WGA Members Protest With Urgent Chants, Clever Signs in NYC and L.A.: ‘No Contract, No Content’

Written and directed by Kim Chang-hoon, his debut feature Hopeless is marked by a morose atmospheric tone that forces the audience to be spectators in the dismal lives of others. Despite the story being ripe with promise, its progress is hampered by an overlong runtime, shoddy editing, and its inability to tap into any other feelings besides discontent. The film stars Hong Xa-bin, Song Joong-Ki, Kim Hyoung-seo.

Ariana Madix is spilling even more Scandoval tea. On the latest episode of the “Call Her Daddy” podcast with host Alex Cooper, the “Vanderpump Rules” star gave fans more insight into her ex Tom Sandoval‘s months-long affair with Raquel Leviss. Nothing was off-limits in the almost two-hour conversation, in which Madix detailed her couple’s therapy struggles, the issues with her and Sandoval’s sex life, and the alleged lies she claims she’s uncovered since the “Vanderpump Rules” reunion taped.

Joe Alwyn is stepping out.

Ariana Madix didn’t hold back as she appeared on the latest episode of the “Call Her Daddy” podcast.

Naman Ramachandran Paul Buccieri, president and chair of A+E Networks Group, has joined the board of directors of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Under Buccieri’s leadership, A+E Networks has been recognized for its philanthropic commitment including diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and support for heart health awareness, veterans and military families, education outreach and mentorship. David Furnish, chair of the Foundation, said: “Raising awareness of the ongoing global AIDS epidemic, and the means to protect yourself, as well as the barriers to ending the disease are absolutely critical to our work at the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Paul’s deep experience and understanding of messaging and the global media ecosystem at the highest level is a tremendous asset to our board. Elton and my fellow board members are delighted he has joined us at such a critical time for the Foundation. We deeply value both his professional expertise and longtime understanding of, and compassion for, those who are vulnerable and in need of support.”

Naman Ramachandran Cory Shields, VP global media and entertainment at Amazon, has stepped down, according to reports. Shields joined in 2020 and was in charge of publicity for Amazon’s original films and series, working closely with Mike Hopkins, senior VP of Prime Video and Amazon Studios. Variety understands that Amazon has not yet revealed a replacement for Shields. Prior to the Amazon role, Shields spent some 20 years at NBCUniversal, where he held various prominent positions across two stints. Shields’s first stint at NBC began in 1997 and concluded in 2004 with the title senior VP corporate communications. He held the same position at Sony BMG Music Entertainment after that.

Marta Balaga Natacha Kaganski has joined Luxbox as festivals and acquisitions manager and Solène Colomer has been named sales & marketing coordinator.   Previously, Kaganski spent four years as acquisitions manager at Wild Bunch, where she handled deals for the French and international market as well as coordination for multi-territories deals with the Wild Bunch group, such as Germany, Spain and Italy.  She was involved in films likeVenice winner “Happening” by Audrey Diwan, Gaspar Noé’s “Vortex” or “Leila’s Brothers,” also taking part in first Wild Bunch productions.

Kaouther Ben Hania’s powerful drama “Four Daughters” which mixes documentary and fiction to tell the story of Tunisian mother whose two elder daughters joined ISIS is scoring a slew of sales following its well-received Cannes competition premiere. French company The Party Films Sales has sealed deals on “Four Daughters” for: Benelux (Cineart); Spain (Caramel Films); Italy (I Wonder); Switzerland (Trigon); Sweden (Triart); Denmark (Camera Film); Norway (Arthaus); Finland (Cinemanse); Poland (New Horizons); Greece (Ama Films); former Yougoslavia (Discovery) and Turkey (Bir Film). Rights to the film for multiple other territories are under negotiations, the company said.

Rebecca Rubin Film and Media Reporter Wes Anderson’s 1950s-set “Asteroid City” takes place in a fictional desert town as a cosmic event disrupts the annual Junior Stargazer convention. But does the filmmaker actually believe in extraterrestrial life? “Well, you know… I wouldn’t rely on my opinions about that in any significant way,” Anderson said to laughter at Wednesday’s Cannes press conference for the film. “The research that went into this, as extensive as it was, it wasn’t anything you’d find in academia.” “Stephen Hawking insists it is numerically improbable that there would not be extraterrestrial life,” he continued, adding sheepishly, “I don’t really.”

Anna Marie de la Fuente With the writers’ strike dragging on, unscripted content is expected to dominate programming grids. A panel organized by C21 Media at the L.A. Screenings Independents on the format’s outlook in Latin America could not have been more timely. Rising costs, shifting consumer tastes, the advent of streaming platforms and the sway of social media have indeed posed new challenges, even to such mainstays as Banijay’s “Big Brother.” One of Banijay’s biggest reality shows, it first broadcast in 1999 in the Netherlands and was syndicated to more than 60 countries worldwide. “It was a gigantic challenge when we decided to produce ‘Big Brother’ again after 10 years had passed since the last edition,” said Guillermo Pendino, VP content and programming, FTA Brands, Latam Sur, Paramount (Argentina-Chile). “It was no longer the same world, there were the platforms, the social networks and you had to speak to a new audience, an audience that didn’t even know what ‘Big Brother’ was because they were still very young the last time it was broadcast,” he noted. “From Paramount we see the unscripted format as a great opportunity, especially at Telefe Argentina and Chilevisión,” he said.

