From a taste of Netflix to 'Black Mirror' almost taking it too far, here's what's happening in entertainment.
Netflix Eats
Netflix is set to add cuisine to its menu of offerings.
The streaming giant is launching a pop-up restaurant in Los Angeles called Netflix Bites. The experience will only be available for a limited time and will feature dishes and drinks from chefs featured on popular series like Chef's Table, Is It Cake?, and Iron Chef.
"From episode to entrée, with NETFLIX BITES, we are creating an in-person experience where fans can immerse themselves in their favorite food shows. We are excited to collaborate with these incredible chefs who will bring this vision to life and showcase an array of their delicious menus," Josh Simon, vice president of consumer products at Netflix, said in a statement.
NETFLIX BITES will open on June 30 at Short Stories Hotel.
'Rust' Movie Update
Actor Alec Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed are still not in the clear following the accidental shooting death of a cinematographer on the set of the film Rust.
Prosecutors are mulling over the idea of recharging Baldwin after his charges were dismissed in late April. At the time, prosecutors in New Mexico said an investigation remained active.
Meanwhile, charges still stand for Gutierrez-Reed and prosecutors now allege she was likely hungover on the set when she loaded a live round into the weapon that killed Halyna Hutchins. The state's lawyers are looking to establish a pattern of reckless conduct, according to the Associated Press.
Gutierrez-Reed is due in court in August for a preliminary hearing that will decide whether or not the charges levied against her will stand. Meanwhile, prosecutors said they will decide whether or not to recharge Baldwin for his role in the shooting in the next 60 days.
Hayek Talks 'Black Mirror'
With the return of Netflix's Black Mirror just days away, we're learning more about at least one episode from Salma Hayek.
Last month, we told you about Hayek's introduction into the series as she takes up the role of an average, non-celebrity who finds out that a streaming service, which appears to be a spoof of Netflix, has launched a series about her life. Now Hayek has revealed she almost reconsidered the role after reading the script and realizing she'd have to do something that might get her canceled.
"There was one thing that really did make me hesitate about doing it all together. Yeah, it's insane, but I love that Black Mirror is not known for being super funny. I like breaking the mold," she said in an interview with Good Morning America.
On this episode of Cheddar Innovates: Vrai CEO discusses the process of creating lab grown diamonds, Entrupy CEO breaks down how the app uses artificial intelligence to analyze authenticity for luxury goods and sneakers; A look at Curiosity Stream's 'Red Elvis.'
Mona Akhavi, CEO of Vrai, joins Cheddar Innovates to discuss the process of creating lab grown diamonds, why this industry is growing, and the latest trends in the jewelry and engagement ring space.
M&M's is rebranding its iconic chocolate candy characters with new looks and storylines highlighting the "progressive world" we live in today. Jane Hwang, global vice president of M&M's, joined Cheddar to talk about the company's rebrand. "M&M's is on a mission to create a world where everyone feels they belong," she said. The multi-colored, anthropomorphized candies will be getting an updated look and tone, according to Hwang, such as Green receiving a makeover that reflects more female empowerment and confidence.
The Department of Agriculture has officially unveiled its plan to fight catastrophic wildfires that have devastated parts of the West in the last few years. The department, along with the Forest Service will work to significantly increase fuels and forest health treatments to address the escalating crisis of wildfire danger. Executive Editor of Cipher, a publication by Breakthrough Energy, Amy Harder, joined Cheddar to discuss more.
A new report out on Linkedin says that Crypto-related job postings in the US surged to 395% between 2020 and 2021. Job titles which included titles containing "Bitcoin", "Ethereum", "Blockchain", and cryptocurrency, all outpaced jobs in the wider tech industry which saw a 98% increase in listings during the same time period. LinkedIn also notes that the most common crypto job postings were blockchain developers and engineers. CEO of Radkl, Ryan Sheftel, joined Cheddar to discuss more.
A new study has been causing a lot of buzz in the cannabis industry. Researchers from Oregon State University found that compounds in cannabis could prevent infection with COVID-19, but that doesn't mean smoking marijuana prevents people from getting infected. CV Sciences medical advisor Dr. Michael Lewis joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
Software company BigPanda recently raised $190 million in Series D funding, led by Advent International and Insight Partners. The funding round gives the company unicorn status with a $1.2 billion valuation. BigPanda develops A.I. software that detects and analyzes problems in I.T. systems. The company says it aims to be the solution for other companies that do not have enough manpower to manage their data, as more and more industries continue to build a broader digital presence. BigPanda co-founder and CEO Assaf Resnick joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
Amazon Prime announced the name of the highly anticipated Middle-Earth prequel streaming series to be called "The Rings of Power," premiering on September 2. The show takes place thousands of years before the stories set in "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings."