Heartland

Heartland is one of the most hypocritical shows. The show is based on a ranch with the center story revolving around a self-centered and cheating horse whisperer. On one hand the show displays how disturbed horses are treated while on the other end we are shown animal cruelty at the hands of cowboy and cowgirls in rodeo for which the horse whisperer is only more than willing to take part in ranging from broncos, roping calves, wrestling steers, bull riding, and other activities. We even are shown some characters that are vegans and yet willing to take part in the rodeo. It is even questionable how well the horse whisperer can communicate with horses. This is a family show that showcases the whole idea of being selectively heartless with double standards. It also has the re-runs of the same dramatic storylines of misunderstandings between characters. But, this might just be an indication of poor scriptwriting. Eventhough, life of a cowboy or cowgirl cannot be easy, one cannot but shrug in dismay at the mistreatment of animals in such communities. However, at one point it does provide an angle towards family life. But, loses its appeal by an anti-climax of killing off a crucial character. With such a long running show, it is understandable how actors would want to leave to move on to other opportunities and perhaps even encounter creative differences as their acting experiences evolve through time. This is a show that perhaps started with some good intentions and then meandered into the gravy train of greed as popularity grew through the seasons. However, one has to ask when is the right time to end the show that has been going on for so long and has lost the plot? When is the right time to end the life of a character? Or, is it a case of drawing the line as life moves on and letting the characters live on while the show reaches its end. This is a typical example of a show that has gone past its sell-by date.

Sports Extended Reality

• Moment is everything (pre-event, event, post-event)
• Nothing is actually live
• Flat images and sense of presence
• 20/80 rule
• Time matters

Attributes of a sports experience:

• Hawkeye cameras
• Replays
• Live scores
• Clock graphics
• Broadcast video + audio (including commentary)
• Live text updates
• Fast cuts
• Music
• High-paced graphics
• Social media interaction (optional)

Live is a belief, an illusion in sports. There are three stages of live sports: Live, Live Live, Live-To-Record or Live-To-Tape. An important aspect arises in the focus of driving a story (narrative) and providing consumers a sense of control.

GOT Countdown

GOT Countdown

Game of Thrones Season 7

Game Of Thrones Season 7

VR, AR, MR, 360, & Holographics

Immersive entertainment is where the future is heading towards. Virtual Reality is already appearing in games. Augmented Reality is already appearing in retail. Investment Banking are already experimenting in Virtual Reality. Aeronauts already use sophisticated virtual simulations. Home entertainment is really the natural way forward to adapt from 3D to virtual reality and augment the reality of immersion. We should be able to virtually feel part of what is happening on our TV screens in a form of mixed reality. Being able to feel the premier league game as if one would while watching it live at the stadium. Walking into a TV screen and virtually feeling the experience of being part of the Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings. A documentary about an animal hunt in nature which could incorporate the viewing audience. Or, even a documentary into a historical war episode that one could teleport into to feel the entire experience. Perhaps, similar to a deep sleep experience of awakening into a new world dimension or emulation like in Avatar. There are just endless possibilities for advertising in entertainment, when the audience experience is enhanced, with limitless possibilities for personalization, simulation, and immersion. People want to feel part of every thing that is happening around them and that is true entertainment, all from the comfort and enhancement of the home cinema experience, where the lines are blurred between what is real and what isn't. In the end, immersion implies a focus on audience engagement and a higher return of investment in content quality, enrichment, and delivery.

Sports Feeds

mysportsfeeds
optasports (performgroup)
ODF (OBS.TV)

