Category: media

“Next month, the company will roll out the first three digital Imax installations with exhibitor AMC Entertainment — two in Washington and one in Baltimore. Three more will debut in August in Philadelphia. Imax expects to have digital systems deployed at 50 sites by year’s end, with the goal of converting its 296 owned or equipped theaters in 40 countries.”

“Want to rip a DVD so you can show your film-class students a series of clips? Nope. Want to post a Battlestar Galactica tribute video to YouTube? Time to hire a lawyer. If it’s locked – and the definition of what constitutes a lock is terrifically vague – then in most instances you can’t touch it.”

“Jitters over renewed labor unrest have mounted in recent days as contract talks between the Screen Actors Guild and the major film and TV studios have grown increasingly rancorous with little or no sign that a settlement is near.”

Critically acclaimed films about provocative subjects struggle to make money all the time, but rarely have so many lauded documentaries consistently failed to connect at the box office.

“Black radio was an eloquent voice that opened the gateway to other voices. Without that, we don’t have access to information. We don’t hear about the war. We don’t hear independent artists.”

“The deal amounts to a marriage of some of the biggest names in the Hollywood and Indian business worlds. In Reliance, the DreamWorks team also would have an unusual and ambitious partner in the film business: an Indian firm with interests in telecommunications, financial services and entertainment that wants to build a media empire by financing Hollywood pictures.”

“Consumer spending on filmed entertainment will rise to $111.2 billion in 2012 from $85.9 billion last year, driven by Asia-Pacific growth and digital upgrades in homes and theaters, according to a report released on Wednesday.”

“Obviously, TV programs and movies need to be analyzed in context, taking into account who they’re meant for and what they hope to achieve. Nothing’s more irritating than reviews that torturously stretch to compare “Rambo” to “Satyricon.” Thanks to audience fragmentation, moreover, many projects are clearly not intended for middle-aged white guys. Amid critics’ lamentations about their dwindling ranks, this shifting dynamic has been understated as a factor.”

SAG and AFTRA have been fighting over issues in their negotiations with Hollywood studios. “The point of the debate would be to clear up conflicting information SAG and AFTRA members are receiving about the tentative agreement and its impact on SAG’s current negotiations with.”

“The majors are putting the brakes on production starts for features and TV pilots for fear that the Screen Actors Guild will call a strike following the June 30 expiration date of its feature-primetime deal.”