A song is meant to invoke a mood, an emotion, an era or a symbol. The right choice can leave an indelible image, the wrong choice can live on in infamy. Some soundtracks seem timeless, others aren't so lucky. One this is certain, the way music is used in film goes a long way in determining whether it's remembered for the right reasons or not.
There is always a matter of taste involved. If you like rap music, you're more apt to check out 8 Mile, fans of classic rock will probably enjoy Easy Rider. Yet no matter what your tastes may run, certain film soundtracks simply stand out.
It's a common practice in Hollywood to go with something that's either popular or well-known. However, proving that there are always great exceptions to the rules the mind of Quentin Tarantino seems to be on the cutting edge of creating a wholly original soundtrack that fits the scene. Think of "Stuck in the Middle With You" in Reservoir Dogs or "Miserlou" in Pulp Fiction. Whether you think his films are good or not, you have to admit the man has great taste in music.
Other than big hair and acid wash jeans, the 80s also have some memorable soundtracks and who cares if they really show their age. I'm thinking Top Gun, Dirty Dancing, Footloose, Purple Rain and you can probably name ten more that scream "totally 80s" but love them or hate them - at least you remember them.
You can go further back to get great soundtracks as well. The Graduate found great success with Simon and Garfunkel. The Beatles opus A Hard Days Night came at the height of their popularity (let's just forget the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band movie came along later). And disco may be dead, but in Saturday Night Fever it remains fresh.
To evoke a time and place, music is a must. American Graffiti was made in '73, but harkened back to '62 and the soundtrack followed. Almost Famous is semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story set in 1973, and the 50-plus songs it uses helps set the scene. It takes time, but if you can craft a soundtrack around the film, it transports the viewer to that time and place.
Even one song can change the way you view a film. Think of "Fight the Power" in Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing or "Don't You Forget About Me" in The Breakfast Club. Even an unknown group like Creation make an impact when Wes Anderson put "Making Time" in Rushmore. If you find the right song for the right moment, it creates an instant memory.
You can end up on the other end of the spectrum as well. Scarface may have found a second life thanks to rappers, but it sure wasn't the soundtrack that inspired them. Whether or not Xanadu is a musical or not, the soundtrack is a bust. There are plenty more examples of ineptitude out there, but music is subjective, so I'll leave well enough alone.
A film can be an escape or a destination and with the right soundtrack it can also me a memorable experience, hopefully one that keeps you coming back again and again.
Chris is the Community Manager for the Hollywood Vacation site MyHollywoodVacation.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Kavan
Donnerstag, 6. Mai 2010
Network TV Shows Vs Cable Series - Strategies to Keep the Networks Competitive
At the end of the day when the kids are in bed, I sit down to watch a little TV while I work on the computer. I have cable TV so my channel selection is diverse. In addition to the network channels of ABC, NBC and CBS, there is the vast selection of channels like USA and TNT that have started producing their own cable series. So which channel gets most of my viewing time? It varies, but cable channels are gaining my viewership more and more each day.
The cable channels made a wise move a few years back. While the network channels settled for inundating us with news and reality-based shows, the cable channels dedicated their resources to producing quality series. In addition to the TV series provided by the premium cable channels like HBO and Showtime, one can find a wide selection of quality shows on Lifetime, USA and TNT. A few of the choices on these channels include The Closer, In Plain Sight, Army Wives and Leverage.
In addition to providing viewers with a good selection of series, the cable channels made some other smart decisions.
1. They take advantage of debuting shows during the summer months when the network shows are on hiatus. So when viewers are stuck watching re-runs on ABC, CBS and NBC, the cable channels are showing first-run programming.
2. Cable stations are running first-run programming on a regular basis. Instead of following the typical season (Sept-May) that the network TV follows, the cable channels have branched out and are providing cable series year round. Their series run for about 3 months and then go on hiatus for a few months. During the hiatus of one show, they will either premiere a new series; or, start-up the next season for an existing series. The beauty of this schedule is that you are always getting first-run programming.
3. The cable channels have the benefit of being able to replay their shows multiple times. Some channels use a strategy of showing the previous week's episode immediately preceding the current week's episode; while other channels choose to run programs on multiple days and at varying times. This is particularly helpful to viewers who may not be home during prime-time, but are available to watch TV late night or during the day.
So can network TV compete with the cable stations and gain back their viewers? They appear to be on the right track, but they still have some work to do. During the current season they have focused more attention on original programming. However, they still fall victim to running a season that is too short. If the networks are not going to have 22+ episodes per season like they did years ago, then they need to follow some of the strategies outlined above so that viewers have more original programming throughout the year. We shouldn't reach June 1st and suddenly be without shows to watch. This is just opening-up the door for viewers to turn the channel during the summer months and getting hooked on one of the quality series being offered on a cable channel. One thing is for sure, whether its network TV or a cable series, having more quality programming available is a good thing for everyone. So in the end, the viewers will be the ultimate victor in this battle.
