|
|
|
|
Bhojpuri babe Monalisa in item song
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 19 Jun 2009 | 5:54 pm Comedian Sunil Pal in Bhojpuri Film
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 19 Jun 2009 | 5:43 pm NRI bids to marry Rakhi SawantElesh Parujanwala, a 30-year-old Gujarati NRI, is one among the thousands bidding to marry item girl Rakhi Sawant through the reality show "Rakhi Ka Swayamvar".Source: Entertainment News | 19 Jun 2009 | 4:31 pm Saif learnt Punjabi for 'Love Aaj Kal'After playing a rustic villain in "Omkara", Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan is now playing a Sikh in his forthcoming film "Love Aaj Kal" and took Punjabi classes to get the right accent for the role.Source: Entertainment News | 19 Jun 2009 | 4:26 pm Soha got 'Tum Mile' for new appeal: DirectorBollywood actress Soha Ali Khan's "new appeal" and "mature" looks helped her bag "Tum Mile", says Kunal Deshmukh.Source: Entertainment News | 19 Jun 2009 | 3:55 pm 'Kettavan' as good as shelved: Tamil actor SimbuTamil actor Simbu's much-hyped "Kettavan" has been shelved and he says he has now moved away from it.Source: Entertainment News | 19 Jun 2009 | 3:51 pm Bebo tries sixty shoes for Kambakht Ishq!
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 19 Jun 2009 | 3:50 pm Karan Johar to remake Agneepath with Hrithik Roshan
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 19 Jun 2009 | 3:49 pm Injured Asin learning to be independent"Ghajini" star Asin Thottumkal, who injured her right leg while practising Kalaripayattu in Kerala, has no plans of taking help from her parents and is managing all alone in her new house.Source: Entertainment News | 19 Jun 2009 | 3:21 pm The reason for Preity, Ness break up
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 19 Jun 2009 | 1:56 pm CG Overdrive: How to create and monetize your character?
If you were asked to remember a particular video game character from your childhood, what name would pop up in your head? Perhaps Nintendo's Super Mario. Indeed, most of us remember this popular game from the 90's. Aldric Chang, Founding Managing Director, Mediafreaks Pte Ltd discussed the nuts and bolts of creating, monetizing and popularizing cartoon characters.
Excerpts form his in-depth talk:
The most popular game characters
"Certain cartoons characters are classics in their own right. Everyone knows about Disney's Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. Super Mario is one of the icons of the gaming industry. When I analyzed Mario, I realized that they designed him as a very simple character and if you compare his past and present versions, his simplicity might be the key to his popularity. People could relate to this average guy image and therefore, was suitable for a game."
What makes them good?
"The computer graphics have advanced a lot in the past two decades. If we compare the Super Mario game by Nintendo in the 90's and look at it today, it has progressed a lot. This popular character stood the test of time and has advanced from its early 2D version to the latest 3D versions.
There are various important tips to design a character. One must learn to monetize the characters and prepare for character licensing. One should adopt good marketing tactics through the internet as it is a very powerful medium today."
Monetizing characters
"Managing a cartoon character should be similar to managing the publicity for a real life artist. Consider creating and selling the merchandise all by yourself. It can also be done through licensing. Use the Internet to drive traffic to your website. But try not to make too much money through this. You might want to consider selling the character license."
Preparing for licensing
"First determine whether your character is cool or cute. If it is cool then it might be for collectibles for your character. Licensing caters to the cute categories and if you have cool characters they meant for collectible or games. It also depends on the kind of connections you have.
With cute characters, it directly goes for cute merchandizing. As it caters to women and kids who are the largest market consumers for cute items. Outsourcing characters is also possible if you do not have good character designers on your team."
Popularizing the character
"This can be done through video marketing. Mini animation clips of the characters can be used. You can create a blog or create communities on social networking sites about your characters.
The Lara Croft game's timing was great. It made an entry in a time where in there were no heroines. Plus Lara Croft reflected the independent woman's ideologies and shedding the stereotype of dependent woman, and she went to become a feminist woman icon. For guys, who wouldn't want to play an acrobatic and adventurous woman's part. Catching the right time to roll out the right cartoon character is important."
