Are Trade Journalists Overdoing The Free Tickets, Booze And Creme Brulee Provided By The Places They Cover?

Is it out of hand, folks? On any level?

I'm just asking. Not being passive aggressive. Not being smarmy. I seriously would like to know your thoughts, and measured responses are welcome.

Cool new site thenativeangeleno.com has a post up that kinda dances around it, and I think it is actually very important. They start to poke the eye of everyone that has called themselves an entertainment journalist while -- constantly, always and non-stop -- reveling in the food/drink/parties/etc. that are prevalent as hosted by networks, studios, etc.

The TCAs are the most recent example of constant fun time. And ComicCon, of course. And it was really evident when the Los Angeles Kings battled for the Stanley Cup. So many of you were “thankful for the tickets” and “thrilled to be in the NBC box” or whatever.

So many folks bitch (strangely) about Nikki never being seen. How do you know she doesn't go out? Just because she doesn't mix with you at parties hosted by the people she wants to blast? That's actually probably a good policy. It has served her well.

I Can't Believe That This Is My 100th Post

Thanks for reading. I've had so much fun. I appreciate the love that comes my way. And the hate. Anyway -- everyone's great at their jobs, and I'm just having fun. Let's all laugh at ourselves. We all need to chuckle. Because we're in a fun space.

Peace and joy and smiles.

Drudge Passed Over A Great Variety Exclusive In Favor Of A Copycat; Is The Paywall To Blame?

Variety landed a great exclusive today. A bona fide, hot, wonderful exclusive that should be available to millions of readers all while showcasing the place as a great breaker of big entertainment news. 

Paul Thomas Anderson's uber-controversial film “The Master” is coming earlier. It certainly is a notch on Jeff Sneider's belt...and SHOULD mean the world to Variety leadership. But beyond that, it should be worldwide...a major attention-grabber.

But the paywall has quite possibly scared Matt Drudge off so much in the past, that he took that bona fide, hot, wonderful exclusive -- the one he would have posted for the globe to see -- and discarded it…for Roger Friedman’s complete -- but free to access -- rip-off story.

So there ya go. Friedman's Xerox copy is getting plenty of readers, and the Variety exclusive is now just...there. I assume everyone in editorial is pissed off now. I would be.

The Staff Of A Lifetime: Building The Perfect Trade

I know what I’m talking about, so don’t complain about these hypothetical hires for my hypothetical publication. I study all of your work all of the time, and I’m totally fair. While I’m sure everyone not on this list will chuckle and make fun, I challenge anyone to reject these sound choices.

Now, all I need is $5 million to start something, and I’m sure we’d all be very successful.

OK, turn the page to see my chosen peeps...

The Hollywood Reporter's Print Edition Is Very Good This Week ... And It's Time To Give Them Full Credit For Reviving Their Brand

If there’s any doubt left anywhere that THR has not completely revitalized itself, then that’s now officially stupid. Their recent print issue is great. Not so much because of the Aurora coverage, but because they managed to look like there’s an abundance of care, organization, effort and overall pride in the product…and in a brand that was once chided for punting their daily edition and was always second-fiddle to Variety. No more. Re: Aurora, the responded well on deadline, with good opinion pieces. But that aside, it’s just the overall meat of the issue -- some informative, some goofy, some serious, some fun -- that makes this one of their defining chapters. With a striking and controversial cover that some will pick apart, the whole issue just feels, well, exactly what a weekly should feel like. Relevant, mainly. And great images as always. So as they continue their rebirth, this issue takes them to a new place. Congrats, gang. Your plan to rewire your legacy has worked. And not too get too overly goopy, but on a day when Newsweek waved the white flag, this looks even more impressive. You certainly have a staff that loves what they do, isn't tired, isn't hamstrung and obviously contributes new ideas non-stop in a changing media landscape. It all shows.

Embargoes Are Destroying You ... Don't You See That?

Work together on this one, folks. Because today should be a watershed moment. 

I will NEVER pick on a publication for breaking an embargo. 

Let me clarify ... if a journalist promised to abide by one and then blindsided the source, then that's a major problem.

But let's talk about the very nature of embargoes in the first place. 

I will not chastise Variety for the Toronto snafu this morning. Because it wasn’t a snafu. You actually get an "attaboy" from me. Maybe not in execution, but certainly in results.

