The end of an era

I've just been informed that my position at Premiere.com is being terminated. What this means for this blog is still up in the air; I've got meetings this afternoon in which such things are to be negotiated. In any case, I now join the ever-growing ranks of film critics without staff positions. I very much hope to keep this blog going...and get some good freelance work, quick. Anybody with ideas in this area should contact me at glennkenny@mac.com.

Hope to be in touch again soon. Thank you, you're the best goddamn audience a blogger could ever have.

Comments

[David Hudson]

Damn, Glenn. Yours has been one of the most entertaining and informative film blogs in a long, long while. I do hope you'll carry on, if not here, then elsewhere - and in the meantime, my fingers are crossed for you. Whatever's next, who knows, it might be better.

[bill]

Goddammit. Hang in there, Glenn. There must be a place that needs a damn good writer with a vast knowledge of film. Wherever you end up, if you don't hang on to this blog, I'll keep searching for a new one to pop up in the near future.

[Nathan Duke]

How depressing. This is one of the few film blogs I actually enjoy reading. I really worry about the future of film criticism. I hope you continue your blog here or elsewhere, Glenn.

[Tim Lowery]

That’s terrible. I never comment on this “hang-zone,” but I’ve been visiting it everyday for a few months. What am I going to read now when I come into work on Mondays? Anyway, take care, amigo.

[Ryland Walker Knight]

G'luck Glenn. I trust you will be able to put your estimable skills to work somewhere sooner rather than later. Cuz if not this just blows. Another sign that film criticism is indeed becoming more of a hobby than a viable source of income.

[Jeremy Heilman]

Terrible news... For the record, I'll stop coming to Premiere.com if this blog doesn't continue.

[lazarus]

Sadly, this isn't even very surprising considering the climate. It happens to the best as well, apparently.

I for one will be following wherever you set up shop, and I'm sure I'm not alone.

If you blog it, they will come.

[Dennis Cozzalio]

Glenn, I'm saddened and pissed off by this news. I have to believe that there is still an outlet run by people smart enough to realize the value of a writer as good as you are. If not, then we really are all the poorer for it, on a cultural level as well as a personal one. I wish you all the best.

[John]

Terrible news Glenn. I have been a faithful reader since way back in the print days. I credit you with bringing me around on many great films, especially those of Wes Anderson. Good luck and please find a way to keep bringing us your valuable insights and opinions.

[Moviezzz]

Glenn, very sad to read.

As much as I miss Premiere, this blog has been a lot of fun. Honestly, it has been the best film blog for the past few weeks.

At least set yourself up a Blogger blog, if not something more.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[bill]

"For the record, I'll stop coming to Premiere.com if this blog doesn't continue."

Seconded.

[cjKennedy]

Land on your feet Glenn.

[Aaron Hillis]

Thirded. Nor will I ever write for Premiere again. Way to go, Hachette.

[Ian W. Hill]

I hope you find someplace that will pay you enough for your writing that you can keep "In the Company of..." going, in some other place. I really dig this place, man.

Make sure the other film blogs know if you return at a new URL so we can adjust the feeds.

Thanks for all the smart words.

[AaronM]

I never commented on the blog before now and I profoundly regret it.
I loved the blog, hope you'll keep writing online anyway.
Good luck, Glenn.

[Nick Plowman]

That downright sucks.

I hope everything works out for the best, good luck with it all. Hang in there and keep up the great blog - please?

[Griff]

Glenn, here's to you. One of the very best.

[swhitty]

I'll just add my voice to the raging din; this is awful news.

This is one of the few blogs I've come to depend on, as much for its informed opinion as for its seamless mix of high/lo culture. (Jimi sex tapes AND L'Age D'or! Nice!)

I'm sure you have other concerns, right now, but what is happening to the site? Do they actually think premiere.com is worth visiting without a critic/blogger? Or do they just want everyone to work for free?

Best of luck in everything, Glenn -- I'll certainly keep my eyes and ears open.

[Dave Kehr]

Man, does this stink. But I can't believe you'll be away for long.

[Michael Lieberman]

This is terrible news. I'm a first time poster here, but I read this blog everyday.

Please keep writing, Glenn, even if you create a Livejournal or Blogspot account. I hope pay comes with your hard work again.

Best of luck,
Michael

[GloryG]

Honestly, this was my only reason to keep coming back to the site, so this is a tremendously sad day, but to echo what has been said above, I trust that something better is waiting in the wings, because your insights are simply too valuable and frankly, you just deserve better. Best of luck and can't wait to see what's next.

