Jo Ann Ross, the primary lady to run a broadcast TV community’s ad-sales efforts and one of many final senior ad-sales executives within the TV trade to carry direct relationships with advertisers when primetime broadcast applications have been seen as the first venue for Madison Avenue’s {dollars}, is leaving the trade, stepping down from her function as chairman of Paramount International‘s advert gross sales division on the finish of April.

Ross had already stepped again from each day duties, ceding that function to John Halley, who was named president of advert gross sales for the corporate in 2022. However her relationships with key sponsors have been seen as useful, as have been the ties a lot of her senior executives had with media companies and advertising and marketing executives. She has stayed on at Paramount in a key advisory function.

“Jo Ann has steered our promoting enterprise from one milestone to the subsequent. She oversaw the profitable integration and evolution of our mixed advert gross sales group within the midst of the pandemic. She was additionally instrumental in reimagining our Upfront final yr, a format that others have tried to copy,” mentioned Bob Bakish, Paramount’s CEO, in a memo issued Tuesday. “Extra not too long ago, Jo Ann was important in our efforts to ship a historic Tremendous Bowl LVIII that set a report for viewership and gross advert income, topping off a powerful roster of storied Tremendous Bowls since becoming a member of CBS in 1992.”

Ross unveils her exit as Paramount treads an unsettled path. The corporate is alleged to be mulling an array of strategic choices, together with a sale, because it navigates a more durable promoting local weather and its relative dimension within the trade has been whittled away by opponents together with Netflix, Disney, Amazon and Apple.

Ross’ departure has been preceded in current months by key lieutenants, together with Linda Rene, who supervised prime time advert gross sales for CBS and was instrumental in growing product appearances in exhibits similar to “Survivor” and “Hawaii 5-0. John Bogusz, who ran CBS’ sports activities ad-sales efforts for years, not too long ago introduced his retirement.

Over a few years, Ross developed a repute as a Madison Avenue stalwart, somebody whose handshake nonetheless meant one thing at the same time as extra TV networks bought the majority of their business stock through algorithms and data-mandated viewers placements. She has labored to create new alternatives for feminine executives in addition to bolster the illustration of girls and women in media and leisure. She has e lengthy supported Memorial Sloan Kettering’s annual Cycle for Survival, the Reisenbach Philanthropies, the Advert Council, the Worldwide Radio and Tv Society, the Video Promoting Bureau and FourBlock, a corporation for veteran profession readiness.

“From the early days of creating unprecedented model integrations for now iconic franchises like Survivor, to the launch of Paramount+ and the expanded premium streaming video alternative for advertisers, to her integral function within the formation of our ongoing partnership with TNT Sports activities for the NCAA Event, Jo Ann has had an indelible impression that may proceed for years to return,” Baskish mentioned.

The “One Piece” live-action collection at Netflix is bringing in Joe Tracz to function its new co-showrunner for Season 2.

Tracz will helm the favored collection primarily based on the Eiichiro Oda manga of the identical identify alongside Season 1 co-showrunner, author, and government producer Matt Owens. Steven Maeda, who developed the collection with Owens and was co-showrunner on Season 1, will step down however proceed to function an government producer on the collection.

“Joe has introduced a wealth of enthusiasm and expertise into our second season that can assist take ‘One Piece’ to new heights,” Owens stated. “We’re extremely fortunate to have him as a co-captain of this ship. The very best crew on the seas grows bigger!”

Tracz most lately labored as a author and co-executive producer on the Disney+ collection adaptation of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians.” He beforehand created the Netflix collection “Sprint & Lily” along with serving as showrunner. He additionally labored on the Netflix collection model of “A Sequence of Unlucky Occasions” as a author and producer.

He’s repped by WME, Mosaic, and Hansen Jacobson.

“I’ve been fortunate to work on huge variations of a number of beloved collection, they usually don’t come larger or extra beloved than ‘One Piece,’” stated Tracz. “I’m an enormous fan of Oda-san’s unimaginable creativeness and I used to be blown away by what the live-action group created in Season One. So it’s a dream and a pleasure to come back aboard the Going Merry because it enters the Grand Line for an much more large Season Two.”

“One Piece” debuted on Netflix in August 2023 and was shortly renewed for a second season. The present proved extremely common with audiences, spending eight weeks in Netflix’s World High 10 rankings and debuting on the primary spot in 46 nations.

Iñaki Godoy stars within the collection Monkey D. Luffy, who sails the world along with his ragtag crew seeking the legendary One Piece treasure to develop into the King of the Pirates. Mackenyu, Emily Rudd, Jacob Romero, and Taz Skylar additionally star.

Owens and Tracz function writers, co-showrunners, and government producers on Season 2. Oda and Maeda additionally government produce together with Marty Adelstein and Becky Clements of Tomorrow Studios, Tetsu Fujimura, and Chris Symes. The collection is created in partnership with Shueisha and produced by Tomorrow Studios (an ITV Studios associate) and Netflix.

