The ‘Great Directors’ Mobile Film Series
UltraShort Media Inc. (www.UltraShortMedia.com) announced today that it has agreed with F.A.M.E. Entertainment (www.memimiracle.com) to produce and distribute a series of 2-minute films created especially for viewing on mobile telephones. F.A.M.E. Entertainment will produce the films for UltraShort Media, Inc. The films will be made available to consumers over mFlix, the mobile phone entertainment channel, which Ultrashort Media licenses to BigDigit, Inc. (www.bigdigit.com). BigDigit, Inc. is the producer of well-known mobile media events known as 'The World's Smallest Mobile Media Festivals’, which are hosted by the National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE); the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA); and London's Mobile Commerce World, among others. See www.bigdigit.com/natpe.htm .
John Daly, CEO and Chairman of F.A.M.E. Entertainment, has been responsible for achieving twenty-one (21) Oscar nominations, thirteen (13) Oscars and won an unprecedented back-to-back Best Picture Oscars for “Platoon” and “The Last Emperor” for his company. In addition his films have won numerous Golden Globes, Cannes Film Festival awards (twice), Berlin Film Festival, Independent Spirit Awards, Houston Film Festival and many other prizes that have been associated with John Daly over his career in the film industry. Daly’s films have grossed in excess of $1 ½ billion dollars and he established a reputation for making and promoting daring break- through films and giving important career starts working with many of the world’s leading directors.
Among these directors are James Cameron (“Terminator”), Oliver Stone (“Salvador”, “Platoon”), Mick Jackson (“The Bodyguard”), Martin Campbell (“Criminal Law”), Michael Apted (“Triple Echo”). "We are very excited about this opportunity to merge Hollywood's most creative directorial talent with that of new emerging artists in order to create compelling content that the public will want to see, and to work with UltraShort Media in this challenging new medium", said John Daily, CEO of F.A.M.E. Entertainment.
Mobile phone usage has skyrocketed in recent years with more than 138 million Americans currently owning mobile phones and that number increasing dramatically year over year. Worldwide there are more than 1.3 billion mobile handsets in use.
‘The availability of The Great Directors Mobile Film Series will be of significant interest to consumers looking for a reason to upgrade their mobile devices and service plans, and of course to mobile telephone companies who will differentiate themselves in the market partly from the availability of content made by recognizable directors such as those in our lineup.' said Ultrashort Media CEO Beau Buck. 'In conjunction with the extensive library of mobile films available on an ongoing basis via BigDigit’s ‘World’s Smallest Mobile Media Festivals’, movie lovers have even more reason to be excited. Subscribers to the mFlix mobile channel will have exclusive access to these gems'.
The mFlix channel will begin rolling out this spring in association with major mobile telephone companies and other distribution channels worldwide.
The Great Directors Mobile Film Series production slate calls for a series of 2-minute films to be created specifically for mobile by some of Hollywood's most creative and established directors, as well as by emerging new directors. The series categories are drama, action, comedy, sci-fi/fantasy.
Thursday, January 22, 2004
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
Ticket to stardom - bollyidol
An exciting opportunity for talented young people to star in a Bollywood musical in the new year.
Open auditions for a brand new Bollywood musical:
Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th March 2004 at Lounge One, Leicester.
YOUR chance to sparkle
Do you have the talent, commitment and determination to make your dreams of stardom come true with BollyIdol? Calling all upcoming actors, dancers, singers, comedians, musicians, producers, and costume and jewellery designers! This is YOUR ticket to stardom.
May 2004 marks a special time for young talent to dazzle in the limelight at prestigious venues including the Y Theatre in Leicester and the Watermans in London. The producers of sparkling Bollywood musical 'Precious Bazaar' are looking for a cast of 5 female and 3 male, who can act, dance or sing, a new Asian comedian, Bollywood style music producers, a costume
and a jewellery designer.
Auditions for the cast will take place on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th March at Lounge One in Leicester. A panel of mainstream Asian celebrities will judge the entrants. The judges will shortlist 24 of the best talent (3 entrants per character) who will be filmed again for an online vote at BBC Leicester.
Precious Bazaar is opens at the Y Theatre in Leicester on Tuesday 04 May and runs until Friday 07 May 2004. The production moves to Watermans in London for four nights from Thursday 13 May until Sunday 16 May 2004.
Rehearsals will take place in Leicester and are scheduled for weekends and evenings during April 2004.
Your next step: To secure your place at the auditions in March, download an application pack from the BollyIdol website. Complete and submit it with your recent photograph.
More information: http://www.bbc.co.uk/bollyidol
An exciting opportunity for talented young people to star in a Bollywood musical in the new year.
Open auditions for a brand new Bollywood musical:
Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th March 2004 at Lounge One, Leicester.
YOUR chance to sparkle
Do you have the talent, commitment and determination to make your dreams of stardom come true with BollyIdol? Calling all upcoming actors, dancers, singers, comedians, musicians, producers, and costume and jewellery designers! This is YOUR ticket to stardom.
May 2004 marks a special time for young talent to dazzle in the limelight at prestigious venues including the Y Theatre in Leicester and the Watermans in London. The producers of sparkling Bollywood musical 'Precious Bazaar' are looking for a cast of 5 female and 3 male, who can act, dance or sing, a new Asian comedian, Bollywood style music producers, a costume
and a jewellery designer.
Auditions for the cast will take place on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th March at Lounge One in Leicester. A panel of mainstream Asian celebrities will judge the entrants. The judges will shortlist 24 of the best talent (3 entrants per character) who will be filmed again for an online vote at BBC Leicester.
Precious Bazaar is opens at the Y Theatre in Leicester on Tuesday 04 May and runs until Friday 07 May 2004. The production moves to Watermans in London for four nights from Thursday 13 May until Sunday 16 May 2004.
Rehearsals will take place in Leicester and are scheduled for weekends and evenings during April 2004.
Your next step: To secure your place at the auditions in March, download an application pack from the BollyIdol website. Complete and submit it with your recent photograph.
More information: http://www.bbc.co.uk/bollyidol
RHODES HOSTS THE FOURTH ANNUAL ECOCINEMA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
The Greek island of Rhodes is to play host to the 4th annual Ecocinema International Film Festival from 1st - 6th June 2004.
The festival, which will take place at the Municipality Public Theatre in Rhodes Town, is devoted to environmental cinema and invites documentaries, shorts and feature films with environmental and ecology themes.
Entries come from around the world including Europe, Australia, Asia and the USA, where they are viewed by a pre-selection committee before being reaching the festival. The deadline for 2004 entries is 1st March. Once selections have been made, all competing directors will take part in press conferences and question and answer sessions before and after the screening of their film.
Ecocinema is dedicated to encouraging conservation issues and issues related to the natural, human and built environment. Prizes are given to films which demonstrate an innovative approach to conservation issues, as well as for their overall artistic qualities.
One of the key aims of the festival is to create a web of professionals associated in the production of environmental and ecological films. The aim is to ensure the survival of these types of films; film sales have been conducted by representatives at previous festivals.
For more information about the 2004 festival or for an entry form, visit www.ecocinema.gr and for more information about the island of Rhodes visit www.rodosisland.gr
The Greek island of Rhodes is to play host to the 4th annual Ecocinema International Film Festival from 1st - 6th June 2004.
The festival, which will take place at the Municipality Public Theatre in Rhodes Town, is devoted to environmental cinema and invites documentaries, shorts and feature films with environmental and ecology themes.
Entries come from around the world including Europe, Australia, Asia and the USA, where they are viewed by a pre-selection committee before being reaching the festival. The deadline for 2004 entries is 1st March. Once selections have been made, all competing directors will take part in press conferences and question and answer sessions before and after the screening of their film.
Ecocinema is dedicated to encouraging conservation issues and issues related to the natural, human and built environment. Prizes are given to films which demonstrate an innovative approach to conservation issues, as well as for their overall artistic qualities.
One of the key aims of the festival is to create a web of professionals associated in the production of environmental and ecological films. The aim is to ensure the survival of these types of films; film sales have been conducted by representatives at previous festivals.
For more information about the 2004 festival or for an entry form, visit www.ecocinema.gr and for more information about the island of Rhodes visit www.rodosisland.gr
Shooting Stars 2004
EUROPEAN FILM PROMOTION PRESENTS
TOMORROW’S STARS TODAY
6 FEBRUARY - 8 FEBRUARY 2004
AT THE BERLIN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Prepare to be dazzled - the next generation of European movie stars are stepping into the spotlight…
Shooting Stars - the initiative run by the European Film Promotion, which is mainly financed by the MEDIA programme of the EU - will spotlight the hottest new acting talent in Europe at the 2004 Berlin International Film Festival.
A series of special events will take place at the opening weekend of the festival to focus the attention of the film industry on tomorrow’s young acting stars, today. The Shooting Stars are those actors and actresses nominated by EFP member organisations who have demonstrated considerable talent and presence in their projects to date - and are now tipped to
become international stars of the future.
The talent of the Shooting Stars will be recognised by the industry with the presentation of the Studio Hamburg Shooting Stars Award, handed out by the Berlin International Film Festival Director Dieter Kosslick on stage of the Berlinale Palast.
