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3 articles from 2008

21 May 2008 5:05 AM, PDT | From wenn.com | See recent WENN news

The cast of U.S. TV show The Simpsons have settled an ongoing pay dispute with TV bosses - landing a major pay rise which will see their earnings rise to $500,000 (GBP250,000) an episode.

The cartoon's actors, including Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner and Nancy Cartwright, had been embroiled in lengthy negotiations with executives at Fox TV to have their wages increased from $320,000 (180,000) for the next 22 episode series.

But the pay boost has now brought their earnings more in line with live action sitcom stars and guaranteed the show will return for its 20th season.

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20 May 2008 10:12 AM, PDT | From Studio Briefing | See recent Studio Briefing news

A de facto strike has hit production of The Simpsons, with the key actors providing the principal characters' voices, Dan Castellaneta (Homer), Julie Kavner (Marge), Nancy Cartwright (Bart), Yeardley Smith (Lisa), Hank Azaria (Moe) and Harry Shearer (Mr. Burns), demanding raises from about $360,000 per episode to $500,000, Daily Variety reported today (Tuesday). With the actors refusing to record the dialog for upcoming episodes, production has been on hold, and it now appears that fewer episodes than the usual 22 will be turned out for next season, the trade publication said.

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18 March 2008 12:05 PM, PDT | From wenn.com | See recent WENN news

Latest: Funnyman Eric Idle's mock Beatles, The Rutles, performed live for the first time in Hollywood on Monday night.

Following a question-and-answer session at the Egyptian Theatre, which marked the first time the quartet had appeared together since making 1978 mockumentary All You Need Is Cash, Idle and bandmates Neil Innes, John Halsey and Ricky Fataar took to the stage at a Vip party.

The sold-out event was held to mark the 30th anniversary of the film, which the four-piece introduced at the beginning of the evening.

Celebrities who turned up to salute the mock rockers included Andy Summers, Jeff Lynne, Peter + Gordon star Peter Asher and The Simpsons regular Dan Castellaneta.

Asked about their 'reunion' after 30 years apart, Idle quipped, "This is the first time in history that a band has reunited before they have actually united in the first place!"

There was a surprise in store for the Rutles - 'reunion' instigator and 30th anniversary celebration host Martin Lewis read out a message from Sir Mick Jagger.

Jagger appeared as himself throughout the original 1978 film and, in the closing scene of the film, he was asked if he thought the Rutles would ever reunite. His response: "Hope not!"

Playing on that, Jagger sent the band the following message: "After all the on and off promises and cancelled shows, I can't believe you have finally decided - at your great age - to defy all the odds and recreate your magnificent past. I wish I could be there. If only to laugh!"

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3 articles from 2008