#movie industry in Syracuse

[tracychamberlainhigginbotham]

(via Magical Connections in the CNY Acting Community - You're Invited)

[trendswerespotted]

Branded Content in Film

Our previous guest lecture with Adam Pulchalsky covered branded entertainment content and various brands he has collaborated with! This was one of my favorite guest lectures I've seen during my time here at Syracuse. Adam believes that branded content will be the future of advertising/entertainment, and I agree.

Of course, last summer's blockbuster Barbie remains the queen of branded content. I think we will see the film industry move away from prequels, sequels, and sequels-to-sequels, and instead invest in developing stories around existing IP. We've seen this with video-game based movies/shows such as The Last of Us, The Mario Movie, and Sonic the Hedgehog. Now, we're seeing it with toy-based movies (Lego, Barbie). According to this statement from Mattel, the toy company plans to add to their movie universe by developing films based on their pre-existing IP such as Hot Wheels, American Girl Doll, Polly Pocket, Magic 8 Ball, UNO, Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots, and many more. In an age where nostalgia sells, this might be the perfect way to bring viewers back to "the good old days".

This is a very obvious form of branded content that tends to be in conversation with originality in film - just because a film is based of off existing IP, is it inherently less original? Not exactly, I think there are still plenty of creative directions to explore (depending on how married the director/producers are to the existing IP's lore).

Although I'm excited to see many of these upcoming Mattel films, I'm more interested in subtle forms of branded content and its ethical implications as brands begin to influence the art we consume. Sure, product placement has been a common practice in the industry for a while, but branded content is beginning to blur the lines between advertising and art even more. What if the movie I just watched was a 3 hour life insurance ad? Does it matter if it was entertaining? I think its more important to influence corporations now have over storylines, character development, and even entire franchises, which can potentially compromise creative integrity and artistic vision. Personally, I don't like the idea of brands having even more of an influence on our lives than they already do, but perhaps it's inevitable at this point...

[jeniferevans98]

Tom Cruise's Dating Chronicles: From Hollywood Romances to Secret Trysts!

Tom Cruise: a name that has been synonymous with Hollywood for decades. Known for his blockbuster movies and captivating performances, Cruise has also been in the spotlight for his eventful personal life. From highly publicized marriages to secret trysts, his dating chronicles have always fascinated both his fans and the media. In this article, we delve into Tom Cruise's romantic journey, exploring his early romances, the Katie Holmes era, post-Holmes relationships, his connections with Mission: Impossible co-stars, and the complexities of his private life.

Introduction

Tom Cruise, born on July 3, 1962, in Syracuse, New York, is considered one of the most successful actors in the history of cinema. With a career spanning several decades, Cruise has become an iconic figure in the industry. However, alongside his professional achievements, his love life has been a subject of immense interest.

Tom Cruise: A Hollywood Icon

Before delving into Cruise's dating chronicles, it's important to acknowledge his status as a Hollywood icon. From his breakthrough role in "Risky Business" to the unforgettable "Top Gun" and the high-octane "Mission: Impossible" series, Cruise has consistently delivered box office hits. His charming persona and intense dedication to his craft have garnered him a massive fan base around the globe.

The Early Romances

As Cruise's star began to rise, so did the attention on his personal life. In the 1980s, he embarked on a relationship with fellow actress Mimi Rogers. The couple tied the knot in 1987, but their marriage lasted only three years. Despite the brevity of their union, Rogers played a crucial role in Cruise's life, introducing him to the Church of Scientology.

Shortly after divorcing Rogers, Cruise became involved with Spanish actress Penelope Cruz while filming "Vanilla Sky." Their romance captured the media's attention, but it too fizzled out after a few years.

The Katie Holmes Era

One of the most significant chapters in Cruise's dating chronicles was his relationship with actress Katie Holmes. The pair began dating in 2005, and their courtship quickly became the center of media attention. Cruise's extravagant declaration of love on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" only heightened the public fascination.

In 2006, Cruise and Holmes welcomed their daughter, Suri Cruise, into the world. However, the couple's relationship was not without controversy. Cruise's affiliation with the Church of Scientology, known for its secrecy and unconventional practices, raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about the influence of the organization on their relationship.

Post-Katie Holmes Relationships

After the highly publicized end of his relationship with Katie Holmes, Tom Cruise ventured into new romantic territories. Let's explore some of the noteworthy relationships that followed:

The Cynthia Jorge Flirtation: In 2013, rumors began to circulate about Cruise's involvement with Cynthia Jorge, a New York City restaurant manager. The pair was spotted together on several occasions, sparking speculation about a potential romance. However, their connection seemed to fizzle out as quickly as it had begun, leaving fans wondering about the true nature of their relationship.

The Olivia Attwood Encounter: In 2019, reports emerged of Cruise's brief encounter with reality TV star Olivia Attwood. The two crossed paths at a private event and were seen engaging in friendly conversation. While the encounter did not result in a full-fledged relationship, it fueled speculation about Cruise's love life and his interactions with women in the industry.

The Mission: Impossible Co-stars

Throughout his career, Cruise has worked closely with numerous talented actresses, leading to speculation about romantic connections. Let's take a closer look at some of the Mission: Impossible co-stars who have been linked to Cruise:

Nicole Kidman: Tom Cruise's marriage to actress Nicole Kidman was a highly publicized union. The couple met while filming the movie "Days of Thunder" in 1989 and married later that year. Their relationship, both on and off-screen, captivated the public's attention. However, after eleven years of marriage, Cruise and Kidman divorced in 2001. Despite the end of their romantic partnership, they remain respected colleagues in the entertainment industry.

Rebecca Ferguson: Cruise's on-screen chemistry with Swedish actress Rebecca Ferguson in the "Mission: Impossible" films sparked rumors of a real-life romance. The two actors have consistently shared a strong bond while portraying their characters, leading fans to speculate about a potential off-screen relationship. However, both Cruise and Ferguson have maintained that their connection is purely professional.

Hayley Atwell: In recent years, Cruise has been working closely with British actress Hayley Atwell on the set of "Mission: Impossible 7" and "Mission: Impossible 8." Their on-screen partnership has garnered attention, and rumors have circulated about a possible romantic involvement. However, as with previous co-stars, Cruise and Atwell have remained tight-lipped about the nature of their relationship.

