Cannes...Protests Overtake Film Awards

 As predictable as the sun rising are protests at the Cannes Film Festival, or should we say the Cannes protest fest. Women's rights (or lack thereof) and geopolitical topics ruled this year's Festival. And to be honest, the protests have become more interesting and meaningful then the Palm Awards given out.

This year was the always present, women's rights protests. Hundreds of women set off smoke flares on the red carpet to highlight their outrage at sexual violence against women. Several in the protest group disrobed to reveal the message 'stop raping us'.

Women protesting on red carpet at Cannes

There were also pro-Ukraine protests which is headshaking given that the only people really pushing for peace is the Trump Administration.

Protester breaking up the red-carpet festivities

Another, larger protest, was the festival workers protesting against the Cannes Festival over low wages and work benefits. The workers belong to an unofficial workers' union called the 'Precarious Film Festival Workers' Collective'. Hundreds of Festival workers protested for a regular income and overtime pay. As for the Festival's management, Thierry Fremaux, the Festival's head honcho, said "negotiations were on-going with the collective and the festival has engaged directly with them on their issues." Hmmm...sounds like he's placating. 

Festival workers want more pay and benefits

The protest that brought in the most support was the pro-Palestinian (aka anti-Israel) one, where thousands gathered to show their support. 

Geopolitics seems to be at the top of most protest agendas. For example, the film 'Bearing Witness', was abruptly canceled. Only 47 minutes in length the film showed raw footage of the attack against Israel on October 7th. 

And the beat goes on. It seems that the protests have become a larger part of the Cannes gala then the highlighted and awarded films. But, then again, it should be totally expected give the times we are living in.

By: Jim Lavorato

How Much Do You Spend on Streaming?

Streamers are available on any number of devices

Streaming platforms were once a much cheaper alternative to cable TV...but not any longer. Their prices are higher, and their perceived value has diminished. 

On average, video subscribers in the U.S. pay for four streaming services totaling $69/month, according to the Deloitte Annual Digital Media Report. In comparison, cable TV or satellite subscribers spend $125/month.

More than 47% of subscribers believe they pay too much on streamers and 41% say the content delivered isn't worth the price. Additionally, a whopping 60% say that if the streamers raise the price $5/month more they would cancel the service.

Younger users are especially prone to canceling services or opt for less expensive ad-supported alternatives. On average, consumers across the board feel that $14/month is "just right" for an ad-free service. And $10/month being ideal for an ad-supported service.

Content holds greater relevance for younger viewers. 56% of GenZs say social media content is more relevant than TV shows or movies. That rate is 47% for Millennials. 

How much are you spending on streaming services? Are you getting value for you dollars?

By: Jim Lavorato

Drones' vs Privacy...It's Getting Worse for Celebs

 

Drones - more sophisticated than ever before

In 2015, California passed a law banning drone operators from violating the airspace of private property. But, since that law, illicit drone use has not only continued but has proliferated. Celebrities, as well as other notable have been spied upon with regularity in their houses, at restaurants, on vacation, or at work.

Drone detection systems are on the rise as companies and event producers look to secure airspace. These systems cost upwards of $200,000. Mike Fraietta, founder of security company Gargoyle Systesm, says, "There has been a lot of legislation passed, but that doesn't stop drone use. Especially in high rise apartments, such as in NYC, people assume they are so high up that they can't be seen, but drones can."

Drones plague movie on-location sites. According to Ryan Reynolds, "We would run for cover when filming Deadpool & Wolverine. We had a plan of evasion."

Drones aren't just being employed by gawkers and paparazzi but by criminals to case-out target 'hit' sites or to serve as lookouts. Drones can be used for reconnaissance for high-end crimes or be used to plan and collect data on how a home, office, or production facility is protected. 

A drone swarm

Drones are detected by their noise or radio frequencies, but they are getting better and better at diverting detection. At the moment there is nothing much that a harassed celeb or any other person can do to prevent drone use other than having detectors provide situational awareness. 

You cannot shoot a drone out of the air. They are considered to be an aircraft and shooting one violates the Federal Aircraft Sabotage Act.

