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.

2010 Emmy Recap

I LOVED the Emmys this year. One of the best parts were the segments that proposed questions to writers, creators, producers, and directors of the series such as "What's the worst note you ever received from a network"? No drainage of material there.

As a huge fan of Modern Family, I was ecstatic that they won top comedy and best writing. My spec script is worth so much more now...or is it?

Here's a category I will never understand: Outstanding Reality Program. You can almost hear the writers mutter under their breaths when THAT award is announced. As if it isn't difficult enough to create/sell/get staffed on a scripted series...

Other memorable moments/discoveries:
- Pretty sure Julie Osmond is insane
- Lauren Graham and Matthew Perry should never present an award together again
- Eric Stonestreet is just as lovely as "Cameron"
- Lea Michele's cupcake candle
- You can never get enough of Betty White
- Jimmy Fallon as Billy Joel

My vote for next year's host: the Glee-ful Jane Lynch.

Also, WHERE was Christopher Lloyd?!

less than kind news

Yesterday was a sad, sad day as our office learned that Canada lost a talented writer and comedian, Maury Chaykin. One of my favourite shows on TV now is Less Than Kind, where Chaykin plays the father in an ordinary Winnipeg family.

Eye Weekly has a nice little tribute to some of the work Chaykin's done.

Cineflix is Going Scripted!

I was pleased to hear that Cineflix is moving into scripted programming a couple days ago. Christina Wayne will be leading the Cinelix Studios as its president.

Because of the rise of reality shows and lifestyle programming, many writers have been disheartened by the industry. Even though most reality shows have some scripting (some more than others), half-hour and one-hour writers have been yearning for more scripted programming, with strong narratives, memorable and well-rounded characters, and interesting story lines.

For more information on Cineflix's news, click here.

2010 Emmy Nominees Announced!

I'm actually pretty happy with the Emmy nominee list this year. I have my favourites, like everyone else, and am personally rooting for the following:

Best Comedy: Modern Family Best Drama: The Good Wife
Best Actress, Drama: Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife
Best Actor, Drama: Michael C. Hall, Dexter
Best Actor, Comedy: Larry David, Curb Your Enthusiasm (even though I've got a hunch Parsons will win)
Best Actress, Comedy: Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation

Best Supporting Actor, Drama: Michael Emerson
Best Supporting Actress, Drama: Archie Panjabi, The Good Wife
Best Supporting Actor, Comedy: Eric Stonestreet
Best Supporting Actress, Comedy: Sofia Vergara (but I think Jane Lynch might win this one)

This year, the Emmys will be on Sunday, August 29.