Robin Rowe asks TV executives from the Discovery Channel, Fox Reality Channel, and Zodiak Entertainment what we can expect to learn about the market for reality television at the NATPE LATV Fest conference and market on July 8th and 9th
Kelly Clarkson replays in American Idol Rewind, reality TV keeps going
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 7/4/2009 - “Reality shows have a higher rate of success than scripted,” says Fox Reality Channel president David Lyle. “Scripted comedy is an area that has had a more difficult time of launching new successes. In the meantime, audiences are getting consistent laughs from unscripted television.”
Is reality stealing the family audience that would traditionally watch series comedy? “It’s not the only audience thief, but it’s prominent in the mix,” says Discovery Channel president John Ford. “The 10pm Jay Leno strip on NBC will have a large impact. Non-fiction provides an opportunity for family-friendly viewing and our ratings reflect the same”
“In general, scripted TV still outperforms unscripted TV,” says Zodiak Entertainment U.S. president Ludo Poppe. “But the price to audience ratio is in favor of unscripted. It’s the economic rationale that’s driving more unscripted in the schedules.”
Angelina Jolie and husband Brad Pitt took two spots in Forbes' annual Celebrity 100, this year, including first
Controversial movie star tops Celebrity 100
By Matthew B. Zeidman
NEW YORK (Hollywood Today) 6/3/09 – A high-profile pregnancy, a string of blockbuster films and an equally famous husband gave Angelina Jolie the edge over media mogul Oprah Winfrey at Forbes magazine this year. The business publication named the 33-year-old actress the pinnacle of celebrity influence in its annual Celebrity 100.
Winfrey, who came in first last year, earned an estimated $275 million over the past 12 months, compared to $27 million earned by Jolie. Entertainer Madonna, who ranked third, reportedly took in $110 million, while Brad Pitt, Jolie’s 45-year-old spouse, ranked ninth, earning $28 million.
Forbes combined two factors, namely earnings and public awareness, to formulate this year’s Celebrity 100. Other big names that made the 2009 list included President Barack Obama, country-music darling Taylor Swift and Los Angeles Lakers luminary Kobe Bryant.
Startup Camp Montréal ever growing attendance attests to the entrepreneurial spirit in North America.
By Ane Howard, Editor-in-Chief
MONTREAL (RPRN) 05/09/2009–Startup Camp Montréal, whose tagline is Ready, Set, Pitch, held its fourth edition at the Société des Arts Technologiques on May 7. Its success with its over 400 attendees attests to the entrepreneurial spirit that lives in North America, even in this downturn economy. Entrepreneurs and Investors came to hear keynote speakers and companies from as far away as Silicon Valley, Boston, Toronto and Montreal generously shared their stories. Read the rest of this Hollywood Today story »
BURBANK, CA (Hollywood Today/RPRN) 5/04/2009–Be a part of the only dedicated Expo for Animation Talent in the USA—located in the #1 market, Burbank California, this event fills a substantial void by providing highly focused conference programming, workshops, presentations and networking opportunities designed to connect animation artists, studio executives and industry leaders both locally and internationally.
Taiwan (Hollywood Today) 4/27/09 – - Bucking the economic trends, a company is taking bold moves. Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE) announced today that the Taiwan Depositary Receipts (TDRs) of Want Want China Holdings Limited (9151 TW) will start trading on the exchange from 28 April, 2009. Chinese and English abbreviations of the company, industry, types of securities and quantity (units) are outlined in the Annex. Read the rest of this Hollywood Today story »
End of year-long SAG union stalemate may finally be in sight, but soonest agreement can be reached is June
By Robin Rowe
SAG pickets in front of Fox Studios
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 4/21/2009 - “I urge members to carefully review both the pros and cons in the referendum materials, and exercise their right to vote,” says Screen Actors Guild National President Alan Rosenberg. Rosenberg ran for office on a platform that promised he would fight hard for better contracts from the studios. However, the down economy has made that difficult.
A SAG coup in January ousted hardliner chief negotiator Doug Allen, who was fired again in February by a clear majority of the board in order to deflate a lawsuit by Rosenberg that charged Allen had been improperly dismissed.
Sources say Rosenberg has been muzzled by the board, that he can’t comment how to vote on the contract. The official recommendation from the SAG board is to vote “Yes”. Ratification ballots will be mailed to eligible SAG members in early May, with an expected return date at the end of the month. The soonest an agreement could be tallied is June.
