As studios and distributors continue to pull the theatrical releases of their films, and cinemas nationwide close their doors to the public, what becomes of film criticism in the time of coronavirus? 28 more words

via How U.K. Film Critics are Navigating Coronavirus: ‘My Earnings Potential Evaporated Overnight’ — Variety

Disney joins the growing number of studios releasing films early digitally as theaters remain shuttered nationwide in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Disney and Pixar’s “Onward” will be available to buy digitally and on Movies Anywhere for $19.99 beginning on Friday at 5 p.m. 14 more words

via Pixar’s ‘Onward’ Being Released Early on Digital and Disney Plus — Variety

The TV ratings surge, which seemingly can only be attributed to the coronavirus pandemic, continues, as a quartet of shows all drew season high viewerships in Thursday night. 34 more words

via TV Ratings Surge as ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ ‘ Station 19,’ ‘Superstore,’ and ‘ Will & Grace’ Hit Season Highs — Variety

The unions representing arts, media and entertainment are calling on Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Congress to pass emergency relief legislation that both enhances and expands state unemployment benefits, and sends direct cash to the impacted workers they represent. 20 more words

via SAG-AFTRA and Other Arts Unions Call on Lawmakers to Provide Emergency Relief Aid — Variety

Hello? Welcome to the new owner of Moviefone — whoever that is. Moviefone, the once-popular movie listing service that was left stranded after the Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing of its parent company, has been sold — for the low, low price of just over $1 million. 11 more words

via Moviefone Sold for Fire-Sale Price of $1 Million to Mystery Buyer — Variety

When Aaron Paul joined HBO’s “Westworld” for its third season, which premiered March 15, he was a “crazy fan” of the show. But executive producers Lisa Joy and Jonathan “Jonah” Nolan didn’t ask him to play one of the show’s sentient robots rebelling against humanity. 12 more words

via Aaron Paul Explains Why He Likes That His ‘Westworld’ Character Is So ‘Messy’ — Variety

Zac Brown has sent an emotional message to fans about severe cuts he’s had to make to his crew, why it’s a life-or-death matter for young people to be out partying, and how Americans are having to make decisions for themselves in lieu of strong political leadership. 10 more words

via Zac Brown Says in Tearful Video That He’s Had to Lay Off 90% of Crew — Variety

Many of the nation’s most popular late-night programs have shut down, but starting this evening, NBC’s “Tonight Show” will have a little extra for fans. Host Jimmy Fallon has started making ten-minute digital episodes of the show for YouTube in the wake of production being shut down by the coronavirus outbreak. 6 more words

via ‘Tonight Show’ Will Add Fallon’s YouTube Videos to Repeats — Variety

As concern quickly grows over the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Emmy campaigns have gone from “FYC” to “F-Y-Wait-and-See.” The television awards season has been upended by Hollywood’s move to cancel virtually every upcoming event on its calendar — including those For Your Consideration screenings and panels that make up a large part of network and studio…

via Coronavirus Crisis Throws Emmy, Film Awards Campaigning Into Disarray — Variety

The planned “Friends” reunion special at HBO Max is the latest victim of the production shutdown caused by the coronavirus outbreak. Variety has confirmed with sources that filming of the special has been delayed. 23 more words

via ‘Friends’ Reunion Special at HBO Max Delayed Due to Coronavirus Concerns — Variety