by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
Support Leroy on Patreon:
BLACK AMERICA AND COVID-19 - Crisis or... :
From YahooGMA: (4/28) - Rana Zoe Mungin, a 30-year-old teacher from Brooklyn, died on Monday, April 27th for COVID-19. She had twice been denied a test for the coronavirus after showing symptoms. Her family and friends blame racial disparity in the health care system.
From RSNWashPost: How COVID-19 is a perfect storm for Black Americans.
CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 NEWS - Hollywood and Beyond:
From YahooNews: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has added six possible new symptoms of COVID-19.
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 YahooNews: (4/28) - A consumer group has launched a website to keep track of company and corporations that get those COVID-19 "Paycheck Protection Program" (PPP) small business loans.
From YahooNews: (4/28) - The United States has now has 1 million confirmed cases of COVID-19.
From YahooFinance: The COVID-19 pandemic may finally cut the cord to cable TV for Americans.
From YahooNews: (4/26) - COVID-19 is breaking the American food chain.
From YahooNews: (4/26) - An ingredient in the popular heartburn medicine, "Pepcid," is being studied as a treatment for COVID-19.
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS:
MOVIES - From Variety: Oscar-nominee Adam Driver joins director Jeff Nichols for "Yankee Comandante."
MOVIES - Deadline: Universal's "Trolls World Tour" (DreamWorks Animation) has earned an estimated $95 million in rental fees during its first 19 days in release on PVOD (premium video on-demand).
From Deadline: After comments that Universal made in a "Wall Street Journal," the theater chain, AMC, says that it will not carry Univeral's films in its venues. This is the latest front in the "day-and-date theatrical-VOD" battle.
MOVIES - From BleedingCool: The Grammy-winning recording duo, Daft Punk, will compose the musical score for Dario Argento's next film, "Black Glasses," his first film in eight years.
POLITICS - From TheDailyBeast: Fox New has apparently cut ties with MAGA sambos, the vlogging and social media duo, "Diamond & Silk."
STAR TREK - From BleedingCool: Director Jonathan Frakes, a veteran "Star Trek" actor and director, talks about Season 3 of CBS All Access' "Star Trek: Discovery."
TELEVISION - From Deadline: Ryan Murphy teases the return of American Horror Story's "Rubber Man."
TELEVISION - From YahooEntertainment: Dr. Anthony Fauci, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, gets his wish. Brad Pitt played him on the April 25th 2020 broadcast of "Saturday Night Live."
From YahooEntertainment: Dr. Anthony Fauci is pleased with Brad Pitt's portrayal of him on SNL.
MOVIES - From Variety: Paramount Pictures is pushing back the release dates of the next two "Mission: Impossible" films. "Mission: Impossible 7" movies from July 23, 2021 to November 19, 2021. "Mission: Impossible 8" moves form August 5, 2022 to November 4, 2022.
OBITS:
From Deadline: The Indian actor, Irrfan Khan, has died at the age of 53, Wednesday, April 29, 2020. He is best known to American audiences for his appearances in the films, "The Amazing Spider-Man" and "The Life of Pi" (both in 2012) and "Jurassic World" (2015).
From Variety: The actor Gene Dynarski died at the age of 86, February 27, 2020. Dynarski is best known for appearing twice on "Seinfeld," as "Izzy Mandelbaum, Jr.," and twice on the original "Star Trek," most memorably in the episode, "Mudd's Women."
From Deadline: Country music vocalist (bass singer,) Harold Reid, has died at the age of 80, April 24, 2020. Reid was best known for his association with the country, gospel, and vocal group, "The Statler Brothers.
From Deadline: The former president and longtime member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Jorge Camara, has died at the age of 84, Friday, April 24, 2020 of cancer. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association hands out the "Golden Globes" awards.
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Yen Press Publishes New "Fruits Basket" Digital Manga
Yen Press to Digitally Publish New Fruits Basket Manga Content
Digital Publication of New Chapters of Fruits Basket: The Three Musketeers and Fruits Basket Another
NEW YORK, NY – Adding to the excitement of the highly-anticipated Season 2 of the Fruits Basket anime, Yen Press announced that it will publish new Fruits Basket manga content on digital platforms nearly simultaneous to their Japanese release—ongoing chapters of the spin-off series Fruits Basket: The Three Musketeers and Fruits Basket Another. Both series are written and drawn by Natsuki Takaya, the creator of the original Fruits Basket which stands out as the most iconic work of shojo manga in the English-speaking world.
Fruits Basket: The Three Musketeers Arc 2
The Three Musketeers are back again to celebrate the second season of the Fruits Basket anime! Kill the time between new episodes with the ridiculous antics of Shigure, Ayame, and Hatori! Fruits Basket: The Three Musketeers Arc 2—Start!
Fruits Basket: The Three Musketeers Arc, a comedic Fruits Basket side story featuring fan-favorite characters from the original series, continues with Fruits Basket: The Three Musketeers Arc 2. The first chapter debuts on April 28, 2020 on digital platforms and is priced at $0.99.
