Minnie Driver...Emmy Nomination

Minnie Driver has been nominated for an Emmy award in the prestigious category of "Best Actress in a Drama Series" for her performance in "The Riches".

A most deserving honor in my estimation.

A short while ago, I attended a special screening of one of the episodes of the Fox show and had a rare opportunity to catch her work up-close and personal in a comfortable state-of-the-art setting at the Fine Arts Theatre.

Most certainly, it was a curious experience previewing scenes fading to black without those nasty intrusions - commercial breaks!

Minnie Driver, Shannon Woodward, and the TV Show's Executive Producer Dawn Prestwich appeared for a Q & A afterwards.

As to Driver, well, she was received with enthusiasm by a rapt audience.

The Oscar-nominated actress announced that Fox was picking up the show, but cleverly held back on plot lines for the upcoming season.

"The Pilot was much darker," she said matter-of-fact.

Indeed, it was not until a couple of female writers came on board and offered up some "crazy mom energy" that the popular show - "The Riches" - became balanced, she contended.

In the episode we viewed, dialogue was edgy, witty, and believable. Material which would have been risky by any standard - magically hit its target - mainly due to the competence of skilled actors like Eddie Izzard and Greg Henry.

Ms. Driver finds her stride in "The Riches" in a role that she's been "waiting ten years for".

Her responses to queries from the audience afterward were measured, thoughtful, and surprisingly revealing. There's a lot of depth there in the innermost reaches of her soul which also reflects in her work.

She's competing with Patricia Arquette, Edie Falco, Mariska Hargitay, Kyra Sedgwick, and Sally Field for the coveted award.

Good luck, Ms. Driver!

Hillary Clinton...Black enough?

Recently, Hillary Clinton faced a group of testy Black Journalists who were asking the candidate point blank: "Are you Black enough?"

Some argue the "other guy" is a better choice to represent Black issues in America today.

Mrs. Clinton asserted, "..I can make a strong case that my experience and my ideas, going back into the White House, is exactly what we need at this point in history."

She used the occasion to her advantage at The National Association of Black Journalists conference to underscore a number of bold-faced efforts she intends to pursue on issues affecting urban and black America when she's firmly ensconced in the Oval office.

Clinton is proposing a $10 Billion investment in Universal preschool and $100 million for Internships giving to middle-school and high-school student job skills.

She said she would increase funding for the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission and reverse proposed Federal cuts in child support enforcement.

Another worthwhile project is a plan to set aside $200 million over the next five years on community partnerships aimed at helping ex-offenders to re-enter the job market.

Where does she expect to get the big bucks from, Mr. Hsu?

Bill Clinton...Viagra ad?

In the future I may be a little more cautious when I bend over and snatch up the Sunday paper...why?

Recently, the LA TIMES featured a handful of snapshots of politicians in various clinches - lip-locks with the Gores, the Giulianis - and yes - the Clintons.

Heh, I nearly lost my breakfast!

The caption read, "...in '08 a little leg may go a long way".

If sex sells, the probing Journalist theorizes, aspiring couples in the Presidential race - knowingly or not - may bring the issue to the fore.

The thrust of the article is whether "public displays of affection" (or PDA's,the code word we used as kids to signal a date to get the paws off) are an asset to a campaign or not.

One expert opines, "Politicians often say that a candidate's spouse is a negligible factor when it comes to choosing a candidate".

"A candidate's spouse has to be a possible enhancement, if not - at least cause no harm."

Well, in the instance of John Kerry, it may have been true.

How many voters were comfortable with the idea of the ketchup bottle heiress roaming the hallowed halls of the White House swilling an expensive glass of wine in hand?

If the photos are any indication, it is evident that calculated press ops should be kept at bay.

The Al & Tipper smooch is not only reminiscent of the forced one Michael Jackson planted on Lisa Marie's pert lips, but also the dry, uncomfortable peck Cruise tried to launch on Katie Holmes (Mission: Impossible).

The Giuliani still appeared staged and phony in one sense.