[Dan]

Aw, no. That's terrible.

I should note here that the only times I went to Premiere.com was via your blog. Without regular updates here I doubt I'll be coming back.

[Mike Doc]

Pardon my French: fuuuuuuck!

Add me to the chorus: no need to visit Premiere.com without Glenn here.

Wish you the best of luck, Glenn. This blog's been one of my first stops every morning for months now.

[cadavra]

As a friend as well as a commenter, I'm really crushed by this news. The infantilization of the internet continues. Godspeed, wherever you land.

[Preston]

Fuck Premiere, I'd rather hang with you. This interruption is regrettable. Glenn, wherever you go, I will follow.

[Stephen Bowie]

Yes, I echo everyone's condolences and best wishes, and can't add anything except that this night of the long knives for film critics is starting to take on the proportions of some dark farce -- the second half of the THE LADYKILLERS, maybe? Not that anyone's in a laughing mood, I realize.

And just when I'd settled in to reading Glenn's blog on a regular basis. PREMIERE ... what's this "PREMIERE"?

[Bill C]

This is bullshit. ("Hatchette," indeed.) If I could afford you, you'd have a new gig by the end of the day. Hang in there. And fuck Premiere.

[rob]

Ah, fuck.

[Scott Tobias]

Very sorry to hear this news, Glenn, though I'll add to the chorus of people that hopes you can continue blogging in some capacity. I realize that film critic jobs are in dwindling supply, but you'd certainly be on any good shortlist of publications looking to hire. Best of luck landing on your feet.

[Tim Lucas]

Glenn, you've been PREMIERE to me for years; instead of firing you, those jokers (I'm curbing my language here) should be handing you more reins. My best to you and your Lovely Wife, with my hopes that you'll stay in touch -- if not through this blog, then more directly. I can't pay much, but if you ever want to write something for VIDEO WATCHDOG, consider yourself invited...

Tim / VW

[Jeremy Smith]

So is PREMIERE calling it quits altogether? I mean, I thought the site's sole purpose was to give us us Kenny. This is madness.

Some very lucky site or publication is about to acquire an outstanding writer. Best of luck, Glenn.

[FilmStew]

Don't blame Premiere; blame the Internet and user generated content.

Right now for example, you can log on and read the 30% critics rating pages for SPEED RACER, or the 72% reader ratngs pages for the same film. Everyone really is a critic, and because of that, especially online, they are less and less interested in the same.

[John Vanderpuije]

Premiere sucks. Hope you land on your feet Glenn, this is a great blog, period.

[mark]

WTF!

The world has clearly gone mad...

[Paul Matwychuk]

Let me add my voice to the chorus of anger and dismay. I've always respected your intelligence, wit, and film smarts, and I've always enjoyed your lively blog. This is crummy news, but I have to hope that there will be an eager audience for you and your writing wherever you set up shop next.

[Filmbrain]

I'm equally saddened and angered by the news. I can't wait to hear Hachette's justification. Perhaps they needed to funnel more money towards ellegirl.com. Fuckers.

[Bedheaded]

I'm terribly sorry, Glenn. Hopefully you'll make them realize the error of their ways soon in a new position.

[Keith Uhlich]

Terrible news, Glenn. I do echo the wishes of everyone here for you to land on your feet, which I'm sure will happen. I'll contact you personally as well, but did want to add my voice to the public chorus here.

[jesse]

I agree with the general sentiment that there isn't much of a point to Premiere.com without an interesting critic like GK to read. Is this to make way for more enlightening EW.com-style picture-lists? Ugh.

Best of luck to you, Glenn.

[Daniel]

So sorry to hear about this Glenn! Keep the spirits up, a writer and film lover of your caliber will not go unappreciated for long!

[Abominog]

aw, hell, yet more bad news today. there'll be one less website to check daily, at least until you resurface. good luck, mang.

[Edward Douglas]

Wow, that sucks Glenn... I was just talking with Jeffrey Wells on my celphone and he mentioned your name, but I couldn't really hear him and maybe he was talking about this unfortunate news of yours. I thought your work at Premiere.com was helping to elevate the quality of online criticism and I hope you're able to find something else soon.

[Mike De Luca]

Damn them for doing this. Anyone who ever read "Premiere" in its print edition or has had the pleasure of reading this blog, knows that Glenn Kenny was and will always be the heart and soul of "Premiere". Thanks for being a tireless champion of film, Glenn. Thanks for everything. Don't let the bastards get you down.

