entertainment
Prosecutors dismiss Alec Baldwin charge, citing new evidence
Prosecutors on Friday formally dismissed an involuntary manslaughter charge against Alec Baldwin in the fatal 2021 shooting of a cinematographer on the set of the Western film “Rust, ” citing new evidence and the need for more time to investigate.
In a stunning turnaround for the 65-year-old A-list actor, special prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis filed the notice to dismiss the only remaining criminal allegation against Baldwin in state District Court in Santa Fe. Prosecutors say the investigation of the shooting that killed Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza is ongoing.
An involuntary manslaughter charge against Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the weapons supervisor on the film, is unchanged.
Friday's court filing echoed early statements from prosecutors that new facts had been revealed that demand further investigation and forensic analysis.
On Thursday, after Baldwin's attorneys announced the decision, the special prosecutors said the “decision does not absolve Mr. Baldwin of criminal culpability and charges may be refiled.” They have declined further comment and only vaguely addressed the matter during a virtual status conference Friday in Gutierrez-Reed's case.
Also read: 'Rust' movie reboots after Alec Baldwin shooting
Los Angeles-based entertainment litigator and defense attorney Kate Mangels, who is not involved in the “Rust” case, said opportunities for further charges against Baldwin are narrowing.
“If they don’t have the evidence now, I don’t see what evidence they could obtain or that could develop. …It looks like they already had 30 people on a witness list, a cooperative (codefendant) witness, investigations done by various law enforcement agencies. It seems like this has already been pretty well investigated. I can’t imagine what would arise to bring new charges.”
Authorities have not determined how live ammunition found its way into the .45-caliber revolver made by an Italian company that specializes in 19th century reproductions.
Baldwin has said the gun fired accidentally after he followed instructions to point it toward Hutchins, who was behind the camera. Baldwin said he pulled back the hammer — but not the trigger — and the gun fired.
An August FBI report on the agency’s analysis of the gun found that, as is common with firearms of that design, it could go off without pulling the trigger if force was applied to an uncocked hammer — such as by dropping the weapon.
The only way the testers could get it to fire was by striking the gun with a mallet while the hammer was down and resting on the cartridge, or by pulling the trigger while it was fully cocked. The gun eventually broke during the testing.
After reading the FBI report, retired Seattle police Detective Donald Ledbetter said it was unlikely the gun would have gone off without the trigger being pulled.
In March, “Rust” safety coordinator and assistant director David Halls pleaded no contest to a conviction for unsafe handling of a firearm and received a suspended sentence of six months of probation. He agreed to cooperate in the investigation of the fatal shooting.
A defense attorney for Halls said Friday that he is happy for Baldwin and also wishes the best for the Hutchins family.
“Mr. Halls never believed Mr. Baldwin should be charged with a crime. It was a tragic accident that is best resolved out of criminal court,” defense attorney Lisa Torraco said in an email.
When the manslaughter charges were announced in January, Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies said the case was about equal justice under the law and accountability in Hutchins’ death, regardless of the fame or fortune of those involved. She said the Ukrainian-born cinematographer’s death was tragic — and preventable.
A new legal team took over prosecution of Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed in late March, after the original special prosecutor appointed in the case resigned.
When word of the dismissal came, Baldwin was at Yellowstone Film Ranch on the set of a rebooted “Rust” production, a representative for Rust Movie Productions said. Preparations for filming were underway at the film's new location in Montana, 18 months after the shooting shut it down.
Gutierrez-Reed’s attorneys said they fully expect her to be exonerated in the judicial process. A preliminary hearing scheduled in May was pushed back to August on Friday after prosecutors said they need more time.
“The truth about what happened will come out and the questions that we have long sought answers for will be answered,” the lawyers, Jason Bowles and Todd Bullion, said in a statement.
Before Friday's dismissal, the case against Baldwin had already been diminishing. In February, a weapons enhancement to the manslaughter charge was dropped, reducing the maximum prison sentence from five years to 18 months.
Baldwin's 40-year career has included the early blockbuster “The Hunt for Red October” and a starring role in the sitcom “30 Rock,” as well as iconic appearances in Martin Scorsese’s “The Departed” and a film adaptation of David Mamet’s “Glengarry Glen Ross.” In recent years, he was known for his impression of former President Donald Trump on “Saturday Night Live."
