Fox Corp. Delays Return to Office Work for Non-Production Staff Until 2021

The pay cuts spurred on by the novel coronavirus pandemic are beginning to wind down. While the entertainment industry continues to be hamstrung by postponed productions, shuttered movie theaters and closed offices, one of the largest companies in the sector is nonetheless rolling back the cuts, which were institutedin the first few weeks after states began issuing stay-at-home orders.

Elaine Low Senior TV WriterFox Corp. and Walt Disney have both reinstated executive salaries for most of those impacted by temporary pay cuts amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to those familiar with the situation.At Fox, the parent company of Fox Entertainment, Fox News, Fox Business and Fox Sports, compensation reductions of 15% for execs at the vice president level and above came to an end on July 31.

Matt Donnelly Senior Film Writer“The Ellen DeGeneres Show” has implemented several new perks for its weary staff, including increased paid time off and a liberal medical leave policy, following a dramatic address from the daytime host on Monday.Staffers will receive five paid days off to use at their discretion, birthdays off, and paid time for doctors appointments and family matters, one source familiar with the series told Variety.

Though they’ve only been together for a short period of time, Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly have been the new couple to watch during the coronavirus pandemic, coming off of Miz Fox’s highly public split from husband Brian Austin Green.

Dave McNary Film ReporterHollywood studios and unions are finalizing an overall set of safety regulations for returning to work following the shutdown of production during the past five months.Steve Dayan, secretary-treasurer for Teamsters Local 399, notified members of the progress in an update posted on the local’s website.“Return to work discussions are ongoing with the Studios and the other Unions and Guilds,” he said.

David Robb Labor EditorThe major companies and Hollywood’s unions are close to finalizing terms for restarting film and TV production. “Return-to-work discussions are ongoing with the studios and the other unions and guilds,” Teamsters Local 399 said in the latest message to its members.

Machine Gun Kelly and Megan Fox’s new love is “locked” and loaded!

United Kingdom on Sept. 17, Fox News Media said Tuesday.

Elaine Low Senior TV WriterActors’ Equity Association, the union that represents more than 51,000 actors and stage managers, including around 750 Disney live performers, has reached an agreement with the Walt Disney Company for its performers to return to work at Disney World in Orlando, Fla., as the company sets up a COVID-19 testing site outside of the park.

David Robb Labor EditorThe WGA West told its members today that, as production begins to ramp up amid the coronavirus pandemic, writers should not sign liability waivers exempting employers from their responsibility to provide a safe workplace.“Your employer is required by law to provide a safe and healthy workplace both in the [writers] room and on set,” the guild said in its latest communique to members.

David Robb Labor EditorFilm and television production “is finally getting ready to start back up,” IATSE Grips Local 80 business manager Thom Davis said in his latest update on the industry’s efforts for a safe return to work.“The major lots have brought back people to get the departments ready for production,” he said, “and some of the Independents and Commercials have commenced with production.”Davis, who also is IATSE’s 2nd international vice president, noted that Hollywood’s unions – IATSE,

“CSI” is coming back to TV and it’s bringing along some familiar faces.

Nellie Andreeva Co-Editor-in-Chief, TVCBS’ CSI event series has been quietly moving forward, I have learned. William Petersen and Jorja Fox are in negotiations to star in CSI: Vegas, which serves as a sequel to the mothership CSI series, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.

up to 15 members of staff tested positive for the virus last week.

Jill Goldsmith Co-Business EditorFox Corp.’s non-production employees will continue to work remotely at least through year end as COVID-19 cases spike and the company explores more flexible longer-term arrangments, said CEO Laclan Murdoch.“The rising rates of positive cases in areas where we have a significant presence coupled with evolving restrictions and best practices around the country are impacting and postponing our planned companywide return to work efforts this fall,” he said in a note

Brian Steinberg Senior TV EditorA significant chunk of Fox Corp.’s employee base is likely to work from home for the rest of 2020 to keep the coronavirus from spreading among staffers, the company’s chief executive revealed in a memo.“In the near-term, we want to maintain a low density in our offices for those employees whose jobs do require them to be on site,” said Lachlan Murdoch, in the note.

Peter White Television EditorThe second season of CBS’ reality dating format Love Island will return on Monday August 24.The delayed return of the U.S. remake of the British entertainment hit will kick off with a two-hour premiere and will then air nightly at 9pm with a two-hour episode on Saturday nights.However, this year’s contestants will not be able to enjoy the lush environment of Fiji and instead will compete for love in Las Vegas as a result of COVID-19.