Now, everyone will harp on me. “You don’t know how it works.” Or … “easy to preach, but let’s see YOU do it.”

Blah, blah, blah. Trade journalism has become the bizarro world. Everything is opposite. The news reporters are supposed to dictate the rules. Not the news creators. But look around, and it’s such a joke, because it's NOT what the profession is supposed to signify. Competing reviews are being sent out together -- because studios have told them what time is OK. Rival journalists are conspiring to appease TV showrunners by breaking news in unison. It’s actually horrifying. (The same kind of thing happened last night. IMAX numbers showed a record for "The Dark Knight Rises," but the company apparently didn't want any mention of it... while some people apparently acquiesced, Variety had it right.)

Bravo To The L.A. Times For This One About Flops And Budgets And Blockbusters And Haves And Have-Nots

Specifics, data, on-the-record quotes, point-of-view, perspective and rational thought. From Steven Zeitchik and Amy Kaufman. I like this.

Breaking News Scorecard: Aurora News Needs Urgency And Updates...So How's Everyone Doing?

4:07 UPDATE:

Variety has redesigned their homepage (for good?) to add some weight to the events. The new look suits them.

2:00 p.m. UPDATE: 

THR ... 22 stories

Deadline ... 19 stories

The Wrap ... 13 stories

Variety ... 7 stories

NOON: I'll talk quality later, but in the meantime, the Aurora tragedy gives outlets -- even entertainment ones -- a chance to do what they all claim to do best: fast journalism. So alongside all the chatter is the very real business of news ... so do what these numbers whatever you wish. (Standard box office stories are not included unless they have been reworked with appropriate news relating to the shooting.)

Based on what I easily saw at noon sharp, here's the tally (if I am wrong, let me know...some of the stories are tucked away):

Deadline ... 19 stories
THR ... 18 stories
The Wrap ... 10 stories
Variety ... 2 stories

'The Dark Knight Rises': Variety And The Hollywood Reporter Have The Earliest Reviews Among All Newspapers -- So Why Can't They Find A Way To Monetize That Going Forward?

Let's say there are 650 companies that do the same thing -- they all sell widgets. But two of them have a widget nobody else has. Pretty great, right? It's only natural that those two companies would be in a terrific position ... pushing, selling and marketing those special widgets in order to get more customers/make more money...you would think.

That's the case we have with THR and Variety, but in an industry in dire need of capital-driven ideas, they don't seem to know how to sell their special widgets. Or want to.

If Variety Really Does Land In The Hands Of Jay Penske Or Sharon Waxman...

Per this New York Post item, which is pegged to Ron Burkle, do you realize how sweet this would be for Jay/Nikki and Sharon. Not just from a "new editorial toy" perspective, but from a revenge perch? They would be soooooooo happy to show the world that they conquered and vanquished a hallowed, old media brand as storied as Variety. So they would go soooooooo out of their way to show the current staff that their way is the best and only way. And that Variety’s traditional methods of gathering, distributing, paying for, cultivating, breaking and caring for news are exactly what led to a) the sale in the first place; b) the price dropping so steeply over the past few years; c) its recent staff purges; and d) dwindling marketshare. And what, exactly, is their way? 

Nobody Does It Better: Another Unique THR, Esq. Exclusive

Separation, separation, separation.

Go ahead - keep writing your "stories" based on releases that every one else gets. Keep writing your box office reports with the same numbers and the same points as your competitors. (Except for you, Nikki).

But for newsy, relevant, nasty, interesting nuggets that nobody else gets and everyone reads, The Hollywood Reporter's legal blog is da bomb. And here's proof. Again.

The Wrap, Co-Founded By Howard Schultz, Writes Nice Item About Howard Schultz Without Saying In The Piece That Howard Schultz Is Co-Founder Of The Wrap

Got that? On its ABOUT US page, The Wrap says it was "...co-founded by Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz." So just remember that when you read this. (Sorry I was late on this one.)

Andy Griffith's Friend Was Absolutely Correct...

UPDATE: Headline is normal now. Yes, he died. Smart friend.

EARLIER: Either something must be wrong with The Wrap's news carousel...or everyone over there is taking a nap. Because although they've already posted tribute stories like this and this (by 10:38), they still have the king of unconfirmed headlines leading the site (above).

