Endeavor Content Taps AMC Networks Vet Kasee Calabrese As CFO

Anna Tingley If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission. John Legend is the latest A-lister to join the rapidly growing e-learning platform MasterClass, announced Thursday morning. The Grammy-winning songwriter, singer and musician will teach a class on songwriting, in which he’ll break down the composing process of some his most popular hits and offer inspiration for artists looking to find a unique voice. In one course, Legend offers an exclusive sneak peek into the creation of his latest single “Free” off his upcoming album, followed by a powerful performance of the song with a gospel choir. “Songs are core to who we are and are such an important part of humanity,” Legend said in statement. “My class will give you the tools to find your voice, figure out who you are and establish yourself with longevity so you can make a real impact through music.”

Elsa Keslassy International Correspondent Strand Releasing has acquired all North American rights to Matt Carter’s “In From the Side” which had its world premiere at the British Film Institute’s Flare Festival. The movie will be released in the the U.K. by Verve Pictures on Sept. 16. Set in the world of gay rugby, “In From the Side” follows two men from a cash-strapped gay rugby club who unwittingly embark into an adulterous affair and must confront their growing feelings or risk destroying the club that they love. Produced by Andrew Faure, “In From the Side” marks the debut feature of Carter who has a background in visual effects. “Strand is the perfect partner for any independent filmmaker- we are delighted they are brining our film to a wide American audience” said Adam Silver, the film’s co-producer who reps the title and negotiated the deal with Jon Gerrans at Strand Releasing.

Scott Huver In addition to reuniting him with several of the “Clerks” actors whose careers he helped launch back in 1994, “Clerks III” gave Kevin Smith another chance to direct his old friend Ben Affleck in a cameo role — and pay tribute to their long friendship with a very inside joke. The two previously worked together on several early-career films, including “Mallrats,” “Chasing Amy,” “Dogma” and “Jersey Girl,” and as Smith told Variety at the new film’s Hollywood premiere at the Chinese 6, Affleck was extremely eager to appear in a cameo as one of several famous faces — including Sarah Michelle Gellar, Freddie Prinze, Jr., Danny Trejo and Melissa Benoist — auditioning for a role in the movie-within-a-movie being made by the Quick Stop clerks.

Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley have some fun together at the Tennis Channel and Brother’s Bond Bourbon Pre-US Open Kick Off Event held at Hole in the Wall in the Murray Hill neighborhood of New York City on Tuesday (August 23).

Over the past 20+ years, filmmaker Sam Mendes has released numerous films, each earning acclaim. Even his two James Bond films, “Spectre” and “Skyfall,” are seen as high watermarks in the world of 007.

"Dancing with the Stars" pros Emma Slater and Sasha Farber have ended their relationship after four years of marriage.  Us Weekly reported the news of the split on Wednesday, with a source telling the outlet that they had "been apart for many months now.They both have not been wearing their wedding rings and are each leading a single life." There was a lot of speculation about the potential breakup of the professional dancers after they were both absent from each other's social media pages recently. Emma Slater and Sasha Farber have split after being married for four years.

What a year it’s been for Miles Teller. He’s starred in Paramount+‘s “The Offer” and Joseph Kosinski‘s Netflix film “Spiderhead.” But of course, the real story is Kosinski’s other film this year, “Top: Gun Maverick,” which just passed $1.4 billion at the global box office.

Olivia Rodrigo took the stage with Billy Joel on Wednesday night at his Madison Square Garden concert to sing her hit song "Deja Vu" and Joel's classic "Uptown Girl."  Rodrigo's song "Deja Vu" references both Joel and his 1983 song with her lyrics "I'll bet that she knows Bill Joel/'Cause you played her 'Uptown Girl." Rodrigo got to sing the lyric with Joel playing the piano behind her on the MSG stage.  After performing, Rodrigo took to Instagram to celebrate the moment.  Olivia Rodrigo joined Billy Joel on stage at his MSG concert to sing "Deja Vu" and "Uptown Girl."  (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images) She first posted a video to her Instagram story of her view in the crowd at the show with the caption "I sang with Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden today are you kidding."  She also posted a picture of her and Joel to her Instagram story, a video of her singing the iconic Billy Joel line from "Deja Vu," and a selfie of the two which she captioned "biggest honor ever still crying thank u Billy!!!!!!!" This show marked Joel's 82nd show at Madison Square Garden. He started his residency at MSG in 2014.  Olivia Rodrigo sang her hit song "Deja Vu," which makes reference to Billy Joel.  (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images) The "Piano Man" singer also posted to his Instagram with pictures of the two up on stage together.  "Good 4 u if you made it to @thegarden tonight! @oliviarodrigo hit the stage as Billy Joel's surprise guest," he captioned the photo.  Olivia Rodrigo also sang a duet of "Uptown Girl" with Billy Joel.  (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images) Rodrigo's appearance at MSG comes after her own "Sour" tour, which wrapped up in July.

