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Television International

• 115- The International Burbank Film Festival runs Sept 25-29th at the AMC theaters

  BURBANK, Sept 12, 2024 - The Burbank International Film Festival (BIFF) is an annual film festival held since 2009 in Burbank, California, United States. It was founded by Val Tonione, and awards are distributed to filmmakers that have focused on social and environmental issues.
•••• Burbank, California is the Media Capital of the World, and it's headquarters to more than a thousand entertainment and media companies, including Warner Bros., The Walt Disney Company, Cartoon Network Studios and Nickelodeon. The Burbank International Film Festival continues its primary mission of fostering a diverse creative spirit and promoting up-and-coming artists in the center of the entertainment industry. Burbank possesses a rich history of movie making magic where you can dine in the same restaurant booth where Michael Mann shot "Heat" or stay in the same Hotel room where "True Romance" was filmed.
•••• Burbank provides a unique film festival experience, because filmmakers showcase their movies in the exact same AMC 16 Theaters where Robert Pattinson attended the premiere of "Batman" and Austin Butler/Baz Lurhman surprised audiences with their appearance at a screening of "Elvis":
•••• BIFF's schedule of films comprises cinema of every genre, so there's something for everyone to enjoy. BIFF also continues to introduce new Awards categories to honor the talented craftspeople behind the scenes. The four-day festival includes 130+ film screenings; Q&A's featuring celebrities and industry professionals; fabulous red carpet receptions; audience awards; and informative panels.
•••• BIFF culminates with the closing night at the star-studded Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony which is the highlight of the Festival. A beautiful 12" tall custom-designed crystal-based BIFF Award is presented to the winner in each category
• Click for More BIFF
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•15th Edition of Languages & The Media Conference 2024
to be hosted in Budapest, Hungary

•••• The 15th year edition will focus on the overarching theme of "New Frontiers in Media Localization", addressing the evolving challenges and innovations in the field. It will take place Nov. 13-15, 2024.
•••• The first day, Wednesday, November 13, will be dedicated to pre-conference workshops, offering hands-on seminars to learn about Gen AI solutions, collaborative translation, the important role of access coordinators or quality assessment in dubbing. Places are limited, so secure your seat early! You will find more information here.
•••• The conference will officially open on Thursday, November 14 with a keynote from Adam Salkeld, co-founder of Digital Learning Associates and award-winning producer, followed by a plenary panel featuring leading industry experts.
•••• Over the next two days, attendees will have access to 30 presentation sessions and panel discussions with over 100 speakers, addressing burning topics such as challenges and opportunities presented by AI driven-technologies, targets and achievements in access services and inclusion, trends in training, the future of work for dubbing and subtitling professionals, certification and many more.
•••• Besides the lively participants' reception sponsored by Pixelogic, and the networking session hosted by ESIST on November 14, this year there is another wonderful opportunity to connect with other participants -- the conference dinner on the river Danube, on Friday, November 15. to celebrate the closing of the conference.
• Click for more
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• 76th EMMY Awards Complete Winners' List

Outstanding comedy series WINNER: "Hacks" "Abbott Elementary" "The Bear" "Curb Your Enthusiasm" "Only Murders in the Building" "Palm Royale" "Reservation Dogs" "What We Do in the Shadows"   Outstanding drama series WINNER: "Sh?gun" "The Crown" "Fallout" "The Gilded Age" "The Morning Show" "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" "Slow Horses" "3 Body Problem"   Outstanding lead actress in a drama series WINNER: Anna Sawai, "Sh?gun" Jennifer Aniston, "The Morning Show" Carrie Coon, "The Gilded Age" Maya Erskine, "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" Imelda Staunton, "The Crown" Reese Witherspoon, "The Morning Show"   Outstanding lead actor in a drama series WINNER: Hiroyuki Sanada, "Sh?gun" Idris Elba, "Hijack" Donald Glover, "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" Walton Goggins, "Fallout" Gary Oldman, "Slow Horses" Dominic West, "The Crown"   Outstanding limited or anthology series WINNER: "Baby Reindeer" "Fargo" "Lessons in Chemistry" "Ripley" "True Detective: Night Country"   Outstanding lead actress in a limited anthology series or movie WINNER: Jodie Foster, "True Detective: Night Country" Brie Larson, "Lessons in Chemistry" Juno Temple, "Fargo" Sofia Vergara, "Griselda" Naomi Watts, "Feud: Capote vs. the Swans"   Outstanding lead actor in a limited anthology series or movie WINNER: Richard Gadd, "Baby Reindeer" Matt Bomer, "Fellow Travelers" Jon Hamm, "Fargo" Tom Hollander, "Feud: Capote vs. the Swans" Andrew Scott, "Ripley"   Best directing for a drama WINNER: Frederick E.O. Toye, "Sh?gun" Stephen Daldry, "The Crown" Mimi Leder, "The Morning Show" Hiro Murai, "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" "First Date" Saul Metzstein, "Slow Horses" Salli Richardson-Whitfield, "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty"   Governors award WINNER: Greg Berlanti   Best directing for a comedy series WINNER: Christopher Storer, "The Bear" Randall Einhorn, "Abbott Elementary" Ramy Youssef, "The Bear" Guy Ritchie, "The Gentlemen" Lucia Aniello, "Hacks" Mary Lou Belli, "The Ms. Pat Show"   Best writing for a limited series or TV movies WINNER: Richard Gadd, "Baby Reindeer" Charlie Brooker, "Black Mirror" Noah Hawley, "Fargo" Ron Nyswaner, "Fellow Travelers" Steven Zaillian, "Ripley" Issa López, "True Detective: Night Country"   Best writing for a drama series WINNER: Will Smith, "Slow Horses" Peter Morgan and Meriel Sheibani-Clare, "The Crown" Graham Wagner and Geneva Robertson-Dworet, "Fallout" Francesca Sloane and Donald Glover, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" Rachel Kondo, Justin Marks, "Sh?gun" Rachel Kondo, Caillin Puente, "Sh?gun"   Supporting actor in a limited or anthology series WINNER: Lamorne Morris, "Fargo" Jonathan Bailey, "Fellow Travelers" Robert Downey Jr., "The Sympathizer" Tom Goodman-Hill, "Baby Reindeer" John Hawkes, "True Detective: Night Country" Lewis Pullman, "Lessons In Chemistry" Treat Williams, "Feud: Capote vs. The Swans" Best talk series WINNER: "The Daily Show" "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" "Late Night with Seth Meyers" "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert"

Writing in a comedy series WINNER: Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky, "Hacks" Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary" Joanna Calo, Christopher Storer, "The Bear" Meredith Scardino, Sam Means, "Girls5eva" Chris Kelly, Sarah Schneider, "The Other Two"   Directing limited series or TV movie WINNER: Steven Zaillian, "Ripley" Weronika Tofilska, "Baby Reindeer" Noah Hawley, "Fargo" Gus Van Sant, "Feud: Capote vs. the Swans" Millicent Shelton, "Lessons in Chemistry" Issa López, "True Detective: Night Country"   Outstanding writing for a variety special WINNER: Alex Edelman, "Alex Edelman: Just For Us" Jacqueline Novak, "Jacqueline Novak: Get On Your Knees" John Early, "John Early: Now More Than Ever" Mike Birbiglia, "Mike Birbiglia: The Old Man And The Pool" "The Oscars"   Best scripted variety series WINNER: "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" "Saturday Night Live"   Supporting actress in a limited or anthology series WINNER: Jessica Gunning, "Baby Reindeer" Dakota Fanning, "Ripley" Lily Gladstone, "Under The Bridge" Aja Naomi King, "Lessons In Chemistry" Diane Lane, "Feud: Capote vs. The Swans" Nava Mau, "Baby Reindeer" Kali Reis, "True Detective: Night Country" Follow live updates here   Outstanding reality competition program WINNER: "The Traitors" "The Amazing Race" "RuPaul's Drag Race" "Top Chef" "The Voice"   Outstanding lead actress in a comedy series WINNER: Jean Smart, "Hacks" Quinta Brunson, "Abbott Elementary" Ayo Edebiri, "The Bear" Selena Gomez, "Only Murders in the Building" Maya Rudolph, "Loot" Kristen Wiig, "Palm Royale"   Supporting actress in a drama series WINNER: Elizabeth Debicki, "The Crown Netflix" Christine Baranski, "The Gilded Age" Nicole Beharie, "The Morning Show" Greta Lee, "The Morning Show" Lesley Manville, "The Crown" Karen Pittman, "The Morning Show" Holland Taylor, "The Morning Show"   Supporting actress in a comedy series WINNER: Liza Colón-Zayas, "The Bear" Carol Burnett, "Palm Royale" Hannah Einbinder, "Hacks" Janelle James, "Abbott Elementary" Sheryl Lee Ralph, "Abbott Elementary" Meryl Streep, "Only Murders In The Building"   Outstanding lead actor in a comedy series WINNER: Jeremy Allen White, "The Bear" Matt Berry, "What We Do in the Shadows" Larry David, "Curb Your Enthusiasm" Steve Martin, "Only Murders in the Building" Martin Short, "Only Murders in the Building" D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, "Reservation Dogs"   Supporting actor in a drama series WINNER: Billy Crudup, "The Morning Show" Tadanobu Asano, "Sh?gun" Mark Duplass, "The Morning Show" Jon Hamm, "The Morning Show" Takehiro Hira, "Sh?gun" Jack Lowden, "Slow Horses" Jonathan Pryce, "The Crown"   Supporting actor in a comedy series WINNER: Ebon Moss-Bachrach, "The Bear" Lionel Boyce, "The Bear" Paul W. Downs, "Hacks" Paul Rudd, "Only Murders In The Building" Tyler James Williams, "Abbott Elementary" Bowen Yang, "Saturday Night Live"

• For more please visit Emmys.com Or TelevisionAcademy.com.
• Click for More EMMY Winners
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• 106- Introduction of NO FAKES Act in House
LOS ANGELES (Sept. 12) -- The SAG-AFTRA-supported NO FAKES -- Nurture Originals, Foster Art and Keep Entertainment Safe -- Act was officially introduced today in the U.S. House of Representatives, following its introduction in the Senate on July 31.
•••• The bill establishes a federal right in voice and likeness to protect against unauthorized use of digital replicas in audiovisual works and sound recordings, effectively balancing that right with strong First Amendment protections for content creators. 
•••• The House bill is sponsored by Reps. Maria Salazar, Madeleine Dean, Nathaniel Moran, Joe Morelle, Adam Schiff and Rob Wittman. 
•••• SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said, "SAG-AFTRA applauds Representatives Maria Salazar, Madeleine Dean, Nathaniel Moran, Joe Morelle, Adam Schiff and Rob Wittman for introducing the NO FAKES Act in the House. It is critical and urgent for Congress to establish nationwide protections in law against the unauthorized creation and use of digital replicas. A.I. technology can now clone us all and make us appear to do, say or perform things we never did, said or performed. The dangers for careers, reputations and lives are real, and this bill provides much needed recourse. 
•••• "With identical bills now before both the House and Senate, and with robust bipartisan support, Congress must act expeditiously to safeguard everyone in this age of rapidly advancing technological innovation," added Crabtree-Ireland.
•••• The NO FAKES Act is supported by the entire entertainment and media industry landscape, from studios, record labels, broadcasting companies and technology companies to unions, workers and artist advocacy groups. It is a milestone achievement to bring all these groups together for the same urgent goal.
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Getty Images: Angelina Jolie on the red carpet at the premiere of Pablo Larrian's "Maria"

115- 'Maria,' Creates Oscar Buzz for Angelina Jolie
•••• A-list movie stars, top-tier auteur filmmakers and a battalion of Hollywood publicists descended on the Italian island of Lido this week for the 81st edition of the Venice Film Festival, one of the most prestigious celebrations of movie culture in the world -- and the unofficial start of the Oscar season.
•••• Among this year's A-list talent includes Angelina Jolie, her ex Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, George Clooney, Michael Keaton, Jenna Ortega, Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Tilda Swinton, Julianne Moore, Daniel Craig, Angelina Jolie, Kevin Costner, Sigourney Weaver, Nicole Kidman, Isabelle Huppert, Winona Ryder, Monica Bellucci, Willem Dafoe and many more.
 •••• The Festival got underway Thursday, August 27th to be held through September 9, 2024, at Venice Lido in Italy.
•••• On opening night Angelina Jolie was the toast of Italy. The actress wept during an eight-minute standing ovation at the Sala Grande Theatre at the world premiere of "Maria," Pablo Larraín's biographical drama about the Greek opera singer Maria Callas.
•••• Callas was an American-born Greek soprano singer and one of the most famous singers of the 20th century. She receiived her opera training in Greece when she was 13 and later moved to Italy to persue her career. Through the years she dealt with near sigtedness that left her nearly blind and multiple scandals in her professional and personal live. She had an intense rivalry with Itlian opera singer Renata Tebaldi, and is known for her affair with Aristotle Onassis (who later married Jacqueline Kenndy Onassis.)
••••'Maria' is sure to be an Oscar contender, putting Jolie in the best actress race for the first time in 15 years. She was nominated in 2009, for her her work in Clint Eastwood's "The Changeling," and won an Oscar for best supporting actress in 2000 for "Girl, Interrupted."
•••• Maria reunites Larraín and writer Steven Knight, whose last project "Spencer" bowed in Venice in 2021, and tells the "tumultuous, beautiful, and tragic story of the life of the world's greatest opera singer, relived and re-imagined during her final days in 1970s Paris."
•••• Netflix will release "Maria" later this year.
•••• Besides Maria, Joker, and Queer, are among Venice Film Festival's best movies this year.
•••• As "Joker" was the best movie of 2019, one need not be pushed to consider "Joker 2" a must-see movie again. 'Joker: Folie à Deux," Todd Phillips's comic-book sequel starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, will compete for the Golden Lion at this year's Venice Festival.
• About
•••• Established in 1932, the Venice Film Festival is held annually from late August to early September on the Lido island in Venice, welcoming cinema enthusiasts from all backgrounds. Visitors can enjoy the scenic Lido, an 11-kilometre-long barrier island renowned as a fancy tourist destination.
•••• As a haven for celebrities during the Venice Film Festival, Hotel Cipriani has been a celebrity haven for decades.
•••• Films can be submitted from the La Biennale di Venezia official website. After completing a submission form, there is a fee of ¤ 40 for features and ¤ 80 for shorts.
•••• General Admission tickets are your basic entry pass to the Venice Film Festival. These tickets typically allow access to a variety of screenings and events.
•••• All the debut feature films in the various competitive sections in the Venice Film Festival, whether in Official Selection or Independent and Parallel Sections, are eligible for this award. The winner will be awarded a prize of US$100,000, which to be divided equally between the director and the producer.
•••• Like other festivals, Venice reserves a number of spots for interesting movies that are shown out of competition. This year, besides "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice", there is "Wolfs" directed by Jon Watts, "Finalement" by French veteran Claude Lelouch and "Broken Rage" by Japanese master Takeshi Kitano. •••• "Finalement" an upcoming French comedy drama film will premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on 3 September 2024 before receiving a theatrical release in France on 13 November 2024.
•••• Venice has banned tour guides from using megaphones and limited their groups to 25 people. The new rules on tour groups sizes came into force on Thursday but include exceptions for children under two, school groups and educational trips. They also apply on the Venetian islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello
• Click for More Angelina Jolie at Venice Film Festival
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• Torronto International Film Festival taking place September 5 -15
The Toronto International Film Festival is one of the most prestigious and largest publicly attended film festivals in the world, founded in 1976 and taking place each September. It is also a permanent destination for film culture operating out of the TIFF Lightbox cultural centre, located in Downtown Toronto.