The core product
"One question that we ask ourselves while creating the cartoon characters is, what is our core product. This is because many people are under the misconception that cartoon characters are used only for animated series and films. But this is not entirely true. In many cases there are other products you can consider like, Mashimaro- it could be for a game or a story book like Harry Potter, comics or merchandise etc. Therefore, you have to keep all these properties in mind while you create your character."
Tips for creating a cartoon character
"Ideally a character should be able to perform across all platforms with the maximum magnetizing appeal. The demography of the product too, should be kept in mind. The character might be popular but will not fit the image of the product.
Traits and characteristics of the cartoon character too, are to be taken into consideration. So it is just not the exterior but also the interior of the cartoon which has to be looked upon. To do this, the designer has to get into the skin of the cartoon character and think how the character does this or that. It is not merely an artist's job but also a profiling job. It has to go well with the property of the game and also the audience demography.
One of the most popular cartoon characters is The Simpsons. They are different for the simple reason that they are of a different colour tone, the shape and the way they draw the characters.
Every character you create needs to have a different and a strong personality. No point in creating a boring character. Every aspect needs to stress and made interesting. You have to think how your cartoon character will translate to 3D. Therefore, the concept has to be designed from the very beginning in a manner in which it will translate well from 2D to 3D. While drawing them in different poses, add various emotions to them. Put them in different situations. Colours play an essential role in communicating a character's personality.
Most importantly a character should have a goal and dream to make them interesting."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 19 Jun 2009 | 1:50 pm Comments on Prophet a writing error: SRKA day after a police complaint was filed against him for "hurting religious sentiments" in Islam, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh said today that his comments to a magazine were misinterpreted due to a "writing error".Source: Entertainment News | 19 Jun 2009 | 1:37 pm I will never do a film for money: Katrina - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 19 Jun 2009 | 1:10 pm 'Shiney's case has been hyped up' - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 19 Jun 2009 | 1:09 pm Unnaipol Oruvan to release on August 12Kamal Hassan - Mohanlal's much awaited film Unnaipol Oruvan is scheduled to hit the screens all over the world from August 12th. According to the sources, the film is almost 90 per cent complete.The film, a remake of the Bollywood classicalSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 19 Jun 2009 | 12:58 pm Jessica Alba does charity after apologyNew Delhi, (ANI): Just days after she ran trouble for attaching one of the United Way's billboards in Oklahoma City, American film and TV actress Jessica Alba has made a donation to the charity. An announcement regarding the donation came fromSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 19 Jun 2009 | 12:54 pm FIR against Shah Rukh for comments against Islam
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 19 Jun 2009 | 12:53 pm Morgan Freeman had an affair with granddaughterWashington, June 19 (ANI): In a rather shocking revelation, it has emerged that Morgan Freeman allegedly had a decade-long affair with his step-granddaughter E'Dena Hines. The 72-year-old actor has been embroiled in a bitter divorce battle with wife of 25 years, MyrnaSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 19 Jun 2009 | 12:52 pm Cruise to co-produce new MI
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 19 Jun 2009 | 12:51 pm The movie that cried Wolf - Rediff
