In defense of Darwin’s theory
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The day of hotly anticipated premiere of your movie has finally came. You're sitting on the best places in the comfortable room, equipped with the latest technology. You are surrounded by your supporters, who are in the same excited about what is happening on the screen, just like you. Ghastly light of mobile phones does not violate the pristine darkness of the hall, and the smell of burnt popcorn does not violate your sense of smell. And most importantly, your ear detects the slightest nuances of a film soundtrack.
Certainly, a lot of the situations, presented above seem no more real than the alien invasion. This is not the case.
The other day the film company Universal has introduced a new service Prima Cinema, which was the latest attempt to Hollywood majors to adapt to rapidly changing market of cinema distribution and home entertainment. For the first time, film lovers will get a chance to see new movies at home on the day of the premiere on the big screen. Naturally, such a pleasure is not cheap: a one-time payment of 35,000 dollars for equipment to receive and decode the signal and another $ 500 for a digital copy of the film, which is provided for a single viewing for 24 hours.
The first reaction of any viewer, who used to go to the movies for $ 8-10, will naturally be a mockery. Nearly one hundred percent of the time this viewer will show the imagination or in the form of assumptions about the inevitable failure of the initiative, or as a pejorative characteristics - "show-off" or practical tips on "HD-ripping the first day." All of this will be to some extent resemble the reaction of a person standing on the sidelines in a cloud of dust from the sports car sped past the cost of a quarter million dollars. That is quite obvious envy.
However, it is this scheme, in the future, has the potential to transform itself from a regular customer to privileges wealthy citizens.
Judge for yourself. Even in its current form service can hardly be attributed to the elite. 35 thousand dollars - the cost of "SUV" in not the most luxurious configuration. Thus, unlike the vehicle equipment will not require any additional investments. As for the session for $ 500, then gathered at his home two dozen relatives and friends, the subscriber will bring almost the price of one "ticket" to the standard. At the same time avoiding all the charms of the public view, as described in the introduction.
Undoubtedly, the scheme to the participation of only one of Hollywood majors, not too attractive. But if there is sufficient interest on the part of users, and it is already locked, and connect it to the other big players. So, come into force natural regulator - the competition, which will eventually reduce the cost and technical devices and pay for a copy of the film.
Of course, services like this in the future will remain in a different price category than the usual trip to the cinema. After all, any services that generate additional facilities should cost more.
Zachary Quinto interview
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Zachary Quinto in an interview with The Huffington Post reported on his participation in the "American Horror Story" and "Star Trek Into Darkness."
- Just come to the end the second season of the show "American Horror Story", based on a play by Tennessee Williams' "The Glass Menagerie" in which you play Tom Wingfield, appeared in repertory ART just the other day and fans of sci-fi movie "Star Trek Into Darkness" will be able to assess it in May. Three completely different projects, almost very tightly to each other ... How did you do it?
"The process of work in each of these projects was a little different, but I was lucky that I was able to combine them. I finished shooting "American Horror Story" on Friday, and first appeared on stage in the play "The Glass Menagerie" on Monday. Actually, I'm totally going to head into the project which will come. Details may be different in each scenario, but the goal is always the one, so I always work the same way, regardless of the scale and structure of the project. I really very grateful and appreciate the opportunity to work in so many different genres, and I would like to keep it as further".
- How did you managed to create an image of Dr. Tredson "American horror story? Maybe, it’s due to your experience with the role of serial killer Sylar from "Heroes"?
"Unconsciously, as the similarities between the two characters were sometimes obvious, I'm sure. Great was the fact that as many as five episodes I have kept secret the true identity of Dr. Tredson, while in "Heroes" it was clear from the very beginning. Role of Oliver Tredson was a boon for me as an actor, because it gave the opportunity to create, and then "sell" the audience the first version of the character, knowing what a dark and sinister turns the second, his true identity. This was a lot of fun, and I think that even if there was similarity between Tredson and Sylar, it showed up later when the dark side of Dr. bloomed full color. I was fortunate enough to work in the warm company of friends, so the work on it was incredibly exciting, because each participant was a real professional. And we tried very hard to keep the lights and let the darkness of the world, which was created in the show, to get inside. "
- What would you like to see the third season of the show?
"I do not know. I did not engage with anyone talks about returning to the third season, so do not think I would be a part of it, while the other actors discussed this issue. But it was planned originally, when I signed a contract to participate in the second season. From Ryan Murphy, we agreed on an annual collaboration, and, given my current situation and future plans, I'm sure that some of the relative freedom I can not hurt. So I really do not plan on coming back, but from what I have heard and I know - Lily Raby, Sarah Paulson, Jessica Lange, Frances Conroy and Evan Peters. I'm all in anticipation. "
- Having played such iconic characters as Spock in the first "Star Trek", did you feel the pressure due to expectations of a sequel?