German Shooting Star 2003 and European Film Award Winner 2003 (Best Actor & Public Award for best acting), Daniel Brûhl (Good Bye, Lenin!), says “Shooting Stars really helped me to gain the first step on the international platform. It put me, so to speak, in the right place at the right time.”
Shooting Stars 2004 is supported by Volkswagen, the main partner of the Berlin International Film Festival. As well as supporting the project financially, Volkswagen will also be providing cars for the Shooting Stars.
PRESENTING THE 2004 SHOOTING STARS
AUSTRIA - GEORG FRIEDRICH
Nominated by: Austrian Film Commission
Key Films: Dog Days (2001), The Piano Teacher (2000)
BELGIUM - LUBNA AZABAL
Nominated by: Wallonie Bruxelles Images
Key Films: Exils (2003), Viva Laldjérie (2002)
CZECH REPUBLIC - ANA GEISLEROVÁ
Nominated by: Czech Film Center
Key Films: Supertex (2003), England (2000)
DENMARK - SONJA RICHTER
Nominated by: Danish Film Institute
Key Films: Open Hearts (2004), In Your Hands (2003)
FINLAND - IRINA BJÖRKLUND
Nominated by: Finnish Film Foundation
Key Films: Honey Baby (2004), Land of Love (2003)
FRANCE - ZOÉ FÉLIX
Nominated by: Unifrance
Key Films: La Beuze (2003), French Men (2002)
GERMANY - MARIA SIMON
Nominated by: Export-Union of German Cinema
Key films: Goodbye, Lenin! (2003), Lichter (2003)
GREECE - ALEXANDRA AIDINI
Nominated by: Greek Film Centre
Key Films: The Weeping Meadow (2003), Wrong Century (2000)
HUNGARY - ESZTER ÓNODI
Nominated by: Magyar Filmunió
Key Films: Hukkle (2001), A Kind of America (2001)
ICELAND - TOMAS LEMARQUIS
Nominated by: Icelandic Film Centre
Key Films: Noi the Albino (2003), Dramarama (2001)
IRELAND - ANDREW SCOTT
Nominated by: Irish Film Board
Key Films: Dead Bodies (2003), Saving Private Ryan (1998)
ITALY - FILIPPO NIGRO
Nominated by: Filmitalia
Key Films: A Luci Spente (2003), Facing Window (2002)
LATVIA - KRISTINE NEVARAUSKA
Nominated by: Baltic Films
Key Films: You’re Sexy When You’re Sad (2004), Handful of Bullets (2002)
LUXEMBOURG - TOM LEICK
Nominated by: Film Fund Luxembourg
Key Films: The Merchant of Venice (2004), The Emperor’s Wife (2002)
NORWAY - AKSEL HENNIE
Nominated by: Norwegian Film Institute
Key Films: Wolf Summer (2003), Buddy (2003)
PORTUGAL - ÂNGELO TORRES
Nominated by: Instituto do Cinema Audiovisual e Multimédia (ICAM)
Key Films: Fado Blues (2003), Preto e Branco (2002)
SPAIN - ELENA ANAYA
Nominated by: Instituto de la Cinematografia y de Las Artes Audiovisuales (ICAA)
Key Films: Talk to Her (2002), Sex and Lucia (2001)
SWEDEN - ANDREAS WILSON
Nominated by: Swedish Film Institute
Key Films: Evil (2003)
SWITZERLAND - MICHAEL KOCH
Nominated by: Swiss Films
Key Films: Ready, Steady, Charlie! (2003)
THE NETHERLANDS - THEKLA REUTEN
Nominated by: Holland Film
Key Films: Rosenstraße (2003), Twin Sisters (2002)
UNITED KINGDOM - EVA BIRTHISTLE
Nominated by: British Council
Key Films: Ae Fond Kiss (2004), Timbuktu (2003)
For more details visit: www.efp-online.com
EUROPEAN FILM PROMOTION PRESENTS
TOMORROW’S STARS TODAY
6 FEBRUARY - 8 FEBRUARY 2004
AT THE BERLIN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Prepare to be dazzled - the next generation of European movie stars are stepping into the spotlight…
Shooting Stars - the initiative run by the European Film Promotion, which is mainly financed by the MEDIA programme of the EU - will spotlight the hottest new acting talent in Europe at the 2004 Berlin International Film Festival.
A series of special events will take place at the opening weekend of the festival to focus the attention of the film industry on tomorrow’s young acting stars, today. The Shooting Stars are those actors and actresses nominated by EFP member organisations who have demonstrated considerable talent and presence in their projects to date - and are now tipped to
become international stars of the future.
The talent of the Shooting Stars will be recognised by the industry with the presentation of the Studio Hamburg Shooting Stars Award, handed out by the Berlin International Film Festival Director Dieter Kosslick on stage of the Berlinale Palast.
German Shooting Star 2003 and European Film Award Winner 2003 (Best Actor & Public Award for best acting), Daniel Brûhl (Good Bye, Lenin!), says “Shooting Stars really helped me to gain the first step on the international platform. It put me, so to speak, in the right place at the right time.”
Shooting Stars 2004 is supported by Volkswagen, the main partner of the Berlin International Film Festival. As well as supporting the project financially, Volkswagen will also be providing cars for the Shooting Stars.
PRESENTING THE 2004 SHOOTING STARS
AUSTRIA - GEORG FRIEDRICH
Nominated by: Austrian Film Commission
Key Films: Dog Days (2001), The Piano Teacher (2000)
BELGIUM - LUBNA AZABAL
Nominated by: Wallonie Bruxelles Images
Key Films: Exils (2003), Viva Laldjérie (2002)
CZECH REPUBLIC - ANA GEISLEROVÁ
Nominated by: Czech Film Center
Key Films: Supertex (2003), England (2000)
DENMARK - SONJA RICHTER
Nominated by: Danish Film Institute
Key Films: Open Hearts (2004), In Your Hands (2003)
FINLAND - IRINA BJÖRKLUND
Nominated by: Finnish Film Foundation
Key Films: Honey Baby (2004), Land of Love (2003)
FRANCE - ZOÉ FÉLIX
Nominated by: Unifrance
Key Films: La Beuze (2003), French Men (2002)
GERMANY - MARIA SIMON
Nominated by: Export-Union of German Cinema
Key films: Goodbye, Lenin! (2003), Lichter (2003)
GREECE - ALEXANDRA AIDINI
Nominated by: Greek Film Centre
Key Films: The Weeping Meadow (2003), Wrong Century (2000)
HUNGARY - ESZTER ÓNODI
Nominated by: Magyar Filmunió
Key Films: Hukkle (2001), A Kind of America (2001)
ICELAND - TOMAS LEMARQUIS
Nominated by: Icelandic Film Centre
Key Films: Noi the Albino (2003), Dramarama (2001)
IRELAND - ANDREW SCOTT
Nominated by: Irish Film Board
Key Films: Dead Bodies (2003), Saving Private Ryan (1998)
ITALY - FILIPPO NIGRO
Nominated by: Filmitalia
Key Films: A Luci Spente (2003), Facing Window (2002)
LATVIA - KRISTINE NEVARAUSKA
Nominated by: Baltic Films
Key Films: You’re Sexy When You’re Sad (2004), Handful of Bullets (2002)
LUXEMBOURG - TOM LEICK
Nominated by: Film Fund Luxembourg
Key Films: The Merchant of Venice (2004), The Emperor’s Wife (2002)
NORWAY - AKSEL HENNIE
Nominated by: Norwegian Film Institute
Key Films: Wolf Summer (2003), Buddy (2003)
PORTUGAL - ÂNGELO TORRES
Nominated by: Instituto do Cinema Audiovisual e Multimédia (ICAM)
Key Films: Fado Blues (2003), Preto e Branco (2002)
SPAIN - ELENA ANAYA
Nominated by: Instituto de la Cinematografia y de Las Artes Audiovisuales (ICAA)
Key Films: Talk to Her (2002), Sex and Lucia (2001)
SWEDEN - ANDREAS WILSON
Nominated by: Swedish Film Institute
Key Films: Evil (2003)
SWITZERLAND - MICHAEL KOCH
Nominated by: Swiss Films
Key Films: Ready, Steady, Charlie! (2003)
THE NETHERLANDS - THEKLA REUTEN
Nominated by: Holland Film
Key Films: Rosenstraße (2003), Twin Sisters (2002)
UNITED KINGDOM - EVA BIRTHISTLE
Nominated by: British Council
Key Films: Ae Fond Kiss (2004), Timbuktu (2003)
For more details visit: www.efp-online.com
Alex Cox/Hurricane Films BBC Schools film
BBC Children’s Education recently commissioned award-winning production company, Hurricane Films, to make a 30-minute drama from feature director Alex Cox, (best known for Repo Man and more recently Revenger’s Tragedy).
The film, I’m a Juvenile Delinquent - Jail Me! was transmitted on 15th January 2004.
The film throws the spotlight on reality television, using it as a model to help young people think about how they take control of their own lives. For broadcast in the BBC Schools overnight Learning Zone slot, the drama focuses on a group of fifteen year-olds who are manipulated into committing crimes for a TV audience hungry for more and more outrage on screen, the ultimate in bad reality television. Aimed at 14-16 year olds, it is to be viewed with guidance from a teacher who can lead a debate on the issues raised.