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 19 Jun 2009 | 12:50 pm Jennifer Garner threatened Kevin SmithNew York, (ANI): Director Kevin Smith has revealed that he was once threatened by Jennifer Garner for making fun of her husband/actor Ben Affleck. Smith, who is a long-time friend of Affleck, said that Garner got annoyed with him while heSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 19 Jun 2009 | 12:50 pm Jennifer Love Hewitt to give love tipsWashington, (ANI): Actress Jennifer Love Hewitt is writing a book on the nuances of love. The book titled The Day I Shot Cupid is expected to hit stores in March 2010.The Heartbreakers star has indulged in a string of relationships inSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 19 Jun 2009 | 12:48 pm Christopher Nolan 'reluctant' to sign Batman 3London, (ANI): British director Christopher Nolan may not make third Batman movie. According to insiders in the industry, the helmer is "reluctant" to sign up for the next installment. The news has come as a shock to actor Christian Bale, whoSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 19 Jun 2009 | 12:46 pm Age difference causes Billy-Katie splitNew York, (ANI): It looks like the major reason behind singer Billy Joel’s separation with his third wife Katie Lee was their age difference. Sources say that Joel, 60, was just too much of a codger for his 27-year-old wife."It reallySource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 19 Jun 2009 | 12:43 pm Alesha Dixon to turn Stricty Come Dancing judgeLondon (ANI): Former ‘Stricty Come Dancing’ winner Alesha Dixon is reportedly all set to replace choreographer Arlene Phillips as a judge on the show to lure young audience. Apparently, the show’s bosses are squeezing out Philips from the show, but theSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 19 Jun 2009 | 12:39 pm Nick Lachey hasn't heard Susan Boyle singWashington, (ANI): Even though Scottish singer Susan Boyle has won millions of fans ever since her first audition for Britain’s Got Talent, pop singer Nick Lachey has revealed that he has never heard her sing.Lachey, 35, who is a member ofSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 19 Jun 2009 | 12:37 pm Beyonce facing a million-dollar lawsuit!!!New York (ANI): R&B singer Beyonce Knowles is facing a million-dollar lawsuit after she suddenly pulled out of a performance at Manhattan club. The 27-year-old singer had to perform at M2 nightclub as part of the launch of her "I Am...Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 19 Jun 2009 | 12:35 pm Karan Johar to remake Agneepath with Hrithik - NDTV.com
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 19 Jun 2009 | 12:29 pm Romance brewing between Twilight stars?
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 19 Jun 2009 | 12:10 pm Shiney remanded judicial custody till July 2!Actor Shiney Ahuja has been remanded to judicial custody till July 2.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 19 Jun 2009 | 12:06 pm Depp is best camping partner, Hilton worst
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 19 Jun 2009 | 11:57 am Katrina will always be a sweetheart: Neil
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 19 Jun 2009 | 11:44 am It's thumbs-up for Jackky - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 19 Jun 2009 | 11:21 am "My Ranbir-Priyanka starrer is not titled Aaj Phir Jeene..." - Siddharth Anand
A couple of days back there was a strong buzz doing the rounds that Siddharth Anand has named his next film as Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai. However, this is far from true as the man at the hot seat, Siddharth, has firmly denied that this to be the title of his Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra starrer.
"This was never the name of the film. I have no clue from where has this rumour originated. In fact I am yet to lock the final title of the film", says Siddharth who is amused with this piece of news floating around.
A Sajid Nadiadwala production, the film is also special for Siddharth since this is for the first time ever that he would be working with a production house outside Yash Raj Films. He has earlier made Salaam Namaste, Ta Ra Rum Pum and Bachna Ae Haseeno, all being successful in their own right, and has now graduated to making films for the outside banner.
As he begins working on first of these films, he finds himself without a title for this Sajid Nadiadwala production. The enterprising producer is showing trust in new directors, what with giving opportunities to Sajid Khan (Heyy Babyy, Housefull), Shirish Kunder (Jaan-E-Mann) and now Sabbir Khan (Kambakkht Ishq).
Coming back to Siddharth Anand, even though he has branched out of Yash Raj Films (at least for the time being), his stint with Vishal-Shekhar continues. After composing music for each of his three films earlier, the composer duo is working with him again on the Sajid Nadiadwala project.
Vishal Dadlani too was zapped when informed about the title of the film. "What rubbish, I have no clue what you are talking about", he says in mock anger, "By no means is Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai the title of the film. We would know if that was the case, right? In fact till yesterday we were having a discussion and desperately trying to lock a title. Some people's imaginations really run hard and the film's title to be finalised as Aaj Phir Jeene... is yet another such instance."
