Negromancer News Bits and Bites from September 1st to 10th, 2022 - Update #20

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE NEWS:

D23 - From TheWrap:  "Indiana Jones 5" trailer brings down the house at D23, Sat., Sept 10th.

From Variety:  At the Disney Legends Award Ceremony at the D23 Expo on Friday, Sept. 9th, the late actor, Chadwick Boseman, was officially named a "Disney Legend."  His brother, Derrick Boseman, gave an emotional acceptance speech.

DISNEY - From Deadline:  Former Disney boss, Robert "Bob" Iger, predicts a reckoning for streaming services, the death of linear and satellite TV, and a "smaller and scarred" movie industry.

AMAZON - From THR:  The cast of Prime Video’s "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" is united in speaking out about racist threats that  non-white performers from the show have apparently faced.

OBAMAS - From CNN:  Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama's official White House portraits were unveiled during an emotional ceremony at the White House on Wednesday, September 7, 2022.

SCANDAL - From TheWrap:  If you are interested, the site has a timeline and explanation of the drama behind the upcoming film, "Don't Worry Darling, directed by Olivia Wilde and starring Florence Pugh and Harry Styles.

From Variety:  Connected to "Don't Worry Darling," Harry Styles addresses the story that he spit on co-star Chris Pine during an interview.

CELEBRITY - From Variety:  Oscar-winner Jennifer Lawrence talks motherhood, the Hollywood pay gap, and falling out with her "Republican family" over the fall of "Roe v. Wade."

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 9/2 to 9/4/2022 weekend box office is Sony/Marvel Studios' re-release, "Spider-Man: No Way Home," with an estimated take of 6 million dollars.

From Here:  The Negromancer review of "Spider-Man: No Way Home."

From Variety:  "Top Gun: Maverick" has passed "Black Panther" has the fifth-highest grossing film in North America.

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EMMY AWARDS - From THR:  Creative Arts Emmys: Night 1 (Sat., Sept. 3rd) - A winner's list

From THR:  At Saturday's "Creative Emmy Arts," former President Barack Obama won his first Emmy. It was in the category "Outstand Narration" for "A World of Wonder" episode of "Our Great National Parks."  Obama is the second U.S. President to win an Emmy, but the first to win in a competitive category. Dwight D. Eisenhower won the "Governor's Award" in 1956.

From THR:  The Disney+ live-action/animation hybrid film, "Chip ‘n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers," won the Emmy Award for "outstanding television movie"  during the second night of the 2022 Creative Arts Emmys.

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MOVIES - From VanityFair:  The site has a Fall 2022 movie preview guide with  "34 Films to Watch Out For"

CELEBRITY - From GQUK:  British comedy and television legend, Lenny Henry, talks about becoming a major player in fantasy streaming series, like Netflix's "The Sandman" and Amazon's "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power."

FILM FESTIVALS - From Variety:  At the 79th Venice Film Festival, director Todd Field's "Tar," which stars Cate Blanchett gets a six-minute standing ovation.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  MGM has bought the Miramax film project, "The Beekeeper," from director David Ayer ("Suicide Squad") and starring Jason Statham.  It will begin filming in late September and the entire cast has not been finalized.

OBITS:

From BBC:  The Queen of the United Kingdom, Elizabeth II, has died at the age of 96, Thursday, September 8, 2022.  Born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary of the House of Windsor, Queen Elizabeth II was the longest reigning British monarch (70 years and 214 days) and second longest recorded of a monarch of a sovereign nation.  Her son, Charles Philip Arthur George, is now Charles III, King of the United Kingdom and of the Commonwealth realm.

From BBC:  Queen Elizabeth II - a life in pictures.

From TheNewYorkTimes:  American journalist and television anchorman, Bernard Shaw, has died at the age of 82, Wednesday, September 7, 2022.  Shaw was the founding anchor of CNN, being the lead anchor from 1980 until his retirement in March 2001.  Shaw was also a former U.S. Marine who served during the Vietnam War.

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BRITTNEY GRINER:

From TheDailyBeast:   Legendary NBA bad boy and champion (Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls), Dennis Rodman claims that he has been given permission to go to Russia and help free imprisoned hostage, WNBA star, Brittney Griner.

From Vox:  Vox's Jonathan Guyer talks the Brittney Griner case with Danielle Gilbert, a Dartmouth professor who is writing a book about states and rogue actors that take hostages.

From ESPN:   A Russian court sentenced WNBA star Brittney Griner to nine years in prison Thursday, Aug. 4th.  Griner was arrested Feb. 17 for bringing cannabis into the country and pleaded guilty July 7, though the case continued under Russian law.

From ESPN:  The Biden administration has offered a deal to Russia aimed at bringing home WNBA star Brittney Griner and another jailed American, Paul Whelan, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday.

From RSN:  "Will Support From LeBron James, Joe Rogan, Kim Kardashian, and Other Celebrities Help Free Brittney Griner From a Russian Prison?" by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar via Substack

From ESPN:  Detained WNBA star Brittney Griner pleaded guilty on Thursday to bringing hashish oil into Russia, telling a judge that she had done so "inadvertently" while asking the court for mercy.

From CBSSports:  The Brittney Griner situation explained.

From RSN:  According to The Washington Post Editorial Board: "Brittney Griner is a hostage, plain and simple."

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from May 23rd to 31st, 2021 - Update #22

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE NEWS: 

BOX OFFICE - From Variety:  "A Quiet Place Part II" leads the four-day Memorial Day weekend holiday (5/28 to 5/31/2021) box office with an estimated gross of 57 million dollars.

 

From Variety:  The winner of the 5/28 to 5/30/21 weekend box office is "A Quiet Place Part II" with an estimated take of 48 million dollars.  That is also the biggest three-day take of the pandemic era.

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MEMORIAL DAY - From BusinessInsider:   A soldier who photographed World War II in Europe describes 6 of his photos that reveal the "insanity of war."

TV NEWS/OBIT - From Deadline:  The television and film actor, Joe Lara (58), his wife, diet guru Gwen Shamblin Lara (66), were two of seven people killed in a plane crash near Nashville on Sat. May 29, 2021.  Joe Lara was best known for his starring role in the syndicated TV series, "Tarzan: The Epic Adventures" (1996-97).

MOVIES - From WeGotThisCovered:  Does Universal Pictures really want a "Fast & Furious"/"Jurassic World" spinoff?

MOVIES - From Deadline:   In an interview with the site, Grammy Award-winning electronic music legend, Moby, talks about making a documentary about himself, "Moby Doc."

CHADWICK BOSEMAN - From Variety:  Howard University announced today that the newly re-established college of fine arts, led by Dean Phylicia Rashad, will be named the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts for Chadwick Boseman ("Black Panther"), the late actor and distinguished alumnus.

 

From WashPost:   The renaming of Howard University's newly re-established college of arts and sciences unites Howard and Walt Disney Co.’s executive chairman, Bob Iger, who will spearhead fundraising for an endowment named after Chadwick Boseman, as well as help raise money for the construction of a state-of-the-art building on Howard’s campus. The new building will house the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, the Cathy Hughes School of Communications, the school’s TV station, WHUT, and radio station, WHUR 96.3 FM.