sports api on programmableweb

Convergence of TV and Internet

Although in past TV and Internet have been treated significantly as different media source streams, it will become evident that such options have more synergies for the future. Not only does it mean more access to a wider digital customer base but also reuse of existing content and technologies. Advertising companies are already focusing on context and behavior for mobile, TV and Internet. However, sooner or later WebTV and ubiquity is going to take over where content providers will need to start treating all such media sources as one ultimate streaming option with all dependent on metadata semantics. Even such retailers as eBay and Amazon will have to look to digital TV options to enhance their already wider customer base. This will also mean more complexity of use cases but yet consolidation of technology for big data. Desktop is again going to take center stage as more people will look for access to multi-model accesses to media streaming. People want applications and platforms that work across digital divides with minimum amount of fuss on compatibility and re-engineering by the consumer. Advertising will again mean reduction in subscription costs and a higher revenue stream. Essentially, ubiquity will also take center stage as digital technology becomes a part of our very existence rather than an over visible tool constraint, an almost plug and play for everything. And, as digital electronics and software converge it will mean mass appeal for the customers due to the multi-model transparency of use. Such approaches are already in existence today through Apple and Google products. However, people also want more versatility of contextual use as well as smarter intelligence. As more people spend time with digital technology, they will also become emotionally aware of their own health and well being which means more ubiquitous technology needs in the home and office as well as the daily leisure life of an individual. If there is a publishing or retailer site on the Internet, it will only become more contextually beneficial to have a channel brand as well to broadcast the content. Aggregated outlets will have the benefit of a larger contextual semantics for streaming. Real-time needs are growing while people become more demanding as consumers with their more complex tastes and digitally connected lives. It will inevitably become a case of consolidation for meeting digital trends, harnessing cost-effectiveness from technology, and the wider consumer base.

Marco Polo

A dramatic story line in the perspective of an imprisoned Marco Polo and an interesting look at the Mongolian Empire. In an epic journey, we see a relatively quick transition that Marco Polo takes as a guest into the Mongolian way of life but also the way he develops a sort of kinship with the Kublai Khan. Perhaps, this is shown as his greatest survival strength and wisdom through foreign diplomacy and adaptation. Nonetheless, the story also shows how his own merchant trading father repeatedly undermines him through deceit, putting him into deeper difficulty. Although, the main protagonist is assumed to be Marco Polo, given the title of the series, the real off loaded drama takes place in the fighting scenes, at center stage, with the Kublai Khan. While the pace of the story is relatively slower than could be expected, there is a versatility and balance to the drama from the vantage point of the diverse characters. Hopefully, the audience will get a chance to witness the many adventures recounted of Marco Polo as vivid and visual depictions from his book.     

Rectify

An amazingly dramatic look at how innocent individuals can be conned and wrongfully imprisoned which not only effects them for life but also everyone around them. Rectify has a very interesting look at an individual's life, after release, and the way he copes with the changing world around him as well as in coming to terms with the events that circumnavigated into his wrongful imprisonment. The audience is slowly provided with chunks of information into his past while progressing each episode into the unfolding present and future events. What is also unique is the way the story is depicted from a southern american viewpoint. The story line is captivating in manner with which it carries the audience through the events but also the characterization of Daniel Holden while leaving much to the speculation of his innocence through the enfolding episodes.

Homeland 2014

Homeland was left in disarray after the hanging of Nicholas Brody. In season 4, we see Carrie with her daughter still coming to terms with parenthood then suddenly the loss of her father. At same time, there is another stereotypical story line emerging on Islamic terrorists. There are constant twists and turns in season 4. Eventually, the last couple of episodes provide the audience with much needed information of not only the chemistry between Carrie and Peter, but also the unequivocal entanglements between the US government and terrorism. Moreover, Carrie finds herself in a pickle in questioning her own loyalties as well as the ramifications of her US comrades towards the political links with terrorism groups. However, the season 4 ends in a disarray just as it started, leaving much to be desired. Homeland has turned into quite a frustrating drama series with questionable basis on which they create such deceptive and discriminating story lines.

Our Zoo

Our Zoo is a documentary told from the narrative of June Mottershead and her childhood. What makes the series so magical is the principles on which Our Zoo is depicted as a means of providing a sanctuary for neglected animals as well as a therapy for George Mottershead from his days in the army. It is a remarkable story of how the Chester Zoo started out with the spirit of the entire family. The pinnacle of the story or perhaps the focal point is Honor Kneafsey who plays June Mottershead and her experiences with the animals. The family face many obstacles in their path when they relocate, mostly from their conservative neighborhood. It is unfortunate that the series came to an end after the first season. There could have been plenty of tales to tell for many seasons.

