http://www.showbizsandbox.com Showbiz Sandbox is a podcast featuring industry professionals J. Sperling Reich, Karen Woodward and Michael Giltz’s humorous viewpoints, insightful analysis and insider opinions on the latest entertainment news headlines. The weekly podcast features renowned industry guests, as well as phone calls and emails from listeners who voice their own opinions on the child’s play of the entertainment business. Thu, 29 Jul 2010 01:48:02 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9 en hourly 1 Showbiz Sandbox is a podcast featuring industry professionals J. Sperling Reich, Karen Woodward and Michael Giltz’s humorous viewpoints, insightful analysis and insider opinions on the latest entertainment news headlines. The weekly podcast features renowned industry guests, as well as phone calls and emails from listeners who voice their own opinions on the child’s play of the entertainment business. J. Sperling Reich, Karen Woodward & Michael Giltz no J. Sperling Reich, Karen Woodward & Michael Giltz sperling@showbizsandbox.com sperling@showbizsandbox.com (J. Sperling Reich, Karen Woodward & Michael Giltz) 2009 The podcast that brings you all the dirt on the news making headlines around the entertainment world. Entertainment, Movies, Film, Television, TV, Music, Theater, Broadway http://www.showbizsandbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/showbiz-sandbox-podcast-artwork-with-photos.png http://www.showbizsandbox.com http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2010/07/12/showbiz-sandbox-62-the-secret-behind-hollywoods-accounting-practices/ http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2010/07/12/showbiz-sandbox-62-the-secret-behind-hollywoods-accounting-practices/#comments Tue, 13 Jul 2010 05:55:49 +0000 J. Sperling Reich http://www.showbizsandbox.com/?p=919 http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2010/07/12/showbiz-sandbox-62-the-secret-behind-hollywoods-accounting-practices/feed/ 0 "Avatar","Nash Bridges","Nightline","The Avengers","The Little Mermaid","Who Wants To Be A Millionaire",American Idol,Carl Icahn,Conan O'Brien,Daniel Craig,David Letterman,Disney How is it the last Harry Potter film can gross $938 million but still lose $130 million? Journalist and author Edward Jay Epstein joins us to unravel some of Hollywood’s quirky accounting practices. He’s written two books on the subject; The Hollywoo... How is it the last Harry Potter film can gross $938 million but still lose $130 million? Journalist and author Edward Jay Epstein (http://www.edwardjayepstein.com/) joins us to unravel some of Hollywood’s quirky accounting practices. He’s written two books on the subject; The Hollywood Economist: The Hidden Financial Reality Behind the Movies (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1933633840?ie=UTF8&tag=showbsandb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1933633840)(http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=showbsandb-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1933633840) and The Big Picture: Money and Power in Hollywood (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0812973828?ie=UTF8&tag=showbsandb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0812973828)(http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=showbsandb-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0812973828). “Despicable Me” topped the box office though the amount it took in from 3D screens was rather low. Could audiences be tiring of paying exorbitant 3D ticket prices? Meanwhile, Miramax finally seems to have found a buyer and Lions Gate is trying to make piece with activist investor Carl Icahn. The Emmy nominations were announced last week and we’ll fill you in on whose up for the television’s big awards. Over in the world of music Pollstar announced that concert ticket sales are down 15% for the first half of the year. During our Big Deal or Big Whoop segment we race through a number of top entertainment headlines, including Roman Polanski’s release, Lindsay Lohan’s jail time and Mel Gibson getting dumped by his agency. Maybe Gibson can find some work on YouTube, which plans to offer $5 million in grants to select content partners. ‘Despicable Me’ Dominates http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=2858&p=.htm (http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=2858&p=.htm) Lions Gate and Icahn Sign 10-Day Truce To Work On Deals http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2010/07/lions-gate.... (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2010/07/lions-gate-and-icahn-sign-10-day-truce-to-work-on-acquisitions.html) Miramax Sold To Ronald Tutor, Colony Capital http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3i76b4.... (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3i76b408899045994dd63fe6c004c2c183) Emmy Nominations 2010: Your Water Cooler Cheat Sheet http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/07/08/emmy-nominations-2010-snubs-trends-facts/ (http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/07/08/emmy-nominations-2010-snubs-trends-facts/) Emmy Snubs! Master Grouse List http://livefeed.hollywoodreporter.com/2010/07/emmy-snubs-master-grouse-list.htm (http://livefeed.hollywoodreporter.com/2010/07/emmy-snubs-master-grouse-list.htm) ABC News Nightline Is #1 Among Total Viewers http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/07/09/abc-news-nightline-is-1-among.... (http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/07/09/abc-news-nightline-is-1-among-total-viewers/56634) Saturday Night Live Breaks An Emmy Record http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/08/saturday-night-live-breaks.... (http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/08/saturday-night-live-breaks-an-emmy-record-and-lorne-michaels-is-cool-with-that/) Concert Tickets Down 15% in First Half of 2010 http://www.pollstar.com/blogs/news/archive/2010/07/09/731238.aspx (http://www.pollstar.com/blogs/news/archive/2010/07/09/731238.aspx) ‘American Idol’ Eliminates Seven Tour Dates and Reshuffles Others http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/2008-12-6-the-beat-goes-on/posts/american.... (http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/2008-12-6-the-beat-goes-on/posts/american-idol-eliminates-seven-tour-dates-and-reshuffles-others) YouTube Announces Partner Grants Program, Support For 4K Video Resolution http://techcrunch.com/2010/07/09/youtube-partner-program-4k (http://techcrunch.com/2010/07/09/youtube-partner-program-4k) YouTube Leanback Launches, Takes Aim At Your Television Set http://techcrunch.com/2010/07/07/youtube-leanback-tv/ (http://techcrunch.com/2010/07/07/youtube-leanback-tv/) J. Sperling Reich, Karen Woodward & Michael Giltz no 1:05:16 http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2010/07/05/showbiz-sandbox-61-andrew-garfield-fills-spider-mans-reboots/ http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2010/07/05/showbiz-sandbox-61-andrew-garfield-fills-spider-mans-reboots/#comments Tue, 06 Jul 2010 05:44:15 +0000 J. Sperling Reich http://www.showbizsandbox.com/?p=911 http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2010/07/05/showbiz-sandbox-61-andrew-garfield-fills-spider-mans-reboots/feed/ 0 "Futurama","Mafia Wars","Spider-Man 4","Sucker Punch","The Last Airbender","Transformers 3","Twilight Saga: Eclipse",3D,Andrew Garfield,Black Eyed Peas,Blockbuster,Carl Icahn That "Twilight Saga: Eclipse: wound up at the top of the box office over the Fourth of July holiday weekend with $280 million worldwide was not a big shock, however the casting of Andrew Garfield to play Spider-Man in the next installment of the franch... That "Twilight Saga: Eclipse: wound up at the top of the box office over the Fourth of July holiday weekend with $280 million worldwide was not a big shock, however the casting of Andrew Garfield to play Spider-Man in the next installment of the franchise came as a surprise. Entertainment journalist Michael Giltz (http://www.michaelgiltz.com) has been following the 26-year-old actor for several years, but the selection of the unknown had most industry insiders searching for his resume. In all likelihood the next "Spider-Man" film will be shot in 3D though the format is not a guarantee of box office gold. Just ask M. Night Shyamalan whose "Last Airbender" had a disappointing opening despite being converted to 3D in post-production. Film critic Roger Ebert was not alone in trashing the film. This week also saw Larry King announce his retirement from the nightly talk show he's hosted on CNN for 25 years. King's program has been slipping in ratings recently, as have late night talkers hosted by Jay Leno and David Letterman. But viewership continues to grow on cable television, not to mention on Hulu which will begin offering monthly subscriptions for expanded content offerings. Over in the music world Eminem is burning up the charts with his most recent album "Recover", which sold 741,000 copies in its first week. Our Big Deal or Big Whoop segment covers the week's top entertainment headlines including Mel Gibson's racist tirade, Wonder Woman's new look and a movie made of Legos. During Inside Baseball we discuss the death of legendary Hollywood talent agent Ed Limato. At Box Office Twilight Continues To Knock Em Undead http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/01/at-box-office-twilight-continues-to-knock-em-undead/ (http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/01/at-box-office-twilight-continues-to-knock-em-undead/) Roger Ebert On 'The Last Airbender': Phony 3-D At Its Worst http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/the_big_picture/2010/07/roger-ebert-on-last-airbender-yuck.html (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/the_big_picture/2010/07/roger-ebert-on-last-airbender-yuck.html) Cantor Fitzgerald Abandons Plans To Trade Box Office Futures http://articles.latimes.com/2010/jun/29/business/la-fi-ct-futures-20100629 (http://articles.latimes.com/2010/jun/29/business/la-fi-ct-futures-20100629) Andrew Garfield To Play Spider-Man http://www.heatvisionblog.com/2010/07/andrew-garfield-to-play-spiderman.html (http://www.heatvisionblog.com/2010/07/andrew-garfield-to-play-spiderman.html) Facebook Mafia Wars Movie In Development http://screencrave.com/2010-06-28/facebook-mafia-wars-movie-in-development/ (http://screencrave.com/2010-06-28/facebook-mafia-wars-movie-in-development/) Is James Cameron Bringing The Black Eyed Peas To The Big Screen In 3-D? http://www.hitfix.com/articles/2010-7-2-is-james-cameron-bring-the-black-eyed-peas-to-the-big-screen-in-3-d (http://www.hitfix.com/articles/2010-7-2-is-james-cameron-bring-the-black-eyed-peas-to-the-big-screen-in-3-d) Sucker Punch May Avoid 3D Conversion http://gordonandthewhale.com/sucker-punch-may-avoid-3d-conversion/ (http://gordonandthewhale.com/sucker-punch-may-avoid-3d-conversion/) "Transformers 3" To Be Shot With 3D Cameras http://gordonandthewhale.com/transformers-3-to-be-filmed-with-3d-cameras/ (http://gordonandthewhale.com/transformers-3-to-be-filmed-with-3d-cameras/) Larry King Confirms Fall Exit From CNN Show http://livefeed.hollywoodreporter.com/2010/06/larry-king-confirms-fall-exit-from-cnn.html (http://livefeed.hollywoodreporter.com/2010/06/larry-king-confirms-fall-exit-from-cnn.html) Eliot Spitzer To Replace Campbell Brown http://livefeed.hollywoodreporter.com/2010/06/official-eliot-spitzer-campbell-brown.html (http://livefeed.hollywoodreporter.com/2010/06/official-eliot-spitzer-campbell-brown.html) Futurama Returns With Strong Ratings http://livefeed.hollywoodreporter.com/2010/06/futurama-returns-with-strong-ratings-. J. Sperling Reich, Karen Woodward & Michael Giltz no 59:38 http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2010/06/28/showbiz-sandbox-60-reality-tv-doesnt-kid-around/ http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2010/06/28/showbiz-sandbox-60-reality-tv-doesnt-kid-around/#comments Tue, 29 Jun 2010 01:00:34 +0000 J. Sperling Reich http://www.showbizsandbox.com/?p=896 http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2010/06/28/showbiz-sandbox-60-reality-tv-doesnt-kid-around/feed/ 0 "All Quiet On The Western Front","Cars 2","Catcher In The Rye","Eat Pray Love","Knight & Day","The Hobbit","The Office","The Tonight Show","Toy Story 3",Academy Awards,Box Office Futures,Bruce Cohen If you are a minor working on a reality television series it turns out there are no child labor laws that protect you. A month long investigation by the Los Angeles Times found  dozens of kids appearing on reality programs without legal safeguards due... If you are a minor working on a reality television series it turns out there are no child labor laws that protect you. A month long investigation by the Los Angeles Times found  dozens of kids appearing on reality programs without legal safeguards due to widespread uncertainty about how to classify the shows. Times staff writers Matea Gold (http://www.twitter.com/mateagold) and Richard Verrier reveal that most of the popular shows had not obtained work permits to employ minors. Gold joins us this week to provide all the details. It was good news and bad news at the box office. Good news for "Toy Story 3", which finished in first place for the second week and bad news for Tom Cruise, whose latest movie, "Knight and Day" didn't open to boffo numbers. If you'd like to place a bet on how much Cruise's next movie might make, you might never get the chance. The U.S. Congress is set to pass a financial reform bill that would prevent two box office futures exchanges from operating. The government is also getting involved in the annual Lollapalooza festival in Chicago, and not in a good way. The events promoters was subpoenaed last week for an anti-trust investigation. Turns out the "radius clause" in Lollapalooza's contract is preventing Chicago night clubs from booking musical acts. Maybe Coachella's booking rules aren't so bad after all. Google got some good legal news last week when Viacom's $1 billion lawsuit against YouTube for copyright infringement was dismissed. Of course, Viacom will appeal the decision. During Big Deal or Big Whoop we argue about all the week's top entertainment headlines, including whether Peter Jackson will direct "The Hobbit" films, the Library of Congress National Recording Registry adds some hip-hop to its archives and Sylvester Stallone as mobster John Gotti. Reality TV Kids Don't Have A Safety Net http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/tv/la-et-reality-kids-20100627.... (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/tv/la-et-reality-kids-20100627,0,939452.story) 3D's Diminishing Box Office Returns http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118020899.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118020899.html?categoryid=13&cs=1) House Adds Movie Futures Trading Ban To Financial Reform Bill http://www.thewrap.com/movies/column-post/congress-keeps-movie-futures.... (http://www.thewrap.com/movies/column-post/congress-keeps-movie-futures-trading-ban-financial-reform-bil-18760) Bruce Cohen and Don Mischer to Produce 83rd Academy Awards Telecast http://www.oscars.org/press/pressreleases/2010/20100622a.html (http://www.oscars.org/press/pressreleases/2010/20100622a.html) Date Of Academy Awards Changing To January? http://wearemoviegeeks.com/2010/06/date-of-academy-awards-changing-to.... (http://wearemoviegeeks.com/2010/06/date-of-academy-awards-changing-to-january/) Academy Invites 135 To Membership http://www.oscars.org/press/pressreleases/2010/20100625.html (http://www.oscars.org/press/pressreleases/2010/20100625.html) Leno's 'Tonight Show' Ratings Stay Below Conan's http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/06/24/lenos-tonight-show-ratings-stay.... (http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/06/24/lenos-tonight-show-ratings-stay-below-conan%E2%80%99s-will-they-top-them/) Is Lollapalooza A Monopalooza? Subpoenas Issued For Anti-Trust Investigation http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/immaculate-noise/posts/monopolooza.... (http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/immaculate-noise/posts/monopolooza-subpoenas-issued-for-lollapalooza-anti-trust-investigation) So Maybe Coachella's Booking Rules Aren't So Egregious After All http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2010/06/so-maybe-coachellas.... (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2010/06/so-maybe-coachellas-booking-rules-arent-so-egregious-after-all.html) Illinois Attorney General Investigating Lollapalooza For Anti-trust http://blogs.vocalo.org/jderogatis/2010/06/breaking-illinois-attorney-general.... (http://blogs.vocalo. J. Sperling Reich, Karen Woodward & Michael Giltz no 1:04:00 http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2010/03/15/showbiz-sandbox-45-changing-faces-at-variety/ http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2010/03/15/showbiz-sandbox-45-changing-faces-at-variety/#comments Tue, 16 Mar 2010 06:03:26 +0000 J. Sperling Reich http://www.showbizsandbox.com/?p=729 http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2010/03/15/showbiz-sandbox-45-changing-faces-at-variety/feed/ 0 "Alice In Wonderland","Avatar","Glee",AC/DC,Anne Thompson,Billboard,Corey Haim,David Letterman,Jay Leno,Katherine Heigl,Mel Gibson,OK Go Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” took the top spot at the box office again this week, which might be why 3D is causing quite a stir at ShoWest this year in Las Vegas. J. Sperling Reich fills us in on what theatre owners are talking about at the annu... Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” took the top spot at the box office again this week, which might be why 3D is causing quite a stir at ShoWest this year in Las Vegas. J. Sperling Reich (http://www.twitter.com/sperling) fills us in on what theatre owners are talking about at the annual convention. This week Hollywood suffered another untimely death, this time it was actor Corey Haim at age 38. In happier news (for some), Jay Leno seems to be doing quite well back in his old time slot. The late night funnyman went back to “The Tonight Show” and ratings soared. What does this mean for Conan O’Brien and his chances for launching a competing late night talk show? In music news, Billboard published a list of the Top 40 Moneymakers of 2009. Its well worth checking out as you might be surprised who makes the list. (Although it’s no surprise that U2 tops the list.) Finally, we are joined by indieWIRE’s Anne Thompson (http://www.thompsononhollywood.com) during our Inside Baseball segment to talk about why Variety, the industry’s top trade paper is laying off staff members, including Todd McCarthy, their top film critic. Is this a sign of impending doom for the daily?  Panavision Heads Into Theatres With Hybrid 3D System http://celluloidjunkie.com/2010/03/14/panavision-heads-into-theatres-with-hybrid.... (http://celluloidjunkie.com/2010/03/14/panavision-heads-into-theatres-with-hybrid-3d-system/) Corey Haim Dies At 38 http://articles.latimes.com/2010/mar/10/local/la-me-corey-haim11-2010mar11 (http://articles.latimes.com/2010/mar/10/local/la-me-corey-haim11-2010mar11) Fox Mulling Summer “Avatar” Re-Release http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/.... (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i474fda2d02866bfd711a3d89a21b17a7) Letterman Harasser Pleads Guilty Gets Six Months In Jail http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2010/03/letterman.... (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2010/03/letterman-harasser-pleads-guilty-gets-six-months.html) Billboard lists the Top 40 Moneymakers of 2009 http://www.billboard.com/news/2010-money-makers-list-1004071338.story.... (http://www.billboard.com/news/2010-money-makers-list-1004071338.story#/news/2010-money-makers-list-1004071338.story) Katherine Heigl's "Greys Anatomy" Days Are Done http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/gossip/2010/03/report-katherine-heigls.... (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/gossip/2010/03/report-katherine-heigls-greys-anatomy-days-are-done.html) Mel Gibson Says Viking Movie May Be His Last http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/herocomplex/2010/03/mel-gibson-says-vikings.... (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/herocomplex/2010/03/mel-gibson-says-vikings-movie-with-leonardo-dicaprio-may-be-his-last.html/) OK Go Have Done It Again http://www.sugarscape.com/node/474870 (http://www.sugarscape.com/node/474870) Glee Tour Adds More Dates and Cities http://www.gleetour2010.com/ (http://www.gleetour2010.com/) Variety Sued Over "Iron Cross" http://www.thewrap.com/ind-column/variety-sued-over-movie-promotion-gone.... (http://www.thewrap.com/ind-column/variety-sued-over-movie-promotion-gone-wrong-15111) Variety Follows Oscars By Cutting 8, Including Chief Film Critic http://paidcontent.org/article/419-variety-follows-oscars-by-cutting-8-including-chief.... (http://paidcontent.org/article/419-variety-follows-oscars-by-cutting-8-including-chief-film-critic/) Variety Editor’s Memo http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=45&aid=179168 (http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=45&aid=179168) Variety Cuts Its Life Blood: Critics McCarthy and Rooney http://blogs.indiewire.com/thompsononhollywood/2010/03/08/variety_lays_off_its.... (http://blogs.indiewire.com/thompsononhollywood/2010/03/08/variety_lays_off_its_lifes_blood_critics_mccarthy_and_rooney/) Facebook Group: We'll Pay To Read Todd McCarthy http://www.thewrap.com/ind-column/facebook-group-well-pay-read-todd.... (http://www. J. Sperling Reich, Karen Woodward & Michael Giltz no 1:01:48 http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2010/02/08/showbiz-sandbox-41-live-nation-becomes-the-master-of-tickets/ http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2010/02/08/showbiz-sandbox-41-live-nation-becomes-the-master-of-tickets/#comments Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:47:00 +0000 J. Sperling