Actors Start Strike Preparations A Week Ahead Of Extended Talks Deadline

Charisma Carpenter is calling out an AI service that claims to give you “direct connections with producers and directors”.

EXCLUSIVE: Noah Hawley’s Alien FX series has started production in Thailand but without its stars who are SAG-AFTRA members — including the two leads — due to the ongoing strike.

Todd Spangler NY Digital Editor Microsoft and Activision Blizzard extended the deadline to close their $69 billion mega-deal by three months as the parties work to get approval from U.K. regulators. Microsoft and Activision Blizzard’s original merger agreement expired July 18, 2023. On Tuesday, the companies entered into an agreement waiving certain rights to terminate the merger if the transaction has not closed prior to Oct. 18, 2023. The agreement also includes amendments to Activision Blizzard’s commercial Xbox arrangements with Microsoft, valued at up to $250 million for each of fiscal years 2023 and 2024. The deal, announced in January 2022, has cleared most regulatory and legal challenges, including U.S. federal courts rejection of the FTC’s bid to block the deal and the Supreme Court’s rejection of a last-minute appeal to stop the deal by a group of gamers opposed to Microsoft’s takeover of Activision.

Ashley Iaconetti and Jared Haibon are hoping to give son Dawson a sibling … when the conditions are better for mom to go through a second pregnancy.

Amid the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, Luke Cook offered a candid glimpse into how much he earned as an actor over the years.

Gene Maddaus Senior Media Writer SAG-AFTRA has agreed to a last-minute call for federal mediation of its contract, but indicated it will not extend its deadline for deciding whether to go on strike beyond Wednesday at midnight. That would appear to leave relatively little time for a mediator to avert a strike, which could begin as soon as Thursday morning. In a statement on Tuesday afternoon, the union emphasized that “time is running out” and made clear that relations between the two sides have become extremely strained. “The AMPTP has abused our trust and damaged the respect we have for them in this process,” the union said. “We will not be manipulated by this cynical ploy to engineer an extension when the companies have had more than enough time to make a fair deal.”

Cynthia Littleton Business Editor SAG-AFTRA has taken to the medium of the moment — TikTok — to send the message that it is ready to begin a work stoppage as soon as next week. The union that is in the midst of tense contract negotiations with Hollywood’s major studios published a 42-second video on the social media platform that showed members wielding staplers and duct tape in the grunt work of making dozens of picket signs. Among the notable SAG-AFTRA members seen in the video, titled “If a strike becomes necessary” is Yvette Nicole Brown, who is active in the union and a member of its national board. If a strike becomes necessary, we're ready. pic.twitter.com/62kUzNId4e SAG-AFTRA faces a deadline of midnight PT on July 12 in its latest round of talks with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.

William Earl With five days to go, SAG-AFTRA is stepping up its efforts to prepare for going on strike even as contract negotiations with Hollywood’s major studios intensify. On Thursday, SAG-AFTRA distributed a survey to its 160,000 members and alerted them that the union would be calling for volunteers to help make signs, work phone banks, distribute T-shirts and generally support a mobilization of pickets on the streets of Los Angeles, New York and selected other locations. The email message includes a survey of members’ availability to picket outside studio gates, New York offices and other key locations. SAG-AFTRA members have already been out in force on picketing efforts mounted by the Writers Guild of America, which went on strike May 2. Many rank-and-file SAG-AFTRA members are fired up about issues on the table in this difficult season of Hollywood labor negotiations. By contrast, the Directors Guild of America has ratified a new three-year contract in a deal reached last month without much drama.

Offset and Cardi B stole the spotlight at Paris Fashion Week after their public spat online over cheating claims last month.Offset and Cardi attended the Balenciaga Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2023/2024 show in Paris on Wednesday, where both artists stunned in all-black ensembles.Cardi rocked a striking black, long-sleeved sequined gown featuring a plunging neckline and enormous bow clutch. Meanwhile, Offset rocked a long black coat over a white button-down shirt and black tie.The pair were all smiles as they walked past fans and photographers, laughing with one another while waving and posing for photos.Cardi B and Offset leaving the Balenciaga Haute Couture show in Paris.

Zoe Saldana provided a pop of color in the audience while attending the Fendi Couture Fall/Winter 2023/2024 show during Paris Fashion Week on Thursday (July 6) in Paris, France.

Cardi B got a lift!

Shakira is sending a message from the front row!On Wednesday, the «Hips Don't Lie» singer attended the Viktor & Rolf haute couture show as part of Paris Fashion Week. For her appearance, Shakira adorned a white coat dress with a clear message on the bust: NO.The dress was from the fashion house's 2008 collection that featured a wide range of ensembles comprised of the same message.

Shakira and Camila Cabello posed together during their recent encounter at Paris Fashion Week. The two singers were all smiles having a casual conversation at the Viktor and Rolf fashion show, sitting front row and showing off their stunning looks.The Colombian star seemed to be making a statement with her all-white ensemble, which included a Viktor and Rolf coat with the word ‘NO’ in 3D. Shakira paired the look with a metallic purse, gold heels, and matching sunglasses, while Camila was photographed wearing a black lace minidress with an intricate pattern, featuring puffy shoulders.

Sydney Sweeney and Noah Centineo hang out at the Giorgio Armani Privé Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2023/2024 show during Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday (July 4) in Paris, France.

Lupita Nyong’o and Kendrick Lamar pose for photos together while attending the Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2023/2024 show during Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday (July 4) in Paris, France.

Cardi B, Lee Pace and Diane Keaton show off their unique sense of style while attending the Thom Browne show during Paris Fashion Week on Monday (July 3) in Paris, France.

Natalie Portman hugs it out with Lea Seydoux while arriving on the front row for the Christian Dior Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2023/2024 show during Paris Fashion Week on Monday (July 3) in Paris, France.

Gene Maddaus Senior Media Writer SAG-AFTRA and the studios will keep talking beyond the midnight Friday contract deadline, as they remain at odds on issues like streaming residuals and artificial intelligence. The union has agreed to extend the contract to July 12. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers and SAG-AFTRA made the announcement in a joint statement just before 7 p.m. Friday. In a message to its membership, SAG-AFTRA said the leadership had decided unanimously to extend the contract “in order to exhaust every opportunity to achieve the righteous contract we all demand and deserve.”

Greater Manchester is set to feel more mild, as temperatures struggle to top 20C for the remainder of the week. A mixed bag of weather is forecast for our region, with rain predicted to fall every day expect for Sunday.

OMG! Production is about to be underway for the next season of Vanderpump Rules!!