Risks of 'The Interview'

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-sony-hack-north-korea-the-interview-20141210-story.html

This article is about the upcoming film The Interview and the risks it hold behind its release. Before Sony Pictures Entertainment was hacked, there were skeptical debates on whether they should actually release the film for theaters and the audience around the world. There were in fact threats made by North Korea concerning the film, calling it "an act of war." It was said that the studio executives were constantly being warned about possibly provoking retaliation by the Homeland Security. Then again, it was a film based on a fictional assassination attempt on Kim Jong Un. Rumors have it that the North Koreans had some sort of contribution to the hacks on Sony, but but no one truly knows the real perpatrators who were to blame. As a filmmaker and student, this helped me realize that film is much more than just a picture on a screen. It's what people around the world use to send a message. Theres always a moral or central message behind a film that can really change a person's life. It just so happens that with The Interview it was a strong political statement against the North Koreans. It was sort of like a growing sense of pride saying that Americans aren't afraid of anyone. It was a statement against the cruel doctor who brain washes his very own people. It was in fact a powerful act to continue, even after the threats came in. As a consumer, it's sort of a scary thing to do, because you never know how serious of a problem this was until North Korea decides to retaliate. Let's say they were involved with the Sony hacks; that just means they were warning us about what was to come if we ignored their wishes. It was an attack on our people's freedom of speech because of all the private information that was released. Obviously this made people feel afraid and less free, which is why there were debates on whether the movie should continue to screen in the first place. This raises a lot of questions on not only film, but political issues as well: Will the film continue to screen even after all the problems have gone through? What will North Korea's reaction be? Was this film ever intended to make North Korea angry ( act of war) in the first place?

Doha Film Institute Launches Fund for Qatari Filmmakers

http://deadline.com/2014/12/doha-film-institute-film-fund-qatar-1201309105/

This article is about the announcement made during the Ayjal film festival that the Doha Film institute will fund Qatari filmmakers. The Ayjal Film festival is known as a community based program that allows all ages to get together to talk about cinema and things that have inspired their creative interactions. Their main goal is to inspire the creative, young film enthusiasts of all ages in Qatar. Along with that news of the Doha film institute, four features and eight short films will be supported by the Qatari fund as well as one feature film from the fund will also receive production funds in the next two years. More specifically, 50,000 dollars will be offered by the development fund to the feature films and the other 50,000 dollars combined as a development/production award to the short best short films. As a student, this makes me glad to hear that other children, teens, and adults from another part of the world now have the opportunity to see and follow the path of a filmmaker. Unlike us, some film enthusiasts around the world just hope to one day get a glimpse of what a camera looks like. Now that institutes like Doha, are starting to fund filmmakers, theres hope for undiscovered talent. As a filmmaker I can expect working with different cultured filmmakers, bringing more ideas to the table and different feels with new material for the audience. As a consumer, this might benefit me because maybe films will start to take a multi-cultured turn with different stories because of personal experiences from the foreign filmmaker's country. This certainly raises questions like: Will film become more multi-culture based? What kind of new talent will we see in the future? Will more film institutes help fund filmmakers all around the world?

Light Project Reflection

This has been my hardest group project I've experienced so far this year and it's not over yet. My group has gone through very difficult situations to the point where we are constantly changing our schedule, which is very frustrating. There have been both ups and downs throughout this project, but there is one that concerns me more than all the others in particular. I feel that sometimes the group chemistry isn't there at all and it's something we have to work on as a team. I know we could work together better than the way we have been. I don't blame anyone in the group of course. I just think not ever working with each before on previous projects had a lot to do with how we communicate while on set. Like i mentioned before, constantly changing our schedule times have been a huge impact on us. A lot of our group members are involved in sports activities so we try our best to work our way around it. Although, I love how the group has been able to work through the adversity , such as our teacher actor having to leave the country for emergency reasons, rooms not being accessible for our shooting days, and a whole lot of reshooting because of lighting problems. A camera can be a really tricky thing, and that's definitely a hard lesson we have learned so far. There have been times where we set up our lights and check it on the mini screen of the camera to see how it looks and the picture seems just about right to us. With this in mind, we shoot our entire scene only to come back and see how terrible it looks on the computer. This was extremely frustrating and was a problem for several days, because we couldn't figure out how to get the right lighting on our set. Not until farther into the film, where we got the hang of it and how it was supposed to look on the mini screen in order for it to look good on the computer as well. Sometimes it's just plain and simple our faults, where we forget a piece of equipment or forget to dress for the scene. Once again, this is our lack of communication that we have to improve together. What I'm liking so far is how our sound crew is ahead on their work, so that won't be such a big problem in the future when it comes to editing all that in. Another thing I think my Dp and I should work on is how to use our surroundings better. What I mean by that is lighting wise, and how we can use the already present light and our own to make the shot even better than what it was intended to be. I hate how sometimes I find myself taking away the camera because I can't really explain to my Dp what I want the shot to look like.I need to work on my ability to be more understanding with her. Although we've gone through a lot of downs and knowing that we're probably the group that's the most far behind, I still believe that by the end of this project our film will turn out good. The way we've been handling situations like that and how our communication has somewhat improved since the beginning, I can already foreshadow a good future for us.

