Hollywood FX
Filmmakers have progressed a long way from the early use of those rear projection scenes. We laugh at those now but Hollywood FX had to start somewhere. Today, directors can call on the latest state of the art technology to help them tell their story. Some people think that there is an over reliance on special effects, to the detriment of story and characterization. New techniques have had the most impact on historical epics, science fiction and animation.
Matte painted backgrounds and miniature models served movies well for a long time, enabling futuristic movies such as Fritz Lang's Metropolis. A combination of miniatures and stop motion animation made King Kong from 1933, a landmark in Hollywood FX. Ray Harryhausen was the effects wizard who made the fantastic look real, in movies that included Jason and the Argonauts and The Golden Voyage of Sinbad. War movies that needed sea battle footage used miniature models in huge water tanks. This, and a method known as traveling matte, created the splitting of the Red Sea scene in The Ten Commandments. No miracle was beyond the power of special effects gurus.
Further development came when effects supervisor Douglas Trumball invented new techniques for the final voyage in Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey. The hallucinogenic images raised the bar for others to follow. Director George Lucas rose to the challenge and astounded audiences with Star Wars in 1977. His team invented a new computer controlled camera that improved repeated camera motion and widescreen shots. Lucas then formed Industrial Light and Magic, the company that has pioneered Hollywood FX ever since.
Today, we are used to the idea of films being shot with a blue screen and the background being added later. Computer Graphics Imaging (CGI) dominates the scene now. Any object or person can be manipulated by the computer and mixed in with the live action. This method was put to great use in Spielberg's Jurassic Park and James Cameron's Terminator 2: Judgment Day. The effects team at Pixar has introduced it to their full length animations, such as Toy Story. The days of laboriously hand painting each frame of animation are just about gone. The Weta workshop in New Zealand has built a reputation as one of the best special effects companies, especially since the success of the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Effects will continue to advance now that the genie of technology is out of the bottle. Hollywood FX has made the return of the epic movie possible. It would have been cost prohibitive to build a mock up of the Coliseum in Gladiator. Russell Crowe fights the lions in a CGI virtual world.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Hollywood California
Hollywood CA is like many great cities throughout the whole entire world. It is a place that many people would like to visit, but few would like to go and live in. If you do not believe me try spending a month in Hollywood California. I have lived in Hollywood California for several years now, so I know just what I am talking about, and that is no lie. The thing about Hollywood California, is that it is the center of almost everything, but there is no center to it itself. It is all one vast smoggy sprawl spread all over Southern California. There is no place to walk around, no good public transit, and no downtown even. Apartments in Hollywood California are outrageous, and even to stay in a Hollywood California Hotel for just a few weeks can be a huge financial drain for just about anyone there is.
That does not mean that Hollywood California does not have its thrills. It really does, and more than just a few. For example, you can take a tour of the houses of the stars, and see all kinds of sites and hear all kinds of sounds. If you are interested in movies, Hollywood California it is the place to be even more than New York City. And of course there are all kinds of wonderful night clubs to see in Hollywood California, because in fact, there is no shortage of the night life in Hollywood, Los Angeles, or really anywhere around that area. It all makes a great vacation spot in spite of the smog. There are even good beaches around, and if you go early in the year, they should not be too crowded. But before you move to Hollywood California, even if you are going there to make your career in film or music, you should really spend a month or two there just to see if you can handle it.
Of course while you are down in Southern California, you might want to think about taking a trip to Disneyland. I know that most people go there when their kids, but Hollywood California is just a hop skip and a jump away, and so it makes a lot of sense to go down there when it is so convenient. There are plenty of things for adults to do, as well as children, so I think you should find it to be a fun time.
That does not mean that Hollywood California does not have its thrills. It really does, and more than just a few. For example, you can take a tour of the houses of the stars, and see all kinds of sites and hear all kinds of sounds. If you are interested in movies, Hollywood California it is the place to be even more than New York City. And of course there are all kinds of wonderful night clubs to see in Hollywood California, because in fact, there is no shortage of the night life in Hollywood, Los Angeles, or really anywhere around that area. It all makes a great vacation spot in spite of the smog. There are even good beaches around, and if you go early in the year, they should not be too crowded. But before you move to Hollywood California, even if you are going there to make your career in film or music, you should really spend a month or two there just to see if you can handle it.
Of course while you are down in Southern California, you might want to think about taking a trip to Disneyland. I know that most people go there when their kids, but Hollywood California is just a hop skip and a jump away, and so it makes a lot of sense to go down there when it is so convenient. There are plenty of things for adults to do, as well as children, so I think you should find it to be a fun time.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Hollywood Movies Promotion and Public Relations
It is amazing the amount of money that Hollywood spends promoting its movies and public-relations efforts and it seems they spend more money on public-relations and community goodwill then they actually do in advertising or marketing. Public relations, publicity stunts and getting the actors to go on talk shows very much helps the movie industry promote their flicks. But, public relations for Hollywood movies is not as easy as it looks, in fact, if it is done incorrectly it can actually hurt the movie.
Of course the right amount of controversy also helps sell tickets as long as that controversy does not cross into taboo and thus causing boycotts from family type groups. Public relations specialists for Hollywood movies make much more money than their counterparts in other industries and it is a choice job.
