CBS Boss George Cheeks on Writers Strike, Locking New 3-Year Deal for Stephen Colbert, and ‘Late Show’ Replacement ‘@Midnight’

The raucous period drama “Firebrand” was the official opening-night film at the 57th annual Karlovy Vary International Film Festival on Friday night in the spa resort town outside Prague, but there was a lot more going on in and around the Grand Hall at the Hotel Thermal than just the on-screen battle between Alicia Vikander’s Catherine Parr and Jude Law’s King Henry VIII. It also included the presentation of awards to Vikander and Russell Crowe, the usual complement of opening-night speeches, an extended dance number that appeared to be performed on ice skates (though it wasn’t on ice but on an artificial surface that mimicked ice but could be walked on safely) and, during breaks and after the movie, complete concerts by the British band Morcheeba and by Crowe’s nine-piece band, Indoor Garden Party.

July 2022. In that capacity, she led the Academy’s initiatives to address underrepresentation as well as talent development programs like Academy Gold. Kendra Carter has been promoted to SVP Impact and Global Talent Development.

first obtained by Deadline, which was originally set to expire July 1, was lifted.Previously, Massachusetts resident Shannon Guin accused Miller of behaving inappropriately around her 12-year-old child and threatening her family.“I’m encouraged by today’s outcome and very grateful at this moment to everyone who has stood beside me and sought to ensure that this egregious misuse of the protective order system was halted,” Miller said in a statement posted on Instagram.“Protective orders are meant to provide safety for individuals, families and children who are in danger. They are not meant to be used as weapons by those seeking attention or fleeting tabloid fame or some sort of personal vengeance when there are people in true and dire need of these services,” they said.“I have been unjustly and directly targeted by an individual who the facts have shown has a history of such manipulative and destructive action,” they added.Miller also called out the media, saying “I implore those members of the media who have recklessly spread false claims and failed to accurately report the truth and context of this story, to hold themselves to a higher standard and take the time to find the facts, rather than chasing the clicks.” Miller’s public meltdown over recent years eclipsed almost all prerelease hype for “The Flash,” as the actor was arrested multiple times in Hawaii and Vermont, before announcing in August 2022 they had entered into treatment for “complex mental health issues.”“Having recently gone through a time of intense crisis, I now understand that I am suffering complex mental health issues and have begun ongoing treatment,” Miller said in a statement at the time.

@wbpictures Sky went black for a minute. @warnerbrostours evacuated.

pic.twitter.com/8zGyaKBKnDIn the video, Cube promised to embark on a “f–k the gatekeepers” podcast tour, in which he would spread the word about the proposed gatekeeping being done by the NBA. Cube didn’t go into specifics about which sponsors or networks the NBA has allegedly been gatekeeping from the up-and-coming league.Cube’s first stop on his tour was the most listened-to podcast in the world: Spotify’s “The Joe Rogan Experience.”“We’re not trying to compete in any way shape or form with the NBA,” Cube said of the Big3 league.

#swifttok #swiftie #taylorswift #swifties #taytok #reputation #erastour #erastourcincinnati “I love how she first goes for a strut and then realized she has to full-blown sprint,” one user wrote.“The way she’s moving through the dancers,” another person commented on the video, which shows Swift not only catching up with the dancers who were far ahead of her originally, but overtaking them.Another commenter wrote, “Welcome to the errors tour.” This certainly isn’t the first snafu Swift has experienced during the shows. For example in Philadelphia, she stopped the show to tell a security guard to leave a fan alone.

2020’s social media blackout that was supposed to be in support of the BLM movement.Disney’s chief diversity officer and senior vice president Latondra Newton, a six-year veteran, was the first of the four to go. On June 20, the company said that Newton was leaving to pursue “other endeavors.” Predictably, her exit was celebrated by a faction of people who blamed her for “The Little Mermaid’s “woke” casting of Black actress and singer Halle Bailey.

for years, following Oklahoma and Texas’ decision to eventually leave the Big 12 in favor of the Southeastern Conference. The Big 12 will operate with 14 teams for the 2023-24 season, with Oklahoma and Texas set to exit at its conclusion — a year earlier than the teams originally intended. Officially official.

Note: The following contains spoilers for “The Perfect Find” ending.“The Perfect Find” director Numa Perrier isn’t sure the film would have been made had the original ending of Tia William’s 2016 novel stayed intact.In the Netflix adaptation of Williams’ book Jenna Jones (Gabrielle Union) and Eric Combs (Keith Powers) fall in love, but their age gap presents challenges. Jenna, 40, wants to get married and have a family, but Eric, 22, just graduated from the University of Southern California with a master’s in film, eager to start his career.

