Hollywood Shuts Down As Actors Join Writers' Strike
Video Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories - Duration: 01:30s - Published
Hollywood Shuts Down As Actors Join Writers' Strike
Hollywood Shuts Down , As Actors Join Writers' Strike.
CNBC reports that , Hollywood actors , have officially gone on strike.
After failing to reach a new contract deal with
producers, members of the Screen Actors Guild
(SAG) will join the ongoing writers' strike.
.
The decision essentially shuts down
Hollywood, bringing all film and television
productions featuring actors to a screeching halt.
CNBC reports that this marks
the first tandem strike to take
place in Hollywood since 1960.
.
The strike includes barring actors
from promoting any past projects
at conventions, interviews or in panels.
.
SAG was looking to secure improved compensation,
working conditions and benefits in addition to safety
measures revolving around the use of artificial intelligence.
Since May, the Writers Guild of America has been on
strike for a similar list of reasons, including the use
of artificial intelligence and how it impacts Hollywood.
.
Since May, the Writers Guild of America has been on
strike for a similar list of reasons, including the use
of artificial intelligence and how it impacts Hollywood.
.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers,
which represents major studios like Disney and Netflix, argued
that actors are dismissing a "groundbreaking AI proposal.".
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers,
which represents major studios like Disney and Netflix, argued
that actors are dismissing a "groundbreaking AI proposal.".
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland,
national executive director and chief negotiator
for SAG-AFTRA, slammed the proposed AI deal.
.
They proposed that our background
performers should be able to be scanned,
get paid for one dayâs pay, and their
company should own that scan,
their image, their likeness, and should
be able to use it for the rest of eternity
in any project they want with
no consent and no compensation, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, national executive director
and chief negotiator for SAG-AFTRA, via CNBC.
So if you think thatâs a ground breaking
proposal I suggest you think again, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, national executive director
and chief negotiator for SAG-AFTRA, via CNBC
Key Federal Reserve Inflation Gauge , Rose 2.8% in March.
According to Commerce Department
data released on April 26.
the personal consumption expenditures
(PCE) price index, not including food or energy, rose 2.8% year-over-year in March. .
That exceeded Dow Jones
estimates of 2.7%, CNBC reports. .
When also accounting for food and energy, the all-items PCE measure rose 2.7%,
which was above the 2.6% estimate.
Inflation reports released this morning
were not as a hot as feared, , George Mateyo, chief investment officer at Key Wealth, via CNBC.
... but investors should not get
overly anchored to the idea that
inflation has been completely
cured and the Fed will be cutting
interest rates in the near-term, George Mateyo, chief investment officer at Key Wealth, via CNBC.
The prospects of rate cuts remain,
but they are not assured, and the
Fed will likely need weakness in
the labor market before they
have the confidence to cut, George Mateyo, chief investment officer at Key Wealth, via CNBC.
Consumers continue to spend despite
higher prices, CNBC reports.
Personal spending increased 0.8% in March, while personal income rose 0.5%.
The personal saving rate dropped to 3.2% as more people are having to dip into their savings to cover the cost of living.
The Fed continues to target 2% inflation, which the core PCE has exceeded for
the last three years, CNBC reports.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Netflix Exceeds Earnings Estimates , As Subscribers Increase.
Netflix Exceeds Earnings Estimates , As Subscribers Increase.
Netflix released a Q1 earnings report on April 18, indicating that its number of subscribers jumped 16% year-over-year to reach 269.6 million.
Analysts only expected the streamer to have about 264.2 million subscribers, CNBC reports. .
The company also brought in $9.37 billion in revenue versus analysts' expectations of $9.28 billion. .
However, Netflix said that its membership numbers are no longer the main factor contributing to the company's growth.
As a result, the company will stop providing "quarterly membership numbers or average revenue per user" beginning in 2025, CNBC reports. .
Instead, it will divulge "major subscriber milestones as we cross them.".
Price hikes, terminating password sharing
and offering an ad-supported tier are all tactics that have boosted revenue.
Netflix is also seeking to gain traction within the video game space and recently partnered with TKO Group Holdings to offer WWE on the platform.
Weâre in the very early days of
developing our live programming and
I would look at this as an expansion of
the types of content we offer, the way
we expanded to film and unscripted and
animation and most recently games, Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, via earnings call.
We believe that these kind of event cultural
moments like the Jake Paul and Mike Tyson
fight are just that kind of television, and we
want to be part of winning over those
moments with our members as well, so that
for me is the excitement part of this, Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, via earnings call.