Tom Cruise's Private Life

The intense scrutiny surrounding Cruise's dating life brings to light the challenges of maintaining personal relationships in the public eye. The combination of fame, paparazzi, and invasive media coverage can put a strain on even the strongest connections. For Cruise, preserving his privacy has become a crucial aspect of his personal life.

The actor has often emphasized the importance of separating his public persona from his private life. He values his personal space and guards his relationships against excessive intrusion. While the curiosity surrounding his romantic endeavors persists, Cruise remains steadfast in his commitment to protecting his personal boundaries.

Conclusion

Tom Cruise's dating chronicles showcase the intricacies of love and relationships in the context of fame and Hollywood stardom. From his early romances to the highly publicized Katie Holmes era and subsequent relationships, Cruise's personal life has been a subject of fascination. Despite the challenges of maintaining privacy, he continues to captivate audiences with his remarkable talent and dedication to his craft.

As Tom Cruise's journey unfolds, it's important to remember that behind the glitz and glamour lies a man seeking genuine connections while navigating the complexities of fame and the demands of an illustrious career.

[moldisgoodforyou]

you'd come with me?

wordcount: 1.5k

lol this picture just makes me laugh we love a mich ultra man

“How much longer?”

“Just a few…” Sophie answered Rafe absentmindedly, biting her bottom lip in concentration as she typed.

They’d assumed their usual positions while studying in her room - she was sprawled out on her bed, while he sat at her desk, concentrating on whatever homework he had for the day. She’d banned him from the bed during study time, much to his dismay, claiming he was far too distracting. (He still got away with distracting her half the time anyways, slinking over and tucking his large frame into her side like a dog that had overgrown its owner’s lap years ago.)

“Rafe?” She broke the silence after a while, punctuating her sentence with a firm shut of her laptop.

“Yeah, baby?”

“I just applied for a grad program.” She told him nervously, unsure of what his reaction might be.

He shrugged, not turning his attention to her. “Okay? I thought you applied to Ohio State’s, you’re basically in already.”

“Well, yeah. But, um - can you look at me, please?” Sophie bit at her bottom lip, anxious.

He glanced up and finally noticed her nervous energy, then came over to sit next to her on the bed. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong, it’s just big news. Maybe. I don’t even know if I have news yet, really -”

“Spit it out, Soph.” He nudged his knee against hers, concerned.

She nodded, taking a breath. “Okay. I applied to three other places, too. Two are in New York, one’s in Texas. And I know, I should have told you, but I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to do it in the first place, I kind of applied on a whim - well, I’ve been perfecting the application essay for weeks, but -”

“Soph, hey, it’s okay.” He cut off her rambling and a broad grin spread across his face, completely surprising her. “New York and Texas, for real?”

She raised her eyebrows and fidgeted with her ring, glancing at him worriedly. “That doesn’t worry you at all? That we’d be apart?”

She’d thought about how to tell him, when to tell him, for weeks now. She’d been hiding that she was interested in applying to other schools since June and though she felt incredibly guilty, she kept thinking back to long distance and how sad he seemed sometimes. She couldn’t break him with the news again so soon, not when she saw the way he lit up when they were together again and how content he was. Not when she saw how hard it was for her to support him from thousands of miles away, knowing physical touch was a big thing he relied on for comfort in their relationship.

He interrupted her train of thought as he took her hand, lacing their fingers together. “Sophie, baby, do you know how many jobs are in New York and Texas?”

“Wait, you’d come with me?” She stuck her bottom lip out a little, overwhelmed and almost near tears at his response.

“I was planning on following you no matter what.” Rafe smiled encouragingly, reaching out and stroking his thumb over her cheek. “If you’ll have me.”

“Oh.” She said softly, growing shy. “You’re sure? You could go wherever you wanted, I don’t want to hold you back -”

“Hey, hey, none of that. Where’d you apply, when do you hear back?”

“You’re sure this isn’t an issue.” She asked warily, not wanting to undermine his feelings.

“I’m positive.” He gave her a proud grin. “What schools?”

“Okay, um. Columbia -”

He let out a long low whistle, nodding. “Impressive.”

She blushed, finally grinning back. “Hush. Columbia, Syracuse and UT Austin. Isobel already got into Syracuse. Columbia’s my top choice, but that’ll probably never happen.”

“Of course it’ll happen, get out of your head.” He leaned down and kissed her, smiling against her lips. “Look at you, big shot, applying for an Ivy.”

She relaxed, her hands trailing along the hem of his shirt, and ducked her head to hide her grin. “Stop. It’s not that big of a deal.”

“It is that big of a deal. When do you find out?” He shifted to lay down by her, then tucked a piece of hair behind her ear.

“Um…not for a couple months, I think. You’ll really follow me?”

“Course I will, if you’ll have me.” He nodded earnestly.

“Yeah. I’d like that.” She beamed, nudging her nose against his. “You’re my favorite.”

“Love you too.” He responded. “Wait, did you just apply? Like right now?”

She nodded, biting the inside of her cheek. “Just finished my Columbia essay, I did the rest last week. Now I wait.”

He smoothed his thumb over her cheek, making her relax again. “You’re so damn smart. Should we go celebrate?” Rafe gave her a cheeky grin. “Double scoop with sprinkles?”

She rolled her eyes. “Doesn’t have the same effect now that you get it for free.” As a part of his internship program, he’d received a punch card for 25 free visits to Jeni’s, their favorite ice cream shop - they’d hardly made a dent in it since returning to school.

“No, I pay extra for the sprinkles and your waffle cone.” His grin gave way to a slow smirk and he kissed her neck, sucking gently for a moment. “We could celebrate other ways…”

“Wait, no, I actually do want the ice cream.” She pulled away before he could leave a mark, giving him a warning glance. “I gotta make up for what I missed over summer.”

He laughed, getting up and offering his hand. “Alright. C’mon, genius. Jeni’s is waiting for you.”

She took his hand, but didn’t stand. “Wait, Rafe. You’re sure, this is okay with you? I know you have your job lined up and all…”

Rafe paused, shrugging. “Yeah, well. Uh, Brooklyn got the job offer too, she’s already accepted it. So I wasn’t too psyched about it anyways.”

“Oh.” She nodded, thoughtful. “Have you been to New York? Or Austin?”

