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Could Shakespeare survive in Hollywood? [audio 8min]

If William Shakespeare were alive today, a company with Shakespeare at its helm might conduct audience focus groups, which are famously hostile to dark endings. Still, he'd be collecting thousands of dollars in royalties -- just as Neil Simon does -- from the hundreds of productions of his plays in the USA alone. As for publishing, Shakespeare Inc. would stand to sell several million books a year. He would have been popular in Hollywood, too. Like Stephen King, the Bard has spawned a cottage industry of film and television productions. They don't always make money but, a little like Woody Allen's movies, they are seen as prestige opportunities for big stars. But Deadwood creator David Milch says he wouldn't even take Shakespeare's calls -- unless he had a really powerful agent. Website includes extended report by Elizabeth Blair, photos, audio clips.
Read entire article at NPR "All Things Considered"