“We realize we aren’t supposed to speak ill of the dead, but we adore it, often to a perfectly scandalous degree, when others do, and especially when it’s funny. Cracking wise about the recently departed is the ultimate form of schadenfreude – mirth at the misfortunes of others.”
Tag: 02.20.09
No Disney TV For The Children Of Russia
“It will be awhile yet before Russian kids can enjoy the drip-feed of glutinous entertainment that is Disney television. Russia’s anti-monopoly service has just blocked The Walt Disney Company’s attempt to establish a joint venture with one of the country’s leading media firms so that it could launch a channel there, Interfax reported Friday.”
What’s Chinese For Hulu?
“State broadcaster China Central Television is setting up an online TV station to compete with the growing popularity of YouTube-style video portals and maintain state control of the media.”
The Pet Shop Boys’ Latest Project: A Ballet
“The Pet Shop Boys are working on a ballet featuring ‘electronics and strings’ to be staged at Sadler’s Wells, Neil Tennant has revealed. The singer told Radio 2 presenter Stuart Maconie that the piece, based on a Hans Christian Andersen story, could open at the London theatre in 2011. He and keyboardist Chris Lowe were composing an original score, he said.”
Hubbard Street Dance Loses Its Director
Jim Vincent is resigning as artistic director of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago in late August to take the same post at the Nederlands Dans Theater in the Hague.
Las Vegas Art Museum To Shut Down
The museum will close Feb. 28. Staff and board members say the museum will remain an entity and keep its name so that it can possibly reemerge when the economy improves. Members and docents were notified this afternoon.
Oscar Slashed Ad Rates For This Year’s Broadcast
“Last year ABC sold commercial time in the Academy Awards show for as much as $1.8 million for a 30-second ad. Now, with the recession in full swing on top of five consecutive years of declining Oscar ratings, ABC has had to lower its rates. Individual spots have been selling for $1.4 million to $1.7 million.”
Edinburgh Festival Gets A New Director
“A 17-year veteran of the Edinburgh festivals, Kath Mainland started her career with the EFF in 1991 as an administrative assistant, before becoming a freelance festivals and events producer for eight years. During that time she was involved in many of Scotland’s leading festivals and events, and spent time as general manager of Assembly Theatre, one the major Edinburgh Fringe producers.”
The New Contract Between Writer And Reader
“The printed page is giving way to the networked screen, and as a consequence, writers’ images of themselves as solitary beings who, having created their literary artefact, send it out into the world with no obligation to undertake further debate is fast becoming outmoded.”
NY City Ballet Cuts 11 Corps Members To Cut Costs
“Ticket sales and donations are both down about 6 percent to 8 percent, company officials said, causing a major shortfall in revenue. The company expects to record a $5.5 million deficit this season, even with extra cost-cutting measures.”