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New Projects - Black Actor Open Call - Tax Time Help - Streaming Wars - Re-Opening Plans - COVID Update

By Sean Gregory, January 26, 2021

What's Up, UTD!

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend and is ready to dive into this fresh new week ahead. Hard to believe January is almost over! I was meditating last evening and realized we still have a decent amount of sun at 5 PM these days. The winter slog continues, but I'm already starting to dream of sunnier shores and warmer days ahead 🌄

For now, though, I'm wrapped up in a blanket and two pairs of socks (wearing the socks, not wrapped in them...) and refusing to turn on my heat like the stubborn New Yorker that I am. Grab a cup of coffee and scroll on! ☕️

Actor Tax Time Workshop

Thank you to everyone who came out to our Production Update workshop this past Saturday, Annie and Abi really enjoyed chatting with everyone about the state of our industry, pilot season progress, and how to make the most of the now-booming market with UTD!

We will be holding our last January workshop (TAX TIME) this Wednesday, 1/27 at 3 PM EST with Actors Connection! For anyone who has tried to file their taxes on their own as an actor, you're very well-acquainted with how precarious the process can be, and I can speak with absolute certainty when I say this workshop is a MUST for any working actor to attend. Even if the majority of your income is from a side hustle, all of the tips that Abi and Annie will be discussing are vital to optimizing your tax return. Abi has built so many amazing features into UTD Actor to help streamline compiling your information and eliminate as many headaches as possible. Have I convinced you yet? Sign up for FREE!

Ain't No Theatre like Political Theatre

At long last, we have a new president in the White House. Many of the problems that the country faces are still a long way from being solved, but I'm remaining optimistic that what's ahead of us is certainly better than what's behind us.

Now, let's talk about Amanda Gorman. For anyone who watched the inauguration, or has been on the internet in the past week, you know how incredible the 22 (!!) year old Youth Poet Laureate of Los Angeles was to watch her recite her poem "The Hill We Climb." "If we merge mercy with might and might with right, then love becomes our legacy, and change our children's birthright." Still gives me chills. Go and watch her full address. It's the perfect way to start your day.

The major industry labor unions and actors across Hollywood and Broadway were quick to offer their full praise of President Biden's and Vice President Harris' installation at the inauguration last week, with many taking to Twitter to share their excitement for the next four years. "In tears watching this extraordinary moment for women in the U.S. and the world. Vice President @KamalaHarris" Oprah wrote, joining many in their excitement of Harris becoming the first woman and person of color to hold the VP seat.

The entertainment industry couldn't be in a better position to welcome a new administration. With hundreds of projects either in the process of being or already greenlit across the various streamers and cablers, many in the industry remain optimistic that the turning of the tide will signal a renewed commitment to the arts in the US. Deadline discussed the possibility of a New Era-type investment in creators across the country, pointing to Rooseveltian programs like the Federal Theater Project and Federal Writers Program that kept artists afloat after the Depression. Are we on the precipice of a major cultural renaissance in America? Time will tell 🎨

In the most beautiful of ironies, SAG-AFTRA is ready to tell The Donald: You're Fired. The union held a special meeting last week, where they overwhelmingly agreed that Trump has "violated the union's Constitution," escalating the case to be heard by the group's Disciplinary Committee. "Donald Trump attacked the values that this union holds most sacred – democracy, truth, respect for our fellow Americans of all races and faiths, and the sanctity of the free press," SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris wrote in a statement. Bye-Don!

Open Call for Black Actors

Here is a great opportunity for black actors during Black History month! The Casting Society of America (CSA) will host a virtual town hall on February 1st and a three-day online open call for Black actors from February 19-21. Both events are part of CSA’s Black Actors Initiative, which is designed to effect real change in how actors in historically underrepresented communities are afforded access to job opportunities.

The town hall will include an in-depth discussion "to forge actionable changes in the representation of these actors," CSA said. Actors who identify as Black are invited to attend, as are all casting professionals — casting directors, associates, and assistants — talent agents and talent managers. The event will be moderated by casting director Tracy "Twinkie" Byrd and actor Carla Renata. Read more for info on the illustrious panel and how to sign up!

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

GROWN-ISH star Yara Shahidi shared her excitement at adding two Black female characters to the show's main cast, after critical feedback from audience and industry members in seasons past who did not feel the show did enough to include darker-skin Black characters. "The amount of times in which we want to be able to say, 'We know this to be true in our personal families – within one family we range the span of brown – and we want to be reflective of that,' is endless," said Shahidi, who has become an executive producer on the show this season. "I'm happy that the show represents different types of Black women, Latino women, white women, and women of all types and shows how much we get together and we appreciate and love one another and respect each other. That's really important nowadays."

