Joe Biden’s reelection campaign has drawn early support from a range of figures in entertainment, media and tech, including six-figure contributions from a list that includes Seth MacFarlane, Netflix’s Reed Hastings and OpenAI’s Sam Altman.
Among donors in entertainment, Jeffrey Katzenberg gave the highest amount, $889,600. He is serving as Biden’s campaign co-chair. His wife, Marilyn Katzenberg, gave the same amount.
The list of donors also include actors such as Lin-Manuel Miranda, who gave $20,000, and other contributions came from Allison Janney, Rosario Dawson and Wendell Pierce.
Biden’s campaign and the Democratic National Committee reported raising $72 million in the latest quarter, the first of the president’s reelection bid, which he announced on April 25. The campaign has $77 million cash on hand.
Among the large donors to the Biden Victory Fund, the joint committee of the Biden campaign, the DNC and state parties, were Seth MacFarlane, who gave $100,000; Altman,...
Among donors in entertainment, Jeffrey Katzenberg gave the highest amount, $889,600. He is serving as Biden’s campaign co-chair. His wife, Marilyn Katzenberg, gave the same amount.
The list of donors also include actors such as Lin-Manuel Miranda, who gave $20,000, and other contributions came from Allison Janney, Rosario Dawson and Wendell Pierce.
Biden’s campaign and the Democratic National Committee reported raising $72 million in the latest quarter, the first of the president’s reelection bid, which he announced on April 25. The campaign has $77 million cash on hand.
Among the large donors to the Biden Victory Fund, the joint committee of the Biden campaign, the DNC and state parties, were Seth MacFarlane, who gave $100,000; Altman,...
- 7/16/2023
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Variety writer Jon Burlingame’s new book, “Music for Prime Time: A History of American Television Themes and Scoring,” is published today. The product of 35 years of research and more than 450 interviews, it tells the backstory of every great TV theme dating back to 1949. What follows is an excerpt from the sitcom chapter.
In the summer of 1994, ABC Entertainment president Ted Harbert (in response to a question from this writer at a network press conference) admitted that he was asking his producers to eliminate the traditional main-title sequence – and with it, the musical theme – from all new shows.
“I think it’s an antiquated practice,” he said. “It gives the audience an opportunity to take the little remote and zap around. We really have to find ways to stop them from doing that. The 60-second, or in some cases 90-second, main title that they see week after week, given all the choices they have,...
In the summer of 1994, ABC Entertainment president Ted Harbert (in response to a question from this writer at a network press conference) admitted that he was asking his producers to eliminate the traditional main-title sequence – and with it, the musical theme – from all new shows.
“I think it’s an antiquated practice,” he said. “It gives the audience an opportunity to take the little remote and zap around. We really have to find ways to stop them from doing that. The 60-second, or in some cases 90-second, main title that they see week after week, given all the choices they have,...
- 3/28/2023
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
The Rembrandts’ ‘I’ll Be There For You’ may be one of the world’s most instantly familiar TV theme tunes, but its success split up the band, amid fears they’d lost everything about them that was cool.
Danny Wilde, one half of the alt-rock duo, told the UK’s Guardian newspaper that the band were initially asked to record a 43-second version of the song for the pilot of Friends – something with the same tempo as R.E.M.’s ‘Shiny Happy People.’
Wilde explained why the band, comprising himself and Phil Solem, were initially reluctant to have their name associated with the sit-com:
“It didn’t have our name on the credits. We were a pretty hip band, so stipulated that we didn’t want anyone to know we’d sold out.”
Then, when the show quickly found its mark, the cast and band joined together in...
Danny Wilde, one half of the alt-rock duo, told the UK’s Guardian newspaper that the band were initially asked to record a 43-second version of the song for the pilot of Friends – something with the same tempo as R.E.M.’s ‘Shiny Happy People.’
Wilde explained why the band, comprising himself and Phil Solem, were initially reluctant to have their name associated with the sit-com:
“It didn’t have our name on the credits. We were a pretty hip band, so stipulated that we didn’t want anyone to know we’d sold out.”
Then, when the show quickly found its mark, the cast and band joined together in...
- 3/12/2023
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
No one told them the song was gonna blow up this way.
The Rembrandts were putting finishing touches on their third album, “L.P.,” when a sidestep into television drastically altered their course in 1994. Now, 26 years since “I’ll Be There for You” debuted on “Friends,” band member Phil Solem is reflecting on the ups and downs caused by the track, how a few beers led to its iconic claps and witnessing Brad Pitt enjoy a performance of the hit more than the cast.
Solem and bandmate Danny Wilde, who previously had a hit with 1990’s “Just the Way It Is, Baby,” will forever be associated with “Friends,” yet they initially asked to remain anonymous while working on the tune after viewing the pilot. “In those days, it was uncool for a band like ours to be involved in television,” Solem explains.