Reich http://www.showbizsandbox.com/?p=665 http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2010/02/08/showbiz-sandbox-41-live-nation-becomes-the-master-of-tickets/feed/ 0 "Avatar","Catfish","Daredevil","Stretch Armstrong","The Tillman Story",American Idol,Boxee,David Letterman,Howard Stern,Hulu,Jay Leno,Jeff Zucker We swear we’re trying not to talk so much about Avatar, and although this seemed like a good week to skip the Ava-chat (congrats “Dear John!”), alas, the news cycle had other ideas. - But wait! There was also some important television news! Namely, We swear we’re trying not to talk so much about Avatar, and although this seemed like a good week to skip the Ava-chat (congrats “Dear John!”), alas, the news cycle had other ideas. But wait! There was also some important television news! Namely, the Super Bowl, which drew an average of 106.5 million people, just edging out "MASH's" 106 million people in 1983. And football fans didn’t just watch the Saints win; they also watched the ads (which are sometimes the best part of the Super Bowl). This year’s favorite seems to be the Leno-Oprah-Letterman ad, but you be the judge. Where was Conan? Probably negotiating with Fox? It certainly seems like Rupert Murdoch plans on playing hardball with Team Coco (whenever he’s not unofficially greenlighting “Avatar 2”). A company that doesn’t appear to be negotiating is Hulu, or is it NBC? During a Congressional hearing last week to investigate Comcast’s proposed acquisition of NBC, a representative asked NBC Universal CEO Jeff Zucker, “What about Boxee?” Yeah Jeff, what about Boxee? Zucker claims the blocking of Hulu content on Boxee was a Hulu management decision. According to Zucker the Boxee social media software (which allowers viewers to watch streaming video on their TVs) was illegally taking Hulu’s content. However Boxee CEO Avner Ronan points out that Boxee is not taking it illegally. And Hulu CEO Jason Kilar wrote in a year-old blog post, “Our content providers requested that we turn off access to our content via the Boxee product, and we are respecting their wishes. “ He doesn’t specifically say NBC, but… we think he means NBC. So, Jeff, what about Boxee?! Finally, Joe Reinartz (http://www.pollstar.com/), the news editor at concert industry trade publication Pollstar, joins us to discuss the merger of Ticketmaster and Live Nation and what will mean for the future of the music business, concerts, and consumers. Rupert Murdoch Unofficially Greenlights "Avatar 2" http://www.movieline.com/2010/02/hollywood-ink-rupert-murdoch-unofficially.... (http://www.movieline.com/2010/02/hollywood-ink-rupert-murdoch-unofficially-greenlights-avatar-2.php) Avatar In The Amazon http://www.pri.org/arts-entertainment/movies/avatar-in-the-amazon1863.html (http://www.pri.org/arts-entertainment/movies/avatar-in-the-amazon1863.html) How is Avatar not an animated film? http://www.slate.com/blogs/blogs/browbeat/archive/2010/02/02/how-is-avatar-.... (http://www.slate.com/blogs/blogs/browbeat/archive/2010/02/02/how-is-avatar-not-an-animated-film.aspx) Apolitics And The War Film http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/07/weekinreview/07aoscott.html (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/07/weekinreview/07aoscott.html) Relativity/Rogue grabs 'Catfish' http://blogs.indiewire.com/thompsononhollywood/2010/02/04/sundance_watch.... (http://blogs.indiewire.com/thompsononhollywood/2010/02/04/sundance_watch_relativity_rogue_grabs_catfish/) Weinsteins Finally Conclude Deal For Sundance Hit "The Tillman Story" http://www.screendaily.com/festivals/sundance/sundance-news/weinsteins-finally.... (http://www.screendaily.com/festivals/sundance/sundance-news/weinsteins-finally-conclude-deal-for-sundance-hit-the-tillman-story/5010485.article) More New Helmers Get Their Hollywood Shot http://www.deadline.com/hollywood/damn-yankees-daddys-home-more-new-helmers.... (http://www.deadline.com/hollywood/damn-yankees-daddys-home-more-new-helmers-get-their-hollywood-shot/) Super Bowl Viewership Sets Record http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118014867.html?categoryid=14&cs=1 (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118014867.html?categoryid=14&cs=1) Letterman/Leno Win Super Bowl Ad Wars http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/07/super-bowl-ad-watch-a-look-at.... (http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/07/super-bowl-ad-watch-a-look-at-the-other-side-of-tonights-game/) http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/08/business/media/08adco.html?hp=&adxnnl.... (http://www.nytimes. J. Sperling Reich, Karen Woodward & Michael Giltz no 1:09:37 http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2010/02/01/showbiz-sandbox-40-taylor-aint-swift-at-the-grammys/ http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2010/02/01/showbiz-sandbox-40-taylor-aint-swift-at-the-grammys/#comments Tue, 02 Feb 2010 04:54:35 +0000 J. Sperling Reich http://www.showbizsandbox.com/?p=646 http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2010/02/01/showbiz-sandbox-40-taylor-aint-swift-at-the-grammys/feed/ 0 "Avatar","Catfish","Jersey Shore","Lost","Transformers 3",Alison Willmore,Beyonce,David Wild,Geoff Boucher,grammys,Jay Leno,Kathryn Bigelow The highlights of this week’s entertainment news were the Grammys and Sundance. First though, there was “Avatar”, “Avatar”, and more “Avatar”. The 3D wunderkind was number one at the box office again and has sold roughly 56 million tickets in North Am... The highlights of this week’s entertainment news were the Grammys and Sundance. First though, there was “Avatar”, “Avatar”, and more “Avatar”. The 3D wunderkind was number one at the box office again and has sold roughly 56 million tickets in North America so far. “Titanic” sold roughly 128 million admissions in North America, so if “Avatar” did that, it would gross about $1.2 billion in the U.S alone. But there is more going on in the entertainment world besides “Avatar”. The music world gathered for the Grammys on Sunday, January 31. Geoff Boucher (http://twitter.com/latherocomplex) from the Los Angeles Times (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/herocomplex/) and David Wild (http://twitter.com/wildaboutmusic), one of the writers on the Grammy telecast, join us to discuss the hits (Pink’s performance), the misses (Taylor Swift and Stevie Nicks) and what was going on backstage (Alice Cooper hangs with Smokey Robinson). The Grammys weren’t the only prizes handed out over the weekend. Sundance announced its festival winners and Alison Willmore (http://twitter.com/alisonwillmore), a senior editor at IFC.com (http://www.ifc.com), stops by to talk about her favorite festival films and a few she recommends skipping. (Pause for J. Sperling Reich to geek out asking Alison about all the movies she didn’t manage to see in Park City this year.) Meanwhile, Michael Giltz and Karen Woodward are still arguing over the Jay Leno - Conan O’Brien debacle. This week they have Oprah Winfrey’s interview with Leno to debate. Was Jay able to do some damage control, or will America turn off their TV’s when he returns to “The Tonight Show”? Lastly, in Inside Baseball news, indie film great Miramax has officially shut its doors. Or more accurately, Miramax had their doors shut for them by Disney. The film company, named after the parents of co-founders Bob and Harvey Weinstein, Miriam and Max, will live on as a shell of its former self as Disney searches for a buyer. The closing of Miramax makes those of us who were around when “Pulp Fiction” was released feel very, very old. Avatar Ticket Sales in US http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/27/movies/awardsseason/27record.html?8dpc (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/27/movies/awardsseason/27record.html?8dpc) Is This A Box Office Record with an *? http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-bigpicture30-2010jan.... (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-bigpicture30-2010jan30,0,7457451.story) Avatar Plot FAIL. http://failblog.org/2010/01/10/avatar-plot-fail/ (http://failblog.org/2010/01/10/avatar-plot-fail/) Breakdown of Avatar Costs http://graphjam.com/2010/01/19/funny-graphs-avatar-costs/ (http://graphjam.com/2010/01/19/funny-graphs-avatar-costs/) Kathryn Bigelow Is First Woman To Win DGA Award http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2010/feb/01/kathryn-bigelow-first-woman-dga-award (http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2010/feb/01/kathryn-bigelow-first-woman-dga-award) IFC’s Sundance Coverage http://www.ifc.com/sundance/ (http://www.ifc.com/sundance/) Alison Willmore's Writing On IFC.com http://www.ifc.com/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&id=6 (http://www.ifc.com/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&id=6) "Winter's Bone", "Restrepo" Lead Sundance Award Winners http://www.indiewire.com/article/sundance_10_awards_in_progress/ (http://www.indiewire.com/article/sundance_10_awards_in_progress/) Best & Worst of Sundance: "Gasland", "Giftshop" Lead Critics Polls http://www.indiewire.com/article/best_worst_of_sundance_gift_shop_gasland_lead_critics_poll/ (http://www.indiewire.com/article/best_worst_of_sundance_gift_shop_gasland_lead_critics_poll/) Sundance Sales Pick Up http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118014532.html (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118014532.html) Karina Longworth’s Sundance Coverage http://www.voicefilm.com/search.php?tag=sundance&blog_id=175 (http://www.voicefilm.com/search.php?tag=sundance&blog_id=175) Not Even Oprah Can Keep America From Hating Jay J. Sperling Reich, Karen Woodward & Michael Giltz no 1:03:56 http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2010/01/25/showbiz-sandbox-39-chez-sundance/ http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2010/01/25/showbiz-sandbox-39-chez-sundance/#comments Tue, 26 Jan 2010 01:56:50 +0000 J. Sperling Reich http://www.showbizsandbox.com/?p=635 http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2010/01/25/showbiz-sandbox-39-chez-sundance/feed/ 0 "Avatar","The Tonight Show",Aerosmith,Angelina Jolie,Brad Pitt,Conan O'Brien,Jay Leno,MPAA,NBC,Quincy Jones,Roman Polanski,SAG Awards Co-host Karen Woodward puts a moratorium on any more talk of “Avatar”, James Cameron’s 3D sci-fi epic which continues to break box office records. So instead, we skip straight to Sundance, where the atmosphere has gone from recession (last year) to de... Co-host Karen Woodward (http://www.karenwoodwardonline.com) puts a moratorium on any more talk of “Avatar”, James Cameron’s 3D sci-fi epic which continues to break box office records. So instead, we skip straight to Sundance, where the atmosphere has gone from recession (last year) to depression (this year). J. Sperling Reich is in the snowy, cold ski town and fills us in on the movies everyone in Park City is buzzing about. If you can’t make it to Sundance this year, no worries, you’ll be able to catch a few of the festival’s selections on YouTube. Also in movie news, anti-smoking activists are claiming that Sigourney Weaver’s line “Where’s my damn cigarette” in “Avatar” should have earned the film an R rating. What set of rules is the MPAA going by when they come up with some of their absurd ratings? After a brief fly by of the SAG Awards, we head over to television land.  