The critical acclaim for Borderlands has translated into commercial success, as well. Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Borderlands publisher 2K Games, announced on a financial call this afternoon that Borderlands has sold more than two million copies worldwide.

Due storie diverse: un geologo di successo – che avvertito da un amico fisico di un aumento dell’attività solare e conseguente scioglimento del sottosuolo terrestre che porterà nel 2012 a catastrofi in tutto il mondo, diventa il responsabile dei consiglieri scientifici del Presidente degli Stati Uniti – e uno scrittore, la cui devozione verso il suo romanzo fallimentare lo ha portato a distruggere il proprio matrimonio. Due storie diverse che seguono strade differenti per congiungersi nel finale, quando sulla terra giunge la fine e solo pochi fortunati possono salvarsi a bordo di arche gigantesche e ricominciare una nuova civiltà.

La locandina di 2012

Due ore e mezza di visione, per vedere tanta ripetitività, poco ritmo e il peggior buonismo immaginabile. Una quantità inimmaginabile di effetti speciali, molti dei quali di bassa qualità, e  scene che dovrebbero – in un film del genere – lasciare senza fiato, ma che – invece – risultano stupide, confuse e ridicole. Come le battute da avanspettacolo, le soluzioni narrative scontate che non brillano mai per originalità e gli eventi che risultano particolarmente artificiosi e forzati.

Eppure con oltre 200 milioni di budget ci si aspetta che oltre agli effetti speciali (alcuni dei quali ottimi, per carità, ma altri che lasciano davvero inorriditi per il basso livello, da confonderli con film degli anni 70) un po’ di soldi possano essere utilizzati per ingaggiare uno sceneggiature, almeno, di media bravura. Invece 2012 è un film che non offre niente di nuovo: le solite relazioni difficili tra padre e figlio, i soliti cattivi contrapposti ai soliti buoni, l’immancabile cattivone senza cuore che alla fine si converte per salvare la vita agli altri, eroi che sono gli unici a capire cosa sta succedendo, ritrovandosi pure nell’unico punto della Terra ancora intatto.

Tra situazioni che sprofondano nel trash più puro, il film non si impegna neppure di fornire una giustificazione simil-scientifica a tutto ciò che accade, portando immediatamente lo spettatore difronte a tutti i modi possibili – già visti e rivisti – in cui questo mondo può autodistruggersi, per arrivare al solito prevedibile e scontato finale.

Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London’s O2 Arena. Chronicling the months from April through June, 2009, the film is produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show. Audiences will be given a privileged and private look at Jackson as he has never been seen before. In raw and candid detail, Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT captures the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius and great artist at work as he creates and perfects his final show. Kenny Ortega, who was both Michael Jackson’s creative partner and the director of the stage show is also directing the film, which is being produced by Randy Phillips, Kenny Ortega and Paul Gongaware. Executive producers are John Branca and John McClain

Starring: Michael Jackson
Director: Kenny Ortega
Studio: Sony Pictures Entertainment

MOVIE TRAILER :

Ready, set, lift off of Macy’s famed giant helium balloon characters in the 83rd Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®. This Thanksgiving Day the magic in the sky will once again wow millions of spectators as beloved characters return to the balloon line-up. Featuring a star-studded list of American pop culture favorites from a friendly neighborhood super-hero to a world-famous mouse, the stars of Macy’s Parade are transformed from pencil sketches to larger-than-life forms via a sprinkling of magic from the stars at Macy’s Parade Studio.

A Ballooning Tradition
Dating back to the 1927 edition of the holiday spectacle, Macy’s giant character balloons have featured a who’s who of characters from film, television, comic strips, and cartoons. From the very first inflatable of Felix the Cat to the four new giants –Pillsbury Doughboy®, Ronald McDonald®, Sailor Mickey, and Spider-Man® – the Macy’s Parade has brought to life 157 of the most recognizable characters in history during its 83 editions.

Balloonatics
Before the giant balloons inspire awe on Parade day, they start on a drafting table at Macy’s Parade Studio. There, the Parade team of “Balloonatics” transforms a well-known character into a high-flying wonder. A pencil sketch of the character is the first step in the creation process. This concept sketch showcases the character in balloon form, taking into consideration aerodynamic, engineering and aesthetic points. Under the direction of John Piper, lead designer of Macy’s Parade Studio, the Balloonatic team takes that initial pencil sketch through a months-long process that encompasses concept, aerodynamic and aesthetic design, construction and final test flights. The building process includes creation of clay and painted models, and of course, the cutting and sealing of fabric into chambers that will produce the final balloon. Macy’s conducts the high-tech process in collaboration with aerodynamic and engineering consultants, Aerostar, who together calculate the balloon design’s aerodynamics, buoyancy, and lift. Once the balloon has been created it will undergo many tests including indoor and outdoor test flights, inflation and deflation tests and final touch-ups before taking flight on Parade day.

On Saturday, November 7th, before their official Thanksgiving Day debut, the new giant character balloons take to the sky for a final test flight at Macy’s Balloonfest. At this outdoor event, each balloon’s Pilot and Captain, and the flight management team of twelve, guide hundreds of handlers as they fly the balloon in an extreme real world setting. Once the balloons have been awarded their flight wings, they will receive a comprehensive final check-up that may include air inflation tests, cleaning and paint touch-ups before the big day.

Following is the Complete Cast of Giant Helium Character Balloons in the 83rd annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade:

ABBY CADABBY
SESAME WORKSHOP®
With her wand at the ready, Abby Cadabby, the inquisitive fairy-in-training returns to the Parade for another magical flight down the streets of New York City. Originally from Fairyside, Queens, Abby will be right at home with the crowd cheering her on as she helps ring in the holidays and celebrate the 40th birthday of Sesame Street. Although Abby is still somewhat magically challenged, she is sure to delight millions of Parade spectators with her enchanting antics. Standing at 56-feet long, 37.5-feet wide, and 48.5-feet high, Abby is filled with 16,100 cubic feet of helium as she bounds happily down the route.

BUZZ LIGHTYEAR
DISNEY•PIXAR
Buzz Lightyear, the fearless Space Ranger from Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story trilogy, returns to the Parade for another trip to Herald Square and Beyond! The larger-than-life hero measures 67.7-feet long, 39.9-feet wide and 34.3-feet tall. On Thanksgiving Day, Buzz will be ready for the adventure with his jet pack guiding him down the route. From his green and purple space boots all the way up to his protective helmet, which is 17-feet in diameter, Buzz Lightyear is sure to create a big buzz for millions of Parade spectators.

DORA THE EXPLORER™
NICKELODEON
The adventure-loving, Latina heroine Dora the Explorer™ returns to the Macy’s Parade this Thanksgiving for a high-flying expedition as the Nickelodeon heroine prepares to celebrate her 10-year anniversary next year. As always, Dora will be waving ¡Hola! to the crowds on her way to 34th Street along with her trusty friends Backpack and Map. Filled with 14,250 cubic feet of helium, Dora measures 43.5-feet in length, 39-feet in width and 55-feet tall. A skilled explorer, Dora will lead her team of balloon handlers to Macy’s Herald Square, where she will be sure to exclaim, We did it! ¡Lo Hicimos! at the end of her journey.

FLYING ACE SNOOPY
UNITED FEATURE SYNDICATE
Snoopy, the extroverted beagle with a Walter Mitty complex returns to the line-up as the Flying Ace. Snoopy is celebrating PEANUTS® 60th Anniversary and is marking a record 34th appearance in the Macy’s Parade. Holding binoculars and sporting an aviator hat, goggles and a red scarf, Snoopy is ready for another showdown with the dreaded Red Baron. Once again ready for the challenge standing at 52-feet high, 25-feet wide and 49.5-feet long and filled with 15,000 cubic feet of helium; Flying Ace Snoopy is a beagle with a mission on Parade day.

