Movies, they have been around to entertain us for over 100 years. Over this time, technology has improved to allow us to watch movies at home via 8mm reel to reel, VHS and Betamax video tape, CD-ROM (VCD movies) and currently DVD format. The DVD format, emerged informally as "digital versatile disc" around 1995. Research by Sony/ Philips and Toshiba around this time came from looking for alternatives to CD-ROM and VHS/Beta tapes as a replacement.
DVD has become a popular format for not just movies but for several platforms of media today, used in formats like DVD players for movies and TV series, consoles like the Playstation and XBOX, and for Personal Computers (which are also used for storage, the DVD-R +R, DVD-RW & DVD-RAM formats).
Since 2005, Sony and Toshiba have again gone head to head with Bluray (Sony) and HDDVD (toshiba) and with those of you old enough to remember the Betamax (Sony) and VHS (Toshiba) it is reminisce of the format wars of 25 odd years back.
For most, these two new formats are generation II of DVD, Bluray has a slightly larger capacity than HDDVD (around 30 Gb compared to DVD of around 4.7Gb) and uses a thinner blue laser on players (large red lasers are used on players that play cd and dvds) and HDDVD although slightly less capacity than Bluray (around 25Gb) uses a thinner red laser and is easier to manufacture in plants that make standard dvd discs. This presents new issues for the consumer. Which do I buy? What are the advantages and disadvantages? What is the cost?
Holographic DVD is also another emerging format that looks like getting commercial release in about 2009 and has storage looking to 200Gb and upwards. Thats about half a million MP3's, or about 400 hours of Standard Definition video or 80 hours of High Definition video. Whew !
Standard definition video ? High definition video? What the heck is this you ask. It is how a picture or video playback is displayed on a screen and that screen needs to be capable of High Definition playback (TV, rear projection. LCD or Plasma), TV and Video/ DVD has played back in Standard Definition for about the last 50 years. It is approximate to 800 x 600 DPI on a computer screen, where High Definition is approximate to 1280 x 1024 DPI on a computer screen.
Digital download (the internet and wireless internet), another emerging technology not just for viewing video on computers, but for cell phones as well. Cable TV, TIVO, Digital or broadband TV (IPTV), yes yet more technologies on the TV front vying for your hard earned dollar. Most consumers in the USA already have these 3 technologies.
Confused ? Thats understandable. Its 2007 and we haven't had more to choose from to get TV or movie entertainment than any other time before it. We don't know what technology will be available in 5, 7 or 10 years, but one thing is sure. No matter how good the tech is, the best will be the one that consumers desire to use the most...
Friday, September 5, 2008
Netflix Informed About Movies On Demand
Netflix, the company whose enormous red billboards have been annoying computer users for some time, has been informed about the existence of on-demand movies.
Shocked that a person can simply click a remote control to pay for and view a movie, the company has realized that expecting consumers to pay to have DVDs mailed to them and then remembering to mail them back is not a credible business.
Initially, the spokesman for Netflix was resistant, stating, “What do you mean, movies on demand? Never heard of them.”
But when the remarkable procedure was demonstrated to him, he relented and, in fact, commented, “Well, I’ll be. Why didn’t somebody tell me about it before I took this job?”
Shocked that a person can simply click a remote control to pay for and view a movie, the company has realized that expecting consumers to pay to have DVDs mailed to them and then remembering to mail them back is not a credible business.
Initially, the spokesman for Netflix was resistant, stating, “What do you mean, movies on demand? Never heard of them.”
But when the remarkable procedure was demonstrated to him, he relented and, in fact, commented, “Well, I’ll be. Why didn’t somebody tell me about it before I took this job?”
Romantic Movies
Nothing beats a romantic night at home, snuggled up on a coach watching a romantic movie. Stop at your local video store and find a movie sure to capture the heart of your mate. Here are some of the best all time romantic movies.
Ten Things I Hate About You
A teenage romantic comedy, 10 Things I Hate About You is a modern day Taming of the Shrew. Set in a modern high school setting. Bianca Stratford is forbidden to date until her older sister, Katarina begins dating. Unfortunately for Bianca, Katarina has no interest in dating, until she finds a not so perfect guy.
Sweet Home Alabama
Beautiful, ambitious Melanie flees rural Alabama and her highschool sweetheart in favor of Manhattan's glamorous fashion and social circles. When her Park Avenue boyfriend proposes, it's time to head South and finalize her divorce. Melanie learns that somethings can not be left behind.
