In The News

This major 2020 study provides unparalleled analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on film and television production; calculating a global screen production value of $177 billion in 2019 – and a loss of $145 billion in economic impact over the first six months of 2020 – though the impact is likely to be temporary as production resumes. – Olsberg•SPI

Augusta, MAINE – The Mills Administration announced today that the State of Maine will follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (U.S. CDC) updated face covering guidance, which recommends that:

1. all people, regardless of vaccination status, wear face coverings in indoor, public settings in areas with “substantial” or “high” levels of community transmission; and
2. all teachers, staff, and students in K-12 schools wear face coverings, regardless of vaccination status or community transmission level.

According to the U.S. CDC, York and Piscataquis counties have “substantial” levels of community transmission at this time, which means that individuals should wear face coverings in indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status. Maine’s other 14 counties currently have “moderate” levels of community transmission according to the U.S. CDC and are thus not subject to the first recommendation. The U.S. CDC determines level of community transmission based on the number of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 people and the percentage of tests in the last 7 days that have a positive result.

Consistent with Maine’s recent approach to COVID-19-related policy and the expiration of the State of Civil Emergency, these changes are recommendations, not requirements.

Hollywood was in a collective state of shock last month when Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment forged a multiyear deal to make movies for Netflix. Two years ago, the legendary director reportedly opposed the idea that streaming films should qualify for Oscars. The new pact was seen as a sign that the old guard was finally embracing the realities of a shifting business forced to adapt to changing consumer habits.

“It was a big moment for us,” says Scott Stuber, Netflix’s movie chief. “Throughout Wall Street, throughout the industry, there was recognition about the possibilities that this deal presents. We’re going to do great things together.” – Variety

Audiences are showing up for the summer’s blockbusters, and the shuttered Cinemagic locations are drawing interest from movie theater operators, but streaming options and health concerns still pose a threat. – Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinal

Netflix’s ‘Bridgerton’ and HBO’s ‘House of Dragon’ are among the major shoots closed down as the U.K. becomes a global hotspot for the Delta variant: “On too many productions, COVID supervisors are not listened to and their advice is ignored.” – Hollywood Reporter