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- Eilif Bremer Landsend
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What kind of power can a film have?
Can a film help to make the world a better place and change peoples attiudes? What should such films contain?
Barry Landry
May 23 2011: What other medium allows 200+ people to sit in a darkened room and have a dream simultaneously streamed into their collective consciousness?
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Film, as the most dynamic of storytelling mediums, can move the masses, to be certain.
Whether it's for global goodness or not, depends on the filmmaker and their subject/theme.
May 24 2011: wow..never thought of t that way Barry..I will never again feel the same when the lights turn down!!!!Jun 10 2011: I'm always disheartened when I'm the one of only a few people in a theatre, especially when it is a wonderful film. There is nothing like being able to discuss a film with everyone as we're leaving the experience.Jun 15 2011: Thank you for leting me see cinema this way : )May 22 2011: Well, my first and most important inspiration to become a vegetarian came from watching the movie, Babe :) It was when I realized the true connection of the pork on my plate and a pig that might have been running around all cute not long ago. It was quite shocking for my naive 8-year-old self :) I couldn't stop thinking of how unfair it was to animals that humans got to decide everything for their own good.
I don't know if it makes any sense, but it's not that I didn't know that pork was 'pig as food', I just didn't actually realize the cruelty behind it. I think a lot of people can relate. As long as something is labelled as 'food', 'clothes', etc. and you see it all around as the norm, you don't think much about it. It doesn't occur to you to question it.
I guess that's where movies help play a part. They open up your world and visually bring up issues that you might not have thought about before or were reluctant to confront. The form of presentation is usually entertaining, therefore creating a more comfortable platform for discussion and self-exploration.
So just to share, I didn't become a vegetarian right after I watched the movie because my parents were afraid I wouldn't get all the necessary nutrients, which is of course understandable. As a kid who still had to rely on my parents' cooking, I didn't have much negotiating power ;) But the thought and belief that it was unfair to animals stayed with me. After going through life a bit and eating everything along the way, one day in my third year of university, I felt it was time. I researched on the web and found out that it was possible to live healthily without meat. The fact that thousands of others were already on the path also helped a lot because I knew I wasn't alone and had nothing to be afraid of. And I have to say, it was the best decision I ever made. I felt myself became 'whole' because my actions and my beliefs were finally in line with one another.
So that's how a movie changed my life :)
May 22 2011: Had a similar experience with www.earthlings.comJun 14 2011: Why there is a lot of violence or killings in most of movies, what is interesting in it?
Here in Afghanistan; I have seen a lot of true violence that human is broken into pieces exactly in most of commercial movies.
I am requesting movie directors to reduce violence scenes and increase social issues.
Thank you
carole lyc
Jun 15 2011: I totally agree with u. All these shootings, firings and violence scenes look very childish like children playing toys. All these movies had bad impact on the children now and they would act like this in the future, so we know what kind of world we would have, in fact, the chaotic world we now have is the result of the past impact it created i.e there were causes for them to take effect now. Movie directors should be more responsible and make more non-violence movies if they do not want to see more real violence in this world, as movies can create realities in people's mind. Say NO to violence & wars. Bless Earth with Peace & Harmony.
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Jun 16 2011: Dear Carole
I agree with you. Film has become as one of most important medium for learning too. Considering the violence scenes, it is harmful teaching.
I am commenting on violence scenes of films, not entire film.
Thank youJun 16 2011: Films with the power to change one's life are scarcer than life-changing books. But books are scarcer in the world today, and film/video is the default - cool - medium. Film can have a potent, if less enduringly deep influence than words you yourself participate in making live. And there are few to no filmmakers recently with anything like the majestic soul of a great novelist.
Joe Delsen
Jun 13 2011: Eilif, what are you doing in that picture? eating a cracker? Just curious. A film can have the power to expound our centrals powers. Power to love, hope, trust, inspire, innovate, invent, reinvent, discover.
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A film can also have the power to strengthen our systems by showing the power of justice, freedom and truth.
A film can have the power to inject in our sub-conscious minds the vision and power of a just world. This will help our conscious minds to actualize an equitable earth-sustainable happy world.
This is the key reason why we have top-grosser movies that make lots of money.
We need more inspiring movies to transform our world. http://bit.ly/ThePowerInfoJun 1 2011: I truly believe in the power of films.
As well as a fairy tale story has a deep impact on the children by identifying them with their inner self, but with a propper distance that won`t let anguish overcome them and stop them from reflection (the process, in fact, goes on a more subconscious level), a movie can bring to people`s minds subjects that they might have not been thinking at their own time.
A good story, told propperly, can make a good trigger for people to question about their own lives and, with it, about everybody`s life. The thing is, the more distant from reality the characters or stories are, the more difficult the identification is. That´s why (in my opininon) nowadays "blockbusters" fail so badly to move people`s thinking, because it´s not only "far, far, away" but also, "far, far, unreal". I´m not saying that is all about documentaries, fiction, fantasy is ok, as long as the bases can be related some how to a real life issue, and to a possible way for human life to face and solve their conflicts or tribulations. There´s where the difference between fairy tales and movies is. For example, for a kid, whose mind thinks in terms of black and white, the "unbreakable hero" is a not only valid but a neccesary figure, to help them build their self confidence and to believe that they can reach really high goals. For an adult, the untouchable hero is a non-possible figure and as such, they just watch, laugh or cry, and go home. Adults are more complex and need to understand that things can be done, INSPITE of the difficulties and flaws that the person have. That most of their problems might be solved, but it won´t be all pink, and they can´t wait for a hero to come and make it work for them.
Metaphores are fundamental, as I said, to help the reflection go underneath peoples surface and get deeper into them, without scaring them off from the task.
sha b
May 30 2011: It depends on the film and the audience. Have you seen"The wind that shakes the barley"? After I saw it, I felt really connected to Ireland and it's people, That people (Damien or Sinead) were my kind of hero, nothing like Superman, a character designed to be people's hero.(He never was mine)
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Films can make you see things that have been unknown to you and make you change your mind. There are certain limits for anyone, Like the whole time I was watching Lolita I was thinking with myself, "Is this supposed to get me to sympathize with a child molester? ".May 30 2011: I would definitely not undermine the impact of movies. Some of them have defined a perspective of thinking for many. If we search through the definition of "cult movies", people who like the movie actually adapt to the nature of a certain character of the movie.
Now when we come around to the point of whether a movie can actually impact a person's attitude or the society as a whole, i would definitely agree. While I was doing my graduation, I was going through the most frustrating period of a teenager. Break-ups, bad score, regular retribution from parents, no close friends, etc to saw a few. You know at such times self-motivation rarely works. A helping hand is what a person wants. After all this is the basic reason why man is a social animal. Anyways, at that point of time, I took a liking to IMDB listed movies and started of with Shawshank Redemption. Today, I can say that a movie from 1993 changed my attitude in 2009. The didactics involved not only mesmerized me, but also kept me thinking a long time. I would be over-modest it if i said I just derived inspiration from it. It made me a more stable person, in a perfect tandem with the real world.
I wonder how many people share such a feeling, but I do know that its the content and execution that makes a movie stand out. Morgan Freeman's narration was like an idle, passing revery, embossing itself in the mind as it passed. I wonder how my mind would have reacted in case it was someone else.
The movies which need to make an impact should have a content which is foremost relevant, subsequently unambiguous. Ambiguity just distances the audience, hence hiding the message it associates with itself. Internationally relevant movies like Blood Diamond, Life is beautiful, Boy in stripped pajamas, Schindler's list hit a person with the that such an event is going on/has happened in the world. The content of such movies have commanded attention and awareness in a much larger audience than the actual event itself.
May 30 2011: Great movies, great choices.
May 30 2011: Thank you. IMDB does improve choices!!!
May 30 2011: Actually Sarthak, I meant the ones you personally chose.May 24 2011: I am very sorry to see that our beloved Jaime has removed the many formative and inspirational comments he made . We allow that in Ted unlike in real life where once a word is spoken it cannot be taken back.It struck me this morning reading over this entire conversation now absent the actual words Jaime spoke that its a little like reported accounts for all time of a visitation from an angel..it is remembered, it.is reefrred to, the impact of it is still present and carried forward but we have only our own reflections of it in us now..not the printed words, to carry these powerful ideas Jaime gave us into our lives and into the next level of this conversation.Jaime's wisdom is still here among us..in us. Only the words are gone..ubuntu at workwhether intentionally or not it reminds me what our process here at Ted is all about. It's not about the fixed words. It's about what we carry forward into our lives, into the wolrld from these "community conversations" What matters is what is in us when we leave..what more we have to bring into our lives as a result of this exchangeI posted this at our conversation on Ego this morning where Jaime also removed all his comments. Her I see the same thing..that his thoughts engaged us and moved us out of where we were when we came to the conversation . So I wanted to post it here as well. A kind of trinute to what he left us with just by being here to engage with us.