HORTON
TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT
The wonderful Whos of Whoville are back in town taking a ride down Manhattan with their giant protector, Horton the Elephant, from the movie Horton Hears A Who. Keeping his eyes firmly planted on the delicate clover protectively wrapped in his trunk, Horton will take flight once again measuring 59.8-feet long, 31.8-feet wide and 43.4-feet tall on his return Parade voyage. With toenails the size of large beach balls, and ears that could cover a large van, Horton is filled with 14,060 cubic feet of helium on Thanksgiving Day.

KERMIT THE FROG™
THE MUPPETS STUDIO
Kermit the Frog, the world’s most famous amphibian, takes Manhattan again in the 2009 Macy’s Parade. Kermit the Frog™ stands “slightly” larger-than-life, flying over New York City at 78-feet long, 36-feet wide, 60-feet tall and filled with 11,000 cubic feet of helium. They say it’s not easy being green, but Kermit sure makes it look easy as he flies triumphantly down the route this Thanksgiving, to the roaring cheers of his many fans, friends – and maybe even a few of his fellow frogs.

PIKACHU™
THE POKÉMON COMPANY INTERNATIONAL
That rosy glow coming from Pikachu’s cheeks is not from the November chill, but from the electricity stored inside. Pikachu, the most recognizable character of the Pokémon® universe, returns to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade chasing after a Poké Ball. Charged for another electrifying trip, Pikachu, stands at 53.5-feet high, 36.9-feet wide and is 40.8-feet long, and filled with 15,000 cubic feet of helium.

PILLSBURY DOUGHBOY®
PILLSBURY®
The new Pillsbury Doughboy® balloon makes its Macy’s Parade debut in larger-than-life form, far outgrowing his normal 8¾-inch frame. On Thanksgiving Day, the Doughboy will march down the route with his arms outstretched and his bright blue eyes shining ready to ring in the holidays. At more than 63 times his traditional size, the Doughboy balloon will measure 53.7-feet in length, 34.4-feet in width and will be 46.4-feet tall. This Doughboy will rise to the occasion filled with 12,280 cubic feet of helium.

RONALD McDONALD®
McDONALD’S®
Ronald McDonald® first made his Macy’s Parade debut in 1966, holding a bouquet of party balloons that had taken him on a Thanksgiving joy ride. In 2001, a second Ronald McDonald balloon made its Parade debut flying down the streets of Manhattan bringing joy and laughter to millions. This year, Ronald is in a playful mood and has strapped on the world’s largest pair of ice skates for a fun-filled holiday activity. Measuring 76.4-feet long, 28.8-feet wide and 48.6-feet tall, Ronald will be inflated with 13,650 cubic feet of helium on Parade day.

SAILOR MICKEY
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Ahoy matey! Get on board the ultimate family cruise with Sailor Mickey at the helm. Sporting his nautically-inspired red, white and blue sailor gear, Mickey will salute the crowds as he rides down the Parade route. Sailing aboard an anchor that is approximately four times the size of an actual cruise ship anchor, Mickey measures 48.1-feet long, 33.6-feet wide and 60.9-feet tall. Sailor Mickey will be filled with 14,750 cubic feet of helium on his maiden voyage on Thanksgiving Day.

SHREK®
DREAMWORKS ANIMATION
A giant ogre from Far Far Away will be returning to the sky over Manhattan once again this Thanksgiving. The truly larger-than-life Shrek® will take a break from life in his beloved swamp to help welcome in the holiday season. Everything Shrek does is ogre the top and his giant balloon is no exception standing at 44-feet tall, 47-feet long and 39.3-feet wide. Dressed in his signature woodsman outfit complete with oatmeal sweater, plaid pants and brown vest, Shrek will be filled with over 14,130 cubic feet of helium for his third trip through the Big Apple.

SMURF
LAFIG BELGIUM / SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT
The sky will most definitely be blue this Thanksgiving as the giant Smurf balloon returns for another smurferrific holiday trip. The loveable Smurf will wave hello to all his friends as he flies through Manhattan, to the sounds of Happy Thanksmurfday! Measuring 57.6-feet long, 38.7-feet wide and 47-feet tall, the whimsical Smurf is filled with 15,050 cubic feet of helium on Parade day.

SPIDER-MAN®
MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT
Millions of New Yorkers will feel their Spider-senses tingling on Thanksgiving morning when New York’s own neighborhood Super Hero™, Marvel’s Spider-Man®, makes a triumphant return to the skies over Manhattan to ensnare a new generation of fans. After a decade, the legendary crime-fighting web-slinger returns to the Parade line-up in celebration of Marvel’s 70th Anniversary. Spider-Man made his Macy’s Parade debut in 1987, becoming an instant classic. The new, more modern and muscular Spidey is in full crawling mode with one hand set to release his web. On Parade day, the Spider-Man balloon will measure 78-feet long, 37.8-feet wide and 29.1-feet tall and will be filled with 11,800 cubic feet of helium.

SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS™
NICKELODEON
Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS! On Thanksgiving Day SpongeBob SquarePants™ will take a break from the Krusty Krab and leave Bikini Bottom to soak up the sights, sounds and fun of the Big Apple. Celebrating his 10th Anniversary this year, SpongeBob returns to the Parade for his fifth flight. Macy’s Parade’s first-ever square balloon will absorb more than 16,200 cubic feet of helium to fly down the route. Dressed in his signature white shirt, red tie and brown square pants, SpongeBob stands at 62-feet high, 38-feet wide and 28-feet long. Although it may appear square the SpongeBob SquarePants balloon isn’t square at all, he is actually a single chamber sphere, intricately made square-shaped by more than 600 internal tie-lines.

“SUPERCUTE” HELLO KITTY®
SANRIO®
Returning to the line-up and celebrating her 35th Anniversary this year is Sanrio’s Supercute Hello Kitty. Hello Kitty will take flight dressed in her Supercute superhero outfit, complete with cape and tiara to complement her trademark red bow. Standing at 33.6-feet tall, 34.8-feet wide and 45-feet long, Hello Kitty will soar over the Big Apple bringing smiles to her millions of fans.

The following is a complete list of the supporting cast of Balloonicles, novelty/mid-sized and small balloons:

ARRTIE THE PIRATE
Returning to the line-up is everyone’s favorite one-eyed seafarer – Arrtie the Pirate. A recreation of the classic Pirate balloon of 1947, Arrtie stands at 36-feet tall and is filled with 3,600 cubic feet of helium easily plundered from various tanks. With map in hand, Arrtie is on a search for holiday treasure this Thanksgiving.

BASEBALL
Featuring a signature from R.H. Macy himself, the world’s largest baseball is destined to be hit right out of the park this Thanksgiving. Measuring 12-feet in height, this giant baseball is filled with over 900 cubic feet of helium on Parade day.

BASKETBALL
A brand new Basketball balloon is here to cheer on Macy’s All Stars. At 15-feet in diameter, this Basketball giant will be dribbling down the route filled with 1,766 cubic feet of helium.

BEACH BALL CLUSTER
A bright bouquet of balloons adds color and brings smiles to children everywhere. The Macy’s Parade Balloon Cluster returns to the line up with the biggest, brightest beach balls ever seen in New York. With a height of 25-feet and filled with 2,858 cubic feet of helium, the balloon cluster is sure to be a big holiday treat.