“I have. You haven’t? You want to go visit when you get in, so you can make your final decision?” He tugged on her hand, pulling her up into a hug and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

“Not sure I could afford that.” She mumbled, resting her head on his chest.

“Man, too bad you don’t have a boyfriend with money to pay for those trips.” He hooked a finger under her chin, tilted it up so he could look her in the eyes and see her scowl. “If you want to visit, we’ll go. Easy weekend trip.”

“Right.” Sophie nodded, unsure. “Maybe. I’m not even sure I’ll get in, I’ll probably be stuck here in Columbus for another year anyways.”

“Hey. Stop talking like that. You’ll help me look for jobs in New York and Texas, right?”

“Of course I will.” She confirmed. “You know, we could probably find something related to film in New York…”

He scoffed and looped his arm around her shoulders, steering her out of her room and down the stairs. “I think my dad might write me out of his will if I did anything adjacent to the film industry. Waste of my time, he says.”

She frowned, letting him usher her out to the car. “Maybe you should go talk with the career counselors, see if there’s options to combine both. You’re good at marketing too, maybe there’s something there?”

“Not sure. Haven’t really thought about any of that.” He dismissed her quickly, feeling uneasy like he did any time he thought about his future outside of school.

Sometimes he realized he was really good at absorbing other people’s interests, like he was able to always match his personality into a perfect mold to other people’s expectations. With Colin and James, and now Sophie, he was able to let his guard down a little and figure out who he was, who he wanted to be beyond his father’s expectations. He felt like he was thinking about this ten years too late - eleven year old Rafe had always written his ‘dream job’ in school as working for his dad. Now he was about to graduate, set to get a job, and wasn’t even sure if he could list his hobbies outside of hanging out with Sophie and his friends, and watching movies.

“Look, I just...I don’t want you to lose sight of what you’re actually interested in just because you need a job. You don’t have to hate your job.” She told him, carefully.

“I know.” He nodded, shutting down the conversation. “Today’s not about me, though, we gotta celebrate you, hotshot over here.” He grinned at her, leaning over to kiss her quick across the seat. “I think they have the chocolate cake back in stock, I’ve missed it.”

She picked up on his hesitation, but didn’t push it. “You’re such a creature of habit.”

“No, you’re just a psychopath picking a different flavor every time.” He shook his head as he reached his hand to rest behind her seat, turning around to back up. “Good thing I love you anyways, smart girl.”

“Love you too, sweet boy.” She replied with a smile.

taglist: @drewstarkey @lemur46 @jjmaybanksbaby @edgeofgr8 @quxxnxfhxll @obxtess @hoodpankow @vtgirl802 @outerbankies @messagesinthesky @nicolecarsley @svechnikolan @ilovejjmaybank @obxtess @abbyj1822 @oopsiedoopsie23 @g4bster @jjmaybankzz @freddymaybank @dontjinx-it @illbesafeforyou @moniamaybank @tovvaa @jailcalledlife @sunshineitsfine44 @randomficsandshit @outerbankspreferences @outerbanksbro @karsinner @kkmaybank @whoeveniskendall @lemur46

[futuresavvy]

Self Intro. -Trendspotting in Digital Media

Hi everyone,

I hope all is well and that you're having a great day. My name is Savon B.! I'm taking COM 434-634 Trendspotting in Digital Media at Newhouse School Of Public Communications to grasp and understand technology, social media, and digital/tech trends. I would love to learn how to predict social media/digital/tech trends gaining popularity. In addition, it would be awesome to learn how to analyze current and future technologies capable of making a massive impact on society and changing the world.

My main focus within the class is to hone, and strengthen my skill sets within tech/digital and social media, identify the latest trends in the market, search for new innovative ideas, and identify any gaps within the market and future opportunities. Most importantly, I hope to gain experience, learn everything I possibly can within this particular course of tech/social media/digital related and hopefully apply this knowledge and experience to my future career!

Now about myself, I grew up in Syracuse, NY, raised on the east side. Coming from a low-class African-American household, I have both parents who are hard-working and both came from difficult childhoods. I'm the first to go to college out of my whole family and receive a degree. I went to Le Moyne college for my undergrad, majoring in communications and minoring in film and psychology. As an undergrad, I was a Diversity Ambassador, Le Moyne College - Inclusive Excellence and Global Education, and worked as a Student Support Worker and Front Desk Assistant. From January 2022 - May 2022, I worked as a Marketing intern at The Oncenter, a three-building convention and entertainment complex in Downtown Syracuse, New York. Now I'm currently studying at SU, pursuing my Master's Degree. My hobbies and interests are hanging out with friends, watching movies/TV, listening to Hip-Hop/R&B, drawing, and playing video games.

My media of focus is the Advertising industry. I'm fascinated by how the industry works and would like to pursue a career within it, make a living and hope to be the best in game. Most importantly, I would like to produce and represent work of black culture and black excellence within the industry. Lastly, I would like to learn everything that I can from the industry and hopefully start my own Ad agency. So, I’m shooting for the stars and aiming for the moon!

-Savon B.

[bmichael]

So Long Gone

13.1 miles at 10:28 per mile.

2020-10-12

Yesterday was Columbindigenous Peoples’ Day. It was also the first day off I’ve had in honestly I can’t remember when. Well, actually, I kind of can. I was very sick, and Luna and my partner were in New York, and I lay on the couch all day. I watched Good Time on Netflix and dozed. The movie was great, the day sucked.

I spent yesterday similarly, but it was great!

Parenting, at least the way I do, I never get a day off. When Luna’s off from pre-k, I spend the day with her. On the weekends, when I don’t have work, I spend the day with her. On the weekends when I do have work, I spend the day with her. It’s a lot, but I love it. But of course I hate it, too. How can you not hate never having any time to yourself?

After I dropped Luna off to pre-k I went home and had some leftover sausage and bread. Then I lay on the couch for about 3 hours playing Hades on my Switch and listening to podcasts. 

On Sunday I thought I was coming down with something. I went for a quick run (3 miles at 10:35 per mile) and felt better. At some point between that moment and sleep, I decided I’d go for a long run the next day, and I’d do it somewhere nice.

