Wow. I did such a good job on keeping up on blogging last year, and this year - nope. Sure last year was more exciting and all, but surely everyone wants to know about how boring my life's been right? Yeah, you're right, I would not want to hear about it either, but I have a few minutes to spare, so I may as well talk about it.
First of all, I'm writing this from my now seventh month old MacBook Pro (I wrote 3 blogs about an iPod and none on a new computer!). My Dell notebook was sllloooowwwlllyyy on it's way out (and, sure enough, it died a month after getting the Mac). I needed something more powerful for video editing and 3D, so I took the plunge and switched to Mac. Even though it was more expensive, I feel it suits my needs better, plus it's just plain cool. I don't think they are for everyone though.
Part of the reason behind the no blogging is that this would have to have been my worst semester at uni yet. Don't get me wrong, I still love uni, but ridiculous things like having the mid semester break before week 12 and having 5 assignments due in a two week period (admittedly across 2 faculties, so there's no one really to blame for that) have made life a little hard. Not to mention getting my wisdom teeth out (which went really well) and getting sick a week and a half later (courtesy of my family). I'm really looking forward to the summer break. I know I'll be wanting to go back to uni by January, but for now I need it! Surprisingly grade-wise I'm not doing too badly, but it will be nice to have the pressure off!
I got to see Wicked the other week, which was fantastic! I've fallen in love with the show and would jump at the chance to see it again.
I think 2010 is shaping up to be the next big year movie-wise. As well as Deathly Hallows Part One (which still sounds strange to me!) and Voyage of the Dawn Treader (my favorite Narnia book) they've been announcing the casting for Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. The fact that Tim Burton is doing a version of Alice is already fantastic, but the cast being announced is amazing as always - Johnny Depp (of course) as the Mad Hatter, Helena Bonham Carter (of course) as the Queen of Hearts, Anne Hathaway as the White Queen, Matt Lucas as Tweedledum/Tweedledee and an new Australian girl as Alice. Reports are already saying its very different, as of course a Burton film will be.
I've also become a little obsessed with the Twilight saga. It's crazy - they're written in the first person (which I don't particularly like) and not written particularly well (in my opinion) but they draw you in so well. I read Eclipse in a day - the only other book I've done that for is Deathly Hallows. I'm looking forward to the film - I've been a fan of Robert Pattinson since he played Cedric, and the fact that it was not made with a major studio backing interests me very much.
Well, I think that is about it for now, I must try and post more often!
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
The Half-Blood Prince Teaser Trailer
Wow. Really, really long time no blog.
Today the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince teaser trailer was released (and Pat, Courtney and I waited to watch it together, which was good fun!). As the film series has progressed, I've become more and more interested in how each film has been marketed. As WB has realised the power of the Internet and the web-based fandom, more and more has been released prior to the film, to the point almost too much was released for Order of the Phoenix (and much of which I therefore purposely avoided).
This time around, however, it has been completely different. As compared to getting our first lot of photos nine months ahead, and the first teaser trailer six months ahead, instead it was six and five months ahead, which left many fans (myself included) excited at even a rumour of the trailer being with the film! Tonight, when the trailer has finally arrived, it is quite different to its predecessors, who in the past have often been full of lots of quick glimpses, whereas tonight we got almost a whole scene. It feels as if WB has completely changed it's marketing strategy for the film.
While this was a surprise when I first encountered it, as I think about it, why not? First of all, while they are part of a series, each is a different film, and like anything, should be treated as such. Half-Blood Prince has a different, more linear, plot, one that perhaps does not lend itself to an episodic trailer like the others. Also, it is the first film to be released post-Deathly Hallows, as compared to Order of the Phoenix, which was released while the hype was greatest, almost to the point it could have been overwhelming to people out of the fandom. A longer gap gives more time for people to begin to become interested again. Finally, it is the first film since Chamber of Secrets to feature a returning director. Of course, with Order of the Phoenix marketing through trailers was more essential than ever - your average Harry Potter fan had never seen a David Yates film, and therefore had no idea what to expect. This time around, the previous film could almost be thought of as the real teaser trailer for the coming films. There was less need to 'wow' and excite us like last time.
This trailer left me intrigued more than anything else. It appeared simple, but on more watches I noticed tiny things - for example, I do not think the scenes in Dumbledore's office at the start match with the memory shown, as he says "the most important memory he has collected", which is strange wording when talking about your own memory (as the memory of young Tom Riddle in the trailer is). In addition, the book calls Slughorn's memory the most important. More than likely it is just clever trailer editing (and makes me more interested in the process of editing trailers). Other points of note include the strange wheat field (is that Fenrir or the older-young Tom Riddle?) and the small shots of Ron (after the poisioning) and Ginny (outside during the battle I think), no Hermione or Slughorn, and both this trailer and the incredibly short IMAX one finished with quotes almost word-for-word from the book.
