Following is a summary of current entertainment news briefs.
Summary:
The Hollywood writers’ strike is nearing its end after a preliminary agreement with studios and streaming companies on Sunday after five months of disruption. Actor Viola Davis joins US African diaspora council. Hollywood writers guild ends strike ahead of final contract vote. Hollywood studios can train AI models on writers’ work under tentative deal. Hollywood writers’ deal may set a template for talks with striking actors. ‘Better Call Saul’ creators beat Liberty Tax’s defamation, trademark lawsuit.
Salient Points:
Explainer-Is the Hollywood writers’ strike over? Actor Viola Davis to join US African diaspora council and more:
The Hollywood writers’ strike is nearing its end after a preliminary agreement with studios and streaming companies on Sunday after five months of disruption. Actor Viola Davis has been announced as a member of the President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement, advising Washington on deepening ties with African communities. The strike has come to an end, allowing Hollywood writers to return to work while they vote on a proposed contract. The tentative labor agreement also suggests that Hollywood studios will retain the right to train AI models on writers’ work. This deal could serve as a template for talks with striking actors.
Hollywood writers’ deal may set a template for talks with striking actors:
The tentative deal reached by Hollywood writers with major studios and streaming services could serve as a template for actors who have been on strike since mid-July. Writers and actors share common concerns, including the desire for higher pay and curbs on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in entertainment. This agreement provides pay raises and protections around AI use. It also guarantees writers credit and compensation for their work, even if AI tools are partially utilized by studios.
‘Better Call Saul’ creators beat Liberty Tax’s defamation, trademark lawsuit:
The creators of the hit crime drama “Better Call Saul” have won the dismissal of a defamation and trademark infringement lawsuit by Liberty Tax Service. The lawsuit alleged that the show’s creators defamed and infringed on Liberty Tax’s trademarks. However, the case has been dismissed, giving a victory to the creators of “Better Call Saul”.