By: Jim Lavorato

Saving the Iconic Cinerama Theatre

 

Cinerama Dome Theatre in better days

After a petition was signed by over 30,000 in a move to reopen the iconic Cinerama Dome Theater, which is operated by Pacific Theatres, its supporters, led by Ben Steinberg, are pressing for a reopening and restoration of the facility.

"It's not reopening this year, and according to a Pacific spokesperson there's no plan to reopen the Theatre any time soon", says Steinberg. 

Locals gather in support of reopening Cinerama

The shuttered cinema has gone to seed, is boarded up, and is an eyesore for the community. The Cinerama Dome should be in a class with the Chinese, Egyptian, and Pantages theatres

Hopefully, this general swell of support will motivate Pacific Theatres, whose parent is Decurion Corporation, to either renovated or sell the property to a restorer.

All the best of luck to Steinberg and the Cinerama supporters - this Theatre needs saving.

Supporter that wants to save the Cinerama Dome

Seth Rogen Gets Edited Out...and That's a Good Thing

 

Seth Rogen has always been a bit of a jerk but his stupid comments at the Breakthrough Prize Foundation's annual event to honor people of science (known as the Oscars of Science) were a bit too much even for the Hollywood crowd. So ridiculous were his comments that they were edited out of the YouTube stream of the event.

Rogen is, at best, a C-lister who has made stupid comments at other award shows such as the Golden Globes and Emmys. He thinks he is provocative and fancies himself a do-gooder for left leaning viewpoints. Turns out he is no more than a blowhard who wants to embellish himself with the Hollywood crowd. Unfortunately for him many in Hollywood are moving to the right particularly the very wealthy Silicon Valley moguls. 

Rogen, who was half drunk, arrived on stage and right-off bad mouthed the sponsors of the show - Yuri Milner, Mark Zuckerberg, and Sergey Bein (who each donated $3 million to the Foundation). Rogen than went on to slur Elon Musk and RFK, Jr. who weren't present but who Rogen blamed for ruining science.

This year $22 million was given out for science achievements

His rants stunned the audience, award participants, and his co-host, Ed Norton, who uncomfortably tried to recover from Rogen's stupid remarks.

A spokesperson for the Breakthrough Prize Foundation stated, "This year's ceremony lasted longer than the prior few years, and several edits were made in order to meet the originally planned run time." This is a nice way of saying; we did what we had to - omit this idiot's comments.

I omitted Rogen's image from this post as he doesn't deserve any recognition of any kind. Bye, bye Seth.

By: Jim Lavorato 

A Documentary on Uniqueness

 A documentary, 'The Sorcerer' by Felix Guardia, chronicles the legacy of artist, Julio Zachrisson - and is a must see.

The film blends various media forms: animation, archival footage, interviews, and present-day filming to exhibit Zachrisson's artworks (known for their unsettling depictions) to life. "Art is useless, said Zachrisson, "but we can't live without it."

Zachrisson at home in Madrid

The film is about Guardia's quest to meet the artist. A friendship is developed, and the film offers viewers a reflection into this relationship. We are treated to photos of Zachrisson's works - the exaggerated human forms which were, at first, unaccepted by the public. He left his native Panama in 1953 never to return and died in 2021 in Madrid, at the age of 91. 

The documentary's goal is to preserve and amplify the artist's impact on contemporary art, which has reached across the globe. Interactive museum exhibitions are planned and a comprehensive digital archive of Zachrisson's works is on-going.

"I want the audience to feel the same shock and fascination I did when I first encountered his work," says Guardia, "I want them to question their own perceptions and dare to see beyond the surface."

Zachrisson's paintings and drawings can be seen in art galleries and museum across the world, at the MOMA in NYC, the Smithsonian in DC, to the Museum of Modern Art in Baghdad.

If you get the opportunity, this is a must-see film about an artist with a view of the world like no other as depicted in his works. Truly one-of-a-kind vision.

By: Jim Lavorato

YouTube...The King of Media

Yes, as YouTube marks its 20th anniversary, the Google owned video platform is the crowned King of all media.

Much bigger than any Hollywood player, YouTube is poised to gobble-up more screen-time than any other media outlet and will be more ubiquitous in the future. It's the home to countless self-made influencers, podcasters, commentators, and entrepreneurs.