Fruits Basket Another
Sawa Mitoma, a nervous, skittish girl who prefers minimal human contact, has just started high school, and it's already not going well...until she meets the "it" boys—the "prince-like" Mutsuki and the sharp-tongued Hajime. But little does she know, they're Sohmas!? It's Fruits Basket...again!
After the release of Fruits Basket: The Three Musketeers Arc 2, Chapter 1, fans won’t have to wait long for more Fruits Basket content. Fruits Basket Another, a Fruits Basket spin-off featuring new characters that include the children of the original cast, continues with Fruits Basket Another, Chapter 13, a satisfying read that combines three parts of Fruits Basket Another into a 64 page chapter. The new chapter debuts simultaneous to the Japanese release of the third part on May 4, 2020 and is priced at $2.99.
Season 2 of the Fruits Basket anime is currently streaming on Funimation and Crunchyroll with new episodes every Monday. The original manga series is available in twelve deluxe volumes titled Fruits Basket Collector’s Edition published by Yen Press.
About Yen Press, LLC
Yen Press, LLC is a joint venture between Kadokawa Corporation and Hachette Book Group. Founded in 2006, Yen Press is one of the largest and most prolific publishers of manga and original graphic novels in North America and is also a leading publisher of light novels and Japanese literature through its Yen On imprint. For more information, please visit www.yenpress.com.
https://twitter.com/yenpress
https://www.facebook.com/yenpress/
https://www.instagram.com/yenpress/
--------------------------
Digital Publication of New Chapters of Fruits Basket: The Three Musketeers and Fruits Basket Another
NEW YORK, NY – Adding to the excitement of the highly-anticipated Season 2 of the Fruits Basket anime, Yen Press announced that it will publish new Fruits Basket manga content on digital platforms nearly simultaneous to their Japanese release—ongoing chapters of the spin-off series Fruits Basket: The Three Musketeers and Fruits Basket Another. Both series are written and drawn by Natsuki Takaya, the creator of the original Fruits Basket which stands out as the most iconic work of shojo manga in the English-speaking world.
Fruits Basket: The Three Musketeers Arc 2
The Three Musketeers are back again to celebrate the second season of the Fruits Basket anime! Kill the time between new episodes with the ridiculous antics of Shigure, Ayame, and Hatori! Fruits Basket: The Three Musketeers Arc 2—Start!
Fruits Basket: The Three Musketeers Arc, a comedic Fruits Basket side story featuring fan-favorite characters from the original series, continues with Fruits Basket: The Three Musketeers Arc 2. The first chapter debuts on April 28, 2020 on digital platforms and is priced at $0.99.
Fruits Basket Another
Sawa Mitoma, a nervous, skittish girl who prefers minimal human contact, has just started high school, and it's already not going well...until she meets the "it" boys—the "prince-like" Mutsuki and the sharp-tongued Hajime. But little does she know, they're Sohmas!? It's Fruits Basket...again!
After the release of Fruits Basket: The Three Musketeers Arc 2, Chapter 1, fans won’t have to wait long for more Fruits Basket content. Fruits Basket Another, a Fruits Basket spin-off featuring new characters that include the children of the original cast, continues with Fruits Basket Another, Chapter 13, a satisfying read that combines three parts of Fruits Basket Another into a 64 page chapter. The new chapter debuts simultaneous to the Japanese release of the third part on May 4, 2020 and is priced at $2.99.
Season 2 of the Fruits Basket anime is currently streaming on Funimation and Crunchyroll with new episodes every Monday. The original manga series is available in twelve deluxe volumes titled Fruits Basket Collector’s Edition published by Yen Press.
About Yen Press, LLC
Yen Press, LLC is a joint venture between Kadokawa Corporation and Hachette Book Group. Founded in 2006, Yen Press is one of the largest and most prolific publishers of manga and original graphic novels in North America and is also a leading publisher of light novels and Japanese literature through its Yen On imprint. For more information, please visit www.yenpress.com.
https://twitter.com/yenpress
https://www.facebook.com/yenpress/
https://www.instagram.com/yenpress/
--------------------------
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
COVID-19 Pandemic Initiates Rules Changes for 93rd Oscars
AWARDS RULES AND CAMPAIGN REGULATIONS APPROVED FOR 93RD OSCARS®
For This Awards Year Only, Streamed Films To Be Eligible for Oscars®
Sound Mixing and Sound Editing Awards Combined into One Sound Category
The Academy’s Board of Governors has approved rules and campaign regulations for the 93rd Academy Awards®.
The devastating COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of all Los Angeles County movie theaters as of Monday, March 16, 2020. Current Academy Awards rules (under Rule Two, Eligibility) require that a film be shown in a commercial motion picture theater in Los Angeles County for a theatrical qualifying run of at least seven consecutive days, during which period screenings must occur at least three times daily. Until further notice, and for the 93rd Awards year only, films that had a previously planned theatrical release but are initially made available on a commercial streaming or VOD service may qualify in the Best Picture, general entry and specialty categories for the 93rd Academy Awards under these provisions:
On a date to be determined by the Academy, and when theaters reopen in accordance with federal, state and local specified guidelines and criteria, this rules exemption will no longer apply. All films released thereafter will be expected to comply with the standard Academy theatrical qualifying requirements.
