An overall deal, a nomination for an Annie Award, these are just a few things that our members are up to. 

Sony Signs Overall Deal With Writer-Producers Eduardo Cisneros & Jason Shuman

Sony Pictures Entertainment has signed an overall deal with the writing and producing team of Eduardo Cisneros and Jason Shuman under their new production arm, RaqMar Entertainment. The new entity will focus on writing and producing with a multicultural emphasis for the theatrical market.

“It is critically important to us to tell stories that subvert negative stereotypes and embrace cultural specificity in an authentic way, and we are grateful to Sony Pictures for their robust support in helping us to achieve that goal,” said Cisneros.

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‘Renfield’: Adrian Martinez Boards Universal Monster Movie From Director Chris McKay

Courtesy of Diana Ragland

Adrian Martinez (The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Focus) has signed on to star alongside Nicholas Hoult, Nicolas Cage, Awkwafina, and Ben Schwartz in Renfield, the monster movie that Chris McKay (The Tomorrow War, The LEGO Batman Movie) is directing for Universal Pictures. Martinez will play Rebecca’s traffic cop partner, Chris in"Renfield".

Adrian Martinez has amassed over 100 screen credits including standout roles in Focus, opposite Will Smith and Margot Robbie; The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, opposite Ben Stiller; Casa de mi Padre opposite Will Ferrell; I Feel Pretty, like Amy Schumer‘s office buddy; and Disney’s live-action reimagining of Lady and the Tramp. 

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Encanto: Stephanie Beatriz On Voicing Mirabel, “She’s Very Much A Classic Disney Heroine, & Yet She’s A New Iteration Of That Classic”

Photo Credit – Wikimedia; Encanto Poster

For actress Stephanie Beatriz, who voiced  Mirabel Madrigal – the lead character of "Encanto" – the portrayal came naturally as she could relate to Mirabel having lived experiences similar to the character. Commenting on her Encanto character, Stephanie Beatriz said, “Mirabel reminds me of myself at her age -headstrong yet unsure, full of wonder and imagination but sometimes held back by self-doubt. She’s funny, awkward, and brave. She’s also very much a classic Disney heroine, and yet she’s a new iteration of that classic. Plus the glasses!” 

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Hollywood Greets Golden Globes Nominations With Tepid Response

Michael Buckner for Variety

 The HFPA, the organization behind the Golden Globe Awards show, is mired in controversy over the historic lack of diversity in its membership and for reportedly questionable ethical practices. Since the scandal exploded in February, the organization made moves to welcome more journalists of color into its ranks. 

One of the nominees for the show is “Pose” and co-creator and showrunner Steven Canals was one of the few nominees to react to his show’s latest accolade in real-time by tweeting: “‘Pose’ scored 3 Golden Globe nominations. “This affirmation is bittersweet,” Canals wrote. “They’ll likely be the last of our recognition for the final season. And it comes from an organization that hasn’t always been inclusive of the folks centered on our show.”In a second tweet, Canals continued, “Hoping these nominations mean the HFPA is making an intentional effort to address the criticism they’ve received in the recent past, and we’ll continue to see acknowledgment and recognition of all the incredible work being produced by BIPOC & LGBTQ+ people.”

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