Musical director Michael Skloff had composed a piano melody,...
The Rembrandts were putting finishing touches on their third album, “L.P.,” when a sidestep into television drastically altered their course in 1994. Now, 26 years since “I’ll Be There for You” debuted on “Friends,” band member Phil Solem is reflecting on the ups and downs caused by the track, how a few beers led to its iconic claps and witnessing Brad Pitt enjoy a performance of the hit more than the cast.
Solem and bandmate Danny Wilde, who previously had a hit with 1990’s “Just the Way It Is, Baby,” will forever be associated with “Friends,” yet they initially asked to remain anonymous while working on the tune after viewing the pilot. “In those days, it was uncool for a band like ours to be involved in television,” Solem explains.
Musical director Michael Skloff had composed a piano melody,...
- 5/27/2021
- by Leena Tailor
- Variety Film + TV
Los Angeles, California, August 11, 2020 – Leaders in entertainment, business, philanthropy, politics, and the arts will gather virtually for a livestream of the 5th Annual Big Sunday Gala, celebrating more than two decades of the organization’s work and three distinguished honorees – Michael Skloff, Tiffany Smith-Anoa’i and Hulu on Wednesday evening, August 12th beginning at 7:00 Pm Pt.
Longtime friend of the organization, Patricia Heaton will present ViacomCBS’ Tiffany Smith-Anoa’i with her award. The evening will include a special performance by Michael Skloff of the poignant new version of the classic theme song “I’ll Be There for You,” which he recently released as an expression of comfort, solace and unity during the pandemic. David Baron, VP of Content Business Operations & Digital Supply at Hulu (and a Big Sunday Board member) will receive the award on behalf of the company. The event will be a midsummer’s evening of great entertainment,...
Longtime friend of the organization, Patricia Heaton will present ViacomCBS’ Tiffany Smith-Anoa’i with her award. The evening will include a special performance by Michael Skloff of the poignant new version of the classic theme song “I’ll Be There for You,” which he recently released as an expression of comfort, solace and unity during the pandemic. David Baron, VP of Content Business Operations & Digital Supply at Hulu (and a Big Sunday Board member) will receive the award on behalf of the company. The event will be a midsummer’s evening of great entertainment,...
- 8/12/2020
- Look to the Stars
“When it hasn’t been your day, your week, your month/ Or even your year, but/ I’ll be there for you.”
It’s safe to say that, for many, those 25-year-old lyrics to the “Friends” theme song have never rung more true.
“Friends” composer Michael Skloff came to the realization amid quarantine, as the coronavirus pandemic took its toll on the U.S., and created a new version of the classic theme song “I’ll Be There for You.” What started as a taped performance for NewGround — a community-building organization promoting dialogue between Jews and Muslims — during a public iftar on Facebook Live, turned into much more. He shared the video publicly on Facebook and Instagram on May 28, and following positive reception, plans on performing it live on a still-to-be-determined social media platform soon. The idea is to hold 30-minute concerts with original material and covers as a fundraising effort.
It’s safe to say that, for many, those 25-year-old lyrics to the “Friends” theme song have never rung more true.
“Friends” composer Michael Skloff came to the realization amid quarantine, as the coronavirus pandemic took its toll on the U.S., and created a new version of the classic theme song “I’ll Be There for You.” What started as a taped performance for NewGround — a community-building organization promoting dialogue between Jews and Muslims — during a public iftar on Facebook Live, turned into much more. He shared the video publicly on Facebook and Instagram on May 28, and following positive reception, plans on performing it live on a still-to-be-determined social media platform soon. The idea is to hold 30-minute concerts with original material and covers as a fundraising effort.
- 7/1/2020
- by Maane Khatchatourian
- Variety Film + TV
Meghan Trainor has released a cover of the Rembrandts’s iconic Friends theme song “I’ll Be There For You” in honor of the show’s 25th anniversary. The new version of the song was revealed in conjunction with the Empire State Building’s themed light-up on Sunday, where the NYC skyscraper was illuminated in the red, yellow and blue of the Friends logo.
Warner Brothers approached Trainor, a self-described diehard Friends fan, to cover the theme song around the anniversary. “I’ve seen every episode multiple times now,” she recently told Rolling Stone.
Warner Brothers approached Trainor, a self-described diehard Friends fan, to cover the theme song around the anniversary. “I’ve seen every episode multiple times now,” she recently told Rolling Stone.