Things have calmed down in the Conan vs. Leno vs. NBC war, but Michael Giltz (http://www.michaelgiltz.com) and Karen must not have gotten the memo. They argue over who was wronged more by the whole debacle. Meanwhile, Conan O’Brien hosted his last “Tonight Show” on Friday.  During our Big Deal or Big Whoop segment we learn that the rumors of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s split are indeed, just rumors, however the rumors that Aerosmith might be replacing lead singer Steven Tyler seem to be true. Also, Quincy Jones will revisit “We Are The World” and Roman Polanski will have to revisit the United States if he wants to be sentenced for his rape conviction. During Inside Baseball, Michael and Karen lock horns once again over “transmedia storytelling.” Don’t know what it is? Listen to this episode and you’ll learn all about it! Chez Betty http://www.chezbetty.com (http://www.chezbetty.com) YouTube to Sundance: Independent Filmmakers Wanted http://youtube-global.blogspot.com/2010/01/youtube-to-sundance-independent.html (http://youtube-global.blogspot.com/2010/01/youtube-to-sundance-independent.html) Johnny Depp Sets Sail On Fourth Pirate Movie http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/movie-talk-pirates-4.html (http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/movie-talk-pirates-4.html) This Article Is Not Yet Rated http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/24/movies/24scott.html?hpw (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/24/movies/24scott.html?hpw) ‘Clash of Titans’ 3D Decision Coming Soon http://www.heatvisionblog.com/2010/01/clash-of-titans-in-3d-decision.... (http://www.heatvisionblog.com/2010/01/clash-of-titans-in-3d-decision-coming-soon.html) Conan Gets A big Sendoff http://weblogs.variety.com/on_the_air/2010/01/conan-gets-a-big.... (http://weblogs.variety.com/on_the_air/2010/01/conan-gets-a-big-sendoff-his-tonight-farewell-) Jay Leno's Point of View http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/18/leno-deconstructs.... (http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/18/leno-deconstructs-his-own-predicament/?hp) Falling Late-Night Ad Prices Will Shape Conan's and Leno's Futures http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/tv/la-fi-ct-latenight25.... (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/tv/la-fi-ct-latenight25-2010jan25,0,879701.story) Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie Break-Up Rumors False http://news-briefs.ew.com/2010/01/24/brad-pitt-and-angelina-jolie.... (http://news-briefs.ew.com/2010/01/24/brad-pitt-and-angelina-jolie-break-up-rumors-false/) Joe Perry Says Aerosmith Is Auditioning New Lead Singer http://www.thewrap.com/article/joe-perry-says-aerosmith.... (http://www.thewrap.com/article/joe-perry-says-aerosmith-auditioning-lead-singers-13407) New Study: People Don’t Watch Commercials on DVRs http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/content_display/special-reports/digital-hot-list.... (http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/content_display/special-reports/digital-hot-list/e3id3e0b71b5f1a6df4adcce747dc0ee4d4) 8-18 year Olds Consuming More Media than Ever http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6715693.html?nid=2286&rid.... (http://www. J. Sperling Reich, Karen Woodward & Michael Giltz no 1:06:51 http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2010/01/18/showbiz-sandbox-38-gender-matters-in-hollywood/ http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2010/01/18/showbiz-sandbox-38-gender-matters-in-hollywood/#comments Tue, 19 Jan 2010 05:13:36 +0000 J. Sperling Reich http://www.showbizsandbox.com/?p=623 http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2010/01/18/showbiz-sandbox-38-gender-matters-in-hollywood/feed/ 0 "Avatar","Spider-Man 4","The Hurt Locker",Academy Awards,Ann Hornaday,Conan O'Brien,David Letterman,Dylan Stableford,Golden Globes,Guy Lodge,In Contention,IndieWire The New Year may have started off slow, but 2010 is heating up! “Avatar” is on track to top “Titanic” as the highest grossing film of all time, The Golden Globes were handed out on Sunday and of course the late night talk show war has really taken some... The New Year may have started off slow, but 2010 is heating up! “Avatar” is on track to top “Titanic” as the highest grossing film of all time, The Golden Globes were handed out on Sunday and of course the late night talk show war has really taken some interesting turns. Dylan Stableford (http://twitter.com/stableford) who writes The Wrap’s Media Alley (http://www.thewrap.com/column/media-alley) column joins us to talk about his post, “The Vilification of Leno: Loud, Nasty and Fleeting (http://www.thewrap.com/ind-column/vilification-jay-leno-does-it-matter-12930).” Will audiences warm up to Jay Leno again? Who was the bad guy in all this fracas? Leno, Conan O’Brien, or NBC? In movie news, director Sam Raimi and star Tobey Maguire dropped out of “Spider-Man 4” and Sony now says it plans to reboot the franchise with a younger actor. Finally, though she didn’t win a Golden Globe, director Kathryn Bigelow is earning critical praise for her film “The Hurt Locker.” Academy Award nominations have yet to be announced, but she appears to have a lock on one, and may be the first woman to win the best director Oscar in the history of the awards show. Women in Hollywood and the film industry is a topic we discuss frequently here on Showbiz Sandbox thanks in part to Karen Woodward. Joining us to discuss the issue today is Matthew Hammett Knott a London-based writer and guest columnist at indieWIRE who wrote a post titled, “Is Kathryn Bigelow a Female Director? (http://www.indiewire.com/article/for_your_consideration_is_kathryn_bigelow_a_female_director/)” Picking up where Matthew left off is Guy Lodge, a freelance writer and screenwriter based in London, who is a contributor to the In Contention Blog, which covers the awards season. He wrote a post recently on In Contention titled “How Relevant is Kathryn Bigelow's Gender? (http://incontention.com/?p=20468)” Finally, we are joined by Ann Hornaday (http://projects.washingtonpost.com/staff/articles/ann+hornaday/), film critic for the Washington Post, whose article on women in film (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/23/AR2009102300194.html?sid=ST2009102204685) we discussed a few weeks ago on Showbiz Sandbox. Let the debates begin. Spider-Man Gets A Reboot http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/press_releases/2010/01_10/011220.... (http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/press_releases/2010/01_10/01122010_spm4.html) It's Over! NBC To Pay Conan $30 Million http://www.thewrap.com/article/breaking-nbc-pay-conan-30m-13048 (http://www.thewrap.com/article/breaking-nbc-pay-conan-30m-13048) Tallying The NBC Damage http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-01-15/.... (http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-01-15/tallying-the-nbc-damage/) The Vilification of Leno: Loud, Nasty and Fleeting http://www.thewrap.com/ind-column/vilification-jay-leno-does-it-matter-12930 (http://www.thewrap.com/ind-column/vilification-jay-leno-does-it-matter-12930) Guess Who Said It? Late Night Edition http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/15/guess-who-said-it-late-night-edition/ (http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/15/guess-who-said-it-late-night-edition/ ) Did TMZ gain glory or did they lose face by jumping gun before it was actually settled? http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news.... (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3ia62d19a7acb838db6035b952fde09415) Beyonce Performs for Gadaffi http://www.thedailyswarm.com/headlines/beyonce-performing-gaddafi-photos-surface/ (http://www.thedailyswarm.com/headlines/beyonce-performing-gaddafi-photos-surface/) Glee's Matthew Morrison Signs To Mercury Records http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/2008-12-6-the-beat-goes-on/posts/glee-s.... (http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/2008-12-6-the-beat-goes-on/posts/glee-s-matthew-morrison-signs-to-mercury-records) For Your Consideration: Is Kathryn Bigelow A Female Director? http://www.indiewire. J. Sperling Reich, Karen Woodward & Michael Giltz no 1:18:26 http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2010/01/11/showbiz-sandbox-37-conan-and-lenos-late-shift-shrift/ http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2010/01/11/showbiz-sandbox-37-conan-and-lenos-late-shift-shrift/#comments Tue, 12 Jan 2010 04:18:59 +0000 J. Sperling Reich http://www.showbizsandbox.com/?p=615 http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2010/01/11/showbiz-sandbox-37-conan-and-lenos-late-shift-shrift/feed/ 0 "Avatar","Lost","X Factor",American Idol,Ben Silverman,CES,Conan O'Brien,David Colker,Fox News,Jay Leno,Jeffrey Gaspin,Los Angeles Times It's official: Simon Cowell will be leaving "American Idol" this season and NBC (finally!) admits that airing "The Jay Leno Show" in primetime five nights a week was a mistake. Cowell is headed off to start a new reality talent show, "X Factor", It's official: Simon Cowell will be leaving "American Idol" this season and NBC (finally!) admits that airing "The Jay Leno Show" in primetime five nights a week was a mistake. Cowell is headed off to start a new reality talent show, "X Factor", while Jay Leno is headed back to his old late night time slot, at least for a half-hour. But where will Conan O'Brien's tonight show end up? Right now NBC wants to push him back a half hour. In theaters, "Avatar" just will not go away. It stays firm at the top of the box office again this week. “Daybreakers” staring Ethan Hawke, also did well in its debut, but the Amy Adams vehicle “Leap Year” didn’t leap anywhere. Meanwhile, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) tries to sell us on 3D television and video rental service Netflix reaches an important agreement with Warner Bros. David Colker (http://www.twitter.com/davidcolker), a business reporter covering technology for the Los Angeles Times (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology) gives us the low down on CES, espcially all the 3D televisions announced at the show (which aren’t even available for sale yet). Do consumers even want 3D television? More importantly, how are we prepared to wear those funny 3D glasses at home? As for Netflix, Will Richmond (http://www.twitter.com/videonuze), president of Broadband Directions and editor of VideoNuze.com (http://www.videonuze.com/), helps us decipher their deal with Warner Bros. The agreement delays the studio's DVD releases to Netflix