Just For Laughs Unveils Lineup for Pandemic-Era Virtual Comedy Festival

Patrick Hipes Executive Managing EditorUPDATE, SEPTEMBER 29: The Just for Laughs Festival has announced new additions to its lineup, including Chelsea Handler, Judd Apatow, Kevin Hart, Jimmy Carr, Wanda Sykes, Tig Notaro, Gina Yashere and Bobby Lee.PREVIOUS, JULY 21: The Montreal-set Just for Laughs Festival is going virtual for its 2020 edition this fall, setting a two-day online event for the annual A-list comedy showcase for October 9-10.

Shepard Smith wanted to be surrounded by fire. Not just video of flames burning in a forest, but the sound that accompanies them.

Mariah Carey seems to never run out of surprises.

Sarah Paulson‘s thriller Run will premiere as the opening night film of the virtual Nightstream film festival.The event was forged thanks to the partnership of the Boston Underground, Brooklyn Horror, North Bend, Overlook, and Popcorn Frights festivals – all of which had to cancel their annual festivals due to the coronavirus pandemic.Hear the advice Steven Spielberg gave to SarahRun, which stars Sarah and Kiera Allen and is directed by Aneesh Chaganty, will premiere on the opening night on

South by Southwest has revealed that they’ll be hosting an online 2021 event, following the cancellation of their 2020 event due to coronavirus restrictions.The virtual festival will be taking place from March 16 – March 20 next year, and is set to offer a variety of keynote speeches, conferences, film screenings and more.SXSW’s education conference, SXSW EDU, will take place the week before, commencing on March 9 and going until March 11.

Lady A, Kelsea Ballerini and Kane Brown will perform at the seventh annual festival next month.Dierks Bentley, Sam Hunt, Dustin Lynch, Jon Pardi, Riley Green, Morgan Evans and Gabby Barrett will also perform. Additionally, there will be a guest appearance by Bobby Bones.Originally scheduled to take place on May 2 at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas, the festival has now moved virtual in light of COVID-19.

Manori Ravindran International EditorSony Pictures Television is the latest company to roll out a bespoke virtual event in October.SPT, which pulled out of Cannes TV market Mipcom in July, is set to debut a month-long showcase of its latest format offerings, beginning Oct. 1.

Jake Kanter International TV EditorSony Pictures Television has announced plans to host a Virtual October Formats Fest to showcase its offerings following the disruption to Mipcom caused by coronavirus.Sony is the lastest studio to launch its own formats festival after ITV Studios held a similar event for international buyers last week.

Chris Willman Music WriterHow the 2021 Grammy Awards will proceed this coming January, in what looks likely to still be a season of at least social distancing, has been a source of considerable speculation.

When it comes to great discounts, not even our favorite stars can pass up on a chance to score an amazing item at a few dollars off. Even Lady Gaga once tweeted that she uses coupons at the grocery store and bargains at retail sometimes. 

Doug Liman is a filmmaker that is probably best known for helming features with massive budgets.

Inside Out, one of the largest LGBTQ film festivals in North America, has unveiled film titles for its upcoming Oct. 1-11 virtual edition.

Hatebreed has a new side hustle – selling pasta.Jamey Jasta has launched ‘Jasta Pasta’, a pasta that uses flour “sourced from North Dakota where some of the highest-quality Durum Semolina wheat is grown”.

. “We’re incredibly proud they have chosen Netflix as their creative home and are excited about telling stories with them that can help build resilience and increase understanding for audiences everywhere,” Netflix’s co-chief executive and chief content officer, Ted Sarandos, said in a statement, obtained by the . The Duke and Duchess say their untitled production company will focus “on creating content that informs but also gives hope."They continued in a statement, “As new parents, making

Amanda N'Duka pmc-editorial-managerAmerican Black Film Festival (ABFF) wrapped its 24th annual celebration with The Best Of The ABFF Awards.

Prince Harry commemorated the Rugby League's 125th birthday by hosting a birthday quiz online.The Duke of Sussex also hopped on a video call with Rugby League members, including players, coaches, and volunteers to celebrate the occasion.Harry remains the patron of the Rugby Football League.Much of the world might still be in lockdown, but that doesn't mean that we can't celebrate special occasions.

Colin Jost has been bringing viewers of “Saturday Night Live” laughs for years, but in a new interview with his “Weekend Update” predecessor he admits he struggled with his confidence when he and Michael Che took over “Weekend Update”.

Colin Jost is getting candid about mental health.