A former teen magazine editor reflects on her career after watching the docuseries "Quiet on Set," which exposed the dark truths about the toxic working environment and culture faced by child stars during the 1990s and 2000s. She feels guilty for asking lighthearted questions while the young stars were dealing with high-pressure and sometimes unsafe situations. The author questions the impact of her interviews and wonders if she could have exposed the darker side of the industry earlier if she had asked the right questions.
Dakota Johnson's comments about her experience working on the film Madame Web were misconstrued and manipulated by entertainment journalism, leading to false narratives about her supposed dislike for the movie. The scrutiny extended to her social media activity, agency change, and public appearances, reflecting a trend of constructing false narratives around actors and films. The article argues for a more responsible and truthful approach to engaging with films and actors, emphasizing the importance of discussing films on their own merits rather than perpetuating sensationalized narratives for clicks and engagement.
The SAG-AFTRA strike has prompted confusion about what activities are allowed. Film critics and entertainment journalists can continue their work, but actors may not promote struck projects. Non-members can show support through social media, donations, and attending picket lines. SAG-AFTRA members can still participate in reality shows, game shows, and other non-struck work. Influencers under the SAG-AFTRA Influencer Agreement are asked not to promote struck work, but can fulfill existing contracts. Cosplay is allowed unless it promotes struck work. Independent producers can obtain waivers to continue their projects, but must be independent of AMPTP companies. Breaking strike rules may result in penalties or future union membership restrictions.
Nikki Fowler, the president of the Hollywood Critics Association (HCA), has resigned from her position and the organization due to a "hostile, biased and dismissive executive work environment." Fowler had been a member of the HCA since May 2021, served on its board since April 2022, and as its president since September 2022. She had previously stood behind the organization when it came under fire last year amid questions of financial and voting impropriety, emphasizing the importance of its founders' stated mission of being gender balanced and racially diverse.