customers by 28 days while increasing the number of Warner films that are available for digital streaming. In addition, Warner Bros. will lower the per-disc price it charges Netflix to purchase DVDs. That alone could save Netflix millions. Richmond explains why the deal is a win for everyone: Netflix, Warner Brothers, and the consumer. Simon Cowell Leaving Idol http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/11/cowell-to-leave-idol/?hp (http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/11/cowell-to-leave-idol/?hp) 'X Factor' Debut Could Mean A Simon Cowell-less 'American Idol' http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-cowell11-2010jan11,0,2968814.story (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-cowell11-2010jan11,0,2968814.story) NBC Kicks Jay Leno Out Of Prime Time http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118013563.html?categoryid=1292&cs=1 (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118013563.html?categoryid=1292&cs=1) NBC Greenlights Six Drama Pilots http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i936d3d2c48ddaeb1a2d9ead12d47b795 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i936d3d2c48ddaeb1a2d9ead12d47b795) First 3D Dedicated Networks Coming To TV http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10425553-93.html (http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10425553-93.html) DirecTV to Offer All 3D Satellite TV Channels To Home Viewers http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2010/01/panasonic-directv.html (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2010/01/panasonic-directv.html) Do Consumers Really Want 3D TV? http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/05/do-consumers-really-want-3d-tvs/ (http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/05/do-consumers-really-want-3d-tvs/) Ben Silverman's Electus Strikes Deal With Yahoo! http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3if944e88734e00aa3e05308366dedea44 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3if944e88734e00aa3e05308366dedea44) Lost - Is TV Show A Franchise That Will Live On? http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118013523.html?categoryid=14&cs=1&ref=bd_tv (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118013523.html?categoryid=14&cs=1&ref=bd_tv) Avatar Gets Best Screenplay Nod From WGA http://movies.insidepulse.com/2010/01/12/writers-guild-awards-nominations/ (http://movies.insidepulse.com/2010/01/12/writers-guild-awards-nominations/) Roman Polanski Asks To Be Sentenced In Absentia http://latimesblogs.latimes. J. Sperling Reich, Karen Woodward & Michael Giltz no 1:00:46 http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2009/11/30/showbiz-sanbox-31-blind-sided-by-adam-lamberts-double-standard/ http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2009/11/30/showbiz-sanbox-31-blind-sided-by-adam-lamberts-double-standard/#comments Tue, 01 Dec 2009 03:41:01 +0000 J. Sperling Reich http://www.showbizsandbox.com/?p=524 http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2009/11/30/showbiz-sanbox-31-blind-sided-by-adam-lamberts-double-standard/feed/ 0 "Avatar","FlashForward","The Blind Side","Twilight Saga: New Moon","Up In The Air",Adam Lambert,Eminem,George Clooney,James Cameron,Jason Reitman,Jay Leno,Lachlan Murdoch While we all still may be sluggish from all the turkey and stuffing on Thanksgiving, the North American box office sure wasn't. It set a record for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend as once again "The Blind Side" surprises everyone. While we all still may be sluggish from all the turkey and stuffing on Thanksgiving, the North American box office sure wasn't. It set a record for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend as once again "The Blind Side" surprises everyone. The Sandra Bullock m... J. Sperling Reich, Karen Woodward & Michael Giltz no http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2009/10/19/showbiz-sandbox-episode-25-mr-television-grades-freshman-tv-shows-and-leno-flunks/ http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2009/10/19/showbiz-sandbox-episode-25-mr-television-grades-freshman-tv-shows-and-leno-flunks/#comments Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:44:10 +0000 J. Sperling Reich http://www.showbizsandbox.com/?p=442 http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2009/10/19/showbiz-sandbox-episode-25-mr-television-grades-freshman-tv-shows-and-leno-flunks/feed/ 0 "Paranormal Activity","Where The Wild Things Are",Bob Iger,Dan Glickman,DVR,Jay Leno,Marc Berman,MediaWeek,MPAA,Nicolas Cage,The Programming Insider,Twitter Mr. Television himself is our guest this week, which means we talk a lot about TV. Marc Berman is the senior television editor at MediaWeek and creator/editor of The Programming Insider, a daily online bible focused on all things television that reache... Mr. Television himself is our guest this week, which means we talk a lot about TV. Marc Berman (http://marcberman.tv) is the senior television editor at MediaWeek (http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/index.jsp) and creator/editor of The Programming Insider (http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/community/programming-insider/newsletters/index.jsp), a daily online bible focused on all things television that reaches more than 50,000 readers per day. He even has a daily companion podcast to catch you up on all the latest television news. But first, “Where the Wild Things Are” and “Paranormal Activity” win box office kudos this week, earning the number 1 and number 3 spots, respectively (sandwiching “Law Abiding Citizen,” at number two, as if anyone cares). Motion Picture Association of America chief Dan Glickman will step down as Hollywood's top lobbyist next year. He claims that at the ripe old age of 65, it’s time for him to “move on back into the world of either academia, public service, or non profits….This is a very difficult job. From the outside world, this job has the perception of being very glamorous. People think Angelina Jolie goes home with me every night. It hasn't happened yet." Poor Dan. Maybe we know someone who knows someone who can work the Angelina thing out for him before he steps down next September.  Meanwhile, things are looking better for the home video business. The Digital Entertainment Group reported that rental revenue rose 9.9% in the third quarter. Digital distribution, which includes online downloads and streaming as well as cable video-on-demand, rose 18%, down slightly from 21% in the first six months. Things are not looking good however for Hollywood and social media. It seems that studios and networks are finally learning about this thing called the social networking. Apparently it’s this mass distribution tool that everyone uses to talk about movies and celebrities. And guess what? Word of mouth – like whether a movie is great or totally stinks – travels fast via Twitter and Facebook. But it’s not just the regular folk who are on Twitter. So are celebrities, and they’re getting themselves into trouble either arguing amongst themselves or revealing plot points from their TV series. Studios like Disney and Dreamworks are hoping to rein them in by adding specific "no-tweeting" clauses in their contracts. Marc Berman helps us review all the freshman television series that premiered this fall, giving grades to each of them based on their ratings and veiwership. Marc believes Jay Leno has killed NBC and fills us in on the importance of including DVR viewings in ratings. And someone might want to get Marc a barf bucket before we ask him about Jon and Kate Gosselin… Lastly, after our quick visit with Big Deal/Big Whoop news stories, we cover some Inside Baseball. This week, we mock. . . we mean discuss, Disney CEO Bob Iger who gave a keynote address at a business and entertainment conference sponsored by the USC Gould School of Law and the Beverly Hills Bar Association. Is a studio chief a creative leader or a brand manager? You decide. MPAA's Glickman To Exit Amid Grumbling He Never Did Fill Valenti's Shoes http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-ct-glickman20-2009oct20,0,1921253.story (http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-ct-glickman20-2009oct20,0,1921253.story) http://www.politico.com/click/stories/0910/mpaa_chairman_to_step_down.html (http://www.politico.com/click/stories/0910/mpaa_chairman_to_step_down.html) Accelerating Rentals Prop Up Shrinking Home Entertainment Biz In Third Quarter http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2009/10/accelerating-rentals-prop-up-shrinking-home-entertainment-biz.html (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2009/10/accelerating-rentals-prop-up-shrinking-home-entertainment-biz.html) Movie Studios Open Their Ears to Online Buzz http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSTRE59D5TK20091014? J. Sperling Reich, Karen Woodward & Michael Giltz no http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2009/10/05/showbiz-sandbox-23-letterman-and-polanski-go-to-the-dogs/ http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2009/10/05/showbiz-sandbox-23-letterman-and-polanski-go-to-the-dogs/#comments Tue, 06 Oct 2009 05:39:34 +0000 J. Sperling Reich http://www.showbizsandbox.com/?p=414 http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2009/10/05/showbiz-sandbox-23-letterman-and-polanski-go-to-the-dogs/feed/ 0 "Fantasty Island","Kate Plus 8","Zombieland",Adam Fogelson,Comcast,David Letterman,DJ AM,Donna Langley,Hulu,Jay Leno,Lady Gaga,Miramax We had a bunch of dogs as our guests this week, also known as Famous Men Doing Bad Things. - First we take a look a the North American box office. “Zombieland” won the top spot this week, beating out “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, We had a bunch of dogs as our guests this week, also known as Famous Men Doing Bad Things. First we take a look a the North American box office. “Zombieland” won the top spot this week, beating out “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,” “Toy Story/Toy Story 2,” “The Invention of Lying” (which could perhaps be the title of this podcast) and “Surrogates” rounding out the top five. Now, on to our dogs. David Letterman played the victim when revealing an extortion attempt against him. Allegedly a producer from the television news show “48 Hours” attempted to blackmail him with proof that Letterman had carried on several affairs with female staffers over the years. Karen Woodward (http://www.industrynexus.com) and Michael Giltz (http://www.michaelgiltz.com) debate whether Letterman is guilty of sexual harassment or was just being stupid. Roman Polanski is our next dog. Should he serve more time in prison for committing statutory rape in 1977? For fleeing the country? Or does he get a free pass because he’s a talented filmmaker?  