Awards & Prizes

•••• The following awards and prizes will be awarded at the 2024 Festival. This list includes awards and prizes granted or determined by independent organizations and/or juries. Awards and prizes are subject to change:

•••• People's Choice Award -- All feature films or series in Official Selection are eligible to win this award

•••• People's Choice Midnight Madness Award -- All films selected for the Midnight Madness programme are eligible to win this award

•••• People's Choice Documentary Award -- All feature-length documentary films are eligible to win this award

•••• Platform Award -- An award of $20,000 CAD given to the best film in the Platform programme, selected by an in-person international jury

•••• The Prize of the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI Prize) dedicated to emerging filmmakers

•••• Network for the Promotion of Asia Pacific Cinema (NETPAC) Award

•••• Short Cuts Award for Best Canadian Film

•••• Short Cuts Award for Best International Film

•••• Best Canadian Feature Film Award
••••
TIFF continues to celebrate the unique craft and storytelling within Canadian cinema with the Best Canadian Feature Film Award. All Canadian feature films in Official Selection -- excluding first or second features -- will be considered for the award. The winning filmmaker will receive a $10,000 CAD cash prize.

Best Canadian Discovery Award - The Best Canadian Discovery Award celebrates works of emerging filmmakers who contribute to enriching the Canadian film landscape. All first or second feature films in Official Selection by Canadian filmmakers are eligible for this award. The winner will receive a cash prize of $10,000 CAD.
• Click for More Torronto Film Festival
• TIFF
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Getty Images: Alain Delon

Romy Schneider, Alain Delon pictured in 1963

• Alain Delon Dies at 88
President Emmanuel Macron posted on X, formerly Twitter:
Monsieur Klein ou Rocco, le Guépard ou le Samouraï, Alain Delon a incarné des rôles légendaires, et fait rêver le monde. Prêtant son visage inoubliable pour bouleverser nos vies.
Mélancolique, populaire, secret, il était plus qu'une star: un monument français.

(Mr. Klein or Rocco, the Leopard or the Samurai, Alain Delon played legendary roles and made the world dream. Lending his unforgettable face to shake up our lives.
Melanchcolic, popular, secretive, he was more than a star: a French moment)

PARIS -- (August 18) -- French actor Alain Delon has died. "He passed away peacefully in his home in Douchy, surrounded by his three children and his family." He was 88.
•••• Delon had been in poor health since suffering a stroke in 2019, rarely leaving his estate in Douchy, in France's Val de Loire region and had become a virtual recluse. More recently, the breakdown of his family had been making headlines in France.
•••• French President Emmanuel Macron was among those paying tribute to Delon on Sunday, saying the actor "played legendary roles and made the world dream".
•••• Brigitte Bardot led tributes in France saying Delon's death left a "huge void that nothing and no-one will be able to fill."
•••• The actor was a star of the golden era of French cinema, known for his tough-guy persona on screen in hits including "The Samurai" and "Borsalino."
•••• He stole the hearts of fans whatever role he was playing, from a murderer to a charismatic conman. His colourful personal life regularly made the front pages as he charmed and seduced his way around Europe at the height of his fame.
•••• Delon became a star in France and was idolised by men and women in Japan, but never made it as big in Hollywood despite performing with American cinema giants, including Burt Lancaster when the Frenchman played apprentice-hitman Scorpio in the eponymous 1973 film.
•••• In total, made almost 90 films during his career. From the 1990s, his film appearances grew rare, but he remained a fixture in the celebrity columns.
•••• Delon shot to fame in two films by Italian director Luchino Visconti, "Rocco and His Brothers" in 1960 and "The Leopard" in 1963.
•••• He starred alongside Jean Gabin in Henri Verneuil's 1963 film "Melodie en Sous-Sol" ("Any Number Can Win") and was a major hit in Jean-Pierre Melville's 1967 "Le Samourai" ("The Godson"). The role of a philosophical contract killer involved minimal dialogue and frequent solo scenes, and Delon shone.

••• Born just outside Paris on November 8, 1935, Delon was put in foster care aged four after his parents divorced..
•••• He ran away from home at least once and was expelled several times from boarding schools before joining the Marines at 17 and serving in then French-ruled Indochina. There too he got into trouble over a stolen jeep..
•••• Back in France in the mid-50s, he worked as a porter at Paris wholesale food market, Les Halles, and spent time in the red-light Pigalle district before migrating to the cafes of the bohemian St. Germain des Pres area..
•••• There he met French actor Jean-Claude Brialy, who took him to the Cannes Film Festival, where he attracted the attention of an American talent scout who arranged a screen test..
He made his film debut in 1957 in "Quand la femme s'en mele" ("Send a Woman When the Devil Fails").

•••• Delon was outspoken off-stage and courted controversy - notably when he said he regretted the abolition of the death penalty and spoke disparagingly of gay marriage, which was legalised in France in 2013.
•••• He publicly defended the far-right National Front and telephoned its founder Jean-Marie Le Pen, an old friend, to congratulate him when the party did well in local elections in 2014.
•••• Delon's lovers included Schneider and German model-turned-singer Nico, with whom he had a son. In 1964, he married Nathalie Barthelemy and fathered a second son before ending the marriage and embarking on a 15-year relationship with Mireille Darc. He had two more children with Dutch model Rosalie van Breemen.
•••• Delon told Paris Match in an interview in 2018 he was fed up with modern life and had a chapel and tomb ready for him on the grounds of his home near Geneva, and for his Belgian shepherd dog, called Loubo.
•••• Delon's last major public appearance was to receive an honorary Palme d'Or at the Cannes film festival in May 2019.
•••• At the event, he made an emotional speech in which he appeared to bid farewell to cinema. ••
•••• In recent years, Delon was the centre of a family feud over his care, which made headlines in French media. The actor had three children - two sons and a daughter - by two different women, and a third son unacknowledged and now dead.
•••• In April 2024 a judge placed Delon under "reinforced curatorship", meaning he no longer had full freedom to manage his assets. He was already under legal protection over concerns over his health and well-being.
• Click for More Alain Delon passed away at 88
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• Phil Donahue dies at 88
•Talk show host Phil Donahue has died at the age of 88, his family has confirmed.
He died at his home on Sunday after a long illness and surrounded by family, according to a statement issued to NBC's Today show.
Donahue, who created and hosted The Phil Donahue Show, was considered the "king of daytime talk."
Over his career, Donahue interviewed well-known figures including Muhammad Ali, Nelson Mandela, Sammy Davis Jr, Sir Elton John, Whoopi Goldberg, Dolly Parton, Michael J Fox and Robin Williams.•
••••
Donahue is considered a trailblazer in the daytime television landscape.
•••• His TV show was the first to include many elements familiar to viewers today, including participation from the studio audience, typically during a full hour with a single guest.
•••• He hosted more than 6,000 editions of his talk show between 1967 and 1996.
•••• Born in Cleveland in 1935, Donahue began his media career in the late 1950s in talk radio and television, launching his eponymous talk show in 1967.
•••• In 1974, the show relocated from Ohio to Chicago and changed its name to simply Donahue. The show got into its groove soon after, once Donahue began involving the studio audience in discussions and the program more widely.

Donahue married his second wife, actress Marlo Thomas, ( "That Girl" star of the 1960s) in 1980 after the two first met three years earlier when she was a guest on his talk show.
••••• For its last decade on air, the show was hosted from New York City. The final episode was broadcast in September 1996.

Donahue was credited with changing the face of daytime television and challenging assumptions about what female audiences in particular wanted from talk show.
Phil Donahue, Marlo Thomas

•••• Donahue was credited with changing the face of daytime television and challenging assumptions about what female audiences in particular wanted from talk shows.
•••• "If there had been no Phil Donahue show, there would be no Oprah Winfrey Show," Winfrey wrote in the September 2002 issue of O, the Oprah Magazine.
••• "He was the first to acknowledge that women are interested in more than mascara tips and cake recipes - that we're intelligent, we're concerned about the world around us and we want the best possible lives for ourselves."
•••• Donahue's eagerness to explore controversial social issues of the day emerged, when he featured atheist Madalyn Murray O'Hair as his first guest. He would later air shows on feminism, homosexuality, consumer protection and civil rights, among hundreds of other topics.
•••• Donahue himself once said: "I honestly believe we have spoken more thoughtfully, more honestly, more often to more issues about which women care than any other show."
•••• He won 20 Emmy Awards across his career, 10 of which were for outstanding host and 10 for the talk show itself.
•••• Earlier this year in May, he was awarded the medal of freedom, the highest civilian honour in the US, by President Joe Biden.
•••• Donahue is survived by Thomas and five children from his first marriage.
• Click for More Phil Donahue has passed away at 88
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• 115- Valley Film Festival Concluded 25th Edition with 70 film screenings
Los Angeles, CA &endash; August 15, 2024: The 24th annual Valley Film Festival has concluded, screening over 70 films and hosting daily professional development panels across eight days. Juried "Ten Degrees Hotter" awards, along with Audience awards were announced at a ceremony hosted at Hennessey Studios in the NoHo Arts District.
•••• The "Ten Degrees Hotter" awards went to The Ghost Trap for Best U.S. Narrative feature, Ciurè for Best International Narrative Feature, and American Pot Story: Oaksterdam for Best Documentary Feature. Short film honors went to Broad Daylight, Best Narrative Short, and Speaking with the Ancestors for Best Documentary Short, with an Honorable Mention to the documentary An Unlikely Mermaid.
••••Best Music Video was awarded to Butterfly Effect from the artist Tough Front.
••••Short film Audience Award winners were given to "1 in the Chamber," "Dion & Denver," "Palmdale," "Quayle," and "Squish."
•••• The Valley Film Festival is an all-volunteer non-profit arts organization that supports local and international voices that advance storytelling. Now in its 25th year, VFF is the first and longest running film festival in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley, and screens short films along with narrative and documentary feature films from around the world. In addition to film screenings, The Valley Film Festival mentors' filmmakers through every stage of their careers, via our Focus On: series of educational panels and professional development seminars.
• valleyfilmfest.org
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• 115- The American Film Market, a first in Las Vegas

The World's Leading Sales & Production Companies Will be at AFM in Las Vegas
•••• AFM 2024 a first Las Vegas event is taking place November 5-10 at the Palms Casino Resort.
•••• Currently, sales and production companies, along with international trade organizations, national umbrella stands and film commissions from 25 countries, have secured exhibit spaces in The Palms, AFM's designated hub, with more confirming each day.
• Click for participants already confirmed for AFM this year
• Click for American Film Market
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• 101- SAG-AFTRA and Narrativ Announce New Agreement - Deal Allows Member to Safely License Digital Voice Replicas for Audio Ads 

LOS ANGELES (Aug. 14, 2024) -- SAG-AFTRA members who wish to license their digital voice replica for use in digital audio advertising now have the option to work with Narrativ -- an online marketplace where brands can create audio ads using artificial intelligence. SAG-AFTRA, the union representing 160,000 media artists, and Narrativ negotiated and reached an agreement concerning the union's informed consent and compensation requirements, along with other crucial A.I. guardrails.
••• A New Era in Ethical A.I. Use
•••• By working together, SAG-AFTRA and Narrativ are ensuring that the rights and interests of talent are prioritized and protected. This collaboration not only offers a novel revenue model for individuals in the digital age but also equips advertisers with the tools needed for more efficient, impactful, and customizable ad campaigns. Visit narrativ.ai to learn more.
•• Click for more tvi Story-101- SAG-AFTRA and Narrativ License Digital Voice Replicas for Audio Ads Agreement
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US Gymnastic Team - Getty Images

Simon Biles - Getty Images

• Simone Biles wins gold again, claiming the Paris Olympics all-around gymnastics title
TVI Magazine - August 1, 2024

PARIS -- Smone Biles continued her golden run at the Paris Olympics. Biles won the gymnastics individual all-around competition, holding off a formidable push by U.S. teammate Suni Lee (bronze) and Brazil's Rebeca Andrade (silver). Biles has now won the most medals by a U.S. gymnast after winning gold in the team all-around competition earlier this week.
•• Click for more tvi Story-101- Simone Biles Wins Gold - is Number 1 Again
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• SAG-AFTRA Applauds the Introduction of the NO FAKES Act

LOS ANGELES -- (July 31 ) -- Today, the SAG-AFTRA-supported Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe (NO FAKES) Act was officially introduced in the Senate. If passed, the bill -- sponsored by Sens. Marsha Blackburn, Chris Coons, Amy Klobuchar and Thom Tillis &emdash; would establish a federal right in voice and likeness to protect against unauthorized use of digital replicas in audiovisual works and sound recordings. 
••••The NO FAKES Act is supported by the entire entertainment industry landscape, from studios and major record labels to unions and artist advocacy groups. It is a milestone achievement to bring all these groups together for the same urgent goal.
•• Click for more tvi Story-101- SAG-AFTRA Applauds the Introduction of the NO FAKES Act
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115- THE AMERICAN FILM CONVENTION is aiming to launch a "new film market" and entertainment industry convention as it marches throug summer.

