Monthly Archives: February 2016

What is pictured above is Kesha sobbing after hearing the verdict from the judge over the weekend. For the past year or so Kesha has been in an ongoing legal battle against her former producer and alleged abuser, Dr. Luke and the record label Sony. Kesha alleges that Dr. Luke sexually assaulted her and consistently committed emotional abuse to her to the point that she developed an eating disorder after she was told that she was too fat. Recently, she even checked into rehab for this disorder. After hearing the verdict, the industry was in shock. How could the judge side with this monster who took advantage of a young and hopeful rising star? Well, celebrities and fellow women in the industry have taken to social media to voice their support and Taylor Swift has even donated $250,000 to whatever Kesha may need during this time (as she is unable to work due to the fact that she would still have to work with her accused).

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/taylor-swift-makes-bold-move-to-back-kesha/

The extremely messed up thing here is that this is not uncommon. It is not uncommon for women to feel like they need to lose weight at the advice of their producer or agent. It is not uncommon for assault and abuse to continue to happen. These women and yes, even men, are put in a position where they are at the mercy of those who have the power to make them somebody. It is indeed sad to see these events surrounding Kesha and I can only hope that moving forward she is able to find peace and get back to work with positive people surrounding her.

Supporters on Facebook constantly cite Chris Brown and his incident and how his career did not suffer, and other members of bands (men) who had similar situations but who were allowed to get out of contracts so that they were able to continue their art.

I think the real issue here is that Kesha is not able to continue making music in a safe and reasonable environment, regardless if the accusations are true or false, the court should have given her that opportunity. She has given enough time to this guy and after her real issues that have resulted from working with him (i.e. checking into rehab for eating disorder, this supposed assault) she should be allowed to move on.

What do you guys think about this? Do you think that men have it easier getting out of contract negotiations? Do you think that Kesha should just keep making music in her current contract? Do you think the industry needs to look at a better way of policing this sort of abuse? Also, what about Taylor Swift- when I saw it, I thought that is awesome but then I thought about it from a PR strategy? If you’re going to donate that kind of money to a person, wouldn’t you want to do it in private- or is that just me?

This news story has been all over the place this past week. I found a great summary of what it entails here on Buzz Feed News.

Essentially Syed Farook was one of the San Bernardino terrorists and his phone was confiscated by the government immediately after the attack. His Apple ID password for the iPhone was changed soon after it was confiscated. This meant that the FBI then had no way to access the contents of the phone. Therefore the FBI requested that Apple create a special “backdoor” way to break into the phone and retrieve Farook’s information, which presumably contains details of the planning and execution of the December 2nd attacks that left 14 people dead.

Apple is refusing to create this backdoor technique. The catch is that if the Apple ID password had not been reset by someone after it was taken by the government then Apple would have been able to easily retrieve the information on the phone with an iCloud backup. However, someone in the San Bernardino Health Department did change the Apple ID password and they are claiming that they worked with the FBI to do so, and this thus made it eternally more difficult for Apple to unlock the information on the phone, which in turn caused the FBI to call for them to create a backdoor method for retrieving the information.

Clearly politics and the oligopoly of the FBI and Apple are playing a large role in this case. The political economy of Apple is insurmountable and therefore they understand the implications of creating a backdoor technique to unlock the private information of iPhones. It does make me wonder though if the FBI had the Apple ID password reset on purpose, because they knew that it would mean that they could call for Apple to create a backdoor hacking system that they then could use on many more phones to retrieve private information. Thoughts??

http://www.forbes.com/sites/markhughes/2016/02/20/deadpool-writers-talk-sequel-cable-x-men-and-r-rated-superheroes/#2c83ae9b5407

Over the years, the superhero genre has become quite popular with a variety of movies and tv shows being released every year.  To some extent, the logic of safety seems to be present as these family friendly releases are making a lot of money.  Although this formula seems to work very well, the release of the new Deadpool movie suggest that there may be changes in how superhero movies are made.  Specifically, the success of this R rated movies has inspired Marvel to consider making more R rated superhero movies.  With that said, what do you think about this possible change in the superhero genre?  Would an R rated movie be more appealing to you?  Do you think R rated superhero movies would be successful?   

So this morning as I was scrolling through my daily news on BusinessInsider I saw a story that was labeled “San Francisco tech bro: “I don’t want to see homeless riff-raff” The story is linked below.

http://www.businessinsider.com/justin-keller-decries-san-francisco-homeless-2016-2

“I know people are frustrated about gentrification happening in the city, but the reality is, we live in a free market society. The wealthy working people have earned their right to live in the city. They went out, got an education, work hard, and earned it. I shouldn’t have to worry about being accosted. I shouldn’t have to see the pain, struggle, and despair of homeless people to and from my way to work every day” – Justin Keller

Is this guy for real? I have so many emotions surrounding this issue but to actually see that someone actually wrote something as selfish and absolutely horrid as this, and defends it.. it  baffles me. While it is true that the entrepreneurs and intelligent tech people have earned their right to their salary and all the benefits, they have not earned a right to neglect everyone else. They surely have not earned the right to complain that some people are less fortunate them. This, Justin Keller, does not know these people that he sees laying about poor and hungry, he does not sit to ask them how they got where they are. I think this a really good indicator of where our generation might be going wrong. I think that selfishness and feeling like we deserve something and ignoring others who may struggle is something that plagues our society right now.

