Fox's "On the Lot" should've been great. It's to filmmakers what "Project Runway" was to fashion designers. The problem is it seems the typical American viewer isn't really interested in how movies are made, forcing Mark Burnett and company to retool the show over the weekend.
The rush job shows. Host Chelsea Handler was replaced by Adrianna Costa (who looks like a cross between Eva Longoria and Scarlett Johansson) and the format is now a blatant rip-off of "Rockstar." Well, I'll take what I can; at least I'm seeing original shorts by new filmmakers.
The trouble with the text-based voting, though, is that it isn't really the best way to gauge the best fiilmmaker. The first three to be removed (all Europeans, BTW) are also some of the more promising ones. Carolina from Spain, for one, had a very interesting dark comedy short. How she was booted out over the idiot who can't even tell a coherent story (Wack Alley Cab) is beyond me.
Ah, but that's text-based democracy for you.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Heaving bosoms trump bad writing
You don't need to be a writer to appreciate Jane Espenson's blog. Though geared towards aspiring TV scribes, the entries provide great insight for TV viewers interested in learning what makes their favorite shows good (and what a Hollywood writer has for lunch). One article in particular details how a typical writer's room works (at least for US genre shows).
Which leads me to wonder how the writing is done on local shows like "Asian Treasures" or "Rounin." Is there some sort of planning going on? Do they map out story and character arcs in advance? Do they even write episodically, or is the orientation more like soap opera? Is each episode divided into act breaks? Do they have an end in mind? Do they even think about these things?
While I appreciate the networks' effort to create original action-adventure / genre programming, I'm not satisfied with what they produce. Cheap stuff from the US (like the Blade TV series) show better writing. The pacing is glacial (something the Koreanovelas reinforce) while the plots leave much to be desired.
In one episode of "Asian Treasures" the adventurers are looking for an amulet while defusing bombs (Pipe bombs! Please, konting research naman dyan.) in Manila City Hall. The story hardly moves. Imagine an entire Act (that is, the time in between commercial breaks) spent in two interiors talking. Which is fine if the dialog is smart and the actors engaging. "The West Wing" had an episode set almost entirely in a conference room with talking heads (Season 3's Isaac and Ishmael) yet still managed to be riveting.
Of course "Buffy"-level dialogue or "Veronica Mars"-type characterization is probably too much to ask for local networks. While "The Simpsons" can afford as many as 20 full-time writers in its staff, I'd be surprised if the local ones have more than 3, all of whom are also working on other major network shows.
One solution could involve using a different production model. Instead of trying to emulate the US market, it would probably be good for us to try the BBC or HBO model, with a series of around 12 episodes. Most have been written before shooting is done, giving the entire season a sense of organic unity and continuity that is lacking in our shows.
We're about 30 years behind when it comes to TV writing. While US and British production companies have almost perfected the medium, we're still stuck in "Charlie's Angels" mode, with jiggle TV being the prime motivator for watching.
Which, sadly, still works. You probably need to be an aspiring writer to not appreciate this.
Which leads me to wonder how the writing is done on local shows like "Asian Treasures" or "Rounin." Is there some sort of planning going on? Do they map out story and character arcs in advance? Do they even write episodically, or is the orientation more like soap opera? Is each episode divided into act breaks? Do they have an end in mind? Do they even think about these things?
While I appreciate the networks' effort to create original action-adventure / genre programming, I'm not satisfied with what they produce. Cheap stuff from the US (like the Blade TV series) show better writing. The pacing is glacial (something the Koreanovelas reinforce) while the plots leave much to be desired.
In one episode of "Asian Treasures" the adventurers are looking for an amulet while defusing bombs (Pipe bombs! Please, konting research naman dyan.) in Manila City Hall. The story hardly moves. Imagine an entire Act (that is, the time in between commercial breaks) spent in two interiors talking. Which is fine if the dialog is smart and the actors engaging. "The West Wing" had an episode set almost entirely in a conference room with talking heads (Season 3's Isaac and Ishmael) yet still managed to be riveting.