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May 24 2011: I feel the loss deeply whenever someone removes their posts. I feel a sense of failure as part of a community as well that we did not nurture their gifts and insights and person. I hope we can make all voices feel more welcome by our genuine spirit of respect. We never know when a word will crush a spirit.
May 24 2011: I would not presume to speak for or judge Jaime..I was only sharing my own sense and the sort of "revelation" I had this morning. I don't think anyone has failed anyone ( did I miss an important event????)
To me seeing Jaime's refelection in all the conversations from whih comments were removed suddenly spoke to what we are about here..or what I am about here.
It isn't the words that are left here..its what we take away from here in our hearts, in our growth, inour insights from having been here.May 24 2011: Oops! Another miscommunication on my part.
I had no intension of implicating you in this. I was just expressing my own thoughts for myself. I like the last paragraph of your statement above and I smile that you and I have changed places somewhat. I started out only caring about the insights and came to love the transcript of them as well.
I have spoken with Jaime by email and I am sad to see that he is leaving for at least awhile. I was enriched by his insights from the very beginning. He sees to the heart of the matter and tried to coax us all higher - sometimes we had eyes to see what he saw and other times we did not. Sometimes he did not see what we saw.
May 24 2011: @ Debra Smith transcript vs, what we take in
well...it's both isn't it?
Value of Transcript:
For those who weren't here withus particpating in the conversation..they only have the transcript and when comments that are referred to or which influenced the flow and unfolding are no ongerthere. those who habe only the transcript don;t have th ewhole picture. ( I am particular on what was actually said..part of my advocacywork,.poured over and used transcripts in a lot of my advocacy work). As yoi know i belive Ted Conerstaions is a very bold social expereiment and I believe the record we build here is very important.
Value of What we Take In:
For those of us lucky enoigh to be actually present and engaged in these conversations, all taking place in a great social experiment, what matters isn't the record but what we take away inside us that wasn't there before and how we turn that into some sort of gift for the world.
Yes???May 24 2011: Lindsay - we are getting more and more often to YES!I would add though that I think the transcript is really useful during the conversation.
Unlike speaking where the words go invisible into the world, these words have staying power. I often find myself reading someone's perspective, thinking about it for a couple of hours and playing with their ideas and trying them on for size - to respond a couple hours later. I have even gotten up in the middle of the night to respond to a wonderful point where the penny dropped in my dreams!!
May 25 2011: I do the same thing.. I can't disagree..I would prefer the conversation be preserved in tact.May 25 2011: i honestly feel like im missing something now. but there are still many opportunities to learn. =)
May 26 2011: Can we clarify something for you Chandler? I am sure any one of us would be happy to try.
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May 24 2011: :))))May 23 2011: Interesting question and a good excuse to share my one and only life altering experience with a film ( I'm a huge fan of film but I have had only one life altering encounter with one) As young newly weds, two gorgeous young waspy mainers, porche oustide our Brooklyn Heights borwnstone garden apartment, soaking up NYC like two hungry spongees my husnabd and I went to see a documentray called "Hearts & Minds" (c. 1969????) It contrasted the people of our geberatuon working on civil rights, protesting the war with "us"..people whose lives went on untouched by any of that..we thought we were on top of it because we supported those efforts intellectually, in our values, but our lives didn't include the alinement of values and action, values and will others of our generation had shown with thir choices. It hit us both simutaneously like the proverbial ton of bricks..it was alike a giant slap side the head, waking us both up. We wnadered the streets awhile ..made our way home at first just in stunned silence and then we both just startted telling each other what the film had made clear..that just thinking aboutt supporting it in our vaues and intellect didn't amount to much against the courage of our peers out there on the lines. We both became deeply ashamed and stayed up all night talking about it..we talked about it for days. It didn't take us out to the picket lines and marches but it did sort of awaken and deepen us. I think perhaps it was the seed that lead me to a lfe of activism for social and economic justice ..it lead me to needing to have tgat anement between action, values, and intellect in all my endeavors. It gave me the courage to take risks to do that..to stay enaged spirit in action.
Stragely the film I have found called Haerts & minds is not the film I saw. I have been curious to trackit down and see it again but haven't been able to find it. .
May 23 2011: Lindsay,
Nice reflection on the impact of a film on your life and your convictions.
I had the same experience of not being able to find "The shoes of the fisherman' a few years ago. I ended up buying it used on line from ebay I think and I was grateful to see if my memory compared with actuality.
May 23 2011: and did it conform withyour memory?and this off topic tidbit about that expereience with hearts & minds..that is just for you ( and which I may bot leave here for posterity)in that intense many days conversation/encounter with that film that my husband & I had..I just this moment realized he wasn't engaged with it in the same way..it was really only my connection and that difference in alinement 7 years later became a divorce ( the world's friendliest most courteous divorce ever but still a divorce). The point being..to track it back to this conversation which i see as similar in some ways to several other discussion here at Ted..that movie was speaking TO ME it was my inner voice saying "ARE YOU LISTENING DO YOU GET THIS?" So perhaps the same with you and your movie..something deep deep within you that catually is you just jumped to attention in response.
May 23 2011: Yes, but it has a lot more explanation of relgious teaching in it than I remembered. In fact, I ended up giving my copy away when the last pope died. I gave it to a Catholic friend who did not understand the process of electing a pope and she ended up taking it to a local Catholic school board who organized assemblies around showing the movie.
To your salient point- YES. I feel deeply that when one of the people who has been on the front lines who has worked in the factory or who has experienced hard things gets the priveledge of gaining an education or a position with a voice they are in a unique place to speak for the people who have not. I know what the corporate policies and tactics do to people and their families, I know what not standing up for human rights one on one leads to. I am lucky enough to speak the language of those with MBAs and still not abdicate what I know and what I have seen. I hear you Lindsay and while I cannot hear exactly where it is telling me to go - I hear its themes and its songs.May 24 2011: I'm currently helping out my local TEDx with social media presence, but as a result have been getting really into its topic of Teaching Compassion. This week I'm looking at compassion in the arts, and I'm very interested in how film, as the art form that can most closely mimic our own experience, is used to help us understand the views of others. There is a deep emotional connection that we form with the characters onscreen that can drive us to laughter or tears, and through this we build up our internal library of human experiences that let us make sense of our lives and the lives of others.
And every now and then there is a movie that leave us speechless and changes us profoundly. I can't say I've had quite the experience that Lindsey had above, but for me, The Fountain left me in that state of stunned(?) thought and I really need to go back and watch it again (luckily not as hard to find as your movies seem to have been).
I'd be honoured if you'd join our small but growing community over on the Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/TEDxGoldenGateED ), but I will also point to this discussion from our page over there. And I have to quickly plug the conference itself, which you can learn about here: http://tedxgoldengateed.org
We're hoping to build an online community whose discussion will mirror that of the conference itself, while continuing year-round.May 22 2011: Yes. I have a friend, Kate Blewett, she makes Documentaries and she has changed the worlds thinking with her work.
http://www.kateblewett.com/Home_.htmlMay 22 2011: Films can be inspiring, educational, serve for diversion and relaxation.. They have many purposes to suit many 'needs', IMO.
I recently viewed "The Promise", a four part series by Channel 4 (UK), and learned a great deal about the Israel/Palestine conflict.
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-promiseJun 21 2011: Dear All;
Last night while comparing the movies of 80s and today, I have found a lot of progress and achievements technologically and realistically, science factiously, and futuristically, the credit goes to all stakeholders of film industry but the direct participants or actors in particular.
One issue was not satisfying me was the sex scenes of today's movies, It has almost reached the limit of some porn clips; since the movies are watched by different generations; what kind of impact could these scenes have on children and to what further bare level will it reach?
Thank you allJun 20 2011: It's funny, I think a film has an instantaneously intense effect, where a book has a less intense and more prolonged effect.Jun 16 2011: Before analyzing what kind of power can a film have on us, we should focus on the types of movies. After that, you'll arrive to a conclusion that circles and unites a simple concept hiding behind every movie. Movies, shorts, films, video clips...etc. usually have an evident impact on the world. Be it on the younger ones or the adults. Take note that people watch movies, because they enjoy it.
Young girls and boys can be influenced by an actress. This shows us how enormous the impact of movies is. It can not only change our hobbies, but also our cultural choices. Each and every one of us suffers two kinds of socialization. First, by his parents and family during his youngest age till his teen-age/young-adult age and second, by the companies, co-workers and colleagues he/she gets to meet in their careers. And all-along this period, the person watches movies and films. Sometimes, he admires the heros. Other times, he admires their acts. But most of the time, he or she tries to copy and imitate what others do.
This proves what kind of power can a film have. It can easily change lives. It sometimes incites to reacting on a given event or so. None of us should overlook movies' impact on human beings. It can have a strong and influential power.Jun 16 2011: Film access people's mind... and we all know how powerful mind is.
