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Aside from multiple Broadway shows closing, theatres shutting their doors, or productions being cancelled before they even begin, how is the recession affecting working and aspiring actors?
New York mag's new feature "My Laid-Off Life" relates seven stories from seven different New Yorkers (of 33,000 since August) who have recently lost their jobs -- and wouldn't you know it, two of them are actors!
Valkyrie is just another example of Tom Cruise's
arrogance. I don't understand how he
decided to do an historic picture,
The Seattle True Independent Film Festival, which showcases and furthers the work of the best indie filmmakers, is accepting submissions for its 10-day summer celebration of off-beat films in Seattle, Wash. As an underground festival, the event has gained traction with filmmakers, audiences, and press for quality independent work without big stars or studio resources.
Tina Fey, the newest darling of all things television, just edged out Robert Downey, Jr. for AP's Entertainer of the Year honors! Chosen by newspaper editors and broadcast producers, the funny lady and multiple award winner was selected "as the performer who had the greatest impact on culture and entertainment in 2008." Can we say Sarah Palin?
The Kent Film Festival, a grassroots organization dedicated to the development and education of artists with independent visions, is taking submissions for its fourth annual event. In the heart of Litchfield County, Conn., KFF focuses on the art and craft of filmmaking and gives filmmakers a platform to reach the best possible audience for their work. The fest also provides many incentives and opportunities to create a regional "film buzz."
Continue reading "Kent Fest in Connecticut Looking for Films" »
Broadway theatres will dim their marquee lights for one minute tonight, Dec. 30, in honor of the late playwright, actor, essayist, novelist, screenwriter, poet, and director Harold Pinter. Pinter died Dec. 24 at age 78.
Still lost for ideas for things to do on New Year's Eve? Here's a great idea for all you lovely stars and starlets in Los Angeles. Don't miss this one! The Sacred Fools Theatre, sticking to the tried and true, once again attempts to write and perform eight plays in 24 hours.
With the passing of Harold Pinter, Eartha Kitt, Van Johnson, and the various year-end lookbacks at those who have left us, there is one show business figure whose death has gotten somewhat lost in the shuffle. Veteran character actor Robert Prosky died on Dec. 10 and, as Arthur Miller said of Willy Loman--a character Prosky played at the Arena Theatre in Washington, DC--"Attention must be paid." (I pray Proksy will be included in the posthumous montages at the Oscars, Emmy and the SAG Awards and I intend to write several angry letters if he is overlooked.)
We shouldn't wrap up the year by dwelling on all the bad stuff (financial meltdown, economy tanking, burst housing bubble). Instead, let's take a few moments to relish the flubs of famous Hollywood people this year! That will be fun! Nothing makes you feel a little bit warmer about the hard, cold world than seeing some smart, successful, wealthy, and powerful person do something idiotic.