“Birds” was selected as a finalist in this year’s ShortList Film Festival, presented by TheWrap. You can watch the films and vote for your favorite here.Austin, Texas has proven the cinematic groundswell for filmmakers from Richard Linklater, to Robert Rodriguez and Terrence Malick (more on him in just a sec).

Netflix, try bumping these titles that are leaving the streamer in July to the top of your queue. This month marks the departure of the “G.I.

profile.“The first day was so intimidating,” Mackie said. “I was so f–king nervous I couldn’t remember my lines. He’s Harrison f–king Ford.

Warning: This post contains plot spoilers from “Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken.”Lana Condor, who voices the lead in “Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken,” finds Dreamworks’ first female title character very relatable.Ruby lives in Oceanside with her family, who disguise their secret Kraken identities by claiming they moved from Canada. Unaware of her Kraken lineage, she worries more about typical teenage things like the boy she has a crush on, Connor (Jaboukie Young-White) and the upcoming prom that she wants to attend with her friends.“I’ve always wanted to work with DreamWorks. I think like so.

Fox told A.V. Club while promoting her true-crime series “The Interrogation Room.” “I really feel we missed out… by not bringing Will Smith back.”Will Smith was in talks to return for “Independence Day: Resurgence” (and a third film that was planned at the time) but negotiations fell apart over Smith’s salary.

Queen of Pop danced herself into an ICU hospitalization after trying to compete with younger stars like Taylor Swift and Pink.The 64-year-old legend had been pushing herself to her physical limit ahead of her much-anticipated “Celebration” tour, which led to her sudden collapse and multi-day intubation, insiders told the Sun.“The countdown was well and truly on. Madonna had all her chips on one number, which was this tour,” the anonymous source told the outlet.“She was working overtime, but she clearly burnt herself out and people around her have been politely reminding her that she is not 45 anymore, let alone 25.“She needed to pace herself. Pushing herself so hard was extremely risky.”Both Swift, 33, and Pink, 43, have been embarking on their own recent headline-grabbing tours, characterized by their jaw-dropping showmanship — Swift has been consistently playing four-hour shows, while Pink stuns fans with aerial stunts hundreds of feet above her audience’s heads.To compete, Madonna forced herself through hours of grueling rehearsals that slowly took a toll on her body.Those close to Madge noticed the physical strain she was withstanding and worried it could lead to a fate similar to Michael Jackson’s, who died in the lead-up to his “This Is It” tour in 2009.“Madonna was in good spirits before the incident, but some friends had encouraged her to take it easy and find time for rest because of the grueling schedule she had ahead of her,” a source told the Sun.“Many of us feel the constant remarks about her age have put pressure on her to compete, so we are relieved that she has been forced to take time out and put her health first.

Adele is so funny! And clearly loving her time in Las Vegas! Video via @MikeSnedegar.

Prince Harry and Prince William came together this week at the Diana Award ceremony, an organization that honors their late mother’s charitable legacy, but didn’t actually meet in person.  William spoke in a prerecorded message at the beginning of the virtual ceremony, congratulating the winners, which he said showed the "power of young people to inspire meaningful change." He continued, "And to everyone watching, all these stories remind us why organizations like The Diana Award are so important. It is a reminder that when we invest in young people, when we provide them with the tools and opportunities to make a difference, they can truly change the world.

Manori Ravindran Executive Editor of International BBC Studios has acquired pan-Scandinavian production company STV. The acquisition will help the British production-distribution powerhouse grow its footprint in Denmark, Norway and Sweden, and build out its existing production outfits. BBCS has said the deal is “in response to the growing appetite and opportunity for BBC content in the market.” Based in Copenhagen with offices in Norway and Sweden, STV’s credits include factual entertainment formats such as “Big Love” and “Get Lost Honey.” STV also acts as the local producer for “Long Lost Family,” “Wheel of Fortune” and “Bargain King,” in addition to long-running scripted series “The First Years” across Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

Manori Ravindran Executive Editor of International BBC drama “Informer,” which originally starred Paddy Considine, Bel Powley and Nabhaan Rizwan, is getting a German adaptation. Production has begun in Hamburg, Germany, on “Informant,” an adaptation of the All3Media International scripted format, which was BAFTA-nominated. The BBC One show was executive produced by Sam Mendes, who produced via his production outfit Neal Street Productions. The six-part German thriller is being produced by filmpool fiction (part of All3Media Deutschland) for NDR, ARD Degeto, ARTE and NRK (Norway). The show is expected to debut in fall 2024.