Someone once said... to analyze a nation, analyze the movie they watch.Jun 15 2011: Films have a tremendous impact on individuals whether people are aware of it or not. Filmmakers (who are primarily male btw) need to keep in mind the impact their movies might have on people. For example: depicting more ethnic people are committing crimes versus White people. Be more analytical when you're watching films, because there is always an underlying meaning, and it is oftentimes oppressive toward a minority group... Food for thought.
Jun 16 2011: A great example of this is in Scream 2 the movie where they actually debate about the same topic on how the movies (stab 2) influenced the murders that were occurring in the movie. (stab 2 a movie with in a movie) Of course its fictional. but its still a good topic to talk aboutJun 15 2011: A film can be very powerful. It can make you cry, smile, laugh, and think about what is going on in the world.Jun 15 2011: On one hand I see film as being extremely powerful - a few people may even change their lives because of it, and the knock-on effects could be huge - both positive and negative.
On the other hand - most people are moved for a short period of time after, but soon 'forget' it and it's theme as they become busy with their own lives.
If the main theme or story is not refreshed often - it is easy to forget and get caught up in one's own issues. I think films play their part but something else is definately needed to use in conjunction with them, such as quotes referring to the underlying story of the film. Quotes can be on your fridge, by your computer, and in your toilet etc to constantly keep us reflecting on things. There are others of course.
I both LOVE and HATE film/media, but partly because I know how they are extremely carefully made and constructed they are to make the viewers mind go in the direction the filmmaker wants - especially with documentaries. I for one am actually disheartened as I have seen so so MANY that twist the story and make judgements without actually getting facts. THIS IS DANGEROUS! --- I also seem to be in the minority by not getting sucked in and led down a particular path.
Films are short events, the biggest influence is from the media - everyday news channels and papers - I honestly believe they control society - and what they can get away with insults me as if they expect me to be sucked in.
The point is power comes from the people either through money or a vote - and they are being tricked to get it.
Tell me: What would you rather protect and give money towards? What sways your feelings more?
The ant or the orang-u-tan?
A mean looking male with hiv, or a cute baby with hiv?
Your leader's words, or the conflicting words of a foreign leader?
My answer to your question is that film should contain the TRUTH - however hard it might be to swallow. We are sheltered and so far removed in the West!Jun 15 2011: Movie starts... LONELY FLOWER
Scene1. A Toddler is outside a home alone, looking at morning sun
Scene2. Thirsty kid start to cry, the sun reflects his eye
Scene3. A man rushes to the kid and give him a bottle of water
Scene4.The man was a movie director, taken the kids story to the silver screen
Scene5.The director gets his best film award
Scene 6.lot of kids in poverty in many part of the world
Scene7.One of the kid grows up as a super man
Scene8.still lots of kids are hungry
Scene9.the first scene again.Todler is outside home again crying alone
End of the movie
Movies should show life's black and white stories in good colors without prejudicesJun 15 2011: One vital key to making our world a place where all people can prosper in peace and joyous harmony is communication. The language of motion pictures is powerful because it requires less energy and knowledge to read than text. Masses of people can understand moving image stories - yet be unable to express themselves in this medium. So the communication tends to be one sided. The rhetorical power of this language still rests in hands of the few. This concentration of power is dangerous and leads to many abuses. That's why the language of motion pictures must be learned by ordinary people all over our world with the same systematic seriousness spoken and written language is learned. The language of motion pictures, like music, has the potential for being a universal language. That is the promise. But this power must be shared more widely and equitably. Thankfully, with affordable accessible video technology, this is beginning to happen more and more. I am optimistic.Jun 14 2011: Actually, I'm interested at Citizen Kane. It's about critics to big media houses with the power to shape public opinion. I haven't watch it, but a friend told me that the film would cause major havoc to major medias so they use their power to gave the film bad reviews, and even tried to buy the masters of the film so that the film wouldn't be released.
In my opinion, a single film wouldn't make a big difference, but many films will do.Jun 14 2011: Very important in opinion making and in opinion changing. Cinema has the power to affect many minds and lives. One can learn a lot from different types of movies. They are not only meant for entertainment but also to learn. They make us laugh and make us cry.May 31 2011: I watched a short film a week ago that made me laugh more than I've laughed in a year (Bear by Nash Edgarton). I really needed it, too... since then, I've felt a bit happier and quite enjoy reflecting upon it. Crazy, silly, hilarious. It provided a little escape from reality and I had no idea what to expect, so was pleasantly surprised.
Recently I watched Black Gold and have started buying ONLY fair trade coffee. You'd think it's a no-brainer, but it actually takes some effort for a daily coffee drinker (such as myself) to ask the barista at every cafe whether their beans are fair trade. I've sourced reasonably priced - and delicious - fair trade organic beans at my local store, too.
Film is a magnificent medium for not only sharing a message, but initiating engagement through understanding.
Tero -
May 30 2011: They can have a large impact on individuals, which then trickles down to society. Unfortunately, it is decided for us what gets into the movie theatres and what gets the good reviews.. so, in this sense, I believe that many films will actually have no impact or even a bad impact (rather than good, which is what we want). I am in anger over all the new movies that are mainly reflecting a large chunk of what 'society' has manufactured to be lately: lots of glitter and effects, but no real content.
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On the other hand, the best movies can cause people to think about their actions more carefully, inspire change and intellectual discussion. It's the best of feelings when you walk out of the theatre and actually want to discuss the impact the movie had on you. I personally try to go back to the movies that inspired thinking, or to those where the story and directing was truly artistic.
Lately, I haven't been very impressed with a lot of the movies I've seen, though.. and I'm afraid that it may have the same fate as music. Lots of popular crap and the gems are hard to find, or very few and far apart.
Lets hope not.
May 31 2011: Tero
I believe you are right about what make a movie good. I also think that yes, many of the movies we have available are only for the glitter.
I would say however, that entertainment is a valid use of film. Sometimes frankly I may go for the entertainment, and be pleasantly surprised to see some thought in the movie. It comes in all forms!
The power of Money is a problem however.May 29 2011: I think that movies plays a great role in character building...But as far as attitude is concerned,i don't think that movies much effect it,although it may bound people to think over for sometime.May 27 2011: I do think so,when we are in depression,we can get up by seeing a positive film....
May 29 2011: Chen Chao, I think you are right that movies can affect many emotions we feel. Sometimes when your heart is broken even a silly romantic comedy can make you feel like there are still happy endings.May 25 2011: Personally i think it can make you think about you're life,based on a character you particularly like in the film, and also it can make you very enthusiastic about something or some theme...May 25 2011: The UN has a programme called Envision, which is a doc festival promoting the Millennium Development Goals. The films shown (this year was about striving to overcome poverty) are amazingly touching, and many have a call to action at the end, eg: raise money, follow what happens to the characters next etc. These calls to action typically are activated thru websites etc. The physical Envision event involves film makers and folks from NGOs, academics taking part in panel discussions amplifying the effects of the films. FIlm + other things, eg: web, or face to face festivals, can turbo-charge the effects of the Film. Equally, I'm betting a series of panels with NGOs on how to end World poverty, or a bunch of websites, would be less EFFECTIVE than the combination of including film. So, the answer to what should a film contain... is they need to dovetail with other media ie: have relevance for new media, web in it's many different ways, physical events.
May 25 2011: With your business interest in film and fillm festivals would you consider linking with TED to have an online TED flim house where we, as members of TED might get a chance to view these films?
I believe that there are many first hand views of the world being made by obsure film makers around the world and I know many of us even in first world countries never even get to see the film festival movies that do not make it into wide distribution. By paying a TED film house fee or membership we could directly support these film makers, learn some first hand insights and become more knowledgable while we shared and rated the films.
And the infrastructure of TED is already in place!
May 31 2011: Hi Debra
On the professional front, would love to get more involved in TED... but as you know, TED, is/has become a razor-sharp commercial organisation!!!! We have made films for TED Women, and maybe we can build from that.
I do think the "1 minute" films we make can help as you say providing a window on some of the more interesting corners of the World. This is a film we made for the UN http://www.mofilm.com/best
One from INDIA that is sweet http://www.mofilm.com/std/dcb973
When I'm in Edinburgh, I will talk to good folks at TED, so thanks for the suggestion...
May 31 2011: James,
The film for the UN was just wonderful!
I sure did not see the advertisement coming in the Pepsi ad and I think that is the way advertising must work in the future if it wants to have any share of mind at all. Recently I completed an MBA in marketing and I really think we need to understand that we cannot usurpt people's attention much longer without push back.
I am delighted that you are considering what I proposed. If you should need a letter endorsing the concept by a potential consumer. let me know as I would really like to help.May 25 2011: Jehane,
I think film is going to influence a few individuals to believe they can do "impossible" things, like fly. The same way a caterpillar dreams about flight and manifests a pair of wings.......I think film has a vital role in human biological and psychological evolution and will(in our lifetime) crush the laws of physics allowing all of us to redefine "limitation"
Ryan Lum
May 24 2011: When I saw this topic, I couldn't help but think of the movie, Avatar. A lot of people got depressed after seeing the movie because they realized it wasnt a reality and they could never experience that world. I think that is a prime example of what a good film can do.
