#NBCUniversal

[frydawolff]

In the criminal justice system, tree-based offenses are considered especially heinous. In Los Angeles, the dedicated City Controller who investigates these vicious felonies is a member of an elite squad known as the Tree Law Unit. These are their stories.

“'Trees are essential to providing Angelenos with significant environmental and public health benefits, especially during a heatwave,' Mejia said in a tweet. 'Public Works’ Bureau of Street Services (StreetsLA) is responsible for maintaining the City’s 700,000+ trees in the public right-of-way.'”

He went on to say in a thread that 'code enforcement for street trees (including the pruning or removal of trees without a permit) is the responsibility of the StreetsLA Investigation and Enforcement Division. Violations can result in code enforcement citations.'"

#tree law #sag strike #wga strike #nbcuniversal

[amaditalks]

NBCUniversal just announced that they are raising the premiums for the Peacock streamer by 20% for every tier, beginning next month.

The studios know that both WGA and SAG-AFTRA have asked the public not to cancel our streaming subscriptions, saying that it would do them more harm than good. But people will inevitably cancel Peacock subscriptions due to this price hike, and I have no doubt that NBCUniversal will try to use those cancellations to claim that streaming is not lucrative enough for them to pay writers and actors more equitably.

This is underhanded.

#wga strike #sag aftra strike #wga #sag aftra #sag strike #nbcuniversal #peacock #union strong #support the strikes

[probablyasocialecologist]

But trees aren’t the only tool NBC has allegedly used to weaponize the environment of striking workers. According to labor complaints filed by Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA on Tuesday, NBC designated picketing locations that did not have usable sidewalks, which forced picketers to move onto the streets. This resulted in two picketers getting struck by a car, the complaints said. NBC is betting the public won’t see these environmental interventions for the direct violence they truly are. They’re betting that trimming trees won’t be seen the same as squeezing down on picketers’ throats. They’re betting that putting barriers around the sidewalks won’t be seen the same as pushing picketers in front of cars. Until now, NBC has had good reason to make that bet. Because “indirect” environmental interventions like these are how we’ve justified the violence on which America was built in the past, and how we justify violence against groups society views as inferior today.

#trees #sag aftra #sag strike #NBCUniversal #writers strike

[sixstringphonic]

Treegate Update: No Permit Was Pulled To Trim Ficus Trees Outside of Universal’s Gate 8, Says City Controller

(7/19/23, Deadline)

UPDATED: LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia revealed in a tweet Wednesday that no permit was pulled to trim the now-infamous Ficus trees outside of Universal’s Gate 8.

He added in a thread that “The City of LA’s Urban Forestry Division (UFD) will coordinate w/ StreetsLA’s Investigation & Enforcement Division (IED) to confirm if this case warrants the issuance of an administrative citation or hearing. If issued, the administrative citation fee starts at $250.”

Mejia had previously tweeted that the trees — which had provided shade for picketers during the ongoing strike before they were pruned over the weekend — are LA City managed street trees.

After members of the WGA discovered the thinned-out trees and made a stink via social media, the studio provided tents for additional shade.

PREVIOUSLY:  Treegate just became a thing.

City Controller Kenneth Mejia has vowed to look into the newly pruned ficus trees outside of Universal’s Gate 8, after picketers drew attention to their thinned branches while marching in 90-degree-plus heat. Pine trees on the opposite side of Barham weren’t touched, and neither were a row of pepper trees behind the Universal fence near the production gate.

In a series of Tweets Tuesday, Mejia said his office is investigating what happened to the Ficuses on Barham Boulevard, which he said are “LA City managed street trees.” WGA picketers drew attention to their thinned out ranks on Monday. Universal owned up to trimming them but said in a statement it was done for “safety reasons” though it “has created unintended challenges for demonstrators, that was not our intention.”

“Trees are essential to providing Angelenos with significant environmental and public health benefits, especially during a heatwave,” Mejia said in a tweet. “Public Works’ Bureau of Street Services (StreetsLA) is responsible for maintaining the City’s 700,000+ trees in the public right-of-way.”

He went on to say in a thread that “code enforcement for street trees (including the pruning or removal of trees without a permit) is the responsibility of the StreetsLA Investigation and Enforcement Division. Violations can result in code enforcement citations.”