How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days
To help land a big ad account, philandering Ben, makes a wager with his co-worker that he can mend his womanizing ways and date a woman for more than 10 days. Ben bets on the wrong girl. Andie is running her own scam and writing an article on how to dump a guy in 10 days and determined that Ben dump her.
When Harry Met Sally
Can men and women remain friends without the sex part getting in the way? Womanizing, neurotic Harry and ambitious, equally neurotic Sally are friends who resist sexual attraction to maintain their friendship. As the two draw closer, they ask if they can they stay just pals, or will sex get in the way?
Sabrina Industrious tycoon Linus Larrabee has no room for love in his appointment book. Sabrina Fairchild the chauffeur's daughter has spent her whole life worshipping the wealthy Larrabee family from afar. Heartbroken to learn that David doesn't share her feelings, she spends a year in Paris, then returns home more confident and poised. But when a burgeoning romance between his libertine brother David and Sabrina, jeopardizes Linus' pending business merger, the workaholic CEO clears his calendar to derail the relationship.
Some Kind of Wonderful
Watts is a young tomboy who has a crush on her best friend, Keith. but her feelings go unrequited as he falls for Amanda, a rich girl with snobby friends. Unfortunately for Keith, Amanda's wealthy ex-boyfriend wants her back and is willing to do anything to get her. This coming of age movie reminds viewers what really matters.
Pretty Woman
Looking for directions to his Beverly Hills hotel, millionaire corporate raider Edward Lewis crosses paths with Hollywood hooker Vivian Ward and hires her as his "date" for a week. Vivian gets swept into a fantasy realm of room service and boutique shopping on Rodeo Drive, and what starts as a business contract turns into much more. Can the poor prostitute and rich industrialist live happily ever after?
Cutting Edge
Spoiled but accomplished figure skater Kate Moseley is on her way to the Olympics, and so is egotistical hockey player Doug Dorsey. When an eye injury puts Doug out of hockey, he reluctantly agrees to try figure skating as Kate's partner. The duo gets off to a rough start but learns to perform as a team, and they soon become a force to be reckoned with.
Jerry Maguire
In one of the best date-night movies of all time, a sports agent grows a conscience, promptly gets fired and attempts to turn his life around. With one loyal football client. A starry-eyed co-worker and her irresistible son tag along, the sports agent discovers that loving well while playing fair is the best revenge.
The Princess Bride
In this enchantingly cracked fairy tale, the beautiful Princess Buttercup and the dashing Wesley must overcome staggering odds to find happiness. Giants, swordsmen, six-fingered counts, murderous princes, Sicilians, pirates, rodents of unusual size and even death can not stop true love from triumphing.
Sleepless in Seatle
Soul mates who come perilously close to never meeting. Although separated by thousands of miles, rueful widower Sam Baldwin and soon-to-be married Annie Reed connect through a radio call-in show encounter engineered by Sam's son, Jonah.
Dirty Dancing
Expecting the usual ennui that accompanies a summer in the Catskills with her family, 17-year-old Baby Houseman instead finds herself in love. The object of her affection, is none other than the resort's free-spirited dance instructor, Johnny Castle. But Baby's disapproving dad soon steps in to keep Johnny from putting the moves on his artless daughter.
Clueless
Bored with high school boys, best friends Cher and Dionne instead set their sights on college men. But the meddlesome Cher gets more than she bargained for when she gives a fashion-challenged student a makeover in hopes that her new friend will find love and happiness.
Ten Things I Hate About You
A teenage romantic comedy, 10 Things I Hate About You is a modern day Taming of the Shrew. Set in a modern high school setting. Bianca Stratford is forbidden to date until her older sister, Katarina begins dating. Unfortunately for Bianca, Katarina has no interest in dating, until she finds a not so perfect guy.
Sweet Home Alabama
Beautiful, ambitious Melanie flees rural Alabama and her highschool sweetheart in favor of Manhattan's glamorous fashion and social circles. When her Park Avenue boyfriend proposes, it's time to head South and finalize her divorce. Melanie learns that somethings can not be left behind.
How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days
To help land a big ad account, philandering Ben, makes a wager with his co-worker that he can mend his womanizing ways and date a woman for more than 10 days. Ben bets on the wrong girl. Andie is running her own scam and writing an article on how to dump a guy in 10 days and determined that Ben dump her.
When Harry Met Sally
Can men and women remain friends without the sex part getting in the way? Womanizing, neurotic Harry and ambitious, equally neurotic Sally are friends who resist sexual attraction to maintain their friendship. As the two draw closer, they ask if they can they stay just pals, or will sex get in the way?