First IMAX Theatre To Open In Japan

http://variety.com/2014/film/news/top-japanese-exhibitor-toho-to-open-first-imax-theater-1201356158/

This article is about Toho, Japan's leading cinema operator and distributor, and their future plans for Downtown Tokyo. The plan includes opening the first Imax theatre in Tokyo as it has had huge success all throughout Japan. Some movies that hit it big in Imax Japan included Transformers and Godzilla, meaning the experience was very powerful and different causing more audiences to attract. In fact, this deal stands as the first one being made with Toho, but Imax has already contracted for 23 theaters in total throughout Japan. Only 17 were able to successfully open and the one in Downtown Tokyo will be adding onto that list. The screen is said to be a part of a complex that has already been in construction, located in a district called Shinjuku. This complex will also include hotels, restaurants, and retail. I chose this article because I wondered how successful Imax was in other countries and how it would attract its audience. As a filmmaker and student this impacts me in a way where in the future I might want to think about shooting a film in that sort of format. What I mean by that is, filming a movie as if it were only screening for an Imax theatre. That means I would have to really pay attention to the picture, sound, etc in order to release that even more powerful experience the audience is expecting to have by the end of the film. As a consumer, I notice now that Imax theaters are becoming worldwide and very successful. You never know, maybe in the far future Imax will replace the standardized theatre. This surely raises questions like: Will Imax ever become so successful to the point of just having Imax theaters? Do Imax screenings do better than regular theaters? What impact will this have on future filmmakers?

TOY STORY 4?

http://deadline.com/2014/11/toy-story-4-john-lassiter-directing-disney-pixar-1201276224/

This article is about John Lasseter and how he will be the new director of the 2017 film, Toy Story 4, said to be released on June 16. Lassester was also known for his previous work with the original Toy Story and Toy Story 2 so this is definitely not the first time working with the franchise. John is now the chief creative office of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation. Bob Iger, a Disney boss, made the announcement in the company's earnings call with analysts about the news. It was a huge shock to the film world as it was said that there were no plans for any future Toy Stories after the 3rd one was made. Toy Story 3 was such a huge success that after coming out in 2010 it grossed 1.063 billion dollars worldwide, which gave it the top-grossing animated film title of all time. They kept that achievement until Frozen overtook it. I chose this article because it was a major surprise to me, almost like another Toy Story film sounded like a practical joke or something. As a consumer I'm very worried about this fourth film adding on to an amazing franchise. Yes, John Lassester will be directing the film, but I'm just worried that this addition is just for the money and not the story. This could potentially be the movie that ends the Toy Story franchise on a good or bad note so the pressure is big on the creators and film crew. As a student and filmmaker it shows me that there is always more opportunities and ideas to continue a franchise like Toy Story even though it doesn't seem possible to make another. Writing is endless because you can always keep going and adding on to a great series of films, it's just up to you to make the story and plot work out. This raises questions such as: Will this Toy Story be as successful as the other three made? Is this film being made for just money or for the love of the franchise? Does this film indicate people lacking ideas to make new films instead of adding onto well-known franchises?

