Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner to produce 95th Oscars

With a focus on expertise in live television event production, Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner of White Cherry Entertainment have been named executive producers of the 95th Oscars, Academy CEO Bill Kramer announced today.  For the eighth consecutive year, Weiss also will direct the show, which will air live on ABC and broadcast outlets worldwide … Continue reading “Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner to produce 95th Oscars”

Translation, LLC wins Grandy for Beats By Dre

The Andy Awards announced their winners on April 12 and Translation, LLC, McCann and McCann Health were the big winners. New York-based Translation won the Grandy for Idea for the 2:00 minute spot “You Love Me” for Beats By Dre. Starring Naomi Osaka, Lil Baby, Bubba Wallace, and Janaya Khan and narrated by Tobe Nwigwe, … Continue reading “Translation, LLC wins Grandy for Beats By Dre”

Chloé Zhao wins DGA Award for Nomadland

The winners of the Directors Guild of America Outstanding Directorial Achievement Awards for 2020 were announced tonight during the 73rd Annual DGA Awards virtual ceremony. Chloé Zhao won the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film for Nomadland. The moving film about grief and acceptance follows woman in her sixties (Frances McDormand) who, … Continue reading “Chloé Zhao wins DGA Award for Nomadland”

‘Promising Young Woman’: love letter to women and an overdue warning notice to men – written in blood

TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains information about sexual assault and/or violence which may be triggering to survivors. Cassie was a promising young woman in med school until a mysterious, traumatic event abruptly caused her to drop out of school, derailing her future. Existing in a complacent world where “boys will be boys” and “girls will … Continue reading “‘Promising Young Woman’: love letter to women and an overdue warning notice to men – written in blood”

Review: Strong performances drive ‘Queen & Slim’

We’ve all had Tinder dates that have taken a wrong turn. But in Melina Matsoukas’ mostly-riveting romantic-thriller, Queen & Slim, this is a date that goes south. Really fast. In the past decade, there have been a slate of important films that have shined a spotlight on the history of racial tensions in this country. … Continue reading “Review: Strong performances drive ‘Queen & Slim’”

Paris Jackson helps launch liquid lipstick for KVD Beauty

Global color cosmetics powerhouse KVD Beauty announces a new collection of liquid lipsticks sure to be their next cult classic. Introducing Everlasting Hyperlight Liquid Lipstick, a next-generation, long-lasting, transfer-proof formula set to replace the original collection, Everlasting Liquid Lipstick. To celebrate the launch, brand partner Paris Jackson takes her partnership with KVD Beauty to the next level, serving … Continue reading “Paris Jackson helps launch liquid lipstick for KVD Beauty”

Paramount+: Transformers, Beavis & Butthead Tyler Perry join returning series

Paramount Global this week presented a special edition of 60 Minutes to explore its powerhouse portfolio of leading media platforms, hit content and advertising capabilities during its first in-person Upfront event as a combined company. Through in-depth interviews, profiles and appearances, the talent-packed program featured Paramount’s accelerated momentum and differentiated playbook to reach everyone, everywhere, at scale. … Continue reading “Paramount+: Transformers, Beavis & Butthead Tyler Perry join returning series”

A first aid course teaches every life is worth saving

In 2022, the news cycle is a stark daily reminder that not every life is valued the same. Bank BNP Paribas, the Red Cross, and VMLY&R Poland saw a unique moment in time to inspire the world to change. They created First Aid for Humanity, a first aid training course aiming to teach participants, and … Continue reading “A first aid course teaches every life is worth saving”

The new Ms. Marvel trailer is well, marvelous

Marvel Studios and Disney+ just shared the trailer and poster for the upcoming series, Ms. Marvel, which will launch exclusively on Disney+ on June 8. We are finally getting a first look at the MCU’s newest Super Hero as she tries to balance high-school life, her family and her emerging superpowers. Ms. Marvel is a … Continue reading “The new Ms. Marvel trailer is well, marvelous”

Hoop Dreams scripted series coming to HBO Max via Lena Waithe’s Hillman Grad

Warner Bros. TV has announced that Lena Waithe (The Chi, Master of None, Queen & Slim, Ready Player One) has inked a new deal that will bring the acclaimed documentary Hoop Dreams to HBO Max as a scripted series. Hoop Dreams is a 1994 American documentary film directed by Steve James, and produced by Frederick Marx, James, and Peter Gilbert, … Continue reading “Hoop Dreams scripted series coming to HBO Max via Lena Waithe’s Hillman Grad”

