The empire Turner built
Plus: Narnia’s theatrical flex, The devils wears Prada... and gets a big opening, AMC’s live-concert bet, and spring/summer deadlines
Happy Thursday, friends.
Ted Turner died this week at 87, leaving behind one of the more improbable media legacies: CNN, TBS, TNT, Cartoon Network, TCM, the 24-hour news cycle, the superstation, the Braves, Captain Planet, and a cable empire built on the idea that audiences might want more choices, access, and TV than the networks were giving them.
A few pieces worth reading:
Ted Turner, TV mogul and philanthropist. The life-and-career overview, from CNN to TCM to his billion-dollar philanthropy.
The invention of the 24-hour news cycle. The industry-shaping idea that went from cable experiment to permanent condition.
Ted Turner vs. Rupert Murdoch: the media feud for the ages. A reminder that the last great mogul era had no shortage of swagger or grudges.
Ted Turner was Captain Planet. Because, in classic Turner fashion, even the climate legacy came with its own animated franchise.
Plenty more below on the industry Turner helped shape — and the one trying to figure out what comes next.
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
Musicians Up Close
Linda Perry: Let It Die Here. “Reminds those of us in similar situations that these painful paths are well traveled, and that the outward success we think might fill the holes in our souls usually turns out to be an excuse to push ourselves even harder” (The Wrap).
Two Pianos. “This modest drama, less sprawling than much of [Arnaud Desplechin’s] work, feels like an effort to reconnect with the madness of his early films. That’s a compliment” (NYT).
Adventures in Farm and Field
The Sheep Detectives. “Evokes the sunny spirit of classics like Babe… [with] wonderful Julia Louis-Dreyfus performance as a smart sheep who discovers she’s got a lot to learn” (AV Club).
Silent Friend. “The mesmerizing Silent Friend will make you want to talk to your plants… It’s an unforgettable film” (Vulture).
What We’re Reading: Feeling the Pressure
Pick and choose. As the summer aims for the sun… is fewer studio films the way to go?
They’ve crossed the wardrobe..err.. rubicon. Why Netflix Caved for Greta Gerwig’s Narnia.
Dancing all the way to the box office. AMC is bringing a new live concert experience to local movie theaters.
Substack heat. Substack faces exodus pressure as The Ankler exit has publishers seeking alternatives.
A sequel for spring actually is groundbreaking. The Devil Wears Prada 2 stuns with $77M US opening.
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 SeriesFest - May 6th - 10th
See who’s attending SIFF - May 7th - 17th
See who’s attending Cannes - May 12th - 23rd
See who’s attending Vienna Shorts - May 27 - 31
See who’s attending American Black Film Fest - May 26 - 31
See who’s attending Tribeca - June 3 - 14
Window of Opportunity 🔎
Closing Soon: Spring/Summer Deadlines
Have an opportunity to share? Post it on the app or fill out our form.
Workshop: How to Create A Distribution and Marketing Strategy – Now! with Jon Reiss. Get a $50 discount with portrait50 (Now - May 21)
Gotham Week Project Market (5/7 deadline)
Sundance Development Track (5/12 deadline)
The Short Film Fund by Unsolicited Scripts (5/15 deadline)
SFFILM RAININ Grant (5/22 deadline)
SFFILM Sloan Stories of Science Fund (5/22 deadline)
The Black List Annual Labs (6/1 deadline)
Music on Film Grant (6/1 deadline)
Final Draft Screenwriting Contest (6/8 deadline)
Film Independent Fast Track 2025 (6/8 deadline)
BRIClab (6/5 deadline)
Queer Art Illuminations Grant (7/2 deadline)
Select Jobs/Gigs Roundup
Have a job to share? Share it on the app or fill out our form.
Sr. Writer Producer, Marketing, Wheel of Fortune
Director, Social Media, NBCU Local
Senior Client Partner, Betches Media
Senior Manager, Social Video, Pod People
Director of Photography, MrBeast
Senior Producer, Businessweek, Bloomberg
Assistant Professor of Film Production (Tenure Track), Rhode Island College
SVP, Content & Development, Telemundo Studios
Sr. Video Editor, Vast
Chief Media Officer, California Institute of Aesthetic Arts
Senior Producer, Originals, Wave Sports & Entertainment
Senior Marketing Manager, Entertainment, Starbucks
End Credits: Portrait Post of the Week
Until next week, friends. See you on Portrait.