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AMAZON - From Deadline:  Amazon is reportedly buying movie studio, MGM, for 8.45 billion dollars.

TELEVISION - From Deadline:   The CW has announced its 2021-22 Fall television schedule.

ANIMATION - From Deadline:  Universal Pictures will release "The Boss Baby: Family Business," the sequel to DreamWorks Animation's 2017, Oscar-nominated hit, "The Boss Baby," on July 2nd in theaters and streaming on the premium tiers on the "Peacock" streaming service.

MOVIES - From Deadline:   Oscar-nominee Timothee Chalamet to play "Willy Wonda" in an origin story film from Warner Bros. and Roald Dahl Story Co.

TELEVISION - From Deadline:   CBS has announced its initial 2021-22 television season lineup and it is full of crime shows.

STREAMING - From BloodyDisgusting:   Hulu has reportedly obtained Spyglass Media's remake of the cult horror classic, "Hellraiser" (1987).  HBO Max is also working on a "Hellraiser" TV series with director David Gordon Green of the "Halloween" remake.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:   The winner of the 5/20 to 5/22/2021 weekend box office is "Spiral: From the Book of Saw" with an estimated take of 4.55 million dollars.

 

From Variety:   The "Saw" film franchise is now a billion-dollar franchise.  “Spiral,” the latest entry in the horror series, earned another $4.5 million in North America and $2.67 million overseas this weekend.  That haul pushed the property to $1,000,799,533 globally across nine films.

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MOVIES - From Variety:   To coincide with the release of his new film, "Army of the Dead," writer William Earl of Variety ranks director Zack Snyder ("Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice") ten feature films - 10 through 1.

STREAMING - From Deadline:   Sigourney Weaver is to lead a series adaptation of Holly Ringland’s book, "The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart," for Amazon.

OBITS:

From Variety:   Noted television actor, Gavin MacLeod, has died at the age of 90, Saturday, May 29, 2021.  MacLeod appeared in the first two seasons of the former ABC sitcom, "McHale's Navy."  He was a series regular on CBS' "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" (1970-77), during the entire length of the series.  However, MacLeod was best known as "Captain Merrill Stubing" on ABC's romantic comedy-drama series, "The Love Boat" (1977-86).

From Deadline:  The singer and recording artist, B.J. Thomas, has died at the age of 78, Saturday, May 29, 2021.  His biggest hits were recordings of songs written by others, including "Hooked on a Feeling" (1968), "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" (1969), and "(Hey Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song" (1975).  Thomas' recording of "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" appeared in the film "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" (1969) reached #1 on the "Billboard Hot 100" chart.  It also won the "Best Song" Oscar for the songwriters, Burt Bacharach and Hal David.  Thomas also won five Grammy Awards for his Christian music recordings.

From DeseretNews:   Former NBA player, Mark Eaton, has died at the age of 64, Friday, May 28, 2021.  Eaton played his entire 11 year career (1982-93) with the Utah Jazz.  At the height of 7 feet 4 inches, Eaton was known as a "gentle giant" and as a gentleman.  However, Eaton was a dominant defender winning "NBA Defensive Player of the Year" in 1985 and 1989, and he was either "NBA All-Defensive First Team" or "Second Team" from 1985 to 1989."  He was a 1989 NBA All-Star.

From Deadline:  Musician and former child star, Kevin Clark, has died at the age of 32, Wednesday, May 26, 2021.  At the age of 13, Clark played the drummer, Freddy "Spazzy" McGee, in the 2003 film, "School of Rock."

From BroadwayWorld:  The actor and singer, Samuel E. Wright, has died at the age of 74, Monday, May 24, 2021.  Wright was best known as the voice of "Sebastian the Crab" in Walt Disney's classic animated feature film, "The Littler Mermaid" (1989).  He provided the lead vocals for the film's signature hit song, "Under the Sea," which one the "Best Song" Oscar.  Wright was also an original cast member of Disney's "The Lion King" Broadway musical, playing "Mufasa."  Wright was also a two-time Tony Award nominee.

The Walt Disney Company Announces Strategic Reorganization

The Walt Disney Company Announces Strategic Reorganization of Its Media and Entertainment Businesses

New Structure Designed to Further Accelerate the Company’s Direct-to-Consumer Strategy, in light of the Rapid Success of Disney+

Company’s Creative Engines Will Focus on Producing Content for DTC as well as Legacy Platforms, while Newly Centralized Distribution Group Will Oversee Commercialization and Distribution of All Content Globally

Alan F. Horn and Alan Bergman, Peter Rice, and James Pitaro Will Lead the Company’s Three Content Creation Groups

Kareem Daniel Named Chairman, Media and Entertainment Distribution, Which Will Include the Company’s Streaming Services, Led by Rebecca Campbell

Disney Sets December 10 as Date for Virtual Investor Day

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In light of the tremendous success achieved to date in the Company’s direct-to-consumer business and to further accelerate its DTC strategy, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) announced a strategic reorganization of its media and entertainment businesses. Under the new structure, Disney’s world-class creative engines will focus on developing and producing original content for the Company’s streaming services, as well as for legacy platforms, while distribution and commercialization activities will be centralized into a single, global Media and Entertainment Distribution organization. The new Media and Entertainment Distribution group will be responsible for all monetization of content—both distribution and ad sales—and will oversee operations of the Company’s streaming services. It will also have sole P&L accountability for Disney’s media and entertainment businesses.

    “Kareem is an exceptionally talented, innovative and forward-looking leader, with a strong track record for developing and implementing successful global content distribution and commercialization strategies”

The creation of content will be managed in three distinct groups—Studios, General Entertainment, and Sports—headed by current leaders Alan F. Horn and Alan Bergman, Peter Rice, and James Pitaro. The Media and Entertainment Distribution group will be headed by Kareem Daniel, formerly President, Consumer Products, Games and Publishing. All five leaders will report directly to Bob Chapek, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. Disney Parks, Experiences and Products will continue to operate under its existing structure, led by Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, who continues to report to Mr. Chapek. Rebecca Campbell will serve as Chairman, International Operations and Direct-to-Consumer. Bob Iger, in his role as Executive Chairman, will continue to direct the Company’s creative endeavors.

“Given the incredible success of Disney+ and our plans to accelerate our direct-to-consumer business, we are strategically positioning our Company to more effectively support our growth strategy and increase shareholder value,” Mr. Chapek said. “Managing content creation distinct from distribution will allow us to be more effective and nimble in making the content consumers want most, delivered in the way they prefer to consume it. Our creative teams will concentrate on what they do best—making world-class, franchise-based content—while our newly centralized global distribution team will focus on delivering and monetizing that content in the most optimal way across all platforms, including Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ and the coming Star international streaming service.”

Under the new structure, the Company’s three content groups will be responsible and accountable for producing and delivering content for theatrical, linear and streaming, with the primary focus being the Company’s streaming services:

    STUDIOS: Messrs. Horn and Bergman will serve as Chairmen, Studios Content, which will focus on creating branded theatrical and episodic content based on the Company’s powerhouse franchises for theatrical exhibition, Disney+ and the Company’s other streaming services. The group will include the content engines of The Walt Disney Studios, including Disney live action and Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios and Searchlight Pictures.
    GENERAL ENTERTAINMENT: Mr. Rice will serve as Chairman, General Entertainment Content, which will focus on creating general entertainment episodic and original long-form content for the Company’s streaming platforms and its cable and broadcast networks. The group will include the content engines of 20th Television, ABC Signature and Touchstone Television; ABC News; Disney Channels; Freeform; FX; and National Geographic.
    SPORTS: Mr. Pitaro will serve as Chairman, ESPN and Sports Content, which will focus on ESPN’s live sports programming, as well as sports news and original and non-scripted sports-related content, for the cable channels, ESPN+, and ABC.