I also am just angry because the cost of living situation could make even the hardest working and great people into homelessness, and it seems there is no solution in sight. I’m curious, what do you guys think about Keller’s comments? Also I’m interested to know if anyone is from this area and maybe has some insight into what it really is like there? Also, why do you think everyone has such a stigma around homeless people- most of them are just like you and me but with much worse luck and fortune.

In addition- I found this article and it made me think of Banksy a few weeks back and the power of graffiti. Well it seems San Fran has another issue at hand no thanks to Justin Bieber and his newest attempt at marketing his album. If you read below, would also like to hear your thoughts on that.

http://www.businessinsider.com/ap-san-francisco-demands-help-investigating-bieber-graffiti-2015-12

I think by now and after the super bowl everyone knows about Beyoncé’s new single, Formation. It is a powerful new song accompanied by a powerful video where Beyoncé publicly puts herself behind the black lives matter movement. Sadly the responses to the video have been very controversial. People are for some reason upset that she has announced her support for the movement. They have even brought up things like white lives matter too, which in my opinion is an ignorant statement. This video is incredible because it perfectly illustrates the power of pop culture in things as important as social movements. The best part is that there was a follow up SNL video.

The Day Beyoncé Turned Black is an incredible satire about the public reaction to Beyoncé’s video. It was as if the public did not know she was black. The fact that she took a stand to represent herself for some reason shocked people. This video illustrates how silly it is that people were confused by Beyoncé. It also shows how important SNL as a media publication is in bringing social issues to a public audience. By making this controversy comedic it is more captivating for a large audience to view. Twitter blew up with posts and comments reacting to the video. What do you guys think about the video, the responses and SNL’s satire?

Every year, The Hollywood Reporter compiles a list of the TV pilots in contention for the upcoming season. Later on, the major networks (and the CW) will decide which pilots will make it to their fall schedules. Here is this year’s article:

TV Pilots 2016: The Complete Guide

I like to go through these every year and see if I can predict what will be canceled or renewed based on only the logline. As you can tell, there’s definitely some ‘logic of safety’ going on. There are a lot of family comedies, shows based on existing properties, and shows built around vaguely recognizable stand-up comedians.

So, what do you think about this year’s pilots? Spot any trends? In case you don’t want to skim the entire article, here are some highlights:

Downward Dog
Logline: Based on the web series of the same name, centers on a woman, Nan (Allison Tolman) and her dog. The twist is that it features a Modern Family-style confessional device — for the dog.

This sounds like a fake TV show. It also already exists with Disney’s Dog With a Blog.

Marvel’s Most Wanted
Logline: A second spinoff from Agents of SHIELD, the drama follows the adventures of Bobbi Morse (aka Mockingbird) and Lance Hunter.

I like Agents of SHIELD a lot, but this show doesn’t need to exist. I would probably prefer a third season of Agent Carter.

Notorious
Logline: Inspired by the true-life stories of famed criminal defense attorney Mark Geragos and cable news producer Wendy Walker, the drama is a provocative look at the unique, sexy and dangerous interplay of criminal law and the media.

I like that they worked in unique, sexy and dangerous. If it were just unique, or just sexy, it wouldn’t interest me at all.

Untitled Kevin James (13-episode production commitment)
Logline: A newly retired police officer (Kevin James) looks forward to spending more quality time with his wife and three kids (Taylor Spreitler) but figures out he faces more challenges at home than he ever did on the streets.

This could not be more generic if it tried.

Doubt (redeveloped from last season)
Logline: Centers on Sadie (Katherine Heigl), a smart, chic, successful defense lawyer at a boutique firm who shockingly gets romantically involved with one of her clients, who may or may not be guilty of a brutal crime.

Drew
Logline: A contemporary take on the character from the iconic Nancy Drew book series. Now in her 30s, Nancy is a detective for the NYPD where she investigates and solves crimes using her uncanny observational skills, all while navigating the complexities of life in a modern world.

At least it wasn’t described as “gritty”.

MacGyver
Logline: A reimagining of the television series of the same name, following a 20-something MacGyver as he gets recruited into a clandestine organization where he uses his knack for solving problems in unconventional ways to help prevent disasters from happening.

Because all the millennials were dying for a MacGyver remake.

24: Legacy
Logline: The new take features an all-new cast of characters and will be structured in the same style of the original series. Legacy revolves around a military hero’s (Corey Hawkins, Straight Outta Compton) return to the U.S. and the trouble that follows him back — compelling him to ask CTU for help in saving his life, and stopping what potentially could be one of the largest-scale terror attacks on American soil.

Yet another spin-off.

Lethal Weapon
Logline: Based on the feature film of the same name. When Texas cop and former Navy SEAL Martin Riggs suffers the loss of his wife and baby, he moves to Los Angeles to start anew. There, he gets partnered with LAPD detective Roger Murtaugh (Damon Wayans Sr.), who, having recently suffered a “minor” heart attack, must avoid any stress in his life.