The insiders in Hollywood know what it's all about and if they are able to promote the movie and get free publicity and public relations out properly, then they will win at the box office. Even if the film is not that good it still might reach the $50 million weekend mark simply through good public relations.
Of course if the movie is good there will be word-of-mouth advertising after that and even more people will see it. The goal is to get the first group of people to go see the Hollywood movie and then run around and say how great it was. Please consider all this in 2006.
Of course the right amount of controversy also helps sell tickets as long as that controversy does not cross into taboo and thus causing boycotts from family type groups. Public relations specialists for Hollywood movies make much more money than their counterparts in other industries and it is a choice job.
The insiders in Hollywood know what it's all about and if they are able to promote the movie and get free publicity and public relations out properly, then they will win at the box office. Even if the film is not that good it still might reach the $50 million weekend mark simply through good public relations.
Of course if the movie is good there will be word-of-mouth advertising after that and even more people will see it. The goal is to get the first group of people to go see the Hollywood movie and then run around and say how great it was. Please consider all this in 2006.
Weight Loss Followed By Hollywood Celebrities And Stars
In the early nineties I had the opportunity to work with some of the most famous movie stars in the world. As a manager and personal trainer for Kathy Smith and her health club, I experienced first hand the secrets to the stars. Here are a few things they did to look like they do:
1. They cross trained, putting variety into their workout plans.
2. They never ate a lot of white flour foods. Most of their foods came out of the ground. We call them natural foods!
3. They were more concerned with their body fat levels than their weight: They concentrated more on the balance of muscle to fat, rather than their weight.
4. They did a lot of stretching: Palates and yoga were very popular.
5. They spent a lot of times outdoors working out: You may be surprised at the number of people who are in better shape tend to exercise more outdoors.
6. Their diets consisted of herb and teas. Alot of natural foods were consumed.
7. They had outside help, including support systems, trainers and groups.
With every program you try, remember it's not about the numbers, it's your approach! Movie Stars are just like you and me. They are no different. They have the same challenges you do, but the difference is you are not motivated by money!
For those who are not movie stars, think about this:
Some of you will not like what I have to say, even though it is the truth and that may be where the problem of American’s health problems lies. No one wants to give you the truth. My responsibility as a high profile fitness expert lies not in if you like me, or even if you buy my e books. My responsibility lies in giving you straight talk with no sugar coating it.
You want quick fixes to your health problem that has taken years to develop. You get it by purchasing gimmicks that promise you fast results. Why do you think you are reading this. The title catered to your instant gratification.
You fall for it and at the end of the day you are more frustrated than ever. Why? Because you are denying the root of your problems.
I have counseled thousands of people over my twenty years as a personal trainer, health club consultant and best selling author. And in all my travels, the answers to people’s problems with weight come down to one thing: it’s a matter of choice!
My approach with people is, either you pay a price now or you will pay a bigger price down the road. I am really tired of dancing around and trying to pat people on the back and say, “It’s OK you can do it.” When all the while, most I know are in the least bit serious about their health, and have no idea what they are in for down the road.
If you are on the fence of whether or not to start an exercise and weight loss plan, I suggest you either become hot or cold. None of this luke warm stuff. You and every person in America are on the verge of a health crisis. The longer you wait, the more of chance you have of having a disease.
1. They cross trained, putting variety into their workout plans.
2. They never ate a lot of white flour foods. Most of their foods came out of the ground. We call them natural foods!
3. They were more concerned with their body fat levels than their weight: They concentrated more on the balance of muscle to fat, rather than their weight.
4. They did a lot of stretching: Palates and yoga were very popular.
5. They spent a lot of times outdoors working out: You may be surprised at the number of people who are in better shape tend to exercise more outdoors.
6. Their diets consisted of herb and teas. Alot of natural foods were consumed.
7. They had outside help, including support systems, trainers and groups.
With every program you try, remember it's not about the numbers, it's your approach! Movie Stars are just like you and me. They are no different. They have the same challenges you do, but the difference is you are not motivated by money!
For those who are not movie stars, think about this:
Some of you will not like what I have to say, even though it is the truth and that may be where the problem of American’s health problems lies. No one wants to give you the truth. My responsibility as a high profile fitness expert lies not in if you like me, or even if you buy my e books. My responsibility lies in giving you straight talk with no sugar coating it.
You want quick fixes to your health problem that has taken years to develop. You get it by purchasing gimmicks that promise you fast results. Why do you think you are reading this. The title catered to your instant gratification.
You fall for it and at the end of the day you are more frustrated than ever. Why? Because you are denying the root of your problems.
I have counseled thousands of people over my twenty years as a personal trainer, health club consultant and best selling author. And in all my travels, the answers to people’s problems with weight come down to one thing: it’s a matter of choice!
My approach with people is, either you pay a price now or you will pay a bigger price down the road. I am really tired of dancing around and trying to pat people on the back and say, “It’s OK you can do it.” When all the while, most I know are in the least bit serious about their health, and have no idea what they are in for down the road.
If you are on the fence of whether or not to start an exercise and weight loss plan, I suggest you either become hot or cold. None of this luke warm stuff. You and every person in America are on the verge of a health crisis. The longer you wait, the more of chance you have of having a disease.
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