At MDMum we provide tips and information on pregnancy, parenting and work-related issues facing mothers today.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=K_Walsh
The cable channels made a wise move a few years back. While the network channels settled for inundating us with news and reality-based shows, the cable channels dedicated their resources to producing quality series. In addition to the TV series provided by the premium cable channels like HBO and Showtime, one can find a wide selection of quality shows on Lifetime, USA and TNT. A few of the choices on these channels include The Closer, In Plain Sight, Army Wives and Leverage.
In addition to providing viewers with a good selection of series, the cable channels made some other smart decisions.
1. They take advantage of debuting shows during the summer months when the network shows are on hiatus. So when viewers are stuck watching re-runs on ABC, CBS and NBC, the cable channels are showing first-run programming.
2. Cable stations are running first-run programming on a regular basis. Instead of following the typical season (Sept-May) that the network TV follows, the cable channels have branched out and are providing cable series year round. Their series run for about 3 months and then go on hiatus for a few months. During the hiatus of one show, they will either premiere a new series; or, start-up the next season for an existing series. The beauty of this schedule is that you are always getting first-run programming.
3. The cable channels have the benefit of being able to replay their shows multiple times. Some channels use a strategy of showing the previous week's episode immediately preceding the current week's episode; while other channels choose to run programs on multiple days and at varying times. This is particularly helpful to viewers who may not be home during prime-time, but are available to watch TV late night or during the day.
So can network TV compete with the cable stations and gain back their viewers? They appear to be on the right track, but they still have some work to do. During the current season they have focused more attention on original programming. However, they still fall victim to running a season that is too short. If the networks are not going to have 22+ episodes per season like they did years ago, then they need to follow some of the strategies outlined above so that viewers have more original programming throughout the year. We shouldn't reach June 1st and suddenly be without shows to watch. This is just opening-up the door for viewers to turn the channel during the summer months and getting hooked on one of the quality series being offered on a cable channel. One thing is for sure, whether its network TV or a cable series, having more quality programming available is a good thing for everyone. So in the end, the viewers will be the ultimate victor in this battle.
At MDMum we provide tips and information on pregnancy, parenting and work-related issues facing mothers today.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=K_Walsh
Learn How to Weatherproof Your LCD TV
When you deploy a TV in your backyard, there will always be potential problems. But getting a better understanding of these challenges puts you in a better position to make your own water proof Plasma TV.
Taking the next points into account will help you to achieve your aim of a TV in your backyard.
Direct Sun.
When deploying a television in your backyard, you must have a clear idea where you will be putting the television, will you be mounting off of an external wall or will you build a stand for it? The perfect position for the screen is on a wall in a sheltered area such as in a pergola, with a seating area around 3 meters away from the display for a 42" television, this does vary according to the size of screen you install.
If direct sun is on the screen for lengthy periods, this will break down the LCD crystals inside the television set and the TV in your backyard will certainly fail sooner than you would have expected.
Colder Months
You have two choices during winter, the first is to relocate the screen and store it in your basement, then re-install it in the spring ready for the summer months. Or you can leave it outdoors during the winter, but if this is the case you must look at protecting the screen from frost, snow and ice as these can also damage the crystals that form the TV screen.
Rain
For guarding against this, you have to have some kind of cover for the TV or an massive gazebo so the rain can not reach the television. As we all know electronics and water do not mix, there are TV covers on the market that guard against rain, but you really need to look at a year round solution, as you are not going to be around at 3 am when it starts to rain and trying to remember to cover it every time you have used it can become a chore.
Theft
No matter what country or profession you are from, if you have something better than anyone else irrelevant if you have worked hard to get it; they can take it from you. This is something we can protect against by using special fasteners to hold the TV to the wall, using anti tamper bolts that need special tools will prevent them from taking your pride and joy, but it will not stop them vandalizing it beyond repair.
Dave owns the leading manufacturer of outdoor digital signage protective cases, this range of LCD enclosure are used throughout the world through a network of integrators. He has also developed an outdoor case specifically for home use at a price of $479, visit their website for more details.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Bradley
Taking the next points into account will help you to achieve your aim of a TV in your backyard.
Direct Sun.
When deploying a television in your backyard, you must have a clear idea where you will be putting the television, will you be mounting off of an external wall or will you build a stand for it? The perfect position for the screen is on a wall in a sheltered area such as in a pergola, with a seating area around 3 meters away from the display for a 42" television, this does vary according to the size of screen you install.
If direct sun is on the screen for lengthy periods, this will break down the LCD crystals inside the television set and the TV in your backyard will certainly fail sooner than you would have expected.
Colder Months
You have two choices during winter, the first is to relocate the screen and store it in your basement, then re-install it in the spring ready for the summer months. Or you can leave it outdoors during the winter, but if this is the case you must look at protecting the screen from frost, snow and ice as these can also damage the crystals that form the TV screen.
