malaysia
- SportYahoo TV SEA
First thoughts on League of Legends: Wild Rift
Former MLBB coach and Dota 2 analyst Sean “Hades” Goh and Game Changer host Deborah “Wolfsbanee” Sim share their initial impressions of Riot Games' League of Legends: Wild Rift, the mobile version of League of Legends, which is currently in closed beta. For more esports content, visit: https://sg.news.yahoo.com/esports/
- TechnologyYahoo TV SEA
Thin & Light machines with desktop performance - Acer's 10th Gen Intel Core Mobile Laptops
In this episode of yTech, co-produced with Acer, we are taking a look at the performances of the new Acer laptops with the 10th Gen Intel Core Mobile processors. With up to 8 cores & 16 threads, these laptops can even outperform some modern day desktop pc builds with ease, while still being able to maintain its light weight.
EntertainmentThe WrapOh, Schitt! Comedy Central to Air All 6 Seasons of ‘Schitt’s Creek’ Following Emmys Domination
Comedy Central plans to air all six seasons of 2020 Emmys darling “Schitt’s Creek” beginning Oct. 2. The ViacomCBS cable channel, which is a sister network to the comedy’s U.S. home, Pop TV, will run five episodes each Friday, starting with Season 1.Additionally, Netflix, which has the domestic streaming rights to “Schitt’s Creek,” said Monday that the sixth and final season will become available Oct. 7.On Sunday, “Schitt’s Creek” won all seven of its possible Emmy categories — a first among both comedy and drama series — with acting awards for stars Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Daniel Levy and Annie Murphy, plus directing and writing victories, and the title of top comedy.Also Read: Emmys 2020: The Complete Winners ListThe Television Academy was celebrating the sixth and final season of the Pop TV comedy, which was co-created by the father and son team of Eugene and Daniel Levy. “Schitt’s Creek,” which aired its series finale on Pop in April, came out as the with the second-most wins at the 72nd annual Primetime Emmys behind HBO’s “Watchmen,” which got 11.Last year, Pop became part of ViacomCBS’ Entertainment & Youth Group (MTV, Comedy Central, Paramount Network, Smithsonian, Pop TV, CMT, VH1, TV Land, Logo) under president Chris McCarthy. “Schitt’s Creek” was originally commissioned for Canada’s CBC.Read original story Oh, Schitt! Comedy Central to Air All 6 Seasons of ‘Schitt’s Creek’ Following Emmys Domination At TheWrap
BusinessThe WrapWGA West Reelects 7 of 8 Incumbents to 2020 Board of Directors
The Writers Guild of America West announced on Monday the results of its 2020 Board of Directors Election, with seven of the race’s eight incumbents being re-elected.The 2020 Board members are Betsy Thomas, Deric A. Hughes, Ashley Gable, Patti Carr, David Slack, Travis Donnelly, Patric M. Verrone, and newcomer Eric Haywood.A total of 2,204 votes were cast, with Thomas leading the votes with 1,583. The remaining votes were as follows: Deric A. Hughes (1,468), Ashley Gable (1,450), Patti Carr (1,447), David Slack (1,410), Eric Haywood (1,253), Travis Donnelly (1,192), Patric M. Verrone (1,122), Katherine Beattie (754), Daniel Kunka (753), Rob Forman (655), Andrew Ti (558), John Lopez (493), Leland Jay Anderson (303).“A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all the candidates that ran this year,” said WGA West President David A. Goodman. “The work of the Board continues, and we’re fortunate that we have so many members ready to step forward and give their free time to help protect and advance the interests of all our members.”Read original story WGA West Reelects 7 of 8 Incumbents to 2020 Board of Directors At TheWrap
EntertainmentThe Wrap‘Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance’ Canceled by Netflix After 1 Season
Netflix has opted against renewing its prequel to Jim Henson’s “Dark Crystal” for a second season.The series aired its first and only season last summer.“We can confirm that there will not be an additional season of ‘The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance.’ We know fans are eager to learn how this chapter of The Dark Crystal saga concludes and we’ll look for ways to tell that story in the future. Our company has a legacy of creating rich and complex worlds that require technical innovation, artistic excellence, and masterful storytelling,” said Lisa Henson, CEO of The Jim Henson company and an executive producer on the series. “Our history also includes productions that are enduring, often finding and growing their audience over time and proving again and again that fantasy and science fiction genres reflect eternal messages and truths that are always relevant. We are so grateful to Netflix for trusting us to realize this ambitious series; we are deeply proud of our work on ‘Age of Resistance,’ and the acclaim it has received from fans, critics and our peers, most recently receiving an Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Program.”Also Read: Emmy Winners by the Numbers: HBO Is Leading Network, 'Watchmen' Top SeriesA prequel to Henson’s 1982 film, “Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance” tells a new story, set many years before the events of the movie, and realized using classic puppetry with cutting edge visual effects. Per Netflix, “The world of Thra is dying. The Crystal of Truth is at the heart of Thra, a source of untold power. But it is damaged, corrupted by the evil Skeksis, and a sickness spreads across the land. When three Gelfling uncover the horrific truth behind the power of the Skeksis, an adventure unfolds as the fires of rebellion are lit and an epic battle for the planet begins.”The series featured Sigourney Weaver, Lena Headey, Benedict Wong, Awkwafina, Hannah John-Kamen, Taron Egerton, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nathalie Emmanuel and original “Dark Crystal” star Dave Goelz.“We are grateful to the master artists at the Jim Henson Company for bringing ‘The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance’ to life for fans around the world,” Netflix said in a statement. “We’re thankful to the executive producers Lisa Henson and Halle Stanford, and Louis Leterrier, who also directed all episodes, as well as the writers, cast and crew for their outstanding work and thrilled they were recognized with the Emmy this weekend.”The news about “Dark Crystal” was first reported by i09.Read original story ‘Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance’ Canceled by Netflix After 1 Season At TheWrap
EntertainmentThe Wrap‘Mr Mercedes’ Moves to Peacock Following Shutdown of AT&T Audience Network
“Mr. Mercedes” moved to Peacock Monday, where its first two seasons will stream following the shutdown of the show’s original home at AT&T Audience Network.Coming to Peacock on Oct. 15, the series is based on the best-selling Bill Hodges trilogy by Stephen King, and “follows a retired detective who is tormented by a serial killer (Brady Hartsfield, AKA Mr. Mercedes) through a series of letters and e-mails, causing him to set out on a dangerous and potentially felonious crusade to protect his loved ones and himself.”The series aired its third season last fall but has not been renewed since Audience Network officially bit the dust and rolled into a promo channel for HBO Max earlier this year. Reps for Peacock confirmed there are plans to air Season 3 at a later date, but did not disclose whether the series will be renewed for a fourth season.Also Read: 'Mr. Mercedes' Crew Member Injured on Set of Audience Network Drama“Mr. Mercedes” stars Brendan Gleeson, Harry Treadaway, Kelly Lynch, Jharrel Jerome, Mary-Louise Parker, Holland Taylor, Justine Lupe, Breeda Wool, Scott Lawrence, Ann Cusack, Jack Huston, Tessa Ferrer, Maximiliano Hernández and Nancy Travis.The series is produced by Temple Hill Entertainment and Sonar Entertainment. David E. Kelley and Dennis Lehane wrote and executive produced seasons one and two along with Stephen King. Jack Bender serves as director and executive producer.Watch Peacock’s revamped trailer below.Read original story ‘Mr Mercedes’ Moves to Peacock Following Shutdown of AT&T Audience Network At TheWrap
