I am a journalist and film critic based in Cork, Ireland.

I currently work as a foreign correspondent for the EU-funded press agency Cineuropa. I regularly write reviews, interviews, news and industry report about Irish and European cinemas. I provide extensive coverage of international film ...

The UK and Irish box office grew by 8.3% in 2023

11 Jan 2024  |  Cineuropa - the best of european cinema  |  English  |  Economic Growth

In 2023, box-office revenues in Ireland and the UK grew by 8.3% compared to 2022, driven largely by the success of films like 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer'. Despite this growth, revenues remain 23.5% below pre-pandemic levels. The number of new theatrical releases increased, with a notable rise in 'saturation releases'. The SAG-AFTRA strikes impacted the industry, but there was no significant effect from the cost-of-living crisis on cinema attendance. 'Barbie' emerged as the highest-grossing film, particularly in Ireland.

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SAG-AFTRA

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Nestor Bentancor is a journalist trained in Uruguay and the U.S. who has worked as an entertainment correspondent in Hollywood for the international TV networks NTN24, RCN Colombia, Nuestra Tele, On DirecTV, ¡Hola TV! and more. In 2009 he founded the bilingual movie & TV news website DesdeHollywood....

Special Report: 100 Days of STRIKE in Hollywood!

03 May 2024  |  www.desdehollywood.com  |  Spanish  |  Entertainment Industry

A special report from a picket line at Warner Bros. Discovery in Burbank, California, covers the first 100 days of the Hollywood strike initiated by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) in early May, with actors from SAG-AFTRA joining nearly a month ago. Néstor Bentancor interviews Uruguayan actress, voice-over, and dubbing artist Gabriela Lopetegui, a member of SAG-AFTRA since 1996, to discuss the latest developments and sentiments of this nearly unprecedented situation.

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Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) Writers Guild of America (WGA)

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Career spot and breaking news reporter (CBS, CNN), now freelance in a chronically undercovered region.  I started my career in radio, but now I've added a full array of tools for "backpack reporting."  Mostly in Tijuana and San Diego, California, but extremely mobile.

Soy "periodista mochilera" ...

SAG-AFTRA Overwhelmingly Approves Deal, Ending Weeks of Voting

05 Dec 2023  |  timesofsandiego.com  |  English  |  Artificial Intelligence

SAG-AFTRA members have approved a three-year agreement with 78.33% in favor, ending a 118-day strike against studios. The deal includes a 7% wage increase, a streaming participation bonus, and AI 'guardrails' requiring informed consent for digital replicas. Despite some opposition, particularly regarding AI protections, union leadership advocated for approval. The contract, retroactive to November 9, will run through June 30, 2026, and is seen as a significant step for the industry, with over $1 billion in new wages and benefits.

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SAG-AFTRA Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers Writers Guild of America

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Jonathan is a print, radio, and video journalist. He was based in the Middle East for two years and is now reporting throughout the former Soviet Union.
 
His work has been published by BuzzFeed World, Politico, MSNBC, the International Business Times, the Independent, Vice News, Radio France ...

Actor-Turned-Indie Producer Jonathan Daniel Brown On Interim Agreements: “Star-Studded Projects Getting Go-Ahead While Small Films Rot On Vine” – Guest Column

23 Aug 2023  |  deadline.com  |  English  |  Film Production

Jonathan Daniel Brown, an actor-turned-producer and head of Party Crasher Films, discusses the challenges faced by independent films due to SAG-AFTRA's Interim Agreement program amidst the labor strikes in Hollywood. He criticizes the streaming industry's impact on Hollywood, advocates for workers' rights, and suggests reforms to support indie films and actor-producers. Brown calls for a united front between indie film and unions to overcome the influence of 'Silicon Valley parasites' and revitalize cinema.

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SAG-AFTRA AMPTP Party Crasher Films

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Political View

Genia Dulot is a journalist based in Los Angeles, United States of America.

The Future of Artificial Intelligence in the Entertainment Industry

06 Aug 2023  |  www.zeriamerikes.com  |  Albanian  |  Labor Disputes

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) has become a significant issue in Hollywood actors' and screenwriters' strikes, with studios offering protections and fair compensation for AI usage while performers fear unauthorized copying of their image and voice. AI's increasing use in the entertainment industry raises concerns about digital rights. Trade association AMPTP and actors' union SAG-AFTRA are in disagreement over digital copying rights, with SAG-AFTRA claiming studios offer background actors one-day pay in exchange for permanent digital copy rights. Voice actors, represented by NAVA, are particularly affected, with instances of unauthorized voice use in advertisements. SAG-AFTRA's Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and actor Zeke Alton call for laws ensuring consent and compensation for performers. The writers' strike has been joined by the actors' union, disrupting many film and TV productions.

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SAG-AFTRA Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA)

Kim Harrisberg is a multimedia journalist based in Cape Town, South Africa.

She won the Vodacom Online Journalist of the Year award in 2015 for her multimedia storytelling piece on domestic worker's salaries in South Africa.