The Body Language - especially the prominent hand grips by both partners - on arm, shoulder, and face (!) - suggested that His Honor was holding on for dear life - lest the trophy wife take flight; while his other half may have been clutching just as fiercely for fear he'd catch the eye of a seductress seeking to be number four wife.

Notwithstanding, the impression elucidated subliminally, is that of sublime bondage, perhaps.

The shot of the Clintons takes the prize, though.

The whole attitude of the photograph - their stance - and especially her bare legs and his noticeable lack of muscle tone (the line in the song goes something like this: with a figure less than Greek...) offers up something entirely unique.

The image reminds me of two has-been celebrities trotted out on "Dancing with the Stars" - workin' out their moves - and praying for a second chance at the brass ring.

It'd make a good ad for Viagra or a time-share, without doubt.

One has to wonder, does Hillary still hanker for nookie with Bill?

Gee, if we don't ask, maybe they won't tell.

News, is it over? Internet shaping it...

Having missed “GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK” the first time around, I settled onto the cold hard amphitheatre seating at the California Plaza to take in an outdoor screening of the award-winning film, starring George Clooney.

The acting was stellar and the script equally as powerful.

The intense award-winning drama focused on the McCarthy-era witch-hunts and the Senate hearings on the threat of Communism back in the 50’s.

But, there were a number of thought-provoking moments in a Q & A afterwards, as well.

A panel consisting of pundits from KTLA, a writer from salon.com, and a research Professor from the USC Annenberg School for Communication put the provocative question forward,

“Is News Over?”

Maybe the question should have been,

“Is news as we know it, kaput?”

After all, the general consensus was that our staple of news is alive and well - albeit - flourishing in a myriad of intriguing new dynamic places.

One speaker was adamant that,

“No one is beholden to the major network news outlets today.”

Of course, the influence of the Internet loggers was discussed thoroughly ad nauseam.

One writer theorized that Internet surfers are essentially “grazers”. (moo)

While the world-wide-web tends to be wildly fragmented, he noted it’s a green pasture for newsies in-between their frantic updates for e-news bites on Kobe and Paris Hilton.

Curiously, when asked who the audience was comprised of at salon.com, the writer simply shrugged and muttered,

“We can only imagine”.

Although he admitted news outlets may be broader in scope - “they’re shallower” - he conceded.

“Internet surfers appear to be assembling their own mosaic.”

All the panelists were in accord with the idea that people seek news at the sources they trust. But, it would appear that they ake a sojourn here and there to sample the enticing flavors across the net, now and then.

There was a lot of discussion about niche news on cable, Internet sites, and the like.

All panelists concluded that the majors were on their last legs in respect to their actual influence on consumers.

For a brief moment there was an intriguing foray into the area of demographics.

The KTLA spokesman noted that the target group at the local news station ranged in ages from 25 to 54.

If you’re 55 or over, he added, you’re out of the loop when it comes to product placement.

After all, he theorized, at that retiring moment you’ve pretty much figured out your likes and dislikes and aren’t likely to roll over.

When Martin Kaplan (Director of Norman Lear Center) asked if baby-boomers in the audience (and upwards in age) would consider new products encountered in a retail outlet, a majority of the hands shot up.

The enthusiastic response appeared to defy the demographic research cited.

At this juncture, another panelist quickly sprang into action and noted - as if to make a concession to that sector - that the over-54 crowd was definitely a focus for financial products!

Ah, money. The power of the true Maestro!

Then the conversation drifted to influence.

One panelist from salon.com argued that the distinction between journalist and blogger was rapidly fading - that from a blogger - of course.

That’s not true, in my humble opinion.

Many astute armchair critics are still keen on legit credentials, especially when they’re inclined to put trust in the messenger.

Without doubt, it was wholeheartedly agreed that the Internet was driving stories.

The mainstream media could not ignore the fact, they implored.

Some plusses?

Most agreed that pervading access to documents and a wider-range of at-your-fingertips research materials was worth the surf over the internet to acquire the data.

