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Thursday, January 14, 2016

IMAX'S REDEMPTION FOR THE REVENANT.

IMAX Corporation (NYSE: IMAX) and Twentieth Century Fox, a division of 21st Century Fox (NASDAQ: FOX), today announced that Fox and New Regency's Golden Globes®-winning epic, The Revenant, directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, will receive a special limited engagement in IMAX® theaters domestically and across select international markets beginning Jan. 14.

"The Revenant is a visually stunning, emotionally charged film that looks magnificent in IMAX," said Greg Foster, Senior Executive Vice President, IMAX Corp. and CEO of IMAX Entertainment. "We are excited to partner with our friends at Twentieth Century Fox and New Regency, as well as the visionary filmmaker Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu and his two-time Academy Award®-winning cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki in offering fans the opportunity to see this epic film in select IMAX theaters."

The IMAX® release of The Revenant is shown in its digitally re-mastered format, which includes the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience® with proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images, coupled with IMAX's customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio, create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.

FROM HAILEY TO JUSTIN: MAN UP OR ELSE.


Monday, December 21, 2015

EXPOSE: WHERE THE HELL- ARE MY PARTING GIFTS,PAT !?

The great thing about losing on TV game shows-unlike Vegas-is that you still had something to show for it. Not just some cheap trinkets either, back in the day were talking about $500-$1,500 for failure. In America, "A nation of B and C students" according to Chris Rock, That's awesome!

All of the shows, big and small rewarded people with everything to Turtle Wax to A year's supply of Sunny D. Back then, you got almost too many gifts. The average show would give three to six prizes, depending on its budget. Of course, don't forget taking home- the home board or video game of the show. Back then, parting gifts were the biggest cliché in TV history.

Now, the great trope of TV game shows, "You leave with nothing!," as Weakest Link Anne Robinson would sadistically bellow. When modern games moved to prime time with $1 million+ grand prizes, the bottom fell out with shows beating their chests- about sending players home broke. It's like the minimum wage, was just ignored in order to create the living wage- which on a game show is ,the ability to quit with any money earned at that point or reach a guaranteed cash-in milestone level, a la Millionaire.

All facets of TV productions get paid, even the audience most times. Sometimes, they have to sit there and be enthused up to 12 hrs. at times. The players can't be given a T-shirt or a case of Pepsi. This is yet another reason- Reality shows, are the sweatshop industry of TV.

This started back in "the dark days" of cable TV, back in the nineties. When a lot of Fly-by-night games came on and went off the air, after a season. Most could barely afford their grand prize (usually a vacation), let alone gave consolation gifts.

That forced a cheapness, that affected hit shows, at the time. Wheel, Hollywood Squares and Jeopardy converted- to a still cool $1,000 parting prize. The Price Is Right cut gifts from six to three, then to two (after Drew Carey became host.) After its 40th anniversary, they were gone- though many players claimed, the show still gave away a few prize and a gift basket, from a allegedly huge prize warehouse.

Things are better now- Fortune and Jeopardy still give $1000,Millionaire used to  (under the Super Mix format.) These days, its easy to get to the first cash lock-in level, unless you're a moron.

Family Feud used to give away, six to seven losing prizes- under the Richard Dawson and Ray Combs eras. Then, nothing....until the final J. Peterman season- when families got a Feud: Decades Wii home game. Recently, Family Feud started giving away a $500 prepaid credit card, after giving away oxygen for years, under the highly profitable Steve Harvey.

However, nearly all GSN shows, newcomer Celebrity Name Game don't do this and Hollywood Game Night, sometimes? Even then, its a gag gift- like a $400 BMW steering wheel ONLY. Funny, but meanly cheap.

"It's time to start....RUNNING!," back to a great, liberal TV tradition. As the great social comic- George Carlin stated, "People just want a trophy or trinket" while "competing on TV" to feel they accomplished something with their lives.


   

STEVE HARVEY: A MASSIVE, STUPID, FUCK-UP!!



Tuesday, December 01, 2015

KEVIN CONNOLLY: A TRUE AMERICAN SCUMBAG.


The brief story is in response ,to a Celebrity Homophobia report. A seemingly Never Ending Story  for a minor actor,
who lost a Basketball game, playing a Buffy knock-off on Unhappily Ever After.


