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LOS ANGELES, May 8 (Reuters) - Writing for a new season of "The Handmaid's Tale" and a coming "Game of Thrones" prequel was halted as a nearly week-long strike by thousands of film and television writers rippled across Hollywood on Monday. Writing of the dystopian drama stopped when the Writers Guild of America (WGA) called a strike last week, Chang told Reuters on Monday. Martin said in a blog post that the writers' room for prequel series "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight" was "closed for the duration of the strike." Warner Bros has not announced a release date for "The Hedge Knight." The second season of "House of the Dragon," another "Game of Thrones" prequel, began filming in April, Martin said, and will continue in London and Wales.

☆ Streaming broke the career ladder, striking Hollywood writers say
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-08 | by ( Lisa Richwine | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

How to train and support a new generation of writers is a sticking point in contract negotiations between the WGA, which represents 11,500 film and TV writers, and Hollywood's major studios. Netflix Inc (NFLX.O) and other streaming services began crafting shorter series in "mini rooms" with fewer writers. The WGA, however, is seeking a requirement for at least six TV writers per series, with half of them being employed throughout the production. Now, half of all writers work at minimum salary levels, the WGA said. "I want to be part of fighting for a better future," Smith said while holding a "Writers Guild of America On Strike" sign.

☆ Ron DeSantis Signs Bill Nullifying Disney Development Agreements
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-05 | by ( Arian Campo-Flores | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

After a year of trying to outmaneuver each other, Walt Disney Co. is suing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Ron DeSantis signed legislation nullifying agreements Walt Disney Co. struck that allowed the company to retain some control over future development in the district covering its Orlando-area theme parks. The move opens another front in the Republican governor’s yearlong battle with the entertainment giant. It is the second effort aimed at invalidating the agreements, after a board that oversees the district—whose new members were named by the governor—last week declared the accords null and void.

Under the bill, which passed the Republican-controlled legislature largely along party lines, the Central Tourism Oversight District Board - whose members are appointed by DeSantis - can cancel any deals signed up to three months before the board's creation. Disney, the largest employer in central Florida, and the Republican governor have been battling since last year, when Disney criticized a new state law banning classroom instruction of sexuality and gender identity with younger children. Before DeSantis' appointees took over the board, the company pushed through changes to the special tax district agreement that limited the new body's action for decades. The new oversight body in April said Disney's plans for potential expansion of Disney World did not comply with state law, and declared that agreement void. The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board responded with its own lawsuit in a state court, saying it sought to void "backroom deals" favorable to Disney.

☆ Warner Bros Discovery's surprise loss clouds strong streaming unit show
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] The exterior of the Warner Bros. Warner Bros Discovery reported a per-share loss of 44 cents, while analysts had expected a profit of 1 cent, according to Refinitiv data. Warner Bros Discovery's new streaming service, christened "Max," is set to launch on May 23, combining HBO Max's scripted entertainment with Discovery's reality shows. Warner Bros Discovery reported revenue of $10.70 billion for the first three months of 2023, compared with analysts' estimates of $10.78 billion, according to Refinitiv data. The Warner Bros studio segment missed on its revenue forecasts, as its big March release "Shazam!

☆ DeSantis collects wins as Florida Legislature caps whirlwind session, teeing up possible White House bid
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-05 | by ( Kevin Breuninger | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +10 min

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks during a conference titled "Celebrate the Faces of Israel" at Jerusalem's Museum of Tolerance, on April 27, 2023. Measures like the restrictive abortion law DeSantis signed could help him in a GOP primary, but may reduce his appeal in a general election. Lawmakers have also passed multiple measures that could help clear DeSantis' path to the White House, if and when he decides to run. "The entire session was focused on Governor DeSantis' run for president," said Jim Clark, a University of Central Florida senior lecturer and political commentator, in an interview. On top of those issues, DeSantis in March waded into the "school choice" debate by signing a bill expanding Florida's school voucher system.

