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Of course Apple TV+ staff need to follow extreme security measures
Apparently Peter Biskind’s new book Pandora’s Box: How Guts, Guile, and Greed Upended TV has a section in it dedicated to the security precautions Apple TV+ staff must adhere to while working on its projects. It comes as no surprise at all that they value privacy over at the notoriously guarded Apple.
While Indiewire thinks the requirements are extreme, I’d say that they are fairly reasonable for staff working on large-scale, expensive projects. And nothing below seems hugely onerous. It mostly comes down to: Don’t tell people unconnected to your work about stuff, make sure no one can get into a home office, and lock your work materials away.
Not a huge deal.
But there is one point here where I think Apple have misjudged the most effective way to handle privacy. I’ll explain after you read the list:
Don’t share or discuss any aspect of the project with anyone who is not NDA’d and does not have a “business related need-to-know.”
Do not blog, tweet or post any social media regarding your work on this project or the project itself.
Your home office must be a fully enclosed private workspace with solid floors, ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling walls.
Any doors and windows must be closed and locked at any time when you are not in the space or when you have sensitive materials out in the open.
All windows must be obscured by frosting, tinting, or covered with closed blinds any time project information is visible.
All device screens must be oriented away from door and window openings (i.e., only the back of the device is visible from outside the room).
All pre-release materials and revelatory documentation such as scripts, etc. must be stored in a locking file cabinet, safe, or similar secure container when not actively in use.
Pre-release materials and revelatory documentation must be within your positive control (i.e., direct visual observation). At no time will pre-release materials or revelatory documentation be left unattended outside a secure, lockable container. This includes meal and bathroom breaks.
Undisclosed people (including family and friends) must not be allowed within your workspace any time revelatory information is exposed.
Janitorial, maintenance personnel, or family members must not be allowed in your workspace unless and only when all device screens are locked and all sensitive material is secured within lockable containers.
You must take responsibility for ensuring you do not dispose of materials in a way that exposes your work to the world. All documentation must be securely shredded using a crosscut paper shredder.
The only dopey one in the list is point number nine. My own experience has always been that the best way to ensure that your friends and family aren’t paying any attention is when you get enthusiastic and talk about your work.
Read more: Indiewire
Yellowstone will be back in production by the end of Q2 in 2024. Read: Variety
Kara Killmer, who has been with Chicago Fire for almost 200 episodes, is leaving the show with its 12th season. Read: Variety
Samsung reports a 60% year-over-year increase in usage for its FAST TV service Samsung TV+. Read: NextTV
African streamer SHOMAX relaunches in Feb. Read: World Screen
Ever curious about how TMZ is the go-to website for reports (and confirmation) on celebrity deaths? Read: TMZ
Rob Lowe’s father/son Netflix comedy Unstable has been renewed for a second season. Read: Deadline
The long-gestating Mr & Mrs Smith debuts on Prime Video Feb 2. Read: Dark Horizons
Harley Quinn has been greenlit for a fifth season on Max. Read: thefutoncritic
Bizarre having a list of the “20 best TV theme songs from the 70s” and not only is Maude not number one, but it doesn’t even make the list? Come on. Read it if you must: Screencrush
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Percy Jackson and The Olympians debuts on Disney+ with a double episode on Dec 20.
Ted, the TV series based on those two movies, one of which people remember seeing, debuts on Peacock Jan 11.
Season 2 of The Envoys debuts on Paramount+ Dec 7.
Priests Pedro Salinas (Méndez) and Simón Antequera (Silvestre) delve into a web of mystery and murder in a Galician convent. With three blind nuns bearing witness to a supposed miracle, the battle between lies and faith escalates. As they probe deeper, tragedy strikes with the sudden demise of their host Joaquin. Now entangled in a dual investigation, the priests confront not only the mystical, but also a much earthlier truth. As the battle between deceit and faith escalates, this season promises an electrifying fusion of mystery, murder and heart-pounding thrills.
The Doll Factory debuts Nov 27 on Paramount+ (this date isn’t verified… came from some guy on the YouTube comments). I remember a time when the TV network actually told you when to watch their shows…
The series follows the life of Iris, who paints dolls for a living alongside her twin sister. Iris then meets two men, Silas and Louis, where their lives become intertwined. As the series unfolds, dark, chilling truths are exposed. The Doll Factory stars Esmé Creed-Miles (Hanna), Mirren Mack (Sex Education) , Eanna Hardwicke (Normal People) and Saorise-Monica Jackson (Derry Girls).
Paper Dolls (not related to The Doll Factory) debuts Dec 3 on Paramount+.
At the cusp of the new millennium, five aspiring singers are thrust into the spotlight in pursuit of pop-stardom and fame.
Never far from the watchful eye of the cameras, fans and critics, HARLOW is born out of music reality television show Pop Rush, redefining pop culture in the process. However, the five young women must navigate the dark side of a glamourous industry determined to commodify them.
The Railway Men debuts on Netflix Nov 18.
A tale of the unsung heroes, whose sacrifice and resilience saved thousands of lives, on a night that changed Bhopal forever.
Sweet Home 2 debuts on Netflix Dec 1.
The stakes are higher than ever as the line between monster and human begins to blur. Can Hyun-su and the other survivors fight to stay alive?
Monsieur Spade debuts on AMC+ Jan 14. I am VERY into the idea of this show.
The year is 1963, and the legendary Detective Sam Spade (Clive Owen) is enjoying his retirement in the South of France.
That’s the newsletter for today. And the week. Holy gosh - it’s the end of the week already?