Daily Digest: Upfront Havoc is Coming
Netflix's presentation is now virtual, and NBCU's Linda Yaccarino is off to Twitter. And the protests haven't even begun
Upfronts, a.k.a. that time of year when TV networks and streamers hawk their fall slates to advertisers, are — as you’re probably gleaning — gonna to be pretty weird this year. I’ll be there all next week, as will The Wakeup’s Sean McNulty (at least on Disney’s upfronts day). So if there’s something you think The Ankler team should know about — best picket lines, productions set to be blocked, celeb food drop-offs — please do reach out at elaine@theankler.com.
Meanwhile… as the WGA strike revs up for Week 3, the major studios and entertainment companies are bracing for picketers to post up and make some noise outside each Manhattan venue. The threat of writers seeing sunlight already appears to be rattling some nerves. Most notably: Netflix was set to host its first-ever IRL upfronts presentation on Wed., May 17, and now it’s not. For, uh, you know, no real reason, according to the company — but as Adweek reported, the switch came after the Guild told NYPD that it had plans to “disrupt” Netflix’s event at the Paris Theater. (The ever-growing crowd outside Netflix’s LA HQ surely had nothing to do with it.)
Now the company will stream its presentation sans talent (the Duffer Brothers have already said they’re putting down their pens and Stranger Things producing hats), just months after debuting an ad-supported tier meant to help boost subscriber and revenue growth. Point goes to the writers on this one. The Wednesday evening upfronts slot now sits doubly empty after Paramount had already vacated it earlier this year before Netflix slid in.
At least the streamer can tell ad buyers to not expect Jimmy Kimmel to saunter out on the Disney stage Tuesday and say, “Fuck Netflix,” because according to Vanity Fair, neither he nor his late-night compatriots Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon will be crossing picket lines to perform at upfronts.
Meanwhile, lest anyone think there wasn’t enough uncertainty in the air, the Wall Street Journal broke the news last night that NBCUniversal’s advertising chief Linda Yaccarino would be leaving to go… become CEO of Twitter. Sure, why not. While not directly strike related, the decision only adds to the tumult ahead of the key advertising cycle event.
Today’s Strike News
The WGA launched a site on its Strike Hub for members to report suspected scabs. It’s not optional, though; those who know of scabs and don’t report them can face repercussions themselves. (Deadline)
Not all WGA supporters are desk jockeys: Lindsay Dougherty, a Teamster boss with a prominent Jimmy Hoffa tattoo on her left arm, has become one of the most outspoken strike advocates as her own union halts its Hollywood labor. (Los Angeles Times)
While the late night talk shows are the obvious examples of daily programs impacted by the strike, soap operas also feel the effects of it, though one head writer says, “They replaced us in 2007 … and I can only assume they’re replacing us right now.” (Vulture)
On Monday, the Tony Awards Management Committee will convene for an emergency meeting to determine their response to the strike’s impact on their awards show. (Deadline)
“It seems today, that all you see, is violence in movies and sex on TV.” If it’s up to the Family Guy writers, there won’t be much of that for now, as the show’s scribes will not work on the program during the strike. (Deadline)
Picket Sign of the Day
If you know, you know. (Sign via seannbnntt.)