The actor who played "Finn" in Disney's "Star Wars" sequel trilogy, John Boyega, says he's ready to move on from the franchise.  Currently, Boyega is set to star in the upcoming films "The Woman King" and "Breaking."  "At this point I’m cool off it. I’m good off it," Boyega said on the SiriusXM show "Tell Me Everything With John Fugelsang."  "I think Finn is at a good confirmation point where you can just enjoy him in other things, the games, the animation. But I feel like ‘[Episode] VII’ to ‘[Episode] IX’ was good for me," he added.

Björk is starting a podcast. Björk: Sonic Symbolism is created and hosted by Björk and will explore "the textures, timbres and emotional landscapes" artist's acclaimed solo discography, from 1993's Post to 2017's Utopia, according to a press release.

The FADER’s “Songs You Need” are the tracks we can’t stop playing. Check back every day for new music and follow along on our Spotify playlist.

Girlpool have announced their decision to split, confirming that their upcoming North American tour will be their last. The duo, Avery Tucker and Harmony Tividad, released four studio albums (and appeared on one FADER cover) including this year's Forgiveness.

The demand to see “Batgirl” refuses to wane.

It’s summer — and Blake Lively is having a blast. The actress took to Instagram ahead of her 35th birthday with a picturesque snap of herself poolside.

The Boys for Season 4 in a mystery role.Probably best known for his role as Negan in The Walking Dead, Morgan becomes the latest in an increasingly long line of former Supernatural stars to join the Amazon superhero series (per Variety), following Jensen Ackles (Dean) and Jim Beaver (Robert Singer).Morgan is currently starring on the 11th and final season of The Walking Dead, and is set to appear alongside Lauren Cohan, reprising her Walking Dead role as Maggie, on the upcoming spinoff series Isle Of The Dead.The actor has previously shown public enthusiasm for joining the show, going as far back as 2020 when The Boys showrunner Eric Kripke seemingly offered him a part in the third season.In a heartbeat!— Jeffrey Dean Morgan (@JDMorgan) January 16, 2020Last month (July 12), Kripke revealed that the final scene in The Boys season three was inspired by a quote from Donald Trump – season three spoilers ahead, of course.In the closing scene, Homelander (Anthony Starr) introduces his superpowered son Ryan to his supporters. When a protester yells and throws something at Ryan, Homelander kills him by splitting his head in half using his laser eyes.Speaking to Deadline, Kripke said: “It’s interesting that you bring up the quote about shooting a guy on Fifth Avenue because that was the original inspiration for that scene.

Jennifer Lopez isn’t a fan of working with Virgos, according to “Glee” star Heather Morris.

Joe Pesci is taking on a new role!

Ever since The Boys premiered on Amazon Prime Video showrunner Eric Kripke has been very open about wanting his close friend Jeffrey Dean Morgan to join the show. Kripke wants Morgan to join the show as it would reunite the old friends and some Supernatural veterans in Jenson Ackles who Played Dean Winchester and Jeffrey Dean Morgan who played John Winchester. Luckily for Eric Kripke, the feeling was mutual but Morgan’s other shows like The Walking Dead and the pandemic also got in the way.

Marks and Spencer shoppers are obsessed with the retailer’s ‘outfit of the week’ - and it’s designed to suit everyone. The brand shared the blue floral number on their Instagram stories this week, and it’s already flying off the shelves.

according to The Wrap, in Australia, Canada and the UK, where Markle still has a very loyal fanbase despite her Prince Harry leaving royal life in 2021.“Archetypes” has also outperformed the “Game of Thrones” podcast that was centered around the new spin-off “House of the Dragon,” which premiered on Sunday.In the podcast, Markle discusses the stereotypes faced by women in professional and social environments and featured tennis legend Serena Williams as her first guest.This is not the first time Rogan, who’s had a very fraught relationship with Spotify, has been dethroned. In September 2021, a podcast entitled “Batman Unburied” topped Rogan before he reclaimed the top spot again.Rogan also has some history of beef with Markle, after calling her a “little American hussy” in February 2021, which caused all 113 episodes to be mysteriously removed from the streaming platform.Several Twitter users rejoiced at Rogan’s downfall.“MEGHAN KNOCKED JOE ROGAN OUT OF THE #1 SPOT!!!!! MY GOD THIS IS A HUGE DEAL.

Jennifer Maas TV Business WriterEndeavor Content has named Kasee Calabrese, AMC Networks’ executive vice president of global finance, its new CFO.In her newly created role as executive vice president and chief financial officer for Endeavor Content, Calabrese will oversee the TV and film production company’s financial affairs and planning in support of its studio and distribution, documentary, music and live experiences divisions as the studio continues to expand.Calabrese’s new position is effective immediately. She will be a member of the senior leadership team, reporting to Endeavor Content co-CEOs Chris Rice and Graham Taylor.The AMC Networks vet joins Endeavor Content on the heels of South Korean media company CJ ENM acquiring an 80% stake in Endeavor Content.