Dottie Mattison Replaces Richard Beckman At Prometheus; And What's Beckman's Real Legacy At THR?

2ND UPDATE: OK -- looks like they decided to push the Dottie Mattison news out for real this time...the story is here.


UPDATE: This Adweek link was a story about Guggenheim Partners suit Dottie Mattison replacing Beckman....now the item is gone. Here's the original Google find:

EARLIER: Beckman was a favorite punching bag of journalists, Manhattanites and Hollywood insiders everywhere. And obviously, his departure doesn't really effect THR, as it's Janice Min's baby, and he had already moved on to something called "brand management" of Prometheus.

But can we say his tenure was at least semi-successful? Why not? He was the one who brought Min to the party. And THR's print issue looks great. More importantly, the Website has done what nobody thought it could do … mainly, become a top-tier breaking news organization.

Or do we say he was a jerky failure? His personality was abrasive, his handpicked Adweek chief Michael Wolff left in October, he ceded daily control of Prometheus a while ago, he was a notoriously difficult guy, and he didn’t blend well with Jimmy Finkelstein. And as for THR proper, he projected the megawrong vibe for a Hollywood news org that needed something else more in tune with the town.

Chris Krewson Leaves Variety For THR: Another Strange Chapter In The Current History Of A Once-Perfect Brand

What a nap! I feel great!

So today’s news was interesting enough to make me return from my sabbatical (which, by the way, is allowed, since it’s my blog.) And notice my headline. I didn't say anyone should be in panic mode. I didn't take sides. I didn't say this was a terrible decision...or a good decision. I just said this is strange.

Here’s what I know: Chris Krewson is generally liked, although his role wasn't defined too well at Variety. He is a solid enough worker. He has 3600 Twitter followers. He moved out from Philadelphia years ago to take the Variety job, only to see what he was up against: paywalls, an archaic platform, lack of progress, leadership voids and the overall sense that Variety, as great a brand as it is to the outside world…lost some steps along the way. Now, he wasn't the perfect fit...but I tend to think he thought he was getting a 21st century toy to play with when he joined. Not a lemon. So I give him the benefit of the doubt. And he's certainly good enough to run both Variety.com and the now-well-thought-of THR.com. Is that a fair assessment?

He was also up against directional issues for a while. When the lovely Dana Harris was at Variety, there was an issue of “who’s job is it.” She moved on, of course, to Indiewire, and things got a little clearer for Chris. But by then, things weren’t any cleaner on the publishing side. Chris, simply, was doing a job, the very description of which was not in the place's DNA. (Apologies if I got some of my chronology wrong here...maybe Chris can fill me in.)

Now, to be fair, Web editors aren’t heart surgeons. People are so replaceable. Certainly him. Shaq left, and the Lakers were fine. So although overreactions are what journalists do best, they rarely are justified. Besides, people defect all the time at other media businesses, and it’s not a big deal at all.

Instead, here’s why Chris’ departure is kinda newsworthy: Because it’s not about the person who departed. It’s about the fact that a revolving door is so common at an organization where a revolving door should not exist in the first place.

So Will One Or Two Actors Play Chang And Eng Bunker?

Been a while since I saw this kind of “big” thing from Mike Fleming. It’s a film version of the Guinness Book of World Records based at Warner Bros. It has details, backstory, names…and it’s exclusive. Hey -- I always wondered what happened to the McGuire twins...better known as the fat guys on the motorcycles. Fleming was actually on quite a roll today. Later on, he posted this, about a sequel moving forward to "Snow White and the Huntsman." 

Obama And Charlize Theron: THR, Deadline Win

I love THR’s presidential slideshow with the Young Hollywood contingent. Feels very inside baseball, and I don’t see the images at any other trade. Let me know if I am missing something. And Deadline’s got the goods on NBC sigining up for Charlize Theron’s modern-day take on the Hatfields & McCoys. Nice!

'Django Unchained' Trailer Drama Was Fun To Watch

This was the mother of all “Who Had It First” posts. For the first major event trailer I’ve seen in some time. Variety went through some labor pains trying to be top dog -- they tried posting it in the early afternoon, but they then had to give us an “it's not ready yet” update. They eventually got it up at 4:30, and they were still first, so I applaud their transparency and their focus. This followed drama on several other sites as well around town, as detailed here. I won’t be posting the clip. I’ll leave that for the publications themselves. I just like to see who got the goods. And I love the trailer.

