Crain's Cleveland Business, Jul. 28
From helping secure and expand the motion picture tax credit to procuring funding for the School of Film, Television and Interactive Media at Cleveland State University to steering directors and producers to consider the Buckeye State for their productions, Ivan Schwarz has shaped the ecosystem for Ohio's film industry for the past 13 years.
Santa Clarita Signal, Jul. 26
Mayor Marsha McLean joined State of California Film Commission Executive Director Colleen Bell for a Santa Clarita film information tour Wednesday.
Indie Wire, July 25
Oscar-nominated cinematographer Greig Fraser, known for his grounded approach and broad range, has signed on to shoot Matt Reeves’ upcoming Batman installment. “The Batman,” planned for a 2021 release by Warner Bros., will be Fraser’s second Reeves movie, a studio spokeswoman confirmed. He was DP on the acclaimed 2010 “Let Me In,” a remake of the Swedish vampire hit “Let the Right One In.”
Variety, July 25
AEG and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti teamed up to host a kickoff event for the Evolve Entertainment Fund (EEF), an effort to boost diversity in the entertainment industry. The event, which took place at L.A Live on June 15, featured a panel discussion with writer, producer, and actress Issa Rae known for her hit HBO show “Insecure.”
Bloomberg, July 19
BuzzFeed Inc. agreed to voluntarily recognize an employee union, ending a standoff that included a walkout and months of negotiations. After Bloomberg reported on the accord Friday, the union confirmed the agreement in a tweet.
The Oregonian, Jul. 16
The film “Last Black Man in San Francisco” sheds natural light on the city of San Francisco’s shadowy problem of gentrification – with the help of an Oregon cinematographer.
Star News, Jul. 15
Set painter Tim Hunley was awarded recognition from the IATSE 491 crew union and will receive the Carnegie Medal of Heroism.
Salon, July 13
Marvel’s “Shang-Chi” — the studio’s first Asian superhero movie — is a sign of the times. Destin Daniel Cretton, who is of Asian descent, will be directing the film, which will feature a Chinese superhero who originally appeared in one of Marvel’s 1973 comics.
Deadline, July 11
With film and TV production booming in New York, the state has implemented a diversity job training development fund aimed at the entertainment industry, calling it the first of its kind in the U.S. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said he fund will initially provide $1.05 million per year. It was passed as part of a comprehensive capital spending bill at the end of the state’s legislative session.
ABC, July 11
“Avengers: Endgame” and “Black Panther” are just two of the blockbuster films shot in the state of Georgia. Several Hollywood production companies are boycotting the state over its controversial abortion law. Thousands who work in Georgia’s film industry have also found themselves in the the middle of a political fight between Hollywood and the state’s lawmakers.
Deadline, July 10
Disney and SAG-AFTRA are working to resolve late residuals payments to a “small number” of actors, the union told its members recently. The union says it has filed claims and will be collecting applicable late-payment penalties on impacted titles.
Variety, Jul. 8
Being an eyewitness to history can change anyone’s life. The 9/11 attack on New York changed Quyen Tran’s.
The Hollywood Reporter, Jul. 7
Netflix says it will cut back on depictions of smoking in its shows in the wake of a report that called out the streamer for the number of instances in which characters use tobacco in shows like Stranger Things.
Forbes, Jul. 6
Labor unions are critical pillars of liberal politics. Are they equally strong pillars of climate politics and, in particular, the Green New Deal?
Business Insider, Jul. 1
You may have noticed some labor disruptions in the headlines.
The 2021 District 2 Convention will be held in July 2021 in conjunction with the International Convention in Toronto, Canada. Details to follow when they become available.
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