HEARTBREAKING:  NEWSROOM SHUTDOWN

It’s old news but sad news about the state of your daily newspaper.

For all practical reasons, the newsroom of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser has virtually shut down. Most reporters – the heartbeat of local news gathering – have been working from home since last fall. The work-at-home decision clearly is one way to reduce overhead costs.

But there’s something to say about devoted reporters and editors, toiling side by side with common goals of putting out a daily paper. The water fountain chit-chats are long gone. The camaraderie is nil.

“They closed the newsroom for good – can you believe it?” one veteran newsroom reporter told me in an email.

“It’s very sad and hurtful,” another said.

“(We’re) told everyone work-from-home is the new rule of law; I’m sure it’s saving the company a ton of money but the real expense is the lost of a vibrant newsroom.”

You’ve heard of “breaking news,” the usual media term whenever something worth your attention is announced. Well, “heartbreaking news” is the unannounced (to the public) situation  at the Waterfront Row  HQ of the morning daily. If TV reported this newsroom policy, I missed it. Honolulu magazine once dubbed the vicinity Death Row, since the early vibe of Restaurant Row (the site’s original name) disappeared.

Star-Advertiser newspaper dispenser.

So it’s a time to mourn, really.

As the state continues to struggle to return to restore the new normal for its citizens, the paper is shrinking and sinking its own ship by this work-at-home decree. I mean, haven’t the schools reopened for most campuses and government workers back to the daily routine since the protocols have been relaxed?   

Sure, skeletal crews are still toiling at the paper; editors, page designers and select hired hands essential in getting the paper out still are bound to desk stations.

But the heartbeat of journalism is the corps of news-gatherers, working the phones and bellowing to colleagues and yakking about the latest restaurant to open or close, as part of the rhythm of newsroom life?

I know. I’ve been there. For 45 years full-time at the then-stand alone Honolulu Advertiser, located at the Kapiolani Blvd./South Street landmark, then another dozen years as a retired free-lance contributor writing a column for the combined Honolulu Star-Advertiser, till I was summarily dismissed because of the looming health threat in the spring of 2019. Cost-cutting was the convenient alibi, but I couldn’t live on what I was paid, anyway, since I worked from home and paid for my own entertainment fees when reviewing shows. Still do, for my online presence now.

You knew the paper was suffering, when the daily four-section product became a two-second minimalist, when the pandemic was invasive and shutting down everything. It cut out a Saturday edition (online only, still) but restored the sports section so the daily paper now has three sections. The fourth – formerly Today, Island life when there were two papers,  and then Detours  as part of the merger– is seemingly gone forever. The arts community misses the separate entertainment/features section most papers traditionally retain. The newish Crave tabloid, like the Sunday Dining Out pull-out, is mainly an avenue for potential advertisers, lured to buy a Wednesday and a Sunday combo ad. Many of the food reporters work from home, too.

Full-time beat reporters no longer have an office desk or phone. Go figure.

 As one source indicated, “they (the bean counters) set up offices on the fifth floor for when people need a space to work, but no dedicated desks. And the newspaper is really bad; it’s embarrassing. I don’t have to tell you that.”

It’s also clear that the union has no muscle to argue the necessity and validity of the newsroom vibe. Not sure if some, or most, reporters like working from home, paying for their own smart phones and utilizing their own computers to file a story. The side amenity: no bosses to bother you.

The cutbacks might have been an essential decision when COVID was a daunting enemy, but the villain now appears to be at the publisher level with a mission to keep costs down.

The office communal esprit is what’s missing, for veteran reporters who know that camaraderie is part of the vitality of the newsroom.

“I miss the buzz and energy of the newsroom – a truly unique workspace. And especially in our business; you need to be able to bounce off each other, walk around, shoot the bull, compare notes, etc.,” said one longtimer. The vacuum might also impact cub reporters, at the start of their print careers. “How are the rookies supposed to learn, the ropes without being able to see the pros in action, yelling at each other and over the phone,” said the vet, hanging in there but can’t wait to retire. …

And that’s Show Biz. …

FILIPINO PRIDE MOMENT FOR KIAN TALAN

It was all in the ‘ohana recently, on the set of CBS’ “NCIS: Hawai‘i,” when actor Kian Talan – who portrays Alex Tennant – had kin folks visiting here. And the family wound up as extras in a scene to be aired soon.

While Talan commonly argues with his on-air mom, Jane Tennant, portrayed by Vanessa Lachey, he was quite a family dude when his dad, mom and brother visited during the Christmas holidays.