PoliticsThe WrapChris Matthews Faces Backlash for Tweeting Trump ‘Was Right to Show Respect’ to Bader Ginsburg
Former MSNBC host Chris Matthews faced backlash Monday after he tweeted that President Donald Trump “was right” to show respect to the late Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.“Trump is right to show respect for RBG. True presidential behavior. Far too rare,” tweeted the one-time “Hardball” host. In March, Matthews abruptly announced his retirement from the show on air and apologized for inappropriate comments he made to and about women in the past.Earlier Monday, Trump speculated on “Fox & Friends” that Bader Ginsburg’s widely-reported last wish — that her replacement be nominated by Trump’s successor — might have been made up by Democrats like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi or Rep. Adam Schiff.Also Read: Trump Baselessly Casts Doubt on Bader Ginsburg's Dying Wish That His Successor Choose Her Replacement (Video)Trump also reiterated his stance that the only right move is for him to immediately nominate a new justice.Matthews’ followers quickly responded, telling him “don’t start with the Presidential BS.”By Monday afternoon, the tweet from the onetime host had gotten just under 400 retweets, but over 1,000 quote tweets. Democratic consultant Tim Hogan was among those pointing out that Trump had implied Bader Ginsburg’s family was lying about the last wish.Disability and healthcare advocate Kendall Brown tweeted, “Gonna just throw it out there that Chris Matthews isn’t exactly an expert on respecting women,” while a number of other observers wrote that the tweet made them grateful Joy Reid had taken over his spot in the MSNBC lineup.Read original story Chris Matthews Faces Backlash for Tweeting Trump ‘Was Right to Show Respect’ to Bader Ginsburg At TheWrap
EntertainmentThe WrapHere Are the Premiere Dates for Broadcast TV’s New and Returning Fall Shows (Updating)
Today marks the traditional start of broadcast’s Fall TV season, which is going to be anything but traditional due to the coronavirus.Seeing as execs at Fox, CBS, ABC, NBC and The CW spent a good chunk of their summers working out the logistics of how to safely resume production on their new and returning scripted and unscripted primetime series amid the pandemic, Fall TV premiere dates weren’t announced as quickly as they usually are and many shows that would have been set for autumn starts had to be pushed to midseason.But there are still plenty of programs headed to broadcast TV in the coming weeks and TheWrap has rounded up the debut dates for each of them below. We will continue to update this list as more become available.Also Read: How 'The Masked Singer' Season 4 Will Work With 16 Contestants and One 2-Headed CostumeMonday, Sept. 21 8 p.m. — “L.A’s Finest” (Fox, network debut of Spectrum Originals series) 9 p.m. — “Filthy Rich” (Fox, series premiere) 10 p.m. — “Manhunt: Deadly Games” (CBS, network debut of Spectrum Originals series)Tuesday, Sept. 22 8 p.m. — “Cosmos: Possible Worlds” (Fox, network debut of shared Nat Geo series)Wednesday, Sept. 23 8 p.m. — “The Masked Singer” (Fox, season premiere) 9 p.m. — “I Can See Your Voice” (Fox, series premiere)Thursday, Sept. 24 8 p.m. — “Celebrity Family Feud” (ABC, season premiere) 9 p.m. — “Press Your Luck” (ABC, season premiere) 10 p.m. — “Match Game” (ABC, season premiere) 10 p.m. — “Star Trek: Discovery” (CBS, network debut of CBS All Access series’ Season 1)Sunday, Sept. 27 8 p.m. — “The Simpsons” (Fox, season premiere) 8:30 p.m. — “Bless the Harts” (Fox, season premiere) 9 p.m. — “Bob’s Burgers” (Fox, season premiere) 9:30 p.m. — “Family Guy” (Fox, season premiere)Also Read: 'The Masked Singer' Pulled Off Its Pandemic Season With Animation, Fan Voting and a Baby AlienMonday, Sept. 28 10 p.m. — “Emergency Call” (ABC, series premiere)Tuesday, Sept. 29 8 p.m. — “Weakest Link” (NBC, series premiere)Thursday, Oct. 1 8:30 p.m. — “Connecting” (NBC, series premiere)Friday, Oct. 2 9 p.m. — “Undercover Boss” (CBS, season premiere)Sunday, Oct. 4 8 p.m. — “Pandora” (The CW, season premiere)Also Read: What Fox Had to Change About 'LA's Finest' to Make Spectrum Original Broadcast-FriendlyMonday, Oct. 5 9 p.m. — “One Day at a Time” (CBS, broadcast premiere of Pop series’ Season 4)Tuesday, Oct. 6 8 p.m. — “Swamp Thing” (The CW, network debut of DC Universe series) 9 p.m. — “Next” (Fox, series premiere) 9 p.m. — “Ellen’s Game of Games” (NBC, season premiere)Wednesday, Oct. 7 8 p.m. — “Devils” (The CW, network debut of acquired series) 9 p.m. — “Coroner” (The CW, network debut of acquired show’s Season 2)Thursday, Oct. 8 8 p.m. — “Supernatural” (The CW, final season return) 9 p.m. — “The Outpost” (The CW, season premiere)Tuesday, Oct. 13 8 p.m. — “The Bachelorette” (ABC, season premiere) 9 p.m. — “Tell Me a Story” (The CW, network debut of acquired show’s Season 2) 10 p.m. — “The FBI Declassified” (CBS, series premiere)Wednesday, Oct. 14 9 p.m. — “The Amazing Race” (CBS, season premiere)Friday, Oct. 16 8 p.m. — “Shark Tank” (ABC, season premiere)Sunday, Oct. 18 7 p.m. — “America’s Funniest Home Videos” (ABC, season premiere) 8 p.m. — “Supermarket Sweep” (ABC, series premiere) 9 p.m. — “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” (ABC, season premiere) 10 p.m. — “Card Sharks” (ABC, season premiere)Monday, Oct. 19 8 p.m. — “The Voice” (NBC, season premiere)Wednesday, Oct. 21 8 p.m. — “The Goldbergs” (ABC, season premiere) 9 p.m. — “The Conners” (ABC, season premiere) 9:30 p.m. — “black-ish” (ABC, season premiere)Thursday, Oct. 22 8 p.m. — “Superstore” (NBC, season premiere)Wednesday, Oct. 28 8:30 p.m. — “American Housewife” (ABC, season premiere)Monday, Nov. 2 10 p.m. — “The Good Doctor” (ABC, season premiere)Tuesday, Nov. 10 9 p.m. — “This Is Us” (NBC, season premiere)Wednesday, Nov. 11 8 p.m. — “Chicago Med” (NBC, season premiere) 9 p.m. — “Chicago Fire” (NBC, season premiere) 10 p.m. — “Chicago P.D.” (NBC, season premiere)Thursday, Nov. 12 8 p.m. — “Station 19” (ABC, season premiere) 9 p.m. — “Law & Order: SVU” (NBC, season premiere) 9 p.m. — “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC, season premiere)Friday, Nov. 13 8 p.m. — “The Blacklist” (NBC, season premiere)Tuesday, Nov. 17 10 p.m. — “Big Sky” (ABC, series premiere)Wednesday, Nov. 18 10 p.m. — “For Life” (ABC, season premiere)Thursday, Nov. 19 10 p.m. — “A Million Little Things” (ABC, season premiere)Read original story Here Are the Premiere Dates for Broadcast TV’s New and Returning Fall Shows (Updating) At TheWrap
PoliticsThe Wrap‘The View': Meghan McCain Goes on Anti-Abortion Rant About RBG’s SCOTUS Replacement
Things got heated on Monday morning’s episode of “The View” when a discussion about the open Supreme Court seat left by the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg turned into an anti-abortion rant by Meghan McCain.Opinions flew as to whether President Donald Trump will be successful in enforcing his choice for the seat, while at the same time, Democrats are trying to hold off the decision until the next president takes over at the start of the year. That was the case when late Supreme Court Justice Anthony Scalia died at the end of President Obama’s term in 2016.“View” co-host Sunny Hostin brought up the possibility that attorney Amy Coney Barrett could be Trump’s choice, which launched Meghan McCain into a rant in defense of anti-abortion Republicans — and current Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.Also Read: Ruth Bader Ginsburg's 'My Own Words' Skyrockets to No. 2 on Amazon Best-Seller List“Kavanaugh really changed the game for a lot of Republicans, myself included. I was completely radicalized by watching him testify. I mean, there were accusations of him being part of a gang rape gang,” she said. “It showed that Democrats on their side will do anything and everything to smear any conservative.”