The Media and Entertainment Distribution group, led by Mr. Daniel, will be responsible for the P&L management and all distribution, operations, sales, advertising, data and technology functions worldwide for all of the Company’s content engines, and it will also manage operations of the Company’s streaming services and domestic television networks. The group will work in close collaboration with the content creation teams on programming and marketing.

A 14-year Disney veteran, Mr. Daniel has held leadership positions across a variety of businesses, including consumer products, games and interactive experiences, publishing, studio distribution, and Walt Disney Imagineering. He has a deep understanding of the Company’s brands and franchises and vast experience extending original IP into experiential storytelling across business segments. Prior to leading Consumer Products, Games and Publishing, Mr. Daniel served as President of Walt Disney Imagineering Operations, Product Creation, Publishing and Games, where he was responsible for helping to transform IP from the various content partners into evergreen franchise properties at Disney’s parks and resorts, including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge lands at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World and Shanghai Disneyland, and Pixar Pier and the upcoming Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure Park.

Mr. Daniel also served as Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development for Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media, and prior to that, as Vice President of Distribution Strategy at Walt Disney Studios, where he worked closely with the leadership in developing the Company’s film content distribution strategy across multiple platforms and played a key role in the commercialization of the Studio’s films.

“Kareem is an exceptionally talented, innovative and forward-looking leader, with a strong track record for developing and implementing successful global content distribution and commercialization strategies,” said Mr. Chapek. “As we now look to rapidly grow our direct-to-consumer business, a key focus will be delivering and monetizing our great content in the most optimal way possible, and I can think of no one better suited to lead this effort than Kareem. His wealth of experience will enable him to effectively bring together the Company’s distribution, advertising, marketing and sales functions, thereby creating a distribution powerhouse that will serve all of Disney’s media and entertainment businesses.”

“I’m honored to be able to lead this new organization during such a pivotal and exciting time for our Company, and I’m grateful to Bob for giving me the opportunity,” said Mr. Daniel. “It’s a tremendous privilege to work with the talented and dedicated teams that will comprise this group, and I look forward to a close collaboration with the outstanding and incredibly successful team of creative content leaders at the Company, as together we build on the success we’ve already achieved in our DTC and legacy distribution business.”

With the reorganization, the Direct-to-Consumer and International business will no longer be managed on a combined basis. In Ms. Campbell’s role leading international operations, she will be responsible for coordinating and integrating activities across the various business units in each market to best represent the Company’s overall interests, and will report to Mr. Chapek. In her role leading direct-to-consumer operations for Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+, she will report to Mr. Daniel.

The new structure is effective immediately, and the Company expects to transition to financial reporting under this structure in the first quarter of fiscal 2021.

The Company will hold a virtual Investor Day on December 10, 2020 where it will present further details of its direct-to-consumer strategies.

Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain statements and information in this communication may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Federal Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements such as business structuring plans and the business impacts thereof, business positioning, future growth or value and other statements that are not historical in nature. These statements are made on the basis of management’s views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance as of the time the statements are made. Management does not undertake any obligation to update these statements.

Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Such differences may result from actions taken by the Company, including restructuring or strategic initiatives (including capital investments, asset acquisitions or dispositions, integration initiatives and timing of synergy realization, new or expanded business lines or cessation of certain operations) or other business decisions, as well as from developments beyond the Company’s control, including:

    changes in domestic and global economic conditions, competitive conditions and consumer preferences;
    adverse weather conditions or natural disasters;
    health concerns;
    international, regulatory, political, or military developments;
    technological developments; and
    labor markets and activities;

each such risk includes the current and future impacts of, and is amplified by, COVID-19 and related mitigation efforts.

Such developments may further affect entertainment, travel and leisure businesses generally and may, among other things, affect (or further affect, as applicable):

    the performance of the Company’s theatrical and home entertainment releases;
    the advertising market for broadcast and cable television programming;
    demand for our products and services;
    construction;
    expenses of providing medical and pension benefits;
    income tax expense;
    performance of some or all company businesses either directly or through their impact on those who distribute our products; and
    achievement of anticipated benefits of the TFCF transaction.

Additional factors are set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 28, 2019 under Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis,” Item 1, “Business,” and subsequent reports, including, among others, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Forms 8-K.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from April 1st to 11th, 2020 - Update #43

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

Support Leroy on Patreon:

CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 and Hollywood and Beyond:

From YahooNews:  Why does COVID-19 kill some people and hardly affects others?

From YahooNews:  Yahoo has a dedicated page of links updating news about COVID-19.

From Deadline:  The news site "Deadline" has a dedicated page for news about coronavirus and the film, TV, and entertainment industries.

From TheNewYorker:  The venerable magazine has a dedicate COVID-19 page free to all readers.

From YahooNews:  Re: the federal government's response to COVID-19: What if the most important election of our lifetime was the last one - 2016?

From THR:  Universal test the bounds of premium on-demand (VOD) with the release of DreamWorks Animation, "Trolls World Tour," the sequel to its 2016 animated hit, "Trolls."  The film will also be released in the few movie theaters that remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic.

From Truthout:  Venture capitalist says that we should let "hedge funds" and billionaire CEOs get wiped out by the COVID-19 economic meltdown.  And that venture capitalist is himself a billionaire.

From Deadline:  The COVID-19 production shutdown of Hollywood has also halted production on the "Friends" reunion special that was set to debut with the streaming service, HBO Max's launch.

From YahooNews:  Veteran big rig truck driver describes the "chaos" after COVID-19.

From TheDailyBeast:  Filmmaker Tyler Perry payed for senior citizens' groceries in more than 70 stories combined in Georgia and Louisiana.  These were people who shopped during the time reserved for seniors to avoid COVID-19.

From YahooSports:  With the NBA shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard, CJ McCollum, says that some NBA players are living paycheck to paycheck.

From YahooEntertainment:  "Harry Potter" author, J.K. Rowling, says that she is fully recovered from having COVID-19 symptoms.

From YahooNews:  U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who revealed on March 27th that he had tested positive for COVID-19, recently entered the hospital.  Now, he has been moved to intensive care.

From YahooGMA:  Disney has launched a new free website for quarantined family, DisneyMagicMoments.com.

From Truthout:  In the age of COVID-19, is it time to abolish all debt?  It's time for a "Jubilee Year."

From YahooEntertainment:  Recording artist, John Taylor, bassist for the legendary British pop band, "Duran Duran," reveals that he tested positive for COVID-19 three weeks ago, and he reminds fans that testing positive doesn't not always mean death.

From PageSix:  On Friday (April 3rd), Grammy-winning recording artist, Pink, revealed that both she and her three-year old son had tested positive for COVID-19

From Variety:  U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who revealed on March 27th that he had tested positive for COVID-19, has entered the hospital.