Rain
For guarding against this, you have to have some kind of cover for the TV or an massive gazebo so the rain can not reach the television. As we all know electronics and water do not mix, there are TV covers on the market that guard against rain, but you really need to look at a year round solution, as you are not going to be around at 3 am when it starts to rain and trying to remember to cover it every time you have used it can become a chore.
Theft
No matter what country or profession you are from, if you have something better than anyone else irrelevant if you have worked hard to get it; they can take it from you. This is something we can protect against by using special fasteners to hold the TV to the wall, using anti tamper bolts that need special tools will prevent them from taking your pride and joy, but it will not stop them vandalizing it beyond repair.
Dave owns the leading manufacturer of outdoor digital signage protective cases, this range of LCD enclosure are used throughout the world through a network of integrators. He has also developed an outdoor case specifically for home use at a price of $479, visit their website for more details.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Bradley
Famous and Born in Watford - Terry Scott
Terry Scott was one of the most familiar faces on British television in the 1960s and 70s. A lovable, larger than life character, that always seemed to be henpecked by his co star. During the peak of his hit classic comedy series, Terry and June, (in which he co-starred with June Whitfield) he attracted more than fifteen million viewers.
His birth name was Owen John Scott and was born in Watford. He attended Watford field junior school followed by Watford Boys Grammar School.
He began his theatrical career in his teens at the Watford Amateur Dramatic Society, where he found his niche early playing small comic roles.
He served in the Royal Navy in the second world war and upon his release in 1945 entered the world of show business as a manager of multiple seaside shows all over the country.
In 1949 he joined the BBC where he was to appear on a radio show with the late great comic Bob Monkhouse, surprisingly this was not successful. However he later got together with another comic Bill Maynard and went on to star in the popular TV series Great Scott, It's Maynard.
During the late 50's he was involved in stage work before starring in another hit comedy, Hugh and I. This went on to top the ratings through the 60's.
His most famous role was when he teamed up with June Whitfield. Initially the show was called Happy Ever After, but later was renamed to Terry and June. It was a classic hit and ran for an unprecedented 14 years bring pleasure and laughter to millions. The pair also went on to appear in the comedy Bless this house as the neighbours of the carry on king Sid James.
Scott actually made an early appearance in the early Carry on Sergeant in 1958 in a minor role but returned to the series ten years later in 1968 in Carry on up the Kyber. Following that was Carry On Camping in 1969, Carry On Loving in 1970, Carry On Henry in 1970 and Carry On Matron on 1971.
In 1979 Scott suffered a brain hemorrhage but managed to pull through a four hour brain operation. Following on from this he suffered creeping paralysis and often had to wear a neck brace on stage and TV.
In 1988 when his hit show Terry and June was axed he sadly suffered a nervous breakdown. This was also brought on by his public confession that he carried on several affairs during his marriage to Margaret Peden, who he married back in 1957 and had four daughters with.
Sadly after an eight year battle with cancer, Terry Scott died on 26th July 2004 aged 67 at his home in Godalming, Surry, surrounded by his wife Maggie and four daughters. He chose to return home when doctors informed him nothing else could be done to treat his disease.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_J_Palmer
His birth name was Owen John Scott and was born in Watford. He attended Watford field junior school followed by Watford Boys Grammar School.
He began his theatrical career in his teens at the Watford Amateur Dramatic Society, where he found his niche early playing small comic roles.
He served in the Royal Navy in the second world war and upon his release in 1945 entered the world of show business as a manager of multiple seaside shows all over the country.
In 1949 he joined the BBC where he was to appear on a radio show with the late great comic Bob Monkhouse, surprisingly this was not successful. However he later got together with another comic Bill Maynard and went on to star in the popular TV series Great Scott, It's Maynard.
During the late 50's he was involved in stage work before starring in another hit comedy, Hugh and I. This went on to top the ratings through the 60's.
His most famous role was when he teamed up with June Whitfield. Initially the show was called Happy Ever After, but later was renamed to Terry and June. It was a classic hit and ran for an unprecedented 14 years bring pleasure and laughter to millions. The pair also went on to appear in the comedy Bless this house as the neighbours of the carry on king Sid James.
Scott actually made an early appearance in the early Carry on Sergeant in 1958 in a minor role but returned to the series ten years later in 1968 in Carry on up the Kyber. Following that was Carry On Camping in 1969, Carry On Loving in 1970, Carry On Henry in 1970 and Carry On Matron on 1971.
In 1979 Scott suffered a brain hemorrhage but managed to pull through a four hour brain operation. Following on from this he suffered creeping paralysis and often had to wear a neck brace on stage and TV.
In 1988 when his hit show Terry and June was axed he sadly suffered a nervous breakdown. This was also brought on by his public confession that he carried on several affairs during his marriage to Margaret Peden, who he married back in 1957 and had four daughters with.
Sadly after an eight year battle with cancer, Terry Scott died on 26th July 2004 aged 67 at his home in Godalming, Surry, surrounded by his wife Maggie and four daughters. He chose to return home when doctors informed him nothing else could be done to treat his disease.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_J_Palmer
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