Four final things I have to mention - Hero Fiennes-Tiffin, just from the trailer looks to be an incredible young actor for his age (better than Dan, Rupert and Emma at his age) and reminds me of Haley Joel Osmont in The Sixth Sense. The cinematography looks brilliant as always. The effect with the Pensieve is already interesting and I'm looking forward to hearing from visual/special effects about that one (or is it just water? To me it looks slightly thicker, or something), and finally - the music had me hooked immediately. I hope that is a clear sign of the score to come, or, in fact the whole film to come!
Can't it be December already...?
Today the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince teaser trailer was released (and Pat, Courtney and I waited to watch it together, which was good fun!). As the film series has progressed, I've become more and more interested in how each film has been marketed. As WB has realised the power of the Internet and the web-based fandom, more and more has been released prior to the film, to the point almost too much was released for Order of the Phoenix (and much of which I therefore purposely avoided).
This time around, however, it has been completely different. As compared to getting our first lot of photos nine months ahead, and the first teaser trailer six months ahead, instead it was six and five months ahead, which left many fans (myself included) excited at even a rumour of the trailer being with the film! Tonight, when the trailer has finally arrived, it is quite different to its predecessors, who in the past have often been full of lots of quick glimpses, whereas tonight we got almost a whole scene. It feels as if WB has completely changed it's marketing strategy for the film.
While this was a surprise when I first encountered it, as I think about it, why not? First of all, while they are part of a series, each is a different film, and like anything, should be treated as such. Half-Blood Prince has a different, more linear, plot, one that perhaps does not lend itself to an episodic trailer like the others. Also, it is the first film to be released post-Deathly Hallows, as compared to Order of the Phoenix, which was released while the hype was greatest, almost to the point it could have been overwhelming to people out of the fandom. A longer gap gives more time for people to begin to become interested again. Finally, it is the first film since Chamber of Secrets to feature a returning director. Of course, with Order of the Phoenix marketing through trailers was more essential than ever - your average Harry Potter fan had never seen a David Yates film, and therefore had no idea what to expect. This time around, the previous film could almost be thought of as the real teaser trailer for the coming films. There was less need to 'wow' and excite us like last time.
This trailer left me intrigued more than anything else. It appeared simple, but on more watches I noticed tiny things - for example, I do not think the scenes in Dumbledore's office at the start match with the memory shown, as he says "the most important memory he has collected", which is strange wording when talking about your own memory (as the memory of young Tom Riddle in the trailer is). In addition, the book calls Slughorn's memory the most important. More than likely it is just clever trailer editing (and makes me more interested in the process of editing trailers). Other points of note include the strange wheat field (is that Fenrir or the older-young Tom Riddle?) and the small shots of Ron (after the poisioning) and Ginny (outside during the battle I think), no Hermione or Slughorn, and both this trailer and the incredibly short IMAX one finished with quotes almost word-for-word from the book.
Four final things I have to mention - Hero Fiennes-Tiffin, just from the trailer looks to be an incredible young actor for his age (better than Dan, Rupert and Emma at his age) and reminds me of Haley Joel Osmont in The Sixth Sense. The cinematography looks brilliant as always. The effect with the Pensieve is already interesting and I'm looking forward to hearing from visual/special effects about that one (or is it just water? To me it looks slightly thicker, or something), and finally - the music had me hooked immediately. I hope that is a clear sign of the score to come, or, in fact the whole film to come!
Can't it be December already...?
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Nintendo, why must you do this to me?
I've hardly used my Wii lately, due in part to uni, my new notebook, and that I was a touch bored of the games I had. But all that may be set to change - Mario Kart Wii, WiiFit and Dancing Stage: Hottest Party all come out in the next two weeks! Why must they all come out in the middle of semester, after I've just spent money on new computers and software?
I'll get Mario Kart: it was the only game I ever really played on N64, and I've been waiting for it ever since I got my Wii. WiiFit can wait, while it would be great for study breaks, I don't think I can justify $150. The really tricky decision is with Dancing Stage. I love DDR, but I have Dancing Stage for PS2, and felt that it was really average, with a not particularly great range of songs. But this one for Wii has the Scissor Sisters' I Don't Feel Like Dancing! and Lips of an Angel! They aren't the originals, but they are two of my favourite songs. What to do... I guess it will just depend on what it costs.
