Mad Mad Media

So long, farewell, it was really nice to know ya

elarose@sheboygan-press.com (Eric LaRose/Mad Mad Media/The Sheboygan Press) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:29:00 -0500

So this is it for me, my last post on Mad Mad Media. Why am I leaving this behind? Honestly, when I started this two years ago, I had a lot to talk about. After two years, I pretty much ran out of things to say.
I have had fun blogging about entertainment things from my perspective here in Wisconsin, and I will still produce the Mad Mad Media Minute (which can be seen every Tuesday and Thursday on www.sheboyganpress.com), but I just can’t write about this stuff anymore.
Sure, American Idol is fun and all, but really, is it worth writing about for two years? Nope. How about international copyright law and how it is affected by global commerce? Yeah, that’s cool, but I don’t want to do that every day.
My interests have changed, my time availability has changed and this blog doesn’t suit me anymore. I’m sure I will do this again, probably on www.sheboyganpress.com, but for now I need a blog-hiatus.
So, thank you to everyone who has every checked out the Mad Mad Media blog. I invite you to click the link at the top of the screen and check out the rest of this crazy blogiverse.
So long, farewell, it was fun while it lasted.

Eric
Mad Mad Media

Watch this, the payoff is at the end.

elarose@sheboygan-press.com (Eric LaRose/Mad Mad Media/The Sheboygan Press) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:44:00 -0500

Thanks Hulu!

PS. Hulu opens it's doors for the public tomorrow. Find out more at www.hulu.com.

Indy 4, SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET

elarose@sheboygan-press.com (Eric LaRose/Mad Mad Media/The Sheboygan Press) — Mon, 3 Mar 2008 16:46:00 -0600

Mad Mad Media is testing Hulu.com

elarose@sheboygan-press.com (Eric LaRose/Mad Mad Media/The Sheboygan Press) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:30:00 -0600

The date is really Feb. 5 and Mad Mad Media has been chosen to be one of the early beta testers of Hulu.com, the new video service offered by Fox and NBC-Universal. So, for the next week I will be blogging about my thoughts on Hulu.
For more info about Hulu.com, check them out at http://www.hulu.com/.

Hulu – Day One, Feb. 5, 2008

elarose@sheboygan-press.com (Eric LaRose/Mad Mad Media/The Sheboygan Press) — Tue, 5 Feb 2008 13:32:00 -0600

It didn’t take long to realize how hulu.com will break away from the YouTube-esque pack – the video quality.
Now, with most Web video (including ours at the press) the video quality leaves something to be desired. Many times on YouTube, the picture is blurry or pixilated, the sound is muffled, and you can watch for only a couple of minutes before the crummy quality really starts to get to you.Hulu is starting off setting the bar really high. The picture and sound quality is out of this world. Episodes of The Office and Terminator are a crystal clear as you could get on any broadcast television, with no delay in delivery or video pausing.

Want to take a look? I know you do. Here's a sample from Hulu.com.

PC and Mac, you have met your match

elarose@sheboygan-press.com (Eric LaRose/Mad Mad Media/The Sheboygan Press) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 13:47:00 -0600

Cloverfield: Freaking awesome!

elarose@sheboygan-press.com (Eric LaRose/Mad Mad Media/The Sheboygan Press) — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:36:00 -0600

I got a comment the other day that someone was looking for my review of Cloverfield, the hit J.J. Abrams film that opened nationwide (except in several Wisconsin theatres) on Friday.
Well, instead of writing my review, I reviewed Cloverfield on the latest episode of the Mad Mad Media Minute.
Click Here to check it out.
Now, if you don't feel like watching the show I can tell you this about Cloverfield. My wife and I had to drive to Milwaukee (130 miles round trip) to see this film, and it was worth the trip. Cloverfield is one of the most effective and mind-blowing sci-fi suspense films I have ever seen. My wife said it was kind of like Blair Witch meets Godzilla (she enjoyed it). I think it's probably one of the best monster movies I have ever seen, including Every godzilla, every horror film, even better than the Korean-made The Host.
It's just awesome!

Yeah, this guy's parents are going to be mad!

elarose@sheboygan-press.com (Eric LaRose/Mad Mad Media/The Sheboygan Press) — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 12:53:00 -0600

Hillary Clinton Vs. Tracy Flick

elarose@sheboygan-press.com (Eric LaRose/Mad Mad Media/The Sheboygan Press) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 14:38:00 -0600

This is so awesome!

