Sunday, April 19, 2009
Makin' Movies...On Location
Hello, All. I was on location at a production meeting for an independent short film today (more info to come later). It never ceases to amaze me, the eagerness that people have to be involved in something creative. There were some talented people assembled ready to work with little or no budget. The crew was back from a previous venture or two, more seasoned from the experience. There is a named actor that has committed to being involved. It looks like this might be pretty cool. We shot some 'screen test' type footage so that the actors could try to get into character. Stay tuned........
Thursday, April 16, 2009
In Theaters This Week...
Well, the summer blockbusters haven't quite kicked in so if you're tired of Hannah Montana being on top at the box office, here's what's coming out 4-17-09:
Crank: High Voltage
Probably the pick of the week for sheer mindless entertainment value.
Starring: Jason Statham
State of Play
For all-out star power, this would be the one to see.
Starring: Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, Jason Bateman, Robin Wright Penn, Helen Mirren, Jeff Daniels
17 Again
In the "been there, done that" category for this week. How many times can they remake the same movie?
Starring: Zac Efron, Matthew Perry
Crank: High Voltage
Probably the pick of the week for sheer mindless entertainment value.
Starring: Jason Statham
State of Play
For all-out star power, this would be the one to see.
Starring: Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, Jason Bateman, Robin Wright Penn, Helen Mirren, Jeff Daniels
17 Again
In the "been there, done that" category for this week. How many times can they remake the same movie?
Starring: Zac Efron, Matthew Perry
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Reality TV vs Good TV
Yep, Reality TV has given networks a cushion for these tough economic times. Pennies to produce and high ratings make executives salivate. The problem is, these shows have taken away from good, solid, entertaining, escapist television. People watch this stuff because it does not challenge them. They do not have to think, and contrary to what current Hulu commercials say, Reality TV is what is turning American viewers' brains to mush.
Now, that's not to say there are not creative islands in the sea of mindless drivel that has become our Prime Time viewing selection. There are still some writers working in Hollywood who care about telling a story. Unfortunately, most of these have reduced themselves to being very formulaic in nature. Shows used to be amusing, thought provoking....you know, fun. Now all we have to look forward to is to see if our favorite singer or Survivor got voted off this week. Sad state of affairs.
I used to succumb to the allure of the Reality show myself. I saw singers, survivors, dancers, apprentices, big brothers, moles....all of it. But no more. I will pass on these in favor of a documentary or occasional "dramedy". I can no longer support programming that bumps good shows off the air. If you want my attention for your advertising dime, hire some actual writers!
I want a story, plot, acting, drama, comedy, action....fantasy, not reality! I live reality every day. I watch TV to get away from it. If you want me to tune in to these shows, you better go over the top with them. Bring back Richard Branson and the Rebel Billionaire show. Now that was something! It was like Apprentice Extreme International. They flew all over the world solving business challenges and performing actual death defying stunts.....Awesome! You want me to watch Survivor? They better be in Antarctica really trying to survive instead of laying out on some beach somewhere!
Anywho...my network fix is down to about 4 or 5 non-reality shows per week. I don't have the presence of mind, time, or inclination to try to keep up with much more than that. And, I definitely don't want to waste any more time watching other people stab each other in the back for their pot of gold.
And now, my marvelous media minions...maul my message over in your minds and feel free to make musings manifest themselves here if you wish. I will return after a word from our sponsors....
Now, that's not to say there are not creative islands in the sea of mindless drivel that has become our Prime Time viewing selection. There are still some writers working in Hollywood who care about telling a story. Unfortunately, most of these have reduced themselves to being very formulaic in nature. Shows used to be amusing, thought provoking....you know, fun. Now all we have to look forward to is to see if our favorite singer or Survivor got voted off this week. Sad state of affairs.
I used to succumb to the allure of the Reality show myself. I saw singers, survivors, dancers, apprentices, big brothers, moles....all of it. But no more. I will pass on these in favor of a documentary or occasional "dramedy". I can no longer support programming that bumps good shows off the air. If you want my attention for your advertising dime, hire some actual writers!
I want a story, plot, acting, drama, comedy, action....fantasy, not reality! I live reality every day. I watch TV to get away from it. If you want me to tune in to these shows, you better go over the top with them. Bring back Richard Branson and the Rebel Billionaire show. Now that was something! It was like Apprentice Extreme International. They flew all over the world solving business challenges and performing actual death defying stunts.....Awesome! You want me to watch Survivor? They better be in Antarctica really trying to survive instead of laying out on some beach somewhere!
Anywho...my network fix is down to about 4 or 5 non-reality shows per week. I don't have the presence of mind, time, or inclination to try to keep up with much more than that. And, I definitely don't want to waste any more time watching other people stab each other in the back for their pot of gold.
And now, my marvelous media minions...maul my message over in your minds and feel free to make musings manifest themselves here if you wish. I will return after a word from our sponsors....
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
And so it begins....
Hello my new media minions. Welcome to my menacing media blog. Thoughts and opinions will be addressed regarding music, movies, books, etc. It is no longer easy to separate these different forms of media in today's electronic world. Books are movies, music is video, plays are musicals that were once movies and are re-made again into new movies....well, you get the idea. Hopefully I will be able to produce the volume of commentary to generate a blog of continuous streaming consciousness for readers to peruse at their leisure. Whew! That was a bit wordy. But, it is a blog after all! Well, I will set about to determine a topic while continuing to construct the overall atmosphere of this page. I will return after the commercial break :-)
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