Guess this song from Dev Anand-Waheeda Rehman starrer Guide will have to wait for a while before it finally sees a film based on this title!Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 19 Jun 2009 | 10:59 am "No molestation complain was made against Shiney during Har Pall" - Jahnu
Cutting down the rumour that there was a molestation complaint against Shiney Ahuja during the shooting of Har Pall, director Jahnu Barua says, "This is just a very sad rumour being spread at a time when Shiney is already going through a rough patch in his life. No such thing (the molestation complaint) happened."
The soft-spoken Assamese director says he had heard a lot of negative stories about Shiney before signing him. "I was cautious when I signed him because I had heard stories about him. But with me, he was a thorough professional. I wouldn't have it any other way. I maintain the most thorough discipline on the sets. I believe the captain of the ship sets the mood for the rest of the crew. I was the first to reach the location every morning. And the cast was there with me."
Jahnu doesn't deny there were problems between Shiney and Preity Zinta. "But artistes are by nature temperamental. And they all bring their own moods to the sets. I'm used to that."
He doesn't feel Shiney's scandal would hit Har Pall. "Why should it? I think the audience today is mature enough to see the difference between the character and the actor. My film is not just about Shiney. There're a number of characters."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 19 Jun 2009 | 10:45 am FIR against Shah Rukh for comment on Prophet - Hindustan Times
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 19 Jun 2009 | 10:17 am Review: Mutthirai - Sify
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 19 Jun 2009 | 10:01 am Apoorva Lakhia turns producer with Hide N Seek
Apoorva Lakhia is turning producer with a supernatural thriller that will launch Ponds Femina Miss India 2006 Amruta Patki as its leading lady. Lakhia apparently chose the aspirant after auditioning almost a dozen newcomers.
"I want to prove beauty queens can act," says Lakhia, though it's not Lakhia, but his assistant Sean Arranha who will direct Amruta Patki. Says Lakhia, "I won't only produce the film but also co-write it with Suresh Nair. Hide N Seek is about four friends played by Purab Kohli, Arjan Bajwa, Ayaaz Khan (Genelia's fiance in Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na) and Samir Kochhar whose terrible past catches up with them."
Lakhia is taking his duties as a producer very seriously. "My director Sean is just a baby. We need to nurture new talent not intimidate them," says Lakhia probably referring to the way Lakhia was treated by his producer Sanjay Gupta during the making of Shootout At Lokhandwala.
Interestingly, Sean Arranha is also directing a "pure intense love story" for producer Vashu Bhagnani with Zayed Khan in the lead. Zayed and Sean became buddies during the making of Lakhia's Mission Istaanbul. But Zayed has moved on.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 19 Jun 2009 | 9:56 am No films, Ness told Preity - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 19 Jun 2009 | 9:50 am CG Overdrive: Asia, an outsourcing avenue?
When it comes to animation outsourcing, Asian studios have always strived to serve the Hollywood market to the best price performance and at the same time, managing to maintain the class of quality. Both mid-level and larger studios have performed according to their capabilities.
But what are the strength and weakness of the Asian animation market? Where is the talent coming from? These and more crucial questions were discussed in a panel discussion at CG Overdrive, Singapore, chaired by Shuzo Shiota, President of Tokyo-based Polygon Pictures. Other panelists included Crest Animations' AK Madhavan, Castle Productions' Ardian Elkana, Mediafreaks' Aldric Chang and Tiny Island Productions' David Kwok. Excerpts...
Aldric Chang
''I have observed that somewhere Asia lacks in creativity. Artists need to have a good grounding in pre-production, so that they can give their creative inputs on any project. Philippines is good in 2D animation and China is evolving in the 3D CGI space, while their 2D is still mostly flash based. Korea is creative and the kind of value that they are adding is commendable.''
David Kwok
''In Asia, people always say that we can provide you the content at the cheapest rates, but one should never consider only the price alone, but, should also take the quality of output into consideration. There are a lot of studios that make commitments about delivering the best (quality) at cheap rates, but, there are times, when they fail to accomplish that. Some may also reduce the quality of output or stop production midway due to budget constrains.''
