Showbiz Sandbox

Showbiz Sandbox


Showbiz Sandbox 501: Are Movie Studios Starting To Panic?

July 08, 2020

With most of the world’s cinemas having been closed for the past five months due to the coronavirus pandemic, Hollywood studios and other film distributors have been unable to release new movies theatrically. However, even if movie theaters are able to open their doors, will studios be willing to release expensive blockbusters at a time when a new COVID-19 outbreak could shut them down again at any moment?
Meanwhile the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences invited over 800 new professionals from around the world this year, achieving their goal of diversifying the organization’s membership base.
Of course we also cover some of the week’s top entertainment headlines including the WGA avoids a strike by reaching a deal on a new contract with producers, Beavis and Butt-Head grow up and the United Kingdom pledges to $2 billion for arts programs.

CAA Will Not Return To NY, LA, Nashville Offices Until At Least January 2021
https://deadline.com/2020/07/caa-will-not-return-to-ny-la-nashville-offices-until-at-least-january-2021-1202975783/
SAG Awards Postponed Until March 2021 Due To Coronavirus Pandemic
https://deadline.com/2020/07/sag-awards-postponed-march-2021-coronavirus-pandemic-1202976191/
Alamo Drafthouse Moves Into Large-Scale Layoffs, Including Creative Director Mike Sampson
https://www.indiewire.com/2020/07/alamo-drafthouse-layoffs-1234570943/
Sundance 2021 Will Be Held in at Least 20 Cities
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/29/movies/sundance-virus.html
Designers to Wrap Empty UK Theatres with Message of Hope
https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2020/jul/03/designers-wrap-uk-theatres-scene-change
Drive-in Movies Will Screen at Walmart Parking Lots Nationwide in August
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2020-07-03/walmart-drive-in-movies-tribeca-enterprises-august
Motion Picture Academy Invites 819 New Members, Surpasses Five Year Diversity Goal, Vows To Advance Inclusion Efforts
https://deadline.com/2020/06/motion-picture-academy-819-new-members-diversity-record-1202974231/
Fox News Fires Ed Henry After Workplace Investigation Into Alleged Sexual Misconduct
https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/ed-henry-fired-fox-news-sexual-misconduct-1234695459/
Utkarsh Ambudkar Set as Male Lead in CBS Comedy Pilot ‘Ghosts’
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/utkarsh-ambudkar-set-as-male-lead-cbs-comedy-pilot-ghosts-1301295
Nick Cordero, Standout Actor in Broadway Musicals, Dies of COVID-19 Complications at 41