Why?

Taken (straight to series)
Logline: A modern-day prequel to Luc Besson’s feature of the same name that starred Liam Neeson as a retired CIA operative Bryan Mills on a one-man mission to save his kidnapped daughter. The series will illustrate how a young Bryan develops his skills.

WHY?

Zoobiquity
Logline: Based on the best-seller by Barbara Natterson-Horowitz and Kathryn Bowers, the drama is a light, unconventional medical procedural that follows the unlikely pairing of a successful, driven cardiologist as she risks career suicide by teaming with a socially challenged veterinarian who relates better to animals than people. They try to put aside their competitive natures to cure the incurable using a unique blend of cross-species medicine that’s never been tried before. (Redeveloped from 2014-15.)

The emphasis is mine. I love that character description.

Good Place (13-episode straight-to-series order)
Logline: Centers on a woman (Kristen Bell) wrestling with what it means to be good.

What does this mean? What is this show about? What is good? Why is Ted Danson in it?

Chicago Law (planted spin-off of Chicago PD)
Logline: A spin-off featuring ADA characters appearing on Chicago PD.

By my count that’s 4 Chicago procedurals. Coming 2017: Chicago Sanitation.

And finally, the weirdest pilot pitch I’ve ever heard:

Son of Zorn (animated/live-action pilot presentation) — SERIES ORDER
Logline: Centers on an animated Barbarian father who comes home for the first time in 10 years to his live-action son and ex-wife. He finds that reconnecting with his family, struggling through his mundane office job and dealing with the banality of suburban life is much harder than waging actual war in his distant, animated world.

This one stars Jason Sudekis and comes from the Lego Movie guys.

Be sure to check the article for the rest of the pilots.

Note:

I’m not one hundred percent sure where THR gets their Loglines from. Also, a lot of these won’t make it to air. However, some are ordered “straight-to-series”, so those are pretty much guaranteed a spot in the fall lineup.

http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/how-doritos-super-bowl-ad-kicked-twitter-conversation-about-birth-control-169493

Like so many of Americans I look forward to the Super Bowl for all the great commercials that come on throughout the program. However, I have to admit that this year I was watching for one reason, and that was to see Peyton Manning and the Broncos take home the win!

To be honest, this year I was a little disappointed with the commercials. There were only a few that I can remember, and even fewer that I can remember liking. But I do remember this one, and thought it was light hearted and funny. I know the history that Doritos has with their outrageous ads, so I usually look forward to their creative pieces.

But this morning I was looking around on Adweek and I saw this article. Here is the ad below.

Like we have learned in class, people make what they want out of different media. I find the article a little crazy, to think that Doritos had such a hidden agenda with a commercial like this seems a little far stretched. Did you get that from this article? Are there times where you watch a commercial and take away something completely different than what everyone else does?

http://www.businessinsider.com/steph-curry-interview-on-basketball-life-championships-2016-2

Today I was reading Business Insider and came across a story that made me think of what we were talking about in class a while back. Steph Curry recently did a partnership with Degree to do a MotionSense lab that allowed Degree to track his performance using different biometrics. While this is pretty cool, that is not really what grabbed my attention. 

Steph Curry admitted to using “sensory deprivation” chambers to help refocus him. With such a busy and hectic schedule that accompanies a very famous and likeable athlete, he commented saying, “And also, the sensory-deprivation aspect of it. It’s one of the only places where you can really get unplugged from all the noise and distractions that goes on with daily life.” I find it rather crazy that nowadays in our society we find it so difficult to escape and use time for ourselves, that we have to pay to use these chambers to really get that experience. 

Have you used one of these before? Do you think that these will become even more popular as technology and our lives progress? I was told by my professor that for every 30 minutes a person is looking at a screen, a person needs to be in complete darkness in order for their brains to fully recover and function at maximum capacity. I don’t know if he was right, but it is definitely something to think about, especially for us students. 

At the center of the 2014 “documentary” Exit Through the Gift Shop is the enigmatic street artist Banksy. Many critics questioned just how real  Banksy’s film is, but on an even more fundamental level, many of us have probably asked: who is Banksy?

While it appears that there is a street artist named Banksy, he has, remarkably remained anonymous for all these years. This article from the New Yorker gives more information:

Banksy Was Here

Banksy’s work as been described as “anarchist” and “anti-war.” There are a ton of examples in this gallery:

The Ultimate Banksy Gallery

Of course, Banksy has branched out, doing normal canvass paintings. In a rather bizarre turn, he also designed this dark 2010 “couch gag” for The Simpsons.

Here’s Simpsons show runner Al Jean discussing the background of the opening:

‘The Simpsons’ Explains Its Button-Pushing Banksy Opening

My favorite part is that, in typical Simpsons fashion, the couch gag has nothing to do with the rest of the episode, so after all that darkness you’re treated to “MoneyBart,” which is exactly what you think it is. (Read: a parody of Moneyball.)

So, what did everyone else think about Banksy? I find it impressive that he has managed to remain in the shadows for so long, and I do find some of his work pretty neat.