Exclusive
Write On: Master the Industry’s Leading Screenwriting Software at Cast & Crew’s Final Draft Complimentary Live Training
With the recent release of the highly anticipated Final Draft 12, there’s no better time than now to take your mastery of the software to new heights. Cue the launch of Cast & Crew’s Final Draft live training classes, where seasoned and new screenwriters alike can learn all the capabilities of Final Draft, with two 30-minute trainings taught by industry experts: Introduction to Final Draft and Advanced Storytelling with Final Draft 12. In the latter course, writers will be taught everything from story building with Final Draft 1-2-3 Workflow and PDF File Importing, to using Focus Mode and Track Changes.
Film
Indie Insights: Vaccines Roll Out and Independent Production Revs Up But Insurers, Banks Still MIA
There’s both good and bad news this week surrounding the future of Indie films. While they have gotten the green light to move forward with production, insurers and banks remain on the sidelines, making it difficult for these projects to come to fruition. So, what’s the prognosis for independent film, when insurers and bank lenders remain MIA even as production ramps up? According to Jean Prewitt, CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance, “What we are looking at right now is this incredible patchwork. Everybody is cobbling together a solution of one sort or another. The positive thing is that everybody’s working hard to find industry solutions.”
TV
Making the Cut: What Will be Renewed and Canceled as Network Upfronts Approach
It’s that time of year when the broadcast networks make their renewal and cancellation decisions for next season. The pandemic has continued to wreak havoc on broadcast pilot season, which means networks are relying on existing shows, including Grey’s Anatomy, Blue Bloods, and Chicago Fire, more than ever. What’s more. insiders say viewers shouldn’t expect to see as many cancellations as you would in previous years. Still, some shows will have to go, like Call Your Mother, Debris, and Prodigal Son. The timing is determined by the network schedule unveiling event known as Upfront Presentations that are set to take place virtually the week of May 17.
Music
Return to Rock: Genesis Announces First U.S. Tour in 14 years
Not only is live music poised to come back with a bang, but England’s treasured rockers Genesis are hitting the stages again after nearly 14 years of silence. On Thursday, the band announced dates for its North American leg of its The Last Domino? tour. It kicks off November 15 at Chicago’s United Center and wraps up December 15 at Boston’s TD Garden. Pre-sale tickets go on sale via Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan system on May 5, with the general public gaining access on May 7. This time out, core members Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford, and Tony Banks will be joined by their longtime touring guitarist/bassist Daryl Stuermer and Phil’s son Nic Collins on drums.
Broadway
Stage Setback: Proposed NYC July Reopening Won’t Include Broadway, Mayor Says; September Remains Target
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said this week that he expects the city to be back “full strength” from the yearlong COVID shutdown in July, but it will not include Broadway just yet. De Blasio explained on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, “Broadway takes time because they have to mount full productions.” He also predicted, “You should expect Broadway full strength in September ...”
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).