The little minded actor, stalked the source over- to a West SIDE bookstore. He was just looking at their nook tablet and checking his e-mail awkwardly. Evil E was with some woman, when he screamed at him, "I'm going to continue to laugh at you. But, I'm not going to make any gay jokes at you anymore, because your ruining my got damn career!"

The source ran outside and told him "Fuck off, you lying asshole!" Only then, did the bleached, blond bastard, turned pleasantly (?) shocked and walked off into the parking lot with his submissive whore.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

BOND MAKES SKYFALL, FOR A NEW WORLD RECORD.

In addition to breaking box office records across the globe, SPECTRE, the 24th James Bond adventure, has been awarded a Guinness World Records™ title for the Largest Film Stunt Explosion, it was announced today at a press conference in Beijing, China. SPECTRE, from Albert R. Broccoli's EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, opens in China this week.

Producer Barbara Broccoli and stars Daniel Craig and Lea Seydoux – who appear in the scene – accepted the record certificate on behalf of the official title holder, Academy Award® winner Chris Corbould, who served as Special Effects and Miniature Effects Supervisor on SPECTRE.

The incredible explosion was filmed for a pivotal scene in the film and took place on June 29, 2015 in Erfoud, Morocco and used 8418 litres of fuel and 33kg of explosives.

Commenting on the announcement, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, the producers of SPECTRE, said, "It is absolutely tremendous that the Guinness World Records have recognised Chris Corbould's incredible work in SPECTRE in which he created the largest explosion ever in film history."

Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief Craig Glenday added: "The James Bond movies are synonymous with pushing cinematic boundaries. The latest film, SPECTRE, has again captured the imagination of global cinemagoers, and this will certainly be due in part to the phenomenal stunts. The scene featuring the world's largest film stunt explosion is spectacular and will live long in the memory as one of the outstanding moments in the Bond franchise." The Largest Film Stunt Explosion is an early front runner for inclusion in Guinness World Records 2017, out next year. The 2016 edition is currently on sale.



ABOUT "SPECTRE"
A cryptic message from the past sends James Bond (Daniel Craig) on a rogue mission to Mexico City and eventually Rome, where he meets Lucia Sciarra (Monica Bellucci), the beautiful and forbidden widow of an infamous criminal. Bond infiltrates a secret meeting and uncovers the existence of the sinister organisation known as SPECTRE.

Meanwhile back in London, Max Denbigh (Andrew Scott), the new head of the Centre for National Security, questions Bond's actions and challenges the relevance of MI6, led by M (Ralph Fiennes). Bond covertly enlists Moneypenny (Naomie Harris) and Q (Ben Whishaw) to help him seek out Madeleine Swann (Lea Seydoux), the daughter of his old nemesis Mr White (Jesper Christensen), who may hold the clue to untangling the web of SPECTRE. As the daughter of an assassin, she understands Bond in a way most others cannot.

As Bond ventures towards the heart of SPECTRE, he learns of a chilling connection between himself and the enemy he seeks, played by Christoph Waltz.

Sam Mendes returns to direct SPECTRE, with Daniel Craig reprising his role as 007 for the fourth time. SPECTRE is produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. The screenplay is by John Logan and Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and Jez Butterworth, with a story by John Logan and Neal Purvis & Robert Wade.

A COOL STAR WARS DIRECTOR BECOMES ,THE MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION.


Monday, October 19, 2015

RACIST SLUT MILEY CYRUS, HELPS JAMES FRANCO-FINALLY BECOME A MAN.

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE GIVES WIFE, VERBAL CUNNILINGUS AT HALL OF FAME.

PBS WILL SHOW- EDDIE MURPHY'S ANTI-COSBY JOKE.

WILL SMITH CONTINUES- TO NOT DO HIS OWN MUSIC,IN HIS OWN FILMS.

