One important aspect of movie business is distribution. Distribution is marketing and circulation of movies to various theaters and even for home viewing (ie. DVDs, Downloading, Pay-Per-View, etc). The distributor needs to convince people to show a certain film at a certain date A movie distributor is an entertainment business professional who acts as an agent, linking motion picture producers with exhibitors to book a given film’s original theatrical run. Film distribution companies also market and circulate movies in home entertainment formats, including VHS, DVD, Blu-ray and online digital formats.
Here’s how it works: film studios sign licensing agreements with movie distribution companies after a film is completed, at which time the distributor decides how many prints of the movie should be made. The more theaters the film will play in, the more prints needed. Limited engagements and smaller theatrical runs require fewer prints, at least initially; if the demand proves to be there once a movie appears in cinemas, film distribution companies will order additional prints for a wider theatrical release.
I hope this makes people realize that many different components go into making a movie and distribution is one that is very important and works closely with marketing.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Pollution
Here are a few of my thoughts on pollution that arise from the whole global warming debate.
1) Environmental Risks Caused by Pollution
Over the past century, the introduction of new products in the transportation sector has increased the economic efficiency of modern day society. With automobiles, employees are able to travel greater distances than before to arrive on time to their work destination. Large semi-trucks with full trailers allow consumer goods to flow across borders to meet their distributors, and airplanes allow businessmen to fly halfway around the world to sign a deal or an economic policy with enough time to be back at home for dinner. On the surface, such goods seem to offer only positive things for our current society. However, basic economic laws teach us that with anything, benefits are always met with costs. Despite the convenience and efficiency that comes with cars, trucks, trains, and airplanes, there are many negative externalities that were not accounted for in their production. Pollution, for example, is a derivative of automobiles that is causing billions of dollars a year in health damages, as well as with fatal long-term damages to our current environment. According to the EPA , carcinogens and other mobile source air toxins (MSAT) are deteriorating the quality of the ozone, making the earth more vulnerable to catastrophic events in the future. The Environmental Protection Agency teaches that the toxins that are emitted daily by transportation vehicles have began to eat away at the surface of the ozone, incrementally increasing the earths temperature, and melting the polar ice-caps in an exponential progress. Other organizations, such as the Natural Resources Defense Council state that the increased heat can cause long-term changes in the earth’s climate, and allow for increased probabilities of flood, drought, and extermination of ecosystems . However, research has proven that the negative effects of pollution are not limited to the environment, and cause even greater immediate effects on the quality of human health.
2) Health Risks of Pollution Caused by Transportation:
Despite the long-term environmental concerns that pollution raises, studies have shown that the health effects caused by daily transportation due to vehicles and airplanes brings forth more devastating and immediate concerns. In an article by the World Health Organization titled Health Effects of Transport-Related Air Pollution , researchers Krzyzanowki, Kuna-Dibber, and Schneider conclude that toxins emitted from automobiles and motorcycles in urban areas create long term respiratory illnesses such as asthma, birth defects, male fertility, and in extreme cases mortality. To illustrate this point, the researchers point to workers in different industries, such as racecar drivers and railway workers, as these professionals demonstrated higher levels of lung cancer and eventual death due to their proximity to the released toxins. In their investigation of the topic, the authors mentioned above of the World Health Organization conduct toxicological research on cells in laboratories exposed to the same toxins from consumer transportation vehicles. Such toxins as benzene, diesel, and butane, as defined by the EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality , are released to the cells, and the mutations of cell behavior are witnessed and logged. In their research, the WHO determined that exposure to these contents caused inflammation, DNA damage, and eventual cell death. The researchers then applied these results to the human population, and determined that they are not only harmful to humans, but should be eliminated to promote a healthy human race for years to come.
Many urban areas in the international community have learned of the negative externality, and are now pushing for new legislation that would ensure healthier living situations for all. In a study by the American Lung Association , Greater Cincinnati is a region with very liberal EPA standards for air-quality, and currently has 409,000 children under the age of 14, and 222,000 adults over the age of 65 affected by illnesses such as cancer and respiratory failures. The study shows that this works out to 5.5% and 7.2% of the respective populations. However, the effects of air pollution are not limited to consumer automobiles and motorcycles. In an article found in Environmental Health Perspectives , a magazine published by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, airplanes are responsible for pumping the highest levels of benzene and formaldehyde into the ozone. In the article, the author writes:
“Airports are among the greatest sources of local air pollution. A major airport's idling and taxiing planes can emit hundreds of tons of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and NOx annually. John F. Kennedy International Airport is the second largest source of VOCs in New York City. LaGuardia is among the major sources of NOx.”
The combination of the mortal and morbid health effects, along with the devastating environmental damages that are taking place due to pollution has prompted the attention of the international community, and has introduced many policies and legislations that dramatically change the economic situations in nations across the globe.
3) Policies for Limiting Pollution:
In order to combat the exponential decay that pollution from transportation related products is bringing to both human health and the environment, many policies have been put in place, and are on the table for further legislative discussion that could change the course of the global economy in the future. The introduction of new products, standards, and taxation laws are adding boundaries to the introduction of pollutants in the future, but like any product or policy, come with various costs and benefits that must be weighed out before being implemented. According to Rita Pandey in her article Economic Policy Instruments for Controlling Vehicular Air Pollution, there are three directions that the industry could move to in order to fix the worsening pollution situation.