See, we’ve lived in Syracuse (formerly of Flatbush Brooklyn) for almost two years, and have gone on plenty of weekend adventures to lakes, forests, and trails, but always as a family. Or, more often, Luna and me. Never just myself. I knew there were some good trails along the Erie Canal, so I figured I’d go out there. I’d gone there with Luna a few times, but I couldn’t remember the precise trailhead we used. I googled around Monday morning and found on in Camillus, which was only like 15 minutes away. 

It’s incredible how far a 15 minute drive can transport you.

Around noon, after digesting and gathering energy for a few hours, I drove out to the trailhead. It was a glorious day marked with an inauspicious start. I forgot my gum, my water, and a mask, so I found myself pulling my tech shirt up over my nose with one hand while I rooted around in a Byrne Dairy to get water and gum. I got a big Smartwater of high-PH alkaline water because the label was black and I thought it looked cool. It tasted like... water.

The trail near the trailhead was beautiful. It ran along the canal for two miles. Then, the way most of these trails work out here, they’ll cross a country road and then go on further, isolated from the roads or at least well separated. The next phase was hilly and seemed to be popular with dog walkers. It looked kind of scrubby and industrial. The stretch after that looked even more industrial, with some big Honeywell site fenced off. Finally, after crossing another road, I was in this weird Wizard of Oz type countryside with giant, feral-looking stalks of corn growing beyond a fairly fresh made wooden fence spanning the length of the trail for as far as I could see. On my left was a quiet country road and the random industrial-looking plant or whatever. Giant power line poles with DANGER HIGH VOLTAGE signs. 

Over the course of this first out, my knee started acting up. Around mile 3 I was worried I wouldn’t be able to go as far as I kind of thought I wanted to go. I hadn’t set an official goal or intent, but I knew I wanted to run at least a half marathon, maybe even 16 miles to go longer than I ever had before. Since I was on day 62 of a run streak, I thought it may be a bit foolish to push myself so far, but this countryside.

After running out a bit over 5 miles, I figured I’d turn around and see how I felt after 10 miles. I knew if I felt half alive, I’d make it to 13.1, and I was right. Around mile 8 the struggle was real. I felt like my arms were windmilling, but they were probably barely pumping. My cadence felt impossibly fast and the sound of my feet on the gravel trail sounded like an elephant charge. But my watch said I was barely going 11:00/mile.

I had started out listening to my running playlist, hitting some emotional highs. After maybe an hour I switched over to my audiobook of Malazan, though, and just powered through like miles 5 through 9. After I felt like I was really starting to lose it—despite having plenty of energy in my heart my legs were dying—I turned back to music.

I finally made it back to my car around mile 10, and went for a water break. (Yes, I ran for like an hour and forty-five minutes with nothing but gum. When I began running, I’d get so mad at people who suggested you didn’t need to constantly scarf down water while you were running because running was THIRSTY WORK. But after a few years (?) I don’t really need to drink water when I’m running. I mean, it HELPS, but it’s not necessary.) But in this case, yes, the water was glorious. I also found a few pretzels and chocolate left over from visiting a pumpkin farm Saturday, and god those were amazing.

The first part of the final 3.1 miles kind of sucked. I crossed the road the other way to run on a new part of the trail, and I somehow missed the actual trail and ran for about a mile on a shitty access road to a gun range. It was loose-yet-hard and the odd car went by. When I actually got back onto the Erie Canal trail, it was much better. You were right next to the water, the sun on this side of the wherever I was had come out. I really felt the water and snacks I’d crushed, and knowing I was all but sure to finish felt nice.

The last half mile or so back to the parking lot felt glorious. I hit my mark, crossed the road, and basically started laughing out of joy as I threw myself down on a grassy hill next to the trailhead.

Running in the actual countryside gave my better feelings and stronger energy than I can recall having in like, a long time. It was truly restorative. It feels a bit like a gut punch that I could probably run in a place like that everyday or several times a week if I could “carve out” a little more time alone. I guess I’ll work on it.

I was planning on using this post to talk about the injury I had in March and how I never thought I’d be able to run much again. But perhaps I’ll do that in a later one. I was so happy yesterday. It feels foolish to end on a down note, now.

[courtneytrendspotting]

Introduction

Hello! My name is Courtney Terr, and I am a current graduate student studying New Media Management at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. I am from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, which is about an hour outside of Philadelphia. I was an undergraduate student at Syracuse University studying Marketing and Advertising. I have experience working as an Audience Development intern at NBCUniversal where I provided SEO suggestions to the NBCNews.com editorial team. Before that, I worked as a Media Planning intern for RPM, an ad agency in New York City that markets for live entertainment. As a Media Planning intern, I analyzed digital media reporting and their effect on ticket sales for Broadway shows. I am taking COM 634: Trendspotting in Digital Media because I am very curious about the every changing world of digital media and how emerging technologies affect the trends we see in media usage. Because I have a background in digital media marketing, I want to have a better understanding of that world so that I can be able to develop strategies to market to audiences with these new media trends. 

At the moment, I am not entirely sure what my media focus will be for this blog. I have a major interest in entertainment and would like to potentially work in that industry post-grad. However, I do not know if I want to focus on entertainment marketing as a whole, or look specifically at television marketing, movie marketing, or theater marketing.

I am looking forward to this semester!

School: http://newhouse.syr.edu

[girlflapper]

<strong>Evelyn Brent 010 <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/153943605@N06/">by Anjel Candy</a></strong>

"Evelyn Brent (1895-1975) - Film and stage actress was born as "Mary Elizabeth Riggs" on 20 October 1895 in Syracuse, New York to parents Arthur Riggs and Eleanor Warner. In 1914 she got a job as an extra at the World Film Studio in Fort Lee, New Jersey and was selected for a debut in "The Shooting of Dan McGrew" released on 2 May 1915.

By 1919 Betty Riggs is listed in the Motion Picture Studio Directory and Trade Annual as "Evelyn Brent". Later that year she sailed for London and appeared in a few films in Europe. She also appeared on the London stage in a comedy by George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950). She was back in New York to marry her first husband, movie executive Bernard Powell Fineman (1895-1971) in November 1922. The couple divorced in 1927.

