Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Show Me Where The Wild Things Are
So the trailer for Spike Jonze's long awaited project "Where The Wild Things Are", just dropped. You can find it apple.com.
The film has long been delayed due to complaints by Warner Bros that the film is too dark and inappropriate for children. Which I'm sure thwarted the whole reason the green lit a children's book. The rumor was that Jonze was going to remove his name from the project, which seemed to me to be a completely tragic turn of events to to my excitement that his former girlfriend Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeah's was doing the soundtrack. Forest Whitaker who plays Ira the lead "Wild Thing", was very vocal about the importance of the dark scenes and that kids need to see some of that stuff. Regardless of what happened between Jonze and the Studio, the film is finally ready to be released. Currently scheduled for Oct. 16, 2009.
You can see in the trailer that the feel is much different from the current over saturation of Dreamworks/Pixar animation ventures. It is a combination of live-action, CGI, animatronics and enormous puppets.
The clip below is from a test that leaked onto the internet years ago which Jonze conducted to pitch his creative direction to the studios. What I love most is that depite its brevity, it contains within it larger suggestions. For a short scene, I love how it subtley contrasts Ira's (the Moster) physical invulnerability, with his major emotional vulnerability. As he walks away muttering that "robots are the best", you can feel his disappointment.
Robots are the best,
-MM
Monday, March 16, 2009
Elizabeth Gilbert: Creative take on Creative Genius
Being that I spend five days a week deep in the threos of creativity, I have come to conclude that creativity is much more of a process than it is magical or divine inspiration. However, being that I have long thought that art is the fingerprint of the soul, that process is very definitive of who we individually are on a metaphysical level. To elaborate, a creative decision is the nexus point between processed past realities and intended future states of the real world. We essentially attempt to sculpt reality by drawing upon the memories that we deem relevant. The lines of causality drawn between who we were and who we want to be, intersect at the moment of creative decision. This place is vast and immeasurable, and perhaps magical or divine. We are re-created every instant. Each one, a laborless work of art.
My water broke,
-MM
Friday, March 13, 2009
Cramer vs. Stewart: political satire becomes watchdog journalism
I have long been a fan of the Daily Show with John Stewart. However, after last night's heroic verbal performance, my respect and admiration has risen to a new level just below obsessed paula abdul fan.
After a week long media dubbed "feud" between Stewart and CNBC's Jim Cramer of MAD MONEY, the two titans clashed in a hyped for ratings verbal brawl that brought the audience to an uproarious cheer which later evolved into awkward mixed feelings of sorrow and anger. Like a medieval public sentence, you almost had to feel sorry for Cramer as he squirmed, yet simultaneously I found it somehow slightly sadistic to enjoy his public lashing as the symbolic embodiment of journalistic irresponsibility and financial "Shinnanigans" (His words) that have brought us to such dire economic digression. In all fairness, Cramer is not to blame, but the attitude and behaviors that he shares with the culture that he is a part of, is a large peice of the puzzling sign of the times.
Stewart was better prepared and more mentally agile. His references to Sherman's march and Carly Simon's your so vain to illustrait larger points attribute to his sharp wit and quick intelligence. Cramer doesn't even seem to understand the issue, defending himself by saying it's about making good calls and bad calls and implying the impossibility of always being right about the market. Stewart corrects him by explaining the issue is about "Real Market" and "Fake Market". Cramer should have watched the episodes of Stewart's show to know what critique Stewart was making. If he did, then he didn't understand the commentary. Stewart argues that the issue is about false presentation and Wallstreet side betting, because it feels like the general public is "Capitalizing their adventure" and that the practice is dubioius, dangerous, disengenuous, and criminal. However, what I find most interesting, is that somewhere in the moment is the epic comic book story of a court-jester-political satirist's rise to a Robinhood-superhero-watchdog journalist. Although those that he fights for, should on their own see through the shrowd of media "dupe"-ery that is a ridiculous show like MAD Money, Its great to see such a widely watched comedy central show, play the role of media whistle blower balancing branch.
Ultimately, what began as commentary about commentary has become a notable media event where at the least, Jim Cramer and the people of CNBC have been challenged to do better. I think the fact that the wake-up call came from a comedy show, says more about our society and our media than anything else.
It all began here:
John Stewart coments about Rick Santelli's fingershaking.
"Why bail out the "Losers" with failed mortgages?
They are to blame for not being responsible and for not seeing the warning signs."
Stewart calls him out and the network he is a part of, for thier fallibility and irresponsible financial reporting.
In what I perceive to be a self-defensive move, Cramer attacked Steward by calling him a Comedian. Stewart no doubt took to the offensive.
The back and forth continues
The battle was so widely downloaded and talked about, that it was immortalized by someecards.com
Comedy Central makes fun of themselves for hyping the event
THE INTERVIEW
Obviously, Cramer was under-prepared. I like to imagine that his agent assured him that they would end the feud and make nice after negotiating with Comedy Central's people. I wonder who the first person he called was when he left the interview? His wife? His Agent? His Boss? I'd give my appendix to hear that conversation.