Turns out that Talan’s family were huge fans of Lachey, who is part Filipino, as is Talan.

So the chance to witness and experience son’s work style – and being on camera even if only as background actors – was thrilling.

Kian Talan

“They just play people who are walking around in the back but they got to see the entire process of how we create these episodes and they’re like fan-girling over Vanessa like, ‘Oh my God,’” Talan said to express.com.

“Filipinos are culturally big fans of other Filipinos in mainstream media, so they were like, ‘I need a picture, I’m sweating,’” said Talan.

‘Twas a Filipino pride moment for all.

He acknowledged a challenging growing up.
“I’m used to being stereotyped and judged,” he has been quoted. “I’m the son of two Filipino immigrants and grew up in a white, suburban town in New Hampshire. I didn’t need another reason for people to stare, so I always kept my my head down and never pushed myself to see what I could do.”

Relocating to New York gave him the freedom to get over past insecurities, “pushing me toward my acting dream.” …

Calendar notations

Gigs to contemplate, over the next few days:

Josh Tatofi
  • Josh Tatofi has a four-night run, at 6:30 and 9 p.m. tomorrow through Wednesday (Feb. 13-16), at Blue Note Hawaii. A special Valentine’s dinner – prime rib surf and turf, with suggested wine pairings plus desserts keyed to V-Day – is available.  Visit www.bluenotehawaii or call (808) 777-4890.
  • Mike Love has two Blue Note gigs – an acoustic solo night Feb. 17 and a group encounter with The Full Circle Feb. 20. See above for reservations.
  • Judy Collins will be featured Feb. 18 and 19 at Blue Note. See above for reservations.
  • A Smooth Jazz concert is on tonight (8 p.m. Feb. 12) at the Hibiscus Ballroom of the Ala Moana Hotel. Featured: guitarist Peter White, keyboardist Gregg Karukas and saxophonist Michael Paulo. Visit TIX.com or call (951) 696-0184. …
  • And that’s Show Biz. …

HAWAII KAI ZIPPY’S REOPENING FEB. 15

At long last: Zippy’s at the Koko Marina Shopping Center will indeed reopen at 8 a.m. Tuesday (Feb. 15),

as reported here last week. Dine-in services will be limited, however.

As you know, we Hawaii Kai folks have to drive to Zippy’s Kahala for dine-in get-togethers. That ends soon.

Zippy’s reopening on the marina will be a joyous welcome. However, for now, hours of operation will be from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. only.

Zippy’s Hawaii Kai is set to reopen Tuesday (Feb. 15).

The restaurant has undergone some renovations, so I guess we’ll all find out when we make our initial visit.

Take-out orders will continue, and available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

If the Kahala menu is an indication, there may be some sticker shock for those who’ve mostly ordered takeout during the pandemic closure of the Hawaii Kai dining room. Prices have risen, but you must know that from your weekly grocery shopping and gasoline fill ups. Prices for everything everywhere have risen, right? …

‘Doogie’ star lands Disney+ film

When it rains, it pours. Peyton Elizabeth Lee, the titular character in “Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.,” will co-star in “Prom Pact,” as  Mandy Coleman, a high schooler who also is a feminist.

Peyton Elizabeth Lee

Her co-star will be Milo Hanheim, from the movie “Z-O-M-B-I-E-S.”

“Prom Pact,” a high school rom-com with prom fever at its peak, will be produced by Disney+, where “Doogie’s” first season is streaming now on Disney+.

In the new film, Lee’s character has a keen eye on making it to Harvard, but she is smitten with Hanheim’s character, Ben, as blooming complications arise, according to Deadline.

“Doogie,” which is filmed in Hawaii, has been renewed for a second season, so Lee likely will be “Prom”-bound only after her streaming filming completes production. …

 And that’s Show Biz. …

94th OSCAR NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED

This just in, courtesy ABC: the nominees for the 2022 Academy Awards.

So let the guessing games begin.

The 94th annual Oscarcast will be held March 27 on the ABC network. On the Mainland, air time is 8 p.m. Eastern, 5 p.m. Pacific; it’s likely that Hawaii will air the telecast in real time, so at 3 p.m., with possible retelecast in prime-time evening.