Los Angeles, CA (July 16, 2024) -- The American Film Convention (AFC) has secured numerous developments for its eponymous film industry event to take place October 15-17, 2024 at Magic Box in Downtown Los Angeles.
•••• CEO and founder Mitesh Patel, a grassroots independent filmmaker and producer, says the event will incorporate a "market strategies, new technologies, breaking down barriers, auction, conference, product and service showcase, distribution, workshop, talks and addresses, pitch fest, networking event, and filmed and live entertainment."
•• Click for American Film Convention
• Click for more tvi Story-115- THE AMERICAN FILM CONVENTION
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• Symposium & Expo on Artificial Intelligence for the Built World to take place September 10-12, Munich

Munich, Germany -- (July 30, 2024) -- The Georg Nemetschek Institute announced the AI Symposium & Expo on Artificial Intelligence for the Built World September 10-12, 2024, in Munich.
•••• This unique conference hosted by the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and TUM Venture Labs will bring together leading academic researchers, industry professionals, and innovative startups to discuss the opportunities and challenges presented by AI in the built environment.
•••• The symposium and expo is taking place at the High-Tech Campus Garching, a major science and research hub near Munich, Germany. It is part of the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and is one of the largest and most important campuses for science, technology, engineering, and entrepreneurship in Germany.
•••• The main theme will be the presentation of AI applications in the context of the current and future needs of the construction industry, with a particular focus on how AI can improve project efficiency, decision-making, and safety in practice.
•••• Attendees will explore what works and what doesn't, fostering a comprehensive dialogue about the potential solutions and innovations in this rapidly growing field.
•••• Keynote speakers come from the academic as well as the industry side, amongst them Marc Nuzet, Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Division Officer at the Nemetschek Group.
•••• The symposium starts with a welcome and keynote on September 10, 9:00 am, free of charge. For the full conference, tickets are required.

• For more information and to register, visit the Event Website.
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• WINNERS OF THE 76th LOS ANGELES AREA EMMY® AWARDS

LOS ANGELES -- ( July 27, 2024) -- The 76th Los Angeles Area Emmy® Awards were presented tonight from the Four Seasons Hotel Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, hosted by award-winning journalist Michaela Pereira.
•••• The Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards honor locally produced programs in the categories of crime and social issues, culture and history, the arts, human interest, sports, the environment, and live and breaking news coverage.
•••• This year's awards ceremony, produced by Bob Bain and Bob Bain Productions, honored locally produced programs in the categories of Live and Breaking News Coverage, Crime and Social Issues, Culture and History, the Arts, Health and Science, Human Interest, Music, Sports, and the Environment.
•••• KCET topped the list of Los Angeles TV stations with the most wins,10, at the 76th local Emmy Awards handed out by the Television Academy Saturday. It was followed by KVEA and Spectrum News 1 with 4 each, ABC7 and CBS2/KCAL9 with 3 and KTLA5 and Spectrum SportsNet with two.
•••• The main newscast awards last year went to KVEA, this year the three prizes split the honors: Spectrum News 1's "Your Morning on Spectrum News 1" won the morning (4 a.m. to 11 a.m.) newscasts; KCAL won daytime (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and KVEA landed the Emmy for evening newscast.  
••••One of KTLA5's two Emmys went to veteran entertainment anchor Sam Rubin who died earlier this year of a heart attack. He was the receipient given posthumously of the 76th Los Angeles Area Emmy Governors Award, recognizing his legacy of more than three decades of entertainment news reporting for KTLA.
•••• A complete list of this year's Los Angeles Area Emmy Award winners, as compiled by the independent accounting firm of Ernst & Young LLP, is attached. 
•••• Christie Lyn Lugo Leigh and Stephanie Hampton are the Los Angeles Area Governors.
•••• The Los Angeles Area Emmys were made possible by Television Academy partners FIJI Water, Franciacorta, Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Justin Vineyards & Winery, People, The Ritz-Carlton and United Airlines.
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• SAG-AFTRA Members Who Work on Video Games Go on Strike
 A.I. Protections Remain the Sticking Point
LOS ANGELES (July 25, 2024) -- SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, acting under the authority delegated by the SAG-AFTRA National Board, and with the unanimous advice and counsel of the Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee, called a strike of the Interactive Media Agreement, effective July 26 at 12:01 a.m. Today's vote to strike comes after more than a year and a half of negotiations without a deal.
•••• The convenience bargaining group with whom SAG-AFTRA is negotiating includes Activision Productions Inc., Blindlight LLC, Disney Character Voices Inc., Electronic Arts Productions Inc., Formosa Interactive LLC, Insomniac Games Inc., Llama Productions LLC, Take 2 Productions Inc., VoiceWorks Productions Inc., and WB Games Inc.
•••• Any game looking to employ SAG-AFTRA talent to perform covered work must sign on to the new Tiered-Budget Independent Interactive Media Agreement, the Interim Interactive Media Agreement or the Interim Interactive Localization Agreement. These agreements offer critical A.I. protections for members.
•••• Negotiations began in October 2022 and on Sept. 24, 2023, SAG-AFTRA members approved a video game strike authorization with a 98.32% yes vote. Although agreements have been reached on many issues important to SAG-AFTRA members, the employers refuse to plainly affirm, in clear and enforceable language, that they will protect all performers covered by this contract in their A.I. language.
•••• "We're not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse A.I. to the detriment of our members. Enough is enough. When these companies get serious about offering an agreement our members can live -- and work -- with, we will be here, ready to negotiate," stated SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher.
•••• "The video game industry generates billions of dollars in profit annually. The driving force behind that success is the creative people who design and create those games. That includes the SAG-AFTRA members who bring memorable and beloved game characters to life, and they deserve and demand the same fundamental protections as performers in film, television, streaming, and music: fair compensation and the right of informed consent for the A.I. use of their faces, voices, and bodies. Frankly, it's stunning that these video game studios haven't learned anything from the lessons of last year - that our members can and will stand up and demand fair and equitable treatment with respect to A.I., and the public supports us in that," said Crabtree-Ireland.
•••• "Eighteen months of negotiations have shown us that our employers are not interested in fair, reasonable A.I. protections, but rather flagrant exploitation. We refuse this paradigm &endash; we will not leave any of our members behind, nor will we wait for sufficient protection any longer. We look forward to collaborating with teams on our Interim and Independent contracts, which provide A.I. transparency, consent and compensation to all performers, and to continuing to negotiate in good faith with this bargaining group.
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Artwork - Designed by Digital Hollywood, Inc.

• 21st Century AI at Hollywood Digital's Virtual Event: The Future of Entertainment, Media & Technology, Monday, July 22nd, 2024
•••• While AI has been front and center in the entertainment and media industries for more than a decade, enabling on the one hand predictive and qualitative analytics and then serving as the backbone of major creative innovation in feature film, advertising, and the cloud on the other. But now, with the establishment of "Generative AI," that process of innovation and disruption is unfolding at an accelerated and unprecedented rate. In this roundtable, we bring together executives from major entertainment and technology organizations who are at the forefront of that innovation transformation. We thank them for their time and very much look forward to their commentary.

• Television Academy Emerging Media Peer Group Members
• AI and Hollywood Production, Advertising, Virtual Production & Analytics
• AI and Video and the 21st Century Artist
• Virtual Humans and Robotics: The Summit on Synthetic Intelligence
• AI and Music: The Challenge of Artists vs. Technology - Musicians - Science - Creativity
• AI - Deep Fakes, Bias Threats, Bias, Creative Rights & Regulation
• AI Fashion, The Artist

Speakers:
Phil Wiser, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Paramount Global
Samira Panah Bakhtiar, General Manager, Media & Entertainment, Games and Sports, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Eliot Sakhartov, Business and Technology Strategist, Media and Entertainment, Microsoft
Michael Kaplan, Global Bus. Development. Generative AI, Media & Entertainment (M&E), NVIDIA
Seth Hallen, President, Hollywood Professional Association (HPA), Moderator
• Read More
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• EXCLUSIVE 76TH EMMY AWARDS AND GOVERNORS GALA TICKETS UP FOR BID
•••• Emmy Season Auction to Benefit Television Academy Foundation Launches in Celebration of Television Excellence and Philanthropy
(LOS ANGELES - ( July 22, 2024) -- As excitement builds for the upcoming 76th Emmy Awards, the Television Academy Foundation announced the launch of its annual Emmy Season Auction, a unique opportunity for television enthusiasts to win VIP experiences during the festivities while contributing to the nonprofit's educational programs.
•••• The auction features exclusive access to star-studded events, such as orchestra seat tickets to the 76th Emmy Awards and tickets to the Governors Gala on Sept. 15 in Los Angeles, tickets to the Emmy's Performer Nominees Celebration on Sept. 13, and tickets to the 76th Creative Arts Emmy Awards and Governors Gala on Sept. 7.
••••The auction is hosted online on Charitybuzz, https://charitybuzz.com/support/televisionacademy, providing accessibility to bidders worldwide. Bidding concludes Tuesday, July 30 at 3 p.m. EDT.
••••Fantastic chances for winners and their guests to join in the excitement and rub elbows with television's hottest stars during TV's biggest night honoring nominees at the 76th Emmy® Awards and exclusive invitations to official after-parties
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• Nominations for the 76th Emmy® Awards were announced today from the historic El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, recognizing remarkable programs, extraordinary performances and impactful storytelling across multiple platforms.
(LOS ANGELES -- July 17, 2024) -- The live ceremony was hosted by Emmy winners Tony Hale and Sheryl Lee Ralph along with Television Academy Chair Cris Abrego.
•••• The nearly 22,000 voting members of the Academy nominated an abundance of inspiring talent and a robust selection of diverse program offerings. In a year marked by significant challenges and changes in the television landscape, the nominations recognize the excellent work of performers, producers, writers, directors, craftspeople, and professionals above and below the line on television programs from the 2023 &endash; 2024 eligibility year.
•••• "Television delivers stories that connect us, uplift us, challenge us and always entertain us. Today, I am honored to celebrate the outstanding work of our extraordinarily talented and hardworking creative community," said Television Academy Chair Cris Abrego. "This morning's Emmy nominations are a testament to their contributions and highlight the incredible programming that has risen to the top of an exceptional year in TV."
•••• The Bear set a new record for nominations in a single year in the Comedy category with 23 (previously held by 30 Rock with 22 nominations in 2009), and Sh?gun lead this year's Drama category with 25 nominations.
••••As previously announced, Emmy Award winners Jesse Collins and Dionne Harmon along with Emmy-nominated Jeannae Rouzan-Clay of Jesse Collins Entertainment are set to return as executive producers of the 76th Emmy Awards. This marks their second consecutive year as producers of television's biggest night.
••••The 76th Emmy Awards will broadcast live on ABC on Sunday, September 15, (8:00-11:00 PM EDT/5:00-8:00 PM PDT) from the Peacock Theater at L.A. LIVE and stream the next day on Hulu. The 76th Creative Arts Emmy Awards take place at the Peacock Theater over two consecutive nights on Saturday, September 7, and Sunday, September 8, with an edited presentation to air on Saturday, September 14, at 8:00 PM EDT/PDT on FXX.
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• PLAYED: The Games of the 1936 Berlin Olympics
'36 Summer Olympics Were More Than Just Games: New Book Sounds Real-World Alarms
WINTHROP, Mass. -- As the 2024 Paris Olympics quickly approach, a new book co-authored by Richard Kaufman and Glenn Allen, PLAYED: The Games of the 1936 Berlin Olympics, harkens to a different era with some startlingly similar realities with worldwide impacts. Historical figures and events play a role as the writers unravel a gripping story that could serve as a warning signal for world leaders in 2024 and beyond.
•••• Sportswriters will say that their job is often mockingly referred to as the "toy department" of news, as if fun and games are unimportant. A newly released book, PLAYED: The Games of the 1936 Berlin Olympics, illustrates just how significant and historic the sporting world can be.
•••• Co-authors Richard Kaufman and Glenn Allen take readers into a time and place when the world felt like it was teetering on the brink of war, Nazi Germany was rattling its sabers, and one of the most memorable of all Olympic Games was taking place in Berlin.
•••• PLAYED blends politics, sports, espionage and courage, all in a real-world setting where the most popular hero was American sprinter and long jumper Jesse Owens, who won four gold medals. That stuck a needle in Adolf Hitler's attempt to use the games to prove his theory of Aryan racial superiority.
•••• PLAYED feels real because it is based on real events, real outcomes and real people, including American Olympic Committee President Avery Brundage, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Charlie Chaplin, Joseph Goebbels and Eva Braun.
•••• The authors say the most important message of their story is that history must not repeat itself ... a poignant thought in this, the year of the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Russian and Belarusian athletes are banned from participating in team sports due to the war in Ukraine.
•••• Dr. Thomas Law gave PLAYED five stars and wrote in his review, "To those of us who are history buffs, this is a must-read, especially if you are enthralled with the events leading up to the Second World War, xenophobia, lust for power and their current implications … Although the book presents itself as 'a novel,' the people and events are real. This makes the dialogue (the fictional parts, I presume) come alive and seem likely to have happened."
•••• About the Authors
Richard Kaufman and Glenn Allen have been writing together for over 25 years. They have numerous projects in development, including scripted feature films, a docuseries and television series, and they have co-written and produced two a
ward-winning independent films, all under the banner of their company, Green Bandana.
PLAYED: The Games of the 1936 Berlin Olympics - Available from Amazon.com
For more information, please visit www.greenbandana.org
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• Judge Grants SAG-AFTRA Dismissal Motion for Return to Work Agreement Lawsuits
LOS ANGELES (July 18, 2024) -- Yesterday, a federal court judge dismissed 40 lawsuits filed against SAG-AFTRA over the Return to Work Agreement, which allowed entertainment workers to be among the first industries to safely return to work during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
•••• In her order, Judge Josephine L. Staton, U.S. district judge for the Central District of California, dismissed the complaints, finding that even if all allegations in the complaints could be proven, they failed to state a legal claim against the union. The dismissal was ordered "with prejudice," meaning that the claims cannot be refiled.
•••• "We are pleased with the federal district court's order to permanently dismiss these cases," said SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. "We look forward to continuing to expand our members' work opportunities and acknowledge the hard work and dedication of those who helped make sets safe enough to return the industry to work during the unprecedented challenge presented by the COVID-19 pandemic."
••••SAG-AFTRA was represented by Lisa Demidovich of Bush Gottlieb, ALC.
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• 115- THE AMERICAN FILM CONVENTION is aiming to launch a "new film market" and entertainment industry convention as it marches throug summer.
Los Angeles, CA (July 16, 2024) -- The American Film Convention (AFC) has secured numerous developments for its eponymous film industry event to take place October 15-17, 2024 at Magic Box in Downtown Los Angeles.
•••• CEO and founder Mitesh Patel, a grassroots independent filmmaker and producer, says the event will incorporate a "market strategies, new technologies, breaking down barriers, auction, conference, product and service showcase, distribution, workshop, talks and addresses, pitch fest, networking event, and filmed and live entertainment."
••••• Magic Box's website says, "Our unique venue can accommodate large scale trade shows and conferences, fashion shows, galas, receptions, holiday parties, to intimate screening parties." AFC organizers tell us they plan to "build out screening facilities" for the event.
••••• Several of the participants have already had their events/speaking roles assigned. For example, Sturgess of BooksOffice will host a dedicated pitch event at AFC, where authors will pitch their literary properties to producers. BooksOffice is a new platform for finding unrepresented but published authors who have stories that could make the journey from book to screen.
••••• "The event offers more than 100,000 square feet of exhibition space and has room for 400 exhibitors and participants. We expect the convention to draw about 5,000 delegates in its first year," they said.
••••• AFC has opened the submission portal for films to be considered for auction and exhibition in the halls as well as the delegates' online streaming room. Filmmakers, buyers and sellers will have the option of booking slots onsite, offsite or making their projects available online for both premium convention delegates and buyers.
••••• AFC will auction 70 hours of rare, mostly unseen and highly sought-after O.J. Simpson tapes, along with three of Norman Pardo's completed films: OJ: What a Life, Wendy Williams: Keeping it Real and OJ: Off the Chain. Filmed during Pardo's relationship with Simpson from December 1999 to O.J.'s incarceration for robbery in 2008, Pardo's website claims,
••••• "The original tapes Norman shot of the disgraced running back and his team also contain a bevy of other celebrities, like Wendy Williams, Bernard Hopkins, and more, and have been digitized for editing. This is an exclusive collection of OJ's most embarrassing moments, his unfiltered thoughts about life, women, drugs and kinky sex." Arizona-based Brett Higgins will serve as auctioneer for the Pardo collection and the rest of the film auction.
••••• Patel's production credits include low-budget features Woman In The Maze, Bite The Dust and Instant Karma. He also founded and serves as CEO of the Chandler International Film Festival in Arizona.
••••• "We created The American Film Convention as an innovative entity that's poised to vault to the forefront of the global film industry and return that focus to the entertainment epicenter of the world, Los Angeles, California," Patel claimed.
••••• "AFC is dedicated to expanding the way industry professionals engage, collaborate, and innovate within the filmed entertainment realm. We're committed to creating some fresh and innovative programs and present a more all-inclusive forum. AFC intends to supplement rather than supplant the current industry gathering landscape and offerings."
••••• Development executive and producer Jenean Atwood Baynes of the Eco Channel will supervise the Actor's Nest, a unique AFC program where actors and their representatives will present themselves and their clients to delegates any way they choose.
••••• Baynes works as an independent producer on Lifestyle with Roy Ice and is the Festival Director for the Omni Cultural TV Fest. She has also worked at Warner Bros. and Sony Studios as well as for major industry entities such as NAB and NATPE. A twice-published author, Jenean has written and performed standup comedy at The Ice House, The Comedy Store and The Hollywood Improv. "I am delighted to be part of the American Film Convention team, where innovation meets inspiration and the future of filmmaking and content creation takes center stage," she shares. "Together, we're shaping a new narrative for the global film industry, one that redefines creativity, collaboration and excellence."
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• Paramount and Skydance merger signals end of a Redstone family reign in Hollywood and the rise of new power

