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  • All Blogs/ Entertainment Industry Insights: Oct. 20 2020 | Up-To-Date Actor

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New Projects Casting - Fate of Cinemas - State of Production - Scholarships - TONY Award Snubs

By Abigail Hardin, October 20, 2020

Eye729

I hope your week is off to a great start. I don't know about you, but it is feels like Fall is finally here and I am all for it! As 2020 dwindles away, I am so ready for 2021 and all that it will bring. Hey, it can't be worse than 2020...right? 🤔

I'm hosting an Up-To-Date Actor Tutorial this Friday, October 23rd at 2:00 PM EST. This is a great opportunity for you to ask any questions you have about the Up-To-Date Actor and learn how you can make the most of your account. A few things I will cover:

  • Discover new projects that match your uniqueness
  • Find agents & managers looking for your type
  • Keep better records of your auditions & expenses (and tell you why this matters)

You do not have to be a current Up-To-Date Actor subscriber to attend, all are welcome. Please email info@uptodateacto.com if there is a specific area or feature you would like discussed at length. Hope you can join me on zoom this Friday at 2:00 PM EST.

Zoom Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81707575302?pwd=RmtsUmhGUUIrdndkR0RDazFBbnQzUT09

Discount Alert

As we mentioned last week, we are now listing networking events at Acting & Voice Studios. The folks at AVS have generously provided us with a 10% discount code for Up-To-Date Actor members who are new to Acting & Voice Studios. Look for their events listed on the Up-To-Date Actor. Enjoy!

This content is available for active Up-To-Date Actor subscribers. Select a subscription plan to unlock this feature.

The Fate of the Silver Screen

Last week the executive committee of the Global Cinema Federation beseeched New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to reopen theaters in areas of the state with low infection rates. The epistle was issued a day after the world's biggest chain, AMC Entertainment, said it may run out of cash by year end if nothing gives. Several weeks ago, Regal parent Cineworld closed most of its U.S. and U.K. theaters.

"With New York's theaters shuttered for nearly seven months and no indication of when they will be allowed to reopen, the studios that supply new movies have been reluctant to release their latest films to the point where almost no new major films will be released globally until 2021 and beyond. Without new movies to play in our cinemas, many members of the global exhibition community will be forced to close their doors again. Many of these companies will not survive" the letter said.

While the initial outlook did not look promising from Albany, on Saturday Gov. Cuomo announced movie theatres outside of New York City will re-open at 25% capacity, or up to 50 people per screen, on October 23rd. This is in effect for all counties with infection rates that are below 2% on a 14-day average. The National Association of Theater Owners has issued a statement in response, "As theaters have demonstrated in 48 states so far, the moviegoing experience can be enjoyed safely with strict guidelines and protocols in place for health and safety under our industry's CinemaSafe plan. As parts of the state reopen theaters starting this Friday, it is our hope that theaters in New York City follow suit shortly thereafter."

While yes, this is good news, the silver screen is not out of the woods yet. Disney, which owns Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and is the dominant force at the domestic box office, will no longer produce any film with the assumption that it will get a theatrical release. Instead, the next MCU installment could be exclusive to Disney+, or available for $30 rental. It depends on what the newly reorganized Disney decides is best, and often the answer will be "streaming." Under the new Disney model, a theatrical release is determined not by its cinematic grandeur, its awards potential, or by the need to support exhibitors. The litmus test is dollars: Will a movie make more money for Disney in theaters or streaming? After announcing this shift, Disney stock rose 5.4 percent in after-hours trading.

When the 198 Paramount decree was abolished several weeks ago, many people speculated that some of the major studios might gobble up some of the fast declining cineplexes. Not so fast. The heads of Warner Brothers and Universal say they have zero plans to purchase theatres. As if Disney wasn't a great indicator, here's a look at why studios would abandon theatres all together.

State of Production
Film & TV

COVID-19 has pushed down location production in the Los Angeles area by 54%, FilmLA reported on Wednesday. The permitting agency's data showed 4,199 shoot days from July through September. Reality TV was up 10.3% to 1,159 shoot days, while commercials slid 41.2% to 782 days. Paul Audley, longtime president of FilmLA, said production is poised for a moderate recovery during the current quarter.

THE MORNING SHOW executive producer Michael Ellenberg discussed in a recent interview the adaptability of Hollywood and how this has helped the industry survive and reinvent themselves in the wake of COVID. Ellenberg noted that the film and television industry at its core is "a problem-solving business" uniquely equipped to handle a crisis.

