NBCU Streaming Head ‘Grateful’ to Writers as WGA Strike Continues: “We Will Eventually Get Through This”

EXCLUSIVE: Half of the 46 projects currently in the California film incentives program have submitted “force majeure” requests seeking waivers to extend their mandated start-date requirements due to the ongoing Writers Guild strike, according to the California Film Commission, which administers the tax credits program. The number of approved film and TV projects seeking force majeure delays is expected to grow as the strike, now in its 25th day, grinds on.

Another Marvel blockbuster has hit a roadblock.

Another brand-defining, Best Drama Emmy-winning HBO series is coming to an end this Sunday when Succession airs its finale. Just like when each of its esteemed predecessors, The Sopranos and Game Of Thrones, ended, there is the inevitable succession question about what comes next.

LinkedIn livestream event promoting his new Netflix docuseries “Working: What We Do All Day,” the former president spoke of the importance of writers in the entertainment industry. “I know there are many studios and streamers who feel a little bit embattled and there’s been a little bit too much of a glut of product and they’re looking at their bottom line and their experiencing shareholder pressure, etc, but the fact is, is that they wouldn’t be around if it weren’t for writers creating the stories that matter,” Obama said to host Ira Glass. “My hope is that as somebody who’s really supportive of the Writer’s Guild and as someone who just believes in storytelling and the craft of it,” Obama continued, “I’m hoping that they will be compensated and the importance of what they do will be reflected in whatever settlement’s arrived at. I’m very supportive of the writers and the strike and I’m hopeful that they get a fair share of the fruits of their labor.” Obama’s statements echo those of his former Vice President Joe Biden, who earlier this month said he hopes the WGA receives “a fair deal they deserve as soon as possible.”Now entering its 24th day, the strike has continued to halt production in Hollywood.

Lionsgate CFO Jimmy Barge said the company will see little to no financial impact from a three-month WGA strike – about how long the guild’s last work stoppage lasted — and that it hasn’t factored prolonged labor action into its guidance. A strong content pipeline and large library makes the business pretty resilient, he told analysts Thursday.

Endeavor President and COO Mark Shapiro said the ultimate resolution of the WGA strike will improve the fortunes of the company’s representation business.

Holly Willoughby is keen to "revamp This Morning with someone new" after co-star Phillip Schofield sensationally quit this show this weekend, a source has told OK!. This comes amid mounting speculation from fans regarding who will replace him.

Following Phillip Schofield's announcement that he has left his position as co-host of This Morning earlier today, ITV has announced that Holly Willoughby will be taking an early break from the show.The duo reportedly planned on taking a half-term break at the end of the month, however, Holly will be taking her leave from the show from Monday next week.Taking time off is usual practice on This Morning, with Holly and Phil often off our screens during the school holidays and replaced by other resident presenters on the show. ITV said: “Holly Willoughby will return to This Morning on Monday 5th June having taken an early half-term holiday starting Monday 22nd May.” ITV will announce who will host the show next week in due course.

Holly Willoughby has been predicted to be leaving This Morning "within weeks" as the reported "feud" with her co-star Phillip Schofield continues to rumble on behind the scenes. While Holly is still yet to address any reports that she has secretly had a fall-out with her longtime co-worker and close pal, fellow ITV stars such as Loose Women's Carol McGiffin continue to weigh in on the situation. Bookmakers have now predicted that the mum-of-three, who shares children Harry, 14, Belle, 12, and Chester, eight, with her husband Dan Baldwin, is set to step down from the daytime TV show imminently.

Asked about the WGA strike at the Cannes Film Festival press conference Friday for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, director James Mangold said, “No movie happens without a great script, and no great script happens without writers.”

Refresh for updates Amid all the noise here at the Cannes Film Festivals about festival sexual predators, Johnny Depp’s return in Jeanne du Barry tonight and the admitted assaulting history of that movie’s director Maiwen; the WGA Strike is not forgotten.

The upfronts may be an annual ritual steeped in TV and streaming advertising, but NBCUniversal gave film more than a fleeting moment in the spotlight during its pitch to media buyers Monday morning.

exited the company after more than a decade on Friday to serve as the new chief executive officer of Twitter. “So what was more surprising today, being welcomed by a foul mouthed teddy bear or seeing me up here on stage?,” Lazarus told an audience of advertisers during the company’s Upfront presentation on Monday, referencing a raunchy musical opening from Seth MacFarlane’s Ted.

The NBCUniversal Upfront kicked off a week of events in New York amid a writers strike.

Rep. Katie Porter joined writers on the picket line at the Culver Studios in Los Angeles on Friday in solidarity with the ongoing WGA strike.

Following Thursday's reports that This Morning duo Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield are "barely speaking" off-camera at the moment and have "become more distant", fans have rushed to Holly’s social media to show their support for the presenter. Last night Phil made an official statement in a bid to mend his broken friendship and working relationship with Holly, 42, after claiming: “The last few weeks haven’t been easy for either of us.” The 61 year old continued: "As I have said before, Holly is my rock.

Even without a once-in-a-generation strike or a Twitter bombshell, next week would already pose a challenge to media companies making their annual upfront pitches to ad buyers in New York.

Ted Sarandos, who was set to receive the PEN America Visionary Award at the literary group’s gala next week in NYC, won’t be attending amid an ongoing strike and vigorous picketing on both coasts by the WGA.

For the second time in a week, the Writers Guild of America has shuttered Billions.

Matt Donnelly Senior Film Writer Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos will no longer attend a gala meant to honor him next week in New York. The decision comes as labor issues grab headlines across Hollywood. Sarandos was set to accept the Business Visionary Award at the annual PEN American Spring Literary Gala, alongside fellow honoree Lorne Michaels and a host of literati including Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Susan Choi, Jennifer Egan, Min Jin Lee, Jay McInerney and Gay Talese. He’s skipping the event, to be held under the blue whale at the American Museum of Natural History, as many industry celebrations weigh how to address the writers strike. “Given the potential to disrupt this wonderful evening, I thought it was best to pull out so as not to distract from the important work that PEN America does for writers and journalists, as well as the celebration of my friend and personal hero Lorne Michaels. I hope the evening is a great success,” Sarandos told Variety in a statement.