NEW YORK -- Oracle founder Larry Ellison's son, David Ellison, announced he had reached terms to acquire a controlling stake in Paramount. The entertainment giant Paramount will merge with Skydance, closing out a decades-long run by the Redstone family in Hollywood and injecting needed cash into a legacy studio that has struggled to adapt to a shifting entertainment industry landscape.
•••• It also signals the rise of a new power player, David Ellison, the founder of Skydance and son of billionaire Larry Ellison, the founder of the software company Oracle.
•••• Shari Redstone's National Amusements has owned more than three-quarters of Paramount's Class A voting shares through the estate of her late father, Sumner Redstone. She had battled to maintain control of the company that owns CBS, which is behind blockbuster films such as "The Godfather." and "Top Gun." •
•••• As one of Hollywood's first studios, 112-year-old Paramount Pictures is the crown jewel of the company. That's certainly how Sumner Redstone, Shari's late father, saw it.
•••• The on-again, off-again merger arrives at tumultuous time for Paramount, which has struggled to find its footing for years and its cable business.
•••• Skydance, based in Santa Monica, California, has helped produce some major Paramount hits in recent years, including Tom Cruise films like "Top Gun: Maverick" and installments of the "Mission Impossible."
•••• Skydance was founded in 2010 by David Ellison and it quickly formed a production partnership with Paramount that same year. If the deal is approved, Ellison will become chairman and chief executive officer of what's being called New Paramount.
•••• The new combined company is valued at around $28 billion. In connection with the proposed transaction, which is expected to close in September 2025 pending regulatory approval, a consortium led by the Ellison family and RedBird Capital will be investing $8 billion.
•••• Ellison stressed that the company needs to transition into a "tech hybrid" to stay competitive in today's evolving media landscape. He added that it was "essential" for New Paramount to chart a similar course going forward.•
•••• The foray into the streaming business has been a costly one for Paramount. The company was late to join the so-called streaming wars, lagging behind competitors Netflix and even Disney, and then spent heavily on the service.
••• That includes plans to "rebuild" the Paramount+ streaming service, Ellison noted -- pointing to the company's aims to transition to more cloud-based production and continue the use of generative artificial intelligence to boost efficiency.
•••• Ellison laid out a plan for tech upgrades to the Paramount+ service, including improved ad technology and a better algorithmic recommendation engine that could help reduce subscriber churn and increase users' time on the platform.
•••• The new combined company is valued at around $28 billion. In connection with the proposed transaction, which is expected to close in September 2025 pending regulatory approval.
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• Award-winners of the 41st Munich International Film Festival!
•••• "Our juries have truly embraced an affirmation of the diversity of global cinema. Meticulous in their artistry, socially relevant, and forward-thinking in their cinematic approach, our winning films show what cinema today can be. Our first Audience Day, which beckons audiences to theaters at reduced admission prices, offers another chance to discover all of these films here at the Munich International Film Festival," say festival director Christoph Gröner and artistic co-director Julia Weigl.

CineCoPro Award
•••• "To a Land Unknown" by Mahdi Fleifel and with it the film's German co-producer, François Morisset of Salaud Morisset, was honored with the CineCoPro Award.
•••• The winning film was selected by a three-member jury of international renown: Baran bo Odar (director and screenwriter), Leonie Benesch (actress), and Sol Bondy (producer).
•••• Honorable mention was given to "The Village Next to Paradise" by Mo Harawe and thus to the film's German co-producer, Nicole Gerhards of NiKo Film.
•••• After a five-year break, the Munich International Film Festival brought back the 100,000-euro CineCoPro Award. Ten international co-productions involving German co-producers competed for this exceptional award in the CineCoPro competition. The prize money is provided by the FFF Bayern and is distributed to the German co-producers of the winning film for their next co-production. The award was presented by Minister of State Dr. Florian Herrmann.
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• Award-winners of the 41st Munich International Film Festival!
•••• "Our juries have truly embraced an affirmation of the diversity of global cinema. Meticulous in their artistry, socially relevant, and forward-thinking in their cinematic approach, our winning films show what cinema today can be. Our first Audience Day, which beckons audiences to theaters at reduced admission prices, offers another chance to discover all of these films here at the Munich International Film Festival," say festival director Christoph Gröner and artistic co-director Julia Weigl.

CineCoPro Award

•••• "To a Land Unknown" by Mahdi Fleifel and with it the film's German co-producer, François Morisset of Salaud Morisset, was honored with the CineCoPro Award.
•••• The winning film was selected by a three-member jury of international renown: Baran bo Odar (director and screenwriter), Leonie Benesch (actress), and Sol Bondy (producer).
•••• Honorable mention was given to "The Village Next to Paradise" by Mo Harawe and thus to the film's German co-producer, Nicole Gerhards of NiKo Film.
•••• After a five-year break, the Munich International Film Festival brought back the 100,000-euro CineCoPro Award. Ten international co-productions involving German co-producers competed for this exceptional award in the CineCoPro competition. The prize money is provided by the FFF Bayern and is distributed to the German co-producers of the winning film for their next co-production. The award was presented by Minister of State Dr. Florian Herrmann.

CineMasters Award

•••• The film "Explanation for Everything" by Gábor Reisz earned the CineMasters Award for best international film, which was presented to producer Júlia Berkes of Proton Cinema LLC. Marie-Lou Sellem (actress, Germany), Moritz Peters (Director of Marketing & Acquisitions, Plaion Pictures, Germany), and Rajendra Roy (Chief Curator of Film, Museum of Modern Art, New York) comprised this year's independent jury for the CineMasters competition. Fourteen films were in the running this year for the CineMasters Award, worth 50,000 euros and sponsored by ARRI, for the best international film.

CineVision Award

•••• The CineVision Award for the best international film by an emerging director went to "Simón de la Montaña" by Federico Luis. The independent jury that honors the best directorial achievement was comprised of Bob Byington (director and screenwriter, USA), Maksym Nakonechnyi (director, Ukraine), and Sarah Blaßkiewitz (director and screenwriter, Germany). Fourteen talented international directors competed for this award for the best international film by an up-and-coming director. The award, which is sponsored by MPLC Deutschland GmbH (Motion Picture Licensing Company), is worth 15,000 euros.

CineRebels Award

•••• The CineRebels Award, presented this year for the third time, went to "Viêt and Nam" by Minh Quy Truong.
•••• Honorable mention was given to "Fragments of Ice" by Maria Stoianova.
•••• This year's jury consisted of Mia Bays (Director of the Filmmaking Fund at the British Film Institute, UK), Nicolas Wackerbarth (filmmaker and author, Germany), and Dale Dickey (actress, USA). The CineRebels Award is an exciting new platform for films that dare to take risks and break the mold of established filmmaking. Fourteen productions competed for this award, which is now worth 15,000 euros. The festival's main partner, AUDI, sponsors this award for best directorial achievement.

CineKindl Award

•••• "Lars Is LOL" by Eirik Sæter Stordahl won the CineKindl Award for best children's film.

•••• Since 2022, the film production company megaherz has presented the CineKindl Award to the best film in the CineKindl section at the Munich International Film Festival. This award for outstanding directorial work was presented this year by a jury comprised of Barbara Kronenberg (director and screenwriter, Germany), Philipp Budweg (producer, Germany), and Jytte-Merle Böhrnsen (actress, stage director, and screenwriter, Germany). This award has a value of 2,500 euros.

Young Jury Award

•••• The Young Jury Award, presented this year for the first time, went to "Hoard" by Luna Carmoon.
•••• Honorable mention went to "Sisterqueens" by Clara Stella Hüneke.
•••• The jury was comprised of Lorenzo Germeno (actor), Virgina Olivia Obiakor (actress), Johannes Rockstuhl (screenwriting student at HFF Munich), Maryna Shymko (student), and Tarik Uslu (student).

Audience Awards

•••• The festival's Audience Awards were also presented alongside the others. The Audience Awards, supported by media partners Bayerischer Rundfunk and Süddeutsche Zeitung, went to "Führer and Seducer" by Joachim A. Lang in the national category and "Samia" by Yasemin ?amdereli, in collaboration with Deka Mohamed Osman in the international category.
•••• The CineKindl Audience Award went to "Dìdi" by Sean Wang.

FIPRESCI Prize

•••• Since 2015, the International Film Critics Association (FIPRESCI) has presented an award in the New German Cinema section at the Munich International Film Festival.
•••• This year it went to "Sad Jokes" by Fabian Stumm.
•••• The FIPRESCI critics' jury consisted of Jason Gorber (journalist and film critic), Paola Casella (journalist and film critic), and Rudolf Worschech (journalist and film critic).

German Cinema New Talent Award

•••• On Friday, July 5, 2024, up-and-coming German talent was also honored with the coveted German Cinema New Talent Award. The jury &emdash; which consisted of Mariko Minoguchi (director and screenwriter), Denis Moschitto (actor and director), and Florian Koerner von Gustorf (film producer) &emdash; honored Fabian Stumm as best director for his film "Sad Jokes". Semih Korhan Güner clinched the award for best production for the drama "Smell of Burnt Milk". Aaron Arens and Lukas Loose took the award for best screenplay and a slot in the Bavaria Fiction mentoring program for "Places in the Sun". Atika Jumaih Bashiru received the award for best acting performance for her role in the film "O Chale".

Bernd Burgemeister TV Production Awards

•••• Previously, on Sunday, June 30, 2024, the two prestigious Bernd Burgemeister TV Production Awards for outstanding achievement in production were presented. The three-member jury, chaired by producer Dagmar Rosenbauer and including Jan Kruse (Bavaria Fiction) and Martin Richter (Rat Pack Filmproduktion), honored producers Maren Knieling and Lars Jessen (Florida Film GmbH) for the comedy "Micha Thinks Big" starring Charly Hübner as best TV movie. The award for best series or miniseries went to producers Katrin Haase, Oliver Arnold (U5 Filmproduktion GmbH & Co. KG), and Lasse Scharpen (Studio Zentral) for the vampire-themed series "Love Sucks".