BBC Schools Commissioner, Karen Johnson, says: This modern morality play continues BBC education’s strong support for Citizenship issues, in the same vein as the BAFTA award-winning Offside. We look at a world in which questions about empowerment, control and manipulation are addressed, allowing teachers and pupils to debate where power lies in an apparently free society. Set in the frothy/lightweight context of teen life, the drama offers different views of free choice and determinism, to inform and enrich classroom debate about our own rights and responsibilities - and ramifications of the choices we make on behalf of other people, as well as ourselves.”
Producer Sol Papadopoulos, whose last drama for the department - Dead Drunk - won an RTS Education Award in June 2003, commented: “Jail me! is a powerful spoof about social responsibility and the impact of reality TV on a young audience. The film will undoubtedly generate lengthy discussion and I’m sure young people will appreciate Alex’s take on the world.”
BBC Children’s Education recently commissioned award-winning production company, Hurricane Films, to make a 30-minute drama from feature director Alex Cox, (best known for Repo Man and more recently Revenger’s Tragedy).
The film, I’m a Juvenile Delinquent - Jail Me! was transmitted on 15th January 2004.
The film throws the spotlight on reality television, using it as a model to help young people think about how they take control of their own lives. For broadcast in the BBC Schools overnight Learning Zone slot, the drama focuses on a group of fifteen year-olds who are manipulated into committing crimes for a TV audience hungry for more and more outrage on screen, the ultimate in bad reality television. Aimed at 14-16 year olds, it is to be viewed with guidance from a teacher who can lead a debate on the issues raised.
BBC Schools Commissioner, Karen Johnson, says: This modern morality play continues BBC education’s strong support for Citizenship issues, in the same vein as the BAFTA award-winning Offside. We look at a world in which questions about empowerment, control and manipulation are addressed, allowing teachers and pupils to debate where power lies in an apparently free society. Set in the frothy/lightweight context of teen life, the drama offers different views of free choice and determinism, to inform and enrich classroom debate about our own rights and responsibilities - and ramifications of the choices we make on behalf of other people, as well as ourselves.”
Producer Sol Papadopoulos, whose last drama for the department - Dead Drunk - won an RTS Education Award in June 2003, commented: “Jail me! is a powerful spoof about social responsibility and the impact of reality TV on a young audience. The film will undoubtedly generate lengthy discussion and I’m sure young people will appreciate Alex’s take on the world.”
Tuesday, January 20, 2004
JAMES BOND: THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN
By Ian Fleming, James Lawrence & Yaroslav Horak
BOND IS BACK — FROM THE DEAD!
Bond is back! After 10 years out of print, Titan Books is proud to present the return of the world’s greatest secret agent, in a classic adventure!
James Bond is dead! Or so his employers at MI5 believe... until he attempts to assassinate his boss, M — because he’s been brainwashed by the KGB! With his conditioning removed, M sends Bond on a deadly mission: to track down the sadistic killer Francisco Scaramanga — ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’!
This collection also includes The Living Daylights, which finds a melancholy Bond facing another sharpshooter – a KGB sniper. Set across the jagged scar of the Berlin Wall, Bond’s finger is on the trigger… and into his sights walks a beautiful blonde musician!
€ The first collection in an all-new Titan series of deluxe James Bond collectors’ paperback library editions. This collection also includes an introduction by Ian Fleming’s niece, Lucy Fleming.
€ James Bond is one of the most successful characters in movie history, with 20 smash-hit movies to date. Die Another Day, the most recent James Bond film, took over £30 million in its opening weekend — the best ever for a Bond movie!
€ The James Bond newspaper strips will appeal to fans of 007 and comics historians alike.
TITAN BOOKS – PAPERBACK – 27 FEBRUARY 2004 - £10.99
By Ian Fleming, James Lawrence & Yaroslav Horak
BOND IS BACK — FROM THE DEAD!
Bond is back! After 10 years out of print, Titan Books is proud to present the return of the world’s greatest secret agent, in a classic adventure!
James Bond is dead! Or so his employers at MI5 believe... until he attempts to assassinate his boss, M — because he’s been brainwashed by the KGB! With his conditioning removed, M sends Bond on a deadly mission: to track down the sadistic killer Francisco Scaramanga — ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’!
This collection also includes The Living Daylights, which finds a melancholy Bond facing another sharpshooter – a KGB sniper. Set across the jagged scar of the Berlin Wall, Bond’s finger is on the trigger… and into his sights walks a beautiful blonde musician!
€ The first collection in an all-new Titan series of deluxe James Bond collectors’ paperback library editions. This collection also includes an introduction by Ian Fleming’s niece, Lucy Fleming.
€ James Bond is one of the most successful characters in movie history, with 20 smash-hit movies to date. Die Another Day, the most recent James Bond film, took over £30 million in its opening weekend — the best ever for a Bond movie!
€ The James Bond newspaper strips will appeal to fans of 007 and comics historians alike.
TITAN BOOKS – PAPERBACK – 27 FEBRUARY 2004 - £10.99
JVC announces what's on display at Video Forum 2004
JVC Professional Europe will demonstrate the latest in digital image technology at this year's Video Forum 2004. Showcasing Professional DV and HD camcorders, Professional DV VTRs as well as high resolution LCD and plasma monitors. These products will address every aspect of professional requirements, from acquisition and production, to display and presentation for the broadcast, professional and industrial markets.
The popular JVC DR-DV5000E, removable hard disk video recorder will also be at this years show. This dockable / stand-alone portable unit easily integrates with the GY-DV5001E Professional DV camcorder for over 4 ½ hours of recording time. Other professional JVC camcorders on display at this year's Video Forum include the GY-DV5000 and GY-DV550.
The new professional HD camcorder, the JY-HD10, offering seamless transition from SD to HD, will be at the show. The JY-HD10 is the new HD camera from JVC that is set to expand the boundaries of digital cinematography and broaden creative opportunities in the broadcast, film, news, streaming, commercials and business communities. A JY-HD10 will be on offer as a prize for a lucky visitor to this year's Video Forum 2004.
To complete the product line-up at Video Forum, JVC has extended even further its monitor line-up with the introduction of two new high-resolution 50-inch and 42-inch plasma screens and new flat 15" and 17" LCD monitors.
JVC products can be seen on stand VF450 at Video Forum 2004.
Visit: www.jvcproeurope.com
JVC Professional Europe will demonstrate the latest in digital image technology at this year's Video Forum 2004. Showcasing Professional DV and HD camcorders, Professional DV VTRs as well as high resolution LCD and plasma monitors. These products will address every aspect of professional requirements, from acquisition and production, to display and presentation for the broadcast, professional and industrial markets.
The popular JVC DR-DV5000E, removable hard disk video recorder will also be at this years show. This dockable / stand-alone portable unit easily integrates with the GY-DV5001E Professional DV camcorder for over 4 ½ hours of recording time. Other professional JVC camcorders on display at this year's Video Forum include the GY-DV5000 and GY-DV550.
The new professional HD camcorder, the JY-HD10, offering seamless transition from SD to HD, will be at the show. The JY-HD10 is the new HD camera from JVC that is set to expand the boundaries of digital cinematography and broaden creative opportunities in the broadcast, film, news, streaming, commercials and business communities. A JY-HD10 will be on offer as a prize for a lucky visitor to this year's Video Forum 2004.
To complete the product line-up at Video Forum, JVC has extended even further its monitor line-up with the introduction of two new high-resolution 50-inch and 42-inch plasma screens and new flat 15" and 17" LCD monitors.
JVC products can be seen on stand VF450 at Video Forum 2004.
Visit: www.jvcproeurope.com
Monday, January 19, 2004
Best & Worst Film Critics of 2003
While the nation’s film critics have completed their best and worst movie lists for 2003, Herb Kane’s Criticdoctor.com website (a site specializing in reviewing film critics) is releasing his first annual list rating the critics themselves called “Critic Doctor’s Top 10 Best & Worst Film Critics of 2003.”
Film critic Roger Ebert (Chicago Sun-Times) was beat out by Nell Minow (The Movie Mom / Yahoo! Movies) for the #1 best critic position. Kane picked Minow primarily for her favorable review of “Bringing Down the House” (Touchstone). “The movie’s racial comedy made it the most misunderstood film of 2003,” said Kane. “Minow defended the movie perfectly. She understood the movie debunked racism by making fun of racists.”
Earl Dittman (Wireless Magazine) took honors for the #1 spot on the worst list while film critic Leonard Maltin ranked #10. Kane said he bases the list on his “Critic Doctor Is In!” column and analyzing some critic Top 10 lists. “It’s all in good fun,” said Kane, “and I don’t take myself too seriously.” He even included his own website critic, Peter Sobczynski (a member of Chicago Film Critics Association), on the worst list. “It takes just one very good or bad review to land on a list if it has a lasting impression on me. Most of the critics on both lists are talented writers.”