From YahooNews:  President Donald and the federal government's 14 biggest failures in response to COVID-19.

From TheWeek:  President Donald is incapable of taking the coronavirus outbreak seriously.

From YahooTheWeek:  In having Navy Captain Brett Crozier of the USS Theodore Roosevelt removed, President Donald is playing with "revolutionary fire" in how he handles COVID-19 among military members.

From ShadowandAct:  The COVID-19 pandemic has caused Universal Pictures and MGM to move their "Candyman" remake from its June 12th release date to September 25, 2020.

From CNN:  CNN anchor Brooke Baldwin announced today (Fri., April 3rd) that she has tested positive for COVID-19.  She said that she experienced symptoms on Thursday afternoon, when "chills, aches, fever," suddenly came on her.

From Deadline:  British television writer, Dominic Minghella, creator of the comedy series, "Doc Martin" (ITV), says that he was hospitalized for five days with COVID-19 symptoms.

From CBSNews:  Daniel Newman, a 38-year-old film and TV actor who appeared in 10 episodes of AMC's "The Walking Dead" across Seasons 6, 7, and 8, has said that he was billed $9,000 for a coronavirus test.  However, the Georgia hospital that performed the test said that they could not process the test, but still billed Newman.

From YahooSports:  NFL player agent, Buddy Baker, has announced that both his parents died Sunday (March 29, 2020), six minutes apart from complications of COVID-19.

From Variety:  The All England Lawn Tennis Club has announced the cancellation of the 2020 Wimbledon Tennis Tournament (which was to be the 134th edition of the tournament), the first time the tournament has been cancelled since World War II.  The 134th edition of the tournament will now be staged from June 28 to July 11, 2021.

COVID-19 OBITS:

From Deadline:  Veteran actor Allen Garfield has died at the age of 80, Tuesday, April 7, 2020 of complications of COVID-19.  He impressive resume includes performances in such films as "The Conversation," "The Candidate," and "Nashville."

From Deadline:  Country folk singer-songwriter, John Prine, has died at the age of 73, Tuesday, April 7, 2020, of complications of COVID-19.  A two-time Grammy Award winner, Prine was considered one of the most influential songwriters of his generation.

From YahooEntertainment:  The actor Jay Benedict has died at the age of 68, Saturday, April 4, 2020 of complications of COVID-19.  Although born in the United States, Benedict worked mainly in the United Kingdom and Europe after moving there in the 1960s.  He best known work includes an appearance in James Cameron's "Aliens" (1986) and two episodes in the Brit TV drama, "Foyle's War."

From YahooSports:  Former NFL placekicker, Tom Dempsey, has died at the age of 73, Saturday, April 4, 2020 of complications of COVID-19.  Dempsey is best known for his time with the New Orleans Saints when he kicked a then-record 63-year field goal.

From Variety:  The actress Lee Fierro has died at the age of 91 of complications of COVID-19.  She is best known for playing the role of Mrs. Kintner, the mother of the second victim of the shark in "Jaws" (1975).

From CNN:  The American jazz pianist and educator, Ellis Marsalis, Jr., has died at the age of 85, Wednesday, April 1, 2020 from complications of COVID-19.  Marsalis was also the patriarch of a legendary musical family, which included sons, Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Delfeayo Marsalis, and Jason Marsalis, who all became jazz musicians.  His two others sons are Ellis III and Mboya.  Ellis' noted students include Harry Connick, Jr. and Terrence Blanchard.

From Variety:  Singer, songwriter, and recording artist, Adam Schlesinger, has died at the age of 52, Wednesday, April 1, 2020.  Schlesinger was the co-founder of the rock band, "Fountains of Wayne."  He won three Emmy Awards and one Grammy Award.  He was also nominated for a best song Oscar for the song, "That Thing You Do," from the 1996 film, "That Thing You Do!"

MOVIE NEWS:

From Variety:   Director Luca Guadagnino says that actors Timothy Chalamet and Armie Hammer are returning for a sequel to his Oscar-winning film, "Call Me by Your Name."

From THR:  How the 1918 Spanish flu shut down Hollywood.

From YahooEntertainment:  Michael Caine said that Christopher Nolan is so secretive about his new film, "Tenet," that Nolan did not give him a full script, but only the pages he needed for his scenes.  Caine said that he shot for only a day and acted with the film's lead, John David Washington.

TELEVISION NEWS:

From Deadline:  The sixth and final season of Fox's "Empire" will end early.  The 18th episode was the last filmed before production was shutdown because of COVID-19, and it will now serve as the series finale.  It will air April 21st.

STREAMING NEWS:

DISNEY - From Newsarama:  The streaming service Disney+ has surpassed 50 million subscribers worldwide.

DISNEY - From Deadline:  Late last week Disney announced that its big-budget fantasy film, "Artemis Fowl" would move to the streaming service, Disney+, although it had been meant for a post-Memorial Day theatrical release.  Disney executive chairman, Bob Iger, says a few more movies might be going directly to Disney+

STAR TREK - From Variety:  Showrunner Michael Chabon is glad that his CBS All Access series, "Star Trek: Picard" is so divisive.

From BET:  Will Smith has two comedy shows, "This Joka" and "Will From Home," to entertain in these difficult times.

OBITS:

From Deadline:  The actor James Drury has died at the age of 85, Monday, April 6, 2020.  Drury is best known for playing the nameless title character on the long-running Western TV series, "The Virginian" (NBC, 1962 to 1971).

From BBC:  The British actress Honor Blackman has died at the age of 94, Sunday, April 5, 2020.  Blackman is best known for several roles.  She was "Cathy Gale" on the first two seasons of the cult British TV series, "The Avengers."  She was the classic Bond girl, "Pussy Galore," in the 1964 James Bond film, "Goldfinger."  She was also the goddess, "Hera," in "Jason and the Argonaunts" (1963)

From Variety:  R&B singer and songwriter, Bill Withers, died at the age of 81, Monday, March 30, 2020.  Withers actively recorded music from 1970 to 1985, and his biggest success came in the 1970s with such timeless hits as "Ain't No Sunshine" (1971), "Lean On Me" (1972), and "Use Me" (1972), all or which he wrote.  Withers won three Grammy Awards and was nominated for another four.  Withers was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015 (by Stevie Wonder).

From TheWrap:  The actor Logan Williams has died at the age of 16, Thursday, April 2, 2020.  Williams was best known for his role on The CW's superhero TV series, "The Flash."  He also appeared in Hallmark's "When Calls the Heart."

From Deadline:  Visual effects producer, Rebecca Ramsey, died at the age of 53, Saturday, March 7, 2020.  Among her dozens of credits are "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," "The Hunger Games," and "Watchmen."

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from February 23rd to 29th, 2020 - Update #27

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

Support Leroy on Patreon:

DISNEY - From YahooEntertainment:  Walt Disney's classic animated feature film, Pinocchio, is 80 years old.  This article tells you five things you may not know about the film, including that Disney had to make us like an unlikable character.

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AWARDS - From Deadline:  At the 2020 Cesar Awards (France's Academy Awards), Roman Polanski wins "Best Director" for his film, "An Officer and a Spy."  That caused some comotion...

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MOVIES - From Variety:  The coronavirus outbreak is wreaking havoc with the launch efforts of major Hollywood films.