The Newsroom

An extraordinary serial about the politics and the dynamics of an internal newsroom. One thing annoying about the show is the amount of shouting and arguing between the characters. This is obviously what happens as part of a real-life newsroom. But, besides that, it provides for a fascinating story base of news presenters, support staff, and producers that make the network a success. Well, not always a success, if ratings is all that is left to conjure on. The casting is also a nice mix that showcases the new and the experienced actors. There is a bit of news drama from every angle almost a menagerie of stories of current affairs. A lot of consideration is made on the bond that the characters have with each other as well as the way they build and regain their sense of integrity for all things newsworthy. In a lot of ways in journalism of today, maintaining objectivity and integrity is compromised for ill-informed, timely, and artfully crafted delivery of content, while being watchful of the audience ratings. 

Tyrant

A new serial that chronicles a story of a tyrant. A dedicated family man and doctor is brought back to his family homeland in a fictitious Arab country, forcing him to face his past. His father is also the tyrant ruler of that particular country for which he escaped much of his childhood. But, in process of coming home and interacting with his extended family members, he slowly sees his character disintegrating and becomes his own worst enemy. The environment forces him to take action and heed his responsibilities of his place in the family. Ultimately, to plan a coup against his brother. Towards the end of the first season we can almost see him emerging and rediscovering himself as a formidable tyrant, while trying to keep his family from harms way, only to be caught by his own brother. The story line is again based on a myriad of stereotypical nonsense of the west against the Arab world with plenty of bias from an Israeli vantage point. Another prototypical alternative to media propaganda, like homeland, not only against Islam but also of the east. Apart from some relatively questionable acting, the continuous drama, climax, and nail-biting intrigue attempts to keep the story galvanized to capture the interest of the audience.

Taken 3

It is getting a bit tiring now that the man's family keep getting taken and that he is constantly left trying to save the daughter. The action sequences in Taken 2 and now Taken 3 have not been near as comparable to the original Taken sequel. It seems the franchise for Taken and its characters have well reached their saturation point. To put it mildly even Bryan Mills must be getting tired, old, and his daughter equally as much. Perhaps, it is time these two were left alone to live in peace. After all they have lost the mother and now Bryan Mills is about to become a grandfather. There is also only so much that a direction to an action sequence can take between the same chilling scenario. Overtime, the fan base dwindles and the audience is left with a story that has a predictable ending. However, Taken has done much to revitialize the acting career of Liam Neeson as an enviable action hero. There are bound to be plenty of other action roles, in the future, that the dynamic actor could put his mind to next.

The Maze Runner

The Maze Runner is an over dramatized story about a group of children that are brought in for controlled experiments. These children are carefully selected for their genetic makeup for the discovery of a cure against an epidemic that plagues the human race. The story is told in almost similar adaptation to the hunger games and yet lacking in depth. There is very little build up of climax and extremely fast resolution of the protagonist conquering against the evil. Although, in the end we discover that there really is no evil other than the cause for which they under go such experimentation. The ending is really the start of a sequel to a new experimentation beyond the maze. In someways, this story hits the moral values of society in how human specimens are used for experimentation for the culpability of humanity or the prevention of such disasters. As many see animal testing for medical research as wrong, there are yet others who perpetuate the use of human testing for similar gains in research. Furthermore, the story adaptation in use of disturbing moral dilemmas in use of children for human experiments parallels yet another reflection on society.

