Fast and Furious 7: Is it enough yet?

The popular franchise films Fast and Furious just released the latest installment this summer.  As the credits finished the audience was introduced to another teaser scene for the next film. With just enough enticement for the audience it looks as if there will be a seventh film added to the franchise. This film will introduce actor Jason Statham as the villain. Not much was revealed of his character but Statham interviewed with totalfilm.com about this new role.  Statham briefly discusses his excitement for this film and for the impending Expendables 3 film.  The two projects will be filmed back to back.

            Statham is known for action packed films and should fit in nicely with the Fast and Furious formula for their films. The franchise made a successful turn around with the films content in the last two films. Is the story line going to continue to succeed or is this franchise pushing the limits? The films are becoming more action packed blockbusters that are competing with the surge of super hero films that are flooded the theaters. Is it safe to say enough is enough and the story of fast cars and guns has more than taken care in the past six films?

            After watching the Fast and Furious 6  I was interested in the plot of the film but it did not create the sense of excitement and intensity like past films have.  The film was a nice ending for the franchise. If it was an ending. The films conclude what happens with the crew and where their lives stand. It was a nice ending to have after following the franchise films for many years. As a fan I was happy with the ending and ready to part ways with the films. It does not look like this is what Hollywood has in mind. I would go revisit the films and decide for yourself if this next film is truly needed?

Vimeo on Demand Releases Their First Feature Film

Vimeo on demand debuts its first feature film.  The film Some Girls will be released on Vimeo on demand. This is the first film to be distributed via Vimeo and it is a testing ground for the company. This can be an exciting new distribution channel for independent filmmakers.  Vimeo on demand began in March and has been trying to improve the online video with these new improvements.  Vimeo has given the viewers options to watch the new feature film Some Girls for a rental fee of five dollars or to download for ten dollars.  With this new collaboration with Vimeo it will be interesting to see how this will work for the film and Vimeo.

            Some Girls is a independent film that was showcased in the South by Southwest film festival. At the festival the film was offered a deal to have a theatrical release in 2014 in a few markets. If the film was successful then it will be opened to other markets. This was not as exciting as they have hoped. When Vimeo approached the film they were open to the idea that was given. Some Girls was given the chance to distribute online as a testing film and also with a two-market release for the film.

            Having both releases with show which outlet will have better success for this independent film. The market for on demand channels of distribution has been open in other companies. Is this the future for Vimeo? If this is what Vimeo has in store for the independent filmmakers what rank of films will they be choosing to distribute? This can be an exciting new tool for filmmakers. Having a well-known online company as a distributor will add another outlet for filmmakers and audiences to experience independent films. It will be interesting to see how the success of Some Girls will help make these changes. 

Lessons from the Experts; What Entertainment Law Podcast can Teach you!

Finding podcasts that are related to your industry or industry of choice can help you stay updated and informed on the current events and industry standards. Being informed and updated also helps you mold yourself to what is current in the industry. For the entertainment industry I have listened to three podcast, which was informational to the film industry and me. The two podcasts that I enjoyed were Entertainment Law Update and the ARC Law Group. These podcasts were fun to listen to and educational.

            The first podcast I listened to was about copyright issues and how much authority your lawyer has when consenting to the transfer of copyright. The story was on the recent lawsuit between MVP Entertainment and Mark Frost. The issue at hand was when MVP discussed what was needed for the transfer of the copyright with Frost’s lawyer. At the end of the email communication the lawyer ended with “Done thanks”. After this communication MVP proceeded to make content for a new film. Frost later sued for copyright since they did not have the approval to proceed. The topic of discussion was did the lawyer have authority to transfer the copyright? It was discussed that when transferring copyright it needs to be in writing by the owner of the rights. Therefore the lawyer did not have the authority and also did not express this in writing. Entertainment Law Update discussed this topic and this podcast can be found at http://firemark.com/2012/11/16/episode-36-faulkner-einstein-superman-and-talent-managers/.

            The second podcast that I listened to was about the case that was just settled between the producers of Spiderman: Turn off the Dark and their previous Director. The show decided to fire the shows director and she then sued for royalties. The settlement for this case was kept confidential but the hosts of this podcast were intrigued with what was involved and how this move will affect the relationship with the director and the content of the show. The host’s speculated about why the settlement was reached. They spoke of the cautioned that if this went in to deep that production rights would be involved. They speculate that this is why the producers were quick to settle. This podcast was also found on Entertainment Law Update and can be found http://firemark.com/2013/05/03/entertainment-law-update-podcast-episode-40/.

            Lastly, the final podcast that I listened to was about working with children in the entertainment industry. The issues that were discussed on this podcast included contracts with minors and restrictions that a production studio can face if hiring children is needed. First, when dealing with contracts and minors it is stated that since the child is not of legal age the parent should sign any contracts. They suggest having both parents sign the contract so there is no issue if a divorce occurs. Another issue that was brought up is child labor laws and union restrictions. Due to child labor laws a child has time restrictions on when they can work. This takes more work for the director to schedule appropriately. If there is a union restrictions for a child can be having a tutor or instructor available if the child is still at the age of being in school. This can make working with children difficult but if it is called for then one must know what is needed. This podcast was presented by ARC Law Group and can be found at https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-entertainment-sports/id513764391.