'Captain America 2' Directing Gig: Who Had It First?

Looks like the “Community” brotherly producing tandem of Joe and Anthony Russo will get the job. I don't know if the news came from fan sites first or what...but as for the trades, all I want to know is…who had it first?

From 'Justice League' To Creative Emmy Mailers: Newsroom Roundup

Today was weird. Quiet, but a few pops. I already gave a shout-out to Variety for this one, and later in the day, they came through with this strange -- but fair game -- "Justice League" post. A secret hire way back when got the film back on track. OK, I guess. So on the film side, they win today. Other stories of note included this good one from Nellie over at Deadline about a "Modern Family" producer signing a new deal at Fox, and THR's fun slideshow look at the Emmys currying favor through creative mailers. They're good at these. The Wrap posted plenty of items today, but none of them as power exclusives in my wheelhouse.

UPDATE: Variety Satisfies My Hankerin' For A Really Big Film Exclusive

UPDATE: We have a winner, people: Jon Favreau is the frontrunner to direct "Jersey Boys"...Variety is victorious.

EARLIER: The last one was this, with Tom Cruise. But since then, we haven’t had any earth-shattering stories. So who's going to write something…and who’s it gonna be about: Clooney, Hanks, Bullock, Streep, Jolie, Johansson, Cruz, Winslet, Mirren, Pitt, Smith, Depp, Bardem, Washington, Sandler, Craig, Diaz, Damon, Lawrence, Downey Jr., Pattinson, Stewart, Timberlake, Portman, Spacey, Bale, Bridges, Penn, Weisz, Affleck, Spielberg, Fincher, Nolan, Coens, Scorsese, Howard, Soderbergh, Almodovar, Tarantino, Payne, Cameron…

Diamond Jubilee: Some Non-Industry Events Are Worth Major Coverage (Not Just Ratings Stories)

The “we don’t cover that” excuse can’t really be used anymore. Especially since THR covers alcohol and The Wrap covers cougars. And yes, Deadline and Variety are certainly better at defining and delivering to their core audience. But the Queen's Diamond Jubilee concert had everything: A-list performers, a red carpet, pageantry, international appeal. It was an amazing night by the looks of it. So I’m curious as to why something so obviously meant for the entertainment age would have no appeal as a streamed event (if possible) -- or a heavily hyped and covered (besides ratings) homepage element. (So far, I see THR did have this and Variety posted this small V Page item about Brits in L.A.). London is an important hub for the trades. There are staffs, subscribers, readers and industry folks aplenty. And like I said…”we don’t cover that” doesn’t mean what it used to. This wasn’t a monster truck rally.  

'Spartacus' Ending On Starz: Sharing Is Caring

Everyone worked together on this one, because...well, everyone worked together on this one. The show is ending, and as you saw, all of your news alerts came one after the other after the item was posted everywhere at 6:00 a.m. on the dot (except The Wrap, which posted at 6:16). Smooth and publicist-like. I wonder if anyone's ever said, "Thanks for the release and info. I appreciate your help, but I need to have this alone. And if I don't, you can work with everyone else. I'll find something else." Probably not. I've noticed, however, that you rarely see tag-teaming on the film side.

I Like Variety's Approach To Sponsored Emmy Content

It’s a simple thing, really. But it’s effective, good business and something I’ve always thought should be more prevalent among the trades: sponsored news packages. Right in the middle of its homepage, Variety has a module. USA Networks is the advertiser, and off to the right are five Emmy stories. Clean, packaged, tight. And it's not special reports copy that was written AFTER an advertiser came onboard and pretends to be real. Just daily news that ebbs and flows and that has a common theme...in this case, Emmys. It’s strange that I don’t see it that often on anything except newsletters, which feel very 2009. Because think of all the things that could be sold as a package, designed beautifully, and executed flawlessly: reviews, international stories, television profiles, Oscar Q&As. The list goes on.

'Desperate Housewives' Trial Drama: THR Wins

Slooooooow day. But this one, about the huge setback for Nicollette Sheridan in her  “Desperate Housewives” money grab, was a great get. Nothing like a nice little exclusive on a lazy Saturday to get me going. And from my favorite blog, no less: THR, Esq.