Separately, the fight over the studio’s construction on Lankershim Boulevard and its impact on the ongoing strike just got even bigger: The WGA and SAG-AFTRA today filed complaints with the National Labor Relations Board over the lack of safe pathways available for union members to picket.

“Within the past six months, [NBCUniversal Media] has interfered with, coerced, and restrained employees in the exercise of their rights under Section 7 of the [National Labor Relations] Act,” the Writers Guild of America, West, said in its filing (read it here).

Said interference includes but is not limited to “interfering with lawful picketing activity by designating as picketing locations areas where the public sidewalks have been covered up with construction fencing, forcing picketers to patrol in busy streets with significant car traffic where two picketers have already been struck by a car and by refusing to provide K-rail barriers to establish pedestrian walkways for picketers to use after Los Angeles Police Department advised the employer weeks ago in the interest of public safety to do so.”

SAG-AFTRA’s complaint reads in part: “On or around Thursday, July 13, 2023, the employer, through its agents and managers, instructed SAG-AFTRA to send its members to picket at the unsafe crowded location, exacerbating the dire public safety situation to interfere with striking members’ right to engage in the protected, concerted activity of picketing and patrolling outside the employer’s premises during a lawful strike.” Read the full filing here.

In response, an NBCUniversal spokesperson released this statement today: “We are aware of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA complaints. We strongly believe that the company has fulfilled our legal obligations under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and we will cooperate with respect to any inquiries by the National Labor Relations Board on this issue. While we understand the timing of our multi-year construction project has created challenges for demonstrators, we continue to work with public agencies to increase access. We support the unions’ rights to demonstrate safely.”

The WGAW filing also cited “the egregious and flagrant nature of the employer’s illegal conduct and the irreparable harm, including the threat of bodily harm, caused by the above-mentioned violations of the Act.”

#treegate #TREE LAW #WGA strike 2023 #SAG-AFTRA strike 2023 #support the WGA #support SAG-AFTRA #support the unions #NBCUniversal #Universal Pictures #these fuckers #support labor #labor law #moustache twirling villainy #about as smart too

[couplehundredintheduffb]

miley cyrus’s stylist deserves a raise after this nye special

#miley cyrus #pop culture #wrecking ball #female celebrity #vocalist #hannah montana #dolly parton #nye2023 #that girl #women in heels #nbcuniversal #paris hilton #versace #fletcher #stars are blind #jolene #talent #pop music #music #live music #i will always love you

[fyesnatashalyonne]

Natasha Lyonne for NBC

#natasha lyonne #photography #peacock #nbcuniversal #nbc #poker face

[mrs-halstead-1998]

Connor: I love murder mysteries!

Will, trying to impress Connor: I was a suspect in a murder case.

Jay: I thought we said we don't talk about it anymore!

Will: I never agreed to it.

Connor, rolls his eyes and kisses Will: I still love you.

#chicago med #rhodestead #nbcuniversal #fandom ships #tv shows #fanfic #celebrities #one chicago fanfiction #inncorrect quotes

[katmcpheeuniverse]

Katharine McPhee onstage during the "Smash" panel during the NBCUniversal portion of the 2012 Winter TCA Tour at The Langham Huntington Hotel and Spa on January 6, 2012 in Pasadena, California

#katharine mcphee #katherine mcphee #nbc smash #hot celebs #actress #singer #nbcuniversal #2012 #stunning dress #crossed legs #natural beauty

[macmanx]

About 20 members of the Writers Guild of America had been picketing outside Gate 8 at the corner of Barham Boulevard and Forest Lawn Drive, partially protected from the sun by some bushy trees along the sidewalk, leaving some to wonder if the studio giant trimmed the trees on purpose. Some people on social media had begun referring to the incident as "Treegate."

“Our Office is investigating the tree trimming that occurred outside Universal Studios where workers, writers, and actors are exercising their right to picket,” L.A. City Controller Kenneth Mejia wrote in a thread on Twitter, noting that the trees in question are owned by the city and that any code violation could result in citations.

"Trees are essential to providing Angelenos with significant environmental and public health benefits, especially during a heatwave," Mejia wrote.