“Amy Coney Barrett is a hardcore Catholic. Among other things, she has seven children. I completely expect her to be — if she is the nominee — to be slandered and maimed in a way we’ve ever seen before,” McCain continued. “This turns the election back into battleground, core, meat-and-potatoes issues, and if you’re pro-life, like I am and 47% of the country is, it becomes a reason for you to support President Trump if you’re someone who is wavering; if you didn’t necessarily think there was going to be a seat up.”Joy Behar cut in to remind her that “the majority of Americans do not want Roe v. Wade overturned, by the way” — to which McCain conceded right before things really got messy.Also Read: Felicity Jones Remembers Ruth Bader Ginsburg as 'Beacon of Light in These Difficult Times'“47% of Americans are pro-life, Joy, and every time I talk about it on this show it’s received as if its this vast minority in the country. It’s not, I’m telling you,” she said. “Much like guns, it will get people out. Period.”Sara Haines tried to take that opportunity to point out something Barrett said that “should scare all of us,” but she was drowned out by McCain’s objections.“I would be very careful slandering her, Sara, before she’s even been put in a court,” McCain said.Despite Haines’ clarification that she was specifically trying not to slander Barrett, McCain balked: “This is what I’m talking about with the Kavanaugh stuff, because her religion and how many children she has is already an issue.”Finally, Whoopie Golbderg had to clap her hands and yell, “Okay, everybody stop!”Watch the first half of “The View’s” heated discussion unfold above. And if you’re still wondering, that quote Haines was trying to get out from Barrett is this: “A legal career is but a means to an end, and that end is building the Kingdom of God.”Watch the second half of “The View” SCOTUS argument below, or on YouTube here.Read original story ‘The View': Meghan McCain Goes on Anti-Abortion Rant About RBG’s SCOTUS Replacement At TheWrap
EntertainmentThe WrapFall TV 2020: All the Premiere Dates for New and Returning Shows – So Far (Photos)
Fall officially arrives tomorrow and it’s safe to say that when it gets here, everyone will still be staying at home as much as possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Luckily, dozens of new and returning shows are premiering this autumn to keep you company. TheWrap has rounded up all the dates we know — so far — for Fall TV shows’ debuts. We will continue to update the list as more become available.For the purposes of this gallery, we’ve designated Sept. 1 as the beginning of fall rather than the official Sept. 22 start, since “Fall TV” is sure to be more loosely defined this year.Also Read: Here Are the Premiere Dates for Broadcast TV's New and Returning Fall Shows (Updating)Series: “Teen Mom 2” Net: MTV Premiere Date: Tuesday, Sept. 1 Time: 8 p.m.Series: “A.P. Bio” Net: Peacock Premiere Date: Thursday, Sept. 3 Time: N/ASeries: “Raised by Wolves” Net: HBO Max Premiere Date: Thursday, Sept. 3 Time: N/ASeries: “Away” Net: Netflix Premiere Date: Friday, Sept. 4 Time: N/ASeries: “The Boys” Net: Amazon Prime Video Premiere Date: Friday, Sept. 5 Time: N/ASeries: “Power Book II: Ghost” Net: Starz Premiere Date: Sunday, Sept. 6 Time: 9 p.m.Series: “Woke” Net: Hulu Premiere Date: Wednesday, Sept. 9 Time: N/ASeries: “Julie and the Phantoms” Net: Netflix Premiere Date: Thursday, Sept. 10 Time: N/ASeries: “The Third Day” Net: HBO Premiere Date: Monday, Sept. 14 Time: 9 p.m.Series: “We Are Who We Are” Net: HBO Premiere Date: Monday, Sept. 14 Time: 10 p.m.Series: “Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous” Net: Netflix Premiere Date: Friday, Sept. 18 Time: N/ASeries: “Pen15” Net: Hulu Premiere Date: Friday, Sept. 18 Time: N/ASeries: “Ratched” Net: Netflix Premiere Date: Friday, Sept. 18 Time: N/ASeries: “L.A.’s Finest”* Net: Fox Premiere Date: Monday, Sept. 21 Time: 8 p.m. *Broadcast debut of Spectrum Originals seriesSeries: “Filthy Rich” Net: Fox Premiere Date: Monday, Sept. 21 Time: 9 p.m.Series: “A Wilderness of Error” Net: FX Premiere Date: Friday, Sept. 25 Time: 8 p.m.Series: “The Simpsons” Net: Fox Premiere Date: Sunday, Sept. 27 Time: 8 p.m.Series: “Bless the Harts” Net: Fox Premiere Date: Sunday, Sept. 27 Time: 8:30 p.m.Series: “Bob’s Burgers” Net: Fox Premiere Date: Sunday, Sept. 27 Time: 9 p.m.Series: “The Comey Rule” Net: Showtime Premiere Date: Sunday, Sept. 27 Time: 9 p.m.Series: “Family Guy” Net: Fox Premiere Date: Sunday, Sept. 27 Time: 9:30 p.m.Series: “Fargo” Net: FX Premiere Date: Sunday, Sept. 27 Time: 10 p.m.Series: “Coroner” Net: The CW Premiere Date: Wednesday, Sept. 30 Time: 9 p.m.Series: “Gangs of London” Net: AMC+ Premiere Date: Thursday, Oct. 1 Time: N/ASeries: “The Salisbury Poisonings” Net: AMC+ Premiere Date: Thursday, Oct. 1 Time: N/ASeries: “Monsterland” Net: Hulu Premiere Date: Friday, Oct. 2 Time: N/ASeries: “Britannia” Net: Epix Premiere Date: Sunday, Oct. 4 Time: 9 p.m.Series: “The Good Lord Bird” Net: Showtime Premiere Date: Sunday, Oct. 4 Time: 9 p.m.Series: “The Walking Dead: World Beyond” Net: AMC Premiere Date: Sunday, Oct. 4 Time: 10 p.m.Series: “Soulmates” Net: AMC Premiere Date: Monday, Oct. 5 Time: 10 p.m.Series: “Next” Net: Fox Premiere Date: Tuesday, Oct. 6 Time: 9 p.m.Series: “Fear the Walking Dead” Net: AMC Premiere Date: Sunday, Oct. 11 Time: 9 p.m.Series: “Star Trek: Discovery” Net: CBS All Access Premiere Date: Thursday, Oct. 15 Time: N/ASeries: “Helstrom” Net: Hulu Premiere Date: Friday, Oct. 16 Time: N/ASeries: “The Undoing” Net: HBO Premiere Date: Sunday, Oct. 25 Time: 9 p.m.Series: “Eater’s Guide to the World” Net: Hulu Premiere Date: Wednesday, Nov. 11 Time: N/ASeries: “No Man’s Land” Net: Hulu Premiere Date: Wednesday, Nov. 18 Time: N/ASeries: “Animaniacs” Net: Hulu Premiere Date: Friday, Nov. 20 Time: N/ARead original story Fall TV 2020: All the Premiere Dates for New and Returning Shows – So Far (Photos) At TheWrap
EntertainmentThe WrapNew Oscars Inclusion Standards Set a Bar So Low ‘It’s Lying on the Floor’ (Guest Blog)
The Emmy Awards this weekend produced headlines celebrating wins by Black actors — Zendaya, Regina King, The Cephas Jones family — and LGBTQ-identified creators, most notably Dan Levy of Pop TV’s Canadian import “Schitt’s Creek,” which won everything that wasn’t nailed down in the comedy categories. It was a night of “huge wins” and “landmark moments,” if you look at the press, not to mention the Television Academy’s own messaging: “We feel it is a very positive sign that over the past decade the well-deserved recognition of performers of color has increased from 1 in 10 to 1 in 3 nominees across all performer categories.”It’s important to acknowledge that the shifts in representation in Hollywood award shows represents progress; it’s just as critical to point out that this progress has been slow, uneven and far short of what is necessary or desirable.“One in three nominees” sounds more impressive than it actually is, considering that the U.S. is poised to be a majority nonwhite nation by 2045 (and the “core demographic” of TV, aged 18 to 49, will be nonwhite even sooner — by 2033). And these nominations didn’t necessarily lead to wins: Yes, a record 11 Black performers took home awards, but only two Asian performers were nominated (first-timer Rain Valdez and Sandra Oh, who’s now eight nods in without a win) — and, most embarrassingly, just a single Latinx performer (Alexis Bledel, nominated in the category of outstanding guest actress in a drama series).Also Read: Emmys' Historic Diversity: Majority of this Year's Acting Winners Are BlackWhy is awards show recognition even important? Quite simply, these awards are the most visible means by which the film and TV industry mints new “stars” — performers and creators that Hollywood considers to be worth investing in based on stature alone. And in a time where business models are in flux and the future of media murky, “stars” are the most viable commodity in entertainment, capable of drawing eyeballs to even to projects with minimal production values (like, say, a Zoom table read).And Hollywood has frequently claimed that it’s impossible to find nonwhite star talent to headline projects, leading it to fall back on casting white actors in race-neutral