If you want to find anything on video your first stop is YouTube. Today YouTube is television. It's short-form video, long-form video, live video, and cable TV all rolled into one.

For 2025, YouTube will surpass all other media companies in revenue. If YouTube was a standalone business, it would be worth half-a-trillion dollars or about 30% of Google's (Alphabet's) worth.

"YouTube has substantial runway for further growth-not just in monetization but also in expanding into new business segments, such as, becoming the premier streaming aggregator." says Michael Nathanson, Principal at MoffettNathanon. "If executed effectively, this could further widen the gap between YouTube and the other media players."

YouTube's income is estimated to be $10.2 billion this year and $13.8 billion in 2026. It's difficult obtaining financial data on YouTube, as Google holds YouTube performance figures close-to-the-vest.

There is no doubt that YouTube will continue to prosper and retain it crown as media King over the foreseeable future.

By: Jim Lavorato

Finally...An Oscar for Stunt Achievement

 

From 'Fast & Furious'

The Academy announced today the creation of an annual competition Oscar Award for Achievement in Stunt Design, beginning with films released in 2027.

Director/Producer David Leitch led the charge on behalf of the stunt community to finally be recognized for their work in films.

From 'The Matrix'

Since the very beginning action and designed stunts have been an integral part of filmmaking. From Buster Keston and the Keystone Cops to the earliest Westerns, and the latest Mission Impossible, stunts are a major generator of box office attendance. 

According to Janet Yang, President of the Academy, "We are proud to honor the innovative work of the technical and creative artists, and we congratulate them for their commitment and dedication in reaching this momentous occasion."

Oaters had great stunts from the very beginning

The last new Award category created was Achievement in Casting, established in 2024, beginning with the 2025 Oscar ceremonies. 

Reeves with stunt double from Wick films

This was a long-awaited Award category that should have been Oscar-worthy years ago. Regardless it is now etched in stone and the Oscar for Best Stunt will finally be bestowed each year.

By: Jim Lavorato

Hollywood's Painter...Extraordinaire

 For seven decades, Don Bachary has painted the Hollywood elite.

Don Bachardy with Marilyn Monroe - 1951

A-list stars would and still sit for hours as Bachardy painted their portraits at his studio in Santa Monica Canyon. Bachardy painted over 17,000 portraits - some now residing in the Smithsonian, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Bachardy also made sure he was photographed with "friends" like Bogart, Bacall, and Lucille Ball. His close friend, Karla Nielson states, "He just wanted to be near this world and was really interested in capturing it."

For example, Bachardy painted Bette Davis three times. They both loved the process, and sitters went without makeup or retouching of his final painting. "That's the only way I wanted to work" says the 90-year-old artist.

Three documentaries have been produced on Bachardy, which is rare for someone who is a portrait painter, they include 'The Eyes of Don Bachardy', 'Face to Face: Don Bachardy, and the latest, 'Chris and Don: A Love Story'.

Jack Nichelson 1982

Posing for Bachardy is not glamorous. He demands total stillness and silence during sittings. His work is always completed in one session and is a no-frills experience. States Angelina Jolie, "When I was pregnant, I called and asked Don to paint me. I'd never sat for an artist before. Every moment of that sitting is etched in my mind. There's a magic to his work. He captures the spirit and soul of the person he's painting." 

Frances McDormand 1992

"Can you imagine living here all these years. I'm a steady worker. My work is a history of my lifetime, about all the people I've known...all the ones who sat for me." says Bachardy. 

Bette Davis 1973

Our tribute to a man with a very special skill of capturing the essence of who he painted. Congratulations Don Bachardy.

Self--portrait 2004

By: Jim Lavorato

Cannes Film Festival...Trying to Be Relevant

 

2025 marks the 78th year of the Cannes Festival which will be held from May 13-24th. Dubbed, "the festival with a conscience", this slogan embodies what this festival has become, arrogant and unforgivably boring.

For example, the Short Film Competition is described as being the 'discovery of the filmmakers of tomorrow and allow for a greater diversity of sensibilities and talent.'  What does this mean? It is so nebulas. 

The festival's website states, 'The secret of success lies in all the little stories that have built the festival into the film industry's highlight'. Really! The film industry's highlight?"