In a statement, the Los Angeles Department of Public Works said it did not "issue any tree trimming permits for 3801 Barham Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90068."

#treegate #tree law #universal pictures #nbcuniversal #wga strike #sag-aftra strike #solidarity forever

[makingtoothcostume]

We've no idea if DreamWorks will make a sequel to 'Rise of the Guardians', so we decided to have a go! But Tooth wanted to do it in person this time, so it's live action. This is all home made. We had a budget of £4:37 and the use of the local school canteen (yes it really is!). Partway through filming, someone brought in a big pot of curry, which always helps. We cut that bit out!

Check our short movie at bit.ly/3IX4vqH or at toothguardian on YouTube!

We hope you like it- keep believing!

#rise of the guardians #riseoftheguardians #ROTG #rotg cosplay #dreamworks #dreamworks animation #nbcuniversal #Jack Frost #tooth fairy #tooth #toothiana

[ccbsrmsf1]

I swear to you, this man is going to be the death of me one day 🫠🤤🔥

#robert downey jr #rdjr #rdj #oppenheimer #oscars #oscar 2024 #handsome as fuck #delicious #vanity fair #w magazine #nbcuniversal #party #yves saint laurent

[justinsentertainmentcorner]

Trudy Ring at The Advocate:

Hillary Clinton and Kelly Clarkson joined in denouncing the Arizona Supreme Court’s recent abortion ruling when Clinton appeared on Monday’s edition of The Kelly Clarkson Show. The court ruled last week that Arizona could enforce a law from 1864 — before Arizona was a state or women had the right to vote — that bans abortion except in cases where the pregnant person’s life is threatened.

“Did you ever think in your lifetime that we would see that happen?” Clarkson asked Clinton. “It’s just insane to me, the thinking that went on in 1864 … it’s a very different world, we know a lot more now, that we’re going backwards.” “It is horrifying in every way,” Clinton said. “I feared it would happen, but I hoped it wouldn’t happen, and now here we are in the middle of this very difficult period for women in about half the states in our country who cannot get the care that they need, and the old law in Arizona is without exceptions, and the danger to women’s lives as well as our right to make our own decisions about our bodies and ourselves is so profound.” “And there’s another element to it which I find so troubling,” the former presidential candidate continued. “There is a kind of cruelty to it. No exceptions for rape, incest — I mean, really?” “And you don’t realize how hard it is,” Clarkson said. “The fact that you would take that away from someone [in a situation] that can literally kill them? The fact that they’re raped … by their family member? It’s just like insane to me.”

On the Monday episode of NBCU's The Kelly Clarkson Show, guest Hillary Clinton and the show's titular host Kelly Clarkson discussed how horrifyingly harmful Arizona's Civil War-era abortion ban is.

See Also:

HuffPost: Kelly Clarkson Tears Up While Recalling Pregnancy Challenges In Abortion Ban Chat

From the 04.15.2024 edition of NBCUniversal's The Kelly Clarkson Show:

#Hillary Clinton #Kelly Clarkson #The Kelly Clarkson Show #Abortion #NBCUniversal #Abortion Bans #Planned Parenthood Arizona v. Mayes #Arizona Supreme Court #Politics #Television

[supermikeyworks]

DreamWorks is updating its animation style

Shrek/Puss in Boots - Revamped while retaining its key details

The Croods - Rebuilt completely in CGI with more vibrancy

Trolls - "Slightly" smoother with more expressions

Way to evolve!

#dreamworks #shrek is everything #puss in boots #puss in boots and the last wish #the croods #cgi animation #universal pictures #nbcuniversal #dreamworks trolls #dreamworks animation

[thenerdsofcolor]

‘We Are Lady Parts' Returns to Peacock in May for Season 2

Nida Manzoor’s masterpiece of a show starring Muslim women of color makes its long-awaited return. Three years after its debut, We Are Lady Parts will return for a second season on Peacock on May 30. Continue reading ‘We Are Lady Parts’ Returns to Peacock in May for Season 2

View On WordPress

#Arab #black women #British #comedy #Desi #Indian #Iraqi #London #MENA #Middle East #music #Muslim #NBCUniversal #Nida Manzoor #Pakistani #Peacock #Peacock Original #punk music #Rock Music #South Asian #Streaming #SWANA #United Kingdom #We Are Lady Parts

