Showbiz Sandbox 551: The Significance of the Scarlett Johansson vs. Disney Lawsuit

August 10, 2021

Scarlett Johansson is suing Disney for breach of contract after the studio released “Black Widow” both in movie theaters and its own streaming service at the same time. The actress believes Disney’s distribution strategy is preventing her from earning millions in box office bonuses but instead enriches the company’s top executives. The outcome of the case could determine how or if back end deals on movies are offered to above the line talent in the future.

Meanwhile, as film and television production levels in Hollywood return to pre-COVID levels, the pandemic is once again dragging down the international box office. It may start doing so on Broadway and at concerts as vaccines will be required to gain entrance.

Of course we also cover the week’s top entertainment headlines including how comedian Louis C.K. hopes to make a comeback with a national tour, the game show “Jeopardy” may have found a replacement for Alex Trebek and Doctor Who plans a vacation.
Read more

Showbiz Sandbox 109: Making Grammar Fun (And F*cking Funny)

June 27, 2011

When Chris Baker isn’t working on Madison Avenue for a big advertising firm, he is creating some of the world’s most exclusive websites… literarily.  TheWorldsMostExclusiveWebsite.com only lets verified celebrities and big wigs past the home page. His website M. Night School is crowd-sourcing enough funds to send director M. Night Shyamalan back to film school. Baker joins us to discuss his latest effort, “The Elements of F*cking Style“, a book that, unlike the one it parodies, employs sex, drugs and swearing to help teach readers proper English grammar.

After this past weekend, Baker may want to send Pixar back to film school. “Cars 2”, the company’s highly anticipated sequel to their blockbuster “Cars”, was given a drubbing by critics. However, critical acclaim may not matter for a film that earns $2 billion a year in merchandising.

At least nobody’s forcing you to see “Cars 2”. That might not be an option in China where the government is “suggesting” that everyone see “Beginning of the Great Revival,” a propaganda film disguised as a historical epic detailing the founding of China’s Communist Party.

Read more