“The Academy firmly believes there is no greater way to experience the magic of movies than to see them in a theater. Our commitment to that is unchanged and unwavering. Nonetheless, the historically tragic COVID-19 pandemic necessitates this temporary exception to our awards eligibility rules. The Academy supports our members and colleagues during this time of uncertainty. We recognize the importance of their work being seen and also celebrated, especially now, when audiences appreciate movies more than ever,” said Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson.
For films to more easily meet theatrical exhibition requirements when theaters reopen, the Academy also will expand the number of qualifying theaters beyond Los Angeles County to include venues in additional U.S. metropolitan areas: the City of New York; the Bay Area; Chicago, Illinois; Miami, Florida; and Atlanta, Georgia. The Awards and Events Committee will evaluate all matters of rules and eligibility.
Film festivals that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic may provide films online through either a transactional pay wall or password-protected entry, which will not affect the films’ eligibility for future Academy Awards qualification. The Academy will allow an exemption for those films that are released online through an impacted festival’s online platform, provided that proof of inclusion in the festival is submitted. With these provisions, films will be expected to comply with all other eligibility requirements for the 93rd Academy Awards.
The Board of Governors also announced rules changes in the Sound, Music and International Feature Film categories.
In a procedural change in the International Feature Film category, all eligible Academy members will now be invited to participate in the preliminary round of voting. For the first time, film submissions will be made available through the Academy Screening Room streaming platform to those members who opt-in. These members of the International Feature Film Preliminary Voting committee must meet a minimum viewing requirement in order to be eligible to vote in the category.
The following campaign regulations were also approved:
Due to the shifting landscape surrounding the global pandemic caused by COVID-19, all matters of rules and eligibility for the 93rd Academy Awards are subject to change based on national guidelines, state-mandated government orders and Academy-determined best practices.
Additional adjustments to Academy rules, eligibility requirements and scheduling may be required. As previously announced, the 93rd Oscars telecast is scheduled to air Sunday, February 28, 2021, on ABC. Any updated information about the show will be shared at a later time.
For the complete 93rd Academy Awards rules, visit oscars.org/rules.
###
ABOUT THE ACADEMY :
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is a global community of more than 9,000 of the most accomplished artists, filmmakers and executives working in film. In addition to celebrating and recognizing excellence in filmmaking through the Oscars, the Academy supports a wide range of initiatives to promote the art and science of the movies, including public programming, educational outreach and the upcoming Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which is under construction in Los Angeles.
---------------------
For This Awards Year Only, Streamed Films To Be Eligible for Oscars®
Sound Mixing and Sound Editing Awards Combined into One Sound Category
The Academy’s Board of Governors has approved rules and campaign regulations for the 93rd Academy Awards®.
The devastating COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of all Los Angeles County movie theaters as of Monday, March 16, 2020. Current Academy Awards rules (under Rule Two, Eligibility) require that a film be shown in a commercial motion picture theater in Los Angeles County for a theatrical qualifying run of at least seven consecutive days, during which period screenings must occur at least three times daily. Until further notice, and for the 93rd Awards year only, films that had a previously planned theatrical release but are initially made available on a commercial streaming or VOD service may qualify in the Best Picture, general entry and specialty categories for the 93rd Academy Awards under these provisions:
- The film must be made available on the secure Academy Screening Room member-only streaming site within 60 days of the film’s streaming or VOD release;
- The film must meet all other eligibility requirements.
On a date to be determined by the Academy, and when theaters reopen in accordance with federal, state and local specified guidelines and criteria, this rules exemption will no longer apply. All films released thereafter will be expected to comply with the standard Academy theatrical qualifying requirements.
“The Academy firmly believes there is no greater way to experience the magic of movies than to see them in a theater. Our commitment to that is unchanged and unwavering. Nonetheless, the historically tragic COVID-19 pandemic necessitates this temporary exception to our awards eligibility rules. The Academy supports our members and colleagues during this time of uncertainty. We recognize the importance of their work being seen and also celebrated, especially now, when audiences appreciate movies more than ever,” said Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson.
For films to more easily meet theatrical exhibition requirements when theaters reopen, the Academy also will expand the number of qualifying theaters beyond Los Angeles County to include venues in additional U.S. metropolitan areas: the City of New York; the Bay Area; Chicago, Illinois; Miami, Florida; and Atlanta, Georgia. The Awards and Events Committee will evaluate all matters of rules and eligibility.
Film festivals that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic may provide films online through either a transactional pay wall or password-protected entry, which will not affect the films’ eligibility for future Academy Awards qualification. The Academy will allow an exemption for those films that are released online through an impacted festival’s online platform, provided that proof of inclusion in the festival is submitted. With these provisions, films will be expected to comply with all other eligibility requirements for the 93rd Academy Awards.
The Board of Governors also announced rules changes in the Sound, Music and International Feature Film categories.
- The two Sound categories, Sound Mixing and Sound Editing, have been combined into one award for best achievement in Sound that emphasizes the team effort. The number of Oscar® statuettes remains the same; up to six statuettes may be awarded. Eligible recipients may include one production sound mixer, two supervising sound editors and three rerecording mixers.