BIG MAN SANTA
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT
The star of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the big man himself – Santa Claus. To pay tribute to his star status, Macy’s Parade Studio magicians have created a fantastic new balloon depicting the cheery man himself with a rather jolly belly, this time full of helium. Big Man Santa will make his Parade debut before heading south for the winter to star in Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal Orlando®.

CANDY CANES
Kids will scream in delight wishing they could get their hands on these sweet treats. These 20-foot tall Candy Canes are a holiday favorite on a sky-high sugar rush.

CHLOE THE HOLIDAY CLOWN
A Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade staple, Chloe the Holiday Clown returns for another trip down New York City. At 28.5-feet tall and 18-feet wide, Chloe is filled with 2,242 cubic feet of helium.

ENERGIZER BUNNY®
ENERGIZER®
America’s favorite battery-powered pink bunny returns to the Parade this year to drum up some more holiday spirit. The Energizer Bunny® balloonicle is unstoppable, taking another super cool trip down the Parade route, wearing his favorite sunglasses and 45 EEE sized flip-flops. Marching to the beat of his own drum, he’ll be the king of stocking stuffers this holiday season. With all the power that the Energizer Bunny brings to the party fun, the holiday season will keep going long after he crosses the finish line.

FRIEDA THE DACHSHUND
It’s a dog’s life for Frieda the Dachshund as she returns for another year of playing fetch along the route. At 21-feet tall and 53-feet-long, Frieda may just be the world’s largest dachshund.

GEOMETRIC BALLOONS
Icosahedrons rule! For the mathematically challenged, each of the two brand new Geometric balloons are a 20 sided polygon made up of equilateral triangles. These icosahedrons measure 16-feet in height and will be filled with 1,700 cubic feet of helium.

HAROLD THE FIREMAN
Who better to salute the city’s bravest, the men and women of the New York Fire Department, and lead the Fire Brigade Clowns down the route than that lovable character Harold the Fireman! Originally seen in the Parade of 1948, Harold is a recreation of the original balloon. At a height of 32-feet, New Yorkers can rest assured that he will keep a watchful eye over the city. Harold is supported in the air by 2,800 cubic feet of helium, which makes blowing out fires a breeze.

KIT, CHARLIE & C.J. ELF
The Gnome Balloons from the 1940s and early ‘50s have been recreated and are now Parade standards. Kit, Charlie & C.J. Elf are back for another Thanksgiving Day jaunt. At 34-feet high, 18.5-feet wide, and filled with 2,100 cubic feet of helium, these novelty balloons give a new meaning to the word “elf.”

MACY’S STARS
Macy’s is the star of the Parade as its signature five-pointed star flies high in a variety of colors and configurations. Celebrating the famed red star that guided R.H. Macy to shore during his days as a seaman, the Macy’s star still shines today.

MACY’S ORNAMENT BALLOONS
Macy’s knows how to accessorize the holidays! From Poinsettias, Pumpkins and Snow Crystals to the Stars & Stripes, Macy’s ornament balloons add a splendid touch to the holiday palette.

PLANET EARTH
At 14-feet wide, Macy’s Planet Earth recreation is not nearly as big as the original, but still as breathtaking.

STRAWBERRY/PISTACHIO ICE CREAM CONE
Looking very delicious, the Strawberry/Pistachio Ice cream cone balloon stands 30-feet tall, top to cone tip and is a scrumptious treat for the sweet toothed crowds.

Source and Photo: Macy’s

Enjoy!

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With regards,
The Team at VH International Business Solutions, Inc.

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Sony Pictures Entertainment is eyeing global domination after acquiring rights to make a movie version of the classic boardgame “RISK”, a statement said Wednesday.

Columbia Pictures president Doug Belgrad said the popular game — which sees players attempting to conquer the world by eliminating rivals — would be developed by toymakers Hasbro and Overbrook Entertainment. Read More @ AFP

InformationWeek EUA
 
JohnsonDiversey usa tecnologia da indiana Wipro para suporte e gerenciamento de sistemas 

Outra tendência que ganhou força com a recessão, assim como da última vez, foi a terceirização no exterior. Desde que emergiu, a JohnsonDiversey tem usado tecnologia da Wipro, baseada na Índia, de forma extensiva para suporte e gerenciamento de sistemas, cortando pela metade o orçamento de TI e entregando um serviço melhor, como avalia Brent Hoag, diretor sênior de TI global da JohnsonDiversey.

A área de TI da empresa é composta, agora, por 75 profissionais que, basicamente, trabalham com estratégia de software e infraestrutura, estratégia de TI em unidades do negócio e gerenciamento de contratos de outsourcing. “O profissional de nível mais baixo que tenho na minha equipe é um gerenciador de programa”, pontua Hoag. Ainda assim, software online irá mudar também a forma como os CIOs olham para terceirização.

Quando a empresa fechou negócio com o Gmail e Postini, retirou suporte de e-mail do contrato com a Wipro; é o próprio Google que lida com qualquer tipo de problema. A Wipro ainda oferece suporte de help-desk para outros aplicativos, incluindo o Microsoft Office, que continua sendo a suíte padrão da empresa. 

Na Avago Technologies, as únicas opções que o CIO Bob Rudy tem levado em consideração como um novo sistema de recursos humanos são outsourcing completo ou um aplicativo online. A fabricante de componentes eletrônicos usa uma antiga versão do PeopleSoft que Rudy não quer atualizar. Ele analisa os processos em terceirização para oferecer serviços de RH mais amplos, incluindo a possibilidade de rodar qualquer aplicativo necessário.

Se não for o caso, ele pode aderir às opções online, como a Workday. “Não acredito mais em comprar software”, avalia Rudy, que também transferiu o serviço de e-mail da empresa para o Gmail e usa, Google Apps e Sites. No entanto, ele pretende continuar comprando softwares CAD licenciados, já que essas inovações em desenvolvimento e engenharia são essenciais para os negócios. 

Para Julian Koski, CEO da Transparent Value, uma unidade de gerenciamento da Guggnhein Partners, computação em nuvem não passa de outsourcing barato. “Quanto mais pudermos exportar e ter alguém que faça o trabalho pesado, melhor”, acredita Koski. A empresa usa um aplicativo online do Grupo Navatar, criado na plataforma Force.com, da Salesforce.com, para gerenciar fundos de investimentos mútuos de seus clientes. “Por muito tempo fiz negócios com aplicativos personalizados”, informa. “Esses aplicativos prontos da Navatar fazem uma grande diferença. Eu nunca precisei me sentar e escrever especificações.”

A empresa paga mensalmente pelo serviço e, enquanto empresas de serviços financeiros são vistas como clientes pouco prováveis para aplicativos baseados em nuvens, devido às leis de segurança da industria, Koski não considera o local físico dos dados um problema porque, tanto a Navatar quanto a Salesforce, apresentam políticas e tecnologia de segurança sólidas. 

As decisões de Koski e Hoag mostram como cloud computing poderia substituir alguns serviços de suporte de aplicativos e trabalhos de desenvolvimento que offshore outsourcing  capturou no começo dessa década. A pressão crescente está nas empresas que oferecem serviços de outsourcing para trabalhar ainda mais próximas dos clientes. A Infosys, por exemplo, diz que mais da metade de seus acordos possuem algum elemento de preço baseado em entrega.

Nem tudo é festa

O aumento no uso de smartphones como alternativa aos desktops e laptops deve alimentar o interesse em opções baseadas em web. Hoag destaca que, com o e-mail baseado em web do Google, a JohnsonDiversey não precisa mais comprar e manter o servidor BlackBlerry, da Research in Motion (RIM), para que os usuários de da plataforma baixem e-mails, já que a maioria dos smartphones tem acesso ao Gmail. “Tivemos uma melhora significativa na flexibilidade, permitindo que as pessoas trabalhem de qualquer lugar”, ressalta Hoag. 