At least Polanski’s arrest has people watching the news again, because Jay Leno certainly isn’t. Data from Nielsen's top five markets - New York, LA, Chicago, Philadelphia and Dallas - show that NBC stations all saw their 11 p.m. newscasts drop by double digits during the first week of the 2009-10 season. Do networks have an obligation to keep their affiliates happy? And if so, will they have to yank Leno off the air? In movie news, Universal Pictures has tapped its head of marketing, Adam Fogelson as its new chairman and Donna Langley has been promoted to co-chairman of the studio, effective immediately. This means former co-chairmen Marc Shmuger and David Linde are out. In Disney news, the Mouse House is revamping film operations, including slashing Miramax Films’ staff to 20, and reducing releases to three a year. In other words, Disney is killing Miramax. Can Bob and Harvey buy it back? Speaking of buying, how much would you pay for a digital book? An avid reader, Michael explains some of the latest technologies coming out of the book market, and makes some suggestions of his own. (Pass the Vook!) We’re introducing a new segment this week: Big Deal or Big Whoop, which is really an excuse for us to touch on all the entertainment news stories of the week. If we think the story is important, it’s a Big Deal, if we don’t care, it’s a Big Whoop. This week we talk about Jon and “Kate plus 8,” introduce Sperling to Lady Gaga, ponder MTV’s decision to air DJ AM’s final reality show, and wish we were on Mark Burnett’s new reality series “Fantasy Island.” (Can’t he do “Love Boat” too?) Finally, we end with some Inside Baseball, our time to chat about insider-y entertainment topics that perhaps no one else cares about. This week we discuss Comcast, the nation’s leading provider of cable, entertainment and communications products and services, which is in talks to buy the entertainment giant NBC Universal from General Electric. Is this a big deal? Could it be? Does this mean Hulu will start charging to watch television shows online? Tune in and find out. Letterman Reveals Extortion Attempt http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118009463.html?categoryid=14&cs=1 (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118009463.html?categoryid=14&cs=1) David Letterman Comes Clean Without Telling All http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-letterman-critic3-2009oct03,0,2491746.story (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-letterman-critic3-2009oct03,0,2491746.story) Jay At 10, Bad News At 11 http://www.thewrap.com/ind-column/jay-10-bad-news-11-8117 (http://www.thewrap.com/ind-column/jay-10-bad-news-11-8117) Defense Strategies Could Keep Polanski Out of Prison http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-polanski-legal1-2009oct01,0,1100452.story?track=rss (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-polanski-legal1-2009oct01,0,1100452.story?track=rss) J. Sperling Reich, Karen Woodward & Michael Giltz no http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2009/09/21/showbiz-sandbox-21-name-dropping-at-the-emmys-and-toronto/ http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2009/09/21/showbiz-sandbox-21-name-dropping-at-the-emmys-and-toronto/#comments Tue, 22 Sep 2009 05:02:57 +0000 J. Sperling Reich http://www.showbizsandbox.com/?p=397 http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2009/09/21/showbiz-sandbox-21-name-dropping-at-the-emmys-and-toronto/feed/ 0 "30 Rock","Capitalism: A Love Story","Mad Men","Precious","The Informant",Brill Bundy,David Poland,Dick Cook,Disney,Emmys,Jay Leno,Kanye West Three very special guests join us on this episode to discuss the Emmy Awards and the Toronto International Film Festival, including Brill Bundy from Zap2it.com, Noel Murray from the Onion's AV Club and David Poland from The Hot Blog and Movie City News. Three very special guests join us on this episode to discuss the Emmy Awards and the Toronto International Film Festival, including Brill Bundy (http://twitter.com/Zap2itBrill) from Zap2it.com (http://www.zap2it.com), Noel Murray (http://twitter.com/noelmu) from the Onion's AV Club (http://www.avclub.com/) and David Poland (http://twitter.com/davidpoland) from The Hot Blog (http://www.thehotblog.com/) and Movie City News (http://www.moviecietynews.com). Before we get into either of those hot topics Michael Giltz (http://www.michaelgiltz.com) and J. Sperling Reich (http://www.twitter.com/sperling) duke it out over 3D movies while discussing this week's North American box office topper, "Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs". Karen Woodward (http://www.industrynexus.com) still isn't convinced to see animated content, whether it's 3D or not. Brill wasn't all that suprised by any of the Emmy Awards handed out on Sunday, except for maybe Jon Cryer's trophy for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy. Like last year, Both "Mad Men" and "30 Rock" repeated their wins for Best Drama and Best Comedy. In the end, it was host Neil Patrick Harris who stole the show, if not an Emmy for himself, by winning rave reviews for keeping the awards program light and fast paced (even at three hours). Jay Leno began his new primetime talk show last week with enormous ratings, though Brill says it will take a few months, if not a year, before the show's success can be determined. Certainly, having Kanye West as a guest, fresh from his stage storming moment at MTV's Video Music Awards, was a major coup.     David and Noel drop by to chat about their experiences at this year's Toronto Film Festival, which Michael also attended. "Precious: Based On The Novel Push By Sapphire" took home the festival's top prize, much like it did at Sundance earlier in the year. (Is there a festival, this film isn't going to be invited to?) Noel, enjoyed the film but David and Michael think it's overrated. Speaking of overrated, that seems to be the general consensus regarding Michael Moore's latest documentary, "Capitalism: A Love Story". And, while not the concert film Noel had been hoping for "The White Stripes Under Great White Northern Lights" seemed to please everyone, as did Steven Soderbergh's "The Informant". Hopefully next year the festival won't front load the first few days with all the big films so David, Michael and Noel can see even more great movies. Back in Los Angeles, Walt Disney Studios surprised the industry on Friday by announcing topper Dick Cook would be resigning after 38 years with the company, effective immediately (read: fired). Cook was a much beloved executive and responsible for such hits as the "Pirates of the Carribean" franchise. It is believed he clashed with Disney CEO Robert Iger which led to his departure. "Mad Men" and "30 Rock" Repeat At Emmys http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/21/arts/television/21emmy.html?_r=1&hp (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/21/arts/television/21emmy.html?_r=1&hp) Zap2it's Emmy Coverage http://www.zap2it.com/tv/emmys/zap-emmys,0,6586641.htmlstory (http://www.zap2it.com/tv/emmys/zap-emmys,0,6586641.htmlstory) Jay Leno Bow brings in 17.7 million http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118008651.html?categoryid=14&cs=1&nid=4749 (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118008651.html?categoryid=14&cs=1&nid=4749) Jay Leno Week 1 Ratings As Good As Could've Reasonably Been Expected http://bit.ly/3N3Cx9 (http://bit.ly/3N3Cx9) Jay Leno Brings EVs Into America's Living Rooms http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/09/leno_green_car_challenge/ (http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/09/leno_green_car_challenge/) The Ten Biggest Buzz Films At The Toronto Film Festival http://www.cbc.ca/arts/film/story/2009/09/03/f-toronto-film-fest-buzz-films.html (http://www.cbc.ca/arts/film/story/2009/09/03/f-toronto-film-fest-buzz-films.html) Toronto: Winners, Losers, Oscar Contenders http://blogs.indiewire. J. Sperling Reich, Karen Woodward & Michael Giltz no http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2009/09/03/showbiz-sandbox-18-its-all-fun-and-games-until-celebrities-start-dyin/ http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2009/09/03/showbiz-sandbox-18-its-all-fun-and-games-until-celebrities-start-dyin/#comments Fri, 04 Sep 2009 02:12:41 +0000 J. Sperling Reich http://www.showbizsandbox.com/?p=370 http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2009/09/03/showbiz-sandbox-18-its-all-fun-and-games-until-celebrities-start-dyin/feed/ 0 "Duplicity","Halloween II","The Blob",Adam Lambert,American Idol,Disney,DJ AM,Jay Leno,Kris Allen,LACMA,Marvel Comics,Megan Fox Landing at the top of the North American box office this weekend was “The Final Destination” with “Halloween 2,” directed by Rob Zombie, coming in third. Zombie may not be part of that Old White Male club of directors that the New York Times highlighte... Landing at the top of the North American box office this weekend was “The Final Destination” with “Halloween 2,” directed by Rob Zombie, coming in third. Zombie may not be part of that Old White Male club of directors that the New York Times highlighted this week, but apparently he can make a successful film. After reviving the "Halloween" franchise, Rob Zombie will continue to advance the horror porn genre with a remake of the 1958 classic, "The Blob." The biggest story of the week was Disney’s purchase of Marvel Comics. What will this mean for "Iron Man", "Spider-Man", the "X-Men", and "Fantastic Four"? Maybe we’ll find out when Disney continues its takeover of the world with their own version of Comic-Con; the D23 Expo in Anaheim. The four day event will celebrate -- and sell -- all things Disney with celebrity appearances and slick sneak previews of upcoming films, television shows and theme park attractions. Speaking of theme park attractions, Michael Jackson’s death was ruled a homicide. (Okay it only feels like it’s becoming a theme park attraction.) What will happen now? Maybe we’ll find out if we watch the new reality show on A&E featuring the Jackson family. You read that right; the cable network will air a reality series which documents the Jackson family and how they deal with the death of their most famous member. Says Executive Producer Jodi Gomes: "Everybody wants to do a show that's very genuine. They're not shy about talking about their brother, they just want to find it a way to do it honestly." If you’re looking to escape from Michael Jackson news, try “Duplicity,” now out on DVD. Michael Giltz (http://www.michaelgiltz.com) thought it was one of the the best movies of the year so far, do you? Or are you more like Karen Woodward (http://www.industrynexus.com), who would rather watch a Jackson reality show over a Julia Roberts movie? Filed under “Is that really news?”, VH1 wants less unscripted shows about love relationships after a reality show participant on one of their shows, Ryan Jenkins, apparently killed himself after becoming the lead suspect in the murder of his ex-wife. There was plenty of geek love last Sunday when actress (and current Hollywood "It" girl) Megan Fox jumped onto Xbox Live to promote the release