- 9/23/2019
- by Emily Zemler
- Rollingstone.com
In honor of the upcoming 25th anniversary of Friends on September 22nd, Meghan Trainor will release a cover of the Rembrandts’ “I’ll Be There For You,” the show’s beloved theme song. The pop star’s rendition will drop on the 22nd at 8:30 p.m. Et on iHeart Radio’s Z100 — the exact time the show debuted on NBC — and will coincide with an Empire State Building light-up of blue, yellow, and red, a reference to the colors of the show’s logo.
Warner Brothers approached Trainor, a self-described diehard Friends fan,...
Warner Brothers approached Trainor, a self-described diehard Friends fan,...
- 9/16/2019
- by Angie Martoccio
- Rollingstone.com
The co-creator of "Friends" just struck a divorce settlement, and we've learned it involves a yearly residual check that would make your eyes pop out. Marta Kauffman and Michael Skloff have just ended their 31-year marriage. According to legal docs filed with the court, and obtained by TMZ, they're both doing well but it looks like she gets more. The big-ticket item ... Marta gets one "Friends" residual check a year, and our sources say it's...
- 7/23/2016
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Friends co-creator Marta Kauffman is getting divorced from her husband of 31 years, Michael Skloff, TMZ reports. ‘Friends’ Co-Creator Marta Kauffman Getting Divorced The site is calling the divorce a ‘friendly’ separation, as the pair filed their settlement along with their divorce papers simultaneously on Wednesday, meaning they worked everything out ahead of time. The two’s three children […]
The post ‘Friends’ Co-Creator Marta Kauffman Getting Divorced After 31 Years Of Marriage appeared first on uInterview.
The post ‘Friends’ Co-Creator Marta Kauffman Getting Divorced After 31 Years Of Marriage appeared first on uInterview.
- 11/27/2015
- by Patrick Culhane
- Uinterview
Marta Kauffman -- the co-creator of "Friends," one of the most successful shows in TV history -- has ended her 31 year marriage ... TMZ has learned. Marta and Michael Skloff filed divorce docs Wednesday, along with their settlement ... meaning they worked it all out ahead of time. Marta, who's worth a reported $200 million, and Michael have 3 grown children, so custody is not an issue. As for property -- there's a lot of it -- and it's...
- 11/26/2015
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
When you think of the Friends theme, you generally don't think of a somber piano ballad.
But after watching this video, you will.
Glenn Murphy, Oisin O'Callaghan and Ronan Scolard are three Irish gents (as if you couldn't tell from their names) who met a year and a half ago at University College in Dublin. Though they were all involved in different courses of study, they bonded over a shared love of music and started putting together cover versions of popular songs, harmonizing like ruddy little angels.
Interestingly, "I'll Be There For You" was actually co-written by Friends producers David Crane and Marta Kauffman,...
But after watching this video, you will.
Glenn Murphy, Oisin O'Callaghan and Ronan Scolard are three Irish gents (as if you couldn't tell from their names) who met a year and a half ago at University College in Dublin. Though they were all involved in different courses of study, they bonded over a shared love of music and started putting together cover versions of popular songs, harmonizing like ruddy little angels.
Interestingly, "I'll Be There For You" was actually co-written by Friends producers David Crane and Marta Kauffman,...
- 1/14/2014
- by Alex Heigl
- People.com - TV Watch
The midterm fundraising cycle will come to Hollywood in earnest later this month with two days of top-drawer Democratic fundraisers -- expected to raise nearly $3 million -- headlined by President Barack Obama. All the events will benefit the Democratic National Committee, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. On Nov. 26, a roundtable discussion with the president that had to be shelved in the wake of the Syrian chemical weapons crisis and the government shutdown will take place at the home of Friends creator Marta Kauffman and her husband, Michael Skloff. Actress Melanie Griffith will co-host.
read more...
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- 11/8/2013
- by Tina Daunt
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Update, 9:45 Am: The possibility of U.S. military action against Syria means that President Barack Obama won’t be coming to La on September 9 after all for a fundraiser at the home of Friends co-creator Marta Kauffman. A source tells me that the White House wants the Commander-in-Chief in Washington for an expected Congressional vote next week on the proposed action, and subsequently the Democratic National Committee has postponed the event. Though no new date has been set, the fundraiser will be rescheduled, the DNC says. Patrons who purchased the $32,400-per-person tickets for the small gathering with Obama will be refunded if they don’t want to attend the rescheduled event. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted 10-7 Wednesday in favor of the use of military force against the Assad regime. Full Senate and House votes on the matter will likely come early next week. Related: Big Four Networks...
