| Bob Sunshine, Co-Managing Director, ShoWest was the moderator of the “International Day” press conference. |
Jack Valenti - The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA)
Valenti talked about the piracy promotional trailer "Piracy is a crime" that will be shown in theatres in Latin America
and Europe. 20-30 countries around the world will have the promotional trailer in theatres when the project is
completed. I asked what he thought about putting the trailer on the Internet and he felt that was a good idea and they
are looking into that also.
The US Government is worried about the film industries problem with piracy and a law may be put into place regarding
film piracy. The US Government is looking at an anti-Camcorder law in movie theatres. Right now some theatres are
equipped with special goggles that can pick up the light from Camcorders. They used these goggles and also wands (like
the ones airports use) to detect Camcorders at ShoWest. It took longer to get into the theatre, but you can understand
why they do this. We saw advanced screenings of films that will be opening in movie theatres in about a month. They did
not want these pirated and end up out there before the studios was ready for filming.
Piracy is costing the film industry a lot of money and they are planning a worldwide conference in Cannes. If piracy goes
unchecked, it could cause a decline in filmmaking.
One thing that most studios and Valenti mentioned was that you cannot get the same feeling of seeing a movie in a
theatre on your home television system. That is so true. So, go to the movies and then buy the DVD” was a theme you
heard during the convention.
Valenti talked about the piracy promotional trailer "Piracy is a crime" that will be shown in theatres in Latin America
and Europe. 20-30 countries around the world will have the promotional trailer in theatres when the project is
completed. I asked what he thought about putting the trailer on the Internet and he felt that was a good idea and they
are looking into that also.
The US Government is worried about the film industries problem with piracy and a law may be put into place regarding
film piracy. The US Government is looking at an anti-Camcorder law in movie theatres. Right now some theatres are
equipped with special goggles that can pick up the light from Camcorders. They used these goggles and also wands (like
the ones airports use) to detect Camcorders at ShoWest. It took longer to get into the theatre, but you can understand
why they do this. We saw advanced screenings of films that will be opening in movie theatres in about a month. They did
not want these pirated and end up out there before the studios was ready for filming.
Piracy is costing the film industry a lot of money and they are planning a worldwide conference in Cannes. If piracy goes
unchecked, it could cause a decline in filmmaking.
One thing that most studios and Valenti mentioned was that you cannot get the same feeling of seeing a movie in a
theatre on your home television system. That is so true. So, go to the movies and then buy the DVD” was a theme you
heard during the convention.
“International Exhibitor of the Year” presented to Mooky Greidinger, I.T.
International Theatres Ltd.
Mooky said, "International market shows how small the world is...movies
are the best way to show ideas to other countries." He also said, "More
growth is needed in the foreign film markets."
International Theatres Ltd.
Mooky said, "International market shows how small the world is...movies
are the best way to show ideas to other countries." He also said, "More
growth is needed in the foreign film markets."
“International Achievement in Filmmaking” presented to Niki Caro - Director of “Whale Rider”
Niki Caro’s next project is "Class Action" based on the nonfiction book by Clara Bingham and Laura Leedy, about
Jenson vs. Eveleth Mines, a case that forced corporations to take seriously sexual harassment in the workplace. It
seems that Caro seems to pick various topics that are close to what people deal with in today’s world.
Caro was asked how she picks a film, her answer "Picking a movie is like choosing a boyfriend." Caro said she must
really like the film before taking it on.
I talked to Niki Caro after the press conference about Keisha Castle-Hughes. We talked about how talented this young
girl is, specially her acting in the film “Whale Rider.“ Caro told me Keisha Castle-Hughes, now 13-years-old, will play
“Queen of Naboo” in Lucas' Star Wars: Episode III. Niki said, “It is not a big part, but a start for this young actress.”
The sixth chapter of “Star Wars” is due for release in May 2005.
Caro is a very talented director and I look forward to her future films coming to the big screen.
Niki Caro’s next project is "Class Action" based on the nonfiction book by Clara Bingham and Laura Leedy, about
Jenson vs. Eveleth Mines, a case that forced corporations to take seriously sexual harassment in the workplace. It
seems that Caro seems to pick various topics that are close to what people deal with in today’s world.
Caro was asked how she picks a film, her answer "Picking a movie is like choosing a boyfriend." Caro said she must
really like the film before taking it on.
I talked to Niki Caro after the press conference about Keisha Castle-Hughes. We talked about how talented this young
girl is, specially her acting in the film “Whale Rider.“ Caro told me Keisha Castle-Hughes, now 13-years-old, will play
“Queen of Naboo” in Lucas' Star Wars: Episode III. Niki said, “It is not a big part, but a start for this young actress.”
The sixth chapter of “Star Wars” is due for release in May 2005.
Caro is a very talented director and I look forward to her future films coming to the big screen.
“International Lifetime Achievement” presented to Melvin Van Peebles
Melvin Van Peebles said of his winning this award, "I've gotten quite a few awards in my day,
but this is the jewel in the crown," said Melvin Van Peebles. Van Peebles won an Emmy and
was nominated for 3 Grammy Awards and 11 Tony Awards. Van Peebles also said, "I like to
fantasize that I'm getting this award because I'm a sort of a de facto exhibitor...that is that I
managed to point out that there is gold in them hills of minority movies and independent
features that have not yet been dug into." He had many other quips, but I could not hear
them, as they did not have a microphone for him at this press conference.
Melvin Van Peebles’ son Mario was also at the press conference. Mario screened his movie
based on his father's life “Baadasssss!” written, produced, directed by Mario Van Peebles.
Melvin Van Peebles said of his winning this award, "I've gotten quite a few awards in my day,
but this is the jewel in the crown," said Melvin Van Peebles. Van Peebles won an Emmy and
was nominated for 3 Grammy Awards and 11 Tony Awards. Van Peebles also said, "I like to
fantasize that I'm getting this award because I'm a sort of a de facto exhibitor...that is that I
managed to point out that there is gold in them hills of minority movies and independent
features that have not yet been dug into." He had many other quips, but I could not hear
them, as they did not have a microphone for him at this press conference.
Melvin Van Peebles’ son Mario was also at the press conference. Mario screened his movie
based on his father's life “Baadasssss!” written, produced, directed by Mario Van Peebles.
| Mario Van Peebles after the press conference |
Vegas' Arts & Entertainment Corner
Lights -- Camera -- Action!
In the photo at the right
the three award winners
have a chat before the
press conference.
the three award winners
have a chat before the
press conference.