R&B artist and singer songwriter Leon Bridges, who burst onto the nationwide music scene earlier this year with his hit song "Coming Home," will provide a new song, "So Long," for the highly anticipated motion picture Concussion starring Will Smith, it was announced today by Lia Vollack, president of Worldwide Music for Sony Pictures. Concussion will be released in theaters December 25, 2015.
"So Long" will be available on all digital sales platforms including Spotify, iTunes and Amazon on November 20.  The song's music is by Leon Bridges and Joshua BlockAustin Jenkins, and Chris Vivion of Niles City Sound, with lyrics by Leon Bridges.  The track was produced by Niles City Sound.
Bridges has posted a fifteen second preview of the song to his Instagram page, @leonbridgesofficial.
Bridges' debut album, "Coming Home," launched this summer to rave reviews and public acclaim, reaching the top ten in the US, UK and Australia.  A rare talent who performs smoldering ballads and elemental rock 'n' roll with equal aplomb, the minor-key, blue hues of Bridges' songs embrace a refreshing subtlety that feels straight out of classic soul and R&B.  A little more than a year ago, a chance meeting in Fort Worth led to an independent recording session, and soon, signing with Columbia Records.  
Commenting on the announcement, Peter Landesman, the film's writer/director, said, "I'm so glad to have Leon's music in the movie.  His songs are a shot straight from the heart, full of feeling and emotion, power and heartbreak.  And it's a perfect match for the movie, because I could describe Dr. Bennet Omalu the same way – in the movie, he's a spiritual person, standing up on his own against a world of powerful forces, using only his smarts, his courage, and the knowledge that he's right.  Leon's soulful sound and expressive words are a tremendous addition to the film."
Will Smith stars in Concussion, a dramatic thriller based on the incredible true David vs. Goliath story of American immigrant Dr. Bennet Omalu, the brilliant forensic neuropathologist who made the first discovery of CTE, a football-related brain trauma, in a pro player and fought for the truth to be known.  Omalu's emotional quest puts him at dangerous odds with one of the most powerful institutions in the world.  The film, a Columbia Pictures presentation in association with LStar Capital and Village Roadshow Pictures, is written and directed byPeter Landesman, based on the GQ article "Game Brain" by Jeanne Marie Laskas, produced by Ridley Scott,Giannina ScottDavid WolthoffLarry Shuman, and Elizabeth Cantillon, and executive produced by Michael SchaeferDavid CrockettBen WaisbrenBruce Berman, and Greg Basser.

Monday, October 05, 2015

CELEBRITY Q AND A:THE BASTARD, JAMES SPADER.

In 2004, we were treated to a sneak preview viewing- of ABC's The Practice. A hit legal show, created by David E. Kelly. This is NOT to be confused, with a medical spin-off of Grey's Anatomy, called Private Practice, which totally sucked.

Anyway, I sat at a table near the front, closest to the big TV set. It's the first shot (with running time codes still on it) where The Blacklist star- James Spader is chewing scenery with abandon. So much so, he start to come off as hammy to me.

Spader demolished a fat Italian lawyer, with a nasty line. I accidentally said verbally, "Wow, Spader's a prick." At that point, a mean,full blond headed guy, immediately takes his eyes off the screen and menacingly stared at me, with the intent of bodily harm.

After quite a few seconds, I realize that is Alan Shore of that show's finale season and future Emmy winning turns on its Spin-off, Boston Legal. Embarrassed, I just turn my head back to monitor. I just try to ignore, the occasionally angry-as-hell glances.

After the viewing, we all get up to leave. We both (somehow) stand and face each other. Spader looks right at me and said (after his alter ego did something nice,in the final shot) ...."Am I still a prick to you?," in a cheerful, but mocking tone.

I just look at him, jokingly shrug my shoulders and sympathetically said, "Maybe." A torrent of cuss words fly at me,as a turn around and quickly leave. I smiled as I realized, a major star was upset- by me.

Notes: I ended seeing Spader, at a couple of SAG-AFTRA meetings years later. He just wanted to say the same mean,semi-bigoted lies and remarks,when he didn't get his chance at the viewing.I just ignored him.I don't know, I think Modern Family's Eric Stonestreet was there. This just confirmed that he IS a mean, lying little prick. Go back to hell, Red James!





MUSICIAN WIZ KHALIFA AND ROBERT DE NIRO, HONORED AT FILM AWARDS.

