Blog Stage - Acting in Film, TV, Theatre - Backstage

March 31-April 6, 2011 Issue of Back Stage Now on Newsstands

iPad App Aggravates, Potential Bidder for Blockbuster

Thursday afternoon, Bloomberg reported that Time Warner stopped streaming content from News Corp., Discovery Communications Inc., and Viacom Inc. on its iPad app. The day before,  Fox Networks Group sent a cease-and-desist letter to Time Warner Cable demanding the cable operator to terminate streaming cable channels, including FX, through iPads.  Scripps Networks Interactive, owner of the Food Network, also asked Time Warner to stop transmitting live television signals via the Apple device. Both companies believed Time Warner violated their respective contracts. However, those agreements were created when current technologies, such as iPads, did not exist.

NBC to Show Skin?; Animated Schwarzenegger

• Contracts for actors in NBC's upcoming pilot "The Playboy Club" include clauses for nudity and simulated sexual intercourse, even though the program is on a broadcast network. Variety reports that the risqué material wouldn't necessarily air on NBC, rather it could be used in adult versions of the show for other platforms, like DVD. (Subscription needed)

• Apparently "Mad Men" could use extra revenue from new advertising, according to Advertising Age. Matt Weiner may want to rethink his negotiating tactics.

• Arnold Schwarzenegger is partnering with Stan Lee for a comic book and an animated TV series called "The Governator." The endeavor will combine elements of his actual life and the adventures of his film characters. So who could play Schwarzenegger in a movie based on the comic book based on his life? Meryl Streep? Entertainment Weekly has the story.

Pictured: Amber Heard from "The Playboy Club (Photo: Getty Images)

Gilbert Gottfried Offends, and Now Aflac Needs You

Earlier this month, comedian Gilbert Gottfried was fired as the voice of the Aflac duck after he tweeted several jokes about the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, which were deemed offensive and insensitive by the insurance company. Gottfried has since apologized, but this new Funny or Die video reassures us that he won't stop making fun of tragedies (even if it is "too soon"):

Too Soon Gilbert Gottfried - watch more funny videos

Aflac is now seeking a new voice for its feathered mascot, via online and in-person open calls. Read the casting notice on BackStage.com or visit www.quackaflac.com to apply. But hurry, because the deadline is tomorrow, April 1.

SAG, AFTRA Speak Out on Piracy

The Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists have stepped out again in favor of strict federal action against content piracy. The performers' unions, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, the Directors Guild of America, the Motion Picture Association of America, and nine other entertainment-industry organizations sent a letter to members of Congress on Wednesday to express "strong support of the efforts of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency to combat digital theft and counterfeiting for a range of U.S. industries."

Continue reading at BackStage.com.

Storyteller/Comedian Tom Shillue Wants to Hear Your Stories

Stand-up comedian and storyteller Tom Shillue is currently performing his one-man show, Supernormal, at PS 122 in NYC. (Read our recent interview with Shillue on Blog Stage, and read the Back Stage review of Supernormal at BackStage.com.)

He is also a contributor to the new Broadcastr.com, a site that lets people create and share their own location-based audio stories. And for Thursday night's performance of Supernormal, he's letting you talk back with the free Broadcastr iPhone app, which streams audio based on GPS coordinates. Shillue is inviting fans to share their stories on the app before the show tomorrow night. Afterwards, he'll announce the location of a secret after-party on Broadcastr, inviting anyone who shared a story to come by and share a drink. Listen to Shillue's 30-second invitation here.

Mayor Bloomberg Spoofs 'Spider-Man' and 'Mamma Mia'

Over the weekend, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg took the stage at the 2011 Inner Circle charity dinner, where he got in costume to fight "budget bedbugs" (and other New York political villains) as Spider-Man and starred in "Mayor Mia," a parody of Mamma Mia that lampooned Bloomberg's career as mayor.

Watch some highlights below:

Lionsgate Pushes Low-Budget

On Wednesday, Lionsgate said it would begin producing microbudget films, which cost $2 million or less, reported The Wrap. A low-cost film has minimal risk and little overhead, but could pay off big time if it does well at the box office. Lionsgate is not the first studio to push this strategy however. After Paramount's "Paranormal Activity" grossed $193.4 million worldwide on a $15,000 budget, the studio began its own microbudget division called Paramount Insure.

'Mad' Opinions; Jackie Chan Still Alive

• As the contract negotiations continue with "Mad Men" creator Matt Weiner, the debate rages about whether the showrunner should stick to his guns. The Wrap reports that Lost co-creator Damon Lindelof does not support Weiner's demands for more money and unchecked creative freedom. On the other hand, The Hollywood Reporter argues that Weiner's show put AMC on the map and he can demand whatever he wants. The Wrap and Los Angeles Times runs down the whole situation.

• A fake news report made the rounds yesterday that said actor Jackie Chan died of a heart attack. New York Post has the story, including this splendid recount: "Despite its numerous grammatical errors and a purported quote from President Barack Obama saying, 'First it's [recently deceased hip-hop star] Nate Dogg then it's Jackie Chan.'

• Xpand Infinity has developed a flexible 3D system to accommodate almost any screen size, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The company also made a 3D plug-in for PowerPoint, the glasses providing a new a way to hide that you've fallen asleep during a business meeting.

Pictured: Matthew Weiner (Photo: Getty Images)

Video: Crush It! Using Your Other 8 Hours to Monetize Your Art

“The social media revolution has changed the way we live our lives and conduct our business.”-Gary Vaynerchuk (New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Crush It:  Why Now is the Time to Cash in on Your Passion and Co-founder Vayner Media.)  

“We're living at an amazing time where it's possible to catapult our finances to a new level with a little creativity and free time.”-Robert Pagliarini  (National Best Selling Author, The Other 8 Hours, CBS Moneywatch Columnist,  and President of Pacifica Wealth Advisors)

The democratization of media has obliterated the barriers to entry for anyone interested in creating and monetizing content.   With more artists needing to work survival jobs to make ends meet, creating and finding an audience in one’s “free time” is becoming more critical than ever.  And it has never been easier!  Join lauded online marketing trailblazer Gary Vaynerchuk and acclaimed creator /wealth builder Robert Pagliarini as they explore structured strategies to create new wealth in the new media space. 

 

 

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