Media

Holograms, Personalities, And New Awareness?

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So the Tupac Hologram is getting plenty of attention as well as some menage. This is causing people to notice Hatsune Miku, Japan’s Holo-pop princess who’s being doing this so long she’s old by hologram standards. Also, she does not feel Obi-Wan Kenobi IS her only hope.

Some time ago I wrote a series of columns on the viability of virtual stars. I stand by this fact and the article above notes the phenomena and some advantages.

Most telling is the comment in the above Daily Beast article about virtual stars that they don’t age, get old, have scandals, etc. They’re pure entertainment mixed with a strange kind of purity overall. Hatsune Miku will not die, or OD, or get into a scandal, or even age. There’s something people will doubtlessly find refreshing.

The use of Tupac in a hologram, a man who died an unpleasant death, further reinforces that divide. Though I’m sure his many fans were thrilled to see him “resurrected”, this technical incarnation also reinforces the gap between real stars and entirely virtual ones. Also, I think some people may find the “resurrection” a bit creepy.

However, Tupac’s holographic return is bringing new attention to Virtual Stars, and I’d like to add some additional analysis.

  • This is getting increased attention for Japanese virtual stars, so I’d pay attention and see if increases interest further.
  • In addition, the resurrection of such a popular singer may increase interest in other “holoncarnations” of stars or the creation of “native” holo-singers.
  • The technology certainly remains viable to create virtual stars, and social media’s increasing relevance means its easier to create fast viral marketing and recognition. Attempts to make new stars can take off quickly (as witnessed by the Tupac hologram).
  • The fact they can be created quickly could appeal in this world of ever-increasing short-term thinking and desire for quick results.

Tupac is back? He may well be just the start.

– Steven Savage

Hollywood Reporter Interviews Chris Dodd

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Chris Dodd, the MPAA chief speaks to the Hollywood Reporter.

There’s a few takeaways:

HE’S LOBBYING WITHOUT LOBBYING:
In case you didn’t know, former lawmakers can’t lobby on Capitol Hill until two years have passed since leaving office. Dodd pretty much noted he’s still talking to people – just not former colleagues.

But people call me all the time, and I have to remind them that I can’t talk to them about certain things, but I can talk to the White House, I can talk to ambassadors, I just can’t talk to my former colleagues. So I’ve stayed away, though I still go up and get a haircut from the barber in the Capitol building.

Note the “ambassadors” part and think about the international politics of copyright law and such. It’s also obvious Dodd’s still doing some flesh-pressing and will probably go nuts once the two years is up.  Look out for next year (or look to see what non-lobbying-lobbying is going on now)

MORE SOPA?
The Hollywood Reporter: Are there conversations going on now?

Dodd: I’m confident that’s the case, but I’m not going to go into more detail because obviously if I do, it becomes counterproductive.

The Hollywood Reporter: Did you feel personally blindsided by Obama over SOPA?

Dodd: I’m not going to revisit the events of last winter. I’ll only say to you that I’m confident he’s using his good relationships in both communities to do exactly what you and I have been talking about.

Clearly there’s something coming up for post-SOPA, SOPA and he’s awful dodgy. Of course the problem last time was SOPA was pure backroom dealing, so it sounds like no one’s learned anything.

IMAGE REPAIR:
Dodd mentions that he’s working to improve the image of Hollywood (Indeed, he says he’s going to Indie festivals and more). Frankly, it probably is needed.

What I don’t sense a lot here is a clue about people’s anger, concerns, or issues with the MPAA and their like.

– Steven Savage