After marrying her second husband Harry John Edwards (1887-1952) in November 1928 at Tijuana, Mexico, she transitioned into the "talkies", though the parts she was given were increasingly secondary roles. She appeared in fewer films throughout the 1930s and 1940s. No longer in demand by the major studios, she continued to appear in lower budget films. Evelyn Brent's third marriage in 1948 was to vaudevillian Harry Fox (1882-1959) (real name - Harry Messman or Arthur Carringford), a comedian who was known as being the dancing inspiration for Harry Fox's Trot (foxtrot).

Evelyn Brent made her last film in 1950. Throughout her 35 years in the industry she is credited with appearing in no less than 126 films. In her later years she worked for the Thelma White Talent Agency in Hollywood. She died 4 June 1975 aged 79 and is buried in Mission Hills, Los Angeles, California.

additional information:

The Western Association of Motion Picture Advertisers (WAMPAS) in 1923 elected Evelyn Brent as one of their "Baby Stars". She appeared in one television show, a 1960 episode of "Wagon Train"."

[kdenoto]

Week 3

The first day of the third week we learned double consonants and more complex verbs. The instructor took out the class to experience a local cuisine called a granita. It is a form of crushed, flavored ice similar but yet different to a snow cone. It was very smooth in texture and had a more natural flavor along with a large variety of flavors, and it is accompanied by a strange candy coated nougat and nut bar similar to a candy bar. I had a lemon granita, and it was like a thick lemonade slushy perfect for the intense heat.

           The next day we were taught about this phenomenon called “bella figura” which seems to be this cultural trend in Italy, especially among the youth, were people constantly feel as though they have to be the perfect person. This includes looking like a model, high end fashion, appearing wealthy even if you’re not, and acting overly generous to show off wealth. This can be compared to the many cultural revolutions in America that came out of the mid-20th century like the workout revolution in the 1960`s, the swap of the art and fashion world from France to New York during and after WWII, and the idolization of movie stars as Hollywood became one of the dominant entertainment media outlets and movie industry. This social movement, bella figura, can be self-destructive in nature to people who fall victim to it, especially the very harsh and impressionable youth.

           The third day I had my midterm for language and culture, but for my archaeology class we went to an archaeological museum. It was one of the largest collections of Mediterranean artifacts in the world. This is because Sicily holds the most Greek archaeological spots outside of Greece itself due to the vast amounts of largest ancient Greek colonies set up in Sicily. They also had an impressive display of prehistory artifacts and Roman as well. 

           The fourth day I spent it touring the ceremony Jewish baths from antiquity and medieval times; learning about the Jewish community that once lived in Syracuse until the Spanish inquisition. Also I went to a traditional Sicilian puppet show, and although I couldn’t understand what they were saying I still could somewhat understand the plot. The quality of the puppets, voice acting, and writing was very impressive. It was really better ten some modern movies, and it uses local folk stories. They leave you hanging with the main hero`s story since it is a regular show with many episodes you come back to almost like a TV series on Netflix. Also for the first and only time it had rained which I found very relaxing and seemingly reminiscent of Florida.

           The final days of the week I attended a trip to the famous Mount Etna, The largest mountain in Europe, and the town of Taormina. We were accompanied by a volcanologist who told use the history and activity of the volcano. As we made our way up the volcano the view was extraordinary. Looking up I saw the peak of the mountain with plumes of smoke and gasses arising from the summit, and looking down I saw beautiful tree filled valleys with towns built into them along with a nice coastline. 

 Along the sides of the volcano you could see paths of destruction from lava flows were contrast of wild foliage and baron lines of death like that of the yin and yang symbol. 

We visited a local vineyard and winery on Etna to try the wines. The site was on the side of the Mountain giving us a beautiful view of the coast, valleys, and vineyards. As for the wine they were all good but in their own way with some being dry and earthy, while others more sweet, fluid, and fruity. Such a large and great selection I just had to buy a bottle or two. However, they don’t ship from June to August because of the heat. 

We eventually made our way to Taormina, having to take a gondola to get up to the main part of the city. The city itself was filled with architectural beauty and lots of people. It was a very famous place that thousands visit, and for a good reason. It is filled with high end shops, beautiful scenery of coastlines were people dock their boats, and famous cathedrals. It is because of this that Taormina is a famous pace to get married and if you visit you will likely see a marriage happening as I did. 

[audsjournal]

Promising Young Women: The Females and Films Taking over Hollywood

It is no secret that Hollywood has been a male dominated industry since its start. In a 2020 report on indie film screenings at U.S. festivals given by Women and Hollywood, nearly 30% of indie films made from 2019-2020 employed 10 or more men on set. Films with over 10 women on set accounted for only 5% of the indie films. Women have been gradually pushing to the frontlines of entertainment over the past couple decades. But in 2017, the “Me Too” movement broke the barriers of the industry and shined a light on some of the dark reasons women have had trouble making a name for themselves in Hollywood.

 In October of 2017, celebrity Ashley Judd was the first actress to go on the record and speak about Harvey Weinstein, a prominent American film producer and co-founder of Miramax who had been assaulting countless women in Hollywood for years. Once Judd came out exposing Weinstein, it opened the curtain to all the other women he had assaulted during his time in Hollywood.

It also opened the curtain on other men who were getting away with the same thing in other places.

            Immediately following the #MeToo movement and Weinstein’s official sentencing for rape and assault, Hollywood began to produce more content exploring the issues of sexual assault and misconduct not only in Hollywood, but in the workplace. Robert Thompson, professor of Pop Culture at Syracuse University, said it best in an article for Reuters, “Hollywood is now becoming its own loudest voice in helping to call out what a bad thing this is.”

Since films require time and care to produce, the effects of the movement on the media began to really show in 2019 and 2020.  Movies such as “The Assistant”: directed by Kitty Green, and “Bombshell”: directed by Jay Roach, were a few examples of these films, and both explore plots where a younger woman is assaulted by a man who has power over her job. Other content was specifically about the media and its place in the movement as well. “The Morning Show”, which explores themes similar to Bombshell, was a direct hit at Matt Lauer’s departure from the “Today” Show, after reports came out about his inappropriate sexual behavior. It was apparent from the similarity in titles the media wasn’t keeping secrets anymore, and time was up.

 “Unbelievable”, a Netflix series released in 2019, uncovers the harsh reality of the justice system, when a woman is raped in her own home and pressured by male detectives to recant her statement when police couldn’t find enough evidence. It isn’t until two female detectives follow evidence from cases years later that the truth behind her story is revealed.

