The studios will kick in $321 million — a record sum — to keep the writers’ health fund solvent. The health plan changes are the centerpiece of the four-year contract reached by the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers over the weekend. - Variety
While the layoffs are noteworthy, they are a fraction of the size of the cuts overseen by former CEO Bob Iger when he rejoined the company. From 2023 to 2025, multiple rounds eliminated some 8,000 workers, achieving cost savings of $7.5 billion. - Deadline
There will be famous actors in the competition, certainly, but they’re in indie-studio productions. Indeed, artistic director Thierry Fremaux said openly, “The United States will be present. Studios less (so). When the studios are less present in Cannes, they are less present full stop.” - The Hollywood Reporter
The Walt Disney Co. “is expected to lay off as many as 1,000 employees through role eliminations in the coming months, Variety has learned. Many of the cuts are expected to come from the media giant’s marketing department.” - Variety
The most successful and lucrative family vlogs are indiscreet almost by definition—and yet the wrong kind of indiscretion can derail the whole gravy train. - The New Yorker
By the end of the 1990s, the “fastest mouse in all Mexico” had been pulled from US television amid concerns about stereotyping and racist caricature. Yet the cartoon character remained popular in Latin America, and numerous Hispanics in the States complained about his banishment. And now there’s a Speedy feature film coming. - The Conversation
“Proulx (said) she had already gotten ‘a couple of anything-you-want film tenders.’ But Larry had said the magic word: ‘West.’ Some would-be producers saw a story of forbidden love that could be set anywhere. Larry, like Proulx, saw the tale rooted in one specific place.” - TheWrap (Yahoo!)
Per the outlet, the corporation is seeking signed equity commitments of close to $24 billion, for which Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has agreed to contribute approximately $10 billion. - Deadline
While union rules constrain Hollywood's use of the technology, Indian cinema is racing ahead, pitting efficiency against questions of creative authenticity and audience acceptance. - Reuters
The lawsuit was brought by Italian consumer advocacy group Movimento Consumatori, which alleged that the price hikes violate the Consumer Code, Italian legislation that aims to protect consumer rights. - Ars Technica
“If given the stamp of approval, the deal will be notable for its unusually long term. Three-year deals have generally been the norm since at least the 1940s for Hollywood unions,” but the extended 2023 strikes changed things. - The Hollywood Reporter
Anthony Norman thought he was just doing a job. But no, says a writer for the weirdly Truman Show-like series: “It was so much more than we ever could have hoped for. … He’s a true hero.” - The New York Times
"Sister Margaret-Angela saw their involvement in Call the Midwife as something that would endure. ‘We've bought all the DVDs so it'll be in our archives,’ she said. ‘It's part of the community history now.’” - BBC
“As they shot the finale, Einbinder wept often. Even Smart, a tough cookie, misted up a few times. The creators’ eyes stayed mostly dry.” - The New York Times