The Best of 2003:
#1 Nell Minow (Yahoo! Movies), #2 Roger Ebert (Chicago Sun-Times), #3 Neil Cavuto (foxnews.com), #4 James Berardinelli (reelviews.net), #5 Holly McClure crosswalk.com), #6 Mark Ramsey (moviejuice.com), #7 Rob Blackwelder (splicedwire.com), #8 Mark Sells (filmthreat.com), #9 Nick Digilio (WGN Radio 720), #10 Scott Weinberg (efilmcritic.com).
The Worst of 2003:
#1 Earl Dittman (Wireless Magazine), #2 David Poland (thehotbutton.com), #3 Matthew Ross (indiwire.com), #4 John Waters (artforum.com), #5 Erik Childress (Hollywood bitchslap.com), #6 Peter Sobczynski (criticdoctor.com), #7 Lou Lumineck (nypost.com), #8 Harry Knowles (Ain’t It Cool News), #9 Steven Rea (Philadelphia Enquirer), #10 Leonard Maltin (Hot Ticket TV).
Click below for full details on why each critic was picked:
http://www.criticdoctor.com/toptenlists/2003.html
About Critic Doctor.com
Criticdoctor.com (http://www.criticdoctor.com) was founded in 1998 by Herb Kane. The site was inspired by an online debate between Kane and Chicago Sun-Times critic Roger Ebert over the movie “Patch Adams.” Kane wrote a review Ebert’s scathing review and the famed critic wrote back with a positive and respectful response. Kane later launched his weekly syndicated “Critic Doctor Is In!” column - specializing in reviewing film critics which also appears on Chris Gore's Film Threat site. Critic Doctor was featured in a Tech-TV column and was chosen as a “Hot Site” by USA Today and “Top 100 Film Sites on the Web” by Fade In Magazine.
The Lowdown
by Emma Dixon
FRIDAY 16 January, 2004...
Friends prepare for final farewell
The cast members of hit TV show Friends are preparing to film their final scenes at the Warner Bros set in Burbank, California next week. After ten years, the producers of Friends have promised Monica, Ross, Rachel, Joey, Chandler and Phoebe a fitting swansong that won't depart too radically from a typical episode and in order to keep the sextet' s final secrets under wraps, key scenes in the last ever episode are being filmed on a closed set.
Describing how they all felt about filming the inevitable final scene- Jennifer Anniston who plays Rachel said "we're all like china, very fragile...speeding toward a brick wall". But there is one ray of hope; this isn't the last we have seen of Joey- he's getting his own spin-off show.
David Schwimmer wasn't giving too much away when he hinted this week that his long-suffering alter ego Ross would live happily ever after with his final storyline being "exactly what I had hoped for". What we do know is that fans are guaranteed at least one wedding this season- At the end of season nine Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) was reunited with hunky boyfriend Mike (Paul Rudd), and as pictures published in Heat magazine this week reveal the pair tie the knot in true Friends style (after a whole heap of confusion and with Joey performing the ceremony). But the cast, crew and producers are keeping annoyingly mum about the one thing we all want to know- will Rachel pick Joey or Ross?
Hit-maker leaves label
Antonio 'LA' Reid, one of the most influential players in modern R&B music stepped down from his post as Chief Executive and President of Arista Records this week. Reid who launched the careers of amongst others, TLC and OutKast and produced hits for Whitney Houston and Boyz II Men in a career spanning twenty-five years, leaves amid reports that Arista's parent company Bertelsmann's BMG felt that a change was needed after the label lost in excess of $100m in the past two years.
Reid began his career in the early 1980's, teaming up with Kenneth 'BabyFace' Edmonds to form a hit songwriting and producing partnership. The duo went on to launch their own label, LaFace in 1989. Reid succeeded Clive Davis to the post at Arista in 2000.
Current artists in the Arista stable include Avril Lavigne, Pink, Dido and Usher.
Kilroy caught up in controversy
He's more used to being the mediator in other peoples fights and arguments, but talk show host and former Labor MP Robert Kilroy-Silk is this week caught up at the center of an escalating row with his bosses at the BBC over an article he wrote for the Sunday Express Newspaper last April that was mistakenly reprinted before Christmas.
In the article Mr Kilroy-Silk called Arabs "suicide bombers, limb amputators, woman repressors" , the BBC took his show off air this week whilst it investigated claims that his comments may ' impact on his on-air role' . Mr Kilroy-Silk says he wasn't referring to Arab people in general, but alluding to the fact that there are Arab regimes that are evil and tyrannical and dictatorial. The Commission for Racial Equality says he is guilty of inciting racial hatred and whilst critics have accused the BBC of gagging Mr Kilroy-Silk, they maintain the corporation must be 'seen to be impartial when dealing with topical and controversial issues' and that the job of a BBC presenter carries with it responsibilities about what is written and said publicly.
In a television interview this week, Mr Kilroy-Silk said he understood the BBC's problem regarding his impartiality, but commented that he was disappointed over their lack of support, especially as no one had complained when the article was originally published.
Amid the revelation earlier this week that eleven MP's including Glenda Jackson and Keith Vaz have signed a Commons motion deploring his comments as 'racist and abhorrent', Mr Kilroy-Silk received the support of one of his presenting peers. Richard Madeley (co-host of Richard & Judy) called for Kilroy to be put back on air immediately and blamed a hidden agenda for the suspension, telling BBC News 24 that "anyone whose worked in television as long as Judy (Finnigan, Madeley's wife and co-host) and I have can tell you that when there is a hidden agenda going on it stinks like a fish and I can smell lots of fish at the moment"
However, this isn't the first time Mr Kilroy-Silk's tongue landed him in hot water, a few years ago the former Labour MP had to apologise after accusing Irish people of being, 'peasants, priests and pixies'.
Bad Week/Good Week
Good Week for Bernardo Bertolucci. The Italian director's latest film has been spared from suffering the wrath of the film censor's scissors. Bertolucci has been told that he won't have to cut scenes from The Dreamers in order to secure a US release, instead the film- an erotic drama set during the 1968 riots in Paris- will be given a rare NC-17 certification which bans anyone under the age of seventeen from attending.
Bad week for Internet music pirates. The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) has warned that it will consider suing those who illegally swap songs over the net in an effort to encourage new, legitimate services. A spokesman for the BPI said "the music industry will defend its rights under the law whether it is against traders selling illegally copied CDs on market stalls, or people uploading illegally copied CDs over the Internet".
Passages
Arne Naess, the Norwegian billionaire and former husband of singer Diana Ross fell to his death this week while mountaineering in South Africa. Mr Naess, 66 who was divorced from Ross in 2000 after thirteen years of marriage died as he tried to abseil down a cliff in the Franschoek Mountains near Cape Town. He leaves seven children, including two with Ross and two with partner Camilla Astrup.
Meanwhile...
Talks are underway this week to solve a dispute over filming scenes at a historical Spanish Cathedral for Sir Ridley Scott's £54m epic Kingdom of Heaven. Scott wanted to film the scenes for his new movie about a young blacksmith who leads the people of Jerusalem in defence against the 12th Century Crusaders. The Spanish Catholic Church has thrown a spanner in the works, saying filming inside the Mezquita in Cordoba would be too disruptive and is reportedly unhappy that the Cathedral- which for centuries has been a site of sensitivity amongst Muslims and Christians- would become a 'fictional' place of worship in the move, rather than 'playing itself'. The film is set for release next year and stars Orlando Bloom and Liam Neeson.
The search continues for the writer and author Spalding Gray who disappeared last weekend. Kathy Russo reported her husband missing after he disappeared after returning home from the movies with their two young children. Gray who had suffered depression since a car accident left him with head injuries two years ago has attempted suicide on two previous occasions (the most recent being last September).
Finally, all good things must come to an end, and along with Friends it 's the turn of Frasier Crane to bid a final farewell. The hit comedy series, Frasier, which was first broadcast in 1993 as a spin-off from Cheers will end this year after an eleven year run- Is anybody else wondering what on earth they are going to do on a Friday night now?
Screentime- this weeks new releases
This is Spinal Tap meets folk music in A Mighty Wind.
Newcomer Scarlett Johannson plays the unlikely artists muse in the adaptation of Tracy Chevalier's novel, Girl With a Peal Earring.
Ben Affleck is a man after his Paycheck, in the latest offering from director John Woo.
Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman bring another John Grisham novel to the big screen, in Runaway Jury.
While the nation’s film critics have completed their best and worst movie lists for 2003, Herb Kane’s Criticdoctor.com website (a site specializing in reviewing film critics) is releasing his first annual list rating the critics themselves called “Critic Doctor’s Top 10 Best & Worst Film Critics of 2003.”
Film critic Roger Ebert (Chicago Sun-Times) was beat out by Nell Minow (The Movie Mom / Yahoo! Movies) for the #1 best critic position. Kane picked Minow primarily for her favorable review of “Bringing Down the House” (Touchstone). “The movie’s racial comedy made it the most misunderstood film of 2003,” said Kane. “Minow defended the movie perfectly. She understood the movie debunked racism by making fun of racists.”
Earl Dittman (Wireless Magazine) took honors for the #1 spot on the worst list while film critic Leonard Maltin ranked #10. Kane said he bases the list on his “Critic Doctor Is In!” column and analyzing some critic Top 10 lists. “It’s all in good fun,” said Kane, “and I don’t take myself too seriously.” He even included his own website critic, Peter Sobczynski (a member of Chicago Film Critics Association), on the worst list. “It takes just one very good or bad review to land on a list if it has a lasting impression on me. Most of the critics on both lists are talented writers.”