Bicoastal Agency DDO Artists Agency is set to head a new initiative focused on diversity and inclusion, headed by newly minted Director of Diversity and Inclusion Irene Cabrera. The agency's new focus will foster relationships with historically underserved communities and create new opportunities for artists moving forward. "There are new standards in our society, which have resulted in significant demand from networks, studios, and advertisers for high-quality talent that meets the expectations — and reflects the diversity – of contemporary audiences," DDO said in a statement. Check out all the info for DDO and Irene on The Up-To-Date Actor!

Powerhouse casting office Stewart/Whitley has also reaffirmed their commitment to its diversity and inclusion initiatives with the addition of two new casting assistants - Joseph Hayes and Micah Johnson-Levy. "We're hoping to bring more in a more inclusive and diverse point of view," company partner Benton Whitley said. "It's not just the storytellers on stage that matter, it's the storytellers that put those people on stage that matter as well."

The Black Seed Project announced the recipients of its grants ranging from $10,000 to $150,000 over the next two years. Helmed by a coalition of theaters -  The Billie Holiday Theatre, The CRAFT Institute, Plowshares Theatre Company, and WACO Theatre Center - The Black Seed Project serves to empower Black voices and stories in the theatre community. "It's guiding Black theatre toward liberation," playwright and panel reviewer Donja Love said. "Never has an initiative come that holds such mighty space for Blackness. The Black Seed is saying all Black people matter. Black women, the Black queer, and trans community, Black youth and elders, Black disabled folx. We all matter and we are all worthy."

The Broadway Advocacy Coalition, in partnership with Broadway stage manager Cody Renard Richard, also announced the recipients for their inaugural Cody Renard Richard Scholarship Program, which will award $4,000 grants to 15 recipients, in an effort "to foster and support the next generation of BIPOC theatre-makers." Scholars will also receive mentorship for social justice, leadership, and community building initiatives.

Neil Patrick Harris recently shared his thoughts on casting straight actors in LGBTQ+ roles: "I think there's something sexy about casting a straight actor to play a gay role — if they're willing to invest a lot into it." Many in the industry have voiced their opposition to this idea, mirroring QUEER AS FOLK creator Russell T. Davies' commitment to realistic casting: "Authenticity is leading us to joyous places."

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE and PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN star Kiera Knightly recently shared her thoughts on portraying sex scenes under male-dominated creative teams with Lulu Wang and producer/journalist Diane Solway. “I feel very uncomfortable now trying to portray the male gaze," Knightly remarked, noting that while she will continue to consider roles with nudity that celebrate body positivity and the intricacies of motherhood, she will only do so under the direction of a female filmmaker.

Mr. Stark, I Don't Feel So Good

I think sometimes the most humbling stories to read are the ones about major A-list actors sharing how much they, too, loath the audition process. The latest to don the Spidey Suit, Tom Holland shared the "terrible" audition process he went through while being considered for Marvel's latest take on Spiderman. "They always tell you that you did a great job and they will be in touch, and then six weeks go by and you're just waiting and waiting," Holland said in a recent ACTORS ON ACTORS segment with Variety. He goes on to recount some of his screen tests, including improv riffing with Robert Downey Jr. and a fight test with Chris Evans, which, you know, we've ALL been there too, right...

Elsewhere in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, WANDAVISION has become a big hit amongst many fans of the rapidly expanding multiverse, including newcomer Teyonah Parris. The MAD MEN actor shared that she had no idea the project she was auditioning for was actually part of the MCU, drawing instead from a BRADY BUNCH or GOOD TIMES sitcom-style format. "Does that even fit into the Marvel world?" Parris said of her appearance on the show. "There were so many elements that were working with each other, or against each other, in a dynamic way." SPOILER WARNING for any MCU fans in the article!

And just for good measure: AUDITION ALERT! For any of our younger readers, Disney has issued a casting call for their upcoming adaptation of Tim Federle's children's book BETTER NATE THAN NEVER.

COVID Updates

New York Restaurant Week takes place this week in NYC, and we encourage everyone to take a look at the hundreds of offerings throughout the five boroughs to see if you can support an establishment near you! For the first time, Restaurant Week will be offering to-go options for just $20.21, in an effort to reach more people during COVID. Keep the NYC food scene alive and show them some love for keeping us fed through the pandemic!

Playbill has updated their list of resources, benefits, and engagement outlets that artists are relying on as the effects of the pandemic continue to ripple across the industry. BroadwayWorld also shared the status of a handful of theatre staples here in NYC, and what we can do to help them as well. Take some time to read through the list and see how you can help out our community!