"I’ve never felt any pressure, taking part in both films of franchise, but only support. I realized that my job - to be a part of something that viewers want to wait and see. "Star Trek Into Darkness"- it's a little more development because we shot it in 3D cameras and IMAX, and I think the story itself will make a big explosion of films of the summer season. I'm very excited and looking forward to its release, so that the audience finally saw it.
JJ Abrams - a genius, and everyone who works with him, are incredibly talented people, so I'm sure that the audience will be not disappointed - of course, this is just my opinion. "
- The trailer shows that the franchise has become murkier.
"Yes, darker, longer. So, I think people would be interested."
- What should viewers expect from the film?
"More action, more danger, and, as I said, much is at stake for the members of the crew, this time".
- How would you describe your approach to the role of Spock in the new movie "Star Trek"? You relied on the image of the Commander, who created the Leonard Nimoy, or is it basically your own interpretation of the character?
"Definitely, this is my own interpretation. We spent a lot of time together with Leonard, working on the first film, and became good friends. We are still very close and discuss Spock from time to time. Leonard has made it clear that he waited on who can pass his hero, who will be able to trust, and who will respect Spock as he is. We are very different people with him and we look at our character from a different perspective, and Spock will always be for me the only one of its kind, in spite of what made him Leonard."
- What do you think about Abrams directing of the first series of a new trilogy?
"I support the desire of Jay Jay to expand his entertainment empire. I think he's one of the narrators, who is able to radically change the traditional foundations. And I think this is a bold, ambitious move on his part in the creative plan to revive this great franchise. As franchise itself is incredibly impressive, I think JJ - a great candidate".
“Finding Nemo” sequel from Pixar
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Continuation of the cartoon by Andrew Stanton's "Finding Nemo" will be called "Finding Dory”. His main character will be blue fish Dory with a bad memory. Her voice again be Ellen DeGeneres. The sequel will be released on November 25, 2015.
The original film was released in 2003, was worth 94 million and earned 921 million worldwide box office. Clownfish Marlin raises only son Nemo and tries to protect him from the dangers inherent in the ocean. But the curious Nemo goes in search of adventure, and homebody Marlin nothing left to do but look for his son. This helps him royal blue fish Dory, characterized cheerful character, but it has a very short memory.
Stanton made a film with Lee Ankrich. Subsequently Ankrich alone put a third of the franchise "Toy Story." After an unsuccessful attempt to shoot a feature film ("John Carter" flopped at the box office and caused serious financial losses of Disney), Andrew Stanton returns to the fold of animation.
"Finding Nemo" has received the "Oscar" for best cartoon and in the fourth place of highest-grossing animated projects.
To continue the story, Stanton had to obtain the consent of DeGeneres. "Without Ellen could not be Dory", - said the director. The actress agreed to voice her character in the last year, and we now know that the main character Dory will continue.
"I'm so glad that they finally will shoot cartoon - Ellen admitted. - I read the script - it is gorgeous! Funny, cute - well, just a what you would expect. "
According to Stanton, the action of the sequel will be developed on the coast of California about a year after the events shown in the original cartoon. Nemo and Marlin will return, but in the center of the plot will be searching of Dori by relatives.
Premiere of "Finding Dory" is scheduled for 25 November 2015.
Experts about “The Life of Pi” special effects
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Leading specialist of the company Rhythm & Hues Phillip Bros on the pages of professional edition VFX Soldier wrote an open letter to "Oscar 2013" winner - director Ang Lee.
Dear Mr. Lee,
Commenting on the situation related to the bankruptcy of Rhythm & Hues, which created an incredible special effects for the film "The Life of Pi", you stated:
"I would like to have the services cheaper, and business - not so cruel. Easy to say but hard to accomplish. Such companies are not so easy to make money. Research and technological development are expensive, and each such studio weighs heavy burden. They have both: good and bad moments, but when it has hard, some studios do not survive. "
In this regard, I note that, despite the fact that research and development activities can be really expensive, and for making movies like yours, it requires modern technology and more computing power, it's not computer chips and hard drives that are so expensive to you. The matter is in artists, that help you create your movies.
So when you say, "I wish to have the services cheaper," - I, as an artist, take it to a personal account. It took hundreds of hours to experienced artists, coordinators and producers have the environment and the characters for the film "The Life of Pi." Not to mention the engineers who wrote the code and built the communication channel R + H. That's where your money gone. Judging by the results of last night you made a great bargain.