dick clark productions (dcp) announced today that Universal Pictures' box-office smash Furious 7 will receive the "Hollywood Blockbuster Award," while Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth will receive the "Hollywood Song Award" for their massive hit "See You Again" from the film's soundtrack. In addition, the "Hollywood Documentary Award" will be bestowed on director Asif Kapadia for his work on Amy. The "19th Annual Hollywood Film Awards" will take place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills on November 1, 2015. The Hollywood Film Awards, the official launch of the awards season®, has recognized excellence in the art of cinema and filmmaking for 18 years, honoring some of the world's biggest stars. 
Embraced by global audiences, the latest entry in Universal's homegrown franchise, Furious 7 is the fifth highest-grossing film of all time.  The Fast & Furious movies have grossed more than $3.9 billion through their 14-year history, and the series has become the studio's largest film of all time.
The hit single off the Furious 7 soundtrack, "See You Again," scored one of the 20 greatest sales weeks of any song in the decade-plus that Nielsen Music has tracked digital sales. The song went on to take the No. 1 spot on multiple Billboard charts, including Hot 100, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, Hot Rap Songs, Digital Sons, Streaming Sons and Billboard + Twitter Top Tracks. Including "See You Again," Wiz Khalifa has placed more than 40 tracks on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song represents YouTube sensation Puth's debut single.
dick clark productions also announced today the recipients of this year's honorees in the categories of Cinematography, Composer, Editing, Visual Effects, Sound, Costume Design, Make-Up & Hairstyling and Production Design. Past honorees have gone on to garner many Oscar nominations and wins. The complete list can be found below:
Hollywood Cinematography AwardJanusz KaminskiBridge of Spies
Hollywood Film Composer AwardAlexandre DesplatThe Danish Girl, Suffragette
Hollywood Editing AwardDavid RosenbloomBlack Mass
Hollywood Visual Effects AwardTim AlexanderJurassic World
Hollywood Sound AwardGary RydstromBridge of Spies
Hollywood Costume Design AwardSandy PowellCinderella
Hollywood Make-Up & Hairstyling AwardLesley VanderwaltMad Max: Fury Road
Hollywood Production Design AwardColin GibsonMad Max: Fury Road
It was announced last week that two-time Oscar winner, Robert De Niro, will be honored with this year's "Hollywood Career Achievement Award." De Niro is currently starring in Warner Bros. Pictures' "The Intern" and will appear next in 20th Century Fox's "Joy," coming out December 25, 2015. More of this year's honorees will be announced in the coming weeks.
CHEAT TWEET: .@FastFurious, @wizkhalifa and @charlieputh to be honored at the 2015 @HollywoodAwards for Furious 7 and See You Again. #HFAs

DRINK FROM THE FUTURE: PESPI PERFECT IS NOW, A REALITY.

Surprising Back to the Future fans everywhere, Pepsi officially confirms the long-awaited creation of Pepsi Perfect - the famous soda Marty McFly orders in the second installment of one of the most beloved trilogies in motion-picture history. The fantastical cola, made famous by the film, will officially be available on October 21, 2015, paying homage to the date Marty McFly travels to in the future. Since 1989, Back To The Future enthusiasts have waited patiently to see how the future unfolds.
"Pepsi fans asked and we heard them loud and clear," said Lou Arbetter, Senior Director of Marketing, PepsiCo. "The Back to the Future trilogy was as big a moment in pop culture history then as it is now, 30 years later. We are excited to be part of this moment and to bring fans something only Pepsi could deliver – and there's no need to wait – the future is now!"
SYNCHRONIZE YOUR WATCHES TO OCTOBER 21 FOR A CHANCE TO SCORE A PEPSI PERFECT
If our calculations are correct, Pepsi will make the future a reality on October 21, 2015 and unlock limited quantities of Pepsi Perfect, available for purchase online while supplies last. Fans located in the U.S. can get their hands on 1 of 6,500 Pepsi Perfect bottles, each outfitted in a special collectible case. The 16.9 oz. bottles will contain Pepsi Made with Real Sugar and will sell for $20.15.
A FIRST TASTE OF THE FUTURE REVEALED AT NEW YORK COMIC CON
While the clock counts down to October 21, New York Comic Con ticketholders will step into a Pepsi Perfect world as they enter the Javits Center on Thursday, October 8. From sponsoring a Back to the Future focused panel to creating a Café 80's inspired booth featuring a DeLorean and Wild Gunman arcade game, Pepsi Perfect will bring to life the magical w/ Back to the Future Part II

Thursday, September 10, 2015

ZOE SALDANA IS READY FOR AN OSCAR NOD -AS NINA SIMONE!

RLJ Entertainment (NASDAQ: RLJE), founded by Robert L. Johnson, RLJE Chairman and Founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET) has acquired all North American rights to the highly anticipated film NINA, based on the life of legendary American singer-songwriter Nina Simone. With first time writer-director Cynthia Mort, the film stars Zoe Saldana (Avatar, Guardians of the Galaxy) and David Oyelowo (Selma, The Butler). NINA will be released in theaters in December 2015 under the RLJ Entertainment brand. RLJ Entertainment previously released its theatrical titles under the Image Entertainment brand, which RLJ Entertainment purchased in 2012.