The Best of 2003:
#1 Nell Minow (Yahoo! Movies), #2 Roger Ebert (Chicago Sun-Times), #3 Neil Cavuto (foxnews.com), #4 James Berardinelli (reelviews.net), #5 Holly McClure crosswalk.com), #6 Mark Ramsey (moviejuice.com), #7 Rob Blackwelder (splicedwire.com), #8 Mark Sells (filmthreat.com), #9 Nick Digilio (WGN Radio 720), #10 Scott Weinberg (efilmcritic.com).
The Worst of 2003:
#1 Earl Dittman (Wireless Magazine), #2 David Poland (thehotbutton.com), #3 Matthew Ross (indiwire.com), #4 John Waters (artforum.com), #5 Erik Childress (Hollywood bitchslap.com), #6 Peter Sobczynski (criticdoctor.com), #7 Lou Lumineck (nypost.com), #8 Harry Knowles (Ain’t It Cool News), #9 Steven Rea (Philadelphia Enquirer), #10 Leonard Maltin (Hot Ticket TV).
Click below for full details on why each critic was picked:
http://www.criticdoctor.com/toptenlists/2003.html
About Critic Doctor.com
Criticdoctor.com (http://www.criticdoctor.com) was founded in 1998 by Herb Kane. The site was inspired by an online debate between Kane and Chicago Sun-Times critic Roger Ebert over the movie “Patch Adams.” Kane wrote a review Ebert’s scathing review and the famed critic wrote back with a positive and respectful response. Kane later launched his weekly syndicated “Critic Doctor Is In!” column - specializing in reviewing film critics which also appears on Chris Gore's Film Threat site. Critic Doctor was featured in a Tech-TV column and was chosen as a “Hot Site” by USA Today and “Top 100 Film Sites on the Web” by Fade In Magazine.
The Lowdown
by Emma Dixon
FRIDAY 16 January, 2004...
Friends prepare for final farewell
The cast members of hit TV show Friends are preparing to film their final scenes at the Warner Bros set in Burbank, California next week. After ten years, the producers of Friends have promised Monica, Ross, Rachel, Joey, Chandler and Phoebe a fitting swansong that won't depart too radically from a typical episode and in order to keep the sextet' s final secrets under wraps, key scenes in the last ever episode are being filmed on a closed set.
Describing how they all felt about filming the inevitable final scene- Jennifer Anniston who plays Rachel said "we're all like china, very fragile...speeding toward a brick wall". But there is one ray of hope; this isn't the last we have seen of Joey- he's getting his own spin-off show.
David Schwimmer wasn't giving too much away when he hinted this week that his long-suffering alter ego Ross would live happily ever after with his final storyline being "exactly what I had hoped for". What we do know is that fans are guaranteed at least one wedding this season- At the end of season nine Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) was reunited with hunky boyfriend Mike (Paul Rudd), and as pictures published in Heat magazine this week reveal the pair tie the knot in true Friends style (after a whole heap of confusion and with Joey performing the ceremony). But the cast, crew and producers are keeping annoyingly mum about the one thing we all want to know- will Rachel pick Joey or Ross?
Hit-maker leaves label
Antonio 'LA' Reid, one of the most influential players in modern R&B music stepped down from his post as Chief Executive and President of Arista Records this week. Reid who launched the careers of amongst others, TLC and OutKast and produced hits for Whitney Houston and Boyz II Men in a career spanning twenty-five years, leaves amid reports that Arista's parent company Bertelsmann's BMG felt that a change was needed after the label lost in excess of $100m in the past two years.
Reid began his career in the early 1980's, teaming up with Kenneth 'BabyFace' Edmonds to form a hit songwriting and producing partnership. The duo went on to launch their own label, LaFace in 1989. Reid succeeded Clive Davis to the post at Arista in 2000.
Current artists in the Arista stable include Avril Lavigne, Pink, Dido and Usher.
Kilroy caught up in controversy
He's more used to being the mediator in other peoples fights and arguments, but talk show host and former Labor MP Robert Kilroy-Silk is this week caught up at the center of an escalating row with his bosses at the BBC over an article he wrote for the Sunday Express Newspaper last April that was mistakenly reprinted before Christmas.
In the article Mr Kilroy-Silk called Arabs "suicide bombers, limb amputators, woman repressors" , the BBC took his show off air this week whilst it investigated claims that his comments may ' impact on his on-air role' . Mr Kilroy-Silk says he wasn't referring to Arab people in general, but alluding to the fact that there are Arab regimes that are evil and tyrannical and dictatorial. The Commission for Racial Equality says he is guilty of inciting racial hatred and whilst critics have accused the BBC of gagging Mr Kilroy-Silk, they maintain the corporation must be 'seen to be impartial when dealing with topical and controversial issues' and that the job of a BBC presenter carries with it responsibilities about what is written and said publicly.
In a television interview this week, Mr Kilroy-Silk said he understood the BBC's problem regarding his impartiality, but commented that he was disappointed over their lack of support, especially as no one had complained when the article was originally published.
Amid the revelation earlier this week that eleven MP's including Glenda Jackson and Keith Vaz have signed a Commons motion deploring his comments as 'racist and abhorrent', Mr Kilroy-Silk received the support of one of his presenting peers. Richard Madeley (co-host of Richard & Judy) called for Kilroy to be put back on air immediately and blamed a hidden agenda for the suspension, telling BBC News 24 that "anyone whose worked in television as long as Judy (Finnigan, Madeley's wife and co-host) and I have can tell you that when there is a hidden agenda going on it stinks like a fish and I can smell lots of fish at the moment"
However, this isn't the first time Mr Kilroy-Silk's tongue landed him in hot water, a few years ago the former Labour MP had to apologise after accusing Irish people of being, 'peasants, priests and pixies'.
Bad Week/Good Week
Good Week for Bernardo Bertolucci. The Italian director's latest film has been spared from suffering the wrath of the film censor's scissors. Bertolucci has been told that he won't have to cut scenes from The Dreamers in order to secure a US release, instead the film- an erotic drama set during the 1968 riots in Paris- will be given a rare NC-17 certification which bans anyone under the age of seventeen from attending.
Bad week for Internet music pirates. The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) has warned that it will consider suing those who illegally swap songs over the net in an effort to encourage new, legitimate services. A spokesman for the BPI said "the music industry will defend its rights under the law whether it is against traders selling illegally copied CDs on market stalls, or people uploading illegally copied CDs over the Internet".
Passages
Arne Naess, the Norwegian billionaire and former husband of singer Diana Ross fell to his death this week while mountaineering in South Africa. Mr Naess, 66 who was divorced from Ross in 2000 after thirteen years of marriage died as he tried to abseil down a cliff in the Franschoek Mountains near Cape Town. He leaves seven children, including two with Ross and two with partner Camilla Astrup.
Meanwhile...
Talks are underway this week to solve a dispute over filming scenes at a historical Spanish Cathedral for Sir Ridley Scott's £54m epic Kingdom of Heaven. Scott wanted to film the scenes for his new movie about a young blacksmith who leads the people of Jerusalem in defence against the 12th Century Crusaders. The Spanish Catholic Church has thrown a spanner in the works, saying filming inside the Mezquita in Cordoba would be too disruptive and is reportedly unhappy that the Cathedral- which for centuries has been a site of sensitivity amongst Muslims and Christians- would become a 'fictional' place of worship in the move, rather than 'playing itself'. The film is set for release next year and stars Orlando Bloom and Liam Neeson.
The search continues for the writer and author Spalding Gray who disappeared last weekend. Kathy Russo reported her husband missing after he disappeared after returning home from the movies with their two young children. Gray who had suffered depression since a car accident left him with head injuries two years ago has attempted suicide on two previous occasions (the most recent being last September).
Finally, all good things must come to an end, and along with Friends it 's the turn of Frasier Crane to bid a final farewell. The hit comedy series, Frasier, which was first broadcast in 1993 as a spin-off from Cheers will end this year after an eleven year run- Is anybody else wondering what on earth they are going to do on a Friday night now?
Screentime- this weeks new releases
This is Spinal Tap meets folk music in A Mighty Wind.
Newcomer Scarlett Johannson plays the unlikely artists muse in the adaptation of Tracy Chevalier's novel, Girl With a Peal Earring.
Ben Affleck is a man after his Paycheck, in the latest offering from director John Woo.
Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman bring another John Grisham novel to the big screen, in Runaway Jury.
Thursday, January 15, 2004
JVC to Hold the 26th Tokyo Video Festival "TVF 2004", International Celebration of Video Art in Feb.
100 works chosen for “Excellence Award” and “Selected Work”
Works selected for the "Excellence Award" will be available on the JVC web site from Jan. 16, and viewers are asked to select the "People Awards" (3 videos)
Screening week of the selected works (Shimbashi, Tokyo) from Feb. 7 thru 12 … Enlarge viewing opportunities such
as screenings and net distributions.
"Video Grand Prize" and "JVC Grand Prize" to be announced at Awards Ceremony on Saturday, February 14, 2004.