1) Environmental Risks Caused by Pollution
Over the past century, the introduction of new products in the transportation sector has increased the economic efficiency of modern day society. With automobiles, employees are able to travel greater distances than before to arrive on time to their work destination. Large semi-trucks with full trailers allow consumer goods to flow across borders to meet their distributors, and airplanes allow businessmen to fly halfway around the world to sign a deal or an economic policy with enough time to be back at home for dinner. On the surface, such goods seem to offer only positive things for our current society. However, basic economic laws teach us that with anything, benefits are always met with costs. Despite the convenience and efficiency that comes with cars, trucks, trains, and airplanes, there are many negative externalities that were not accounted for in their production. Pollution, for example, is a derivative of automobiles that is causing billions of dollars a year in health damages, as well as with fatal long-term damages to our current environment. According to the EPA , carcinogens and other mobile source air toxins (MSAT) are deteriorating the quality of the ozone, making the earth more vulnerable to catastrophic events in the future. The Environmental Protection Agency teaches that the toxins that are emitted daily by transportation vehicles have began to eat away at the surface of the ozone, incrementally increasing the earths temperature, and melting the polar ice-caps in an exponential progress. Other organizations, such as the Natural Resources Defense Council state that the increased heat can cause long-term changes in the earth’s climate, and allow for increased probabilities of flood, drought, and extermination of ecosystems . However, research has proven that the negative effects of pollution are not limited to the environment, and cause even greater immediate effects on the quality of human health.
2) Health Risks of Pollution Caused by Transportation:
Despite the long-term environmental concerns that pollution raises, studies have shown that the health effects caused by daily transportation due to vehicles and airplanes brings forth more devastating and immediate concerns. In an article by the World Health Organization titled Health Effects of Transport-Related Air Pollution , researchers Krzyzanowki, Kuna-Dibber, and Schneider conclude that toxins emitted from automobiles and motorcycles in urban areas create long term respiratory illnesses such as asthma, birth defects, male fertility, and in extreme cases mortality. To illustrate this point, the researchers point to workers in different industries, such as racecar drivers and railway workers, as these professionals demonstrated higher levels of lung cancer and eventual death due to their proximity to the released toxins. In their investigation of the topic, the authors mentioned above of the World Health Organization conduct toxicological research on cells in laboratories exposed to the same toxins from consumer transportation vehicles. Such toxins as benzene, diesel, and butane, as defined by the EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality , are released to the cells, and the mutations of cell behavior are witnessed and logged. In their research, the WHO determined that exposure to these contents caused inflammation, DNA damage, and eventual cell death. The researchers then applied these results to the human population, and determined that they are not only harmful to humans, but should be eliminated to promote a healthy human race for years to come.
Many urban areas in the international community have learned of the negative externality, and are now pushing for new legislation that would ensure healthier living situations for all. In a study by the American Lung Association , Greater Cincinnati is a region with very liberal EPA standards for air-quality, and currently has 409,000 children under the age of 14, and 222,000 adults over the age of 65 affected by illnesses such as cancer and respiratory failures. The study shows that this works out to 5.5% and 7.2% of the respective populations. However, the effects of air pollution are not limited to consumer automobiles and motorcycles. In an article found in Environmental Health Perspectives , a magazine published by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, airplanes are responsible for pumping the highest levels of benzene and formaldehyde into the ozone. In the article, the author writes:
“Airports are among the greatest sources of local air pollution. A major airport's idling and taxiing planes can emit hundreds of tons of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and NOx annually. John F. Kennedy International Airport is the second largest source of VOCs in New York City. LaGuardia is among the major sources of NOx.”
The combination of the mortal and morbid health effects, along with the devastating environmental damages that are taking place due to pollution has prompted the attention of the international community, and has introduced many policies and legislations that dramatically change the economic situations in nations across the globe.
3) Policies for Limiting Pollution:
In order to combat the exponential decay that pollution from transportation related products is bringing to both human health and the environment, many policies have been put in place, and are on the table for further legislative discussion that could change the course of the global economy in the future. The introduction of new products, standards, and taxation laws are adding boundaries to the introduction of pollutants in the future, but like any product or policy, come with various costs and benefits that must be weighed out before being implemented. According to Rita Pandey in her article Economic Policy Instruments for Controlling Vehicular Air Pollution, there are three directions that the industry could move to in order to fix the worsening pollution situation.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Blogging.
Even though my assignment of blogging at my convenience is coming to an end, this blog is not. I am going to continue blogging and switch up the content a little bit. I am going to try out new restaurants and blog about them with added pictures and such. Hope you guys will still follow :) Thank you for all your support.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Study Abroad.
When one is given the opportunity to study abroad, he or she shall take it without a moments pause because it is a wonderful experience to endure.
Weekend Box Office
With the recession in progress, movies seem to be doing quite well and seem to be an escape from reality for a couple of hours.
USA Weekend Box-Office Summary
Rank Title Weekend Gross
1 A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010) $32.9M $32.9M
2 How to Train Your Dragon (2010) $10.6M $192M
3 Date Night (2010) $7.58M $73.6M
4 The Back-up Plan (2010) $7.26M $23M
5 Furry Vengeance (2010) $6.63M $6.63M
6 The Losers (2010/I) $5.89M $18M
7 Clash of the Titans (2010) $5.86M $154M
8 Kick-Ass (2010) $4.52M $42.2M
9 Death at a Funeral (2010) $4.12M $34.9M
10 Océans (2009) $2.56M $13.5M
USA Weekend Box-Office Summary
Rank Title Weekend Gross
1 A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010) $32.9M $32.9M
2 How to Train Your Dragon (2010) $10.6M $192M
3 Date Night (2010) $7.58M $73.6M
4 The Back-up Plan (2010) $7.26M $23M
5 Furry Vengeance (2010) $6.63M $6.63M
6 The Losers (2010/I) $5.89M $18M
7 Clash of the Titans (2010) $5.86M $154M
8 Kick-Ass (2010) $4.52M $42.2M
9 Death at a Funeral (2010) $4.12M $34.9M
10 Océans (2009) $2.56M $13.5M
Monday, May 3, 2010
Avatar Controversy [Re-write]
James Cameron has done it again! Avatar has truly made a name for itself in the film industry and has left audiences with a meaningful movie-going experience. Cameron made Titanic, which is one of the highest grossing films in history, and once again has won audiences over, with his new feature Avatar. Avatar envelops all your senses and brings you into a mesmerizing fantasy adventure that you will be so glad that you experienced.