Writers strike kills Golden Globes

elarose@sheboygan-press.com (Eric LaRose/Mad Mad Media/The Sheboygan Press) — Tue, 8 Jan 2008 16:03:00 -0600

The Golden Globes have been cancelled.

According to reports from IMDb and Reuters, the 3-hour 65th Annual Golden Globes ceremony, which was scheduled for Sunday, was cancelled after many agreed to skip it in support of the nearly three-month old writers strike. The Golden Globes are awarded by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

A one-hour news conference is scheduled to air in its place on Sunday at 8 p.m. central.

Want to read more? Click HERE.

Or, Click HERE.

AP photo

Best News Ever- Dead Like Me is coming back!!!!!!

elarose@sheboygan-press.com (Eric LaRose/Mad Mad Media/The Sheboygan Press) — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 18:03:00 -0600

My favorite show of all time, Dead Like Me, is coming back. According to IMDb and Dead Like Me Online, the show — which stars Ellen Muth as a teenage Grim Reaper — is currently being brought back as a Dead Like Me movie. According to IMDb filming has already begun. And, according to Muth’s MySpace page, if the movie does well, the show could make a comeback (much like Family Guy).
Of course, since I had given up on the show, I haven’t really been keeping track of Dead Like Me news. So while I’m suddenly aware of this amazing development, it is probably old news for many of you.
But I’m excited nonetheless. What a great way to end the year!!!!

Oh, and I got an iPhone. More about that later.

Something to watch this Christmas

elarose@sheboygan-press.com (Eric LaRose/Mad Mad Media/The Sheboygan Press) — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 12:39:00 -0600

Hey everyone,
Mad Mad Media and The Sheboygan Press present "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians" online Christmas Eve and Christmas Day ONLY.
Check it out by clicking HERE

Merry Christmas and Enjoy!

Eric
Mad Mad Media

Another cool song

elarose@sheboygan-press.com (Eric LaRose/Mad Mad Media/The Sheboygan Press) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 20:46:00 -0600

Found this on YouTube as well.

Minipop
"Like I Do"

Awesome Simpsons moment

elarose@sheboygan-press.com (Eric LaRose/Mad Mad Media/The Sheboygan Press) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 17:15:00 -0600

Big freaking huge announcement on M4 tomorrow

elarose@sheboygan-press.com (Eric LaRose/Mad Mad Media/The Sheboygan Press) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 17:12:00 -0600

Watch the Mad Mad Media Minute tomorrow (Thursday) for a freaking huge announcement. I know, I know. You don't want to have to wait. Well, I can't do anything about that. But trust me, this announcement is HUGE.

Check it out www.sheboyganpress.com after 11 a.m.

Eric

Another singer worth checking out

elarose@sheboygan-press.com (Eric LaRose/Mad Mad Media/The Sheboygan Press) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 16:27:00 -0600

This singer, who only goes by the name Ling86 on her YouTube page, has one amazing voice. This is her song Larkin Step. To see more of her work, visit www.youtube.com/ling86

Brandon - take it up a notch!

elarose@sheboygan-press.com (Eric LaRose/Mad Mad Media/The Sheboygan Press) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 12:07:00 -0600

I shot this video on my phone.

Dumbest kid in the world?

elarose@sheboygan-press.com (Eric LaRose/Mad Mad Media/The Sheboygan Press) — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 10:33:00 -0600

Teenagers, there's a new reason why you shouldn't do drugs...your parents could sell your Christmas presents online - for fun and profit.
According to the AFP, a Montreal father who caught his 15-year-old son smoking pot, sold his son's Christmas present on eBay. Here's the catch, and be sure to read this part teens, the kid was going to get Guitar Hero III.
His dad ended up selling the $90 game for $9,000 in auction. At least his dad is going to have a Merry Christmas.

Read more by CLICKING HERE

PS. Damn the writers strike. I'm back baby!