Sabrina Industrious tycoon Linus Larrabee has no room for love in his appointment book. Sabrina Fairchild the chauffeur's daughter has spent her whole life worshipping the wealthy Larrabee family from afar. Heartbroken to learn that David doesn't share her feelings, she spends a year in Paris, then returns home more confident and poised. But when a burgeoning romance between his libertine brother David and Sabrina, jeopardizes Linus' pending business merger, the workaholic CEO clears his calendar to derail the relationship.
Some Kind of Wonderful
Watts is a young tomboy who has a crush on her best friend, Keith. but her feelings go unrequited as he falls for Amanda, a rich girl with snobby friends. Unfortunately for Keith, Amanda's wealthy ex-boyfriend wants her back and is willing to do anything to get her. This coming of age movie reminds viewers what really matters.
Pretty Woman
Looking for directions to his Beverly Hills hotel, millionaire corporate raider Edward Lewis crosses paths with Hollywood hooker Vivian Ward and hires her as his "date" for a week. Vivian gets swept into a fantasy realm of room service and boutique shopping on Rodeo Drive, and what starts as a business contract turns into much more. Can the poor prostitute and rich industrialist live happily ever after?
Cutting Edge
Spoiled but accomplished figure skater Kate Moseley is on her way to the Olympics, and so is egotistical hockey player Doug Dorsey. When an eye injury puts Doug out of hockey, he reluctantly agrees to try figure skating as Kate's partner. The duo gets off to a rough start but learns to perform as a team, and they soon become a force to be reckoned with.
Jerry Maguire
In one of the best date-night movies of all time, a sports agent grows a conscience, promptly gets fired and attempts to turn his life around. With one loyal football client. A starry-eyed co-worker and her irresistible son tag along, the sports agent discovers that loving well while playing fair is the best revenge.
The Princess Bride
In this enchantingly cracked fairy tale, the beautiful Princess Buttercup and the dashing Wesley must overcome staggering odds to find happiness. Giants, swordsmen, six-fingered counts, murderous princes, Sicilians, pirates, rodents of unusual size and even death can not stop true love from triumphing.
Sleepless in Seatle
Soul mates who come perilously close to never meeting. Although separated by thousands of miles, rueful widower Sam Baldwin and soon-to-be married Annie Reed connect through a radio call-in show encounter engineered by Sam's son, Jonah.
Dirty Dancing
Expecting the usual ennui that accompanies a summer in the Catskills with her family, 17-year-old Baby Houseman instead finds herself in love. The object of her affection, is none other than the resort's free-spirited dance instructor, Johnny Castle. But Baby's disapproving dad soon steps in to keep Johnny from putting the moves on his artless daughter.
Clueless
Bored with high school boys, best friends Cher and Dionne instead set their sights on college men. But the meddlesome Cher gets more than she bargained for when she gives a fashion-challenged student a makeover in hopes that her new friend will find love and happiness.
Enjoying Movies And Video Games
There is only one way to play video games now days and that is playacting them on a HDTV. Whatever people have told you, what ever your friends, family, or co-workers have told you, HD is the only way to go. Ok you might just happen to be an individual that has never seen something in HD and that is alright, your not alone. Just about everyone in the United States has heard of HD but truly don't believe what it is.
A simplified way to explain it is that the resolution of the image is greatly improved. Improved? One may ask, well yes that is just it. So you should go out right now and see for your self. Now back to video games on a HDTV. For starters the image is much clearer. When it is not in HD the image has what looks like to be a fuzz effect going on with it. Now if you are one of those people that have never seen HD then you will not note it and would have to look for it. But if you do have a HDTV and play your video games on it normally you will in fact observe a fundamental difference the calibre of picture.
Not only that, if you were to play a video game that you play oft in HD and then switched it over to standard definition it would be enough to make your self displeased. Also it is a great excuse for you to go out and buy a HD DVD player. That way you can start buying HD movies and when you see an ad on TV about a flick and it says also comes in HD you can go out and buy it. The only down side to buying HD movies is the increase in cost of the movie. You can ordinarily get a normal DVD at around twenty dollars, for a HD film you will be spending up wards to around thirty dollars.
Although that might be a lot for just one picture, HD movies come with an extreme amount of volume compared to just a typical DVD. On every HD DVD there are just about all the extras for that movie that you possibly could want. If you need behind the scenes or interviews with the cast of the show they are all there. I have personally only seen a couple of HD DVDs my self one being Pirates of The Caribbean: At Worlds End which was a outstanding film, but I know for a fact that all HD DVDs have all of the content I have just said. It is kind of like a guarantee when buying a HD DVD player. Not only do you get an amazing improvement in the calibre of the picture but you get all of the in depth reporting of the picture it self. I would say to all gamers or film lovers that enjoys watching TV in general and is looking for a finer experience save yourself the anguish of standard definition and buy a HDTV.
