Exclusive
Festival Done Right: Disco Donnie Presents’ Evan Bailey Reassures Todd Dyer Ubbi Dubbi Will Return This April … Safely and Surely
In our third edition of Crew Corner’s “Return To Live,” CAPS’ Todd Dyer sits down with Disco Donnie Presents’ Vice President Evan Bailey to celebrate the return of Ubbi Dubbi this April 24 and 25, discuss pandemic precautions, and spread some hope for the future of live entertainment.
Broadway
A Small Win for the Big Stage? New York City Takes Measures T o Revive the Theater Industry
In a press conference on Thursday, New York’s Mayor Bill de Blasio revealed that Broadway sites will soon include dedicated COVID vaccination sites for theater industry workers. There will also be a mobile vaccination unit for off-Broadway employees. After being shuttered for over a year, and with uncertainty still looming as to its return, Broadway must certainly welcome this news as a step in the right direction.
Business
Adding Up: ABC Seeks $2 Million for Oscar Ads, Despite Worries of Audience Declines
As if the past two years of entertainment couldn’t get more difficult to comprehend, ABC recently announced skyrocketing prices for 30-second spots during its April 25 virtual broadcast of the 93 rd Annual Academy Awards. Despite looming concerns that pandemic restrictions will drastically lower audience numbers, ABC remains confident it can affix a $2 million price tag to its promos. In an interview, Jenna Fidellow, Senior Vice President of Branded Partnerships for Havas Media, explained, “They are trying their best to provide the most robust opportunity for their sponsors, given what they have been dealing with.”
TV
Streaming High: Global Subscriptions Passed the One Billion Mark Last Year
This Thursday, the entertainment world learned what it already knew: live streaming and media subscriptions are at an all-time high. The number of streaming service subscriptions passed 1 billion worldwide for the first time in 2020, highlighting massive growth in Hollywood’s direct-to-consumer business as the COVID pandemic continues to keep moviegoers glued to their sofas. The numbers are also the result of legacy media companies investing heavily in their own streamers—such as Disney+ , Apple TV+, and HBO Max—and Netflix and Amazon bringing more original movies and shows to their apps.
Film
Looking To Louisiana: 2021 Set To Be a Big Year for Film Production in Louisiana
Louisiana has really stepped up its game as far as television and film production goes. Specifically (and quite unexpectedly), Shreveport has turned into quite the hotbed of movie production, with films such as I Saw the Light: The Story of Hank Williams , Premonition, and the remake of Straw Dogs. According to Carrol Morton, director of Film New Orleans, 2021 might be a banner year for production. He explains, “The city of New Orleans is at maximum capacity with all that’s been scheduled to come here this year.”
High five! Another Friday Five is going live next week—same time, same place. We know what caught our eyes, but we’re all ears. Tell us what you’d like to learn more about in our upcoming editions by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Be sure to tag #FridayFive in your comments.
See you next Friday at 10 a.m. (PT).