“Promising Young Woman”, directed by Emerald Fennell, centers on a big theme of justice as well when Cassie, played by Carrey Mulligan, is given a chance at revenge from men who assaulted her friend in college.

It is important to note that almost all these pieces were written, developed, and directed by women as well as starring women.  Females are taking the narrative of women in Hollywood into their own hands, because they are the ones that have experienced it.

Ever since the women in Hollywood started to name and point out sexual violence both legally and through the screen, it has exposed sexual violence and years of sexist practices that have continuously forgiven and protected men.

“Naming sexualized violence makes it visible and subject to prosecution,” Said Gloria Steinem, co-founder of the Women’s Media Center. “In the past, what happened to men was political, but what happened to women was cultural. The first was public and could be changed, the second was private, off limits, even sacred. By making clear that sexualized violence is political and public, it breaches that wall. It admits that sexualized violence can be changed.”

The media has a big role to play in shifting the culture, not only the culture behind sexual violence, but the culture of Hollywood in general. After the start of the #MeToo movement, a clear step has been made forward for women, as studies from the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative show that women directed 12 of 2019’s top 100-grossing films, an evident increase from years prior. Women still only made up 10.6% of the top filmmakers. A valuable change, but more still must be done.

As Ashley Judd, a founder of the movement has said,

“The world has permanently changed. We are in a new era. It is messy, imperfect, and urgent.” However, it is not over.

[trendswerespotted]

My name is Joane, and I love movies (but not in the pretentious "film bro" kind of way). I graduated from Syracuse in Dec. '24 with a degree in TV, Radio, & Film and have since returned for my M.A. in Advertising. In 2023, I traveled with the Newhouse School to France/Switzerland to film some documentaries with the WWII Foundation about the French Resistance - an eye-opening experience that I'm incredible grateful for.

I'm currently taking MMI 634 to learn how to spot trends before they become "trendy." Back in 2020 during my freshman year, Syracuse invited Shauna Spenley from Riot Games to share insights about her career. She had worked at Netflix, before it became Netflix. She helped it grow from a small company doing at-home DVD rentals to a streaming service with its own original content. Ever since then, I've been on the lookout for the next Netflix. Although working for a major studio certainly seems impressive on a resume, I'd like to say I've been a part of something massive from the start - that I helped build that company from the ground up. I know this class will help me find these new Netflixes and Hulus and Disneys before they become the famous companies that are recognized worldwide.

Staying true to character, this blog is dedicated to all things movies - hits, flops, reviews, streaming services, studio deals... maybe even the occasional movie marketing campaign. Right now, my 3 favorite movies are: But I'm a Cheerleader, Megamind, and the Snow Society. My favorite movie genre is horror, but nothing hits like 2000s chick-flicks/romcoms. I feel like it's basic to say "I love movies," but I really do. For example, I love Megamind because it's a funny children's movie that tells the story of a self-proclaimed anti-hero who is bad at being bad. Movie making is an art-form that can create unexpected connections among its audiences. At the height of the pandemic we turned to shows like Tiger King and Outer Banks for comfort, humor, entertainment... In the absence of certainty, we turned to faith art.

In the future, I'd like to advertise for the film/tv industry (and maybe even end up on a set at one point, but that's TBD). For now, I just know I'd like to create something that resonates with people - whether that's an advertising campaign (connecting people with a product/service) or in the long-run, a film/show. I'm looking forward to bringing you along this journey and am excited to see what the hottest movie topics will be this semester.

[newhouselawyer]

Zenon Girl of the 21st Century (But Actually)

For at least the next couple weeks, I will focus this blog on the use of AR in biotechnology and the medical field. 

What’s the difference between the holograms projected in the two videos linked above? Struggling to come to an answer that doesn’t involve the difference in the industry they’re used in? Well, that would make sense. However, the true difference is that the holograms in the first video exist in our current reality through the use of AR, while the second video is a 1999 prediction of how holograms would be used in the future (while living on a spaceship, but that’s besides the point). 

I chose these two videos because it depicts just how rapidly technology is advancing in our day in age. A “futuristic” hologram in 1999 can now be produced in 2022 reality simply by using a pair of fancy tech glasses. The comparison between futuristic movies I watched when I was a kid and real technology being produced today is a surreal realization. 

These videos, specifically the first video dealing with AR advances in the medical field, relates to class discussions because the combination of AI and AR in multiple industries will enhance and feed the creation of the metaverse. While the video mentions only the medical field, tech and media flow and spread across industries. As the tech and media are adapted in each specific industry, they find their niches for the most beneficial and effective use. Additionally, the two videos are a perfect depiction of “first we shape our tools, and then our tools shape us.” We first shaped the tools in the movie situation as a “futuristic” idea of technology. Those ideas led to the development of holograms (via assistive technology and AR) in reality. First, the depiction of the future technology shaped the development of the tool in real life. Then, the development of the tool in real life has started to dramatically change the biotech and medical field. As the tech exists for a longer time, the tool will be adapted in other industries and shape our lives in an even more drastic way than the medical field use will on its own. 

This relates to our readings because this is evidence that the next step in the great transformation may be biotech related or biotech/metaverse related. As we have transitioned from agriculture to industrial to cyber, it now seems like we are shifting to the next category in the great transformation. It is also possible that on top of biotech/metaverse, AI fits in somewhere in this step of the great transformation. Since we are still experiencing the shift to this next step, it is difficult to name at this time. 

One large question that I may examine in a later blog post is this: Will the use of AR in biotech, pharma, or the medical field affect Intellectual Property Law? These are the types of speculative, yet fundamentally important, questions that need to be considered in conjunction with the media advancement implications. 

[asakosyr]

How do you get to know current news?

On your smartphone? TV? Or newspaper? (No, I guess not…) That was the question I held for a month after I came to the US. Because at that time, I didn’t have a TV in my room. At first, I was okay with it. I enjoyed a quiet moment, when I wanted to some music, I just turned on my Spotify or listened to the radio or podcast on YouTube.

But I also wanted to know some news, especially local news. I wanted to know what is happening around me, especially to secure a safety. And of course, it is a nature as a journalist, well not only for journalist but also for human I suppose, to have a desire to know what is going on around. For global and main domestic news, I can just check them on my smartphone. But for Syracuse news, I couldn’t think of any other better way to receive it other than TV.