In conclusion, it was pretty much agreed upon that the Internet was evolving into a public square where individuals could communicate openly and freely without threat of repercussion or censorship.

When the focus turned to news outlets, I was taken aback when the salon.com writer remarked at the end of the discussion,

“Fox News has a party line. It’s unspoken. But employees at Fox know where it is and don’t cross it.”

A curious comment.

Golly, it seems to be the fashion to put Fox News down and attack their news outlet.

They’re a wild card to many - playing fast and loose with the rules - to others.

This past summer, I penned commentaries at a Fox-sponsored web site.

Oftentimes, I took jabs at both Repubs and Dems, alike.

I don’t recall any post being blocked, or any sinister hand stretching down from the corporate offices above, to throw a monkey wrench into my blog with the aim of barring my viewpoints from the band waves.

I just reported what I encountered on street corners, in cafes, and in chat rooms around the planet.

Everyone was fair game! Quite truthfully, I have no secret agenda.

May the best man (or woman) win in the upcoming election, I say!

Indeed, citizens of this great country should speak out, voice an opinion, and - most of all - vote accordingly.

I pray they’ll be able to do so without a muzzle restricting ‘em.

That’s the American way, after all.

The night amounted to a lot of talkin’ heads and theorizing ’bout this ‘n that.

If you want to know what the people are thinking, go into the streets openly, and check their pulses.

Good luck and good night!

Francis Ford Coppola...to direct Kerouac's "On The Road"!

Filmmakers take note that in an interview recently with MovieMaker Magazine, Oscar-winning director Francis Ford Coppola allegedly said,

"The movie business is not a good business to be in. You can have the money to finance your own movie, the actors can all love you, and if you don't control the distribution, you're DEAD!"

In spite of this negative stance on a key issue (he obviously learned first-hand about distribution angst from various experiences in his storied past) he offered up intriguing insights into the filmmaking process.

For starters, he noted that "Youth on Youth" (one of his latest films) was a departure from his earlier work.

"My work here is interesting because the camera never moves. It's rock steady. It's a frame."

And he stressed, "there is tremendous power in that".

From that project evolved a unique visual language which the remarkable auteur counts as a triumphant achievement.

"Every movie should have a distinct style," he argued.

Until now, the award-winning director has humbly been under the impression that his prior movies have been mere experiments, at best.

Some dabbling!

Films like the "Godfather" (Trilogy), "Rumble Fish", "Apocalypse Now", "One from the Heart", and "The Conversation" - to name a few - have garnered him accolades few will ever attain in this lifetime or the next.

The man has very high standards, without doubt!

Looking back on his own career, it is only natural to take a glance at the talent coming up through the ranks.

When it comes to the youth of today, he has a lot of faith in young filmmakers ability to survive in the jungle out there.

"They're bright and savvy about the marketing-intensive world they've been born to."

He senses a longing for heritage - with the college students - anyway.

He wholeheartedly believes that the younger generation is not only "deep" but have instincts that can be cultivated.

With respect to his ideas about TV - well - they're old school.

Coppola theorizes that children have been been negatively impacted by a "generation of fifty years of television" which he contends "has been destructive to the brain cells."

Unfortunately, he concludes, the film industry is a continuation of that mentality.

He scorns a system that focuses on how to make money off the slippery trends and fads spawned by the younger generation, instead of one that lays down resources or offers up the mystical beauty of the culture at youth's feet.

In many respects his approach to filmmaking has changed over time.

Not just in respect to what he refers to as the "Holy Grail" of filmmaking, but the creative process, too.

For example, today the insightful director is mindful of production issues.

Normally - after first considerations were made on scripting, casting, and other key elements - his attention would focus on the issues pertaining to crew and the logistics of filmmaking.

For example, in the naive days he was inclined to hire the key grip first because - in the words of one of the best grips he ever hired - "Grips power the show".

After all, he quipped, "A show only moves as fast or slow as grips move."