Creepy!

elarose@sheboygan-press.com (Eric LaRose/Mad Mad Media/The Sheboygan Press) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 14:33:00 -0600

Check this video out!
Bat for Lashes
"What's a girl to do"

Here's another cool video

elarose@sheboygan-press.com (Eric LaRose/Mad Mad Media/The Sheboygan Press) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 14:32:00 -0600

Mark Ronson featuring Lily Allen
"Oh My God"

You’ve got it half right Gene

elarose@sheboygan-press.com (Eric LaRose/Mad Mad Media/The Sheboygan Press) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:06:00 -0600

In a recent interview with Billboard magazine, Gene Simmons of KISS said college kids killed the music business.
“The record industry is in such a mess,” he told the magazine. “I called for what it was when college kids first started download music for free -- that they were crooks. I told every record label I spoke with that they just lit the fuse to their own bomb that was going to explode from under them and put them on the street.
“The record industry doesn't have a f---ing clue how to make money. It's only their fault for letting foxes get into the henhouse and then wondering why there's no eggs or chickens. Every little college kid, every freshly-scrubbed little kid's face should have been sued off the face of the earth. They should have taken their houses and cars and nipped it right there in the beginning. Those kids are putting 100,000 to a million people out of work. How can you pick on them? They've got freckles. That's a crook.”
Well Gene, you’ve got that partially correct.
Several studies have concluded that those who share music (not ‘download music for free’ as you put it – there is a difference) have not had a significant influence on slumping record sales. Many studies point to the fact that these “freshly-scrubbed” law breakers did not plan on buying the music in the first place.
But you are correct, file sharing is stealing no matter how you slice it. (Downloading music is not illegal provided that the person who uploaded the music has gone through the proper channels to get permission to do so. There is legal and free music on the Web.) But, the biggest threat to the record industry is the record industry. It has failed to adopt a new business model, and you know the old business saying – evolve or die.
The record industry has robbed musicians and music fans alike for years. The industry has done it by charging musicians for demo cds, and giving away more than they could possibly sell. The industry has allowed advance copies of CDs to get out and find their way to the Internet. The industry is not protecting its investment.
The film industry, which is busily adopting models for digital distribution much like the music industry is, while also fighting worldwide piracy, is attacking piracy by going after the pirates.
Why make the fans bitter, when you can still get the sale.
The film industry is evolving. The music industry is not.
In the interview, Simmons eventually said illegal file sharing “Doesn't affect me. But imagine being a new band with dreams of getting on stage and putting out your own record. Forget it.”
It has never been cheaper and easier to record, release and distribute original music. But one of the biggest reasons these “new band(s) with dreams of getting on stage” can’t get signed to a record label is because dinosaurs like you won’t leave.
Oh, you’re promoting a collection of 150 unreleased songs that’s coming out soon? What’s your contract like? Did you get an eight-figure advance? Sure you did. And there’s more unreleased music on the way? Great! I’m sure some record exec said, ‘Well, we can sign 10 bands nobody has ever heard of, or we can pay the advance to KISS for the crap that wasn’t worth releasing 30 years ago. KISS wins.”

A world without writers

elarose@sheboygan-press.com (Eric LaRose/Mad Mad Media/The Sheboygan Press) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 08:28:00 -0600

What would a world without writers be like? This video tries to answer that.

Some companies just get it

elarose@sheboygan-press.com (Eric LaRose/Mad Mad Media/The Sheboygan Press) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 16:53:00 -0600

How do you fight piracy? Do you go after the fans of art? Or, do you go after the pirates themselves?
Last week, Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures decided it was time to go after the pirates, and fight fire with fire.
According to an AP article: Paramount Pictures will sell DVDs through Warner Bros. outlets in China to fight rampant movie piracy by bringing low-cost legitimate goods quickly to market.
Warner, Paramount and Paramount's Dreamworks affiliate are selling new titles for $3 in China as little as two months after their U.S. theatrical release, the companies said. They said that will be the earliest release and lowest price in any market worldwide.
According to the article, China is the world's leading source for illegally copied movies, and pirates can get DVDs on the street less than a week after a title’s release abroad and months before a legitimate DVD is available. Pirated DVDs sell for as little as 68 cents.
What does this mean? Well, entertainment companies are starting to realize that their products are not, despite what some people thing, necessities. Therefore, as disposable income diminishes, the cost of unnecessary things has to come down as well.
The cost of pirated products drives the market. If you had a choice between a really great, and legal copy of a DVD, for $20, or a decent illegal copy of a DVD for $2, chances are you’ll choose the cheaper version – despite the fact that it was made illegally.
But, if the cost of a pirated DVD and a legitimate DVD are comparable, customers will always pick the higher-quality product for a slightly higher price.
These companies have the right idea. To put piracy out of business you have to treat it like a legitimate competitor – and beat it at its own game.
Will this ever come to the U.S.? Probably not anytime soon. We’re still willing to buy DVD’s for $20-$30. But once we make the conscious choice to cut our discretionary spending, these companies will probably change their tune.
Now if the music industry would take notes from the movie industry on how to deal with pirates, the world would be a much happier place.