Baldwin has worked little as an actor since the shooting but hardly went into hiding. He stayed active on social media, making Instagram videos, posting podcast interviews and pictures of his wife and seven children. He and his wife posted pictures on their Instagram accounts Thursday embracing each other.
Plans to resume filming were outlined last year by the cinematographer's widower, Matthew Hutchins, in a proposed settlement to a wrongful death lawsuit that would make him an executive producer. Souza has said he will return to directing “Rust” to honor the legacy of Halyna Hutchins.
Gloria Allred, attorney for other Hutchins relatives who filed their own lawsuit, and for “Rust” script supervisor Mamie Mitchell, who witnessed the shooting and filed the first suit over it, said Friday that her clients will press forward with their civil litigation against Baldwin, regardless of what happens with the criminal charges.
“Mr. Baldwin should know that we remain committed to fighting and winning for our clients and holding him accountable for pointing a loaded gun at Halyna Hutchins, pulling the trigger, and killing her,” Allred said in a statement.
Netflix confirms crackdown on password sharing to start soon
The long-discussed crackdown on password sharing by Netflix is finally going to start, according to the streaming giant.
This means, users who wish to share their accounts with anyone outside of their home must pay an additional fee.
The move, which aims to increase subscribers, has been tested in some countries but has not yet been used in the UK or the US, reports BBC.
The move comes with the company's announcement that it will end the DVD rental service that launched 25 years ago.
As competition intensifies, households struggle with growing expenses, and what analysts perceive as a saturation point in some of its biggest areas, Netflix has been looking for methods to reignite growth.
In the first half of 2022, it lost more than a million subscribers, said the report.
The decline prompted the company to make adjustments, even though it more than made up for those losses later in the year owing to subscriber growth in Asia.
In an effort to encourage more people to join up for its service, the firm last year launched a less priced streaming alternative with commercials and reduced rates in 116 countries in the three months leading up to March.
Also, it was getting ready to greatly expand its paid sharing programme, which it began testing in a few countries last year and expanded in February, it also said.
In a letter to investors on Tuesday, Netflix stated that paid sharing would be widely available, including in the US, by July. This was a few months later than anticipated because Netflix is still making adjustments to the offering in response to user feedback, such as making sure users can access their accounts easily while on the go.
"We're pleased with the most recent launches," the company said in the letter. "We learn more with each rollout and we've incorporated the latest learnings which we think will lead to even better results."
Netflix estimated that more than 100 million homes share passwords. Netflix intends to capitalize on this market to boost income.
Since it began shipping DVDs to customers in the US in 1998, Netflix, a company based in California, has gone a long way.
With more than 232 million customers worldwide, it became a global powerhouse after launching its streaming service in 2007.The DVD programme, which will end in September, was described by Netflix in its investor letter as the "booster rocket that got streaming to a leading position".
"We feel so privileged to have been able to share movie nights with our DVD members for so long, so proud of what our employees achieved and excited to continue pleasing entertainment fans for many more decades to come," the company said.
According to Netflix, overall income increased 3.7% year over year to $8.1 billion. It recorded a $1.3 billion profit down from nearly $1.6 billion last year.
'Rust' movie reboots after Alec Baldwin shooting
Filming on the Western movie “Rust” could resume this week in Montana, the production copany said Wednesday, in the aftermath of the fatal shooting of a cinematographer during a rehearsal with actor Alec Baldwin on the original production in New Mexico.
Baldwin will continue his involvement as an actor and coproducer, and Rust Move Productions attorney Melina Spadone said via a representative that filming will restart Thursday at the Yellowstone Film Ranch.
The production company finalized a settlement last month with New Mexico workplace safety regulars over “serious” violations, agreeing to a $100,000 fine to resolve a scathing safety review that detailed unheeded complaints and misfires on set before cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed in October 2021.
Also read: Alec Baldwin to be charged with manslaughter in set shooting
Plans to resume filming were outlined last year by widower Matthew Hutchins in a proposed settlement to a wrongful death lawsuit that would make him an executive producer on a rebooted “Rust.”
Prosecutors in Santa Fe are pressing forward with involuntary manslaughter charges against actor Baldwin and a weapons supervisor Hannah Gutierrez-Reed. Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed have pleaded not guilty.
Baldwin was pointing a pistol at Hutchins during a rehearsal when the gun when off, killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza.
