98-year-old actor Dick Van Dyke says he's supporting Joe Biden's re-election bid, pointing out, in response to queries about Biden's age, "I've got all my marbles, and I'm old enough to be his father." Here's more from the Hollywood Reporter.
Sony Will Use AI to Cut Film Costs, Says CEO Tony Vinciquerra
"“We are very focused on AI. The biggest problem with making films today is the expense,” Vinciquerra said at Sony’s Thursday (Friday in Japan) investor event. “We will be looking at ways to…produce both films for theaters and television in a more efficient way, using AI primarily.”"
"Halt and Catch Fire" premiered 10 years ago and went on for four seasons and 40 episodes. @polygon's Devan Suber describes how the beloved AMC show understood the draw of video games better than any show that's come before it. "In the words of Joe MacMillan (Lee Pace), the computer was always 'the thing that gets us to the thing,' a vector for connection, expression, or some other deeper human need."
"Reading Rainbow," which ran on PBS from 1983 until 2006, is remembered with love in a new documentary, "Butterfly in the Sky." Kevin Makin reviews it for @csmonitor. "Ultimately, the documentary is more of a triumph than a requiem. Aside from its praise of programming that advocates for literacy and of [LeVar] Burton himself, there’s a sense of humanity that perseveres and goes beyond the warmness of nostalgia. Maybe it’s watching the smiling kids who became loving adults. Or it could be watching the series’ founders speak about familial ties that went beyond educational rhetoric," he writes.
Very sad news for movie lovers: the legendary Roger Corman has died at age 98. Here's a tribute to him from Variety. Tell us what you loved about Corman in the comments.
W #TaylorSwift's new album, THE TORTUED POETS DEPARTMENT, out..good time to remind sub-mega #MAGA men obsessed w her talent, wealth, smarts, courage & looks they lack, that..she's better than you! 😉 😂
The writers of "Sesame Street" have authorized a strike if they don't reach a contract by tomorrow. Thirty-five WGA members are asking Sesame Workshop for industry standard raises, improvements to residuals and more. Picketing outside the New York City office could start as soon as next Wednesday. "Millions of parents and families around the world are going to have a lot of questions," WGA East President Lisa Takeuchi Cullen said. "They might ask why the bosses at Sesame Workshop are ignoring their company's own messages of kindness and fairness." Variety has the full story.
Update: The "Sesame Street" team reached a deal last Friday to avert a strike. It offers writers minimums for animation and new media programs, paid parental leave, protections against AI and new media residuals. "'S' truly is for Solidarity," the WGA Sesame Workshop Negotiating Committee said in a statement. Here's more from Variety.
Yes, the #dopamine cartel … there's no more such thing as "art"
« The tech platforms aren’t like the Medici in Florence, or those other rich patrons of the arts. They don’t want to find the next Michelangelo or Mozart. They want to create a world of junkies—because they will be the dealers. » The Honest Broker
#Disney secured enough shareholder votes to defeat a challenge against its board mounted by #NelsonPeltz's hedge fund #Trian Fund Mgmt.
Enough votes were cast as of Tues night to put Disney's board of dirs safely ahead of Trian's 2 challengers, that included #Peltz & fmr Disney CFO Jay Rasulo, per sources.
Black women and girls reign supreme at the rodeo, according to Capital B News writer Aallyah Wright. She talked to organizers, competitors, stable owners and young cowgirls about riding, representation, and the pride they feel in Beyoncé's new country album. “Now, she’s finally kicking down the door, whether they like it or not,” says Carolyn Carter, a 65-year-old cowgirl whose daughters, granddaughters and great-granddaughters all compete in rodeo.
Black country music has existed for decades; according to songwriter, educator and novelist Alice Randall, its recorded origins go back to DeFord Bailey's 1927 harmonica performance of "Pan American Blues" at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Now, its time has come — thanks to Beyoncé's "Texas Hold 'Em, which debuted at the top of the country charts last month. Vox takes a look at the century of country that led to "Cowboy Carter."
Hip hip hooray for "Godzilla Minus One," the first Godzilla movie to win an Oscar. It won in the Best Visual Effects category. Variety has all the details on how the film was made with 35 VFX artists and a $15 million budget.
"The 17-minute documentary takes an intimate look at the unique sisterhood between Nǎi Nai and Wài Pó, Wang’s paternal and maternal grandmothers. The pair initially met because of Wang’s parents and took a particular liking to each other. They became close after the deaths of their husbands, and eventually they chose to live together."
Lanny Smoot has been innovating at the Walt Disney Company for more than 25 years, and was involved in projects such as the creation of BB-8, and a realistic lightsaber that debuted at the now-closed Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. He talked to IGN about bringing Star Wars and Holodeck dreams to life, his love of inventing, and his hopes that he can be a role model for Black kids. Read more about him in this @Flipboard Storyboard.
Are thin-skinned men get getting triggered by the presence of Taylor Swift at NFL games? USA Today’s Nancy Armour says yes. “We don’t hear complaints when male celebrities are prominently featured at sporting events. But when Taylor Swift appears at NFL games, a segment of people loses its mind.” https://flip.it/JkP-zF #Culture#TaylorSwift#NFL#Entertainment#USA