A simplified way to explain it is that the resolution of the image is greatly improved. Improved? One may ask, well yes that is just it. So you should go out right now and see for your self. Now back to video games on a HDTV. For starters the image is much clearer. When it is not in HD the image has what looks like to be a fuzz effect going on with it. Now if you are one of those people that have never seen HD then you will not note it and would have to look for it. But if you do have a HDTV and play your video games on it normally you will in fact observe a fundamental difference the calibre of picture.
Not only that, if you were to play a video game that you play oft in HD and then switched it over to standard definition it would be enough to make your self displeased. Also it is a great excuse for you to go out and buy a HD DVD player. That way you can start buying HD movies and when you see an ad on TV about a flick and it says also comes in HD you can go out and buy it. The only down side to buying HD movies is the increase in cost of the movie. You can ordinarily get a normal DVD at around twenty dollars, for a HD film you will be spending up wards to around thirty dollars.
Although that might be a lot for just one picture, HD movies come with an extreme amount of volume compared to just a typical DVD. On every HD DVD there are just about all the extras for that movie that you possibly could want. If you need behind the scenes or interviews with the cast of the show they are all there. I have personally only seen a couple of HD DVDs my self one being Pirates of The Caribbean: At Worlds End which was a outstanding film, but I know for a fact that all HD DVDs have all of the content I have just said. It is kind of like a guarantee when buying a HD DVD player. Not only do you get an amazing improvement in the calibre of the picture but you get all of the in depth reporting of the picture it self. I would say to all gamers or film lovers that enjoys watching TV in general and is looking for a finer experience save yourself the anguish of standard definition and buy a HDTV.
Urban Movies Continue To Rise
Urban movies continue to grow in popularity. This can be seen in the exploding direct to video market where urban movies reign supreme. The rising quality of independent urban movies has made them much more attractive to DVD consumers.
Some talented film directors behind this urban movement are Charles Dutton, Damon Dash, Sid Kali, Hype Williams, John Singleton, Dale Stelly, Mike O'Dea and Quentin Tarantino.
The diversity of the urban genre continues to grow because the storylines are connecting with a larger audience by going beyond what you would expect to see in an urban movie. Filmmakers are pushing the complexity and overall look of the urban genre to new levels.
Exploring the urban landscape and culture makes for entertaining films that offer viewers a look into a slice of americana they might not otherwise experience. Collaborating with dedicated individuals that work in front of the camera and behind the scenes to create quality urban movies has always been a life goal of Director Sid Kali.
Sid Kali made his directorial debut with the urban feature "Consignment". The spirit of independent filmmaking came together. We felt "Consignment" was best served highlighting a Latino and Black perspective of the events that were going to unfold in the film.
The plot centers around a Virginia Beach drug dealer that runs into trouble and has to lay low in Southern California. This being the movies all the problems that come with power, drug money, fast women, and jealous rivals has to come out. It was nice to be able to mix in the subtle cultural differences between the two places.
This West Coast and East Coast mix worked out because Co-Producer and Editor Tim Beachum had lived in Ohio, Detroit , and Virginia Beach during his years. While Sid Kali has only lived in Southern California his entire life. By working together they were able to blend these influences together. "Consignment" is being released on DVD November 2007 by Maverick Entertainment Group, Inc. Support independent film and add this feature to your DVD collection.
An important aspect of making an urban movie is keeping it authentic. At the independent level budgets are tighter, so it helps if you write a script that has elements you can realistically translate from the page to the screen. The basic idea is to write a script that you can shoot using your resources. The cool thing with urban movies are they lend themselves to many more backdrops than before.
It used to be when you attached the word urban to a film the story had to take place in the inner city. That's changing as urban culture and style is moving beyond those pervious boundaries. This makes for an exciting time to shoot urban movies.
The word "crime drama" is used to describe films like "Training Day", "The Departed", "Heat" and 'Scarface'. To some movie buffs these are urban masterpieces done by highly talented and respected filmmakers at the top of their creative game. This shows the diversity of the urban genre.
After the experience of shooting "Consignment". Slice Of Americana Films wanted to expand their take on the urban genre with "In With Thieves". This urban movie brings together a unique blend of creative elements.
"In With Thieves" features a Cuban cartel that practices their own version of Santeria, an African based crime group that deals in blood diamonds, ruthless Albanian gangsters, and an American burglary crew that is Latino, Black, and Irish.