Baldwin has said the gun went off accidentally and that he did not pull the trigger. An FBI forensic report found the weapon could not have fired unless the trigger was pulled.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham this month signed a new $360,000 allowance for prosecution of the case. Evidentiary hearings are scheduled in early May in state District Court to decide whether to proceed toward trial. Baldwin has indicated that he won't attend those hearings.
Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies says her office is pursuing justice in the death of Hutchins and wants to show that no one is above the law when it comes to firearms and public safety. She says the Ukrainian-born cinematographer’s death was tragic and preventable.
“Rust” safety coordinator and assistant director David Halls pleaded no contest in March to a conviction for unsafe handling of a firearm and a suspended sentence of six months of probation.
Souza, the director, has said he'll return to the “Rust” production to honor the legacy of Halyna Hutchins.
Parts of a documentary about Hutchins' life will be filmed simultaneously with “Rust.”
Bongo BD releasing south Indian movie ‘Mersal’ in Bangla
Bongo BD is releasing the Bangla dubbed version of the popular South Indian film ‘Mersal’.
‘Mersal’ is an action packed romantic movie featuring Vijay Thalapathy, Samantha, Nithya Menon and Kajal Aggarwal. The movie, which has garnered critical acclaim and mass appeal in the south, is now set to enthrall audiences in Bangladesh with its unique storyline, powerful performances and stunning visuals, according to a Bongo BD media release.
As the leading OTT platform in Bangladesh, Bongo BD has always strived to bring the best entertainment to its viewers. With the release of ‘Mersal’ in Bangla, Bongo aims to further their commitment to providing top-quality content to Bangladeshi audiences, it said.
‘Mersal’ tells the story of a doctor, played by Vijay, who sets out to expose the corruption in the medical industry. With a mix of action, drama and romance, the movie is a complete package of entertainment that will keep you hooked till the very end, it read.
The Bangla dubbed version of ‘Mersal’ will be available exclusively on Bongo BD from April 21, it added.
Bongo BD & Vision making entertainment more accessible
Bongo BD, the largest over-the-top (OTT) platform in Bangladesh, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vision, a leading technology company.
The partnership will provide Vision Smart TV customers with a complimentary three-month subscription to Bongo Premium, reads a press release.
Through this partnership, Bongo and Vision aim to enhance the entertainment experience for Smart TV users in Bangladesh, it said.
Bongo Premium offers a wide range of exclusive content, including Bangla dramas, movies, music videos, and live TV channels. By providing Vision Smart TV customers with free access to Bongo Premium, both companies hope to expand their customer base and enhance their brand visibility.
Vision will promote Bongo from its stores, offering customers a chance to learn more about the OTT platform and its exclusive content. Additionally, Vision will use its digital media channels to create awareness and drive subscriptions to Bongo.
Michelle Yeoh seeks new challenges after Oscar win
Michelle Yeoh says she is looking for new challenges including as a producer, as she credited perseverance, hard work and passion for her historic Oscar win last month.
The 60-year-old became the first Asian to win the Academy Award for best actress for her performance as a laundromat owner in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” The movie won a total of seven awards, including best picture.
Returning to her native Malaysia to celebrate her mother’s birthday, Yeoh said she felt a sense of relief after clinching the award.
“It was a roller coaster ride that started last year when the movie first came out. It was a whole year of not knowing, wanting, hoping, wishing,” she told a news conference.
“During the journey, everyone was asking, ‘Do you want the Oscar?’ I said, hell, yes, of course I want the Oscar. Who doesn’t? I am not going to beat around the bush and say no because it represents so much to so many of us.”
Yeoh reiterated that her Oscar victory was a “beacon of hope” for Asian women.
“It shows us it can be done and all of you can do it,” she said.
Yeoh, who started her career in Hong Kong before becoming a Hollywood star, said she was blessed to have been able to work on diverse movies and with “forward thinking filmmakers to fight for what I truly believe in — representation, diversity, especially empowerment of women.” She said she refuses to be boxed in stereotypical roles but believes in pushing the envelope in her career.
While she has no interest in directing, she said she may branch out again as a producer.
“Directors have no life. I love my life too much,” she said in jest. “I love producing. I have produced before and now I can start to do so again ... now I am able to branch out more because people have started to listen, amd appreciate what you can bring forward. As an actor, I love what I can do. I am so lucky to be able to say it’s not a job, it’s really a passion.”