MIDNIGHT RIDER - Train Accident in Investigation

http://deadline.com/2014/10/midnight-rider-death-timeline-sarah-jones-train-accident-investigation-1201266684/

This article is about a tragic on-set accident that happened on the first day of filming Midnight Rider. It took the life of 27-year-old cameraman, Sarah Jones, who was a part of at least 20 crew members who were piled onto a railroad track and led by director Randall Miller. The cause of the accident all began when crew members not being informed about the email that was sent out by railroad owner CSX, which clearly denies their permission to shoot on the Doctortown train trestle located in rural Georgia. The crew also happened to be 25-30 ft above water in very dangerous conditions. The overall result was leaving one dead and eight other members injured, Three of which were hospitalized. The entire ordeal had already been under investigation and Trial is set to begin on March 9. This article caught my eye because I've never really heard of an accident happening on-set. It always seemed like something rare and unheard of to me. This affects me as a student and filmmaker because it shows me the true significance of working together as a team. Clearly the crew didn't have clear awareness of what was going on. The lack of communication is what caused this young woman's death and several other injuries. In addition, some of the crew now face criminal trespass and involuntary manslaughter charges. All this can happen if the film crew doesn't work together as a team. As a consumer, this can affect me because not Midnight Rider is a film put on hold after the producers and production managers are finished with their trial. Who knows, they may be faced with serious charges leaving them out of the Film crew and the movie is put on even a longer hold or worse, never be made for the audience. This raises questions like: Will film crews take even bigger precaution will filming on or in dangerous conditions? Is it always the fault of producers and production management when things like this happen?

NBCUniversal Agrees To Settle SNL Intern Lawsuit

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-snl-intern-settlement-story.html

This article is about NBCUniversal finally reaching an agreement with a dispute regarding Interns who worked on the show Saturday Night Live. The issue was that these Interns who collaborated with the late-night comedy should have been paid for the work they did. The court came to an approval of 6.4 million dollar settlement, which would be shared among the thousands of SNL interns who worked in both New York and California. Interns have always been a huge beneficial factors for TV networks, but some have claimed to have done work usually associated with paid workers making the situation unfair. These individuals were said to receive at least $5,000 to $10,000 each for their help, but on the other hand the unpaid interns who qualified for the lawsuit agreement were said to receive as little as $500. Being an Intern required lots of work, sometimes assisting a filmmaker or record producer. This was rare because they usually were used to make coffee, photocopy documents, make travel arrangements, or simply run errands. This is not the first time Interns have sued a TV-network/show because of payment issues. Some similar cases include the Inters suing 21st Century Fox, Warner Music Group,  and Atlantic Records. This article caught my attention after I saw a lawsuit being filed against Saturday Night Live. I've always heard about Interns, but never truly understood the significance of one and how they're a beneficial option for TV-Networks who don't want to pay much for employees. As a filmmaker and student, this article shows me that unfair payment issues come up very often for those who are trying to make it out in the Film Industry. It must be a very frustrating situation to know that someone can take advantage of you like that by making you work that is usually done by paid employees and call you an unpaid Intern to just get away with it. It just goes to show you that its hard out in the Film business to get by just to get recognized and meet new people to help you grow and someday be something more than an Intern. As a consumer I feel bad for those who were not paid properly, but at the same time I understand that the whole point of an Internship is to be a beneficial way for TV networks and shows to get by a tight budget. It's definitely a place to start if you want to gain experience and have a glimpse of what it's like to be on set or working with professional. It helps you grow as a filmmaker because you get to see what kind of knowledge is required in that sort of field of work. This raises questions like: Will Interns finally begin to get paid the appropriate amount of money based on the work they do? What other TV-networks are having issues with payment of their employees?

