“The media likes to assault readers at this time of year with year-end summaries, predictions and random ‘best-of’ lists and they’re coming hot and heavy this year (there aren’t enough ads to fill the space). The lists are designed to make media gurus seem thoughtful and profound; instead, they often leave readers wondering, ‘Why did I trust that critic all year long?'”
Tag: 12.15.08
Citing Economy, Stars Urge ‘No’ Vote On SAG Strike
“Pointing to the weak economy, more than 130 stars — including George Clooney, Matt Damon and Tom Hanks — have strongly urged SAG members to vote down the guild’s strike authorization. … In a letter sent Monday to leaders of the Screen Actors Guild, the stars said a strike would create more economic hardship and called for SAG to unite with the other Hollywood guilds in three years when the current rounds of contracts expire.”
NEA’s Theatre Report Doesn’t Reflect Current Reality
“Nonprofit theaters experienced robust growth and ‘general financial stability’ from 1990 to 2005, even as audiences for nonmusical productions were declining, according to a report from the National Endowment for the Arts. However, the study, which is being released today, does not reflect the current economic downturn, which has resulted in staff cuts and closed doors for some theater companies.”
When Art Goes Missing, The FBI’s Team Is On The Case
“The FBI now has an entire team of agents devoted to art theft. … Though the job sounds like a sexy one — conjuring up images of an art collector storing fine works of art in a cave somewhere on the other side of the world — the reality is somewhat less glamorous. Museums in the U.S. have become so well-protected — so heist-proof — that museum thefts have become rare.”
Macmillan Lays Off 4 Percent Of Staff
“The drumbeat of grim news from the publishing industry continued on Monday as Macmillan, the company that operates imprints including Farrar, Straus and Giroux, St. Martin’s Press and Henry Holt, laid off about 4 percent of its staff and restructured its children’s book division.”
Russian Film Industry’s New Boss: Putin (Yes, Putin)
“Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is taking personal charge of progress in the development of the country’s film industry as chairman of the government council on the progress of domestic cinematography, unveiled Monday. Putin will ‘personally supervise’ government initiatives to support the film industry, according to the Russian federal press service.”
More Artists Taking Back Control Of Their Art From Dealers
“Just a few years ago, when the art market was a less complicated place, the artist-dealer relationship was relatively straightforward. But in today’s increasingly complex art scene, where many artists are represented by several galleries worldwide and where production costs can spiral, artists say that they are having to ensure they are at the centre of the decision-making process by employing independent agents or setting up their own companies.”
Shrek’s Not-So-Excellent Broadway Adventure
“A children’s musical with a budget of about $25 million! One wonders how many more of those we’ll be seeing. But frankly, recession might bring artistic relief. It’s not that “Shrek the Musical” is a disaster. Not at all. Given the givens, there’s a lot to admire and enjoy. It just can’t sufficiently relax into itself. Its source material lays too many traps. And the world has changed beneath it.”