of the latest "Transformers" video game, which is based on the recent film she starred in. This was part of Microsoft’s ongoing “Game With Fame” promotion. More breaking news: Noel Gallagher decided to quit Oasis. We’ll report this again in two months after he's rejoined and requit the band for the umpteenth time. In music news you might actually care about, “American Idol” winner Kris Allen and runner up Adam Lambert will release their albums on the same day; November 17th. Let the stampede begin! Maybe Paula Abdul can convince them to perform on “VH1 Divas” which she is hosting on September 17th. Abdul won’t be guesting on “Ugly Betty” however, allegedly because she was too much of a diva to fly commercial. Kristen “Poor Man’s Paula Abdul” Johnston will take the role instead. Of course, no episode of Showbiz Sandbox is complete if we don’t talk about Jay Leno’s new show. (Hey did you hear that Jay Leno has his own show in primetime?) He announced the guests for his first: Tom Cruise (who will introduce a new segment called “10 at 10”, presumably while jumping off a couch), Robin Williams, Halle Berry, Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, Kanye West, and Eric Clapton. And lastly, they listened! The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (which organizes the annual Golden Globe Awards) and Time Warner Cable, in association with Ovation TV, have each agreed to put up $75,000 toward the Los Angeles County Musuem of Art's film program, which had been scheduled to close in October. The funds are enough to keep the repratoiry program alive until next June. Disney To Buy Marvel comics http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/01/business/media/01disney.html?_r=1&hp (http://www.nytimes. J. Sperling Reich, Karen Woodward & Michael Giltz no http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2009/08/17/showbiz-sandbox-16-hollywood-thinks-outside-the-redbox/ http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2009/08/17/showbiz-sandbox-16-hollywood-thinks-outside-the-redbox/#comments Mon, 17 Aug 2009 23:09:45 +0000 J. Sperling Reich http://www.showbizsandbox.com/?p=315 http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2009/08/17/showbiz-sandbox-16-hollywood-thinks-outside-the-redbox/feed/ 0 "Battlestar Galactica","District 9","Inglorious Basterds","Saving Grace",Aaron Sorkin,David Poland,Jay Leno,LACMA,Martin Scorsese,Movie City News,Redbox,Weinstein Company David Poland of Movie City News joins us this week.  You might know Poland from his days at the Chicago Tribune, Entertainment Weekly or Roughcut, but he is most known as the columnist behind The Hot Button which has morphed into his blog, The Hot Blog. David Poland of Movie City News (http://www.moviecitynews.com) joins us this week.  You might know Poland from his days at the Chicago Tribune, Entertainment Weekly or Roughcut, but he is most known as the columnist behind The Hot Button which has morphed into his blog, The Hot Blog.  He can also be seen on DP30 (http://davidpoland.typepad.com/dp30/) or his new video podcast Super Movie Friends.  You can follow Poland on Twitter by visiting twitter.com/davidpoland (http://www.twitter.com/davidpoland). “District 9” topped the box office in North America over the weekend with $37 million, but will it have legs?  Warner Bros saved a New Line movie once again with “The Time Traveler’s Wife,” which had been sitting on the shelf since last year.  It made a respectable showing with $19.2 million. Some interesting/baffling/exciting movie news this week. Aaron Sorkin uh, is writing, uh, a draft of the Facebook movie, which, um, is a movie about social networking.  (Listen to the episode to, ah, get the joke).  And if you think that’s crazy, Warner Bros is putting together a movie based on the Legos toys, and Bryan Singer is directing a big screen version of “Battlestar Gallactica.” Will Starbuck still be dead? Does anyone care? Harvey and Bob Weinstein are hoping people will care about “Inglorious Basterds,” their Quentin Tarantino-directed, Brad Pitt-starring (well, sort of) WWII movie. The Weinstein Company is in serious need of a hit and some friends -- half the movie industry seems to be hoping the brothers’ new mini-major fails according to the Los Angeles Times and The New York Times. Speaking of failure, Fox Television Studios has pulled the plug on “Saving Grace,” the TNT drama starring Holly Hunter.  Why? Because it was too costly to produce and not making enough money in DVD sales. Which brings us to Redbox, those movie kiosks at grocery stores and fast food restaurants which are “proving the power of in-between technology.” Or are they screwing the studios by undervaluing their product? Poland believes studios start undervalued their product first with their greedy desire to get as much money as fast as possible by shortening the theatrical release window. Finally, if studios and the city of Los Angeles are supposed to be such lovers of film, why is the film program at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art is being shuttered? Hey filmmakers, if you care enough to write a letter to LACMA, you can care enough to open your wallet.  (Yes, that means you Mr. Scorsese). In a special update this week, our co-host Michael Giltz has finally caved in and set up a Twitter account.  He can be found at at twitter.com/michaelgiltz (http://www.twitter.com/michaelgiltz). Humans Welcome ‘District 9’ http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=2610&p=.htm (http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=2610&p=.htm) Warner Builds Pic with Lego http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118007162.html?categoryId=13&cs=1 (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118007162.html?categoryId=13&cs=1) Aaron Sorkin Talks Facebook Movie http://makingof.com/filming_now/media/the-social-network/aaron-sorkin-on-the-social-network/86/290 (http://makingof.com/filming_now/media/the-social-network/aaron-sorkin-on-the-social-network/86/290) Bryan Singer To Direct Battlestar Movie http://screencrave.com/2009-08-13/bryan-singer-battlestar/ (http://screencrave.com/2009-08-13/bryan-singer-battlestar/) Weinstein Co. Has A Lot Riding On Tarantino's Campy WWII Movie http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-ct-weinstein15-2009aug15,0,4803745.story (http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-ct-weinstein15-2009aug15,0,4803745.story) Weinsteins Struggle To Regain Their Touch http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/16/business/media/16wein.html?scp=1&sq=weinstein%20company&st=cse (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/16/business/media/16wein.html?scp=1&sq=weinstein%20company&st=cse) Leno Books Seinfeld As First Guest http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118007287.html? J. Sperling Reich, Karen Woodward & Michael Giltz no http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2009/06/15/showbiz-sandbox-8-everybodys-a-critic-on-the-internet/ http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2009/06/15/showbiz-sandbox-8-everybodys-a-critic-on-the-internet/#comments Mon, 15 Jun 2009 23:42:41 +0000 J. Sperling Reich http://www.showbizsandbox.com/?p=140 http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2009/06/15/showbiz-sandbox-8-everybodys-a-critic-on-the-internet/feed/ 0 "Avatar","Conan The Barbarian","G.I. Joe","The Hangover","The Taking of Pelham 123",Adam Lambert,Danny Boyle,DVDs,James Cameron,Jay Leno,Marcus Nispel,Michael Cieply This week “The Hangover” hung around, and “The Taking of Pelham 123” opened at lower numbers than expected. Was the film miscast? - James Cameron proves he’s King of the World, or at least of the digital age, This week “The Hangover” hung around, and “The Taking of Pelham 123” opened at lower numbers than expected. Was the film miscast? James Cameron proves he’s King of the World, or at least of the digital age, by pushing game publisher Ubisoft to create the videogame industry's first stereoscopic title. What does this mean for future relationships between films and videogames? In other film news, “Slumdog Millionaire” director Danny Boyle signed a three year deal with Fox Searchlight; the quasi-classic “Conan The Barbarian” will be remade; and rumors abound that the director of the summer action film “G.I. Joe” was fired. Plus, DVD fans may have to wait a little longer until movies they didn’t bother seeing in the theaters are available for viewing on the couch. Despite repeated warnings, chaos still ensued when the switch to digital TV finally happened in the United States. And though there were obvious clues about his sexual orientation, “American Idol” runner up Adam Lambert finally came out to Rolling Stone magazine. Plus, the debate rages on: Can Jay Leno survive at 10pm? Advertisers sure aren’t happy about his new time slot. And finally: How important are film critics anyway? Just ask the new online movie review aggregator Movie Review Intelligence. "Hangover", "Up" Lead Box Office Again http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3ie636164bd8df42b4e99a0ad58738f98b (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3ie636164bd8df42b4e99a0ad58738f98b) James Cameron's Game Changer? http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118004911.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118004911.html?categoryid=13&cs=1) Danny Boyle Signs 3-Year Deal http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118004862.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118004862.html?categoryid=13&cs=1) Marcus Nispel To Remake Conan http://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/12/marcus-nispel-directing-conan-the-barbarian/ (http://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/12/marcus-nispel-directing-conan-the-barbarian/) DVD Fans Wait A Little Longer http://uk.dvd.ign.com/articles/994/994433p1.html (http://uk.dvd.ign.com/articles/994/994433p1.html) G.I. Joe Fracas http://weblogs.variety.com/thompsononhollywood/2009/06/gi-joe-fracas-2.html (http://weblogs.variety.com/thompsononhollywood/2009/06/gi-joe-fracas-2.html) The Liberation Of Adam Lambert http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/06/09/the-new-issue-of-rolling-stone-the-liberation-of-adam-lambert/ (http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/06/09/the-new-issue-of-rolling-stone-the-liberation-of-adam-lambert/) Adam Lambert Has Come Out To Rolling Stone, And Change Has Come Indeed http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/americanidoltracker/2009/06/the-days-of-dont-ask-dont-tell-are-over-for-adam-lambert-actually-this-seasons-groundbreaking-idol-never-really-subscribed.html (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/americanidoltracker/2009/06/the-days-of-dont-ask-dont-tell-are-over-for-adam-lambert-actually-this-seasons-groundbreaking-idol-never-really-subscribed.html) Jay Leno As Adman? http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/whats-nbcus-zucker-gonna-do-now-david-letterman-tops-conan-obrien-in-last-nights-ratings/ (http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/whats-nbcus-zucker-gonna-do-now-david-letterman-tops-conan-obrien-in-last-nights-ratings/) Everybody’s a Movie Critic: New Websites and Online Readers Chime In http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/13/movies/13critics.