Tribeca programs drive-in series for films, sports and music
CBS reimagines ‘Equalizer’ and ‘The Silence of the Lambs’
LOS ANGELES, May 10, (AP): Tribeca is taking audiences back to the drive-in this summer.
Tribeca Enterprises, IMAX and AT&T said Wednesday that they are partnering to launch “Tribeca Drive-In,” a summer programming series of new and classic films, music and sporting events. It’ll take place in drivein theaters and “other exclusive venues” nationwide starting on Thursday, June 25. The lineup will be announced in the coming weeks.
“We’re taking the spirit of Tribeca around the country by creating a safe environment where audiences can come together and enjoy the sense of connection found by going to the movies,” Jane Rosenthal, Tribeca Enterprises and Tribeca Film Festival co-founder and CEO, said in a statement.
The organization said that they will work with local vendors to support small businesses and tailor the experience to each community.
Tribeca co-founder Robert De Niro said they were excited to give people “something to look forward to this summer and reinvent a classic moviegoing experience for communities to enjoy together safely.”
The majority of cinemas across the country have been closed due to the coronavirus pandemic since mid-March. While some states are experimenting with a soft reopening, most major chains say they will remain closed until Hollywood studios ensure a steady stream of new programming. The earliest theatrical blockbuster on the schedule is Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet,” for July 17. Many drive-in theaters, however, have remained open, since they are naturally suited to social distancing. “Trolls World Tour,” which was made available to rent on video on demand services on its release date, also played at 21 drive-in locations across the country. But like enclosed movie theaters, drive-ins also need programming to function. As the lead technology partner, IMAX will use its digital re-mastering process to enhance the image and sound experience, in addition to helping curate the program. IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond said that they hope to “remind people of the magic of going to the movies as we look forward to reopening theatres around the world.”
John Vincent, president of United Drive-In Theatre Owners Association, said that drive-ins appreciate the chance to “bring content to our screens in this much-needed environment.”
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NEW YORK: Queen Latifah, Rebecca Breeds and Thomas Middleditch are set to star in three new CBS shows for the 2020-21 season as the network adds a reimagined “Equalizer,” a show based on “The Silence of the Lambs” and a comedy about organ donation. Queen Latifah steps into the role of a retired special-ops agent who fiercely believes in justice in “Equalizer,” playing a character previously portrayed on TV and film by Edward Woodward and Denzel Washington.
Breeds, of “Pretty Little Liars” fame, will play FBI Agent Clarice Starling in “Clarice” as she returns to the field in 1993, six months after the events of “The Silence of the Lambs.” Chris Noth and Lorraine Toussaint also star.
Middleditch of “Silicon Valley” teams up with Broadway veteran Annaleigh Ashford from “Masters of Sex” for the comedy “B Positive,” by creators Chuck Lorre and Marco Pennette. The show is about a newly divorced dad who finds a kidney donor in a woman from his past.
Earlier this week, CBS announced the return of 23 series, including the “NCIS” family, “Young Sheldon,” “All Rise,” “Blue Bloods,” “Bull,” Magnum P.I.,” “The Neighborhood,” “The Unicorn,” “Bob Hearts Abishola” and “Evil.”
CBS is dropping some big-name stars and their shows: the Edie Falco drama “Tommy” and sitcoms “Carol’s Second Act” with Patricia Heaton, “Man with a Plan” starring Matt LeBlanc and “Broke” with Pauley Perrette. Previously canceled shows include “God Friended Me,” “Hawaii Five-0” and “Criminal Minds.”
LOS ANGELES: TV viewers craving familiarity will find it on CBS, which is renewing nearly two-dozen series including newcomers “The Unicorn” and “All Rise” and stalwarts “Blue Bloods” and “The Amazing Race.”
CBS said Wednesday that 23 returning shows will be part of the network’s lineup for the 2020-21 season, along with new series to be unveiled in the coming weeks. Also returning are “Young Sheldon,” “Bob Hearts Abishola” and “Evil.” That leaves relatively scant room for freshman entries, not surprising for the network with long-running, popular series including the “NCIS” franchise. Last year, CBS brought back 24 series.
The network’s low-key announcement was a sign of how much the coronavirus pandemic has unsettled the TV industry, which traditionally presents its fall schedules each May with fanfare and meet-and-greets with stars to lure commitments from ad buyers.