Fritz Gerlich Prize
•••• This year's Fritz Gerlich Prize was awarded by Tellux Next to "Tatami" by Zar Amir and Guy Nattiv.

One Future Prize
•••• This year's One Future Prize, awarded by the Interfilm Academy, went to the documentary "Petra Kelly &endash; Act Now!" by Doris Metz. The 2024 One Future Honorary Award was presented posthumously to Petra Kelly for her life's work and her tireless engagement with sociopolitical issues.
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• 101- SAG-AFTRA Awards George Heller Memorial Gold Card to Union Officers

LOS ANGELES (June 22, 2024) -- Today SAG-AFTRA announced Sheila Ivy Traister, Michele Proude, Janice Pendarvis and Stacey Travis as recipients of the George Heller Memorial Award gold cards in recognition for their outstanding contributions to SAG-AFTRA and its members.
•••• The George Heller Memorial Award is presented every two years at SAG-AFTRA's national convention and bestowed based on contributions and years of service to SAG-AFTRA or its predecessor unions. Honorees are selected by the National Honors and Tributes Committee members from around the country. This year's recipients are:
•••• SAG-AFTRA Former National Board Member Sheila Ivy Traister
•••• A tireless union advocate, Traister has dedicated more than 44 years of cumulative service to the labor movement, having served on the SAG-AFTRA National Board, as president of the Colorado Local and as a current member of five national committees. Traister puts particular focus on committees that help promote inclusiveness of her industry and the labor movement and expand equal opportunity in the industry, including for performers who are Asian American and Pacific Islander, and performers with disabilities. She also devotes her time to conducting workshops and lectures for film students, educating them about SAG-AFTRA and the benefits of union membership.
•••• SAG-AFTRA National Vice President, Mid-Sized Locals Michele Proude Compassionate, articulate, and determined, Proude has served on local and national committees and as New England Local president. She was first elected by her fellow SAG-AFTRA convention delegates as the national vice president of the mid-sized locals in 2019, and was elected to her third term in 2023. As a leader, she's known for being open and communicative and she cultivates an environment where people can disagree and debate respectfully. As an accomplished performer, she is an invaluable resource for her knowledge of SAG-AFTRA's constitution, union governance, and her ability to find solutions and get things done. Proude has managed to balance a very full home life, a busy career and union service, and is devoted to making SAG-AFTRA the very best that it can be.
•••• SAG-AFTRA National Vice President, Recording Artists/Singers Janice Pendarvis
•••• A singer and voice actor who has spent years fighting for singers legislatively and within the union, Pendarvis' priority has always been creating more union work for SAG-AFTRA members -- especially those working in the recording industry. Currently serving her second term as SAG-AFTRA's national vice president, recording artists/singers, her legacy in union service is almost as impressive as her career; she began as a songwriter and a singer working with artists such as Sting, David Bowie, Steely Dan, Peter Tosh and the Rolling Stones. Currently, she's an associate professor of voice at Berklee College of Music, assisting the next generation of musicians in the pursuit of their dreams.
•••• Former SAG-AFTRA National Board Member Stacey Travis
•••• For over three decades, Travis has been dedicated to union service. She was first elected to the SAG Board in 2008, and her extraordinary leadership accomplishments include revolutionizing SAG-AFTRA's low budget contracts and fighting fiercely for over a decade to remove ages and birthdates from IMDb. She also devotes her time and energy to ensuring that our members are educated about contract changes and opportunities, and helps to drive SAG-AFTRA's legislative agenda in California and Washington, D.C. Whether she's tracking state and national actions, researching vital legislation or educating members, Travis is always working to help members and strengthen SAG-AFTRA.

• About George Heller
Established in 1956, the gold card award was created in memory of George Heller, a stage performer and a legend in the union's history who co-founded AFRA, the American Federation of Radio Artists in 1937. Heller became AFRA national executive secretary in 1946, departing in 1949 to head Television Authority to organize and negotiate TV contracts for actors. When AFTRA and TVA merged in 1952, as AFTRA, Heller became its national executive secretary. Heller was also the driving force behind negotiating and achieving the AFTRA Pension and Health Plan -- an entertainment industry first -- shortly before his premature death in 1955 at age 49.
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• 115- NATPE BUDAPEST 2024 - First keynotes announced
Natpe Budapest will take place June 24 - 27 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Budapest.

KEYNOTE: AI & TECHNOLOGY: REDEFINING ENTERTAINMENT IN A CONNECTED WORLD
Producer, Tech Entrepreneur and Journalist Elif Dagdeviren will lead a thought-provoking presentation that puts AI center stage as a powerful tool for molding the business. This keynote will focus on the intersection of technology and entertainment today, and how it will evolve in the future.
•••• CEO-level executives from leading broadcasters across Central and Eastern Europe will lead insightful discussion around the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the region's media landscape with a particular focus on the health of Linear TV & investment in local content. 
Featuring: Moderators
Stewart Clarke, SVP, Content, International, Deadline
Ralf Bartoleit CEO, bTV Media Group
Stella Litou
CEO, CME Adria; CEO, Pro Plus; President of the Management Board, RTL Croatia
Pavel Stantchev, CEO, TV2 Media Group Hungary, Planet TV Group Slovenia
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• 115- Cinematic gems to be presented at Munich 41st FILMFEST MÜNCHEN.

 ••• The Munich International Film Festival is the number-one platform for German filmmaking. Its 41st edition will see the premieres of 150 films from 53 countries, with the usual large number of guests attending. Both the general public and the film industry will find much to discover here. The complete festival schedule, which includes German co-productions involving Canada, Argentina, Somalia, and India, is now online, as are all of the events and talks, which feature lots of big names in filmmaking.
•••• The Munich International Film Festival will be held from June 28 to July 7, 2024. Its opening gala will be held at the Gasteig HP8 on Saturday, June 29. The festival center will once again be at the Amerikahaus in the museum district.
•••• The awards for the competition sections will be announced on July 6, 2024 at the festival center Amerikahaus.
•••• The works competing for the new CineWaves award trophies in the international and national competitions will be screened at twelve venues. This year also sees the return, after a four-year break, of the competition for Germany's most valuable co-production prize, the 100,000-euro CineCoPro Award.   
•••• The 150 feature-length fiction and documentary films address themes that cover the entire spectrum of human and societal experience. Some 40 % of the films are directed by women. All of the films are being screened in Germany for the first time. 62 productions are even celebrating their international, world, or European premiere in Munich.   
•••• As this is the first festival at which we've teamed up to set the creative tone, it's naturally very special to us. We're taking the festival back to its roots by presenting genuine finds alongside star-studded cinema, but are doing this in new, grand, and great locations. The return of the CineCoPro Competition makes the festival more complete, and CineYou, our laboratory for young audiences, finally gives us an avenue for making young people from Munich an active part of the festival. We and our fantastic team are looking forward to 10 days of unparalleled interactions, unforgettable experiences with cinema, and inspiring, open-minded discussions," say Christoph Gröner, festival director, and Julia Weigl, artistic co-director.
•••• Plenty of cinematic gems that we're able to present come to us straight from the Cannes and Tribeca film festivals. In "The Substance", Demi Moore returns to the big screen in a breathtaking female body horror film by Coralie Fargeat. Also fresh from Cannes is "Rumours", an absurdist satire starring Cate Blanchett, Charles Dance, and Alicia Vikander. Fourteen films in total are from the Croisette. "Samia", an Italian-German co-production, offers the perspective of a young sportswoman who confronts injustice in Mogadishu. In "Motel Destino", another film involving Germany in its co-production, Karim Aïnouz turns desire, intoxication, and violence into a colorful spectacle. From Brazil, there is the horror drama "Continent", which is celebrating its world premiere at the Munich International Film Festival (more information on the international world premieres here). "Xoftex" will be presented in a joint world premiere with the Karlovy Vary Festival.
• Click for more tvi Stroy-115- Cinematic gems to be presented at Munich 41st FILMFEST MÜNCHEN.
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• 115- Michaela Pereira Returns to Host July 27th Emmys Ceremony
LOS ANGELES - June 4, 2024 -- The Television Academy today announced 124 nominations in 33 categories for the 76th Los Angeles Area Emmy® Awards, to be presented Saturday evening, July 27, 2024, at the Four Seasons Hotel Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, hosted by award-winning journalist Michaela Pereira.
•••• The Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards honor locally produced programs in the categories of Crime and Social Issues, Culture and History, the Arts, Human Interest, Sports, the Environment, and Live and Breaking News Coverage. 
•••• A complete list of today's nominations, tabulated by the Academy's accounting firm Ernst & Young LLP, is attached. The nominations are listed alphabetically by program within each category.
•••• Host Michaela Pereira has more than three decades of experience in the television industry and has made her mark on Los Angeles area news as the anchor for both the KTLA Morning News and KTTV's Good Day LA. Additionally, she has been on the national stage as a co-host of the CNN morning show New Day, and hosted her own daily show, MichaeLA, on HLN. She is currently hosting her own national weekly podcast, "The Michaela! of it All," which is the leadup to her national talk show.
••••Christie Lyn Lugo Leigh and Stephanie Hampton are the Los Angeles Area Governors.
• Click here for the complete list of Emmys nominees
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  • 115- CINEKINDL -- A VARIETY OF FILMS ABOUT THE WORLD OF YOUNG PEOPLE

MUNICH, June 7, 2024 -- The 41st edition of the Munich International Film Festival will give young audiences in particular a lot to look forward to. Programming director Tobi Krell aka Checker Tobi and co-curator Tobi Obermeier will once again present a thoughtfully compiled selection of films for the young and young-at-heart aged 5 and up. The former KINDERFILMFEST MÜNCHEN, a standalone competition section at the festival, will for the first time be held using its new name, CineKindl.  
•••• On the morning of June 29, 2024, the CineKindl section will officially be inaugurated by programming director Tobi Krell. The CineKindl trailer, shot by a group of young people under the guidance of director Axel Ranisch, will be shown on the big screen for the first time. The highlight at the opening of this section will be the world premiere of the documentary "Sisterqueens". In her graduation film from the Baden-Württemberg Film Academy, director Clara Stella Hüneke gets up close and personal with a Berlin-based initiative that promotes feminist rap by and for girls. The film follows three young female protagonists for several years as they find their voice and begin to give artistic expression to their political demands. 
• Click for list of all the films
• Click for more tvi Stroy-115- CINEKINDL at the Munich Film Festival  
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• CineWaves motiv will be gracing the Munich Film Fest
The international FILMFEST MÜNCHEN is giving its awards a coordinated design that will be reflected across the festival
•••• Starting this year, the CineWaves will be the motif gracing the awards presented at Munich's international film festival.
•••• "FILMFEST MÜNCHEN has given itself a fresh iconography inspired by one of Munich's most scenic locations: the incomparable Isar River. The flow of the water is inspiring and surprising. It constantly delivers something new. It encourages interaction and refreshment, especially in the summer," say festival director Christoph Gröner and artistic co-director Julia Weigl.
•••• The design is based on footage of flowing water which was intentionally distorted by non-binary artist PPPANIK using a play of colors and other effects, thus becoming a cinematic statement in itself. We're drawn into a summery, lush, blue-green colorscape that will remind everyone in Munich of the Isar, the Eisbach, and the English Garden.
•••• During the festival period from June 28 to July 7, all of Munich's cinematic events will reflect this design, which will be featured prominently at the opening at the Gasteig HP8.
• Click for more
 

• 115- 41st Munich International Film Festival and its jury 
•••• This year, the Munich International Film Festival will once again be joined by international and national juries. The juries are made up of an diverse selection of industry representatives with a variety of perspectives and expertise who will judge the unique films from the festival's competition sections.
•••• After a four-year break, the Munich International Film Festival brings back the 100,000-euro CineCoPro Award. Ten international co-productions involving German co-producers will vie for this exceptional award in the CineCoPro Competition. The winning film will be chosen by a three-member independent jury of international renown: Baran bo Odar (director and screenwriter), who established himself as an international filmmaker after the success of hit series "Dark", Leonie Benesch (actress), winner of the German Film Award for Best Leading Role for the Oscar-nominated film "Das Lehrerzimmer", and Sol Bondy (executive producer), known not least for Ali Abbasi's Cannes competition title "Holy Spider" (2022).
•••• The audience sits not only in the movie theater, but on the jury as well. For the Audience Award, festival attendees vote online to determine their favorite of all the films screened at the festival. Since 2024 the award has been sponsored by BR and the Süddeutsche Zeitung.
•••• The awards for the competition sections will be announced on July 6, 2024 at the festival center Amerikahaus.
•••• The Munich International Film Festival will be held from June 28 to July 7, 2024. Its opening gala will be held at the Gasteig HP8 on Saturday, June 29. The festival center will once again be at the Amerikahaus in the museum district.
• Click for more tvi Stroy-115- 41st Munich Film Festival 2024 - Jury
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KATE WINSLET
CINEMERIT AWARD WINNER 2024  