Seth Meyers has become one of the elder statemen of late-night.

Manori Ravindran Executive Editor of International The heartrending search to locate and rescue the Titan submersible before it runs out of its four-day air supply will be the focus of a new fast-turnaround documentary on U.K. broadcaster Channel 5. “Titanic Sub: Lost at Sea” has been scheduled to air on Thursday at 7 p.m. local time. The doc will be presented by 5 News host Dan Walker. The ITN-produced documentary promises to “go beyond” news coverage and bring viewers up to date, while examining the wider context about the voyage, its passengers and the fascination with the Titanic shipwreck. The film will also talk to experts and look at the rise of extreme tourism.

Manori Ravindran Executive Editor of International Prime Video has revealed its top traveling non-English local originals in the history of the service, with Spanish YA romance “My Fault” and French crime thriller “Medellín” topping the list. Both are feature films that launched in the last two weeks across Prime Video’s footprint in 240 countries around the world. Interestingly, both titles have more than 75% of their viewership coming from outside their country of origin (Spain for “My Fault,” and France for “Medellín”), though Prime Video hasn’t disclosed any further metrics related to ratings or impressions. Of the list (available in full below), 60% are movies and 40% are TV series.

Manori Ravindran Executive Editor of International Duncan Heath’s legendary London agency Independent Talent Group is coming off the sales block. Variety understands that the U.K. company has secured a private equity buyer, and that a due diligence period is currently underway. The specific private equity firm involved in the deal isn’t currently known, though sources indicate that a well-known and respected entertainment executive is involved in the outfit. Sources tell Variety that CAA was at one point talking to Independent Talent, but that the U.S. agency — which acquired ICM Partners for $750 million last year — pulled away from a sales conversation in recent months. Other interested parties that have been in the mix in the last year are believed to include WME and Wasserman.

Manori Ravindran Executive Editor of International U.K. broadcaster ITV has confirmed that it’s “actively exploring the possible acquisition” of “Fleabag” and “The Traitors” producer All3Media. In a letter to shareholders on Friday morning local time, the “Love Island” broadcaster confirmed media speculation about its talks to buy All3Media, which was first reported by Reuters. “There can be no certainty as to whether any transaction will take place, nor as to the terms of any such transaction,” reads the letter. “A further announcement will be made if and when appropriate.” Citing sources close to the deal, Reuters reported on Thursday that ITV is looking to combine All3Media with its own in-house production and distribution business ITV Studios, which itself has been the subject of sales speculation in the last year. (ITV CEO Carolyn McCall told Variety earlier this year, however, that the studios operation “is not for sale.”)

Manori Ravindran Executive Editor of International The next season of “Bad Sisters” is slowly taking shape, even amid a writers strike. Creator Sharon Horgan confirmed that she’s currently writing Season 2 of the hit Apple TV+ series “Bad Sisters,” which will continue the story of the Garvey sisters after they successfully got rid of their toxic brother-in-law Jean-Paul (played by a deliciously evil Claes Bang). Horgan, who was speaking at the Banff World Media Festival, is likely able to continue working on the U.K.-filmed show — which she writes alongside Brett Baer and Dave Finkel — because she has a local contract in place with Apple TV+ for “Bad Sisters” rather than a WGA-governed deal. Under the current rules, U.K. writers can continue working on existing projects (under the jurisdiction of non-WGA contracts) with “struck” companies such as Apple, but can’t take on new work.

Manori Ravindran Executive Editor of International When talent agency UTA officially opens shop in London on Thursday, it will be the latest American agency heavyweight to have a brick-and-mortar presence in the U.K. The 28,000-square-foot office at 1 Newman Street straddles Fitzrovia and trendy Soho. Designed by Gensler and Modus Workspace, the headquarters will be home to UTA’s music business as well as film and TV agents, and those working across everything from production arts to podcasting. The London office, which will be the agency’s European hub, will continue to be headed up by music agents Neil Warnock MBE and Obi Asika. UTA first carved out a presence in London in 2015 when it acquired British music practice The Agency Group. In 2021, the company expanded its footprint in music with the purchase of London-based Echo Location Talent Agency.

When it emerged that CBS was eschewing a traditional talkshow at 12:30am following the departure of The Late Late Show host James Corden for a reboot of Comedy Central gameshow @midnight, many in the late-night community worried that it was another nail in the genre’s coffin.

