“Songland” hitmakers Ester Dean, Shane McAnally and Ryan Tedder took a moment out of quarantining at home and Zoom songwriting sessions to host a listening party prior to the April 27 episode with guest H.E.R. 22 more words

via ‘Songland’ Stars’ Listening Party Comes With a Message: ‘Creativity Wins’ During Coronavirus — Variety

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced changes for eligibility for the 93rd Academy Awards, including the consolidation of its two sound categories. Best sound mixing and sound editing will now be under one category called best sound. 21 more words

via Sound Engineers Express Mixed Feelings on Oscars Merging Sound Categories — Variety

Film piracy has surged since coronavirus lockdown measures were introduced in March, according to new data from digital piracy research firm Muso. Muso calculated that film piracy increased by over 40% when lockdown measures were enforced, describing the rise as “unprecedented.” Comparing the last seven days of March to the last seven days of February,…

via Digital Film Piracy Surges to ‘Unprecedented’ Levels Amid Coronavirus Lockdown — Variety

Nancy Pelosi, the powerful Speaker of the House, has formally endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden in the race for the White House. As the leader of the Democratic Party in Congress, Pelosi’s support of its presumptive presidential candidate was never in doubt. 15 more words

via U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Endorses Joe Biden For President — Variety

“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” will begin streaming on Disney Plus two months earlier than previously scheduled. The final installment of the original Star Wars movie series will debut on the streaming service — when else? 21 more words

via ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ to Hit Disney Plus Two Months Early — Variety

With COVID-19 shuttering film fests worldwide, YouTube has stepped in to launch a 10-day digital film festival this spring with 20 partners — streaming free to cinema fans everywhere. 29 more words

via YouTube to Host Free Virtual Film Festival With 20 Partners Including Cannes, Tribeca, Sundance — Variety

The 2020 NFL Draft was unlike any other. Over seven rounds, league commissioner Roger Goodell, the 32 NFL head coaches and almost 100 NFL prospects were broadcast virtually from home using over 600 camera feeds. 23 more words

via NFL Draft Smashes Ratings Records With Virtual Presentation — Variety

HBO Max will get an assist from Apple for the WarnerMedia streaming service’s May 27 debut, in a continuation of their “coopetition” arrangement. At launch, HBO Max will be available on Apple devices and fully integrated with the Apple TV app on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Apple TVs. 8 more words

via HBO Max Will Be on Apple TV, iPhone and iPad at Launch — Variety

Welcome back to Tune In: our weekly newsletter offering a guide to the best of the week’s TV. Each week, Variety’s TV team combs through the week’s schedule, selecting our picks of what to watch and when/how to watch them. 19 more words

via What to Watch on TV This Week: ‘Parks and Recreation’ Reunion Special and ‘Hollywood’ — Variety

The best late-night companion for Comedy Central’s long-running “The Daily Show” may just be “The Daily Show.” The ViacomCBS cable outlet will expand Trevor Noah’s late-night showcase to 45 minutes per night during production that takes place during the coronavirus. 18 more words

via Trevor Noah’s ‘Daily Show’ Will Expand to 45 Minutes — Variety