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Jun 13 2011: I think there is a positive message there in the movie "Avatar". I love that movie. Whatever reality that we experience, see and realize now are causes from the minds of people, eg if wars come from the minds of people, then peace is possible too by altering the minds of people. Just my 2cent worth thoughts, not intended to be offensive. :)
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Michael M
May 23 2011: Respectufully, yes I do. Do you?
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People create in many different ways. Film, the subject here, is not about ancient grecian theatre, but about whether or not film can change attitudes. I believe it can.
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May 23 2011: Hi Jaime, I think that many of us are focusing on the psychological impact that films have. No one can disagree that theatre is an amazing experience. For many now, though, its cost makes it less accessible. Movies are more budget friendly these days. We are also considering the environmental factors of movie theatres that impact the way that they open up the mind and subconscious. It is more than just the symbols- it is the way they are presented with loud sound, blackened cinemas, particular lengths of exposure. They have been designed and refined to influence.
You would be the ideal person to start a thread on theatre where we can discuss the impact and power of that art form.May 23 2011: i think the films like waking life could have a big impact on those who decide to listen, it did for me. i watch it like, every month and still get something new from it.
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May 23 2011: yes, of course that's what happens..we just suddenly aline with something external to us..same in art and I have a conversation going now about how that works with architecture. My sense is though that its posisble for an art work..a poem, a film, a pinating, a sclupture, a building, a made object to actually somehow contain , in a recpaturable way, a specific message..as if it were a different kind of code.In otherwirds.. I think it actually is two way.
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May 23 2011: I am in absolute agreement with your first post above and tried to share something llike this on my initial post to this question. You, of course, hit the nail on the head and did it much more eloquently!May 23 2011: Ok, Pirate's of the Caribbean may not be art in the same way Mozart and Da Vinci are. However, if even a totally fun movie causes you to reflect a bit on something important, it is art. It is something made (creatio). It does take us somewhere else. It does reflect and determine our current myths and understandings of the world. Yes, it can change things. I always wait to see the credits in a movie. They made it, I enjoyed it, they at least should have their names read. Now, think about that in terms of our worldview and our attitudes towards others.May 23 2011: Hello Michael! The ideas of symbol and myth are even more evident in the films made for kids (and us big kids). They are even more powerful because they are reaching and shaping the symbols of the next generation.May 23 2011: Thanks for your comments Debra. (On both posts). I agree with you. The dancing dialectic however, is a two edged sword. Since they reflect and determine (among a hosts of other people, institutions, etc), I would rather have my children see Pirate's than Fast Five!May 23 2011: I love movies…savvy? I mean all kinds, from very stimulating ones, to somewhat cheesy kid's movies. Film is a creation that takes us places: we may want to go, but never get there; don't want to go there ever; or illuminate where we are at this moment. I enjoy movies that make me laugh, cry, sigh, desire, jump and crawl under my seat. Two examples that answer Eilif's questions:
Toy Story 3 was an incredible movie. I cried at the end at the loss of innocence and the excitement of play. I danced wildly with "Spanish" Buzz Lightyear doing the tango. Good movies move the heart. They can do it in many different ways, but the heart, now there is something that can change attitudes, renew vision, and deepen resolve.
My freshman year at University I saw Cool Hand Luke. I came to that moment of "will you let the system break you?" There were lots of quotes later about failure to communicate in the Summer of '68, but what it did for me, was to say if it means the bullet, they can't break your spirit. Movies can call us to something beyond ourselves.
Good film making is really just good visual story-telling. It reflects our cultures and helps to determine them. They go to that part of our worldview that really has to do with beliefs, attitudes and our world as it is, we want it to be, we can laugh at or cry with. I challenge you to go through the "What's Playing List" in your community and ask yourself about each film: What is it saying to us and about us?
Movies that bring about change don't have to speak just to big issues, but issues that move our hearts, and call us to something better.
May 23 2011: Michael above and beyond your well stated position, I just wanted to tell you how your enthusiasm in making your points really added to its impact.
Anyone doing what they love or saying what they believe in with passion is more immediately accessible to his readers.
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May 23 2011: Alo! My friend!Yes, some directors are powerful in the vision they bring to life. I saw a movie this winter (it was in French with subtitles) that left me speachless - yes me, speachless - can you imagine how good it was? It was by a Canadian director named Villeneuve and it was called 'Incendies' like the root word for incendiary in English.
Wow! I never experienced a piece of film that transported me so completely to a new and profound place of understanding before as this one did. I struggled for days to encapsulate the message and it was 'that all acts of violence in war or otherwise that we do to others is recursive on those that we love and upon ourself." It reached mythic proportions in its story of one woman and her encounter with life in the middle east and in Canada. WOW!May 23 2011: As a huge movie buff (not a "I like action movies for the explosions" kind of movie buff, but a "Deniro's performance in 'Awakenings' made me bawl my eyes out" kind of movie buff), I can safely say that films are very influential in the formation of opinions and beliefs of their viewers. Films succeed in this way through powerful emotional connections with their audiences. The best way to change a person's way of thinking is to get them to form strong emotional ties to the subject/dilemma at hand, which is exafctly what movies do best. Emotional investment is what movies do to draw audiences---it's what they're based on. For example, the Robert Zemeckis movie 'Contact' (based off the insanely fantastic novel of the same name by Carl Sagan) completely changed my views on relgiion and the idea of God. Of course, in this post I'm speaking for myself, but I feel that if movies can have such a strong effect on me, they can definitely effect other people the same wayMay 23 2011: Never ending impact.
The Film Swades released in 2006, hasnt yet left my mind .
I watch it, literally, everyday.May 23 2011: I was answering another question when I realized that the answer applied here too.
When I was a 12 year old kid I went to the movies to see a now obscure film that shaped my opinions to this day. As it relates directly to this topic I am sharing a bit of the plot.
It was called "The Shoes of the Fisherman" and it starred Anthony Quinn. In it an obscure priest who had been enslaved in a Siberian gulag became the Pope of Roman Catholicism. His true experience with real suffering and his connection to the common man led him to start a new day of faith. In order to help avert nuclear war, he began to liquidate some of the wealth of the church and help the poorest people of the earth with the real spirit and idea that religions claim that they are about "whatever you do to these the least of my bretheren you have done unto me".....
If a 12 year old girl could leave a theatre certain that she should be pope ( obviously I was not Catholic nor knowledgible) because it rang so true to me- I think that the impact was pretty great and it echoes on in my approach to issues today.
May 23 2011: great share..in general I am enjoying your many first person narratives around Ted Conversations..Great power whne we speak from our own experience
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May 23 2011: Wongmo, I agree! I once started a thread suggesting a TED film house where obscure films from around the world could gain access to viewers directly. I would be willing to subscribe because I am certain that there is a lot of first hand perspective and truth that just needs a wider audience to change the world and yet the business aspect of finding funding and of finding a market are insurmountable. If we could directly fund the film maker themselves with our viewing fee- it would bring those films into wider disemination.
TED would be the ideal vehicle because it already has the reputation, the ethos and the audience.Jun 20 2011: NOnono.. that is the power of film.
It doesn't have to be specifically created to convey a message like a documentary or feature films sponsored by a movement or true story from surviving victims.
You can learn a lot from people just by analyzing what kind of mind-numbing-sheer-entertainment movie they watch or like.May 22 2011: There is a great talk from the "Supersize me" actor on TED.
He thinks he can change the world with his movies and I think so.
Not all movies of course, but there are a source of inspiration, and we can ask ourself questions watching a great movie.
The scenarist give us his point of view, and if we disagree with him, we will try to understand his mind, and if we think is point of view is the best, so, we can change our way to think.
To finish, i would like to say that movies were used as propaganda in the past, so, it is a good way to make people adopting your message.
Comment deleted
May 22 2011: What about black and white experimental movies of the early 20s?
Or 'No Comment' on Euronews?May 22 2011: Can a film help to make the world a better place and change attitudes?
Yes, it can absolutely help in achieving this goal!
FIlm has always in my opinion been used to help a message get to the masses - I think the very essense of TED is to transmit a short message thorugh an audio-visual tool.
Think of how film was used in the Soviet Union to educate the masses and convey ideological messages. Soviet Films such as Man With a Movie Camera by Vertov showed the society as it is (in the context of its time in the 1920) but also conveyed messages such as the changing role of a woman in the soviet society (juxtaposing images of the soviet woman with bourgeois women). The government was instrumental in using film as a Socialist Realist tool, in showing the idealistic view of the society rather than as it were at the time. Soviet Films of the post WW2 period conveyed the message of the citizen-patriot ready to defent the country... Films of the late 80s showed a very different society... And to my knowledge all other nations used film to convey their ideological messages to the public.
So why then can't we use film as a tool to make the world a better place - all we need is a vision of what a better place is and then we can start transporting our vision into reality by means of the image. I think we need a TED Conference on the theme of 'A better world'. We should then assemble all the talks and have a TED film... this is my answer to the second part of the question (what should such films [that make the world a better place] contain)...