Of course "Buffy"-level dialogue or "Veronica Mars"-type characterization is probably too much to ask for local networks. While "The Simpsons" can afford as many as 20 full-time writers in its staff, I'd be surprised if the local ones have more than 3, all of whom are also working on other major network shows.
One solution could involve using a different production model. Instead of trying to emulate the US market, it would probably be good for us to try the BBC or HBO model, with a series of around 12 episodes. Most have been written before shooting is done, giving the entire season a sense of organic unity and continuity that is lacking in our shows.
We're about 30 years behind when it comes to TV writing. While US and British production companies have almost perfected the medium, we're still stuck in "Charlie's Angels" mode, with jiggle TV being the prime motivator for watching.
Which, sadly, still works. You probably need to be an aspiring writer to not appreciate this.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Updated Zsa Zsa info
Some changes in the cast...
Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal (based on the award winning graphic novel by Carlo Vergara) has performed to sold out houses at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and garnered rave reviews from both critics and the public alike. Now for its third (and reportedly final) run, Zsa Zsa will once again battle giant frogs, rampaging zombies and power-tripping extra-terrestrial Amazons, this time at the heart of the Makati CBD.
KEY DETAILS:
Show Date: June 15 to July 1, 2007
Venue: Carlos P. Auditorium (RCBC Plaza), Makati City
Cast:
ZSAZSA ZATURNNAH: Eula Valdes / K Brosas
ADA: Tuxqs Rutaquio / Vincent de Jesus
DIDI: Nar Cabico
DODONG: Arnold Reyes / Lauren Novero / Janvier Daily
QUEEN FEMINA SUARESTELLAR BAROUX: Kalila Aguilos
AMAZONISTAS: Wilma Doesnt, Deeda Barreto, Mayen Estañero, Skyzx Labastilla / Wenah Nagales (Swing)
ALING BRITNEY: Mia Bolaños
ITAY ZOMBIE: Jerald Napoles
TAUMBAYAN/ZOMBIES: Wenah Nagales, Catherine Racsag, Joann Co, Mia Bolaños, Tamara Cabaero Bong Cabrera, Carlon Matobato, Red Nuestro, Paolo Rodriguez, Leo Ponseca, Amihan Ruiz
I've choice seats for opening night, June 15 (Friday) and June 22 (Friday). Text 0926-702-8495 for more details.
Ticket prices:
Orchestra Center: P800
Loge: P800
Orchestra Side: P700
Balcony: P500
Please feel free to pass the word to people who might be interested. =)
Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal (based on the award winning graphic novel by Carlo Vergara) has performed to sold out houses at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and garnered rave reviews from both critics and the public alike. Now for its third (and reportedly final) run, Zsa Zsa will once again battle giant frogs, rampaging zombies and power-tripping extra-terrestrial Amazons, this time at the heart of the Makati CBD.
KEY DETAILS:
Show Date: June 15 to July 1, 2007
Venue: Carlos P. Auditorium (RCBC Plaza), Makati City
Cast:
ZSAZSA ZATURNNAH: Eula Valdes / K Brosas
ADA: Tuxqs Rutaquio / Vincent de Jesus
DIDI: Nar Cabico
DODONG: Arnold Reyes / Lauren Novero / Janvier Daily
QUEEN FEMINA SUARESTELLAR BAROUX: Kalila Aguilos
AMAZONISTAS: Wilma Doesnt, Deeda Barreto, Mayen Estañero, Skyzx Labastilla / Wenah Nagales (Swing)
ALING BRITNEY: Mia Bolaños
ITAY ZOMBIE: Jerald Napoles
TAUMBAYAN/ZOMBIES: Wenah Nagales, Catherine Racsag, Joann Co, Mia Bolaños, Tamara Cabaero Bong Cabrera, Carlon Matobato, Red Nuestro, Paolo Rodriguez, Leo Ponseca, Amihan Ruiz
I've choice seats for opening night, June 15 (Friday) and June 22 (Friday). Text 0926-702-8495 for more details.
Ticket prices:
Orchestra Center: P800
Loge: P800
Orchestra Side: P700
Balcony: P500
Please feel free to pass the word to people who might be interested. =)
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Does it come with cigars?