This unique blend of creative and visual elements we felt would make for a provocative urban film. The inspiration was to show that urban stories can have global influences.
Career criminal Jack McGee (Tony Napoli) is out of prison facing hard times. His trophy wife Karen (Jennifer Day) spent all the money they had stashed away and found time to fall in love with another man. Max (Edward Gusts) his junkie brother-in-law, made enemies with the Albanian Mafia leaving Jack to hold the bag on a large debt. The release date for Jack insn't a surprise to anyone who runs in criminal circles. Former gang member turned burglar Hector Garcia (Walter Pagan) and street huslter Frank Washington (Jerome A. Hawkins) are his partners in crime. When Jack was running the robbery crew they were flush with cash. After he went inside the scores dried up. Now it's time for them to reconnect and go back to work.
Anton (Jayson Matthews) a savvy and vicious Albanian boss, has his trusted solider Vicktor (Marek Matousek) carry out a brutal act of violence to send a message to Jack. The message is clear to Jack. Pay the debt or everyone close to him will be murdered. Over friendly welcome home drinks Jack asks Hector and Frank to come through on the money he needs to pay off Anton. They both refuse his request turning the reunion bitter and bringing some old wounds to the surface.
Karen halfway walks back into Jack's life pushing him into a frantic mix of anger, confusion, and dark alcohol fueled thoughts. She's still involved with the other man. Adding to his problems is a gunpoint reminder that he has a short time to pay his debt or Karen will be killed. Pressed he hooks back up with Hector and Frank to steal the money he needs to pay Anton. They come up short.
He falls into a heated sexual affair with contract killer Rita Desouza (Arnita Champion) to numb his pain. Sex turns to conspiracy when she lays out a plan to have her husband ripped-off during a 5 million dollar diamond deal. Her husband is ruthless Cuban kingpin David Desouza (Art Parga). He's heavily into his own version of Santeria and the blood diamond market. He depends on Rita and his most bloodthirsty enforcer Voodoo (Jesse James Youngblood) took keep people in line.
Jack brings in Hector and Frank to help him pull off the robbery. Out of time on his debt he's forced to let Anton in on the job for a large cut of the take. They crash in on illegal blood diamond deal between a Cuban cartel and an African based crime syndicate headed by an ambitious upstart known as Omar (Keion Adams).
The rip-off erupts into deadly violence. This sets off a frenzy of double-crosses and brazen executions that entwine everyone in a bloody conflict that plays out to an explosive ending. Friendship, loyalty, and love run short in a world of greed.
The trailer can be viewed on YouTube.Com, Yahoo Videos, Google Videos, AtomFilms.Com, and iFilm.Com
"In With Thieves" is in the final stages of post-production and is being represented to interested distributors by Mark Steven Bosko the author of "The Complete Independent Movie Marketing Handbook". A must read for independent filmmakers that want practical advice on the business. While filmmaking is an art you should be prepared for the harsh realities of the business side. All filmmakers take lumps coming up through the game.
Urban movies will continue to rise as talented filmmakers show their passion for making movies with an independent heart. Slice Of Americana Films has started pre-production for their third urban movie titled "Stash Spot". Rival criminals fight to find a fortune in cash ripped-off during a drug deal gone bad. When the stick-up artists responsible turn up dead, a bloodbath erupts as each vicious criminal makes their ruthless play to locate the money.
Some talented film directors behind this urban movement are Charles Dutton, Damon Dash, Sid Kali, Hype Williams, John Singleton, Dale Stelly, Mike O'Dea and Quentin Tarantino.
The diversity of the urban genre continues to grow because the storylines are connecting with a larger audience by going beyond what you would expect to see in an urban movie. Filmmakers are pushing the complexity and overall look of the urban genre to new levels.
Exploring the urban landscape and culture makes for entertaining films that offer viewers a look into a slice of americana they might not otherwise experience. Collaborating with dedicated individuals that work in front of the camera and behind the scenes to create quality urban movies has always been a life goal of Director Sid Kali.
Sid Kali made his directorial debut with the urban feature "Consignment". The spirit of independent filmmaking came together. We felt "Consignment" was best served highlighting a Latino and Black perspective of the events that were going to unfold in the film.
The plot centers around a Virginia Beach drug dealer that runs into trouble and has to lay low in Southern California. This being the movies all the problems that come with power, drug money, fast women, and jealous rivals has to come out. It was nice to be able to mix in the subtle cultural differences between the two places.