Mas nem todos os modelos de TI alternativa parecem ser vencedores. Pense nas alternativas que cobram taxas anuais de manutenção de software. Alguns CIOs com quem conversamos disseram estar insatisfeitos com o modelo tradicional porque pagam taxas anuais, normalmente 22% do custo da licença, para manutenção e upgrades.

Software como serviço, ou SaaS, da sigla em inglês, é uma opção e, enquanto os fornecedores como RightNow, Salesforce, Success-Factor e Workday têm presença e conquistam grandes clientes corporativos com aplicativos assinados, seus lucros continuam sendo equivalentes às pequenas porções dos lucros de empresas como Microsoft, Oracle e SAP.

Outra opção é suporte barato vindo de empresas terceirizadas como a Rimini Street, que diz cobrar metade do que Oracle ou SAP cobram. A Rimini Street conquistou nomes importantes, como a empresa de frotas de caminhão J. B. Hunt, e suas reservas irão dobrar esse ano, para cerca de US$ 150 milhões, mas ainda é muito pequeno perto das gigantes do mercado. Ray Wang, analista do Grupo Altimeter, contou que algumas empresas terceirizadas iniciantes quebram porque os profissionais mais tradicionais as consideram muito controversas para fechar negócio. 

Trade-Offs se tornam mais fáceis. 

Portanto, não se engane. Empresas como Microsoft, Oracle e SAP ainda dominam os aplicativos, agregando valor às suítes integradas de décadas de trabalho corporativo e industrial. Com ERP central, há pouco interesse corporativo na nuvem, onde latência pode causar problemas para aplicativos de transação intensiva. Mas se existe um pensamento comum em relação à adoção de modelos de TI alternativas, é que a economia, em queda, tornou mais fácil engolir os trade-offs, que mantiveram a TI longe desses modelos no passado. 

A Sony Pictures Entertainment está no processo de implementação de RH baseado em assinatura, incluindo os serviços de software da Workday para viagens, despesas e folha de pagamento. “Nós tentamos desenvolver um projeto para implementar RH por mais de um ano e meio”, informou Andy Schlei, vice-presidente de TI da empresa. “E cada vez que chegávamos ao ponto de aprovação, devido à nossa situação atual, éramos obrigados a encontrar um projeto mais barato”.

A equipe de TI estimou que a Workday levaria sete meses para implementar – metade do tempo que levaria para um aplicativo de RH local – por um terço do preço. “Foi a primeira vez que pegamos uma importante plataforma global e a mandamos para a nuvem”, confirmou Schlei. Ainda há muito trabalho a ser feito pelos profissionais de TI da Sony Pictures, como integrar o software online da Workday com o sistema local de gerenciamento de identidade da Sony. E como a empresa está analisando outras opções de cloud, incluindo o Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud para infraestrutura de TI sob demanda, ela quer evitar criar um novo tipo de complexidade.

“Trabalhamos por 10 anos para desfazer um emaranhado de aplicativos e tivemos sucesso ao entregar custos mais baixos”, contou Schlei. “Não queremos criar um novo emaranhado com esse negócio de software como serviço.” A Sony Pictures também resolveu o problema de “estratégia de saída”. Seu contrato exige que a Workday envie, periodicamente, cópias de qualquer código que seja implementado para a empresa, assim como todos os dados. Caso a Sony resolva que quer se separar da Workday, ou caso a fabricante saia do mercado, a Sony terá acesso garantido a todos os dados e códigos.

Mercredi 28 octobre. La salle 4 du Pathé Wepler, place de Clichy, à Paris, est au trois quarts vide pour la séance de 13 h 15 de This Is It, documentaire consacré aux répétitions de concerts de Michael Jackson et diffusé durant deux semaines dans les salles de quatre-vingt-dix-neuf pays selon Sony Pictures Entertainment, distributeur du film. Il y a là une soixantaine de spectateurs, pour la plupart de moins de 20 ans.

Attendent-ils l’excitation de la performance scénique ? Les images qui donneraient les clés de la mort du “roi de la pop”, le 25 juin, après avoir répété au Staples Center de Los Angeles, alors qu’il préparait, pour juillet, une série de cinquante concerts à Londres ? On imagine que ces répétitions, qui annonçaient à la fois le grand retour de la star et son envie de tirer sa révérence, ont donné leur lot d’angoisse, de sueurs et de larmes. Si les images tournées, de mars à juin, par la société de production des concerts AEG ont un jour capté cela, le film, réalisé par Kenny Ortega, metteur en scène du spectacle, évite de l’exposer.

Une scène du film musical américain de Kenny Ortega, “Michael Jackson’s This Is It”.

Le but affiché de This Is It est de démontrer à quel point Jackson était encore un immense artiste, sur le point d’offrir un spectacle grandiose. Dans les coulisses de cette superproduction, on perçoit en effet l’ampleur d’un show où chaque titre détermine chorégraphies et effets spéciaux. Impressionnants en particulier, les making of des vidéos tournées pour illustrer des chansons du spectacle. Pour Smooth Criminal, le chanteur est téléporté dans un polar en noir et blanc aux côtés de Rita Hayworth et Humphrey Bogart. Pour Thriller, une nouvelle scène de zombies, inspirée du célèbre clip de John Landis, a été filmée en images 3D.

Laideur des lumières

Etrangement, ces moyens mis en oeuvre contrastent avec l’esthétique bon marché du documentaire. Pas prévues à l’origine pour être diffusées en salles, la plupart des images surprennent par leur manque de définition, la laideur des lumières et des cadrages. Entrecoupées d’entretiens (avec des danseurs, techniciens, musiciens…) sans intérêt autre qu’hagiographique, ce sont les séances de répétitions de Michael Jackson lui-même qui seront le plus décortiquées. Emacié, amaigri, il apparaît parfois d’une fragilité fantomatique. Mais le film témoigne aussi qu’à 50 ans il avait de beaux restes de danseur et de vocaliste.

L’on nous montre aussi quelques moments de décontraction, d’enthousiasme, de travail exigeant ou de stress (l’envie de s’économiser avant le grand jour) qui humanisent celui qui a souvent été présenté comme une star intouchable ou une bête du cirque people. Même si l’essentiel de la tension et des doutes semble ici avoir été occulté.

LE MONDE

Getting the ISS involved in the marketing for “Planet 51.”

I’ll let the release hot from the inbox explain:

The International Space Station Discovers ‘Planet 51′

Upcoming Animated Comedy Hitches Ride on Space Shuttle

The Milky Way Galaxy, Oct. 19 /PRNewswire/ — To celebrate the Solar System Premiere of Columbia Pictures’ new animated comedy Planet 51, which will be released in theaters on Earth November 20, 2009, the film is currently orbiting the planet on the International Space Station!

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091019/LA94833)

The film was launched into space aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on August 28, 2009, and was transferred to the space station by the astronauts a few days later.  The film is now cruising high above Earth at 17,500 miles per hour and orbiting the planet every 90 minutes, which is the exact running time of the movie, so it will make a full Earth orbit as the movie premieres on the ground.

In a joint statement, producers Guy Collins and Ignacio Perez said that, “Planet 51 is a fun film for all the family and one of its strong messages, particularly for children, is to not be afraid of the unknown. That is what NASA has been showing the world for 50 years and I hope that our film will encourage children to increase their understanding of the Universe and NASA’s work.”