Good morning,
and in case I don't see ya,
good afternoon,
good evening,
and good night!
-MM
After a week long media dubbed "feud" between Stewart and CNBC's Jim Cramer of MAD MONEY, the two titans clashed in a hyped for ratings verbal brawl that brought the audience to an uproarious cheer which later evolved into awkward mixed feelings of sorrow and anger. Like a medieval public sentence, you almost had to feel sorry for Cramer as he squirmed, yet simultaneously I found it somehow slightly sadistic to enjoy his public lashing as the symbolic embodiment of journalistic irresponsibility and financial "Shinnanigans" (His words) that have brought us to such dire economic digression. In all fairness, Cramer is not to blame, but the attitude and behaviors that he shares with the culture that he is a part of, is a large peice of the puzzling sign of the times.
Stewart was better prepared and more mentally agile. His references to Sherman's march and Carly Simon's your so vain to illustrait larger points attribute to his sharp wit and quick intelligence. Cramer doesn't even seem to understand the issue, defending himself by saying it's about making good calls and bad calls and implying the impossibility of always being right about the market. Stewart corrects him by explaining the issue is about "Real Market" and "Fake Market". Cramer should have watched the episodes of Stewart's show to know what critique Stewart was making. If he did, then he didn't understand the commentary. Stewart argues that the issue is about false presentation and Wallstreet side betting, because it feels like the general public is "Capitalizing their adventure" and that the practice is dubioius, dangerous, disengenuous, and criminal. However, what I find most interesting, is that somewhere in the moment is the epic comic book story of a court-jester-political satirist's rise to a Robinhood-superhero-watchdog journalist. Although those that he fights for, should on their own see through the shrowd of media "dupe"-ery that is a ridiculous show like MAD Money, Its great to see such a widely watched comedy central show, play the role of media whistle blower balancing branch.
Ultimately, what began as commentary about commentary has become a notable media event where at the least, Jim Cramer and the people of CNBC have been challenged to do better. I think the fact that the wake-up call came from a comedy show, says more about our society and our media than anything else.
It all began here:
John Stewart coments about Rick Santelli's fingershaking.
"Why bail out the "Losers" with failed mortgages?
They are to blame for not being responsible and for not seeing the warning signs."
Stewart calls him out and the network he is a part of, for thier fallibility and irresponsible financial reporting.
In what I perceive to be a self-defensive move, Cramer attacked Steward by calling him a Comedian. Stewart no doubt took to the offensive.
The back and forth continues
The battle was so widely downloaded and talked about, that it was immortalized by someecards.com
Comedy Central makes fun of themselves for hyping the event
THE INTERVIEW
Obviously, Cramer was under-prepared. I like to imagine that his agent assured him that they would end the feud and make nice after negotiating with Comedy Central's people. I wonder who the first person he called was when he left the interview? His wife? His Agent? His Boss? I'd give my appendix to hear that conversation.
Good morning,
and in case I don't see ya,
good afternoon,
good evening,
and good night!
-MM
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Innovation and Viral Marketing at it's best
These guys explain how it works.
Try it for yourself here:
http://ge.ecomagination.com/smartgrid/#/augmented_reality
This is absolutely the coolest thing. I don't want to over exaggerate by saying ever and I don't want to understate by saying today, but this is the coolest thing I've seen somewhere between today and ever.
The reason I say so, is because I used to work in advertising and love appreciating such magnificent feats of heavy lifting by creative muscle. Essentially there are a few aspects that make it cool. First off it is an extremely clever piece of technical innovation. Second I imagine it's really fun to play with and marvel at. Third it is a little cerebral for the general public, but it is a very intelligent advertising campaign. It's basically intended as a viral ad. Having creative directed a few viral projects myself, I have an inside appreciation for what makes this so refreshing.
Most of viral marketing's early phases involved humor or shock. For the most part it still does. However, we did see the show Heroes and The Movies Transformers and The Bourne Identity implement some pretty elaborate web presences that kept its users involved. Although, I am less amused as once you get past their merits in excecution they boil down to digital bread crumb trails that leave its viewers engaged in a game of internet sleuthing. This isn't a thesis paper, so I will refrain from delving into the details. What's pertinent is that GE's campaign is an entirely new dimension to the spectrum of viral strategies.
The nature of viral marketing is that the brand message is passed along to the target demo, by the target demo itself. Pros include reaching the demo from the inside out escaping the media filtration process as they are passed along by the demo with the demo's approval (I have long been saying that our most trusted media filter these days is word of mouth). Cons include not being able to decide what goes viral, and that viral strategies are a fuzzy gamble on the part of the advertisers. Cultural consciousness is an elusively dynamic beast and popping up on its radar is a difficult matter of careful dissection.
What makes GE's "Augmented Reality" so great, is that they have tapped into our fascination with innovation itself. The strategy is completely appropriate given the message is about GE's smart grid as a work of innovation. I saw it (passed to me) and I instantly passed it to 3 people in my office. I'm now blogging about it and passing it further to my entire twitter list and facebook friends. Time will tell how well this campaign is received and further analysis is required to sample whether the medium successfully carries the message or over-shadows it. Still, I think its Amazing.