By the way, the honor of creating these magnificent sunsets and prospects your operator Claudio Miranda attributed to himself ("Oscar" in the category "Best Cinematography"), a word without thanking to our artists. And the same cartoon characters helped you win the statuette "Best Director." Very nice of you mentioned the team working at the pool. But, perhaps, it was worth to remember about those guys who turned the pool into the ocean and put a tiger into boat?
In the end, it was the work of world level. And after incredibly abusive and negligent representation with the "Avengers" nomination "Best Special Effects", R + H won the award for their contribution to your beautiful film. And at a time when the issue of bankruptcy had sounded from the site, on the national TV, our representative speech was interrupted by the theme song from the movie "Jaws."
Mr. Lee, I truly believe that you are attentive and wonderful person. And the talented director. But I also believe that you and other filmmakers, which have business relationships with us, are completely indifferent to the pain and anxiety that cause artists. Our employers are fighting for receiving illegal subsidies to shoot films on the order of film studios. The magnitude of these subsidies are growing, have a great impact on the market and inhibits the growth of wages in this complex, in terms of the economy. Visual effects to your movie are much cheaper than they should be.
Anyway, Rhythm & Hues fantastic place to work with a really strong group of people who treat their employees honestly and respectfully. As Zoic Studios, a great company, cooperation with which I am proud. But I'm beginning to wonder whether I have cited the example of companies are able to survive in such a hostile environment. Survive if the horror stories about unpaid overtime and illegal methods of recruitment will be the norm, because of the fact that you and your colleagues "would like to have the services cheaper."
With this I can not cope alone. Please join me.
Best wishes and congratulations,
Phillip Bros
Leading Specialist
Some revelations of directors and actors: Ryan Gosling, Danny Boyle, Wes Anderson
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Became known the plot of Wes Anderson's movie "The Grand Budapest Hotel". The picture tells about the legendary popular European hotel concierge and follows his life between the two world wars, as well as his friendship with a young co-worker, who becomes his protege. The plot involves the theft of priceless paintings of the Renaissance, the struggle for the great legacy and turmoil, which befell Europe during the first half of the XX century.
Ryan Gosling shared the news that Terrence Malick installs not one, not two, but even five films. One of them - "Voyage of time", a documentary film about the creation of the universe. The other four, apparently, something to do with the previously announced two. Did maestro decide not to cut actors and collect all of them to shot more movies? That's what Ryan said: "I acted in that about music. Fassbender, Rooney Mara, Cate Blanchett, Natalie Portman, Val Kilmer, Patti Smith, Robert Plant - each day was unique. "
Danny Boyle believes that 3D - this is just a temporary fad. "I do not shoot in this format, and I hate to watch movies in 3D, because I wear glasses for life, - says the director of "Trance". - So movies in 3D I have to watch, put on two pairs of glasses. Generally 3D - a tool. Now coming innovations in the field of sound, take, for example, Dolby Atmos. I honestly do not know whether 3D will survive 10 years. In my opinion, it's temporary notion". However, such an attitude to the format does not prevent the director to confess his love to some stereoscopic. "The fact that Ang Lee did in "Life of Pi"- it's amazing," - says Boyle.
Recently, Gerard Butler has informed about his new project. A native of Scotland, wants to tell the story of Robert the Bruce, one of the greatest kings of this country. "We are currently developing a screenplay about the life of Robert the Bruce, the Scottish warrior and king. You saw him at the end of "Braveheart" with Mel Gibson. It was he who took charge of the army after Wallace - shared Butler. - We have a great script, which tells the story of his growing up. He is studying to be a politician, and then puts it slightly, but it helps him to understand who he really is, where his ideals, and against whom he must fight. This is a great and epic story, we want to make it quite dark. " Butler plans to play Scottish king himself.
After a successful project to raise money for the film version of the series "Veronica Mars," there was talk of a similar collection of investments in other similar projects. For example, the creator of the TV series "Pushing Daisies” Bryan Fuller said that would be considered a model of the "Kick" to make a film on the TV series. But he will need a large sum than three million collected on "Veronica Mars": "We need to build a world, from the restaurant with cakes, finishing make-up for a zombie. The pilot episode was worth $ 6 million. Each subsequent costing 3 million. For a full-length film will need 10-15 million, and ask them is harder. "
“Transformers 4″ made in China
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Hollywood continues its expansion into the Asian market. Last November, the producers of the film of Michael Bay, "Untitled Transformers Sequel" began talks with Chinese companies on joint production of the picture. This week it was announced China agreement.