Avatar is about a physically disabled human being, Marine Jake Sully, whose spirit and inner-soul and power was able to save the Na’vi tribe. When his brother was killed at the beginning of the movie, Sulley decides to take his brother’s place in the challenging mission. There, he learns of greedy corporate figurehead Parker Selfridge's intentions of driving off the native humanoid, Na'vi, in order to mine for the precious material that are known to be placed throughout their rich woodland. In exchange for the spinal surgery – that will ultimately fix his legs – Jake gathers Intel for the cooperating military unit spearheaded by gung-ho Colonel Quaritch, while simultaneously attempting to infiltrate the Na'vi people with the use of an "avatar" identity. While trying to fulfill the needs of the outer world in his undertaking, plans change as he falls in love with a Na’vi native, Neytiri. Only fate will determine what is in store for them in the future.
Being an avid moviegoer, I can tell when a movie is made for the dark room and is well worth seeing. And Ladies and Gentlemen, Avatar is one of those movies. I solidly believe movies are watched to escape reality and are seen for pure enjoyment. However, reading blog posts about this movie have proved me wrong. Many bloggers have expressed their views about Avatar’s hidden messages and how the movie acts as a religious controversy. Avatar was in the filmmaking process for over a decade, which proves that all the connection to war and politics are incongruent with time. I personally don’t understand how people can watch a beautifully made movie and then state that the movie was bad because they did not agree with the plot or the idea in the movie. I guess it can be argued that everyone does not see everything from the same lens and may perceive things a lot different than their peers, however, bashing the movie is not a way to go about stating one’s opinion.
Blogs such as “Heresy Corner” attacked the film for having an underlying political message that the American troops are evil because they are trying to ruin the living environment of the Na’vi people. According to this specific blog, the whole concept of the movie was striving to prove industrialism’s evils versus simplicity and natural life. However, I interpreted Avatar according to its face value and not according the political stigmas that lay behind this genius production. In fact, James Cameron was inspired to make Avatar because of his love for the natural world. He loved being in the woods as a child, so he mixed up his affection for the natural environment along with science fiction to create his Oscar winning Avatar. Cameron is also involved in numerous environmental efforts because his movie connected to environmentalists all around the globe. He released the movie on Earth day to remind his viewers that Avatar is an environmentally conscious film as the environment is one of the unique centerpieces of the movie. Sebastian states that the Vatican believes that the movie preaches pantheism, which is a nature religion. Cameron’s love for nature has vividly been revealed in this film; yet, to say that the movie preaches pantheistic beliefs, in my humble opinion, is simply pushing it. All these facts about Cameron also prove that Heresy Corner has truly misinterpreted chunks of the film.
Brent Riggs is another blogger who feels strongly that Avatar is a left-wing movie which promotes the principle that “white corporate America is greedy,” and that the “military is death-loving [and] peace hating.” He also acknowledges the fact that moviegoers are brainwashed and are used to movies like Avatar, so we accept the messages the movie is sending to us. However, Riggs does admit that it was a spectacular movie and an invigorating experience. Yet, I believe that Riggs looked at the context of the movie too in depth and did not appreciate the work that went into making Avatar. When the military is trying to mine for precious goods and resources in the Na’vi environment and tries to take over the Na’vi land, this practice simply shows Cameron’s belief that people should appreciate others’ land and appreciate the nature surrounding them.
Bloggers are not the only ones who see a problem with this film, as major corporations such as CNN have thoughts on Avatar as well. CNN has publically mentioned that their company believes that Cameron’s movie is anti-religious, yet pro-environment. Even though CNN agrees with one of the movie’s underlying messages of ‘nature’, its interpretation of Avatar as being anti-religious is certainly wrong. Simply because Cameron does not give the people living in the ancient world of Pandora a religion, it does not mean that the movie is meant to be anti-religious. CNN also states that Cameron is accused of making a film that depicts the military as the “bad guys”, trying to illustrate that Cameron does not respect American ‘military culture’. Newsflash! If CNN would research a little about Cameron’s life, they would find that he has a brother who was a former marine and that Cameron has great respect for the military.
Nevertheless, the majorities of people who have watched Avatar have appreciated the movie and have also stated their opinions all around the web and print media.
Waddah Jerk is a neutral blogger who mentions that Avatar relates to the Iraq war, spiritualism, and a greener environment. I believe that Cameron put these intertwining thoughts in his phenomenal motion picture in order to make Avatar relate to the widest audience possible; in turn yielding the greatest amounts of profits as well. Therefore, by intelligently inserting issues pertaining to the wide society, Cameron was able to connect to both moviegoers and non-moviegoers around the globe. In general terms, when audiences can relate to a piece of work that one has created, they feel a sense of connection to the filmmaker and people who are involved in the film, in turn developing a love for a maker of a movie and his or her skill set. Henceforth, when a new movie in the future comes out with Cameron’s name on it, (for example) massive audiences will rush to theaters to watch the film, as they are already aware of his brilliance and talent.