AK Madhavan
''As animation is still in its nascent stages in India, it hasn't got any support from the government and it is still not perceived as an 'industry'. Indian animation is mostly driven by the passion of people in India. There is a lack of quality education, yet the industry is growing. What has kept it alive so far is the passion of the entrepreneurs and animators, and the spawn of skilled talents in animation.''Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 19 Jun 2009 | 9:19 am Let's Dance: Movie Review - Economic Times
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 19 Jun 2009 | 9:11 am Thackeray's health improving: Joshi - Hindu
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 19 Jun 2009 | 9:04 am CG Overdrive: A bird's eye view of the Indian animation industry
The Indian animation industry finds itself in a strange quandary - on one hand, it is a booming market for animation content with Bollywood and broadcasters taking increased interest, while on the other, it is the recession which is slowing things down for the sunrise sector.
AK Madhavan, CEO of Crest Animation Studios, the company that, in many ways than one pioneered animation in India, gave a frank and insightful talk at CG Overdrive, Singapore. Excerpts of the same:
Indian Animation and Recession
"Yes, there's been a little slowdown in the economy. But things will change and I am sure that we are all going to see greater opportunities in the entertainment and animation business."
Asian competition
"India is the second largest entertainment producer in terms of content and volume. Animation is relatively new in India, as compared to the other Asian markets. Besides, the traditional 2D animation outsourcing has been happening much before in other Asian countries like Malaysia, South Korea, Philippines and China."
Where it all began
"Animation took root in India very recently. The very first long format animation show that went out of India into the US market was Jakers! The adventures of Piggley Winks done by Crest Communications in 2003. The show was nominated for Annie Awards, the animation equivalent to the Oscars. The show opened up the Indian market and proved that India can deliver quality shows within a tight timeframe and optimal price."
TV does the trick
"With animation being the latest buzzword, there's a sudden increase in volume of animation content in India and is also growing in terms of geometric progression. Lots of international animation channels have entered the Indian market. Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon are, in fact even co-funding various opportunities and projects in the domestic market."
Bollywood & Animation
"We are a young nation and animation doesn't have a shelf life or a language barrier. Moreover, revenues are not limited to just the Box--Office but gets extended to satellite rights, DVD sales, licensing and merchandising etc. So, producers are realizing that from a long shelf point perspective, there is an opportunity in animation. And since this is new and exciting, everybody is trying to get into this space. There will be a few failures, of course.
The reason why people are getting into animation is mainly because they realize that it is no longer a kids' genre but meant for the whole family. Even if you consider the revenue models of the biggest studios in the world, animation has been a big revenue earner for them."
Stumbling blocks
"Indian animation is still at an introductory stage and has found some acceptance amongst the audience, especially with regards to the mythological content. But the market is still not mature enough for other opportunities like licensing and merchandising."
Brand Indian animation
"India has lots of stories to tell. Plus we offer fantastic prices. Crest Animation Studios charges $ 140,000-165,000 per half an hour of animation.
In terms of the technology being used, India has learned a lot in the last six years. Owing to our excellence in IT, we have been fairly successful in writing scripts and programs, plug-ins and proprietary asset management tools.
Moreover, there is a sudden surge of talent in animation with a lot of studios across the globe picking up talent from India. These include Lucas Films and Pixar."
