Culture News Today — October 13, 2026
Sony Pictures Imageworks’ Michelle Grady and ILM’s Janet Lewin on Bad Bosses and Changing Studio Culture: ‘Culture Is What You Tolerate’ and more — today's culture signal.
The entertainment industry is often marked by tales of perseverance and transformation, and today's stories showcase this narrative in various forms. The culture of major studios and production houses is under scrutiny, with industry leaders like Michelle Grady and Janet Lewin speaking out about the importance of changing studio culture and the impact of tolerating toxic environments. This conversation about accountability and transformation is mirrored in the stories of creative endeavors that pushed against the odds, such as the development of The Muppets, which nearly didn't see the light of day but have since become a beloved part of pop culture.
From the evolution of studio culture to the preservation of cultural heritage, today's headlines highlight the power of creative vision and determination. The rise of new voices and perspectives is also evident, with artists like Willy Chavarria using fashion as a means of subversion and social commentary, and musicians from the Garifuna community working to preserve their roots and bring their culture to a wider audience. Meanwhile, game developers like Lyrical Games are finding success with unique settings and stories, such as 'Valor Mortis', which combines elements of the Napoleonic Wars with supernatural themes. These stories demonstrate the impact that creative endeavors can have on culture and society, and the importance of preserving and celebrating diverse voices and perspectives.
Today's signal:
• Sony Pictures Imageworks’ Michelle Grady and ILM’s Janet Lewin on Bad Bosses and Changing Studio Culture: ‘Culture Is What You Tolerate’ (variety.com)
• The Muppets Turn 50 This Year But They Nearly Didn’t Get Made at All: ‘It Was a Real Study in Perseverance’ (variety.com)
• How Supernatural-Napoleonic Wars Story ‘Valor Mortis’ Became Lyrical Games’ First Release: ‘A Setting Nobody Else Is Touching’ (variety.com)
• Willy Chavarria’s Subversive Take on Fashion Has Changed Pop Culture For Good (rollingstone.com)
• Garifuna’s New Guardians: The Rising Acts Preserving Their Roots (rollingstone.com)