October 2008
23 posts
thinking that producing TV for the web is like broadcasting a radio show on television.
done. emailing final script to the client.
writing the intro and conclusion in the teleprompter.
our executive talent has been steered back to a conventional interview setup. he’s speaking naturally and comfortably.
shooting intro and wrap up.
setting up for a green screen shoot.
upon request, setting up for an “interview” without an interviewer, talent to read his prepared answers off teleprompter - a dubious idea.
“Snow Angels” (2007) lulls you into the boredom of commonplace failures and stilted lives, to personally involve you in ordinary tragedy.
Studio Ghibli’s “Grave of the Fireflies” (1988) is sweet tragic realistic impressionism, and no one’s idea of an after school cartoon.
Movie Night features “Grave of the Fireflies”.
The King of Kong: character-driven narrative sustains interest throughout this 79 minute documentary about high scoring Donkey Kong players.
watching the Cowboy Bebop series again, for the second time.
thinking “Cowboy Bepop” makes better use of music than any other animated series — and most other television serials, for that matter.
wishing all formulaic TV series would occasionally experiment with the cadence of their weekly recipe.
“Three Stories” (episode 21) has the most inventive and thoughtfully crafted plot line from the first season of “House” (2004).
“Serenity” (2005): this enjoyable romp through a dangerous solar system leaves one thinking Joss Whedon used to play the “Traveller” RPG.
the long takes of “Good Night, and Good Luck” create more smoky mood than drama, teaching a forgettable lesson about truth and courage.
alternating between quaint and horrific, “The Kite Runner” personalizes the decades of war and strife that have denuded a nation.
the dreary character driven plot of “Smart People” fails to carry us anywhere we haven’t been before. rating = take a nap, instead.
reflecting on films watched this week…
the adolescent, self-indulgent death fantasy of “In A Glass Cage” smells like regurgitated film school curricula. rating = 100 minutes lost.
“No End in Sight” (2007) is packed thick with information about the occupation of Iraq, mostly verbal, needing more visual reinforcement.
Six Feet Under: though slightly disappointed by the final episode, can’t wait to watching the whole series again, some time.