So, I started asking people around me how they get current news. Well, most of the answers were like, they are not really interested in what is happening in local area.  Well, that’s okay. Then next, I asked them what they watch on their TV. Their replies are like, YouTube, NetFlix, AmazonPrime, etc.…streaming services. Well, I watch them, too. But o one replied that they turn TV on to check the news. So, I came up with these two questions.

-Is TV no more a platform for news source anymore?

-Or, is no one interested in news anymore?

TV was used to be one of essential, indispensable platform as a news source. It provides not only news, but also all kinds of information with influential movies of the scene. It also has advantage for delivering a breaking news, so people can know what’s happening in the world quickly.

But it seems like this roll as a platform has changed already. TV is now one of the tools to enjoy entertainment contents at your home. Well, that is good, that you have more alternatives to have fun. But then, what alternatives are left to get news? Smartphones are useful when you want to just check on what is going on in the world, but what about when you want to know about some niche news, like what is happening in Dewitt, Syracuse? If you want to know it as soon as possible on internet, someone has to launch a website to cover it for twenty-four hours, 365 days.

So, each media platform has each different advantages and disadvantages. They are all experiencing a massive shift in each industry. What advantages should we take to survive in this time of change?

https://www.syracuse.edu/

[avt-390]

Reading 1 Notes

Video Art

·        The genre known as video art, is a new type of contemporary art and a medium of expression commonly seen in Installations, but also as a stand-alone art form

·        Video art typically appears in two basic varieties: single-channel and installation. In single-channel works, a video is screened, projected, or shown as a single series of images.

·        In visual art, Video differs from film (including avant garde cinema) in its disregard for the conventions of traditional movie-making.

·        The German Happenings artist Wolf Vostell (1932-98), inventor of decollages was the first to include working television sets in his 1959 assemblage 'Deutscher Ausblick'

·        Andy Warhol produced a number of video films now regarded as part of the genre. Representative sample of his works include: 'Sleep' (1963), depicting the 6-hour slumber of the poet John Giorno; 'Empire' (1964), an 8-hour film of the Empire State Building in New York City at dusk; and 'Eat', a 45-minute film showing a man eating mushrooms.

·        The sculptor Joan Jonas (b.1936) was an early exponent of video and performance art, who began filming in natural and industrial environments and progressed to groundbreaking Performance video.

·        Bill Viola (b.1951), a graduate of Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts, has established himself as one of the world's most celebrated video artists.

 Busting the Tube: A Brief History of Video Art

·        This emerging and very politicized generation began to emphasize critical ideas and means of production that could be used to develop a new and more inclusive society, alternative institutions and accessible types of cultural production that reflected their social values.

·        Radical theorists such as Herbert Marcuse proposed that mass media had direct relationships to social control and created a “one-dimensional man” who lived in a bland world of conformity and had become too comfortable to engage in ideas that critiqued or opposed mainstream society in any way that could lead to meaningful social change

·        A change in one’s personal consciousness was seen as the starting point on the path to creating a new and better society.

·        The concept took several other forms besides political awareness and activism during this period, including using drugs, free love, music, and mastering Eastern philosophical and disciplinary practices, such as yoga and meditation. All were efforts to create mind-altering states of consciousness to create a new, more enlightened self.

·        Newton R. Minow, Chairman of the FCC, had expressed concerns over the negative effects of formula based television programming when he described television as “a vast wasteland.” The issue was how representations on television not only created a market for products but also created social acceptance and rejection through conformity.

·        This vision imagined that electronic communications were an extension of the human nervous system and operated in a binary kind of progression—as technology advances, so does the human sensory perception needed to receive it.

·        Video art has achieved its greatest success when it parallels and articulates ideas coming out of contemporary cultural, art, and political movements. Whether it is AIDS activism, feminism, anti-war sentiments, racism, global trade, or other emerging issues, video is a medium engaged in questioning, stirring up, provoking, engaging, educating, inventing, informing, and articulating new ideas

[eclecticenvironment]

Hey there, my name is Sarah Perrino! This summer, I’ve been analyzing Retrofit and the impact infrastructure construction and renovations have on the environment.

1. What university do you attend and what is your major? Do you have any minors, concentrations, and/or clubs affiliated?

I major in Architecture and minor in Music History at Syracuse University. I’m pretty involved at the school through marching band, pep band, concert band, club hockey, and the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Office.

2. How do your studies relate to ecology, hydrology, and/or environmental justice?

Buildings have a huge impact on the environment during and after construction. It takes so much energy to construct and sustain a building. For this reason, I have been studying Retrofit through my job this summer. Retrofit is the practice of renovating an existing building so that it creates as much energy as it needs, coining the term “Net Zero”. It can take form in many different renovations, but the most common include updating the insulation to avoid air leakage, getting new HVAC systems for better air quality and thermal comfort, and installing solar panels to provide energy. It is actually better for the environment to retrofit than it is to build a new “green home”. Through this internship I’ve learned sustainable architecture is the only architecture. I’ve also taken a class called Constructing in the Anthropocene which is about designing architecture that is trying to mitigate the impact of climate change, transportation, and industrialization. A partner and I chose to battle the seaweed issue in Japan. Seaweed is important to Japan because it’s part of their history, culture, diet and economy. But due to climate change, specifically rising sea surface temperatures, seaweed is struggling to grow in Japan. To make matters worse, the government put strict restrictions on agricultural runoff from farms that used to be bad for seaweed, but in recent years has been a source of nutrients for seaweed. Based on our scientific research and cultural research, my partner and I designed a walking trail made of guided growth bamboo that will serve as an aqueduct from a farm to an artificial seaweed farm. This will carry a healthy amount of agriculture runoff to the seaweed so it can grow locally from Japan again. Buildings can be placed anywhere, but architecture is designed for one specific space. Architecture is more than what’s inside the building, it’s also about the environment it exists in at the moment and the environment it’s going to exist in for the next fifty years.There is a famous principle from the Iroquois people that encouraged them to make decisions for the people in seven generations instead of the people alive today. I think it is crucial to design for a better future, whether I get to see it or not.