May 22 2011: A film it's plently imagination , it do not reflect too much the reality . We don't get too much profit from watching a film except the relaxation perhaps..................the documentraries films are exceptions.May 22 2011: Never before in history have so many people shared the same dream experience as they do in movies. That makes film hugely powerful. It is very similar to a dream state when one is in a darkened theatre and allows their disbelief be suspended. Film- when well done- has the power to influence people profoundly.
- 0
Yes, it can make the world a better place. A movie like Philadelphia story with Tom Hanks had a greater effect on changing attitudes toward gay people in North American society than any other single factor. Schindler's list showed us that even people who are not perfect can have a profound effect on saving people's lives. Science fiction helps us to imagine a workable future. Great question Elif!
Edit: The reason that I think movies being like dreams is important is that dreams offer us our own individual symbols and metaphors. Until now dream interpretion has always been totally individual. Now however, millons are sharing the same visual symbols that are set for us in movies. Think of how a Hitchcock move made so many of us afraid to wash our hair in the shower or how we all understand what an Oompa Lumpa looks like. If we had only read the book our Oompa Lumpas would all be different, as would our Mad Hatters and versions of Harry Potter.May 22 2011: Being a audio visual medium in motion form Film is supposed to be very strong form of art to influence people a lot. So far lot of films were made but don't see that much impact in changing views positively to great extent.
May be the challenge is the audience of those films are small and already have better view & outlook. Need to think how can we expand to greater audiences to have better impact. May be internet is a way out.....
Mainstream commercial films keeping mass busy in fantasizing thouh ..........May 22 2011: I think that expecting a film to completely change a person's mindset is just grasping for straws. But, can a film inspire people, or prompt them to maybe realize that they haven't evaluated all of the viewpoints of a particular situation? I think so. Take for instance, the documentary The Black List. A three-volume documentary that showcases three hours of interviews with African-American leaders in various fields, most of which many people have never heard of. It was amazing to sit there and watch, especially on a weekend during one of the roughest years of my academic career. I felt like there was a light at the end of the tunnel, that if they, and millions of other people could make it through college, and come out on the other side, then I could too.
Or, take for instance, Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ. I can't say if anyone converted to Christianity because of the movie, but I do know that it resulted in many Christians reevaluating their beliefs, values, and actions.
So can a film do what you ask? I believe it can, so long as we take the time to try to impart a thoughtful, yet clear message.


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If you can dream it, you can do it. -Walt Disney
Quality is a great business plan. -John Lasseter
Let's make some funny pictures. -Tex Avery
I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend. -Howard Zinn
When critics sit in judgment it is hard to tell where justice leaves off and vengeance begins. -Chuck Jones
And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? -Jesus
A man should never neglect his family for business. -Walt Disney
What's most important in animation is the emotions and the ideas being portrayed. -Ralph Bakshi
Once you have heard a strange audience burst into laughter at a film you directed, you realize what the word joy is all about. -Chuck Jones
Before enlightenment: chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment: chop wood, carry water. -Buddhist Proverb
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Is 'the pitch' obsolete?
Share your views on the state of the Animation Industry.
16 posts • Page 1 of 1
Is 'the pitch' obsolete?
This came to mind recently. I've been thinking about the nature of new intellectual property development for animation in the modern age and how dramatically things have changed from only a few years ago.
It struck me with even more clarity than before just how significant that change has become and how more and more over I'm seeing new projects heading straight for the Web and straight for an audience.
No stops, no heading to a network or studio, no heading down the traditional path that we've always known as 'the pitch'. Increasingly, intellectual property developers are going directly to exhibition through New Media.
Which gave rise to the thought and the question...
Is 'the pitch' in animation obsolete? Have things moved and are moving so far beyond the traditional modalities of getting a project up and running, that pitching in the stereotypical sense is going the way of the horse and buggy?
While it may not be that drastic, my feelings are that it is. The mantra I've always used has been 'produce it first then pitch'. I'm staring to think more along the lines of 'produce it first and don't worry about the pitch, just get it out there.'
With crowdfunding resources, social media, YouTube and Vimeo, worldwide interactive communication and a general migration away from television and into alternative media, to me, 'the pitch' as we've come to know it in animation is becoming less and less relevant.
I welcome the sharing of your thoughts on this subject.
Re: Is 'the pitch' obsolete?
I see where you are coming from Charles but consider this. Folks who do a video or animated short just for fun or "yucks", and then put it onto the internet are not usually doing this to make money. It is difficult to find a way to have people pay to view your YouTube posting. While it made Justin Beiber famous(and lots of money) it does not mean that his is a common story in comparison to the millions of website postings that never make a dime.
I have been told that our animated production, in it's current simplier semi-animatic form, is now good enough to hit the internet. In doing that , I would negate the possibility of later going to a venue where I can make the film finanicialy work so I could make another, then maybe another. The huge financial investment that it takes to put together something like many film producers put into their projects, needs to be recouped somehow and pitching the projects to studios or distributors is the only current way to put your film onto a path of generating your investment dollars to return to you.
Then again, if your only goal is notariety,rare potential fame, or if your project was not very expensive or holds any likley potential of making money if distributed, then it is an easy choice to go the the web. Getting people to see your film is easy on the web. Getting people to see your film and pay to see it, still takes pitching.
Good subject Charles!
Tom Hignite
Re: Is 'the pitch' obsolete?
Look at it this way Tom.
If you took some literature and artwork to a TV network and pitched your project at the beginning, how far do you think it would get?
If the creators of Axecop, a little kid and his older brother, went to the networks or a major studio and pitched their idea about a nonsensical series tat featured a policeman that chopped people's heads off, how would they respond?
Axecop went online and is now being developed for a Saturday night primetime block at FOX.
You're developing your franchise and you're doing it without a pitch in the traditional sense.
Revenue or no revenue yet, at least you're getting your content out there and now there's the chance of success, where as with the alternative there would be nothing.
You're proof of what I'm talking about!
Re: Is 'the pitch' obsolete?
Yes, I am developing my Miracle Mouse feature film property without any pitching,...yet. We did have one audience member who was "in the business" of wanting to see it developed and pitched as a televison series. When you visit our website , you see the picth booklet we did for that purpose. When this is pitched as a feature(it's original gameplan) we will need to re-tweak the pitch booklet. Once my property is fully developed, I always thought I would need to then get an agent to represent me or I would be doing a lot of "door pounding" to see which studios or distributors would be interested in it.
Then again, if web postings such as this one, should ever peak the curiosity of a studio or investor, their next question to me will be asking me to explain the project/story. My reply is , a pitch.
Tom Hignite
Re: Is 'the pitch' obsolete?
The pitch in the traditional sense Tom, whereby a creative individual, group enterprise, whatever it may be, solicits a studio, production company, network, etc, for the purpose of securing funds, resources, something that would move the project forward and into the public eye, I feel is obsolete.
The days when pitches were made with a synopsis, perhaps a production bible, some artwork, and a song and dance, are either gone or on their way out.
Today, in the modern era, it's about producing your property in some way, whether as animated content or as a comic or storybook, what have you, then bringing in strategic partners.
It's about getting it to the public without the necessity of the pitch.
I suppose that 'pitching' in some sense, for example, convincing others to engage in the venture, will still go on of course. But the idea, or system or process, that you have to pitch to the gatekeepers in order to get anywhere with your project in the first place is a non-factor in whether a property can get to its audience nowadays.
Re: Is 'the pitch' obsolete?
In addition to Axecop, here's another example of someone who's become very successful on their own without the need to pitch in the traditional sense.
Ray William Johnson has the most subscribers on YouTube. He produces quick music videos using Flash through Cosmic Toast in Burbank and then sells the song on iTunes.
There's many examples of creative individuals and companies getting their content out there without having to pitch and being rewarded with a substantial community that supports what they do.
There's more than one way to go today!
Pitch to the people!
Re: Is 'the pitch' obsolete?
Having done a pitch or two myself, I'm happy to see the changes in media. Direct media for profit like iTunes, pad apps. and phone apps. certainly lowers the bar to a potentially self sustaining form of financing -- at least for smaller projects.
For big productions and big bucks, the conveniences of the pitch have changed, but the hurdles are still very much the same. A great idea, great connections, sales talent and being born under a lucky star are all assets!
Re: Is 'the pitch' obsolete?
http://studios.amazon.com/projects/12758#player/videos (Watch the PITCH VIDEO!!!)
http://studios.amazon.com/projects/12758 (Download the Pilot Script and Mini-Bible)
It seems this thought has sparked the minds of many, including online commercial giant, Amazon.com. Amazon recently revamped and challenged this concept by launching their own production studio. They have since been soliciting pitches from anyone with a strong, original idea. Perhaps "the pitch" itself is in the process of being redefined.