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TELEVISION - From Deadline:  Television super-producer, Dick Wolf ("Law & Order" and "Chicago" franchises), signs a five-year, nine-figure mega-deal with Universal TV.  That follows his nine-figure deal with Universal's "Peacock" streaming network.  Both deals are thought to be worth close to a one billion dollars.

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TRAILER - From THR:  Jordan Peele debuts the first trailer for his new film, "Candyman," which he produced and Nia DaCosta.

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JAMES BOND - From CNET:  The upcoming James Bond film, "No Time to Die," looks to be the longest Bond film ever at over two and a half hours.

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CELEBRITY - From YahooFinance:  Former action movie box office star, Steven Seagal, has been fined by the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) for promoting a "cryptocurrency."

From TheGuardian:  On a trip to Europe, Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow takes precautions in lights of the "coronavirus" outbreak, and that reminds her of a movie in which she starred - Steven Soderbergh's excellent "Contagion" (2011).

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Steven Spielberg has directed all the "Indiana Jones" films thus far, beginning with "Raiders of the Lost Art" (1981) to the most recent "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls" (2008).  For "Indiana Jones 5," Spielberg wants to hand the directorial reigns to Oscar-nominee James Mangold ("Ford v. Ferrari").

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MOVIES  - From Variety:  Kevin Hart's next film is an untitled action-comedy being developed by Universal Pictures and is based on an original idea from “Broad City’s” Lucia Aniello and Paul W. Downs.

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TELEVISION - From THR:  The main cast for "American Horror Story" Season 10 has been announced.  Among the cast is child star icon, Macaulay Culkin of "Home Alone" fame.

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DISNEY - From Deadline:  Bob Iger has stepped down effective immediately as CEO of the Walt Disney Company.  Disney's Board of Directors has named Bob Chapek the new CEO effective immediately.  Iger will remain "Executive Chairman" through the end of his contract on Dec. 31, 2021.

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MOVIES - From Newsarama:  The title of the third "Jurassic World" film is "Jurassic World: Dominion."  The film is due June 11, 2021.

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MOVIES - From YahooEntertainment:  The writers of the 1995 film, "Outbreak," talk about the sudden relevance of their film as the coronavirus "COVID-19" scares the world.

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MOVIES - From Collider:  Ahead of the release of the first trailer for Jordan Peele's update of "Candyman," we get some teasing.

From BloodyDisgusting:  This article provides a look at writer Clive Barker's iconic horror character, "Candyman," before he was a movie character played by actor Tony Todd.

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CELEBRITY - From Variety:   Leonardo Di Caprio honors Jamie Foxx at the American Black Film Festival Honors on Sunday night (Feb. 23rd.)

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HARVEY WEINSTEIN - From THR:  This morning (Mon, Feb. 24th), a jury found former movie mogul, Harvey Weinstein, guilty on two of five criminal charges.  Weinstein was convicted of "criminal sexual assault in the first degree," based on the testimony of former "Project Runway" production assistant Miriam Haley, which carries a sentence of 5 to 25 years.  He was also found guilty of "rape in the third degree," based on the testimony of former aspiring actress Jessica Mann, which carries a sentence of 18 months to 4 years.

From WBAL:  Harvey Weinstein was immediately handcuffed and taken to jail after being convicted of rape and sexual assault charges Monday morning.

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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner fo the 2/21 -2/23/2020 weekend box office is "Sonic the Hedgehog" with an estimated take of $26.3 million.

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STREAMING - From Deadline:  David Weil, creator of the Amazon series, "Hunters," responds to criticism from the "Auschwitz Memorial" Twitter account that his series is "historical inaccurate.

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AWARDS - From Deadline:  The winners at the 51st NAACP Image Awards were announed last night (Sat., Feb. 22nd).  Grammy-winning recording artist, Lizzo, was named "Entertainer of the Year."  This link also leads to a complete list of the winners.

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POLITICS - From Variety:  Oscar-winning filmmaker and legendary actor, Clint Eastwood, has gone from supporting President Donald Trump to endorsing former Mayor Mike Bloomberg in the 2020 presidential race.

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MOVIES - From SlashFilm:  New Republic Pictures has won the rights to "Family Jewels," a multi-generational family comedy that reunited the "First Wives Club" trio of Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler, and Diane Keaton.

OBITS:

From Deadline:  Talk show host and television soap opera creator, Lee Phillip Bell, has died at the age of 91, Tuesday, February 25, 2020.  With her late husband, William J. Bell, Lee created the TV soap opera dramas, "The Young and the Restless" (1973) and "The Bold and the Beautiful" (1987).  Lee also hosted her own local TV talk show in Chicago, "The Lee Phillip Show," that ran from 1953 to 1986.

From Variety:   Pioneering NASA mathematician, Katherine Johnson, has died at the age of 101, Monday, February 24, 2020.  Her works was fundamental to landing U.S. astronauts on the moon.  Johnson was featured in the 2016 book, "Hidden Figures."  In the 2016, Oscar-nominated film adaptation, also entitled "Hidden Figures," Johnson was portrayed by actress Taraji P. Henson.  Johnson received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2019.

From Variety:  Film and television music composer, Bob Cobert, died at the age of 95, Wednesday, February 19, 2020.  Cobert composed themes for the ABC horror soap opera, "Dark Shadows" (1966-71), which are probably his best known work.  Cobert received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for composing music for the ABC miniseries, "War and Remembrance" (1988), the follow-up to "The Winds of War" (1983), for which Cobert also composed music.

From NBCNews:  Celebrated lifestyle guru, model, and restaurateur, B. Smith, has died at the age of 70, Saturday, February 22, 2020.  Smith had been suffering from early onset Alzheirmer's disease.  Born Barbara Elaine Smith, B. Smith was a groundbreaking African-American model, she would go on to be a TV host and also author books on cooking and entertaining.  She was the first African-American woman to have a home goods line sold at a national retailer (Bed, Bath & Beyond.)

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from September 22nd to 30th, 2019 - Update #30

Support Leroy on Patreon:

BOX OFFCE - From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 9/27 to 9/29/19 weekend box office is the animated film, "Abominable," with an estimated take of 20.85 million dollars.

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MOVIES - From Truthout:  A new documentary film, "PUSH," chronicles the urban housing crisis that has been growing since the 2008 financial crash.

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POLITICS - From DNYUZ:  Concerning Fox News, "Fuck 'em!" declared Oscar-winning actor Robert DeNiro in a CNN interview.

From YahooLifestyle:  This article has video clips of Mr. DeNiro's "Fuck 'em" declaration.

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JAMES BOND - From YahooMovies:  See first photo of Lashana Lynch as the new 007 on the set of the upcoming James Bond film, "No Time to Die."

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MARVEL STUDIOS - From BleedingCool:  When Disney ordered Ike Perlmutter to stop blocking "Black Panther" and "Captain Marvel."

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STREAMING - From ShadowandAct:  Breakout Broadway star, Jeremy Pope, will have a lead role in "Hollywood," the new series from TV super-producer Ryan Murphy and Netflix.

From TheWrap:  Emmy-winning actor Jim Parsons is among seven new cast members announced for Ryan Murphy's "Hollywood" series for Netflix.