Huffington Post has praised the film for being “imaginatively absorbing.” Well-known movie critics agree with Huffington Post about Avatar and overall, their reviews, like mine are mostly positive.
All these blog posts and reactions are simply able to depict that audiences look into movies for more than pure and simple enjoyment, as they like to look at the deeper meanings of films and come up with their own positions of each film. All movies are seen from different perspectives and audiences have different outlooks on life, which in turn are able to make them interpret things differently.
Avatar has set the bar for future films and I cannot wait until the sequel of Avatar will come to theaters, but until then . . . ☺
Avatar is about a physically disabled human being, Marine Jake Sully, whose spirit and inner-soul and power was able to save the Na’vi tribe. When his brother was killed at the beginning of the movie, Sulley decides to take his brother’s place in the challenging mission. There, he learns of greedy corporate figurehead Parker Selfridge's intentions of driving off the native humanoid, Na'vi, in order to mine for the precious material that are known to be placed throughout their rich woodland. In exchange for the spinal surgery – that will ultimately fix his legs – Jake gathers Intel for the cooperating military unit spearheaded by gung-ho Colonel Quaritch, while simultaneously attempting to infiltrate the Na'vi people with the use of an "avatar" identity. While trying to fulfill the needs of the outer world in his undertaking, plans change as he falls in love with a Na’vi native, Neytiri. Only fate will determine what is in store for them in the future.
Being an avid moviegoer, I can tell when a movie is made for the dark room and is well worth seeing. And Ladies and Gentlemen, Avatar is one of those movies. I solidly believe movies are watched to escape reality and are seen for pure enjoyment. However, reading blog posts about this movie have proved me wrong. Many bloggers have expressed their views about Avatar’s hidden messages and how the movie acts as a religious controversy. Avatar was in the filmmaking process for over a decade, which proves that all the connection to war and politics are incongruent with time. I personally don’t understand how people can watch a beautifully made movie and then state that the movie was bad because they did not agree with the plot or the idea in the movie. I guess it can be argued that everyone does not see everything from the same lens and may perceive things a lot different than their peers, however, bashing the movie is not a way to go about stating one’s opinion.
Blogs such as “Heresy Corner” attacked the film for having an underlying political message that the American troops are evil because they are trying to ruin the living environment of the Na’vi people. According to this specific blog, the whole concept of the movie was striving to prove industrialism’s evils versus simplicity and natural life. However, I interpreted Avatar according to its face value and not according the political stigmas that lay behind this genius production. In fact, James Cameron was inspired to make Avatar because of his love for the natural world. He loved being in the woods as a child, so he mixed up his affection for the natural environment along with science fiction to create his Oscar winning Avatar. Cameron is also involved in numerous environmental efforts because his movie connected to environmentalists all around the globe. He released the movie on Earth day to remind his viewers that Avatar is an environmentally conscious film as the environment is one of the unique centerpieces of the movie. Sebastian states that the Vatican believes that the movie preaches pantheism, which is a nature religion. Cameron’s love for nature has vividly been revealed in this film; yet, to say that the movie preaches pantheistic beliefs, in my humble opinion, is simply pushing it. All these facts about Cameron also prove that Heresy Corner has truly misinterpreted chunks of the film.
Brent Riggs is another blogger who feels strongly that Avatar is a left-wing movie which promotes the principle that “white corporate America is greedy,” and that the “military is death-loving [and] peace hating.” He also acknowledges the fact that moviegoers are brainwashed and are used to movies like Avatar, so we accept the messages the movie is sending to us. However, Riggs does admit that it was a spectacular movie and an invigorating experience. Yet, I believe that Riggs looked at the context of the movie too in depth and did not appreciate the work that went into making Avatar. When the military is trying to mine for precious goods and resources in the Na’vi environment and tries to take over the Na’vi land, this practice simply shows Cameron’s belief that people should appreciate others’ land and appreciate the nature surrounding them.
Bloggers are not the only ones who see a problem with this film, as major corporations such as CNN have thoughts on Avatar as well. CNN has publically mentioned that their company believes that Cameron’s movie is anti-religious, yet pro-environment. Even though CNN agrees with one of the movie’s underlying messages of ‘nature’, its interpretation of Avatar as being anti-religious is certainly wrong. Simply because Cameron does not give the people living in the ancient world of Pandora a religion, it does not mean that the movie is meant to be anti-religious. CNN also states that Cameron is accused of making a film that depicts the military as the “bad guys”, trying to illustrate that Cameron does not respect American ‘military culture’. Newsflash! If CNN would research a little about Cameron’s life, they would find that he has a brother who was a former marine and that Cameron has great respect for the military.
Nevertheless, the majorities of people who have watched Avatar have appreciated the movie and have also stated their opinions all around the web and print media.
Waddah Jerk is a neutral blogger who mentions that Avatar relates to the Iraq war, spiritualism, and a greener environment. I believe that Cameron put these intertwining thoughts in his phenomenal motion picture in order to make Avatar relate to the widest audience possible; in turn yielding the greatest amounts of profits as well. Therefore, by intelligently inserting issues pertaining to the wide society, Cameron was able to connect to both moviegoers and non-moviegoers around the globe. In general terms, when audiences can relate to a piece of work that one has created, they feel a sense of connection to the filmmaker and people who are involved in the film, in turn developing a love for a maker of a movie and his or her skill set. Henceforth, when a new movie in the future comes out with Cameron’s name on it, (for example) massive audiences will rush to theaters to watch the film, as they are already aware of his brilliance and talent.
