Latest news with #SeriesFest
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
SAG-AFTRA Chief Lays Out What A.I. Protections It Will Be Looking For In Its Next Studio Contract
Artificial intelligence was a major factor in the actors strike of 2023 and the burgeoning technology will remain a key element in next year's negotiations. SAG-AFTRA chief Duncan Crabtree-Ireland has laid out some of the guilds plans ahead of its contract with the studios expiring in June 2026. More from Deadline SAG-AFTRA's Duncan Crabtree-Ireland On Why Studios And Streamers Are Taking "A More Tempered Approach" To AI SAG-AFTRA's 'Rock The City' Event Saluting New York Industry Draws Top Elected Officials SAG Awards Sets 2026 Date & Timeline Speaking on a Deadline-moderated panel at SeriesFest in Denver, Crabtree-Ireland, who is National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator at SAG-AFTRA, revealed that the guild would be 'starting our preparations for negotiations this fall'. He said that he believes that A.I. will be an important factor in these talks. 'I'd never prejudge it, because our members – we're a member driven organization – decide what our priorities are going to be. We didn't get everything that I would have wanted [in 2023], or that they would have wanted in that negotiation. This is evolving over time. In the commercial contract deal we just got, we achieved, for the first time, a contractual limitation on the use of our members' work for training A.I. systems. That's not something we have been able to achieve in any prior contract until just now,' he said. In SAG-AFTRA's TV/Theatrical Contract, it scored protections against the studios and streamers using artificial intelligence in a way that would result in job losses or infringe on performers or as Crabtree-Ireland calls it 'consent and compensation'. In the 2025 Commercials Contract that was just approved by SAG-AFTRA's National Board, it secured protections forcing advertisers or agencies to ask SAG-AFTRA permission before they can authorize any third parties to use such material to train an A.I. system. 'We would have liked to have had that in the TV theatrical agreement. We weren't able to achieve that despite being on strike for over four months. But I think now as this industry evolves, as the use of the technology evolves, and as our contracts evolve, we may be able to make progress in areas where everyone was just too, frankly, scared to reach agreement before, and we really want to see that. There's a lot to improve upon, even though those guardrails and guidelines have become so important, and I think have served our members very well, but we're always in the mood of improving our contracts every time,' he added. Crabtree-Ireland was talking alongside Scott Mann, Co-CEO & Founder, Flawless and Nikola Todorovic, Co-Founder and CEO, Wonder Dynamics. He agreed that the studios and streamers have taken a relatively cautious approach to the use of A.I. in the last 18 months. SAG-AFTRA has sat down with these companies a few times since the deal to discuss A.I., as laid out in its contract. 'It's been a much more cautious uptake than I had initially expected. I do think part of that is driven by the contractual limitations and rules that we've got. I think probably a big part of it is, during the strikes, it became really apparent that the public is also very concerned about what A.I. means, and I think these companies are thinking about what the ramifications are for their relationship with their consumers as part of rolling the stuff out and trying to avoid making missteps, which, frankly, I appreciate. Because I think if we work together on this rollout, it can be much better than it would have been in some sort of gold rush,' he added. Best of Deadline 2025 TV Cancellations: Photo Gallery Brad Pitt's Apple 'F1' Movie: Everything We Know So Far Everything We Know About 'Nine Perfect Strangers' Season 2 So Far
Forbes
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Jason Ritter On His Acting Career, ‘Matlock' And Remembering His Dad