Joshua Ravetch, a Senior Vice President at HandMade Films who arranged for the movie to get to the space station said, “What’s really amazing about this is that the movie will open day and date domestically, internationally and now, even a copy of the film will be available ‘orbitally’ circling the Earth for the astronauts to view at their leisure.”

In a photo accompanying the announcement, a disc of the film can be seen floating weightlessly in space, observing Earth as it floats by a Space Station window.  The photo mimics a shot from the film, in which Lem, an alien from Planet 51, observes his home planet from the window of a spaceship for the first time.

About the film:

Planet 51 is a galactic sized animated alien adventure comedy revolving around American astronaut Captain Charles “Chuck” Baker, who lands on Planet 51 thinking he’s the first person to step foot on it. To his surprise, he finds that this planet is inhabited by little green people who are happily living in a white picket fence world reminiscent of a cheerfully innocent 1950s America, and whose only fear is that it will be overrun by alien invaders…like Chuck! With the help of his robot companion “Rover” and his new friend Lem, Chuck must navigate his way through the dazzling, but bewildering, landscape of Planet 51 in order to escape becoming a permanent part of the Planet 51 Alien Invaders Space Museum.  The film is directed by Jorge Blanco, written by Joe Stillman, and produced by Guy Collins and Ignacio Perez Dolset.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in more than 130 countries.  Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at www.sonypictures.com.

About HANDMADE FILMS INTERNATIONAL

HandMade is a UK public company quoted on the English Stock Exchange with offices in London and Los Angeles.  HandMade’s group activities include film production, sales and financing, and the license and exploitation of existing HandMade assets which includes ownership of a library of over 100 films.  HandMade Films International is the sales & marketing arm of the Group and is a wholly owned subsidiary.

Current films on the HandMade slate include animated CG feature Planet 51, which features the voices of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Jessica Biel and Seann William Scott.  The film is released across the US on Thanksgiving weekend in November on 3,500 screens and will roll out from day & date across the rest of the world.  Cracks starring Eva Green, Juno Temple and Imogen Poots.  Executive Producer Ridley Scott’s daughter Jordan directs the film.  Other titles include 50 Dead Men Walking starring Sir Ben Kingsley and Jim Sturgess, and 2010’s remake productions of The Long Good Friday and Mona Lisa.

HandMade also owns and exploits the rights to Eloise, one of the best known and much-loved fictional characters in the United States.  A live action feature film to be directed by Charles Shyer  and featuring the mischievous character, Eloise In Paris, will shoot in Early 2010 starring Uma Thurman.

About ILION ANIMATION STUDIOS

Ilion Animation Studios was founded in 2002 to create state-of-the-art computer animated movies for worldwide theatrical release using its own purpose-built cutting-edge technology. Ilion Animation Studios and companies Zed and Pyro Studios, were founded and are run by Ignacio Perez Dolset (CEO of Ilion and Pyro) and Javier Perez Dolset (CEO of Zed).  Zed develops and markets entertainment and community products and services for mobile and the Internet. The company is the leading mobile value-added services (MVAS) player in the world in terms of revenue and geographical footprint, operating in 53 countries across 5 continents.  Pyro Studios, creator of the international best-seller video game saga Commandos is dedicated to latest generation video game development for the international market.

Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091019/LA94833
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network:  PRN20
PRN Photo Desk photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Columbia Pictures

Web Site:  http://www.sonypictures.com/

Trailer in HD: Centropolis Entertainment, Farewell Productions/Sony Pictures Entertainment

“Il primo trailer Tribute to 2012 Altoatesino” – “Der Erste Tribute-Trailer zu 2012 aus Süd-Tirol”

Il video è stato realizato, hanno fotografato il monumento, elaborato la foto con Photoshop. Poi con il programma di 3DS Max sono state realizzate le texture 3D il tutto importato in After Effects dove sono stati applicati gli effetti è il tutto è stato animato, la realizzazione è opera di Davide Moriello esperto in FX

www.video-factory.it

Copyright © VideoFactory D&D 2009 – All right reserved – VideoFactory D&D – Via Brennero 35A, Pineta di Laives 39055 – P.IVA 00598140218

Der erste deutsche Trailer zu “2012″!

Regie: Roland Emmerich

Studio/Verleih: Centropolis Entertainment, Farewell Productions/Sony Pictures Entertainment

Genre: Action, Science-Fiction

Originaltitel: 2012

Kino-Start (D): 19.11.2009

Kino-Start (USA): 13.11.2009

Darsteller: John Cusack, Thandie Newton, Woody Harrelson, Morgan Lilly, Amanda Peet, Danny Glover, Oliver Platt, Chiwetel Ejifor, Jimi Mistry, George Segal

Story: Nach dem ein Wissenschaftler eine unangenehme Entedeckung macht, wird es in dem Film etappenweise immer schlimmer auf der Erde. Eine Menge an Katastrophen stehen bevor, die sich um den Mayakalender drehen und im berüchtigten Jahr 2012 ihren Höhepunkt finden. Leute aus allen möglichen Bevölkerungsschichten erleben alle ein eigenes kleines Abenteuer in Mitten von Chaos und Zerstörung.

Alle Rechte liegen beim oben genannten Verleih/Studio!!

Προ των πυλών η ταινία inFAMOUS; – Gameover.gr

Εξελίξεις φαίνεται πως υπήρξαν γύρω από τη πιθανότητα ύπαρξης μίας ταινίας βασισμένης στο πιο πρόσφατο δημιούργημα της Sucker Punch, inFAMOUS, μιας και μία σειρά παραγόντων οδηγεί στο συμπέρασμα ότι η Sony Pictures κάτι ετοιμάζει. Το IMDb (Internet Movie Database) έχει ήδη προσθέσει την ταινία στις επερχόμενες κυκλοφορίες για το 2010,[next]

La película sobre los últimos ensayos de Michael Jackson, “This Is It”, que estaba previsto para el 30 de octubre se estrenará el miércoles 28 de octubre, y estará solo dos semanas en cartelera. Las entradas en la mayoría de las ciudades de Estados Unidos se comenzarán a vender el domingo 27 de septiembre, informó en un comunicado Sony Pictures Entertainment.

El director del musical de Disney “High School Musical 3: Senior Year”, Kenny Ortega, amigo y colaborador de Jackson durante más de 20 años, estará a cargo de la producción de esta película. Según la prensa de Hollywood, el estudio Sony pudo haber pagado 60 millones de dólares por los derechos de las grabaciones de los ensayos del Rey del Pop.

La familia Jackson anunció que Michael tendrá su funeral definitivo el 29 de agosto, en un mausoleo del cementerio Forest Lawn de Glendale, cercano a Los Angeles.

A su vez la cadena televisiva A&E planea exhibir una serie sobre la vida de los hermanos Jackson y la forma en que estos enfrentaron la muerte de Michael.

Aunque un portavoz del canal se negó a dar antecedentes, fuentes del canal señalaron que el acuerdo para la serie aún no está finalizado. Pues el pacto original con la cadena fue para un piloto y el equipamiento para la serie. Y aún no se ha decidido si las grabaciones hechas serán convertidas en episodios de media o una hora.

Copyright Sony Pictures Entertainment

Pardon the choice of words, but there is a tendency for science fiction films to alienate their audiences (ZING!)

I can understand this for the most part, seeing as how some science fiction can be difficult for the average movie goer to follow, understand, or relate to. However, District 9 manages to avoid all of these common problems and create a science fiction film unlike any other I have ever seen.

How does it do that? Well, it combines the aliens, explosions, spaceships and wild super crazy plot with one of the most accessible and relatable film genres of all time- the documentary.