Raising Adults Sold To ABC

http://deadline.com/2014/10/simpsons-mike-julie-scully-comedy-abc-853415/

This article is about former Simpsons' writers/producers, Mike and Julie Scully, having sold their comedy project to ABC. Their new comedy goes by the name Raising Adults, and is actually based off Scully's own experiences they have guiding their five adult kids to independence. In fact it developed from a duo script that centers on a married couple who wonder if their children will actually ever "grow up" despise being actual adults already. This project happens to be Mike and Julie Scully's second sale to a television network this season, the first being a single-camera comedy at Fox based on the Spanish series: Los Serrano. I chose this article because the original title stated: The Simpsons' Mike and Julie Scully Sell Autobiographical comedy To ABC. After seeing the words The Simpsons, it immediately caught my attention on what the writers/producers of one of my favorite TV shows were up to. As a student, this article shows me that you always strive even farther in your career and set your goals to be endless. Mike and Julie are perfect examples of this because even after having huge success with The Simpsons, they continued to compose and put together scripts for TV networks to buy. As a filmmaker this shows me that ideas can come from anywhere or even be right in front of you without noticing. Take the Scully's Raising Adults for example. This autobiographical comedy was taken from their personal life experiences with their adult children. Theres always a story around you, a way to be creative and come up with script ideas or movies that just might be life changing for you in the future. As a consumer, I'm excited to see that two well-experienced and great writers/producers from The Simpsons are soon to come out with a new television series that looks like it would be successful in the future, similar to Los Serrano. Although this raises some questions like: Are TV networks buying multi-camera projects from only experienced writers? Does a reputation as big as The Simpsons matter when you're faced with a situation like Mike and Jullie's? It makes me really think about all those writers out there trying to hit it big at least once in their life.

Additional Script Orders From NBC

http://deadline.com/2014/10/mysteries-of-laura-constantine-script-orders-nbc-847687/

This article is about NBC dramas Mysteries of Laura and Constantine being ordered by the network to have three extra scripts of each show. Script pickup for the first show will come after three episodes whereas Constantine is being done ahead of its debut later this month. Broadcasting networks have favorited a new tactic in which they pickup back up scripts. The reason they do so is because it is relatively an inexpensive method to gain a few weeks by making writers work on shows. Executives feel that these shows would have promised before nets decide on a back episodic order. A backup script is exactly what it says. Networks have writers craft a backup script in order to keep them busy and under contract throughout the season. I chose this article because I was interested to hear what backup scripts were for and how did they benefit the writers of the show. It helps you as a filmmaker and student to understanding that theres two sides of filmmaking. Understanding that there is not only a creative side to Film, but also a business one that you have to comprehend in order to succeed in the film industry. As a consumer, it affects you because it limits writers from doing other work outside of that specific television show, and not get paid for anything else. This disallows them to work on independent films and instead use up all their ideas and main focus on the backup scripts they make for a particular show, which therefore will decrease the amount of independent films composed. Questions that come to mind are: Are keeping these writers working with the backup script tactics decrease the amount of independent films being created? Are there any other tactics that broadcasting networks use to buy an extra few weeks? What other script orders are broadcasting networks allowed to give?

Jennifer Garner Sells Parenthood Comedy

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/jennifer-garner-sells-parenthood-comedy-736523

This article is about actress, Jennifer Garner, selling her parenthood comedy to Fox. The network promised Jennifer to turn her idea into a half-hour show by the name of Half Full. Her story is about a couple who is newly married and has had the dream of moving to New York City, but eventually the plan fails for no other reason than an unexpected pregnancy. The couple is now forced into staying in Agawam, Mass. where the husband's angry older siblings live nearby. It is said that Matthew Nicklaw will pen the script and be co-executive producer along with Garner being the executive producer with Vandalia's (Garner's studio based Films) Juliana Janes to produce. The real reason this article caught my eye was because it surprises me how a famous and well known actress like Jennifer Garner is selling stories to huge networks and potentially turning them into future comedies for everyone to watch. As a consumer I enjoy hearing that one of my favorite actresses is getting involved in writing stories and ideas for television shows. This benefits her fan base who will only help support her even more with all the public viewings of Half Full when and if Fox airs it. As a student and filmmaker it shows me how even being in a specific job in the film industry that doesn't involve writing stories won't and can't actually stop you from doing so. Take Jennifer Garner for example, she is a big actress in the movie industry as well as a producer. People don't necessarily have one job in the film industry, but can be involved in as many as you can and are able to. It all depends on yourself putting in the hard work and determination that prepares you for any sort of challenge. If you succeed, then theres selling stories like Jennifer did with Half Full to Fox or anything you wish to accomplish. This definitely raises some questions like the obvious one: Will any other huge actor or actress follow Jennifer's path and start on stories of their own for future television shows? Will retired actors/actresses follow a new career in screenwriting, directing, or anything that involves coming up with the idea of the Film?