Huffington Post has praised the film for being “imaginatively absorbing.” Well-known movie critics agree with Huffington Post about Avatar and overall, their reviews, like mine are mostly positive.
All these blog posts and reactions are simply able to depict that audiences look into movies for more than pure and simple enjoyment, as they like to look at the deeper meanings of films and come up with their own positions of each film. All movies are seen from different perspectives and audiences have different outlooks on life, which in turn are able to make them interpret things differently.
Avatar has set the bar for future films and I cannot wait until the sequel of Avatar will come to theaters, but until then . . . ☺
Deals in Movie Business
The following are types of deals between a studio and a writer, a producer, or other producing entity and how they differ from the others. If you want to know a little more about movie business, then this is for you :)
a. Development Deal: A non-exclusive arrangement between two parties to develop a screenplay from an original idea, or a novel, play, magazine article, into a screenplay. A producer creates an idea and will either hire a writer out of his/her own money or go to a studio for development money to hire a writer. It is usually between a writer and a producer, but may include a director as well. Since the two parties are not exclusive, unlike the First Look or Exclusive Deals, the producer is able to share the project with others if the main project plan does not work out.
b. First Look Deal: A producer presents any idea to a movie studio first and if the studio does not want to develop the idea, then the producer can pitch the idea to another studio or financier once the contract of the deal has ended. This is an agreement lasting three or more years between a movie studio and a producing entity on a first look basis. Producers, directors, writers and actors/actresses can act as the producing entities in a First Look Deal. This deal differs from a Development deal because it is more formal and has terms and agreements attached to it. Also the development deal is between a writer and a producing entity, while a First Look Deal is between a studio and a producing entity. In the First Look Deal the producing entity is able to present to idea over and over again to many studios until it finally works out, however, in an Exclusive Deal the producing entity is not able to jump around to different studios to present the same idea and the studio has the power to decide whether to release the idea’s rights or not.
c. Exclusive Deal: Similar to the First Look Deal, the Exclusive Deal is also an agreement that lasts three or more years between a movie studio and a producing entity, however, it is on an exclusive basis. A producing entity can be a writer, director, actor, or producer who can introduce an idea to a movie studio; However, if the movie studio is not fond of the idea and does not want to develop it, then the producing entity cannot go to another movie studio and share the same idea. In a First Look Deal, the producing entity is able to distribute the idea to other movie studios if the original movie studio does not want to develop the idea, but in an Exclusive Deal, the producing entity cannot. Also, the Development Deal is different from the Exclusive Deal because an in an Exclusive deal actually involves a certain agreement where the idea cannot shared with others, while the Development Deal is less formal and does not contain any strict rules or regulations.
a. Development Deal: A non-exclusive arrangement between two parties to develop a screenplay from an original idea, or a novel, play, magazine article, into a screenplay. A producer creates an idea and will either hire a writer out of his/her own money or go to a studio for development money to hire a writer. It is usually between a writer and a producer, but may include a director as well. Since the two parties are not exclusive, unlike the First Look or Exclusive Deals, the producer is able to share the project with others if the main project plan does not work out.
b. First Look Deal: A producer presents any idea to a movie studio first and if the studio does not want to develop the idea, then the producer can pitch the idea to another studio or financier once the contract of the deal has ended. This is an agreement lasting three or more years between a movie studio and a producing entity on a first look basis. Producers, directors, writers and actors/actresses can act as the producing entities in a First Look Deal. This deal differs from a Development deal because it is more formal and has terms and agreements attached to it. Also the development deal is between a writer and a producing entity, while a First Look Deal is between a studio and a producing entity. In the First Look Deal the producing entity is able to present to idea over and over again to many studios until it finally works out, however, in an Exclusive Deal the producing entity is not able to jump around to different studios to present the same idea and the studio has the power to decide whether to release the idea’s rights or not.
c. Exclusive Deal: Similar to the First Look Deal, the Exclusive Deal is also an agreement that lasts three or more years between a movie studio and a producing entity, however, it is on an exclusive basis. A producing entity can be a writer, director, actor, or producer who can introduce an idea to a movie studio; However, if the movie studio is not fond of the idea and does not want to develop it, then the producing entity cannot go to another movie studio and share the same idea. In a First Look Deal, the producing entity is able to distribute the idea to other movie studios if the original movie studio does not want to develop the idea, but in an Exclusive Deal, the producing entity cannot. Also, the Development Deal is different from the Exclusive Deal because an in an Exclusive deal actually involves a certain agreement where the idea cannot shared with others, while the Development Deal is less formal and does not contain any strict rules or regulations.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Other Sources of Revenues For Movies
Here are just a few other ways for a movie to gain money outside the initial release at the box office.
a. Foreign Theatrical Release → which is the money from ticket sales in foreign countries, which does not include North America. There is also profit when the movie is released to DVD/VHS and revenue can also be accumulated by foreign cable and foreign TV.
b. Pay Per View Option → which charges money from licensed subscribers willing to pay a one-time fee to view a movie, most often utilized by hotel and airline guests.
c. DVD/VHS cassette sales and rentals → Revenue from the sale and rental of DVDs to the public, which can also be purchased online (Netflix) or video stores (Blockbuster).
a. Foreign Theatrical Release → which is the money from ticket sales in foreign countries, which does not include North America. There is also profit when the movie is released to DVD/VHS and revenue can also be accumulated by foreign cable and foreign TV.
b. Pay Per View Option → which charges money from licensed subscribers willing to pay a one-time fee to view a movie, most often utilized by hotel and airline guests.
c. DVD/VHS cassette sales and rentals → Revenue from the sale and rental of DVDs to the public, which can also be purchased online (Netflix) or video stores (Blockbuster).