“Homeland” actor David Harewood thinks that actors ought to be capable to “Black up” for roles, however warns “it’d higher be fucking good.”

Talking to The Guardian, Harewood, who additionally serves as president of prestigious British drama college the Royal Academy of Dramatic Artwork, stated: “We’re at this unusual level within the career the place folks go: ‘Oh, you possibly can’t play that function since you’re not disabled, or you possibly can’t play that since you’re probably not from there.’ The secret is performing.”

He added, “Sure, we’ve received to be consultant, however I do assume now we have to watch out. That even extends to ‘Othello’ in Blackface. I say, if you wish to Black up, have at it, man. It’d higher be fucking good, or else you’re gonna get laughed off the stage. However knock your self out. Anyone ought to be capable to do something.”

Harewood’s feedback come just some weeks after “Star Wars” actor Billy Dee Williams informed Invoice Maher he believes actors ought to be capable to carry out in Blackface. Recalling Laurence Olivier’s efficiency in 1965’s “Othello,” Williams stated, “I assumed it was hysterical. I liked it. I like that form of stuff.”

Maher famous that “at present, they might by no means allow you to do this,” to which Williams replied, “Why?”

“Blackface?” Maher questioned, prompting Williams to say: “Why not? It’s best to do it. In case you’re an actor, you must do something you need to do.”

Final yr, Harewood performed white conservative William F. Buckley in a London West Finish manufacturing of “Better of Enemies.” “I knew the minute I walked on stage, 99% of the viewers was considering: ‘Why is he taking part in that?’ However by the tip of it, everyone was going, ‘Fuck me, that labored rather well!,’” Harewood informed The Guardian. “Listening to his phrases popping out of my mouth, many individuals went, ‘Why am I liking William F. Buckley?’”

Harewood additionally performed Romeo in a manufacturing of “Romeo and Juliet” when he was 23. The hostile essential reception to the present led to a breakdown. “Each interview I did was about my coloration: why are you taking part in Romeo? Do you have to be taking part in Romeo? Did Shakespeare write it for a Black actor?” Harewood stated.

The feedback from Harewood come at a time when the U.Okay. is in a febrile area vis-a-vis race. Final month, “Black Out” performances of “Slave Play” have been slammed by U.Okay. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s workplace as “improper and divisive.” And earlier this month, Francesca Amewudah-Rivers, who was just lately forged as Juliet in a London West Finish manufacturing of “Romeo & Juliet” alongside Tom Holland, was the topic of on-line racial abuse.

Metropolis Parks Basis has introduced the 2024 season of Capital One Metropolis Parks Basis SummerStage, New York Metropolis’s iconic outside performing arts competition, bringing 85 free and profit reveals to Central Park and 13 neighborhood parks throughout the 5 boroughs. 

Andra Day, Ethel Cain, Ghostface Killa and Kim Gordon are simply 4 of the artists slated to carry out.

 Returning for its thirty eighth yr, the competition will showcase established and rising artists from throughout the globe in all kinds of genres. The total lineup seems under.

Neighborhood parks internet hosting SummerStage this season embody Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem, Tompkins Sq. Park within the East Village, Herbert Von King Park in Mattress-Stuy and The Coney Island Amphitheater on the boardwalk in Brooklyn, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, Crotona Park within the Bronx, Stapleton Waterfront Park in Staten Island, and SummerStage’s flagship venue at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park. Performances will probably be free and open to the general public, except for some ticketed profit concert events in Central Park. Extra data is obtainable at www.SummerStage.org.

“SummerStage is again for one more unimaginable season of free performances,” stated Heather Lubov, Government Director of Metropolis Parks Basis. “It’s all the time an honor to convey a lineup of each established and rising artists that commemorate the wealthy cultural cloth of our neighborhoods throughout town to parks, all totally free.  Having fun with stay music whereas exterior in a park is among the most joyful and memorable alternatives we are able to supply to New Yorkers, bringing neighbors and communities collectively for what’s all the time a really particular, shared expertise.”

 “We’re thrilled to as soon as once more have a good time the colourful range of New York Metropolis’s cultures and communities throughout all 5 boroughs,” stated Erika Elliott, Government Inventive Director of SummerStage. “Our lineup will shine a vivid highlight on a few of music’s most iconic feminine artists who’ve made an impression of their genres, from rock and New Orleans soul scions to Dominican merengue and Brazilian samba legends. We’re persevering with to assist rising artists from around the globe who’re showcasing their recent takes on numerous genres like hip-hop, Americana, rock, Latin, pop, and extra. 2024 guarantees to be an unforgettable season!”