- In the Music (Original Score) category, for a score to be eligible, it must comprise a minimum of 60% original music. Additionally, for sequels and franchise films, a score must have a minimum of 80% new music.
In a procedural change in the International Feature Film category, all eligible Academy members will now be invited to participate in the preliminary round of voting. For the first time, film submissions will be made available through the Academy Screening Room streaming platform to those members who opt-in. These members of the International Feature Film Preliminary Voting committee must meet a minimum viewing requirement in order to be eligible to vote in the category.
The following campaign regulations were also approved:
- The regulation prohibiting quotes or comments by Academy members not directly associated with the film in any form of advertising in any medium, including online and social media, was eliminated. Academy governors and Awards and Events Committee members, however, are still prohibited from participating in such activity.
- All screeners will be required to include closed captioning.
- After nominations, film companies will be allowed to send mailings announcing the availability of song and bake-off materials on the Academy’s streaming platform.
- As part of the Academy’s sustainability effort, the 93rd Awards season will be the final year DVD screeners will be allowed to be distributed; these mailings will be discontinued starting in 2021 for the 94th Academy Awards. Access to the Academy Screening Room will continue to be made available for all eligible releases. The distribution of physical music CDs, screenplays and hardcopy mailings, including but not limited to paper invites and screening schedules, will also be discontinued next year. Digital links to materials will be permitted.
Due to the shifting landscape surrounding the global pandemic caused by COVID-19, all matters of rules and eligibility for the 93rd Academy Awards are subject to change based on national guidelines, state-mandated government orders and Academy-determined best practices.
Additional adjustments to Academy rules, eligibility requirements and scheduling may be required. As previously announced, the 93rd Oscars telecast is scheduled to air Sunday, February 28, 2021, on ABC. Any updated information about the show will be shared at a later time.
For the complete 93rd Academy Awards rules, visit oscars.org/rules.
###
ABOUT THE ACADEMY :
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is a global community of more than 9,000 of the most accomplished artists, filmmakers and executives working in film. In addition to celebrating and recognizing excellence in filmmaking through the Oscars, the Academy supports a wide range of initiatives to promote the art and science of the movies, including public programming, educational outreach and the upcoming Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which is under construction in Los Angeles.
---------------------
DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for April 28, 2020
DC Comics New Comic Books - Tuesday, April 28, 2020:
Batman #89 (3rd Printing)
Featuring the first appearance of Punchline!
Daphne Byrne #4
Daphne gains a new ally as she continues to wrestle with the malevolent forces within her!
The Dreaming #20
The unbelievable finale to Si Spurrier and Bilquis Evely’s epic tale from the Sandman Universe!
Nightwing #70 (2nd Printing)
The Clown Prince of Crime comes to Ric Grayson and Bludhaven in this prelude to The Joker War!
Batman GIANT #4
Classic stories from the world of The Dark Knight, plus an all-new chapter of the original story “Concrete Jungle,” by Mark Russell (Exit Stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles) and Ryan Benjamin!
----------------
Batman #89 (3rd Printing)
Featuring the first appearance of Punchline!
Daphne Byrne #4
Daphne gains a new ally as she continues to wrestle with the malevolent forces within her!
The Dreaming #20
The unbelievable finale to Si Spurrier and Bilquis Evely’s epic tale from the Sandman Universe!
Nightwing #70 (2nd Printing)
The Clown Prince of Crime comes to Ric Grayson and Bludhaven in this prelude to The Joker War!
Batman GIANT #4
Classic stories from the world of The Dark Knight, plus an all-new chapter of the original story “Concrete Jungle,” by Mark Russell (Exit Stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles) and Ryan Benjamin!
----------------
Friday, April 24, 2020
Negromancer News Bits and Bites from April 19th to 25th, 2020 - Update #26
by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
Support Leroy on Patreon:
CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 NEWS - 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 YahooNYT: COVID-19 may have been spreading throughout the United States much earlier than originally thought.
From Truthout: The US’s Failed Response to the Pandemic Is Rooted in Anti-Blackness.
From THR: "Better Call Saul" actor Bob Odenkirk talks about his son, Nate's bout with COVID-19.
From Variety: Saturday, April 18th's star-studded "One World: Together at Home" concert raised $127 million for health care workers and coronavirus relief.
From YahooEntertainment: Actor Tom Hanks recalls he and wife, actress-producer Rita Wilson's struggle to recover from COVID-19.
From YahooMoney: (4/17) - American are applying for "Food Stamps" in droves.
COVID-19 OBITS:
From MSN: Donald Reed Herring, the oldest of U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren's three brothers, has died at the age of 86, Tuesday, April 21, 2020 of complications related to COVID-19.
From THR: American cinematographer, Allen Daviau, has died at the age of 77, Wednesday, April 15, 2020, from complications of COVID-19. He was a five-time Oscar-nominee for best cinematography - three for his work with Steven Spielberg ("E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," "The Color Purple," and "Empire of the Sun") and two for his work with Barry Levinson ("Avalon" and "Bugsy").