Studio Paramount signed a deal with two Chinese companies - with China Movie Channel, under the wing of the state organization of radio, film and television, and Jiaflix Enterprises. "Untitled Transformers Sequel" will be partly filmed in China and with the participation of Chinese actors. A number of post-production work will be conduct in China. So robots of Michael Bay this time will literally made in China, as well as games of Hasbro company, which owns the franchise.
The director notes that will be extremely happy to work with Chinese companies, but more will be happy producers: China in recent years has become one of the largest markets. In particular, the "Transformers 3" started there with exorbitant sum of 56 million dollars, having collected a total of 145.5 million dollars.
In China there hard quota on the number of Hollywood films at the box office. Earlier, it was allowed only 20 foreign films per year, but in February 2012, the state has increased this figure to 34 tapes.
The Chinese care about the fate of their own movies, the attendance of which due to the increased rental Hollywood projects is declined. In 2012, charges of Chinese films accounted for about 40% of the total. It is expected that in 2014, the figure will be 35%.
And it all began quite simply, stars like Kevin Spacey, Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale starred in Chinese films, providing them with international distribution, but now it is not enough. Producers want to grab an extra piece of the Chinese pie, even for this and we have to go shoot in a foreign country with unfamiliar customs.
Co-production with Asia is bearing fruit. For example, released this year, action comedy "Journey to the West", filmed by the newly formed company Village Roadshow Pictures Asia, has already earned at the Chinese box office of more than $ 200 million. During the first weekend, the picture attracted a record amount of 93.5 million dollars for China.
Village Roadshow Ltd. - an Australian company with a U.S. subsidiary of Village Roadshow Pictures - founded its Chinese branch in 2011.
Note that the films made by Chinese companies get a different status in the Chinese box office and have a chance to earn much more than their pure American counterparts.
More recently, it was reported that China will own version of "Iron Man 3", which will include additional material and storyline with actress Fan Bingbing.
"Untitled Transformers Sequel" will be released in China on June 27, 2014th.
“Avatar” will be shot under the water
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Producer Jon Landau said that filming sequel to "Avatar" by James Cameron will be held not only on land, but under water. Motion capture technology has not yet been used in the water, so Cameron will be a pioneer in this field again.
"We have kept a team of experts on digital technology of "Avatar" to see how to shoot underwater with motion capture, - says Landau. - We have turned the simulation of water, but it is impossible to simulate the behavior of the actors. So we will do motion capture in the pool. "
In essence, the process is still the same: the camera will record the signals from reflective markers on the actors' costumes. That's just before that no one did.
At the same time Jon Landau denied rumors that Cameron went down into the Mariana Trench for material for the sequel of "Avatar." "He is a researcher! Of course, he was shooting a lot, but it is not connected with "Avatar".
The producer says the use of the latest technologies in the work on "Avatar 2" and "Avatar 3", but what about the high frame rate (HFR)? Cameron has repeatedly referred to the opportunity to work with this standard, first tested on Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit: Unexpected Journey". "HFR better for the viewer - says Landau. - But no one should dictate directors, at what frame rate to make a film - 24, 48 or 60 frames per second. "
Landau was weighed a lot of compliments to the work of Jackson, but notes the difference between movies. ""The Hobbit"- another movie with a different history and a different tone, and Peter has chosen the right creative solution for that he must be respected."
While we are talking only about the format 3D. And then the producer is sure to continue to shoot "Avatar" in stereo.
Among other innovations, the continuation of "Avatar" will get a new sound system, developed by Cameron and Landau's Lightstorm Entertainment studio in Manhattan Beach. However, the producer recalls that attention is not to focus on the special effects, and the story, "The audience comes to the cinema not for a new technology, and for the emotional component of history."
Evolutionary cartoon (“The Croods”)
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Now DreamWorks has its own "Ice Age"! However, without ice and mammoths, but with a family of colorful cavemen and beautiful flora and fauna. The story about this family has pleasantly surprised: it is dynamic, fun, energetic, cheerful, and so on in the same vein, in a word, is not boring.
Thanks to Chris Sanders the cartoon "Croods" is incredibly fun to watch. It is fascinating! So much so that the number of wild punches just stop paying attention. Authors were able to present all of this, so that even in adults there is no hint of irritation.
However, all children and adults will be busy contemplating the beautiful: "Croods" even by the standards of Hollywood titans is very colorful cartoon. Prehistoric jungle beasts with the absurd, forbidding rocks and parched deserts, majestic mountains, vast fields and at the snack heroes visit, we can say, the roof of the world. And most importantly - all the bright colors do not climb into the eyes from the screen, yelling excitedly about what they are colorful and almost fragrant. Beautiful just enough so that it is admire and create the desire to close tired eyes.
