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as mtv turns 40, chris mccarthy and nina l. diaz aim to revive viacomcbs cable brands for the streaming era by ccynthiaynthia littletolittletonn
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Belva Anakwenze, Abacus Financial Business Management | David Altman, Anthony Bonsignore, 6FKQHLGHU 6FKHOWLQJD | John Rigney, Matt Lichtenberg, Mark Friedman, Charles Clancy, Level Four Altman, *UHHQʎHOG 6HOYDJJL | Sam Levin, Jason Zayon, Chris Mays, John Karls, Elisabeth Cai, Business Management, LLC | Christopher Curry, Manhattan West Business Management | Steve Gelon, Catherine Catherine, Robert Abramowitz, Armanino, | Peter Stoll, Steve Bills, Julie Krimstein, Bills Steve Glodney, Alex Smith, Van Lee, Justin Sroka, 0DQQ*HORQ*ORGQH\*XPHURYH Our thanks to Variety, to our colleagues at Bell & Co., and to our clients. Evan Bell & Liza DeLeon PERSONAL FINANCIAL MANAGERS 212.949.6700 bellandcompany.com Untitled-1 1 11/5/20 7:45 PM CONTENTS P.2 2 Changing Channels ViacomCBS execs Chris McCarthy and Nina L. Diaz have taken on the challenge to reinvent its brands. By CYNTHIA LITTLETON P.2 8 ‘Season’s’ RA AMADOR/FORWARD ARTISTS; MAKEUP: SOLEIMANI/BOBBI BROWN; SOLEIMANI/BOBBI BROWN; MAKEUP: ARTISTS; RA AMADOR/FORWARD ER WANG; DRESS: NORMA KAMALI; EARRINGS: CHARLOTTE CHESNAIS CHESNAIS NORMA KAMALI; EARRINGS: CHARLOTTE DRESS: ER WANG; Greetings Writer-director Clea DuVall wraps up a unique Christmas comedy centered on a lesbian couple. By KATE AURTHUR P.3 2 Princess Diaries Emma Corrin talks about playing a young Diana Spencer in the new season of “The Crown.” By WILL THORNE P.3 7 Business Managers Elite FESTIVE FILM Hollywood’s rich and famous ponder Writer-director Clea DuVall moving out of New York and L.A. gives Christmas movies a queer because of the virus. Plus: The list twist in “Happiest Season” of top showbiz wranglers. HAIR: MICHAEL SILVA USING KERASTASE; MCCARTHY’S COAT: AMIRI; TURTLENECK: CLUB MONACO; JEANS: RAG AND BONE; DIAZ’S COAT: ALEXAND COAT: AND BONE; DIAZ’S JEANS: RAG MONACO; CLUB AMIRI; TURTLENECK: COAT: MCCARTHY’S USING KERASTASE; MICHAEL SILVA HAIR: RICHARD MARIN/COUTIERREMIX HAIR: GROUP; MAI QUYNH/THE WALL MAKEUP: PFLUGER; RYAN BY PHOTOGRAPH (THIS PAGE) (COVER) PHOTOGRAPH BY BRAD TRENT; MCCARTHY’S STYLING: JASON REMBERT; GROOMING: MARIKO ARAI/THE WALL GROUP; DIAZ’S STYLING: SAND STYLING: DIAZ’S GROUP; ARAI/THE WALL MARIKO GROOMING: REMBERT; JASON STYLING: MCCARTHY’S BRAD TRENT; BY PHOTOGRAPH (COVER) VARIETY 3 CONTENTS TOP BILLING 9 LOOKING AHEAD Cable-news outlets envision coverage after Donald Trump leaves the White House 12 RESULTS ARE IN Civil servants in key states had some memorable TV moments while counting the votes. 16 MEETING OF THE MINDS The leaders of NATAS and ATAS get together for a rare joint interview to talk detente 18 AWARDS CIRCUIT A number of female actors overdue for Oscar love may finally get recognition Variety, VOL. 350, NO. 2 (USPS EXPOSURE 146-820, ISSN 0011-5509) is pub- lished weekly, except the first week of September and the last week of December, with 21 special issues: Jan (6), Feb (1), June (4), 21 DIRT July (5), and Aug (5) by Variety Media LLC, 11175 Santa Monica Chef Emeril Lagasse selling Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025, a division of Penske Business Media. Florida Gulf Coast mansion Periodicals postage paid at Los Angeles, CA and at other mailing offices. Postmaster send address changes to: Variety, P.O. Box 15759, P.4 3 North Hollywood, CA 91615-5759. Canada Post International Publica- FOCUS tions Mail Product (Canadian Dis- tribution) Publications Mail Agree- Bernie Gudvi is ment No. 40043404. Return unde- Variety liverable Canadian addresses to: ’s Busi- RCS International Box 697 STN A, 74 MEATY MILESTONE ness Managers Windsor, Ontario N9A 6N4. Sales agreement No. 0607525. Variety Fox animated series “Bob’s Elite honoree. ©2020 by Variety Media, LLC. Va- riety and the Flying V logo are Burgers” hits 200 episodes trademarks of Penske Business Media. Printed in the U.S.A. 82 EYE ON DP’S Variety shares a look at P.2 0 its latest class of 10 Cinema- tographers to Watch Actor Jesse Metcalfe seeks buyer for home above Sunset Strip ARTISANS 89 ALL IN THE FAMILY Max Keane revs up kids animat- ed series “Trash Truck” with dad’s Glen Keane Prods. 90 HAIR LOVE Hair and makeup designer Sharon Martin reimagines Black styles for “Jingle Jangle” 91 JUST LIKE BEING THERE L.A. Castle Studios helps productions stay on track by providing virtual locations REVIEWS P.9 2 “Vampire films and zombie films are 92 FILM like these queer powerhouse “Mank” “Mank” avatars. I feel like horror can really 93 MUSIC review empower queers.” “Starting Over” “Freaky” star Misha Osherovich P.94 GUDVI: PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL BUCKNER; MANK: NIKOLAI LOVEIKIS/NETFLIX; OSHEROVICH: CHRIS BOGARD OSHEROVICH: LOVEIKIS/NETFLIX; NIKOLAI MANK: MICHAEL BUCKNER; BY PHOTOGRAPH GUDVI: 4 VARIETY % +" ) 00 2) ) 00 * )"( *&/ )"( % 1"3"/ ,*"0 +"51, 4" /"* &+ ,**&11"! 1, /" 1&+$ +"4 -,00& &)&1&"0 #,/ ,2/ )&"+10 20&+"00 + $"*"+1 2 " )1% + $"*"+1 Untitled-22 1 11/2/20 5:13 PM FIELD NOTES VARIETY IS OWNED & PUBLISHED BY Going to the Movies Can’t PENSKE MEDIA CORPORATION Jay Penske Be Replicated at Home Chairman & CEO George Grobar Chief Operating Officer Gerry Byrne Vice Chairman BOY, DO I MISS GOING OUT to the and many of our companies are Craig Perreault movies — “out” being the opera- barely breaking air in terms of Chief Digital Officer tive word here. their liquidity right now.” Sarlina See Chief Accounting Officer Of course I enjoy all the stream- Clearly, the economic impact Mark Howard ing offerings at home from Netflix is enormous. Chief Advertising & and the like. But nothing takes the But so is the potentially dev- Partnerships Officer Paul Rainey place of going to my local Land- astating cultural impact. Sitting EVP, Operations & Finance mark theater on a Saturday night in a theater with dozens of peo- Todd Greene EVP, Business Affairs & and running into friends milling ple being fully engaged for an General Counsel about in the lobby before and after uninterrupted two hours is a col- Tom Finn a movie plays. Even though I don’t lective experience that is simply EVP, Operations & Finance Debashish Ghosh often indulge in a large box of pop- not replicable at home. I asked Managing Director, corn, the mere aroma is weirdly Fithian if he’s worried that audi- International Markets satisfying to me. ences won’t ever return en masse Jenny Connelly SVP, Product & Technology Last week brought encouraging because viewing habits have Judith R. Margolin news: that depressed movie the- shifted so dramatically. SVP, Deputy General Counsel ater stocks rallied on an optimistic “I think people are sick of Ken Delalcazar SVP, Finance report from Pfizer that a corona- watching content in their homes,” Nelson Anderson virus vaccine could be available by he said. “What they’ve learned SVP, Creative early spring. The exhibition sec- is what they miss, and what they Anne Doyle VP, HR tor has been battered by the pan- miss is the chance to get out of Brian Levine demic and is struggling to survive their homes and go to cinemas. VP, Revenue Operations after theaters across America were That’s why you saw drive-ins Christina Yeoh VP, Technical Operations forced to shut their doors and fur- thrive, and that’s why you saw Constance Ejuma lough employees in the wake of people put movies up on the VP, SEO the health crisis. After surveying side of warehouses and barns Frank McCallick VP, Global Tax its members, the National Assn. and families running outside Gabriel Koen of Theatre Owners found that as projection systems — it’s to bring VP, Technology “Nothing takes many as 70% of cinemas in small that shared experience back.” Gerard Brancato the place of VP, PMC Digital Acquisition and midsize towns face bank- I, for one, can’t wait! Jacie Brandes going to my local ruptcy or permanent closure by VP, Portfolio Sales Landmark on a early next year without more Joni Antonacci Saturday night VP, Production Operations federal aid. As NATO chief John Julie Zhu and running Fithian told me, “If the vaccine VP, Audience Marketing into friends & Subscriptions is on track, that’s very exciting and Lauren Utecht milling about is a very bright light at the end of Claudia Eller VP, HR & Corporate Communications in the lobby.” the tunnel, but it’s a long tunnel Editor-in-Chief Mara Ginsberg VP, HR Mike Ye VP, Strategic Planning & Acquisitions Nici Catton VP, Product Delivery Noemi Lazo VP, Customer Experience & Variety Poll Marketing Operations Rebecca Bienstock VP, Talent Relations Young Ko MSNBC Fox News Channel CNN VP, Finance Bumper Audience 35m Karl Walter Associate VP, Content for Cable News 30m Amit Sannad Senior Director, Development The 2020 presidential election saw huge numbers of 25m Andy Limpus viewers for cable news across the five days it took for Senior Director, Talent Acquisition a winner to be determined. The greatest tune-in was 20m Eddie Ko seen on election night at 9 p.m. ET, when more than Senior Director, Advertising 15m Operations 32 million viewers watched across Fox News, CNN and Gurjeet Chima MSNBC, with Fox News accounting for almost half of 10m Senior Director, the total (14.5m viewers). Joe Biden’s victory speech International Markets saw an audience of 23.3 million (12.5m on CNN), which 5m Derek Ramsay was the second-greatest viewership of the period. Director, Product Management 0 Laura Ongaro Data provided by Nielsen Media Research (Total Audience, Persons Editorial & Brand Director, Aged 2+.For more analysis, please visit variety.com/vip/. 6 a.m., 11/3 6 a.m., 11/4 6 a.m., 11/5 6 a.m., 11/6 6 a.m., 11/7 International 6 VARIETY WE SALUTE YOU, BERNIE GUDVI UPON RECEIVING VARIETY’S BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE AWARD FOR 2020 AND CONGRATS TO ALL OF OUR PARTNERS WHO WERE SELECTED ON “THE LIST” David Bolno Michael Oppenheim Wayne Kamemoto Beth Sabbagh Michael Karlin Mickey Segal Carrie Malcolm Larry Tyler Harley Neuman David Weise VARIETY’S BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE NOVEMBER 2020 nksfb.com Untitled-3 1 11/3/20 8:23 PM ROB ABRAMOWITZ ELISABETH CAI SAM LEVIN CHRIS MAYS JOHN KARLS JASON ZAYON CATHERINE CATHERINE On being named to Variety’s 2020 Business Managers Elite Armanino’s Business Management Partners and Team are proud of all the work you’ve HSRIJSVSYVƼVQERHSYVGPMIRXWERH[IPSSOJSV[EVHXS]SYVJYXYVIEGGSQTPMWLQIRXW armaninoLLP.com/business-management Untitled-7 1 11/4/20 1:28 PM VIRGINIA SHERWOOD/MSNBC Post-Trump Bumps Cable News Faces found afew seconds intothefuture. topeer Fox however, News Channel, BillHemmer last week On butthepresidentialelection. to think, ‘Hmm, what’s ‘Hmm, to think, next?’” the walls andnothingisnew you start air.“It’s whereyou hit thoseperiods on anchor DanaPerino duringhoursspent adrenaline for alongtime,” hesaidto on you ischanging, canrun the story is information, whenthere isdata, when and you well: know Whenthere itvery REVENUE, NOMATTERREVENUE, WHOISINTHEWHITEHOUSE CNN, FOX NEWS ANDMSNBCWILLBE CABLE NEWS OUTLETS “The thingabout ourindustry,“The Dana, focused onnothingfocused TOP BILLING TOP presidency. during theTrump their ratingsboosted anchors whohaveseen Williams isamongthe MSNBC’s Brian NEWSFEED FRENZY UNDER PRESSURE TO DELIVERVIEWERSHIP, their schedules, to the point where moretheir schedules, tothepoint three networks, andtheanchors whofill theratingshas lifted andadsalesof all long show at amoment’s notice. Thefrenzy events, could scuttle thelineupof anhour whentweets,a period notphysical news the whirlwindof presidency, theTrump more thanfour caughtupin years been millions of dollarsareat stake. Hemmer’s Gobsof question. influence and inthecoming upon dayscalled toanswer Fox News, CNNand MSNBChave for executivesA lotof topmedia willbe yBin Steinberg By Brian - President-elect Joe Biden. “What happens President-elect “What Joe Biden. and thearrivalident DonaldTrump of of Pres-light may fadewiththedeparture MSNBC —5.7millionviewers —inJuly. Maddow drewherlargest audience to million viewers toFox News, whileRachel 7.56Carlson nightlured ononeOctober due tothecoronavirus pandemic. Tucker have stuck by people at helped home been they didCBS,NBCandABC. Thenumbers coverage of theelectionaftermath than intothecablers’ primetime tuned people Yet there’s concern palpable thespot VARIETY 9 - greater licensegreater pugnaciousas the tobe BriannaKeilarLemon, andChris Cuomo aggressive stance, givinganchorslike Don er’s tenure, CNNhastaken onamore more to ponder than most. During Zuck thanmost. more toponder is considering givingthenetwork anexit, 10 Biden presidency: including recalibrating themselves for a withmanyoccupied otherchallenges, cards,” says Heyward. arealotoffrom thesidelines. wild “There norm-busting takes oncurrentevents may toenergize andoffer choose hisbase News. Ofcourse, apost-election Trump University andformer presidentof CBS and Mass Communication at Arizona State the Walter Cronkite of Journalism School professor aseniorresearch Heyward, at next several monthsaswell, says Andrew climate justice change andsocial over the time. TheWhiteHousewillgrapplewith access viewers tohomebound for some coronavirus, andthenetworks willhave by theThe nation crippled hasbeen race beckoning them. icans don’t have constant anear horse news stakes aretypicallylower, andAmer a post-election business year, whenthe billion in2020.That dynamicistypicalof to approximately $2.48billionfrom$2.85 of S&P Intelligencefirm that Global ispart — according toKagan, amarket-research MSNBC areseenfalling13.1%next year, Total adsalesat Fox News, CNNand news outletscallsfor adownturn in2021. recently toinvestors.speaking said David Zaslav, CEOof Discovery, like tonormal,” itcould go back potentially havealready “News newscontent. looks salivating thosewhodon’t —especially Foxparent, Corp. executiveMurdoch, chairmanofFox News’ tothatand we forward shift,” look said or‘ICan SeeYourMasked Singer’ Voice,’ andwatching and watching ‘The baseball, ofAmerican pastimes watching football, for toappetite thegreatwill shiftback eventually,happen for that appetite news a morenormalnewscycle, whichhasto news crowd). “Iwould expect aswe enter maintain thelion’s shareof theremaining Streeters that Fox News Channelwould audience dissipate Wall (thoughheassured — hisown of the —may seesomeportion nation’s most watched cable newsoutlet on ElectionDay, suggested that even the Affairs. “We may about tofindout.” be ton University’s andPublic of Media School of strategic initiatives at George Washing chiefwhoisnowington bureau director asks Frank Sesno, aformer CNNWash when thelevel isn’t Defcon 5allthetime?” TOP BILLING The newsoutletsarelikely tobe Next year could defythosepredictions. One projectionfor thethreebigcable hassomecompetitorsThe prospect toinvestors speaking Lachlan Murdoch, CNN WORLDWIDE VREY VARIETY president Jeff Zucker - - - - during the months leading uptothe elec during themonthsleading tion, butoneanalysttion, wonders ifTrump NBCUniversal’s Peacock. Zerlina Maxwell that recently on debuted viewers,streaming suchasonefeaturing emphasis ondeveloping programsfor progressives. Thereisalsoacontinued out differences between centrists and the coronavirus work andDemocrats interest asthenation triestorebuildfrom believe MSNBCfans willhave increased Theseexecutivesfamiliar withthenetwork. Biden presidency, according toaperson notless, moreengaged, will be undera charge, butexecutives thinkviewers ratings isin tumblewhenaDemocrat Washington University Media andPublic Affairs, Frank Sesno, about tofindout.” all thetime? We may be the level isn’t Defcon 5 What happens when streaming audiences?streaming more heavily for on a stand-alone product owner AT&T? AndwillCNNhave tofocus atumultuouseraunderWarnerMediabeen around toseehow CNNfaresinwhat has go, whowilltake over? Will staffers hang White House?IfZucker to shouldchoose totheBidenWill suited thatbe disposition network brandishesa“Facts First” image. FOX NEWS’ AUDIENCE MSNBC HAS INPAST colo School of cycles seenits has been rapt hasbeen George - competing outlet. Trump maylauncha some speculatethat election season;now audience during cohorts drewaloyal Carlson andhis Fox News’Tucker ADJUSTMENT PERIOD seeable future.seeable news outletwillstick aroundfor thefore- he adds. Chances are your favorite cable won’t andmay even disappear amplify,” lines.along political “Division anddebate dicts Sesno, butthenation isstill fractured level decibel willcome down,”“the pre- Nathanson firmMoffettNathan of research of theentirenewsmarket,” says Michael Fox News 10%share audience andreach network could lopoff around20%of the thatspeculate perhaps, over time, thenew Fox News rival like OANN “We orNewsmax. conservatives, by usingasmall potentially outletformight seektolaunchacompeting sponsors andcable systems.sponsors todrive higherratesopportunities from ents, andasurgingMSNBCwould have new tributors of profit totheircorporate par- and Fox News areamongthegreatest con advertisers anddistributors covet. CNN of assembling thelarge, live audiences that of thefew surefireways have companies TV comedy, —isone news—alongwithsports moving videofor tostreaming dramaand sure todeliver eyeballs. With moreviewers news executives willremainunderpres urgent tabloid snapof itspredecessor, but and hell-raisingopinioncounterpart. togrowth asitscontroversialas important that’s thecase, itsnewsdivisioncould be dent voters andswing-state residents. If right-wing viewers butamongindepen Fox News notjust hassizable among reach Fox hastoldadvertisers andinvestors that strong competition now.” Inrecent years, andwethrived withcompetition, have recently“WeMurdoch said. have always son inarecent note. “We love competition,” With outof Trump theWhiteHouse, A Bidenpresidencywon’t have the - - - - FOX NEWS CONGRATULATIONSN TO OUR PARTNER ROBROB GGRUBMANRUBMAN A well-deserved recorecognitiongnition tthathat was a llongong time comingcoming.. Your hard work and dedication are refl ected by the long-term loyalty and admiration of both your clients and co-workers of the fi rm. We want to thank our clients and staff for their trust and participation that made this fi nally happen. YOUR PARTNER HARVEY TANTON AND THE REST OF THE PARTNERS AT TANTON GRUBMAN WISH YOU CONTINUED SUCCESS. www.tgcpas.com 1111 WV Tanton Grubman.v2.indd 1 10/23/20 12:43 PM TOP BILLING Electoral By Cynthia Littleton IT FELT LIKE AN EPISODE of “The West Wing.” Civil servants in battleground states were thrust into the spotlight as the nation’s political future hung in the balance of vote-counting efforts in convention centers and sports arenas. Collage State and local officials with election-related duties put a human face on voting in America as they updated an anxious world on the status of the count, in 100,000- , 10,000- and 1,000-ballot increments. The prevalence of articulate CIVIL SERVANTS BECAME UNLIKELY TV STARS government pros speaking with authority about the sanctity of the vote made it DURING FOUR DAYS OF VOTE COUNTING AND that much harder to buy into conspiracy theories about massive voter fraud. Here’s a rundown of supporting characters who had star turns in the epic HAND-WRINGING FOLLOWING ELECTION DAY limited series that was Election Week. Katie Hobbs ARIZONA SECRETARY Hobbs brought a bright smile and an air of confidence to her reports on OF STATE Arizona’s process. “There’s no legal ground for us to stop counting ballots,” she told CBS News on Nov. 5 with the no-nonsense tone of a beloved kinder- garten teacher. Speaking from the backdrop of what appeared to be a snug office with a poster of a cactus and the word “VOTE” only added to her Southwestern charm. Kathy Boockvar PENNSYLVANIA Boockvar had the challenge of explaining the nitty-gritty of recent legal SECRETARY OF STATE changes to Pennsylvania’s vote-tallying process to an angsty nation in multiple live news conferences. She kept her cool even when asked about her Trump- bashing tweets from four years ago — before she was in her state post. “I took an oath to defend and protect the constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and of the United States,” she said on Nov. 5 with a mixture of earnestness and exasperation that ended the subject. Josh Shapiro PENNSYLVANIA Shapiro’s disgust at the suggestion of widespread voter fraud and ATTORNEY GENERAL corruption in Pennsylvania was palpable. Referring to the SCOTUS decision to allow ballots postmarked by Nov. 3 to be counted through Nov. 6, he told MSNBC on that latter date: “This attempt by Donald Trump and those aligned with him to get those ballots thrown out and run to the Supreme Court — clearly that’s failed,” in comments that went viral after his teenage IMAGES JOHN AMIS/AP DUNCAN: OMAR SABIR; COURTESY SABIR: A; son ambled in on the live interview. Joe Gloria CLARK COUNTY Gloria proved unflappable during a news conference on Nov. 4 when an (NEVADA) REGISTRAR agitated man in a muscle T (with the slogan “BBQ Beer Freedom”) ran up OF VOTERS behind him shouting about the “Biden crime family” and election fraud. “What was the last question?” Gloria asked after the hubbub died down. Gloria was also a model of coronavirus safety in wearing a mask throughout his daily 10 a.m. briefings. Omar Sabir PHILADELPHIA CITY Sabir endeared himself to many viewers when he stepped up to the COMMISSIONER podium at a Nov. 6 news conference and decried efforts to interfere with the count at the city’s Pennsylvania Convention Center. “Democracy has won! Democracy is beautiful!” he enthused, then added with a sheepish grin, “Hi, wife.” Geoff Duncan LIEUTENANT Duncan, a Republican, put electoral integrity over party when he calmly GOVERNOR rejected claims from the Trump camp that Georgia was rife with election OF GEORGIA fraud because the state’s voting system was “controlled by Democrats,” as the president put it in his middle-of-the-night appearance on Nov. 4. Duncan consistently stated otherwise, as he did in a Nov. 9 appearance on CNN. “At this point, we’ve not seen any sort of credible examples,” he assured with great credibility. HOBBS: ROSS D. FRANKLIN/AP IMAGES; BOOCKVAR: JULIO CORTEZ/AP IMAGES; SHAPIRO: MATT ROURKE/AP IMAGES; GLORIA: COURTESY JOE GLORI COURTESY GLORIA: IMAGES; ROURKE/AP MATT SHAPIRO: IMAGES; JULIO CORTEZ/AP BOOCKVAR: IMAGES; FRANKLIN/AP D. HOBBS: ROSS 12 VARIETY CONGRATULATIONS BILL PETER MIKE BRAD TOM ROB DAVID ON YOUR VARIETY RECOGNITION KUDOS TO BERNIE GUDVI VARIETY BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE 2020 and our compliments to all of the Business Managers recognized by Variety in 2020. 1111 WV Tanner Mainstain.indd 1 11/5/20 1:14 PM TOP BILLING REMEMBERED Alex Trebek: ‘The Best Game Show Host in History’ 1940-2020: THE ‘JEOPARDY!’ EMCEE WAS A MASTER OF HIS CRAFT, SAYS STEVE HIGGINS, WHO CREATED THE FAMOUS ‘SNL’ PARODY OF HIM By Steve Higgins that season John Goodman hosted and said, “We’ve gotta do that sketch.” So we wrote another one — Goodman was Mar- lon Brando and Darrell was Phil Donahue. Norm as Burt Reynolds was the first antag- onist, and then Darrell as Sean Connery took over when Norm left the show. Then McKay left, and I wrote them with Mike Schur and Robert Carlock and Erik Ken- ward. I always wrote them with someone. The last one I wrote with Seth Meyers for the 40th anniversary show. I’ve always liked word puzzles. The fun of writing the sketch to me was the for- mula — you go through the categories, and the category that has the dirty word hidden in it is always going to be a joke for Sean Connery. And then you have to figure out what the Final Jeopardy! is, and what the reveal is that people won’t get in advance. It’s third-grade humor, which is the best kind of humor. But also Will Ferrell, one of the greatest comics in the world, playing the perfect straight man in Trebek. I’m just lucky that I got to be a part of it. That’s the best thing I’ve ever done. Trebek told Lorne that he loved the sketch. I was always very happy about that. That would have been terrible, if he’d WE ALWAYS WATCHED “Jeopardy!” in my They just wanted to burn Alex Trebek. And MASTER OF THE GAME thought it was anything but love. You really house when I was growing up. We watched why? Because he’s so unassailably good. As host of “Jeopardy!,” can’t parody something if you don’t love it, Alex Trebek was Art Fleming do it when Don Pardo was the The idea for the sketch came from my categorically nice. or else it’s just mean. Norm and I used to VO. We used to play the home game. Later, wife. She said to me, “You should write a play “Jeopardy!” in his office. It’s just one when Alex Trebek hosted, my brother was ‘Celebrity Jeopardy!’ sketch, because these of those things that is pure goodness. The on the show and lost, which was hilarious. celebrities don’t know that much.” So I show is about knowledge and gamesman- He’s a comedian, and the Final Jeopardy! took it to Adam McKay. Norm Macdonald ship. No one cheats. category was “Comedians.” And he lost. already did a Burt Reynolds impression, Trebek was almost Carson-esque in So it was always a part of my life for as and I loved Darrell Hammond’s Sean Con- his confidence. The show wasn’t about long as I can remember. nery. Martin Short was hosting that week, him. He was just the leader of it. He would Trebek was a great host because of his and Martin Short’s Jerry Lewis is one of my guide you through the show effortlessly. confidence. You could easily be a smug jerk favorite impressions that he does. So we He was probably the best game show host in that job, knowing all the answers and just put those all together. And then later in the history of game show hosts. And he reading them off cards. But so rarely did kept that same spirit with “Jeopardy!” that he do that. He was so unassailably nice. he had with his earlier show, “High Roll- That’s what was fun about Sean Connery ers.” He was just so Canadian-nice. He was and Burt Reynolds hating him so much in just the best — the best there was. the “Celebrity Jeopardy!” sketch on “Sat- — As told to Daniel Holloway urday Night Live” — not really hating him “Trebek was almost Carson-esque so much as just wanting to fuck with him. in his confidence. The show wasn’t Steve Higgins is a “Saturday Night Live” writer People would talk about the sketch and say about him. He was just the leader and producer and the announcer for “The Tonight that the celebrities were dumb. But that of it. He would guide you through Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” Alex Trebek died wasn’t it. It was that they didn’t care. the show effortlessly.” Nov. 8 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. COLLECTION ABC/EVERETT 14 VARIETY Final_art_CNB_FullPage_CMYK_10.25x13.25.indd 1 10/6/20 10:19 AM Untitled-19 1 11/2/20 5:07 PM TOP BILLING Tale of Two Academies THE HEADS OF THE TWO ORGS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EMMYS COME TOGETHER FOR A RARE INTERVIEW By Michael Schneider AS FIRST REPORTED LAST WEEK by Variety, How have you two repaired the relation- multiple academies. It came down to peo- the Los Angeles-based Television Academy ship between NATAS and the TV Academy? ple, a generation ago, who couldn’t agree has eliminated its children’s program cate- Maury McIntyre: We’ve been trying it and split up. I think we’ve gotten to the gory at the Primetime Emmys, ceding kids in fits and starts over the past seven, point that we’re being able to talk to each awards to its New York counterpart: the eight years. Adam, when you came in, other, and it allows things to operate in National Academy of Television Arts and you faced a bit of a crisis, because you ways that spread the workload. I don’t Sciences, which administers the Daytime had heard from a number of Academy think there’s necessarily a big compelling Emmys (as well as sports, news and docu- members in the daytime community force push-ing them back together. mentary and other awards). who had concerns about the [Daytime McIntyre: I agree at this point with Adam: That may not sound like a big deal — Emmys]. And really, your response We are working closer. I’m not seeing after all, it makes sense that kids TV be and how you handled the transparency the same kind of driving forces that grouped together on one kudocast. But it was a clear indication to the Television might push us to get back together. Five was a landmark moment in the tumultu- Academy that you guys are really trying. or 10 years from now, should they get ous history of the two major TV academies. And we needed to help you try and together? Probably, just from the sheer After a rift between the two coasts forced a support you. Because we co-own this business sense of it. We’d have to have a split in 1977, the rivals spent decades bat- brand together. lot of conversations to understand what tling each other (including in court) over Adam Sharp: My first official day as that means. NATAS oversees the bulk of which has jurisdiction of the Emmy Awards. interim CEO was the morning after the all the local chapters. And so that’s a lot But a thaw is finally here, instigated by 2018 Daytime Emmys, the ceremony of their work. Right now what Adam and I Television Academy president-chief oper- that triggered a boycott threat [over voter are trying to do is, in some ways, act as if ating officer Maury McIntyre and NATAS transparency questions]. So I was being we are one — to protect the brand itself — president-CEO Adam Sharp — two leaders thrown right into the fire. In hindsight, but understand how we each operate. unencumbered by those past brawls. it gave us a big opportunity for reset — McIntyre and Sharp have spent the past both externally, with our relationship There is still a lot of uncertainty as the two years fostering a cooperation that has with the Television Academy and with COVID pandemic continues. How will that led to agreements such as how to handle the community, as well as internally. impact next year’s awards calendars? the children’s program Emmy. This year, Sharp: What does it take to get back to faced with a global pandemic that upended Do we really need two TV academies in-person events? It’s not enough for how the various Emmy ceremonies were in 2020? a vaccine to be created and approved. held, the orgs kept close contact as they McIntyre: I’m being a bit facetious, It’s not even enough for it to be widely figured out how to pivot. For the first time but sometimes I’m like, how do we do available or widely taken. It’s the point since that 1977 split, the two sides recently it with just two? when the average person who would met with Variety to conduct a joint Acad- Sharp: I’m not sure there’s ever been come to an event trusts that everyone emy summit. a defining reason why it has to be else in the room has taken the vaccine. That’s a big unknown. It certainly makes the first half of the year look pretty darn close to impossible. And so the ques- tion becomes, can we compress a year’s worth of events into a few months in the fall, while also trying to steer clear of the Television Academy? We’re still laying out that calendar. McIntyre: We’re going to keep watching what’s going on and how quickly shows come back. We’ll evaluate whether it makes sense to keep the eligibility period exactly as it is supposed to be. [As for] the FYC campaign, I just simply don’t see that anyone is going to be in a position to be able to pull large crowds together in Los Angeles, regardless of where we are HEALING CHANNEL with the vaccine. Within the next month NATAS chief Adam or two, we will come out with a decision Sharp and ATAS head Maury McIntyre are in terms of how we see the official FYC fostering a new era of campaign season operating so that it’s detente between the fair for everyone. previously warring East Coast and West Coast TV orgs. For the full interview, go to Variety.com. BRYAN-BROWN MARC SHARP: 16 VARIETY PAD MAN: SONY PICTURES RELEASING/EVERETT COLLECTION; KUMAR: DABBOO RATNANI Beginning in Beginning in Akshay Kumar’s New set issoexciting.” to doingreal-life, heart-raising actionon man first sotogo andanactorsecond, back actor. “I’ve previouslysaidthat I’m astunt for,” passion real the53-year-old teases of stunts, somethingIhave always hada End’roots. “‘The takes tomy meback days torevisithis project asanopportunity premiere inthesecond halfof theyear. 