“I am always looking for a challenge,” she said. “I believe there is so much to do in our part of the world. All of us collectively. Don’t isolate yourself. Don’t feel that I must always tell my story. We are collaborators, we are storytellers. Let’s work together and do great things.”
12 Bangla Dramas to Watch During Eid-ul-Fitr 2023
Eid Ul Fitr, the largest festival of Muslims, is right around the corner. Like every year, television channels, OTT platforms, and production houses in Bangladesh are gearing up for week-long festivities. One of the largest parts of the entertainment bonanza of the Eid-ul-Fitr 2023 is the Bengali Eid Natoks, telefilms, and web series. This year too, Bengali dramas performed by renowned artists are lined up to entertain the viewers during the Eid holidays. Let’s have a look.
12 Bengali Dramas Coming to Eid-ul-Fitr 2023
Priyo Poribar
Like every year, the popular TV actor Apurba features in several upcoming Eid projects including Priyo Poribar.
In Priyo Poribar, Apurba plays the role of an elderly patriarch of a middle-class family. The storyline shows how a family-head deals with his growing children, and changing times. The struggle of a father to hold onto his family makes up the premise of the telefilm. Veteran actress Tarin will be seen alongside Apurba in the lead role.
With the story by Mezbah Uddin Sumon, the telefilm is directed by Rubel Hasan. The telefilm will be available on Club 11 Entertainment’s official YouTube channel.
Read More: 6 Bangladeshi Movies Releasing on Eid-ul-Fitr 2023
Mon Jurey
This Eid, Jovan, and singer-turned-actress Poushi are pairing up for an upcoming comedy telefilm titled Mon Jurey.
The basic theme of the drama centers around how two love birds living in a small locality go about their day and hide their love from the family.
Mon Jure has been produced by Shahed Ali Pappu. Jakaria Showkhin and Sohel Rana Srabon wrote the story.
The telefilm will be available on CMV Entertainment’s official YouTube channel.
Read More: Govt allows import of foreign films on five conditions
Shubhashini
Shubhashini is another project of Apurba this Eid ul Fitr. Keya Payel also stars in this drama. The story follows a quintessential romance between two different people who came across each other by chance.
Shubhashini has been directed by Syed Shakil with the story from Mezbah Uddin Sumon. In addition to Apurba and Keya Payel, viewers will see Dilara Zaman, Samanta Shimu, and Khalequzzaman in supporting roles.
The telefilm will be broadcasted on Maasranga TV.
Read More: May 2023 New Releases: Netflix Original English Movies, Series
Irsha
Following Shubhashini, viewers will see another Apurba–Payel pair up in Irsha. This is a story of two couples constantly finding each other’s opposition. Yet the storyline will show how the couple overcame the crisis and stayed together.
Irsha is directed by Syed Shakil while the script is written by Mezbah Uddin Sumon. The telefilm will be available this Eid ul Fitr on CMV Entertainment’s official YouTube channel.
Read More: Nurul Alam Atique's 'Pyara Subash' at 45th Moscow Film Festival
6 Bangladeshi Movies Releasing on Eid-ul-Fitr 2023
After fasting for a month during Ramadan, the biggest religious festival for Muslims, Eid-ul-Fitr, arrives. Along with the celebrations, the occasion also brings new hopes and excitement to the entertainment and film industry of Bangladesh. Every year, filmmakers target this festive season to release their big-budget movies, featuring top stars and promising storylines. Eid-ul-Fitr 2023 is no exception. With a lineup of much-awaited movies, Dhallywood and Bangla OTT platforms are all set to entertain their audiences. From action thrillers to romantic dramas, this year's Eid releases promise to cater to a diverse range of tastes. Here's a look at the upcoming Bangladeshi movies that will hit the theaters during Eid-ul-Fitr.
6 Most Anticipated Bangladeshi Movies Releasing on Eid-Ul-Fitr 2023
Leader: Amie Bangladesh
Bangladeshi film enthusiasts have been waiting for months for the release of "Leader: Amie Bangladesh." Directed by Topu Khan, the movie features popular actors Shakib Khan and Shobnom Bubly. Directed by Topu Khan, the film is his first directorial venture, and it has been produced by Syed Ashik Rahman, director of Bengal Multimedia.