Jason Ritter, recipient of the SeriesFest Distinguished Artist Award, attends the SeriesFest Soiree ... More on May 02, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. Yes, he comes from a family of celebrated actors, but two-time Emmy nominee Jason Ritter has spent his career selecting roles and projects that allow him to showcase his own unique skill set. Currently playing the somewhat troubled lawyer Julian Markston, alongside Emmy winner Kathy Bates, on the hit CBS drama series Matlock, Ritter, 45, is arguably at the top of his acting game today, with even more much-anticipated television projects in the works. Speaking with Ritter last Friday in Denver, Colorado, where he was awarded with this year's Distinguished Artist Award at SeriesFest, what is it about his acting work as Julian on Matlock that is fulfilling him, perhaps more than ever? Skye P. Marshall, Jason Ritter and Kathy Bates on "Matlock" 'Gosh, that's a great question. I think that there are sides of myself that I get to kind of explore in Julian - maybe being too worried about what other people will think of me or trying to get people to like me or something like that. Julian can have good day and bad day, and that's sort of freeing to be this person who can get annoyed. I feel like I'm getting to explore some parts of my personality that I don't often get to explore.' As for receiving SeriesFest's Distinguished Artist Award, Ritter said, 'It's so nice, I have to say. I'm having a tough time accepting it. There's the part of me that doesn't feel quite like I deserve something like this, but I'm ignoring that. I'm pushing that to the side and just taking the lovely compliment.' Jason Ritter speaks on-stage as he receives the SeriesFest Distinguished Artist Award from ... More SeriesFest co-founders Kaily Smith and Randi Kleiner on May 02, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. Being the son of fellow actors Nancy Morgan and the late John Ritter, as well as the husband to Yellowjackets star Melanie Lynskey, Ritter has remained in and around Hollywood for his entire life. So, what is he seeing within the entertainment industry today that he is liking, and what parts of yesteryear's ways does he miss? 'Another great question. One of the things that I really love is there are so many shows - there's so much content coming out, whether it's on network TV or streamers or the internet. You can find so many incredible things for whatever you like. That's absolutely wonderful and it creates a lot of work for everybody.' As for what he misses, Ritter said, 'It's a similar answer. It's a double-sided coin. There are so many shows, that you can be excited about a show and you go to tell somebody else and they go - Oh no, that's not one of my seven shows that I watch. I did like that feeling of say with Lost or something like that, where everybody was watching it - there are still some shows that have that. At the same time, it really feels like television is just getting better and better, and the writing and the acting is going up. There used to be kind of a separation between movie stars and TV stars, and all of these incredible movie actors are coming and doing television because that's how good the writing is.' Beyond his acting work on Matlock, which is in its first season, Ritter will soon be seen playing Billy Macon on the DC/HBO series Lanterns, which is currently in development. So, where exactly within the production process is this project at right now? 'We are about to start shooting,' Ritter said, 'We've shot four episodes so far and we're about to start shooting episodes three and four. We're doing it all a little out of order. The story is kind of jumping all around, but it's been so fun and it's a really well-written, really fun show. I'm just trying to fit into that world and maybe put a little silliness in there.' As for his marriage to Lynskey since 2020 and raising a daughter together, I wondered what it means to Ritter to be with someone that understands the schedule of an actor, but can also level each other out as a supportive spouse and co-parent. Jason Ritter and Melanie Lynskey attend the premiere of Paramount+ with Showtime original series ... More "Yellowjackets" Season 3 at the DGA Theater on February 13, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Ritter said of Lynskey, 'We both have an understanding of the spontaneous nature of this business and that you may have to leave. I always feel like we have had each other's back through this period of time that our daughter's been - that we've been a family of three. Basically, every job or audition that comes in - we audition for everything - but if we get it, we always have to sort of talk to each other before we officially take it, to figure out how is this going to work with our lives - is it possible or not. I really feel like we both want to help it happen for the other person so much. We both very much feel like we're in each other's corner, which is nice.' Having learned how to effectively craft his own career, what advice does Ritter have for other creatives that are trying to navigate within this ever-evolving entertainment industry? 