[via Walk This Way ]The perfect place to launch that "missile strike." Hmmm... all I need now is a fat chick. Check out their website for other room themes.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
The sky is falling
missingpoints classic
15 June 2004
For a people who take showers a lot (a minimum of two a day for most folks), we Pinoys have this irrational fear of rain. Every time there's a light drizzle expect to see umbrellas and jackets sprouting everywhere as if we'd slowly melt upon exposure to water.Never mind the heat and humidity, the important thing is that our heads don't get wet.
I find it amusing to see big burly men running for cover with a "panyo" or face towel covering their heads (to heck with the rest of the body). C'mon, do they actually believe that they'd get sick over a few drops of water? Acid rain notwithstanding, a little H2O from the sky never hurt anyone.
Of course, if we were cat-like in our disdain for water it would be understandable. But we're not. Spanish friars even forbade us to bathe during Good Friday (some of your grandparents may still be doing this) as a sacrifice. We like water when it comes from the balde, but not when it falls from the sky.
The logic escapes me. A student or an office worker carrying a folder of important documents would shield himself with it when caught in the rain when it should be the other way around. Skin is waterproof, most file folders and papers aren't. Yet you have people willing to wet things they've worked on for days just to keep their heads dry. Funny thing is it seldom works. They still end up wet.
I've discovered this early so I take my time when it rains. Unless it's a really short distance, no amount of running or shielding short of an umbrella can really keep you dry. It's either I wait or I walk as running wouldn't do much. In fact, on muggy days like yesterday, you'll just end up sweating if you run for cover. Basa ka na nga ng ulan, basa ka pa ng pawis.
I'm willing to tolerate people who do the above mentioned pointlessness, though. After all, it's their term paper / notebook / contract / resume they're wetting. What I can't stand are those people who insist on rolling down those plastic curtains on jeepneys at the slightest sign of rain. Leave me out of it, please. Not everyone is hydrophobic.
In fact it's more dangerous that way. No one gets sick because a few drops of water hit them but we can catch diseases if we breathe each other's air. Doctors I've spoken to have told me that rain as cause of colds and flu is a myth. The reason why these diseases spread during the rainy season is because we spend so much time in enclosed spaces where germs can easily be transmitted.
So huddling at waiting sheds and closing up jeepneys may actually do more harm than good. That is, if the goal is to stay healthy. But if the idea is to keep the water out (lord knows why), then whip out your file folders. It's rainy season, the sky is falling.
15 June 2004
For a people who take showers a lot (a minimum of two a day for most folks), we Pinoys have this irrational fear of rain. Every time there's a light drizzle expect to see umbrellas and jackets sprouting everywhere as if we'd slowly melt upon exposure to water.Never mind the heat and humidity, the important thing is that our heads don't get wet.
I find it amusing to see big burly men running for cover with a "panyo" or face towel covering their heads (to heck with the rest of the body). C'mon, do they actually believe that they'd get sick over a few drops of water? Acid rain notwithstanding, a little H2O from the sky never hurt anyone.
Of course, if we were cat-like in our disdain for water it would be understandable. But we're not. Spanish friars even forbade us to bathe during Good Friday (some of your grandparents may still be doing this) as a sacrifice. We like water when it comes from the balde, but not when it falls from the sky.
The logic escapes me. A student or an office worker carrying a folder of important documents would shield himself with it when caught in the rain when it should be the other way around. Skin is waterproof, most file folders and papers aren't. Yet you have people willing to wet things they've worked on for days just to keep their heads dry. Funny thing is it seldom works. They still end up wet.
I've discovered this early so I take my time when it rains. Unless it's a really short distance, no amount of running or shielding short of an umbrella can really keep you dry. It's either I wait or I walk as running wouldn't do much. In fact, on muggy days like yesterday, you'll just end up sweating if you run for cover. Basa ka na nga ng ulan, basa ka pa ng pawis.
I'm willing to tolerate people who do the above mentioned pointlessness, though. After all, it's their term paper / notebook / contract / resume they're wetting. What I can't stand are those people who insist on rolling down those plastic curtains on jeepneys at the slightest sign of rain. Leave me out of it, please. Not everyone is hydrophobic.