From Billboard: Celebrated jazz saxophonist, Lee Konitz, has died at the age of 92, Wednesday, April 15, 2020 from complications of COVID-19. Konitz was known for his association with the "cool jazz movement" and for his participation with Miles Davis' "Birth of the Cool" sessions. In fact, Konitz was the last surviving performer of those sessions.
COVID-19 STIMULUS CHECK NEWS:
From YahooMoney: What to know about the mailing of COVID-19 stimulus checks.
From YahooFinance: (4/19) Here is why you aren't able to track your stimulus money.
From YahooNews: Deceased people are getting stimulus check... and the heirs and spouses may be able to keep them.
From YahooNews: This article updates information on COVID-19 stimulus checks, including the introduction of a web tool that will let people track their checks.
According to the Washington Post, here is the timetable for when the IRS will start issuing checks to those who will receive their checks by mail:
Taxpayers with income up to $10,000: April 24
Taxpayers with income up to $20,000: May 1
Taxpayers with income up to $40,000: May 15.
The article has information about mailing dates after May 15th.
REGULAR ENTERTAINMENT NEWS:
ANIMATION - From CartoonBrew: The new series of Looney Tunes cartoon shorts that were originally announced back in 2018 will debut on HBO Max streaming service when it debuts on May 27th. They are being packaged as 80 episodes of 11 minutes in length. Each episode will by comprised of animated shorts of varying lengths.
From CartoonBrew: This link will let you see one of the shorts, a Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd short entitled "Dynamite Dance."
STREAMING - From Variety: Warner Media will launch its new streaming servie, "HBO Max," May 27th, 2020.
ANIMATION - From Deadline: Warner Bros. has decided to release its upcoming theatrical animated feature film, "Scoob!," on VOD (video on demand) and premium digital ownership. The film had been slated for a May 15th release in theaters. The film details how Scooby-Doo and Shaggy first met and how they joined Fred, Daphne, and Velma to form "Mystery Inc."
MARVEL - From THR: Marvel has terminated showrunner deals with Steve Lightfoot (Netflix/Marvel's "The Punisher") and Paul Zbyszewski ("Helstrom").
SEX - From BET: Comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish explains why she prefers men with small penises.
MOVIES - From GamesRadar: Director Colin Trevorrow posts the first image from "Jurassic World: Dominion," the third film in the "Jurassic World" franchise.
MOVIES - From THR: Lionsgate will begin work on a "Hunger Games" sequel film that will be based on the upcomig prequel novel, "The Battle of Songbirds and Snake" (May 19th).
STAR TREK - From Newsarama: Actor LeVar Burton says that he is in talks to reprise his "Star Trek: The Next Generation" role of "Jordi La Forge" for season two of streamer, CBS All Access' "Star Trek: Picard."
STREAMING - From Deadline: Netflix pays $20 million dollars for "The Starling," which stars Melissa McCarthy and is directed by Ted Melfi.
STREAMING - From Variety: Apple may be about to make a $200 million+ risk on Martin Scorsese's next film, "Killers of the Flower Moon," which will star Leonard DiCaprio.
SPORTS - From Variety: Jennifer Lopez and her fiance, former Major League Baseball great, Alex Rodriguez, may be working on a bid to buy the New York Mets baseball team.
MOVIES - From Variety: Hot off "Harriet," Kasi Lemons will write and direct WWII drama, "The Shadow King." It focuses on the women soldiers of Ethiopia who fought against a German invasion, but were left out of history.
OBITS:
From THR: The film, TV, and stage actress, Shirley Knight, has died at the age of Wednesday, April 22, 2020. She was a two-time best supporting actress Oscar nominee ("The Dark at the Top of the Stairs," and "Sweet Bird of Youth"). She was a three-time Primetime Emmy Award winner, and won a Tony Award for her performance in "Kennedy's Children."
From THR: The actor, Tom Lester, has died at the age of 81, Monday, April 20, 2020. Lester is best known for playing the lanky, wide-eyed, easygoing farmhand, Eb Dawson, on the CBS comedy series, "Green Acres" (1965 to 1971). He was the last surviving regular cast member of the series.
From Deadline: The Indian/Bollywood actor, Ranjit Chowdhry, has died at the age of 64, Wednesday, April 15, 2020. He crossed over into American films and television, beginning in the early 1990s. He appeared in such American TV series as "The Office" (NBC) and "Prison Break" (Fox). His most prominent American role was probably in the 2006 Queen Latifah film, "Last Holiday."
From Syfy: The illustrator, animator, and comic book artist, Gene Deitch, has died at the age of 95, Thursday, April 16, 2020. He directed the Oscar-winning animated short film, "Munro" (1960,) with the Oscar going to the film's producer. In 1964, two animated short films Deitch directed earned Oscar nominations. Deith may be best known for directing and creating the "Tom Terrific" cartoon shorts for the legendary children's TV series, "Captain Kangaroo" (CBS). Gene's three sons are prominent figures in the Underground Comics movement, especially Kim Deitch.