roles, or even as characters originally written as nonwhite. But if nonwhite actors aren’t cast as leads, the path to becoming a “star” is narrow indeed, and more frequently than not, it goes through awards shows, which offer talented supporting and guest actors a shot at the visibility and critical credibility necessary for this industry to give them a chance.If we agree that a diverse, inclusive and intersectional Hollywood is a goal worth seeking — and let’s be clear, this goal isn’t just rooted in equity and social justice, but in the sustainability of the industry as a business, given that nonwhite audiences already represent a disproportionate percentage of entertainment revenue dollars — then it’s clear that diversifying award shows is going to be part of the fix. The question is how?The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently decided to take a page from its British counterpart and adopt a set of diversity requirements, which take the form of four different standards, reflecting onscreen representation, offscreen creative leadership, advancement opportunities of underrepresented groups and diversity in audience development.The announcement unleashed a whirlwind of backlash from the likes of actress Kirstie Alley, who called the requirements “dictatorial” and “anti-artist;” Bill Maher, who in a segment mockingly called “Oscars, No White” in parody of April Reign’s pivotal OscarsSoWhite Twitter campaign, talked about “virtue signaling” and implied that the new rules were “fascist”; and of course, Fox News host Tucker Carlson, whose predictable rant is not worth wasting pixels on here.Also Read: The Latinx Absence: One Working Actor's Journey as Case Study (Guest Blog)These detractors didn’t seem to have read the actual requirements, which apply only to the Best Picture award, and which offer up loopholes that the collective fleet of the entire “Fast and Furious” franchise could drive through side by side. Only two of the four standards need to be met by Best Picture submissions, which means that the creative personnel standards, onscreen and off, could easily be totally disregarded. The other two standards, for inclusive “advancement opportunities” and “audience development” respectively, could essentially be met by an internship program with a lunch stipend and a handful of mid-to-senior level publicists — who could be people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ identified persons or women, or any combination of these.And as Kyle Buchanan of the New York Times quickly confirmed by tweet, “almost every film would still be nominated under the new guidelines….Standards C and D are so easy to meet — studios simply need a robust internship program and a marketing department that’s relatively diverse — that the films those studios distribute could remain pretty homogeneous and still qualify.”The bottom line: The bar is so low that it’s lying on the floor. In fact, it’s so low that it should make anyone actually interested in inclusion want to be lying on the floor of a bar. Yet the “we’ve gone too far” brigades are still up in arms about it, and calling it the end of free expression and the death of authentic creativity.I’m trying not to be cynical. The fact is, the Motion Picture Academy is indeed trying, and its results are paying off in other areas. The active expansion of its membership to include a far more diverse and representative set of performers and creators has made a huge difference and will make even more as time goes on.But the danger of weak standards that they galvanize the forces of regress, inflaming without transforming. The Academy and other awards organizations need to understand: Creating standards blessing a present reality that still doesn’t properly represent Hollywood’s creative culture, its audience or America (and the world) at large is worse than doing nothing at all.Read original story New Oscars Inclusion Standards Set a Bar So Low ‘It’s Lying on the Floor’ (Guest Blog) At TheWrap
EntertainmentThe WrapWhat’s the Future of Movies? Antoine Fuqua, Brad Bird, Andrew Cripps Join TheGrill 2020
TheGrill is pleased to welcome award-winning filmmakers Brad Bird and Antoine Fuqua, former IMAX Entertainment CEO Greg Foster, Alamo Drafthouse CEO Shelli Taylor, Skydance president and COO Jesse Sisgold and Warner Bros. Pictures president of international theatrical distribution Andrew Cripps for a powerhouse conversation on “The Future of Theatrical Film” at the three-day Grill conference September 22-24.Across the world movie theaters have closed, festivals have been cancelled or postponed, film releases have moved to future dates or delayed indefinitely and film production has largely halted. While Hollywood is bracing itself for more changes due to coronavirus, industry leaders are finding new ways to adapt and think outside the box. This high-level panel of executives, experts and filmmakers will address what the future holds for the theatrical experience, and movies in general.For over a decade, TheWrap’s Grill event series has led conversations on the convergence between entertainment, media and technology, bringing together newsmakers to debate the challenges and opportunities facing content in the digital age.TheWrap has created a digital-first experience for TheGrill 2020. This year’s event will focus on the future of theatrical, streaming revolution, building inclusion from within and the growth in podcasting and gaming. Attendees will have access to keynotes, panel conversations, roundtable discussions and virtual networking.Also Read: 'The Social Dilemma' Director Jeff Orlowski Joins TheGrill 2020 Brad Bird is a legendary animator, director and producer at Pixar. He has worked on such films as “The Incredibles and Ratatouille — and won Academy Awards for best animated feature for both movies. Most recently, Bird wrote and directed “Incredibles 2.”Esteemed director Antoine Fuqua is best known for his Oscar-winning film “Training Day.” Fuqua began his career directing music videos for popular artists such as Toni Braxton, Coolio, Stevie Wonder and Prince. His additional credits include “Southpaw,” “The Magnificent Seven” and “The Equalizer.” Earlier this year Fuqua was attached to direct “Emancipation” with Will Smith for Apple.Greg Foster was the longtime CEO of Imax Entertainment, where he was instrumental in growing the company’s content business and global brand. He is now a consultant and represents Apple and the Korean media giant, CJ. Foster also continues to work closely with studios, talent and exhibition as a global industry ambassador. Shelli Taylor is the CEO of Alamo Drafthouse, an innovator in theatrical exhibition. Prior, Taylor served as president of United Planet Fitness Partners, overseeing over 169 facilities across the country. Before that, she spent nearly two decades as an executive at Starbucks.As president and chief operating officer of Skydance Media, Jesse Sisgold helps to set and execute the overall strategy and growth plan for the company, while managing key operations across all units. He also oversees international distribution and co-productions while managing relationships across all distribution and co-financing partners.As president of international theatrical distribution at Warner Bros. Pictures, Andrew Cripps is responsible for overseeing all matters relating to the international theatrical distribution of the studio’s slate of motion pictures in more than 125 territories worldwide. He also works on the development of theatrical growth opportunities and additional revenue streams for the division.Other confirmed speakers include “Kajillionaire” writer and director Miranda July, Sundance Film Festival Director Tabitha Jackson, festival strategist Kathleen McInnis,”The Social Dilemma” writer and director Jeff Orlowski, “Green Book” producer John Sloss, WarnerMedia senior vice president of enterprise inclusion MyKhanh Shelton,”Broad City” and “Russian Doll” producer Lilly Burns, “Charm City Kings” star William Catlett,”Peanut Butter Falcon” producer Tim Zajaros, activist and producer JLove Calderón, Recode co-founder and New York Times op-ed columnist Kara Swisher, New York Times media columnist Ben Smith, “Luke Cage” executive producer Cheo Hodari Coker, actor and comedian Maz Jobrani, award-winning producer Effie Brown, “Euphoria” star Nika King, “Indian Matchmaking” creator and executive producer Smriti Mundhra and “Tiffany Haddish: Black Mitzvah” executive producer Page Hurwitz, FilmRise CEO Danny Fisher, Sony Pictures Television president of worldwide networks and distribution Keith Le Goy, Roku vice president of programming Rob Holmes, Pluto TV’s senior vice president of content strategy and global partnerships Amy Kuessner and Xumo CEO Colin Petrie-Norris.To purchase tickets go to: http://thegrill.thewrap.comFor more information on TheGrill and sponsorship opportunities please contact sales@thewrap.comEvent sponsors and community partners include Lifetime, Gerber Kawasaki, FilmRise, NFP, Audible, Sony, WarnerMedia, IDG Consulting, The Privacy Company, Starz, Skydance, Create the Writers Room, Young Entertainment Activists and dot.LA.Read original story What’s the Future of Movies? Antoine Fuqua, Brad Bird, Andrew Cripps Join TheGrill 2020 At TheWrap