This West Coast and East Coast mix worked out because Co-Producer and Editor Tim Beachum had lived in Ohio, Detroit , and Virginia Beach during his years. While Sid Kali has only lived in Southern California his entire life. By working together they were able to blend these influences together. "Consignment" is being released on DVD November 2007 by Maverick Entertainment Group, Inc. Support independent film and add this feature to your DVD collection.
An important aspect of making an urban movie is keeping it authentic. At the independent level budgets are tighter, so it helps if you write a script that has elements you can realistically translate from the page to the screen. The basic idea is to write a script that you can shoot using your resources. The cool thing with urban movies are they lend themselves to many more backdrops than before.
It used to be when you attached the word urban to a film the story had to take place in the inner city. That's changing as urban culture and style is moving beyond those pervious boundaries. This makes for an exciting time to shoot urban movies.
The word "crime drama" is used to describe films like "Training Day", "The Departed", "Heat" and 'Scarface'. To some movie buffs these are urban masterpieces done by highly talented and respected filmmakers at the top of their creative game. This shows the diversity of the urban genre.
After the experience of shooting "Consignment". Slice Of Americana Films wanted to expand their take on the urban genre with "In With Thieves". This urban movie brings together a unique blend of creative elements.
"In With Thieves" features a Cuban cartel that practices their own version of Santeria, an African based crime group that deals in blood diamonds, ruthless Albanian gangsters, and an American burglary crew that is Latino, Black, and Irish.
This unique blend of creative and visual elements we felt would make for a provocative urban film. The inspiration was to show that urban stories can have global influences.
Career criminal Jack McGee (Tony Napoli) is out of prison facing hard times. His trophy wife Karen (Jennifer Day) spent all the money they had stashed away and found time to fall in love with another man. Max (Edward Gusts) his junkie brother-in-law, made enemies with the Albanian Mafia leaving Jack to hold the bag on a large debt. The release date for Jack insn't a surprise to anyone who runs in criminal circles. Former gang member turned burglar Hector Garcia (Walter Pagan) and street huslter Frank Washington (Jerome A. Hawkins) are his partners in crime. When Jack was running the robbery crew they were flush with cash. After he went inside the scores dried up. Now it's time for them to reconnect and go back to work.
Anton (Jayson Matthews) a savvy and vicious Albanian boss, has his trusted solider Vicktor (Marek Matousek) carry out a brutal act of violence to send a message to Jack. The message is clear to Jack. Pay the debt or everyone close to him will be murdered. Over friendly welcome home drinks Jack asks Hector and Frank to come through on the money he needs to pay off Anton. They both refuse his request turning the reunion bitter and bringing some old wounds to the surface.
Karen halfway walks back into Jack's life pushing him into a frantic mix of anger, confusion, and dark alcohol fueled thoughts. She's still involved with the other man. Adding to his problems is a gunpoint reminder that he has a short time to pay his debt or Karen will be killed. Pressed he hooks back up with Hector and Frank to steal the money he needs to pay Anton. They come up short.
He falls into a heated sexual affair with contract killer Rita Desouza (Arnita Champion) to numb his pain. Sex turns to conspiracy when she lays out a plan to have her husband ripped-off during a 5 million dollar diamond deal. Her husband is ruthless Cuban kingpin David Desouza (Art Parga). He's heavily into his own version of Santeria and the blood diamond market. He depends on Rita and his most bloodthirsty enforcer Voodoo (Jesse James Youngblood) took keep people in line.
Jack brings in Hector and Frank to help him pull off the robbery. Out of time on his debt he's forced to let Anton in on the job for a large cut of the take. They crash in on illegal blood diamond deal between a Cuban cartel and an African based crime syndicate headed by an ambitious upstart known as Omar (Keion Adams).
The rip-off erupts into deadly violence. This sets off a frenzy of double-crosses and brazen executions that entwine everyone in a bloody conflict that plays out to an explosive ending. Friendship, loyalty, and love run short in a world of greed.
The trailer can be viewed on YouTube.Com, Yahoo Videos, Google Videos, AtomFilms.Com, and iFilm.Com
"In With Thieves" is in the final stages of post-production and is being represented to interested distributors by Mark Steven Bosko the author of "The Complete Independent Movie Marketing Handbook". A must read for independent filmmakers that want practical advice on the business. While filmmaking is an art you should be prepared for the harsh realities of the business side. All filmmakers take lumps coming up through the game.
Urban movies will continue to rise as talented filmmakers show their passion for making movies with an independent heart. Slice Of Americana Films has started pre-production for their third urban movie titled "Stash Spot". Rival criminals fight to find a fortune in cash ripped-off during a drug deal gone bad. When the stick-up artists responsible turn up dead, a bloodbath erupts as each vicious criminal makes their ruthless play to locate the money.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Movie Downloads Online - What's The Best Way?