Victor Company of Japan, Limited (JVC) is pleased to announce the selection of 100 prizewinning works for the 26th Tokyo Video Festival (TVF). TVF is an international video contest sponsored by
JVC. This year the judges reviewed 2,881 submissions from 36 countries and regions (938 from Japan, 1,943 from other countries), a new record (up 21% from the year before.
The "Tokyo Video Festival" started in 1978 and is the longest-running international, public-participation video festival in the world. TVF is open to professionals and amateurs alike, and has achieved a reputation as a "forum for cultural and human exchange in the video medium."
In the 26th TVF, the winning entries were split between a new trend towards video journalism and extensions of the use of video as a personal medium. Examples of the former include "war and
terrorism," "protecting the natural environment" and other works focusing on social and life-style issues. In the latter category were "passing down traditional ceremonies and local cultures" and
"community learning and volunteer activities" that capitalized on the personal nature of the video medium.
The 100 winning entries will be shown at JVC's Shimbashi (Tokyo) Building during the "Tokyo Video Festival 2004" (February 7-14). They will also be available for viewing from the JVC web site.
The final day of the festival (Saturday, February 14) will have an Awards Ceremony (Ebisu, Tokyo) to announce the winners of the "Video Grand Prize," "JVC Grand Prize" and the new
"High-definition Digital Video Camera Prize," and to honour other exemplary entries. The hall will have free viewing corners to allow video lovers and the general public alike to view entries at their
leisure.
All 30 works selected for the "Excellence Award" will be available for viewing on the JVC web site beginning Friday, January 16. Viewers from the general public are asked to complete a web
survey form that will be used to select the "People Awards" (3 videos) from among the 30 works awarded the "Excellence Award."
* Live broadcasts of the 26th awards ceremony, scheduled from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2004, will be viewable on the internet at http://www.jvc-victor.co.jp/english/tvf/
Judges: Nobuhiko Obayashi, Film Director; Hakudo Kobayashi, Video Artist and Professor of Seian University of Art and Design; Hiroaki Sato, Video Artist and a teacher at Nippon Engineering College; Makoto Shiina, Novelist;Susumu Hani, Film Director; and Mr. Masanori Kitami, General Manager, Camcorder Category Div., Victor Company of Japan, Ltd. (JVC).
JVC web site: http://www.jvc-victor.co.jp/tvf/
100 works chosen for “Excellence Award” and “Selected Work”
Works selected for the "Excellence Award" will be available on the JVC web site from Jan. 16, and viewers are asked to select the "People Awards" (3 videos)
Screening week of the selected works (Shimbashi, Tokyo) from Feb. 7 thru 12 … Enlarge viewing opportunities such
as screenings and net distributions.
"Video Grand Prize" and "JVC Grand Prize" to be announced at Awards Ceremony on Saturday, February 14, 2004.
Victor Company of Japan, Limited (JVC) is pleased to announce the selection of 100 prizewinning works for the 26th Tokyo Video Festival (TVF). TVF is an international video contest sponsored by
JVC. This year the judges reviewed 2,881 submissions from 36 countries and regions (938 from Japan, 1,943 from other countries), a new record (up 21% from the year before.
The "Tokyo Video Festival" started in 1978 and is the longest-running international, public-participation video festival in the world. TVF is open to professionals and amateurs alike, and has achieved a reputation as a "forum for cultural and human exchange in the video medium."
In the 26th TVF, the winning entries were split between a new trend towards video journalism and extensions of the use of video as a personal medium. Examples of the former include "war and
terrorism," "protecting the natural environment" and other works focusing on social and life-style issues. In the latter category were "passing down traditional ceremonies and local cultures" and
"community learning and volunteer activities" that capitalized on the personal nature of the video medium.
The 100 winning entries will be shown at JVC's Shimbashi (Tokyo) Building during the "Tokyo Video Festival 2004" (February 7-14). They will also be available for viewing from the JVC web site.
The final day of the festival (Saturday, February 14) will have an Awards Ceremony (Ebisu, Tokyo) to announce the winners of the "Video Grand Prize," "JVC Grand Prize" and the new
"High-definition Digital Video Camera Prize," and to honour other exemplary entries. The hall will have free viewing corners to allow video lovers and the general public alike to view entries at their
leisure.
All 30 works selected for the "Excellence Award" will be available for viewing on the JVC web site beginning Friday, January 16. Viewers from the general public are asked to complete a web
survey form that will be used to select the "People Awards" (3 videos) from among the 30 works awarded the "Excellence Award."
* Live broadcasts of the 26th awards ceremony, scheduled from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2004, will be viewable on the internet at http://www.jvc-victor.co.jp/english/tvf/
Judges: Nobuhiko Obayashi, Film Director; Hakudo Kobayashi, Video Artist and Professor of Seian University of Art and Design; Hiroaki Sato, Video Artist and a teacher at Nippon Engineering College; Makoto Shiina, Novelist;Susumu Hani, Film Director; and Mr. Masanori Kitami, General Manager, Camcorder Category Div., Victor Company of Japan, Ltd. (JVC).
JVC web site: http://www.jvc-victor.co.jp/tvf/
DRIVER 3 - "Run the Gauntlet - Atari film"
First Trailer launched on Official Driv3r website
To coincide with the March launch of videogame Driver 3, a unique live action short film " Run the Gauntlet" debuts today online.
The plotline of this breath-taking three minute short film is being closely guarded, but producers' Ridley Scott Associates, in collaboration with Atari, is producing a series of 30 second vignettes as preview trailers for each one-minute episode of the film. The first of these trailers promoting Episode I debuts on www.DRIV3R.com from today.
The second trailer will debut on January 19th 2004, building to the exclusive release of Episode I on the site on January 23rd 2004. This film is closely inspired by and links to the story, characters and action of Driver 3. Never before have the motoring, games and film industries worked this close with such high production values.
Stay tuned for more information on Episodes II and III, and their corresponding trailers. These will be released exclusively to www.DRIV3R.com over the coming months, leading to the launch of the game itself.
Atari has also signed a blockbuster Hollywood cast to lend voices to this greatly anticipated videogame: Michael Madsen, Ving Rhames, Mickey Rourke and Michelle Rodriguez will play the lead roles of the third instalment of the crime-fighting driving game series, one of the most successful video game franchises of all time.
Developed by Reflections Interactive (an Atari videogame development studio), the masterminds behind DRIVER and DRIVER 2 – which have sold more than 12 million copies worldwide – Driver 3 is an action-packed driving adventure game that stays true to its roots, incorporating the cinematic gameplay and gritty street crime of its predecessors with ground-breaking graphics and three mammoth, wide-open city environments: Miami, Florida; Nice, France; and Istanbul, Turkey. Driver 3 is slated for release in March 2004 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and the Xbox™ video game system from Microsoft.
First Trailer launched on Official Driv3r website
To coincide with the March launch of videogame Driver 3, a unique live action short film " Run the Gauntlet" debuts today online.
The plotline of this breath-taking three minute short film is being closely guarded, but producers' Ridley Scott Associates, in collaboration with Atari, is producing a series of 30 second vignettes as preview trailers for each one-minute episode of the film. The first of these trailers promoting Episode I debuts on www.DRIV3R.com from today.
The second trailer will debut on January 19th 2004, building to the exclusive release of Episode I on the site on January 23rd 2004. This film is closely inspired by and links to the story, characters and action of Driver 3. Never before have the motoring, games and film industries worked this close with such high production values.
Stay tuned for more information on Episodes II and III, and their corresponding trailers. These will be released exclusively to www.DRIV3R.com over the coming months, leading to the launch of the game itself.
Atari has also signed a blockbuster Hollywood cast to lend voices to this greatly anticipated videogame: Michael Madsen, Ving Rhames, Mickey Rourke and Michelle Rodriguez will play the lead roles of the third instalment of the crime-fighting driving game series, one of the most successful video game franchises of all time.
Developed by Reflections Interactive (an Atari videogame development studio), the masterminds behind DRIVER and DRIVER 2 – which have sold more than 12 million copies worldwide – Driver 3 is an action-packed driving adventure game that stays true to its roots, incorporating the cinematic gameplay and gritty street crime of its predecessors with ground-breaking graphics and three mammoth, wide-open city environments: Miami, Florida; Nice, France; and Istanbul, Turkey. Driver 3 is slated for release in March 2004 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and the Xbox™ video game system from Microsoft.
Wednesday, January 14, 2004
FACTs About DVD and Video Pirates
Organised crime and terrorism rings funded to the tune of millions by film industry pirates - 2003 saw an increase in over 400% in the seizure of counterfeit goods -
Figures announced by the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) highlight a massive increase of over 400% in the seizure of pirated films in 2003. The organisation has proved a direct link between the money raised from the sale of counterfeit goods and the funding of organised crime and terrorism rings.
Director of Operations Jim Angell said: "Evidence that organised crime is funded by intellectual property fraud has been collated over the last two years from cases that have come before the courts. The significant increase of seized goods in 2003 indicates that piracy is a booming trade. However, our figures only represent a small proportion of the counterfeit products entering the country. FACT can only make a difference if the entertainment industry unites in our fight to put these criminals out of business.