"I am very excited that RLJ Entertainment will be distributing Nina Simone's biopic with the tremendous talent involved including Zoe Saldana and David Oyelowo," said Johnson. "I had the special privilege early in my career of working with Ms. Simone while coordinating a performance for former D.C. Delegate Walter E. Fauntroy and knowing first-hand of her major contribution to the soul and emotion of the Civil Rights Movement. I look forward as I am sure many others will, to her story and legacy being made available by RLJ Entertainment to consumers on various media platforms in the coming months."

"Robert Johnson is passionate about this film and he is passionate about Nina Simone, so we are excited to be in business with him," said producer Ben Latham-Jones. "We believe he can bring the powerful performances of Zoe and David to as wide an audience as possible."

NINA traces the career of legendary American singer-songwriter and civil rights activist, Nina Simone (Saldana). The story follows her struggle to balance music, family and what she believes in, which leaves her living alone in France feeling exiled from her own country. That is, until she meets Clifton Henderson (Oyelowo) who helps the high priestess of soul rediscover meaning in her life and music, and to once again embrace America. NINA reflects both her and the people she gave voice to in both their searches for redemption and hope in America during the 1960's.

Nina Simone is unarguably one of the great vocalists of the 20thCentury; a 15-time Grammy nominee, she received the Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 2000. Nina's versions of 'My Baby Just Cares For Me' and 'Feeling Good' have become standards, featuring in advertising and jazz compilations, and frequently covered by other artists. Her versions of such classics as 'I Put a Spell on You,' 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood,' 'Lilac Wine,' 'Ain't Got No, I Got Life' and 'Wild is the Wind' have become the definitive versions.
Nina's strong involvement in the Civil Rights Movement brought out the talented songwriter in her. While 'To Be Young Gifted and Black' is probably her best-known composition, and was subsequently covered by Aretha Franklin, Donny Hathaway, Bob and Marcia (whose cover was a U.K. top five hit) amongst others, she also wrote many other songs including 'Mississippi Goddam' and 'Four Women.'

NINA was produced by Barnaby Thompson (The Importance of Being Earnest), Ben Latham-Jones (Kids in Love), Stuart Parr (Get Rich or Die Tryin') and Cynthia Mort (The Brave One) and executive produced by Pierre Lagrange (Kick-Ass), Allison Sarofim (Lake City), Aigerim Jakisheva (Kids in Love), Zoe Saldana, David Oyelowo, James Spring (Burke and Hare), Gene Kirkwood (Rocky), Lauren Lloyd (Cellular) and Paul Rosenberg (Southpaw).

RLJ Entertainment executives Mark Ward, Chief Acquisitions Officer and Angela Northington, SVP, Content Acquisitions negotiated the deal with ICM Partners behalf of the filmmakers.
Recent RLJ Entertainment releases include The Rewrite with Hugh Grant and Marisa Tomei, and written and directed by Marc Lawrence; The Cobbler with Adam Sandler, Cliff "Method Man" Smith, Ellen Barkin, Melonie Diaz, Dan Stevens, Steve Buscemi, and Dascha Polanco, and written and directed by Tom McCarthy; and Blackbird Based on the same title novel by Larry Duplechan stars Academy Award® winning actress and comedian Mo'Nique (Precious), Isaiah Washington (Grey's Anatomy),and introduces breakthrough actor Julian Walker and directed by Patrik-Ian Polk (Noah's Arc, The Skinny).

Wednesday, September 02, 2015

CELEBRITY QUOTE OF THE MOMENT-SETH ROGEN.

"I HATE SCREECH TOO! BUT,(THAT'S) UNCOOL TO SAY HE SPRANG FROM MY ASS! SUBTLE!"-In response, to a story last week about scumbag Dustin Diamond's hate crime lies. Ran into him at the The Grove.

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

CELEBRITY HOMOPHOBIA: DUSTIN DIAMOND.

Like most people, I have NO desire- to meet a ugly, white trash, bigoted uber washed-up loser, like Dustin Diamond. Beyond the two times, I was FORCED to interact with...this piece of shit, that sprang from Seth Rogen's ass (when he was a kid.)