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CELEBRITY - From ShadowandAct: Oscar-nominated actor Samuel L. Jackson has signed a deal with Amazon to become the first celebrity voice option for the voice of Alexa, the company's digitally enhanced assistant device.

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TELEVISION - From Deadline:  Actress-singer Jennifer Lopez and Grammy-winning recording artist Shakira will headline the halftime show at "Super Bowl LIV."  The game is set for Feb. 2, 2020 and will be broadcast on Fox.

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TELEVISION - From Variety:  Andrea Reiher gives readers a recap of "American Horror Story: 1984" Episode 2 ("Mr. Jingles).

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MOVIES - From Variety:  "News of the World," the historical drama starring Tom Hanks and directed by Paul Greengrass will be released December 25, 2020.

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TELEVISION - From Deadline:  Marshall Herskovitz and Ed Zwick is joining MGM to produce a sequel to their beloved ABC TV drama, "Thirtysomething" (1987-1991), which won the Primetime Emmy for "Best Drama Series" in 1988.  Multiple networks are interested, including ABC.

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CULTURE - From YahooMoney:  This map shows the richest person in each state.

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BUSINESS - From THR:  How much of a market is left for (stagnant) satellite TV service, DirectTV?

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MOVIES - From Variety:  The star trio of the original "Jurassic Park," Jeff Goldblum, Laura Dern, and Sam Neill, are returning for "Jurassic World 3."  The film is due June 21, 2021.

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STREAMING - From Deadline:  Will Smith will portray real-life crime boss, Nicky Barnes, in the film, "The Council," for Netflix.

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MOVIES - From Deadline:  Word is that Warner Bros. is rebooting its 1991 gangster film, "New Jack City," with "Snowfall" (FX) actor, Malcolm M. Mays writing.

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TELEVISION - From Deadline:  The latest classic TV series about to be rebooted is the late CBS series, "Walker, Texas Ranger," which starred Chuck Norris.  Actor Jared Padalecki, formerly of The CW's "Supernatural" is set to star and executive produce.

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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 9/20 to 9/22/2019 weekend box office is "Downton Abbey" with an estimated take of 31 million dollars.

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EMMYS - From Deadline:  The estimated 6.9 million viewers who watched the 71st Primetime Emmy Awards broadcast is the smallest audience ever for an Emmy Awards show.

From TheWrap:  Here is a complete list of winners at last night's 71st Primetime Emmy Awards.

From TheWrap:  Tonight, Sun., Sept. 22nd is the 71st Primetime Emmy Awards.  "The Wrap" offers this complete list of the categories and nominees in each category that are in play tonight.

From FanSided:  Here is a printable list of the nominees in the major categories at tonight's 71st Primetime Emmy Awards.

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DISNEY - From THR:  Disney CEO Bob Iger explains why Disney walked away from acquiring Twitter in 2017.

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MOVIES - From THR:  The late actor R. Lee Emery played the drill sergeant in Stanley Kubrick's "Full Metal Jacket."  "The Hollywood Reporter" offers the story of actor Tim Colceri, who was originally slated to play the role.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Director Ang Lee talks about his latest film, "Gemini Man," including de-aging the film's star, Will Smith.

OBITS:

From NPR:  Opera singer Jessye Norman has died at the age of 74, Monday, September 30, 2019.  Norman was a four-time Grammy winner and also received the "Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award" in 2006.  She also received the "2009 National Medal of Arts" in 2010 from President Barack Obama.  A "dramatic soprano," Norman was one of the leading figures in opera at a time when there were far fewer African-American opera singers than there are now.

From Deadline:  The actor Robert Garrison died at the age of 59, Friday, September 27, 2019.  Garrison is best remembered for playing the character, "Tommy," in "The Karate Kid" (1984) and its sequel, "The Karate Kid 2" (1986).

From TheWrap:  The actor Sid Haig has died at the age of 80, Saturday, September 21, 2019.  In a career that began in the early 1960s, Haig appeared in over 50 films and in hundreds of episodes of television series.  He had become a horror movie icon thanks to his appearance in Rob Zombie's "Firefly family" films.  In the 1970s, Haig appeared in several blaxploitation films, including Jack Hill's "Coffy" and "Foxy Brown."

From StarTrek:  The actor Aron Eisenberg has died at the age of 50, Saturday, September 21, 2019.  He was best known for playing the character, "Nog," on "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" for 47 episodes (according to IMDb).

Russi Taylor, Disney Voice Actress, Has Died

Disney Legend Russi Taylor Dies at 75

Acclaimed voice actor and Disney Legend, Russi Taylor, passed away in Glendale, California, on Friday, July 26, 2019. She was 75.

Through countless effervescent performances, Russi always showed an incredible talent for entertaining and improvisation. While she brought to life an illustrious cast of beloved characters during a career that spanned nearly four decades, Russi is best known as the official voice of Minnie Mouse. She first assumed the role more than 30 years ago and has given voice to Minnie in hundreds of Disney projects—from television, to theme park experiences, animated shorts, and theatrical films—no performance was too tough for Russi’s accomplished take on the divine Miss Minnie Mouse.

“Minnie Mouse lost her voice with the passing of Russi Taylor,” said Bob Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “For more than 30 years, Minnie and Russi worked together to entertain millions around the world—a partnership that made Minnie a global icon and Russi a Disney Legend beloved by fans everywhere. We’re so grateful for Russi’s talent as well as the tremendous spirit and great joy she brought to everything she did. It was a privilege to have known her and an honor to have worked with her, and we take comfort in the knowledge that her work will continue to entertain and inspire for generations to come. Russi will be sorely missed and our hearts go out to her family and friends, along with our deepest condolences.”

Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on May 4, 1944, Russi had a desire to work for Disney since childhood. “When I was a little girl, I was with my mom and my brother, and it was late at night at Disneyland. We had just come off the Mark Twain Riverboat and were getting some popcorn. I looked over and saw Walt sitting on a bench, so we introduced ourselves and shared our popcorn with him. At one point during our chat, he asked me what I wanted to do when I grow up, and I said, ‘I want to work for you!’ So he said, ‘Okay!’—and now I do!”

There were some very big yellow heels to fill when she beat out 200 other hopefuls during a 1986 audition to win the coveted role of Minnie Mouse. She would go on to voice Minnie in the films Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Runaway Brain, Get a Horse!, and Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers, as well as several television series, including Mickey MouseWorks, House of Mouse, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Mickey and the Roadster Racers, and the award-winning Mickey Mouse shorts series for Disney Channel from Disney Television Animation that debuted in 2013.

Gary Marsh, President and Chief Creative Officer, Disney Channels Worldwide said, “Russi was every bit as sweet, effusive, stylish, and fun-loving as the Minnie Mouse character she voiced. Throughout her illustrious career, and certainly for the dozens of characters she played for us on Disney Junior and Disney Channel, she approached her work with meticulous and loving care, ensuring that every character she created was embraced and adored by generations of viewers. She was a wonderful person and a friend to everyone at Disney Television Animation, and we extend our deepest sympathies to her family and loved ones.”

“Russi was as close as family; as wonderful, funny, and sweet as Minnie Mouse, and as talented yet humble as you would expect,” said Bill Farmer, the voice of Goofy and a longtime friend of Russi. “I will deeply and dearly miss her.”

