Category: media

Lost in the debate over whether the new CBC Radio 2 (much less classical, more pop/rock) is any good is the larger question of whether there was anything wrong with the old Radio 2, which was nearly all classical. The news director at one of Canada’s main TV networks says that he likes classical music, too, up to a point, but the fact is that the all-classical Radio 2 was anachronistic and boring.

“In recent years, Venice has had a stronger programme than either of its immediate rivals, Cannes or Berlin. The fact that this year’s selection seemed so patchy may have been due to factors beyond the festival’s control. However, in a dull year, at least the better movies stick out all the more.”

“Despite the crackdown, billions of copies of copyrighted songs are now changing hands each year on file sharing services. All the while, some of the most fundamental legal questions surrounding the legality of file sharing have gone unanswered. Even the future of the RIAA’s only jury trial victory — against Minnesota mother Jammie Thomas — is in doubt. Some are wondering if the campaign has shaped up as an utter failure.”

“We considered, that because the ads featured a glamorous actress, action poses, several images of or related to guns and aspirational text, they could be seen to glamorize the use of guns and violence,”

“Some 79 percent of 1,000 DVR owners reported that the technology has improved their relationship, according to the NDS DVR Report. DVRs were cited as the second most essential household technology item they can’t live without, second only to the mobile phone. Among non-technological household items, DVR was beaten out only by washing machine and microwave oven.”

“These days, scores of films are finding there’s no room at the multiplex. The reason: Hollywood is flush with roughly $13 billion to $18 billion in financing for movies that poured in over the past few years, vastly expanding the number of pictures getting made. That dynamic has turned movie distribution into a free-for-all, with too many films vying for too few slots in theaters each weekend.”

“Producing Web content may be easy but profiting from it is hard. While a small number of writers, producers and actors are making a living with webisodes, they are still a long way from establishing the form alongside television and feature films. The newfound industry lacks clear business models and standardized formats.”

“The government of Gulf Arab oil state Abu Dhabi will invest $1 billion in a media firm that will produce eight feature films a year in ventures with Hollywood, Bollywood and local producers.”

“The film fests in Venice, Italy and Toronto do more than just overlap. They make for the oddest of couples, rivals who act like best friends. For the longest time, Venice was the older brother, the stately fest that embraced tradition, and… Toronto (or TIFF as it’s usually called) was the eager younger sibling, billing itself as a people’s festival.” But are the roles reversing?

Lots of classic performances here…