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Turnaround
Not all box-office hits are "green-lit" (accepted) by the studios at first glance. There is a process called turnaround." Turnaround is the process when a movie studio or the person financing the movie doesn’t want to spend any more money on the script, so it goes into abandonment. If the screenplay has a turnaround clause, the producer or movie studio can sell the screenplay to other companies and simply need to pay back the original cost to the studio with interest to the studio that put it through abandonment. A few turnaround movies are ET, Forrest Gump, and Shakespeare in Love. If a project goes into turnaround and no one picks it up then its dead and the producer or movie studio should move on. Also, during this whole process the script, producer, talent, or director can all change.
So, next time you see a movie you really enjoyed, know that it takes more than just money to make it.
So, next time you see a movie you really enjoyed, know that it takes more than just money to make it.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Novel Cafe.
I have lived in Los Angeles all my life and I still have so much to see. I am trying this new thing where I am trying to go eat at restaurants and cafe's which I have never been too. Today was the start to my adventure and I went to Novel Cafe. They have a few locations in Los Angeles, but I went to the one on Ocean Park Blvd. in Santa Monica. The thing that caught my eye about this place was the wide selection of food. It served breakfast all day and had lunch AND dinner food. I knew that this place was calling my name and I needed to go. So I embarked on my journey. I went to dinner with a friend and our expectations were far less than what was percieved. We had a great experience and the service was FaNtAsTiC! They even had Ballroom dancing music playing in the background. We went a little late so there wasn't a lot of people there, but it was still a good place. Oh and the best part is that there was free WiFi, so if you want to ever study at a cafe, this is the spot
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Movie Necessities.
The five major elements that a studio considers in selecting a project to put through the production process are the script/screenplay, director, producer, an acceptable budget, and “star power.” “Star power” refers to the actors and actresses that come with a specific project. The screenplay is ultimately “gold” because it is the building block for all the other four elements that essentially get a project made.
Also, three things that can happen to a screenplay developed at a major studio can . . .
1. It can be put into production and get ultimately made.
2. It can be abandoned and go into turnaround.
3. The movie studio can shop it and another financier (100%, 50%, etc) can pick up the project
It is very important that a studio tries to fill all these elements in a movie, because that is what can determine ultimate success.
Also, three things that can happen to a screenplay developed at a major studio can . . .
1. It can be put into production and get ultimately made.
2. It can be abandoned and go into turnaround.
3. The movie studio can shop it and another financier (100%, 50%, etc) can pick up the project
It is very important that a studio tries to fill all these elements in a movie, because that is what can determine ultimate success.
Friday, April 23, 2010
the cheating game.
Whoever said cheating the system will get you in big trouble is certainly proven wrong over the Goldman Sach's Situation. They made $5.4 Billion over just three months of work all while being sued by the Securities & Exchange Commissions for Fraud facing an EU investigation. They are still going strong and are still the largest investment bank who will get out of this mess pretty quickly. Goldman Sach's made a crazy amount of money betting on mortgages, while the economy was going downhill. They thought they were doing something ethical, when in fact it was deemed as unethical. They took clients money when they knew that a deal would go bad. However, Goldman Sach's has been in trouble with the law quite often that they know how to play the cheating game and get away with it.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Persian Heritage
Escaping the Iranian Revolution in 1978, United States was the place my parents were forced to call home. They had to leave all their belongings and prized possessions in Iran and leave with only the clothes on their backs. They came to America and started from the bottom up, regardless if they were wealthy or not. A lot of Iranian degrees were not valid in the United States. So, whether you were a teacher, a doctor or a well known business man, you were simply labeled as an immigrant who did not know the English language. In order to assimilate, the Persian people had to learn a new language, a new culture and a whole new way to try to connect their heritage in their new home. Unlike American culture, the Persian culture is very strong in the sense that even thought the persian had to assimilate, they still kept their language and heritage alive (to some degree).
However, do the children who were born in America in these Persian cultured homes still consider themselves more Persian than American. Well, the answer is that it all depends on how much your parents have instilled the culture in their children. Personally, I am a Persian first generation American Citizen, but consider my self more Persian than American. I was brought up with the values of the Persian culture and were taught many of the traditions that my parents followed in Iran. Yet, as you go down the line to the younger generation, they would consider themselves more American than Persian. This is so, because the younger generation have parents who are first generation Americans and grew up in America. In a few decades I wonder if the children of the next generations will even know Farsi or any of the culture. Now it is up to organizations to perhaps teach the American-Persians about their culture and how easy they have it compared to Iran.
However, do the children who were born in America in these Persian cultured homes still consider themselves more Persian than American. Well, the answer is that it all depends on how much your parents have instilled the culture in their children. Personally, I am a Persian first generation American Citizen, but consider my self more Persian than American. I was brought up with the values of the Persian culture and were taught many of the traditions that my parents followed in Iran. Yet, as you go down the line to the younger generation, they would consider themselves more American than Persian. This is so, because the younger generation have parents who are first generation Americans and grew up in America. In a few decades I wonder if the children of the next generations will even know Farsi or any of the culture. Now it is up to organizations to perhaps teach the American-Persians about their culture and how easy they have it compared to Iran.
Blogging in itself.
I am taking blogging to a whole new level.