The trademark red carpet, instead of being tossed out each year is now being reused and repurposed. Who is the genius who thought of that? This should have been done years ago. 

The Cannes Festival has become a metaphor for the whole of Western Europe: boring, bloated, over-sold, old, bureaucratic, and very expensive. The glitterati will be out in full force. I expect there, as always, will be protests by 'whatever' groups advertising their cause du jour.

After 78 years one would think the Cannes fest would have mastered the purpose of any film festival, which is, to celebrate the art of moviemaking which documents the story of human history.

The average cost to attend the Cannes fest is high, expect to pay $25,000 on the very low side. Red carpet access alone is $10,000. To attend prestige events like the Varity Fair Party - $11,000. Lodging varies, but a good hotel like the Carlton or Martinez will run $30,000 for the stay. Villas can go as high as $450,000. Cannes is, by far, the most expensive of the major film festivals to attend as compared to Sundance, Toronto, Tribeca, Berlin, etc.  

The Cannes Festival has become 'the big yawn'. It's well-off people making films about poor people that are watched by even richer people. 

By: Jim Lavorato 

Rug Pull? Money Grab? ...You Call It

 I very rarely blog about my personal encounters. In fact, since CMG was launched in 2006, I have only written about a personal experience one other time. Yet, I could not dismiss the encounter I had yesterday when answering a phone solicitation.

A group called, The People's Union USA asked if I would like to join them in boycotting and in supporting the Group financially. My first thought was, how had they gotten my cell number? Regardless, I checked their website to find out they are a political/boycott group. Their mission statement reads, "We are not a protest group. We are a movement to take back control of our economy, our government, our country." WOW. Is that all?

Why would I want to support any group, from the left or right, that wants to control our economy and government and, by extension, my life? The Group states, "Our goal is to boycott retail stores, online platforms, private label brands, pharmacy and health services, finance services, warehouse club outlets, all grocery and delivery entities, and subscription services."  I'm speechless! 

Naturally, they sell merch. Tees are $20

The People's Union USA's weekly goal for April 7-14 is to boycott Walmart (past boycotts included Amazon and Nestle). At first, I thought, this is a joke, right? No, it's all true. The sad thing is that there are individuals who believe in this nonsense - rhetoric (however crazy) that provides fodder for their unfounded and misplaced beliefs in American culture, lifestyle, and inner workings.

For example, the Group states, "We want corporations to start paying their fair share of income taxes so there won't be any more federal income tax for the people"

Revelation: 40% of all federal income taxes are paid by the top 1% of taxpayers. 60% is paid by the top 10%. Most people pay very little federal income tax. The tax burden is mostly State and local income tax, sales taxes, property taxes, utility taxes, etc. 

In short, The People's Union USA is just another grift. A cash scheme. Unfortunately, many people, for whatever reason, believe we are living in a bad nation. They get caught up in the narrative of Groups like The People's Union and support them financially and/or through boycotting and civil disorder.

Sorry for the rant, but the call to arms from various groups and causes has reached a peak and is tearing at the fabric of our culture - proposing solutions founded on misconceptions or outright lies - The People's Union USA is just another money-grab Group.

By: Jim Lavorato

 

Lengthening the Theatrical Release Window...the Sage Continues

 On 4/4/25 I wrote, what now appears to be a very apropos topic, lengthening the theatrical release window to a minimum of 60 days - and stated my case as to why this one action would greatly bolster box office attendance. 

At last week's CinemaCon (Hollywood's annual trade show), which I normally do but did not attend this year, the topic of the release window was debated. It appears however that the digital streaming platforms, some of which are owned by the film studios, are against increasing the window. 

Calls from the exhibition community for a universal 45-day theatrical release window fell on deaf-ears, as the studios do not want to take the risk - well, at least three didn't. As it stands, the window is now 17-36 days for all studios except Disney which waits 60 days.

Some of the stars that attended the 2025 CinemaCon Show

Having a short window robs movie theatres of moviegoers. Sony is on board with a 45-day window, however, Universal will be tough to convince, as well as Warner Bros. and Paramount.