'My advice would be to follow your creative instincts. Some of the success stories that I've heard have been people - friends of mine - having an idea, pooling resources, coming together to shoot a little thing, and nine times out of ten, they put it on the internet and it wouldn't go anywhere. Every once in a while, something will start to gain traction and people can build their careers without waiting for help from the powers that be - or going the normal route where someone has to give you permission to make something. So, I would advise people to give yourselves permission to try to make whatever you can with your friends, and at the very least, you have a calling card to show somebody else.' This September will mark 22 years since Ritter's popular dad, John, passed away. These more than two decades later, I was curious if Ritter feels his dad's presence at all lately within his everyday life. Jason Ritter and John Ritter at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on August 14, 2003 in Los Angeles. Ritter said, 'Oh boy. You know, it's so funny - I flew into Denver Airport every year from when I was maybe 11 to 17 or 18, going to a Colorado camp. On the little shuttle, my dad did this joke where he was pretending - like these two-second little songs that come on in-between stops - he was just doing a joke that he had written those songs. He was like - Look at the joy that it's giving to all these people! Everyone just standing, having just traveled, looking bored and couldn't care less about the music. He just would do things like that, that would make us laugh, just off-the-cuff, and I cannot take that shuttle without thinking of that weird character. Today, I had that moment where he was with me in that little tram at Denver Airport. I could see him doing that old bit. So, I do feel his presence all the time. He made such a huge impression on me and my family and the world. It's nice to have those moments where I remember a little silly thing that he used to do.' Concluding the conversation with Ritter, I wondered what he would say to his Matlock character Julian, after embodying him on-screen so far, if only he could. Jason Ritter on "Matlock" 'There is light at the end of the tunnel. You have to accept the consequences of your actions - and hopefully, you learn from it and stop lying.'
Egypt Today
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
Ramadan Hit ‘Lam Shamseya' Shines in the US This May
Ramadan 2025's breakout drama Lam Shamseya is coming to American screens this May. It will premiere at Colorado's acclaimed SeriesFest on May 4th. The festival, known for spotlighting standout global TV, will host the show's first episode, followed by an exclusive conversation with screenwriter Mariam Naoum and director Karim El-Shenawy. The series fearlessly tackles sensitive topics, particularly child harassment and its lasting psychological scars. It sheds light on a painful cycle—one where victims can become perpetrators—delivering a powerful wake-up call that leaves parents with much to reflect on. The series stars Amina Khalil, Ahmed El Sadaany, Mohamed Chahine, Yousra El Lozy, Ali El Bialy, and Yasmina El Abd. Lam Shamseya is written by Mariam Naoum and directed by Karim El Shenawy. Now celebrating its 10th year, SeriesFest continues to champion international storytelling—and Lam Shamseya's debut signals a rising global spotlight on Arabic-language series.
CairoScene
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Ramadan Drama 'Lam Shamseya' to Be Screened at SeriesFest in the US
The Ramadan drama heads to Colorado's SeriesFest with its first episode, followed by a talk with the creators on May 4th. Apr 30, 2025 One of Ramadan 2025's most talked-about dramas, 'Lam Shamseya', is heading to the US this May. The series will screen its debut episode at SeriesFest, a Colorado-based festival dedicated to international television, on May 4th. The screening will be followed by a discussion with the show's screenwriter Maryam Naoum and director Karim El-Shenawy. Produced by Media Hub and praised for its emotional depth and social resonance, 'Lam Shamseya' stars Amina Khalil, Ahmed El-Saadany and Tharaa Goubail in a story that explores the complexities of child abuse, motherhood and societal pressure. The series struck a chord with audiences across Egypt, emerging as a standout of this year's Ramadan lineup. The drama was developed in partnership with Egypt's National Council for Women and the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood. Earlier this month, it was officially recognised by the Ministry of Social Solidarity for its contribution to national conversations on parenting and social values. SeriesFest, now in its tenth edition, is known for championing episodic storytelling from around the world. The inclusion of 'Lam Shamseya' marks a growing international interest in Arabic-language dramas, and offers a new platform for regional stories to reach global audiences.