☆ Florida legislature approves bill allowing board to cancel Disney deals
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Under the bill, which now goes to DeSantis for signing into law, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board, appointed by DeSantis to oversee development in and around Disney's theme parks, can cancel agreements that were signed up to three months before the board's creation. It replaced the Reedy Creek Improvement District as the body overseeing the 25,000 acres surrounding the Walt Disney World resort. Disney, the largest employer in central Florida, and DeSantis, a Republican, have been feuding since last year, when Disney criticized a state measure banning classroom discussion of sexuality and gender identity with younger children. DeSantis, who is expected to soon declare his candidacy for U.S. president, has repeatedly attacked "woke Disney" in public remarks. The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board responded with its own lawsuit in a state court this week, saying it sought to void "backroom deals" favorable to Disney.

☆ DeSantis Signs Into Law Latest Wrinkle in Disney Feud
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-05 | by ( Brooks Barnes | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

On Friday, Mr. DeSantis signed a bill into law giving a board that oversees government services at Disney World the ability to void development agreements that had already been approved for the resort. At least for now, the new law is a relatively minor development in the ongoing conflict between Mr. DeSantis and Disney over the potential expansion of the company’s 25,000-acre theme park resort near Orlando. That is because Disney and the board have already sued each other over the development agreements; the matter is essentially on hold, awaiting to be addressed by the judicial system. The development agreements were approved by a previous, Disney-controlled iteration of the board. The current board, made up of members appointed by Mr. DeSantis this year, contends that the agreements are illegal, and voted to nullify them.

May 4 (Reuters) - Paramount Global Inc (PARA.O) missed first-quarter revenue estimates on Thursday amid a weak advertising market in its TV business and cut its dividend. The company incurred a $1.7 billion charge in connection with its plan to integrate Showtime into its Paramount+ streaming service and remove certain programming. Paramount Global said its dividend cut to 5 cents per share will result in approximately $500 million in annualized cash savings. Paramount+, the company's flagship streaming platform, added 4.1 million subscribers during the quarter, compared with 9.9 million in the preceding quarter. Sales for its TV media segment declined by 8% from a year earlier and advertising revenue fell by 11%.

Paramount invested in original content to try to attract subscribers to its streaming platform, but is up against competition from established players such as Netflix (NFLX.O) and Walt Disney Co's (DIS.N) Disney+. Paramount+, the company's flagship streaming platform, added 4.1 million subscribers during the quarter, compared with 9.9 million in the preceding quarter. Sales for its TV media segment declined by 8% from a year earlier, and advertising revenue fell by 11%. Investment in original content and expansion of its streaming platform are consuming cash at the owner of the CBS network. The operating loss was $1.23 billion for the quarter, compared with an operating income of $775 million a year earlier.

[1/3] Writers Guild of America members and supporters picket outside Sunset Bronson Studios and Netflix Studios, after union negotiators called a strike for film and television writers, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., May 3, 2023. REUTERS/Mario AnzuoniLOS ANGELES, May 4 (Reuters) - The group representing Hollywood studios fired back on Thursday at claims from striking film and television workers that they have been forced into the "gig economy" because of changes brought by the streaming TV era. Roughly 11,500 members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) went on strike on Tuesday, saying that studios had "created a gig economy inside a union workforce." Most TV writers, the group said, are employed on a weekly orepisodic basis, with a guarantee of a specified number of weeks or episodes. Writers say they are working more and making less as studios have shifted their focus to streaming over traditional TV and cable.

☆ Analysis: As DeSantis readies 2024 presidential bid, Florida lawmakers hand him fresh ammo
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( James Oliphant | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +7 min

WASHINGTON, May 3 (Reuters) - Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis had counted on a productive state legislative session this spring to turbocharge his coming 2024 presidential bid. With the first presidential nominating contest still nine months away, political analysts say DeSantis has plenty of time to turn his fortunes around. Lawmakers on Tuesday passed an immigration measure that would provide more money for DeSantis’ program for relocating undocumented migrants. POTENTIAL PERILSThe six-week abortion ban remains the thorniest outcome of the session for DeSantis’ national aspirations. The governor did not expressly advocate for the bill, and he signed it without fanfare to replace the current 15-week ban.

Production also was halted in Los Angeles for the rest of the week. REUTERS/Aude GuerrucciThe writers are seeking changes in pay and the formulas used to compensate writers when their work is streamed, among other proposals. The last WGA strike in 2007 and 2008 lasted 100 days. Writers say changes from the streaming TV boom have made it difficult for many to earn a living in expensive cities such as New York and Los Angeles. Half of TV series writers now work at minimum salary levels, compared with a third in the 2013-14 season, according to WGA statistics.