The first time, when I finished coming home from work and I had to cut across the back alley of the Santa Monica Promenade. A frequent option for many to reach the buses, on Wilshire Bl. about three blocks away. I suddenly hear a highly, dorky, voice scream "Faggot!" several times. I look up I DON'T recognize- the homely, pale face with a Jewish Afro (?). He goes on-OBSESSED about my sexuality, as I try to ignore this liar and walk through. He talks about me, like we were lovers and I NEVER met him.

Then, eight years later (August 22, 2015 after 9pm) I'm waiting outside an office building,  quietly waiting to leave the Century City Plaza, back to L.A. As I'm writing down some notes- at a news stand, I hear nasty, loud, obnoxious, laughter from Diamond and his chubby, frumpy, little person bitch. I assume that is Amanda Schutz- the skank that was apart, of his jailed, four month stabbing incident. 

Both are dressed like, they finished working a Pop Warner football game. For a while, I continue not to recognize the 90s super nerd.

At first, I tried to ignore them. Then, they got even louder- forcing me to look over. That's when Diamond starts pointing at me. THIS goes for over a minute. Finally I say: "You laugh like a nerd." The laughter stops in shock, for about 30 seconds. Then, the laughter starts again, then the fake Diamond stated "Considering your Race, I take that as a compliment." Next, his girl-fiend started to talk to him, as if the last few minutes hadn't happened.

About five minutes later, I had to walk near them- to get the wi-fi to work. Then, the Dustin's sow of a girlfriend, then turns back toward me and said "Faggot" and he laughs in agreement. I said, "Your evil and white...You're dressed as failed referees." Again, they stopped talking.

A few minutes later, they keep talking...very lowly. After another few minutes, The whore clown (her actual last job) repeated her "Faggot" remark.

At that point, I cocked my weapon that I had very LOUDLY. I stand there another 10 minutes, they are silent. Then I walk away, after decided they are NOT worth going to jail over. I COULD (more like should) have shot them (in the back of their heads) for their lies and bullying attitude toward me. The reason I didn't attack them, was because I realized they may have trying to goad and stab me, like the recent incident the got Diamond hard... time.

Finally, the Culver City Crosstown bus arrived and The bigoted losers got on and left.


SELENA GOMEZ HAD A PURITY RING FETISH?


Wednesday, August 05, 2015

IS KELLY OSBOURNE SUPPORTING DONALD TRUMP?


USC CONCLUDES DIVERSITY REMAINS-THE WHITE'S MAN BURDEN.

