Jay Chiat, founder of Chiat/Day, now TBWA/Chiat/Day, has died after a long bout with cancer. He was 70….At press time, there seemed to be an uneasy status quo between actors and talent agents following the rejection last week (4/19) by Screen Actors Guild (SAG) members of a proposed pact between SAG and the Association of Talent Agents (ATA). Nearly 55 percent of those SAG members who voted gave a thumbs down to the tentative agreement, which would have allowed advertising agencies and small to mid-sized independent producers to buy a limited ownership stake in Hollywood talent agencies. The defeat of the agreement means that for the first time since 1939, talent agencies are no longer bound by SAG rules governing commissions and other aspects of business. For the moment, there don’t seem to be any dramatic moves in the offing, such as agents unilaterally raising commissions or selling pieces of their firms. Meanwhile, ATA and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) have reached a tentative agreement, subject to AFTRA board and membership approval. Details of that proposed pact had not yet been released as SHOOT went to press…..Diane Flynn, who most recently served as a freelance producer, has been named executive principal/director of broadcast production for Publicis, New York. Prior to freelancing, she was senior VP/director of broadcast production/creative director at Merkley Newman Harty, New York. Previously, she was senior VP/director of broadcast production/ associate creative director at FCB Chicago….Preston Lee, formerly of Venice, Calif.-based Play, has joined Area 51 Films, Santa Monica, as executive producer. He will work closely with Area 51’s managing director, Mark Thomas….Colorist Tim Masick has joined Company 3, New York. He comes over from Moving Images, New York…. Kandoo Films, a Los Angeles shop specializing in entertainment advertising, has launched a commercial production division, signing director Brent Loefke. The move comes on the heels of Kandoo’s opening of feature and music video divisions….
“Dune: Part Two” and “House of the Dragon” Win 2 HPA Awards Apiece
Dune: Part Two and House of the Dragon each scored two HPA Awards during a gala ceremony at the Television Academy’s Wolf Theatre in North Hollywood, Calif. on Thursday night (11/7). The HPA Awards honor trailblazing talent in the postproduction industry, celebrating standout achievements in color grading, sound, editing, restoration, and visual effects across theatrical features, commercials, and episodics.
Dune: Part Two topped the Outstanding Color Grading--Live Action Theatrical Feature and the Outstanding Sound--Theatrical Feature categories.
House of the Dragon’s two wins were for “The Red Dragon and the Gold” episode which scored for Outstanding Visual Effects--Live Action Episode or Series Season, and Outstanding Editing--Episode or Non-Theatrical Feature (Over 30 Minutes). In the latter HPA Creative Category, House of the Dragon tied with the “Part Six: Far,l Far Away” episode of Ahsoka.
The HPA’s Judges Award for Creativity and Innovation honored Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour. This recognition celebrates the profound impact on both live and filmed entertainment that defined The Eras Tour, underscoring its exceptional impact on audiences and the industry. The jury issued a statement outlining their choice: “Celebrated as the cultural phenomenon of 2023, Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour set new records in box office sales, tour revenues, and attendance. The tour showcased exceptional artistry and innovation, making a profound impact on both live and filmed entertainment.”
This year, FotoKem was awarded the Charles S. Swartz Award for its role in supporting filmmakers, studios, cinematographers, and artists across diverse film and media landscapes. Also celebrated... Read More