The cyber-extortionists who stole a trove of private data from entertainment law firm Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks now have a new target in their sights: President Donald Trump. 29 more words
via Law Firm Hackers Claim to Have Dirt on Donald Trump, Up Data Ransom to $42M — Variety
The Directors Guild of America has been fast-tracking nearly $9 million in foreign levies to 5,000 directors over the past week. “As production remains suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Guild has continued its work to expedite vital income when it is most needed,” the DGA announced Friday. 9 more words
via Directors Guild Fast Tracks $9 Million in Foreign Levies to Members — Variety
Danny Boyle will direct Michael B. Jordan in “Methuselah,” while Simon Beaufoy, who worked with Boyle on “Slumdog Millionaire” and “127 Hours,” is being eyed to rewrite the script. 28 more words
via Danny Boyle to Direct ‘Methuselah’ Starring Michael B. Jordan (EXCLUSIVE) — Variety
Welcome to Variety Music’s first-ever Fri 5, our collection of the best, most noteworthy or simply most remarkable new songs from the past week. It is not complete or definitive or a fight-to-the-death “best of,” but rather a bunch of songs that we find interesting — because a world without five interesting new songs every…
via Top New Singles of the Week: Katy Perry, The 1975, Ro James With Brandy, More — Variety
Following the success of Chris Hemsworth’s “Extraction,” Netflix is doubling down on action movies, tapping Jessica Alba to lead the next one. Sources tell Variety that Alba will star in the new Netflix action-thriller “Trigger Warning,” with Mouly Surya directing. 18 more words
via Jessica Alba to Star in Netflix Action-Thriller ‘Trigger Warning’ (EXCLUSIVE) — Variety
Astrid Kirchherr, the constant companion of the Beatles in their early days in Hamburg who took the photographs that established their iconic early look, has died at 81. 31 more words
via Astrid Kirchherr, Early Beatles Photographer, Dies at 81 — Variety
It’s a relatively slim week in new releases, even by the standards of the ongoing coronavirus shutdown — although there are a few gems to be found, if you hunt hard enough. 29 more words
via New Movies to Watch This Week: ‘Capone,’ The Wrong Missy,’ ‘Scoob!’ — Variety
With the COVID-19 pandemic making in-person graduation ceremonies impossible, several organizations have put together virtual celebrations for both high school and college seniors. Though those graduating have been forced to miss a major milestone, they now have the opportunity to graduate in the presence of their favorite celebrities and hear commencement speeches from the likes…
via From Oprah to Will Ferrell: All of the 2020 Virtual Graduation Ceremonies — Variety
MGM has brought Phil Lord and Chris Miller on board to direct and produce the film adaptation of “The Martian” author Andy Weir’s next novel, which has Ryan Gosling lined up to star. 24 more words
via Phil Lord and Chris Miller to Direct Ryan Gosling Astronaut Film (EXCLUSIVE) — Variety
If you need help with your next video conference, Yvette Nicole Brown is officially a virtual streaming pro. A little less than 24 hours after hosting the “How to Get Away with Murder” finale’s virtual after party (and after taping the “Community” virtual reunion), Brown is set to co-host Friday night’s A-list “We All Play…
Festival Reviews 