Veteran Agent Dana Sims Joins CAA in Motion Picture Talent Department

Actors including Zendaya, Eva Longoria, and Olivia Wilde have been invited to become members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.Officials at the Academy, which organises the Oscars, announced on Tuesday they have invited 819 industry figures to become an AMPAS member. Those who accept the invitation, which most do, will be able to vote in the 2021 Academy Awards, which have been pushed back due to the Covid-19 pandemic and will now take place on 25 April.

In a move that was widely expected, Emma Watts is joining Paramount Pictures as president of the Motion Picture Group. She'll report to studio chief Jim Gianopulos, whom she previously worked for at 20th Century Fox.

Cynthia Erivo, Chad Hugo, Larry Mullen, Patrice Rushen, Arturo Sandoval and Bernie Taupin are among the well-known musicians who have been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.

Also Read: Emma Watts Out as President of Production at Disney-Owned Twentieth Century Studios“Emma is one of the most exceptional executives in the film industry,” Gianopulos said. “I worked with her for almost two decades during her career at Fox and have watched her become the stellar leader and creative talent she is today.

Mike Fleming Jr Co-Editor-in-Chief, FilmBREAKING: Paramount Pictures today tapped former Twentieth Century Fox film executive Emma Watts to be President, Paramount Motion Picture Group, reporting to Paramount Pictures Chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos. Watts will begin her new position effective July 20th.She rejoins Gianopulos, who was her boss for many years at Fox.

Pete Hammond Awards Columnist/Chief Film CriticThe Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has released its annual list of invitations to join the organization, and surveying the  new class of Oscar voters it is clear they are aiming in a big way to continue erasing the stigma of not being inclusive , particularly in terms of women , international members,  and underrepresented ethnic/racial communities.

Pete Hammond Awards Columnist/Chief Film CriticAfter decades of trying, agents are finally getting their day at the Oscars.The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors voted on Sunday to reclassify the membership status of Artists’ Representatives and now will allow them to vote like other active members. Previously they were Associates without those privileges.

Dave McNary Film ReporterThe Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has issued $98.8 million in new debt in order to provide it with the funds to refinance $128 million in existing bonds that will come due in November.An AMPAS spokeswoman said Thursday that the Academy issued a new bond offering on June 17, the purpose of which was the refinance its Series 2015B bonds. The new bonds mature on Nov.

Dade Hayes Finance EditorFox Soul, iHeartMedia, and Motown Records are teaming on limited series Motown Countdown, which will stream each Tuesday in July.The four-part music and talk series will be hosted by Angela Yee, who co-hosts iHeartRadio’s nationally syndicated show The Breakfast Club.Fox Soul, a free, ad-supported streaming network, launched this year as a strategic effort by Fox to extend the audience for its stable of syndicated TV series.

Ed Meza @edmezavarLa Fabrique Cinéma, the French support program aimed at young filmmakers from emerging countries, presented a wide-ranging showcase of works from around the world at the Cannes online market on Tuesday, among them new works by Iranian filmmaker Keywann Karimi (“Drum”) and Thai helmer Sompot Chidgasornpongse (“Railway Sleepers”).They are among 10 filmmakers taking part in the Institut Français’ La Fabrique Cinéma program, presenting projects in various stages of development

Joe Otterson TV ReporterTV talent agent Sean Grumman is departing WME to create and launch a talent division at Verve. With the move, Grumman will become Verve’s eighth partner.Grumman spent four years at WME, rising to partner in its talent department.

Pete Hammond Awards Columnist/Chief Film CriticJust as it had to make adjustments this week for its own 2021 Oscar show due to events out of their control, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is also applying necessary changes, while moving forward, to one of its most important programs.With the impressive support of 19 partner companies in its fourth year, the wide-ranging industry Academy Gold internship enhancement and mentorship program for students and young professionals from