EntertainmentThe WrapHow ‘Beans’ Director Turned Mohawks’ Darkest Hour Into a Coming-of-Age Film (Video)
One of Tracey Deer’s deepest memories growing up was the Oka Crisis, when Mohawk residents in Quebec protested plans to expand a golf course into their burial ground in the face of widespread racism. Now she’s turned her experience into a new coming-of-age film, “Beans,” which screened at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival.“Beans” stars a young Mohawk actor, Kiawentiio, as Beans, a girl who travels with her family to the Oka protests only to be caught in an accelerating spiral of violent tension and open racism from white Canadians. Deer said that like Beans, she was 12 when the Oka Crisis happened and it was a “startling way to understand my place in this country as an indigenous woman.”Also Read: 'Nomadland' Wins Audience Award at Toronto Film Festival“The emotional journey that she goes on is very much inspired by my own journey. However, my journey went from 12 to my early 20s, and I’m still on that journey,” Deer told TheWrap’s Steve Pond.Deer wanted to expose the history of racism faced by indigenous Canadians to a global audience and spent eight years working on the balance between Beans’ personal experiences and the larger events that unfolded during the 78 days of the Oka Crisis. Ultimately, she realized that the solution was to use archival footage to provide the historical context that she wanted.“After years of struggling with the script, the one essential truth was that as a 12-year-old, I didn’t realize what was going on. So once I centered on this 12-year-old’s experience and let the audience experience events as she does — sometimes with information and sometimes without — that really helped propel the story forward.”Watch more of Deer’s remarks in the clip above.Read original story How ‘Beans’ Director Turned Mohawks’ Darkest Hour Into a Coming-of-Age Film (Video) At TheWrap
EntertainmentThe WrapNeil deGrasse Tyson Reveals Whether He Would Replace Alex Trebek on ‘Jeopardy!’ (Video)
Neil deGrasse Tyson is a big fan of “Jeopardy!” — and some of his fans are big fans of the idea of him replacing Alex Trebek as the future host of the show.“The View” co-host Sara Haines brought up the matter to Tyson on Monday morning’s episode, asking the astrophysicist whether he would ever be “game” (no pun intended) to take over the syndicated game show.Tyson’s reaction was to smile and immediately do a face-palm.Also Read: 2020 Emmys Settle for Record Low 6.1 Million Viewers“People who love knowledge, we all love ‘Jeopardy!,'” he said. “I’ve even been in one of the Daily Double clues. So I feel in the show, and I think I would be really good at that. It’s just not my goal this lifetime.”Well, there you have it, folks — but he did give one caveat.“If I can clone myself, definitely line me up,” he joked. “But as an astrophysicist, no. Find somebody else, not me.”Also Read: 'Sunday Night Football' Clobbers Virtual Emmys in Earliest TV RatingsCo-host and moderator Whoopi Goldberg seconded his decision.“I would come and get you, ’cause we need you to do everything you’re doing with ‘Cosmos,'” she said, referring to Tyson’s science docuseries “Cosmos: Possible Worlds” that makes its broadcast premiere Tuesday at 8/7c on Fox.Goldberg left Tyson with one final offer: She invited him to “come to the house” if he wants to play “Jeopardy!”Read original story Neil deGrasse Tyson Reveals Whether He Would Replace Alex Trebek on ‘Jeopardy!’ (Video) At TheWrap
EntertainmentThe WrapFox News’ Panel Show ‘The Five’ Returns to the Studio
All of Fox News’ “The Five” is back in the studio Monday, one of the largest casts and crews to get back together in-house amid the pandemic.“The Five” won’t utilize its signature desk anymore. Instead, Jesse Watters, Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino, Juan Williams and the daily rotating co-host will be sitting on stools in a semicircle layout, spaced six feet apart to comply with social distancing guidelines.In place of the desk, they each have their own table.Also Read: Cable News Ratings: Fox News' Afternoon Show 'The Five' Beats CNN, MSNBC PrimetimeAfter nearly half a year working from home, Perino told TheWrap, “I’ll always remember doing the show sitting crossed-legged on a stool, [my dog] Jasper sleeping at my feet, and willing the train whistle to come during a commercial break and not during one of my colleague’s turns to speak.”Gutfeld added, “My most memorable moment from broadcasting remotely was during Hurricane Isaias when a tree fell blocking me from getting to the van so I had to go through two backyards of my neighbors to meet the engineer in a church parking lot to record the show as the storm raged. It’s amazing I got there in one piece.”Even during the pandemic and various crises, when shows at all networks were broadcasting primarily from hosts’ homes, “The Five” was a ratings juggernaut.In an August full of political conventions and breaking news, each major cable news network saw high total viewership and Fox News was the top network in cable. “The Five,” in particular, beat CNN and MSNBC’s primetime shows from its 5 p.m. ET time slot.In total, “The Five” averaged 3.446 million total viewers, of whom 527,000 were in the demo. “Maddow,” the only non-Fox News show in the top five, averaged 3.116 million, with 470,000 in the demo.The hosts and show crew are returning to a Fox News that looks different than the one they left. Fox News staffers have seen a number of new protocols rolled out in recent months, like requirements they take their temperature before entering the office. Last week, Fox News saw layoffs amid a restructuring, too. The hair and makeup department was impacted by the coronavirus and most of the staffing losses took place there. Guests on Fox News programs will no longer have hair and makeup services made available to them, but hosts and anchors still do.Read original story Fox News’ Panel Show ‘The Five’ Returns to the Studio At TheWrap
EntertainmentThe WrapNatasha Lyonne, Alia Shawkat to Develop Iraqi Immigrant Comedy ‘Desert People’ for Amazon
Natasha Lyonne and Alia Shawkat are developing “Desert People,” a comedy series about Iraqi immigrants, for Amazon Prime Video, an individual with knowledge tells TheWrap.The half-hour project, which is co-created by the “Russian Doll” star and “Arrested Development” alum, is centered on a family of Iraqi immigrants who run a gentleman’s club in Palm Springs. Shawkat will star on “Desert People” as the family’s adult daughter, who is based in Los Angeles and coming to terms with her sexuality and identity as a first-generation American.“Desert People” will be written by Shawkat, who will executive produce alongside Lyonne, Maya Rudolph, Danielle Renfrew Behrens and Dianne McGunigle.Also Read: Fall TV 2020: All the Premiere Dates for New and Returning Shows - So Far (Photos)Amazon Studios and Animal Pictures — Lyonne, Rudolph and Renfrew Behrens’ production company, which has a first-look deal with Amazon — will co-produce the potential series. Lyonne, Rudolph and Renfrew Behrens’ banner and Amazon are also currently working together on an animated comedy series called “The Hospital.”If it’s ordered to series, “Desert People” would mark Shawkat’s first small-screen writing credit.Shawkat is best known for her roles in “Arrested Development” and “Search Party.” Lyonne’s top TV credits include “Orange Is the New Black” and “Russian Doll.”Variety first reported the news that Lyonne and Shawkat’s are developing “Desert People” for Amazon.Read original story Natasha Lyonne, Alia Shawkat to Develop Iraqi Immigrant Comedy ‘Desert People’ for Amazon At TheWrap