It’s genius when you think about it. Documentaries are meant to make the viewer feel immersed in the lives of the characters, feel as if this could happen to them: in short, humanity is the key feature in any good documentary. But how does one create humanity when the subjects aren’t even human? Somehow, Neill Blomkamp does it, and with style.

Copyright Sony Pictures Entertainment

The story follows a government worker, Wikus Van Der Merwe (newcomer Sharlto Copley) is a government officer working in Alien Affairs. After aliens or “prawns” landed in Johannesburg, South Africa, they were placed in District 9 temporarily. However, after years they still live there, and in slum like conditions. Extreme government regulations and intense gang presence makes the aliens virtually trapped in a cycle of poverty and intolerance. When the government decides to move them to District 10, far away from Johannesburg in a veritable tent city, authorities clash with aliens. One of these authorities? Wikus. After a mishap with alien technology, Wikus finds himself an outlaw, forced to hide amongst the aliens he once discriminated.

I becomes very obvious within the first 15 minutes of the film that it is, in part, meant to be an allegory for apartheid in South Africa. In a way, I felt more sorry for the aliens than Wikus. He manages to redeem himself as a character in the end, and thank God for that. The number one thing that can kill a film is having a dip-shit for a lead (Vin Diesel… I am naming names).

But this film isn’t meant to be about acting. It’s about special effects. But, unlike hyperbolic action nut Michael Bay, Blomkamp makes a film which uses realism and special effects together. This is another reason why the film is revolutionary. Instead of attempting to dazzle us with special effects, in attempts to make us believe that these things really are happening; these things exist in the real world. They are not flashy, they’re dingy and worn. Weta Digital and Weta Workshop, spawned from Richard Taylor’s partnership with legendary Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson, are partly to thank. With alien Christopher and his small son as huge players in the plot, these special effects had to hold up to extreme scrutiny from the tight camera angles and documentary style. I fell for it, hook line and sinker, and I loved every minute of it.

There is little doubt in my mind that rumours, however much producer Peter Jackson wants to deny them, are true. District 10 will no doubt be in theatres in coming years. With such a quality storyline, incredible filmmaking and special effects, coupled with the open ending that even I wasn’t expecting, there’s no doubt it will be just as big a hit as District 9 is turning out to be.

- Kate B

from AceShowBiz.com

The fourth “Spider-Man” film is yet to kick off its production, but Sony Pictures Entertainment has moved on with “Spider-Man 5″ and “Spider-Man 6″ by hiring screenwriter James Vanderbilt. According to Variety, the studio “has quietly engaged” the writer for the original “Spider-Man 4″ screenplay to start work on the next two films for the web-slinging superhero.

Screenwriter James Vanderbilt

Words are, Vanderbilt is being brought back because the executives at Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios like his ideas. The scribe for “Zodiac” is expected to pen an interconnected storyline that will extend from the fifth movie into the sixth with a possibility of back-to-back shooting, like what had been planned for the fourth and fifth films before the idea was scrapped.

The writer of the upcoming “The Losers” was originally hired by Sony to write the screenplay for the fourth film. However, when the first three “Spider-Man” director Sam Raimi came into the fourth project and allegedly didn’t embrace all of Vanderbilt’s ideas, “Rabbit Hole” playwright David Lindsay-Abaire was brought in to re-write Vanderbilt’s script.

It is still unclear whether Raimi and lead actor Tobey Maguire will be involved in the fifth and sixth films once again. There is speculation that if the key people of the “Spider-Man” franchise do not return, Vanderbilt’s script would be the blueprint for a franchise reboot.

As for “Spider-Man 4″, it is being prepped to begin production early 2010. While this fourth installment of the series has secured Raimi and Maguire, the questions circulating the potential villains are yet to meet a satisfying answer. Lindsay-Abaire’s script is being re-written by Gary Ross. Produced by Avi Arad, Grant Curtis and Laura Ziskin, the superhero movie will be opened in U.S. theaters on May 6, 2011.

On the August 18th segment of the PI Window on Business Show I will be interviewing critically acclaimed author, speaker and entertainment industry veteran Libby Gill regarding her soon to be released book “You Unstuck: Mastering the New Rules of Risk-Taking at Work and in Life.”

Recognized as the branding brains behind the launch of the Dr. Phil Show, my interview with Libby will certainly have a universal appeal.  However, the show may strike a particular nerve with those of us who are within the purchasing profession.

Referring to what has become my usual practice of asking how many audience members from my seminars and conferences had actually planned to be purchasing professionals – not surprisingly less than 3 percent – I ask Libby what impact this has on both work and personal life.  The insights from this as well as the other questions should prove to be very interesting.

About Libby Gill:

An entertainment industry veteran, Libby Gill spent fifteen years heading public relations and corporate communications at Universal Studios, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Turner Broadcasting.

Libby is now an internationally respected executive coach, speaker and bestselling author.  She has shared her success strategies on the Today Show, The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, CNN, NPR, Oprah & Friends Radio Network, Fox News, CBS Early Show, and in Time Magazine, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, O Magazine, Good Housekeeping, Self and many more.

Here is the link to Buy the Book:

Join me on August 18th at 12:30 PM EDT through the On_Demand Player below, as I welcome Libby Gill to the PI Window on Business Show.

В понедельник, 10 августа 2009 года руководство Sony Pictures Entertainment и Sony Music Entertainment объявили о выходе в прокат документального фильма о Майкле Джексоне “Вот и всё”, сообщает proficinema. Лента выйдет в широкий российский прокат выйдет 29 октября 2009 года. 
Картина создана при всесторонней поддержке семьи Майкла и основана на многочасовых видеозаписях репетиций, рабочих и закулисных моментов во время подготовки к несостоявшейся серии концертов в Лондоне. “Вот и всё” представит уникальную ретроспективу карьеры поп-короля, подкрепленную интервью с друзьями, коллегами и близкими Джексона.

“Те, кто видел отрывки из этого фильма, поражены высочайшем уровнем выступления Майкла Джексона”, – говорит Майкл Линтон, председатель совета директоров Sony Pictures Entertainment, – Эта историческая запись последних дней, когда он поет и танцует на сцене, показывает легендарного артиста в совершенно невероятном свете. Мы понимаем всю важность создания фильма, который должен отдать дань уважения Майклу. Я знаю, что картина станет еще одним доказательством того, что Майкл Джексон – один из величайших артистов, когда-либо выступавших на сцене.”

Beginning October 30th, the world will have a front-row seat for Michael Jackson’s final concert, as Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment release Michael Jackson’s This Is It.

This Is It is being produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and will be drawn from hundreds of hours of rehearsal and behind-the-scenes footage, captured in high definition with state of the art digital sound as the late singer was preparing for his concert series in London. The film, which will also offer select sequences in 3-D, will provide a unique career retrospective and feature interviews with some of Jackson’s closest friends and creative collaborators.

The announcement was made by Michael Lynton, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sony Pictures Entertainment, Amy Pascal, Co-Chairman of the studio, Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, Chief Executive Officer of Sony Music Entertainment, and Rob Stringer, Chairman of Columbia/Epic Label Group, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment. The companies serve as the principal entertainment divisions of Sony Corporation.

Joining Sony in the announcement was The Estate of Michael Jackson, administered by his longtime attorney John Branca and veteran music executive John McClain, a Jackson family friend for more than 40 years. Proceeds the Estate earns from the film’s release will benefit the Michael Jackson Family Trust, the entity that Mr. Jackson specified in his will is to receive all of his assets.

The rights to the exclusive footage were acquired from AEG Live and The Estate of Michael Jackson. Sony Pictures and Sony Music will co-produce with AEG Live and the Estate, and Sony Pictures will distribute the film worldwide. Randy Phillips and Paul Gongaware of AEG Live will serve as producers of the film.