“You have to bring yourself to a character,” Russi once observed. “But because of this particular character, she actually enhances who I am, she really does. In a sense Minnie makes me better than I was before ’cause there’s a lot to live up to.”

Russi found her real-life Mickey in the mid-1980s in the form of Wayne Allwine, who had voiced Mickey Mouse since 1977. The pair fell deeply in love and married in 1991, remaining as inseparable as their animated counterparts until Wayne’s passing in 2009.  “I really want whoever comes after us to be aware of the history and the tradition, and to love the characters as much as we do,” she said of herself and Wayne.

“Russi Taylor embodied the character of Minnie Mouse,” remembers Rick Dempsey, Senior Vice President, Disney Character Voices. “She truly was one of the kindest, most gracious, upbeat, and loving people I have ever had the privilege to work with and to count as a friend. Anytime anyone met Russi, their day would always get just a little bit brighter. Not only was she amazingly talented and gifted, but she had a true desire to make the world a better place with the gifts she was blessed with. The world has a lost a real treasure. She will truly be missed, but her voice will live on.”

Russi’s other Disney voices have included Nurse Mouse in The Rescuers Down Under, as well as Donald’s mischievous nephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie, and their friend Webbigail Vanderquack in the original "DuckTales" animated series. She also lent her voice to roles on other classic TV animated series like TaleSpin, The Little Mermaid, Buzz Lightyear of Star Command, and Kim Possible; as well as modern favorites that include Sofia the First, The Lion Guard, and Tangled: The Series.

Among the most famous roles on Russi’s impressive extended resume of credits are Strawberry Shortcake, Baby Gonzo (of Muppet Babies fame), Pebbles Flintstone, Duchess the Cat in the film Babe, and Ferny Toro in Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks. She also provided the voice of Martin Prince and the twins, Sherri and Terri, on more than 100 episodes of The Simpsons, as well as the blockbuster feature The Simpsons Movie.

“I never wanted to be famous,” she once said. “The characters I do are famous, and that’s fine for me.”

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Title of First Stand-Alone "Star Wars" Film is Revealed as "Rogue One"

Rogue One Is the First Star Wars Stand-Alone Film, Rian Johnson to Write and Direct Star Wars: Episode VIII

The title for director Gareth Edwards' stand-alone movie, featuring actress Felicity Jones, is revealed, and Rian Johnson is confirmed for Star Wars: Episode VIII -- coming to theaters May 26, 2017.

“Always in motion is the future,” Yoda said. The future of the Star Wars cinematic galaxy, however, is taking shape.

This morning at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, across the street from Lucasfilm, Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger hosted a shareholder meeting where he announced news regarding the first Star Wars stand-alone movie as well as Star Wars: Episode VIII.

Rogue One is the title for the first film in a unique series of big-screen adventures that explores the characters and events beyond the core Star Wars saga. Rogue One will be directed by Gareth Edwards (Monsters, Godzilla) and written by Oscar nominee Chris Weitz (Cinderella, About a Boy, Antz). The first actress cast is Felicity Jones, who garnered an Academy Award nomination and critical acclaim for her performance in The Theory of Everything. The idea for the story of Rogue One came from John Knoll, an Academy Award-winning visual effects supervisor and chief creative officer at Industrial Light & Magic. He will executive produce along with Simon Emanuel (The Dark Knight Rises, Fast & Furious 6) and Jason McGatlin (Tintin, War of the Worlds). Kathleen Kennedy and Tony To (Band of Brothers, The Pacific) are on board to produce and John Swartz (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) will co-produce. The film starts shooting this summer in London and is due for release on December 16, 2016.

In addition, Iger confirmed that Rian Johnson will write and direct Star Wars: Episode VIII. The film, which continues the saga after the events of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, is set for release on May 26, 2017 — forty years and a day after the release of Star Wars: A New Hope in 1977. Johnson is widely considered one of cinema’s most gifted young filmmakers, having directed the modern sci-fi classic, Looper, as well as Brick and The Brothers Bloom. He was also behind the camera for three episodes of the critically-acclaimed TV series Breaking Bad, including “Ozymandias,” which series creator Vince Gilligan named as the best installment of the show. Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman, producer of Looper, Don Jon, Brick, and The Brothers Bloom, are on board to produce, and J.J. Abrams will serve as executive producer.

StarWars.com. All Star Wars, all the time.

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Marvel-Netflix Deal a Landmark for New York and NYC

GOVERNOR CUOMO, THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY, MARVEL AND NETFLIX ANNOUNCE LANDMARK LIVE-ACTION TV SERIES BASED ON MARVEL CHARACTERS TO FILM IN NEW YORK

NYC To Serve As Principal Filming Location For Four Series Epic and One Mini-Series, Representing The Biggest Production Commitment in NYS History

Productions Will Result in Hundreds of Millions of Dollars in Investments and Lead to Creation of At Least 3,000 Industry Jobs

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, The Walt Disney Company, Marvel and Netflix Inc. today announced that Marvel’s landmark live-action television series, which will bring Marvel’s ‘flawed heroes of Hell’s Kitchen’ characters to Netflix, the world’s leading Internet TV network, will principally film in New York State. Produced by Marvel Television, in association with ABC Studios, this groundbreaking series is Marvel’s most ambitious foray yet into live-action television storytelling and represents the largest film or television production project commitment in New York State history.

Filming is set to begin in the Summer 2014 and will create at least three thousand jobs in New York State including up to 400 full time jobs. The project will include nearly 60 one-hour episodes focused on the 4 Defenders characters: Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist.

“New York is where the entertainment industry started, and this unprecedented commitment from Disney and Marvel is further evidence that we’re bringing it back bigger and better than ever before,” said Governor Cuomo. “And when the entertainment industry thrives, it fuels dozens of other industries and businesses. The competition for these projects is fierce and Disney could have chosen to film these shows anywhere, but they knew that shooting in New York means getting to work with the best in world.  These shows bring New York’s superheroes home where they belong – along with hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in new business.”

“Since 2008 Disney has directly contributed almost half a billion dollars to New York’s economy through television and film production, along with approximately 9,000 jobs for New Yorkers,” said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and CEO, The Walt Disney Company. “The Governor’s policies make this great state a more affordable and attractive location, opening the door for even greater economic investment and job creation for New Yorkers. Our Marvel series for Netflix will inject millions directly into the local economy and create hundreds of new jobs.”

“We thank the Governor and the great state of New York for helping us create the ultimate backdrop to this epic series. Setting our production in New York City truly underscores the authenticity and excitement we plan to bring to The Defenders and their ‘flawed heroes of Hell’s Kitchen’ stories,” said Alan Fine, President, Marvel Entertainment.

Last November, Disney and Netflix announced an unprecedented deal for Marvel TV to bring multiple original series of live-action adventures of four of Marvel's most popular characters exclusively to the world's leading Internet TV Network beginning in 2015. This pioneering agreement calls for Marvel to develop four serialized programs totaling 52 one-hour episodes culminating in a four to eight episode mini-series programming event. Led by a series focused on "Daredevil," followed by "Jessica Jones," "Iron Fist" and "Luke Cage," the epic will unfold over multiple years of original programming, taking viewers deep into the gritty world of heroes and villains of Hell's Kitchen, New York. Netflix has committed to a minimum of four, thirteen episodes series and a mini-series event in which the Marvel characters from the first four series team up as "The Defenders," much like “The Avengers.”

