Video, Film, and Television

Why The Next Anime Adaptions May Not Be Obvious – Or Exist

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I’m starting to loose track of the amount of adaptions-of-anime going on in Japan.

Yamato?  Check.

Gatchaman?  Coming up.

Captain Harlock?  Enjoy a badass trailer.

Patlabor?  Coming.

I would like to make an interesting speculation.

You know how now and then I talk about live action anime adaptions here and elsewhere? About how Hollywood may someday adapt things?  What it means for our careers?

What if we should ask not about American adaptions, but any adaptions?

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Here Come The Sony Job Cuts

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Looks like 10,000 people are being cut.  You can get more details here at layoffwatch.

Takeaways

  • Issues with the Japanese economy and the TV market seem to be a big part of this.
  • This is not the first time Sony has done big layoffs – in fact they’ve done some with selloffs and consolidation recently.  I’d say this is more of a trend.
  • The cuts are, obviously, in the display area.  Half the cuts are unspecified – so get ready for politics.
  • Some execs are being asked to return their bonuses.  This may be an act to force contrition and look like accountability – which I buy.  So I think Sony has an image concern.
  • Considering Sony’s reach this could affect various Geekonomic-heavy cities/areas, so pay attention.

– Steven Savage

Book Review: Tales From Development Hell (New Updated Edition): The Greatest Movies Never Made?

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Tales From Development Hell (New Updated Edition): The Greatest Movies Never Made?
By David Hughes

ISBN-10: 0857687239
ISBN-13: 978-0857687234

PROS:

  • An insider’s look at Hollywood’s movie machine and how it often takes years – or over a decade to make a film.
  • Snappy, exciting, writing style that engages as well as informs.
  • Lots of juicy, oddball, interesting information.
  • The author’s personal stories help flesh out the truth of the book.

CONS:

  • Occasional information overload can be distracting.
  • Complexity of the Hollywood system could have used some flowcharts.
  • You’ll want to punch Hollywood in the face.

SUMMARY: An indispensable book for anyone that wants to know how Hollywood works (and doesn’t work), and why a lot of films never happen – or turn out poorly.

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