National Geographic Showrunners Share How They Film in a COVID World
This past March, along with countless other businesses and industries, numerous TV and film productions were forced to shut down when it became clear that COVID-19 was becoming a widespread health threat. National Geographic alone had to shut down nearly 77 productions in countries all over the world. Yesterday, at CTAM's portion of the Television Critics Association press tour, held virtually this year, National Geographic Senior Vice President of Communications Chris Albert explained that it's been equally as challenging for the network to get production back up and running. But audiences
Virtual Reality, Virtual Sets, Real Entertainment
While 2020 has forced many industries to quickly adapt to new ways of working, TV and film have always sought creative solutions to create amazing programming. These challenges, more recently, have been made easier with new technologies that require high-capacity broadband connections. How would different parts of a TV or film crew, be it the set design department or post-production team or visual effects team, learn to work together, remotely? That conundrum was at the center of a panel discussion at this year’s Comic-Con, which was held remotely this year due to COVID-19. “The main thing I
What Will the Future of Entertainment Look Like?
The COVID-19 pandemic has no doubt accelerated the speed at which most people are adopting next generation technologies and applications. Broadband has also proven to be the enabler of these technologies, as networks continue to run at full capacity and power the amazing virtual interactions that Americans are engaging in as they spend more hours at home. And with 10G around the corner—the cable industry's commitment to bringing ultra-fast speeds to U.S. households—these technologies and experiences will get that much closer to becoming staples in American life. During a virtual panel at the
Cartoon Network's 'Stop Bullying: Speak Up' Campaign Hits 10-Year Milestone
This month, Cartoon Network celebrates the 10th anniversary of its Stop Bullying: Speak Up campaign. That's a decade of the network using its large influence, leverage, and reach to promote kindness and empathy to millions of kids across the country. When the campaign first launched in 2010, Cartoon Network's goal was to raise national awareness about the prevalence of bullying in America's schools. Since then, the campaign has evolved to meet the needs of the kids of the current generation, using creative storytelling, digital tools, and Cartoon Network's TV air space to capture their
And the Show Goes On
Some Hollywood movies and TV shows were recently given the green light to resume production, albeit with a series of new guidelines now in place, and it will certainly be interesting to see how America's favorite shows adapt to the COVID-19 environment. As the new TV world order kicks off, it's worth saluting those showrunners and TV production teams for their extraordinary work over the past few months in keeping their shows running. Old and nostalgic TV shows came back to the forefront. Zoom interviews were broadcast with talent to discuss their television shows. Children's programs hosted
40 Years of Black Excellence at BET
In January of 1980, Robert L. Johnson left his position at NCTA and, with his wife Sheila Johnson, launched the first TV network “that allowed Black people to see themselves, their stories, and their culture on television,” according to BET President Scott Mills. In the 40 years since its founding, BET has successfully stood as a leader in elevating Black voices and experiences, and inspiring generations of writers, actors, and creatives to tell their own stories. From awards shows like the BET Awards, to community projects, from nationwide campaigns, to its latest initiative, “Content for
How Cable TV Networks Are Helping Kids Get Through the Pandemic
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, young people went from seeing their friends, classmates, and teachers on a daily basis to quarantining with their parents and guardians. These changes have been particularly challenging for kids, many of whom relied on the adults in their life to help make sense of the situation. Early on, cable TV networks recognized that families would need help during these unprecedented times and started working to support them. From specials to town halls to virtual events, producers and showrunners put their heads together behind the scenes to provide creative
Discovery Channel Demonstrates Adaptability in the Face of COVID-19
With people hunkered down at home over the past two months, audiences have been hungrier than ever for news and entertainment. As a result, cable TV networks have had the responsibility of adapting their programming lineups and creating new content in light of recent events. From producing on the fly to having talent and staff working from their homes, it is an extraordinary feat to keep viewers informed, up to date, and entertained as the pandemic surges on. We recently caught up with Discovery Channel Senior Vice President of Programming, Donna D'Alessandro, to find out how the network has
How COVID-19 Is Changing How Americans Watch TV
It’s been about two months since most Americans transitioned to stay-at-home orders, enough time for new data to start becoming available to measure how habits have changed. With more time on their hands, many have turned to their screens to fill the days, according to new data. Nielsen reports that Americans are streaming TV content at about twice the levels they were last year. In fact, for the week ending in April 27, Americans streamed approximately 150.5 billion minutes of video. For comparison, the same week last year saw 84.8 billion minutes of streaming video. Web Traffic In fact, this
ESPN to Produce First Ever Virtual NFL Draft
Most live sports on TV, with the exception of esports, have all but come to a halt during this tenuous era marked by COVID-19. But ESPN hopes to bring spirits up beginning tonight during its first ever virtual NFL draft. In a combined broadcast with NFL Network, the 2020 draft that was supposed to take place in Las Vegas will now be run remotely, with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announcing draft picks from his house. While a limited number of staffers will be working out of ESPN's studios in Bristol, Connecticut—using proper protocol by the CDC and guidance from the governor—everyone else