PRINCE HARRY TO INTRODUCE THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE: Prince Harry has recorded a message to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Thomas the Tank Engine. The new program, called Thomas and Friends: The Royal Engine, will include Harry’s father and grandmother, Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth II. In a statement, he said he has “fond memories of growing up with Thomas and Friends and being transported to new places through his adventures.”
WEBBY AWARDS FROM HOME: Webbys From Home is set for a virtual celebration on May 19th, the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences says. The Academy announced nominees Tuesday, and in the entertainment realm, they include HBO, Saturday Night Live, BBC, Netflix, Star Wars, Hulu and Comedy Central. Lizzo, Lil Dicky, Ellen, Trevor Noah, Jennifer Garner, and many others have also received nominations.”The Internet is our glue right now. It’s the most powerful tool for us to support and uplift one another, and it is no surprise that this year’s Nominees are the companies and people leading the charge,” said Claire Graves, Executive Director of The Webby Awards. “They’ve accelerated their ingenuity, using their platforms to respond to this crisis by innovating, connecting, informing, and helping people all over the world.”
HELLRAISER SERIES IN THE WORKS: HBO is developing a potential TV series based on the Hellraiser movies. The project is being spearheaded by Mark Verheiden and Michael Dougherty, with David Gordon Green (2018's Halloween) set to direct several episodes.
QUEEN SONO RENEWED: Netflix has renewed its first African original series, Queen Sono, starring Quantico‘s Pearl Thusi. The series follows a spy taking on dangerous missions while juggling issues in her personal life. Dorothy Ghettuba, who leads African originals at Netflix, said: “The first season of Queen Sono marked the beginning of our journey to introduce the world to exciting stories that are made in Africa. It was an unprecedented representation of a strong female black lead in African television.” Netflix has also greenlighted a second global African original, Blood & Water.