Wow!
-MM
Try it for yourself here:
http://ge.ecomagination.com/smartgrid/#/augmented_reality
This is absolutely the coolest thing. I don't want to over exaggerate by saying ever and I don't want to understate by saying today, but this is the coolest thing I've seen somewhere between today and ever.
The reason I say so, is because I used to work in advertising and love appreciating such magnificent feats of heavy lifting by creative muscle. Essentially there are a few aspects that make it cool. First off it is an extremely clever piece of technical innovation. Second I imagine it's really fun to play with and marvel at. Third it is a little cerebral for the general public, but it is a very intelligent advertising campaign. It's basically intended as a viral ad. Having creative directed a few viral projects myself, I have an inside appreciation for what makes this so refreshing.
Most of viral marketing's early phases involved humor or shock. For the most part it still does. However, we did see the show Heroes and The Movies Transformers and The Bourne Identity implement some pretty elaborate web presences that kept its users involved. Although, I am less amused as once you get past their merits in excecution they boil down to digital bread crumb trails that leave its viewers engaged in a game of internet sleuthing. This isn't a thesis paper, so I will refrain from delving into the details. What's pertinent is that GE's campaign is an entirely new dimension to the spectrum of viral strategies.
The nature of viral marketing is that the brand message is passed along to the target demo, by the target demo itself. Pros include reaching the demo from the inside out escaping the media filtration process as they are passed along by the demo with the demo's approval (I have long been saying that our most trusted media filter these days is word of mouth). Cons include not being able to decide what goes viral, and that viral strategies are a fuzzy gamble on the part of the advertisers. Cultural consciousness is an elusively dynamic beast and popping up on its radar is a difficult matter of careful dissection.
What makes GE's "Augmented Reality" so great, is that they have tapped into our fascination with innovation itself. The strategy is completely appropriate given the message is about GE's smart grid as a work of innovation. I saw it (passed to me) and I instantly passed it to 3 people in my office. I'm now blogging about it and passing it further to my entire twitter list and facebook friends. Time will tell how well this campaign is received and further analysis is required to sample whether the medium successfully carries the message or over-shadows it. Still, I think its Amazing.
Wow!
-MM
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
We take so much for granted
I'm not sure I agree with his entire manifesto, but I think he's making a clever point. I always find it necessary to pull perspective out of the limited tunnel vision of personal annoyance and consider the larger gratitude of our time's magnificence. In a steep parabola of exponential evolutionary development, we have gone from a grunting, tree-shaking, poop-throwing mammal, to flying, networked, computer-building demigods.
We live in such an amazing time, and I find myself lucky to be part of a generation that has experienced both sides of the information-revolutionary coin. Whatever is happening to us on a large anthropological scale, will for future generations be the normative status quo of daily existence. Where we appreciate each new smarter phone and the benefits of improved iPhone apps, our offspring well observe its mediocrity with disdain. Let us not forget that in the same generation we went from the 2 rectangles bouncing a ball in Pong to the virtual world of Call of Duty 4. We went from pager code to text messages and from uploading photos to flickr for our Myspace page to direct uploads with our mobile phone to facebook which can automatically recognize faces and tag our friends for us. Chances are that you have probably been swept along the tidal wave of technological change so quickly that you have forgotten to notice how incredibly significant the passing steps have been.
It is the "Geeks", the "Professor Geeks", and the "entrepreneurial super geeks" that seem to be the ones sitting on the plane screaming "Wow, I'm flying". Geeks love the Gadgets. Professor Geeks love explaining the sociological significance of facebook vs myspace, while the Entrepeneurial Super Geeks are getting rich inventing Twitter. The rest of us dopey idiots sit around complaining about why the iPhone doesn't have copy and paste.
I guess I'm just in agreement with Louis CK. Throughout most of my day, I'm on a handheld device (my phone), updating my facebook status, checking tweets, and staying current with friends on facebook. I ride around in hybrid cars, while blogging to a network of minds that filter out the vast noise of each others conscious thoughts about personal and shared events. Still, I usually don't take the time to appreciate how we got to this amazing place. I forget to stand in awe of the infrastructure of human development and historical knowledge that allows me to navigate my car with satellite photos from space on google map. I will save my musings for an entirely different blog, but that's just crazy. Stop to think about what it takes to build satellites, launch satellites, accurately network satellites with the network of computer devices and cellular phones, much less build these devices. Ants navigate using pheromones and communicate with a series of Antenna touches. Bees give coordinates with dance. Crickets Chirp. Whales Sing. Sea urchins discharge chemicals. Then there is us. If you were an alien anthropologist studying us, then we would be some pretty interesting monkeys. So, I would like to take a moment to be thankful that I'm blogging and not throwing poop. Wow, I'm Flying!
In the mean time here are some crazy robots to trip you out:
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/03/robots.html
Grunt Grunt Tweet Tweet,
-MM
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