Today, more and more people understand that having a subscription at a video store is simply does not meet their needs. Instead, they turn to online movie downloads to provide them with films they wish to watch.
This happens for several reasons, where the top reasons are dramatically reduced costs, larger title selection and time saving.
Now, there are basically two online downloading models for movies:
One website supplies content to members. Typically, these websites charge a per-movie fee of several dollars (2$--4$ usually). However, some also charge a monthly fee of about 10$.
A website provides membership to a network of users, where each member has several movies on his or hers computer. You can download movies from every person on the network. These sites typically charge a one-time fee of about 35-50$ for registration, and you are never billed again.
The model that gives the best value to the end-user is irrevocably the member-network model. I will therefore elaborate on this model:
After registering, the website provides you with a software to access the network.
The network consists of millions of users just like yourself. Each member of the network has at least several movie files on his computer. Every member can download movies from any other member. This way you have up to millions of users sharing their movies with you. Because of the vast number of members in a network, the quantity of movies can be in the range of dozens of millions.
A good website will provide you with manuals on software installation and operation, as well as high-availability technical support (some sites provide a 24/7 support system).
Most of the movie networks are more than just movie networks - they contain files of virtually any type - music, software, etc. Some sites will charge you extra for access to music directories.
How long does it take to download an entire film?
Most of the time, download will be completed in a matter of hours. The time may vary, as it depends on two factors:
Your download speed. If you have a broadband connection, you'll be able to download much faster than a member with a dial-up modem.
The number of users that have the movie you're downloading, and their upload speed.
In order to bring the download time to a minimum, files are usually split into several relatively small parts, and you can download each part from a different member, so you are far less limited by a specific member's upload speed. Each network has its own algorithms for managing this split-into-files, so the time of download might still be considerably different between every two networks.
So how do you choose the download network that's right for you?
You need to compare:
The cost of the program. make sure that the prices you compare are for the same time period! Often a website would offer a one-year membership as well as a lifetime membership.
The number of users and movies on the network.
Additional features supplied - music, software downloads, games, etc. Music playing software, movie playing software and CD & DVD burning software are also common features.
And finally, one note on cautious shopping: Too many times, innocent customers fall into the clutches of scams to steal credit card numbers and other personal information. For a short review that will help you avoid the most common mistakes (and learn a little about movie download sites in particular), you are welcome to visit this site.
This happens for several reasons, where the top reasons are dramatically reduced costs, larger title selection and time saving.
Now, there are basically two online downloading models for movies:
One website supplies content to members. Typically, these websites charge a per-movie fee of several dollars (2$--4$ usually). However, some also charge a monthly fee of about 10$.
A website provides membership to a network of users, where each member has several movies on his or hers computer. You can download movies from every person on the network. These sites typically charge a one-time fee of about 35-50$ for registration, and you are never billed again.
The model that gives the best value to the end-user is irrevocably the member-network model. I will therefore elaborate on this model:
After registering, the website provides you with a software to access the network.
The network consists of millions of users just like yourself. Each member of the network has at least several movie files on his computer. Every member can download movies from any other member. This way you have up to millions of users sharing their movies with you. Because of the vast number of members in a network, the quantity of movies can be in the range of dozens of millions.
A good website will provide you with manuals on software installation and operation, as well as high-availability technical support (some sites provide a 24/7 support system).
Most of the movie networks are more than just movie networks - they contain files of virtually any type - music, software, etc. Some sites will charge you extra for access to music directories.
How long does it take to download an entire film?
Most of the time, download will be completed in a matter of hours. The time may vary, as it depends on two factors:
Your download speed. If you have a broadband connection, you'll be able to download much faster than a member with a dial-up modem.
The number of users that have the movie you're downloading, and their upload speed.
In order to bring the download time to a minimum, files are usually split into several relatively small parts, and you can download each part from a different member, so you are far less limited by a specific member's upload speed. Each network has its own algorithms for managing this split-into-files, so the time of download might still be considerably different between every two networks.
So how do you choose the download network that's right for you?
You need to compare:
The cost of the program. make sure that the prices you compare are for the same time period! Often a website would offer a one-year membership as well as a lifetime membership.
The number of users and movies on the network.
Additional features supplied - music, software downloads, games, etc. Music playing software, movie playing software and CD & DVD burning software are also common features.
And finally, one note on cautious shopping: Too many times, innocent customers fall into the clutches of scams to steal credit card numbers and other personal information. For a short review that will help you avoid the most common mistakes (and learn a little about movie download sites in particular), you are welcome to visit this site.