A new, landmark report released today reveals that if you want to work in Hollywood, being a straight, white male is practically part of the job description.
The study from the Media, Diversity, & Social Change Initiative at USC Annenberg is the most comprehensive analysis of diversity in recent popular films ever conducted, bringing together data assessing gender, race/ethnicity and LGBT status in movies. The study reveals, for the first time, a complete picture of Hollywood's indisputable bias against featuring females, people of color, and LGBT characters on screen.
In the 100 top-grossing films from 2014, less than one-third of all speaking characters were female, 26.9% were from an underrepresented racial/ethnic group, and less than .5 percent were LGB-identified. No transgender characters appeared in the 100 top grossing films of 2014.
The USC study assessed every speaking or named character on screen—over 30,000 characters in all—from the top-grossing films released in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2014. Females represented just 30.2% of all speaking characters across these 700 movies.  Only 11% of the 700 films were gender balanced or featured girls/women in roughly half of all speaking parts. Twenty-one films in 2014 had a female lead or co-lead character, similar to what was observed in 2007 films (20%).
"The picture that film presents is one that bears little resemblance to our nation's demography," said USC Annenberg Professor Stacy L. Smith, author of the study and founding director of the Initiative.  "By examining the trends over time, it is clear that no progress has been made either on screen or behind the camera when it comes to representing reality. This report reflects a dismal record of diversity for not just one group, but for females, people of color and the LGBT community."
Of female characters, women age 40-64 are the least visible on screen. Across more than 9,000 characters age 40-64 in the 700 films examined, only 21.8% were women.
"For activists and advocates who want to see more women on screen, this age bracket is an important place to begin," said Professor Smith. "Women of all ages can be the focus of creative and compelling storytelling. Programs like The Writers Lab, supported by Meryl Streep, are necessary to increase the presence of powerful women over 40 behind the camera and also in front of it."
Female characters are nearly three times more likely to be objectified than male characters on screen. In the 100 top films of 2014, a mere 8% of males are shown in sexually revealing clothing, compared to 27.9% of females. Similarly, 9.1% of male characters are depicted with some nudity, while 26.4% of female characters are shown with some exposed skin.
For those concerned with the sexualization of younger characters, the report reveals that females age 13-20 and 21-39 are equally likely to be depicted in sexually revealing attire or with some exposed skin.
"Clearly," said Professor Smith, "the male gaze is still alive and well in popular film."
In addition, the study found bad news for women behind the scenes. Just two of the 107 directors in 2014 were female, or 1.9%.  The percentages of female writers (11.2%) and producers (18.9%) are also low.  Across all three positions, men outnumber women behind the camera at a rate of 5.3 to 1.
The report also examines characters from underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups.  Although they make up 37% of the U.S. population, underrepresented racial/ethnic groups comprise only 26.9% of speaking characters across the 100 top films of 2014. As in previous studies, Hispanic/Latino characters are the most underrepresented compared to their presence in the U.S. population. The study's findings also examine the proportion of films that feature any African-American or Asian characters.
"Across all 100 films in 2014 there are still movies that feature no Black/African American or Asian characters," said Professor Smith.  "There were 17 films with no Black or African-American characters and over 40 movies featured no Asian characters. Hollywood continues to marginalize or exclude certain members of society."
One positive finding did emerge. In comparison to top animated films of 2007, a 25.4% increase in the percentage of characters from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups was observed in the top animated films of 2014. However, over half of these 2014 characters appeared in one animated film (The Book of Life). Aside from this movie, there is still a significant increase in the percentage.
Underrepresented directors also fare poorly. Across 700 films, 5.8% of directors were Black or African-American and 2.4% of directors were Asian. There were no Asian directors in 2014. In the seven-year span, only 3 directors were African-American females and just one was an Asian female.
"Our findings demonstrate that women appear very infrequently behind the camera, but women of color are nearly invisible," said researcher Katherine Pieper, one of the study's authors.
The researchers examined diversity on multiple fronts, including an analysis of LGBT characters for the first time this year. Out of 4,610 speaking or named characters across the 100 top grossing films of 2014, only 19 were coded as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. Of the 19 characters, the majority were gay, white men.
"Instead of acting as a leader, film lags behind when it comes to representing this community," said Marc Choueiti, the second author of the report.
"At a time when Jill Soloway is lauded for her storytelling prowess on Transparent and Caitlyn Jenner for her courage, film has a long road to traverse before it represents the diversity we see in TV and digital platforms, and in our communities," said Professor Smith. "While 'love wins' in our nation, it loses in film."
A full description of the results and methodology of the study, including findings related to film genre, can be found in the report: annenberg.usc.edu/MDSCI
This study is the most recent from the MDSC Initiative, which releases yearly in-depth analyses of the prevalence and portrayal of gender and race/ethnicity in film.  More than 65 students at the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism worked on the study, which was conducted with the assistance of The Harnisch Foundation and other supporters of the MDSC Initiative.  For more information on the Initiative, or to read previous studies, visit annenberg.usc.edu/MDSCI.
