August Happiness Challenge: Day 1

2023 August Happiness Icon

Today's happiness: Genevieve McGillicuddy

 

You're probably saying, "WHO?" But if you're a classic film nerd, you know Genevieve. Her title at TCM was Vice President of Enterprises and Partnerships, but we knew her as the goddess who ran the film festival, and she was unceremoniously axed at the end of June.

Well guess what she posted at about 9:30 CST yesterday (so yes, it was so August 1!): "I've been asked to return to produce the 2024 TCM Film Festival."

 

As soon as I learned about the firings, I emailed David Zaslav, head of Warner Bros./Discovery+, TCM's parent company. I tweeted relentlessly. I sent snail mail. I lobbied all my friends -- virtual and in real life (thank you, Kwizgiver) to beg that TCM not be gutted. Charles Tabesh, a Senior VP let go the same day as Genevieve, was rehired in early July. And our girl Genevieve McGillicuddy is back home where she belongs, too.

 

Is this because of activist rabid film fans like me? In part, yes. Spielberg and Scorcese pitching in to help undoubtedly had even more impact. And then there's Barbie. She's likely to make a $1 billion for Warner Bros., and that probably allowed Zaslav to be a bit more free with money.

 

Why am I thrilled? Because this proves that doing something is preferable to bitching and moaning. Because I'm going to Hollywood to see my classic film tribe this spring. Because I love TCM. 

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.