As of the morning of April 18,
Netflix's stock was up 27%
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Google Fires Employees , for Protesting Israel Contract.
28 Google workers have been fired for protesting
a $1.2 billion contract that the company has with
the Israeli government and military to provide
cloud and AI services, NBC News reports. .
The firings follow an April 16 sit-in at
Google's offices in California, New York and Seattle in which nine workers were arrested.
The group that coordinated the demonstration
is known as No Tech for Apartheid. .
Google issued a statement about the recent firings.
A small number of employee
protesters entered and disrupted
a few of our locations. , Google spokesperson, via statement.
Physically impeding other employeesâ
work and preventing them from
accessing our facilities is a clear
violation of our policies, and
completely unacceptable behavior. , Google spokesperson, via statement.
We have so far concluded
individual investigations that
resulted in the termination of
employment for 28 employees,
and will continue to investigate
and take action as needed, Google spokesperson, via statement.
No Tech for Apartheid claims that the
workers were fired "indiscriminately.".
This excuse to avoid confronting
us and our concerns directly,
and attempt to justify its illegal,
retaliatory firings, is a lie, No Tech for Apartheid, via statement.
Meanwhile, many of Google's workers have
reportedly quit after experiencing "mental health consequences of working at a company that is using their labor to enable a genocide," No Tech for Apartheid said.
On a personal level, I am opposed
to Google taking any military
contracts â no matter which
government theyâre with or what
exactly the contract is about. , Cheyne Anderson, a Google Cloud software engineer based
in Washington who was arrested during a sit-in, to CNBC
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Amazon Cuts Hundreds , of Cloud Computing Jobs.
An Amazon Web Services (AWS)
spokesperson issued a statement about
the job cuts on April 3, CNBC reports. .
Weâve identified a few targeted areas of
the organization we need to streamline
in order to continue focusing our efforts
on the key strategic areas that we
believe will deliver maximum impact, AWS spokesperson, via statement.
We didnât make these decisions
lightly, and weâre committed
to supporting the employees
throughout their transition to new
roles in and outside of Amazon, AWS spokesperson, via statement.
Cuts are being made to the store technology division âas a result of a broader strategic shift in the use of some applications in Amazonâs owned as well as in third-party stores,â the spokesperson said.
The layoffs come after Amazon announced that it was ending its Just Walk Out technology in Fresh stores.
The cashierless technology is overseen
by teams within the AWS unit. .
Beginning in 2022, Amazon started
its largest layoffs in history by letting
go of 27,000 roles company-wide. .
So far in 2024, the retail behemoth has cut jobs at Audible, Buy with Prime, Prime Video, MGM Studios and Twitch, CNBC reports. .
This latest round of cuts will
allow U.S. employees to collect pay
and benefits for a minimum of 60 days.
They will also be offered a severance package.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
UPS to Become US Postal Serviceâs , Main Air Cargo Provider.
On April 1, United Parcel Service announced
that it will replace FedEx as the primary air
cargo provider for the USPS, CNBC reports. .
On April 1, United Parcel Service announced
that it will replace FedEx as the primary air
cargo provider for the USPS, CNBC reports. .
FedEx is walking away from a
22-year partnership after failing to
secure a better contract with the agency. .
FedEx is walking away from a
22-year partnership after failing to
secure a better contract with the agency. .
In fiscal year 2023, USPS paid FedEx $1.73 billion
for its services, down from the $2.4 billion
FedEx received in fiscal year 2020.
The decrease in payments was partially due
to the postal service using more economical
trucks in place of planes, CNBC reports. .
The parties were unable to reach
agreement on mutually beneficial
terms to extend the contract, FedEx, via securities filing.
Since FedEx will lose nearly $2 billion in annual
business from letting go of the contract, .
hundreds of pilots will likely
lose their jobs, CNBC reports .
Following the announcement, UPS shares
increased 1.4% while FedEx stock dropped 1.6%.
FedEx's current contract is
set to expire on Sept. 29
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'Only Murders' is back and headed to Hollywood! As part of Disney's upfront presentation, Hulu revealed the trailer and premiere date for the upcoming fourth season of 'Only Murders in the Building.' As previously reported, season four of Only Murders starring Selena Gomez, Martin Short and Steve Martin will follow Mabel, Charles and Oliver searching for answers about who killed Jane Lynch's character Sazz Jane Lynch, if they were actually aiming for Charles and why anyone would want to kill either of them.
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 01:19Published
Comcast to Bundle , Peacock, Netflix and Apple TV+.