BOX OFFICE CIRCUS: 'Snow White And The Huntsman'

UPDATE: Variety posted their morning box office story at 8:35. The Wrap posted at 8:36. THR went with theirs at 8:56.


AS OF 8:00 A.M.: Nikki updated her box office story this morning at 7:10 with a full writethrough, and she has a definite number in the headline: $55.8 million. Whatever the final tally turns out to be, she’s got something specific this early, which is what I look for when I log on and seek out box office numbers on Saturday morning. As of right now, THR’s box office story is still the one from yesterday afternoon (!) and just has a guess-timate range ($48-$52 million). Variety’s post is also yesterday’s late-in-the-day report. It has a higher range…but still just a range. Nothing specific. The Wrap has a story about midgets.

Andy Samberg Leaving 'SNL': Who Had It First?

He confirmed it to the New York Times this afternoon, but they ain’t a trade. So now this becomes a question of who was paying the closest attention, and I therefore can still ask…who had it first?

One Of You Made A Basic Typo...And Some Of You Reacted Immaturely

A simple mistake. An error. A misstep that eventually was corrected. But a couple of you had to tweet about it. As if we’re all six-years-old and have to tell on each other. You want to know why the state of journalism really sucks? Because of that. Not because of economics. Not because of misguided resources. But because everyone’s in the playpen. Are you seriously going to call out a freakin’ typo by a fellow professional? Does that mean your newspaper or website never has small gaffes? Considering all the copy that gets posted, an error in a word here and there is just normal. Has been ever since printing presses were invented. And thank God we can now correct them instantly online. But Jesus, to even mention it is just unbelievable. You're right. There was a typo in a headline…for a story that everyone else followed because that writer did her job.

From Care Bears To Mel Gibson: Newsroom Tours

A look around this early afternoon brings us some strong stuff. And some, well, interesting stuff.

Deadline

Their first Emmy print issue is out, and they’ve posted this today. Always good stuff from Ausiello and Nellie. But I wonder if it’s Q&A after Q&A like last year’s print onslaught…I’ll take a look soon. In the meantime, Nikki has been promising us an Alan Horn interview. I’ll keep expecting it. And Mike Fleming broke the Guy Ritchie/"Treasure Island" item.

Variety

They were the first to post the Michael Mann/Venice story early this morning, so bravo. On the flip side, this little Care Bears is just strange and silly. Even for a quickie blog post.

THR

There’s this. And they got the jump on the Kathleen Kennedy/George Lucas story. They also beat everyone on the Brian Roberts/Comcast story…where he stuck it to the film unit for “Battleship” and “The Five-Year Engagement.” A good morning.

The Wrap

More Mel Gibson and Joe Eszterhaz nuttiness. They own this one.

Some Inspired Friday Morning Fun -- Courtesy Of THR

I love this. Just love it. Exactly what you all should do more of (or start doing, depending on who you are). This neat little slideshow comparing movies that have similar themes ("Antz" and "A Bugs Life," for example) is fun, relevant, engaging and, yes, unique. It’s pegged to “Mirror, Mirror” and “Snow White and the Huntsman,” and it’s exactly what I would ask to see more of if I were the boss (it's also in this week's print issue). It also looks fabulous leading the site. And that’s saying something, since so many slideshows are poorly “produced.” Well done, Matt Belloni. Well done.

I Can't Believe I've Hit 5,000 Pageviews -- Thank You!

I know, I know...it's tiny compared to the traffic your sites get. But it sure is big to me. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that anyone would read this stuff when I started back in early May... let alone return for more. So I appreciate all of your eyeballs. It means a lot. Now send me a tip.

When Do You Write Broadway Stories About Big Stars ... And When Do You Stay On The Sidelines?

OK – so if Scarlett Johansson and Chris Pine were to land roles in, say, a David Fincher movie…than everyone would knock themselves out confirming, rewriting, posting, etc. No thought about it. Big stars in a big movie = story. But the New York Times reports today that she's a definite yes -- and that he's close -- for “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” on Broadway. So what happens?

  

Alan Horn Running Disney Studios: Kim Masters Wins

She had her exclusive tip up at 12:13 p.m. and that's really all that mattered here. In it, she also told us that an announcement would be forthcoming...which indeed was correct. She updated the item once the release came through. Frustratingly, while THR's alert was sent at 12:16, I received it at 12:19 -- ya gotta see wazzup with that lapse. But still -- weighing everything, she had it first. Deadline posted the full press release at 12:17 and its alert came to me at 12:18. Variety posted a two-line story at 12:16, and I received its alert at 12:19. The Wrap had a smallish story up at 12:20, but I got the alert at 1:01.