Emmy: Apple, Amazon, Nike, Dre nominated for best spot

Nominations for the 73rd Emmy Awards were announced yesterday recognizing a wealth of innovative storytelling, exceptional new programs, and a robust and diverse group of talent nominees. One of the categories the Reel 360 Team always focuses on is of course the advertising category. The nominations for this year are from Apple, Amazon, Beats by … Continue reading “Emmy: Apple, Amazon, Nike, Dre nominated for best spot”

George Floyd: A look back at the best ads

It was one year ago today that George Floyd was viciously and callously murdered by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin who held his knee on Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes. For three of those minutes, Floyd was unconscious. His final words of “I can’t breathe” become ignited a global movement demanding racial justice. Since then, a … Continue reading “George Floyd: A look back at the best ads”

A wrap? Producer Scott Rudin’s unhinged behavior

For the past few years the climate in Hollywood (among many other cities and industries) has been evolving from sexist and toxic work environments to more transparent, harmonious, and inclusive. After allegations against the likes of Harvey Weinstein and Joss Whedon have been coming to light we are now hearing more shocking allegations against others. … Continue reading “A wrap? Producer Scott Rudin’s unhinged behavior”

Female directors kick ass in Golden Globe noms… finally

“And here are the all-male nominees.” Natalie Portman remarked as she presented the award for best director  at The Golden Globes in 2018.  The actress made headlines for calling out the lack of female directing nominees, not just in 2018 but throughout history.  Just last year, in 2020, Issa Rae unveiled the nominees for the 92nd Academy … Continue reading “Female directors kick ass in Golden Globe noms… finally”

Reel 360’s Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide

Happy Hanukkah! And we are just around the corner from Christmas and Kwanza, so it’s that time of the year to offer up the Reel 360 / Reel Chicago Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide. To make your last minute holiday gift buying just a l’il bit easier, we’ve compiled an extensive list – and believe us … Continue reading “Reel 360’s Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide”

AFI Fest features 53% female, 39% BIPOC directed films

The American Film Institute (AFI) announced today the films that will play in the World Cinema, New Auteurs, Documentary, Cinema’s Legacy, Short Film Competition, Meet the Press Film Festival at AFI FEST and the AFI Conservatory Showcase sections at AFI FEST 2020 presented by Audi, completing this year’s festival’s program. The complete AFI FEST program … Continue reading “AFI Fest features 53% female, 39% BIPOC directed films”

Nike commits to Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Mentality

Kobe Bryant (1978-2020) inspired people around the world with his ability on the basketball court and his work ethic off it. Byrant’s relentless determination to be the best at anything he touched continues to live on through the millions of fans that he influenced during, and after, his 20-year NBA career. Starting Sunday, August 23, Nike … Continue reading “Nike commits to Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Mentality”

‘Dark Knight,’ ‘American Pickle,’ coming to HBO Max

Christopher Nolan’s brilliant The Dark Knight, which was arguably a game-changer for superhero films when it was released in 2008, is now finding a new home on streamer HBO Max. From blockbuster films to star-studded new original series, there’s plenty of content to enjoy this August on HBO Max. Max Originals debuting in the month … Continue reading “‘Dark Knight,’ ‘American Pickle,’ coming to HBO Max”

Florence Pugh, Lulu Wang, John David Washington among Academy invites

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is extending invitations to join the organization to 819 artists and executives who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures.  The 2020 class is 45% women, 36% underrepresented ethnic/racial communities, and 49% international from 68 countries.  There are 75 Oscar® nominees, including 15 winners, and … Continue reading “Florence Pugh, Lulu Wang, John David Washington among Academy invites”

Have the “woke” fallen asleep on Dr. King’s message?

Dr. Martin Luther King would have been 72 years old last Wednesday and today, we honor his memory and legacy. As you log into and peruse over your various social media accounts, you’ll see a litany of memes and posts about Dr. King’s countless and timeless contributions to society. But after what Reel 360 was … Continue reading “Have the “woke” fallen asleep on Dr. King’s message?”