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=michael%20cieply%20+%20rottentomatoes&st=cse (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/13/movies/13critics.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=michael%20cieply%20+%20rottentomatoes&st=cse) Movie Review Intelligence http://moviereviewintelligence.com (http://moviereviewintelligence.com/) Homework: Michael Cieply Reading List Will Warner Grow Tired of New Line, It’s Pet Indie? http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/07/business/media/07newline.html (http://www.nytimes. J. Sperling Reich, Karen Woodward & Michael Giltz no http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2009/06/01/showbiz-sandbox-6-down-with-up-and-other-contrarian-opinions/ http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2009/06/01/showbiz-sandbox-6-down-with-up-and-other-contrarian-opinions/#comments Mon, 01 Jun 2009 19:36:57 +0000 J. Sperling Reich http://www.showbizsandbox.com/?p=113 http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2009/06/01/showbiz-sandbox-6-down-with-up-and-other-contrarian-opinions/feed/ 0 "A Christmas Carol","Reel Talk","The Hangover","The Tonight Show","Up",American Idol,Anne Thompson,AOL,Ashton Kutcher,Conan O'Brien,Jay Leno,Jim Carrey We are excited to be joined by journalist Anne Thompson of Thompson On Hollywood who recently returned to the United States after covering the Cannes Film Festival. You may remember Anne as the West Coast Editor for Premiere Magazine and Film Comment, We are excited to be joined by journalist Anne Thompson (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_Thompson) of Thompson On Hollywood (http://www.thompsononhollywood.com) who recently returned to the United States after covering the Cannes Film Festival. You may remember Anne as the West Coast Editor for Premiere Magazine and Film Comment, not to mention her stint as the Deputy Film Editor at The Hollywood Reporter. She's also written for a plethora of media outlets including, The New York Times, Washington Post, Wired and LA Weekly. Anne fills us in on who scored big at this past year's festival and who wound up spinning their wheels. There was plenty to talk about this week with Pixar's tenth animated film "Up" winning praise from both critics and audiences. The film earned $68.2 million during it's opening weekend in North America, but not a dime from Karen Woodward who's not a fan of animated films (or as she calls them. . . cartoons). "Up" may just give "The Hangover" a run for its money when it opens next week. The comedy flick from director Todd Philips has been receiving a lot of buzz as a potential sleeper hit. Another animated film trying to capture people's attention is Robert Zemeckis' take on "A Christmas Carol". Though it's not due out until November of this year, Disney has launched a promotional tour which will have clips of the film visiting 40 cities over the next six months by train.  Actor Jim Carrey tells us why another version of the classic tale is being made. The Fox Network's "American Idol" stayed in the news thanks to a potential controversy that AT&T may have skewed the votes for winner Kris Allen. Runner-up Adam Lambert doesn't seem phased by the flap over the voting or by criticism from singer Clay Aiken. In the United Kingdom, YouTube sensation Susan Boyle lost her temper and reality show "Britain's Got Talent", but she'll probably still have a career in showbiz. Reality star Kate Gosselin has also been making headlines, but J. Sperling Reich wants to know who she is and what show she's on. Jay Leno's final episode as host of "The Tonight Show" is now over, but did anybody really care. All eyes are now on Conan O'Brien who takes over hosting duties, but may be too good to be popular according to Variety columnist Brian Lowry. Ashton Kutcher may stop using Twitter over a proposed show based on the social networking phenomenon and NBC cancels movie review program "Reel Talk". Finally Time Warner and AOL are going their separate ways as are some of the William Morris Agency's clients who have been let go by the firm in preparation for their merger with Endeavor. You can follow Anne Thompson on Twitter @akstanwyck (http://twitter.com/akstanwyck). Cannes: Winners & Losers http://weblogs.variety.com/thompsononhollywood/2009/05/cannes-winners-and-losers-.html (http://weblogs.variety.com/thompsononhollywood/2009/05/cannes-winners-and-losers-.html) "Up" Rises Above http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3ic0507728e66c92e383679d2a60a0bc5f (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3ic0507728e66c92e383679d2a60a0bc5f) Dreamworks Plans To Boost Its Picture Production (Five Films Every Two Years) http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/dreamworks-boosts-its-pic-production-plans-to-release-5-films-every-2-years/ (http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/dreamworks-boosts-its-pic-production-plans-to-release-5-films-every-2-years/) The Hangover Isn't Any Headache For Warner Bros. http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/movies/la-et-word28-2009may28,0,27759.story (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/movies/la-et-word28-2009may28,0,27759.story) http://weblogs.variety.com/thompsononhollywood/2009/05/the-hangover-red-band-trailer.html?ref=ssp (http://weblogs.variety.com/thompsononhollywood/2009/05/the-hangover-red-band-trailer.html?ref=ssp) All Aboard For "Carol" http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-train25-2009may25,0,4987790. J. Sperling Reich, Karen Woodward & Michael Giltz no http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2009/04/27/showbiz-sandbox-1-the-replicability-podcast/ http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2009/04/27/showbiz-sandbox-1-the-replicability-podcast/#comments Mon, 27 Apr 2009 21:10:15 +0000 J. Sperling Reich http://www.showbizsandbox.com/?p=30 http://www.showbizsandbox.com/2009/04/27/showbiz-sandbox-1-the-replicability-podcast/feed/ 0 "Twilight",AMPTP,Angelina Jolie,Cannes Film Festival,David Slade,Endeavor,Francis Coppola,Jay Leno,MPAA,Oprah Winfrey,PBS,Pedro Almodovar Talks to merge the William Morris and Endeavor talent agencies continue, while the Screen Actors Guild and the Association of Motion Picture and Television Producers may have finally reached an agreement on a new contract. (http://www.showbizsandbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/alan-rosenberg-large.png) Talks to merge the William Morris and Endeavor talent agencies continue, while the Screen Actors Guild and the Association of Motion Picture and Television Producers may have finally reached an agreement on a new contract.  Critically acclaimed movies tank at the box office.  Fox closes Atomic, reshuffles release dates and hires Angelina Jolie for a biopic.  David Slade is selected for the third "Twilight" film. MPAA visits Washington D.C., script doctors are kept busy writing for Tom Cruise.  Cannes unveils it's festival lineup and Francis Ford Coppola is not in it (though he is down the street at the Fortnight).  Jay Leno visits the hospital and Rod Blagojevich visits Hollywood (but not Costa Rica like he wanted). A classic Pedro Almodovar film gets remade for the small screen, PBS goes online with its content and Oprah learns Twitter etiquette. WMA Finds Devil In The Details http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118002694.html?categoryid=29&cs=1 (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118002694.html?categoryid=29&cs=1) SAG National Board of Directors Approves Tentative Television and Motion Picture Contacts http://www.sag.org/press-releases/april-19-2009/sag-national-board-of-directors-approves-tentative-television-and-motio (http://www.sag.org/press-releases/april-19-2009/sag-national-board-of-directors-approves-tentative-television-and-motio) Flush times for theatrical movies? Don't tell A.O. Scott http://www.riskybusinessblog.com/2009/04/good-movies-struggle-at-box-office.html (http://www.riskybusinessblog.com/2009/04/good-movies-struggle-at-box-office.html) Down Economy = Dumbed Down Movies/TV? Stop the Inanity! http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20269754,00.html (http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20269754,00.html) Fox Folding Atomic Label http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118002584.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118002584.html?categoryid=13&cs=1) http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/exclusive-fox-atomic-shutting-down/ (http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/exclusive-fox-atomic-shutting-down/) Fox Shuffles Film Schedule http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118002645.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118002645.html?categoryid=13&cs=1) Angelina Jolie Teams With Fox 2000 http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118002704.html?categoryid=1238&cs=1 (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118002704.html?categoryid=1238&cs=1) Slade Slated For Third Twilight http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118002751 (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118002751) MPAA Reaches Out To Lawmakers http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118002688.html?categoryid=18&cs=1 (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118002688.html?categoryid=18&cs=1) Script Doctor's In For Tom Cruise http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118002702.html?categoryid=1236&cs=1 (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118002702.html?categoryid=1236&cs=1) Digital Governator Set For Termininator http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118002743.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118002743.html?categoryid=13&cs=1) Robert Rodriguez Wields "Machete" http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118002792.html?categoryid=1237&cs=1 (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118002792.html?categoryid=1237&cs=1) Cannes Unveils Lineup http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=festivals&jump=story&id=1061&articleid=VR1118002762&cs=1 (http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=festivals&jump=story&id=1061&articleid=VR1118002762&cs=1) Coppola's Thinking Outside The Cannes http://www.riskybusinessblog.com/2009/04/by-steven-zeitchik-we-remember-interviewing-francis-ford-coppola-last-year-upon-the-release-of-his-slightly-lugubrious-you.html (http://www.riskybusinessblog.com/2009/04/by-steven-zeitchik-we-remember-interviewing-francis-ford-coppola-last-year-upon-the-release-of-his-slightly-lugubrious-you.html) J. Sperling Reich, Karen Woodward & Michael Giltz no