Netflix chief Reed Hastings and his wife, Patty Quillin, donated $30 million to Gavi Alliance, the nonprofit immunization organization started by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. 32 more words
via Netflix CEO Reed Hastings and Wife Patty Quillin Donate $30 Million to Vaccine Org — Variety
The judge in the Lori Loughlin college admissions case said on Friday that he is disturbed by defense allegations of misconduct in the case, and asked prosecutors for further briefing. 28 more words
via Lori Loughlin Judge Says He Is ‘Disturbed’ By Misconduct Claim — Variety
National Basketball Association players have agreed to a 25% reduction in their salaries while games are on hold because of the Coronavirus. Under terms of the agreement, ratified today by the owners and players’ association, the withholding will begin with the May 15 paychecks. 14 more words
via NBA Players Agree to 25% Salary Cut During Coronavirus Shutdown — Variety
California’s Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Friday the formation of an 80-person task force to develop economic recovery strategies amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic — and that group includes at least one or two well-known Hollywood executives. 20 more words
via Disney’s Bob Iger, Apple CEO Tim Cook to Serve on California Economic Task Force — Variety
Shares of Disney rose 4.5% Friday, closing to a 38-day high of $106.63, as investors were encouraged by new federal guidelines setting a timetable for when large venues — including theaters and theme parks — could reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic. 18 more words
Los Angeles’ Comedy Store will stream a live, three-hour video showcase for comedians on April 21 as a fundraiser for The Comedy Store Family Fund, a charitable effort that has taken on new urgency during the COVID-19 crisis. 21 more words
via The Comedy Store to Live-Stream Starry Fundraiser to Benefit Coronavirus Relief Efforts — Variety
Amazon has piled more free-to-stream content into Prime Video, including HBO original series, Warner Bros. movies and 20 “Sesame Street” episodes. Through a deal with HBO, Prime Video is making free — to anyone in the U.S. 28 more words
via Amazon Prime Video Adds Free HBO and ‘Sesame Street’ Episodes, Warner Bros. Movies — Variety
The year ahead may well amount to the worst of times and the best of times for private equity players with big investments in media and entertainment. 30 more words
via Coronavirus Crisis Creates Both Upheaval and Opportunity for Media Investors — Variety
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a former Democratic presidential hopeful, has endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden in the race for the White House. Warren’s endorsement is important to Biden as the senator from Massachusetts is a respected liberal standard-bearer for the Democratic Party. 16 more words
via Senator Elizabeth Warren Endorses Joe Biden For President — Variety
Mark Ruffalo wants to reprise his role as Bruce Banner and his mean, green alter-ego the Hulk in future Avengers sequels and spinoffs. However, the actor admits that it’s unclear when or if the strongest man alive will resurface after Earth’s Mightiest Heroes defeated Thanos in 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame.” “There’s nothing completely at a place…
via Mark Ruffalo on the Hulk’s Future and Why He’d Love to Team With Wolverine — Variety
Festival Reviews 