☆ Fact Check-Florida’s DeSantis did not order National Guard to block Disney entrances
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-02 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis did not order the U.S. National Guard to block all entrances to Disney World, contrary to claims circulating online that stem from a satirical website. The posts include a link to an article by Mouse Trap News (archive.is/7d2BP) published on April 23, 2023, which makes the claim that DeSantis called the National Guard to block all entrances to Disney World. “For those not aware, Governor DeSantis and the Walt Disney Company have been feuding for the past few months,” the article reads in part. Reuters has reported on tensions between DeSantis and Disney (here), with DeSantis attacking Disney for being “woke” in public remarks and Disney accusing DeSantis and his supporters of punishing the company for exercising freedom of speech when Disney criticized the state’s decision to ban discussions of sexuality and gender identity in classrooms. The claim that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis ordered the National Guard to block all entrances to Disney World originated from a satirical website.

☆ Factbox: Tech firms, Wall Street lead job cuts in Corporate America
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +8 min

read moreSpotify Technology SA (SPOT.N):Music streaming service Spotify is cutting 6% of its workforce, or roughly 600 roles. read moreMicrosoft Corp (MSFT.O):The U.S. tech giant said it would cut 10,000 jobs by the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Workday Inc (WDAY.O):The software company will cut roughly 500 jobs, or 3% of its workforce, citing a challenging macroeconomic environment. Morgan Stanley (MS.N):The Wall Street powerhouse is planning to cut about 3,000 jobs in the second quarter, Reuters reported. MANUFACTURING SECTOR3M Co (MMM.N):The industrial conglomerate said it would cut 2,500 manufacturing jobs after reporting a lower profit.

LOS ANGELES, May 1 (Reuters) - Thousands of film and television writers will go on strike starting Tuesday, throwing Hollywood into turmoil as the entertainment business grapples with seismic changes triggered by the global streaming TV boom. The rise of streaming has led to declining television ad revenue, as traditional TV audiences shrink and advertisers go elsewhere. The last WGA strike, in 2007 and 2008, cost the California economy an estimated $2.1 billion as productions shut down and out-of-work writers, actors and producers cut back spending. Writers say they have suffered financially during the streaming TV boom, in part due to shorter seasons and smaller residual payments. Half of TV series writers now work at minimum salary levels, compared with one-third in the 2013-14 season, according to Guild statistics.

"The companies' behavior has created a gig economy inside a union workforce," said the WGA, which represents roughly 11,500 writers. The rise of streaming has led to declining television ad revenue, as traditional TV audiences shrink and advertisers go elsewhere. The last WGA strike in 2007 and 2008 lasted 100 days. Writers say they have suffered in the streaming TV boom with shorter seasons and smaller residual payments. Reporting by Lisa Richwine and Dawn Chmielewski in Los Angeles; Editing by Kenneth MaxwellOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

"Twitter Blue is a mess. Within the next 48 hours, all but 110 of the most-followed Twitter accounts suddenly had verification through Twitter Blue, indicating Twitter likely gifted the check marks, independent researcher Travis Brown told Reuters. GRADUAL PULLBACKSince the initial rollout of the Twitter Blue service in November, imposter tweets have spread harmful misinformation. Imposter Twitter accounts also tarnished the online reputations of Lockheed Martin Corp(LMT.N) and Nintendo Co Ltd(7974.T). "The volume of imposter accounts seems to depend on several things -- Is the client doing a high profile event that week?

REUTERS/Alyssa PointerLOS ANGELES, May 1 (Reuters) - Negotiators for Hollywood writers and film and television studios engaged in 11th-hour contract talks on Monday to try and avert a strike that would disrupt TV production across an industry grappling with seismic changes. The Writers Guild of America could call a work stoppage as early as Tuesday if it cannot reach a deal with companies such as Walt Disney Co (DIS.N) and Netflix Inc (NFLX.O). Writers say they have suffered financially during the streaming TV boom, in part due to shorter seasons and smaller residual payments. Half of TV series writers now work at minimum salary levels, compared with one-third in the 2013-14 season, according to Guild statistics. The WGA wants safeguards to prevent studios from using AI to generate new scripts from writers' previous work.