2021 withaviewto inearly due tostart andfilmingis wraps, isinpre-production, keptplot detailsarebeing tightlyunder End,”(1991). “The anactionthrillerwhose manin“Saugandh” asaleading his break and worked asastuntman before getting outof Indiatodate.greatest partnership Shadows,” butKumar isby farAmazon’s Intothe intheseries“Breathe: appeared Family Man,” whileAbhishekBachchan actorManoj Bajpayee enrolled for “The movie studios. giantin2019 Thestreaming ing theirslates tocompete withtraditional national A-listers asthey keep expand- how eager players streaming arefor inter End.”with Amazon series“The tohisfirst project streaming ing theleap 47 millionInstagram followers. He’s mak than 140filmsandamassing a staggering stars,bankable inmore having appeared ON SOCIALCHANGE THE BOLLYWOOD MEGASTAR IS AKSHAY KUMAR Kumar tells inThailand arts Kumar martial learned Kumar’s withAmazon deal shows just Variety isoneof Bollywood’s most that heviewsthe By NamanRamachandran - - - BREAKINGBOUNDARIES WITHANEYE all-singing, all-dancingBollywoodenter or easier todoso,”or easier says Kumar. “As role eye itseemscareer safe whenperhaps try in the same, light.” tainted try at theentireindus the public“nottolook doing soinavideowhichheimplores of up, thefew tospeak stars whodecided abusers.habitual drug Kumar was one stars as Bollywood channels portrayed home. furor, Intheensuingmedia some Rajput was found at hisMumbai dead of entertainment?” medium become moreaware thanthrough the Kumar. way better “What for to people cumstances tochange,” that need says andcir heard tobe factsthat need told, they arestories tobe that country; need addressing inourcrisis inIndianeed in powering India’s first Marsmission. Mangal” women’s (2019)highlighted roles for pads women;cost “Mission sanitary (2018) advocated themanufacturingof low- defecate infields;“Pad intheopen Man” to where menandwomen arerequired spoke outagainst India apractice inrural sen projects. has beenaprerequisiteforKumar’scho tainers, apotentialtofostersocialchange In recentyears,apartfromtheusual “I’ve never onetoturnablind been In June, star SushantSingh Bollywood “Issues suchastheopen-defecation (2017) “Toilet:Dramedy ALove Story” ‘The End’ - - - - by Amazon. star tobecourted biggest, Bollywood is thelatest,and top, in“PadMan”) and withSonamKapoor, Akshay Kumar(inset ON THESTREAMTEAM “What betterway for people now incourt. around Rajput’sdeath,andthematteris nels involvedinfanningtheflames A-listers, subsequentlysuedthechan that issodangerous.”rumor ular interests. It’s that kindof baseless narratives for partic that arepeddled stay of groundless clear and speculation public arefed therightinformation and but at thesametime, it’s that the crucial we toadmit, realities need are certain tion inmanipulating thepublic. “There keenly aware of theIndianmedia’s posi thoughts onthesituation.” right example, soIwanted tosharemy tosetthe behaviors andaresponsibility models, we have aninfluence over “Raksha Bandhan.” andthenfamilydrama inJanuary dey” followed by actionmovie “BachchanPan “Atrangi,” gohe’ll ontofilmrom-com soon drama“Prithviraj,”include period while cop saga. Projects underway already “Sooryavanshi,” super- anaction-packed ofbut highonthelist istherelease slowly inIndiawithreruns. reopening Plus Hotstar at atimewhencinemasare Nov.debuted Disney 9directlyonstreamer comedy “Laxmii” Hishorror Bollywood. reliefinIndia. virus some$4.5milliontowarddonated corona of $48.5million—has actors withearnings the 2020Forbes 100list andsixthamong thestar —whoisrankedtion, 52ndin duringthepandemic. Inaddi measures in raisingawareness COVID about safety take alittle longer now.” Thingsarejust going to to theendproduct. safe, andthere’s absolutely nodetriment positives arethat itismanageable,“The the case,” says Kumar of theexperience. —butwethe pandemic knewthiswould be transitions onsetwere asbefore aseasy and say that filmingfelt and assmooth duringthepandemic. andended began It’sland. oneof thehandfulof projectsthat by Kumar,headlined toGlasgow, Scot the cast andcrewof thriller“BellBottom,” anAirIndiaplaneandflew ment chartered Poojademic inIndia,producers Entertain- Akshay Kumar of entertainment?” than throughthemedium to becomemoreaware Elsewhere, at theheightof thepan Kumar, alongwithagalaxyoffellow Having Kumar saidthat, says he’s Kumar has“lotsof ‘nexts,’” hejokes, He remainsoneof thebusiest stars in Kumar atireless campaigner hasbeen itwould tosithere impossible be “Look, VARIETY TOP BILLING - - - - 17 - - - - TOP BILLING AWARDS CIRCUIT Clayton Davis Will the Oscars Reward These Overdue Female Actors? CERTAIN REPEAT NOMINEES COULD FINALLY WIN AN ACADEMY AWARD THIS SEASON “IT’S AN HONOR just to be nominated” is doesn’t look to be letting up anytime soon. would break the record of her co-star Kate the overused line that many Oscar nomi- Six nominations over a 14-year period is Winslet for being the youngest person to nees have said over the years, particularly no easy feat, and she has arguably been reach five nominations. after a loss. Though that’s true, winning a close to winning with turns in “Junebug” It’s been 18 years since Michelle Pfeiffer coveted statuette is the real prize. and “The Fighter.” As the drug-addicted was last nominated, for her performance The highest-profile overdue veteran mother Bev in “Hillbilly,” Adams could in Jonathan Kaplan’s “Love Field.” Her actor competing for an Oscar this season factor into the best actress or support- three career noms include “Dangerous is Glenn Close, the wisecracking Mamaw ing actress race (Netflix has yet to confirm Liaisons” and “The Fabulous Baker Boys”; in Ron Howard’s “Hillbilly Elegy.” With which category she will campaign in). many feel her turn in the latter should seven previous nominations (the most of Though not at the top of minds at the have been her ticket. It helps to have a few any living actor without a win), Close, who moment, Annette Bening appears to be snubs under your belt when playing the has delivered win-worthy turns in “Dan- turning the corner of future Oscar winner, “overdue” narrative, and Pfeiffer has a few, gerous Liaisons” and “Fatal Attraction” with close calls for “American Beauty” and including “Batman Returns,” “The Age of looks to finally have her moment. Her “Being Julia.” Hindsight being 20/20, her Innocence” and “White Oleander.” Her most recent loss, for 2018’s “The Wife” to work in “20th Century Women” also could work in “French Exit” is a marvelous out- Olivia Colman in “The Favourite,” was felt have been her ticket with a stronger release ing and one of her best yet, but she’ll be in awards enthusiast circles. With what strategy. Her role in William Nicholson’s fighting to stay in the conversation as the seems a thin roster of supporting actress “Hope Gap” has garnered good notices, but film doesn’t open until February, the final contenders this year, Close is in the run- Roadside Attractions will need to mount PENDING APPROVAL stretch of the extended timeline. ning once again, looking to go against Col- the right campaign for her. Clockwise from below Overdue narratives aren’t just about the man’s work in “The Father.” Saoirse Ronan is one of those actors right: Glenn Close non-winners; they also apply to previous Close’s co-star Amy Adams is play- we know will win an Academy Award one (“Hillbilly Elegy”); winners who many feel are owed another Michelle Pfeiffer ing the same card this year in “Hillbilly day, and it’s likely coming in the very near (“French Exit”); statuette. It’s been 46 years since Ellen Elegy.” Currently tied with the great Deb- future. Fresh off her nod for Greta Ger- and Saoirse Ronan Burstyn won her Oscar for Martin Scors- orah Kerr for six nominations, Adams has wig’s “Little Women,” the 26-year-old has (“Ammonite,” with ese’s “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” Kate Winslet, left) seen her run to the Dolby Theatre stage four nominations in total, and if nomi- are all primed for and she likely finished second to Julia come up short far too many times, but she nated for Francis Lee’s “Ammonite,” she Oscar nominations. Roberts in “Erin Brockovich” 20 years ago. If the buzz for Vanessa Kirby grows for “Pieces of a Woman” from Netflix, some of that love might spill over to Burstyn as a grieving grandmother. Viola Davis’ supporting actress win for 2016’s “Fences” was well-deserved, but she was owed after being nominated for 2011’s “The Help” and losing to Streep. Her work in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” might have the goods to maneuver through the season, putting her in the mix to challenge in a highly competitive best actress race. The legendary skills of Sophia Loren are on full display in “The Life Ahead,” where she delivers one of her finest per- formances yet. At 86, she could make his- tory as the oldest nominee (surpassing Emmanuelle Riva, who was nominated for “Amour” at 85). In 2021, it will have been 56 years since her last nod (for 1964’s “Marriage Italian Style”), and if nomi- nated, she will break the record held by Henry Fonda for the longest gap between acting nods. CLASSICS PICTURES DATUMAS/SONY TOBIAS FRENCH EXIT: TERRELL/NETFLIX; LACEY ELEGY: FILMS; HILLBILLY AMMONITE: SEE SAW 18 VARIETY Untitled-3 1 11/10/20 12:20 PM DIRT DIRT $3.7M HOLLYWOOD HILLS 3,500 SQ. FT. 4 BEDROOMS 5 BATHS The circa-1930 traditional, behind Jesse Metcalfe Shores gates with four bedrooms and four and a half baths in about 3,500 square feet, features classic moldings, glossy dark- Up Sale Above the Strip stained hardwood floors and high-end fin- ishes that include a marble fireplace in the living room. The main suite includes a hair-and-makeup station, while a dis- “Desperate Housewives” alum and “Chesapeake Shores” star Jesse Metcalfe and creet lower level holds a dramatically Cara Santana his now former fiancée, actor , were coupled for more than 12 years dark-walled den plus a fitness room. before they broke up earlier this year amid salacious (and denied) rumors of outside Thick hedging provides neighborly dalliances. Whatever the private details of their split, it’s not much of a surprise that privacy and a verdant backdrop for the the erstwhile couple have sold their formerly shared home above L.A.’s Sunset Strip — lushly planted entry courtyard that com- for almost $3.7 million, a chunk above the not-quite-$3 million they paid in 2015. prises a small swimming pool and spa as well as a stone terrace with in-ground fire pit. There’s also an outdoor kitchen and a vine-draped dining pergola. Rayni William and Branden Williams at The Beverly Hills Estates held the listing; MARK DAVID the buyer was represented by Marc Noah THE REAL ESTALKER at Hilton & Hyland. METCALFE: PARISA AFSAHI/SIPA USA/AP IMAGES USA/AP AFSAHI/SIPA PARISA METCALFE: 20 VARIETY PRINCE WILLIAM/CATHERINE THE DUCHESS: ZZ/KGC-178/STAR MAX/IPX/AP IMAGES DIGS at alltimes.” “exercise confidentialityanddiscretion flexible, show initiative andbeableto job listing,theidealcandidatewould be at Kensington Palace.According tothe join theirphalanxofdomesticworkers are lookingfor anewhousekeeper to aka The Duke andDuchessofCambridge, A Royal Proposal bit of money) about amileandhalfaway. with theLagasses for asmallerhome(and seeking todownsize andin2010traded decoratorlocal SusanLovelace, whowas toLovelace’s villabelonged terranean cousin, late 1990s, pan-Medi- theFlemish-inspired architect ThomasChrist and completed in the a rather unusualway. by Florida Designed Alden Lovelace, cametoown thehome in andkitchenproducts, andhiswife,food andlicensed awarehouse worthofbooks who haswritten morethanadozen cook- upfor saleat $5.25million. has popped Fla., onthePanhandle’s which GulfCoast, community of resort Destin, theposh near buyer mansion for hiselegantlyappointed Vegas, towhipupadeep-pocketed hopes to Pennsylvania andNew toLas Orleans restaurants fromFloridanine popular Celebrity chefEmerilLagasse, owner of Cooks Up Florida Deal Chef Emeril Lagasse $5.25 6 BATHS 5 BEDROOMS 8,000 SQ. FT. Bonjean at MainsailRealtyBonjean Co., thetaste- DESTIN, FLA. According tolistings heldby Clayton The Massachusetts-born entrepreneur, Prince William MAE HAMILTON M and Kate Middleton , cured fairway of aprivate fairway cured golf course. whatchee Bay mani- across therolling, watersview of thesmooth of Chocta- lots of coral stone terracingandaserene yard that offers andspa, aswimming pool exterior entrance. self-contained guest orstaff suitewith aswellwith anopulentbathroom asa suite includeaprimary and ahalfbaths fryer, andpizzaoven. barbecue indoor also asecond kitchenrepletewithdeep whistle known butthere’s tohumankind, and bell culinary premium-quality every withjust about family kitchenchockablock mansehave8,000-square-foot aneat-in table.rored thejust-over- Not onlydoes 10or12aroundamir- seats easily room andthediningample formal livingroom, foyerbetween thedouble-height and floors. Statelyhardwood columns stand coral stoneof andpale sand-colored neutral color andanorganicmix palette coastal statementrefined withabeachy homecutsacasuallyfully designed The house spills easily outtoaback-The housespillseasily The mansion’s andfive five bedrooms on a5.6-acre, tree-dotted spread off-grid-ready homesteadissited small town ofMountVernon, this rural Ohio. Located outsidethe proof communicationsbunker in hardened electromagnetic pulse- the madnessmightbeanuclear- place tohunker down through across thecountry, thesafest and politicalunrest brewing With COVID-19 ontheriseagain Plan —With aView A Fallout Fallback a mass outage. The perimeter of a massoutage.Theperimeter of diesel generatorsinthe event of main power grid,ithas two the bunker ishooked uptothe among otherfarms. Although 6,000 SQ. FT. than $350,000. Tenn., hascome available at asliver less homeinLynchburg, rural his secluded at cancer, 87afterbattling bone andnow thisyear earlier pioneer Little Richarddied Golly,Good Miss Molly!Iconic ’n’ rock roll Home Hits the Market Little Richard’s Rural rooms andtworooms andahalfbaths. of theresidenceseach contains threebed- Realtors, Joe Orr&Associates show that Listings heldby Carmen Wolfe at Weichert self-contained homesunderasingleroof. 75 milesoutsideNashville, isactuallytwo acresabout on closeto14thicklywooded ture, whichsprawls across asunny knoll LYNCHBURG, TENN. Hilton hotelindowntown Nashville. of years,ber suiteatop apenthouse the time between Lynchburg for and, anum- inthemid-2000sandsplithis property the acquired entertainer piano-pounding burg Timesat the thetimeof hisdeath, builder-grade fittings. andinexpensive,with ceramic tilefloors of date, areordinary, andbathrooms out andfunctionalifdecidedly spacious worthy lavender. pale Bothkitchensare isawashlarger inEaster bedrooms bonnet- features aplumaccent wall; one of the andscarletwalls; yet anotherpea-green carpeting. wall-to-wall ald-green baby-blue walls that vibrate against emer- are bucolic views—hasbright woodland toadecrepitdeck fromwhichthereopen a corkscrew staircase andFrench doors a fireplace iswedged intoacorner next to flamboyant —where showman. Oneroom bit asvivaciously asthefamously colorful walls, whiletheotherisevery taupe-colored is quitesedate, withmostly gray- and TLC, theinteriorspaces of oneof theunits $350 The 6,000-square-foot brickstruc- The 6,000-square-foot Dated and in need of Dated significant andinneed According inTheLynch- toareport courageouslyAnother room pairs K the deal. scissor liftandfork lifttosweeten owners willalsobethrowing ina when it’s safe tocomeout.The a four-bay garagewithawork area Aboveground, theproperty offers with adecontaminationshower. a sewage system andabathroom water storagetank,anon-sitewell, survival-ready amenitiesincludea secure ventilation shafts.Other secondary entrancesaswell as has blastdoorsatitsmainand the structure issteellinedand VARIETY 6 BATHS 6 BEDROOMS MAE HAMILTON DIRT 21 TALL ORDER Nina L. Diaz and Chris McCarthy aim to keep the sparkle on ViacomCBS’ MTV Entertainment Studios programming. can these brands be saved? The leaders of mtv, vh1, comedy central and other cable stalwarts are tasked with reinventing the tv ecosystem they grew up in • By cynthia littleton Photograph by brad trent p.23 resh out of the Wharton School, Chris McCarthy’s path to becoming a televi- sion executive began on the white sand beaches of Panama City Beach, Fla. It was spring break 2005. The exec- utive who now leads the second-larg- est unit of ViacomCBS by revenue was tasked with hawking MTVU-branded credit cards to college students in vari- ous stages of inebriation and undress. He FISCHER (THIS PAGE) PARAMOUNT NETWORK PARAMOUNT FISCHER (THIS PAGE) would eventually get his foot in the door at MTV thanks to his success at convincing undergrads to sign up for a card that gave them reward points for good grades, pay- ing the bill on time and purchasing books. In the moment, sweating it out at a folding table inside a sponsor activa- tion tent on the Florida Panhandle coast, D ARTISTS; MAKEUP: SOLEIMANI/BOBBI BROWN; HAIR: MICHAEL SILVA USING KERASTASE; MCCARTHY’S COAT: GIVENCHY; GIVENCHY; COAT: MCCARTHY’S USING KERASTASE; MICHAEL SILVA HAIR: SOLEIMANI/BOBBI BROWN; MAKEUP: D ARTISTS; McCarthy worried that he was already DIGGING IN the heaviest lifting, and today he’s still doing that, albeit from a loftier perch. McCar- AND JENNIFER LOMBARDI ; EARRINGS: LAURA wasting his hard-earned MBA. Paramount thy and Nina L. Diaz, president of content and chief creative officer, have among the “It was wild down there — and not my Network’s toughest assignments in media as they seek to reinvent a clutch of ViacomCBS chan- Western drama scene,” says McCarthy, who grew up in a “Yellowstone,” nel brands that once defined cable television but have struggled amid the sea chang- blue-collar family in Philadelphia. “It was starring Kevin es in media consumption during the past decade. McCarthy’s unit encompasses MTV, the funniest thing because I don’t really Costner (center), VH1, Comedy Central, Paramount Network, TV Land, CMT, Pop TV, Logo and Smith- is the net’s highest- like credit cards,” he recalls. “But I fig- rated series. sonian Channel. ured that I had to figure out how to make McCarthy’s star at ViacomCBS has soared in the three years since Bob Bakish took this thing work. It was my way in.” the reins of Viacom in late 2016 after a long period of corporate turmoil. Amid this fast McCarthy, 45, president of Via- rise, McCarthy has plotted a course that fundamentally shifts the prime focus of the comCBS’ MTV Entertainment Studios company away from running a suite of linear cable channels to using the division as unit (previously known as Entertain- a giant studio that generates programming for the linear channels and a host of other ment & Youth Group), landed the free- platforms inside and outside ViacomCBS. lance assignment to help market the “The thing we always learned was that MTV had to blow itself up every seven to 10 MTVU credit card because nobody else at years for a new generation. You thrive in change or you die in change,” McCarthy says. MTV wanted it. He moved enough plastic that week to eventually become head of MCQUEEN; SHOES: GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI ALEXANDER SUIT: DIAZ’S GIUSEPPE ZANOTTIE; marketing for MTVU, which at one time cCarthy was handed the largest channel portfolio in the company beamed a dedicated channel into more after the second round of the Viacom and CBS merger was complet- than 750 colleges around the country. ed between media conglomerates controlled by Shari Redstone, who is Once he passed the MTVU test, non-executive chair of ViacomCBS. McCar thy held virtually every job there Among his first moves after inheriting oversight of Comedy Central was to estab- was at 1515 Broadway before landing his lish a relationship with “Daily Show” host Trevor Noah. The two were getting to know first midlevel executive posting — as gen- each other just as the pandemic lockdown began in March, which provided a good eral manager of MTV2 — in 2010. foundation for McCarthy and Noah to work out a bold plan for Noah to host a quaran- “I kept doing the jobs that nobody tine edition of “Daily Show” from his home — a move that other hosts soon followed. wanted,” he explains. Noah, who has been through several management regimes since he took the reins Indeed, McCarthy developed a reputa- of “The Daily Show” in September 2015, appreciates the “openness” that McCarthy TURTLENECK: CLUB MONACO; JEANS: RAG AND BONE; BOOTS: AND BONE; BOOTS: JEANS: RAG MONACO; CLUB TURTLENECK: tion for taking on the work that required showed to his idea to go back on the air on his own schedule. AMADOR/FORWAR SANDRA STYLING: DIAZ’S GROUP; ARAI/THE WALL MARIKO GROOMING: REMBERT; JASON STYLING: MCCARTHY’S (PREVIOUS SPREAD) JERSEY SHORE FAMILY VACATION: MTV; WILD ‘N OUT: MTV/EVERETT COLLECTION give usfive minutes, we’ll take five min from thenetwork side:‘Ifyou want to 2 premiere. flix’s most watched seriessince itsOct. ly inParis” hasranked asoneofNet- as aweekly TV. seriesonlinear “Emi environmentstreaming thanitwould inabinge-watch muchbetter perform rthy recognized that theshow would McCa-amount Network asplanned. er thanhave itaironViacomCBS’ Par- series “EmilyinParis” toNetflix rath tosellDarrenStar’sopted dramedy lier thisyear whenMcCarthy’s group sales. windfalls fromthird-party ate advertising andcontent licensing in-house platforms, aswell asgener can deliver hitstoViacomCBS’ many programsupplierthat as animportant thedivisionstrategy aimstoposition ing years. McCarthy’s studio-focused lio willinevitably shrinkinthecom- of channelsinthecompany’s portfo tosayready itpublicly, thenumber fees that flow toViacomCBS’ line. bottom cord cutting takes tollonaffiliate asteady dollarsgoadvertising elsewhereand bly going toshrinkasratings dwindle, ing ice cube, somethingthat isinevita- channel business thesedays isamelt cable basic manifest. Thead-supported a grown-up,” shesays. with allofus, whetheryou were ateenor stories of young adultlife that resonated was knownthat for MTV —tellingthe able tobringoutthekindofthings ly be forms outsideofourgroup, we willreal- programming strategy. sync onhow ViacomCBS toshiftits needs er onVH1in2015,thetwo have in been and McCarthy working began togeth executives Since she inentertainment. is amongthehighest-ranking Latina Today,of careersinentertainment. Diaz inthedirection themboth point helped to restore theluster ofthebrandsthat cultural influence. Thetwo aredriven of thecable group’s profitability and Networks ecosystemMTV at theheight they seefor thenetwork.” astowhat who aredecisive andvisionary adds: “I’ve enjoyed working withpeople ing arena.OfMcCarthy andDiaz,Noah side get moreaggressive inthestream iseager toseeViacomCBS’Noah cable before theshow airsinitsnightlyslot. aroundtheinterneteven liberally spread tobe clipsneed ing ofwhy “DailyShow” its McCarthy withakeen understand- together that way,” hesays. Healsocred nice ablebeen toputthepieces tobe utes. Or10minutesorwhatever.’ It’s “What was really great was hearing was great was hearing really “What The new approach was evident ear The newapproach Although nooneat ViacomCBS is But theobstacles thetwo face are “Having ourcontent onotherplat Like McCarthy, Diazgrewupinthe ------to get them to them get road looks murky now, a growing, it clearer. committed to making to making as it gets it as a shot to to shot a chris and make this make If there’s probably enduring business, JUDY MCGRATH as good nina arenina they’re there.” If the the If industry focus onadvancing justice social andcombatingindustry workplace harassment. entertainment andtheheightened intheenvironment pandemic steeper ofaglobal ‘Here’s how we’re going togrow.’” pen,” Bakishsays. “Chris doesn’t He’s dothat. aproblem-solver. Hecomes inandsays, isthatThe onlycertainty sticking withthestatus quoisnotanoption. channels isseenasalongshoteven for amongthosewhoarerooting thecompany. as well McCarthy’s asoutsidepartners. content-focused strategy for hisuniverse of comCBS cannavigate wars thestreaming asacontent suppliertoin-houseplatforms stands thecreative process.” utive,” Bakishsays ofMcCarthy. “He’s andat thesametimeheunder- analytical, very amistake serieshadbeen scripted —andacostly one. they heldthesameconviction because asset that inpart MTV’s foray intolive-action aswelltake inlate 2016.BakishhadfaithinMcCarthy’s onMTV visionfor thefading Bakishtohavethe ratings ofthechannelprompted andfinancialperformance him enduringbusiness,growing, asitgets toget asgood probably themthere.” they’re Chris andNinaarecommitted tomakingitclearer. Ifthere’s ashottomake thisa Networks chiefwhoexitedtime MTV Viacom murkynow, looks in2011.“Iftheroad andshowrunners. producers BIPOC initiative owned by companies anewgeneration production toseed ofindependent community asthey production movedthe unscripted forcefully ona$250million sity andinclusivityat alllevels. Theexecutives have somerelationships strained in justiceon social andanti-harassment concerns demandsfor diver aswell asindustry As with all traditional TV networks,As withalltraditionalTV theuphillclimbof reinvention hasonlygotten whowilltellyou arealotof why people allthereasons somethingcan’t“There hap On Wall StreetandamongViacomCBS’ peers, thereisskepticism that industry Via “Chris israther abusiness unusualinthat executive heisboth andacreative exec buildingtheirown mapthroughthis,” road “They’re says Judy thelong McGrath, McCarthy andDiazarealsonavigating majorchanges focus at atimeofheightened innumerable executive shake-ups. Histrackrecord inturningaround totakewhen hewas over tapped VH1in2015amidoneofViacom’s executive cCarthy industry prominence first radar gained ontheTV on itswaybacktoMTV. by controversy butmaybe (above) hasbeenbenched Nick Cannon’s“Wild’NOut” retirement from theshow. who hasannouncedher left),Polizzi (bottom without Nicole “Snooki” next season,butperhaps Vacation” will return toMTV “Jersey Shore Family CHALLENGING TIMES p.25 - - - - - For instance, the goal of McCarthy and through which producers could recoup their upfront costs in success — the longer Diaz’s BIPOC-producer initiative is admi- term that success, the better.” rable, but the process of getting there Some producers with long tenures at ViacomCBS channels say the working envi- has been bumpy. Many in the close-knit ronment under McCarthy and Diaz has been difficult amid budget tightening and world of unscripted TV producers are efforts to revamp or reboot long-running franchises such as VH1’s “Love & Hip Hop.” dismayed by the decision to take a num- The thing Mona Scott-Young, an executive producer of “Love & Hip Hop,” says she admires ber of MTV and VH1 shows away from we always McCarthy for his tenacity and his abilities as a strategic thinker. “It cannot possibly long-standing production entities. learned was be an easy task to reimagine a network and be forward-thinking about transitioning ViacomCBS also cut ties in June with that MTV into being a studio,” she says. But there have been strains in the relationship around production banner Big Fish Entertain- had to the production decisions. ment amid the controversy over the blow itself “Sometimes in the pursuit of that growth there are casualties,” Scott-Young says. company’s handling of a sensitive up every “I hope they see the value of the partnership that has been long-standing and that legal issue involving crime-scene foot- seven to 10 this can aid in the success of what they’re trying to build.” age collected during the production years for of Big Fish’s now-canceled A&E Net- a new gen- work series “Live PD.” Amid the social eration. You cCarthy and Diaz are well-equipped to reengineer the MTV uni- unrest over the killing of George Floyd thrive in verse because they were both schooled in the best of its culture at in Minneapolis, ViacomCBS decided it change or the end of its previous heyday two decades ago. could no longer be in business with Big you die in Diaz, a New York native who grew up in Washington Heights and Harlem, fond- Fish. That spurred it to hastily find new change.” ly remembers the heady atmosphere she entered at Viacom’s Times Square head- producers for Big Fish-produced VH1 quarters in 1995. She was a few years out of Fordham University when she arrived CHRIS McCARTHY series such as “Black Ink Crew,” “Car- along with producer Cathe Neukum CQ to work on a documentary project about tel Crew” and the Miami, New York and people with HIV. She’d worked as an assistant and in low-level production jobs on a Atlanta editions of “Love & Hip Hop.” handful of projects but had never encountered a workplace pulsating with creativ- Diaz makes no apologies for the ity and a spirit of derring-do. recent moves concerning shows. She “The halls were full of energy,” Diaz recalls. “It was like being in a college dorm. sees it as an effort to keep long-running There was music blasting; there were posters all over the walls. It was two tons of fun.” franchises fresh in addition to contribut- Like McCarthy, Diaz came into the company as a freelancer. Both went through ing to diversity and inclusion goals. She the “permalance” phase of working steadily for Viacom channels even as they had also notes that she feels an obligation to to periodically hustle up new assignments. Both ascribed to the ethos of saying help nurture the BIPOC role models that yes to any offer, because the goal was to keep working until a precious staff posi- were lacking when she was working her tion opened up. way up the ranks. “You pretty much lived there 24/7,” Diaz says. “It was always a hustle to make “I really feel like I want to represent sure that you stayed in that loop of getting work, and that was all very dependent on for people coming into the industry that how much you rose to the challenges and how willing you were to take on any task. anything is possible,” she says. And everything was thrown at you. You’d walk in one day, and your boss would say, McCarthy asserts that the effort by Via- comCBS to add BIPOC production compa- nies is a natural progression for the firm that has been a trailblazer in shining TV lights on underrepresented communities. “We think of it as three phases. Mak- ing sure we had diversity on-screen was the first wave, and getting the right peo- ple behind the camera was the second wave. The third is ownership of their companies,” McCarthy says. NPact, the advocacy organization that represents dozens of independent unscripted production companies, has long sought to protect producers from being forced out of shows that they pro- duce on commission for networks that own the underlying copyright. “Across the entire NPact member- ship, not locking production compa- nies to the content they create is the No. 1 deal-making issue for producers, even beyond shrinking budgets and fees,” NPact said in a statement issued to Variety. “Production companies front STAR POWER entire full-time development teams Reality shows like “Martha & Snoop’s that serve as the networks’ creative Potluck Dinner Party” (2016-19) with Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart incubators. That overhead traditional- and “The Osbournes” (2002-05) ly was supported by a business model with Ozzy Osbourne were shepherded by Nina L. Diaz. p.26 ‘Now you’re going to shoot your story.’ And I’d never picked up a camera. And the next day it was ‘Now you’re going to learn Avid.’” Diaz eventually became a program- ming executive who was instrumental in the launch of MTV franchises “Cribs” and “My Super Sweet 16.” She also helped birth the genre-defining hit “The Osbournes” after spotting the poten- tial of Sharon and Ozzy’s clan during a segment of “Cribs.” She left the fold in 2007 to become a full-time producer, delivering the hit “Mob Wives” to VH1 and producing Bravo’s “Real House- wives of New Jersey” before returning to VH1 in 2014 as a senior VP of devel- opment and production. Those who know Diaz well say it was clear from the start that she was deter- mined to go far in entertainment. Among her earliest jobs was working as an assis- tant to Steven Weinstock, the veteran unscripted producer, when he was gen- erating news magazine series “The Elev- STUDIO FOCUS safe zones such as Iceland and Croatia to keep shows running. At any given time, enth Hour” for New York’s PBS affiliate McCarthy opted to McCarthy’s group has more than 65 series in active production. WNET-TV. Her drive and her creative sell in-house series “It’s been wildly impressive what our teams have been able to accomplish in such “Emily in Paris,” instincts were so evident during the job starring Lily Collins, a short time,” Diaz observes. McCarthy adds, “Sometimes you have to run into change interview that he almost didn’t hire her. to Netflix, where it or it will run you over.” “You always have that hope that an has been a hit. The “table stakes” for traditional media amid the streaming transition are extreme- assistant will stay a year or two because ly high, McCarthy notes. Like Bakish, he is reassured by the fact that the company has it takes so long to train them,” says Wein- a clear vision of where it needs to go. The ability to see the goal is half the battle, as stock, who is now co-head of Endemol McCarthy realized some 15 years ago in the MTVU credit card activation tent. Shine’s Truly Original production ban- Much has changed for the executive since he spent that week in Panama ner. “I quickly realized that I would be City Beach in 2005. But some aspects of his life, his work and his wallet have lucky if Nina stayed six months. She was remained consistent. smart, no-nonsense and determined. “I still don’t have any credit cards,” McCarthy says. She had a look in her that said that this job was just a stop on the road to wherev- er destiny was taking her.” OGO: MTVOGO: viacomcbs wants Cable TV unit set for name change iacomCBS CEO Bakish has Its mtv again to mark 40th anniversary no doubt that the conglom’s flagship global brands have growth years ahead of them. And he has ViacomCBS’ Smithsonian Channel. by the Ad Council, 24 as Vote Early every confidence in McCarthy and Diaz Entertainment & Youth The name change which has distributed day. Some 2,800 as key drivers of the company’s trans- Group unit is getting comes as the unit a series of digital and corporate brands formation as it bets on free ad-sup- a new moniker for a unveils a major TV blurbs to hundreds and nonprofits joined ported streaming through its Pluto TV new era. The divi- initiative to foster of outlets. in the get-out-the- sion, led by president greater diversity More recently, vote effort, which service and the enhanced Paramount Chris McCarthy, will at all levels through McCarthy’s group also included recruiting Plus subscription service set to debut be rechristened MTV strategies to nurture spearheaded the Vote more than 700,000 early next year. Entertainment Group BIPOC producers and for Your Life campaign new poll workers. “It’s a different growth model than it by year’s end in a nod provide opportunities that designated Oct. — Cynthia Littleton was 20 years ago or even five years ago,” to MTV’s upcoming for first-time directors Bakish says. “The trick is to use all of our 40th anniversary. on original telepics for content assets to supply all those plat- The MTV brand still Paramount Network. forms with compelling new offerings and has massive world- Earlier this year, library franchises that people know. Nina wide recognition, McCarthy’s group and Chris are going to be programming a which makes it a nat- also created the lot of platforms.” ural choice for the #AloneTogether PSA umbrella title for the campaign that was For the foreseeable future, the chal- unit that houses nine quickly assembled as lenges ahead will include keeping channels and relat- the pandemic lock- productions up and running around ed production units: down hit to help edu- the world in the face of the COVID-19 MTV, VH1, Comedy cate the public on threat. McCarthy credits Diaz and her Central, CMT, TV Land, the COVID-19 threat. team with turning on a dime last spring Paramount Network, The #AloneTogether MARTHA & SNOOP’S POTLUCK DINNER PARTY: VH1; THE OSBOURNES: MTV/EVERETT COLLECTION; EMILY IN PARIS: NETFLIX; MTV ENTERTAINMENT L MTV ENTERTAINMENT NETFLIX; IN PARIS: EMILY COLLECTION; MTV/EVERETT VH1; THE OSBOURNES: DINNER PARTY: POTLUCK & SNOOP’S MARTHA to build out “COVID compounds” in Pop TV, Logo and branding was adopted home for the holidays In her second movie as a director, clea duvall makes a subversive photograph comedy by by for kate ryan p. 28 the ages aurthur pfluger By Adam Vary Photographs by Beau Grealy .30 p. “Have they —onthephone. John Anincredulous asks, Levy John —played friend, tells herbest byDaniel days. alsothinkthat I’m (“They straight,” Abby Steenburgen) aftertheholi- andMary Garber (Victor promising she’llcome outtoherparents butstill game,bummed, Abbytokeep hersecret, her family. thenmust enlist Harper atotally she hassomehow forgotten she’s to closeted for Christmas duringamomentsojoyous that invitesengagement —untilHarper Abbyhome zie Davis play (Harper) acouple ontheverge of tion.” Kristen Init, (Abby) Stewart andMacken- after 2016’s Interven- Sundance“The dramedy Season,” DuVall’s second feature asadirector were sidecharacters.” thereat all, she says. “Any LGBTQ+ characterswere, ifthey movie my represented that experience,” really lesbian couple at itscenter. “Ihadnever seena est Season,” aholiday romanticcomedy witha “Veep” for —whenshegot “Happi- theidea and comedieslike “But and I’m aCheerleader” as “Girl, Interrupted,” “Argo” and“Carnivàle,” ies andontelevisionfor years —indramassuch get monotonous.” to asakid,” DuVall says. it does “BecauseGod, that’s somethingthat Ialways forward looked and hastoaseason, like theclosest thingL.A. made thecityseemdifferent for once. “Itfeels tohowtor would forward Christmastime look life, the43-year-old actor-turned-writer/direc- ies. Andhaving lived inLosAngeles herwhole duvallclea to get back together!” together!” to get back get together, butit’s going —they’re arom-com audience afraidthat they shouldbe mightnot “The putsit, of:As Stewart Sort is underthreat. andtherelationship feelings are hurt abound, sister,oddball Jane) —misunderstandings Holland (who alsoplays Harper’sand Mary That isdefinitelynotthecasein“Happiest DuVall aubiquitous actor inmov- hadbeen In “Happiest Season” —written byDuVall met alesbian?”) grew uploving Christmas mov- things, it became clear thatthings, “Happiest clear Season” itbecame politicized!” wrought thinginordertobe afraid orangry. Itfeels andopen. forward conversely different tosomethingthat feels same time, it’s inaway just presented that is hiding thevegetables,” says. Stewart “At the something that was, for term, lackofabetter star, andthemilestones multiply. as co-writer/director, asits andtheoutStewart from any studio. gay Add intheopenly DuVall cle —andthefirst queerChristmas rom-com commercial vehi- asabroad studio produced thefirst LGBTQbe movie froma Hollywood release, itstheatrical demic scuttled itwas to Before thepan- Star Picturesfromthestart. “Happiest Season” was by Sony’s backed Tri- barren. queer farefromstudios hasbeen of for thecoronavirus), thelandscape because com fromUniversal isonhold (theproduction coming BillyEichner-Nicholas Stollergay rom- Foxfrom thenow-defunct 2000,and a forth- abundance. But otherthan 2018’s “Love, Simon,” Favourite,” of givingtheappearance perhaps as “Carol,” “Call MebyYour Name” and“The have filmssuch queerboutique been certainly asuccessple could be withaudiences. There — andproved that amovie LGBTQ about peo- tain,” $178millionworldwide whichgrossed ensconced forever incozy holiday viewing. Family and“The ples of“Love Stone,” Actually” er shouldtake theirplace alongsidethecou- well for “Happiest Season,” AbbyandHarp queer spinonthegenre. goes Andifeverything completely subversive ofthemovie’s because But since it’s 2020,andwe can’t have nice itdoesn’t“I mean, have thisover- tobe tohave “I was invited sopleased onto been Which madeitallthemoresignificantthat It’s 15years since been “Brokeback Moun- It’s delightfullyconventional, allwhilebeing - et. Promoting the movie was a balancing act. “I Promoting “I themovieet. act. was abalancing age barista at Buzz Coff she’d outinherlife been since shewas ateen- (“Can’t HardlyWait,” Faculty”). Though “The followedpire Slayer”), bybigger rolesinmovies shows (“ER,” onhitTV parts “Buffy theVam- guestauditioning at 18andquicklybooked forCounty theArts. HighSchool Shebegan ing classes, fromtheL.A. andshegraduated duvall was 13when the determination toremainhalfintheclos- GrahamonDuVall,says shebased including much I andhowthen, muchIwanted tohide. Andhow you were crazy—for theamountof fear Ifelt experiences informed thattalking about Iwas gay, andthat my gay would thisoutandmaking agay be movie, and were making‘But that I I’m aCheerleader’ theirloveand wants toproclaim totheworld. straight likefine withfakingbeing Grahamis— she fallsfor Megan(Natasha Lyonne), whoisn’t to“cure”camp designed homosexuality. There, alesbianteenfromrichfamilysentto ham, on-screen. represented ofqueerpeople’sbeginning lives finallybeing World,” “Ellen” &Grace” and“Will was the time, whichalongwithtelevision’s Real “The an indiemovies, ofthe tousetheterminology of gay of andlesbi- a’90sboom (2000), part Babbit’s cultclassic “But I’m aCheerleader” illustrate shementionsJamie heramazement, Toer toutingherlesbianholiday rom-com. gayto findherselfhere—anopenly filmmak- morerecognizableas shebecame asanactor. she was publicly—especially deeplycloseted became the solution, shefelt “relief.” thesolution, became discussions what about todo, andonce Hulu the country. DuVall says Sony herin included cally asCOVID continues tokillthousandsacross amovie withtheethicsof releasing theatri-tled DuVall says. shewres- thefilm, Asshefinished feelslive itreally like in, thebest-case scenario,” giving weekend. ie willpremiereonNov. toThanks- 25,timed had sold“Happiest Season” Themov- toHulu. national distribution rights, announced that it ingly, inOctober, Sony, whileretaininginter- ness initscurrentcalamitousstate. Accord- States —notwiththedomestic busi- theatrical couldn’t intheUnited released be possibly the most important thing they have to see it.” the mostimportantthingtheyhavetoseeit.” Season,” ofcourse:“ButIdon’twantthemtorisk Babbit, DuVall’sBabbit, friend(andmineaswell) DuVall says: “Ifyou hadtoldmewhenwe In “But I’m aCheerleader,” DuVall plays Gra- So DuVall, morethananyone, issurprised DuVall It’s but“intheworld that we disappointing, did hide.” really wants people to see “Happiest wantspeopletosee“Happiest anything ee inWest she started takingact-she started , Iwould’ve said Hollyw ood, (PREVIOUS SPREAD) MAKEUP: MAI QUYNH/THE WALL GROUP; HAIR: RICHARD MARIN/COUTIERREMIX LACEY TERRELL/SONY PICTURES/HULU my experience.” that really represented neverI had seen amovie the sameway Idid.” but “Sony was theplace that saw themovie in They metwith“several,”the film. DuVall says, Hill (“Love, Simon”), andsought astudio for IsaacKlausnerating withproducer Temple work onthisthingwithme?’” ly astranger, and Iwas like, ‘Hey, doyou want to writing comedy,” DuVall says. “She was basical- They hititoff.“Writing issolonely, especially a recurringroleastheschemingShawnee Tanz. vice agent MarjoriePalmiotti, andHollandhad which DuVall played theimpassive SecretSer- she metHollandon“Veep” 6,on duringSeason DuVall when hadthescriptoutlined already piest Season” was amuchlarger enterprise. movie —madein18days for $450,000—“Hap- pronounsininterviews.”about withmygraphed partner, cagey andnotbeing livingmy“I just life started —getting photo- cover,Gay’ oranything like that,” DuVall says. “It’s ora‘Yep, notlike Ididabigcampaign, I’m tocome outpubliclywithease. opportunity that August.release the festival toParamount for HomeMedia a Award Itsoldoutof for Jury acting. a Special anie Lynskey (DuVall’s friend)won otherbest Prize, fornominated aGrandJury andMel- 2016 Sundance Film Festival, whereitwas Intervention” didwell atfriends). “The the Sarah (played byLyonne, oneofDuVall’s best her player ways tomove inwithhergirlfriend, enlightening weekend, iswillingtogive up commitment-phobic who, lesbian, afterthe write it! years. “Iwas like, washing impulses, ritualized aftersomany close toherself—soDuVall checked herstraight- ter hasaboyfriend!” “Well, thinking, maybe myremembers charac- writing thecharacterwhomshewould play, she recently gotten sober. Whensheapproached oneaswell, since— andapersonal DuVall had for aweekend ofconfrontation andrevelations middleage,group offriendsinearly convening Itwas a“BigChill”-likerial debut. a about story Intervention,”in 2012towrite“The herdirecto- Tumblr GIFs. of worshipfulally launchaninfinitenumber wouldin amovie eventu- like “Cheerleader” andcaustic affect persona her androgynous always You way closeted. isnoeasy tobe “There will PrideGay for press,” Babbit says withalaugh. inevery float convincing onevery hertobe herboundaries, butalso torespect was trying After finishing the script, they began work- they began After finishingthescript, Intervention” wasIf “The DuVall’s starter themovie gaveMost important, DuVall the Her character, Jessie, a upbeing ended But she’d wait, acharacter tocreate wanted camewhenshesat down The turningpoint And soitwas for DuVall for years, even as make your gay familyfeel shitty.” ” shesays. What are you doing? Just fucking fucking areWhat youdoing?Just —clea duvall —clea winter. qualityofthelightisdifferent, “The place withSony, DuVall inthe toshoot waited was in tion inspringof2019,wheneverything Instead of starting “I can’t get madat that person.” aware,kind, delightfulnature,” adds. Stewart Davis extremely herself,“she hasthisopen, like, ‘All I’m right, fuckingoutofhere!’”Asfor Iwouldn’t“that halfway throughthemovie be says,Stewart that theaudience willbelieve sowinning, Thecharacterhastobe Stewart: and Catch Fire”) won therole, that felt rightto inthewholemovie.”part WhenDavis (“Halt Harper,eted which DuVall says “isthehardest talkedStewart whoshouldplay about theclos- ously my wholelife, you know what Imean?” ing somethingfunny. seri- I’ve taken hervery thatshocked she’s at comedy, sogood at writ- exceptions). being “Cheerleader” “Iwas kindof DuVall’s for bent dramatic acting (“Veep” and her,”ly curiousabout recounts, Stewart noting “Charlie’s Angels.” scriptmademereal- “The of waswhere Stewart filmingthe2019reboot DuVallsending herthescript, flewtoGermany, ten just felt like the onlychoice for Abby.” After As DuVall builttherest sheand ofthecast, DuVall casting setabout theleads, “and Kris- thePittsburgh produc- a very queerchristmas mackenzie davis on the set of what thefuckareyou gonna donext?” as adirector. Andherinterests aresovast. her planis, whichmakes powerful herreally tounderstand exactly everyone coaxing what the future,” says. Stewart “She’s gentle in really “Ican’tflourish. wait toseewhat shemakes in director aswell.” all different genres. AndIplantodothat asa that ‘Wait. You madethismovie, andyou made of allover themap, whereyou’re just like, moviesDanny hemakes Boyle: “The aresort she’d love toemulate theeclecticcareerof neuve asdirectorssheadmires, DuVall says will directit. IMDb TV, DuVall andalso haswritten thepilot, Working withPlanBandAmazon Studiosfor tation ofTegan andSaraQuin’s 2019memoir. project isdeveloping “HighSchool,” anadap- mals. (DuVall plays Hernext Elsathecorgi.) ani- atherapygroupfor neighborhood runs series“Housebroken,”mated adogthat about executive of producer Fox’s upcoming ani- maid’s Tale,” she’s avoice actor, and co-creator Hand- of“The onthenexter she’llbe season ductions. Thoughshedoesn’t know yet wheth- she’saround, still actinginotherpeople’s pro- tion,” DuVall didn’t cast herselfthistime “Schitt’s Creek,” areallsolidbets.) JaneandLevy,treated inhisfirst rolesince er’s Hollandasthemis- girlfriend, highschool the movie (Aubrey themost. PlazaasHarp- arguing over Thanksgiving whosteals about comesthat across I think really on-screen.” couple. collaborative Itwas avery experience scenes, andfindinglittle thingsfor themasa the andtalkingabout thescript, talking about to just hangout:“We alotof time didspend she,the interim, andDavis Stewart were able and Ijust ittofeel wanted real,” shesays. In director duvall, clea kristen stewart and “As anactor, enjoyed I’ve really playing in “So cool, you made agay“So cool, Christmas movie — for one,Stewart, isexcited towatch DuVall Citing Céline SciammaandDenisVille- Interven- unlikeAnd though, with“The Audiences will see soon enough — perhaps Audiences enough—perhaps willseesoon movie?’ “ happiest season." p.32 THE UPCOMING TO BREAKOUT EMMA CORRIN HER TURNAS ‘THE CROWN’ SEASON OF PRINCESS IS POISED DIANA IN YOUNG WITH THE THORNE WILL BY BY ROYAL TREATMENT GUTTER CREDIT VARIETY 33 sode’s director, approaching BenjaminCaron, let lessons, the20-year-old Dianaisgoing mad. Palace, onlybystrict etiquette andbal interrupted Charles. Afterweeks ofisolation inBuckingham cess ofherwedding toPrince crashcourse ahead cer’s prin- intenseclaustrophobia duringabrutal ayoung Shehasjust captured tion. DianaSpen- later, withexhaus Corrin panting comes toahalt, “Believe”number blasting over theloudspeakers. agance ofastately Englishhouse, Cher’s ’90sdance Crown”scene from“The 4inthevast Season extrav CORRIN ISSPINNING EMMA “Em, that was great, really great,” that really was“Em, great, says theepi Four flailing frenzied minutesofincreasingly p.34 outof controla shooting - - - - curled upnextcurled toheronacozy blanket. afterDiana’s (named Spencer family, ofcourse), is Heradorable cockapoo, with asshetalksviaZoom. necklace, pearl andajagged whichsheplayshoodie haveepisodes for swapped anoversize been black Diana gowns 4 tiarasoflater Season andsparkling Theflowingwill ever in England. stop; itrarelydoes outthewindowlooks fromtimetocheckifit sofainrainy She onherlivingroom legged London. mad for abit.” thingswillgetI expect whenitcomes alittle out, myshow] haschanged and already life quitealot, to have experience,” aparallel Corrin says. “[The is exactly how You’re shewould feeling. be going oranything you oroverwhelmed daunted this feel, you’re by flashinglights, surrounded andyou feel tographer, oryour nameendsupinthepaper, when hasn’t just yet true butwill. rung word of warning fromCaron —oneCorrin says such apurityinit.” emotional;therewas Itwas really her abighug. tocry,she started tocry, Benstarted andJosh gave executive Suzanne Mackie. producer “Emmafroze, sions I’ve madeinmy career,” Crown” says “The withJosh read O’Connorchemistry (Prince Charles). forget duringa themomentshewas offered thepart life were notentirelydissimilar. of staggering nobilitylike inearly Diana,theirpaths Although she doesn’tEngland. come fromafamily town ofRoyal Tunbridge Wells insoutheast ly aware thesamethingcould toher. happen Princessshe became ofWales, andCorrin isacute family at Balmoral. umphant asDiana’s first meetingwiththeroyal tomanyintroduction viewers asdramatic andtri ly isn’t Corrin’s an itstands tobe televisiondebut, entire time. Can we doitagain?” “ButCorrin. you were mouthingthewords the But for the time being, CorrinBut issitting for cross- thetimebeing, “Ben saidtomeifyou ever get followed byapho But withthat momentof sheerecstasy camea “It felt like intuitive deci oneofthemost special, Neither Corrin,noranyone will else intheroom, Corrin was in1995thechocolate-box born Diana’s life beyond changed recognition when Crown” 4of “The Though Season technical - - - - - “The Crown.” Diana’s wedding in dress rehearsal for for asceneatthe Emma Corrinpreps PENSIVE PRINCESS played theoutlandishToad of Toad Hallinapro evenwas planted earlier. thought that shemightoneday become anactor throughdance andtheater. theboards treading The ataste whereshedeveloped for school, boarding television at breakneck speed after graduating. A after graduating. speed television at breakneck Oxbridge gradswhofallintotheworld offilmand tojointheranksof destined andseemed school, down.”ting people son inshowing accountable, upandbeing notlet- It’s Itwas les agreat everything. uptouscreate putinisincredible.and theamountof people effort rep,” shesays. “You’re makingallyour own work, on herown plays and“pullingmy own weight.” that camewithputting pendence andresponsibility her feet scene, inthetheater fromtheinde learning study “education inEnglishanddrama.” friendship group,” sheallows), andwas to admitted was crazy;I’d never theacademiconeinmy been ofgoing there idea to applyCambridge (“The teacher,school Corrin plucked upthecourage fortable at all.” otherthanitdidn’tlar reason suitme. Iwasn’t com- Iwas miserable thereforIn retrospect, noparticu “It’s weird how sowrongfor somewherecanbe you. ma, whichI’m notthat in,” interested sheexplains. it wasn’t ofdra Itwas thetheory trainingincraft. didn’treally like itwasn’t itbecause dramaschool; “I almost fromthe momentshestarted. unhappy” whereshefound “deeplyty ofBristol, herselftobe twoget years intodramaschool running. to andfailed whenshetried roadblock temporary singing chops. But actingcareerhita herfledgling honeheractingand tle ShopofHorrors”helped Audrey school’s inherboarding of“Lit production was never chance agreat of that happening.” was incontentionbiology for butthere alittle bit, todoafterthat,” wanted really Corrin says. “Marine andtherewas nothingelseIever aseed, planted Have Ithinkthat you anactor?’ being thoughtabout ‘You said, innocuously and very honey. were great, sherecalls. were glowing, politely from parents Wind intheWillows.”duction of“The Thereviews She “must have maybe 10”whenshe been Like Diana,Corrin all-girls attended aposh Corrin for first auditioned Dianawhilestill in “People ittotheexperience docompare ofdoing It wasn’t butCorrin found strictly dramaschool, After seekingadvice fromaninspirational high Corrin dramaat studied Instead, theUniversi From there, shy askind, herperformance “Afterwards, someone’s mumcameuptome ------ (PREVIOUS SPREAD) MATT HOLYOAK/NETFLIX; (THIS PAGE) DES WILLIE/NETFLIX DES WILLIE/NETFLIX lion timesinyour after.” head how you’re going to relive amil what happened wanting themtoseeyou, andobviously really that thingofnot wanting themtoseeyou, but play,” shesays. “It’s somethingIcansorelate to, andthat’sjust that shehadacrush, allIhadto When shemetCharlesfor thefirst time, itwas entire world remembers. Corrin loves that. sweaters.hideous Sloane-y anarray of spectacularly London clubsandsports who dances thenightaway withhergirlfriendsin of honesty 4isafizzingball andenergy of Season ting hereyelashes at ablushingPrince Charles. tree from“A MidsummerNight’s Dream” andbat asamagical 1,prancingarounddressed Episode We of beginning season. thevery meetDiananear doubt whothejewel inthenarrative crown isthis theroyalabout family asawhole, butthere’s no COLOSSAL NETFLIXSERIES an interesting situation.” THE Iwas alwaysdepth. madetofeel at home, butitwas outofmy were momentswhereIfelt very “There character andhow shewould have felt,” shesays. and Ithinkitplayed tomy advantage incraftingthis of people, most of theminsanehouseholdnames, together.cast hadafullseason that already Corrin wasintimidating), anewcomer toa“Crown” maybe notquiteas 2(allright, Balmoral inEpisode little girl” fashionandphilanthropicicon. toglobal ametamorphosisfrom“cluelesshad demanded university plays, andnoneofherpreviousroles andGillianAndersonweren’tham Carter inher playing OliviaColman, HelenaBon Diana.Afterall, Crown,” likescale ofaproduction “The shesays. steppingstones asgood nyworth” for the served aspiring actorEsmeWinikus inEpixdrama“Pen and amoreprominentroleasnightclubdancer and series“Grantchester” mystery fleeting turninITV “It was totake wonderful tothat time. her back She’s fromthedazzlingprincess the afarcry atThe teenage thebeginning Dianaintroduced “I came in as Emma to a very established group “I cameinasEmmatoavery Akin toDianastepping throughtheringoffireat But nothingcould have herfor fullyprepared has always been princess-to-be just as she’s meeting Corrin plays the ROAD TO ROYALTY Prince Charles. the Netflixhit, In Season4of - - - - a princess. However, Charles’coldness, theroyal fam- eating disorder combineeating toshatter thoseaspirations. ily’s suffocating traditions andherown debilitating opening, shewon’topening, go spinningout of control. risesonhergrand hoping that whenthecurtain of famequiteyet. But she’s tofigureitout, trying ly, herbuild legionsofadoringfans. whichhelped in amannerutterly unfamiliartotheroyal fami There’sshe went. fame noquestion shehandled the eyes ofthe world followed hereverywhere Ihave Isuppose collecting them. my own onenow.” Ifeel like hasaDianastory; Ishouldstart “Everyone a feel thought ofher,” ofwhat people Corrin says. funny andlovely. It’s aphenomenon;ithelpsyou get done somethingoutrageous that findsvery everyone brother sat next toheronce at dinner.’ She’s always well,his friend, all‘Ihadanunclewhosebest They’re well-meaning andalways tenuousstories. very her, sweet, They’re asifIcandosomethingwithit. tain age volunteer theirrecollections of theprincess. ofher,actor hasnolivingmemory of acer people andalthoughthe moment inthefinaltwo seasons), a tragiccaraccident (which apivotal willsurelybe over Crown’s’win people as‘The Diana.” quickly issocompelling shewillvery performance of Dianaintheirminds. But Iknow Emma’s Idid. Viewersing. withapicture willcome tothisseason feelsintensity of youth allornoth wheneverything that ofthehumancondition, that desperate aspect no onemoresothanDiana,andEmmacaptured vulnerability. withtoughlove, Everyone struggles says. “Shewalks that strength linebetween and “Ithinkthat showsson. inherperformance,” he herunderstand theprincessDiana helped asaper cess’s tothisday. memory ity,” sheexplains, whichcontinue tohaunttheprin- beyond thesensationalism andthecultofpersonal ner Peter to“move Morganandthewriterstried sion ofDianasheportrays, Corrin says. Showrun- Diana dreams of marrying Charles and becoming Charlesandbecoming ofmarrying Diana dreams Many viewers may “blindsided” be by thever Corrin isn’t surehowwiththefickle beast todeal From aprincess, themomentDianabecame friendsfeel totellmeabout “My parents’ theneed Corrin was just in 2 years oldwhenDianadied Caron says that Corrin’s “genuine for empathy” ------then necessity, whichisactually nottoshareany to know me, Iwant themtoknowme,’ thereal and between feeling like, ‘Well, ifthepublicare going will know you withoutknowing you Iget at torn all. really miss playingreally her. I’llmiss her.” ing it—no, I’m Iknow definitelyoverthinking I’ll it. to someextent inauthentic. I’m overthink probably I don’t like inauthenticity. But allofthisis Isuppose rin says. “That’s difficultthingtodobecause avery thing at allandtokeep private,” yourself very Cor- “I get very disoriented bythefact that people disoriented “I get very YOU WITHOUT DISORIENTED YOU AT ALL.” “I GETVERY WILL KNOW FACT THAT EMMA CORRIN KNOWING PEOPLE BY THE - - CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FRIENDS & COLLEAGUES ON BEING HONORED AS THE INDUSTRY’S ELITE BUSINESS MANAGERS BY VARIETY Untitled-8 1 11/5/20 7:52 PM FOCUS ELITE BUSINESS MANAGERS HELP CLIENTS NAVIGATE MOVES TO SAFER PASTURES DURING THE COVID PANDEMIC Illustration by Zohar Lazar VARIETY 37 FOCUS BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE RICH AND FAMOUS PONDER EXODUS THE PANDEMIC HAS FORCED MANY STARS AND CELEBS TO RECONSIDER WHERE THEY LIVE By Robert Marich And it’s a trend that can snowball. “When you see some big-name celeb- rities being very public about leaving whatever states they’re in, that’s trigger- ing more people to at least think about it,” says David B. Schachter, a senior VP who handles wealth management at financial services giant UBS, based in Century City. Celebs citing local taxation as factors for actually moving residences include rock star Gene Simmons, who recently listed his Beverly Hills estate, which he’s owned since 1984, following a move to Wash- ington state. And President Trump, who moved his legal residence to Florida from New York. Those two destination states are among nine with no state income tax. Oth- ers include celeb-magnets Nevada, Ten- nessee and Texas. Meanwhile, California’s top marginal personal tax rate peaks at 13.3%, elected officials suggest tax hikes are com- ing and it all is piled on top of federal income tax burden. New York-based business manager Evan Bell, managing partner of Bell & Associates, says when entertainment/ media clients realize that their com- bined state, local and, where applicable, city income taxes pass 50% “that’s when I starting getting calls.” Even that 50% psy- chological threshold is now under threat of being breached. Escaping taxes is a long-term motiva- tor. Fleeing the pandemic is more urgent — and the pandemic has also demon- strated the feasibility, even the ease, of working remotely. “People are spending more time in their homes than ever before, which makes them think about what works and what doesn’t,” says Tony Peyrot, manag- ing partner at business management firm LEAVING CALIFORNIA or New York and set- Los Angeles and New York City, and their Dunn Pariser & Peyrot. “In some cases, tling in a more financially advantageous surroundings, many affluent individu- they just want different spaces.” place has long been a mantra of those als and families are thinking about vacat- “We have clients that realize that they with the means to carry out that plan. ing their city abodes and fleeing to more want more than city living,” says Bell of Drivers include spiraling local taxation, bucolic settings, where the risk of con- some of his New York City clients. “Those high cost of living and declining qual- tracting coronavirus is lower. mostly have young families with kids” ity of life. Business managers and bankers whose who are trading densely populated con- And now, with the pandemic spreading clients include showbiz royalty have seen crete canyons for larger homes in leafy, rapidly in crowded urban centers such as this up close. pastoral settings. 38 VARIETY Variety-Biz-Mgr_full-page_DRAFT.indd 1 11/2/2020 11:26:57 AM Untitled-23 1 11/2/20 5:14 PM FOCUS BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE “Neither California nor New York take kindly to losing the tax revenue.” CARRIE MALCOLM In the past six months, several of “If you’re considering switching expected to not be just a passing fad Bell’s clients have relocated to the adja- residencies, you have to make sure are because local and state governments cent Hudson Valley so they stay in state, in it for the long haul,” adds business facing financial crises seem determined but are relieved of a New York City manager Carrie Malcolm, partner to squeeze higher revenue, and show income tax that is above 3%. at NKSFB and based in Manhattan. little inclination to reigning in spending There are different opinions, however. “Neither California nor New York take to keep a lid on taxes. “Energy, attitude and personality cannot be kindly to losing the tax revenue. You New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo joked ‘remoted’ through even the best fiber optic can expect your taxes will ultimately in an August press conference: “I literally lines,” counters comedian Jerry Seinfeld be examined by those jurisdictions” if talk to [wealthy] people all day long … and in an August opinion article taking excep- you’re constantly moving residency I say, ‘You got to come back [to New York tion to the escape-from-New York zeitgeist. and crossing state borders. City]! We’ll go to dinner! I’ll buy you a “Real, live, inspiring human energy exists The pull to move residences is drink! Come over, I’ll cook!’” when we coagulate together in crazy places like New York City.” Business managers also point out that it’s hard to pull up roots, so for many it’s simply an exploratory topic. “More people are talking about it than doing it,” says Harley J. Neuman, partner at Encino-based business management firm Neuman + Associates. “It’s more dif- ficult to execute than imagined.” For California, the tax bite on a percent- age basis is pronounced for high earners, though it narrows considerably for mid- dle-income residents. As a result, business managers say that California taxpayers in mid-range don’t have a taxation-based incentive to leave the state. Even for high earners, moving to another state doesn’t always translate to escaping taxes from California. A closely watched 2019 California tax appeal court ruling held that an Arizona-based screen- writer owes California taxes as an out- of-state resident because work performed was for California-based companies. A California tax representative explained of the ruling: “Under the ‘mar- ket-based sourcing’ rules that went into effect Jan. 1, 2013, a nonresident indepen- dent contractor’s income is sourced to the location where the customer received the ‘benefit of the services.’ ” “Simply changing their domicile outside of California may not necessar- ily change their California tax liabil- ity as much as some would like,” says Beverly Hills-based business manager STAY, PLEASE Andrew Meyer. He is founding partner Gov. Andrew Cuomo of Freemark Financial, which now mod- (top) and comedian els taxation outcomes in routine year- Jerry Seinfeld are both, in different end reports because curious clients have ways, promoting New increasingly asked for comparisons. York residencies. NEIRA/NETFLIX JEFFERY SEINFLED: FRANK FRANKLIN II/AP; CUOMO: 40 VARIETY Venable is pleased to join Variety in celebrating this year’s Business Managers Elite Award recipient, Bernie Gudvi We extend our warmest congratulations for this well-deserved honor. CA | DC | DE | MD | NY | VA Alan Epstein, Esq. | Michele Mulrooney, Esq. | Alex Weingarten, Esq. 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2300, Los Angeles, CA | Attorney advertising. 1111 WV Stacked Ads_VENABLE & CONTENT PARTNERS.indd 6 11/5/20 8:15 PM GTLAW.COM CONGRATULATIONS to Bernie Gudvi on being named Variety’s Business Managers Elite Honoree. Bernie’s leadership, vision and contributions to the entertainment industry are admirable. Greenberg Traurig is proud to join in the celebration of your outstanding career and dedication to philanthropy. —Jay Cooper, Steve Plinio, Michael Starler, Vince Chieffo, Eric Rowen and all of your friends at Greenberg Traurig GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP | ATTORNEYS AT LAW | 2200 ATTORNEYS | 40 LOCATIONS WORLDWIDE° Greenberg Traurig, LLP GreenbergTraurigLLP GT_Law GT_Law KEY ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS Amsterdam, Atlanta, Austin, Berlin¬, Denver, Las Vegas, London*, Los Angeles, The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send Miami, New York, you free written information about our qualifi cations and our experience. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Greenberg Traurig is a service mark and trade name of Greenberg Traurig, LLP and Greenberg Traurig, P.A. ©2020 Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Attorneys San Francisco, Silicon Valley, at Law. All rights reserved. Attorney Advertising. 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Untitled-3 1 11/5/20 1:24 PM BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE FOCUS GUDVI GIVES BACK VARIETY HONORS THE LEGENDARY ENTERTAINMENT ADVISER WITH BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE AWARD By Todd Longwell Photograph by Michael Buckner OVER THE COURSE of a career that dates Throughout that career, Gudvi has When the pandemic hit, Gudvi and back to 1977, legendary business man- entwined his life with that of his clients, his team sprang into action, working ager Bernie Gudvi has handled the experiencing their generosity and their virtually around to clock to review cli- wealth and finances of some of the excesses; he has driven miles to person- ent cash flow and expenses, and sort world’s top musical acts — including cur- ally deliver their vintage Corvettes, ridden through government red tape to secure rent clients Katy Perry, Michael McDon- on their tour buses, as well as seen and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) ald, Richard Marx, Counting Crows and heard many things he cannot repeat. loans to keep as many of their support George Thorogood. But nothing could have prepared staff employed as possible. But in addition to counseling his cli- Gudvi for the ongoing coronavirus pan- “Most of my clients did not lay any- ents through triumphs and failures — demic, which brought the live con- body off initially, because they didn’t and more recently guiding them through cert business to a screeching halt in know where this was going, and getting the consequences and bureaucracy of March. Although streaming revenue some of the government’s assistance was the disruptive COVID-19 crisis — Gudvi has increased substantially in recent helpful in maintaining the staff,” Gudvi has given back to his community through years, touring is still the lifeblood for says. “But as more time has gone on, and his charitable work. For these endeavors, most established music artists in the we say that we’re not going back to tour- and for his brilliant career, Gudvi will post-compact disc world, supporting ing any time soon, then we’ve had to take receive this year’s Variety Business Man- not only them, but also a large contin- a hard look at the retainers and the staff agers Elite honoree award at a virtual gent of musicians, roadies, stylists and and reduce them or cut them out pretty breakfast celebration on Nov. 13. personal assistants. much completely.” VARIETY 43 FOCUS BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE Gudvi’s early years prepared him for drafted by the Army, he signed up for the [Whereas] an actor, an athlete, they’re challenging times. He was born in 1947 U.S. Air Force. That didn’t keep Gudvi primarily getting a paycheck to do a to Polish Holocaust survivors living in away the action, however: he wound movie or to do a TV show or to go to play a displaced persons’ camp in Germany. up doing a 12-month stint at Pleiku Air a ballgame.” A few months later, the family moved to Base in Central Vietnam in ’67 and ’68, Gudvi has also been active in non- Paris, where his father had relatives, and as the war went into high gear with the profit organizations, serving on the spent the next decade rebuilding their Tet Offensive. Returning to Los Angeles boards of the National Veterans Foun- lives. When he was 10, the family moved at the conclusion of his four-year hitch, dation and Media Arts in Public Schools. again, this time to Los Angeles. he earned a B.S. in accounting from Cal His involvement in the NFV began when Gudvi got his first taste of his future State Long Beach, then landed a job with a client, the late drummer Keith Knud- career as a 17-year-old student at Fair- Big Eight accounting firm Touche Ross sen, put together a benefit show for fax High School, when he got a part-time (now known as Deloitte). After earn- the org at the Hollywood Bowl in 1987, job working for a Beverly Hills business ing his CPA certificate, Gudvi — by now reuniting his band the Doobie Brothers. management firm, Julius Lefkowitz & in his mid 20s — joined a business man- Gudvi continues to serve as a consultant Co., which shared many clients with the agement firm with a high concentration to the NVF, handling their accounting William Morris Agency. of music clients and became attuned to and bookkeeping pro bono. “I was the office boy running errands their unique needs. As the years have progressed, … going to celebrities’ homes and going “I found that my clients who are musi- Gudvi’s business has gone through to studios to get signatures, to drop cians and songwriters have very deep some changes. After Tom Petty died packages off [and] that sort of thing,” he souls, so to speak, [but] they’re not in 2017, he went from handling him says. “I found that really interesting.” overly tuned to the world of business,” as a client to handling his estate. The But before Gudvi could pursue his says Gudvi, whose first major client was next year, Gudvi’s firm GSO, which he newfound passion, he had to contend the band Styx, at the time a hard-work- co-founded in 1989, was absorbed with the Vietnam War. To avoid being ing touring act without a major hit. by NKSFB. “Musicians, when they become suc- “They’re a good bunch of guys,” says cessful, or even in the process of becom- Gudvi of his corporate partners. “I think ing successful, initiate a business right we do very well. It’s like any big corpora- PAYING THE PIPER off the bat,” Gudvi explains. “They’ve got tion and big business: as long as every- Clockwise from bottom left: Bernie Gudvi’s longstanding clients Katy Perry, road crew, they’ve got workers’ comp body produces what they’re supposed to George Thorogood and Michael McDonald. insurance, they’ve got travel insurance. be producing, they leave you alone.” “My clients who are musicians and song- writers have very deep souls, but they’re not overly tuned to the world of business.” BERNIE GUDVI MCDONALD: KGC-138/STAR MAX/IPX/AP; THOROGOOD: DENNIS VAN TINE/STAR MAX/IPX/AP; PERRY: ZZ/KGC-138/STAR MAX/IPX/AP ZZ/KGC-138/STAR PERRY: MAX/IPX/AP; TINE/STAR DENNIS VAN THOROGOOD: MAX/IPX/AP; KGC-138/STAR MCDONALD: 44 VARIETY CONGRATULATIONS TO MY GOOD FRIEND BERNIE GUDVI ON BEING NAMED Variety’s 2020 Business Managers Elite DORON M. TISSER TISSER LAW GROUP, APC 1111 WV Stacked Ads_TISSLER & GILBERT GROUP.indd 6 11/5/20 8:22 PM We invented the business of business management. Since 1967, Gelfand, Rennert & Feldman has provided a trusted perspective to leaders in music, film, television, sports, and other creative arts. We invented the business of business management. And now, 53 years later, we re-imagine the business each and every day. Innovation is a process that never ends, and we wouldn’t want it any other way. LOS ANGELES NEW YORK NASHVILLE LONDON www.grfllp.com Untitled-11 1 11/6/20 5:10 PM BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE FOCUS MONEY MANAGERS TRIUMPHANT IN David Altman Belva Anakwenze PARTNER PRINCIPAL AND BUSINESS MANAGER Altman Greenfield & Selvaggi Abacus Financial Business Management Altman works in the L.A. office of the Rather than feeling pessimistic about TOUGH TIMES 34-year-old, bicoastal firm co-founded the shutdown of Hollywood, Anakwenze by his father, Abe. It became part of says talent will carry over newly learned Focus Financial Partners in December survival skills, becoming more nimble UNDAUNTED BY THE PANDEMIC, THESE 2018. His client list includes actors, and multi-hyphenated. As for her own writers, directors, musicians and coping, “there were a couple of days GUARDIANS OF WEALTH HELPED THEIR CLIENTS multi-hyphenate talent. Much of this where we set up a table in my driveway year has been spent coaching them to and clients came over wearing gloves and PROSPER THROUGH THE CRISIS stay calm and make rational decisions. masks” to sign documents. Notaries pub- Investing in a Time of Plague: “In lic also stopped by. Clients of her Los Profiles by Peter Caranicas, general, there’s always risk, and now Angeles-based firm include Jay Ellis (“Top there’s that X-factor, where nobody Gun: Maverick”) and “ET” host Kevin Fra- Todd Longwell and Robert Marich knows what’s going to happen,” he zier. Anakwenze is sole owner of her firm. says. “Months from now, if everything’s Synchronization: She sums up the pan- back to normal, are our lives going to demic fallout as “every client has had the be completely different?” same problems at the same time.” “Every client has had the same problems at the same time.” Belva Anakwenze We are honored to be recognized and congratulate all our colleagues for being selected as part of VARIETY’S 2020 BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE Congratulations to Julie Krimstein on becoming a Partner at Bills & Stoll. We are especially proud to include her in this honor. We extend our great appreciation and gratitude to our clients, our talented and dedicated team, and all those who have contributed to our success. FOCUS BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE The pandemic gutted some areas of the entertainment industry, such as live per- formances and touring, and temporar- ily shuttered others, including film and TV production. But it helped spur growth at Gelfand Rennert & Feldman, accord- ing to Beem, “because people are look- ing for great advice, consistency and com- fort in numbers.” The firm certainly has the Evan R. Bell numbers. A division of wealth manage- MANAGING PARTNER ment behemoth Focus Financial Partners Liza de Leon since 2017, it merged with WG&S in Janu- ary 2019, adding 70 employees to a staff BUSINESS MANAGEMENT PARTNER that already numbered in the hundreds. Bell & Co. Then the following May, it acquired Lon- The New York-based firm serves high- don-based music business managers Skeet net-worth individuals and high earners Kaye Hopkins. The combined workforce globally, with a well-established client Steve Bills, Peter Stoll, has a wealth of next-gen business manag- base in entertainment that includes writ- Julie Krimstein ers such as WG&S alums Lloyd, whose cli- er-director Robert Eggers; agent Craig ents include Josh Groban and film finan- Keste; directors Baz Luhrmann, Dee Rees PARTNERS cier Kimberly Steward and her production (“Mudbound”) and Steven Soderbergh; Bills & Stoll company K Period Media (“Manchester by and manager-producer Phillip Sun. Bell Partners Bills and Stoll started their com- the Sea”), and Crow, whose clients include and de Leon cover television, film, literary pany in 2016. This year they promoted one multi-hyphenate Jordan Peele, teen actor talent, and podcasters. During shelter- of their associates, Krimstein, to be a part- Tyson Beem, Grady Brown, Storm Reid (“The Suicide Squad”) and Nor- in-place, Bell says, staff constantly phoned ner. Bills & Stoll boasts clients in Hollywood’s Andrew Crow, Mark Goodman, wegian songwriting and music production clients to make sure everyone stayed film and TV talent community. A team of 25 Adriane Hibbert, David Lloyd, team Stargate. From the GRF heritage side, in touch “so we don’t lose contact.” looks after their interests in good times and Beem, Goodman, Grady, Hibbert and Mor- Doors Stayed Open: Bell and de Leon bad. Working from home has not been a Melissa Morton, Anton Pamer ton in the L.A. office focus on touring musi- continued working in their offices during much of an issue for Bills & Stoll. “We have MANAGING DIRECTORS cians and singer-songwriters, actors, writ- shelter-in-place. After Memorial Day, staff been pleasantly surprised by how well we’ve Gelfand, Rennert & Feldman/Next Gen ers, directors, entrepreneurs and YouTube gradually came back “one person at a been able to work remotely,” says Stoll. “Our and social media influencers, while New time … wearing masks when you are out- historical investment in technology, as well York-based Pamer handles clients in music, side your office,” Bell says. Plus, there was as already having some staff work remotely fashion, film and television. regular testing. Through all that, nobody prior to the pandemic, has allowed us to Savings Made Easy: Once the pandemic got the virus. seamlessly provide our services to our cli- took hold, “there wasn’t anything to spend ents over the last many months.” on,” Beem says. “Nobody can travel, and Weathering the Storm: “We let our clients there are no events, so the wardrobe and know that eventually the TV and film busi- all the styling went to zero. And it affected ness will return to normal,” says Stoll. “In the some of the general spend, like eating out interim, we reminded many of them that and entertainment. It didn’t compensate because they have been fiscally conserva- for the loss of income completely, but it’s tive they will be able to weather the eco- certainly helped the situation.” nomic stress well.” GREER (2) ROB STOLLS: BILLS, BRIAN DAVIS; CROW: 8383 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 t 323.556.9000 Freemark Financial is proud to be part of Variety’s 2020 Business Managers Elite We believe extraordinary Business Management requires extraordinary people Join the Team Always Looking to Hire Great People VARIETY’S BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE elite (ey-leet) adjective A group of elite executives that I am proud to call my peers and colleagues! Thank you Variety for acknowledging business managers and our teams! Lou Taylor & The Tri Star Team LOS ANGELES NASHVILLE 1111 WV Tri Star.v3.indd 1 11/3/20 10:01 AM FOCUS BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE Trey Dunaway CFO AND CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER Paul Barnabee DIRECTOR, WEST COAST OPERATIONS Flood Bumstead McCready & McCarthy (FBMM) David Bolno Anthony Bonsignore In February, FBMM opened a Los Ange- PARTNER PARTNER les office staffed by executives transferring NKSFB Altman Greenfield & Selvaggi from the Nashville headquarters (there’s a Bolno’s clients include Scooter Braun/ Bonsignore still has his impressive client longstanding New York office too). News Ithaca Holdings; and music’s Justin Bieber, list, which includes writer-directors Noah reports indicate that the firm’s clients Drake, Post Malone, Pharrell Williams and Baumbach and Greta Gerwig, actors David include Kelly Clarkson, Dan + Shay, Diplo, Will.i.am. Others are in TV/film and media/ Harbour and Dakota Johnson, tennis leg- Vince Gill, Black Keys, Keith Urban, as well entertainment. For pandemic uncertainty, end John McEnroe, Oscar-winning screen- as TV producer/music entrepreneur Josh Westwood-based Bolno took his usual writer Chris Terrio (“Argo”) and artist George Wakely. Boos says working remotely is here approach of “instead of running away, you Condo. However, the pandemic has forced to stay to some degree, even after the put your head down and push forward. him to move his base of operations from pandemic lifts. “I feel this has been like Things will fall back into the ‘new normal’ the firm’s Manhattan offices to his home in a great experiment without knowing if it if you adapt and stay positive.” NKSFB is Westchester County just north of the city would work,” Boos says. “But it did work,” a Focus Financial Partners company. and to a cottage near Montauk, Long Island. with staff shifting to home on a moment’s Tuned In: While tours have been curtailed, Nobody Left Untouched: “There are so notice with shelter-in-place in the spring. Bolno notes that on other fronts “music many highs and lows in this business, but Rainy Day Funds: Cheek finds that cli- continues to thrive.” Across Hollywood this affected everyone,” he says of the ent psychology for what constitutes an businesses, the audience still “wants to lose pandemic. In normal times “maybe 15% emergency fund changed because music and immerse themselves in great content.” of my clients are in flux and don’t have touring, which is 80% of some talent’s work.” With the shutdown, “it’s 95%.” income, was devastated by the pandemic for perhaps two years. The prior bench- mark of six to 12 months of reserves is being elongated “in case this ever hap- Julie Boos pens again,” Cheek says. “This certainly CHAIRMAN shifted where we might put their money,” tilting to stable vehicles and away from Mary Ann McReady speculative investments. CO-FOUNDER “There are so many highs and Jamie Cheek lows in this business, but this [the PRESIDENT Duane Clark pandemic] affected everyone.” VICE CHAIR Carmen Romano, David Boyer Anthony Bonsignore VPS (7) ALEX BERGER DUNAWAY: BOYER, CHEEK, CLARK, ROMANO, MCREADY, BOOS, Variety’s 2020 Business Managers Elite We are the recipients of this honor due to the unwavering trust and support of our clients and our amazing staff. Special recognition goes out to our outstanding Tax Director Claudia Hernandez who has led us through this incredibly challenging year. THANK YOU! 16027 Ventura Blvd | Suite 301 | Encino, CA 91436 | 818.285.0400 | dppcpa.com on being among VARIETY’S 2020 BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE Our business management experts set the standard — creating and implementing proactive strategies to support our clients. Thank you to our hard-working team and to all our dedicated business managers. Thank you to our loyal clients, who have trusted our team with your financial and careers goals all around the world for the last 100 years. Advisors & Accountants for Entertainment WWW.PRAGERMETIS.COM NEW YORK | LOS ANGELES | MIAMI | LONDON 1111 WV Prager Metis.v5.indd 1 10/29/20 6:19 PM FOCUS BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE Matthew A. Burke Steve Callas Charles Clancy Christopher Curry MANAGING PARTNER Layth Carlson PARTNER DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Singer Burke Zimmer PARTNERS Level Four Business Management Manhattan West Burke’s firm handles showrunners from Callas & Carlson Clancy is quick to point out that he is New York-based Curry has a roster heavy “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Grey’s Anatomy” Callas founded the L.A.-based firm in not star-struck and doesn’t watch a lot with music, film and TV clients, along and “The Walking Dead.” Other clients are 1990. Carlson came aboard in 1993 and of movies or TV, but he knows how to with high-net-worth individuals. He does music composers, athletes, production was elevated to partner three years later. handle money for people in the biz, as everything from helping them start their companies, digital media companies and While many other business management he’s demonstrated for the past 35 years. own record labels to, on a more regular talent managers. Encino-based Burke says firms have been swallowed up by con- His clients include the writing-direct- basis, finding them high-yield real estate the firm developed a software database to glomerates, the duo is proud to keep ing team Chris Miller and Phil Lord (“Spi- investments. When Curry moved from monitor royalties that “literally uncovered theirs an independent boutique. With a der-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”) and Prager Metis to Manhattan West in March, millions of dollars in outstanding contrac- high staff-to-client ratio it provides per- authors Kristin Hannah and Tami Hoag. he only got to enjoy his new digs for a tual payments due to clients over the past sonal service to a roster that includes Hate to Say, “I Told You So,” But …: week and a half before the pandemic hit; couple of years.” He also is an executive directors Marc Webb, Antoine Fuqua, “You tell people to save for a rainy day,” then he switched to working from home. at collaborative SB Capital Management. Derek Kolstad, Liz Friedlander and Nic Clancy says. “Now, you can say, ‘Here’s Because the Show Can’t Go On: “Without Change of Scenery: Work-from-home due Mathieu, and singer-songwriter Colin Hay. the example of a bad time you need to be touring, a lot of people are sitting down to coronavirus opened clients’ eyes to the Battening Down the Hatches; “First, we prepared for.’ It’s an example that I think and asking, ‘What are my other income possibility of “moving their domiciles to be had to make sure the staff was safe, then will help going forward.” streams?’ ” he says. tax-advantaged because they realize they tell the clients, ‘Your stuff is safe, we’re still can from work anywhere,” Burke says. here and we’re going to take care of you,’” Carlson says. “Then it was battle mode when we had to do all the PPP loans, then the stock market was tanking and people were freaking out. Although some clients did pull back on equities, many stayed the course and have been rewarded with the tremendous rally since then.” “Without touring, a lot of people are sitting down and asking, ‘What are my other income streams?’ ” Christopher Curry MONESSON JOSHUA CLANCY: AMY GRAVES; CARLSON: &RQJUDWXODWLRQVWRRXU %XVLQHVV0DQDJHUV(OLWH+RQRUHHV MATTHEW BURKE RICHARD SINGER STEPHANIE CONNOR ARKOF ELAINA KOGAN AMITHA HARICHANDRAN tŝƚŚŐƌĂƚŝƚƵĚĞƚŽĂůůŽĨLJŽƵǁŚŽŚĂǀĞĞŶƚƌƵƐƚĞĚƵƐ ǁŝƚŚLJŽƵƌĨŝŶĂŶĐŝĂůůŝǀĞƐĂŶĚLJŽƵƌĐĂƌĞĞƌƐĨŽƌŶĞĂƌůLJĨŝǀĞĚĞĐĂĚĞƐ͘ Untitled-17 1 11/2/20 5:05 PM FOCUS BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE Brandy Davis, Mark Friedman John Blakeman PARTNER PARTNERS Level Four Business Management MGO Friedman has some impressive names on The Century City-based duo have clients his roster, including writer-director Quen- in film/TV, sports and online with influ- tin Tarantino, but his client load is lighter encers as well as production compa- than that of his three partners at Level nies. During the pandemic, Davis says she Pat Dunn Christopher Fazzolari, Four, giving him more time to focus on the “spent a lot of time checking in with cli- day-to-day operations of the firm, which FOUNDING PARTNER John Menneci, David Phillips have been anything but business-as-usual ents by phone or video conference. In a Mark Pariser, Tony Peyrot normal year, it would hard to find the time MANAGING DIRECTORS during the pandemic. Thanks to their spa- that we had during COVID. We did a lot PARTNERS Gelfand, Rennert & Feldman/Audits cious 11,000-sq.