• 115- Kate Winslet honored for outstanding artistic achievement 
••• The Munich International Film Festival will this year again have the privilege of presenting two CineMerit Awards. Alongside Jessica Lange, multiple award-winning actress Kate Winslet will be honored for her achievements in the service of film. Winslet will personally introduce the European premiere of her film "Lee," which she stars in and produced about photographer Lee Miller. It also stars Marion Cotillard, Andrea Riseborough, Andy Samberg, Josh O'Connor, and Alexander Skarsgår. The film will be released to cinemas across Germany on September 26, 2024.   
••••Since 1997, the Munich International Film Festival has been honoring outstanding personalities in international filmmaking with the CineMerit Award for their achievements in the art of film. This event will include an Extended Film Talk with Kate Winslet.   
•••• Kate Winslet portrays a woman who was far ahead of her time and who left behind an extensive artistic and intellectual legacy. Winslet began developing the project in 2016 with Lee Miller's son, Antony Penrose. Struck by the defining decade of Lee's life which she spent as a war correspondent on the front line in Europe during World War II, Kate, alongside Antony Lee, immersed herself in Lee's personal archival material to in order to discover the experiences that drove Lee to use her voice as a witness to war.
• Click for more tvi Stroy-115- Kate Winslet, CineMerit Award Winner 2024
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• 115- An Evening with Jessica Lange - International premiere of "The Great Lilian Hall" and CineMerit Award, June 30, 2024.
••• As part of this year's Munich International Film Festival, Oscar-, Tony- and Emmy-winning actress Jessica Lange will not only present a selection of her own photographic works at Deutsches Theatermuseum, but will also celebrate the international premiere of her new film "The Great Lillian Hall" at the Deutsches Theater. 
•••As beloved Broadway star Lillian Hall (Jessica Lange) pours her heart, soul, and time into preparing for her next role, she finds herself blindsided by confusion and forgetfulness. Battling against all odds to make it to opening night while holding on to her fading memories and identity, she must navigate a tumultuous emotional journey: balancing her desire for the spotlight and the stark demands of the real world.
•••In addition to Jessica Lange, "The Great Lillian Hall" also stars Kathy Bates, Lily Rabe, Jesse Williams, and Pierce Brosnan. 
•••An Extended FilmTalk with the Hollywood actress will accompany the screening.
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• 102- YouTube TV Rising: Do Traditional Media Companies Need a User-Generated Strategy - By Adrian Penninton
•••• YouTube comprises 10% of all TV viewing in the US, according to Nielsen in its latest monthly report on streaming, so why do advertisers seem reluctant to buy ads on YouTube streamed to connected TVs?
•••• Because they still think of Google's platform as a place for cat videos.
•••• The statistic unveiled by Nielsen is less remarkable than the claim that YouTube's whopping share of TV viewing time has gone under the radar of media buyers and sellers.
•••• YouTube comprises 10% of all TV viewing in the US, according to Nielsen in its latest monthly streaming report. Cr: Nielsen
•••• It's the latest in "the continued denialism in the media and ad communities about YouTube's scale, and prominence in the eyes of many users," says Mike Shields, writing on Substack. "The Google-owned video platform is a CTV juggernaut, like it or not."
•••• Shields, a strategic consultant and the host of industry podcast Next in Marketing, takes aim at TV and brand marketers who don't think of YouTube as "real TV," or the idea that advertising only works well in highly produced comedies and drama.
•••• Most of YouTube is either pirated from traditional TV -- or it's just dogs on skateboards -- the perception goes.
•••• Yet this is long out of date, says Shields. Ignore the reality of what YouTube is at your peril, he warns.

•••• Michael Beach, CEO of marketing and analytics firm Cross Screen Media, says YouTube inventory is underbought. "If you look at its TV share, it should at least be getting close to 10% of the TV market, but at best it's maybe 4%."
•••• Beach criticized media buyers for having siloed structures, leading to conflicting definitions of what even constitutes "video."
•••• A recent report by Accenture called on the media industry to radically reinvent itself in the wake of a seismic shift in entertainment preferences. The report found that nearly 60% of consumers regarded user-generated content as equally entertaining as traditional media.
•••• "Traditional media companies must reinvent themselves from the ground up," Accenture writes. "Legacy media companies need new sources of revenue; they need to take on new roles in the entertainment value chain. They need to rethink the customers they serve and even the industries where they chose to compete."
•••• "Instead of knocking platforms like YouTube as havens for UGC, do traditional media companies need a user-generated strategy?" poses Shields.
•••• Amazon recently struck a deal to produce a show with YouTube mega-star MrBeast. "You might ask," as Shield does, "why didn't CBS?"
•••• On YouTube, viewers aren't the problem. It's the perception of people who do not watch YouTube that is.
Basically, YouTube is 10% of all TV viewing in the US.
•••• Note, that doesn't include YouTube TV. This is just plain old YouTube-watching on TV. And this isn't 10% of streaming - it's all TV.
•••• That feels big - as evidenced by the reaction of many media industry observers:
•••• The media is still just barely covering how much YouTube (classic, not YouTubeTV) is viewed on TVs in the US, and how fast it's gaining share. I'd wager YouTube viewing on TVs is close to that of the top 3 broadcast networks combined.

"Last comparable numbers are from July, 2023.
Total day average viewership:
• YouTube 5.1 million
• ABC 2.0m
• CBS 1.9m
• NBC 1.6m

•••• To be sure, those numbers are total day. So we're not saying that more people are watching YouTube than ABC during any given hour. Still, this data and its trajectory are pretty remarkable.
•••• Also remarkable - the continued denialism in the media and ad communities about YouTube's scale, and prominence in the eyes of many users.
•••• Some call it the YouTube Derangement Syndrome.
•••• You still get this a lot -- YouTube isn't 'real TV.' Or the idea that advertising only works well in highly-produced comedies and drama. Most of YouTube is either pirated from traditional TV - or it's just dogs on skateboards.
•••• Note, that doesn't include YouTube TV. This is just plain old YouTube-watching on TV. And this isn't 10% of streaming - it's all TV.
• Click for more tvi Stroy-102- YouTube TV Rising: Do Traditional Media Companies Need a User-Generated Strategy
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CEO Yves Padrines with the Best Managed Companies Award

• 115- Nemetschek Group Honored with Best Managed Companies Award
MUNICH, May 24, 2024 -- The Nemetschek Group, a leading global provider of software solutions for the AEC/O and media industries, is winner of the Best Managed Companies Award 2024. Deloitte Private, UBS, and the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung together with the Federation of German Industries (Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie, BDI) honored outstandingly managed companies from the German SME sector in an award ceremony in Frankfurt, Germany on 23 May 2024. The Nemetschek Group received the prestigious award for the sixth time.
•••••• For more than six decades, the Nemetschek Group has been a driver for digitalization, efficiency and sustainability in the construction and media industry.
• About Best Managed Companies
•••••• The Best Managed Companies program is a competition and seal of approval for successful mid-sized companies. The vision: to build a national and global ecosystem of excellently managed mid-sized companies. A key unique selling point of Best Managed Companies is its internationality: Best Managed Companies was launched by Deloitte in Canada in the 1990s and has since been successfully introduced in more than 45 countries.
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• 115- The 77th Cannes Film Festival, an annual destination for celebrities.

Merryl Streep accepting the Honorary Palme d'Or

Jane Fonda on the Red Carpet, Cannes

This year's Cannes Film Festival jury is led by Gerwig, are Turkish screenwriter and photographer Ebru Ceylan, U.S. actress Lily Gladstone, French actress Eva Green, Lebanese director and screenwriter Nadine Labaki, Spanish director and screenwriter Bayona, Italian actor Pierfrancisco Favino, and Japanese director are tasked with deciding the winners of the various awards.
••• Mead Anya Taylor-Joy, Heidi Klum, and Helena Christensen were among the stars who arrived at the Opening Ceremony and the screening of "Le Deuxieme Acte" at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, on May 14, 2024.
••• The Opening Ceremony was highlighted by the presentation of the Honorary Palme d'Or to Meryl Streep, awarded in recognition of her illustrious career and contributions to film.
••• The 77th Annual Cannes Film Festival runs from May 14 to May 25, 2024.
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• Click for more tvi Stroy-115- The 77th Cannes Film Festival, an annual destination for celebrities.-
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• Meet the Stars: 100 Years of MGM Studios and the Golden Age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Heritage Museum
Hollywood, CA, (TVI Magagazine) 4/26/24
The Hollywood Heritage Museum's Spring 2024 exhibit "Meet The Stars:100 Years of MGM Studios and the Golden Age of Hollywood" opened April 6. celebrating Hollywood's Golden era and highlighting Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios 100th anniversary. The exhibit culls from the private vintage collections of over 20 motion picture memorabilia collectors to exhibit artifacts of the Golden Age of Hollywood - many items unseen by the public for decades! 
•••• The Hollywood Heritage Museum is a must-visit for cinema enthusiasts. It is located in the oldest surviving motion picture studio in Hollywood. Here, you can learn about the history of the studio and how it played a crucial role in the birth of Paramount Pictures Corporation in 1916. The first feature length film was produced here in 1912 by Jesse L. Lasky and Cecil B. DeMille. This 1901 barn turned studio was designated California State Historic Landmark No. 554 in 1956.
•••• Exhibit highlights: Among the over 20 screen-worn costumes, is a Judy Garland blouse from MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS (1944), memorabilia from the 1937 MGM Exhibitors Convention, personal items from the career of child star Cora Sue Collins, Lewis Stone's QUEEN CHRISTINA costume, not seen for 91 years), the once-thought-lost 1937 "Farewell to Earth" portrait of Jean Harlow, commissioned posthumously by the actress' mother, a 1932 MGM premiere guest registry from GRAND HOTEL, signed by Clark Gable, Jean Harlow, Louis B. Mayer and Cecil B. DeMille, vintage Disney dolls and dolls bearing the likenesses of Judy Garland, Shirley Temple, Carmen Miranda and Deanna Durbin, The fur coat worn by Best Actress Oscar winner Luise Rainer (THE GOOD EARTH, 1936) at the Academy Awards, Jean Harlow's lipstick blots saved by her makeup artist - and much more representing over 30 early 20th century motion picture stars!
• Click for more Hollywood Heritage Museum
• Click for more tvi Stroy-115- Meet the Stars: 100 Years of MGM Studios and the Golden Age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Heritage Museum
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• 114- Sam Rubin, KTLA journalist and longtime entertainment anchor, dies at 64••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••- Television Int'l Magazine -
"KTLA 5 is profoundly saddened to report the death of Sam Rubin. Sam was a giant in the local news industry and the entertainment world, and a fixture of Los Angeles morning television for decades. His laugh, charm and caring personality touched all who knew him. Sam was a loving husband and father: the roles he cherished the most. Our thoughts are with Sam's family during this difficult time."
••••"Sam was a giant in the local news industry and the entertainment world, and a fixture of Los Angeles morning television for decades," KTLA said in an X post. "His laugh, charm and caring personality touched all who knew him. Sam was a loving husband and father: the roles he cherished the most. Our thoughts are with Sam's family during this difficult time."•
•••• Rubin died at his home of a heart attack. His last appearance on KTLA was on May 9. He did not appear Friday on KTLA's 7-9 a.m. "Morning News" as usual. KTLA reported that Rubin's colleagues said he "showed no outward signs of illness" the day before.
•••• Mr. Rubin's death was announced by a KTLA anchor, Frank Buckley. A tribute segment that aired on the station said the cause was a heart attack.
•••• The news of Rubin's death hit Hollywood hard with an outpouring of sadness and tributes from actors on both coasts.
•••• Sam Rubin was born on Feb. 16, 1960, in San Diego. He attended Occidental College in Los Angeles and earned a degree in American studies and rhetoric.
 ••
After working as a correspondent for several local outlets covering entertainment news, Mr. Rubin joined KTLA in 1991 and quickly made a name for himself with his unexpected questions and easy charm. He enjoyed rare longevity with a single station throughout his career.
•••• Sam Rubin won multiple Emmy Awards for his coverage, and a lifetime achievement award from the Southern California Broadcasters Association. He used his celebrity acumen as co-author of two celebrity biographies, one about former first lady Jacqueline Onassis, and actress Mia Farrow.
•••• In addition to his work as an anchor, Rubin's television production company SRE, Inc. has produced more than 200 hours of broadcast and cable programming including "Live From" red carpet shows and 120 episodes of talk show "Hollywood Uncensored."
•••• "Sam's generous spirit, unfailing good humor and deep knowledge of "Hollywood" made him a legend in the entertainment business and a trusted friend to millions of viewers .
•••• Mr. Rubin is survived by his wife, Leslie Gale Shuman, and four children.
• Click for more tvi Stroy-114- Sam Rubin, KTLA journalist and longtime entertainment anchor, dies
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115- LA Screenings is back at the Century Plaza, May 15 - 17
Los Angeles - May 2, 2024 -- The LA Screening annually held in May in Los Angeles after the NY Upfronts is being held this year at the New Fairmont Century Plaza, in Century City. It attracts over 1,000 top level television content buyers from all over the world to screen their content from independent companies to major studios. This event takes place days before the studios present their U.S. TV networks' upcoming lineup.
•••• LA Screenings is back at the Century Plaza! set on the backlot of the former 20th Century Fox Studios. Fairmont Century Plaza has a long history as a cultural epicenter originally deemed "The Hotel of the Future," Century Plaza has always been home to industry disruptors, beloved Hollywood stars, American Presidents, cultural trend setters, and those just looking to bask in the energy of it all. Major moment in history have taken place in its storied ballroom from the Emmys to the Grammys to presidential state dinners. In fact, the Hotel was known as the "Western White House" as it was President Reagan's preferred hotel on the west coast and has hosted numerous past presidents over the years. Fairmont Century Plaza's place in history remains unreplacable.
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 Courtesy of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation
Meryl Streep reading for the SAG-AFTRA Foundation
Meryl Streep joins a group of celebrities who are part of an initiative to get kids reading.

