Why did this hold my attention for 10 minutes? Made in 1976 by Claude Lelouch, showing a high speed drive through Paris.
In a 2001 PBS interview Bill Mechanic, former CEO of FOX, said the following:
“If it wasn’t for television, I’m sure that the conglomerates would shut down the movie business completely. … If you’re being honest about it, you’d say, I’m in a lousy business. I’m making no money. I don’t know why I’m doing what I’m doing. I have to change it. I have to fundamentally start to say one word, “No.” And nobody will do that. So, you know, I sit there with people, I used to pull out statements, show them, you know. It’s not hidden stuff. Here it is. I got the most profitable studio in the business and, you know, I could be in the grocery business, making more money.”
Since 2001, things have changed, and Mr. Mechanic’s statement becomes very relevant. It looks like the business of television distribution is going to run aground: DVR is killing the traditional ad revenue model of broadcast TV, and internet distribution gaining traction constantly in two formats (subscription-based sites like Netflix, and ad-based sites like Hulu) but neither fully pays for quality programming. Networks still count on traditional revenue…. Here is the question of the next five years: will corporations kill (sell off) their entertainment arms? It’s only 5% of revenue after all, and if that’s slipping, why risk it?
Thanks for choosing Universal Grocery! Paper or plastic?
On Thursday evening I willing subjected myself to the realm of screaming tween “Twi-hards” at the world premiere of Eclipse at the LA Film Festival. As we drove downtown to the Nokia Theatre, throngs of screaming fans lined the streets, waiting for the stars to arrive. Mingling in the theater foyer with the Kardashian sisters, Jennifer Love Hewitt, that guy from that show etc, we finally found seats on balcony level, right above where the stars entered. A general high-pitched screaming signaled the arrival of Kristen Stewart in a white, backless gown. Moments later, a much louder wave of screams heralded Robert Pattinson in his burgundy suit. And finally, Taylor Lautner entered with his posse of body guards and friends. He was surprisingly wearing a shirt.
The movie was enjoyable and didn’t take itself too seriously – with a few jokes that landed well. The enthusiastic audience made the atmosphere electric and it was fun to see the stars below us, watching their own sensationally popular movie. The after party was a big event. A giant tent with a glowing “moon” globe hanging above arrangements of fake trees, rocks and “snow” with couches and a long ice bar. We chatted with various famous faces and an interesting Danish director named William Stahl. William explained that Danes do not claim to be anything like a “director” or “producer” or “musician” until they do it full time, professionally. He was surprised with the fact that Hollywood often operates differently – there are hoards of “directors” and “producers” and “actors” in this town, that in reality do not earn their living as such. His music video is great:
And that was that.
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