I'll get Mario Kart: it was the only game I ever really played on N64, and I've been waiting for it ever since I got my Wii. WiiFit can wait, while it would be great for study breaks, I don't think I can justify $150. The really tricky decision is with Dancing Stage. I love DDR, but I have Dancing Stage for PS2, and felt that it was really average, with a not particularly great range of songs. But this one for Wii has the Scissor Sisters' I Don't Feel Like Dancing! and Lips of an Angel! They aren't the originals, but they are two of my favourite songs. What to do... I guess it will just depend on what it costs.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
AJ's Return
I normally don't do these things, but Kiera posted it on Facebook and I thought it was really cool! (Please remember that I have a lot of rubbish in iTunes that was added to try and make an ultimate party collection...)
1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. You must write that song name down no matter how silly it sounds.
How would you describe your life?
Crying in the Chapel - Elvis (30 #1 Hits)
How do you feel today?
C'est La Vie - B*Witched (B*Witched) (hey, that one almost makes sense and is kinda true!)
What is your life long goal?
Metal Guru - T-Rex (Dad's BBQ Songs)
What do your friends think of you?
New Beginning - Shannon Noll (So Fresh: Summer 2005/Best of 2004)
What do your parents think of you?
Moon Dance - Original Soundtrack (Danny Elfman) (Tim Burton's Corpse Bride)
What do you often think about?
The Sacking of Trelawney - Original Soundtrack (Nicholas Hooper) (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix) (well, I was thinking of it the other day thanks to Leaky...)
What do you think of the person who likes you?
Not While I'm Around - Edward Sanders and Helena Bonham Carter (Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street)
What does your best friend always say to you?
The End - Imago (The Butterfly Effect)
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Heroe's Return - Original Soundtrack (Night at the Museum)
What is your favourite saying?
Dirty Girl - Rob Mills (Australian Idol: The Final 12) (ewwwwwww......)
What will you dance to at your wedding?
Prologue - 65 Million Years Later - Original Soundtrack (Armageddon Complete Score 1)
What will be played at your funeral?
Holding Out For A Hero - Jennifer Saunders (Shrek 2)
What is your biggest fear?
Ultimate - Lindsay Lohan (Freaky Friday)
What is your biggest secret?
The King of the Golden Hall - Original Soundtrack (Howard Shore) (The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers)
What do you think of your house?
Cirith Ungol - Original Soundtrack (Howard Shore) (The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King)
What will you name this bulletin?
AJ's Return - Original Soundtrack (Armageddon Complete Score 2)
Hmmm, I wonder what the result would be if I did it just with normal music (I'm surprised a PotterCast didn't end up in there) or even just soundtrack music. Am also extremely disappointed with the lack of Ben Lee! Will perhaps save that for another day - I really should get back to Marketing homework!
1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. You must write that song name down no matter how silly it sounds.
How would you describe your life?
Crying in the Chapel - Elvis (30 #1 Hits)
How do you feel today?
C'est La Vie - B*Witched (B*Witched) (hey, that one almost makes sense and is kinda true!)
What is your life long goal?
Metal Guru - T-Rex (Dad's BBQ Songs)
What do your friends think of you?
New Beginning - Shannon Noll (So Fresh: Summer 2005/Best of 2004)
What do your parents think of you?
Moon Dance - Original Soundtrack (Danny Elfman) (Tim Burton's Corpse Bride)
What do you often think about?
The Sacking of Trelawney - Original Soundtrack (Nicholas Hooper) (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix) (well, I was thinking of it the other day thanks to Leaky...)
What do you think of the person who likes you?
Not While I'm Around - Edward Sanders and Helena Bonham Carter (Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street)
What does your best friend always say to you?
The End - Imago (The Butterfly Effect)
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Heroe's Return - Original Soundtrack (Night at the Museum)
What is your favourite saying?
Dirty Girl - Rob Mills (Australian Idol: The Final 12) (ewwwwwww......)
What will you dance to at your wedding?
Prologue - 65 Million Years Later - Original Soundtrack (Armageddon Complete Score 1)
What will be played at your funeral?
Holding Out For A Hero - Jennifer Saunders (Shrek 2)
What is your biggest fear?
Ultimate - Lindsay Lohan (Freaky Friday)
What is your biggest secret?
The King of the Golden Hall - Original Soundtrack (Howard Shore) (The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers)
What do you think of your house?
Cirith Ungol - Original Soundtrack (Howard Shore) (The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King)
What will you name this bulletin?
AJ's Return - Original Soundtrack (Armageddon Complete Score 2)
Hmmm, I wonder what the result would be if I did it just with normal music (I'm surprised a PotterCast didn't end up in there) or even just soundtrack music. Am also extremely disappointed with the lack of Ben Lee! Will perhaps save that for another day - I really should get back to Marketing homework!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Thoughts on the Film Industry
Wow, long time, no post. A fair bit has happened since December 22, including the fact that I'm writing this from a MacBook Pro, not my Dell notebook. But that's another story, perhaps for another time.