While I fully agree with and embrace the fact that the traditional pitch is no longer necessary to reach a worldwide audience, propel a project to notoriety, or even provide the required funds for massive projects (thank you Kickstarter), I believe we are now (and shall continue) seeing "the big boy's" reaction to this new reality.
The above is one example. I recently pitched this idea for a new, original series I co-created with my friend to Amazon Studios. Here's what sets them apart: Not only is access and an open invite made available to anyone online, the perks and returns significantly rival anything offered by Hollywood for decades! In addition, you have the option to make your project public immediately. The studio encourages its audience (any Amazon member, shopper, etc.) to view, rate, and comment on projects they like before they're even reviewed - creating the literal "pitch to the people" we've all been waiting for.
But hey, don't take my word for it - check out our "CALIFORNIA KIDDS" pitch to see what I mean! This is a very exciting and unprecedented time for all creators (especially the independents)!!! I strongly encourage all of you to make the most of this and similar resources, and hope you guys will check out, rate, and comment on the links above. Thanks, enjoy, and as a brother of mine would say...
- Chance
Re: Is 'the pitch' obsolete?
Great thread guy. Here is my two cents ...
Personally I don't think the pitch is obsolete because even posting it on YouTube and Vimeo is a form of a pitch, just in a different form but with the same end goal in mind ... to win over audiences and (in most cases) generate revenue.
As YouTube matures as a business and channels carve out their online patch in their bid to attract advertising dollars I feel like content online is going to become much more structured. Already there is a different/new breed of gatekeepers emerging. Just look at Mondo Media, Smosh's Shut Up Cartoons, both of who require you to pitch to get something up and with their channels but can afford to do so because they have access to such a huge audience. I have nothing against them, more power to them I say.
As long as the web remains open, Indies will still be able to be discovered (like Axecop) which is a great thing but for every Axecop there are plenty of creators and animators slogging it out to attract an audience. For some it can take two years of producing content before getting noticed, being signed to a major channel, or generating enough views and a following to be self sustaining.
I guess for me it comes down to horses for courses. I bet there are plenty of shows that would die a quick and painful death if they were released online. There's still a lot to say for a show being nurtured and developed for TV or film by folks who are willing to take a risk and back something they believe in.
Re: Is 'the pitch' obsolete?
Great input! Thanks to all who are contributing to the topic.
Even though new gatekeepers are emerging, the dynamics of whether or not your project can get out at all even without a pitch have markedly changed over the past few years and for the better I might add. The competition for online content lends itself to venues being more open to what you have to offer. The odds of a 'yes' are far greater than they would be with traditional venues.
And even though your project may not be picked up, well, YouTube and Vimeo are there to provide a way for you to at least get your project out there to be seen by the masses. Which is a far cry from what we had before.
The traditional pitch is being affected by many new and emerging aspects to entertainment.
Re: Is 'the pitch' obsolete?
Check out this topic which I featured yesterday on the forums. It relates directly to the subject at hand.
Cartoon Network announced they'll be developing new animated properties as apps first instead of content directly intended for broadcast TV.
Here's a direct link to the article.
Re: Is 'the pitch' obsolete?
Very interesting. We all know Apps are popular but what I think is the sleeper wave to hit us (or to be more precise - the younger generation) is games.
If you look at Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and any other similar site you'll see games as a big offering (because I guess it helps to glue visitors to the site for longer).
Marry that with sites like Kongregate, Armor Games and Newgrounds where indie and emerging (and most times young) game developers can distribute their games and you can quickly see that game development and distribution is going to be the next content/entertainment wave ... just like YouTube was to video. Smart move on CN part I'd say.
Re: Is 'the pitch' obsolete?
I agree. We've been discussing the development of CN going straight to Apps with their new properties in classes all week long so far at my school along with the notion that the traditional pitch to the networks is pretty much dead.
One of our guest speakers this week was at a recent event where several development execs from the local animation networks were talking about how to proceed in pitching to them and according to what our visitor was recounting they were basically saying take it to the Web first.
If you want to be successful with pitching a project then you need to do what they're doing and that is produce it for the Internet and Apps and games and comics and crowdfunding and build your audience.
I've been saying this for years. Produce it first then pitch. Now I'm saying why even bother with a traditional pitch when everything is heading to the Web anyway. You can have your own empire.
Re: Is 'the pitch' obsolete?
One more thing worth mentioning. My students have been telling me about what's happening with some online comics. One of them they mentioned has been around for a while building their audience for several years with daily entries. They went to Kickstarter to crowdfund a video game based on their comic and raised more than $700,000. This is what they told me.
I checked the Internet rankings of another online comic they mentioned to see how popular it is. Astronomical. It had better traffic than AWN or Cartoonbrew or Animation Magazine or just about any other animation oriented news venue in our industry. They also had a member forum with more than 35,000 members! They developed their project and community and can easily raise funds by accessing their fan base.
This is the new world we're in. It's all about us, the creators. Not animation politics, not development execs, not the traditional gatekeepers. It's about us and what we have to creatively offer to the people of the earth.
Re: Is 'the pitch' obsolete?
Thanks as always for your insight Charles, certainly is a brave new world out there. And btw, great to hear what your students are noticing and responding to out there on the interweb.
We're currently thinking along these lines for New Eden. Just taking our time to get our ducks in a row, as they say.
Re: Is 'the pitch' obsolete?
You've got a good thing going with your New Eden property SandSquid.
Here's something else to encourage one and all when it comes to pursuing your projects online. Another reason why pitching to the established system is becoming obsolete.
Ever heard of Homestuck? Neither have I until this week. I made reference to it in my above post when I said that an online comic raised $700,000 through Kickstarter to develop a video game.
I was mistaken. They didn't raised $700K. That was their goal.
They raised $2,485,506 through 24,346 backers!
The campaign wrapped up only 6 days ago. Check it out...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/14293468/h ... nture-game
The website for Homestuck is in complete contrast to most tricked out sites for character based properties. It has a huge following. Way more visitors than the most popular news content oriented sites for animation.
What does that say about Web traffic for animation and comics based properties?
And what does it say when Cartoon Network decides to go the app route for their properties even before they're produced as TV shows?
The Internet has come of age my friends.
Develop your project, take it online, have fun, stick with it and build your audience without anyone getting in your way.
Pitch to the people.
16 posts • Page 1 of 1

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Comedy, Romance
We've all been touched by love, but no one really understands it, nor can anyone explain why we do the things we do when we are in love. This is a story that happened in two cities, Taipei and Beijing. A story about eight lonely people searching for love. All that happened and every sacrifice that was made all for LOVE.
Cast: Shu Qi
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Directed by: Doze Niu Chen Zer
Written by:
Running time: 2hr 7min
Opens: Feb 17, 2012 Limited
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myTEAM TRIUMPH is a non-profit athletic mentoring program for challenged endurance athletes.
myTEAM TRIUMPH bring the community together with the equipment necesary to challenged athletes the opportunity to experience the energy of packet pick-up, the thrill of crossing the finish line and the character building benefits of an endurance event such as a road race or triathlon.
myTEAM TRIUMPH promotes health, teamwork, and community!
myTEAM TRIUMPH will be participaing in the 2012 Bellin Run! It is our goal to field 10 teams of challenged athletes along with their Charity Angels who push them in specialized running chairs.
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We hope that ANCESTORS IN THE AMERICAS will inspire you to learn more about your Asian American family history and genealogy, and to preserve and pass on what you know or find. Why did your family come here? What and who did they leave behind? What was it like for them as the first generation?
It is important that we learn our own stories and pass them on from generation to generation. Our stories, particularly of the early years in America, are largely unknown and untold. They need to be preserved so that we do not forget our roots and early struggles, and so that our history as Asian Americans becomes understood as a natural part of the history of America.
Here are some ways to begin:
There are an enormous number of genealogical sites and resources online. We have selected the sites listed here as energizing starting points.
Ancestors Resource Directory.
Chinese Surnames
Korea Internet List
Chinese Cultural Center's "In Search of Roots Program"
The books listed below with a linked title can be ordered directly from Amazon.com, an online bookseller (a percentage of the sale price is donated back to CET). (NOT LINKED YET) Also, be sure to also see the bibliography on Asian American history in the Resources section.
Asian American Genealogical Sourcebook (Genealogy Sourcebook Series)
The Extent and Preservation of Genealogical Records in China
Finding Your Ethnic American Roots/Filipino (Ethnic American Book)
Finding Your Ethnic-American Roots/Vietnamese (Ethnic American Book)
Ancestors: A Beginner's Guide to Family History and Genealogy
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Genealogy
A Dictionary of Surnames
Family Tree Kit
Searching for Your Ancestors: The How and Why of Genealogy
The Genealogy Sourcebook
Your Family Tree
A Student's Guide to Chinese American Genealogy (Oryx American Family Tree Series)
A Student's Guide To Japanese American Genealogy (Oryx American Family Tree Series)
Climb Your Family Tree: A Genealogy Detective's Kit (for ages 9 - 12)
A more extensive state-by-state list can be
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University of Rochester
Oakland Public Library
University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, Berkeley
Los Angeles Public Library
San Francisco Public Library
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BioLogos Basics Video #8: Genetics
Some of the strongest evidence for the common ancestry of all life forms comes from genetics.
