaving Hollywood, new figures show entertainment production was up a bit in ’99 in Los Angeles. Declines in feature films and TV were offset by increases in commercials and student films. – Variety 01/07/00
MULTI-CHANNEL ATTACK
BBC ratings down in Britain as other channels pick up viewers. – Variety 01/07/00
FRUSTRATING FRUSTRATION
Trying to make an original musical in Cuba, a director is redirected when his financing falls through. Instead, he makes a movie about putting together a project he knows will never happen. – New York Times 01/07/00
- A review of the film. – Christian Science Monitor 01/07/00