Theatre

With thousands of people still out of work in the theatre industry, there has been little to no help for the working-class people who are still without a job. Sure there has been a push to include the Save our Stages Act in the next federal relief package, but that money would go to the producers and venues, not the costume designers, front of house staff, stage managers, and not to mention actors. One grassroots effort, Be An Arts Hero, was formed in the spring to address what was seen as a lack of governmental action on behalf of the theatrical community. The group is gaining traction with a financial argument for the industry that highlights the $877 billion value added to the economy by the arts and culture sector. In addition to advocating for COBRA subsidies and additional unemployment benefits, Be An Arts Hero members have been making the case for $43.85 billion in proportionate relief to the sector.

How can you help?

VOTE!

Early voting is well underway across the country. Have you created your voting plan? Have you sent in your absentee ballot or looked up your early voting location? Have you done your research for who is running on the local level in your state and community? Given the state of our industry and utter lack of financial aid performing arts workers have received, now more than ever your vote matters.

The industry has not been silent on this either. Countless artists have already raised their voices to call for change and inspire people around the world to vote... and they aren't finished yet. Check out some of the most anticipated upcoming events that combine the Broadway stars you love with the most important issues of the moment.

Scholarships, Grants & Applications
Film

The Amazing Stories Film/TV is accepting applications to their Apprenticeship Program. The Amazing Stories Film/TV Apprenticeship Program was established in 2019 by Rob and Shaun Hardy to identify, vet, train, and mentor adult career seekers from diverse backgrounds to pursue lucrative and lasting opportunities in Georgia's film and television workforce. The ASF Film & TV Apprenticeship is a PAID TRAINING AND WORK EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITY for adults ages 24 and older currently residing in the metro Atlanta area. Read more and check out the full eligibility criteria.

Theatre

Applications for scholarships from The Next Wave Initiative are now open. Launched earlier this year, the developmental branch of The Directors Company—created by Douglas Lyons—is committed to amplifying future Black voices in the American theatre. NWI's initial scholarships include The Lorraine Hansberry Writing Scholarship, The Spike Lee Directing Scholarship, The Hattie McDaniel Acting Scholarship, and The Alvin Ailey Dance Scholarship. The deadline is December 18, with finalists announced on February 15, 2021. Applications for developmental and outreach programs will open at a later date.

Free Rehearsal Space in NYC

RWS Entertainment Group announced that it is beginning a Pay What You Can initiative for its rehearsal complex, RWS Studios, in Long Island City. The company wishes to foster development and creativity for individuals within the arts community in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. "During this difficult time, RWS is grateful to be able to give back to our community and help play a small part in ensuring the future of the arts," says Ryan Stana, CEO, and Founder of RWS Entertainment Group. The program begins immediately and runs through the end of December 2020. Studios are available Monday - Friday from 9 am - 5 pm with a three-hour daily maximum. Each renter will be asked to contribute what they can as payment.

TONY Awards

For more on all of this craziness, the snubs, and the what-ifs, check out this article. The date for the ceremony has not been announced, but rumors are circulating it will be a streamed virtual event sometime in December.

  • Since WEST SIDE STORY was the only musical revival eligible for nomination, all of the revival categories were scrapped altogether. I guess there is no contest without competition.
  • Only one leading actor in a musical was nominated: Aaron Tveit of MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL. This was a major snub to Chris McCarrell of the Tony eligible THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL (see more below)
  • FREESTYLE LOVE SUPREME and David Byrne's AMERICAN UTOPIA chose not to invite voters, though both popular productions could be eligible for special awards.
  • Five shows were nominated for Best Play
  • Three were eligible and nominated for Best Musical
  • Two shows were nominated for Best Revival of a Play
The Times...they are a changing...

As announced several weeks ago, Ben Brantley has stepped down from his position as Chief Theater Critic at the New York Times. To mark the passing of an era, Brantley penned a piece for the Times as a farewell, titled "Why I'll Never Stop Being a Theater Critic." No reason has been given for Brantley's exit, the whole transition has seemed rather peaceful. It is worth noting that theatre critics at large have come under intense scrutiny in the previous months, as organizations such as We See You White American Theatre as being dominated by older white men. Brantley has not escaped this critique and for many has not represented the voice of the theatre population. All that being said, the New York Times announced last week Nicole Herrington will be taking over as theater editor, overseeing the paper's chief theater critics, news reporters, and freelance writers.

Diversity & Inclusion

Variety has announced additional programming for its virtual Power of Women summit, presented by Lifetime, taking place Oct. 28 and 29. The panels will feature prominent women in the industry who create content that empowers communities. Variety also announced the #represent Roundtable, which will center on Black women creators and offer advice for women of color who are aspiring to break into the industry.

