Tag: 07.26.19

Is Audience Weariness With CGI Leading To More Danger – And Death – For Stunt Performers?

It’s not just a desire for more “realistic” performances; it’s a massive increase in the demand for stunt performers – and little regulation, at least in the US. But “there are signs the US industry is adopting a more British approach. In 2018, SAG-AFTRA introduced new standards and practices for stunt coordinators, including mandatory basic training requirements, and a register of professionals who have carried out a minimum number of days of work. However, risk is still very much part of the territory.” – The Guardian (UK)

Seven Dancers, A Beatboxer, And One Minute Of Tap Dance

One dancer says it’s a lot more work than it might seem: “The footwork is all flatfooting, which looks kind of easy, but when it’s at a higher tempo you can feel crazy. You have to have your weight in the back of your heels, and you have to be relaxed. It’s very simple, but the combination of things can trip you up. Like you can trip.” – The New York Times

The New ‘Lion King’ Used A Kind Of Virtual Reality That May Dramatically Change Movie-Making

Interest in virtual reality has waned after its original investment and excitement; people just aren’t that into it. “But for Hollywood directors and digital effects experts, VR holds more promise as an advanced production tool. The ability to film scenes and scout locations in virtual reality could have benefits for multiple productions.” – Los Angeles Times

Times Are Changing In Music’s Race And Gender Diversity, But Classical Music Fests Haven’t Caught Up

Consider the BBC Proms: “The Proms run for eight weeks, with two or three concerts a day, but you’ll have to listen carefully for music composed by anyone other than a white male – in total there will be less than four hours of it, and less than 20 minutes from black and minority ethnic composers, throughout the whole season.” That can be fixed next year and in the future – but where’s the will to do it? – The Guardian (UK)

The Favorite Murder, She (Or He) Wrote

Mystery novelists have to write a lot of deaths. Which is their fave? Depends on the author, of course Ruth Ware: “Set on a cruise ship, it’s one of the most coldblooded crimes I’ve ever devised — a murder committed in international waters using a method designed to leave detectives wondering not just whodunit but did it happen at all? It’s a plan predicated on a single driving force: a desire to kill, and get away without even a stain of suspicion.” – The New York Times