In a significant development, Las Vegas police have arrested Duane "Keffe D" Davis, a key figure connected to the infamous 1996 drive-by shooting of legendary rapper Tupac Shakur. The arrest comes 27 years after the tragic incident that left the music world in shock and fans mourning. The case has seen numerous twists and turns over the decades, with Davis himself admitting to being in the vehicle from which the gunfire erupted, as detailed in his 2019 memoir, 'Compton Street Legend' 1. Key Takeaways: Duane "Keffe D" Davis arrested by Las Vegas police in connection with Tupac Shakur's 1996 murder. Davis had previously admitted in his memoir and interviews to being in the vehicle during the drive-by shooting. The arrest followed a raid on Davis' wife's home, where items concerning Shakur's murder were collected. Retired detective Greg Kading notes that Davis' public admissions provided the leverage for moving the case forward. Davis is the last living individual among the four people who were in the vehicle from which shots were fired at Shakur. The arrest of Davis early on Friday morning marks a long-awaited break in a case that has frustrated investigators and captivated the public for nearly three decades. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Davis was taken into custody, although the exact charges were not immediately clear1. This arrest is seen as a significant step towards solving one of the most high-profile unsolved murders in the entertainment industry. Davis has long been on the radar of investigators. In his memoir, 'Compton Street Legend,' and in various interviews, he admitted to being in the Cadillac where the gunfire erupted during the September 1996 drive-by shooting that fatally wounded Shakur1. Shakur, aged 25 at the time, was gunned down near the Las Vegas Strip on the night of September 7, 1996, while in a BMW driven by Death Row Records founder Marion "Suge" Knight. The arrest comes two months after a raid on Davis' wife's home on July 17, where police were searching for items "concerning the murder of Tupac Shakur." The items collected during the raid included multiple computers, a cellphone and hard drive, a Vibe magazine featuring Shakur, several .40-caliber bullets, and a copy of Davis' memoir1. In 2018, Davis publicly admitted on a BET show to being inside the Cadillac during the attack and implicated his nephew, Orlando "Baby Lane" Anderson, as one of the shooters. The shooting occurred shortly after a casino brawl earlier in the evening involving Anderson, Shakur, and others. Anderson denied any involvement in the Shakur shooting and died two years later in a shooting in Compton, California1. Greg Kading, a retired Los Angeles police detective who spent years investigating the Shakur killing, mentioned that Davis' public descriptions of his role in the killing, including his 2019 tell-all memoir, gave Las Vegas the ammunition and leverage to move forward with the case1. Kading noted that Davis is the last living person among the four individuals who were in the vehicle from which shots were fired at Shakur and Knight. The others were Davis' nephew Anderson, Terrence "Bubble Up" Brown, and DeAndre "Freaky" Smith1. The arrest of Davis rekindles hope for justice in a case that has remained unsolved but never forgotten. Tupac Shakur's legacy continues to live on, with his music still resonating with audiences around the world. As the legal proceedings unfold, the eyes of the world will once again be on the courtroom, seeking closure to a chapter that left an indelible mark on the music industry. The unfolding developments in this case are a reminder of the long-lasting impact of Tupac Shakur's legacy and the quest for justice in his tragic demise. As the legal machinery moves forward, it's a step towards closure for the countless fans and the music fraternity who have been yearning for answers in this cold case. More Project Casting Entertainment News: Show Budgets are Expected to Shrink Post-WGA Strike The recent 148-day Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike has left an indelible mark on the Television industry, reshaping the business and marketplace dynamics ... Hollywood Springs Back to Action: TV Shows Fast-Tracked Post WGA Strike The curtain of uncertainty that hung over Hollywood has finally been lifted as the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike comes to an end. The five-month-long st... Netflix 'Stranger Things' Season 5 Resumes Production The much-anticipated Season 5 of the popular Netflix series, Stranger Things, is back on track as the production resumes following the resolution of the Hollywo...

The Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) are set to resume their negotiations on Monday, following a historic strike by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) that recently concluded with a tentative deal. The upcoming discussions between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP are anticipated to address several critical issues, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and fair compensation for creatives in the streaming era. This negotiation comes at a crucial time when the entertainment industry is grappling with the rapid evolution of technology and its impact on traditional contracts and compensations. Key Takeaways: SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP to resume negotiations on Monday, following the recent tentative deal between WGA and AMPTP. Major concerns include the use of AI, especially regarding consent and compensation for the creation and use of digital replicas of performers. Another significant issue is the creation of a mechanism to benefit creatives from the success of their work on streaming services. The WGA's deal with AMPTP included a viewership-based streaming "bonus" for writers, which could potentially serve as a model for SAG-AFTRA. Unique issues to SAG-AFTRA also to be addressed, including meal break penalty increases, changes to health and pension contribution caps, and series regular options. The recent article from The Hollywood Reporter sheds light on the overlapping concerns between SAG-AFTRA and WGA, especially regarding the use of AI and fair compensation for streaming successes. Both unions have shown concerns regarding AI, particularly when it comes to consent and compensation for the creation and use of digital replicas of performers. The AMPTP has addressed some of these issues by instituting a requirement for performers’ consent for the creation and use of digital replicas. However, an agreement on guardrails has not been reached yet. SAG-AFTRA has not revealed the details of its AI proposal but has criticized the AMPTP for allegedly wanting to use performers' images, likenesses, and performances to train new generative AI systems without consent or compensation. On the other hand, the WGA deal could potentially provide SAG-AFTRA with a template on how to approach future scenarios where companies want to use performances to train AI models. The WGA sought to block companies from training AI on its members' writing, and in its eventual deal, both the WGA and the AMPTP essentially asserted and reserved their rights regarding the technology. Another major issue for both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA in this negotiation cycle is the creation of a mechanism by which creatives can benefit from the success of their work on streaming services. SAG-AFTRA initially proposed a revenue-sharing plan where casts of streaming projects would get 2 percent of the income their projects bring in, which the AMPTP balked at. The performers union further proposed to use the "content valuation" tool from third-party firm Parrot Analytics to validate revenue generation. Conversely, the WGA sought a new residual formula that would reward popular projects, arguing that companies should be candid and upfront about their program views. The WGA's eventual solution with the AMPTP was to institute a new viewership-based streaming "bonus" — an additional residual that offers extra compensation to writers on made-for-streaming projects that are viewed by 20 percent or more of a platform’s domestic subscribers in the first 90 days. This could potentially serve as a model for SAG-AFTRA, although it remains to be seen if the union will continue to push for its original plan to use third-party metrics. Moreover, SAG-AFTRA is also addressing issues like meal break penalty increases, changes to health and pension contribution caps, and series regular options to allow actors to seek other employment during long hiatus periods. These unique issues to SAG-AFTRA highlight the diverse range of concerns within the union's 160,000-plus membership. The upcoming negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP are crucial for setting a precedent in an industry that is rapidly evolving with the advent of new technologies. The outcomes of these discussions will not only impact the working conditions and compensations for the members of SAG-AFTRA but could also set a benchmark for other unions and industry stakeholders in addressing the challenges posed by the digital era. 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Hollywood Studios Prioritize Key Projects Post WGA Strike: A Glimpse into the Revival In the wake of the recently concluded Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, Hollywood studios are meticulously charting the course forward by prioritizing certain film and TV projects. The strike, which lasted for a significant duration, had put a pause on the entertainment industry's heartbeat, halting numerous projects midway. However, with the strike's resolution and the anticipation of a new deal from SAG-AFTRA, the studios are gearing up to fast-track various projects into production or development. Key Takeaways: Hollywood studios are fast-tracking major titles like "Star Trek," "Superman: Legacy," "Abbott Elementary," and "Wednesday" into production or development. Paramount is keen on refining scripts for its planned reboot of "Star Trek" and its adaptation of Tom Clancy’s "Rainbow Six." Warner Bros is focusing on fine-tuning Matt Reeves' planned "The Batman" sequel, showcasing the importance of superhero franchises. Universal is working on a new draft of "Fast X: Part 2," indicating the continuous allure of high-octane action films. Several major film projects like the sequel to "Gladiator," "Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two," and "Deadpool 3" await the end of SAG-AFTRA’s work stoppage to resume production. On the TV front, networks and streamers are prioritizing long-running shows and big-budget freshman series that were in preproduction or already shooting. Top-priority broadcast shows to start filming post actors' deal endorsement include ABC’s "Grey’s Anatomy" and "Abbott Elementary," and Dick Wolf’s "Law & Order," "Chicago," and "FBI" franchises. The recent article from KFTV sheds light on how Hollywood studios are strategizing their top priority projects following the WGA strike resolution. The studios, networks, and streamers have outlined priority film and TV projects they aim to expedite into production or development. Among the major titles being fast-tracked include "Star Trek" and "Superman: Legacy" to "Abbott Elementary" and "Wednesday." Paramount, for instance, is keen on having writers refine scripts for its planned reboot of "Star Trek" and its adaptation of Tom Clancy’s "Rainbow Six." This move underscores the studio's commitment to delivering high-quality content by ensuring that the scripts are polished to perfection before proceeding further. On the other hand, Warner Bros is channeling its resources towards fine-tuning Matt Reeves' planned "The Batman" sequel. The superhero genre continues to be a lucrative domain, and Warner Bros aims to capitalize on this trend by investing in one of its flagship franchises. Universal is also in the race with a new draft of "Fast X: Part 2," which is currently expected to zoom into cinemas on April 4, 2025. The "Fast and Furious" franchise has been a cash cow for Universal, and the studio is keen on keeping the momentum going with the latest installment. The article also mentions other projects like "Minecraft" and James Gunn’s "Superman: Legacy," which have completed scripts and are set to begin production in spring of next year, contingent on a deal with actors. This indicates the studios' readiness to hit the ground running as soon as the actors' union issues are resolved. On the TV front, most networks and streamers are prioritizing long-running shows and big-budget freshman series that were in preproduction or already shooting. This strategy is partly due to time constraints on filling out writers' rooms or casting new roles. Once actors endorse a deal, broadcast shows such as ABC’s "Grey’s Anatomy" and "Abbott Elementary," Fox’s "9-1-1: Lone Star," and Dick Wolf’s "Law & Order," "Chicago," and "FBI" franchises are among the top-priority projects to start filming. The unfolding scenario paints a picture of cautious optimism within the Hollywood fraternity. The studios are meticulously planning their moves to ensure a smooth transition into the post-strike era. The prioritization of these projects is a testament to the studios' commitment to delivering quality entertainment to audiences worldwide. As the industry gradually steps into the revival phase, the anticipation among audiences is palpable. The coming months are expected to be bustling with activity as studios, networks, and streamers work tirelessly to bring their priority projects to fruition. The entertainment industry's resilience is on full display as it navigates through the post-strike landscape, aiming to recapture the audience's imagination and continue its journey in the storytelling realm. More Project Casting Entertainment News: Show Budgets are Expected to Shrink Post-WGA Strike The recent 148-day Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike has left an indelible mark on the Television industry, reshaping the business and marketplace dynamics ... Hollywood Springs Back to Action: TV Shows Fast-Tracked Post WGA Strike The curtain of uncertainty that hung over Hollywood has finally been lifted as the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike comes to an end. The five-month-long st... Netflix 'Stranger Things' Season 5 Resumes Production The much-anticipated Season 5 of the popular Netflix series, Stranger Things, is back on track as the production resumes following the resolution of the Hollywo...  