FAA Approves Drone Use

http://deadline.com/2014/09/drones-hollywood-faa-approves-841265/

This article is about the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) allowing unmanned aerial cameras called drones to be used in the film industry. Filmmakers now have the opportunity to shoot never before seen scenes in film and push their creativity level even higher than before. New technology calls for new methods/types of shooting for movies, which is a major impact. It also supports job creation, but at the same time discourages Hollywood's helicopter/fixed-wing pilots with camera crews careers. I believe that in the future it will take its place and jobs like that will not existence. However, by taking that away, drones will also have a decrease in helicopter crashes that have occurred in the past and resulted in death at times. This is just one advantage that aerial cameras have, but others include being more environmental friendly and cheaper. Although the FAA is allowing drone usage there are some safety guidelines that must be followed. This is includes licensed pilot control so that they aren't flown out of sight, as well as no nighttime flying. Lastly, a fire safety officer and medical technician must be present during the flight of the drone. This article caught my eye because i was interested in finding out how drones could have contributed in the film industry. As a consumer this affects me because it's going to change the look on certain films and now that filmmakers have their hands on this technology they can be more creative with their works. As a student, it teaches me about how important it is to keep subjects like aerial cameras under intensive safety guidelines. I never really knew that drones were illegal in the United States up until I read this article. As a filmmaker, it shows me that, they now have an opportunity to shoot their movies in a way that has never been shot. Before this, you had to have a really big budget to rent out helicopters with film crews or use stock footage, which isn't so creative. Aerial cameras does bring up some questions in my head such as: What kind of problems will filmmakers face when using new technology like the drones? Will aerial drone cameras actually become a huge hit in the film industry or just be a bust?

Broadcast Networks Mediocre Because of Latinos?

http://deadline.com/2014/09/latino-inclusion-broadcast-networks-report-national-latino-media-council-836439/

This article is about The National Latino Media Council conducting their grading scale on several broadcasting networks, which contain Latino inclusion. The grading was based off employment of Latino actors, writers, producers, directors, and entertainment executives; program development; procurement; and commitment to diversity. The broadcasting networks that were graded included: ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. There were three categories that they could have fell into, which was Good, Mediocre, and Bad. All were said to have been mediocre, except for NBC who received a good grade, along with a mediocre one as well. The only reason NBC received a good grade was because of the improvement in Latin actors in scripted roles. Another main reason was because Jennifer Salke, NBC entertainment president, keynoted the National Hispanic Media Coalition's MediaCon. Unlike NBC, the other broadcasting networks showed little to no improvement in the hiring of Latin writers, producers, and directors. Sometimes it was because they were simply displeased with the talent that the Latino race displayed in their roles. For example, the casting of Juan Pablo Galavis for ABC was a terrible mistake because he ended up perpetuating stereotypes with sexist and homosexual remarks. This article caught my eye because I have never heard of the National Latino Media Council as people who grade broadcasting networks. Especially if Latin inclusion is what is actually being graded. I was very interested in finding out that broadcasting networks like these have a tendency to not hire Latin writers, actors, etc. As a student and filmmaker this kinda of scares me in a way that can lead me to thinking that I won't get a job in the film business because I'm Latino. For whatever reason these broadcasting networks have for not hiring them, it's an interesting point made by the NLMC. As a consumer, it has me wondering if its something to do with a racial issue or is it just that Latino people aren't proven to have onscreen talent. Because NBS received a good grade, I believe that a lot of Latin writers and producers would probably shoot to work at a broadcasting network like this. It would cause an even bigger increase in Latin employment. This article really made me think about things like these and a bunch of questions popped up in my mind such as, Is it hard to get a job in the movie business if you're a Latino? Why is it that there are Councils such as the NLMC conducting grading scales on huge broadcasting networks? Do grading broadcasting networks based on Latino inclusion actually affect their reputation?

