If not the studios, then the law. California Governor Gavin Newsom signed off on legislation aimed at protecting Hollywood actors and performers from unauthorized artificial intelligence, which could be used to create digital clones of their likeness without their consent. The new policy, signed on September 17th, reflects the state’s effort to address concerns about AI's potential impact on the entertainment industry. Fears that studios might use this new technology to replace workers led actors to strike for four months [...]

Already in 2022, renowned Italian director Marco Bellocchio had told ANSA (Italian News Agency) about his desire to make a TV series about host Enzo Tortora "to tell the story of the great injustice he suffered while at the peak of his success with the show Portobello. That moment has now arrived." But let's go in order. Television host Enzo Tortora was one of the most recognizable and beloved faces on Italian TV between the late 1970s and early 1980s. [...]

The mid-September Emmy appointment marks the start of Hollywood's school year: the awards season kicks off with accolades for TV series and programs and culminates with the Oscars in early March. The 76th Emmy Awards edition has shown that the upcoming year is rather unusual. Firstly, the competing productions, those aired or streamed between June 2023 and May 2024, managed to dodge the strike that last year kept lights and cameras off for a total of six months. Additionally, the [...]

Hacks snagged the top comedy prize from the highly favored The Bear, which was expected to repeat its success from last season with its second installment. The HBO/Max show about a seasoned comedian trying to regain her audience and comedic edge also won for writing (with Italian screenwriter Lucia Aniello on the team) and for its lead actress, 73-year-old Jean Smart. No surprises, however, when the envelope was opened for Best Drama Series: Shogun took home the trophy as expected, [...]

“Yes! I see the light!” The scene unfolding between the studios and glass-walled offices high in Hollywood echoes the iconic moment in The Blues Brothers, where John Belushi, bathed in divine blue light, dances down the church aisle, touched by God. After a series of box office successes by Christian filmmakers, faith-based movies are now making a significant impact in Hollywood, attracting millions in investments. Key successes have turned this sector into a hotbed of activity. The Chosen, a multi-season [...]

A recent study reveals a surprising trend in Hollywood: only 10% of the over 500 movies released or scheduled for release by major studios and streaming platforms between 2022 and 2026 were developed internally. This revelation has sparked a debate about whether the industry's current approach is the new standard or a sign that it has become excessively risk-averse. Historically, Hollywood studios have been known for their ability to identify compelling stories, develop scripts, and cast talent, regardless of brand [...]