Support Leroy on Patreon:
CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 NEWS - 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 YahooNYT: COVID-19 may have been spreading throughout the United States much earlier than originally thought.
From Truthout: The US’s Failed Response to the Pandemic Is Rooted in Anti-Blackness.
From THR: "Better Call Saul" actor Bob Odenkirk talks about his son, Nate's bout with COVID-19.
From Variety: Saturday, April 18th's star-studded "One World: Together at Home" concert raised $127 million for health care workers and coronavirus relief.
From YahooEntertainment: Actor Tom Hanks recalls he and wife, actress-producer Rita Wilson's struggle to recover from COVID-19.
From YahooMoney: (4/17) - American are applying for "Food Stamps" in droves.
COVID-19 OBITS:
From MSN: Donald Reed Herring, the oldest of U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren's three brothers, has died at the age of 86, Tuesday, April 21, 2020 of complications related to COVID-19.
From THR: American cinematographer, Allen Daviau, has died at the age of 77, Wednesday, April 15, 2020, from complications of COVID-19. He was a five-time Oscar-nominee for best cinematography - three for his work with Steven Spielberg ("E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," "The Color Purple," and "Empire of the Sun") and two for his work with Barry Levinson ("Avalon" and "Bugsy").
From Billboard: Celebrated jazz saxophonist, Lee Konitz, has died at the age of 92, Wednesday, April 15, 2020 from complications of COVID-19. Konitz was known for his association with the "cool jazz movement" and for his participation with Miles Davis' "Birth of the Cool" sessions. In fact, Konitz was the last surviving performer of those sessions.
COVID-19 STIMULUS CHECK NEWS:
From YahooMoney: What to know about the mailing of COVID-19 stimulus checks.
From YahooFinance: (4/19) Here is why you aren't able to track your stimulus money.
From YahooNews: Deceased people are getting stimulus check... and the heirs and spouses may be able to keep them.
From YahooNews: This article updates information on COVID-19 stimulus checks, including the introduction of a web tool that will let people track their checks.
According to the Washington Post, here is the timetable for when the IRS will start issuing checks to those who will receive their checks by mail:
Taxpayers with income up to $10,000: April 24
Taxpayers with income up to $20,000: May 1
Taxpayers with income up to $40,000: May 15.
The article has information about mailing dates after May 15th.
REGULAR ENTERTAINMENT NEWS:
ANIMATION - From CartoonBrew: The new series of Looney Tunes cartoon shorts that were originally announced back in 2018 will debut on HBO Max streaming service when it debuts on May 27th. They are being packaged as 80 episodes of 11 minutes in length. Each episode will by comprised of animated shorts of varying lengths.
From CartoonBrew: This link will let you see one of the shorts, a Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd short entitled "Dynamite Dance."
STREAMING - From Variety: Warner Media will launch its new streaming servie, "HBO Max," May 27th, 2020.
ANIMATION - From Deadline: Warner Bros. has decided to release its upcoming theatrical animated feature film, "Scoob!," on VOD (video on demand) and premium digital ownership. The film had been slated for a May 15th release in theaters. The film details how Scooby-Doo and Shaggy first met and how they joined Fred, Daphne, and Velma to form "Mystery Inc."
MARVEL - From THR: Marvel has terminated showrunner deals with Steve Lightfoot (Netflix/Marvel's "The Punisher") and Paul Zbyszewski ("Helstrom").
SEX - From BET: Comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish explains why she prefers men with small penises.
MOVIES - From GamesRadar: Director Colin Trevorrow posts the first image from "Jurassic World: Dominion," the third film in the "Jurassic World" franchise.
MOVIES - From THR: Lionsgate will begin work on a "Hunger Games" sequel film that will be based on the upcomig prequel novel, "The Battle of Songbirds and Snake" (May 19th).
STAR TREK - From Newsarama: Actor LeVar Burton says that he is in talks to reprise his "Star Trek: The Next Generation" role of "Jordi La Forge" for season two of streamer, CBS All Access' "Star Trek: Picard."
STREAMING - From Deadline: Netflix pays $20 million dollars for "The Starling," which stars Melissa McCarthy and is directed by Ted Melfi.
STREAMING - From Variety: Apple may be about to make a $200 million+ risk on Martin Scorsese's next film, "Killers of the Flower Moon," which will star Leonard DiCaprio.
SPORTS - From Variety: Jennifer Lopez and her fiance, former Major League Baseball great, Alex Rodriguez, may be working on a bid to buy the New York Mets baseball team.
MOVIES - From Variety: Hot off "Harriet," Kasi Lemons will write and direct WWII drama, "The Shadow King." It focuses on the women soldiers of Ethiopia who fought against a German invasion, but were left out of history.
OBITS:
From THR: The film, TV, and stage actress, Shirley Knight, has died at the age of Wednesday, April 22, 2020. She was a two-time best supporting actress Oscar nominee ("The Dark at the Top of the Stairs," and "Sweet Bird of Youth"). She was a three-time Primetime Emmy Award winner, and won a Tony Award for her performance in "Kennedy's Children."