• 109- Meryl Streep Reads 'The Three Questions' for Children's Literacy Program Storyline Online
Los Angeles - On Friday, May 17, the SAG-AFTRA Foundation -- the actor's union non-profit which aims to help its guild members -- announced that the Academy Award-winning actress, Meryl Streep, had teamed up with the charity's children's literacy program Storyline Online.
•••• Her collaboration with the non-profit features a new installment in Storyline Online's celebrity book-reading program, in which she reads "The Three Questions," written and illustrated by Jon J. Muth.
••••The children's book, adapted from a story by Leo Tolstoy, is about a boy who asks the big questions in life, like: "What is the best time to do things?", "Who is the most important one?" and "What is the right thing to do?"
••••Along with Streep's reading, which is available on the organization's YouTube channel, Storyline Online provides teachers with activity guides (that follow Common Core Standards) to accompany each book reading. Readings by previous celebrity partners, including Terry Crews, Seth Meyers, Kristen Bell and more are also available on the platform.
••••"Aimed at 2nd - 4th grade students, these activities encourage children to engage in critical thinking activities and explore the themes of this book including knowledge, curiosity, kindness and friendship," the press release states.
••••SAG-AFTRA Foundation president and Heist 88 star Courtney B. Vance praised Streep's participation in the project.
••••"We are honored and thrilled to welcome one of the greatest actors and storytellers of all time, Ms. Meryl Streep, to our family of readers here at Storyline Online," Vance said. "Meryl volunteered to read for our children's literacy initiative because of her commitment to education and advancing literacy, and we could not have asked for a more brilliant actor to bring this beautiful and profound story to life."
••••"Meryl Streep's reading of The Three Questions is an exceptional addition to our library, and we believe it will have a significant impact on millions of children and adults alike," he added. "This story will not only inspire a love of books and reading, but will also stir souls."
••••Storyline Online's previously featured celebrity partners include Chris Pine, Angela Bassett, Rami Malek, Oprah Winfrey, Viola Davis, Michelle Yeoh, and Kyra Sedgwick and dozens more celebs have lent their voices to be paired with creative illustrations for the literacy program.
••••Storyline Online's read-alouds are available on storylineonline.net, or on the non-profit's YouTube channel.
• Click for more tvi Stroy-109- Meryl Streep Reads 'The Three Questions' for Children's Literacy Program Storyline Onlinfor the SAG-AFTRA Foundation
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Photographic Images: The PaleyFest LA - The Paley Center

• 101- The Annual PaleyFest is headed back to the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, February 2024 -- The Paley Center for Media announced the schedule for the 41st annual William S. Paley Television Festival, which will take place from Friday, April 12 through Saturday, April 20, at the DOLBY THEATRE in Hollywood.
•••• The nation's premier television festival celebrating creative excellence, PaleyFest LA brings audiences together with television's brightest stars from the most acclaimed and buzzworthy TV shows, and features screenings of special preview and premiere content with never-before-seen TV footage.
•••• The 2024 selections encompass a collection of the best programs that television has to offer featuring beloved shows celebrating their farewell seasons and milestone anniversaries, as well new shows certain to take their place among television's most iconic series and current fan favorites. This year's festival will open with a conversation with the stars of the award-winning The Morning Show (Apple TV+), which will be followed by events honoring Loki (Disney+), Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO) and Young Sheldon (CBS) both celebrating their farewell seasons, the highly anticipated Avatar: The Last Airbender (Netflix), Late Night with Seth Meyers (NBC) celebrating its 10th anniversary, Family Guy (FOX) celebrating its 25th anniversary with a live table read, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (CBS).
•••• The 2024 lineup includes Curb Your Enthusiasm, Loki, The Morning Show, Young Sheldon, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and a 25th anniversary celebration of Family Guy. As you'd expect from that lineup of shows, the assortment of celebrities is just as stacked, including Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Tom Hiddleston, Iain Armitage, Albert Kim, Seth Meyers, Larry David, Cheryl Hines, Seth MacFarlane, Alex Borstein, Mila Kunis and Stephen Colbert. 
•••• PaleyFest LA supports the Paley Center's many education initiatives including education workshops serving 10,000 youth annually, the PaleyImpact series featuring programs centered on today's most pressing social issues and the role of media in our society, and the continued preservation of the Paley Archive, featuring more than 160,000 historically significant television and radio programs, as well as television commercials.
• About The Paley Center for Media:
•••• The Paley Center for Media is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has celebrated the cultural, creative, and social significance of media and its impact on society for almost 50 years and owns and operates the iconic Paley Museum in NYC. Through its respected programming, the Paley Center leads the discussion about the cultural, creative, and social significance of media, drawing upon its curatorial expertise, an international collection, and close relationships with the media community. The general public can participate in Paley programs in both New York and Los Angeles that explore and celebrate the creativity, the innovations, the talent, and the leaders who are shaping media.
•••• The public can also access the Paley Center's permanent media collection, The Paley Archive, often referred to as a national treasure, containing over 160,000 television and radio programs and advertisements. Through the global programs of its Media Council and International Council, the Paley Center also serves as a neutral setting where media professionals can engage in discussion and debate about the evolving media landscape. Previously known as The Museum of Television & Radio, the Paley Center was founded in 1975 by William S. Paley, a pioneering innovator in the industry.
•••• Citi Cardholders and Paley Members receive presale access to tickets. Additionally, the Paley Center Member community receives the exclusive Members-Only benefit of discounts on PaleyFest LA tickets, as well as presale access to tickets that allows for selection of the best seats in the house before they sell out, plus year-round benefits for Paley programs and events.

To become a Paley Member, please visit: www.paleycenter.org/join-us.
For more information about The Paley Center for Media, and to learn about the Paley Center's acclaimed programming, please visit www.paleycenter.org
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• 24th Beverly Hills Film Festival®
•••• The 24th Edition of The Beverly Hills Film Festival® is only 16 days out! The BHFF Film Schedule is NOW LIVE, Tickets & Passes are limited. We've simplified access for your convenience with our BHFF 2024 dropdown menu. Social Media will also be a good source for future updates. Below are quick access links.

• Filmmaker Official Selection-  2024 Film Schedule is finally live Click Here for film listings.

• At-a-Glance -- For a quick glance of the entire film schedule Click Here.
• Screenplay Writer(s) Official Selection -  Click Here to check out our fabulous writers.
• Venues -- For a list of festival venues, Click Here.
• Box Office -- Please Click Here for availablity.

Film Screenings and Expert Panels
• Location- All screenings and panels will be held at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres on the THIRD FLOOR.
Parking Garage: located at Hollywood and Highland
Main Entrance: 6925 Hollywood Blvd
Side Entrance: 6801 Hollywood Blvd (recommended as it is easiest to access the third floor)

• Screenings- Films will screen for four days beginning Wednesday, May 1st - 4th, 2024. We ask that you show solidarity and support of your colleagues and by remaining for the entire screening block. Please be mindful that the films are screened as a block and DO NOT create distractions or disrupt the screening.

• Panels- Daily expert panel discussions begin Thursday, May 2nd with the final discussion taking place Saturday, May 4th. Panel discussions will be held at the auditorium of the TCL Chinese 6 Theaters at 12:00pm sharp. Each pass holder can invite TWO guests to the expert panel discussions. More information will be released regarding panels in the coming weeks. Make sure to take advantage of these events, don't miss your chance to interact with industry professionals.

• Film Screening Tickets & Passes- All pass purchases except Gala Awards Ceremony can be picked-up in person at the BHFF Welcome desk at the TCL Chinese Theatre any time after 12:00 p.m. May 1st, 2024. Film screening block tickets will only be available after 12:00 p.m. on their respective date. Tickets will be listed by name of cardholder who purchased. PLEASE HAVE THE FULL NAME OF THE CARDHOLDER WHO PURCHASED THE TICKETS.

• V.I.P. After Parties
Simply bring your passes to get into parties. No exception will be made.

More details regarding dates and all the fabulous venues can be found on our website at www.beverlyhillsfilmfestival.com/venues
*VIP parties are highly exclusive, and dress-code is enforced.

Wishing you safe travels whether you're coming from near or far. We are sure you will come with class and in style; see you all the 24th Beverly Hills Film Festival®! 
• Click for More BHFF ••••
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•106- ICLE Statement on the FCC's Net Neutrality Rule
PORTLAND, Ore. (April 23, 2024) -- The International Center for Law & Economics (ICLE) offers the following statement on today's vote by the Federal Communications Commission (FTC) to adopt a rule classifying internet service providers (ISPs) under Title II of the Communications Act.

The following quote can be attributed to ICLE Senior Scholar Eric Fruits:

Title II is much more than net neutrality. It is the same type of expansive and heavy-handed regulation that governs public utilities. The FCC's rule is a sharp reversal from decades of light-touch regulation that has fostered America's leadership in broadband innovation and investment. The industry would face the yoke of onerous federal regulation and meddling that would stifle and slow future investment and experimentation.

For more on the topic, see ICLE's issue spotlight laying out the history of Title II and net neutrality, as well as our comments to the FCC on their notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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• 106- Net Neutrality: Regulation for Ideology's Sake
IPI President, Tom Giovanetti
•••• Well, that didn't take long. After the Biden administration finally secured the necessary commissioners to form an operating 3-2 Democrat majority, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced Wednesday that it will hold a vote to again reclassify broadband networks under Title II of the Communications Act of 1934.
•••• A brief history. Activists have been calling for federal regulation of the internet since the 1990s, but the Clinton and Bush administrations wisely took a light-touch approach, understanding that regulation would impose unintended consequences on this nascent technology.
•••• As the broadband revolution began in the 2000s, the FCC chose to classify broadband networks as Title I information services rather than as Title II common carrier services. The difference was significant, because under Title II the FCC would have almost unlimited regulatory power over broadband.
•••• We've all seen how broadband networks have thrived under a light-touch Title I regulatory authority, with the growth of ecommerce, streaming entertainment services, social media, and the smartphone revolution.
•••• But that innovation and economic growth has not deterred activists who simply believe in federal control for the sake of federal control. And in 2015 the Obama FCC, absent any compelling data, voted to dramatically change course and reclassify broadband networks as Title II common carriers.
•••• The ominous threat of heavy regulation had the consequence of discouraging private investment in broadband networks, which the FCC found to have declined by around $1 billion between 2014 and 2015.
••• Over the 20+-year history, broadband network were only classified as Title II common carriers for a brief two years, from 2015 until 2017. The Trump administration's FCC returned broadband services to their original Title I classification.
•••• Since then, broadband speeds have increased, and real broadband prices adjusted for inflation have fallen 12 percent since 2017.  In fact, broadband prices have remained mostly flat during a time when inflation has been driving up the cost of almost every other consumer service.
•••• In other words, there is evidence that Title II classification caused a harmful drop in infrastructure investment, but not a single piece of evidence of any benefit from Title II, much less any evidence that consumers have been harmed since that two-year experiment was wisely reversed.
•••• But now, here we go again. For purely ideological reasons, and without data or examples of harm, the Biden FCC is reasserting its power to regulate broadband networks under Title II.
•••• Not only is such a move unnecessary and in fact contrary to evidence, but these major policy pendulum swings every time the White House changes hands cause uncertainty for broadband companies and investors, which prevents the kind of long-term planning and financing necessary for major infrastructure investments.
•••• So, net neutrality is back. But the Institute for Policy Innovation (IPI) will be there pushing back against harmful regulation of the internet, just as we have since the internet was being called the "information superhighway."
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• CineWaves motiv will be gracing the Munich Film Fest
The international FILMFEST MÜNCHEN is giving its awards a coordinated design that will be reflected across the festival
•••• Starting this year, the CineWaves will be the motif gracing the awards presented at Munich's international film festival.
•••• "FILMFEST MÜNCHEN has given itself a fresh iconography inspired by one of Munich's most scenic locations: the incomparable Isar River. The flow of the water is inspiring and surprising. It constantly delivers something new. It encourages interaction and refreshment, especially in the summer," say festival director Christoph Gröner and artistic co-director Julia Weigl.
•••• The design is based on footage of flowing water which was intentionally distorted by non-binary artist PPPANIK using a play of colors and other effects, thus becoming a cinematic statement in itself. We're drawn into a summery, lush, blue-green colorscape that will remind everyone in Munich of the Isar, the Eisbach, and the English Garden.
•••• During the festival period from June 28 to July 7, all of Munich's cinematic events will reflect this design, which will be featured prominently at the opening at the Gasteig HP8. On Saturday, June 29, FILMFEST MÜNCHEN will hold its festive opening gala -- with a film and thousands of guests who will already be making waves on the first weekend of the festival.
• Click for more ••••
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Photographic Images: The PaleyFest LA - The Paley Center

• The Annual PaleyFest is headed back to the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, February 2024 -- The Paley Center for Media announced the schedule for the 41st annual William S. Paley Television Festival, which will take place from Friday, April 12 through Saturday, April 20, at the DOLBY THEATRE in Hollywood.
•••• The nation's premier television festival celebrating creative excellence, PaleyFest LA brings audiences together with television's brightest stars from the most acclaimed and buzzworthy TV shows, and features screenings of special preview and premiere content with never-before-seen TV footage.
•••• The 2024 selections encompass a collection of the best programs that television has to offer featuring beloved shows celebrating their farewell seasons and milestone anniversaries, as well new shows certain to take their place among television's most iconic series and current fan favorites. For more information about The Paley Center for Media, and to learn about the Paley Center's acclaimed programming, please visit www.paleycenter.org
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• 2nd annual benefit for Pasadena Playhouse
The PLAYHOUSE PARTY Raises Over $675,000
PASADENA, CA (April  18, 2024) -- The PLAYHOUSE PARTY, the 2nd annual benefit for Pasadena Playhouse, the official State Theater of California and recipient of the 2023 Regional Theatre Tony Award, created by Pasadena Playhouse Producing Artistic Director Danny Feldman and the PLAYHOUSE PARTY Committee, was held on Saturday, April 13, 2024.  Co-chaired by Elizabeth Hall,  Y-Vonne Hutchinson, Anita Lawler and Leigh Olivar, the event was created to strengthen the community through connection and celebration. The event was an enormous success, raising over $675,000 for Pasadena Playhouse.
•••• With El Molino Avenue cordoned off for the occasion, the festivities in Pasadena Playhouse's courtyard spilled into the street. More than 300 guests adorned in shimmering cocktail attire attended the one-of-a-kind evening, which featured surprise pop up performances from Rio Navaro, an accordionist from Pasadena Playhouse Conservatory of Music who appeared in the Pasadena Playhouse Holiday Spectacular and community partner McKinley Middle School Drum Core.
•••• The evening was presented in three acts, starting with cocktails and a silent auction, followed by dinner and a special performance by Jasmine Amy Rogers and the new Playhouse Players, and culminating with a "Late Nite at the House Party" hosted by comedian Kate Berlant, who also served as DJ for this one-of-a-kind event, with Bar Chelou supplying cocktails, mocktails, wine, food, and dessert.
•••• Speakers and performers at the event included Board of Trustee President Erin Baker, Event co-chair and Board Member Y-Vonne Hutchinson, Playhouse staff members Omar Avedanke (Director, Creative & Content) and Bonne McHeffey (Company Manager), Jenny Slattery (Associate Producer), Danny Feldman (Producing Artistic Director), Rich Caparella of KUSC, and Jelly's Last Jam cast member Jasmine Amy Rogers, who offered a sneak peek from the upcoming Playhouse production of  Jelly's Last Jam with a dazzling rendition of "Play the Music for Me."
•••• There was also a silent auction featuring curated experiences and artisanal items donated by the community. Dinner was provided by Heirloom LA, with additional food and beverages provided by Heirloom LA and Bar Chelou. Additional donations were provided from over 40 other businesses and individuals.

