Showbiz Sandbox
Showbiz Sandbox 503: An Actor’s Life During A Pandemic
Like so many other working actors in New York John Keating saw his world turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic. Suddenly, his side gig narrating audio books became a lifeline like never before. We talk to Keating about the impact of the coronavirus shutdown, what it’s like to record an audiobook at home and a new online production of the ghostly tale “The Weir” put together by The Irish Repertory Theatre.
Meanwhile, screenwriters have been locked in a year-long battle with their agents who the scribes claim have placed their own interests ahead of the writers they supposedly represent. Now the peace agreement between the Writers Guild of America has come to an agreement with United Talent Agency which would end packaging deals. Is it just a matter of time before the other big talent agencies follow suit?
Of course we also cover some of the week’s top entertainment headlines including a big promotion for Netflix’s content chief, Ted Sarandos, China begins reopening movie theatres and “Dancing With The Stars” ditches its longtime hosts.
John Keating on IMDb
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1577688/
The Weir at The Irish Rep
https://irishrep.org/show/irish-rep-online-2020/the-weir-3/
China’s Cinemas to Reopen July 20
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/chinas-cinemas-reopen-july-20-1303401
China to Begin Reopening Cinemas In Low Risk Areas Starting July 20
http://chinafilminsider.com/headlines-from-china-china-to-begin-reopening-cinemas-in-low-risk-areas-starting-july-20/
Nick Cannon Dropped by ViacomCBS After Making Anti-Semitic Comments
https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/nick-cannon-dropped-viacomcbs-anti-semitic-comments-podcast-1234706748/
Nick Cannon Apologizes for Anti-Semitic Comments; Fox Stands Behind ‘The Masked Singer’ Host
https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/nick-cannon-the-masked-singer-fox-statement-1234706861/
Tom Bergeron Out as ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Host
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/tom-bergeron-as-dancing-stars-host-1303087
Theaters, Music Venues in England to Reopen With Socially Distanced Audiences From Aug. 1
https://variety.com/2020/biz/news/u-k-theaters-music-venues-to-reopen-from-august-1-1234709292/
WGA Wins Historic Deal With UTA
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/uta-talks-writers-guild-agreement-sources-say-1303270
UTA Drops Lawsuit, Signs Deal with WGA as Agency Fight Thaws
https://www.latimes.