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Some of the strongest evidence for the common ancestry of all life forms comes from genetics.
In this video originally featured in March of 2012, Dr. David Finch, a biologist at New York University, discusses his thoughts on both Creationism and the effects of "new atheists" like Richard Dawkins.
When you are in church, do you act and speak differently than when you are in school? Do you tend to compartmentalize what you learn about in Biology class from what you learn about in Sunday School?
In this video Conversation, Joel Hunter articulates the importance of raising a child that can garner knowledge from a variety of sources and to be able to study science with integrity—that is, to be able to pursue the truth to where it leads.
Yesterday, biology professors Randy Moore and Sehoya Cotner raised the concern that workshops focused on evolution-related training do not reach creationism-based biology teachers. Today, we'd like to focus on BioLogos' efforts to address that divide through our Biology by the Sea workshops.
What are the best ways to spark productive conversations about science and faith? Certainly there are books, articles, blogs (like this one), and podcasts. But there are particular advantages to using film.
In today's video, Dr. Rick Colling states that evolution is not merely the imposition of death and destruction and survival of the fittest. Rather, it is about second chances.
When we get stuck on the idea of having biological ancestors, we can miss the point that being made in the image of God is a relational quality, not a biological trait. We can communicate and have a relationship with God, and we can reflect his character and represent him to the rest of creation.
In this video, Daniel Harrell affirms that science is not the only way to pursue truth. Rather, truth happens in a variety of different ways and each one ultimately leads to an understanding of God.
In this video, Pastor Daniel Harrell encourages the Christian community to embrace science as an element which can harmonize and strengthen, rather than attack and undermine their understanding of theology.
In this video "Conversation," three faculty members from Christian colleges -- Professor Dorothy Boorse of Gordon College, Professor Jim Nichols of Abilene Christian University, and Provost Claudia Beversluis of Calvin College -- share thoughts on teaching evolutionary science to Christian undergraduates.
This article provides an overview of genomics evidence for common ancestry and hominid population sizes, and briefly discusses the implications of these lines of evidence for scientific concordist approaches to the Genesis narratives.
In this video, pastor Daniel Harrell notes that, to him, faith must correspond to how things are, not merely how we wish they could be. Thus, exploring nature can be seen as a way to also explore our faith.
In this video Conversation, Joel Hunter remarks: "I believe that all truth is God's truth," says Hunter, "so I am never afraid of truth—no matter who it comes from."
In this video Conversation, Os Guinness notes that Christians should be able to relate their faith to all sorts of issues, including science, and should have no fear of doing so. Guinness quotes George Whitfield, who said, "I'm never better than when I'm on the full stretch for God."
In this video conversation, N.T. Wright suggests that what the book of Genesis and the apostle Paul mean by humans "bearing the image of God" is less a static picture and more of a creative, dynamic proposition-- specifically, how we "reflect" God into the world.


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This story was updated at 5 p.m. on July 2, 2012.
Rock Terrace School principal Dianne G. Thornton has been placed on administrative leave as Montgomery County Public Schools investigates the alleged misappropriation of money students earned in the school's work-study programs.
"This is not uncommon when we are conducting investigations," school system spokesman Dana Tofig said. "There are no updates on the investigation at this time."
Calls to a publicly listed number for Dianne Thornton, including one Monday morning, have not been answered.
Two weeks ago, Rock Terrace parents claimed that the school's administration had misused money students had earned.
Rock Terrace School serves developmentally disabled students from ages 12 to 21 and offers work-study opportunities.
At issue is whether the students actually received money they were entitled to for work they did and whether parents were properly informed about the bank accounts created for their children.
Parents and students have shared their experiences, with some saying they are unsure how much money students' bank accounts should have and if all of the money is there.
The program, according to a former employee with knowledge of the situation, is set up so that students who work inside the school should be paid. They are not compensated for work outside the school, such as at CVS, Kohl's and a Hilton hotel. The former employee would speak only on condition of anonymity.
Montgomery County Public Schools issued a statement two weeks ago saying: "While these are just allegations at this point, we are taking the matter very seriously and are conducting a thorough investigation."
"Appropriate action will be taken based on the facts of the case, once the investigation is completed," the statement said.
Ramon Korionoff, spokesman for the Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office, said the office was made aware of the situation at Rock Terrace School.
"We are working to obtain all the pertinent information and will go where the evidence and information leads us. As of now, it would be inappropriate to comment further on the matter," Korionoff said last week.
On Monday, he said there was nothing to add.
A spokesman for Maryland Comptroller Peter V.R. Franchot said that because of the tax ramifications, the comptroller's office would work with state and local authorities to investigate the allegations and would do everything the law allows to watch out for children and their families.


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Rosh Hashanah Recipes
|Turkey OssoBuco
I love the flavors of OssoBuco but am not sure I am ready for the traditional rich and heavy meat usually found in the delicious Milanese dish. In my version, I am pairing lighter but still richly flavored, turkey thighs and legs. I love the big flavor of a slow braised dish and the fact that with a bit of prep, the dish will cook itself while I continue with holiday prep.
Olive oil
Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy bottom casserole, generously coated with olive oil, over medium high heat. Pat dry the turkey pieces and season with salt and pepper.
Serves approximately 6
Recipe: kosher, poultry


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Fascinated with all things opulent, alluring, and sinister, California artist Douglas Little founded home accents brand D.L. & Co. in 2003. His haute, hauntingly beautiful curiosities—namely candles, diffusers, dishware, and stationery—are made to activate and entice the senses with ornate packaging, Gothic undertones, and exotic fragrances designed to set the mood.
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This panorama of the Chicago Bears playing at Soldier Field was photographed by James Blakeway. The Chicago Bears, originally known as the Decatur Staleys, were founded by owner and head coach George Halas in 1920. The Staleys moved to Chicago in 1921 and became the Chicago Staleys. In 1922, the franchise was renamed the Chicago Bears. The Bears played their final game at Wrigley Field in 1970, before moving to Soldier Field. The original stadium was demolished following the 2001 season, and the Bears made their debut at the rebuilt Soldier Field in 2003, which retained the historic colonnades of the original structure.
Sunday night under a stark fall sky in the Windy City, and 62,000 lucky fans thrilling to a classic hometown victory...it doesn't get any better than this! Bring your wall alive with Bears football glory, with this spectacular panoramic view of the key play in Chicago's 20-17 victory over the hated Green Bay Packers. As Devin Hester jumps into the first row of fans in celebration of his 62-yard punt return, and more than 100,000 arms rise together in the air...SNAP! The moment is preserved for all-time, and is now available for your wall. From the historic action on the field below, to the ecstatic crowd, to the scoreboards, video screens, and unique stadium architecture, it's all here, looking absolutely fantastic for your wall. Printed in brilliant color and perfect focus on high-quality paper stock, and complete with a sharp white border that includes the official team logo and a brief descriptive paragraph, this is both a beauty for the wall of home or office, and a great collector's item for years to come. Perfect for the wall of any fan of Bears football and big-time NFL action!
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ruffle cake
Local Baker Making a Name in Hollywood
Jenny Keller, a Lake Stevens wife and mother of two, has loved baking since she was a preschooler. Her "ruffle cakes", cookies, cake pops and other treats are well received here in Washington, but these days she's making a name for herself in Hollywood circles. Featured in this week's People Magazine, jenny cookies helped celebrate a fabulous birthday!


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(Portland Radio Project) Anyone who loves the outdoors in Oregon has quite a dilemma this weekend. They may have to choose between a day of fun at a state park , a hike on a favorite trail, or free fishing. Whatever your choice the weather should be great for all three.
June 7 is State Parks Day and that means camping at all of Oregon's state parks with tent and RV sites is free.
Also on Saturday, it's National Trails Day. The U.S. Forest Service is waiving the usual $5 parking fee at places where it's normally required. And because it's Free Fishing Weekend no fishing licenses or tags are required to reel in fish on June 7 and 8.
And if fishing isn't your thing, head to the coast for some crabbing. Shellfish licenses have been waived for this weekend as well.
The post Camp, Fish, And Hike for Free This Weekend appeared first on Portland Radio Project.
Copyright Portland Radio Project. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without written permission.


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Product Reviews / Main Nibbles / Cocktails & Spirits
Winetails: Wine Cocktails
Red Wine & White Wine Cocktail Recipes
Wine beverages have been around as long as wine. Early recipes that mixed wine with fruit juice and honey evolved over time to more elaborate concepts such as mulled wine—a combination of red wine, Port, brandy, triple sec, brown sugar and a sheaf of spices including allspice berries, bay leaf, cinnamon sticks and cloves.