-ft. office, they’ve been of reviewing of financial strategies; ‘life Dunn, Pariser and Peyrot Working on opposite coasts (Fazzolari able to rotate in a dozen or so socially dis- visioning,’ is the way that I would put it.” The three partners bring complementary and Menneci in New York; Phillips in Los tanced members of their 45-person staff Spreading Their Wings: Given that regu- skills to the table. Dunn, who founded the Angeles), the three partners head the Gel- to work alongside the partners. lar work evaporated with shelter-in-place, firm in 1996, excels in developing business fand, Rennert & Feldman group that han- Staying Healthy During Shutdown: “I Davis says clients developed useful capa- strategies inside and outside the entertain- dles royalty audits and examinations. started a riding bike to work,” Friedman bilities in new areas. Those ranged from ment industry, such as taking former client They target a variety of IP rights holders, says. “I did cheat and got an electric-as- polishing music talent to producing pod- James Cameron’s plant-based food busi- including, artists, music publishers, celeb- sist bike to help me on the hills.” casts to writing. “They were restless and ness from startup to a $100 million valua- rity brands and Fortune 500 companies looking for alternative creative outlets,” tion. Pariser and Peyrot are experts in nav- (in regard to licensing and merchandis- she says. igating domestic and international tax ing), as well as directors, actors and other issues. Pariser works with musicians as financial participants in film and TV distri- well as film and TV producers including bution. The unit also has a group within Matt Tolmach and Michael Edelstein, while the group that offers royalty administra- Peyrot’s clients include showrunner Rob tion services for artists and small record Thomas, writer-producer Gary Janetti and labels. Increasingly, they’re also doing actor Giancarlo Esposito . consulting work regarding the sale of The Advantage of Virtual Meetings: “We music publishing and recording catalogs. send the clients cash-flow reports each Business as Usual: “We’ve been able to month, and they don’t necessarily read successfully conduct examinations and them,” Peyrot says. “With Zoom, you can audits remotely during the pandemic,” share the screen, so you know they’re says Fazzolari. In fact, “we’re kind of bus- looking at it.” ier than ever.” BelvaCONGRATULATES Anakwenze FOR BEING SELECTED IN Variety’s Business Managers Elite FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR. Business Management | Tax | Virtual CFO www.afi nancialgroup.com Mark Landesman, Congratulations! There is no one more deserving to be honored as Variety’s Business Managers Elite than you. Thank you for all that you do everyday. James Cameron and Untitled-5 1 11/4/20 5:02 PM FOCUS BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE Founded in 1990, the Encino-based firm MGGGY was founded in 1967 as a tradi- handles a mix of on-camera and behind- tional accounting and tax firm, and after the-camera talent (Chris Hemsworth, current managing partner Steve Gelon Channing Tatum, Taika Waititi, Mayim joined 1985, it branched out into business Bialik, Taran Killam), digital influencers management, which today accounts for a (Rhett & Link, James Charles, Emily Rata- third of its revenue. Clients include top TV jkowski) and athletes (UFC champion series creators, along with major actors, Conor McGregor). Ricin came aboard as a writers, producers, directors, musicians bookkeeper two decades ago and worked and social influencers. Behind the scenes, her way up to partner five years ago. Gil- the practice boasts a balance of seasoned bert-Hamerling joined in 2005 and has vets and next-gen employees. Glodney proved adept at building clients’ branded has been with the firm since 1994. Lee businesses, such as McGregor’s Proper joined three years ago, bringing with her No. 12 Irish whiskey. Big names aside, Ful- a special talent for handling the estates of ton is proud of the firm’s reputation for the rich and famous. Smith came aboard taking on baby clients and helping guide in 2015 and frequently works on his film, Eric Fulton them to career success and financial sta- TV and music clients with Sroka, who FOUNDER AND PARTNER bility. With the pandemic, that meant arrived in February. helping some out by discounting fees. Pandemic-induced questions: “A lot of cli- Elizabeth Ricin, Virus-Inspired Fiscal Responsibility: “A lot ents have been asking us, if revenue is Matthew Gilbert-Hamerling of people hunkered down and really got going to take a dip, what kind of liquidity PARTNERS nervous about when they’d go back to do we need to create to keep people on Fulton Management work, so people’s spending declined dra- payroll and rents paid?” Smith says. matically,” Fulton says. Steve Gelon MANAGING PARTNER Alex Smith PARTNER-IN-CHARGE OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Steve Glodney PARTNER Van Lee PRINCIPAL “A lot of our clients have been Justin Sroka SENIOR BUSINESS MANAGER asking us … what kind of liquidity Mann Gelon Glodney Gumerove Yee do we need to create to keep (MGGGY) people on payroll and rents paid?” Alex Smith (2) HOAG ESGUERRA (2); CLAUDIA LEE, SROKA: JAY GLODNEY: GELON, CONGRATULATIONS TO HONOREES Barry Siegel Bill Vuylsteke ON BEING NAMED AMONG Variety’s 2020 Business Managers Elite Your leadership, achievements, passion and dedication to the business management industry and your clients are exceptional. Your guidance of our firm through a most diff icult time has been extraordinary. We are extremely proud to be your colleagues and friends SANTA MONICA BARBARA KARROL BO GARDNER SHELLEY VENEMANN PAMULA SOLAR WOODLAND HILLS LARRY EINBUND LISA FERGUSON JEFFREY TURNER DEBRA DIEZ IVAN AXELROD SAN FRANCISCO JONI SOEKOTJO NASHVILLE DAWN NEPP 35 YEARS STRONG AND INDEPENDENT BUSINESS MANAGERS TO THE ENTERTAINMENT COMMUNITIES LOS ANGELES | NASHVILLE | SAN FRANCISCO | WOODLAND HILLS WWW.PROVIDENTFM.COM 1111 WV Provident Financial.indd 1 11/4/20 1:47 PM FOCUS BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE W. Shane Glass Alan Goldman Laura Gordon PRESIDENT, COLONY BUSINESS Paul Knell FOUNDER MANAGEMENT & MANAGING DIRECTOR FOUNDING PARTNERS Gordon & Associates The Colony Group Goldman & Knell The daughter of the late NFL All-Pro tackle Glass became enamored with the music Goldman started the firm 28 years ago Ernie Wright, Gordon has both a mas- business at the age of 13, when his father, with the goal of maintaining a hands-on ters in divinity and BA in economics, giv- Paul, took him to a Michael Jackson approach with his clients, who hail exclu- ing a unique flavor to her 28-year-old busi- Paul Glass concert. He went on to serve as a tour sively from the entertainment industry. ness management practice, allowing her accountant for Paul McCartney before “People can get us on the phone,” he says. to move easily between cheering clients’ VICE CHAIR partnering with his father in a business successes and challenging their relation- Pam Malek, Amir Malek “We’re not part of a big publicly traded management firm, where today, several entity.” He and Knell, his partner of 26 ship with money. Her roster has a mix of MANAGING DIRECTORS mergers later, he handles big music acts, years, handle an impressive collection of entertainers (including Nick Cannon), pro- The Colony Group along with athletes, directors, producers, world-famous actors, comedians and talk fessional athletes, small business owners, The trio handles directors, producers, writers, digital influencers and execs. show hosts, writers, directors and produc- executives and high-net-worth individuals. actors and entertainment execs, with its Do Online Concerts Pay? “Some new plat- ers, production entities and executives, as Doing the Right Thing: “In our industry, main strength being in the music arena — forms might pay a little bit of money to a well as the estates of iconic rock legends. even some of the biggest companies had including major touring acts, singer-song- big-name act to be a flagship artist, but The Challenge of Paycheck Protection to lay people off and cut salaries,” she writers and recording artists. That sector it’s not the same kind of money you’d get Program Loans: “Between explaining it says. “I was really touched to see how has been hit hard by the pandemic’s shut- touring,” he says. to clients and having [the Small Business much my clients fought for their staff.” down of the concert biz. Glass estimates Administration] change the applications that touring was 15%-20% of their business, and the rules numerous times during the “but we’re not down that much from the process, it has been extremely stressful past,” he says. “We’ve made it up in other for people in our situation,” Goldman says. areas.” Paul Glass and his son W. Shane “It could’ve been done much easier.” Glass worked with Malek at Provident Finan- cial Management, then split off to form Glass Malek in 2011. Malek’s husband, Amir, left Prager and Fenton to join them “In our industry, even some of the biggest companies following year. In September 2019, Glass Malek was absorbed by the Colony Group. had to lay people off and cut salaries. I was really touched Tighten Your Belts: “We’re telling people to not necessarily cut [staffers] to see how much my clients fought for their staff.” off totally, but to have reasonable Laura Gordon expenses,” says Glass. CONGRATULATIONS ROB GRUBMAN ²ďÑ ľòÕ ľÕ²Ď ²ľ ²ďľĖď ;IJŃÊĎ²ď Ėď ÊÕ÷ďì ď²ĎÕÑ ¤²IJ÷ÕľŚʰĶ ɺɸɺɸ ŃĶ÷ďÕĶĶ \²ď²ìÕIJĶ &Ĉ÷ľÕ §ĖŃIJ ëIJ÷ÕďÑĶ ²ľ òÕ VÕÑÕ ĖĎį²ďŚ congratulatescongratulates oourur ffounderounder ADAM YORKSHIRE andand allall VARIETY’S BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE Past, Present and Future. 1111 WV Yorkshire Management Group.FINAL.indd 1 11/4/20 11:05 AM FOCUS BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE An independent, Beverly Hills-based firm rich with marquee names, Grant, Tani, Barash & Altman counts among its cli- ents Tom Hanks, Dwayne Johnson, Brad Pitt and Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who’s been with Grant for more than 30 years. Grant’s focus is real estate and Barash’s specialty is tax matters, while Altman Sean Granat Warren Grant, Jane Tani, works on private equity investments and Rob Grubman PARTNER Corey Barash, Howard Altman, Ibrahim is the expert on the intricacies of PARTNER CohnReznick accounting software. Tani (whose clients Tanton Grubman Kim Ibrahim, Zoe Lawrence, include Eric Idle and Joni Mitchell) over- The New York-based CPA works with Fran Wild, David Jackson sees the administration of firm. The part- Grubman incubates commerce ventures some of the most influential artists in the of talent clients, leveraging expertise from PARTNERS ners have mostly been able to work from music industry, with a special focus on the handling companies. These include Phar- Grant, Tani, Barash & Altman their offices during the pandemic, while tax and accounting needs of foreign art- support staff rotates in and out to main- rell Williams for his clothing brands Bil- ists who tour in the U.S. Increasingly, he’s tain social distancing protocols. lionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream; and been focusing on their real estate hold- No COVID Slowdown: “We feel we’re designer/TV personality Leah McSweeney ings and, in this time of historically low working harder than ever now, because for her Married to the Mob brand. Other interest rates, exploring lending options some clients have been using their free clients are graffiti artist Futura, PR firm the for both new purchases and refinancing time to do old projects, like reviewing Lede Co. and rapper French Montana. Support Group: of existing properties. estate plans or investment portfolios, With regular work evapo- PPP Loans and Chill: “When our clients’ and a number of people have been selling rating for talent clients in the pandemic, tours went on hiatus, I thought I might or renting homes,” Grant says. the business manager’s job required “a lot be able to catch up on Netflix,” he says. of reassurance and we had to be there for Instead, “I worked for a month straight them,” Grubman says. To fill income gaps, understanding as many different policies he collaborated with personal managers, of the CARES Act as possible.” scouting gigs for presenters/ambassadors of consumer brands. “We feel we’re working harder than ever now.” Warren Grant IMAGING PHIL MCCARTEN/MATHEW BARASH: CONGRATULATIONS HARLEY NEUMAN ON YOUR INCREDIBLE ACHIEVEMENT OF BEING NAMED A VARIETY 2020 BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE HONOREE WE APPRECIATE YOU AND YOUR SIGNIFICANT IMPACT IN THE WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT AND BEYOND. THANK YOU FOR BEING SUCH AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR TEAM. SENDING YOU LOVE AND LIGHT ALWAYS LENA WAITHE AND HILLMAN GRAD PRODUCTIONS CONGRATULATIONS HARLEY, ON YOUR MUCH DESERVED RECOGNITION! THERE ISN’T A PERSON IN THE INDUSTRY THAT WORKS HARDER AND ALWAYS WITH HUMOR AND CLASS. WITH MUCH LOVE, SCARLETT 1111 WV Scarlett Johannson.v5.indd 1 11/6/20 5:11 PM FOCUS BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE Ana de Armas, Guillermo Del Toro, Savan- nah Guthrie, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Sam Mendes and celebrity chef Jean- Georges Vongerichten are clients. Of the five business managers, Herrmann, Sulli- van, Segreto and Cammarano are based in New York. In December, a merger with Mejia & Kaplan created a Beverly Hills Bernie Gudvi Scott F. Guber office, bringing Mejia aboard and serving PARTNER PRESIDENT Hollywood with 30 employees focused NKSFB SFG Business Management on entertainment clients; Citrin has 100 employees company-wide specializing in Variety Gudvi, who is the 2020 Business Manhattan-based Guber handles TV and showbiz clients. The parent company is a Managers Honoree for his community work film producers and directors, and high- top-25 accounting-tax-advisory firm with a and charitable endeavors, is legendary for net-worth individuals. Hollywood clients diversified practice nationally. The enter- his relationships with music industry exec- include director-producer Anthony Hem- tainment unit is also beefing up its royalty utives, recording artists, songwriters and ingway (“Red Tails”), cinematographer Arnie Herrmann, administrative/audit capability with new producers. He finds that discussions amid and producer David Miller (“Veep”), direc- hires. When clients hunkered down for the virus shutdown often center on finan- tor-producer Greg Mottola (“Superbad”) Wayne Mejia, Sharon Sullivan, shelter-in-place, Segreto says the move cial planning and on how to tap alternative and talent manager/producer Rory Rose- Matthew Segreto triggered discussions determining how income sources. Music talent can monetiz- garten (“Everybody Loves Raymond”). PARTNERS domiciles would impact personal taxation ing catalog assets and future royalty streams Guber finds that clients could give more Douglas Cammarano — whether it would be higher perhaps for immediate cash, notes Gudvi. NKSFB is a attention to job offers for passion proj- from double taxation, or else reduced. Focus Financial Partners company. ects, since doing-it-for-the-paycheck gigs DIRECTOR Citrin Cooperman Plugged In: “As a result of the pandemic, I’m OK, You’re OK: “Now that everyone is dried up during shelter-in-place. the [clients’] desire became even stron- working at home, we found that we can This Shall Pass: After advising cost-cut- ger” to review and discuss, Mejia says. take care of business without any hic- ting during the virus shutdown, Guber Talks focused on where assets are, diver- cups,” Gudvi says. “Our staff has all been then shifted to the role of quasi-thera- sification, tweaking portfolios and review- wired up with good internet access at pist “assuring clients it’s not a matter of ing banking arrangements, he says. home. I don’t think we’ve missed a beat in ‘if’ production comes back but ‘when.’ the business, though there’s less face-to- I encouraged them to hang tough both face with clients.” financially and mentally.” HERRMANN, SULLIVAN: MARTIN BENTSON (2) BENTSON MARTIN HERRMANN, SULLIVAN: Here’s to Michael Thompson, Brett Anderson, Andréa Bacon and all of Variety’s 2020 Business Managers Elite Honorees Your incredible work and dedication is an inspiration. Property and Casualty Corporate Benefits Individual Solutions NFP.com WHAT IS YOUR Our experienced bicoastal FUTURE Entertainment, Music, and Sports Practice team was founded on REIMAGINED? legendary roots and continues to serve top entertainment clientele. Let us help you reimagine your future. DOUGLAS CAMMARANO ARNIE HERRMANN WAYNE MEJIA MATTHEW SEGRETO SHARON SULLIVAN VARIETY ‘BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE’ CITRIN COOPERMAN CONTACT US congratulates our entire 529 Fifth Avenue business management team New York, NY 10017 and all of the honorees. We 212.697.1000 thank you for all that you do! 9171 Wilshire Blvd Beverly Hills, CA 90210 310.273.7769 Untitled-3 1 11/5/20 7:50 PM FOCUS BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE Wayne Kamemoto Michael Kaplan Michael Karlin PARTNER Justine Ruffalo FOUNDING PARTNER NKSFB PARTNERS NKSFB Kamemoto has a broad-based music prac- Miller Kaplan Karlin’s clients include Outkast’s Andre tice with clients Cypress Hill, Rage Against Kaplan finds that Hollywood clients are Benjamin, Bill Maher, Walter Parkes and the Machine, and consulting/accounting reflective in the pandemic slowdown. They Laurie MacDonald, as wells as Melissa Riv- for festivals. He also handles young talent “step back from the grind of daily work, ers/Joan Rivers estate. With California Jordan L. Josephs including Grammy winners Ella Mai and reflect and refocus on what they want to income tax expected to increase, Karlin Zedd; and also Mustard and Rich Brian. The do,” Kaplan says. That can mean rolling up finds that clients fall into two camps: DIRECTOR AND BUSINESS MANAGER Encino-based Kamemoto is at the David some feel it’s their duty to help govern- Joel D. Levy their sleeves to write a TV series pilot or Weise and Associates unit of NKSFB, which collaborate with other talent they’ve always ment, while others explore moving to low- DEPARTMENT HEAD AND PARTNER is a Focus Financial Partners company. admired. The firm’s North Hollywood office er-tax states. NKSFB is a Focus Financial Andrea Link Staying Practical: When shelter-in-place is headquarters, and one of six offices, Partners company. PARTNER devastated touring, Kamemoto advised which also handle high-net-worth clients Sign of the Times: Karlin says one of his SingerLewak clients to focus on what is doable such as outside of entertainment. rare in-person meetings was canceled recording and building their presence on when someone involved received notice Their client roster encompasses TV pro- Onward: Ruffalo finds that clients crimped social media, so they are “mindful of what by the pandemic are resourceful, engaging from contact tracers to isolate. With digi- ducers, including Ivan Reitman and his they can do in this time to connect with tal communications de rigueur, “it’s just a production company the Montecito Picture in virtual performances or monetizing their their fan base.” intellectual property. “Trying to stay positive new normal and I think it will carry over to Co., and Ken Corday; actors Carrie-Anne a post-COVID environment.” Moss and Marlee Matlin; and music art- has been key,” Ruffalo says. “Originally, we ists such as Marcus Miller and Vic Mensa. thought it would be two weeks but it’s just SingerLewak was established in 1959 and gone and on.” Many also explore a change- serves a wide variety of industries ranging of-scenery and moving their residences. from real estate and construction to tech- nology to cannabis. This gives the trio the ability to offer clients multiple investment opportunities that match their passions. Extra Service: “One client did a drive-in show at an observatory in Chicago, and there were a lot of nuances we had to go through with the promoter and the insur- ance company to ensure the health and the safety of the audience,” Josephs says. JOSEPHS, LEVY, LEVY, JOSEPHS, DENNIS TRANTHAM (3) LINK: CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR MANAGING PARTNER gary schneider FOR BEING NAMED ONE OF VARIETY’S 2020 BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE THANK YOU FOR CAPTAINING US THROUGH THE PRECARIOUS WATERS THIS YEAR AND GUIDING US TOWARDS A BRIGHTER 2021! WITH GREAT APPRECIATION, THE STAFF AT KESSLER, SCHNEIDER & SCHELTINGA KESSLER, SCHNEIDER & SCHELTINGA A Business Management Company 15260 Ventura Blvd Ste 1040, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE FOCUS Matt Klarberg Josh Klein Elaina Kogan Mark Landesman MANAGING DIRECTOR MANAGING PARTNER TAX PARTNER FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT Monarch Business & Wealth Management TKG Business Management Singer Burke Zimmer ML Management Partners Clients include TV personality/entrepreneur Klein’s clients include the Chainsmokers, The pandemic’s economic slowdown Jim Cameron and the husband-wife team Bethenny Frankel; influencer/entrepreneur Prince Amukamara, Winnie Harlow, Logic, pushed clients to quickly make decisions of John Krasinski and Emily Blunt are Danielle Bernstein; actress Sophia Bush; DJ Kelly Rowland and Big Sean. His roster regarding spending, overhead and their new clients — joining longstanding client Kaskade; rapper-actor Quincy; ESPN ana- spans entertainment, sports and entrepre- careers, Kogan says. “There was no time- Eddie Murphy (going back 36 years), Ryan lyst Jay Williams; sports figures Michael neurs. One silver lining of the pandemic is line” on how long the virus will linger. “It Reynolds and Chris Rock. To clients idle Bradley and Josef Newgarden; and super- artists that are usually in perpetual motion was a very nerve-racking time.” The firm during the pandemic shutdown, Landes- model Martha Hunt. Klarberg says that the get to recharge and re-group at home, handles showrunners, composers, ath- man advises that they create material firm developed a niche service assisting Klein says. He just opened his Beverly letes and industry executives, includ- during down time so they can “own their clients who want to buy into sports fran- Hills-based firm (the acronym is from the ing talent on TV series “Power” and “Tom content when we can get back to work.” chises. His father, Barry, founded the firm Klein Group), splitting from Monarch Busi- Clancy’s Jack Ryan.” Relentless: “Never in my wildest dream and is a minority Yankees team owner. ness Management. Generosity: Amid the virus hardships, did I think all our clients would need us at Mixed: While the pandemic crimps music Diversify! “Make money in your sleep as Kogan is touched that some of her well-off the same time,” Landesman says. Due to clients relying on touring, Klarberg finds opposed to being on the road or being clients quickly jumped to provide financial shelter-in-place, there was a deluge seek- others doing well. Reality TV star Fran- on the set,” Klein advises. That means aid to the less fortunate, with direct cash ing advice on alternative housing and nav- kel is “a well-oiled machine running 24/7” real estate, the stock market and private or through charitable entities. “They gra- igating the then-crashing stock market with ongoing licensed merchandise, investments — and less dependency on ciously stepped up, offering assistance to last spring. speaking fees, social media, podcasts and career work. their colleagues,” she says. TV appearances, he says. “Make money in your sleep as opposed to being on the road or being on the set.” KLARBERG: GREGORY PARTANIO GREGORY KLARBERG: Josh Klein J. MCILWEE ASSOCIATES, INC. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Los Angeles / New York [email protected] 323•342•5335 FOCUS BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE Armanino is a nationwide firm, with busi- ness management offices in Los Angeles, Dallas, Irvine and San Jose, and this team of six handles a large collection of execu- tives, writers, producers, directors, actors, musicians, athletes, talent management, production companies, dealmakers and high-net-worth individuals. Many have addi- David Levin tional clients and skills that complement Matt Lichtenberg MANAGING PARTNER, BUSINESS their core entertainment business. For PARTNER MANAGEMENT instance, Levin’s accounts include the own- Level Four Business Management DL Business Management ers of several major retail brands, Zayon has Silicon Valley entrepreneurs on his ros- Bronx-born Lichtenberg handles a wealth When Levin started his New York-based ter and Cai specializes in trusts and estates. of highly successful clients, many of boutique in 1997 it had one client, the The firm’s long-term, diversified approach whom have their roots in comedy, includ- rock band Live. Twenty-three years later, and clients’ own sense of self-discipline ing Larry David, Will Ferrell, Adam McKay band members are still clients. The firm, meant nobody had to let panic or fear drive and Joe Rogan. The four-decade vet says: which became part of Adeptus Partners their investment decisions during the pan- “I’ve been doing this a long time, and in September 2019, has a long, music-rich demic shutdown, according to Levin. “My most of my clients have been with me a roster that includes Jessica Simpson, clients have done a very good job of help- long time, so we’ve been through things John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, Joshua ing themselves by watching their spending, we never would’ve imagined, but [the Radin, Hailey Baldwin-Bieber, Wyclef and we’re overseeing it to an even greater coronavirus] was really unpredictable.” Jean, Madison Beer and Lake Street Dive. degree,” he says. Going Paperless for Pandemic: “Every Musicians With Pandemic Side Gigs: Not Just Worried About the Pandemic: once in a while, we have to send a trav- “Some have even started doing music les- Prior to election day, “a few clients con- eling notary to someone’s house to get a sons over Zoom,” he says. “But most of tacted me, asking how they could defend wet signature on something, but I would the clients have other ways of earning a themselves best against results of the say 90% of the signing has transitioned to living, such as branding, merchandising, election, and the craziness that comes electronic,” he says. endorsements and other types of commer- from that,” Levin says. cial activity. It’s been very good for them.” Sam Levin, Jason Zayon, Clients “are looking inward with Chris Mays, John Karls PARTNERS very creative results. We’re seeing Elisabeth Cai, home movies that they posted, Catherine Catherine PRINCIPALS screenplays being finished and Rob Abramowitz DIRECTOR books being completed.” Armanino Business Management Carrie Malcolm KARLS, MAYS, LEVIN, ZAYON, HOUSER (5) ROBERT ABRAMOWITZ: ĂÁĢėʼn¨ÁŅĆäőű ùĩŅĂĩĢĩŅĆĢúĩŖŅőäÁġͤ CHARLOTTESVILLE | NEW YORK CITY | NASHVILLE | LOS ANGELES www.calfinancialgroup.com BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE FOCUS Clients of the quintet include TV/film talent Toni Collette, Laverne Cox, Edie Falco, Danai Gurira, Laurie Metcalf and Samira Wiley. Their business manage- ment practice spans Hollywood talent, producers, athletes, influencers, game developers and executives; and also film and game-development companies. Carrie Malcolm In September, the entertainment prac- John McIlwee PARTNER tice launched a specialist Latin Ameri- FOUNDING PARTNER NKSFB can team focused on regional entertain- ers, music publishers and record labels. Alec Grissom Malcolm finds that clients are shying away Prager Metis is a top 50 national advisory/ SENIOR BUSINESS MANAGER from the stock market because of volatil- accountancy firm. Manzino observes that J. McIlwee & Associates ity and uncertainty, preferring cash posi- Hollywood content is still about engaging McIlwee left Shephard McIlwee Tinglof tions. “They’re looking for stability,” she storytelling, despite upheaval from the in December to launch his eponymous says. “They’re not trying to outperform the digital revolution. “It’s just that the way it firm, taking all 41 of his clients with him, market.” Her clients are actors, filmmak- is consumed is more personal and direct along with his lead account manager Alec ers, writers and production companies. In to the audience,” he adds. Grissom, who helped him shape the stra- July, her CRM Management merged into Side Gigs: Manzino suggests that clients tegic goals for his new shingle. Those cli- NKSFB, which is a Focus Financial Part- engage in podcasts, master classes, online ents include writer-director Matt Reeves ners company. The merger gives the Man- concerts, voiceover work and social media (“The Batman”) and his production shop hattan-based firm a West Coast presence. to offset declining conventional gigs. “The 6th & Idaho, actors Maura Tierney, Jane Done It! With free time amid the pandemic more tools that clients have at their dis- Lynch and Christian Serratos (star of Net- slowdown, clients “are looking inward Craig A. Manzino posal, the easier it will be for them to flix’s “Selena”), designer-director Cali with very creative results,” Malcolm says. PARTNER-ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY pivot” in future downturns, he says. Thornhill DeWitt and Olympic team skate- “We’re seeing home movies that they LEADER (NEW YORK) boarder Sky Brown. posted, screenplays being finished and Richard Goldstein, Death of the Traditional Workday: Collabo- books being completed.” rating remotely, “We’ve all developed this Dean Michaels interactive workflow that works on any- PRINCIPALS (NEW YORK) body’s time and we’re incredibly more effi- Thomas F. Smith cient,” McIlwee says. PARTNER (CONNECTICUT) Simon Winters PARTNER (LONDON) Prager Metis MANZINO, GOLDSTEIN, MICHAELS, MICHAELS, GOLDSTEIN, MANZINO, REES DAVID SMITH: MARK MCQUEEN; WINTERS: CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR MANAGING PARTNER AND FRIEND JOSH KLEIN ON THE LAUNCH OF HIS NEW FIRM AND HIS SELECTION TO THE 2020 VARIETY BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE FROM YOUR TKG PARTNERS AND STAFF. WWW.TKGBM.COM FOCUS BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE Mike Merriman Andrew Meyer Harley J. Neuman Michael Oppenheim PRESIDENT FOUNDING PARTNER PARTNER PARTNER Parr3 Freemark Financial Neuman + Associates NKSFB Based in the downtown Los Angeles arts Meyer feels that remote employment — Ellen DeGeneres, Scarlett Johansson, With clients including Beyoncé, Eminem, district, Merriman’s company is 7 years forced by the coronavirus — will