Though started in February 2021, the film’s shooting was halted due to the pandemic. The movie's production was finally wrapped up in October 2022. After getting clearance from the Censor Board, the film is now ready for release.
The movie's first look poster was unveiled in May 2021 at a press conference, and a 51-second teaser was released on National Film Day on April 3, 2023. The film is now set to be released during the upcoming Eid ul Fitr in 2023.
Read More: Govt allows import of foreign films on five conditions
Jinn
Jinn, an upcoming Bangladeshi psycho-thriller film, is finally set to hit the theaters after multiple attempts to release it. Directed by Nader Chowdhury and co-produced by Abdul Aziz and Alimullah Khokon under the banner of Jaaz Multimedia, the film features a star-studded cast including Puja Cherry, Ziaul Roshan, Shajal, Jannatun Nur Moon, and Shahid un Nabi in important roles.
The story of the film, penned by Abdul Aziz, revolves around the lives of Rafsan, a professional photographer portrayed by Shajal, and his wife Monalisa, played by Puja Cherry.
The film’s shooting began in August 2019, and after numerous delays, it is now scheduled to release in the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr 2023. With Saiful Shahin behind the camera, Mohammad Kalam handling the editing, and Javed Ahmed Kislu composing the music, Jinn promises a gripping cinematic experience for Bangladeshi moviegoers.
Read More: May 2023 New Releases: Netflix Original English Movies, Series
Kill Him
Fans of Bangladeshi cinema can look forward to the release of the action-thriller film "Kill Him" in 2023, featuring popular actors Ananta Jalil and Afiea Nusrat Barsha in lead roles. Directed and produced by Mohammad Iqbal under the banner of Sunan Movies, the film promises to be an exciting addition to the Dhallywood film industry.
In the film, the intense action sequences of Ananta and Rubel will entertain the audience. Fans were recently given a sneak peek of what's to come, as Ananta unveiled the poster of "Kill Him" on 10 April 2023. The film is expected to hit theaters on Eid-ul-Fitr this year. This film marks the first film of Ananta and Barsha outside of their own productions.
Read More: True story behind Rani Mukerji’s latest film “Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway”
Govt allows import of foreign films on five conditions
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has approved the import of films made in the languages of Indian subcontinent on five conditions including export of films made by Bangladesh.
An office order signed by Information and Broadcasting Ministry Deputy Secretary (Films) Saiful Islam was issued in this regard on Tuesday.
However, maximum 10 movies will be allowed to be imported in the first year against export of 10 movies, said the order.
The order said, considering the Sammilito Chalacchitro Parishad’s application regarding the import of films made in languages of Indian subcontinent , the Commerce Ministry's opinion was sought.
It said due to the positive response from the Commerce Ministry, import of films from SAFTA countries has been given permission against the export of Bangladeshi films on the following conditions on experimental basis.
1. Only legitimate film producers and distributors will be allowed to import films.
2. Films made in sub-continental languages with subtitles will be allowed to be imported on an experimental basis for two years against export of Bangladeshi films.
3. In the first year, 10 films will be allowed to be imported against export.
4. Before screening of imported films, Bangladesh Film Censor Board’s certificate must be obtained.
5. No such films to be allowed to be screened during holy Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Azha and Durga Puja weeks in Bangladesh.
May 2023 New Releases: Netflix Original English Movies, Series
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
Coming to Netflix on May 04, 2023
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story is the prequel series of Bridgerton. Chris Van Dusen created the American historical fictional romantic television series Bridgerton for Netflix.
consisting of six episodes, the new show appears to be a limited series. Here the audience will see the origin of Queen Charlotte, starring Golda Rosheuvel in the main series. Rewind the clock, the series will portray the rise and romantic life of the young Queen Charlotte. Besides, the stories of Lady Violet Bridgerton - starring Ruth Gemmell - and Lady Danbury - played by Adjoa Andoh - will enchant the audience.
Directed by Tom Verica, the shooting of this prequel started on On March 28th. Shonda Rhimes is the main writer on the new spin-off. The show is produced by Betsy Beers and Tom Verica.
Read more: 10 Netflix Originals Coming in April 2023
The Mother (2023)
Coming to Netflix on May 12, 2023
The Mother is one of the three upcoming Netflix Original projects starring Jennifer Lopez. Directed by Niki Caro, the film has been produced by Lopez’s Nuyorican Productions with a creative partnership with the OTT platform Netflix.