The list of nominees:


Best Picture

BELFAST
Laura Berwick, Kenneth Branagh, Becca Kovacik and Tamar Thomas, Producers

CODA
Philippe Rousselet, Fabrice Gianfermi and Patrick Wachsberger, Producers

DON’T LOOK UP
Adam McKay and Kevin Messick, Producers

DRIVE MY CAR
Teruhisa Yamamoto, Producer

DUNE
Mary Parent, Denis Villeneuve and Cale Boyter, Producers

KING RICHARD
Tim White, Trevor White and Will Smith, Producers

LICORICE PIZZA
Sara Murphy, Adam Somner and Paul Thomas Anderson, Producers

NIGHTMARE ALLEY
Guillermo del Toro, J. Miles Dale and Bradley Cooper, Producers

THE POWER OF THE DOG
Jane Campion, Tanya Seghatchian, Emile Sherman, Iain Canning and Roger Frappier, Producers

WEST SIDE STORY
Steven Spielberg and Kristie Macosko Krieger, Producers


Actor in a Leading Role

Javier Bardem in BEING THE RICARDOS

Benedict Cumberbatch in THE POWER OF THE DOG

Andrew Garfield in TICK, TICK…BOOM!

Will Smith in KING RICHARD

Denzel Washington in THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH


Actor in a Supporting Role

Ciarán Hinds in BELFAST

Troy Kotsur in CODA

Jesse Plemons in THE POWER OF THE DOG

J.K. Simmons in BEING THE RICARDOS

Kodi Smit-McPhee in THE POWER OF THE DOG


Actress in a Leading Role

Jessica Chastain in THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE

Olivia Colman in THE LOST DAUGHTER

Penélope Cruz in PARALLEL MOTHERS

Nicole Kidman in BEING THE RICARDOS

Kristen Stewart in SPENCER


Actress in a Supporting Role

Jessie Buckley in THE LOST DAUGHTER

Ariana DeBose in WEST SIDE STORY

Judi Dench in BELFAST

Kirsten Dunst in THE POWER OF THE DOG

Aunjanue Ellis in KING RICHARD


Animated Feature Film

ENCANTO
Jared Bush, Byron Howard, Yvett Merino and Clark Spencer

FLEE
Jonas Poher Rasmussen, Monica Hellström, Signe Byrge Sørensen and Charlotte De La Gournerie

LUCA
Enrico Casarosa and Andrea Warren

THE MITCHELLS VS. THE MACHINES
Mike Rianda, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller and Kurt Albrecht

RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON
Don Hall, Carlos López Estrada, Osnat Shurer and Peter Del Vecho


Cinematography

DUNE
Greig Fraser

NIGHTMARE ALLEY
Dan Laustsen

THE POWER OF THE DOG
Ari Wegner

THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH
Bruno Delbonnel

WEST SIDE STORY
Janusz Kaminski


Costume Design

CRUELLA
Jenny Beavan

CYRANO
Massimo Cantini Parrini and Jacqueline Durran

DUNE
Jacqueline West and Robert Morgan

NIGHTMARE ALLEY
Luis Sequeira

WEST SIDE STORY
Paul Tazewell


Directing

BELFAST
Kenneth Branagh

DRIVE MY CAR
Ryusuke Hamaguchi

LICORICE PIZZA
Paul Thomas Anderson

THE POWER OF THE DOG
Jane Campion

WEST SIDE STORY
Steven Spielberg


Documentary (Feature)

ASCENSION
Jessica Kingdon, Kira Simon-Kennedy and Nathan Truesdell

ATTICA
Stanley Nelson and Traci A. Curry

FLEE
Jonas Poher Rasmussen, Monica Hellström, Signe Byrge Sørensen and Charlotte De La Gournerie

SUMMER OF SOUL (…OR, WHEN THE REVOLUTION COULD NOT BE TELEVISED)
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Joseph Patel, Robert Fyvolent and David Dinerstein

WRITING WITH FIRE
Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh


Documentary (Short Subject)

AUDIBLE
Matt Ogens and Geoff McLean

LEAD ME HOME
Pedro Kos and Jon Shenk

THE QUEEN OF BASKETBALL
Ben Proudfoot

THREE SONGS FOR BENAZIR
Elizabeth Mirzaei and Gulistan Mirzaei

WHEN WE WERE BULLIES
Jay Rosenblatt


Film Editing

DON’T LOOK UP
Hank Corwin

DUNE
Joe Walker

KING RICHARD
Pamela Martin

THE POWER OF THE DOG
Peter Sciberras

TICK, TICK…BOOM!
Myron Kerstein and Andrew Weisblum


International Feature Film

DRIVE MY CAR
Japan

FLEE
Denmark

THE HAND OF GOD
Italy

LUNANA: A YAK IN THE CLASSROOM
Bhutan

THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD
Norway


Makeup and Hairstyling

COMING 2 AMERICA
Mike Marino, Stacey Morris and Carla Farmer

CRUELLA
Nadia Stacey, Naomi Donne and Julia Vernon

DUNE
Donald Mowat, Love Larson and Eva von Bahr

THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE
Linda Dowds, Stephanie Ingram and Justin Raleigh