become TV producer Ryan Murphy, Netflix’s Ted Steve Aoki, Slipknot, Smashing Pumpkins old with 26 employees. Clients include a new normal, particularly for actors, writ- Sarandos, Emma Roberts, Zoe Saldana and YG, Oppenheim handles music tal- music multihyphenate Louis Bell, sing- ers and producers. “This pandemic only and Lena Waithe are clients of Neuman’s ent, labels, management companies and er-songwriter Clairo, record label LVRN, accelerated the understanding that work shop. While a shelter-in-place mentality some film/TV. He finds clients eager to rapper-singer 6lack and electronic dance can be done frictionlessly from anywhere rules, he says, “people crave being around explore financial adjustments for election music maven Alison Wonderland. Mer- in the world,” says the Beverly Hills-based other people to consume entertainment impact, such as booking ordinary income riman thrives on retrieving client funds Meyer. Clients are believed to include for concerts and tentpole films when it’s this year under the current tax rate. Evalu- from underpayments by drilling down on Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Emmy-winner for safe again.” The Encino-based firm is a ating before the elections means that they statements from music labels and publish- HBO’s “Watchmen”), Kenya Barris, director division of NKSFB, which is part of Focus “won’t be reactive afterwards,” Oppen- ers. “We call it royalties hunting,” he says. Jon M. Chu, Adam Driver, Henry Golding, Financial Partners. heim says. NKSFB is a Focus Financial Be Prepared: In good times, the industry Anna Kendrick, Ellen Pompeo, Alexander Rapid Reaction: When pandemic finan- Partners company. should have steeled clients for rainy days, Skarsgard and Ramy Youssef. cial relief commenced, “We really had Be Prepared: Due to the pandemic, “I which have arrived with the pandemic. Pandemic Pause: With the virus-induced to mobilize quickly,” Neuman recalls. think clients want more advice from you “This is the time we find out if we’re any Hollywood shutdown, Meyer finds clients “The government kept changing the rules now” for handling cash, budgeting and good at our jobs,” Merriman says. introspective in their strategies, “whether for eligibility and how to apply. It was “managing expectations.” Oppenheim that be real estate projects that they are pretty chaotic.” says. “This isn’t going to be just three working on or ethically based investing.” months or six months.” “This is the time we find out if we’re any good at our jobs.” Mike Merriman YOUR PROUD SUMMIT BUSINESS MANAGEMENT TEAM. BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE FOCUS John Rigney Steves Rodriguez Beth Sabbagh Phil Sarna PARTNER FOUNDING PARTNER PARTNER SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR Level Four Business Management Freemark Financial NKSFB Tara Beaudine-Moore A 48-year veteran of the business, The Beverly Hills-based Rodriguez handles Her clients include rapper Common, DIRECTOR Rigney’s clients include directors Luc music, media production companies and Janet Jackson, R&B artist Miguel and PS Business Management Besson, Kenny Ortega and David Gordon high-net-worth outside Hollywood, includ- Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan. Sarna’s New York-based firm handles a Green, actor/producer Josh Hutcher- ing Activist Artist Management; marketing Encino-based Sabbagh marvels that cli- heady mix of figures from the worlds of son, and film and TV stars such as Danny executives David Droga and Omar John- ents ride out the pandemic scattered film, fashion, sports and, most significantly, McBride, Walton Goggins, Omar Epps son; influencer Anastasia Karanikolaou; across the country from Vermont to Flor- music, including Billie Eilish, Lizzo, Halsey, and Jim Carrey, the latter of which has and Southern-rock duo Larkin Poe. He ida. “People’s actual location doesn’t Camila Cabello, Sara Bareilles, Arcade Fire, been with him since 1983. says business managers need to improve seem to matter that much anymore,” the National and Benny Blanco. Beaudine- The Post-Pandemic Future: “It won’t diversity by recruiting outside traditional says Sabbagh, who is at the David Weise Moore joined the team 14 years ago, bring- look the same as it was, whether you’re channels — for example at historically and Associates unit of NKSFB, which is a ing with her a “passion for music and a talking about the distribution business, Black colleges. “We can focus our hiring Focus Financial Partners company. brain for numbers,” according to Sarna. my business or commercial real estate, practices to do more,” says Rodriguez, a No Slowdown: Though clients’ employ- With touring shut down, they’re exploring which I think is going to be horrifying for son of immigrants. ment dried up during the pandemic, “it ways for their clients to stay in touch with a long time because everybody has Decisive: When company clients were became busier for me and the firm, apply- their fans, from virtual concerts to spe- either gone out of business or realized cautious in early stages of the pandemic, ing for aid and doing projections to help cial merchandise — and also exploring the that they don’t need as much space,” he advised them not to be afraid to make clients to determine how to stretch their Paycheck Protection Program and Eco- he says. moves such as reducing staff and over- resources,” Sabbagh says. nomic Injury Disaster loans to keep sup- head. That steeled them for hard times. port staff on payroll. Cautiously Optimistic: “Early on in my career, there was the saying that music and entertainment are recession-proof,” says Sarna. “Well, we’re going to test that to its boundaries going forward.” SARNA: ADAM MACCHIA ADAM SARNA: FOCUS BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE Gary Schneider Mickey Segal John Shaheen Steven L. Shapiro MANAGING PARTNER MANAGING PARTNER Business Wealth & Tax Management FOUNDER Kessler, Schneider & Scheltinga NKSFB Shaheen has a diverse stable of cut- Summit Business Management While the trend is to reduce physical foot- Segal is at the epicenter of Hollywood’s ting-edge clients with a heavy empha- During an era of increasing consolida- prints, Schneider is moving the firm head- business manager consolidation trend, sis on musicians, including Nigerian sing- tion in the world of business manage- quarters to a Bel-Air two-story indoor/out- helming a key Focus Financial Partners er-songwriter Burna Boy (who recently ment, Shapiro remains the sole owner of door facility, while also maintaining its company. In July, New York-based CRM cut an album with Diddy), Goody Grace his Woodland Hills shop. The firm han- current Sherman Oaks high-rise office. Cli- Management merged into NKSFB. Segal (who worked with Blink-182), record pro- dles upward of 500 actors, writers, direc- ents include John Corbett, Thomas Haden says he spends about 80% of his time ducer Kenny Beats, Watsky (who recently tors, musicians, cinematographers, edi- Church, Alyson Hannigan and Ed Helms, administering 560 employees, including set the record for longest freestyle rap at tors, producers and athletes, including and high-net individuals outside entertain- 46 partners; he also rolls up his sleeves 33 hours, 30 minutes and 30 seconds) marquee names such as Zendaya, Weird ment. With the pandemic, client portfolios evaluating merger prospects. The rest of and country-rap artist Breland. He also Al Yankovic, Aaron Paul, Elliott Gould and move more to cash and less to stock mar- his work is handling clients that include works with up-and-coming director Gib- star Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Chris- ket speculation, Schneider says. Paul Anka and Hollywood entrepreneur son Hazard, who produced the Kobe Bry- tian Yelich. Workloads: Schneider finds actors and Thomas Tull. ant tribute video for TNT and the NBA All- Advice on CARES Act Loans: “I let them directors are most financially impacted Sign of the Times: When the pandemic Star Game. know that all the government did is throw by the pandemic because of production struck, client contact was reduced mostly Coronavirus Wisdom for Clients: “Con- candy at a crying baby,” he says. “When shutdowns, while “our writers continue to to phone calls, emails and texts. “There’s tinue to operate outside of your comfort the crying is over, anything given to them thrive because they can work from home limited number of face-to-face meet- zone and pivot,” he says. “I have one cli- by the government will be paid back in and the constant need for new content.” ings with clients in this new environment,” ent who started a book club.” tremendous tax increases.” Segal says. “Continue to operate outside of your comfort zone and pivot. I have one client who started a book club.” John Shaheen BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE FOCUS Barry Siegel Lou Taylor Co-Managing Partner FOUNDER/CEO At Provident Financial Management Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group Siegel’s clients include Al Pacino, Rob With offices in Nashville and Los Ange- Dyrdek, Mike Judge, David Mamet and les, Taylor’s 28-year-old firm handles a composer-scorer Trevor Rabin. Siegel diverse collection of music artists (Mary observes that clients used to view their J. Blige, Steven Tyler, Reba McEntire, careers as mostly propelled by their per- Meghan Trainor, Florida Georgia Line, sonal actions, but no longer as the pan- Richard Singer, Mike Skeet, Simon Hopkins, Jason Derulo) and actors (Priyanka Chopra demic casts a shadow over everything. “It Stephanie Connor Arkof, Jeff Kaye Jonas, Samara Weaving, Natalie Dormer, caused them to be more introspective and Jack Huston, Charles Melton), along with Amitha Harichandran MANAGING DIRECTORS allowed us to interact more in the planning Gelfand, Rennert & Feldman/U.K. Netflix CMO Bozoma Saint John. for their economic challenges,” he says. WEALTH MANAGEMENT PARTNERS Surviving the Shutdown: “The month New World: Siegel says the latest chal- SB Capital Management The London-based trio became part of of March was fast and furious, realizing we lenge for the business manager industry The firm’s clients include showrunners, Gelfand, Rennert & Feldman when their were in a pandemic, quickly addressing is managing employees who increasingly producers and actors from TV series “Ani- music-focused firm Skeet Kaye Hop- the financial needs, filing for all the PPP work at home. Firms will need “new ways mal Kingdom,” “Dead to Me,” “The Komin- kins was acquired in May 2019, giving the loans and the Main Street Lending pro- of retaining control, security and proper sky Method,” “A Million Little Things,” L.A.-based company (owned by invest- grams,” Taylor says. “We had some clients coverage for clients,” he says. “Outlander” and “Star Trek: Strange New ment giant Focus Financial Partners) an that did not see a reduction in deal flow Worlds.” With bonds and bank accounts increased presence in the European mar- and others that experienced the opposite.“ generating little in today’s low-interest ket, as well as added expertise in local world amid the pandemic, Singer has tax laws, which is a specialty of Hopkins. “increased investments in fixed income Ironically, Skeet spends a fair amount of ‘substitutes,’ specifically lending money time in L.A. servicing expat British music against real estate.” He adds that yields clients, who especially need counseling are good. SB Capital Management is the and reassurance during the pandemic, investment arm of Singer Burke Zimmer. which eliminated touring income and Sustainable Investing: With California forced them to either lay off support per- wildfires elevating environmental con- sonnel or cut salaries, as well as fight for cerns, ecologically responsible investing insurance claims covering cancellations. moves even more to the forefront for cli- Virtual Concerts: “Touring isn’t looking like ents and the firm, Burke says. “The inter- it’s coming back anytime soon,” says Skeet. est in that area has skyrocketed.” “So it’s a combination of making money and keeping fan engagement going.” Mann Gelon Glodney Gumerove Yee LLP is honored to have Steve Gelon, Steve Glodney Alex Smith, Van Lee, and Justin Sroka named in VARIETY’S 2020 BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE A heartfelt congratulations to all of our fellow honorees! We humbly thank our esteemed clients and our amazing staff without whom this would not be possible. We are so grateful to you. FOCUS BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE People looking for someone to handle their finances tend to value consistency, and TMGJ has that in spades. The Westwood firm was founded in 1976 by Mainstain and Tanner, and Glynn, Johnson and Fou- ladi joined in 1987, 1990 and 1991, respec- tively. Even newer partners Harrison and Coronel have already been there 13 years. It wouldn’t mean a thing If TMGJ didn’t Larry Tyler do well by its clients, who include actors PARTNER Michael Keaton and Bradley Whitford, writ- NKSFB er-producer-director Aaron Sorkin, film and TV composer Sean Callery, “Glee” Tyler’s music practice includes Bruno co-creator Ian Brennan, and “Frasier” Mars, Anderson .Paak, Alex Da Kid and co-creators Peter Casey and David Lee, Tori Kelly. While touring has been bat- as well as behind-the-scenes types rang- tered, Tyler says, “the music business has been shown to be resilient, strong and ing from agents to cinematographers. Tan- Michael Thompson, ner decided to step back from day-to-day very vibrant.” Recording, music releases, operations in 2019, but he’s still actively Brett Anderson, Andréa Bacon songwriting, catalog transactions and engaged with clients and has cemented PARTNERS new artist signings flourish across the his stamp on the firm’s character. And, Savitsky Satin Bacon & Bucci industry, he notes. Face-to-Face: While most of Hollywood while many business management firms With clients that include film and TV pro- with partners approaching retirement moved to digital communications, Tyler ducers, writers, directors, actors and says during shelter-in-place “I’ve had age have sold out to big financial services athletes, the 30-year-old company has firms, TMGJ has resisted all such entreat- more in-person meetings with clients and expanded its scope by adding partners. more often.” However, that constant con- ies. Recently, TMGJ has been encourag- Thompson, with 45 years of experience ing clients to take advantage of pandemic tact tends to be concise, focused, in-per- repping talent, advises the next generation son interactions following social-distanc- downtime to tackle bigger projects includ- to be nimble as technology will continue ing estate planning and taking advantage ing protocols at his office, clients’ homes to dramatically reshape the entertainment or studios. of the $11.6 million exemption for gifting business. Anderson, the firm’s youngest that is set to expire at the end of 2025. partner at 34, serves clients that include William H. Tanner, Saved for a Rainy Day: “We’ve always been influencers. He advises the use of social [fiscally] conservative so clients can ride Peter Mainstain, Michael L. media to keep fans engaged as “compa- out storms like this [pandemic],” says Cor- nies exponentially re-allocate advertis- Glynn, Bradley W. Johnson, onel. “Our program is designed to let ing dollars to non-traditional platforms like Thomas F. Fouladi, Robert them to be able to do work when they YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.” Bacon has want to, so they don’t have to take on a Harrison, David Coronel 25 years of experience, including stints at project that they hate just to keep the some of the best-known business manage- PARTNERS lights on.” ment firms serving entertainment clients. Tanner Mainstain Glynn & Johnson Words of Encouragement: “Take deep breaths,” Bacon says. “We will get through this. Keep your attitude and your bank account positive!” DENNIS TRANTHAM TYLER: Variety’s Business Managers Elite Honorees and Partners John Rigney, Mark Friedman, Matt Lichtenberg and Chuck Clancy would like to thank all of our employees for their adaptability and dedication during these difficult and uncertain times. Specifically, we would like the thank Bill Olson, Jacqueline Hernandez, Fabiola Aceves and Alexandria Gift for working from the office every day which enabled us to continue working remotely to meet the needs of our clients over the lasy several months. We could not have done it without you. Thank you! FOCUS ‘BOB’S BURGERS’ AT 200 ‘BOB’S BURGERS’ RELISHES ELITE CLUB STATUS FOX’S ANIMATED COMEDY JOINS SELECT FEW SERIES THAT HAVE PRODUCED 200 EPISODES By Joe Otterson “BOB’S BURGERS” WILL soon cross the 200-episode threshold, a milestone ALL EYES ON ‘BOB’S’ that a miniscule percentage of television shows ever achieve. For perspective, In the 200th episode of “Bob’s Burgers,” that puts it in league with such major hits as “Friends” and “The Office,” to airing on Nov. 15, the Belcher family tries name just a few. ¶ Yet for the creative team behind the show, one of the most to figure out how to important things is remaining humble despite the years of success the series keep the restaurant open through a very has enjoyed. ¶ “Every single person that speaks to me either in person or important event after the flattop breaks. online and says they like the show, I truly approach that person as if they’re a little miracle,” says creator and co-showrunner Loren Bouchard. ¶ There are now millions of those little miracles, something that 20th Television’s executive vice president of animation Marci Proietto attributes to the creative 20TH TELEVISION 74 VARIETY Untitled-10 1 10/30/20 1:28 PM FOCUS ‘BOB’S BURGERS’ AT 200 team’s continued humility. Proietto has over the years, rising to become a cor- “It was a show that had been a champion of the adult animated nerstone of Fox alongside legacy ani- comedy that centers on the Belcher family mated shows from “The Simpsons” to heart and it was also and their hamburger restaurant from the “Family Guy.” Per Fox, “Bob’s Burgers” funny. I think that start, working with Bouchard to develop averages 10.9 million viewers per epi- combination together the pitch that was eventually sold to Fox. sode when factoring in multi-platform “The characters were so likeable,” viewing, of which 8.2 million comes is electric.” she says. “I think that’s what I responded from non-linear viewing. Marci Proietto to. You’d like these characters and you It is also now a fixture at fan events want to be part of their world. And Loren including San Diego Comic-Con, regularly is the nicest human you’re ever going to attracting hundreds, if not thousands, meet. He’s so sincere and such a lovely of attendees to its panels. Co-showrunner person. It came across in his writing. Nora Smith says she first realized what It was a show that had heart and it was a phenomenon the show had become also funny. I think that combination during a visit with her parents. together is electric.” “My Dad likes to wear ‘Bob’s Burgers’ “Bob’s Burgers” was not an overnight clothing everywhere,” she says. “We success, however. It built up its audience took a walk around Chattanooga and In the age of streaming, “Bob’s Burgers” two waiters in this restaurant said, remains an incredibly important property IN A PICKLE ‘We’re big fans.’ And then we walked for Fox. The broadcast network has been “Bob’s Burgers” premiered in over the bridge and someone stopped us pivoting more and more into animation in January 2011 with an episode who’s a fan and then someone was a fan the past few years, purchasing Bento Box featuring the restaurant caught up in a scandal over potentially at a bakery. I was like ‘Oh my god, this Entertainment (which does “Bob’s Burgers”) selling human meat. can’t just be a crazy town.’” in 2019. Michael Thorn, president of 20TH TELEVISION GUTTER CREDIT 76 VARIETY Untitled-2 1 11/5/20 7:45 PM FOCUS ‘BOB’S BURGERS’ AT 200 entertainment for Fox Entertainment, describes the show as a “distinct, institu- BUILDING tional comedy” that serves as an incuba- tor for writers who can go on to develop their own shows at the network. A RETAIL EMPIRE To that end, Fox has ordered the ani- mated series “The Great North,” co-cre- ‘BOB’S BURGERS’ CREATOR LOREN ated by Wendy Molyneux, Lizzie Molyneux and Minty Lewis. The Molyneuxs serve BOUCHARD MUSTERS LUCRATIVE RETAIL TIE-INS as executive producers on “Bob’s Burg- By Joe Otterson ers.” “Great North” was originally ordered to series in 2019 and is slated to debut in 2021. Fox renewed the show for a second season earlier this year. “Loren and the team have the rare ability to write compelling, relatable and uniquely hilarious characters who don’t need anything other than the dynamic of their own relationships to keep us all engaged and watching,” says Fox Enter- tainment CEO Charlie Collier. “I’m certain it’s the reason why we are here celebrat- ing this milestone 200th episode.” In the 200th episode, which airs Nov. 15, the Belchers must find a way to keep the restaurant open when the grill breaks on the morning of the Ocean Avenue Business Assn.’s Ocean Fest on Ocean CATCHY QUOTES AND TUNES Avenue. Bouchard says it will celebrate First released the “pleasing sort of smallness” that he in May 2017, “The feels is a hallmark of the series. Steven Bob’s Burgers Music Davis, who wrote the episode, teases it Album” now has enough material for will harken back to the show’s early days. a second volume, “Bob revisits this statement at the coming in 2021. end of this episode, and kind of clears the record on what he meant when he said, ‘I love you, but you’re terrible. You’re A CENTRAL PREMISE of “Bob’s Burgers” is for 2021 release, “The Bob’s Burgers Music all terrible,’” Davis says. “That was his that the Belcher family always needs money. Album,” featuring original songs from the very first scene of the very first episode. The irony is that the show itself has become show, dropped in 2017 and sold nearly “To be able to be this far in and the center of its own merchandise empire. 25,000 copies in its first week. A second still be telling stories about these char- Among the branded items currently volume of the album will drop in the spring. acters — it’s still really character-driven available from the show are its own set of Bouchard is nothing but grateful for the storytelling, even though we have to work Funko Pop figurines, a line of apparel avail- show’s success but says that sometimes it able at multiple major retailers, a “Bob’s harder to come up with premises that can be “terrifying.” Burgers” custom Igloo cooler and a New “I think all of us live in fear of that thing we haven’t done,” he continues. York Times bestselling cookbook. that happens with some shows where there’s Even now, with 200 episodes in the The show’s merchandise business was just a bunch of crap out there that has their can, “Bob’s Burgers” is not going any- started by the creators themselves, rather name on it, and you can kind of feel that where anytime soon. In September, Fox than studio 20th Television. According to something is too big or too spread out and gave the show a two-season renewal, 20th TV executive vice president of animation no one cares about that particular T-shirt or which will take it at least to Season 13. Marci Proietto, who helped shepherd “Bob’s that toy,” he says. “We desperately want to On top of that, the “Bob’s Burgers” movie Burgers” through the development process, avoid that.” is due to be released in April. But are the studio’s consumer productions division Bouchard and the rest of the team ready “didn’t really pay much attention to us,” which to go for more? led series creator Loren Bouchard to strike out on his own. “I think doing 200 episodes of televi- “Loren had done things with a small little sion is a little like birthing 200 babies,” company where we printed out T-shirts and Bouchard says. “So it’s heroic, maybe, but we gave them away for free at Comic-Con,” also traumatic in a good way. And I think Proietto says. “Finally [20th TV] said, ‘OK, we’ll the rest of the crew — we all want to do do some stuff.’ And then at Comic-Con, to see 200 more. So there also must be that thing the line around the block for the merchandise that kicks in when you have a child, but was — I think everyone is still in shock that then you forget how painful childbirth people want so much from the show.” is if you get pregnant again. That’s my “Bob’s Burgers” has also branched out analogy and I’m sticking to it!” into other media. In addition to the film slated 78 VARIETY SLIGHTLY OFF TRACK, INC. TRACK READING • LIP ASSIGNMENT DIGITAL X-SHEETS 877-633-8722 Community Foundations Off er Tangible Benefi ts and the Means to Repair the World By Dan Rothblatt economic downturn, record levels of many others. At the heart of The Center for Designed Philanthropy, to the maximum extent permitted unemployment, and civil unrest. Foundation’s mission is the Jewish which partners with donors and under current tax laws. Donations precept of tikkun olam—Hebrew their families to develop eff ective of appreciated assets are not The Foundation and its donors for healing the world—and nothing intergenerational giving strategies. subject to capital-gains taxes have risen to this moment, together underscores this more than the and an income-tax deduction is committing about $14 million in • Broad range of products aff ords continuum of causes and programs permissible on the full, fair market grants for COVID-19 relief since fl exible charitable solutions. donors elect to support. And value of the gift. the outset of the pandemic. One of the value-added benefi ts community foundations off er a more Our sustained ability to serve of partnering with us is that there cost-eff ective approach for pursuing communities in the times it matters is no “one-size-fi ts-all” solution. A COMMITMENT TO philanthropy through shared most underscores precisely why We can work with you and your GIVING BACK resources and other operating The Foundation was established: to professional advisors to develop If I effi ciencies. The rabbi Hillel the Elder asked: help the affl icted, to alleviate human the charitable-giving vehicles most am not for myself, who will be for me? suff ering, and to heal the world. More than 1,300 Los Angeles Jewish appropriate to your circumstances, And if I’m only for myself, what am I? individuals and families, as well as including donor advised funds, These philosophical questions are as nonprofi t institutions, place their trust endowments and support In 1954, Judge Isaac Pacht assembled SERVING THE COMMUNITY relevant today as they were when the in us to manage their charitable assets. foundations. a group of prominent local leaders AND DONORS ALIKE rabbi fi rst pondered them over 2,000 Stability and permanence. years ago. They also motivate many to take a long-term view of the Organized as a grantmaking The reasons they turn to • Here of our Foundation donors. These Los Angeles Jewish community. public charity, The Foundation The Foundation include: today and for tomorrow, The Foundation administers nearly 350 individuals and families, governed by Post-World War II L.A. was evolving exists to address the needs of the Deep understanding of Jewish and • charitable endowments on behalf compassionate hearts, deem it their rapidly, the State of Israel had been communities it serves—making a general community nonprofi ts. of donors, ensuring that bequests solemn obligation to use their good established just a few years prior, and positive, lasting impact now and in Our ongoing interaction with intended to extend beyond their fortune to repair the world and help this visionary group foresaw the need the future. As a resource to donors, various nonprofi t agencies and lifetimes are faithfully implemented those in need. for a permanent source of charitable we help develop fl exible, effi cient program providers off ers a deep in perpetuity. funds to support causes here and half and tax-eff ective giving strategies reservoir of knowledge on where This primer about The Foundation a world away alike. that enable them to fulfi ll their the best work is being done to • Stewardship and accountability. is the fi rst in an informational series. What resulted is the Jewish charitable passions and ambitions. improve the community. The Foundation aff ords donors Upcoming articles will cover various One of our most important roles peace of mind—from ease of gifting vehicles, as well as tax- Community Foundation of Los • Convene thought leaders for the Angeles (The Foundation), which is to make it easy to become a administration, to access of advantaged giving strategies. philanthropist, off ering charitable benefi t of donors. Acting as a information 24/7, to sound ranks among the nation’s largest To explore how you can embark on products and insights for people convener, we host programs and investment management of Jewish charitable institutions and your own journey in giving—and the to leave a lasting impact on their off er access to experts—the best charitable assets. today manages about $1.3 billion in joys that come with it—as well as to community and the causes about and the brightest—on topical charitable assets for L.A.’s Jewish • Your ability to contribute a range maximize the potential of your giving which they care most deeply. matters and pressing issues. philanthropists. In 2019, The Foundation of charitable gifts. As a public through one of The Foundation’s distributed $129 million to more than • Collaborative approach to solving charity, The Foundation is permitted charitable products, we invite your 2,600 causes and programs locally, PARTNERING WITH THE pressing social issues. We work to accept contributions of cash, inquiry. You can learn more by visiting nationally and around the globe. FOUNDATION cooperatively with other funders securities, IRA distributions, real www.jewishfoundationla.org, and segments of the community estate, limited liability companies Judge Pacht and his contemporaries Through charitable funds established calling (323) 761-8704, or emailing which can provide leverage in and other assets, making it easy to possessed foresight. The Foundation with us, donors can support not only [email protected]. addressing our most complex social fund your philanthropy. was conceived precisely for a year such a countless number of Jewish causes, challenges. as 2020, where the world has shifted but also the full range of societal • Favorable tax treatment. ABOUT THE AUTHOR beneath our feet, and we confront needs, such as healthcare, arts and • Engage multiple generations in Contributions to a fund established Dan Rothblatt is executive vice the ravaging eff ects of a once-in- culture, education, homelessness, thoughtful, eff ective philanthropy. with us aff ord donors deductions president of the Jewish Community a-century pandemic, the resulting domestic violence, at-risk youth and Among our many resources is the for income and estate tax purposes Foundation of Los Angeles. 