The Curious Case of Sony in the Movie and TV Industry

Sony is one of the biggest names in the movie and TV business. The company has produced several blockbusters and boob tube hits. It is not just some electronics company that once ruled the television market with its Trinitron and Bravia lines. However, the company has a rather curious situation.

Last year, the company was repeatedly urged by activist investor Daniel Loeb of Third Point LLC to have its entertainment business spun off into an independent entity. Doing so, as Loeb and other proponents of the spinoff plan claim, would allow investors to value the company on the merits of its separate parts. Accordingly, it would bolster the Sony entertainment business. Until now, many are still proposing a spinoff of the Sony entertainment division. As a Bloomberg Businessweek article pointed out, it’s . Read More

2 Intriguing Mainstream Films Recently Released

This year’s batch of films features a wide array of areas of social inspection such as politics and economy. We firmly believe that films as a form of art conveys social messages apt for the current times; the social context of a film is equally a necessity and a privilege.

Out of the films released so far this year, two films stood out in terms of its quality of intrigue and social relevance:

Divergent

This film did a great job in portraying the types of people we have right now. There are superficial intelligent ones who take the world as divided between science and fantasy. There are the ones too nice to say no when somebody asks for a helping hand. There are those, too, that are too nice to even lie and sugarcoat the truth when they know that reality should be confronted, not evaded. Read More

4 Secrets to Movie Making

Filmmaking is a fun but tedious process that needs great attention to detail, dedication, and commitment. It is divided into three stages. These are pre-production, production, and post-production. Pre-production is when script writing, raising money, and planning the whole story is done. Production is when the actual shooting begins. Post-production includes editing and graphic effects. These things take time to finish so make sure you know the four basic secrets to movie making to get you started.

Keep It Simple

One of the most common mistakes of many filmmakers is being overly ambitious. There’s really nothing wrong with wanting to create a drama masterpiece or an action-packed movie. But if you don’t have the budget, the proper equipment, or manpower, you might want to opt for something simple and engaging. If you’re new to the industry, start small by making short films. Almost all great filmmakers like Martin Scorsese or Christopher Nolan started with short films.

It’s All About Location

You may have an amazing script but if you don’t have the right visual to match it, then you might as well throw everything away. Having a visually appealing location matters. Make a list of all the places that you will need for your film and put some notes on each of them so that you won’t forget the things that you need to do. Even the mundane places like a parking lot or a garden can make a big difference. The secret is using your camera wisely, in various different angles. Choose a place where there is a good lighting too. Think of it as taking pictures only this time, your subjects are moving and talking.

The Right Crew

This may seem like a no-brainer but movie making isn’t just about having a team. You should have a crew that has the right attitude and expertise when it comes to their responsibilities. The basics are as follows: a producer for the financing, a director to direct and spend the money of the producer, a cinematographer for the camera and lighting, a sound recorder, and an editor to edit and cut the film. Use your network so you can get a competent team that you can trust.

Having the Right Equipment

You need a camera of some kind, something that can produce a decent shoot. From Super 8 film cartridge to a simple smartphone, you can make your movie happen if you really put your mind to it. Today’s trend is using DSL cameras or iPhone 5s with lenses for shooting. Sound recording is just as important too so make sure you use a high quality microphone to record everything clearly. It should be clear and crisp, not noisy and full of static on the background. Make sure that you use the right equipment that is ideal for your film.

There are a whole lot more that you need to learn about movie making but these basic tips can get you started on the right path. Don’t be discouraged if you are lacking budget or if you don’t have enough equipment. Embrace what you don’t have. By the end of the day, it’s all about being creative, going out of your comfort zone, and making things work.