Universal has generated more than $1 billion in premium V.O.D. revenue in less than three years, while showing little-to-no decrease in ticket sales. In some cases, box-office sales even increased when films became available in homes, which Universal has decided is a side effect of premium V.O.D. advertising and word of mouth. - The New York Times
It drives writer Devin Gordon nuts, but he learns that people have good reasons for doing it. (At least one of those reasons is the fault of streaming studios.) - MSN (The Atlantic)
"So are we on the cusp of major studios forcing Meryl Streep into a sequel by casting her digital double? Not quite. It's not that studios wouldn't want to. But, unions aside, A.I. can't replicate top-notch acting from scratch. Just yet." But here are four things it's already doing. - Slate
The Frost is a 12-minute movie in which every shot is generated by an image-making AI. It’s one of the most impressive—and bizarre—examples yet of this strange new genre. - MIT Technology Review
Spotify is laying off 200 workers from its podcast division, or about 2% of its total global workforce, the company said in a memo disclosed publicly Monday. - The Wrap
"The 'yes' vote does not trigger a strike, but allows the union's top negotiators to potentially call a work stoppage once their TV/theatrical contracts have expired on June 30, if negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers falter." - The Hollywood Reporter
These showings have numerous advantages over their evening counterparts. The tickets are typically cheaper, for one. Daytime movie audiences also tend to be more relaxed, and to go alone. - The Atlantic
For a long time, "sassy support was about the best representation queer people could hope for on screen, even if it required some code-reading on the viewer’s part." - The Guardian (UK)
"Disney likes the cash. The company also views Mr. Bailey’s remake operation as crucial to remaining relevant. Disney’s animated classics are treasured by fans, but most showcase ideas from another era, especially when it comes to gender roles." - The New York Times
The executive director of SAG-AFTRA: "Our bargaining strategy has never relied upon nor been dependent on the outcome or status of any other union’s negotiations, nor do we subscribe to the philosophy that the terms of deals made with other unions bind us." - Variety
If the members ratify a deal, it will avert a directors strike. "The agreement between the union and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) includes gains in wages and benefits, streaming residuals, AI protections and more." - The Hollywood Reporter
That's a first, and it's not reflected in larger films. Still, "the news from Tribeca suggests that a more equitable future is possible, particularly because its roster relies heavily on newcomers likely to continue creating films." - The New York Times
I mean, we're talking about Pedro Pascal, here, people. And Selena Gomez, Diego Luna, and Jenna Ortega. Before this year, the only - only! - Latinx actor to win a lead actor Emmy was Jimmy Smits. - Variety
Not a joke. To be fair, the pandemic's supply chain issues, plus the 2021 Texas deep freeze, created a shortage on their own - but still, as filming went on, "there was just enough to continue production." - Los Angeles Times