1111 WV Stacked Ads_SLIGHTLY OFF TRACK & JEWISH FOUNDATION.indd 6 11/5/20 8:21 PM FOCUS LOCATION UPDATE: PROTECH 2020 CREATIVITY GOES REMOTE THE PANDEMIC HAS ACCELERATED MANY TECHNICAL TRENDS THAT WERE ALREADY UNDERWAY By David Heuring NECESSITY IS THE mother of invention, but will the pandemic finally push us over tion solutions including PIX are looking and nothing proves this proverb more into a new normal? positively prescient. true than the evolution of film and televi- Numerous existing technology trends Cinematographer Greig Fraser, an sion production technology in the age of are being suddenly supercharged by Oscar nominee for “Lion,” has been COVID-19. While the field has always the necessities imposed by the corona- pioneering virtual techniques with his changed rapidly even in normal times, virus. Shooting close to home has never work on “The Mandalorian,” and more the pace of change and adaptation has been more appealing, and that impulse recently, “Dune” and “The Batman.” He accelerated over the past six months. aligns neatly with ongoing advancements says that on recent commercial product- This adjustment has posed many in LED backings and virtual production. ions during the summer months, COVID’s questions. Beyond personal protective In the world of image processing, con- initial peak, the restrictions have been equipment, mandatory testing, on-set nectivity solutions such as those offered very smartly managed. safety monitors, walking lunches and by Moxion, Frame.io and Sohonet were “There are definitely small compro- corona contingency fees, will the pandemic already bringing immediacy and super- FIXING POST mises that need to be made, but we are have enduring effects in the creative, col- high resolution to a wide variety of de- Sohonet links always making compromises in some Brit studios to laborative endeavor that is filmmaking? vices without regard to location — and way, shape or form,” he says. “You don’t post-production The technology to work remotely has now those virtues are suddenly in much facilities in and have the money or the time, or the free- essentially been in place for some time, higher demand. And remote collabora- around London. dom. You’re always juggling different 80 VARIETY LOCATION UPDATE: PROTECH 2020 FOCUS factors, and in that sense, this is another trusts because they’re only a click away, actors. The relative lack of control and factor. It’s not easy, and I’m really looking even if they’re a world away physically. unpredictability of shooting on location forward to the day when we can walk Information is flowing.” was counteracted by stage work when- onto a set without masks and give each Pandemic concerns are affecting ever possible. Even transportation on the other hugs. But it’s not life-changing or on-set choices as well. On the set of single day of practical location work was industry-stopping. We all have to take “Them: Covenant,” director of photogra- exponentially more complicated. responsibility for our actions much more phy Checco Varese found the right remote “We did all the daily testing, and than we ever have.” head to be a crucial tool made even more we used the pod system,” Sher says. Fraser adds that the methods and essential by social distancing. On that “One of my concerns as a director was tools he used on “The Mandalorian” have shoot, he carried two Arri SRH-3 stabil- that with masks, you can’t see each other, continued to evolve, and filmmakers’ ized remote heads — a tool that previously you can’t read faces as well. You can only skill and understanding of how to exploit might have been brought in to accom- see the eyes. But we were still able to them grows with every application. In plish a specific shot. convey our meanings to each other. I think many cases, COVID may be accelerating “Using these remote heads means that after the pandemic, having a single that process. One particular tool that Fra- that the dolly grip no longer needs to camera operator might find its way back ser has found especially handy on those be in close proximity to the actors, who in, because you still need the humanity. commercials was a 3D virtual reality are the only people on the set who can- But in the short term, the remote heads headset showing faraway location images not always wear a mask,” Varese says. allowed us to accomplish the shoot shot with a 360-degree camera. “It helps put everyone at ease, which is and stay safe. “On ‘The Mandalorian’ we worked a major concern with the actors. And in “The experience was both surprising quite a bit with 3D VR headsets,” he says. reality, it allows us to work more effi- and hopeful,” Sher adds. “Even if some “Now, I’m using them to go on location ciently while creating a more cinematic of these restrictions are going to be with scouts. We did a commercial in Atlanta, feel for the show. These remote heads are us for a while, at least it shows that we and the location manager could walk great tools even without COVID. Even if can still keep making content and enter- around while sending a live feed to me in the pandemic were over tomorrow, I’d taining people and getting everyone back Los Angeles. It’s a massive game-changer. still keep it on all the time. We’re not to work, which is amazing. It was weird, You can spend a day scouting multiple shooting television anymore. The quality but frankly I thought it would be more locations instead of sitting in a van or a expectations are continually rising.” disruptive and harder than it was. Film- plane for much of that time. VR scouting DP Lawrence Sher, Oscar-winner for making took over. It was a credit to the with 3D models, which can be blended his camerawork on “Joker,” recently fin- adaptability of our industry. I’ve always into actual location imagery, is also an ished helming three episodes of “Ruth- truly admired film crews as some of the extremely efficient way of working. I’m erford Falls,” a comedy for Peacock cre- DISTANT VISION most resilient people. They come together using it as much as I can, frankly.” ated by Michael Schur (“The Good Place,” Moxion integrated with special skills for complex, high- Remote collaboration solutions “Parks and Recreation,” “Brooklyn Nine- Dolby Vision into tech, multimillion-dollar operations that have been around for some time, but the Nine”). Sher also made extensive use its remote HDR spring up overnight, and solve the prob- for dailies and other pandemic has made such communication of remote heads, thereby minimizing monitoring systems lems. And I think the way we’re dealing tools essential. Director David Fincher’s the number of crew members near the on iPads. with COVID is no different.” team found that the PIX production back- bone, a tool they’ve helped develop over the years, facilitated safe group creativity but also enhanced efficiency on the forthcoming “Mank.” All production in- formation is made available to principals, from casting photos and script versions to dailies and VFX pulls. “Fortunately, we have not missed a beat,” says producer Cean Chaffin, who has made nine films with Fincher. “We are working now exactly how we mostly could have been working the past 10 years, which is working from home during post. Even when we were in the same building, David was often respond- ing exclusively through PIX. His prefer- ences and concerns are there for every- one to refer to. You don’t have to go find that one email, or remember a comment someone made on their way out the door. Many of our collaborators are working in a variety of locations and countries, and David needs to be available to them, and them to him.” Post supervisor Peter Mavromates says: “It’s easy for David to get opinions and feedback from the people that he VARIETY 81 FOCUS 10 CINEMATOGRAPHERS TO WATCH AN EYE INTO IMAGINATION MIXING GENRES AS WELL AS TOOLS, THESE RISING LENSERS ARE SHAPING TOMORROW’S MEDIA Santiago Gonzalez “BLACK IS KING” Just as Ryan Coogler’s The Mexico-born, South Texas “Black Panther” is a narrative raised, L.A.-based DP learned the the- superhero celebration of ories of his profession at Boston Uni- African culture, so Beyoncé’s 2020 versity film school, where his studies film “Black Is King” captures the included movies by such esoteric direc- essence of Africa through music and tors as Catherine Breillat, Gaspar Noe knock-out visuals. and Nagisa Oshima. Then he turned One creator of those visuals is to the practical side with a gig at local music-video virtuoso Gonzalez, whose rental house Boston Camera. After join- collaboration with Beyoncé goes ing Local 600, he moved to New York, back to her 2016 visual album “Lem- where he became familiar with fashion onade,” for which he shot several seg- photography and the RED camera. ments as part of his journey through Gonzalez is not married to any a pop culture pantheon that includes particular set of tools. work for Drake, Khalid, Chloe X Halle, “I’m a bit of a chameleon and Bruno Mars and the Foo Fighters. I like experimenting with various Carmen Cabana Gonzalez’s imagination shaped looks,” he says. “When it comes to a multiple segments of “Black Is King.” favorite tool, I actually like to keep “HIGH FIDELITY” For the songs “Bigger” and “Find Your them changing. When I shoot a set of Way Back,” he achieved a natural, lenses too many times in a row I try organic feel that allowed Beyoncé’s to change it up. I feel the same way “I loved films from a very “High Fidelity,” New York was presence to shine through. In “Mood about cameras.” young age, but never even foreign to Cabana. So she set out 4 Eva” he created lush, bright images The cinematographer’s inspirations dreamed about working in as a tourist, venturing into neigh- to accompany the theme of “Hakuna include DP John Toll’s “The Thin Red the film industry,” Cabana says. borhoods, taking in Crown Heights, Matata.” For “Otherside,” he used a Line,” which “made me aware of the eye The idea seemed far-fetched which is at the heart of the series. large-format camera and lenses in behind the camera”; plus Gordon Willis, to someone hailing from a family of After absorbing the area, Cabana was combination with soft filters to yield a Darius Khondji, Christopher Doyle, doctors and engineers, but an astrol- inspired. “Crown Heights,” she says, classic cinema effect. And in “Power,” Harris Savides and Roger Deakins. oger once told her that she should be “felt like a great opportunity for a he deployed bold, fast camera moves “Black Is King” premiered in July a filmmaker or a motivational speaker. fusion of color, motivated by neons, to accentuate the contrasts of the on Disney Plus to rave reviews. Cabana chose the artistic route. Her sodium vapors, mercury lights and production design. — Peter Caranicas credits — she has more than 50 — all the melancholia and texture of a include “High Fidelity,” “Narcos” and neighborhood caught between the Blumhouse’s “Nocturne.” past and gentrification.” To create She stepped into telling the story the look, she used the Panavision of Pablo Escobar’s reign of terror for CPD2 and CPD 3 lenses, which were “Narcos” in the show’s second season. softer, and nicer on skin tones. It was the first time she had worked in Cabana switches genres often TV and the first time shooting in her to avoid being pegged to one style home country, Colombia. With a story and defined by one aesthetic. “I think seeded in the drug world, Cabana’s it is my job to define and shape the vision, she says, “was to be as natu- look based on the story and not my ral, real and gritty as possible in terms personal preferences.” She enjoys of lighting. We had many ambitious approaching new genres and figur- sequences at night with characters run- ing out the best possible lighting and ning, so we leaned a lot on available framing choice. “Challenges keep light with obvious enhancements.” the work interesting and fresh,” she When she embarked upon says. “Figuring it out is something I Hulu’s updated take on Nick Hornby’s adore.” — Jazz Tangcay “I think it is my job to define and shape the look based on the story and not my personal preferences.” Carmen Cabana CABANA: PHILLIP CARUSO/HULU CABANA: 82 VARIETY 10 CINEMATOGRAPHERS TO WATCH FOCUS Jackson Hunt “BETTY” Hunt discovered a passion work. “I shot a music video for Sol- HBO’s “Betty,” created and directed for lensing while he was at ange Knowles in Africa, That was one by Crystal Moselle, and shot handheld Emerson College. “Someone of my favorites, just because we went on location. He’s prepping for the sec- invited me to a film set and I fell in to Cape Town, we got to see new ond season now and is also involved love with the camera,” he says. things, there was a whole family vibe in a “very long, extended prep” for “It’s really satisfying right away [and] it came together so well.” a World War II film Dunham will direct. instead of waiting to see the whole Another music video that stands “We were having all these conversa- thing with the beginning, the ending out for him is Jake Bugg’s “There’s a tions, and then the coronavirus hit,” and the sound. Cinematography Beast and We All Feed It.” “We amaz- Hunt says. “So that’s in the long term.” is there in your face and the results ingly took the camera and put it in a Working in the corona era has are immediate.” van and ran around New Orleans.” been different. “Everyone’s been The Atlanta native started his Hunt was the DP on Henry Dun- really diligent,” he says. “You can take career in music videos, winning an ham’s “The Standoff at Sparrow the class, people talk about what MTV award in 2014 for shooting Be- Creek,” which played in the midnight it’s going to be like, but I’m curious yoncé’s “Pretty Hurts.” Music videos section of the 2018 Toronto festival. to see what happens when we start are still among his most preferred In 2019, he joined the production of shooting.” — Shalini Dore Michelle Lawler “THE SHRINK NEXT DOOR” “I’ve been doing this for Discussing tech tools, Lawler many years now and it’s taken says: “I do love the Arri, I love the way me a while to get through,” it renders skin tone. I find the mini to says Lawler, who graduated from be very versatile and user friendly.” AFI in 2012. She started out shooting Also last year, Lawler lensed Lena musicals and documentaries and Waithe’s BET show “Twenties” and even directed a doc called “Forever’s the pilot for “Awkafina Is Nora From Gonna to Start Tonight,” which won Queens.” Next up for her: the Apple TV several awards, including at Outfest Plus dramedy “The Shrink Next Door,” L.A. in 2010. “That was my on-ramp to starring Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd, with filmmaking,” Lawler says. But lensing Michael Showalter directing, from Glo- was her true love, and after stints ria Sanchez Prods. It goes into produc- as a grip and camera assistant, she tion Nov. 9 in Los Angeles. “Moving moved up to being a DP — and to forward, with COVID, it’s always going Los Angeles. to be an evolving discussion around Sherri Kauk “As a DP, I am always learning,” she what works and what doesn’t,” she says, says. “The crew really supports you: I adding that she will be tested weekly “INSECURE” learn so much from my camera assis- and there is plenty of sanitizer on hand. tants, my gaffers and my key grips.” Addressing inequality, Lawler Lawler was an operator on says, “I feel that women have to work Before Kauk even really knew favorite tools, she talks in technical “Insecure” for a couple of seasons. harder to prove themselves. In the past what a director or a DP did, detail about cameras and lenses, but “My good friend Ava Berkofsky is 10 years, things have gotten easier. she knew her camera was the also about the people she has worked the DP on that show, and then they I definitely feel there’s more women in best way to help satisfy her curiosity with and who have mentored her. brought me on to shoot season 4,” the room. I think there’s more people and connect with people. “If I had a “Institutionally, AFI is this expan- she says. That was in 2019, when she of color in the room. It makes the camera in my hand, people and soci- sive community. I met cinematogra- also shot “Rust Creek,” directed by project better. eties let me into their world, they let pher Anka Malatynska [a fellow Variety Jen McGowen in Kentucky. “That was “There’s still a long way to go but me into their space,” she says. 10 to Watch cinematographer] at really fun, ’cause it was all handheld in the last two years some people in Kauk worked as a camera oper- AFI, and over the last decade we’ve [with an Arri mini camera]. I was run- power have pushed to think differently ator on prestigious shows such as crossed paths; last year I gaffed for ning through the woods handheld and not hire the traditional choice.” — Shalini Dore “Insecure” (HBO), “The L Word: Gen- her on a feature, ‘Breaking Fast.’ ” for a month.” eration Q” and “The Chi” (both Show- Her tools include a mood-meter time), “Making the Cut” (Amazon app from researchers at Yale that Prime) and the documentary “Akicita: she’s rebuilt for her needs. She uses The Battle of Standing Rock,” which it when she breaks down scripts to screened at Sundance. help her with the characters. She also As DP, she shot CBS Saturday uses DP Rachel Morrison’s Cinescope morning drama series “The Inspec- app. “It’s become my camera on my tors” and the SXSW feature “Loev,” iPhone. Even if I just want to take a which has been picked up by Netflix. snap today of the sunset. I’ll actually She was DP on Series 3 of Snapchat use her app because it’s so quick series “Endless Summer.” Also on to set and communicate the mood deck: doc “Vinyl Nation,” about and the feeling.” independent record shops. This year she expected to be Kauk, who graduated from AFI, working on a couple projects, but retains a sense of wonder and fas- then COVID hit, and she’s used the cination in her voice when she talks time to learn more about her craft, about the art and science of cine- talk with other DPs and plan for matography. When asked about her 2021. — Carole Horst VARIETY 83 those rare andpivotal opportunitiesto “Monsterland,” sheadds,“is oneof of humansthrough thecameralens. her toexplore theinnerlandscapes the project’s cinematography allowed locations, actorsandstorylines, “fast, furiousandwildlyimaginative.” nonetheless found theexperience tobe 10 days ofprep inbetween.” Malatynska almost-feature filmsback-to-back with “was akintomakingeightindependent own challenges.Creating it,shesays, series “Monsterland”presented its worlds apart.Hulu’s horror anthology “Chungking Express.” of Veronique” andWong Kar-Wai’s Kieslowski’sof Krzysztof “DoubleLife discovered the power andemotion reached highschool,Malatynskahad her tocinematography. Bythetimeshe to exploring that,” shesays. “I knewthatacameracouldbeticket picturesvibrant, colorful oftheworld. Geographic thatprovided herwith she pored over editionsofNational “MONSTERLAND” Anka Malatynska 84 FOCUS The seriesconstantlyrequired new Malatynska’s latestprojects are That love for pictures brought up incommunistPoland, where power ofphotography growing Malatynska discovered the 10CINEMATOGRAPHERS TO WATCH VREY VARIETY University. that, shetaughtatNorthernArizona western University inQatar; before professor ofcinematography atNorth- cinematographers, servingasvisiting happen onthefly.” quick onherfeet andmadethings this project,” says Mosallam.“She was screen intopeople’s hearts.” to “make thecharacterstojumpoff Panavision’s lens team.Theirgoalwas lens treatment incollaborationwith Panavision Primos,usingaspecialized on theREDWeapon 8Kcamerawith Muslim-American experience.” challenges stereotypes ofIslamandthe is provocative andtimely,” shesays. “It and differences. “Thesubjectmatter framing toexplore theircommonalities Ramadan. Malatynskausesherlensand fast withhimduringthe holymonthof ican guyKal,whooffers tobreak the a practicingMuslimandtheall-Amer- lam’s “Breaking Fast” tellsthestoryof show isacinematographer’s dream.” ity withinthetelevisionspectrum.The create trueartandexercise my creativ- Malatynska ismentoringfuture “Anka was agreat collaboratoron Malatynska shot“Breaking Fast” Her work ondirector Mike Mosal- — Jazz Tangcay— Jazz laborator. Luckily enough, I did. meeting therightdirector andcol- at theAFIInstitute“in hopesoflike make abreak andpursuehisdream fer inMontreal whenhedecidedto fession. Hewas working asagaf- gravitated toward hiseventual pro- when hewas 2. Hesays healways but hisparents moved toMontreal love,” hesays. tography andtriedthatfell in “And thenIfound out[about]cinema- the young Pawel totake pictures. “MONA LISA ANDTHEBLOOD MOON” Pawel Pogorzelski The DPwas borninPoland, dentist dad encouraged dentist dadencouraged rapher himself, Pogorzelski’s As anavid amateurphotog- “The productionvalues we gained “BLACK ASNIGHT” Cybel Martin references from photographs tobooks prepares by surrounding herselfwith tor/cinematographer collaborationand deliver theirvision.Sheloves thedirec- inside thedirector’s headsoshecan just becauseitlooks ‘cool.’” always supportingthenarrative, not make cameradecisionswithintent, She learnedalot,shesays. “They Goi, Adam Davidson andSpike Lee. Rees, Anthony Hemingway, Michael mentors, framingtheworks ofDee worked withthefinestdirectors and ematography. Sincethen,theDPhas Pennsylvania thatMartinlearnedcin- ing filmtheoryattheUniversity of film hasalways beeninherveins. winner “Sundays andCybele,” and was immense.” from New Orleans’ practical locations … thatkindofrich,saturatedroute look, buttobeinspired by that look didn’t really want toemulatethat Powell andEmericPressburger. ”We Aster looked tothefilmsofMichael soaked insunshine,Pogorzelski and and kindheis,” Pogorzelski says. in alldepartments,andhow focused ethic, andhow knowledgeable heis best thingfrom Rodrigo was hiswork the Rodrigo Prieto. ”You know, the “Midsommar.” with 2018’s “Hereditary” and2019’s Aster, withwhomhemadeasplash met Ari,” hesays, referring toAri Martin asks alotofquestionstoget But itwasn’t untilshewas study- For “Midsommar,” ahorror film Pogorzelski alsointernedwith 1962 foreign-language Oscar presciently namedafterthe Cinematographer Martinwas Cybel Martin — Jazz Tangcay— Jazz lenses reflected thoseattributes.” aberrations. Myselectionofvintage both agedandtimeless,elegantwith restrictions,” shesays. “Vampires are lenses becauseoftheirso-called emotion itcanexpress. “Ichosemy about technicalcapabilitybutthe tin selects,thechoiceofgearisnot practical locationswas immense.” tion valuewe gainedfrom NewOrleans’ within thoselimitations.Theproduc- location restrictions andfindbeauty “embrace theweather fluctuations, New Orleans. anthology series“BlackasNight”in wrapping theupcomingBlumhouse “The Rookie” and“All Rise,” Martinis inspire theimageshehastocapture. to filmclips—anything thatwillhelp — Carole Horst — Carole a world itistoshootfilm.” me how difficultandhow different 100 ASA and160ASA. Itjusttaught film onmy Hasselbladandshooting “been doingalotofportraiture on with really widelenses.” lenging becausewe shoteverything really beautifulmovie. Andit’s chal- it was areally exciting project anda helmer AnaLilyAmirpour. “Ithought and theBloodMoon” inthecanfrom nium] DXL2, andwent withtheDXL2. Alexa LS and[Panavision’s Millen- that we’re goingfor.” Theytestedthe Whichever lensorcameraMar- The challengefor Martinwas to After working series onTV During thepandemic, hehas Pogorzelski alsohas“MonaLisa MARTIN: COURTESY OF CHRIS VIOLETTE 10 CINEMATOGRAPHERS TO WATCH FOCUS Anna Franquesa Solano “THE FAREWELL” In less than a decade, Solano on the Master Primes and Alexa has acquired more than 25 Mini for gear. Other times, Solano credits as a cinematographer. held steady with her camera to repre- Her eye for photography opened sent that the family was perhaps when she was growing up in Barce- hiding a secret. lona, taking photos and processing The deliberate compositions of the pictures in a home lab. It was by “The Farewell” are different from accident that she stumbled across “Buck Run,” which was shot in Lewis- filmmaking. “I made a short film with burg, Penn., where the environment a friend at my father’s home,” she was very much a character unto itself. says. “The apartment was surrounded However, Solano’s lighting choices by a patio with balconies in every stayed the same. She chose a natu- room. The circular arrangement gave ralistic approach, staying true to her us the idea to make a film about iso- environments. In “The Farewell” the lation.” Once Solano found herself in interiors had fluorescent lighting. film school in New York; she never “It’s very common to have this kind looked back. of harsh and unpleasant lighting at Her most recent work was on home [in China]. We decided to keep Lulu Wang’s mostly China-set “The it for the film but treat it, to make it Farewell.” The striking film from 2019 feel inviting.” still resonates with indelible images. “The Farewell” challenged Solano Scenes such as Billi’s (Awkwafina) in many ways. She and her crew had trek to the hospital to prevent her to shoot in unfamiliar surroundings, Nai Nai (Shuzhen Zhao) from discov- sometimes in small spaces, in a for- ering her test results and the cha- eign language, but she enjoys going otic family dinners lingered with audi- outside her comfort zone. “It defi- ences because Wang and Solano had nitely made me a better DP.” Azul Serra made the decision early on to use a Ultimately, says Solano, her cre- wide-aspect ratio to catch those ativity comes from being able to artic- “KISSING GAME” moments and capture as many family ulate “the subtleties of written story members as possible. She settled into visual language.” — Jazz Tangcay Ask many cinematographers multiple awards. He has become |to name their favorite tools known in the U.S. through Netflix’s and you’ll get answers such “Kissing Game” — a series strangely as 35mm film, the Arri Alexa camera evocative of today’s pandemic that’s |or a preferred Panavision lens. Ask set in a Brazilian cattle-ranching that question of Serra, and the answer town where adolescents panic when is “a good screenplay.” they’re threatened by the outbreak of Clearly, this Brazil-based DP a contagious infection transmitted by places storytelling above technology. kissing. Serra calls the series “a rele- He says his profession allows him vant and courageous project.” to “dive into the emotions of the char- Cinematographers whose work acters, live out their love lives and Serra admires the most include fears. It’s like being on a boat sailing Roger Deakins, Greig Fraser, Bradford on an adventure to the unknown, Young, Reed Morano and Gordon surrounded by people I admire and Willis. As his career develops, the DP want to be close to.” plans to stick to his idealism, hoping Like many DPs, Serra learned to work on films “that make me thrive many tricks of his trade at film school, and transform as a human being, but he firmly believes that “the art of that help me better understand the cinematography only truly develops world around me.” with practice and exchange. The expe- To help support Brazil’s suffering rience reveals new layers of what it is film business during the pandemic, to actually make cinema. It’s suddenly Serra launched a movement along with no longer about what camera, what other DPs and directors to create a lens or lighting. It’s more about people, visual gallery. relationships, listening and intuition.” The group is inviting artists to Serra is well known in Brazil, where donate three photographs each. All his work spans commercials, TV series sales proceeds go toward industry and features — and where he’s won relief. — Peter Caranicas “The art of cinematography only truly develops with practice and exchange.” Azul Serra VARIETY 85 Can’t decide what to watch? We picked the best TV shows and movies to stream. POWERED BY BINGE NOW Variety.com/WhatToWatch ENERGACAMERIMAGE 2020 FOCUS Arri, Red camera, Sony gear, shooting FEST REVS UP and lighting tools and meet the manufac- turers in an area of the Jordanki festival center that looks like a cinematographer’s HYBRID ENGINE preview of heaven. “We are working on a pretty advanced model of the festival center,” Suwala says. CAMERIMAGE SETS SLIMMER LINEUP WITH A BLEND OF “You will be able to go and have a 3D walk ONLINE AND PHYSICAL SCREENINGS, PLUS A MARKETPLACE through the market. Hopefully you can THAT’S A DP’S DREAM By Will Tizard play with a 3D camera model. We’ve chosen a very advanced technology.” What’s more, talks will be recorded for playback by those who missed the live stream, he adds. Festival sections and sidebars have had to be slimmed a bit as well, with last year’s total of more than 20 this time down to 17. The usual issue of digital rights man- agement has meant that not all competi- tion films will be available online. “We won’t be allowed to stream all the content we have. The deals with distribu- tors, producers, international connections, all of it makes showing films online harder. “We won’t have 100% of the content on the Internet, but we hope will have probably 70%-80%.” The content that is streamed will be most often available only in Poland, he adds, to conform with online territory deals. “Actually, each film has a different strategy. It’s totally new puzzles that we’ve never dealt with [before].” The crash course in streaming man- agement will have benefits for future editions of Camerimage, though. “My feeling is we will do the festival the same way we did before with physi- THE ENERGACAMERIMAGE cinematography will end up with about 180.” But things TWO-HANDER cal screenings and a real-world market,” fest, although slightly scaled down owing should roll out much as they have over “Falling,” which Suwala says. “But for sure we will stay to Poland’s new listing on Europe’s red |the fest’s 28-year history. stars Viggo Mortensen online as well somehow, for people