The recent 148-day Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike has left an indelible mark on the Television industry, reshaping the business and marketplace dynamics as it reopens post-strike. The tentative agreement reached between the guild and the studios has been termed as "exceptional," encompassing AI guardrails, viewership-based residuals, writers room minimums, pay raises, and other significant gains. However, as the dust settles, the TV industry is bracing for a phase of accelerated contraction, heightened competition, reeled-in budgets, fewer overall deals, and possibly more cancellations. This article delves into the aftermath of the strike, exploring the challenges and the evolving landscape of the TV business. Key Takeaways: The 148-day WGA strike culminated in an "exceptional" agreement, addressing several longstanding issues including AI guardrails and viewership-based residuals. The TV industry is expected to face a phase of accelerated contraction with more competition, reeled-in budgets, and fewer overall deals. Unlike the 2007-2008 strike, writers were more invested in picketing, resulting in fewer spec scripts prepared for the market. The market is expected to be less receptive post-strike, with buyers anticipated to buy and make less. The 2024 pilot season can still be salvaged with aggressive buying strategies from networks. Show budgets are expected to shrink, marking the end of the "streaming gold rush" that led to an overall deal boom a couple of years ago. The industry is in a phase of pullback with fewer staffing jobs available amid show cancellations, fewer script buys, and fewer term deals. The Deadline article highlights the mixed emotions in the industry as it reopens post-strike. The joy of resuming work is tempered by the uncertainty of what the business and marketplace would look like moving forward. The industry is expected to face a phase of accelerated contraction, more competition, reeled-in budgets, fewer overall deals, and possibly more cancellations. This scenario is a stark contrast to the 2007-2008 strike where writers were focused on preparing spec scripts for the market. This time around, the writers were more invested in picketing, showcasing a heightened level of commitment to their cause. The market's receptivity post-strike is another area of concern. Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content, termed this phase as an "existential" moment for the industry during his appearance at the Code Conference. The sentiment resonates with the broader industry outlook, where buyers are anticipated to buy and make less. The cautious approach from buyers is a reflection of the uncertain times the industry is navigating through, further exacerbated by the ongoing global pandemic. The 2024 pilot season, however, presents a glimmer of hope. Despite the current broadcast season being massively impacted by the strike, industry sources expect networks to be aggressive in buying new pitches along with some development rolled over from before the strike. This strategy could potentially salvage the 2024 pilot season, reigniting the spark of creativity and innovation in the industry. Budget constraints are another reality the industry has to grapple with. The era of generous budgets seems to be waning, with an industry insider estimating that broadcast dramas would cost on average $4.5 million-$5 million per episode, and about half of that for comedy. Even streamers, known for their hefty budgets, are expected to exercise financial prudence moving forward. The "streaming gold rush" that led to an overall deal boom a couple of years ago appears to be officially over. The strike saw some pacts expire, and they won't be renewed, marking a shift in the industry's approach towards overall deals. Only high-profile talent tied to big shows are expected to get extensions, indicating a tighter overall deal market. The industry is undoubtedly in a phase of pullback, with fewer staffing jobs available amid show cancellations, fewer script buys, and fewer term deals. The strike-influenced 2023 dip is not seen as an anomaly but a reflection of the evolving landscape of the TV business. The industry is at a crossroads, and the decisions made now will shape the trajectory of the TV business in the years to come. More Project Casting Entertainment News:SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP Set to Resume Talks on Monday In a recent development, the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Televisi... How Legit is Project Casting? In an industry where opportunities abound, the legitimacy of casting platforms is a paramount concern for both aspiring and seasoned talents. Project Casting ha... Georgia's Film Industry Skyrockets, Set Up to Surpass California by 2027 The Peach State is making waves in the entertainment sector as it steadily climbs the ladder to become a film production powerhouse. The Georgia Department of E...