Sony Pictures Classics Picks Up On a Film

http://deadline.com/2014/09/toronto-sony-pictures-classics-buys-still-alice-to-launch-this-oscar-season-833397/

This article is about an independent film called, Still Alice, being picked up by Sony Picture Classics. The film, staring Julian Moore, Alec Baldwin , Kristen Stewart, and Kate Botsworth is about a cognitive psychologist who faces early stages of Alzheimer's. The film is being picked up and set to be released just in time for Oscar season, a move by sony who hopes the independent film will gain Oscar success much like other indy films like Little Miss Sunshine. Deadline reports the deal for Still Alice to be somewhere in the low seven figures. What caught my eye about this particular article is that it was a film being picked up by Sony Picture Classics, who is known for picking up indy films. When I saw that it was set to launch during Oscar season, I knew that the studio must've seen something worth while in the Toronto Film Festival to pick up this particular film. It seems like there are less and less independent films being picked up so seeing this piece of news really caught my attention. The impact this has on me as a student is something I didn't expect. I see less and less independent films being picked up and that has always made me think how people choose career paths. There was once a time where filmmakers would fund their own films and studios would constantly pick up excellent films, but now in a world where we get the fourth Transformers movie, that's simply not the case. Economics are changing and the sure bet is the only bet Hollywood, and other industries are willing to make. Fewer students are willing to risk getting a degree in the arts and not finding work so they opt for a more secure field, suchlike Hollywood who has keeps it safe. A film like this being picked up is like a ray of hope telling us that there is still hope out there for people, like the filmmakers Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland, who followed their dreams. As a consumer, it gives me something other than the next Marvel movie or the third Spiderman. Theaters are inundated with remake after remake so a film that is outside the mold will certainly get my money. As a filmmaker it lets me know that there is still a great deal of importance to the original screenplay. Yes, some remakes are great but nothing in film can replace an original story. It's what Hollywood was built on and it is great to see a film still being picked up for it's merits as a story. The question it raises to the industry is that if films like these win awards and gain more and more success, will they finally catch the audience's attention over the fifth remake of a Ninja Turtles movie or will people continue to crowd the theaters to watch these regurgitated stories instead of giving an original film a chance? And if filmgoers finally get fed up with so many remakes and comic book adaptations, will Hollywood finally give independent films the chance they deserve?

Ticket Sales Drop?

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-fi-summer-box-office-20140902-story.html

This article is about how U.S. ticket sales have dropped 15% in the movie industry since last summer. It shocked the industry because films such as X-Men: Days of Future Past, Transformers: Age of Extinction, The Amazing Spiderman 2, etc weren't enough to affect these percentiles in a positive way. Furthermore, for the first time since 2001 no film crossed the 300-million mark. What could have possibly gone wrong with these films? If you pay attention, all these films have one thing in common. They're all sequels to films that had already come out in the past. In fact, Studios bet on big-budget sequels instead of actually taking the risk on making new films and coming up with new ideas. Apparently, the amount of Animated films had also dropped and that might have played an important role in ticket sale drop. Two animated films were real eased this summer, compared to six that were out last summer. These types of films typically draw a big audience during summers. Another blame for the cause was believed to be people who wait for films to come out on the television or streaming sites such as Netflix. I can understand why something like that can be the cause of less people driving to a movie theatre. This Article immediately caught my eye because I too was questioning the situation about how ticket sales dropped with so many films that came out this summer. I immediately thought of all these sequels, which belonged to franchises full of fanatics. After reading the entire article it all made clear sense to me, especially the point they make on studios betting on big-budget sequels instead of new films. As a consumer I am extremely worried because it makes me feel that movies from this point on will be sequels or continue from former franchises. For example, theres a new Fast and the Furious 7 and Jurassic World coming out soon. Also ticket sale drop means a possible effect on ticket prices for movies. Whether it's an increase or decrease, it will affect me as a consumer. As a filmmaker, it shows me that sequels aren't always the best way to approach a career in the movie industry. It's about trying out new ideas and having a creative mind to create original screenplays. As a student I learn from these mistakes that professionals make, so that i better myself in creating stories and understanding originality. This article made me question what the future has in store for us with films. Will ticket sale drops continue to happen in the future? Are the sequels really the problem here, or can it possibly have an increase in the future?