The future for Crest
"In the last six years, Crest alone has delivered more than 300 episodes, a dozen DVDs and DVD features to the international market and we are soon going to release our first co-produced feature Alpha and Omega (working title) in 3D stereoscopy."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 19 Jun 2009 | 8:57 am 'Short Kut...' not best work of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy"Short Kut - The Con Is On" had everything going right for it - famous composers, best lyricist and talented singers like Alka Yagnik and Sonu Nigam going behind the mike.Source: Entertainment News | 19 Jun 2009 | 8:19 am Composers Vishal-Shekhar excited by Rahman's admirationComposers Vishal and Shekhar were pleasantly surprised when they opened the morning newspapers to find A.Source: Entertainment News | 19 Jun 2009 | 8:14 am 'Short Kut...' not best work of Shankar-Ehsaan-LoyFilm: 'Short Kut - The Con Is On'; Music Directors: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy; Lyricist: Javed Akhtar; Singers: Shankar Mahadevan, Shreya Ghosal, Javed Ali, Sonu Nigam, Alka Yagnik, Nikita Nigam, Kirti Sagathia and Hrishikesh Kamerkar; Ratings: **1/2Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 19 Jun 2009 | 2:30 am Composers Vishal-Shekhar thrilled by Rahman's appreciationComposers Vishal and Shekhar were pleasantly surprised when they opened the morning newspapers to find A.R. Rahman appreciating their work. Not just that, the Oscar winner mentioned Michael Jackson as the only other artist whose work he liked.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 19 Jun 2009 | 2:30 am Tattoo SanjayThere is no limit to what extend people will go to make an ‘impression’. The tattoo trend seems to surface again.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 19 Jun 2009 | 12:00 am Asin Jai Jai over AjayThe ‘Ghajini’ girl Asin is going to sizzle the Bollywood screens again. This time she will be romancing the sleepy eyed Ajay Devagan, in the movie ‘London Dreams’. The movie is directed by Vipul Shah and ‘London Dreams’ revolves around a rock band with same name in England. Also in the movie is Salu miyaan who plays the role of a childhood friend to Ajay.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 19 Jun 2009 | 12:00 am Sanjay Dutt gets three more tattoosBollywood actor Sanjay Dutt seems to have developed a fetish for tattoos.Source: Entertainment News | 18 Jun 2009 | 5:07 pm There can be one Govinda in Bollywood: RiteishBollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh's humorous streak has often been compared to comedy king Govinda, but the young actor says "there can only be one Govinda" in the industry.Source: Entertainment News | 18 Jun 2009 | 5:04 pm "New York is about America's attitude before and after 9/11" - Irrfan Khan
Click above for more stills
Irrfan has a mellow, soft-spoken presence and, true to past interrogations, not prone to self-examination about this whole acting lark. "I keep it simple. Just learn the lines and show up," is his modest assessment of his talent. His audience, well wishers and the media often refers him as a junkie. Why? We don't know. But he is one when it comes to his work. His performances pack in charm, determination, eccentricity and humour. His drooping eyes tell you that he isn't in deep slumber, but a submersive chameleon whose own subtle, taciturn personality allows him to vanish under the skin of the person he's playing. Meeting the actor in flesh is a rare privilege these days: he hardly ever does interviews and is known for his aversion to the Indian press, sometimes. That's what we hear from those who've been waiting for their turn since more than two hours at the J.W. Marriott. They say there are no second takes, but maybe when you're born in India, you can bend the rules. Hell, maybe when you're Irrfan Khan, the rules don't even exist. So when UK's Harrow Observer columnist and Bollywood Hungama's London correspondent met Khan, there were bound to be plenty of journalists left scratching their heads, but Irrfan is staunchly against explanations; he'll go just far enough to tell you he is late but he is there, so get started!
9/11: Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota and New York
"I won't claim that I know more about the 9/11 incident just because I am the only actor who has been a part of two of its franchise. New York isn't about 9/11. It's about America's attitude before that black day and their attitude post 9/11. I play a Muslim FBI Officer who is a part of the American system which gets things more complicated."
It's about America's attitude before that black day and their attitude post 9/11
Demeaning America and the Americans
"Kabir Khan can say that New York is not about demeaning America because he has to sell his film, he has to also bring in the audience which is American and may be he is in a process of pleasing them as well. But when you make a film on certain issues, you have to take a stand. If you don't take a stand, it's a failure."
American system
"The film is based on how America propagated and accelerated the psyche of hate because when the centre of the society is money and the system is based on selling things, then there is no morality and concern, whether it's fear or threat. And in doing that, you create your threat and enemies. Americans still haven't understood that consumerism will eat up democracy and I hope Obama throws some light on it."
Research
"If the story and your role does not give you any scope, you don't need to do research on it. I'm not saying that New York wasn't worth for a research. Kabir Khan had already got things into place. But a film like Pan Singh Tomar gives me a lot of scope for research as it is a true life story. New York is based on a true life incident. There is a lot of difference when it comes to both the films in terms of research."
