Take Two translates the day’s headlines for Southern California, making sense of the news and cultural events that affect our lives. Produced by Southern California Public Radio and broadcast from October 2012 – June 2021. Hosted by A Martinez.
Disney's Beauty and the Beast had a great second weekend. The live-action version of the classic fairy tale is on track to join the half-billion dollar club, as it is also performing well internationally.
It puts to rest a concern that families don't get together and go to the movies anymore. And this week's second place box office winner accentuates that notion. Power Rangers is aimed at kids, and it drew a lot of them, but also benefited from 20 and 30-somethings who grew up with the TV series.
Meanwhile, a rumbling of labor action from the Writers Guild. The guild's leaders have asked the membership to approve a strike vote, citing poor progress in their contract negotiations with producers. That request to the members doesn't mean there will be a strike, but it does give negotiators the ability to use the threat in their bargaining. Writers last went out on strike in late 2007, and settled early in 2008.
Among the issues this time - shoring up the union's health plan, winning better pay for writers who work in digital media, and reversing declines in earnings for both TV and film writers.
The current contract with producers expires May 1. In the past, when a writers strike loomed, producers scrambled to stockpile scripts, and networks loaded up on non-scripted reality shows that don't require writers. Expect a repeat of those precautions if the negotiations drag on through April.