Camcorder Techniques: How To Make Home Movies Your Family And Friends Will Be Excited To Watch
It's all got to start somewhere, so before you even charge your batteries, rewind those tapes or pack the car, take a seat and have a good think about what you are planning to shoot with your camcorder. 'Planning is the key' to a good production even if you're just shooting a small home movie.
It may sound like overkill if you head out the door to film your children at a sporting event or a family birthday party, but if you are planning to display the video to family and friends or even review it yourself for extended lengths of time, you will want AND need it to be as compelling as possible.
Now if you're filming a longer feature or being paid for a project, pre-production planning is essential. Both in streamlining the production phase of the project and displaying a professional image for your business. This is done by using basic filming techniques.
This may consist of sketching up a storyboard (to download a sample go to www.kmsvideo.com/Resources.htm), detailed notes or an interview/information session with the client.
"But I just want to shoot a home movie, not a production of Ben Hur!" I hear you say. OK then, let's bring it back to basics shall we?
First of all any video you take needs to have a beginning, a middle and an end. Simple as that!
Now, say you were to tell people at work on Monday morning an interesting event that happened on the weekend. How would you go about it? A bit of background information, then the main 'body' of the event and close it off with a punchline or resolution. You're telling a STORY.
Now go out with your video camera and- "Tell a Story on Film". Still unclear?
Here's a practical example... Timmy's first soccer final is on Saturday. It's a big occasion so you are going to capture it on video. Using our basic formula lets make it into a compelling story-
Beginning:
Open with a shot of the alarm clock, Timmy packing his bag, having breakfast then climbing into the car. All less than 5 seconds duration and if your camera has the function, set it to fade in and out to black.
Middle:
The team runs onto the field. Shots of Timmy chasing, dribbling and passing the ball at warm-up. Get the opening whistle and kick off, then move around the field for various angles and shots of Timmy. Film the coaches address to his players at half time followed by more game footage.
End:
Ref blows the full-time whistle and you video the teams shaking hands and walking off the field. Finally, close the video with a shot of our star and maybe a few words.
That's it! A very simplified version so here's a few tips to remember-
-Don't just keep the camera rolling in the hope that something interesting will happen
-move around so you're not always filming from the one spot
-use close-ups and wide shots alternatively
-don't talk over the footage, let the pictures tell the story
Now with a bit of pre-planning and good camcorder and filming techniques, you'll Have friends and family lining up to watch your home movies!
It may sound like overkill if you head out the door to film your children at a sporting event or a family birthday party, but if you are planning to display the video to family and friends or even review it yourself for extended lengths of time, you will want AND need it to be as compelling as possible.
Now if you're filming a longer feature or being paid for a project, pre-production planning is essential. Both in streamlining the production phase of the project and displaying a professional image for your business. This is done by using basic filming techniques.
This may consist of sketching up a storyboard (to download a sample go to www.kmsvideo.com/Resources.htm), detailed notes or an interview/information session with the client.
"But I just want to shoot a home movie, not a production of Ben Hur!" I hear you say. OK then, let's bring it back to basics shall we?
First of all any video you take needs to have a beginning, a middle and an end. Simple as that!
Now, say you were to tell people at work on Monday morning an interesting event that happened on the weekend. How would you go about it? A bit of background information, then the main 'body' of the event and close it off with a punchline or resolution. You're telling a STORY.
Now go out with your video camera and- "Tell a Story on Film". Still unclear?
Here's a practical example... Timmy's first soccer final is on Saturday. It's a big occasion so you are going to capture it on video. Using our basic formula lets make it into a compelling story-
Beginning:
Open with a shot of the alarm clock, Timmy packing his bag, having breakfast then climbing into the car. All less than 5 seconds duration and if your camera has the function, set it to fade in and out to black.
Middle:
The team runs onto the field. Shots of Timmy chasing, dribbling and passing the ball at warm-up. Get the opening whistle and kick off, then move around the field for various angles and shots of Timmy. Film the coaches address to his players at half time followed by more game footage.
End:
Ref blows the full-time whistle and you video the teams shaking hands and walking off the field. Finally, close the video with a shot of our star and maybe a few words.
That's it! A very simplified version so here's a few tips to remember-
-Don't just keep the camera rolling in the hope that something interesting will happen
-move around so you're not always filming from the one spot
-use close-ups and wide shots alternatively
-don't talk over the footage, let the pictures tell the story
Now with a bit of pre-planning and good camcorder and filming techniques, you'll Have friends and family lining up to watch your home movies!
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