HBO OPENS FREE BUFFET: HBO has made good on its promise to open up its doors for free to viewers on Friday. The free ad-free programming includes The Sopranos, Veep, Succession, Six Feet Under, plus 20 movies from corporate sibling Warner Bros. and 10 HBO documentaries and docuseries. Many hits, including Game of Thrones, Big Little Lies and Chernobyl, are behind the paywall. HBO reports that streaming of HBO Now is already up more than 40% from March 14-24th.
TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL TO DEBUT ONLINE PROGRAMMING: The 2020 Tribeca Film Festival revealed Friday that select content from the 19th annual festival will debut online between April 15-26th, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “Tribeca is dedicated to supporting filmmakers, creators, and artists that breathe life into the Festival, the New York community, and the industry,” said a festival spokesperson in a statement. “We are excited to bring new work from incredible storytellers to an audience eager to connect with their stories. Since its inception, Tribeca has pushed the boundaries of storytelling and innovative ways ways to connect with audiences. This online program is the latest iteration of that commitment.”
MTV UNPLUGGED SHAKES UP LINE-UP: MTV announced its first line-up of musicians for MTV Unplugged at Home: Shaggy, Alessia Cara, Jewel, Melissa Etheridge, Monsta X, Bazzi, CNCO and FINNEAS. And yes, they will all be performing from home, with appearances available for streaming on MTV, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter.
WILL SMITH LAUNCHES SNAPSHOT SERIES: Will Smith is launching a new 12-episode series for Snapchat, Will From Home, featuring his family and celebrity friends. Snapchat’s Discover platform as a section of coronavirus-related news and updates now from a variety of partners, including CNN, NBC News and the Wall Street Journal. Episodes will drop Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.