The guild awards season is upon us. And the contenders range from established series that have an Emmy track record to brand new shows that next year may very well be up for consideration by the Television Academy for the first time.

This SHOOT Preview delves into a small sample which reflects that mix. This time around we sound out some select artists behind: House of the Dragon (HBO), recipient of nine Emmy nominations last year (winning for costume design); and a pair of new entries--The Day of the Jackal (Peacock), and Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story (Netflix).

The latter has gone beyond what’s typically on a producer’s wish list such as critical and commercial success, connecting and resonating with an audience, and serving as a spark for thought and conversation. Created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, the limited series has gone a substantive step further, making a societal impact by helping to gain momentum for the movement to free Erik and Lyle Menendez, the brothers convicted of murdering their parents Jose and Kitty Menendez in 1989. The brutal killings and sensationalized courtroom drama dominated the headlines back in the day--and now once again the case has come to the fore with more weight given to the allegations that the brothers were sexually abused by their father. Menendez family members have come out in support of the brothers (with some, though, denouncing the streaming series). Lobbying efforts for the brothers’ release from prison have intensified. The office of newly elected Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman--who defeated DA George Gascon in November--has a meeting slated for January 30-31 to consider a motion asking for parole and/or a reduced sentence. The... Read More