HOUSE OF GUCCI
Göran Lundström, Anna Carin Lock and Frederic Aspiras


Music (Original Score)

DON’T LOOK UP
Nicholas Britell

DUNE
Hans Zimmer

ENCANTO
Germaine Franco

PARALLEL MOTHERS
Alberto Iglesias

THE POWER OF THE DOG
Jonny Greenwood


Music (Original Song)

“Be Alive” from KING RICHARD
Music and Lyric by DIXSON and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter

“Dos Oruguitas” from ENCANTO
Music and Lyric by Lin-Manuel Miranda

“Down To Joy” from BELFAST
Music and Lyric by Van Morrison

“No Time To Die” from NO TIME TO DIE
Music and Lyric by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell

“Somehow You Do” from FOUR GOOD DAYS
Music and Lyric by Diane Warren


Production Design

DUNE
Production Design: Patrice Vermette; Set Decoration: Zsuzsanna Sipos

NIGHTMARE ALLEY
Production Design: Tamara Deverell; Set Decoration: Shane Vieau

THE POWER OF THE DOG
Production Design: Grant Major; Set Decoration: Amber Richards

THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH
Production Design: Stefan Dechant; Set Decoration: Nancy Haigh

WEST SIDE STORY
Production Design: Adam Stockhausen; Set Decoration: Rena DeAngelo


Short Film (Animated)

AFFAIRS OF THE ART
Joanna Quinn and Les Mills

BESTIA
Hugo Covarrubias and Tevo Díaz

BOXBALLET
Anton Dyakov

ROBIN ROBIN
Dan Ojari and Mikey Please

THE WINDSHIELD WIPER
Alberto Mielgo and Leo Sanchez


Short Film (Live Action)

ALA KACHUU – TAKE AND RUN
Maria Brendle and Nadine Lüchinger

THE DRESS
Tadeusz Łysiak and Maciej Ślesicki

THE LONG GOODBYE
Aneil Karia and Riz Ahmed

ON MY MIND
Martin Strange-Hansen and Kim Magnusson

PLEASE HOLD
K.D. Dávila and Levin Menekse


Sound

BELFAST
Denise Yarde, Simon Chase, James Mather and Niv Adiri

DUNE
Mac Ruth, Mark Mangini, Theo Green, Doug Hemphill and Ron Bartlett

NO TIME TO DIE
Simon Hayes, Oliver Tarney, James Harrison, Paul Massey and Mark Taylor

THE POWER OF THE DOG
Richard Flynn, Robert Mackenzie and Tara Webb

WEST SIDE STORY
Tod A. Maitland, Gary Rydstrom, Brian Chumney, Andy Nelson and Shawn Murphy


Visual Effects

DUNE
Paul Lambert, Tristan Myles, Brian Connor and Gerd Nefzer

FREE GUY
Swen Gillberg, Bryan Grill, Nikos Kalaitzidis and Dan Sudick

NO TIME TO DIE
Charlie Noble, Joel Green, Jonathan Fawkner and Chris Corbould

SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS
Christopher Townsend, Joe Farrell, Sean Noel Walker and Dan Oliver

SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME
Kelly Port, Chris Waegner, Scott Edelstein and Dan Sudick


Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

CODA
Screenplay by Siân Heder

DRIVE MY CAR
Screenplay by Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Takamasa Oe

DUNE
Screenplay by Jon Spaihts and Denis Villeneuve and Eric Roth

THE LOST DAUGHTER
Written by Maggie Gyllenhaal

THE POWER OF THE DOG
Written by Jane Campion


Writing (Original Screenplay)

BELFAST
Written by Kenneth Branagh

DON’T LOOK UP
Screenplay by Adam McKay; Story by Adam McKay & David Sirota

KING RICHARD
Written by Zach Baylin

LICORICE PIZZA
Written by Paul Thomas Anderson

THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD
Written by Eskil Vogt, Joachim Trier

And that’s Show Biz…