[Andrew O'Hehir]

This absolutely sucks for all kinds of reasons, and reduces the collective IQ of the movie-blog universe by a substantial chunk. Those of us who read you daily believe you'll be fine, of course, and count on your comeback in another venue. Ask not for whom the bell tolls, fellow bloggers.

On the other hand, I was fired by Hachette once, when they closed down a magazine where I was an editor, and about four hours later (and an unknown number of beers) I felt totally great about it. May that pure land of post-HF bliss be yours as well.

[craig keller.]

Intelligence, wit, taste, PERSONALITY... these are things you can't put a price on, and Premiere seems to be taking the notion to its dunderheadedly literal end-point. Shame on them.

I'm very distressed to hear this news, Glenn. Reading your blog is part of my early-afternoon routine every single damned day -- it's the film-page I always most look forward to URL'ing.

Let me just mention that "consistently excellent" and "always enjoyable," on a daily basis at that, are no mean feats, and (now made all too clear) are nothing to be taken for granted on this www that too often resembles the sad lapsed compact between the human race and its innate potential -- or, at the, um, very least, a vast and roiling sea of mucho-stupid brain-brigands. -- I predict you haven't built your final lighthouse, buddy.

vive le Glenn aux autres jours et pour toujours!

ck.

[anne thompson]

This doesn't speak well of the future of Premiere.com, which is what, do you think? Since you were their star and marquee draw?

[anne thompson]

do you think A.J. Benza did you in with your bosses?

[Kurt]

As a regular visitor (but infrequent commenter), I just wanted to pass along best wishes on landing on your feet (I might even say selfish ones, because damn, if I want to keep reading!)

[Jason]

This is truly awful news, Glenn. You are one of a select few who have elevated the art of film criticism in North America and judging by the comments here, your writing has affected passionate film fans from all over the world. Wherever you go next, please let us know, so we may continue to enjoy picking your brain about film, music and whatever else moves you as a human being.

[Eric Stanton]

I've only commented once here, but I've visited a lot (especially lately). I've been entertained and I've learned a lot - and I will look forward to following wherever you go, because I am certain you will land on your feet and find a new gig soon.

I'm sorry about this, and I hope the inconvenience to you is as short lived as possible. I'll echo what's been said above - there's no reason to visit Premiere.com without this blog. You are one of the best critics on-line. Premiere is the loser here.

[Jamieson]

So bummed to hear this. Keep writing Glenn!! Premiere's out of their minds for cutting you.

[NeilFC]

Terrible news. Even though i live in the UK, i was able to read Premiere almost from the very beginning. After Premiere folded it was still a treat to be able to still read Glenn's reviews and his writing on this blog, which i visit practically every day.

Glenn, i hope that you are able to continue writing, coz if not, we'll miss you buddy.

[christian]

Sorry to hear that, Glenn. Onward.

[Lee]

Glenn, I only discovered your blog a few months ago, but I've been a dedicated daily reader ever since. I've loved the way you combine warmth with erudition in your critical voice, and I'll be sure to read your work wherever it turns up.

[Dan]

Note to Anne:

I've got to wonder about the future of Premiere.com myself. I used to be a religious reader of the magazine (I owe it a lot for giving me some insight into Hollywood as a business while growing up in rural Vermont) but once that vanished, I pretty much switched to looking up our host's reviews on occasion.

To be honest, I don't see how Premiere.com is going to be able to distinguish itself from the crowd. The movie hype area on the web was already very, very firmly staked out by the time they got here, and as somebody in a choice advertising demographic, namely males 18-34, I literally can't think of a damn thing aside from our host that distinguishes Premiere.com from the pack.

[Josh]

That sucks. I enjoyed your writing for the print publication, but I've really come to depend on your witty and knowledgeable blogging right here.

What other content does Premiere have aside from your blog and reviews?
I guess I'll keep coming back to this site for those horrific next generation pop-up ads. Don't tell me they're getting rid of those.

[Ben]

Oh my God, they killed Kenny! You bastards!

[Baz Bamigboye]

Glenn, you have fans far and wide who will follow you wherever you go.You're a star.As we say in my corner of Blighty--Never Surrender!
Baz Bamigboye,UK.

