Category: media

Serious, jaw-dropping special effects used to be a luxury that only movie studios could afford. But advances in computer technology have allowed television to get in on the fun, and some new shows now rely on CGI effects that would have been prohibitively expensive, or even impossible, just a couple of years ago.

China is getting its own version of American Idol, but government authorities, who have apparently been watching the US show with growing horror, are placing strict limitations on the content of the televised talent show. Regulators have dictated that the show “should include only ‘healthy and ethically inspiring’ songs and avoid scenes of screaming fans or losing contestants in tears.” And self-esteem will be protected, as judges will be barred from “mocking or humiliating contestants.”

“Without the participation of cable networks, the eBay exchange will have no air time to sell to advertisers. The refusal of cable networks to participate in the exchange not only disrupts the eBay plans but also raises questions about how companies like Google will fare as they try to bring ad auctions to traditional media like television and newspapers.”

“I realize that being named the new Brando is meant as a compliment. Three years after his death, the hefty thespian is still viewed by many as the greatest performer to appear on the big screen. Rightly or wrongly, he is the gold standard by which other members of the profession are judged. But consider this fact: On the Waterfront, for which Brando won his first Oscar, was released in 1954 – more than 50 years ago. Isn’t it time for a new frame of reference?”

“CBC’s sneak preview of its fall television season announced yesterday is more notable for what’s not coming back, including its last cultural showcase, Opening Night,” which has presented dance, classical music, and opera for seven seasons. “Presenting Canadian culture to Canadians has been a CBC hallmark since its inception,” but the cancellation leaves the television service without a single performing arts program.

The Peabody Awards were announced this week, and the prizes for the best in electronic media have clearly expanded into the digital world. For the first time, websites and basic cable channels were honored alongside traditional journalism outlets.

It’s been two months since Apple CEO Steve Jobs proposed dropping all digital copy-protection schemes and allowing consumers free reign over music they buy. “On Monday, his wish started to come true” as some record companies agreed to drop restrictions on online tracks. “But the victory is not as big as it might’ve been… The Apple founder is the real winner here, once again demonstrating his clout in a music industry that is on a 7-year run of diminishing CD sales.”

British actors are winning plum roles in American TV shows. “How big is this British wave? Big enough to fill roles in about two dozen prospective series, or about a third of all the pilots being made for the networks.”

The tension surrounding the capture of 15 British soldiers by Iran has caused one of the UK’s leading TV channels to postpone a fictionalized drama about the Iraq war. “The Mark of Cain, which was due to be broadcast on Thursday, shows British troops abusing Iraqi detainees. Families of the captured crew and senior military figures had expressed concerns about the timing of the show.”

Russia wants to be part of the World Trade Organization. So now it has passed a new law banning the sale of DVDs, videocassettes and music CDs from its street markets and kiosks.