"There is a simple message for the general public: don't waste your money on substandard counterfeit goods. Not only will you be stifling the developing and expanding British film industry, but you will also be supporting the unsavoury and, quite frankly, terrifying activities of criminal gangs."
This message lies at the heart of a new hard hitting media campaign launched by FACT and is designed to educate members of the entertainment industry and the general public to help stamp out film piracy in the UK.
Jim Angell continues: "It is important that people realise the extent of intellectual property theft and the negative impact it has both on the industry and far beyond. We can only make a difference if industry members join us in our efforts to rid the UK of this hugely damaging black market."
The release of Lord Of The Rings - Return Of The King before Christmas ensured the end of last year was a busy time for FACT as the organisation tried to combat illegal trading of advanced copies. The most popular titles seized by FACT in 2003 were Finding Nemo, Master and Commander, Pirates of The Caribbean, Kill Bill, Brother Bear, Calendar Girls and Love Actually.
Figures for 2003 seizures by FACT are as follows:
VCD 120,722
VHS 86,501
DVDR 167,447
DVD Comp 2,515
DVDR Comp 10,250
DVD 1,568,997
Organised crime and terrorism rings funded to the tune of millions by film industry pirates - 2003 saw an increase in over 400% in the seizure of counterfeit goods -
Figures announced by the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) highlight a massive increase of over 400% in the seizure of pirated films in 2003. The organisation has proved a direct link between the money raised from the sale of counterfeit goods and the funding of organised crime and terrorism rings.
Director of Operations Jim Angell said: "Evidence that organised crime is funded by intellectual property fraud has been collated over the last two years from cases that have come before the courts. The significant increase of seized goods in 2003 indicates that piracy is a booming trade. However, our figures only represent a small proportion of the counterfeit products entering the country. FACT can only make a difference if the entertainment industry unites in our fight to put these criminals out of business.
"There is a simple message for the general public: don't waste your money on substandard counterfeit goods. Not only will you be stifling the developing and expanding British film industry, but you will also be supporting the unsavoury and, quite frankly, terrifying activities of criminal gangs."
This message lies at the heart of a new hard hitting media campaign launched by FACT and is designed to educate members of the entertainment industry and the general public to help stamp out film piracy in the UK.
Jim Angell continues: "It is important that people realise the extent of intellectual property theft and the negative impact it has both on the industry and far beyond. We can only make a difference if industry members join us in our efforts to rid the UK of this hugely damaging black market."
The release of Lord Of The Rings - Return Of The King before Christmas ensured the end of last year was a busy time for FACT as the organisation tried to combat illegal trading of advanced copies. The most popular titles seized by FACT in 2003 were Finding Nemo, Master and Commander, Pirates of The Caribbean, Kill Bill, Brother Bear, Calendar Girls and Love Actually.
Figures for 2003 seizures by FACT are as follows:
VCD 120,722
VHS 86,501
DVDR 167,447
DVD Comp 2,515
DVDR Comp 10,250
DVD 1,568,997
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
TV FOR THE BLIND
New audio description tool changes TV experience
The UK's first Freeview set-top box that enhances blind and visually impaired people's experience of television is being launched today.
A version of the Netgem i-Player with an audio description function that helps the visually impaired understand what's going on is now available. During TV programmes, the new tool gives spoken details of key visual elements, such as a change in location, movements, interaction, and even clothes people are wearing. This gives blind people the context and helps them to set the scene and recreate the drama, suspense or comedy when watching TV.
The tailored i-Player, which is endorsed by the RNIB and the BBC, is now available for a one-off payment of £119. The audio description function is available on such programmes as: Eastenders, Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Office, Friends, Fimbles and The Hoobs.
In addition to the audio description function, the i-Player is the only set-top box which gives users access to Freeview TV and radio, and also to the Internet.
Clive Miller, digital broadcasting development officer at the RNIB said:
"This is a very exciting time, as the i-Player is the first and only Freeview set-top box that makes audio description available to the general public. The service is massively important for blind people, because many TV programmes are hard to follow just by listening. With audio description, blind people know what's happening, without having to guess or ask someone, and that means they relax and enjoy it, just like everyone else. It also enables them to talk about programmes on an equal basis. We think the i-Player is fantastic - it offers a very friendly approach and even tells people what channel they are watching!"
The BBC today welcomed Netgem's announcement that the i-Player is now
available which will offer audio description to blind and partially
sighted viewers.
Welcoming this new development Greg Dyke, the BBC's Director General,
said:
"This development follows many years of research involving the BBC's engineers at Kingswood Warren and the RNIB. We are delighted that Netgem are now the first manufacturers to integrate this system into their boxes, and very much hope that manufacturers of all set top boxes and iDTVs will also enable blind and partially sighted users to receive audio description in this way in the near future. The technology is now available for blind and partially sighted people to enjoy audio description in the best way possible, and to suit their needs."
Netgem is also working with the RNIB to improve blind people's enjoyment of television further by adding an audio channel guide, delivered over the internet, which will provide a spoken TV Guide. This is due to be launched later this year.
To order, call the freephone number 0800 015 30 92 or visit www.netgem.com.
New audio description tool changes TV experience
The UK's first Freeview set-top box that enhances blind and visually impaired people's experience of television is being launched today.
A version of the Netgem i-Player with an audio description function that helps the visually impaired understand what's going on is now available. During TV programmes, the new tool gives spoken details of key visual elements, such as a change in location, movements, interaction, and even clothes people are wearing. This gives blind people the context and helps them to set the scene and recreate the drama, suspense or comedy when watching TV.
The tailored i-Player, which is endorsed by the RNIB and the BBC, is now available for a one-off payment of £119. The audio description function is available on such programmes as: Eastenders, Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Office, Friends, Fimbles and The Hoobs.
In addition to the audio description function, the i-Player is the only set-top box which gives users access to Freeview TV and radio, and also to the Internet.
Clive Miller, digital broadcasting development officer at the RNIB said:
"This is a very exciting time, as the i-Player is the first and only Freeview set-top box that makes audio description available to the general public. The service is massively important for blind people, because many TV programmes are hard to follow just by listening. With audio description, blind people know what's happening, without having to guess or ask someone, and that means they relax and enjoy it, just like everyone else. It also enables them to talk about programmes on an equal basis. We think the i-Player is fantastic - it offers a very friendly approach and even tells people what channel they are watching!"
The BBC today welcomed Netgem's announcement that the i-Player is now
available which will offer audio description to blind and partially
sighted viewers.
Welcoming this new development Greg Dyke, the BBC's Director General,
said:
"This development follows many years of research involving the BBC's engineers at Kingswood Warren and the RNIB. We are delighted that Netgem are now the first manufacturers to integrate this system into their boxes, and very much hope that manufacturers of all set top boxes and iDTVs will also enable blind and partially sighted users to receive audio description in this way in the near future. The technology is now available for blind and partially sighted people to enjoy audio description in the best way possible, and to suit their needs."
Netgem is also working with the RNIB to improve blind people's enjoyment of television further by adding an audio channel guide, delivered over the internet, which will provide a spoken TV Guide. This is due to be launched later this year.
To order, call the freephone number 0800 015 30 92 or visit www.netgem.com.
Friday, January 09, 2004
Rocliffe New Film Forum in association with BAFTA in support of Medicinema
Wednesday 25th February - 6.15 pm start
Rocliffe and Bafta again play host on 25 February 2004 to the Rocliffe New Film Forum - the most comprehensive short film forums for filmmakers giving an in depth insight into the often unconventional and varied ways short films are produced in the UK.
Comprising a rehearsed reading of the earliest draft of three acclaimed, award-winning short films, followed by a screening of the films, and a discussion with the writers/directors and producers of each film before an audience of BAFTA members and emerging filmmakers.
For the event, BAFTA London will be transformed into a mini-trade show for the audience where film service providers and organisations can promote their services, with the proceeds from the events going towards a screening at Medicinema.
Proceeds from the profits will benefit Medicinema. Medicinema is a unique charity bringing the magic of the silver screen to patients by building state of the art cinemas in hospitals. www.medicinema.org.uk
All tickets are £5.00 - Booking by email - events@bafta.org For more information email info@rocliffe.com or call 020 7221 7669 www.rocliffe.com
Some Comments About Previous Forums...
"The Rocliffe Forums are doing our job for us - it is great for me to be patron of an organisation which supports the industry in finding new writing and talent, as well as a creating a friendly environment in which to network and develop"
Nik Powell, Producer
"Rocliffe is an exciting and energetic organisation, of which we are proud to be Patrons. Nurturing talent is the most important job in our industry today"
Alan Plater & Shirley Rubinstein, Bafta & Emmy Winning Writer
"New Film Forum is a fantastic way for film-makers to share their knowledge and experience. I wish it had been around when I started making shorts"
Alex Lewis, Producer, Whatever Pictures
"The Rocliffe Forums are a superb resource in which to improve writing and directing skills and network with some of the best new UK filmmaking talent"
Dan Clark, Emerging Filmmakers Manager, Kodak UK
"It was great to be able to network and share information with such a varied group of emerging and existing"
Alasdair MacCuish, Senior Producer, LipSync Post
"UK talent, the New Film Forum is a commendable initiative that should be seen as a valuable industry resource"
Lloyd Billing, Sound-Effects-Library.com
Wednesday 25th February - 6.15 pm start
Rocliffe and Bafta again play host on 25 February 2004 to the Rocliffe New Film Forum - the most comprehensive short film forums for filmmakers giving an in depth insight into the often unconventional and varied ways short films are produced in the UK.