Actors' Equity Association reacted to the news that New York City was forced to rescind over 23,000 vaccination appointments last week, as supplies for the shot have begun to dwindle statewide: "New York City must be vaccinating residents around the clock to get the virus under control. The theatre industry has been closed for over 10 months now, and it has no hope of fully returning, and bringing back jobs, if we don't hit critical mass with vaccines. We ask Governor Cuomo to coordinate with President Biden and redouble efforts on a plan that expands testing and distributes free vaccines for all, beginning with our most vulnerable."

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo outlined his plan to float a lifeline to the struggling arts and entertainment sector in a meeting for the state's 2021 budget last week, announcing a $130 million to support theaters, hotels, restaurants, and other arts institutions. The Pandemic Recovery and Restoration Program calls for both new tax credits as well as an extension of a current provision aimed at supporting the aforementioned sectors to "recover from the pandemic and bring back jobs to New York." Under the proposal, $25 million would be set aside to jumpstart the industry and support tourism over the next four years.

Entertainment communications veteran Dick Lippin recounted a recent meeting he attended with 14 senior execs from across the industry, and his hopes for the role he believes it can play in 2021: "The healing should start with an uplifting message – and no one is better at that than this business. It needs to be one capable of breaking through the noise, reflecting how entertainment is uniquely positioned among all top industries to re-energize the world when it needs it most."

Milwaukee Repertory Theatre announced it has distributed more than $60,000 in grants through the Milwaukee Rep Freelance Artist Relief Effort to 80 artists in need in the community, many of which have previously worked with the theatre. "A truly great theatre company is defined by the extraordinary artists that inhabit it, which is why it is so crucial for us to use whatever resources we currently have to meaningfully support them during this catastrophic time for our industry," artistic director Mark Clements wrote in a statement.

Openings for Theaters and Film Festivals A Moving Target

The Cannes Film Festival is still weighing their options for a potential delay in their typical May start in favor of a June or July start date, as the rollout of COVID vaccinations and reopening protocols for the year ahead continue to elude officials. "[W]e are waiting until later in the beginning of this year to evaluate the global situation regarding the pandemic," a festival spokesperson said, as several film critics and execs joined the conversation with growing skepticism about the probability of a May kickoff. "It's very unlikely that Cannes will happen as we know it," SquareOne Entertainment CEO Al Munteanu remarked, with Brian O'Shea of The Exchange noting that "as long as it happens before end of July it would not disrupt the traditional buying patterns."

Some positive news came down the pipe yesterday for movie theatres, as cinematic giant AMC Entertainment announced that bankruptcy talks for the movie house are "off the table" with the unveiling of $917 million in commitments and financing since December. The theater group will now have "enough cash to make it through this dark, coronavirus-impacted winter," CEO Adam Aron wrote in a statement. "Today, the sun is shining on AMC." As a proud AMC Stubs member, I gotta say that I'm preeetty excited 🍿

With the reopening date of movie theaters still, a ways off, streamers like Netflix are doing what they can to prep for the day that audiences are back in their seats, while still remaining true to their VOD roots. The top streamer has said it will premiere 70 new films in 2021 (😳) and is hoping to continue engaging viewers at home with both big-budget content, as well as titles that they may not have otherwise seen in theaters. CEO Reed Hastings rejected the idea that Netflix would pursue a PVOD for some features, saying that they have garnered the trust of its over 204 million subscribers with their standard flat rate model: "We're not saying it isn't (an attractive model), but this one has been the most attractive model, both for consumers and our own business."

Streaming Giants Fight for Top Slot

It's the streamers' world, we're just living in it. Netflix shared its Q4 performance in its quarterly review last week, noting that they added 8.51 million subscribers during the last three months of 2020, inflating their market shares by as much as 17%. The streaming house has said it is currently housing more than 500 titles in post-production or "preparing to launch." "Our strategy is simple: if we can continue to improve Netflix every day to better delight our members, we can be their first choice for streaming entertainment," the company said in its earnings report. Leading the charge for Netflix's Q4 overperformance has been powerhouse series' THE QUEENS GAMBIT and BRIDGERTON, helping the streamer secure 9 of the 10 spots for the most Googled TV shows across the globe in 2020.

Netflix is not the only streamer boasting big numbers for 2020 and big plans for the year ahead: Disney+ made its way into the quarterly meeting notes during remarks from CEO Reed Hastings, who applauded the House of Mouse's success in their first year: "It's incredible execution for an incumbent to pivot … so that's great. And it shows that members are interested and willing to pay more for more content because they're hungry for great stories." Hastings remained confident in Netflix's wide variety of offerings, musing that he didn't think "you're going to see [a show like BRIDGERTON] on Disney anytime soon."

