Amid the noise on your Facebook feed, you’ve likely noticed bits and pieces about Sony Pictures Entertainment’s computer systems being hacked and the content of seriously-revealing emails being leaked. As the situation worsens and more information is revealed, we bring you everything you need to know about the hack and the leaked information…
When, why, and how?
On Monday the 24th of November, Sony Pictures Entertainment saw the first sign of the hack: an image that read, “We’ve obtained all your internal secrets…” continuing to warn that if Sony doesn’t “obey” their demands, they will release the company’s “top secrets”.
The hackers, a collective known as the Guardians of Peace, had obtained some 100 terabytes of data from the Sony servers.
By Friday, reports had surfaced that the hack may have been in the hands of North Korea as an attack motivated by the release of The Interview, a comedy about a plot to assassinate North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. Yesterday (Dec 16) it was reported the group behind the hacks had upped the stakes by issuing threats to attach the movie premiere and the time and places the film is being show. North Korea has denied involvement in the hack, but called the breach a “righteous deed” possibly executed by “supporters and sympathizers.”
By December, leaks were coming thick and fast…
UPDATE 18/12/11: US investigators reportedly believe hackers working for North Korea are responsible for the attack. The malware used allegedly held traces of Korean language packs and resembled software that was used in attacks against South Korean targets.
Will we get to see The Interview?
UDPATE 18/12/11 Sony Pictures Entertainment have now cancelled the release of The Interview which was scheduled for the 25th of December after cinema chains decided not to screen the film. In a statement, the company said, “In light of the decision by the majority of our exhibitors not to show the film The Interview, we have decided not to move forward with the planned December 25 theatrical release.”
“We respect and understand our partners’ decision and, of course, completely share their paramount interest in the safety of employees and theatre-goers.”
Adding, “We stand by our film makers and their right to free expression and are extremely disappointed by this outcome.”
Stars Seth Rogen and James Franco have pulled out of all of their press obligations, including Jimmy Fallon, Andy Cohen, and Seth Myers, for the week and the TV advertising for the film has come to a halt.
There is no official word on whether or not there will be an online release for the film yet, but most signs are pointing to no. It’s very possible none of us will ever see The Interview ever.
What’s been leaked?
The salary reveal: A spreadsheet showing the salaries of Sony’s top executives, including CEO Michael Lynton and co-Chairman Amy Pascal (who earn a cool $3 million each before their bonuses set in) was released to the public through a blog.
The shameful exchange: An email exchange between Amy Pascal and Producer Scott Rudin exposing just how small-minded Hollywood can be was leaked, with the pair going back and forth on which films President Obama would like and naming only films starring black people. The highly inappropriate exchange went viral and both Pascal and Rudin have apologized publically.
The unfair salary division: Jennifer Lawrence and her co-star Amy Adams were paid a very significant two per cent less on the back-end than their male co-stars for American Hustle. Ugh.
The biopics to come: Beyonce’s father, Matthew Knowles, has reportedly approached Sony about a Destiny’s Child biopic and Kanye West’s team have pitched a full-length film on the star.
The leaked films: Within three days of the warning, five Sony films were leaked onto file-sharing hubs. Brad Pitt’s Fury, which is currently in theatres, was downloaded more than 1 million times. Annie, Mr Turner, Still Alice, and To Write Love On Her Arms, all of which are yet to be released, were also leaked.
The script: An early version of the script for the next Bond film, spectre, has been released to the press. The document is owned by MGM and Danjaq, not Sony, showing just how quickly these kinds of hacks can get out of hand.
The Ghostbusters drama: There’s much ado about a Ghostbusters reboot amid the leaked correspondence, with Paul Feig’s all-female revamp including Sony legal head David Steinberg allegedly writing the company, “identify aggressive litigation” if “Bill Murray again declines to engage on Ghostbusters.”
The piece of joy: Channing Tatum showed his disdain for movie Ted and his over-the-top excitement at his film, 22 Jump Street, coming in second on the list of best-ever opening weekends for R-rated comedies. The email read,
“F YOU TED !!!! SECOND OF ALLLL TIMMMMME BEEEOTCH!!!! COME ON JUMPSTREETERS WE GOT CATE BLANCHETT WIT DIS BOX OFFICE BITCHES!!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAAHHAAHHAHA”
The laughter continues for a full page.
The Sandler hate: Emails revealed employees at Sony are tired of being, “saddled with mundane, formulaic, Adam Sandler films” that cater to the, “boorish, lowest common denominator…. In a waste or reputation and resources.” Ouch.
The lawsuit: Earlier this week it was reported that two former employees are suing Sony Pictures Entertainment for failing to protect their private information. Today, news of a second lawsuit hit, with The Hollywood Reporter reporting that a group of production managers are suing the company for putting employees at risk by moving forward with The Interview.
Every day, information continues to leak. While some of these things are revealing of the true nature of Hollywood, some are simply wonderful pieces of information about our favourite celebs, and some are hilarious, it’s important to point out that amid the gossip and scandal there are a lot of people who have had their private information leaked and are in the scary position of being unsure when and what could be revealed publically. Here’s hoping there’s nothing truly damaging to come.
By Chloe Schneider