Industry
Stay Safe, Louisiana: Ida Prompts Production Shutdown
In the wake of yet another devastating weather event, many of Louisiana’s film and television productions have shut down. As Hurrican (now Category 1 Storm) Ida wreaks havoc on the region, companies like Disney, Netflix, and NBC have put a pause on their projects to keep crews safe. On Monday, writer-producer Ava DuVernay tweeted, “No power. Sewage out. No water. Nearly 1 million structures in Louisiana affected. It’s 89 degrees there as I type this. Jefferson Parish estimates 20 days to restore power. We haven’t heard from any crew member west of Orleans Parish. No cell/internet. Why isn’t this trending?” Already, the violent storm has killed at least one person as it cuts through the state, leaving whole populations without power. Fortunately, some productions still listed a “currently filming” (such as Disney’s Crater and Epix/Blumhouse’s A House on the Bayou) had already wrapped by Ida’s arrival. Presumably, production will resume once the storm passes, safety can be assured, and any damaged sets and locations are rebuilt.
Television
Twenty Years Since 9/11: A Network Rundown of Scheduled Programming
It’s hard to believe it’s been twenty years since the horrors of September 11, 2001, but as we approach the anniversary of that terrible day, every major network (and several streamers) will be doing something to honor the moment in time. On ABC’s World News Tonight with David Muir, the anchor will host a series of interviews with survivors and those who helped during the attacks. These pieces will lead up to a Friday evening broadcast from Ground Zero. On Apple TV+, Jeff Daniels will narrate a documentary that the period after the initial attack from the perspective of those in former president George W. Bush’s white house (including “W” himself). And over on HBO, Spike Lee’s four-part documentary celebrating the resilience of New York City from the 9/11 attacks through the current pandemic begins airing on Sunday. For a full breakdown of the many features and documentaries airing between now and September 11, 2021, visit the link below. As we approach two full decades since that fateful day, let us all remember those we lost and those who stood up to help, no matter the cost.
Entertainment
Hudson Pacific Properties Drives Off the Lot With Two New Purchases
You know that Star Waggon you see in your neighborhood all the time? The one that makes you think, “Oo! Hollywood!” …? Well, it’s got a new owner. In separate acquisitions, Hudson Pacific Properties has purchased Star Waggons and Zio Studio Services, two of the biggest providers of transportation and logistics to the film industry. The purchases, which totaled a combined $222 million, give Hudson Pacific Properties a garage full of 1,100 luxury location trailers, specialized vehicles, and additional entertainment production industry assets. This move significantly expands global production services for the company. According to Jeff Stotland, head of global studios for Hudson Pacific, “Bringing Star Waggons and Zio Studio Services together under the same umbrella with our Sunset Studios business enables us to capture a greater share of production services revenue at our facilities as well as other studios and on location. A broader offering of high-quality production services both streamlines content creation for and deepens our relationships with existing Sunset Studios clientele, while providing access to new customers as well. These acquisitions perfectly align with our global studios strategy to accelerate growth, increase profitability and ultimately expand our role within the content production ecosystem—all while delivering excellent returns for our investors.” One question: do they come in black?
Television
Far From Bruce Willy: Jordan Peele Inks Huge TV Deal With Universal Studio Group
It’s an old Hollywood promise: When everything you touch turns to gold, you get yourself a big, juicy media deal. Get Out filmmaker Jordan Peele is turning just about everything to gold these days, including Nia DaCosta’s recent horror behemoth Candyman, which he produced. As such, Peele (and his Monkeypaw Productions shingle) have signed a new creative partnership for television with Universal Studio Group. This deal solidifies the relationship Peele already has with the company, having made them $500 million globally with Get Out and Us. And according to Pearlena Igbokwe, chairman of Universal Studio Group, “The term ‘visionary’ is thrown around all too frequently in our business but in the case of Jordan Peele, it could not be more apt. He brings clarity of purpose as well as cultural specificity to everything he does, and audiences worldwide have responded. I am truly honored that Jordan and his partner Win Rosenfeld have chosen our studio as their TV home for the foreseeable future.” On deck for Peele? Almost certainly some new project that will tap into the cultural zeitgeist in order to make it so I can’t sleep.
Union
It’s a Nail Biter: Unite for Strength’s Mike Kraycik Reelected to Philly SAG-AFTRA
In another big win for Fran Drescher’s Unite for Strength ruling party, Mike Kraycik was reelected to the SAG-AFTRA board in Philadelphia. Backed by Drescher, Kraycik beat out a candidate backed by Matthew Modine, the actor challenging Drescher for the national presidency. Additionally, many other candidates enjoying Descher’s endorsement were elected at the Philly local, including Nocole Izanec, Marcus Goldman, and Meagan Hill. Regardless of who wins the national presidency—Drescher or Modine—it appears as though the Unite for Strength party will hold onto power nationally. Modine’s MembershipFirst party needs to win by a giant margin in Los Angeles (which is home to more than half of SAG members) in order to gain a majority. It’s not out of the question, however, as New York and Los Angeles are the last locals still voting before the vote counting stops on Tuesday. Still, New York is a stronghold for Unite for Strength, and there are only 9 national board seats up for grabs there. Regardless of who wins the national presidency—Drescher or Modine—it appears as though the Unite for Strength party will hold onto power nationally.
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