the future of print

Social media and networking have transformed the way we read, write, and share information. Because of the new way we see information, professionals that work in print have voiced their concerns over these changes.

"Is print dead?"

"What can I do to keep up with the times?"

Almost every print newspaper and magazine Tweets, posting links to articles to generate more traffic to their sites. And if they have followers on Twitter, you can bet that people "like" them on Facebook.

It seems as though the print publications that have embraced social media marketing are the ones that are doing well, transmitting information across all kinds of platforms and mediums.

An editor recently forwarded me this link, discussing the power of print magazines, with several magazine and readership facts. One that I found particularly interesting is, "Since Facebook was founded, magazines gained more than one million young adult readers" and that the readership in the 18-34 age range continues to grow. (Source MRI)

saying goodbye to jackie burroughs

Although she played a rigid character as Hetty King on Road to Avonlea and Amelia Evans in Anne of Green Gables, people that knew her say she was anything but that. Shirley Douglas described her as "a volcano to work with".

After a struggle with stomach cancer, Burroughs died in her Toronto home yesterday.

The British-Canadian actress had a successful career on screen and stage, with several Genies and Geminis to her credit, and won the Governor General's Award for performing arts in 2005. She also earned the Earle Grey Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television.

Thank you, Jackie Burroughs, for your time and talent.

Photo/Northernstars.ca

Two thumbs up for White Irish Drinkers

With: Nick Thurston, Geoff Wigdor, Karen Allen, Stephen Lang, Peter Riegert, Leslie Murphy, Zachary Booth, Ken Jennings.

I can't think of a better way to end TIFF 2010 than to watch a film that had the entire audience in tears.

Writer/director John Gray's moving film, White Irish Drinkers, is a story about two brothers living in a working class Brooklyn home, with an abusive father and a well-meaning mother. Danny (Geoff Wigdor) plays a violent young man who makes a living stealing. He's the target of abuse in the household, as his younger brother, Brian (Nick Thurston) is an artist. Yes, a gifted artist living amongst anguish, violence, and a neighbourhood that evokes feelings of hopelessness. And because he is so different from people around him, he just may have a chance to get out and live a better life.

White Irish Drinkers has a stellar cast, as Stephen Lang delivers a compelling performance as a deeply troubled alcoholic who has a hard time connecting with his family...and resorts to insulting and beating his eldest son. Karen Allen is the classic mother who tries to keep the peace in the household but fails every time.

Nick Thurston is mesmerizing. His eyes are quite haunting and hard to turn away from. He plays his part beautifully, a delicate balance between a strong artistic spirit and a vulnerable heart.

At the end of the screening, John Gray held an intimate Q and A, where I learned that the film was shot in 17 days, and like most brilliant films, had a low budget. While he and his team mostly worked in television, they wanted to do something "just for them" which turned out to be a film that most people in the audience echoed "this really brought back memories of my childhood."

White Irish Drinkers has yet to secure a distribution deal, which I don't think they will have much trouble getting. A riveting story with powerful performances.