Print literature is dying, but ebooks are thriving.

And you have to remember that Hollywood isnt the end. Look at Japan. There TV is bigger than movies.

Things come and go.

People wont stop telling stories, they just find new mediums.

I think thats the problem though. Effects have leapfrogged so much and story has gone to a second place.

Yes, effects are awesome but as with all things theyre getting cheaper.

Tbh id rather watch a quality HBO or AMC miniseries / series than a 2 hour blockbuster.

Look at the games industry in the early 80s, pundits were saying that it was all a fad etc but it bounced back. I feel the issue is that cost for CGI has mushroomed so much that producers cant make a mistake now. Vis a vis John Carter and The Long Ranger. Big stars dont count for everything it seems. A flop is devastating.

More indie productions and fresh blood is what id like to see. Less cash, more interesting direction, make some names.

You think Spielberg, Coppola, Scott and even Lucas if they were young men could get an ore in nowadays? They all started on small indy projects.

This is why i enjoy my multilingualism, war movies / political dramas from the middle east are vastly superior to what hollywood makes. And no need for special effects, they just blow stuff up.

Thats what i really miss about Hollywood... the props and models, they truly were outstanding. I know theres a lot of it still but CGI has taken so much out of it.

More indie productions and fresh blood is what id like to see. Less cash, more interesting direction, make some names.

Don't worry, Spielberg predicts the film industry will crash soon if they don't start putting some actual thought into movies. It will be funny as hell

Yeah. Maybe the best thing would be an utter collapse of the current system and starting over from scratch.

I think the UK film industry is a better example for Hollywood to follow. Pinewood etc still produce a fair number of films, which yes are american backed but have less CGI and more human drama.

Agreed. But the issue with filming in Britain is the absolutely unbelievable restrictions the various 'guilds' have in place. They will only work so many hours per day. And get 3 breaks for "tea" regardless of the directors intentions or whatever is going on at the moment.

Listen to James Cameron's Commentary on "Aliens" about the issues that the unions caused to that production wile filming there. It's startling and funny. The constant stopping for breaks almost ruined the production and had it way behind schedule, causing even more issues.

Mornin' Random.
Can I get a bit of that coffee action?
Extra strong, 2 sugars, no milk. And make it a big cup!

I believe the younger workers dont get those perks anymore. My cousin went into lighting and set design and is now a Gaffer. He hardly ever gets breaks bar lunch and the traditional 3pm break etc. Only double on night work and in "detrimental weathers" which means everything than sunny / cloudy. So hes paid double nearly all the time for outdoor work!

Sorry, busy morning!

Coffee for all!!

We need some ice cream here like this little guy. D'awwwwww.

We need some ice cream here like this little guy. D'awwwwww.

Hmmmm...icecream and bacon.

http://cdn.gpforums.co.nz/attachment.php?s=&postid=7223030

Looked at this and thought....

"Someone get that ice cream back in the freezer, it's melting. And while you're there, grab the BBQ sauce"

"Here, piggy piggy piggy"

Maintaining my stand on NOT clicking on Zimmy links.

It doesnt work anyway. Says its a bad link.

Yep, link is broken.
It was harmless, just the Homer Simpson drool face.

Will have to take your word for it, Zimmy. You burned me so no linkieclickies for you.

Huh. the drooling Homer picture came through for me.

Also, little pig is too cute to eat