Business

As Americans shelter in place with many spending most or all of each day at home, three new streaming services are prepping for launch: Quibi, Peacock and HBO Max. They are hitting the market at a stomach-churningly weird time for the world and for the companies – and investors – that own them. As it turns out…

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) said that the $2 trillion coronavirus relief legislation, signed by President Donald Trump into law on Friday, “will hopefully help entertainment industry workers get through some of the hardships to come.” “I think we were very fortunate to get this language in the bill that does cover most of…

As weeks look to turn into months of lockdown around the world due to the coronavirus pandemic, Starz is seeing a surge of sign-ups to its digital platforms and more as viewers seek more Power and Outlander. Data reveals a 45% jump in audience on the Starz App in the March 14-23 period compared to the 10 days before…

ViacomCBS is the latest media conglom to tap the debt market, announcing plans to raise $2.5 billion by selling notes. Disney raised $6 billion last week and Comcast $4 billion earlier this week as companies in – relatively – strong positions look to build up a cash cushion against the uncertain economics of a…

APA has added Grimm co-creator David Greenwalt to its client roster along with Roni Greenwalt and their Swan Song production banner.  David was also the co-showrunner on the hit NBC series, which ran for six seasons. Prior to that, David served as executive producer on Buffy The Vampire Slayer before creating and exec…

UPDATED with latest: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control said Friday that the total number of coronavirus cases in the country has grown to 85,356, up from 68,440 a day earlier, with the death toll nationwide growing by more than 250 overnight to 1,246. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization reports that the global…

UPDATED, 1:05 PM: Local officials announced today an unprecedented closure or all beaches, piers, trailheads and bike paths in the county until at least April 19, effective immediately: Public trails and trailheads, beaches, piers, beach bike paths and beach access points in LA County are temporarily CLOSED through…

EXCLUSIVE updated with statement from Depp’s rep: With his legal action against a Rupert Murdoch-owned tabloid on hold in the UK due to coronavirus lockdowns, Johnny Depp on Friday saw Amber Heard's move to effectively steamroll Depp’s $50 million defamation suit against her hit a significant judicial…

Disney is extending the shutdown of its U.S. theme parks in Anaheim and Orlando, saying Friday that Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort will remain closed until further notice. It also said it would “extend paying hourly parks and resorts cast members through April 18.” “While there is still much…

UPDATED with WGA East: Entertainment industry union leaders are applauding Congress for today's passage of the $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus bill, part of which expands key benefits for hundreds of thousands of industry workers who have lost jobs because of the coronavirus shutdown of film, TV and theater…

Refresh for updates … As the coronavirus outbreak continues to spread, more events are being canceled or postponed and entertainment sites closed. The World Health Organization has declared a pandemic over the COVID-19 virus, which has sickened 509,164 people in 196 countries and territories, with 23,335 global deaths…

The London production of the musical Waitress will not re-open following the COVID-19 West End shutdown, producers announced today. “It is with great sadness that we announce the closing of our beloved London production of Waitress the Musical,” producers tweeted. “As you'll be aware, we've had to temporarily lower…