She is skilled in journalistic writing, videography, audio editing ...

Whose voice is it anyway? Actors take on AI copycats

25 Oct 2023  |  www.gulf-times.com  |  English  |  Human Rights

Voice actors, led by Armando Plata, are mobilizing globally to protect their vocal rights against AI cloning. With AI technology advancing and becoming more affordable, voice actors are at risk of losing income and control over their voices. High-profile cases like Morgan Freeman's voice being used without consent highlight the issue. Voice actors are seeking legislative protection, considering voices as personal patrimony and advocating for audio watermarks. The European Union's AI Act is being closely watched as it could set a global standard for synthetic voice use. Meanwhile, organizations like Voices.com are moving towards ethical voice sourcing, and voice actors are negotiating contracts to safeguard against AI misuse. The industry is pushing for global legislation, but until then, they are taking individual precautions.

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Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) Colombian Association of Voice Actors DeepMedia National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA) South African Guild of Actors Arts Workers Japan

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Peony Hirwani is an accomplished journalist, explorer, traveller, and speaker. Living in three completely different parts and cultures of this world; Europe, the Middle East, and Asia in the past four years, Hirwani works to capture and write about stories that inspire and matter in this day and ...

Keith Olbermann slams Bill Maher for resuming HBO’s ‘Real Time’ without writers

15 Sept 2023  |  Yahoo Entertainment  |  English  |  Labor Strike

Keith Olbermann criticized Bill Maher for deciding to resume his HBO show 'Real Time With Bill Maher' amid ongoing Hollywood WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, calling him a 'selfish and unfunny scumbag.' Maher plans to bring back the show without writers, which he acknowledges will be different, omitting segments like the monologue and 'New Rules.' The WGA expressed disappointment with Maher's decision, emphasizing his obligation to follow strike rules. Maher previously described the WGA's demands as 'kooky' on his podcast. Meanwhile, Drew Barrymore announced her talk show's production will comply with the strikes.

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SAG-AFTRA Writers Guild of America (WGA)

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Hi! I'm Ethan Huang, based in Taipei, Taiwan

About me -
Skills: Programming, Video Production, Content Writing and Researching
Past Experience: Radio Station News Assistant (Radio Taiwan International), Non-profit Organization Intern (Forward Alliance)

From SAG-AFTRA to PCH

24 Oct 2023  |  www.uscannenbergmedia.com  |  English  |  Safety Concerns

Updates on the SAG-AFTRA strike, the release of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, and safety concerns on the PCH are discussed.

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SAG-AFTRA

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Journalist specializing in Economics and Finance, I follow in particular the performance of the economy in the United States and Latin America. For more than 20 years I have been dedicated to the production and presentation of audiovisual content. I have a specialization in television news and ...

3 Ways to Control Audition Fear Instantly

27 Mar 2018  |  www.backstage.com  |  English  |  Fear Management

Actors often experience fear during auditions, which can manifest as physical and mental symptoms that hinder performance. To combat this, actors can reverse negative self-talk, practice centered breathing, and attune themselves with mood-setting music. Techniques like the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT Tapping) can also be beneficial. These practices should be done consistently for at least 30 days to become effective audition habits, allowing actors to perform authentically and without fear.

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SAG-AFTRA TheTappingSolution.com

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I am a multimedia journalist based in Los Angeles. I produce and report TV, radio and online stories for BBC News (and occasionally others). Before BBC, I was with Reuters and then the Associated Press in Europe and then Southeast Asia. I have contributed to the New York Times and often write for ...

The strike that could paralyze Hollywood

12 Jul 2023  |  Terra  |  Portuguese  |  Entertainment Industry

Hollywood writers have been on strike for two months, and actors may soon join them, potentially leading to significant delays and cancellations in the entertainment industry. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Writers Guild of America are in conflict with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) over issues such as streaming profits and the use of artificial intelligence. High-profile actors like Meryl Streep and Mark Ruffalo support the strike, emphasizing the unsustainable business model of streaming services and the threat of AI to creative jobs.

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Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) Writers Guild of America Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) Directors Guild of America

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Allyson Portee is a journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon.

How The Writers And Actors Strike In Hollywood Is Affecting Celebrity Fashion Stylists And Costume Designers

18 Aug 2023  |  Forbes  |  English  |  Entertainment

The Hollywood writers and actors strike has significantly impacted celebrity fashion stylists and costume designers, causing a severe reduction in work opportunities and financial instability. Stylists like Jacqueline Zenere and Allisa Swanson have had to seek alternative income sources, while others like Micaela Erlanger have diversified their business ventures to mitigate the impact. The strike has also affected related vendors and consultants, with many calling for the formation of a union to provide protections and benefits. The situation is exacerbated by the timing, coinciding with a typically slow period for the fashion industry and ongoing inflation. The article highlights the resilience and adaptability of those affected, as well as the broader implications for the entertainment and fashion industries.