[Bec]

I was a subscriber to Premiere from the late-90s, so that was where I first started reading your work; given that they replaced my sub with US Weekly, I dread to think what they're up to here!
I've only commented a couple of times on here but I visit every afternoon and felt that I should say something now in support of an excellent writer. It's the only film blog I read on a regular basis and I'm always struck by the intelligence of the conversation and debate; the quality of the community that you have generated on here is a testament to the quality of your work. I'll be keeping an eye out for your reappearance -good luck!

[Mark]

Sorry to hear that Glenn, first the demise of the magazine, and now your post. Sad times for lovers of quality movie discussion. Thanks for all the great articles and blogs, and for your excellent book 'Galaxy Not So Far Away' which I pick up and peruse all the time.

Let us know where you're going,
best wishes,
Mark

[don lewis]

What total bullshit. Now I have NO reason to read Premiere and will not read it again.

Next to Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel, your writing for Premiere was my biggest inspiration for getting into criticism. You're an EXCELLENT writer and have impeccable taste. I've learned alot from you GK and hope to continue to do so when you land on your feet elsewhere.

[Fernando F. Croce]

I was appalled to hear this. Some reward for being consistently perceptive, incisive, and damn fun to read. My best wishes, Glenn, and I hope to be able to read your wonderful writing again soon.

[Dave]

I'm with Anne Thompson: "Lucid, knowledgeable, erudite? Who needs that shit anymore?" Not corporate media, it appears.

I'll also be reading wherever you land, and pretty much ignoring Premiere, whose lone saving grace after the demise of the print edition was this very blog. Best of luck,

[Paul Clark]

Glenn,

Like many of the other commenters, I was once an avid reader of PREMIERE, but as the magazine began to dip in quality the only thing left for me to enjoy was your writing. Not only are your reviews insightful and well-written, but they show a truly democratic taste that only comes from a true love of cinema. There are precious few critics out there anymore who honestly try to give everything out there a fair shake, but you always seemed to be ready to be surprised by anything, and that comes through in your reviews.

Thank you for all of your writing through the years, both in your formal pieces and your more casual- though equally indispensible- posts on this here blog. I hope to see you back on your feet and writing in a new venue sometime in the future. Hopefully, they'll appreciate and deserve you even more than PREMIERE did.

[tc]

First off, I gotta say "They killed Kenny" is one of the best jokes I've ever seen on this blog aside from Glenn's own. And let us never forget that the other Kenny was always back on South Park the next week.

Otherwise: we had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun. And may yet again, since this must be the best movie blog in the Internet's history.

Salud,
Tom Carson

aka Addison DeWitt (which Glenn knew)

aka crazysummerswithbrigitte (which I'm not sure he did)

[Claire K.]

OH MY GOD, YOU'RE CRAZYSUMMERS?????

[Nick Ramsey]

I'm very sorry to hear about this, both for you sake and for selfish reasons of my own. Looking forward to continuing reading your work wherever you land... Best of luck.

[james]

hey there:

just to add as yet another person who checks in daily, but doesn't post, i'm really sad to hear that. you are a shining light of criticism on this old internet, and i could count on you to illuminate a new piece of cinema whenever i logged on. i hope you can continue elsewhere as your contribution to film discussion is invaluable. best of luck to you.

[Dan]

I'm with Claire, perhaps I shouldn't be surprised since you're friends, but I am. Just goes to show you you never know who's behind the keyboard on the Internet...

[crazysummerswithbrigitte]

Oh, sure, Claire. You know, what the fuck and I had a blast. As we say in France, c'est la vie et vive le General de Gaulle.

[Arion Berger]

So true, Dan. Anyhoo, Glenn, this was the smartest place to read about (and talk about) movies (and God knows what all else) on the Web. Premiere.com? Never glanced at it. My bookmark was glennkenny.premiere.com, every day.
xoxo
Arion Berger, of course. And Demi Monde.

[Tim Lucas]

It's not because your readership is smart enough to skip over the pop-up ads, is it? I promise to watch them from now on if they grant you a reprieve.

[Rodrigo Rothschild]

This is the worst thing I’ve read since the printed version of Premiere left the stands. Without your writing I too don’t find a reason to return to premier.com ever. And if you ever decide on launching inthecompanyofglenn.blogspot.com, count in my monthly donation. You’ve been a true inspiration and I hope to read you again soon.

[Drew]

What utter bullshit. That's all I have to say.

[Keith G]

Ah, this sucks. Last year it was goodbye Premiere magazine. This year it's goodbye to Premiere.com - because without Glenn this place isn't worth visiting.