Hollywood Lackluster Movies

There was a time when Hollywood used to produce some explosive movies for which that name became synonymous and what made several studios a household name. Over the years the movie industry has been trailing undoubtedly lackluster movies making many wonder where all the good stories have gone. It seems the end is near for Hollywood if they do not get their act together and start producing better movies. Consumers have also become financially conscious. While the movie business ignores the consumer market and wonders on a one track mind towards making money, we can almost see the regrettable emerging in our mist as quality deteriorates in front of our very eyes.  It is funny how far the movie business has come, perhaps the industry has become all too arrogant and egotistic to rapture within its own aura of the past successes. One can witness the same results of actors and actresses, as soon as they win an Oscar they become more and more selective to the point that we do not see them anymore where they are almost reduced to obscurity. Entertainment is a very competitive business and the consumer market is aware and unforgiving. The constant changes in trends and tastes should provide creative minds the room to grow. Yet, the entertainment industry is non the wiser when it comes to the unknown and challenging the status quo. We often find ourselves sitting in front of the TV switching channels as there is rarely ever anything good on. On other occasions it is just repeats and an awful lot of adverts to infuse and confuse our minds. Quality stories and manuscripts are left in translation while people push and shove for the only way they know of making it big with hard cash. Creativity is challenged on a regular basis and often marginalized for many in a narrow road of opportunity. The web is rapidly growing in steam, on a daily basis, as entertainment continues to diverge towards the bountiful internet with its vibrant and ever growing room of opportunity for all. Even the options to watch videos have taken on many facades from the web of connectedness. Hollywood is still struggling to brace itself in an endless play for catchup to embrace technology. There are people now producing quality content on their own without the help of big production houses. Striking it big has taken many forms. Over time the forms that entertainment takes and the way it relates to garnish our emotions will also explode in a diverse spectrum of our creative imaginations. The human mind has no limits when it comes to creativity as long as there is a way to collaborate, share, and grow. Perhaps, it can be argued that content in whatever form it takes should be freely available so people could share and openly capitalize on it. Hollywood may just fade out in time into the ether of the ever growing forms of entertainment on the web like the ghost towns of Detroit.

A Walk Among The Tombstones

A Walk Among The Tombstones is yet another movie of the magnanimous Liam Neeson. However, viewers should be advised not to hold high expectations from the Taken actor. Although, Neeson is seen steering in a similar direction to rescuing a hapless woman, he lacks much anticipatory rigor of an action and combatant hero as we come to expect of his movies. The movie also mirrors some gruesome portrayals of violence against women, leaving one speechless in certain scenes, while cringing in others. Although, the movie starts in the right direction, it fails to capture the viewer in a half-hearted and almost miserable climax development, not to mention the seemingly unconvincing presence of the Neeson's character.

How To Train Your Dragon 2

A long awaited sequel to the successful story of a boy and his dragon. The new story revolves around the boy evolving into a dragon master almost depicting richer themes around his life story. The story also has a deeper meaning than before and a more intermingle of action. How To Train Your Dragon 2 is a powerhouse of animation built to tantalize and titillate our minds of our own dragon. The animation sequences display a 3D awe inspiring delivery for thrills and audience imagination. But, also to involve us in the death-defying battles that erupt and swoop through at dizzying heights. Perhaps, such movies might even trigger interest for more remote control or even robotic dragons.  

The Wind Rises

The Wind Rises is a fascinating story based on true events of a chief engineer that heralds the engineering of Japan's fighter jets. The story remarkably provides the struggles and process that went into the progress towards achieving the production of such jets. At same time, providing a backdrop into the personal life of the engineer and his associated dreams that drove him into designing such planes in first place. However, it lacks emotional depth in exploring the female characters to any level of detail other than to sideline them around the main protagonist. All in all, it is a well deserved exploration into the character dynamics as well as in animation. Although, the story is adapted from true events, there are areas of fantasy which are also explored. The animation sequences, with narratives in the background, provide for a moving and a convincing effort for a well crafted story.

Game Of Thrones Editing

Editing of scenes is crucial towards meeting realism within story expectations and providing a consistent character profiles. One of the most annoying aspects that could be had is when the very important part of the scenes are exploding with character mistakes. Game of Thrones has many unique character profiles. However, central to every role is the use of the sword. When one plays their roles or lines incorrectly this can often be overshadowed by the flawed use of the sword. Arya Stark is a character profiled as left-handed. However, this character portrayal is rather confusing as the core aspects of wielding the sword are quite badly managed in sequence. This seems to occur in almost every scene. One would imagine that unless the individual is ambidextrous, it may be quite a training phase to shift the mindset to left-handed. However, where the sword is central to almost every role, it becomes quite crucial in maintaining a certain level of consistency with the character or the realism can often be dissipated. The Hound and Arya scene at the bar is one such example. She starts out clutching the sword with both hands, even throws a bout with both hands, but then we see her attacking with right-hand then picking up needle with the right hand also, only to later swap hands.

Arya starts her revenge