Questions for a Friday evening
Because I’m too tired to throw together a long essay on either of these issues, and because sunny Friday afternoons were meant to be spent eating ice cream outside instead of writing, here are a few question running through my head as I sit and watch the sun set this evening.
Who stays for the credits?
Every time I go to the movie theater (which is quite often, I’ll admit), I see the same phenomenon: a mass exodus as soon as the film is done and the credits start rolling. Nobody, it seems, stays for the credits. (I do, but that’s because I’m a nerd and love learning about random cinema trivia like who was the gaffer for a particular film.)
Which makes me wonder why the studio doesn’t just use the web for posting credits. After showing the main cast and crew, get the rest up on a website.
That way, the gaffer can not only get his name up on the site, but a photo, list of previous films, and more information. Better than just one line on a screen that no one reads, right?
If we can start by first getting studios to list film credits on a website, then maybe we can eventually get them to embrace digital media and start creating a financial model based on the web as well. Someday.
How does Apple hire booth staff?
In the past two months, I’ve been to three enterprise-related conferences where Apple has been a sponsor. Every time I have stopped by the Apple booth at these conferences, however, I have noticed that the Apple representative not only knew nothing about the Mac platform, but was often a PC user hired by Apple to staff the booth.
Example: at this past week’s event, not only had the booth staff never heard of Quicksilver or knew how to create a smart folder in iTunes, but every time they wanted to demonstrate any function, they’d launch Parallels to open an application (including web browsers) in Windows because they were more comfortable in that environment.
Why? Apple does such a fantastic job hiring evangelists on college campuses and geek events. How does it mess up so badly when it comes to enterprise? I’m sure there are a lot of Mac enthusiasts that would jump at the chance to represent Apple. Why not hire them?
When did hockey become so exciting?
I’ve always resented the coverage that hockey gets here in Canada (pre-season hockey often trumps playoff baseball in this country) and I’ve resented the fact that the hockey post-season runs into the summer even more.
This year, however, things are different. The hockey playoffs this year have been more than just interesting, they’ve been thrilling. Case in point: Don Cherry on ESPN, Sean Avery dancing in front of the net, a four-overtime game, throwback uniforms, Sidney Crosby shining like the star he is, and a Wings-Penguins final.
When did hockey decide to actually become exciting? Or more importantly, relevant? Sure the NBA playoffs have been pretty enthralling as well, but if you’re stuck watching sports coverage in Canada, hockey is a nice substitute to settle for these days.
As long as it doesn’t interfere with the World Series or my NFL season, I think I may just become a closet hockey fan after all. Just don’t tell my football buddies.
Why don’t I get a day off on Monday?
Yes, I know our long weekend happened a week early, but it just doesn’t seem fair that our neighbors down south get to celebrate Memorial Day while I’m at work. Couldn’t they have shifted Victoria Day a week later?
Enjoy your weekend, Memorial Day or not.
Ken Allan
Kia Ora Sameer.
RE: Who Stays For The Credits?
I do too, and my family also sit by me if we are at the movies together with never a move from any of us while the rest of the audience exits the auditorium. But all my family have an interest in the actors and the creation process that leads to movie art.
I wonder that the movie makers don’t put the credits at the beginning of the film, as they used to and as they still do in some countries.
Ka kite
from Middle-earth
Friday
May 23, 2008
Lara Kretler
I think you should take Monday off - let them know your friends in the South said it was okay. :) Then again, I’m sure you get loads more vacation time than us! I think it all evens out. As for the movie credits, I love to stay through the end just in case there’s a fun post-film scene, a la Iron Man and some others in recent memory. It’s fun being “in the know” about those final bonus scenes! Have a great weekend. :)
Friday
May 23, 2008
Dan W
It takes a few minutes to clear a packed theatre. The trailers distract some members of the audience to reduce the number pushing to get out.
Friday
May 23, 2008
Jenna
I don’t think the credits should be extended to the web. People should learn to be respectful to the people who made the movies and watch them roll in all their glory. Many people do not realize that the credits are actually a part of the film and that can be frustrating. I really find it offensive how people leave; it’s like a slap in the face to the people who made the movie.
Friday
May 23, 2008
Sameer Vasta
Dan, I never thought about the physical, crowd-control-related aspect of the credits. Though even though the credits can be used as a distraction, it might make sense to put actual upcoming movie trailers back there…then some people have an impetus to stay. Right now, most people leave during the credits. Most of the time, I’m the only one that sticks around.
Lara, I loved that last post-credit scene after Iron Man! Looking forward to seeing the next project that it is alluding to as well.
Jenna, I agree that more people need to stay, but how can you make it so that they do? Most people don’t really care who the driver to Mr. Spielberg was, same as they don’t care who the manufacturing line manager was for the Armani shirt they’re wearing. Isn’t that just human nature?
Ken, I think your idea about the credits before the movie is a great idea, but I’m not sure how audiences will take to it. Do you have any examples of that occurring and how audiences reacted?
Saturday
May 24, 2008
StarsRule
Why don’t you come OUT of the closet and see what you have been missing. Hockey is the best sport on the planet. It really takes some physical prowess to be able to stay up on those skates and if you do go down you have to be able to pop right up. I figure most of us would just crawl or slide off. Can you imagine a 350 or even 250 pound football player having the stamina and strength to skate and then, if they are lucky, play a best of 7 series four times to win Hockey’s version of the Super Bowl. No way, no how. Football players wouldn’t even be able to play three or four games a week like hockey does.
This would be a great time to become a true blue fan because the Stars will be BACK IN BLACK this season and be better than ever. Perhaps some of your Canadian teams will even be better too. Join the fun, come into the cold and BELIEVE!!!!!!! GO STARS!!!!!
Saturday
May 24, 2008
Sameer Vasta
Wow, way to be an prick and insult me and the sport I played for over ten years — especially in a post where I’m actually complimenting hockey. Thanks for being so insightful, Mr. StarsRule.
I won’t get into the merits of football and hockey here, because of course, to each their own. Plus, unlike you, I’m not a fan of criticizing people because of their interests — I actually think that varied interests and diversity adds to the community, instead of detracts. What I am going to say is that it’s commenters like you (that don’t leave a real name, a URL, or a valid email address and then go on to add nothing valuable or constructive to the discussion) that caused me to consider getting rid of comments in the first place.
Thanks for reinforcing my original thoughts.
Saturday
May 24, 2008
Shaista
Re: Who stays for the credits?
I usually try to, especially since more movies are starting to show random teasers at the end of the credits. The last time we stayed to watch the credits though (can’t remember which film), the names whizzed by sooo fast, that you couldn’t really read anyone’s name. I kinda like the website idea that you suggested.
Re: The hockey being exciting
I thought it would have been an exciting Stanley Cup final, but so far the Red Wings have dominated and it isn’t fun to watch. Let’s hope the Pens get their act together when they go back home.
PS: Don’t let one jerk make you change your mind about comments. I think its a good idea that you’ve enabled comments and some people just like being jerks, I guess.
Tuesday
May 27, 2008
Sameer Vasta
Thanks for the vote of confidence Shaista. If you like having them, I’ll keep the comments around. =)
Tuesday
May 27, 2008