Category: media

“The studios have argued that they are uncertain whether the internet will make them money, but at the same time they are telling Wall Street and potential investors that there are unlimited sources of revenue from the brave new world of digital downloading and digital streaming.”

“The controversy centers on FCC chairman Kevin Martin’s recently stated claim that cable has reached a level of market dominance that triggers a 1984 Cable Act provision allowing for more regulation to promote diversity and competition.”

“With so much up in the air about online video, you couldn’t expect near-unanimity, except on the biggest philosophical points. In the margins, people are trying to figure out what the ad model will be to make it pay off, where long-form video will fit into this world and how people are going to get video from the computer into the living room.”

“Constantin Costa-Gavras, one of the world’s most prominent political directors, has been named jury president for the 2008 Berlin International Film Festival, arguably the most political of the big film fests.”

“The Indian film industry is expected to reach $4.5 billion to $5.1 billion by 2011, rising 25% per year, according to a new study.”

“More than 264 million digital homes will be added between the end of 2007 and the end of 2012, more than double the current total, with China accounting for 60 million of the extra homes.”

“As the strike enters its fourth week, writers have stepped up their use of blogs, short videos, MySpace pages and other Web-based methods aimed at keeping their ranks together and reaching a wider audience, including TV viewers who will soon have to settle for reruns of their favorite prime time shows.”

“Good reviews can help smaller films, especially foreign ones – but compared to the millions of pounds Hollywood blockbusters scoop up at box-offices, we’re talking peanuts. What earthly chance do smaller films have in this market?”

‘The future of a woman’s right to abortion in the US is far from certain. And cinema has become a key frontline in the battle of ideas… Today, Hollywood is often derided for its liberal agenda, but is it switching sides on abortion?”

“French web users caught pirating movies or music could soon be thrown offline. Those illegally sharing files will face the loss of their net access thanks to a newly-created anti-piracy body granted wide-ranging powers.”