When the number of bright colors and shades on the screen starts to go off-scale, the characters get into a bit of gorges, caves or labyrinth. They, too, are fine, but they have a different charm, dark and cold. And so - throughout the film skips on a mad family of incredible locations, as if everything was not in ancient times on Earth, and not so long ago on a very, very distant planet. Which has a great future.
The authors do not forget about the humor! Some moments, mostly in one way or another, affect the militant and conservative (and creative) father of the family, are able to really laugh not only and not as many children as their adult companions. Not behind them and beasts, sometimes carnivorous, sometimes - not very much, but always original. Not to mention the hairy-clawed local satellite - a sort of a small and delicate, and most importantly - funny animal, another sign of a successful Hollywood cartoon.
Unbridled joy that seeks to please the greatest number of people. Celebration of life in the neolithic period, which all are invited. All in all, a wonderful way to spend time - even if you have no children to watch this cartoon.
“Iron Man 3″ made in China
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Global film market is becoming increasingly important to Hollywood studios, so you can not be surprised at the appearance of special versions of movies, rewired for display in a particular country. For example, China will show a very different "Iron Man 3", rather than in the United States or Europe.
The third part of the franchise follows the adventures of billionaire superhero Tony Stark rolled in China by DMG Entertainment, not Disney, as all over the world. Chinese rental laws for foreign films have been recently eased, but Hollywood is trying to stake out a place for a blockbuster in China cinemas by all means.
Marvel and DMG could not declare the "Iron Man 3" co-production, but instead added some plot elements for Chinese products. In both versions of Shane Black movie, it will be made in China in December last year with the lead actor Wang Xueqi. However, in contrast to the U.S. and international versions, the Chinese audience will see the extra frames and popular actress Fan Binbin, recently approved by the picture of Bryan Singer "X-Men: Days of future past."
Earlier in China prevailed strict quotas on the percentage of foreign films at the box office (up to 20 films a year.) The film passes a strict censorship, and Hollywood studios receive 13% of the fees - it is two times less than the average.
Thus, the Chinese version of "Iron Man 3" will serve as a collection rarity, which will hunt for film fans around the world. However, this is not the first time that Hollywood movie is changed for release in China. Suffice it to recall a version of "Looper", which were added some captured frames in Shanghai, as well as the upcoming "Transformers 4", which will be partly shot in China.
For the sake of friendly relations with the country whose market rent is one of the leading world producers of "Elusive" has completely changed the partially exposed film. In a remake of the film "Red Sunset" first aggressor was listed as China, but it was replaced by the North Korea.
Crowdfunding: a revolution in the movie?
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Recently, we often witness the disastrous failures of movies. And it's not just about the film projects worth hundreds of millions, but even movies with modest budgets. May be it is time to stop cutting budgets of entire genres and attempts to save money, but to adopt some new business model that directly appeals to the viewer? For example, crowdfunding.
For those who are not familiar with the concept of "people's funding," briefly explain its essence. Imagine the kind of web site by logging on which absolutely anyone can leave a detailed description of the project and the exact amount required by a certain date. If the idea is supported by the others, they are using one of the popular payment systems to transfer money. Everyone decides by himself how much he is going to give. If by that date the final amount will be collected, the author of the project can get it and spend, followed up by the report. If the amount is not collected, the project is not well served support, and funds are returned to investors.
To say that cinematography is not familiar with this notion will be not true. For example, in 2012, in this way, David Fincher has collected the necessary funds to continue the work on the animated film "Bandit" who has not interested the major Hollywood film studios. Likewise, in March 2013 were collected money to finance the filming of the full-length version of the popular series "Veronica Mars." And if in case the project of Fincher it was about 400 thousand dollars, so here donations were in millions.
So. What if even the most ambitious movies will begin with crowdfunding? Say, well before the start of filming of the next big-budget film, the studio offers potential viewers to vote for it with their money. Of course, we are not talking about the formation of the entire production budget, which now can be up to two hundred million dollars, but only part of it. Say, one-tenth.
Thus, the basis for any decisions on large-scale investments will be based not on abstract ambitions of unnamed film company managers, who are concerned primarily about holes in the financial statements, and a very real audience's request, expressed in completely tangible form.
This scouting all the more important in a situation where the share of international box office is steadily increasing. According to the size of donations can be with the help of simple mathematical calculation to present the film and the estimated return to a particular region of the world.
Naturally, the donation should not be gratuitous. If now, in the era of "wild crowdfunding" investors receive only souvenirs with symbols of the project and other bonuses depending on the amount, in the future should be provided a clear bonus system.