On May 13, Comcast chief Brian Roberts announced the company's newest bundle, StreamSaver, NBC News reports. .
Peacock, Netflix and Apple TV+ will be
included in the bundle "at a vastly reduced
price to anything available today," Roberts said. .
This will be a pretty
compelling package, Brian Roberts, Comcast chief, via statement.
As streaming prices continue to climb,
other media companies have also started
to offer bundles, NBC News reports. .
Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery recently announced a bundle consisting of Max, Disney+
and Hulu which will be available this summer.
Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery recently announced a bundle consisting of Max, Disney+
and Hulu which will be available this summer.
Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery recently announced a bundle consisting of Max, Disney+
and Hulu which will be available this summer.
The prices for both companies'
bundles have yet to be revealed.
Comcast's bundle will be made available before Peacock raises its standalone price by another $2 ahead of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games. .
The ad-free service will now cost $13.99 per month. .
The tier with ads will increase to $7.99 each month. .
Meanwhile, Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery and
Fox Corp. have teamed up to create a streaming sports bundle that is scheduled to debut this fall.
but critics allege that the venture
violates antitrust laws, NBC News reports.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' swings in theaters this weekend. We're breaking down how it's doing at the domestic box office so far. The 20th Century and Disney movie kicked off its run with a promising $6.6 million in previews, including a special fan event mid-week and regular Thursday evening previews. This number suggests the film should be able to achieve, if not exceed, the $50 million to $55 million opening predicted by tracking.
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 01:09Published
Disney has finally released the first trailer for 'Mufasa: The Lion King.' The film, directed by Barry Jenkins, serves as both an origin story and follow-up to Jon Favreau's 2019 movie 'The Lion King' which was based on the 1994 Disney animated classic of the same name. The new film will tell the backstory of Simba's father, Mufasa, an orphan who grew up to be a wise, powerful and compassionate ruler.
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 01:31Published
'The Fall Guy' screenwriter and executive producer Drew Pearce talks about Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling's on screen chemistry and working with director David Leitch. Plus, he reveals why they touched on the dangers of A.I. and deepfakes in the film.
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 02:33Published
21st Century Digital Teaching (21C) has developed avatar teachers to create new generation mathematics content in a bid to assist schools and boost engagement with pupils.
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 11:46Published
Musicians Sign Open Letter , Warning About AI Threat to Artists.
The Artists Rights Alliance and approximately 200 musicians such as Billie Eilish, Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj released the open letter, according to 'The Hollywood Reporter.'.
The Artists Rights Alliance and approximately 200 musicians such as Billie Eilish, Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj released the open letter, according to 'The Hollywood Reporter.'.
The Artists Rights Alliance and approximately 200 musicians such as Billie Eilish, Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj released the open letter, according to 'The Hollywood Reporter.'.
The letter calls on developers of digital music to "cease the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to infringe upon and devalue the rights of human artists.".
The campaign draws attention to how AI developers use musical works without permission to create AI "copycats.".
Working musicians are already
struggling to make ends meet in the
streaming world, and now they have
the added burden of trying to compete
with a deluge of AI-generated noise. , Jen Jacobsen, executive director of the ARA, via statement.
The unethical use of generative
AI to replace human artists will
devalue the entire music ecosystem â
for artists and fans alike, Jen Jacobsen, executive director of the ARA, via statement.
Others artists who signed the open letter include Camila Cabello, Sam Smith, Jon Bon Jovi.
Others artists who signed the open letter include Camila Cabello, Sam Smith, Jon Bon Jovi.
Others artists who signed the open letter include Camila Cabello, Sam Smith, Jon Bon Jovi.
Norah Jones, Chuck D.
Norah Jones, Chuck D.
Kate Hudson, Pearl Jam and R.E.M.
Kate Hudson, Pearl Jam and R.E.M.
Kate Hudson, Pearl Jam and R.E.M.
Make no mistake: we believe that, when
used responsibly, AI has enormous potential
to advance human creativity and in a manner
that enables the development and growth
of new and exciting experiences for
music fans everywhere. , Via open letter.
Unfortunately, some platforms and
developers are employing AI to sabotage
creativity and undermine artists,
songwriters, musicians and rightsholders, Via open letter.
We must protect against the predatory
use of AI to steal professional artistsâ
voices and likenesses, violate creatorsâ
rights, and destroy the music ecosystem. , Via open letter
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
As AI redefines the nature of conflict, from the streets of Gaza to the battlegrounds of Ukraine, it's imperative to address its impact on global peace. Join us as we delve into the role of artificial intelligence in modern warfare and explore the urgent need to prioritize peace on the international agenda. From autonomous drones to cyber warfare, discover how AI is shaping the future of war and what it means for the prospects of global governance and peacebuilding efforts.
#Gaza #GazaWar #GazaStrip #Ukraine #RussiaUkraine #IsraelPalestine #IsraelHamasWar #AIinWar #ArtificialIntelligence #AITechnology #Oneindia
~HT.99~PR.274~ED.194~
AI Automation Could Displace 8 Million, Workers in the UK, Report Warns.
'The Guardian' reports that nearly 8 million jobs
in the United Kingdom could be lost in a potential
artificial intelligence "jobs apocalypse.".
'The Guardian' reports that nearly 8 million jobs
in the United Kingdom could be lost in a potential
artificial intelligence "jobs apocalypse.".
According to a report by The Institute for Public Policy
Research (IPPR), younger workers, women and lower-
wage workers stand to lose the most to AI automation.
According to a report by The Institute for Public Policy
Research (IPPR), younger workers, women and lower-
wage workers stand to lose the most to AI automation.
The IPPR's report found that entry-level, part-time
and administrative jobs face the highest risk of
being replaced by AI in a "worst-case scenario.".
Over the next three to five years, the thinktank
warns that more companies will use generative AI
technology to automate everyday workplace tasks.
The IPPR found that 11% of tasks currently
done by workers are at risk.
This includes database management, scheduling and
stocktaking, which could displace entry-level workers in the
secretarial, administrative and customer service sectors.
This includes database management, scheduling and
stocktaking, which could displace entry-level workers in the
secretarial, administrative and customer service sectors.
The IPPR warns that the number
could increase to 59% of tasks in a
second wave if AI technology is developed
to handle more and more complex tasks. .
The second wave could impact higher-earning jobs
that involve less routine tasks surrounding database
creation, copywriting and graphic design. .
The IPPR warns that women , "are more likely to work in the most
exposed occupations, such as secretarial
and administrative occupations.".
According to the report, the worst-case
scenario for the second wave of AI could impact
7.9 million jobs, which would negate productivity
gains with zero growth in GDP for up to five years.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
âHappy Gilmore 2â , Officially Confirmed at Netflix.
Netflix confirmed the sequel
on May 15, 'Variety' reports.
Adam Sandler will reprise one of his most popular roles as Happy Gilmore, a hockey player who becomes a golfer.
Christopher McDonald, who played
Shooter McGavin in the original film,
first sparked sequel rumors in March.
I saw Adam [Sandler] about two
weeks ago, and he says to me,
âMcDonald, youâre gonna love this.â, Christopher McDonald, via 'Variety'.
I said, âWhat?â He says, âHow about
that,â and he shows me the first
draft of âHappy Gilmore 2.â , Christopher McDonald, via 'Variety'.
I thought, âWell, that would be
awesome.â So, itâs in the works.
Fans demand it, dammit!, Christopher McDonald, via 'Variety'.
Drew Barrymore teased the
news on her talk show as well.
This just in, I have breaking newsâŠ.
Iâll just say this, from my source, that
['Happy Gilmore 2'] is in process, Drew Barrymore, via 'The Drew Barrymore Show'.
Additional details such as storyline or
director have yet to be revealed.
'Happy Gilmore,' released in 1996, made close to $40 million at the global box office
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
After years of prayers, wishes and speculation, it's really happening -- Adam Sandler is slated to star in a sequel to his classic comedy, "Happy Gilmore" ..... TMZ.com
Reba McEntire is set to host the 59th ACM Awards this week on Amazon's Prime Video. The iconic singer spoke to THR all about her big return to Country Music's Party of the Year, new music, her new TV show, 'Reba' hitting Netflix and much more ahead of the ceremony that streams live on Thursday, May 16.
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 03:09Published
SAG-AFTRA, a union representing about 160,000 Hollywood actors, officially went on strike after failing to reach a deal with Hollywood's biggest studios. The strike marks the first time writers and..
Emmys to Be Postponed , Due to Hollywood Strikes.
The 75th Emmys were originally
supposed to take place Sept. 18.
But now, because of the strike by screenwriters
and actors in Hollywood, the awards..
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
The WGA and SAG-AFTRA went on Strike in the Summer of 2023. The question being posed is do these Hollywood Actors and Writers have enough leverage to get what they want? Does anybody really care about..