who (right), who also zone of high COVID-19 infection rates, re- “The main change is that we will be directs, and Lance can’t come so we can show them some- mains committed to honoring the finest in trying to go to a virtual festival,” he says, Henrickson, opens the thing from the festival.” lensing from around the world, says Kazik but adds that Camerimage remains com- Camerimage festival. A heightened online presence is no Suwala, the org’s festival office director. mitted to screening in physical cinemas. bad thing, he adds. “I don’t think the aim “From the program point of view, “Doing it physically in the place we do — is to move to the internet. But for sure it we actually are doing what we’ve been if we are allowed to — we will do it. For will be another tool to develop.” doing,” Suwala says. “We have the same now, the law here in Poland for a cultural As for the argument many fests in a competitions, we have some other special event allows using a maximum of 25% similar predicament make — that more screenings, we have the retrospectives, of the seats of the venue.” viewers will now be able to access their the lifetime achievement awards.” Certainly international travel restric- content — Suwala is less convinced. The fest’s main competition includes tions will have an effect. “Of course the fes- “I’m not sure we can say so because when festival favorites such as “Ammonite,” tival is probably going to be more local than you finally get permission to show the “Falling,” “Never Gonna Snow Again,” international,” Suwala says. “However, a lot film online you usually have a limit on “Nomadland” and “Charlatan.” The fest of correspondence between us and inter- the number of views.” will run Nov. 14-20 in Torun. national guests is still happening.” It’s an impressive feat considering The fest’s online platform is shaping Tipsheet that the new public health and travel up into a robust operation, he adds, “to WHAT: EnergaCamerimage rules change daily in this part of Europe. connect the screenings, live streams of WHEN: Nov. 14-20 But other than an unavoidable adjustment talks and question and answer [sessions], WHERE: Torun, Poland in scale to the event’s $3 million budget, and we’ll keep up our market for the ex- WEB camerimage.pl Suwala says, “the last couple of years we hibitors.” This last element, a Camerimage had 220-250 films, including music vid- specialty, is normally where filmmakers eos, student films, shorts. This year we can get their hands on the latest mini MODERN FILMS VARIETY 87 introducing A New Annual Franchise That Includes Awards Circuit Section on Variety.com Featuring the latest awards news throughout the year Awards Circuit Column Clayton Davis dissects the biggest trends and contenders Awards Circuit Podcast Listen to the weekly talent interview series wherever your favorite podcasts are found Awards Circuit Video Variety's top award pundits Clayton Davis, Michael Schneider, Jenelle Riley and Jazz Tangcay analyze all components of a contending project read. watch. listen. share. variety.com/awardscircuit ARTISANS TOPARTISANS BILLING Henry said, ‘Bye, Trash Truck,’ in this very Family of Animators innocent, sweet way.” After that, Keane started telling Henry bedtime stories about a little boy and his best friend who was a garbage truck, Drives ‘Trash Truck’ and the idea began picking up speed. “I pitched the idea to my dad and Gennie, and they thought that ‘Yeah, there’s some- MAX KEANE’S NETFLIX SERIES IS LATEST PROJECT FROM STUDIO RUN BY thing there. You should just keep digging HIS FATHER, LONGTIME DISNEY ARTIST GLEN KEANE By Terry Flores into that,’” he says. “Watching Max develop this from the purest beginning point was special,” Glen Keane says. When Max presented the idea to MAX KEANE isn’t new to the family’s ani- the company his dad formed in 2012 after him and Rim, “We both said, ‘You’ve got to mation business. He’s worked on many years as a Disney animator. do this. We’ve got to do this. This is an ani- of his dad Glen Keane’s post-Disney proj- “It’s an idea I stole from my son mated series.’” ects, including the shorts “Duet” and [Henry],” Max Keane admits. “When he was Glen Keane Prods. developed the proj- the Oscar-winning “Dear Basketball” as 1½, he was completely obsessed with gar- ect for three years, according to the elder production designer. But as creator and bage trucks.” At first, Keane couldn’t figure Keane, and when Glen signed on to direct showrunner of the latest Glen Keane out why Henry was so enchanted by the “Over the Moon” for Netflix, the streamer KEEPING IT CLEAN Prods. project, “Trash Truck,” Max is in big, loud vehicles. But one foggy morning, picked up “Trash Truck” too. “Glen Glen Keane voices the driver’s seat for the first time. the titular Trash it clicked. and Gennie were in talks with Netflix about The preschooler kids series about an Truck, with Henry “[Henry] saw the trash truck coming doing ‘Over the Moon’ with Pearl Studio. imaginative 6-year-old boy, Hank, and his Keane as Hank, Jackie down the street. It pulled up in front of us, And ‘Trash Truck’ was also kind of orbiting Loeb as Miss Mona the vehicular best friend debuted on Netflix on mouse, Lucas Neff as grabbed the trash, dumped it and slammed around. So it worked out serendipitously to Nov. 10 with a dozen 11-minute episodes. Donny the raccoon and the [container] back down,” he recalls. “I go to Netflix and make both of these proj- Max Keane is creator-showrunner and Brian Baumgartner was holding Henry, looking at this giant ects. That was thanks to [Netflix director of as Walter the bear, executive produces along with his father in the Netflix beast of a truck, and I said to myself, ‘Wow, original animation] Dominique Bazay and and Gennie Rim, CEO at Glen Keane Prods., preschool series. yeah. I get it. This thing is amazing.’ Then [Netflix VP] Melissa Cobb. They welcomed NETFLIX VARIETY 89 90 good atgood itasMax is.” myself. Sometimes Iwishcould as be cerity. Iseethat inhimandIstrive for that andsin of hiswarmthbecause andheart Frank somewhere Capra inhisbody bone one prouddad:“Ialways thinkMaxhasa in your life.” that similartothepeople are very they’re the touchstones for your characters, and fleshing outanidea,” hesays. “You findall whenyoupens writingcharactersand start think itwas just oneof thethingsthat hap “I had hisfamilyinmindfromthestart. youbecause know themsowell.” around you, you usethemasinspiration, draw what you know.’ Ifit’s thepeople dad would always say, ‘Glen, you should in thefamily, according toGlenKeane: “My ‘truck-ese.’”speaks voice for whodoesn’t Trash He Truck, talk. recalls. “Ijust felt that hiswas anobvious with thesebigsoundeffects,” MaxKeane voices aswell Grandpa asTrash Truck. Megan Paul Keane, plays Mom;GlenKeane Hank’s little sister. MaxisDad;hiswife, andMax’sHank, daughter, Olive, voices withthename“Keane.”people voices Henry whichfeatures cast, many Truck” “Trash Keane familydoes.” children,” GlenKeane notes. “It’s what the children’sdoes onher based books we were kids. Mydaughter[ClaireKeane] ily Circus’comic, onourfamilywhen based is synonymous withanimation andcartoons. business isn’t asurprise. Thename“Keane” andyouidea, shouldmake that.’” where Netflix was ‘Yeah, saying, we love that uniqueexperience,“I thinkitwas areally have else,” madeanywhere been hesays. form. “Idon’t could know Truck’ if‘Trash received plat fromthestreaming they’ve Keane recalls. own senseof identityasacompany,” Max GKP intoNetflix butletusmaintainour ARTISANS Sketches revealavehiclewithheart. FRIENDLY SEDIMENTS One thing’s for sure, GlenKeane is That lesson hasn’t who lost onMax, been There’s for reason keeping agood itall “Growing up, my dadalways toldstories That familydynamicextends tothe Fam“My dad[BilKeane] ‘The created oninthefamily That Maxwould carry Max Keane praisesthecreative freedom VREY VARIETY - - - - Jangle.” texture in“Jingle rock hairwith and ForestWhitaker Madalen Mills HIRSUTE HOLIDAY for VictorianHoliday Tale Authentic Black Hairstyles basic shapes and styles shesaw. shapes basic in Victorian Englandandb›uilding onthe rarephotosof Black people researching Strange,”including “Doctor by started not celebrated.” that inslave erawherethey’re rolesand typically seeBlackwomen infilmsfrom tohowto seetheirfamilies, we asopposed whowent tochurchorwent smart, looked Phylicia as“one Rashad, of theladieswho Grandma,played by particularly the film, England andbowing Nov. 13onNetflix. setagainstfilm, thebackdrop of Victorian of theBlackhairstyleslook inthefamily tin went lengthstoreimagine togreat the Hair andmakeup designerSharonMar ies that revolve around Blackcharacters. of newChristmas number movincreasing Legend’s Film Get Lifted Co., isamongan from directorDavid E.Talbert andJohn ‘JINGLE JANGLE’ PRESENTS STORY’S CENTRALCHARACTERS WITH ANUNCOMPROMISING LOOK “JINGLE JANGLE: The designer, whohasworked onfilms thewomen toportray in aimed Martin A Christmas Journey,” - - seen before with this dreadlock look. Tradi look. seen before withthisdreadlock “We like wanted hertolook we hadnever and you hoped itallwouldand you come hoped together,” hairdresser sentusthe measurements, York. “We shape. hadtofindherhead Her challenge, since inNew Rashadwas based her notesback.” ples. I’d andI’d seehow itwould look, send they andshe’d were right, sendme sam [Alex]because would mixthecolors until tin’s wigmaker. go-to two “Ittook months taken careof, withasalt-and-pepper look. —allbeautifully dreadlocks has manicured would work withRashad’s skintone. Thewig to dosomethingdifferent.” Cosby Show.”in “The this, “With Iwanted says referring toRashad’s Martin, character and wholesome, butherhairis straight,” tionally, she’s MamaHuxtable [toeveryone] Rashad’s wigwas madefromscratch. Getting theexact fitfor thewigwas a Alex Rouse Wigs inLondonwas Mar by samplingcolors started thatMartin By JazzTangcay - - - TRASH TRUCK: NETFLIX; JINGLE JANGLE: GARETH GATRELL/NETFLIX ARTISANS Martin says. When Rashad was finally able to try on the finished wig during the film’s Getting Production U.K. shoot last year, it fit “like a glove,” the designer notes proudly. Newcomer Madalen Mills plays Jour- Running in Virtual Safety ney, the curious child who visits the work- shop of her grandfather, Jeronicus Jangle, L.A. CASTLE STUDIOS GRADUATES TO NEXT LEVEL BY played by Forest Whitaker. Once the great- DIALING UP LOCATIONS WITH GAME ENGINE est inventor of gadgets and gizmos, he By Jazz Tangcay loses his knack for magic after his most prized invention is stolen. Martin wanted to do something that was “gorgeous, fun and still fit the period” for Journey. The creation: a “faux-hawk [a fake Mohawk], and her hair was interlaced with ribbon and ornamented with gears.” Martin went to the prop department and found cogs, wheels and screws that she wove into Journey’s hairpiece to incorpo- rate the idea of a preteen girl existing in a magical world of toys. For Whitaker’s Jeronicus, it took four concept drawings featuring different ENVIABLE SETUP lengths of beard and hair to nail the design The greenscreen — a slightly wild Frederick Douglass vibe. stage at L.A. Castle Studios can “We wanted him to look like he wasn’t be all things to really taking care of himself anymore. all filmmakers. Here was a man who had lost his wife and had not been the same since.” The bushy wig took six weeks to make, WHEN THE CORONAVIRUS pandemic shut Since the majority of locations are and when it was finished, Martin did more down film and television production, Hol- available online, posted by artists and work on it — cutting it and shaping. “I lywood had to come up with new ways camera people around the world, Pipher wanted it to look textured but not home- to allow casts and crews to continue to simply buys the locale the production less. I had to find a balance,” she says. work safely. L.A. Castle Studios in Bur- requires. “I pay anywhere from $30-$50, Whether styling Whitaker, Rashad or bank, Calif., was already a one-stop shop and we have a location.” young Mills, Martin’s goal was to ensure for camera, lenses, sets, crew and lighting. The physical layout of the studio is plenty that the Black hair in the film appeared But the studio, which features a full 4K vir- big enough for social distancing. “We have accurate to the period while avoiding the tual system powered by the Unreal video 12,000 square feet of space, and if you had concession of straightening it to blend into game engine, is also one of the few that can 12 people in the studio, that’s 1,000 square white culture. “Black people and women shoot with multiple freely moving cam- feet per person, so by default, you could be are reclaiming their texture, and they’re eras. That versatility, mixed with the tech- spread out and safe.” proud of it, and it’s not being compro- nology, means a production can look like Other productions Pipher has helped put mised,” says Martin. “I really wanted to it takes place anywhere in the world, from together during this time include the BET showcase that.” the Oval Office to ancient Rome, at a frac- Awards, CBS’ “Mission Unstoppable With tion of what it would cost to travel there — Miranda Cosgrove” and the CBS special if you could these days. “John Lewis: Celebrating a Hero,” with John Owner Tim Pipher’s main concern was Legend and Common performing on a vir- the same as that of many business owners tual Edmund Pettus Bridge. when the shutdown happened: how to stay Pipher has installed a MERV 13 HVAC in business. With no productions scheduled filter in the facility so that while filming is for the foreseeable future, Pipher wasn’t going on inside there’s plenty of safe, clean sure if the company would survive. air for those at work. But a call from the producers of “Gradu- Other protocols are followed as well. ate Together,” the virtual celebration hon- “All our staff is COVID tested every three or oring the high school classes of 2020 whose four days depending on what productions senior year had been locked down due to we have coming in,” Pipher says. “The tech the health crisis, changed things. The orga- crew, such as the camera people or control nizers “needed to find the safest place in the room personnel, are separated by their own industry so they could convince stars like entrances and areas, and everyone stays Timothée Chalamet and Alicia Keys to come apart and safe.” into a location and be filmed. Their research The technology has opened up many led them here,” Pipher says. more options for those aiming to get back to The virtual locations meant there was work. “If a producer wants a shark tank or a “Black people and women no set construction required and no build- football field, we’re no longer looking at mil- ers needed “because everything is done lion-dollar sets,” Pipher explains. are reclaiming their texture, on a computer by virtual set designers.” “They’re saving money while keeping and they’re proud of it.” Images of students were added to both their cast and crew safe,” he adds. “It’s free- Chalamet’s speech and Keys’ piano perfor- ing them creatively, and that’s a great com- Sharon Martin mance of “Underdog.” bination.” VARIETY 91 Mank BY OWEN GLEIBERMAN FILM REVIEW of isjust creation oneof many thingsthat you’ve andtheeffect seen, istolenditadiz wrote thescriptfor “Citizen Kane,” theact flow by. That’s of what gives part themovie about an artist, the drama of creativity is usu thedramaofcreativity anartist, about about HermanJ.about Mankiewicz,thefabled ally frontandcenter. But in“Mank,” David a true-life tale of Old Hollywood that’s taleof OldHollywood a true-life more screenwriter of ’30s Hollywood, andhow he screenwriter of ’30sHollywood, tion and glory —thanjust aboutany movietion andglory sleaze, itslayer-cake hierarchies, itscorrup —itsglamourand inOld Hollywood steeped you-are-there authenticity. is tuous “Mank” Fincher’s raptlyintricate andenticingmovie its uniquelyatmospheric, at timestumul zying time-machine splendor.zying time-machine 92 Tom Burke, LilyCollins,CharlesDance STARRING: DIRECTOR: WHEN YOU WATCH Gary Oldman, Amanda Seyfried, GaryOldman,AmandaSeyfried, David Fincher VREY VARIETY a biographicalmovie TOP BILLING TOP - - - - in “Mank.” J. Mankiewicz stars asHerman Gary Oldman A WHIM WRITTEN ON REVIEWS 90 miles from L.A., whereMankiewicz 90 milesfromL.A., Table, andtheway Oldmanplays with him, exquisitely black-and- retrodeep-focus cottage, churningoutthescriptthat will (Gary Oldman),who’s(Gary nursingabroken rupts theacerbic monologuein hishead. rupts movie ever made. with supremeluster by EricMesserschmidt’s white cinematography. Thecarsarrive at wit has a wonderful compulsivenesswit hasawonderful about who held court atwho heldcourt theAlgonquin Round insideacozyweeks lyinginbed getaway thenext willspend 12 washed-up drunk, a delectably crumpled drollegomania, hisa delectably crumpled a former New York journalist andcritic thought to the bitter end. Nothingthought tothebitter inter end. since he’s tofollow compelled histrainof themorecomplete,the moreinebriated inoutrageously orotundsentences,speaks tool alongaCalifornia roadway,tool country North VerdeNorth RanchinVictorville, about it. He’sit. ahumanticker-tape machinewho become “Citizen Kane,” thegreatest he’s always tothecastle-in-the-air reacting leg, andwhoisaweary,leg, bedraggled, kicking updust inaway that’s captured We could listen toMankallday, because Mankiewicz, known to all as Mank, isMankiewicz, known toallas Mank, In the opening sequence,In theopening 1930scars - dictating themtoRitaAlexander (LilyCol old boy-wonder directorof “Citizen Kane,” Factoryengine of theDream ispower. one),andwherethesecret agood occasion, scripts(ormaybe even, onoff cardboard of thescriptin90days. SoManksetsto of doors, gab andwhenhechats toopen of William forms afast RandolphHearst, given blancheby RKO carte tomake any work, scrawling outthewordswork, himselfor writers like $1,500aweek himselfget paid with Hearst (CharlesDance),with Hearst thenewspa unreality of theworld whereunreality aroundhim, film hewants, hasarranged for himtobe acter asplayfully as“Citizen Kane” We did. there. Welles hassoughtoutthedamaged gambleandtoss to sitarounddrink, shooting aWesternshooting whereshe’s being per tycoonper whoisMarion’s sugardaddy, He’s at Verde theNorth Ranchbecause Orson Welles (Tom Burke), the24-year- friendship withMarionDavies (Amanda but brilliant Mank, andwants thefirst draft but brilliantMank, burned atburned thestake. Mank useshisgift thesweetlySeyfried), brittle starlet who’s hand-holder who’s tohim. assigned been Britishstenographer andlins), thepert leap back to 1930, when Mank, at theestate to1930,whenMank, back leap The movie hopsarounditsmainchar REVIEWS - - - NETFLIX ROBB COHEN/INVISION/AP “Citizen Kane,” it’s almost moreinside Yet given that it’s of about thecreation Jack Fincher. Chaffin, Eric Roth, DouglasUrbanski. Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross. Reviewed Oct.16, Arts, atDigital 2020. CREDITS: Jamie McShane,Toby Leonard Moore, MonikaGossmann Ferdinand Kinglsey, Tuppence Middleton,Tom Burke, JosephCross, Dance,LilyCollins, ArlissHoward,Charles Tom Pelphrey, SamTroughton, Rating: Thalberg (FerdinandThalberg Kingsley), ittakes up dark when Mank, with one flippant remark, remark, withoneflippant dark whenMank, cynicism, whichculminates inadin cynicism, initfeeds into“Citizeneverything Kane” — ciously evocative, verbally sharp-angled extremely overstated mythology. Andit’s a wascept allMankiewicz,and andwriting, essay “RaisingKane” — that “Kane,” incon credit.) Thefilmbuys moreorless comcredit.) inanover-my-dead-body way,objected, to could limit its appeal. Why amovie does could limititsappeal. create fake-newscreate newsreelsthat windup gle showmanship. But sorry, that’s an Welles provided thefancy-camera-an you’d Mank thinktheanswers were “Mank, not just Mankiewicz’s access and toHearst movie that’s never less thanengrossing. nagging flaw inamovie that immersesus movie inthefirst about Hearst place? Who not includeonescene inwhichwe get to meets-“Don Quixote.”) Mankhashollowed inwhichhecompletely self-de- ner party of writerwhowas aman-of-the-people sort ofnatorial UptonSinclair, campaign the next totheoldman. netic blunt-witted scowl by Arliss Howard) mogul LouisB. Mayer (played withamag write a script bold enoughtoundercutthewrite ascriptbold where hehasnothingtoloseinorder and hisyouthful right-hand smoothie, Irving and Mank.” (You’d alsothinkthat Welles to win people back to theaters duringthe totheaters back to winpeople of movie struggle studios the do-or-die themes that have withtoday: aneerieparallel the idea of Mankiewiczreceivingthe idea screen thought up the visionary “News onthe thought upthevisionary see MankandWelles brainstorming “Cit that devotes 20minutestoUptonSinclair the pitchfor “Citizen Kane.” (Inhissozzled ashetosses offstructs what is, inessence, Sinclair’storpedoing campaign. pletely intothenotionproffered by Pau- Davies but the politics of the Hollywood Davies of theHollywood butthepolitics Depression; guber the1934Democratic March” From fake “Mank,” documentary? Fincher’s father, (late) isalus “Mank” Bernie Sandersof hisday. Thebattle turns Mank hobnobbingwithfolks like theMGM image factory, andMank’s own alcoholic in the Dream Factoryin theDream butnever totallynails izen Kane”? was Whoseidea ittomake a inadvertently gives to thestudio theidea fantasy machinery fantasy machinery baseball than it needs tobe. thanitneeds Andthatbaseball how of “Kane” thedream cametobe. line Kael’s exuberant butproblematic 1971 himself out, yet thepoint himself out, hehastoreach it’shallucination, of Hearst- thelife story at himselfaseat thedinnertablehe earns As “Mank” goes on, we toseehow on, goes start As “Mank” As thefilmmoves intothe’30s, andfinds Written by Jack Fincher, whoisDavid R. R. ANetflixrelease ofaNetflixproduction. Running time: Camera: Erik Messerschmidt. ErikMesserschmidt. 132MIN. of Holly Cast: Director: Gary Oldman, Amanda Seyfried, Oldman,Amanda Seyfried, Gary Editor: David Fincher. wood. KirkBaxter. Producers: Screenplay: Ceán Ceán Music: - - - MPAA - - - - - Atlanta in2019. perform in and DerekMixon Chris Stapleton FRESH TAKE country music:theCMAAwardscountry that hadJus most significantfiguresincontemporary the signalmomentthat madehimoneof the of Stapleton albumbutthefifthanniversary forgive whenStapleton themomentsearlier you can vintage toback, Clarksongsback songwriting heroes. Whenhestacks those covers, paying homage tooneof Stapleton’s that features notjust onebuttwo GuyClark toughtoconsiderbe any albumformulaic to reinvent himself,it’stry But it’d Stapleton. in hismusicalconvictions hemightnever its title;ifthere’s anybody who’s sorock-solid Trigger meetsB.B. King’s Lucille. part-stinging inwhichNelson’s approach side ismuchlouder;hisapart-acoustic, has Nelson’s buthisbluesy tendertouch, in hisfourth release, Over.” “Starting He Thereareplentyof thesemomentsalbum. Allman SingstheWillie Nelson Songbook” ine you’re listening toamythical “Gregg far. At Stapleton’s sometimesyou imag best, go thecomparisons onlyso means a belter with Willie’s, thoughhisinherentvolume as son’s hippie-and-redneck-uniting heyday. constituencies thananyone since Willie Nel guitarist have together lethimpatch more bilities andgiftsasagrowler andanelectric sensus-builder, whosehumble, sensi- rootsy aconalmost rarerinmusicthanpolitics: that thingthat Stapletonhasbeen is then, for aviralduetof“Tennessee Whiskey.” From tin Timberlake joiningthethen-nicheartist NOVEMBER BRINGSNOT LABEL: ARTIST: Over Starting BY CHRISWILLMAN MUSIC REVIEW “Starting Over” doesn’t tolive Over” upto mean “Starting You hisappeal equate cancertainly Mercury Nashville ChrisStapleton just anewChris - - - - CREDITS: Derek Mixon, J.T. Cure, BenmontTench, Mike PaulFranklin Campbell, Gena Johnson,Mike Fahey. you leftthishole/Righthereinthemid comes upwithrhymes like “Girl you know more thanheneeds. Nashville willalways Stapletonway need He canafford tosingthat toughakiss-off: lover leftbehind. tobe whoneeds bespoiled that MusicCitywitha equates harsh ballad the closing“Nashville, TN,” asurprisingly one? Not Theotheris recently enough.) dogs, butwhenwas thelast timeyou heard singers theirdead writingsongsabout try sky. arealotof jokes (There about coun who hasgone doghouseinthe tothegreat “Maggie’s Song,” girl good toavery anode might forgo tearjerkers thistime, heoffers Justwith death. when you thinkStapleton festival literallyconsigned tohell. being atthe mass theRoute shooter 91Harvest “Watch You Burn,” inwhichheimagines Mikeby theHeartbreakers’ Campbell, for moreovert dramainasongco-written against thelove woman. Hegoes of agood something Iknow that I’m notgonna find” weighing thedepression of “searching for anyone afterI’m will remember gone,” but thingsthat I’ve done/Idoubt “the worrying Stapleton singsof enteringmiddleage and alittle atdespair thislate, acclaimed date, that lyricalregard:Projecting himselfinto You” ispracticallyacareersummation in I’m skirts. Hisownexpertly “When With of contentedness andhighanxietythat he ton’s handsandfitsintothefinebalance shuffleinStaple intoaterrificrock turned a GuyClarksong. uponyou, thewaysneak itwould sure, in, you’re that infor will subtlyemotive imagery is alotof thetime—it’s usuallyasignthat acoustic —which mode his stripped-down, Butstring section. whenthesinger into goes form ’70s-style andgussy itupwithabig, DaveStapleton andco-producer Cobb break why whichisprobably writing onthealbum, “Cold,”couplet, istheleast-inspired piece of dle of my soul.” Thesongthat contains that Two of thealbum’s best songsalsodeal That late artist’s BGone” “Worry is Producers: Dave Cobb, ChrisStapleton. Musicians: VARIETY Stapleton, Cobb, Stapleton, Morgane Stapleton, Engineers: REVIEWS Vance Powell, - 93 - - FACETIME What was your relationship with horror Misha Osherovich before “Freaky”? I watched horror growing up. I love psychological horror, or downright sexy stuff. “Jennifer’s ‘Horror Is an Incredibly Body” is easily my favorite horror mov- ie. But I mostly learned about horror through doing this. I’ve been talking to Queer Space’ horror queers about what it means to have queer representation in horror, and I’ve learned so much that I’m geek- By Meg Zukin ing out about it. Horror is so queer, canonically. MISHA OSHEROVICH’S character, Josh, in Blumhouse’s “Freaky” (in theaters and on In horror you often see that trope of the VOD Nov. 13) is more than just the gay sidekick. “Yes, he’s a gay best friend, but he’s person of color maybe dying first, the also a commentary on a gay best friend,” says the actor and activist, who uses “they/ queer person maybe dies first, or they them” pronouns, and has been seen in “The Goldfinch” and AMC’s “NOS4A2.” get shoved to the side. I’m learning that horror is an incredibly queer space. Vam- In “Freaky,” a high school girl (Kathryn Newton) magically swaps bodies with a pire films and zombie films are like these serial killer (Vince Vaughn). Osherovich’s visible role in a studio movie is empowering queer powerhouse avatars. I feel like to the queer community, they say. Ahead of the release of the film, Osherovich talked horror can really empower queers, but over Zoom about coming out as nonbinary in quarantine and working with Vaughn. it’s also interesting to comment on the old tropes of the gay kid dying first. When did you come out as nonbinary? That was recently. That was actually over quarantine. I have been on my little queer journey for a bit now. I grew up in a really conservative household, and my parents are from Russia. So already the gay thing was a big to-do. My family had a big falling out over it, and it only recently got back to normalcy. Nonbinary was around March. Quarantine gives you time to think, and I was just weighing what my queerness has been like so far, and I said it out loud to myself in my apart- ment: “I think I’m nonbinary.” A weight lifted off my chest and shoulders. I was never allowed to be feminine or paint my nails when I was younger, so to be able to say it out loud and put it on social media and tell my friends felt so good. I move through the world easier now. My pronouns are “they/them.” I’m nonbinary. This is exactly who I want to be. What was it like working with Vince Vaughn? He’s a character and he’s also, how do I put this — intensely playful? He gets to set, and he makes sure you know that we are going to do all kinds of ver- sions of this scene. He’s going to ad-lib; he’s going to improv; he’s going to ask you to do things that are kind of weird and out of the box. And lo and behold, of course it gets the best performances out of everybody. He was really game to work with younger actors, and it wasn’t like an annoying mentorship. It was a les- son in being a professional comedian. THINGS YOU AGE: 25 QUARANTINE COPING: DIDN’T KNOW Meditation, journaling ABOUT RELATIONSHIP WITH SOCIAL MEDIA: “I treat it like a fucking job. MISHA I engage with people and then OSHEROVICH I put it away.” CHRIS BOGARD PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS BOGARD 94 VARIETY Lost in Translation? Visual Story Development from Script to Screen FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20 8:00 AM PST / 11:00 AM EST Hear from masters of the PÖFF Black Room, organized in association with the European Film Academy, and German renowned screenwriters from the Face to Face program, as they discuss the crucial development process in filmmaking. FEATURED SPEAKERS HANNO HACKFORT Writer You Are Wanted, 4 Blocks JANA BURBACH Writer Bad Banks, Breaking Even JACQUELINE ABRAHAMS Production Designer The Lobster, How I Live Now SIMON WEISSE Modeler & Propmaker The Grand Budapest Hotel, Isle of Dogs MODERATED BY LEO BARRACLOUGH International Features Editor, Variety REGISTER NOW VARIETY.COM/SCRIPTTOSCREEN Congratulations, 2020 BUSINESS MANAGERS ELITE HONOREES We’ve stood alongside you, and we’re evolving with you. As leaders who uncover opportunities amid uncertainty, City National® is proud to offer the financial tools to help you continue to reach your goals. Discover The way up® at CNB.com Proudly serving the entertainment industry for more than 65 years. LOS ANGELES | NEW YORK | NASHVILLE | ATLANTA | MIAMI* *City National Bank does business in the state of Florida as CN Bank. City National Bank Member FDIC. City National Bank is a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada. ©2020 City National Bank. 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