The summer months mark the time of year when networks trot out a lot of reality programming and game shows in an effort to keep viewers satisfied until the fall shows premiere. Historically I have found these shows a complete waste of time, but I think ABC scored big with the premiere of Wipeout, a game show that throws contestants through outrageous obstacle courses in an attempt to win $50,000. By no means is Wipeout an intelligent show that will enlighten our culture, but if you like to see people get knocked down, spun around, thrown down, and bounced around, then this show is for you. I laughed so hard through the first six minutes of the premiere that I spit out the chips and salsa I happened to be chewing at the time. The show’s commentators John Anderson (of ESPN) and John Henson (former Talk Soup host) add to the hilarity with their dry-witted comments. My only concern about the show concerns its longevity. Although the hosts promise variety in upcoming obstacles, one must wonder how quickly the newness of this premise will last. But for now, let’s enjoy the ride.
In various posts on this blog, I have discussed how the traditional 30-second TV spot is giving way to a new brand of advertising — product placement programming. This shift can be traced to our video-on-demand world where commercials can be bypassed at will. It seems that the newly labeled “micro-series” is gaining favor among advertisers, particularly Revlon and Match.com. Promo Magazine reports that tonight TBS will premiere “Commuter Confidential” during “Sex and the City.” Each episode of “Commuter Confidential” runs for two minutes and features a format similar to “Sex and the City” — four women carpool together and discuss life, looks, and relationships. Factoring into their discussions are Revlon products and their experiences on Match.com. TBS is also gearing up for another micro show to coincide with replays of “Law & Order.” For now these mini TV shows will air during the commercial break of another show, but I feel that this is definitely the start of a trend that will eventually lead to all product-placement programming.
The X-Files: I Want to Believe is definitely on my list of “Most Anticipated Films of the Summer,” and yet news is hard to come by. For years there were rumors that a sequel was in the works, and then only a few months ago I heard that not only will there be a sequel, but its release date is July ‘08. Talk about surprised. Details for this film have been guarded more carefully than the facts surrounding Roswell, but finally we have some information. SlashFilm has posted three new pics as well as a brief plot synopsis. Enjoy.
Birmingham filmmaker Chance Shirley of Crewless Productions is currently in production on his follow-up feature to Hide and Creep called Interplanetary. He maintains a blog that gives regular updates on the film’s progress, as well as valuable insights into movie making. One of his latest articles I found particularly informative. In it he discusses how he went about developing and writing the screenplay for Hide and Creep. It’s worth a read for all aspiring screenwriters.
When audiences last saw Sean Connery take on the role of Bond in an official United Artists/EON Productions release, it was 1971’s Diamonds Are Forever, an entertaining (yet campy) adventure wherein Bond must thwart the evil Blofeld’s plans to hold the world at ransom with his diamond-studded laser satellite. However, Connery took yet another turn as Bond in the Thunderball remake entitled Never Say Never Again (1983) co-starring a young and very hot Kim Basinger.
Recently it seems that Connery’s interest in Bond lives on. About three weeks ago a UK publication released an article reporting that Connery has already been in discussions to make a comeback — this time as a bond villain! Hmmm… I’m not so sure about this idea. As a huge Bond fan, I can’t imagine seeing Connery up on the screen fighting against Bond. What are your thoughts?
Variety is reporting today that several companies, Village Roadshow Ltd., Act III, Lambert Entertainment, and the Retirement System of Alabama pension fund, are teaming up to bring high-end movie theatres to the U.S. What exactly IS a high-end movie theatre? Well, let me ask this: Have you ever gone to the movies and been bothered by the crowds? Long lines at the box office? Cramped theatres with people crawling over you to find their seats? Loud, obnoxious patrons who never grasped the concept of your “indoor voice?” Have you ever missed segments of the film because little Johnny HAD to have that box of Milk Duds? If any of these situations describe your movie-going experience, then these high-end theatres might be what you need.
Each cinema will feature 40 fully reclinable armchairs, complete with footrests. The small seating capacity means fewer people in each theatre - which means more room for you. Concessions at these theatres go far beyond the traditional popcorn and nachos. How would you like to eat some sushi while watching your movie? How about some gourmet appetizers and complete bar service? Plus, at the press of a button a waiter comes to you in the theatre to take your order. The price tag for this experience? $35 per ticket. What do you think? Is this something you would like to try? Do you think it will catch on among American movie-goers?
When the Rave first opened up here in Birmingham a few years ago, I thought it was the greatest movie theatre ever - stadium seating, comfortable chairs, plenty of leg room, a variety of concessions - just an overall awesome experience. Then yesterday I came across this article on Slash Film boasting pics of a new movie theatre in Hong Kong. One word: incredible. Take a look and let me know what you think.
Okay, just when you thought remakes couldn’t get any more interesting, check this out. What do you think? Should this movie even be made?
Saturday, February 23 marked the 50th anniversary for the Birmingham ADDYS - the awards celebrating the best in local advertising. Each year the event centers on a certain theme and I thought this year’s selection was especially meaningful - “Never Settle.” Those two words should serve as great inspiration in whatever role you might play at your workplace. It’s a charge for each of us to select nothing but the best; to keep striving for ideas that are truly innovative and original. I know I will remember this mantra as I write and develop creative strategies for my clients. Wherever you are, whatever you do, never settle. Continue to fill up pages full of ideas. Don’t be ashamed to wad up those pages, throw them away, and start again. It’s all in a process to find the most creative idea out there.
With the recent news of this year’s Oscar nominations, it seems that two films are standing shoulders above the rest - There Will Be Blood and No Country for Old Men. I’ve heard and read from several sources that No Country for Old Men is definitely one of the best films this year, but There Will Be Blood has come out of nowhere it seems to make a strong showing (I only saw the first trailer for the film about a week or two before the nominations). These two films are certainly raising the hype for this year’s awards, but in my opinion, the nominations really don’t have the buzz that other nominated films have had in the past. Perhaps that’s because several films experienced limited releases. Others are lower budget; some are indie films; and some simply failed at the box office.
But there’s another albatross hanging around the neck of this year’s award show and that’s the on going writers’ strike. It seems that there’s not much else to talk about in Hollywood in recent days (despite the tragic and untimely death of Heath Ledger). Speculation still abounds as to whether the show will go on, since the Golden Globes were forced to scrap their traditional glitz and glamour broadcast. Will this make a difference in the mind of the viewer? Did you honestly miss sitting down at home with a bowl of popcorn to watch the Golden Globes? Will you tragically pine away for the Oscars if they don’t show this year? For me, I can take it or leave it.