The majority of the film’s footage was shot in June, 2009 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California, and The Forum in Inglewood, California, as Jackson prepared for “This Is It,” the series of fifty concerts Jackson planned to present at the O2 Arena in London.

This Is It will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer, his career, and the stage spectacular that would have been. The film will provide moviegoers with an unforgettable front row experience compiled from extensive footage that shows Jackson’s meticulous preparation for his 2009 London shows.

Said Branca, “Our goal is to work with partners who treat Michael’s legacy with dignity and respect, while allowing us to substantially build the value of his estate for the benefit of Mrs. Katherine Jackson, Michael’s three children and the charitable causes that meant so much to him during his life. We are confident we found the right partners for this project in Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment. Sony and Michael enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial history together, and it’s only fitting that the relationship continues.”

Said McClain, “This film is not only a tribute to an artist who created excitement every moment he was on stage, but also is a fitting gift to the millions of fans worldwide who loved him and who he devoted his professional life to entertaining. John and I are thrilled to be working with Sony to build on Michael’s musical legacy in a way that will generate significant proceeds for his family and for children in need.”

“People who have seen this footage are astounded by the amazing quality of Michael Jackson’s performance,” said Lynton. “This historic recording of the last time he sang and danced on stage shows the legendary artist in an incredibly powerful way, with crystal clear images and sound. We understand the importance of producing a film that pays tribute to Michael as an artist, and are honored to work with the Estate of Michael Jackson to give audiences the gift of his final performances. I know this film will serve as further proof that Michael Jackson is one of the greatest entertainers who ever graced a stage.”

“Michael lives on through his songs, his creative genius, his body of work and his passion for his art,” said Rob Stringer. “He was a perfectionist on stage and through this unique film, audiences will be able to see, many for the first time, how much Michael poured into making his performances as special as they were perfect.”

Said Kenny Ortega, director of and Jackson’s creative partner on the This Is It concert, “The world will see what our team was so fortunate to experience, which was the full commitment, passion and creativity that Michael put into this project. He was the architect of This Is It, and we were his builders. The footage that was captured from the early stages of the production to our technical rehearsals at the STAPLES Center in L.A. will show Michael as he truly was, creatively involved with every aspect of the production, from the staging and choreography, to the music, lighting, production design and conception of the original short films and video backdrops. It will also show Michael as one of the greatest entertainers in the world and one of the industry’s most creative minds. This Is It was Michael’s last theatrical work and although it was still a work in progress, I think the footage will show that the process was something that Michael deeply enjoyed and that it was clear that he was on his way to another theatrical triumph.”

In the coming weeks, additional information about the film will be available at www.michaeljackson.com.

Peter Schlessel, President of Worldwide Affairs, negotiated for the footage on behalf of Sony Pictures. Branca represented The Estate of Michael Jackson.

Michael Jackson, one of the most widely beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artists of all-time, leaves an indelible imprint on popular music and culture.

Five of Jackson’s solo albums – “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” “Bad,” “Dangerous” and “HIStory,” all with Epic Records, a Sony Music label – are among the top-sellers of all time and “Thriller” holds the distinction as the largest selling album worldwide in the history of the recording industry with more than 70 million units sold. Additionally, singles released from the Thriller album sold more than 100 million copies worldwide, another all time record.

During his extraordinary career, he sold an estimated 750 million records worldwide, released 13 No.1 singles and became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized Jackson as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time and “Thriller” as the Biggest Selling Album of All Time. Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards and received the American Music Award’s Artist of the Century Award.

Michael Jackson started in the music business at the age of 11 with his brothers as a member of the Jackson 5. In the early 1980s, he defined the art form of music video with such ground-breaking videos as “Billie Jean,” “Beat It” and the epic “Thriller.” Jackson’s sound, style and dance moves inspired subsequent generations of pop, soul, R&B and hip-hop artists.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in more than 130 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com

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Apparently, scoring big at the box office translates into big cuts and shutdowns. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen scored a record-breaking opening night, not to mention a $400 million profit in five days, but that didn’t stop Paramount Pictures from wiping out jobs. They completely cut their award-winning extension, Paramount Vantage, and are exploring a plan that would combine its home distribution with either 20th Century Fox or Sony Pictures Entertainment.

This means that there will be a bigger push towards developing mega-franchises, like Transformers, and a pull from individual unique movies, like Burn After Reading.

Post One: Benny Chan, “TRAFFIC!”
May 31-September 20, 2009
Opening Reception:  Saturday, May 30, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Cash Bar and Music
$5 admission, Free for PMCA Members
The Pasadena Museum of California Art (PMCA) is proud to present acclaimed photographer Benny Chan’s exhibition, TRAFFIC!  Over the past few years, Chan has worked diligently to photograph aerial views of Los Angeles freeways during the height of rush hour.  Using a camera designed and manufactured exclusively for this project, Chan has taken pictures from high in the sky in a helicopter and plane and has rendered monumental sized prints.  With his almost omniscient perspective, Chan explores and sheds light on the conundrum of traffic as a symptom of a society being able to keep pace with its own expansion, while at the same time  rendering a serene beauty from the chaotic scene.

This exhibition is curated by Shirlae Cheng-Lifshin.  It is organized by the PMCA with special thanks to Merry Norris.
Support for this exhibition has been provided by Johnson Fain, Shimoda Design Group, Clive Wilkinson Architects, Susan Chang, Neil and Christine Denari, John Friedman and Alice Kimm, and the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation.
Pasasdena Museum
490 East Union Street, Pasadena, CA. 91101
626-568-3665, fax 626-568-3674
E-mail, info@pmcaonline.org
Web site, http://www.pmcaonline.org/calendar.html
Public hours, Wednesday – Sunday, 12-5pm

Post Two: Unbelievable but true!

Portfolio Night 7 just posted: It’s with a sigh of disappointment that the ihaveanidea/Portfolio Night team
announces that Portfolio Night 7 will not take place in London, UK, this year. Unfortunately, due to the economic climate the ad industry finds itself in, we were unable to secure a host agency in 2009.

My opinion: That is… lame. In all of London we can’t find a host for a portfolio review? The talk about “economic climate” honestly, I can’t hear it anymore. I fight this all day long. If you think poor you will be poor. We are talking about London, right!

Post Three:  Copyright Office Backlogged

The envelopes fill white plastic tubs, stacked on hundreds of shelves in the basement of the Library of Congress. They’re spreading to a ground-floor space that once housed the gift shop and are clogging offices on the fourth floor. And each day, the mail trucks bring about a thousand more.

A serious logjam in the U.S. Copyright Office has created a growing mountain of paper applications, more than the staff can process. Like the marching buckets of water in “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” the envelopes just keep coming, threatening to flood the operation.

The problem has tripled the processing time for a copyright from six to 18 months, and delays are expected to get worse in coming months. The library’s inspector general has warned that the backlog threatens the integrity of the U.S. copyright system.

The irony is that the slowdown stems from a new $52 million electronic process that is supposed to speed the way writers and others register their literary, musical or visual work.

The delays do not appear to be hampering the business of the major publishing houses or those willing to spend $685 for a “special handling fee” that expedites registration. But the slowdown is frustrating hundreds of thousands of little-known people with big dreams. They paid $45 for the right to claim legal ownership of poems, fabric designs, plays, jingles, even computer manuals.

Read the entire article (click here)

Post Four: And The Winner IS….

American Photography announced the winners of their contest and put up a fabulous slide show on their website. Click here and check out what is considered the current look of photography.