From THR: The actor, Tom Lester, has died at the age of 81, Monday, April 20, 2020. Lester is best known for playing the lanky, wide-eyed, easygoing farmhand, Eb Dawson, on the CBS comedy series, "Green Acres" (1965 to 1971). He was the last surviving regular cast member of the series.
From Deadline: The Indian/Bollywood actor, Ranjit Chowdhry, has died at the age of 64, Wednesday, April 15, 2020. He crossed over into American films and television, beginning in the early 1990s. He appeared in such American TV series as "The Office" (NBC) and "Prison Break" (Fox). His most prominent American role was probably in the 2006 Queen Latifah film, "Last Holiday."
From Syfy: The illustrator, animator, and comic book artist, Gene Deitch, has died at the age of 95, Thursday, April 16, 2020. He directed the Oscar-winning animated short film, "Munro" (1960,) with the Oscar going to the film's producer. In 1964, two animated short films Deitch directed earned Oscar nominations. Deith may be best known for directing and creating the "Tom Terrific" cartoon shorts for the legendary children's TV series, "Captain Kangaroo" (CBS). Gene's three sons are prominent figures in the Underground Comics movement, especially Kim Deitch.
Thursday, April 23, 2020
Yen Press Announces "I'm A Behemoth" Manga and Light Novel
Yen Press Launches New Manga Series - I"M A BEHEMOTH
Publisher Yen Press takes readers on a hilarious, fantasy action/adventure with the launch of the new manga series - I'm a Behemoth, an S-Ranked Monster, but Mistaken for a Cat, I Live as an Elf Girl's Pet.
The series, written by Nozomi Ginyoku with artwork by Taro Shinonome and Yanomitsuki, debuts Tues., April 21st, 2020 in print and digitally. It’s rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers.
Yen Press announced the launch of the series earlier on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yenpress/status/1252622755696123904
A comedic fantasy manga based on the popular light novel series. In this new adventure, a knight finds himself reincarnated as a behemoth, one of the most powerful monsters in the world, and when he meets a beautiful elf girl, he's ready to fight at her side. Problem is, a baby behemoth looks an awful lot like...a housecat?!
Yen Press will also launch the original light novel series for I'm a Behemoth, an S-Ranked Monster, but Mistaken for a Cat, I Live as an Elf Girl's Pet under its Yen On literary imprint this summer.
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Publisher Yen Press takes readers on a hilarious, fantasy action/adventure with the launch of the new manga series - I'm a Behemoth, an S-Ranked Monster, but Mistaken for a Cat, I Live as an Elf Girl's Pet.
The series, written by Nozomi Ginyoku with artwork by Taro Shinonome and Yanomitsuki, debuts Tues., April 21st, 2020 in print and digitally. It’s rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers.
Yen Press announced the launch of the series earlier on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yenpress/status/1252622755696123904
A comedic fantasy manga based on the popular light novel series. In this new adventure, a knight finds himself reincarnated as a behemoth, one of the most powerful monsters in the world, and when he meets a beautiful elf girl, he's ready to fight at her side. Problem is, a baby behemoth looks an awful lot like...a housecat?!
Yen Press will also launch the original light novel series for I'm a Behemoth, an S-Ranked Monster, but Mistaken for a Cat, I Live as an Elf Girl's Pet under its Yen On literary imprint this summer.
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Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Skydance Media Forms "Skydance Animation Madrid"
Skydance Media Acquires Animation Unit of Madrid-Based Ilion Studios
SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Skydance Media, the diversified global media company founded by David Ellison in 2010, announced it has acquired the animation unit of Madrid-based Ilion Studios, a world leader in state-of-the-art animation production, to form Skydance Animation Madrid. This strategic acquisition combines the creative capital of Skydance with Ilion’s best-in-class talent, ensuring Skydance Animation’s full oversight of all production aspects guaranteeing quality control throughout the life cycle of every project.
“This is a phenomenal growth opportunity for our team in Spain and we’re proud to be an integral part of Skydance’s exciting future.”
With a combined workforce of almost 500 employees across two continents, Skydance Animation now has the expanded creative capability, scale and leverage to deliver on its goal of becoming an industry-leading producer of high-end animated films and television series for audiences around the world.
Led by animation visionary John Lasseter and industry veteran Holly Edwards, Skydance Animation has rapidly grown to support a robust development and expanded production slate. Since its inception, Skydance Animation’s roster of creatives has grown to include an array of award-winning talent, including Vicky Jenson, director of the first ever Academy Award-winner for Best Animated Feature, Shrek; Peggy Holmes; Nathan Greno; Kiel Murray; Lauren Hynek; Elizabeth Martin and Tony Award-nominee and Writers Guild of America West’s Animation Writers Caucus lifetime achievement honoree Linda Woolverton.
“The world is going through an unprecedented and uncertain time. Today’s acquisition marks the culmination of many months of work to build one studio across two continents, with the goal of creating the highest-quality animation, led by best-in-class talent from around the world,” said David Ellison, chief executive officer of Skydance Media. “The addition of Skydance Animation Madrid to our portfolio of businesses underlines my passion and commitment to bringing iconic animated stories and characters to life from some of the most talented artists and voices in the industry.”