KEY FINDINGS
Gender
  • Only 30.2% of the 30,835 speaking characters evaluated were female across the 700 top-grossing films from 2007 to 2014. This calculates to a gender ratio of 2.3 to 1.
  • Only 11% of 700 films had gender-balanced casts or featured girls/women in roughly half (45-54.9%) of the speaking roles.
  • A total of 21 of the 100 top films of 2014 featured a female lead or roughly equal co lead. This is similar to the percentage in 2007 (20%), but a 7% decrease from the 2013 sample (28%).
  • In 2014, no female actors over 45 years of age performed a lead or co lead role. Only three of the female actors in lead or co lead roles were from underrepresented racial/ethnic backgrounds.  No female leads or co leads were Lesbian or Bisexual characters.
  • Less than a quarter of all speaking characters were female in the top animated films of 2014, which is a 7.4% decrease from 2010 but no change from 2007. Only 21.8% of speaking characters in action/adventure films were female, which did not differ from 2010 or 2007. 34% of characters in 2014 comedies were female
  • Across 700 films, a total of 9,522 characters were coded 40- to 64-years of age. Less than a quarter (21.8%) of these characters were women.  Only 19.9% of the middle-aged characters were female across the 100 top films of 2014. This is not different from the percentage in 2007.
  • In 2014, females of all ages were more likely than males to be shown in sexy attire (27.9% of females vs. 8% of males), with some nudity (26.4% of females vs. 9.1% of males) and referenced as physically attractive (12.6% of females vs. 3.1% of males). 
  • Examining patterns of sexualization by age in 2014 revealed that female teens (13-20 year olds) were just as likely to be sexualized as young adult females (21-39 year olds). Middle-aged females (40-64 year olds) were less likely than these two groups to be objectified.
  • Across the 100 top films of 2014, only 15.8% of content creators working as directors, writers, and producers were women. Women only accounted for 1.9% of directors, 11.2% of writers, and 18.9% of producers. Put differently, only 2 women directed across the 100 top films of 2014. This is not different from 2013 (2 female directors across 100 top films) or 2007 (3 female directors across 100 top films).
  • Twenty-eight women have worked as directors across the 700 top films from 2007 to 2014. Only three were African American. 
  • In the aggregate, films with at least one female screenwriter attached have more female characters and more women 40- to 64- years of age on screen than films without a female screenwriter attached.  Also, films with a female lead or co lead were associated with more girls/women on screen than those without a female lead or co lead attached.
Race/Ethnicity
  • Of those characters coded for race/ethnicity across 100 top films of 2014, 73.1% were White, 4.9% were Hispanic/Latino, 12.5% were Black, 5.3% were Asian, 2.9% were Middle Eastern, <1 1.2="" 2007-2014.="" acific="" american="" and="" apparent="" change="" ethnic="" ethnicity="" from="" groupings.="" hawaiian="" in="" indian="" islander="" laskan="" li="" native="" no="" of="" or="" other="" portrayal="" race="" racial="" represents="" the="" this="" were="">
  • Only 17 of the 100 top films of 2014 featured a lead or co lead actor from an underrepresented racial and/or ethnic group. An additional 3 films depicted an ensemble cast with 50% or more of the group comprised of actors from underrepresented racial/ethnic backgrounds.
  • Just over a quarter of characters in action and/or adventure (26.1%) and comedy films (26.5%) are from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups across the 100 top films of 2014. This represents no change from 2007 or 2010.
  • In comparison to top animated films of 2007, a 25.4% increase in the percentage of underrepresented characters was observed in the top animated films of 2014. However, over half of these 2014 characters appeared in one animated film. Even without this movie, there is still a significant increase in the percentage of underrepresented speaking characters in animated films from 2007 to 2014.
  • In 2014, 17 films did not feature one Black or African American speaking character. This is the same number of movies without Black characters across the 100 top films of 2013. Over 40 movies across the 2014 sample did not depict an Asian speaking character.
  • Across the 100 top films of 2014, only 5 of the 107 directors (4.7%) were Black.  One Black director helmed two pictures and only one was female. Only 45 Black directors have been attached to the 700 top-grossing films. This represents 5.8% of all helmers in the years analyzed.
  • Only 19 Asian directors worked across the 700 top-grossing films. This is an overall percentage of 2.4%. Only 1 Asian director was female across the films analyzed and was listed as a co-director.
LGBT
  • Across 4,610 speaking characters in the 100 top films of 2014, only 19 were Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual. Not one Transgender character was portrayed.
  • Ten characters were coded as Gay, 4 were Lesbian, and 5 were Bisexual. Only 14 movies sample wide featured an LGB depiction and none of those films were animated. 
  • Of the LGB characters coded, nearly two-thirds were male (63.2%) and only 36.8% were female. LGB characters were also predominantly White (84.2%). Only 15.8% were from underrepresented racial/ethnic backgrounds.

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Monday, July 27, 2015

CELEBRITY Q AND A: SINGER BRANDY.

About 20 years  ago, My dad and I were driving- to the grocery store, in a '73 Brohams (or as Oscar Winner Jamie Foxx put it- "Bro Ham." It was jet black NOT "Merlot."

Anyway, We were silently lost in our own thoughts, when a equally black, SUV pulled up to us, in right hand lane. Our car was in the center lane.The left passenger window went down and a girl who looked like Moesha, smiled at us. She sang,"I WANNA BE DOWN!"

I was lost in thought about college tests and thought the radio is on. I look over and she smiles. Her SUV pulls away and makes a right turn. My dad and I look at each other, with a "Was that Brandy look?!" The light changed and we had to continue on our way

Later.