- 9/5/2013
- by DOMINIC PATTEN
- Deadline TV
President Obama has postponed a Los Angeles fundraiser scheduled for next Monday. The announcement arrives as Congress gets ready to debate the authorization of the use of military force against Syria. The reception was to be held at the Hancock Park home of Friends co-creater Marta Kauffman and her husband, composer Michael Skloff. The Sept. 9 Hancock Park fundraiser with Obama was set to include an exclusive $32,400-per-person "off the cuff" roundtable discussion with the president, as well as a photo line for those who donate $5,000 to the party -- and raise an additional $20,000
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- 9/5/2013
- by Tina Daunt
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
"Hey, baby. Walk nasty for me". This low-voiced, seductive lead-in is the gateway to endless jokes about an extremely long penis in this serviceable showcase for stand-up comic Craig Shoemaker, a winner at this year's American Comedy Awards.
Directed by first-timer Michael Goldberg (co-writer with partner Tommy Swerdlow of "Cool Runnings" and "Little Giants"), "The LoveMaster" is distributed by Rocket Releasing and boasts small roles and cameos played by Farrah Fawcett, Kurt Rambis, Karen Witter and Courtney Thorne-Smith. Its theatrical life should be brief, but Shoemaker's fans will discover "LoveMaster" in the video rental market, where it should do brisk business.
There's a nominal plot about comedian and impersonator Craig Shoemaker) trying to work out his personality problems with a therapist (George Wendt), including amusing flashbacks with the lead as a young boy (Kyle Thomas) and teen (Andrew Starnes). But the real attraction is Shoemaker's onstage talents and R-rated material, captured in a 1995 concert at the Improv in Tempe, Ariz.
With a gift for facial contortions to go along with his perfect vocal mimicry, Shoemaker knows how to work a crowd into hysterics with a combination of Baby Boomer nostalgia and raunchy sex jokes. His Don-Knotts-as-Barney-Fife shtick is inspired, while caricatures of his pot-smoking grandmother and an effusive gay man are engagingly exaggerated.
Shoemaker has fun with young audience members who may not get all his 1950s- and '60s pop culture references. He's most exciting when he changes personality mid-joke, but too often he returns to the titular LoveMaster. It's a very funny bit but limited to variations on how one can use a member comparable to an elephant's trunk to impress the ladies.
THE LOVEMASTER
Rocket Releasing
Rocket Pictures presents
A Coleman/Breen production
A Michael Goldberg film
Director Michael Goldberg
Producer Tom Coleman
Executive producers Alan David, Mark Breen
Directors of photography Phil Parmet,
Jeff Zimmerman
Production designer Gary Randail
Editors Richard Currie, Jeremy Kasten
Music Michael Skloff, Giorgio Bertucelli
Costume designer Maud Kersnowski
Color/stereo
Cast:
Craig Craig Shoemaker
Therapist George Wendt
Young Craig Kyle Thomas
Teen Craig Andrew Starnes
Running time -- 84 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
Directed by first-timer Michael Goldberg (co-writer with partner Tommy Swerdlow of "Cool Runnings" and "Little Giants"), "The LoveMaster" is distributed by Rocket Releasing and boasts small roles and cameos played by Farrah Fawcett, Kurt Rambis, Karen Witter and Courtney Thorne-Smith. Its theatrical life should be brief, but Shoemaker's fans will discover "LoveMaster" in the video rental market, where it should do brisk business.
There's a nominal plot about comedian and impersonator Craig Shoemaker) trying to work out his personality problems with a therapist (George Wendt), including amusing flashbacks with the lead as a young boy (Kyle Thomas) and teen (Andrew Starnes). But the real attraction is Shoemaker's onstage talents and R-rated material, captured in a 1995 concert at the Improv in Tempe, Ariz.
With a gift for facial contortions to go along with his perfect vocal mimicry, Shoemaker knows how to work a crowd into hysterics with a combination of Baby Boomer nostalgia and raunchy sex jokes. His Don-Knotts-as-Barney-Fife shtick is inspired, while caricatures of his pot-smoking grandmother and an effusive gay man are engagingly exaggerated.
Shoemaker has fun with young audience members who may not get all his 1950s- and '60s pop culture references. He's most exciting when he changes personality mid-joke, but too often he returns to the titular LoveMaster. It's a very funny bit but limited to variations on how one can use a member comparable to an elephant's trunk to impress the ladies.
THE LOVEMASTER
Rocket Releasing
Rocket Pictures presents
A Coleman/Breen production
A Michael Goldberg film
Director Michael Goldberg
Producer Tom Coleman
Executive producers Alan David, Mark Breen
Directors of photography Phil Parmet,
Jeff Zimmerman
Production designer Gary Randail
Editors Richard Currie, Jeremy Kasten
Music Michael Skloff, Giorgio Bertucelli
Costume designer Maud Kersnowski
Color/stereo
Cast:
Craig Craig Shoemaker
Therapist George Wendt
Young Craig Kyle Thomas
Teen Craig Andrew Starnes
Running time -- 84 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
- 10/9/1997
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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