Layoffs, shakeups, and a few bright spots
A bad week for headcount, a strange one for Paramount, and signs of life elsewhere in the industry.
Happy Thursday, friends.
It was a rough week in the industry, as both Disney and Sony revealed layoffs.
Over at Paramount, there’s a layoff of one — Jeff Shell is out as Paramount president after weeks of speculation about leaking privileged information. Interestingly: Paramount may not replace him, as the Warner Bros. Discovery deal looms.
It’s not all bad news this week, however. Read on for reports of a box office revival underway, newly launched fellowships, and more.
Let’s dive in.
Roll of Honor
Premieres, awards, and more. See Portrait members behind this week’s work here.
What to Watch This Weekend
A Portrait of the Artist as a Young (and Old) Man
The Christophers. From Steven Soderbergh, “a crackling original drama about artistic legacy in all its facets” (Variety).
The Travel Companion. “A commentary on the fragility of male ego and the hilarious indignities of making art in New York City” (Filmmaker Mag).
Horror Mix and Match
Mermaid. “A hybrid of a horror film, a twisted and doomed romance, a satire on American spiritual emptiness, and a tale of a schmuck who has failed in life but believes that caring for someone (or something) might redeem him” (RogerEbert.com).
Hunting Matthew Nichols. “Mixes true-crime tropes with found-footage horror… a found-footage film that [feels'] like a documentary of today” (Vancouver Sun).
Modern Takes on Classic Characters
Heads or Tails. John C. Reilly is Buffalo Bill in a picturesque tale of forbidden love… a fitting second entry in what could soon become one of the most stylistically distinct bodies of work among today’s active filmmakers (IndieWire).
Hamlet. “Riz Ahmed’s tortured prince drives [a] chilling modern take through London’s streets” (Guardian).
What We’re Reading: Grand Reveals
Reveals and revivals
The family friendly box office revival: This spring break is showing that when studios give families a reason to visit the theater, they actually show up.
Writers Guild reveals four-year deal terms: a $321M health plan infusion, higher residuals and AI licensing language.
The Housemaid author reveals her identity. She’s a doctor who treats brain disorders when not penning the successful series.
Prizes and investments
Film Independent launches a new fellowship for international filmmakers.
Sony partners on a new short film prize with Cannes Critics’ Week.
Warner Bros.’ ex-movie chief is betting on TV development in a tough market. Toby Emmerich sees upside in a post-peak TV world.
On the Circuit: Spring Festivals
See a fest missing in the app that you’d like added? Send a note to support@onportrait.com. More festivals and industry lists in the Portrait app!
See who’s attending Full Frame Doc Festival - April 16th - 19th
See who’s attending Atlanta - Apr 23rd - May 3rd
See who’s attending Hot Docs - Apr 23rd - May 3rd
See who’s attending SFFILM - Apr 24th - May 4th
See who’s attending SeriesFest - May 6th - 10th
See who’s attending SIFF - May 7th - 17th
See who’s attending Cannes - May 12th - 23rd
Window of Opportunity 🔎
Closing Soon: Spring Deadlines
Have an opportunity to share? Post it on the app or fill out our form.
Wscripted Cannes Screenplay List (4/15 deadline)
PBS Origins Grant (4/17 deadline)
Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship (4/19 deadline)
Workshop: How to Create A Distribution and Marketing Strategy – Now! with Jon Reiss. Get a $50 discount with portrait50 (April 23 - May 21)
Big Break Screenwriting Contest (4/27 early deadline)
Trans Possibilities Intensive (4/28 deadline)
Chicken & Egg (celerator) Lab (4/29 deadline)
Roy Dean Short Film Grant (4/30 deadline)
First Flights Short Film Fund (4/30 deadline)
Black List x TRW Collection (5/1 deadline)
Future of Film is Female Short Film Fund (5/1 deadline)
The Short Film Fund by Unsolicited Scripts (5/15 deadline).
SFFILM RAININ Grant (5/22 deadline)
The Black List Annual Labs (6/1 deadline)
BRIClab (6/5 deadline)
Select Jobs/Gigs Roundup
Have a job to share? Share it on the app or fill out our form.
VP, Scripted Series, Shondaland, Inc
Director, Social Media, Bon Appetit
Sr. Writer Producer, Marketing, Jeopardy!
Creative Director, MrBeast
Art Director, Complex
Senior Editor, Essays & Columns, The Cut
Assistant VP & EP, Cinematic Video Production, Emerson College
Director of Video Content, Christie’s
Senior Writer, Rolling Stone
AI Video Creative Director, Accenture
Video Editor - Digital/YouTube Content, V10 Entertainment
Head of Event Production, Soho House & Co
ABC News Producer, Disney
End Credits: Portrait Post of the Week
Until next week, friends. See you on Portrait.