And who had it first: A Photo Editor, as always.

Post Five: Antonin Kratchovil Exhibit at the United Nations

VII Photo

What: Antonin Kratchovil is inviting you to the opening reception of his exhibit “The Time In Which I Live.” Cocktail reception following.

When: June 1, 2009 at 6PM (show June 1-12)

Where: United Nations Secretariat Lobby, Entrance on 46th St. and 1st Ave.

What else: Due to obvious reasons you must RSVP to rsvp.czechmission@gmail.com or call 646 786 7631. You have to bring a Photo ID

Post Six: Transforming Photography Opening Reception

What: Opening Reception

When: Saturday May 30, 2009, from 4-8PM

Where: Edward Cella Art + Architecture, 6018 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, Ca 90036The gallery’s inaugural exhibition, Transforming Photography, presents an inclusive selection of works that redefine the material nature of photography.  At a time when the boundaries between artistic medias and traditionally held expectations of the nature of photography are in flux; Transforming Photography suggests alternatives to the commonplace manipulations offered through digital processes.  The exhibition will feature visceral and process based photographic works by Isidro Blasco, Ben Dean, Mary Heebner, Gerald Incandela, George Legardy, Joni Sternbach, Joan Tanner, Ethan Turpin and Thomas Zika.

The exhibition features the Los Angeles debut of Spanish Born, New York-based Isidro Blasco who combines architecture, photography and sculptural installations to explore vision and perception. In a similar manner, Joan Tanner mounts collaged celluloid transparencies on hand made light boxes fabricated from found objects re-approariated by the artist combining both photographic and sculptural processes.

Using the physical gestures of drawing, Gerald Incandela uses the chemistry of photography to refine photographic images beyond the camera. His works are held by the Getty Museum, and this exhibition will represent his debut in Los Angeles as well. In contrast, George Legrady and Ben Dean utilize distinct digital computational strategies to create viable photograph like images which are synthetic, constructed works. Their work maps new, advanced approaches to digital photography within the context of the exhibition.

Post Seven: Annual Artwalk in trendy Culver City

What: Artwalk presented by the City of Culver City. Happens to be where I live, so I am taking my bike around gallery row all day Saturday. Culver City is the hotspot of Los Angeles and brimming with new development and the city proudly showcases its support for artists. The Photosecrets challenge is going: find me, get your picture taken and be on the blog.

When: Saturday May 30, 2009 THE CITY OF CULVER CITY PRESENTS ARTWALK CULVER CITY
A FREE SELF-GUIDED TOUR OF GALLERIES AND EXHIBITION SPACES IN CULVER CITY ON SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2009

Sony Pictures Entertainment, 89.9 KCRW and LA Weekly sponsor fourth annual event with participation from The MOCA Contemporaries

Culver City, CA – The City of Culver City will present the fourth annual ARTWALK Culver City on Saturday, May 30, 2009. This free, self-guided tour of local art galleries and exhibition spaces is sponsored by Sony Pictures Entertainment, 89.9 KCRW – the official Public Radio Sponsor – and LA Weekly with continued participation from The MOCA Contemporaries of The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA).

ARTWALK Culver City opens the doors of the area’s art galleries to introduce a wider audience to the unique vitality of the artist spaces of Culver City. This event especially celebrates the Culver City Art District, a cluster of galleries exhibiting new and distinguished artists, which is located where Washington and La Cienega Boulevards intersect. The event will also feature live jazz, performed by the Los Angeles Jazz Collective, in the Culver City Art District. Dozens of restaurants and cafes will be open in Downtown Culver City and the Culver City Art District during the event and the Green Truck, serving healthy, gourmet organic food in a fast and efficient way, will be parked on the east end of the Culver City Art District.

Over forty galleries will be open from 12noon to 6pm and selected galleries will remain open until 8pm that evening. Culver CityBus will offer an ARTWALK Bus Pass and a special shuttle bus on the day of the event. Please contact the Culver City Cultural Affairs Hotline at 310.253.5716 or log onto http://www.culvercity.org for more information on ARTWALK Culver City or other cultural programs in the City of Culver City. The MOCA Contemporaries, one of Los Angeles’s premier cultural support organizations, is MOCA’s council for young professionals who raise funds and develop future leadership for the museum. For more information on The MOCA Contemporaries, log onto http://www.moca.org/contemporaries.

Post Eight: Just Kidding

Just kidding, enjoy your long weekend, this weekend is a little quiet with events but as you see above we are going to be out and about next weekend.

Image via CrunchBase

I’m a guy who doesn’t see anything good having come from the Internet. Period. Why? Because people feel entitled to have what they want when they want it, and if they can’t get it for free, they’ll steal it.”

“Soy una persona que no ve nada bueno que haya venido de Internet. Punto. ¿Por qué? Porque la gente se siente con derecho a tener lo que quieren cuando quieren, y si no pueden obtenerlo gratis, lo roban.”

Dicho por Michael Lynton, CEO de Sony Pictures Entertainment. Que no os sorprenda. Así es exactamente como piensan todos estos patéticos personajes. Los mercaderes de la cultura, acostumbrados a que para obtener cualquier cosa, hubiese que pasar por su caja y pagar su portazgo, porque no había ninguna forma más eficiente de distribuir las cosas. Todos los que vivieron y crearon imperios industriales en épocas anteriores a Internet y ahora se ven desintermediados por su existencia, desearían, en realidad, que Internet, esa “terrible lacra”, no hubiese existido nunca. Internet, sin duda uno de los mayores avances de la innovación humana capaz de revolucionarlo todo, visto como “maldición”, como auténtica “plaga bíblica”. Algo que desearían poder “eliminar”, “retirar de la circulación”, o “controlar”. El progreso de todos, supeditado al negocio de unos pocos. “Vamos a cambiar Internet, porque tal y como está, no nos conviene”. Impresionante.

La percepción asusta por lo distorsionado, por lo tristemente enfermizo y megalomaníaco de su naturaleza. Palabra por palabra, la frase no tiene desperdicio. Uno, si no ves nada bueno que venga de Internet, háztelo mirar: es un auténtico paraíso donde todo está al alcance de un clic. Aunque claro, es posible que pienses que, en realidad, es que no hay NADA bueno en el mundo salvo lo que tú vendes. Toda la cultura, el conocimiento, las interacciones entre las personas, las conversaciones… todo para ti es basura si no es comercializado a través de tu canal. Dos, ¿obtener lo que se quiere, cuando se quiere? Por supuesto, ese es el ideal que todos deberíamos desear: eliminar intermediarios inútiles y obtener lo que queremos cuando lo queremos, algo que es bueno para todos salvo para quien quiere arrogarse el derecho de ser el que nos lo sirva en exclusiva, poniendo además el precio. Tres, ¿robar? No, nadie roba nada. Nada desaparece de su sitio, ni se discute su atribución o autoría. Simplemente, está ahí, en el aire, y accedemos a ello, como es natural, sin plantearnos ninguna de esas ridículas barreras artificiales, puertas en el medio de la nada, que pretendes imponernos mediante leyes que, a día de hoy, han perdido completamente su sentido y necesitan ser completamente redefinidas.

¿No ves nada bueno que venga de Internet? Entonces, ni lo ves, ni lo verás, ni es posible explicártelo. Sería como explicar álgebra a un niño de tres años. Déjalo. Lo mejor que puedes hacer es retirarte y dejar paso a otra generación que sea capaz de entender el entorno que le ha tocado vivir.

I’m a guy who doesn’t see anything good having come from the Internet Period.
- Sony Pictures Entertainment chief executive officer Michael Lynton

[via: fefe]