Scorsese to be a part of Ramones Film

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/martin-scorsese-attached-ramones-film-728815

     This article is about The Ramones, an American punk rock band, whose 40th anniversary is coming up in the year 2016. For those of you who are new to the name, The Ramones were a band from New York City that influenced punk rock both in the United States and the United Kingdom. Some song titles that you might find familiar are "I Wanna Be Sedated" or "Blitzkrieg Bop". In honor of their anniversary, which is only two years away; it is said that there will be a documentary and theatrical play coming out. To top it all off, there will also be a book and film following those two planned projects for the future. Martin Scorsese, an influential filmmaker, has shown interest in the band and plans to be apart of the film project. Scorsese is a well known, oscar winning director who has already become a big part of Cinema history. Many people love his style of filmmaking, which include a sometimes strong depiction of violence, and can relate to concepts of guilt and redemption. Let's not forget, his Academy Award Winning Oscar for Best Director in The Departed. Personally, his name caught my attention while browsing through articles. Martin Scorsese has always been one of my favorite directors, mainly because of his landmark films such as Goodfellas and The Departed, which happen to be two of my all time favorite films. I believe that there is no other director or better choice on who should have be working on a film like this one in honor of a huge band like The Ramones. I'm very excited for what the future holds for his film and how it has to do with one of my personal favorite bands. As a consumer I'm very pleased to hear that someone like Scorsese would step up into a role like that. The audience will be packed with both fans belonging to The Ramones and Martin Scorsese. It will definitely be a must watch for the year 2016. As a filmmaker I will get the chance to see one of my all time favorite directors make a film about a band I'm very familiar with. This could surprisingly help me better my understanding on how great story telling can make the difference in a film. As a student, I realize that a biographical picture helps us understand the past and how our society was shaped. History isn't just the Civil War or the Vietnam War, but it is also about the music, films, and television shows that were a part of it. How Queen influenced society, What Citizen Kane meant to a film, What a show like Mash did for television, is all a part of our history. That is why The Ramones biographical picture will give us a glimpse into punk rock and its origins, which will in turn help us understand our history. This all raises questions to me like: Do regular films that are not biographical give us an understanding of history as well? Will directors like Martin Scorsese continue to work with films that have a hard influence on society?

David Yates Making Another Comeback?

http://www.totalfilm.com/news/david-yates-in-talks-to-direct-harry-potter-spin-off

This article is about a new Harry Potter spin-off in the process of being planned. The film is said to be based off J.K. Rowling's novel, Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them. More Specifically; Newt Scamander, a Magizoologist who was the original "writer" of the book, in the world of witchcraft and wizarddry terms. The only problem is, the director is still to be determined. Director Alfonso Cuaron, was in fact considered in the beginning because of already experienced history with Prisoner of Azkaban, the third Harry Potter film. Unfortunately, he turned down the opportunity, which put all hopes on the shoulder's of David Yates. He is currently in talks with Warner about the film, meaning things are not 100% set yet. In my opinion; David Yates should have been thought of for the job first, considering that he is the franchise veteran who directed the last four films. This would be something David is already familiar with and to make things more comfortable with him, the screenplay has been penned by J.K. Rowling like all the other times. I chose this article for several reasons. One being that I am a fan of the movies and books, but also because Harry Potter has been one of the most successful franchises in movie history. All eight movies have managed to accumilate 2.223 billion, compared to another famous franchise like Star Wars, which only made 2.218 billion with all their movies. Although Star Wars is still superior in estimated attendance, Harry Potter still was named Top-Grossing Franchise. Overall, I chose the article because it immediately caught my attention after hearing about another Harry Potter related film in the process of being planned. As a student and consumer, it shows me that movie franchises like this one can use their reputation and fame to be even more successful, but as a filmmaker it kind of scares me. This power that movie franchises have can be a dangerous weapon. Sometimes, filmmakers usually set out to make sequals or a third film because of the success (money wise) they make out of it. This benefits all the people who work on the films, but the complete opposite for their fans. For example, I enjoyed the first Transformers film and would have been completely fine with just one movie. This is just my opinion, but I thought the other three continuous films were terrible. I went from loving the Transformers to hating the entire movie series. So do you see where I'm getting at with this type of power filmmakers have? It's a scary thing because it can ruin a movie you loved from the beginning. This surely raises questions like: Will there be anymore one-movie success films planning to make more sequels or more? Are filmmakers just doing it for the money now? Don't get me wrong, not all sequels are bad or just the idea of it. Sometimes it's a great thing, and I'm just hoping that this new Harry Potter film will be one of those successful films both benefiting the fans and filmmakers.