This new original TV deal follows last year's landmark movie distribution deal through which, beginning with 2016 theatrically released feature films, Netflix will be the exclusive U.S. subscription television service for first-run, live-action and animated movies from the Walt Disney Studios, including titles from Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Disneynature and Lucasfilm.

"The Defenders are classic New York characters; smart, resourceful and tough enough to always stand up for what's right," said Ted Sarandos, Netflix Chief Content Officer. "We're delighted they're coming to life on their home turf thanks to Governor Cuomo and his team."

When Governor Cuomo took office in 2011, he made the attraction of the film and television production and post-production industries, and jobs and the economic impact they bring with them, a key part of his overall strategy to grow New York State’s economy. Since that time, he has signed into law several important changes to both programs to make New York more competitive in this global marketplace, and the results have been significant. Both programs enjoyed record-breaking years in 2013, bringing billions of dollars in new spending and thousands of jobs into the Empire State. The stability provided by multiyear funding has particularly encouraged the development of television series production work, like the new Marvel series, as well as long term investments in infrastructure, all of which creates thousands of jobs directly and indirectly related to the actual productions themselves.

During calendar year 2013, applications for 183 film productions were submitted that included 124 films, 33 television programs and 26 pilots. These projects will:

•Generate a direct spend of $2.11 billion in NYS;

•Collect a projected $477 million in credits; and

•Hire an estimated 128,165 actors and crew for the 183 projects submitted.

John Ford, President, International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 52 said, “The men and women of the IATSE look forward to participating in this ground breaking endeavor. Thanks to the vision of Governor Cuomo and the Legislature, the long term funding of the production incentives gives employers the comfort they need to invest in these new avenues of entertainment, which will provide thousands of new jobs with good wages and benefits.”

Thomas J. O'Donnell, President Teamsters Local 817 said, “Theatrical Teamsters Local 817 is thrilled that Marvel's newest television series will be filmed in New York. This long-term commitment is an incredible accomplishment that will bring not just jobs, but also stability to our members work and family lives.”

Spielberg and Katzenberg Drop Big Dollars for Academy Museum

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announces major gifts from Jeffrey Katzenberg and Steven Spielberg

Katzenberg and Spielberg donate $10 million each to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Beverly Hills, CA – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences received separate $10 million gifts from Jeffrey Katzenberg and Steven Spielberg for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. In recognition of these gifts, the two main galleries on the lobby floor of the Academy Museum will be named for Katzenberg and Spielberg – The Marilyn and Jeffrey Katzenberg Gallery and The Spielberg Family Gallery.

“Steven and Jeffrey share a passion for moviemaking and philanthropy,” said Academy Museum Campaign Chair Bob Iger. “With these incredibly generous gifts, they are combining the two, moving us closer to our goal of building a museum to preserve the history of motion pictures and inspire the next generation of filmmakers.” The Academy launched the Museum’s $300 million capital campaign in 2012 and has already secured more than half of the campaign’s goal in commitments. The campaign is co-chaired by Annette Bening and Tom Hanks.

“I am so pleased to join with Jeffrey to help build this museum to celebrate, educate, and preserve the arts and sciences of motion pictures,” said Spielberg. “Having our family name on the lobby floor is a deeply personal way to say how much motion pictures and the Academy have meant to all our lives.”

“Both Steven and I recognize that film’s global impact deserves a museum that reflects its unequaled heritage and serves as a beacon for the future of what we love,” added Katzenberg. “Marilyn and I appreciate this opportunity to be part of such a significant project.”

Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs commented, “Steven and Jeffrey have elevated the art of filmmaking to new heights and have created some of the most beloved films of all time. They continue to be champions of our industry. Having them join us as we build the Academy Museum is an incredible honor. We are so grateful for their support and partnership.”

The lobby of the Academy Museum will be a lively open space that will invite the public to engage in the life of the Museum. The Marilyn and Jeffrey Katzenberg Gallery and The Spielberg Family Gallery will be the only gallery spaces on the lobby level and will showcase exhibitions that will explore the past, present, and future of moviemaking.

“We are building the world’s premier movie museum, and I cannot imagine doing this without the support of two of our industry’s most inspiring leaders,” said Academy CEO Dawn Hudson. “Their gifts will create the first galleries our visitors experience when entering the Museum.”

Designed by architects Renzo Piano and Zoltan Pali, the Academy Museum will be located next to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in the historic Wilshire May Company building. Slated to open in early 2017, the Academy Museum will contain nearly 300,000 square feet of state-of-the-art galleries, exhibition spaces, theaters, screening rooms, education centers, and special event spaces.

Star Warts to Disney: Officially a Done Deal

The Walt Disney Company Completes Lucasfilm Acquisition

Deal expected to strengthen Disney’s position as a leading global provider of high-quality branded entertainment and build long-term shareholder value

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Continuing its strategy of delivering exceptional creative content to audiences around the world, Robert A. Iger, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) announced today that Disney has completed its acquisition of Lucasfilm Ltd. LLC.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Lucasfilm to the Disney family,” said Iger. “Star Wars is one of the greatest family entertainment franchises of all time and this transaction combines that world class content with Disney’s unique and unparalleled creativity across multiple platforms, businesses, and markets, which we believe will generate growth as well as significant long-term value.”

Under the terms of the merger agreement, at closing Disney issued 37,076,679 shares and made a cash payment of $2,208,199,950. Based upon the closing price of Disney shares on December 21, 2012 at $50.00, the transaction has a total value of approximately $4.06 billion.

Lucasfilm’s assets include its massively popular Star Wars franchise, operating businesses in live action film production, consumer products, animation, visual effects, and audio post production, as well as a substantial portfolio of cutting-edge entertainment technologies. It operates under the names Lucasfilm Ltd. LLC, LucasArts, Industrial Light & Magic, and Skywalker Sound.

Forward-Looking Statements:
Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements relate to the expected benefits of the integration of Disney and Lucasfilm; the combined company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other matters that are not historical fact. These statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Disney regarding future events and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Disney does not undertake any obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Such differences may result from a variety of factors, including but not limited to developments beyond the Disney’s control, including but not limited to: changes in domestic or global economic conditions, competitive conditions and consumer preferences; adverse weather conditions or natural disasters; health concerns; international, political or military developments; and technological developments. Additional factors that may cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements are set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Disney for the year ended September 29, 2012, under the heading "Item 1A—Risk Factors," and in subsequent reports on Form 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by Disney.

Disney President and CEO Robert Iger on the Passing of Fess Parker

Statement by Robert A. Iger, President and CEO, The Walt Disney Company, on the Passing of Fess Parker

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Robert A. Iger, President and CEO, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS), issued the following statement:

“Like many kids growing up in the 50’s, Davy Crockett was my first hero, and I had the coonskin cap to prove it. Fess Parker’s unforgettable, exciting and admirable performance as this American icon has remained with me all these years, as it has for his millions of fans around the world. Fess is truly a Disney Legend, as is the heroic character he portrayed, and while he will certainly be missed, he will never be forgotten.”