When making a wine cocktail, use a popularly-priced, fruity wine. Complex wines, with layers of flavor, are meant to be explored on their own—not covered up with other flavors. Italian winemaker Ecco Domani teamed with mixologist Alex Ott to create a series of "winetails," wine cocktails, that can be enjoyed before dinner, after dinner, or any time you're relaxing with a glass of wine. Ecco Domani makes wines for all of the cocktails below. You can read more about them at EccoDomani.com.
Canella Domani
This is a sweet, spiced red wine drink, popular during the fall and winter months (photo above, left). Canella is the Italian word for cinnamon. This recipe is best prepared one hour before serving, to let the spices infuse.
Makes 4 servings.
Ecco Cioccolato
Does "cioccolato" need to be translated, or is it a universal word? (It helps to know that "cio" is pronounced CHO in Italian.) Here, chocolate, raspberries and red wine with topped with whipped cream are a dessert in a wine glass.
Ecco Sidro
Sidro (SEE-droe) is the Italian word for cider. This recipe offers a lot of creativity in preparation. Try two ounces of ginger ale if you don't have fresh ginger, or cinnamon instead of Chai tea powder.
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Tamales - SF Dish of the Month (Dec 2012)
The dish of the month for San Francisco for Dec 2012 is tamales. Here's a link to the voting thread: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/879780
The goal is to collectively try as many versions of tamales as possible during the month of December! So let's start exploring and eating—report back with reviews and photos.
All types of tamales are fair game, and there are lots to try!! Looking forward to seeing what people find.
Dave MP
I am not very well versed in the tamale, and I have yet to try one from the Tamale Lady in the Mission. That said, I have to say I enjoy the vegetarian options by Primavera that I've bought at WF and Andronico's. At around $11/12 for 4, they make an easy, cheap meal (paired with some rice and beans) for dinner and for lunch the next day. I particularly like the flavor of the masa. Probably not the best by any means in the city, but I like them. .
re: Spenbald
Primavera tamales are made by El Molino Central in Boyes Hot Springs. They are slightly better, I think, if you buy them at the restaurant, where they will have been made the same day, but very good indeed from the refrigerator section at the market. See more under El Molino Central below.
re: Kathleen M
Westbrae Grocery in Berkeley sells 4 or 5 kinds of Primavera tamales 4 for $10. I'm not sure how well they'd warm up -- especially since the package suggests using a microwave, which I don't have.
re: Glencora
I always steam them. They come out greeat.
re: Glencora
Steaming for 15 minutes or microwaving for 90 seconds both work well. Microwaving them steams them within the cornhusk wrapper.
The biggest selection in the East Bay is at Primavera's stand at the Tuesday and Saturday Berkeley farmers' market, but in stores Berkeley Bowl has more choices than others, I think. All vegetable varieties only.
Though I've been visiting here for years, and lived here 12 years back when I was at the East Bay Monthly, I've just moved to Berkeley, so I'm not up on where one might find the "interesting" tamales, say from Oaxaca, Michoacan (those heavenly corundas in Patzcuaro!), or the Yucatan—you know, the kinds wrapped in banana or corn leaves (not corn husks).
I imagine the Yucatecan places in SF must have tamales, at least on weekends, and lots of places probably gear up for the Navidad season. Any guidance on where to start looking with the best chance of scoring the good stuff? Fruitvale in Oakland, por ejemplo?
Current info, por favor! And thanks!
re: sambamaster
-Tamale Acapulco, 1680 Fruitvale, in a mobile booth next to a market, best in fruitvale
-Tamales Mi Lupita, 3340 Foothill Blvd, decent tamales, supplies most hand carts in fruitvale area.
-Tamales ..Tio Santos, 2375 Fruitvale, (haven't been here). many vendors use this address when selling at farmers markets
other noteworthy::
-Tamalago Cafe (4) sells artisan tamales with fruit, meats, all kinds of stuff, at food shows, farmers market, etc.
-Tamales Unicos....5751 market. most chowhounds love this place.
never tried the tamales at an actual mexican eatery, so can't report.
re: shanghaikid
tried the Tamales Unicos a couple of times, and for my preferences they're somewhat average ; prefer the flavor and consistency of Primavera's.
re: sambamaster
In Berkeley try Casa Latina.
Nopalito usually (always?) has a tamale on the menu, and it is always excellent, light, not greasy, and with a variety of interesting fillings and variants. Much like you would find in a first class place in Mexico City. I bet this will turn out near the top at the end of the month.
The tamale lady is a great institution, but not gastronomically compelling.
Primavera's tamales are very good and a great quick home meal.
I have had others at various places on 24th St, all good but not up to Nopalito or Primavera. One place has a sweet deserve version, no filling, but good. Can't remember the name.
re: Thomas Nash
Primavera sells a meat tamale at the Ferry Plaza market only that is excellent.
re: Thomas Nash
la palma has always been the gold standard for me in the mission
a month ago the featured tamales at El Molina Central on hwy.12 on the outskirts of Sonoma were Oaxacan mole chicken, cooked in a banana leaf and served with a mole. some of the best we've had. they were also available packaged to take home in their cooler, without the sauce. prepared a black mole from a starter mole paste, and they were just as good at home. they change the variety of tamales available there along with the other menu specials, but if they sound good, try them.
re: moto
I definitely second the tamales at El Molina Central. This is a pork tamale:
re: moto
Last Saturday I had one of the Oaxacan mole chicken and one of the pork tamales from El Molino Central. We got them to go along with refried black beans, sakil paak, an extra container of mole, chips and salsa verde. Absolutely heavenly dinner! I am a big fan of tamales, and consider them one of the dishes by which I judge the quality of a Mexican restaurant. These are the best I've ever had.
re: moto
primavera occasionally sells the oaxacan, banana leaf wrapped tamales at the ferry plaza market, and i snatch them up every time! i have come across them probably once every two months. you can call ahead and see what they are bringing. indeed, this seems the only place besides el molina central where you can find their meat tamales. i've tried to get them at their stand at south berkeley and they sent me to ferry plaza. i was miffed when they raised the price from $10 to $12, but at $3 a tamale they really are a bargain for their size and quality.
re: oniontears
The Primavera Oaxacan style mole meat filled tacos are excellent. I also have only seen them at the Ferry Bldg market. This is what I was referring to when I mentioned Primavera tamales earlier.
re: oniontears
i went out and bought the roasted green chili tamale from Primavera from WF. its ok. i will likely sample other flavors if i have the chance next time.
In search of tamales on the Peninsula, I found a bunch:
1. Michoacan Produce Market (Menlo Park): has a chicken, pork, or cheese tamale, each $1.50
+ pork dry, but flavor matched well with the almost cornbread flavored wrapping. Texturewise, the masa was even, tender, and balanced in thickness to balance out the filling the filling. I liked this a lot, and topped salsa and sour cream (crema, maybe), this was a difficult to put down dish
+ chicken with green chiles was too dry
2. Mi Pueblo Food Center (East Palo Alto): has a pork or a chicken tamale, each $1.88
+ pork tamale was an over-sized montrosity. The masa was way too thick in parts, and had the texture of mealy reheated grits. Reddish sauced meat.
3. Bravo Taqueria (Redwood City): has a pork, chicken, or vegetable tamale, each $3.28, comes with some salad
+ masa kept moist by coating the pork filling with enchilada sauce, and topping the tamale with enchilada sauce. I couldn't taste the masa or the meat and not at all dry.
4. Taqueria Apatzingan (Redwood City): has a pork or chicken tamale, comes with chips. They also carry champurrado right now.
+ The pork filling was carnitas. The fried up pieces of shredded pork had a strong enough flavor to balance the flavor of the masa. The ends of the tamales were too thick. Excellent green salsa.
Also along Middlefield Road were a bunch of places open after 9PM that didn't carry tamales. Those included: Taqueria El Jarochito, Tacos El Grullense, Los Gemelos, & El Grullense E&E (they do have champurrado though)
5. Los Gallos Taqueria (Redwood City): has a beef, chicken, pork, or vegetable tamale, each $2.50
+Vegetable filling has sliced jalapeños , carrot, and lots of cheese inside. It tasted like a chile relleno.
+The pork filling was so good that I forgot to pay attention to the masa. Tender and juicy, the chunks of pork separated into long shreds when I dug into them. For $2.50, I was not expecting to have such naturally flavored meat, and in such a large quantity.
Very much an eye opener... the fillings of the five pork tamales I ate were completely different from one another. I'm looking forward to see how the Mexican ones compare to reports of Guatemalan nacatamale, Venezuelan hallacas, Puerto Rican pasteles, and if they're not too big a stretch, Brazilian pamonhas.
re: hyperbowler
Woops, forgot the pics:
re: hyperbowler
One time i was in Guanajuato, Mexico and bought tamales from a tamale lady in the streets. they were tamales from heaven. when i got back, i happened to swing by Mi Puebla (Mt View) and got one there. i forgot what meat it was, but the tamale was disappointing, barely warm, no texture, no flavor. perhaps they are competing on price rather than on quality, but with a Mexican clientele who has tasted better, i wonder whether they can sell them consistently.