Some of you may remember a post I wrote regarding Geekdom a few weeks ago. It’s a post I’ve thought about for a while, and considered revising. Good thing noted author and minor television celebrity, @Hodgman was asked to speak at the Radio and Television Correspondents’ dinner last Friday. The video above provides all you ever need to hear on the subject*.
And so, it is once again clear, that if John Hodgman has said anything on a subject, I probably shouldn’t.
Via A Special Thing
* Though the comments and post-speach blog are both areas of his expertise, and worth a read.
I had the opportunity to attend USC’s Women in Cinematic Arts Industry Forum this weekend (I know what you’re thinking wise guy – men were invited too). Besides the opportunity to soak up knowledge from the likes of Kim Evey, Mary Feuer and VP of ABC’s Digital Media, Alexis Rapo * I wanted to visit my Alma Mater and check out the new digs. Over the course of the day (and an evening of networking) one thing was abundantly clear: USC students are excited about breaking into new media.
Half the questions asked at the panels amounted to, “Will you give me money to make a web series?” or the popular follow-up “Who should I ask to give me money to make a web series?”. The panelists weren’t always optimistic about the prospect, but the crowd didn’t seem to be listening. Alexis Rapo had to reiterate no less than four times that ABC is only interested in derivative content**. Both panels made it clear; now is not the time to get rich in new media. I still don’t think the idea stuck. And I’m glad.
If New Media is the new independent film, then these kids need to be ready. Though there has always*** been a steep degree of self teaching in new media, shouldn’t students, especially those who are interested in the field, be prepared for the realities of the business and the nature of the form in school? Isn’t that what schools are for? And since USC’s film school is now the school of “Cinematic Arts” and not “Cinema-Television” one would think made for web content would be a part of the program. read more…
For those who love Zach Braff, but think he should speak in that nasally, “funny” voice all the time, and be a puppy, this commercial campaign is for you.