Kabir Khan
"Making so many documentaries has given him a lot of experience. He is a person who wanted to make a film like New York for Yash Raj and that's pretty strange, if you see the track record of YRF. Kabir has handled so many subjects as a documentary filmmaker that he is now technically sound. To make a documentary is a challenge because you have to shoot in all sorts of conditions and thus the shoot of New York for Kabir was like making yet another documentary as a feature film."
The shoot of New York for Kabir was like making yet another documentary as a feature film
FBI officer
"I play an FBI officer who is trying to deal with the problem post 9/11 and not try and solve it. He is also giving a sense of hope for future. He doesn't want to dwell into what America has done. He thinks that Americans should be sorry for what they've done but at the same time questions - 'What is the American future? Do you want to keep killing each other?' Another interesting thing about the role I play is that he can objectively see the system he is working for and the Muslim community from where he comes from. He can view both these aspects objectively and may be that gives him that little more edge in trying to deal with a much bigger problem."
Peoples psyche
"Yes, Slumdog Millionaire is a hit around the world. But if you say that New York will work because I was a part of the Oscar winning film and it will attract the West, I don't think so. Actors cannot make it a hit, and if they did, then Benjamin Button would've been a bigger hit than Slumdog Millionaire. Benjamin Button is seen because there is Brad Pitt in it. Milk is seen because it has Sean Penn. I wouldn't have seen it if it was for any other actor. Slumdog Millionaire was seen because it was directed by Danny Boyle who was already a big name in the West. The tough part for the actors is to be a part of people's psyche and once they become a part of it, the audience buys the ticket. South Indian films don't work in Mumbai but Hollywood does. Now you know why."
Irrfan Khan - the detainee
"I didn't face any problem being a Muslim actor for New York but I was detained when I went for my Independent Spirit Award for Namesake. It demoralises you. You are not told anything. They ask you to come into the room, you are not allowed to talk on the phone and they don't even tell you how much time the interrogation procedure would take. Back then, I told the officer not to waste my time and his, just because I am a Muslim actor. He even went on to say, 'Are you threatening me?' Mira Nair, the director of Namesake told me not to get into that but I was angry and reacted to it. It is a truth that the Western officers get paranoid by seeing a Muslim name."
I was detained when I went for my Independent Spirit Award for Namesake. It demoralises you
Pan Singh Tomar
"My intention is not to look like Pan Singh Tomar because it's a real life story. That doesn't interest me. The idea was that he was a talented person and how the system misused that talent grips me more to do a film like Pan Singh Tomar. So when you know that this is the person who lived on this planet and he went through these circumstances, it really does something to you. When we did research on Pan Singh Tomar, we got hundreds of stories. We could've made a good commercial film out of it if we used all of them, but we cannot do that because then we are not doing justice to him as a person. I remember we were shooting in some house which the director chose as Pan Singh Tomar's house. But then we were told that Pan Singh did stay in the same house that we were shooting in. That struck us like lightning and you get even more inspired by this personality."
Hissss
"Such stories have been dealt in the past but the way Jennifer Lynch has given the treatment to Hissss is worth watching. I never told my PR to let Jennifer know that I've worked in The Mighty Heart or Namesake. It's my work which is doing the talking more than my personal PR. I am here in this field to please my ego. Jennifer was touched by Namesake and I am thrilled and happy that she did. Hissss is mysterious, dangerous, and sensuous and the young American audiences looking for blood, gore and violence will love Hisss. Luckily, Jennifer did not allow Mallika to bite me. For Sherawat, it's her lifetime role because she has to look sexy, dangerous and still not speak anything in the film."Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 18 Jun 2009 | 12:43 pm UTV and Ken agree on pushing Kaminey ahead of Shahid-Genelia starrer
Click above for more movie stills
UTV Motion Pictures and Ken Ghosh held on to releasing the first look and title of their Shahid Kapoor and Genelia D'Souza starrer at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2009. Reason? They mutually agreed that it would make more sense to showcase Kaminey, which is Shahid's next release, over the yet untitled venture starring the same actor.