Supporters for the event included the following: PRODUCERS: Jerry & Terri Kohl  HOSTS: Ellen & Harvey Knell, Leigh & Harry Olivar ICONS: Erin & Jeremy Baker, Stephanie & Leo Dencik and Stephen & Chantal Bennett INNOVATORS: Anonymous

ADVOCATES Barajas Tavera Family, Greta & Peter Mandell, Sheila Grether-Marion & Mark Marion, Ken & Tracy McCormick, Sarah & Eric Miller, Beth Price, Bingo & Gino Roncelli, Ann & Steven Sunshine, East West Bank  INFLUENCERS Cristina Hernandez & Jeffrey Bernstein, Anita & Vince Lawler, Susan Shieldkret, U.S. Bank

 • Click for more tvi Stroy-101- 2ndAnnual Benefit for Pasadena Playhouse
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• 101- SAG-AFTRA, Record Labels Reach Tentative Sound Recordings Agreement
Deal Includes Groundbreaking A.I. Protections, SAG-AFTRA Executive Committee Unanimously Approves the Agreement, will go to Members for Vote
LOS ANGELES (April 12, 2024) -- SAG-AFTRA and leading record labels reached a tentative multiyear agreement on a successor contract to the SAG-AFTRA National Code of Fair Practice for Sound Recordings.
Covering the period starting Jan. 1, 2021, and ending Dec. 31, 2026, the agreement includes Warner Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group and Disney Music Group.

• 101-Music Coalitions Respond to SAG-AFTRA Sound Recordings Code Tentative Agreement
Deal Includes 26.3% Compounded Wage Increase and Groundbreaking A.I. Protections 
Los Angeles (April 12, 2024) -- Today, SAG-AFTRA and the leading record labels -- Warner Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group and Disney Music Group --  announced a tentative multiyear agreement on a successor contract to the SAG-AFTRA National Code of Fair Practice for Sound Recordings.

Music creator groups have lauded the new SAG-AFTRA Sound Recordings Code:
"The music business has historically lagged behind on technological developments. This time, with A.I., MAC, BMAC and SONA joined forces with SAG-AFTRA to ensure that artists are protected upfront. This collective bargaining agreement with our label partners is a great first step to make sure artists have creative control and get paid," said Music Artists Coalition Founder Irving Azoff. "Congratulations to Duncan, Jeff and the SAG-AFTRA team."
• Click for more tvi Stroy-101- SAG-AFTRA, Record Labels Reach Tentative Sound Recordings Agreement
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• Last total solar eclipse for the next 20 years

 • 109- Last total solar eclipse for the next 20 years in the contiguous United States.
•••• On April 8, 2024, the contiguous United States will witness its last total solar eclipse for the next 20 years.
•••• The moon's total eclipse shadow will cross the Rio Grande into Texas at 1:25 p.m. Central time and trace an arc through 15 states all the way to Maine before crossing into Canada. The lower 48 states won't see another total solar eclipse until August 2044.
• Click for more tvi Stroy-109 Last total solar eclipse for the next 20 years in the contiguous United States.
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• SAG-AFTRA Members Ratify TV Animation Agreements
LOS ANGELES (Mar. 22, 2024) -- In national voting completed today, members of SAG-AFTRA ratified the 2023 Television Animation Agreement and the 2023 Basic Cable Animation Agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. Members approved the new three-year contracts by a vote of 95.52% to 4.48%.
• The contracts provide strong protections around the use of artificial intelligence and a pattern-busting 7% wage increase that applies retroactively to July 1, 2023.
••• For a full list of provisions achieved in the contracts, please see the summary.
••• Negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers were delayed due to last year's TV/Theatrical strike, and the previous contract was extended. On Feb. 22, SAG-AFTRA announced the tentative agreement with the AMPTPT.
• Click for more tvi Stroy-101- SAG-AFTRA, Members Ratify TV Animation Agreement
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• 101- The Octogenerian - ATAS a glittering dream - By Syd Cassyd
Permission was given by Syd Cassyd to Josie Cory, TVI for publishing.
Hollywood, CA - The glittering dreams of the world for a new culture and perhaps world peace through television and radio turned to ashes when Hitler used all media to destroy the dreams and bodies of more than 30 million persons.
•••• When in 1946 seven industryites in communications joined me in founding the "first generation" of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, we didn't foresee that in 43 years we would get the recognition that the "third generation" TV Academy has today,
••••We weren't naïve, for since Jan. 6, 1884, the first TV system had already been patented. For those 62 years world leaders had already visualized the impact of the moving image of television on society. The problems in America was not when, but who would control the new technology.
••••Because there are three generations of the Academy, each of the latter two calling themselves the "new" Academy, undoubtedly when the foundation selects people for the Hall of Fame, no one will be around to know that back in 1946, he was a "founder."
••••As Fred Sage, the fine actor in the "Wonder Years" notes, each generation has their own heroes.
• Click for more tvi Stroy-101- ATAS Founder Syd Cassyd 's Dream
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• 107- Syd Cassyd, Remembered
Hollywood - (February 2024 ) Syd Cassyd was the Founder of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
••• Cassyd worked for the Army Signal Corps as a film editor under then-Col. Frank Capra during World War II. After the war, Cassyd moved to Hollywood, where he worked as an editor for Box Office magazine, as well as a grip at Paramount Pictures.
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• 101- History of the Television Academy - The Beginning: Syd Cassyd's Dream
The history of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS) dates to the earliest days of the television industry itself. When Syd Cassyd, its founder, first conceived of the organization, he envisioned a serious forum where all aspects and concerns of the fledgling medium could be discussed. Flash and glamor were of no interest to Cassyd. Indeed, for years he refused to even consider the notion of handing out awards.

"He thought television was a really wonderful tool for education," recalled his daughter, Donna Cassyd. "He used to make us watch shows like Omnibus, with Alistair Cook."

Fortunately for Cassyd and the other founders of the Television Academy, the organization eventually became both a place for serious discussion as well as a place to celebrate the industry's finest achievements with its annual Emmy Awards ceremonies.
• Click for more tvi Stroy-101- ATAS Founder Syd Cassyd 's Dream
• Click for More History of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences
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• 115- NAB Show Get Ready to Walk the Show Floor at NAB, April 14
The NAB Show Daily brings First Look, a glimpse at the innovations in technology and new products you will see at the show, along with some exhibitor viewpoints and events happening on the show floor. The show will open its exhibit floor on April 14, Las Vegas.

HUNT VALLEY, Md. & ARLINGTON, Va. -- In an notable development that could help more public broadcasters get on the air with NextGen TV services, Sinclair Broadcast Group and America's Public Television Stations (APTS) have announced that in markets where Sinclair has deployed a NextGen TV Broadcast Service (aka ATSC 3.0) and a public television station has not, Sinclair will provide free carriage of a virtual channel from that public television station.
•••• Carriage of a broadcast-enabled virtual channel involves transmitting programming data within the NextGen signal that allows over-the-air viewers with NextGen TVs to see and select the channel in their programming guide and access the channel seamlessly over the Internet. 
••••Under this arrangement, Sinclair will provide hosting at no cost to the public television station. The public television stations will also have the option to pass through programming in high dynamic range (HDR), significantly enhancing the video quality to the viewers. Technologies such as Advanced HDR by Technicolor will allow content to be visually enhanced on NextGen TVs that support the improved picture format.
••••"America's Public Television Stations partner with Sinclair to offer more NextGen service to more public television viewers," said Patrick Butler, president and CEO of APTS. "We are proud to have helped public television stations in almost 30 markets make the transition to the NextGen TV broadcast standard. This partnership with Sinclair will help serve local communities while we work with other public television stations to transition to NextGen TV to advance their public service missions."
••••"We are thrilled to continue our partnership with America's Public Television Stations to help bring the next generation of television to all viewers," said Rob Weisbord, Sinclair's chief operating officer and president of Broadcast. "For public television stations that face challenges in launching NextGen service, we hope that this offer will help get them in the advanced TV game and set the stage for their eventual launch of this spectacular service over the air."
• Click for more•• https://nab.org/

  Cillian Murphy, wins Best Actor for "Oppenheimer"

Oppenheimer Scores Seven Wins during the night, including Best Picture, Actor,
Supporting Actor, Director, Original Score, Cinematography, Editing

In a surprise, Emma Stone won best actress for Poor Things, which also snapped up three crafts wins, for best costume design, production design, and makeup and hairstyling. She beat out perceived frontrunner Lily Gladstone, who has scooped up numerous awards for her role in Killers of the Flower Moon.

Da'Vine Joy Randolph won best supporting actress for The Holdovers.

Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki's "The Boy and the Heron" was named best animated feature, while Jonathan Glazer's "The Zone of Interest" won the Oscar for best international feature. 20 Days in Mariupol won the award for best documentary.

Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell won the Oscar for best original song for "What Was I Made For?" from Barbie.

Justine Triet and Arthur Harari won best original screenplay for "Anatomy of a Fall," while Cord Jefferson won best adapted screenplay for "American Fiction."

• 96th Oscar Complete Winners List 96th Academy Awards 96th Academy Awards

Best Picture "American Fiction" "Anatomy of a Fall" "Barbie" "The Holdovers" "Killers of the Flower Moon" "Maestro" "Oppenheimer" (Emma Thomas, Charles Roven and Christopher Nolan, Producers - WINNER "Past Lives" "Poor Things" "The Zone of Interest" Best Actor Bradley Cooper, "Maestro" Colman Domingo, "Rustin" Paul Giamatti, "The Holdovers" Cillian Murphy, (Oppenheimer) -WINNER Jeffrey Wright, "American Fiction" Best Actress Annette Bening, "Nyad" Lily Gladstone, "Killers of the Flower Moon" Sandra Hüller, "Anatomy of a Fall" Carey Mulligan, "Maestro" Emma Stone, (Poor Things) - WINNER Best Supporting Actor Sterling K. Brown, "American Fiction" Robert De Niro, "Killers of the Flower Moon" Robert Downey Jr., (Oppenheimer) - WINNER Ryan Gosling, "Barbie" Mark Ruffalo, "Poor Things" Best Supporting Actress Emily Blunt, "Oppenheimer" Danielle Brooks, "The Color Purple" America Ferrera, "Barbie" Jodie Foster, "Nyad" Da'Vine Joy Randolph, (The Holdovers) - WINNER Best Director Jonathan Glazer, "The Zone of Interest" Yorgos Lanthimos, "Poor Things" Christopher Nolan, (Oppenheimer) -WINNER Martin Scorsese, "Killers of the Flower Moon"Justine Triet, "Anatomy of a Fall" Best International Feature Film "Io Capitano," Italy "Perfect Days," Japan "Society of the Snow," Spain "The Teachers' Lounge," Germany "The Zone of Interest," (United Kingdom) - WINNER Best Animated Feature "The Boy and the Heron" (Hayao Miyasaki and Toshio Suzuki) - WINNER "Elemental" "Nimona" "Robot Dreams" "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" Best Adapted Screenplay (Best Writing) "American Fiction" - (Written by Cord Jefferson) - WINNER "Barbie" "Oppenheimer" "Poor Things" "The Zone of Interest" Best Original Screenplay (Best Writing) "Anatomy of a Fall" - (Written by Justine Triet and Athur Harari - WINNER "The Holdovers" "Maestro" "May December" "Past Lives" Best Visual effects "The Creator" "Godzilla Minus One"(Takashi Yamazaki, Kiyoko Shibuya, Masaki Takahashi and Tatsuji Nojima) - WINNER "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One" "Napoleon"

Best Original Score "American Fiction" "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" "Killers of the Flower Moon" "Oppenheimer" (Ludwig Gorannson) - WINNER "Poor Things" Best Original Song "It Never Went Away" from "American Symphony""I'm Just Ken" from "Barbie" "What Was I Made For?" from Barie (Music and Lyric by Billie Eilish and Finneas) - WINNER "The Fire Inside" from "Flamin' Hot" "Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)" from "Killers of the Flower Moon" Best Documentary Feature Film "20 Days in Mariupol" - Mstyslav Chernov, Michelle Mizner and Raney Aronson-Rath) - WINNER "Bobi Wine: The People's President" "The Eternal Memory" "Four Daughters" "To Kill a Tiger" Best Cinematography "El Conde" "Killers of the Flower Moon" "Maestro" "Oppenheimer" (Hoyte van Hoytema - WINNER "Poor Things" Best Costume Design "Barbie" "Killers of the Flower Moon" "Napoleon" "Oppenheimer" "Poor Things" (Holly Waddington) - WINNER Best Animated Short Film "Letter to a Pig" "Ninety-Five Senses" "Our Uniform" "Pachyderme" "War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko" - Dave Mullins and Brad Booker, WINNER Best Live-Action Short Film "The After" "Invincible" "Knight of Fortune" "Red, White and Blue" "The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar" - ( Wes Anderson and Steven Rales) - WINNER Best Documentary Short Film "The ABCs of Book Banning" "The Barber of Little Rock" "Island in Between" "The Last Repair Shop" (Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers) - WINNER "N?i Nai & Wài Pó" Best Film Editing "Anatomy of a Fall" "The Holdovers" "Killers of the Flower Moon" "Oppenheimer" (Jennifer Lame) - WINNER" Poor Things" Best Sound "The Creator" "Maestro" "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One" "Oppenheimer" "The Zone of Interest" (Tarn Willers and L Johnnie Burn) - WINNER Best Production Design "Barbie" "Killers of the Flower Moon" "Napoleon" "Oppenheimer" "Poor Things" - (Production Design: James Price and Shona Heath; Set Decoration: Zsuzaa Mihalek) WINNER Best Makeup and Hairstyling "Golda" "Maestro" "Oppenheimer" "Poor Things" (Nadia Stacey, Mark Coulier and Josh Weston) - WINNER "Society of the Snow"