The reason I originally started blogging is because it was sort of forced by an English course which I am taking. Before creating "The Scoop," I have never written a blog or was a part of a web-conversation. Honestly, I am neutral when it comes the stating my opinion and didn't even really care about blogs. When I was first assigned to create this blog, I was so lost and did not even know where to begin. I did not know how to set it up, was frankly too lazy to be typing all day and I did not even know what to write about! Many students found blogging to be better than writing papers for a class, yet, frankly speaking, I viewed blogging as mostly a burden. Why would people care about what I - out of all people - have to say. I simply hated the assignment. We had to continuously be blogging about whatever comes to mind and we did not need to have a certain pattern in our blog posts.
Because of my lack of enthusiasm, I - of course - lagged on writing on my blog and wouldn't really write that much (when I did end up blogging). I would blog here and there because I had to, NOT because I wanted to. But, I soon realized that not constantly updating my blog would bite me in the behind when it came towards the end of the semester.
As the semester came close to the end, I realized that my blog lacks some umph and did not have many posts. So, I started to fill the empty space with things that would actually relate to my life to make the assignment a little more interesting. As I started to get in the real mode of blogging, I soon learned that this assignment is not really that bad. I started to view blogging as more as an activity to get your thoughts out, rather than an assignment. I am a little bothered by the fact that I did not realize the true essence of blogging earlier in the term, but I learned a lot more from this experience.
One learns that in life comes challenges that they must face with open arms, because if you don't, the challenge will get a lot harder. As the great saying goes, you live and you learn. I did not enjoy blogging at all at the beginning of my forced assignment, but I realized it is a fun way to express my viewpoints and no one can say whether you are right or wrong. Next time I am faced with a challenge that I do not necessarily favor, I am going to try my very best to fight it back with all my might.
The reason I originally started blogging is because it was sort of forced by an English course which I am taking. Before creating "The Scoop," I have never written a blog or was a part of a web-conversation. Honestly, I am neutral when it comes the stating my opinion and didn't even really care about blogs. When I was first assigned to create this blog, I was so lost and did not even know where to begin. I did not know how to set it up, was frankly too lazy to be typing all day and I did not even know what to write about! Many students found blogging to be better than writing papers for a class, yet, frankly speaking, I viewed blogging as mostly a burden. Why would people care about what I - out of all people - have to say. I simply hated the assignment. We had to continuously be blogging about whatever comes to mind and we did not need to have a certain pattern in our blog posts.
Because of my lack of enthusiasm, I - of course - lagged on writing on my blog and wouldn't really write that much (when I did end up blogging). I would blog here and there because I had to, NOT because I wanted to. But, I soon realized that not constantly updating my blog would bite me in the behind when it came towards the end of the semester.
As the semester came close to the end, I realized that my blog lacks some umph and did not have many posts. So, I started to fill the empty space with things that would actually relate to my life to make the assignment a little more interesting. As I started to get in the real mode of blogging, I soon learned that this assignment is not really that bad. I started to view blogging as more as an activity to get your thoughts out, rather than an assignment. I am a little bothered by the fact that I did not realize the true essence of blogging earlier in the term, but I learned a lot more from this experience.
One learns that in life comes challenges that they must face with open arms, because if you don't, the challenge will get a lot harder. As the great saying goes, you live and you learn. I did not enjoy blogging at all at the beginning of my forced assignment, but I realized it is a fun way to express my viewpoints and no one can say whether you are right or wrong. Next time I am faced with a challenge that I do not necessarily favor, I am going to try my very best to fight it back with all my might.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
The Recession.
We all know that the recovery from the most recent recession seems never ending. Ever since economists have stated that we are in a recession, many people have lost their jobs, lost their homes and have cut back on many spending habits. I have even been shopping in high-end stores and I have over-heard people saying, "Don't designers know that we are in a recession. Look at these prices!" The standard of living for many have gradually dropped and people are learning to live on a budget. I sympathize with the innocent people who have lost their jobs or have merely cut back on their spending habits. Ever since the recession happened, I constantly think of how I can save money and being more conscious about my spending habits. In a recent article by Social & Demographics Trends, the researchers have mentioned that the birthrates have even declined in the recession. Many feel that they do not have the investment needed to raise a child in this economy.
But, analysts have stated that the end seems closer than expected. MarketWatch agrees that the economy is growing, but it simply takes some time. The economy will not go back to it's old growth patterns, however, there should be high growth rates in the near future. Hopefully, people learn from history and we will be able to avoid future economic recessions.
But, analysts have stated that the end seems closer than expected. MarketWatch agrees that the economy is growing, but it simply takes some time. The economy will not go back to it's old growth patterns, however, there should be high growth rates in the near future. Hopefully, people learn from history and we will be able to avoid future economic recessions.
Media Today
As newspapers continue to roll in debt because of the printing costs, the internet is soaring. This fact alone is scaring a lot of American's who enjoy reading the physical paper everyday. The question is raised: What is going to happen to the future print media outlets? The people who are creating new technology, such as the I-Pad and Kindle, think that their prime audience, young adults aging from 18 to 35, demand these new technological advances. But, I was having a class discussion with my peers the other day and this is surely not the case! I am not denying that people want to stay ancient with their flip phones and large textbooks, but people in the age range of 18 to 35 don't mind doing things the old fashioned way, like flipping through a newspaper rather than reading an article online. I have to admit, I am one of those people who enjoy reading from a textbook and highlighting/writing notes and some of my colleagues are too. Having the tangible paper in my hand and reading it is all about the experience, but when you read the same article online, one does not have the same feeling.