On May 10, CBS unveiled a fall 2023 lineup that didn’t factor the potential impact from the ongoing writers strike (and a possible SAG-AFTRA work stoppage). Besides the unscripted Wednesday, comprised of supersized episodes of Survivor and The Amazing Race, and Sunday anchor 60 Minutes, the announced schedule features all scripted series Sunday-Friday, none of which has episodes in the can.

The King of Late Night isn’t going anywhere: Stephen Colbert will remain at The Late Show through 2026.

Fire Country may provide some much-needed kindling for a new franchise at CBS.

long list of concerns that the writers want Hollywood studios to address, from addressing the use of artificial intelligence to the low pay involved in writing streaming series to reining in “mini-rooms” used to skirt contractual pay practices.More to come…

Manori Ravindran Executive Editor of International “Run the Burbs” producer Pier 21 Films has partnered with Canadian stand-up comic Julie Kim on a half-hour comedy series. The development deal marks Kim’s debut at the helm of a sitcom, which Kim will co-write with “Strays” alum, Clara Altimas. The project comes on the heels of her gala performance at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal, her debut at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and a 40-theater North American tour with Ronny Chieng (“Crazy Rich Asians”). “Julie Kim is one of today’s freshest stand-up performers with an impeccable track record for creating comedy gold,” said Karen Tsang, senior VP of creative affairs at Pier 21 Films. “We are incredibly excited to collaborate with her as she plunges into her own scripted series.”

Manori Ravindran Executive Editor of International “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Garcelle Beauvais has said the new season of the Bravo reality series will drop in November — and will be a kinder edition of the franchise. “I’m hearing November is our release date. It’s back to fun and glamour and friendships,” said Beauvais of Season 13. “It’s not as toxic as it was. I think the last season was pretty hardcore on everybody.” Season 12 has been described by Variety’s resident “Real Housewives” correspondent Kate Aurthur as “grisly,” and ultimately led to the departure of long-time provocateur Lisa Rinna this past January. Rinna constantly stirred the pot on the show, and feuded heavily with Kathy Hilton. She also got into her share of spats with Beauvais, who had been friendly with Rinna, a fellow actor, prior to starring together on “Real Housewives.”

Manori Ravindran Executive Editor of International The debate around the application of artificial intelligence in the creative sector has been a hot-button issue in the writers strike, but not all scribes believe it warrants the airtime it’s so far received. Speaking on a Variety-moderated writers strike panel at the Banff World Media Festival on Monday, “The Other Black Girl” and “Swarm” writer Kara Brown said AI has been “the stickiest thing and people have been talking about it a lot, when it feels to me like this is not our biggest issue — I would like residuals.” Continued Brown: “There are other things that are more fundamental today in impacting a writer’s ability to do their job. And AI feels like something that people outside the industry can understand, and people are talking about. It sounds scary, but to me at least, I don’t think it’s close to our biggest issue.”

Manori Ravindran Executive Editor of International The documentary “This Changes Everything” is getting a Canadian adaptation. Geena Davis and New York-based production house CreativeChaos will again partner for a new edition of their Gracie Award-winning film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, and was released in U.S. cinemas in 2019 and globally distributed by Starz and Netflix. The doc included interviews with top women in Hollywood discussing discrimination and the #MeToo movement, which was still in its nascent stages at that time. Actors involved in the original film included Davis, Meryl Streep, Natalie Portman, Taraji P. Henson, Reese Witherspoon, Cate Blanchett, Tiffany Haddish, Jill Soloway, Shonda Rhimes, Jessica Chastain, Yara Shahidi, Chloe Grace Moretz, Amandla Stenberg, Alan Alda, Sandra Oh, Anita Hill, Rashida Jones, Rose McGowan, Judd Apatow, Rosario Dawson and Maria Giese.

Manori Ravindran Executive Editor of International Amazon Studios’ head of drama series Odetta Watkins says big-budget drama “Citadel,” which has yet to crack Nielsen’s weekly streaming rankings, still “needs time to grow” with “very jaded” U.S. audiences. The exec was speaking at the Banff World Media Festival in Alberta, Canada, on Sunday, where the global-facing “Citadel” was a key topic of conversation during an international media leaders panel, moderated by The Ankler’s Elaine Low. In response to a question from Variety about “Citadel’s” sluggish domestic performance but strong showing overseas — and whether that matters to Prime Video — Watkins said: “I can tell you from a creative perspective, for me, it’s a victory, because the show was conceived to be able to speak to the world.”