“We are excited to expand our partnership with Skydance Animation and to further collaborate with Skydance founder David Ellison and elite talent like John Lasseter and Holly Edwards,” said Ignacio Pérez Dolset, founder, president and chief creative officer of Ilion. “This is a phenomenal growth opportunity for our team in Spain and we’re proud to be an integral part of Skydance’s exciting future.”
Skydance Animation’s upcoming feature slate includes:
Luck
Directed by Peggy Holmes (The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning) and written by Kiel Murray (Cars, Cars 3) and Jonathan Aibel & Glenn Berger (the Kung Fu Panda series).
When the unluckiest girl alive stumbles upon the never-before-seen world of good and bad luck, she must join together with magical creatures to uncover a force more powerful than even luck itself.
Spellbound (working title)
Directed by Vicky Jenson (Shrek, Shark Tale) and written by Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin (Mulan [2020]) and Linda Woolverton (Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King).
A musical fantasy set in a world of magic where a young girl sets out to break the spell that has split her kingdom in two.
Pookoo (working title/currently in development)
Written and directed by Nathan Greno (Tangled) and produced by Jennifer Magee-Cook (The Princess and the Frog).
In addition, Skydance Animation has a slate of soon-to-be-announced high-end television series in various stages of development.
Ilion Animation Studios creates state-of-the-art computer animated feature films of the highest level, combining cutting-edge technology with top artistic quality. Ilion’s animation unit has become a model studio on a global basis, capable of attracting talented individuals who create best-in-class animation production.
Latham & Watkins LLP (Los Angeles and Madrid) acted as legal adviser to Skydance Media and Loyra Abogados (Madrid) provided counsel to Ilion in this transaction.
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SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Skydance Media, the diversified global media company founded by David Ellison in 2010, announced it has acquired the animation unit of Madrid-based Ilion Studios, a world leader in state-of-the-art animation production, to form Skydance Animation Madrid. This strategic acquisition combines the creative capital of Skydance with Ilion’s best-in-class talent, ensuring Skydance Animation’s full oversight of all production aspects guaranteeing quality control throughout the life cycle of every project.
“This is a phenomenal growth opportunity for our team in Spain and we’re proud to be an integral part of Skydance’s exciting future.”
With a combined workforce of almost 500 employees across two continents, Skydance Animation now has the expanded creative capability, scale and leverage to deliver on its goal of becoming an industry-leading producer of high-end animated films and television series for audiences around the world.
Led by animation visionary John Lasseter and industry veteran Holly Edwards, Skydance Animation has rapidly grown to support a robust development and expanded production slate. Since its inception, Skydance Animation’s roster of creatives has grown to include an array of award-winning talent, including Vicky Jenson, director of the first ever Academy Award-winner for Best Animated Feature, Shrek; Peggy Holmes; Nathan Greno; Kiel Murray; Lauren Hynek; Elizabeth Martin and Tony Award-nominee and Writers Guild of America West’s Animation Writers Caucus lifetime achievement honoree Linda Woolverton.
“The world is going through an unprecedented and uncertain time. Today’s acquisition marks the culmination of many months of work to build one studio across two continents, with the goal of creating the highest-quality animation, led by best-in-class talent from around the world,” said David Ellison, chief executive officer of Skydance Media. “The addition of Skydance Animation Madrid to our portfolio of businesses underlines my passion and commitment to bringing iconic animated stories and characters to life from some of the most talented artists and voices in the industry.”
“We are excited to expand our partnership with Skydance Animation and to further collaborate with Skydance founder David Ellison and elite talent like John Lasseter and Holly Edwards,” said Ignacio Pérez Dolset, founder, president and chief creative officer of Ilion. “This is a phenomenal growth opportunity for our team in Spain and we’re proud to be an integral part of Skydance’s exciting future.”
Skydance Animation’s upcoming feature slate includes:
Luck
Directed by Peggy Holmes (The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning) and written by Kiel Murray (Cars, Cars 3) and Jonathan Aibel & Glenn Berger (the Kung Fu Panda series).
When the unluckiest girl alive stumbles upon the never-before-seen world of good and bad luck, she must join together with magical creatures to uncover a force more powerful than even luck itself.
Spellbound (working title)
Directed by Vicky Jenson (Shrek, Shark Tale) and written by Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin (Mulan [2020]) and Linda Woolverton (Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King).
A musical fantasy set in a world of magic where a young girl sets out to break the spell that has split her kingdom in two.
Pookoo (working title/currently in development)
Written and directed by Nathan Greno (Tangled) and produced by Jennifer Magee-Cook (The Princess and the Frog).
In addition, Skydance Animation has a slate of soon-to-be-announced high-end television series in various stages of development.
Ilion Animation Studios creates state-of-the-art computer animated feature films of the highest level, combining cutting-edge technology with top artistic quality. Ilion’s animation unit has become a model studio on a global basis, capable of attracting talented individuals who create best-in-class animation production.
Latham & Watkins LLP (Los Angeles and Madrid) acted as legal adviser to Skydance Media and Loyra Abogados (Madrid) provided counsel to Ilion in this transaction.
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