Live Events
A Mask-Off Playoff: Knicks, Nets To Offer Mask-less, Vaccinated Sections for Playoffs
Thanks to relaxed, updated guidance from the CDC allowing vaccinated people to mostly dispense with masks and social distancing, the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets are preparing to offer fully vaccinated fan sections at this year's NBA playoffs. More than half of Madison Square Garden and Barclays Center can be used for fully vaccinated fan sections, boosting the capacity inside both arenas. Unvaccinated fans must wear masks and social distance.
Film
Shifting the Narrative: Producers Seek To Unionize
In an attempt to address low pay and substandard health care benefits, a group of 108 film producers announced this week that they are seeking to form a union. “We’re one of the very few people on a set that don’t have a union,” said Rebecca Green, producer of It Follows and the lead organizer of the group, which calls itself The Producers Union. Producers have tried this in the past, negotiating for different benefits, but it has been a tricky legal issue since producers are mostly considered employers in the eyes of the courts. Green adds, “We’re trying to shift the narrative and perception of who we are.”
TV
Upfronts in the Age of COVID: Biggest Takeaways From This Year’s Presentations
Things have changed in the last few years as the Big Four broadcast networks—ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox—have watched the industry shift toward streaming. The time-honored tradition of dramatically unveiling a fall schedule during annual “upfront” events has become less impactful. This May’s upfront presentation made it clear that the coming year’s success will be measured by diversity of a network’s portfolio, inherent value of owned brands and franchises, and the value of “free” content. So much to watch, so little time.
Music
Spotify Rocks: Streamer Launching Virtual Concert Series
While quarantine is just starting to fade into a memory, Spotify is finally capitalizing on a popular lockdown trend by launching a live-streamed virtual concert series. The lineup includes five groups and artists, and access to the digital performances will cost $15 each. Spotify’s series kicks off next week and includes the Black Keys (May 27), Rag’n’Bone Man (June 3), Bleachers’ Jack Antonoff (June 10), Leon Bridges (June 17), and Girl in Red (June 24). The pre-recorded performances will each run 40 to 75 minutes. Virtual attendees will not be able to pause, rewind, or fast-forward the event, and downloading is also prohibited. In Spotify’s view, this is a way to help artists connect with their fans during uniquely limiting times.
Streaming
Only 10 Bucks?: HBO Max With Ads To Lauch Next Month
In the hopes of bringing more subscribers to their popular streaming app, WarnerMedia will launch a cheaper $9.99 version of HBO Max the first week of June. This version, which includes ads, will not have the day-and-date Warner Bros. movie premieres throughout 2021. Otherwise, the content will be identical to the full-priced version. During WarnerMedia’s upfront presentation, CEO Jason Kilar argued that HBO Max With Ads will be, "the most brand-safe, elegant experience for advertisers.”
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