Earth Day serves as a catalyst for Hollywood celebs and fashion plates alike to wear their ethics on their sleeve, and everywhere else -
LOS ANGELES (RPRN/Hollywood Today) 04/17/09 -Earth Day is April 22nd and there’s no wiry excuse left not to pitch in with a daily good deed to aid the environment. Not only is it karma-licious, but it’s trendy too. The conundrum of trading in smart fashion sense for do-gooding is long gone. In part, thanks to cutting-edge designers with a conscience. Read the rest of this Hollywood Today story »
Santa Barbara, CA (Hollywood Today/RPRN) 04/14/09-The commonly-held view that climate change can only increase the burden of infectious diseases has been challenged — provoking a debate that could ripple out to health professionals, conservationists and policymakers. In recent years thousands of papers have been published projecting that increased temperatures will extend the range of disease vectors, increasing the amount of disease. But now an ecologist argues that the effects of climate change will be more complex than has been acknowledged — and that there may even be a reduction in the incidence of some infectious diseases. Read the rest of this Hollywood Today story »
Environmentalist Mom & Advocate Out to Save the Earth One Family at a Time with Gift Bags and the Help of Eco-Conscious Celebs
CHICAGO IL (Hollywood Today/RPRN) 04/14/09-”I Count for My Earth”, is Lynn Hasselberger’s mantra, the environmental advocate behind myEARTH360.com and icountformyEARTH.com, one feisty and passionate mom fighting for our earth, one family at a time through her advocacy programs, including her newest earth-friendly endeavor: Earth Day in Hollywood ‘09 Gift Bags by Distinctive Assets. The gift bags are filled with products that help to reduce, reuse and/or recycle.
Britney Spears brought sexy back earlier this week, posing in a bra and jewelry for Candie's
Pop star latest celebrity endorser for Kohl’s
By Matthew B. Zeidman
NEW YORK (Hollywood Today) 4/4/09 – Britney Spears may be in the midst of a 46-show international tour, but she’s still found time to launch a major endorsement campaign for Candie’s, the junior jewelry and apparel line exclusively sold at Kohl’s department stores.
The brand, which has consistently chosen young female entertainers to be its face (Kelly Clarkson, Hilary Duff, Fergie and Hayden Panettiere have all mugged for its cameras), launched the campaign earlier this week by unveiling a promotional Web site, which included previews of print ads and a behind-the-scenes featurette from Spears’ Circus tour.
The video showed the 27-year-old singer trying on Candie’s underwear, among other items, which Spears could also be seen wearing in the company’s promotional materials. One ad also pictured the young vocalist in a pink one-piece bathing suit and another showed her in a white miniskirt and black bra.
Prior to the medical, legal and family issues that have dominated headlines over the past two years, Spears was a highly sought-after celebrity endorser, most notably for soda giant Pepsi, which filmed a series of musical TV commercials with the entertainer, and footwear manufacturer Skechers, which gave Spears her own line of children’s sneakers and roller skates.
A committed environmentalist, DiCaprio has received praise from environmental groups
Celebs and Entrepreneur Join Force To Save the Earth
By Janine Theriault
HOLLYWOOD (Hollywood Today/RushPRnews) 03/28/09 - With Earth Day ’09 fast approaching, many people find their minds wandering to thoughts tinged with green. In the face of what may seem to be a daily deluge of bad environmental news, a certain sense of helpless blues edging out the agreeable green in one’s mind can be expected. It can be hard to see what effect any one person can have on the problem.
Fortunately, it appears that a new breed of entrepreneurs is taking up the challenge presented by the environment’s degradation. Thanks to these individuals, consumers now have an ever-broadening choice, especially on-line, of shops providing green products - allowing instant-activism with a click of the mouse.
Small business myEARTH360.com founder Lynn Hasselberger is one such person who decided to get over the malaise and get to work on making her world better.
Part 1: Fashion and fitness gift suggestions from post-Oscar gift baskets
By Gabrielle Pantera
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 3/6/2009 - With post-Oscar nominee gift baskets, even Mickey Rourke wins when he loses. This is the seventh year that Distinctive Assets has prepared a consolation prize for the non-winning nominees.
Jantzen Swimwear this year is reminiscent of the glamorous 1950s classic bathing suits. Jantzen turns 100 next year.
www.jantzen.com
Booty Pop, yes we said Booty Pop. And yes it is to make your booty pop! That is if you’re one of those girls who doesn’t have a booty. This will enhance your bottom and give you some curves.
Santa Barbara, CA (Hollywood Today/RPRN) 04/14/09-The commonly-held view that climate change can only increase the burden of infectious diseases has been challenged — provoking a debate that could ripple out to health professionals, conservationists and policymakers. In recent years thousands of papers have been published projecting that increased temperatures will extend the range of disease vectors, increasing the amount of disease. But now an ecologist argues that the effects of climate change will be more complex than has been acknowledged — and that there may even be a reduction in the incidence of some infectious diseases. 