3. What is your favorite source of literature related to ecology, hydrology, and/or environmental justice?

Mirzoeff’s ‘Visualizing the Anthropocene’ where he breaks down the anthropocene, or proposed geological epoch dating, in art. He mentions Monet’s painting ‘Sun Rising 1873′, which is a beautiful painting, but it’s one of the first records where climate change became an aesthetic. The painting depicts a shoreline with a vibrant sunset over factories with clouds of smoke emitting. Although it made for a beautiful image, it aestheticized the unnatural sunset and factory smoke. Simultaneously it made climate change visible and tangible. Usually during the discussion of climate change, people imagine dystopias 200 years from now, but it is already happening. Dr Seuss’ ‘The Lorax’ also aestheticized climate change. If you remember the movie, there was a utopia where everything was fake - even the air was bottled up. But just outside this “utopia” was a dying earth. But the power of one seed proved that nature was the true utopia. Cheesy, but true.

4. What has been your favorite academic experience to date? This can include classes, research, or internship opportunities.

For my studio class, we had to design a library addition. But in order to get some site data and context, the class visited the library. Our professor strategically assigned this design project while there was a town fair going on. We got to see and speak with the best representation of the community. I had so much fun hearing people’s opinions on places with so much potential, such as libraries.

5. What are some of the biggest struggles you’ve had to overcome while in college? What is one thing you would recommend to incoming freshman or transfer students that you wish you had known?

I think I’ve always struggled finding security in who are my reliable and true friends. Over the past few years I’ve accumulated some great people in my life, but every semester I wonder if class schedules will get in the way and if I’ll find some new people. It can be very exciting and nerve wracking at the same time. Everyone is experiencing self doubt towards where they are, what they’re majoring in, who they surround themselves with, and what classes they take. Take your time exploring and don’t rush deciding. College isn’t one decision followed by four years, it’s four years of deciding.

6. What type of career are you hoping for after you graduate?

I hope to become a licensed architect. I want to make playful spaces that stimulate the brain positively and make everyday fun - like Google Offices.

7. What do you like to do for fun apart from your major?

To keep it brief - band, ice hockey, and GrubHub!

[nyslovesfilm]

A Record-Setting 2017

$3.8 billion NY Spend and 227,000+ Hires from 225 Projects

With 225 productions generating nearly $4 billion in New York spend and nearly a quarter of a million hires, 2017 broke film and television production records in all areas, making it the fourth consecutive year of growth for New York State’s film tax credit program. The state’s post-production incentive program also grew, with New York spend up 12 percent over last year, to $96 million for 80 projects, and hires up seven percent to 987.

Here are some by-the-numbers highlights of that record-setting production:

 Television: Series continued to be the biggest contributors, with 71 series representing almost 75 percent ($2.9 billion) of the total spend and 71 percent (160,179) of the total hires. Earlier this year, Governor Cuomo’s extension through 2022 of funding for the tax credit program  helped establish the stability producers need when considering New York as their filming location, a critical factor in attracting new series with potential to become long-running hits like Blue Bloods Season 8, Elementary Season 6, Law and Order SVU Season 19 or The Americans Season 6. Twenty-seven new shows launched their first seasons in New York this year, including Succession (HBO), Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon), Rise (NBC), The Good Cop (Netflix) and Instinct (CBS). These  shows alone represented a New York spend of  $720+ million and 43,000+ hires.   In July, Governor. Cuomo, the Walt Disney Company, Marvel Television and Netflix Inc. announced that Marvel Television would increase what was already the largest television production project commitment in state history - more than doubling its initial commitment. Marvel Disney’s Defenders series added 23 additional episodes (season 2 of Iron Fist and season 3 of Daredevil) to the 26 episodes already in production for 2017 --bringing the Defenders overall total to 135 episodes shot in New York by the end of this year.  The Defenders series have used more than  500 local vendors and small businesses and generated more than 14,000 production hires (For the full press release, click here).

Feature films: This year’s film projects represented a wide range of budgets, star power and locations around the state. Big budget studio projects included Steven Spielberg’s The Post, Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman (still filming), Barry Levinson’s untitled Joe Paterno project with Al Pacino and Isn’t It Romantic starring Rebel Wilson and Liam Hemsworth—bringing a total NY spend of some $264 million and 9,555 hires. Twentieth Century Fox’s Christmas release The Greatest Showman starring Hugh Jackman started filming in November 2016 and continued well into the spring of 2017. Middle-range features ($5 million to $50 million in New York spend), represented a little more than 20 percent of the total 2017 features, with 27 applications. These included bigger indies like Life Itself featuring Olivia Wilde and Samuel L. Jackson, If Beale Street Could Talk (director Barry Jenkins’ follow-up to his Oscar winning Moonlight), The True Adventures of Wolf Boy starring Chloe Sevigny and John Turturro, (shot entirely in Buffalo), A Quiet Place starring and directed by John Krasinski (shot in the Hudson Valley), Tomorrow Man starring John Lithgow and Blythe Danner (shot entirely in Rochester) and many more. All told, these mid-budget features brought almost $364 million and more than 23,000 hires to communities all over New York State. 

Small films: Since New York’s tax credit has no minimum spend requirement, it also supports the lower budget independent filmmakers and their projects which film from Brooklyn to Buffalo. Films such as Holly Slept Over from producer Jeremy Garelick in Syracuse, Spy Intervention in Glens Falls, Blood Conscious in the Mohawk Valley, Shore Cliff in Western NY, Teen Horror Movie on Long Island – these and other films in the under $5 million range contributed more than $145 million and 20,000 hires to their local economies. When totaled, 34 percent of the feature applications in 2017 were for projects under $1 million. 

Post-production: The state’s post-production credits have helped attract a number of high-profile projects with major vfx requirements to New York. These include the new Star Trek Discovery television series for CBS All Access, AMC’s Fear the Walking Dead, HBO’s remake of the sci-fi classic Fahrenheit 451, Cinemax’s upcoming Tong Wars series Warrior, and director Doug Liman’s visionary Chaos Walking.

As the numbers clearly show, 2017 was a very good year for the film and television industry in New York State with thousands of jobs and billions of dollars added into the state’s economy thanks in large part to the strong support of Governor Cuomo and the state’s film production and post-production incentives. With 2018 almost here, more projects are lining up to bring their shoots and post-production to New York State.