What Makes A Winner -- The Posting Timestamp Or The Alert Timestamp?

That’s the fun little question. This morning showcased the perfect example after news broke that the Emmys are combining the lead and supporting actor/actress awards in the miniseries and movie category. Variety posted at 9:08, while Deadline followed with a 9:16 post. But the alerts tell a different story. I got my Deadline one first, at 9:19…while Variety’s came at 9:20. So sure, it could be all about “servers” (a familiar excuse I hear…yawn)…and people can obviously create the shell of a story as early as they want and then fill things in, making it look like they posted earlier. I have no idea if any of that happened here. All I know is that alert times will now factor into my analysis, barring anything that shows obvious exclusivity. For what it’s worth, THR posted at 9:32 and the alert came at 9:35. The Wrap's posting timestamp says 9:30, but the alert came to me at ... 10:56?

Stories You Should Have Had: The 'Battleship' Free Pass

I’m not saying you didn’t slam it. I’m saying nobody wrote a story like this that said it feels like it’s getting much more of a free pass than “John Carter.” I’ve been thinking about it in my own head ever since it came out: So many people were mauled, destroyed and ruined -- for weeks -- over Disney’s movie…while the Peter Berg film seems to represent just another costly misfire. Its failure is really just relegated to normal box office stories everywhere (except for this), while “John Carter” had volumes and volumes and volumes written about it. So good on Patrick Goldstein for saying something. 

'G.I. Joe' Shows Readers That Every Second Counts

I've been sorting through the interesting story that broke yesterday about the decision to delay its release. Nikki got there first by posting this terrific behind-the-scenes item at 9:32 p.m. She certainly was, um, prescient, because she knew exactly when to scoop Kim Masters’ story, which hit the street in print today (and posted online last night at 9:37, after Nikki broke it open). If the THR editors were holding this story in order to time it to the print item, then boy, therein lies the danger, no? For whatever best laid plans one constructs, it’s simply risky to wait.

REVIEWING THE REVIEWS: 'Prometheus'

Overnight you received the “Prometheus” review alerts from THR and Variety. I can’t really tell if Justin Chang likes it, but he thinks it’s "chatty" and that it will be a major box office player (if he’s wrong, I’ll be back). Todd McCarthy doesn’t say anything about its turnstile prospects, but he does say it won’t hit “classic’ status because it doesn’t take enough chances. Me? I think it looks like that awful Barry Levinson movie, "Sphere"...but I'm sure it's much better. I’ll say this about the review presentations: THR knows how to take care of previous stories -- it calls attention to four other "Prometheus"-related items. Variety still just cuts and pastes the review. Nothing on any other stories at all.

Kevin Costner Means Record Ratings: Who Had It First?

The dreamboat is back, baby. History Channel’s “Hatfields & McCoys” scored record numbers, making it the top non-sports telecast in ad supported cable history (I sound smart, but that’s actually verbiage the network spewed to the reporters, who in turn are all spewing it to us). Forget the lingo…the real question is, who had it first?

Why Are Deep Dives So Few And Far Between?

Over the weekend, I read this sharp and extensive New York Magazine piece about the New York Times and Arthur Sulzberger, Jr. It’s a keen and well-researched look at internal strife, nasty politics and personal relationships ... and I couldn’t help ask myself why the trades don’t do much of this. Daniel Miller and Matt Belloni’s recent Kim Dotcom piece was excellent, and it shows that the potential is there for "long" journalism. But it’s still too seldom that we get this kind of laser beam-like, purposeful and investigative reportage.

My Unsolicited, Unscientific But Educated And Reasonable Look At The Hollywood Reporter's Blogs

My attention has always been drawn to the blog strategy of the old-school trades. Variety and THR were so reluctant to move in an opinion-centric direction, so when the web-olution hit, they listened to the bosses and stuck mainly to their news strategies. That decision didn't serve them well in terms of traffic or mojo.

