LB’S NOTE: A few weeks ago, Fake Video, made possible by comparatively easy to use software that can replace people’s faces and expressions with those of others without an overt sign of doctoring, was the latest Big Scary Thing.
Now, however, we’re talking about something even more fascinating – to me anyway – AI voice replacement so natural that, at the very least, an awful lot of actors may soon be out of jobs. TVWriter™ Bob Tinsley tells the tale (in his own voice).
You need this guide to streaming what you want when you want it by knowing where to go to get it. Step into the future with:
Apple’s announcement of its long-awaited streaming service will add yet another big player to an already-overstuffed business. Cutting the cord is no longer a radical act; according to a recent MPAA report, it’s now the TV-watching norm. However, cable still holds an advantage that streamers do not: It’s easy to use. Dozens of networks, all accessible through a scroll. No clicking through multiple platforms or apps. It’s a simpler world.
For some, the answer is Netflix. It spends billions annually on content creation that’s designed to convince subscribers that the studio offers everything they’d ever want to watch. However, Disney+, Apple TV+, Hulu, Amazon, and HBO, among many others, are spending their own billions to convince consumers otherwise.
NOTE FROM LB: As we’ve said many time here at TVWriter™, the Writers Guild of America West and Writers Guild of America East do much, much more for their members than lead them into battle with agents.
The combined Writers Guild of America sets minimum wages, administrates health and pension plans for its members (plans in which employers shoulder the heavy part of the financial load – thanks to the Guild), gives awards, throws parties, conducts seminars, holds hands, and has free screenings of contemporary films each month. Here’s what’s happening, screening-wise, in August:
THE USUAL NOTE FROM LB: From the summer of 2002 to the spring of 2010, Gwen the Beautiful and I were the proud and often exhausted owners of a beautiful Ozarks property we called Cloud Creek Ranch.
In many ways, the ranch was paradise. But it was a paradise with a price that started going up before we even knew it existed. Here’s another Monday musing about our adventure and the lessons we learned.
Oh, and if y’all detect any irony, please believe me when I say it comes straight from the universe and not your kindly Uncle Larry B.
by Larry BrodyAfter a couple of weeks of relative quiet, the WGA-ATV Battle of the Writing & Writers’ Agent Stars got pretty loud last week.
Over all, it was the same old, same old about fiduciary duty and how much power the Writers Guild of America legally has when it comes to client-agent relationships, but with one crucial difference.
It’s election season for the WGA West, with Board of Directors seats and Guild officers chairs up for grabs. As I write this I see three different groups vying for power.