Free streamer Tubi also enjoyed the fruits of a widely homebound audience in 2020, announcing that their viewership jumped a staggering 58% in 2020. Half of the streamer's views were accounted for by subscribers under 35, with Black, Asian and Hispanic audiences accounting for 39% of its base. The Fox-owned company believes its success carves out an important place for ad-supported free streaming, hoping to establish a viable alternative to paid platforms like Netflix and Hulu.

Cinema utility company Cinedigm announced its acquisition of independent film streamer Fandor, adding 4,600 titles from over 400 companies to its already 7,000+ collection of offerings worldwide. "Fandor will immediately benefit from our streaming distribution muscle, huge library of independent films, Matchpoint technology, cost savings and infrastructure and synergies with our wide portfolio of enthusiast streaming channels," Cinedigm CEO Chris McGurk said in a press release.

Curious to learn more about each major streaming platform and which devices they are available on? IndieWire created a full guide to the ever-evolving VOD landscape in 2021!

Quick Bites

The Critics Choice Association unveiled the Series nominees for its 26th annual awards last week, including HAMILTON and WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME for Best Movie Made for Television and a host of Tony winners up for individual awards, including Cynthia Erivo, Christine Baranski, Daveed Diggs and more.

SILENCE OF THE LAMBS actors Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster reunited for the movie's 30th anniversary on Variety's ACTORS ON ACTORS podcast, and revealed how the two came together to create the iconic film. "I felt a chill come over the room [during the read-through]. In a way, it was like we were almost too scared to talk to each other after that." (Not ignoring the irony of having SILENCE OF THE LAMBS in the "Quick Bites" section, by the way)

Perhaps more apropos for "Quick Bites": Geffen Playhouse has extended the run of Sri Rao's BOLLYWOOD KITCHEN through March 6th. Rao's book-turned-play, helmed by an all-South Asian creative team, takes audiences through a series of culinary experiences from India to America, all while encouraging viewers to cook alongside him with dishes like chicken curry and Bollywood popcorn.

World-famous Ellen's Stardust Diner will hold a virtual concert this Saturday, January 30 at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT, streaming on YouTube, Facebook, and BroadwayOnDemand.com. BROADWAY ALIVE will showcase eight of the diner's 60+ singing staff, with all donations going to the long-time NYC staple's staff and performers.

Academy Award nominee Ethan Hawke is set to promote his first book in almost 20 years with the release of A BRIGHT RAY OF DARKNESS. Chronicling the story of a young man struggling with an imploding marriage in the midst of his Broadway debut as Hotspur in HENRY IV (which Hawke himself played in 2003), the book "is a novel about shame and beauty and faith, and the moral power of art."

Right now is a great time to consider reviewing your current headshot package, and Playbill did some of the heavy lifting by sitting down with a handful of photographers to discuss best practices for making your portraits pop 📸 Shoutout to Sub/Urban Photography at the end, highly recommended from your truly!

What to Watch & Read

MTC's Upcoming Virtual Offerings Include Works by Camille A. Brown, Qui Nguyen, More

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Talks The Trial of the Chicago 7, Matrix 4

‘Palm Springs': Read The Screenplay For Neon & Hulu's Sundance Record Setter

VIDEO: Go Inside the Making of the Broadway Inauguration Performance on Stars in the House

Oldie But Goodie: Emmy Nominated Actors Teach You How to Make it in Hollywood  

Class Offerings: Laura Bell Bundy to Teach 'Acting Through Song' Masterclass on BroadwayWorld's Stage Door

Ben Vereen to Present Online Master Classes With Bay Street Theatre

BRIDGERTON Receives Green Light for Season 2

It's Official: BRIDGERTON will be back to its antics for a second season, much to the delight of, well, everyone. I just started my dance with the hotly debated British romp, and while I'm not normally one for period pieces like DOWNTON ABBEY or THE CROWN, this one is preeeetty darn good (also the music is just *chef's kiss*). Director Julie Anne Robinson sat down with Deadline to talk about the process of casting Simon, Daphne, and more for the Shondaland show; if you're planning to watch the show, I do recommend you read this AFTER finishing the first season, since there are definitely spoilers ahead, which I did not know when I started the article.... sigh. Occupational hazards I suppose. But all worth it for your entertainment, dear reader 😉

Up-To-Date's Mission Statement

And finally, I wanted to share Up-To-Date's Mission Statement for this year:

Love and light to you all this week!