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January
26
Recession Red

Wine

On a recent trip to the wine country, I bought four bottles at $9.99 apiece of the Gainey Vineyard's latest label: Recession Red. Little did I know that I too would be hit by the diving economy. Today I got slashed from the ranks of Variety staffers along with some 30 people, most of whom had been there a lot longer than I have. I feel for all of them. I have enjoyed working with these smart movie-loving writers and editors: it has been a great ride. I will miss them and wish them well.

What will continue is the Thompson on Hollywood blog. Variety and I are in talks about continuing to host the blog, but I am also fielding other interest. For the past few months I have been actively involved in a web start-up which is in stealth mode; details will be available soon. And I will continue teaching film criticism at USC and hosting Sneak Previews at UCLA Extension.

And then there's that book...

Stay tuned. The blog isn't going anywhere.

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Comments

ouch! so sorry for that... following the blog since early days... and will continue!

anne,

im sorry to hear this, hang in there the industry needs you more than you need it.

will loyally read blog where ever it lives

You're not going anywhere, and we aren't either.

Anne, I'll read your column wherever it lives, but will miss seeing you here.

Anne, your loyal readership will follow you anywhere!!

You are the only reason I read Variety's website at all! This is a terrible decision on their part.

So sorry to hear that, Ms. Thompson. I've been following your column for a while and was very surprised when I saw your Christmas article where you said you went to Hamilton, my alma mater. I will definitely follow your column wherever it goes and continue to enjoy the words of one of the rare Hamiltonians on this coast.

I agree, you are the only one I read, YOU ARE Variety. Hope you don't go anywhere!

I am so sorry to hear that you've been let go, Anne!!!! Please know that we're all rallying behind you. I love your blog and I hope you'll easily find other paying jobs...

First, sorry to hear the news. And good luck to you. Variety is lesser without you.

Second, the news does kinda make your earlier post about Waxman and The Wrap look a little like bad karma, especially with your own involvement in a "stealth" startup.


If they're that stupid it's a good thing you've been given a chance to get out. Who wants to work with idiots? How insane. You'll do fine. They'll destroy everything they touch.

This is really really REALLY driving me nuts.

Now even the trades are slashing staff???

This is EXACTLY why Circuit City went out of business (not comparing your work to theirs at all, simply business model) - rather than keeping on their seasoned staff to ensure good sales, they cut all the vets for entry level kids to keep margins low. Now look at them.

How does it help to get rid of the seasoned talent? It doesn't!

My best wishes to you Anne. I am very glad to hear the blog will remain. I wonder if I was ever priveleged to be a student in one of your screening classes at SC...

Very sorry to hear it...but like the other commenters here, I will follow you wherever you end up. Good luck.

In a world where Anne of all people gets laid off... I fear the online-movie world is completely fucked. You're my favorite film news writer, Anne. But i'm not too worried as I'm sure you will land somewhere great.

How stupid can Variety get to let go one of the best journalists in the biz.

Anne, I am so very sorry. But I'll follow your blog wherever you may take it. All luck to you.

Excited to see where you land, to hear about the startup and of course there will be a book! Best to you, as always.

This is just the poem for you:

http://blog.dauten.com/2009/01/boss-at-loss.html

I am a loyal reader (first site I check every day!) and will always continue to be! So sorry to hear about the layoff, but I'll follow you where ever your blog may roam!

Hang in there, Anne! You haven't nearly used up nine lives yet!

There's always a place for you at Cinematical. :)

Seriously though, I'm stunned at this lame news. LAME, I say. Good thing that talented people always have more options. I know this because the inverse is definitely true.

Where you blog it, I shall read.

Best,

Up north of the 49th parallel you have diehard fans who appreciate the work you do, just as you do across the U.S. and the globe. Will continue to visit Thompson on Hollywood daily. Good luck with your new project!

I'm sorry to hear this news.

As the comments on this post reveal, you have a dedicated and loyal following. I'm sure I speak for many of them in saying that where ever you may land, we will follow, whatever you may right we will read. It wouldn't surprise me if some wise media outlet scoops you up before the end of the week.

I keep thinking I'm going to wake up and this is going to be a nightmare.

Variety has made a huge mistake letting everyone know what dire straits they are in not to have fought tooth and nail for you, Anne.

