New Media

Around a good 12 years back I dreamt of a device. It had a flip, 'swoosh' paper like screen that opens up with the touch of button. It had universal internet wireless connection. It also acts as an universal translator. You can talk into it in any language and get it translated on the other side into any language.

It is almost shocking to see that most of what I thought was a crazy thought is now a reality.
Google's universal translator
(http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/personal_tech/article7017831.ece)

Electronic Paper
http://www.eink.com/technology/

Eventually some one is going to piece these things together (Android or Apple?) and give us one ubiquitous device that pretty much does everything that we need to do on a daily basis.
We are looking at a device that is not too far away in the future but more like a fourth generation of iPad or Android OS based Slate.

The share of Smartphones is going up on a daily basis in the world market. We can look at the share of iPad kind of devices going up exponentially in the next few years.

What does all this mean to a filmmaker like me? A film at the end of the day is for audience. Theatrical release is one form of it.

But day by day, the consumption of entertainment is shifting. It has already shifted from movie theaters to Television. It has already shifted from TV to Computers. (Even the movies I watch on TV are mostly downloaded on my computer).

I firmly believe that we are at the beginning of a new medium called Portable and Handheld devices as a consumption channel.

The most difficult part with the new medium is making money out of it. Going by the number of torrents out there for Om Shanti, I am sure eventually the number of people who download it free will be as good as the number of people who paid for it to watch it in theaters. (As a matter of fact, "I will wait for the Torrent" has become a phrase that has become a norm these days).

Adding to these plethora of devices, we have their cousins called eBook readers (Kindle, Nook, Sony eReader etc).

A new fusion of comics and Manga kind of animation has shaped up lately to a new genre called Motion Comics. This caught my fancy. I think, Motion Comics kind of nailed down what these devices all are about.



Entertainment, that can be downloadable and has niche appeal. The same thing can be extended to films too.  Now suddenly there is a platform available for niche content.

Over the last two months, I met some really interesting people with some interesting concepts both in niche film making and motion comics. I am currently working on a test episode.

I am hoping it turns out what we are expecting it to be.

New set of trailers

New Year Wishes

 

Of bugs and bad shots

Yesterday while working on my laptop, after a really long time I saw the notorious blue screen of death. My OS just died.

 After a few restarts and rollbacks and a little investigation I suspected a new Skype extension that I installed (Call recorder) might be causing the problem. I uninstalled it and am living happily ever after.

But it is sad to see a mighty OS like Windows 7, developed by the best brains in the world, given the best tools after spending billions of dollars on, doing stuff like this.



How do the best brains in the world still manage to roll out software with bugs?

It also brings out another important question. How does Hollywood, with the most creative brains put together still manages to churn out duds?

Of bugs and bad shots....


to be continued..

Song Making Videos

Videos are compiled by Jennifer who was given the job of making the 'Making of Om Shanti'.
She was indefatigable on the sets and burned more film than I did. :-)

Thanks Jennifer.

Kajal's Nenu nenugaa



Nikhil's Ottesicheputhaa

Parking Links

I have been following the making of Avatar since over two years. I finally managed to watch it on Imax 3D. It was a thrill ride more than anything else. My curiosity was all about where this franchise is heading to.
Firstshowing.net has some clues

James Cameroon talks about his 'possible' next project

An interview with Guy Ritchie is always interesting...here is one on his Sherlock

So what made you finally join the ranks of Hollywood and why was it this film and why now?
Guy: Because, you know, I just — I don't care, I was never prejudiced against Hollywood anyway, I was always interested in doing something that was, you know… It depends on what I'm interested in. I became interested in this movie at this time. I mean it was irrelevant whether it was a studio or not.

More..

My tryst with Ilayaraja - 3

I will conclude this with few tit bits. :-)

When I met Ilayaraja for the first time, I sincerely shook his hands like a gentleman. Later I observed that everyone wishes him either by a 'Namaste' or by touching his feet. During the audio release when I went onto the stage, I tried to touch his feet but he immediately held my shoulder and with a huge smile shook my hand.

Sometimes a song has to tell a story or move the story forward. From a basic tune to picturization to final cut of a song so many people, elements join their forces to realize a directors vision. In that essence, the tune and music composition of "Chinni Polike ledu" envisioned everything. That song was a step ahead of me. Also, the initial English/telugu line composition of Nenunenugaa was totally by Ilayaraja himself.

It goes like this,

I follow you
Ramachilukaa
You cant find me
Neekutelusaa

Even that part was ahead of me and envisioned everything. I realized the genius of these lines and the jazz in "Chinni polike", only well after finishing the shooting. All I can do is profoundly thank him. :-)