☆ Ron DeSantis’s Oversight Board Moves to Sue Disney
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-01 | by ( Arian Campo-Flores | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Chairman Martin Garcia, third from left, said the board aims to enforce its declaration that development approvals Disney struck with a previous board were null and void. Photo: Zack Wittman for The Wall Street JournalThe board overseeing the district covering Walt Disney Co.’s Orlando-area theme parks authorized its lawyers to sue the entertainment giant in state court, without explaining what the suit would allege. The lawsuit, expected in a central Florida court, would mark the latest salvo in the escalating battle between the company and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis .

☆ Florida board picked by DeSantis countersues Disney
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-01 | by ( Dawn Chmielewski | Tom Hals | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

(Reuters) - A district board appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to oversee development around Walt Disney Co’s Florida theme parks sued the company on Monday to void “backroom deals” favorable to the entertainment giant. The state court lawsuit escalates tensions between Disney and the Republican governor and likely presidential candidate. It comes in response to a case Disney filed last week in federal district court against DeSantis and members of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight district board. DeSantis who is expected to soon declare his candidacy for U.S. president, has repeatedly attacked “woke Disney” in public remarks. The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board maintained that Disney rushed through the agreement before the new board assumed oversight of municipal services and development within the 25,000 acres of land in and around Walt Disney World.

☆ Florida board picked by DeSantis to countersue Disney
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-01 | by ( Dawn Chmielewski | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

(Reuters) -An oversight board appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Monday said it would file a countersuit against Walt Disney Co in state court, according to prepared remarks seen by Reuters. Slideshow ( 2 images )The decision, which further escalates tensions between Disney and the state of Florida, comes in response to a lawsuit Disney filed last week in federal district court against DeSantis and members of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight district board. The skirmish began last year after Disney criticized a Florida measure banning classroom discussion of sexuality and gender identity with younger children. Florida lawmakers passed legislation that ended Disney’s virtual autonomy in central Florida where the Disney World theme parks attract millions of visitors each year. “The district will seek justice in state court here in central Florida where both it and Disney reside and do business,” Martin said.

LOS ANGELES, May 1 (Reuters) - Negotiators for Hollywood writers and film and television studios engaged in 11th-hour contract talks on Monday to try and avert a strike that would disrupt TV production across an industry grappling with seismic changes. Writers say they have suffered financially during the streaming TV boom, in part due to shorter seasons and smaller residual payments. Half of TV series writers now work at minimum salary levels, compared with one-third in the 2013-14 season, according to Guild statistics. The WGA wants safeguards to prevent studios from using AI to generate new scripts from writers' previous work. The last WGA strike in 2007 and 2008 lasted 100 days.

☆ Ron DeSantis’s Oversight Board Sues Disney
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-01 | by ( Arian Campo-Flores | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

WSJ’s Arian Campo-Flores explains what’s behind Disney’s lawsuit against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Photo Composition: Rachel RogersThe board overseeing the district covering Walt Disney Co.’s Orlando-area theme parks sued the entertainment giant in state court, accusing the company of striking a “backroom deal” in an effort to preserve its ability to essentially self-govern the district. The lawsuit, filed on Monday in the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court, which includes Orange and Osceola counties, marks the latest salvo in the escalating battle between Disney and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis .

Law Firms Boies Schiller Flexner LLP FollowMay 1 (Reuters) - A lawyer in the Florida attorney general's office has left to join U.S. law firm Boies Schiller Flexner, the firm said Monday. Deputy Solicitor General Evan Ezray has rejoined the firm's Fort Lauderdale, Florida office as a partner, the firm said. Ezray previously worked at the law firm co-founded by prominent lawyer David Boies from 2017 to 2020, according to his LinkedIn profile. The solicitor general is the chief appellate attorney for the state of Florida and part of the Florida attorney general's office. Read more:Florida board to countersue DisneyU.S. appeals court upholds Florida voting law that judge found discriminatoryDisney sues Florida's DeSantis for 'weaponizing' governmentFlorida judge blocks Republican-backed voting law as discriminatoryOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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