A point that one of my classmates brought up is that people in this day and age are very possessive about their belongings, so not having a tangible book as opposed to having it on a kindle is not good enough for some people. Kimi Raikkonen, a fellow blogger, also has an interesting viewpoint on how people are possessive even with their belongings and human beings at a very young age. People want to be able to show off their possessions, but if everything is electronic or not as big anymore, will people still buy new advances in technology? This is simply my personal opinion because I was brought up in an era where students had to lug around textbooks and other forms of literature for a particular course or simply leisure. But, if this was my little sister's opinion, everything would be electronic. She is still in elementary school, but all her books and assignments are required to be online. Marketers think that my generation is the target audience for their electronic devices, however the younger generation seems to be more tech-savvy than me and my peers.
As time passes, researchers will see the new impact of the information age and how it affects future generations of print media and online media outlets.
A point that one of my classmates brought up is that people in this day and age are very possessive about their belongings, so not having a tangible book as opposed to having it on a kindle is not good enough for some people. Kimi Raikkonen, a fellow blogger, also has an interesting viewpoint on how people are possessive even with their belongings and human beings at a very young age. People want to be able to show off their possessions, but if everything is electronic or not as big anymore, will people still buy new advances in technology? This is simply my personal opinion because I was brought up in an era where students had to lug around textbooks and other forms of literature for a particular course or simply leisure. But, if this was my little sister's opinion, everything would be electronic. She is still in elementary school, but all her books and assignments are required to be online. Marketers think that my generation is the target audience for their electronic devices, however the younger generation seems to be more tech-savvy than me and my peers.
As time passes, researchers will see the new impact of the information age and how it affects future generations of print media and online media outlets.
Coachella
I was fortunate enough to go to Indio Valley this weekend for the Annual Coachella Festival and it was AMAZING!! For people who are not familiar with Coachella, it is a music festival with over 60 artists who perform all genres and have their own performances at the three day festival. This year it was held from April 16 to April 18. It was the first year that the business minds behind Coachella only sold three day pass wristbands for a whopping $300. And guess What!?!?!?!?! Coachella even SOLD OUT! That's ridiculous! People have estimated that 75,000 people showed up for Coachella, however, being an attendee of the music festival, I thought there were a lot more people there (considering the fact that many of them snuck in). I witnessed so many people sneaking in and running away from security and I even saw some young women who was unsuccessful at sneaking in that was forced to the ground by security. My favorite performance was by Jay-Z because he is a natural performer and engages his fans. He brought Beyonce as a surprise, who was PHENOMENAL, and I think I would have paid $300 just to see that. Other performers such as Pheoneix, Infected Mushrooms, Benny Bennassi, David Guetta, Caskade and many more were also great. I hope to go next year and see who the surprise guests are going to be.
Friday, April 16, 2010
"Amelia"
Here are some of my thoughts of "Amelia" the movie, which was recently released on DVD.
As you all know, Amelia Earhart is a world rewound icon who flew the first plane unaccompanied across the Pacific. Therefore, her experience is an influential and educational learning opportunity for all. This movie had stars including Richard Gere and Hilary Swank, but did not seem to do well at the box office opening weekend at all. This was an extraordinary movie that should have done well, so what went wrong? Fox Searchlight advertised in the normal media outlets they usually advertise in for their specific niche market movies and that was exactly the problem. All of Fox Searchlight's movies are catered to specific audiences and the audiences that we wanted did not attend their movie. If the marketing department had followed normal marketing guidelines for this specific movie and had followed through with the promotions that I had put in line for them, this movie would have been a hit!
First off, the target audience would be the older generation that was alive during this time, so they would automatically go and watch this movie. As for the younger generation, Fox Searchlight should have made a partnership with the local elementary schools in the area to come watch our movie at a discounted rate because of the learning aspect of the movie. This is movie has a PG rating so parents would approve for their children to watch this spectacular film. Museums could have clips of this movie in their aviation exhibits that would also inform and attract people to watch this movie. This would get more audiences through theater doors. Also, this movie should have been made in 3-D. Going digital is key today and this film has all the aspects to show in IMAX and 3-D. Children would have loved this and it would have been an interesting twist to avid moviegoers. The planes could have jumped at you and flown around the room and it would have made a great experience for everyone. Making Amelia in IMAX 3-D could have made Fox Searchlight's sales rise, but they did not.
As you all know, Amelia Earhart is a world rewound icon who flew the first plane unaccompanied across the Pacific. Therefore, her experience is an influential and educational learning opportunity for all. This movie had stars including Richard Gere and Hilary Swank, but did not seem to do well at the box office opening weekend at all. This was an extraordinary movie that should have done well, so what went wrong? Fox Searchlight advertised in the normal media outlets they usually advertise in for their specific niche market movies and that was exactly the problem. All of Fox Searchlight's movies are catered to specific audiences and the audiences that we wanted did not attend their movie. If the marketing department had followed normal marketing guidelines for this specific movie and had followed through with the promotions that I had put in line for them, this movie would have been a hit!
First off, the target audience would be the older generation that was alive during this time, so they would automatically go and watch this movie. As for the younger generation, Fox Searchlight should have made a partnership with the local elementary schools in the area to come watch our movie at a discounted rate because of the learning aspect of the movie. This is movie has a PG rating so parents would approve for their children to watch this spectacular film. Museums could have clips of this movie in their aviation exhibits that would also inform and attract people to watch this movie. This would get more audiences through theater doors. Also, this movie should have been made in 3-D. Going digital is key today and this film has all the aspects to show in IMAX and 3-D. Children would have loved this and it would have been an interesting twist to avid moviegoers. The planes could have jumped at you and flown around the room and it would have made a great experience for everyone. Making Amelia in IMAX 3-D could have made Fox Searchlight's sales rise, but they did not.
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