In fact it's more dangerous that way. No one gets sick because a few drops of water hit them but we can catch diseases if we breathe each other's air. Doctors I've spoken to have told me that rain as cause of colds and flu is a myth. The reason why these diseases spread during the rainy season is because we spend so much time in enclosed spaces where germs can easily be transmitted.
So huddling at waiting sheds and closing up jeepneys may actually do more harm than good. That is, if the goal is to stay healthy. But if the idea is to keep the water out (lord knows why), then whip out your file folders. It's rainy season, the sky is falling.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
We wuz duped?
Some months ago the NewYork Times featured a non-trad ad agency that brokered deals to insert brand names in rap songs. So 50 cent says he drinks Bacardi in "In Da Club" not because he really likes it, but because it was the highest bidder.
Saatchi in the UK takes this one step further by creating their own pop group for hire. UK radio is, of course, incensed. But is this really any different from, say, Britney Spears-type manufactured songs? Instead of selling themselves (and their albums), the group is just subtly selling something else.
I've no opinion yet, still ahve to think about it some more.
Saatchi in the UK takes this one step further by creating their own pop group for hire. UK radio is, of course, incensed. But is this really any different from, say, Britney Spears-type manufactured songs? Instead of selling themselves (and their albums), the group is just subtly selling something else.
I've no opinion yet, still ahve to think about it some more.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Butler-ex-Machina
Well that was a waste of good money.
Xmen 3 was a disappointment, but with Brett Ratner at the helm it was pretty much expected. But Sam Raimi losing his steam? I never liked the previous Spidey films but always grudgingly gave it props since they were generally well made.
But Spiderman 3?
The butler-ex-machina near the end was just the dumbest cop-out I've seen in a while (and I just watched "Ultraviolet"). The movie tried to pack too many villains (each with a complete backstory) in a 2.5 hour package that still felt rushed and cramped. Sandman could've been done away with. And while the Harry storyline was decent enough, Venom is a welcome addition if only to show Peter's dark side.
And what a dark side it is. Apparently, bonding with an alien symbiote makes you play the piano, strut down the street a la Tony Manero, and get emo bangs. What did they think they were shooting, The Mask 3?
That said it still has its moments. Bruce Campbell hamming it up as a faux French maitre'd is classic and so is JK Simmons' JJ Jameson. But don't rush out to see this.
Xmen 3 was a disappointment, but with Brett Ratner at the helm it was pretty much expected. But Sam Raimi losing his steam? I never liked the previous Spidey films but always grudgingly gave it props since they were generally well made.
But Spiderman 3?
The butler-ex-machina near the end was just the dumbest cop-out I've seen in a while (and I just watched "Ultraviolet"). The movie tried to pack too many villains (each with a complete backstory) in a 2.5 hour package that still felt rushed and cramped. Sandman could've been done away with. And while the Harry storyline was decent enough, Venom is a welcome addition if only to show Peter's dark side.
And what a dark side it is. Apparently, bonding with an alien symbiote makes you play the piano, strut down the street a la Tony Manero, and get emo bangs. What did they think they were shooting, The Mask 3?
That said it still has its moments. Bruce Campbell hamming it up as a faux French maitre'd is classic and so is JK Simmons' JJ Jameson. But don't rush out to see this.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Yes, we should issue these
Carlos Celdran has a bright idea. Why not issue our own travel advisories on countries that issue advisories against us? But seriously, a lot of the idiots who write these things for the US government do fail to note that the Philippines is an archipelago. An 8-hour bus ride separates Manila from Banawe, while it takes a week in a boat to reach Mindanao.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Pan's Labyrinth
It'll be difficult to find a theater showing this instead of Spiderman. But try nonetheless. No matter how wide your screen is, this is something best watched in a moviehouse.
I tried writing a review but my thoughts are crowding each other out. That's the disadvantage in having a degree in Literature, you tend to ramble when you talk about films like this.
I tried writing a review but my thoughts are crowding each other out. That's the disadvantage in having a degree in Literature, you tend to ramble when you talk about films like this.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)