Sit Down, Shut Up writers stand up and walk out
And you thought that all that business with the WGA strike was over.
The writers for the new animated FOX show Sit Down, Shut Up have walked out, saying they were misled by Sony Pictures. They thought that under the agreement reached a few months ago they would be represented by the Writer’s Guild of America but Sony actually has them covered under the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. Under their rules, writers don’t get all those things they fought for, including new media (online, DVD, etc) money or even residuals.
Unfortunately, the writers are pretty much stuck, because Sony has had this deal with IATSE for a decade. Sony has sent the writers breach of contract letters and legal proceedings could begin.
Sit Down, Shut Up is a new animated show from Arrested Development creator Mitchell Hurwitz. It’s going to be executive produced by two former Simpsons producers, Josh Weinstein and Bill Oakley, and has an all-star cast of voices, including Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, Cheri Oteri, Will Forte, and Henry Winkler.
American Idol: Back For Seventh Season
American Idol: Back For Seventh Season
For all of you American Idol superfans, tonight’s the night for you. Actually tonight AND tomorrow night, as the show’s 7th season kicks off with a two-night premiere.
The Fox juggernaut is at it again, and from now until May, millions of Americans (as well as Internationals) will be glued to their television sets to see the latest winners and losers, in addition to Simon’s outlandish commentary.
Speaking of Simon, his goal for the new season is to improve the aesthetic. “The most important thing is the show has got to look better. It’s got to be more fun as a show, and if it is, I think more people will watch. I think it absolutely comes down to the content of what we provide the viewers.”
As for other possible alterations, Idol alum (and multi-platinum seller) Chris Daughtry says he’d like to see less bloopers and more real voices. “It’s funny at first, but come on. They spend three weeks on people that can’t sing, and that’s what they’re banking it on. (They should) find some people that you can really invest in.”
Nevertheless, the massive phenomenon that is American Idol is revving up its engine, getting ready to explode onto television screens later tonight. We’ll keep you up to date on all the action.
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa Poster
Cinematical have received an exclusive poster for Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa.
The film, which stars the voices of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Sacha Baron Cohen and Jada Pinkett Smith, follows our animal friends as they hatch a plan to get back to New York; more specifically, Central Park. However, when they attempt to fly themselves out, the crew accidentally crash land in the wildest place of all — the vast plains of Africa itself. While there, they’ll get a better feel for their roots, as well as the difference between life in the concrete jungle and life on the world’s second largest continent. But with danger right around the corner, will this family reunion be cut short a little too soon? And will our heroes ever return home?
Simpsons Cast Sign A 4 Year Deal
The voices behind The Simpsons have finally agreed to a deal that will allow them to “D’oh”, “Excellent..” and “Thank you come again” for another four years. The negotiating had caused the show to be delayed for a number of months, but the actors finally decided that $400,000 an episode would be enough for them.
As part of his deal, Castellaneta (Homer) has been named consulting producer on the series. He’ll now serve as a writer in addition to continuing as a voice performer.
However, although the voice actors are now locked through the next four years, it doesn’t necessarily mean The Simpsons will be back beyond season 20. Gracie Films’ deal with 20th expires at the end of this season, and Fox hasn’t renewed the show beyond this upcoming year.