Posts by Robyn Gallagher
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On the other side, the chattering classes, said “we need to do more in-depth docos.” But the problem with that is they were so deep they disappeared. No one saw them. It devalued the form. They were earnest, preachy, polemical.
I've heard one problem is that when you ask people what sort of programmes they want to see on TV, they'll say quality documentaries. But when it comes to what they actually watch, it's different. If you've been having a busy day, you might not feel like watching a serious doco. You might just feel like blobbing out and watching a CSI or a Law and Order.
I'm really excited about the new GC series, but I also like a good doco. There were a lot of good ones in the NZ Film Festival last year. They're still being made - and these days it's possible to make a really good looking doco on a low budget - but it seems it's harder to get the docos broadcast on the telly.
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Hard News: It's Choice, bro, in reply to Rich of Observationz,
Also, by their somewhat stretched definition of 'Europe' we could probably join and enter a side. I reckon a version of 'Holidays in Cambodia' by the Wellington Ukelele Orchestra might win.
Except that's a cover of a previously released song, so it wouldn't be eligible. And the WIUO would have to scale down to a six-piece for the performance. And no live instruments are allowed, so they wouldn't come across so well. Eurovision is serious business.
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These are amazing photos! So much better than the ones I took last year. I'm kicking myself that I couldn't make it today, but I'm cheered by the fab photos that came out of it!
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Goths never stop being goths. A few years ago I was talking to a friend of a friend at a party. Later my friend revealed this guy "used to be a goth". Used to? Despite looking like a cooldude designer in his late 30s, he was dressed all in black and dark grey, had dyed black hair and was wearing eyeliner. Goth never dies.
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the weekend is for Entertainment
In that case, I suggest they look at getting Eurovision. Apparently New Zealand is the only country in the developed world that doesn't screen it. It's good fun, has loads of good music (as well as the cheese) and bags of entertainment. They have a month to arrange it.
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This is quite the adventure! It's like a fulfilment of the ultimate dadjoke fantasy - when moving house literally means picking up the house and moving it.
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You know what? I'm really looking forward to NZ's Got Talent. NZ Idol may be an easy target, but while none of the contestants are massive pop stars like Kelly Clarkson, Idol did give them a foot in the door, leading to good work in the entertainment industry. Likewise, the five women who were the original Popstars contestants are now all have good careers in the industry.
NZ's Got Talent will be its own thing. It will give a leg up to some talented New Zealanders, and - just like Popstars and NZ Idol - it will be a thoroughly enjoyable series to watch.
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And one happy little gem of knowledge emerged: Selwyn Toogood, the famous host of It’s In the Bag on radio and TV, had always been proud of his whakapapa in Ngai Tahu (I guess the freckles were a giveaway).
And he proudly mentions this in his autobiography, "Out of the Bag", though sadly he notes that his mother always wanted to keep that part of their ancestry hush-hush. "Out of the Bag" is a good read - look for it on Trade Me or at your local book fair.
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Hard News: This Is Not A Complicated Issue, in reply to nzlemming,
I know for a fact that closed captioning parliamentary tv has been raised a number of times with the Clerk of the House ever since they started broadcasting, as has live access to Hansard (even if it is "uncorrected").
I used to work making closed captions for the telly. Live captioning is complicated, especially when there's no script available (like there is with most of a news broadcast). In other countries, super fast stenographers are used, but there's apparently a shortage of those in NZ as they are lured away for bigger paycheques overseas. In Australia, for example, all news and current affairs television must be captioned.
But if there's already a transcript available (Hansard!) it's a lot easier to prepare captions in advance. This could be made available online, rather than broadcast live on Parliament TV.
But it's still expensive and still takes time and the money has to come from somewhere. Like anything, the people who would most benefit from this sort of service need to keep on pushing for it.
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Hard News: Review: Lana Del Rey, 'Born…, in reply to hot_grits,
The modern major label underground buzz plant project. Been going strong since Alanis Morrisette (remember her being played on bfm and those videos where you couldn't quite see her face?).
Yes! The marketing of Lana Del Rey reminds me a lot of the hype around Alanis. But both Alanis and Lana (ooh, similar names) are driven, hardworking singers and certainly greater than the hype. Alanis has been working solidly, with five albums under her belt and a loyal fanbase. And she got her hair out of her face.