Jane Jensen: Rocking the Rockabye

elarose@sheboygan-press.com (Eric LaRose/Mad Mad Media/The Sheboygan Press) — Thu, 1 Nov 2007 17:57:00 -0500

It’s been a long time since Jane Jensen released her last CD, 2002’s Burner. Too long. In fact, I was beginning to think Burner was the last we were going to hear from the singer who rocketed onto the indie scene in the mid-90s with a role in the new Troma classic, Tromeo and Juliet, and a powerful major/minor-label release – Comic Book Whore.
She returned this week with My Rockabye. Fans of Jensen will be surprised with her latest effort, since it’s a complete departure from the industrial dance influenced sounds of Burner and Comic Book.
While some of Jensen’s harder influences remain on My Rockabye, for the most part she has pretty much left behind the Candy and Razorblades for a more organic, more cohesive sound, which she combines with some downright fun and introspective lyrics.
The disc kicks off with the fun, folktronic Bedtime Baby, a song about mom and dad wanting the kids to go to bed so they can have a little… um … alone time. And while many songs follow the same guidelines, track 8, New Love, breaks the mold wide open, with Spanish, lounge and jazz influences, and Jensen utilizing her bluesy voice to it’s fullest potential. It’s the disc’s definite WOW moment.
Now, I have just listened to the CD online (on CD Baby) and I haven’t ordered my copy yet, (after several hours in release, CD Baby is already sold out), but the second I have a chance to I’m getting this disc. As a longtime Jane Jensen fan, I am impressed, ecstatic and enamored by My Rockabye. It was well worth the wait.

Check the CD out HERE.

NBC ... You just don't get it, do you?

elarose@sheboygan-press.com (Eric LaRose/Mad Mad Media/The Sheboygan Press) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 20:10:00 -0500

For a media company, NBC Universal sure doesn’t get the importance of reaching an audience.
According to IMDb, NBC Universal President and CEO Jeff Zucker lashed out at Apple and its iTunes Store Monday, saying the service is “preventing media companies from selling online content at profitable rates.” Sale of individual episodes of NBC’s shows was recently halted after the company said it wanted to charge more than iTunes' download price of $1.99. Zucker, who was apparently dropped on his head as a child, said NBC only earned $15 million from episode sales through iTunes and complained the service would not let NBC raise it’s prices.
“We know that Apple has destroyed the music business - in terms of pricing -- and if we don’t take control, they'll do the same thing on the video side,” Zucker said.
This is about the dumbest thing I have ever heard.
It’s bad enough that NBC only has four or five good shows, the best being The Office and 30 Rock, but now they want to make more money off of shows, that will eventually be sold on DVD, HDDVD, BluRay, into syndication and whatever new formats come along in the next 10 years.
What the hell are you thinking? $15 million isn’t a lot of money, but how much were you making on new episode downloads before iTunes? NOTHING! NOTHING AT ALL! IT DIDN’T EXIST!
And as far as how Apple “destroyed the music business,” you are about a misinformed as the head of a major communications company could be. The music industry couldn’t charge any more for music downloads than it already is. In fact, if you look at the emusic factor, iTunes downloads cost three-times more than they should. THREE TIMES. In fact, the whole music industry should probably be investigated (again) for price fixing, since the cost of a physical CD that has actual worth is about the same as the download price – for a product that can’t be physically touched or resold.
The fact remains that no matter how much you think you should get for your shows, we can watch them – and record them – for free. Anytime you can get paid for something you give away for nothing, you should take the money and run. And while NBC and Fox have teamed up to maintain a Web presence with the video service Hulu, NBC Universal’s lack of understanding for programming sales through emerging media services is as short sighted as it is shocking stupid.