I've just been to the movies to see a great little Australian film - Hey Hey Its Esther Blueberger. I've been looking forward to seeing this film for quite a while now - I do believe it was originally supposed to be released before December Boys, but, like so many Australian films, it was delayed. Starring Keisha Castle-Hughes, Toni Collette, Christian Byers (from December Boys) and newcomer Danielle Catanzari, it is the story of a private school girl who doesn't fit. I really enjoyed it. Some of the writing was a touch rocky in places, but then again it was better writing than Emerald Falls, the telemovie that I watched last night that had a great premise, but was horrifically written (and was like nearly every Australian soap written and rolled into one).
It got me thinking on the drive home how that, with the exceptions of Order of the Phoenix and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, that the only movies that I have really enjoyed have been lower budget. I won't say shoestring budget - they all have a little bit of money behind them - but they're not the massive budget feature films that the studios have an obsession with. Juno, December Boys and Esther Blueberger were all far more enjoyable, and looked great on screen. Yes, I liked Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, but a lot of that has to do with the fact that Dead Man's Chest was so bad, and I dislike how unnatural it felt. It really is sad, these films are so great, but do not get anywhere near the publicity they deserve. For example, the closest cinema to me that showed December Boys was in Cheltenham - half an hour away.
I can't help but wonder too how many other great scripts like these are out there, waiting to be made, but aren't, because the funds have to be redirected to a film like The Golden Compass when it goes over budget. It has me thinking about the sorts of films I want to make - while everyone dreams of wanting to be behind the next Lord of the Rings, I now think I would be prouder to say I had made a film like Juno - a good story, great looking and enjoyable for people of all ages. (Except for the Old Kingdom trilogy - I'm desperate to see them on film and the only way to do them justice would be big budget.) The fact that films like Juno have done so well has me hoping that we shall see more of these good films, more often.
My AFI membership is due for renewal. I had considered not renewing it, seeing as the AFI price at cinemas is generally more than the student concession price. But today has my decision made - I will be rejoining, to show that I love and support good Australian filmmaking. I'm going to try and aim to see as many Australian films as I can as well, so I can help vote for the AFI awards. I'll also try and review as many as can. Here's to more good films for the rest of the year!
I've just been to the movies to see a great little Australian film - Hey Hey Its Esther Blueberger. I've been looking forward to seeing this film for quite a while now - I do believe it was originally supposed to be released before December Boys, but, like so many Australian films, it was delayed. Starring Keisha Castle-Hughes, Toni Collette, Christian Byers (from December Boys) and newcomer Danielle Catanzari, it is the story of a private school girl who doesn't fit. I really enjoyed it. Some of the writing was a touch rocky in places, but then again it was better writing than Emerald Falls, the telemovie that I watched last night that had a great premise, but was horrifically written (and was like nearly every Australian soap written and rolled into one).
It got me thinking on the drive home how that, with the exceptions of Order of the Phoenix and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, that the only movies that I have really enjoyed have been lower budget. I won't say shoestring budget - they all have a little bit of money behind them - but they're not the massive budget feature films that the studios have an obsession with. Juno, December Boys and Esther Blueberger were all far more enjoyable, and looked great on screen. Yes, I liked Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, but a lot of that has to do with the fact that Dead Man's Chest was so bad, and I dislike how unnatural it felt. It really is sad, these films are so great, but do not get anywhere near the publicity they deserve. For example, the closest cinema to me that showed December Boys was in Cheltenham - half an hour away.
I can't help but wonder too how many other great scripts like these are out there, waiting to be made, but aren't, because the funds have to be redirected to a film like The Golden Compass when it goes over budget. It has me thinking about the sorts of films I want to make - while everyone dreams of wanting to be behind the next Lord of the Rings, I now think I would be prouder to say I had made a film like Juno - a good story, great looking and enjoyable for people of all ages. (Except for the Old Kingdom trilogy - I'm desperate to see them on film and the only way to do them justice would be big budget.) The fact that films like Juno have done so well has me hoping that we shall see more of these good films, more often.
My AFI membership is due for renewal. I had considered not renewing it, seeing as the AFI price at cinemas is generally more than the student concession price. But today has my decision made - I will be rejoining, to show that I love and support good Australian filmmaking. I'm going to try and aim to see as many Australian films as I can as well, so I can help vote for the AFI awards. I'll also try and review as many as can. Here's to more good films for the rest of the year!
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