BusinessThe WrapTim Pastore to Step Down as All3Media America CEO
After two years, Tim Pastore will exit as CEO of All3Media America.Pastore joined All3Media, the London-based distributor of series like “Fleagbag” and “Gold Rush” in 2018, coming over from Nat Geo, where he served as president of original programming and production. All3Media America is made up of 13 different production companies, including Gordon Ramsay’s Studio Ramsay, Jimmy Fox’s Main Event Media, Kevin Bartel’s Best Production Company and Woodman Park Productions, as well as the U.S. operations of U.K.-based companies Studio Lambert, Lime Pictures and Lion TV.Studio Lambert is known for producing CBS’ “Undercover Boss.” Along with “Undercover Boss,” All3Media is behind CNN’s “United Shades of America,” USA’s “Chrisley Knows Best” and Fox’s “24 Hours to Hell and Back.” All3Media is headquartered in London.Also Read: 2020 Emmys Settle for Record Low 6.1 Million Viewers“I’d like to thank Tim for his leadership and the expertise that has contributed to our expansion of the U.S. operation over the last two years, increasing our production footprint with the introduction of new partners and platforms, and for managing the business during these unprecedented times,” All3Media group CEO Jane Turton said. “He has put us on the path to achieve further growth as we continue to supercharge our non-scripted slate in the U.S. Our format pipeline is bigger than ever, and we’ll be bringing more and more successful U.K. formats to American audiences as well as developing original ideas from the U.S. teams in LA and New York.”Pastore added: “It’s been a privilege to lead such a dynamic group of people in my time at the helm of All3Media America. I’m so proud of the work that this team has accomplished, including the launch of new companies with marquee creative talent, the expansion of the overall programming slate, and truly meaningful diversity and inclusion initiatives that I know will create more and more equitable opportunities for years to come. I look forward to seeing All3Media America continue to grow and succeed under Jane Turton and Group COO Sara Geater’s direct leadership going forward.”Read original story Tim Pastore to Step Down as All3Media America CEO At TheWrap
EntertainmentThe WrapMicrosoft Buys Bethesda Softworks Parent Company Zenimax For $7.5 Billion
Microsoft is expanding its gaming portfolio yet again with the $7.5 billion purchase of Zenimax Media, the parent company of game publisher and creator Bethesda Softworks.Bethesda — named for its hometown in Maryland — is a titan in the video gaming industry, with several widely played franchises under its belt, including “Fallout,” “The Elder Scrolls” (home of the “Skyrim” universe), and “Doom.” Its parent company, Zenimax Media, was created in 1999 to handle the financial side of game development.Microsoft is hot on the heels of Sony in the race to dominate both the video game streaming and console markets, and this Sept. 21 acquisition gives the company access to a swath of extremely popular and valuable intellectual property.Also Read: Trump: TikTok Deal Won't Be Approved If Chinese Parent Company Retains ControlMicrosoft develops the Xbox and its live game streaming service, Xbox Game Pass, which lets players access hundreds of games with a $15 monthly subscription. A couple of Bethesda titles — including “Fallout 76” and “Fallout New Vegas” were already on Game Pass, but it’s likely that Microsoft will look to capitalize on the acquisition of popular titles including “Fallout” and the “Elder Scrolls” series.Xbox Game Pass has over 15 million subscribers, up from 10 million in April, Microsoft said in the press release detailing the Zenimax buy. The service launched in June 2017 and at the time was hyped up as “the Netflix of video games.”The main question circulating gaming forums today is, now that Bethesda is owned by Microsoft, what will happen to players that are using its games on consoles other than the Microsoft-owned Xbox family or PC? The answer is a big maybe: Xbox lead Phil Spencer told Bloomberg Monday that future Bethesda titles will be released on PC and consoles on a “case by case basis.”Also Read: Microsoft Sets Xbox Series X Price, Release DateBethesda’s upcoming space epic “Starfield” will be the first new game from the studio to be added directly to Game Pass the same day it launches on consoles next year.Bethesda was named the number one publisher of the year worldwide in 2018 and it achieved the Game of the Year award for five consecutive years. Its open-world role-playing game “Fallout,” which pits players against an apocalyptic world fighting for survival, has won over 50 Game of the Year awards, including accolades from BAFTA and DICE.Zenimax and Bethesda will be subsidiaries of Microsoft following the deal, but will continue operations in Maryland. The purchase is expected to close in the second half of fiscal year 2021, Microsoft said in its statement Monday.Today is a special day… We are THRILLED to welcome the talented teams and beloved game franchises of @Bethesda to Team Xbox!Read the full announce from @XboxP3: https://t.co/Jn0HcTJ9Mi pic.twitter.com/iQVutgT6zq— Xbox (@Xbox) September 21, 2020These amazing teams are responsible for iconic franchises like: @ElderScrolls@TESOnline@Fallout@Wolfenstein@DOOM@Dishonored@TheEvilWithin@PreyGame @rage@Quake@StarfieldGameAnd many more. Please help us to welcome our friends at @Bethesda to Team Xbox!— Xbox (@Xbox) September 21, 2020Read original story Microsoft Buys Bethesda Softworks Parent Company Zenimax For $7.5 Billion At TheWrap
EntertainmentThe WrapHollywood Unions Finalize Formal COVID-19 Safety Regulations With Studios
Hollywood’s top unions announced in a joint statement on Monday that they have reached a deal with the industry’s top studios to formalize COVID-19 safety regulations on film and television sets.The deal comes after nearly six months of collaboration between the Directors Guild of America (DGA), International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) and the Basic Crafts, and Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), along with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) on behalf of the studios. Together, the group ironed out a comprehensive list of safety protocols for all areas of production to protect cast and crew from COVID-19, based in large part on the “Safe Way Forward” report released by the unions in June.“Though this process was not easy, unprecedented inter-union collaboration and unwavering solidarity enabled our unions to achieve strong COVID-19 protections that will translate into tangibly safer workplaces,” said IATSE President Matthew D. Loeb in a statement.Also Read: California Surpasses 15,000 COVID-19 DeathsThe regulations include regular PCR testing of all production employees, including prior to their first day on set. The frequency of testing for each member will be determined by a zone system that will also map out who gets access to different areas of the production space.