Art translated through television usually gives up a lot. But public TV’s “Egg” explores what the tube can add to understanding of the arts. – New York Times 02/27/00
Category: media
NOW READ THIS
Words embedded in movie trailers are all the style these days. “The creators of trailers and titles say dramatic use of words on the screen mixed with fleeting, powerful images has the greatest impact on movie audiences, which these days are bombarded with up to 20 minutes of commercials, promotional tie-ins, information about the sound system and movie previews before the feature starts.” – Los Angeles Times 02/27/00
GOLD RUSH
Just as 20th Century entertainment was dominated by TV and film, many in Hollywood are betting the 21st will be shaped by the internet. The gold rush is on. – The Telegraph (UK) 02/27/00
ARM’S LENGTH
A Boston public radio station faces questions about its journalistic independence after a series of underwriting announcements. – Boston Globe 02/24/00
NOT BANNED…MERELY “POSTPONED”
In the past year Egypt’s censors have declined to allow showings of “The Matrix,” “Devil’s Advocate,” “Meet Joe Black” and “City of Angels.” “The reasons for banning “The Mummy” are so illogical it’s almost humorous,” says the former chief censor. “The censors felt the movie portrayed Egypt and Egyptians negatively.” Time for a little reform? – Egypt Today 02/00
WHERE FOLLOWERS FEAR TO TREAD
A Chicago arts station changes with the times, to the dismay of one critic. “Secure in its knowledge of the arts and their value, the old WFMT led, whereas the new follows. Management tells us that listeners sustain the enterprise because they get what they want, but in truth this will not benefit either side for long. Giving listeners what they want does not give them what they need to keep a relationship with the arts growing.” – Chicago Tribune 02/23/00
MUPPET SALE TO GERMAN MEDIA —
— giant illustrates difficulties faced by the few remaining independent production companies. – San Francisco Chronicle 02/23/00
- ICH BIN EIN GREEN BERLINER: Kermit and the Henson gang are bought by giant German media company for $630 million. – CBC 02/22/00
- “Access to the world’s biggest media market” – San Francisco Examiner (AP) 02/22/00
- German entertainment companies ready for Prime Time. – Variety 02/22/00
“MAGNOLIA” —
— wins top prize at Berlin Film Festival. – CBC 02/21/00
SLIPPING THROUGH THE CRACKS
There are too many films being made. And even those which are highly touted by critics at film festivals often don’t get distributed or seen by general audiences. Now a New York entrepreneur has an idea to help the forgotten best. – New York Daily News 02/21/00
RADIO BROADCASTERS ASK AMERICAN COURTS —
— to set aside last month’s FCC ruling that would allow thousands of low-power FM radio stations to flourish. – Philadelphia Inquirer (AP) 02/20/00