But THR's blogs show that they have done a very good job at evolving: They look good, are easy to read, and some of them are niche enough to really differentiate the site and therefore the writers. As a general suggestion, I would raise their profile -- although some of them show up on the top left rail and the top nav bar (very nondescript), the shout-out badges, which I really like, live more than half-way down on the homepage. And as you'll see, I have a lot of problem with many of the blogs' names..and names are everything. But making the good ones more prominent "above the fold" should be a no brainer both editorially and aesthetically. And let's see what the good ones are.

LATEST DEVELOPMENT...It's Bush/Gore All Over Again With Hanging Chads And Everything...Now The Wrap Joins Variety As Cannes Champions

2ND UPDATE: I mentioned below that I didn't seen a Wrap news alert and asked for your help in securing proof. And so you listened -- some of you sent me what appears to be a copy of a 10:52 alert that indeed went out and was received. So it looks like we have a late challenger to the crown. But since I never got it and therefore needed evidence from another source, I'm declaring a dual champion FOR NOW. So there. Keep me posted, everyone...if this is inaccurate, let me know. I will keep updating if I have to.

UPDATE: Congrats, Variety -- you were the clear victor. The alert was the only thing that mattered today, and I got yours at 10:54 a.m. Nice one, Justin Chang and Peter Debruge.

Deadline gets points for doing that thing they do -- sending alerts for all of the winners as they happened in real time -- but alas, their "Amour" news break came to me at 10:56.

The Hollywood Reporter's alert arrived in my inbox at 10:59. And no, Todd McCarthy's breaking news column (also sent as an alert) doesn't make it better. You had a whole staff there for much of the festival, gang. Should have done better than the bronze medal.

I got a Wrap Cannes Newsletter at 1:32. I can't believe there was no breaking news alert earlier than that. If there was one and I missed it, please let me know.

BOX OFFICE STORIES: Blow Up The Status Quo And Try Something New Already

Some of you know how I feel about box office stories. Worse than Chilean film industry stories or hyped guest blog posts from unknown people. The state of today's box office reporting is this: lazy. The stories, as they are written now, don't differentiate sites and writers from other sites and writers. They're the same. Of course, as you know (and are sick of hearing), I don’t include Nikki in my assessment, because her posts usually go beyond rote reportage. People actually GO to her site for box office results. Nobody goes to the other sites for the numbers, except for cursory glances at the headline. But since it’s in the trades’ DNA to cover box office, how about the rest of you shake things up…finally. It’ll be painful at first, but the reward could be worth it.

Does One Tweet -- And One Tweet Alone -- Mean You Broke The Story?

I enjoyed a healthy exchange today with a reader who wanted to know how respected Journalist B could have the balls to post an exclusive story based on a rumor that respected Journalist A tweeted – and only tweeted. I didn’t really understand why this was even a debate. How could running with something that started out as just “I heard…” from someone else be considered dodgy? I mean, isn't that the whole point of being a reporter -- to hear about things and then pursue them? So I asked again to be clear…”You mean, someone heard a tip, pushed it out on Twitter…and that means it’s theirs alone?

Bradley Cooper & Anthony Hopkins: THR, Deadline Win

Only two bona fide starry breaks this morning. Borys was front and center with this one re: Cooper’s first producing project (in which he’ll probably also star). And Mike had this little nugget about Hopkins joining “Red 2.”

Who Had What? A Roundup Of So-So Exclusives

Feels like a Cannes hangover. Not a great news day yesterday, but almost everyone had something exclusive of note from mid-day onward...

Deadline broke this one, about the "G.I. Joe" sequel moving to 2013.

The Hollywood Reporter trumpeted this, about Universal venturing back into toy territory with Hero Factory robots.

Variety marked its territory with this "Fringe" cable rerun story late in the day.

The Wrap fashioned this propietary list, about breakout summer actors.

'The Great Gatsby' Trailer: Who Had It First?

Well, well -- not one day after my post decrying the lack of urgency surrounding trailers, everyone seemed to hop to it this time, going nuts for Leonardo DiCaprio, Baz Luhrmann and a lot of rich white people who smoke. It looks overproduced, beautiful and set piece-y. But surely, the important question is...who had it first?

Go Ahead, Make Fun Of The Drudge Report -- But We All Desperately Need It

UPDATE: A good day for The Wrap, as this story about Paul Thomas Anderson and Tom Cruise got Drudge's attention as well.