(Although, really, I wonder if this a signal the site is going to - or it's going to be EW-ised or something...)

[Graig]

This is truly unfortunate. You were the only reason I came to this site. Here's hoping this starts an exciting new chapter.

[Jeff B.]

This is a slap in the face from Premiere to all of us, but mostly to you, Glenn.

Premiere has gone from sublime to ridiculous. THE END.

[mkenny]

As a longtime (lifelong) reader of your writing it saddens me that you will no longer be doing what you were born to do,(for the time being).I'm sure you will land some new and greater gig POST-HASTE!
As a frequent, albeit silent, visitor to this blog I will miss catching up with both you and your audience's collective insights.
As a fan I wholeheartly agree with the many folks who feel no reason to visit this site if you are not on it.
As a brother I can't say what I'll miss more, how proud I was to tell people you were the film critic at Premiere Magazine, or the ability to be just a few clicks away from feeling a little closer to you (and your Lovely Wife).
LOVE YOU MAN!! CARPE DIEM!!

[cammy]

So sad. This is really the end of Premiere.

[Jeff]

Premiere = Glenn Kenny; Glenn Kenny = Premiere

Without Kenny there is no reason for Premiere to continue to exist. Seriously. It's URL will never darken my door again.

[Carrie]

Oh, Glenn, this is horrible. E-me immediately and we'll talk about possibilities.

[ty burr]

Well, what do you expect, Glenn? Intelligent, idiosyncratic discourse on movies new and old, a willingness to take the piss out of those who are asking for it, a love of cinema that runs far and deep, a raconteur's ear for a baited hook and a punchline. All good things, all among your gifts, and apparently worth bupkes in our bright new democracy of 21st century user reviews. I'd love to know the front office thinking involved in torpedoing the only prize content asset (that's you) Premiere had left. Eh, their loss. Ours too, unfortunately. Bonne chance, pal -- Ty (whistling in the dark)

[David]

Of course, this is terrible to hear--insulting to you, and much more to whoever made this decision. Best of luck with another era.

[Mark Ebner]

Glenn - You were an editor who gave my reporting the kind of care and attention that makes a good story great. I owe you for that.

Ebner

[Tony Dayoub]

Whoa, I'm depressed. As one of the bloggers out there who has been trying to make a go of this film criticism thing, I feel even worse about all this. Especially since my inspiration to write about film are film critics like you. Especially ironic since I heard a story on NPR today about this phenomenon of the disappearing professional film critic.

I must also add my voice to the chorus of those who will probably not visit Premiere.com again, since your writing was the only reason I clicked over here.

But talented people rise to the top, and I know you will do so. For now, I will move on to your new home, to continue to be informed, and enlightened, by your writing.

[Cherylshops]

Glenn, I am so sad to hear this. You and Premiere have always been inseparable in my mind, but Premiere will be nothing without you.

Let's have brunch soon.

C

[atk]

Mickey said it all!! Their loss, you will do wonderful. Tiamo

[steve mowrey]

We're goin' where you go. See you @ Some Came Running.

[Campaspe]

Damn, damn, damn, damn.

[Girish]

Glenn, this is terrible news. But I know you'll be back, and I want to wish you my very best!

[Mary Kay in Maumee]

Imagine my surprise this morning when I clicked on the box where your blog was listed and then got some contest thing. Had to Google you to find yesterday's post. Not happy. Tacky of Premiere not to list the news somewhere on the site. Impressed that your post was so classy, but not surprised. Will patiently wait for your new blog location wherever it may be. May your future be filled with all that is good.

[Thomas Lowery]

Glenn,

I read this blog everyday... it is my one consistency. I never write (for fear of sounding like an idiot...like "consistency"... I don't know if I used that word correctly) but have always wanted to. I look forward to each post of yours and will be following your work in the future. Good luck. You're the best.

Love,
Thomas

[T.Holly]

Premiere is stupid is as stupid does. It's a no brainer for Glenn Kenny to have his own website, complete with video reviews and guest critics.

[kathleen kenny]

glenn remember the cat and you always land on your feet you will better of take this time to enjoy your lovely wife and dont forget to smell the roses your little sister xox kk

[Norm Wilner]

Well, that's me done with Premiere.com; where you go, I go. See you there.

[Jennifer]

This is horrible news, Glenn. Makes me sad and mad. I'm quite sure, 'tho, that you'll find a platform that works for you. Whatever it may be, I'll follow you there, along with all of your other appreciative and loyal readers. Wishing you the best.