I'm truly sorry, and I fear for everyone out there, no matter how impervious they feel, including myself, and the blogs I read which, during Sundance, were as dead as doorknobs as sales were at the festival.

I will also follow you anywhere you blog, and maybe even comment more.

So sorry.

Keep the faith! This is by far the worst economic conditions Ive seen and Im 43. Everyday its more layoffs and negative economic news.One day these dark clouds will lift but shame on all the people who let the subprime lending go on. It has killed our economy! Good luck!


chuck

I mean, Variety has made a huge mistake not fighting for you tooth and nail.

I'd like to see blog consolidation -- Thompson & Wells -- just a thought.

Oh Anne.....this is what happens when you have people running the ship who can't figure out how to monetize the internet. There is no online strategy at Reed; Variety will surely continue to sink. Go do your own thing and pocket the profits.

Anne: I'm shocked and appalled. Honestly thought you were untouchable, too good to be impacted by, well, that whole print death thing. I've no doubt you'll land on your feet and soon be running the world. In the meantime, I send along cyber hugs and solidarity.

You was my most favourite Variety columnist, Ms. Thompson. It is a big shame that Variety doesn't know how excellent you are and still let you go.

Ms. Thompson, whatever you do in the future, you will have my support.

Sorry for your loss, Anne. This economy really bites.

Anne, I was deeply saddened to hear the news.
I chekhed into your blog every day from Argetnina for the riveting and exciting reporting. You are a real pro. I wish you the best in the future, and have no doubt you will excell wherever you may land.
Mazel to you!

I'm heartbroken, and can't imagine what the brain trust at Variety are thinking.

Dear Anne,
I am really shocked and saddened by this news. Wherever you go, I will look forward to following. I can't imagine trying to keep up with the industry without your insights, perceptions and humour. As my late mom used to say, "Keep on keepin' on." All best to you, and thanks for your great work!

Yours is the only blog on this site that I check everyday so I'm glad you'll still be here. And from the looks of the comments, a whole lot of us will be making the transition with you.

Variety must be out of its mind to let you go.

Oh...that is sad.

I look forward to seeing your name on a book!!!

Anne, followed you from HR to Variety...will follow you from Variety to your new home, wherever that may be.

Anne,

I'm so sorry, but so glad this blog is staying as I read it everyday. And yes! Get going on that book. I'll be the first one in line to get it. You are an amazing interviewer as well, BTW.

You'll succeed in any endeavor you take on.

P.S. Beck has a great CD called SEA CHANGE. It helped me during a life-changing transition a few years ago!

Sorry to hear you'll no longer earn a paycheck from Variety. But will gladly stay tuned to the blog whether it stays here or moves elsewhere. BTW, saw GHAJINI based on your write-up and am now totally hooked on Bollywood! :)

I'm sorry to hear that you won't be with Variety anymore, but I'm really happy to hear that your blog will go on. I have always enjoyed your columns, as my primary reason for visiting the Variety site, and I'm glad I'll be able to continue despite the break.

I am shocked and amazed and depressed by the news and, like all of the above, I too will continue to follow you and read your blog. Best of luck with that start up, I'm sure it will prove to be an interesting project for all of us too!

Best regards from Spain.

Anne, I am very sorry for the news but I believe your cool analysis and unique voice will remain and we will follow you wherever your destination will be.

Oh no...
I am very sorry, Anne.

Variety's loss will be someone else's gain. Sending best wishes your way.

"Without change something sleeps inside us...and seldom awakens."

I guess it's a bit like getting a divorce: you get more in touch with old friends, make lots of new ones, enjoy your freedom.

Will stay tuned

Anne

You're the best. Look forward to your continued coverage wherever you land.


ag

So very sorry, Anne. Recession Red would be a great book title.

Hey Anne,

Best of luck from Norway to you on a new enterprise! As so many other commenters are writing in this thread; we'll follow you whereever you write. Variety's loss, this one.

Anne:

This is truly unfortunate. I read your blog every day and hope that you land on your feet. I also graduated from Hamilton and certainly wish you the best to a fellow HamTech'er!

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About

Variety blogger Anne Thompson is your trusted source for film industry news. She tracks Hollywood, Indiewood, awards season and film festivals for this daily blog.
Member: Alliance of Women Film Journalists


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