Pre-COVID there was a 74-day window to which Michael O'Leary, Head of the exhibition trade group, Cinema United says, "the movie industry cannot afford the loss of a percentage of moviegoers who went to the movies when the window stood at 74-days."

Having, at least, a 45-day window would somewhat ensure that the theatrical system is and remains healthy. Cinemas must have release exclusivity. A short window leaves audiences with the impression that the moviegoing experience is only for big blockbusters.

By: Jim Lavorato

LA Movie Production at Lowest Level EVER!

 

FilmLA, the nonprofit group that issues film permits for the city and county of Los Angeles, reported that the average occupancy rate for the 17 studios that operate film production stages was 63%, the lowest in recorded history

This serves as another data point that filming in the greater Hollywood area is down and not increasing as was widely thought after the union strikes of 2023. 

.

For 2024, there were only 8,671 onstage shoot dates for 1,275 productions. The decline, however, was not from less moviemaking but from lower TV show production coupled with completion from other locations including the United Kingdom, New York City, Georgia, Ontario, etc. 

FilmLA spokesperson, Philip Sokoloski, stressed "the significance of California's plans on expanding subsides to the entertainment industry as very much needed to bolster both movie and TV production - and this is in the works." To his point, California is launching 'Stay in LA, an initiative which calls for emergency measures to restore LA's film and TV production.

By: Jim Lavorato

 

Coyote vs. Acme - The Movie, At Long Last

 

Yes, you wanted it and now it's coming. Ketchup Entertainment has acquired the worldwide rights to the film 'Coyote vs. Acme'. The live-action/animated hybrid feature will bring the iconic Looney Tune to life on the big screen - which was no small task as Warner Bros. had originally decided against a theatrical production and release. 

Ketchup and Warners finally worked out a deal. According to Gareth West, Ketchup Enter. CEO, "We're thrilled to have made the deal with Warner Bros. 'Coyote vs. Acme' is a perfect blend of old and modern storytelling. We believe it will resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers alike."

The theme of the film centers on Wile E. Coyote as he takes legal action against the Acme Corporation for the countless faulty products that have hindered his relentless pursuit of the Road Rummer.

Beep...Beep

Jim Lavorato

Disabled Moviegoers...Forgotten

Inevitable Foundation

65% of disabled moviegoers said they prefer to watch a movie at a theater vs. at home, but only 4% say that movie theaters meet their accessibility needs.

Inevitable Foundation, a disabled rights group, surveyed handicapped moviegoers' views on everything from seating to closed captioning. They found that 42% of respondents said that when they needed accessible seating it was not available to them, while a full 68% have been to cinemas without accessible restrooms.

As for captioning, the good majority of hearing impaired, at 58%, prefer on-screen subtitling over device provided captioning.  It was also found that, in many cases, assisted listening or film narration devices were unavailable or broken when requested. 

Various accessibility devices for movie theaters

The survey concluded, "By reimaging accessibility as an investment rather than a cost, theatre owners can foster loyalty, build trust, and capture an underserved market segment that holds $21 billion in discretionary income."

The Fab Four Return

Last photo of the Beatles together

Four films about The Beatles are scheduled to be released in 2028. A biopic on the historic English rock group has been labeled 'the first bingeable theatrical release',

"We need big cinematic events to get people back into cinemas" says Sam Mendes, who is directing the four films. Mendes, whose prior films include 'American Beauty' and 'Skyfall', has long wanted to bring the Beatles to the big screen. 

The films will be told from the perspective of each band member and will try and capture the improbably journey of four teenagers from Liverpool, England to the center of global pop culture. 

Musicmaking - and changing the world culturally

This whole project is a big bet as far as film production and distribution, but I suspect that there are many people from the sixties thru the two-thousands who will embrace this biopic.

Considered the most influential rock band of all time, the Beatles sold over 600 million albums and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. the Fab Four still have a huge fan base and I know I'll be at the cinema in 2028 to watch all four films.

Promoting 'Sargent Pepper' a transition rock album

The Beatles disband in 1970, and all moved on to successful solo musical careers. In 1980 John Lennon was assassinated in NYC, in 2001 George Harrison died of cancer. Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney are alive and hopefully will be able to view this biopic.

By: Jim Lavorato