ICYMI: SSN’s Top Original Stories From 7/14 – 7/18/14

Celebrating the Kickstarter Short Film Festival with SSN’s Top Crowdfunds for Crossover

In celebration of successfully-funded Kickstarter projects at the Film Fest and in theaters, SSN has compiled its third Kickstarter list of the best and brightest talent and projects currently raising money. (SSN)

It’s Never Too Soon To Talk About Oscar – SSN’s Top Picks for Award Hopefuls

Pardon us if we scoff at the notion that a film must come out as the leaves start falling to be taken seriously as an Oscar contender. SSN decided it’s not too early to start handicapping how films that have already seen the inside of a theater this year, so far, will fare. (SSN)

Will There be a Marvel Mini-Park? Behind the Past, Present & Future of Disneyland with Imagineer Lisa Girolami

Lisa Girolami feels blessed to be a part of the Disneyland dream: “I’m so fortunate to be here six decades after Walt first walked down Main Street, believing that this place would never be finished…To be able to ‘hide’ the tech stuff so that a child can experience one of their favorite characters as real is the best accomplishment.” (SSN)

How to Fix the Emmy Categories & Even the Playing Field

Yes, the Emmys are more than a little broken. Any competition that won’t nominate the magnificent Tatiana Maslany from BBC America’s Orphan Black can’t be taken terribly seriously. But steps can be made to fix this, and here are a few suggestions…(SSN)

Emmy Noms Finally Show a Solid Uptick in Diversity

Woeful is the Academy’s record in honoring performers of color when you consider that of the approximately 700 Emmys handed out in its 65-year history, a mere 36 have gone to black actors. This year, minority performers are in relative abundance for once – with 10 black acting nominees spread across six categories – and that’s something to genuinely celebrate. (SSN)

Is John Lasseter Right to Theatrically Release DisneyToon Studios’ Planes: Fire and Rescue?

Why were both Planes and Planes: Fire and Rescue full-blown theatrical releases when they were originally developed as direct-to-video spin-offs? It has to do with the tumultuous journey of Tinker Bell. (SSN)