Trade unions and guilds are not a new concept in the entertainment industry, yet they seem to be making headlines lately as more niche craftspeople elect to join them or have them negotiate their contracts. Last week the largest employer of Spanish-language performers in the U.S. voted to join SAG-AFTRA and the United Scenic Artists, which represents set designers on Broadway, was able to sign its first contract with the League of Off-Broadway Theatres & Producers.
One major reason for all this recent union activity is the growing number of entertainment industry workers whose pay falls below a living wage. When the star of a hit telenovela airing on an NBCUniversal network needs to hold a second job as an Uber driver, you know there must be a problem.
Meanwhile, the influx of financing into Hollywood coming from China may be coming to an end. The Chinese government has begun to restrict the outflow of capital from the country to stem what they deem “irrational” foreign investments while at the same time stabilizing local currency. This new regulatory oversight helped kill Wanda’s $1 billion deal for Dick Clark Productions.
Of course, we also cover the week’s top entertainment news stories including how a rapper made history by knocking himself off the top of the album charts with his next release, HBO heads to Latin America with original programming and why we’ll have to wait a little longer for those “Avatar” sequels.

comScore Announces Official Worldwide Box Office Results for Weekend of March 12, 2017
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/comscore-announces-official-worldwide-box-office-results-for-weekend-of-march-12-2017-300422335.html
Slovak Film Breaks Opening Record in Domestic Cinemas
http://www.filmneweurope.com/news/slovakia-news/item/114138-box-office-slovak-film-breaks-opening-record-in-domestic-cinemas
China Box Office: ‘Dog’s Purpose’ Topples ‘Logan’ for Quiet Weekend Win
https://variety.com/2017/film/asia/china-box-office-dogs-purpose-weekend-win-1202007447/
Sources: Paramount’s Chinese Partners Haven’t Paid a Penny of Promised $1 Billion
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sources-paramounts-chinese-partners-havent-paid-a-penny-promised-1-billion-984679
The $1-Billion Deal to Sell Dick Clark Productions to China’s Wanda Group Is Dead
http://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-wanda-dick-clark-deal-20170309-story.html
New York 2140 by Kim Stanley Robinson – BookFilter
http://bookfilter.com/2016/07/05/new-york-2140/
Marilyn in Manhattan by Elizabeth Winder
http://bookfilter.com/2016/05/03/marilyn-in-manhattan/
Riggio Reiterates B&N’s Commitment to Restoring Growth
http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/trade-shows-events/article/72994-riggio-reiterates-b-n-s-commitment-to-re...