Always fun to see the power of the Drudge Report. Today’s example, a general ratings story about CNN's shocking decline, is a perfect lesson in why he’s hugely important to metrics and, therefore, advertising. Even though THR has the exact same story, Deadline was “chosen” to be linked … and now Nikki gets the audience and the comments. And who knows why one gets chosen over the other: maybe Deadline posted first, maybe they alerted him first. But the aggregator is all about trust and relationships, and he knows that Nikki’s site is a news factory. Which poses the question: What is the Drudge pecking order among the trades?

Penn State And Natalie Portman: Deadline, THR Win

No, the Oscar winner will not be starring as Jerry Sandusky. Instead, there were two solid exclusives this morning: Mike Fleming has the first major movie to rise from the Penn State scandal, and from Cannes, Pam McClintock and Borys Kit have Portman kicking ass in a Western.

Actually, Yes -- Alf Really Is More Interesting Than Cannes

I have no idea what the driving force was for this Alf story by THR’s Jordan Zakarin, but I like it...and it's a refreshing break from the Cannes circus blanketing so much trade space. The story is part Where Are They Now? and part What The Fuck? -- and it's extremely readable. I’ve always wondered why there aren’t more of these things being assigned; the industry is full of creative millionaires who just disappeared, so finding and profiling them on a regular basis seems like a great idea for any site. Just read this thing, everyone, and make a note. Then make something like this a permanent fixture. Because, if done like this, they’re great. 

Tom Cruise & 'The Magnificent Seven': Variety Wins

Even Jeff Sneider himself says that the project is a "long way off" and "not in Cruise's immediate plans." But still, if the actor is attached then he's attached, so fair game, right?. And anyone with the balls to pull the trigger on an exclusive of this size deserves a hat tip. Now, if it turns out to be bullshit on every level...then I'll be back. In the meantime, I sense this one's going to seriously piss off some of Jeff's competitors.

Los Angeles Press Club Nominations: The Hollywood Reporter, Nikki Finke Do Better Than The Wrap, Variety

The Hollywood Reporter -- 22 nominations
Deadline -- 5 nominations
The Wrap - 4 nominations
Variety - 2 nominations

The complete list is here. THR's good showing is repped in several different categories by Kim Masters, Alex Ben Block, Todd McCarthy, Tim Goodman, Merle Ginsberg, Daniel Miller, Tim Appelo, M.G. Lord, Shirley Halperin, Paul Bond, Stacey Wikon, Lacey Rose, Shanti Marlar, Jennifer Laski, Jenny Sargent, Carrie Smith and Wesley Mann. Deadline's nomination haul was all for Nikki Finke, who scored five. The Wrap's three are for Tim Molloy and a couple of pieces by contributor Richard Stellar. Variety’s lone representative is the quietly solid political blogger Ted Johnson, who has two items nominated.

Our Readers Love Movie Trailers -- So Why Are They Not A Giant, Sexy Priority?

As the teaser for Paul Thomas Anderson's "The Master" debuts today, I’ve always wondered how well movie trailers do for news sites. I sure like them, and they’re fairly low-hanging fruit that easily jazzes things up. But I also wonder why nobody in the trade space has mastered the presentation, the distribution and the overall “bigness” that trailers represent. THR had “Skyfall” leading the site this morning, an idea I like…but it doesn't happen all the time, and their trailers are either strewn throughout the homepage or actually buried here, tucked away on the video page once they fall away from the general news roll. Variety often places the trailers here in their Boffo blog but doesn’t particularly call them out in a more significant way. The Wrap has no dedicated place for them at all. Deadline actually does highlight a trailer section here on the homepage (on their top tab). I’m not a fan of the “hot” designation (feels a bit '80s), but they are trying to do something solid. But still, why won’t these sites work harder to make them more of a major component, both aesthetically and editorially? 

REVIEWING THE REVIEWS: Variety Wins -- But The Bosses Owe Their Critics A Lot More

If you've read me at all during the past two weeks, you know I'm all about separation. To evolve means to differentiate yourself. Especially in the entertainment trade world, where everyone has (mostly) the same crap. So when I see separation, it makes me happy...and Variety's Cannes reviews indeed make me happy. Their critics' breadth is unmatched, the staff travels very well, and it's the one editorial area that the publication truly dominates. So that's the good news. The frustrating reality: I just don't know why the organization's leaders do their best to hide that domination.