[follow-up-news]

The Writers Guild, now 11 weeks into its strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers over stalled contract negotiations, has filed a grievance with the National Labor Relations Board against NBCUniversal, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. The union claims the corporation is infringing its freedom to picket — and endangering its members — by obstructing the public sidewalk immediately abutting the studio during an ongoing construction project. The move comes days after SAG-AFTRA, the exponentially larger actors’ union, announced its own strike against the AMPTP over its own contract as well as accompanying protests at studios. SAG filed a mirrored action with the agency, as well. According to a complaint the WGA filed with the federal agency on July 18, this has “forc[ed] picketers to patrol in busy streets with significant car traffic where two picketers have already been struck by a car and by refusing to provide K-rail barriers to establish pedestrian walkways for picketers to use after Los Angeles Police Department advised the employer weeks ago in the interest of public safety to do so.” The WGA contends NBCUniversal has “interfered with, coerced, and restrained employees in the exercise of their rights” — in short, “illegal conduct.” NBCUniversal responds to THR in a statement: “We are aware of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA complaints. We strongly believe that the company has fulfilled our legal obligations under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and we will cooperate with respect to any inquiries by the National Labor Relations Board on this issue. While we understand the timing of our multi-year construction project has created challenges for demonstrators, we continue to work with public agencies to increase access. We support the unions’ rights to demonstrate safely.” In early June, THR explored rising tensions between guild members and the studio over the issue, which affects protestors as well as pedestrians. Several local public entities had become involved, including the LAPD’s Labor Relations Unit and the offices of multiple elected officials.

#wga strike #sag-aftra #nbcuniversal #california

[dweemeister]

July 13, 2023

By Anousha Sakoui

(Los Angeles Times) — SAG-AFTRA’s national board of directors on Thursday voted unanimously to approve a strike action by tens of thousands of Hollywood actors, widening the scope of labor unrest in an entertainment industry that is already facing numerous headwinds.

The vote came after negotiations between the actors’ union and the major studios failed to reach an agreement on a new film and TV contract.

Actors — similarly to screenwriters already on picket lines — have been battling studios for a pact that would deliver far better pay and residuals from streaming and address other issues, including the use of artificial intelligence, that have been roiling the entertainment landscape.

Despite the last-minute involvement of a federal mediator, the 160,000-member union was unable to secure a deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents studios in labor dealings. The old collective bargaining agreement expired Wednesday night without a deal in place.

Union leaders announced the board’s vote at a noon news conference in Los Angeles.

“What is happening to us is happening to all fields of labor,” SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said during a fiery speech at the union’s headquarters. “I’m shocked by the way the people we have been in business with are treating us. It is disgusting. Shame on them.”

“We are the victims here,” Drescher added. “We are being victimized by a very greedy entity.”

So, some clarification. This strike covers all movie and TV projects that involve actors and voiceover announcers. This includes animated works. TL;DR: the main concerns are over residuals from streaming services (who are black holes of information that do not release viewership data so as to maintain complete leverage in contract negotiations) and the potential for AI. Unlike the writers, the actors are also trying to require all auditions to be in-person (one lasting impact of COVID is the larger adoption of taped auditions, which does not guarantee that the casting director watches the audition and also deprives the actor of networking opportunities even if they don't pass the audition). These concerns are almost identical - with exception of the in-person auditions - of the Writers Guild of America's (WGA) concerns with their respective strike.

This strike indirectly affects SAG-AFTRA members in radio, audiobooks, non-AMPTP studio video games and interactive media, music, and commercials.

This strike does not cover local news reporters and announcers for AMPTP constituent-owned radio and TV stations (full list here... e.g. every major local English- and Spanish-language channel in Greater LA and both PBS stations in KOCE and KCET). Yes, news reporters and announcers working for a stations owned by an AMPTP constituent are SAG-AFTRA members. They are covered by a separate contract.

#SAG-AFTRA #SAG AFTRA #WGA #AMPTP #labor #Netflix #Disney #Warner Bros. #Warner Bros. Discovery #Paramount #NBCUniversal #Sony #Amazon Prime #Apple #Apple TV+ #Los Angeles #Hollywood #Los Angeles Times #breaking news #news