“The 1.7 million figure that [CEO Meg] Whitman cited does not indicate how many people signed up for the app, which is offering an extended 90-day free trial. Once the trial ends, Quibi … which offers shortform episodic programming … designed to be viewed on the go … will cost $5 with advertising and $8 without advertising.” – The Hollywood Reporter
Category: media
Tom Hanks, In His Kitchen, With A Camera, Defines The Spirit Of The Time
It seems unthinkable that Saturday Night Live could go on right now, but April 11’s show may mark something of a milestone – and a cultural record that should prove to be invaluable for the future. As is normal with SNL, some sketches were good and some went on way too long. But “what carried the entire experiment through was the can-do, show-must-go-on spirit, a reminder that comedy can still thrive under the strangest of circumstances.” – The Atlantic
Restaurants And Retail Are Closed, So What’s An Out-Of-Work Hollywood Artist To Do?
Podcast from home, of course. (Or work in video games or animation – those industries, perhaps unsurprisingly, are doing just fine.) – Los Angeles Times
Bollywood Grinds To A Standstill, Halting Movies And Careers
No, that’s not different from the U.S. or Nigeria, but Bollywood stars, directors, production companies, dancers and everyone else are trying to figure out what to do next. “Given the speculation that the [21-day] lockdown will be extended, producers are already anticipating major changes to the way Bollywood will operate.” – BBC
Craft Workers Side-Eye The Not So ‘Sanitary’ Conditions On Hollywood Sets
When should Hollywood start up again – and can it fix all of this? “Until now, lackadaisical hygiene has largely been accepted as part of the job. While production was shut down in an effort to slow the virus’ spread, the global pandemic has stirred debate on established cleanliness practices, raising broader questions and concerns about the definition of safe work spaces in Hollywood, particularly among production crews who are often the most exposed.” – Los Angeles Times
In The Movies AI Is Helpful… Until It Turns On You
“Artificial intelligence, and the desire to smooth out the rough edges of human biology through it, has frequently made its way into the movies. But while the most intriguing of films that dabble in the subject tell entertaining stories, they warn of the complications of relying too much on technology to solve problems. Will a smart machine bring salvation or destruction?” – The New York Times
Georgia Film Industry In Lockdown
Georgia’s film industry is big. It accounted for $3 billion film/TV production in 2019 and employs 92,100. It’s all shut down now, and many wonder if it will survive. – ArtsATL
NPR Reporter Shows You How To Build The Perfect Home Radio Studio
“Don Gonyea, NPR’s roving national political correspondent, has a lot of experience recording high-quality audio outside of a studio. He often records his features and spots from hotel rooms across the country while he follows political hopefuls. … We thought Gonyea’s expertise building temporary studios with everyday items like couch cushions and pillows may come in handy for those of you at home who could use some guidance. Here are his top tips.” – Current
Playwrights Horizons To Release Brand-New Audio Plays By Star Writers
“Soundstage, a podcast series from Playwrights Horizons announced on Thursday, allows listeners to experience world premieres by playwrights including Robert O’Hara, Heather Christian, Lucas Hnath and Jeremy O. Harris while confined safely, if sometimes uncomfortably, indoors. The podcast has been in the works for about two years, but its release date was moved up to April from the summer in response to social-distancing directives.” – The New York Times
America’s Largest Cinema Chain Will Probably Go Bankrupt: Analysts
“AMC Theatres — whose business has effectively shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic — looks increasingly likely to file for bankruptcy with its cash reserves dwindling, according to Wall Street analysts. … Even if AMC is able to tap government bailout funds, [an analyst] wrote, the company’s high leverage ratio — with $4.75 billion in debt — ‘will make for tough sledding … thus making a reorganization inevitable.'” – Variety