Comprising a rehearsed reading of the earliest draft of three acclaimed, award-winning short films, followed by a screening of the films, and a discussion with the writers/directors and producers of each film before an audience of BAFTA members and emerging filmmakers.
For the event, BAFTA London will be transformed into a mini-trade show for the audience where film service providers and organisations can promote their services, with the proceeds from the events going towards a screening at Medicinema.
Proceeds from the profits will benefit Medicinema. Medicinema is a unique charity bringing the magic of the silver screen to patients by building state of the art cinemas in hospitals. www.medicinema.org.uk
All tickets are £5.00 - Booking by email - events@bafta.org For more information email info@rocliffe.com or call 020 7221 7669 www.rocliffe.com
Some Comments About Previous Forums...
"The Rocliffe Forums are doing our job for us - it is great for me to be patron of an organisation which supports the industry in finding new writing and talent, as well as a creating a friendly environment in which to network and develop"
Nik Powell, Producer
"Rocliffe is an exciting and energetic organisation, of which we are proud to be Patrons. Nurturing talent is the most important job in our industry today"
Alan Plater & Shirley Rubinstein, Bafta & Emmy Winning Writer
"New Film Forum is a fantastic way for film-makers to share their knowledge and experience. I wish it had been around when I started making shorts"
Alex Lewis, Producer, Whatever Pictures
"The Rocliffe Forums are a superb resource in which to improve writing and directing skills and network with some of the best new UK filmmaking talent"
Dan Clark, Emerging Filmmakers Manager, Kodak UK
"It was great to be able to network and share information with such a varied group of emerging and existing"
Alasdair MacCuish, Senior Producer, LipSync Post
"UK talent, the New Film Forum is a commendable initiative that should be seen as a valuable industry resource"
Lloyd Billing, Sound-Effects-Library.com
ASOLOARTFILMFESTIVAL
International Festival of Films on Art and the Lives of Artists
Cinema - TV – Video – Videoart – Computer art – Productions of film schools
The 2004 edition of the AsoloArtFilmFestival will be held in Asolo (Treviso), Italy, from 20 to 26 September 2004. The Festival is part of the cultural tradition and a continuation of the “Festival Internazionale del Film sull’Arte e di Biografie di Artisti”, which was set up in 1973 by the Treviso Provincial Council under the direction of Flavia Paulon and had achieved great international success over the years finally closing at the end of the nineties. Thirty years later and in the light of advances in visual languages, the Festival is now being relaunched under the name “AsoloArtFilmFestival”: an international showcase, and competition with prizes, of film production dedicated to the visual arts in all the variety of their expression and to the music.
The festival is subdivided into four sections:
· FILMS ON ART for works on the visual arts and music
· ARTISTS’ LIVES for works of historical reconstruction and critical interpretation of people from the world of art and music
· VIDEOART and COMPUTER ART for works using electronic or computer technologies as a means of direct artistic expression
· PRODUCTIONS made by recognised film schools, specialist secondary schools and universities, regarding the fields of visual arts and music.
Anna Maria Cerrato is the artistic director of the Festival, which is conceived and organized by the cultural association AsoloInternationalArtFestival (A.I.A.F), a cultural non-profit association with legal personality (D.G.R. del Veneto del 18/04/03 N° 59741.03), presided over by Lionello Puppi.
Info: AsoloArtFilmFestival – Foresto Vecchio 8 – 31011 Asolo (TV) Italia
Tel: 0423 520455 Fax: 0423 951320
E-mail: info@asolofilmfestival.it - www.asolofilmfestival.it
International Festival of Films on Art and the Lives of Artists
Cinema - TV – Video – Videoart – Computer art – Productions of film schools
The 2004 edition of the AsoloArtFilmFestival will be held in Asolo (Treviso), Italy, from 20 to 26 September 2004. The Festival is part of the cultural tradition and a continuation of the “Festival Internazionale del Film sull’Arte e di Biografie di Artisti”, which was set up in 1973 by the Treviso Provincial Council under the direction of Flavia Paulon and had achieved great international success over the years finally closing at the end of the nineties. Thirty years later and in the light of advances in visual languages, the Festival is now being relaunched under the name “AsoloArtFilmFestival”: an international showcase, and competition with prizes, of film production dedicated to the visual arts in all the variety of their expression and to the music.
The festival is subdivided into four sections:
· FILMS ON ART for works on the visual arts and music
· ARTISTS’ LIVES for works of historical reconstruction and critical interpretation of people from the world of art and music
· VIDEOART and COMPUTER ART for works using electronic or computer technologies as a means of direct artistic expression
· PRODUCTIONS made by recognised film schools, specialist secondary schools and universities, regarding the fields of visual arts and music.
Anna Maria Cerrato is the artistic director of the Festival, which is conceived and organized by the cultural association AsoloInternationalArtFestival (A.I.A.F), a cultural non-profit association with legal personality (D.G.R. del Veneto del 18/04/03 N° 59741.03), presided over by Lionello Puppi.
Info: AsoloArtFilmFestival – Foresto Vecchio 8 – 31011 Asolo (TV) Italia
Tel: 0423 520455 Fax: 0423 951320
E-mail: info@asolofilmfestival.it - www.asolofilmfestival.it
Monday, January 05, 2004
Independent Film Internet Awards for 2003 Announced
Norfilms announces the awards for the best web sites promoting the work of independent film producers around the world through the Webcinema network. These awards are given to independent film-makers to acknowledge their efforts to promote independent film productions through their internet sites.
Norfilms are a British company who support the mutual networking of film and television producers, directors, artists through the Webcinema internet network site listing which is hosted at their web site www.norfilms.com. This network brings together film-makers from around the world for mutual support, exchange of advice, news, etc., and provides a support system to the independent production sector away from the mainstream film and TV industries.
This year's awards were made from a list of 53 independent companies around the world reviewed by Norfilms and submitted to them by the from the Webcinema membership. They represent a wide range of skills and professional standards, from one-man home-built sites through to work from professional designers using state-of-the-art techniques.
In all four producers' work was highlighted in this year's awards:
Runners-up were
(1) Wicked Witches Productions
(http://www.members.tripod.com/wickedwitches), a Los Angeles company;
(2) Automatic Films (http://www.automatic.biz/) a Danish web site that, although written entirely in Danish, showed how easy it is to present a small site attractively.
The main runner-up and Flash Award Winner was a
Russian site by Andrey Stankevich (http://www.andreystankevich.com/) who showed how to present information in a simple, attractive fashion and made the effort to provide both English and Russian translations.
The overall winner of this year's awards was a US independent
company Nimble Productions (http://www.nimble-productions.com/).
Although they were a small site they showed that it is possible to
create a site that is both informative, attractive and effective in
presenting information to the public.
The awards have been made on the basis of ease of use, in
navigation, design, technical requirements for a browser, functionality and overall style. Surprises in the review included that fact that some of the more professional site failed to meet all the requirements, being either too elaborate or over-designed for a given function - using elaborate techniques and technology where a simple one would be better.
Full details of the awards and the work of Norfilms are available on
their web site at: http://www.norfilms.com.
Norfilms announces the awards for the best web sites promoting the work of independent film producers around the world through the Webcinema network. These awards are given to independent film-makers to acknowledge their efforts to promote independent film productions through their internet sites.
Norfilms are a British company who support the mutual networking of film and television producers, directors, artists through the Webcinema internet network site listing which is hosted at their web site www.norfilms.com. This network brings together film-makers from around the world for mutual support, exchange of advice, news, etc., and provides a support system to the independent production sector away from the mainstream film and TV industries.
This year's awards were made from a list of 53 independent companies around the world reviewed by Norfilms and submitted to them by the from the Webcinema membership. They represent a wide range of skills and professional standards, from one-man home-built sites through to work from professional designers using state-of-the-art techniques.
In all four producers' work was highlighted in this year's awards:
Runners-up were
(1) Wicked Witches Productions
(http://www.members.tripod.com/wickedwitches), a Los Angeles company;
(2) Automatic Films (http://www.automatic.biz/) a Danish web site that, although written entirely in Danish, showed how easy it is to present a small site attractively.
The main runner-up and Flash Award Winner was a
Russian site by Andrey Stankevich (http://www.andreystankevich.com/) who showed how to present information in a simple, attractive fashion and made the effort to provide both English and Russian translations.
The overall winner of this year's awards was a US independent
company Nimble Productions (http://www.nimble-productions.com/).
Although they were a small site they showed that it is possible to
create a site that is both informative, attractive and effective in
presenting information to the public.
The awards have been made on the basis of ease of use, in
navigation, design, technical requirements for a browser, functionality and overall style. Surprises in the review included that fact that some of the more professional site failed to meet all the requirements, being either too elaborate or over-designed for a given function - using elaborate techniques and technology where a simple one would be better.
Full details of the awards and the work of Norfilms are available on
their web site at: http://www.norfilms.com.
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