Associated Press
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
High Science® TV Selected for 'SeriesFest: Season 11" One of Six Selected TV Series in 'Unscripted Pilot' Competition
Groundbreaking Cannabis Docuseries Spotlighted in Prestigious Lineup at International Television Festival in Denver April 29 - May 4, 2025 SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., March 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- High Science, the trailblazing docuseries illuminating the cannabis revolution, is one of only six new TV series selected for the 'Unscripted Pilot' Competition at SeriesFest: Season 11, April 29 – May 4, 2025, in Denver. SeriesFest is a major launchpad for independent television creators, with past selections going on to secure distribution with the likes of HBO, Netflix and Hulu. The selection places High Science among a highly prestigious group of international creators recognized for excellence in unscripted, episodic storytelling. For 11 years, the nonprofit SeriesFest has spotlighted and empowered episodic storytellers, assembling an intensely curated selection of TV producers/creators in several categories. That High Science was selected as one of six series to compete in the 'Unscripted Pilot' category is considered a critical worldwide recognition. Premiering on YouTube in November 2024, High Science is an eight-part television series created by Executive Producer Ed Leclere, television programming legend and Executive Producer David McKillop and Director Patrick Hackett. With a sharp eye on personalities, culture, science and storytelling, the series follows the colorful characters pioneering the modern-day 'green rush' across the globe. Fans can stream the full first season of High Science now on YouTube @HighScienceTV. Ed Leclere, Executive Producer of High Science, said: 'Being recognized by SeriesFest is a huge honor for our entire team. We created this show to spotlight the real stories of people whose lives have been transformed by cannabis—both in the industry and in healing. To now be seen alongside other powerful voices in unscripted television is humbling and exhilarating.' David McKillop, whose past successes include Deadliest Catch, Duck Dynasty, Bates Motel among others, said: 'The cannabis space is filled with compelling characters and high-stakes journeys—elements that captivate an audience. With High Science, we're doing what I love most: telling authentic stories that matter. SeriesFest recognizing our work affirms we're on the right path.' Added Patrick Hackett, Director and Showrunner of High Science: 'Our selection shows there is desire for quality cannabis content. We're honored to stand with other creators pushing the boundaries of what's possible in this medium.' The High Science series is led by father/son hosts Rich Batenburg Jr. and Richard 'Rick' Batenburg III taking viewers behind the scenes to explore legendary growers, groundbreaking innovators and the ancient plant's mystical history, all through the lens of entertaining, story-rich television. High Science dives into the science, myths and human stories surrounding cannabis, turning complex topics into content that's informative, accessible and captivating. From behind-the-scenes glimpses into cannabis businesses to the innovators leading the charge, High Science delivers a fresh, eye-opening perspective for anyone ready to learn, explore and be inspired. SeriesFest: Season 11 features more than 50 selections in all categories, chosen from across the globe for their ability to inform, inspire and captivate audiences. The curated series from around the world include compelling documentaries, limited series and new formats. High Science streams on YouTube @HighScienceTV. Follow the journey across social media @HighScienceTVLLC on Instagram, @HighScienceX on X and @HighScienceTV on Facebook. To learn more about SeriesFest: Season 11, including tickets and the full schedule of events, visit About High Science TV. High Science TV shares the lively exploits of colorful characters around the world, trailblazing all things cannabis in pursuit of the modern-day 'green rush.' From Emmy Award-winning producer David McKillop who gave life to Duck Dynasty, Deadliest Catch, Ice Road Truckers, and others; and Executive Producer Ed Leclere whose personal challenges made cannabis benefits a vivid reality, High Science delivers a front row seat to amusingly captivating stories. Father/son show hosts Rich Batenburg Jr. and Richard 'Rick' Batenburg III explore legendary seed gurus, relentless cultivators, expansive growers, pioneering product makers and imaginative dispensary owners as they break the barriers of this new frontier. The storytelling unmasks the mystical powers of the ancient cannabis plant and its innumerable uses through dynamic entertainment. The High Science Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit with a mission to assist veterans and others in need of additional or alternative solutions to serious health challenges. High Science is now streaming on YouTube @HighScienceTV. For the latest, follow High Science @HighScienceTVLLC on Instagram, @HighScienceX on X and @HighScienceTV on Facebook. For further details, shopping and more, visit