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Recently-established Philippines-based production and financing company, Fire and Ice, has deals to provide completion funding to two films being produced by prolific Singapore-based independent producer Potocol. Under a related agreement, Fire and Ice has also struck a multi-faceted first-look deal with Potocol. The completion funding, which gives Fire and Ice a share of the film’s equity, will permit the completion of post-production of upcoming Potocol titles: “Pierce,” a sports drama by Nelicia Low, and “Last Shadow at First Light,” by Nicole Midori Woodford. Both films were recently showcased at Focus Asia’s Far East In Progress, part of the Far East Film Festival in Udine, and are expected to be completed before the end of the year.

Emiliano Granada “All the Flowers” is the second telenovela to be produced for Globo’s platform, Globoplay, continuing one of the biggest bets on streaming of a Latin America cosplay, seen it its bullish campaign for “Hidden Truths II.” As the streaming era slowly enters a market maturity, Latin America’s biggest media company has set its aims on becoming a media tech giant. It will stilll, however, produce original telenovelas. The show created by João Emanuel Carneiro, creator of Globo’s ratings and sales phenom “Brazil Avenue” – has been one of the highlights at LA Screenings Independents alongside Globplay original series “The Others.”

The Elton John AIDS Foundation has a new board member.

The Darkness‘ Justin Hawkins has shared that he “gets nothing” from Red Hot Chili Pepper‘s guitarist John Frusciante, on his podcast.The frontman’s comments came from a recent episode of “How NOT to Write a Song,” his podcast in which he and his guest Pat Finnerty (of the YouTube series What Makes This Song Stink) discussed Frusciante and his guitar playing.“My issue with Red Hot Chili Peppers is that I get nothing from John Frusciante’s guitar playing. I feel like if we can call [Dire Straits’] Mark Knopfler an underrated player, I would describe John Frusciante as an overrated player.

Chas Newby, who once played as a bassist for The Beatles, has died according to the Cavern Club Liverpool music venue. "It's with great sadness to hear about the passing of Chas Newby," the club said in a Facebook post.

Controversial broadcaster Piers Morgan has claimed Phillip Schofield is "utterly heartbroken" after not being given the opportunity to say a "proper goodbye" to the audience on This Morning after his "immediate" exit. This Morning veteran Phil, 61, confirmed he was leaving the show after 21 years of presenting duties, as reports of a "feud" with his co-host Holly Willoughby, 42, raged on.

British Actor Joe Alwyn has made his first public appearance since splitting up with worldwide pop star Taylor Swift in April this year.The couple had been in a serious relationship for six years before it came crumbling down just weeks before Taylor reportedly started dating the 1975’s Matty Healy. Before Taylor and Joe split, rumours had circulated that they were engaged, with a wedding due in late 2023 or early 2024.

It looks like Jimmy King (Nick Miles) is set for another scrap with his nephew Tom (James Chase) in tonight's episode of Emmerdale after Belle Dingle's (Eden Taylor-Draper) recent confession continues to put him on edge. In first-look pictures of this evening's episode (Wednesday 24th May), Belle is seen trying to get between the uncle and nephew after Jimmy tries to defend Tom's father Carl, who was responsible for killing his own dad before dying in 2012, and Tom doesn't want to hear it. Tom, played by newcomer James Chase, returned to Emmerdale earlier this year and while his ex-girlfriend Belle has tried to convince him to reconcile with his uncle Jimmy, she's so far been unsuccessful.

If you’ve scrolled through beauty videos on TikTok recently, we can almost guarantee you’ve been served at least one ad for Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, £34 here.The product has earned itself a cult following thanks to a host of influencers and beauty experts raving about its skin-smoothing abilities, however, it’s not the most affordable product for all shoppers. If you’ve been keen to incorporate a BHA into your skincare routine, Aldi is providing a purse-friendly alternative to the Paula’s Choice buy in the form of its new Lacura 2% BHA Toner, £4.99 in stores this week. Specially formulated with salicylic acid, camellia leaf extract, and methylpropanediol (which contains antimicrobial properties), it effectively works to remove dead skin for a smoother, clearer and more luminous complexion.

Vogue Williams and Spencer Matthews youngest child – one year old son Otto – has taken his first steps. Proud dad Spencer, who rose to fame on Made in Chelsea, took to his Instagram to mark the milestone moment as he captured the adorable tot beaming as he walked towards him.

Dua Lipa has gone red carpet official with rumoured boyfriend, French director Romain Gavras, at the Cannes Film Festival.The couple made their relationship debut at a screening of Omar La Fraise (The King Of Algiers), with Romain wrapping his arms around the singer as they posed for photographers and the two entering the theatre holding hands.The pair looked glamorous, with Romain in a black tux and Dua stunning in a Celine gown. In addition to making their red carpet debut, Dua also posted photos of them on her her Instagram, captioning the photos: "Hier soir à Cannes avec mon cœur", which translates to, "Last night in Cannes with my sweetheart." According to a report by the Daily Mail back in March, Dua Lipa was spotted alongside the director, with whom she was seen holding hands after attending the Saint Laurent Paris Fashion Week show.