The 2024 SummerStage season will characteristic ticketed profit reveals in Central Park to assist assist Metropolis Parks Basis’s free performances. Dwell Nation, this season’s official supplier of profit concert events, will current English singer-songwriter James Arthur on Could 17; Trinidadian soca group KES on June 8; Jamaican-American R&B artist Masego on June 19; prolific American rapper and file producer T-Ache on June 23; a joint expertise that includes legendary Mexican rock bands Caifanes and Café Tacvba on June 26; Indie singer- songwriter Ethel Cain on June 27; three nights of satisfaction celebrations that includes Trixie Mattell, Above & Past and others from June 28 via June 30; American rock/folks band Counting Crows on July 11; Irish rock band The Noticed Docs on July 17; a South African amapiano dance get together from Piano Individuals; modern worship music collective Elevation Worship on July 31; genre-bending jazz and R&B stars Robert Glasper that includes Yebba on August 1; David Cross and his Tremendous Buddies that includes Bob Odenkirk, Sarah Silverman, Fred Armisen and extra on August 8; different rock bands The Gaslight Anthem, Joyce Manor and Pinkshift on August 21; and hip-hop band The Roots with Jungle Brothers and Digable Planets on August 23. Extra profit reveals will probably be introduced all through the season.

Beneficiant personal assist for SummerStage is offered by The Thompson Household Basis, Howard Gilman Basis, Rick and Danielle Arnstein, Mertz Gilmore Basis, The Charles and Lucille King Household Basis, The Shubert Group, Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Basis, J.E. & Z.B. Butler Basis, the Mitzi and Warren Eisenberg Household Basis, and NYU Neighborhood Fund. This program is supported, partially, by public funds from the NYC Council underneath the management of Speaker Adrienne Adams, with particular due to Council Member Kamillah Hanks, Council Member Chi Ossé, Council Member Keith Powers, and Council Member Carlina Rivera; Queens Borough President Donovan Richards; the New York Metropolis Division of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the NYC Council; the New York State Council on the Arts with the assist of the Workplace of the Governor and the New York State Legislature; the Nationwide Endowment for the Arts; and the Consulate Common of Brazil in New York. Capital One is the title sponsor of Capital One Metropolis Parks Basis SummerStage. Supporting Sponsors Safehold, Subaru, poppi, Guayaki Yerba Mate, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Brooks Operating Sneakers, Sixpoint, Fiddlehead, Wölffer Property Winery, Sunboy, Archer Roose, The Dermatology Specialists, United Airways.

Media accomplice assist for the season is offered by iHeartMedia together with Z100 New York, 106.7 Lite FM, Energy 105.1, KTU, and Q104.3, Telemundo, NBC New York, ALL ARTS and The WNET Group, DoNYC, WBGO, WFUV, La Mega, Relix, Fusicology, Afropop, ZOOM Media | Gymnasium TV, and Massive Display screen Plaza.

*All artists are topic to alter

It seems to be like No Doubt’s electrifying units on the Coachella pageant could have been an commercial for a Gwen Stefani solo tour, because the South Star Competition in Huntsville, Alabama introduced Tuesday that she and Blink-182 can be its two headliners. The pageant takes place within the metropolis’s John Hunt Park on September 28-29.

The ‘90s-flavored, 20-artist occasion additionally options Beck, Shinedown, Jane’s Habit, Chic, Goo Goo Dolls, Jimmy Eat World, TLC, Ludacris, Juvenile and the 400 Degreez Band, Large Boi, Gin Blossoms, Pete Yorn, Candlebox, Vanessa Carlton, Winona Fighter, Bully, Dexter & Moonrocks, and Billy Allen + The Pollies.

“The truth that C3 Presents is leaping headfirst into the event of our music ecosystem and the funding they’re making into Huntsville speaks volumes about our present popularity and trajectory in direction of being a world class music metropolis. 12 months one of many South Star Competition boasts a mind-blowing array of celebrity expertise that’s positive to attraction to a broad viewers and inject tens of millions of {dollars} into our native economic system. The epic scale and high quality of product C3 produces will elevate our total music panorama. Artists speak to one another about their experiences, and it’s apparent these artists have all heard good issues about Huntsville. It’s an thrilling time for music in Huntsville, and we look ahead to welcoming music followers and guests alike to John Hunt Park in September,” mentioned Matt Mandrella, town’s music officer.

Along with reside music, the occasion will function a sports activities bar on website that may present a manner for pageant goers to catch the most important soccer video games with out leaving the park — the area “takes soccer season significantly and so does South Star Competition,” the announcement states.

 The presale takes place Thursday, April 25 from 10am ET to 10:40am ET and costs will improve on Thursday, April 25 at 10:40am ET when the general public On-Sale begins. Tickets for Normal Admission, GA+, VIP and South Star’s Platinum bundle can be obtainable on Thursday, April 25 at 10:40 am ET at SouthStarFestival.com. Be it house, nightlife, or music – you’ll have a blast exploring this new frontier.