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SAG-AFTRA Writers Guild of America (WGA) Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) CAFTCAD Costume Designers Guild (CDG) IATSE

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Eric is deputy bureau chief for Agence France-Presse in Tehran, Iran.

Regular live TV and radio skype interviews and phone-ins from Iran for France 24, Deutsche Welle, BBC and others.

Hollywood Strike Saps Glamour From 80th Venice Film Festival

30 Aug 2023  |  www.barrons.com  |  English  |  Film Industry

The 80th Venice Film Festival has been impacted by the ongoing Hollywood strike, leading to the absence of many high-profile actors. Despite this, several Oscar hopefuls are premiering, including films by Emma Stone, Bradley Cooper, and Adam Driver. Controversial figures Woody Allen and Roman Polanski are also featured, sparking debate. The festival includes a mix of in-competition and out-of-competition films, with notable entries from Sofia Coppola, David Fincher, and Wes Anderson.

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Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA)

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I'm a journalist based in Berlin, Germany. I have a strong sense for the story and I'm a skilled interviewer. Very quick to write down the article, never missed a deadline, I can count on a good writing style - at least in my language (italian). I'm a freelancer since 2006. I published my articles ...

Lively and Reynolds donate a million to the children of Israel and Gaza

13 Oct 2023  |  www.hollywoodreporter.it  |  Italian  |  International Aid

On October 13, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds donated one million dollars to the International Committee of the Red Cross to aid children in Israel and Gaza. The couple, who have four children, have previously supported various causes, including donations to the UNHCR following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and contributions to Water First Education & Training Inc., Feeding America, and Food Banks Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also donated to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation's financial assistance program for artists. The ICRC recently sent medical supplies to a Gaza hospital and is assessing damage to infrastructure and locating hostages to provide medical aid and family contact. Lively and Reynolds are the first celebrities to publicly provide financial aid to Israel and Gaza amidst the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, with the Israeli military preparing for further conflict. Other celebrities have shown support for the innocent victims of the war.

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SAG-AFTRA Foundation International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Water First Education & Training Inc. Feeding America Food Banks Canada

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Able to provide - Fixing, Live Radio, Print, Radio Newsgathering, Radio Packages and some TV.
 BBC credits include Diana Ross & The Best of Jazz (as co-writer/co-producer): The Capitol Records Story and Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story (as creator/writer/producer/host); and several BBC live ...

Hollywood Braces for “Below the Line” Strike

11 Mar 2024  |  www.videoageinternational.net  |  English  |  Contract Negotiations

Hollywood faces the possibility of a significant labor strike in 2024 as below-the-line workers demand better conditions, including rest, safety, compensation, benefits, and health and pension issues. Union leaders and members, including IATSE, IBEW Local 40, and Teamsters Local 399, rallied in Encino, California, calling for a strike if their needs are not met. The AMPTP is criticized for its treatment of workers, with union leaders expressing strong opinions against the organization. Contract negotiations began on March 4, with a media blackout in place, and will resume on March 18 after separate guild meetings.

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SAG-AFTRA AMPTP IATSE IBEW Local 40 Local 724, LiUNA! Local 755, OPCMIA Teamsters Local 399 UA Local 78 WGA L.A. County Federation of Labor

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Political View

Irina Sternik is a journalist based in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Especialista en nueva tecnologías.
Apta para corresponsal, colaboradora, conductora y columnista de tecnología para TV Show y News.

Art, artificial intelligence, copyright, and author's rights: Who do the works belong to?

31 Dec 2023  |  Chequeado  |  Spanish  |  Intellectual Property

The article discusses the impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the creation of realistic images and its implications for various professionals, including writers, actors, and illustrators. It highlights the legal and ethical issues surrounding AI-generated works, particularly regarding copyright and author's rights. The article mentions several cases where AI tools have been used to create works in the style of existing artists without their consent, leading to debates and legal actions over intellectual property rights. It also touches on the differences between copyright and author's rights, the role of GAFAM in AI development, and the potential misuse of web scraping. The article includes perspectives from experts and affected individuals on the challenges and possible solutions to these issues.

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Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) Writers Guild of America (WGA) CONICET Fundación Vía Libre The New York Times

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Pam Windsor is a freelance journalist based in Nashville, United States of America.

Actor And Singer/Songwriter Alicia Witt Celebrates New Music With Release Of Her EP ‘Witness’

25 Aug 2023  |  Forbes  |  English  |  Personal Journey

Alicia Witt, an accomplished actor and musician, has released her new EP 'Witness' amidst a busy year of acting and live performances. Despite the SAG-AFTRA strike limiting her ability to discuss upcoming acting projects, Witt focuses on her music, sharing deeply personal stories through her songs. Her music career, which includes performances on the Grand Ole Opry and opening for notable artists, continues to grow as she balances it with her acting. Witt's new EP features tracks that reflect her personal experiences and aim to connect with listeners on a profound level.

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SAG-AFTRA

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