Ken says, "I was contemplating releasing the first look of the film along with the title. We were even thinking of kick starting some mini promotion at IIFA for our film. However, it was agreed upon that promotion of Kaminey should hold centre stage. So we are keeping low for the Shahid and Genelia starrer. In any case the movie is some distance away from release."
Point to be noted is that both Kaminey as well as Ken Ghosh's films are UTV productions. Since both films feature Shahid Kapoor as the leading man, it would have been an in-house competition had focus shifted even slightly on the latter film.
"That's true", agrees Ken, "At the end of the day everyone out here is a mature individual and there was no reason why anyone would have stepped over another's product. Let Kaminey release and after that, we also have to wait for Yash Raj Films' Hadippa (tentative title) which again stars Shahid. Once these two movies come, we will become aggressive on promotion of our film."
Ken nevertheless did travel to Macau for IIFA. For Ken, this was a pleasure trip than a business outing. "I am close to Wizcraft people (who are producing and promoting the event) and they wanted me as a guest there", informs Ken, "However, let this not be looked as a way to promote our film. I was mainly looking at having a gala outing."
He is quite positive about Shahid's next release Kaminey though. "Shahid was telling me the other day that the film has turned out to be fantabulous. I have got similar feelers from other sources as well. I would be glad if Kaminey works (which actually I am sure about). If an actor's film does well, it only benefits your own film that arrives after that."
Meanwhile, he is relieved that the shooting for his film has wrapped up completely. "It's time to head for post production now. We are in no hurry and would bring our film only around 2009 end or early 2010", signs off Ken.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 18 Jun 2009 | 12:31 pm CG Overdrive: The art of visual storytelling explained
We all want to tell our stories by making films. But do we have the aesthetic and technical wherewithal to do that? Making a film is much more than zipping out a hand held and shooting to our hearts' content.
Pixar Animation Studio's Alexander Woo conducted a masterclass on the art and craft of visual storytelling in Asia's largest computer graphics convention, CG Overdrive, Singapore. Excerpts...
Origins of visual storytelling
"Visual imagery comes from art. A painting can depict many things like chaos, abstractions and even have a lot of energy to it. But the important question is... does it have a story? Does it necessarily tell a story? Not really. There is no narrative in a painting. It is a still image.
Then how do we define visual storytelling? A story has to give me the dynamic; it has to give me the insights into the characters' lives and the setting of the story.
Like in Bill Waterson's Calvin & Hobbes, storyboards may have started from comic strips. They are narrative filled images. At least, we at Pixar get our ideas for story boards like this; we come up with a single image drawing that tries to encapsulate the story idea as a whole. It can be later used in the story as a gag or a joke.
It can be anything, gossips to jokes or gags, but it has to be a sequential storytelling and only then you come to the storyboards. This is the right progression in visual storytelling."
Cinematic grammar
"As grammar is important to language, different shots and angles are important to Cinematography. Wide angle shots, medium, close ups, low angle, top angles, etc, are all ways of punctuating cinematography. So basically, the way you are trying to say things in a film drastically affects what you are saying. Similarly in cinema, you can use all these shots to say what is happening on the screen in a very different way."
Types of shots
"If a director uses a dolly track shot in a film sequence, he might be trying to say that this scene contains a lot of information, so pay close attention. For example, a film where a small man is the villain is shot through a normal lens, it wouldn't be effective. Instead, using a low angle shot can enhance the impact of the character.
Any kind of shot being used with a music score should finally reinforce the story."
Tools of composition
"Composition is how you create something within a frame. There are various elements of composition too, like the subject size, point of focus, contrast, silhouettes, horizontals, verticals and diagonals. For example, to focus on the game of chess, a vertical or horizontal angle can be used."
The power of silhouettes
"Film and language are art forms and they are constantly evolving and evoking emotion. Silhouettes are very powerful when juxtaposing dark versus dark and white versus white. Some directors make use of dual focus lenses, deliberately. Again, by using different lenses, the director is trying to reinforce the story through cinematography."Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 18 Jun 2009 | 12:24 pm
|