“Given that performers are uniquely vulnerable because they are not able to utilize PPE and physical distancing when cameras are rolling, the agreement requires more frequent testing — of at least three times a week — for performers as well as those with whom they come into close contact, referred to as ‘Zone A,'” the unions explain. “All other individuals in the production environment will utilize physical distancing and PPE at all times. Those who work on set, but not when performers are present without PPE (“Zone B”), must be tested at a minimum of once a week.”Each production must also employ a compliance officer whose job it will be to ensure that all regulations are strictly followed. All employees will also be granted 10 days of paid sick leave should they test positive for COVID-19.Also Read: 'The Batman' Resumes Production in the UK After Positive COVID-19 TestThe formal rules come as productions in Los Angeles, New York, and other filming hot spots worldwide have cautiously resumed with new safety precautions to protect outbreaks on set. In Los Angeles, daytime shows like “The Bold & The Beautiful” as well as game shows like “Jeopardy!” and ‘Wheel of Fortune” are among those that have resumed filming, while FilmLA once again began taking permits for on-location shooting earlier this summer.But some productions have hit snags during this process, including Warner Bros.’ ‘The Batman,” which was forced to halt production after its lead star, Robert Pattinson, tested positive on set for COVID-19. Filming on the DC project resumed this past week.Read original story Hollywood Unions Finalize Formal COVID-19 Safety Regulations With Studios At TheWrap
NewsThe WrapCalifornia Surpasses 15,000 COVID-19 Deaths
California recorded 15,018 COVID-19 deaths and 781,694 total cases on Sunday, marking another dire milestone for the state roughly six weeks after it surpassed 10,000 COVID-19 deaths in early August.California is situated behind Texas, New Jersey and New York when it comes to most COVID-19 deaths, which have reported 15,161, 16,067 and 33,934 deaths, respectively.Within California, Los Angeles remains the county with the most COVID-19 deaths at over 6,000. According to data compiled from the L.A. Public Health Department, Glendale has had the most deaths, followed by El Monte.Also Read: CDC Says Recommendations About Airborne Transmission of Coronavirus Were 'Posted in Error'In a briefing on Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom cautioned that the fall season — which officially begins on Tuesday — and the upcoming flu season posed a threat when it comes to COVID-19.L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer also said in a statement on Sunday that precautionary measures are still “absolutely essential.”“Given the reality that as many as 50% of those infected are able to transmit the virus to others may have no symptoms, taking universal precautions in every interaction with others who are not in your household, is absolutely essential,” Ferrer said. “We need to commit to the behaviors we know will reduce our infection rate and slow the spread of the virus: wearing face coverings, avoiding gatherings with people we don’t live with, washing our hands frequently, and keeping physical distance from others. “Read original story California Surpasses 15,000 COVID-19 Deaths At TheWrap
EntertainmentThe WrapHow Ben Sharrock’s Study Abroad in Syria Inspired Refugee Film ‘Limbo’ (Video)
Ben Sharrock had the idea of making a comedy-drama film about the refugee crisis quite some time ago, and his college major and study abroad program gave him the inspiration.“It’s something that goes back quite a long way — I had the idea that I wanted to make something with this subject matter around five or six years ago,” Sharrock told TheWrap editor-in-chief Sharon Waxman. “There are a number of reasons why: it’s a subject matter that attached itself to me and I felt like I had to make something about it — I didn’t know in what way — but I would talk about the subject matter and I knew I wanted to make something about the broad refugee crisis.”“Limbo” is a comedy-drama centering on four asylum seekers who are staying on a remote island in Scotland. Sharrock wrote and directed the film that stars Sidse Babett Knudsen, Kenneth Collard, Kais Nashef and Amir El-Masry.Also Read: 'Nomadland' Wins Audience Award at Toronto Film FestivalSharrock explained that he majored in Arabic and politics at university and spent a year living in Syria the year before the civil war started there. While there, he studied at Damascus University — this was before he went into filmmaking and knew he wanted to make a movie that highlighted the identity of refugees.The script takes a humorous and lighter approach to the refugee crisis, which actually attracted star El-Masry to the project.Also Read: Why 'Ammonite' Director Created a Same-Sex Love Affair for Kate Winslet's 19th-Century Paleontologist (Video)“When I received the script, my initial reactions were, I hope this is a focus on these rich and intelligent human beings who actually don’t want to leave,” he explained. “The script was humorous and so touching and a lot of the groundwork was there but I was lucky that I have some friends who had made similar roots and during the rehearsal process of two weeks, we would meet with a Syrian men’s group in Scotland and we were lucky to sit with them and for them to give us their time, tell us about their experiences, and what it felt like to be in new territory and be away from their loves ones.”“Limbo” premiered at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival.Watch the video above.Read original story How Ben Sharrock’s Study Abroad in Syria Inspired Refugee Film ‘Limbo’ (Video) At TheWrap
NewsThe WrapInside the ‘Mess’ of TikTok’s Oracle Deal: 3 Things to Watch
Signing a multibillion-dollar deal is never easy — and that’s especially the case with Oracle’s proposed bid to take over TikTok’s U.S. operations. The bid appeared to be nearing the finish line this past weekend, only to hit more roadblocks on Monday. “This whole process has been a mess,” Martin Chorzempa, a research fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, told the Associated Press — and that was a week ago, before the latest ups and downs. Lingering questions remain about the framework of the deal, as well as reservations the Trump administration has over data security concerns, leading to more questions than answers. Here are three to consider: 1. Do we have a deal? This is the big one, obviously. And right now, the answer seems to change by the hour. On Saturday, President Trump said he had given his “blessing” to the proposed Oracle-TikTok deal, “in concept.” On Monday, though, he appeared to walk back that statement. Just two days later, in an appearance on Fox News, the president said his administration would not approvd any deal that would allow ByteDance, TikTok’s Beijing-based parent company, with some control of TikTok Global, the U.S. subsidiary that would stem...Read original story Inside the ‘Mess’ of TikTok’s Oracle Deal: 3 Things to Watch At TheWrap
BusinessSouth China Morning PostAlibaba’s ‘Romance of the Three Kingdoms’ hit sees it make a play for lucrative gaming market
