9 stories from 2 sources
Supporting Articles
Film and TV production is increasingly leaving Los Angeles as costs rise and other states and countries offer richer incentives and cheaper operations. The piece argues that without policy changes and practical cost relief, even L.A.-coded shows will keep relocating, repeating the pattern that pushed series like "Baywatch" out of the region.
11:00 AMVarietyThe first half of 2026 produced few breakout, consensus hit series, even as several smaller surprises and returning shows delivered strong quality. The list elevates mid budget standouts and comebacks over the kind of mass audience phenomenon that used to define TV seasons.
11:53 AMNew York Times ArtsSphere Studios will mount a new, immersive-tech production of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" at the Sphere in Las Vegas, scheduled for 2027. It joins the venue’s growing slate of large-format, signature experiences that already includes "Postcard From Earth" and a Sphere presentation of "The Wizard of Oz."
5:00 PMVarietySummary
Film and TV production is increasingly leaving Los Angeles as costs rise and other states and countries offer richer incentives and cheaper operations. The piece argues that without policy changes and practical cost relief, even L.A.-coded shows will keep relocating, repeating the pattern that pushed series like "Baywatch" out of the region.
Why it matters
If L.A. cannot compete on cost and speed, its role shifts from production hub to headquarters, and thousands of local jobs move with the cameras.
Summary
The first half of 2026 produced few breakout, consensus hit series, even as several smaller surprises and returning shows delivered strong quality. The list elevates mid budget standouts and comebacks over the kind of mass audience phenomenon that used to define TV seasons.
Why it matters
If 2026 keeps producing quality without breakout scale, the economics of premium TV tilt further toward franchises, back catalogs, and disciplined spending.
Summary
Sphere Studios will mount a new, immersive-tech production of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" at the Sphere in Las Vegas, scheduled for 2027. It joins the venue’s growing slate of large-format, signature experiences that already includes "Postcard From Earth" and a Sphere presentation of "The Wizard of Oz."
Why it matters
It signals how entertainment economics are moving from wide distribution to scarce, high-priced experiences built around recognizable IP.
A curated list of other prominent stories from this day.
A new documentary revisits Robin Byrd’s late-night public-access strip-show, built on understaffed chaos, catchphrases, and a mix of performers that ranged from strippers to porn stars and male dancers. The review argues the show was less explicit than its reputation, with the real charge coming from the novelty of watching it on regular television and Byrd’s guileless, in-on-the-joke persona.
10:44 PMVarietyThe Banff World Media Festival announced the 2026 Rockie Awards International Program Competition winners, with titles including “The Pitt,” “The Simpsons,” “The Chair Company,” and “Mountainhead” among those honored. The ceremony was hosted by Allana Harkin in Banff, Alberta.
10:30 PMVarietyHayley Kiyoko expands her 2015 breakout song and viral video into a feature film that centers openly stated lesbian desire and teen longing. The review describes the movie as a confident, emotionally textured directorial debut that leans into adolescent melancholy and yearning.
8:00 PMVarietyA stage musical based on "Paddington" is scheduled to open on Broadway next April at the Hirschfeld Theater. The production revisits the familiar story of the bear and aims for a major commercial run in the spring season.
8:47 AMNew York Times ArtsRaindance Film Festival will give Brian Cox a Raindance Icon Award as the festival opens its 34th London edition. Other honorees this year include Miriam Margolyes and Lloyd Kaufman, with a posthumous recognition planned for Eddie Cochran.
7:58 AMVarietyLocarno Film Festival will award Asia Argento a lifetime achievement honor for creative pioneers on Aug. 13 in the Piazza Grande. She will also present Jorge Thielen Armand's latest film, "Death Has No..." at the festival.
5:00 AMVarietySummary
A new documentary revisits Robin Byrd’s late-night public-access strip-show, built on understaffed chaos, catchphrases, and a mix of performers that ranged from strippers to porn stars and male dancers. The review argues the show was less explicit than its reputation, with the real charge coming from the novelty of watching it on regular television and Byrd’s guileless, in-on-the-joke persona.
Why it matters
It signals how entertainment history is being rewritten to frame once-disreputable TV as formative media culture, not disposable sleaze.
Summary
The Banff World Media Festival announced the 2026 Rockie Awards International Program Competition winners, with titles including “The Pitt,” “The Simpsons,” “The Chair Company,” and “Mountainhead” among those honored. The ceremony was hosted by Allana Harkin in Banff, Alberta.
Why it matters
Rockie wins can move money by influencing commissioning and global distribution decisions for the next cycle of TV.
Summary
Hayley Kiyoko expands her 2015 breakout song and viral video into a feature film that centers openly stated lesbian desire and teen longing. The review describes the movie as a confident, emotionally textured directorial debut that leans into adolescent melancholy and yearning.
Why it matters
It signals growing commercial and creative confidence in queer teen romance as mainstream entertainment, with music-origin IP as a viable launchpad.
Summary
A stage musical based on "Paddington" is scheduled to open on Broadway next April at the Hirschfeld Theater. The production revisits the familiar story of the bear and aims for a major commercial run in the spring season.
Why it matters
Broadway keeps leaning on recognizable global brands to de-risk capitalization and stabilize attendance in a high-cost market.
Summary
Raindance Film Festival will give Brian Cox a Raindance Icon Award as the festival opens its 34th London edition. Other honorees this year include Miriam Margolyes and Lloyd Kaufman, with a posthumous recognition planned for Eddie Cochran.
Why it matters
Festival honors are a signaling tool that can shift attention, attendance, and deal flow toward a smaller indie-focused event.
Summary
Locarno Film Festival will award Asia Argento a lifetime achievement honor for creative pioneers on Aug. 13 in the Piazza Grande. She will also present Jorge Thielen Armand's latest film, "Death Has No..." at the festival.
Why it matters
A major festival honor can reopen access and influence for a polarizing figure, shaping projects, financing, and cultural signaling across the international film ecosystem.
Make it yours
Pick your topics, set your cadence, and receive your personalized First Pass in your inbox. It’s that simple!