The Year in Preview

Entertainment:

Movie and TV Production: Burned by the release of too many big-budget bombs, studios will trim their film slates. Soaring costs in movies and TV also are causing the industries to tighten their belts, and competition continues from Canada, where production is much cheaper. Still, by historical standards, production activity remains healthy. The biggest single event of the year will be the release in May of “The Phantom Menace,” George Lucas’ “Star Wars” prequel, which will provide a huge boost to the box office.