After marquee mobile game Romance of the Three Kingdoms: Strategy Edition hauled in 3.7 billion yuan (US$537 million) during the first half of the year, gaming - once a no-go area - has now become a key part of Alibaba Group Holding’s business.The e-commerce giant and China’s biggest cloud services provider is also launching its own cloud gaming platform to compete with Tencent Holdings, the world’s biggest games publisher by revenue, and NetEase.Alibaba told the Post on Monday that its gaming division Lixing Interactive – which publishes Romance of the Three Kingdoms: Strategy Edition – has been upgraded to an independent business group to parallel the company’s entertainment division.Get the latest insights and analysis from our Global Impact newsletter on the big stories originating in China.Alibaba’s cloud gaming platform was revealed at the company’s annual Apsara conference last week, and was described as a business solution for games developers that want to build “new infrastructure”.Cloud gaming technology leverages high-speed internet connections to allow users to play games straight from servers, without the need to download the game to a local hard drive. Having high capacity, low latency networks is a key requirement and 5G is seen as an industry driver.This has been an about-face for Alibaba though.In a speech given to an audience at Columbia University in 2010, Alibaba co-founder Ma said that he would not enter the online gaming business as he considered it bad for China. At the time, China’s one-child policy was still in effect, and Ma said families could not afford to have their only children addicted to online games.Zhuang Zhuoran, vice-president of Alibaba, said that cloud gaming will become a major use case for 5G networks. India’s gods, culture and mythology celebrated – in a game“Cloud gaming will become one of the major personal consumption scenarios of the 5G era,” Zhuang said in a statement. “Alibaba’s Platform As A Service (Paas) 1.0 wants to build a platform for industry partners, focusing on the infrastructure … and integrate Alibaba’s e-commerce, finance, services and content applications with ... cloud gaming.”Growth in video gaming has been accelerated by the stay-at-home economy during the Covid-19 pandemic. Research firm Newzoo expects the global gaming industry to grow 9.3 per cent in 2020 to a value of US$159.3 billion, making it bigger than the music and movie industries combined.Analysts said Alibaba is pursuing a two-pronged approach to expand its gaming business. On the one hand it is developing more hits to capitalise on the ongoing gaming boom while on the other it is providing the cloud infrastructure that developers need to build more games.“Successful online games businesses have very high margins, strong cash flows, and can help to engage and monetise the company’s users,” said Vey-Sern Ling, senior analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence. “It also falls into Alibaba’s broader definition of consumption, which includes digital services and entertainment.”After some mixed initial forays, Alibaba’s acquisition of Guangzhou-based developer Ejoy in 2017 began the groundwork for where it stands today. Ejoy was founded by a number of respected NetEase veterans, including former NetEase COO Zhan Zhonghui.Zhan became the head of games development within Alibaba. Lingxi Interactive was also founded to take on the game publishing business and is also controlled by Zhan, according to a person familiar with the matter, who asked to remain anonymous. Marvel’s Avengers game sets the bar for a movie tie-inRomance of the Three Kingdoms was developed by Ejoy and published by Lingxi in 2019. The strong first-half sales figures were provided by Hubei Century Network Tec, the Chinese partner of Japanese gaming firm Koei Tecmo which holds the franchise.According to app tracker Sensor Tower, the game made about 600 million yuan in August, making it the game with the third-biggest revenue in China. It outperformed NetEase’s marquee game Fantasy Westward Journey but was not as strong as Tencent’s Honor of Kings or Peacekeeper Elite.Alibaba’s second most-popular mobile game is Romance of the Three Kingdoms Fantasy Land, part of the same franchise developed by Ejoy and published by Lingxi. According to Sensor Tower, the game made nearly US$21 million in August.More from South China Morning Post: * Indian gods, mythology and culture celebrated in video game Raji: An Ancient Epic * Marvel’s Avengers video game misses Robert Downey Jnr and Chris Evans, but it’s the best tie-in yet * A video game with heart, Before I Forget teaches us about the joys of life – especially relevant today * Three must-play video games for the new PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X consoles * Upcoming Harry Potter video game ‘on track’ despite backlash over J.K. Rowling’s recent inflammatory tweetsThis article Alibaba’s ‘Romance of the Three Kingdoms’ hit sees it make a play for lucrative gaming market first appeared on South China Morning PostFor the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2020.
EntertainmentThe WrapRon Cobb, ‘Back to the Future’ DeLorean Designer, Dies at 83
Cartoonist turned production designer Ron Cobb, best known for coming up the initial design of DeLorean time travel machine from “Back to the Future” has died, according to a report in the Hollywood Reporter. Cobb was 83.Cobb died on Monday, his birthday, of Lewy body dementia in Sydney, according to his wife of 48 years, Robin Love.Cobb’s designs help defined production design for some of the most iconic films of the 1970s and 80s. Cobb, who was born in 1937, broke into the industry in 1956 working at Disney as a breakdown artist on “Sleeping Beauty.” Cobb did uncredited design work on the aliens in the cantina scene in 1977’s “Star Wars,” and broke out designing the exterior of the earthship, Nostromo, on Ridley Scott’s “Alien” in 1978. Cobb also designed many of the Nostromo’s interior sets. In 1982, Cobb scored his first credit as production designer on 1982’s “Conan the Barbarian.” Cobb is responsible for designing Conan’s world, armor, architecture and weapons on that film.Also Read: Michael Lonsdale, Former Bond Villain and 'The Day of the Jackal' Star, Dies at 89While Cobb was working on “Conan the Barbarian,” he met director Steven Spielberg who was working in the same building at Universal on “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”“I would suggest [to Spielberg] angles, ideas, verbalize the act of directing — ‘Let’s do this and do that, and we could shoot over his shoulder and then a close-up of the shadow,’ ” Cobb told the Los Angeles Times in 1988. Cobb was supposed to direct “Night Skies,” which ultimately became “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial” which Spielberg oversaw the rewrite and decided to direct them film himself. Cobb ended up receiving financial compensation.Cobb would go on to become the production designer on 1984’s “The Last Starfighter,” and then followed that up with the design which would become the DeLorean time travel machine in 1985’s “Back to the Future.”Cobb is survived by his wife and son.Read original story Ron Cobb, ‘Back to the Future’ DeLorean Designer, Dies at 83 At TheWrap
EntertainmentThe WrapAFI Fest 2020 to Close With Errol Morris Documentary ‘My Psychedelic Love Story’
The 2020 AFI Fest will close with Errol Morris’ documentary “My Psychedelic Love Story,” the American Film Institute announced on Monday.“My Psychedelic Love Story” explores the dark side of Timothy Leary, High Priest of LSD, who was known for his strong advocacy of psychedelic drugs, and his doomed relationship with British socialite Joanna Harcourt-Smith.AFI also announced the lineup for the Special Presentations section, which will include the world premieres of “Pink Skiews Ahead” (Kelly Oxford), “The Reagans” (Matt Tyrnauer), “Really Love” (Angel Kristi Williams), “The Father” (Florian Zeller), “Fireball” (Werner Herzog and Clive Oppenheimer) and “A Suitable Boy” (Mira Nair).Also Read: AFI Names 8 Filmmakers for This Year's Directing Workshop for Women“Celebrating the diversity of great cinematic storytelling, our Special Presentations offer our audience the opportunity to experience new stories and new voices at this year’s AFI Fest,” Michael Lumpkin, Director of AFI Festivals, said in a statement. “From first-time directors and established masters to fiction and nonfiction to series, these outstanding projects films affirm the vitality and creativity of our resilient film community.”The 2020 AFI Fest will run from Oct. 15 to Oct. 22 and will open with the world premiere of Julia Hart’s “I Am Your Woman.”The festival’s full line-up is expected to be unveiled in October.Read original story AFI Fest 2020 to Close With Errol Morris Documentary ‘My Psychedelic Love Story’ At TheWrap
What to read next
Hong Kong domestic helper loses Court of Appeal challenge against ‘live-in’ rule
South China Morning PostTaiwanese cheerleader admits to be Alien Huang's girlfriend
From Cinema Online Exclusively for Yahoo NewsroomChinese households lose their taste for Australian dairy products as souring relations hit sales
South China Morning Post