Film

Members of the WGA West's Native American and Indigenous Writers' Committee are calling on Hollywood to reject stereotypical portrayals of native people and to hire native writers, showrunners, directors, and actors to tell their own stories. "As America struggles with long-overdue social reckoning, we believe now is the time to make amends for inadequate representation," they wrote in an open letter released today. "As our society is utilizing media and stories to confront systemic racism, Hollywood must utilize its own power of story to implement equitable representation of Native American and Indigenous peoples,"  they wrote in the letter signed by 29 members of the committee. “We challenge the film and television industry to commit to advancing Native and Indigenous representation, and actively support our qualified and emerging Guild writers who hold fresh perspectives, culturally rich and varying life experiences, and talent for authentic storytelling."

Ava DuVernay has said film and TV industry gatekeepers should be taking action on racial inequality with the motivation of being "excellent," calling the current state of the biz "mediocre." The trailblazing filmmaker of 13TH and SELMA was speaking at an industry event during the BFI London Film Festival. "The way we've been existing is mediocre," she commented. "A lot of white men just sliding by because they're not being challenged by more ideas, more points of view. Can't we be excellent? Can't we push a little more? What are we afraid of?" Asked what action the industry needs to take on racial inequality, DuVernay said she didn't blame the business, which she noted exists to make money, but suggested senior executives "need to hold themselves accountable for the power they wield."

The American Film Institute (AFI) has teamed with AMC Network to establish the Black Production Fund, which will provide grants for thesis productions by Black fellows in their second year at the AFI Conservatory. AFI made the announcement in the midst of its 2020 virtual festive. The Black Production Fund, as well as recently announced Thomas P. Pollock Endowed Scholarship for promising diverse AFI Producing Fellows, is part of AFI's Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiatives dedicated to increasing Black voices in storytelling.

TV

In May, The Black List unveiled the 10 writers for the inaugural Latinx TV List. To mark the conclusion of Hispanic Heritage Month, three of the writers from the list have been selected to receive blind script deals with Hulu: Dominic Colon, Juan Carlos Fernandez, and Anna Salinas. Initially, only two WGA minimum blind script deals were expected, but expectations were exceeded and three were chosen. "The caliber of talent of all of the writers from The Black List's Latinx List made this inaugural year of the partnership fun, invigorating, and a bright spot for our creative team," said Beatrice Springborn, VP Content, Hulu. "We couldn't be more thrilled to offer Anna Salinas, Dominic Colón, and Juan Carlos Fernandez script deals. We're excited to work with these three writers, who through their voices and storytelling, will continue to advance Latinx representation on Hulu and in the industry."

Workplace Harassment

SAG-AFTRA has developed a mobile app that will collect data on serial sexual abusers and allow members to report sexual harassment in the workplace. A beta version will begin limited testing with members later this month, and a full version is expected to be made available later this year. The union is also "promoting the on-set safety and dignity of members by helping to build and empower the intimacy coordinator profession. Over the next few months, the union will be working with top intimacy coordinators on standards for training and certification, building on the release earlier this year of its landmark 'Standards & Protocols for the Use of Intimacy Coordinators.'"

The WGA East has launched a Safe Workplace Helpline for members who experience harassment or discrimination. The launch of the helpline "puts in place a secure voicemail and email address for members to confidentially contact Guild staff and report any harassment or discrimination," said WGA East executive director Lowell Peterson. "The helpline is part of the Guild's expansive initiative to provide our 7,000 members with the tools, resources, and education needed to work in a safe and tolerant environment. The Guild's Safe Workplace plan goes hand-in-hand with our commitment to making media more inclusive for women and people of color."

Keep it Positive!

Our friends at Actors Connection wrote a blog on how to avoid feeling powerless in your career. We at the Up-To-Date Actor are always preaching - your mind is your greatest tool and often the biggest thing holding you back. I highly recommend reading this post if you're finding yourself negative or doubting your career as an actor.

One thing that you can do right now is create! All too often we think our job is just to train, be prepared, and wait for the role to come our way. Uh-uh. Nada. No way. Now more than ever, we must be using our artistry daily. Creating the work we want to see. And if you find yourself with more time these days, it's also just a great way to pass the time.

Speaking of creating, check out this INCREDIBLE home performance from Broadway's Will Blum. He used 476 pieces of cardboard to create a 125-foot cave in his apartment and film a 12-minute operetta from FLOYD COLLINS. 🤯 The bar has been set!

Tidbits & Odds-and-Ends

While this Halloween will most likely be incredibly low-key I for one plan on watching scary movies from the comfort of my home. To help you get in the Halloween season, guess what....the Sanderson sisters are back! No joke! Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy are reuniting for Better Midler's annual Hulaween Celebration. Seeing them in costume again makes me hold a good thought that the trio will sign on for the upcoming sequel HOCUS POCUS 2. 🎃 👻

Film