Today - because the cinematographer, grip and gaffer are a team that come with the equipment package rental from Panavision - his approach is different.

He used to jump into the fray and instruct the crew to put the camera "here or there".

If he took that bold step today, the grip would look to the cinematographer first - then most likely - forewarn Francis about the technical obstacles he'd be facing with regard to the shooting schedule, budget costs, etc.

Essentially, in the last fifteen years or so, the Cinematographer (and crew) have assumed a mighty position. Even the all-powerful Coppola is inclined to bow down to that reality.

It's all about team work, I surmise.

And yes, Mr. Coppola has come a long way since the days of shooting the Godfather.

When he looks back - not in anger necessarily - he admits,

"I nearly got fired."

"They didn't like the cast. They didn't like the way I was shooting it."

Executives at Paramount had so little faith in the 32 year-old filmmaker they had hired to direct "The Godfather", they actually lined up another director to follow Francis around the set just to remind him he could be replaced at any moment.

Despite studio interference, Coppola trusted his instincts and the "gangsta" picture became a massive success with both critics and the public alike.

Along with its more-acclaimed sequel, the Godfather is one of the highest-grossing films of all time and generally appears on every list of the best films ever made.

Francis Ford Coppola continued to trust his instincts - and in the interim - proceeded to win multiple Academy Awards for "The Godfather" (Part II) and for directing such legendary films as "The Conversation" and "Apocalypse Now".

Today, he leads in the industry by way of personal example and due to his generous support of aspiring young filmmakers.

More importantly, he has left an indelible mark on cinematic history.

Personally, I'm anxiously awaiting his next project, the adaptation of Jack Kerouac's classic book "On the Road'".

Will he snag it?

Justin Timberlake...male artist of year?

Next week, fans of Justin Timberlake will be tuning in to HBO to watch a special concert performance.

Timberlake has been nominated for the prestigious MTV award for the "Male Artist of the year"...but was also was given the nod in six other MTV musical categories.

Unlike most break-away stars in all-male bands, Timberlake chucked out the bubblegum tunes - and chose instead - to gravitate towards a sly, distinctive, talky beat with obvious roots in a vibrant Afro-American Culture; which was ready, able, and willing to propel him forward in the ranks.

Looks like the gamble has paid off for his handlers.

To some he's an oddity.

White-skinned, but underneath, moving to a rhythmic, black beat.

He's not alone in his musings.

Whenever I'm out in the mean streets of L.A, it baffles me a little when I encounter teenage white boys referring to their "homie" or ranting about some guy in the hood who's been disrespectin' them.

Yeah, Black culture has gloriously surged forward, in myriad manifestations; so "on the cuttin' edge of cool" that anxious, vulnerable teens are inclined to jump on the bandwagon.

You see it in all the trappings: the sloppy, oversize T's; the sulky, loose-fit dungarees hangin' down to expose designer boxers; the dazzlin' eye-poppin' bling. And, in a swagger that's animal in nature.

The handshake that bonds is all deft knuckle-bends and clever finger work, gliding over skin surface.

And, the musical staging for the tribunal is distinctive as ***:

There are a lot of fluid, confident moves, talky moments, and splashy, sensual sexual images.

Yo, what attitude!

The early days of Rock 'n Roll - which generated a lot of hysteria - seem so tame by comparison.

Yes, when Elvis Presley first busted out on the radio, before he performed publicly, everyone thought he was a Black, Gospel singer.

Even still, he faced a couple of obstacles on his meteoric rise to Pop Icon status.

Yes, Little Richard gyrated in what amounted to a wild, tribal ritual on stage.

But the idea of Elvis in that posture was too much for Puritanical, middle-class censors to digest.

The hip-swivellin' was too overt, and the sneer way too denigrating - "a bad influence on the youth of America" - critics argued.

When Presley first appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show cameramen were instructed not to shoot below the waist!

Today, just about anythin' goes - innovative musical artists in the limelight now - cross-mix, draw on, and influence each other's musical styling - without boundaries.

As they should.

Music is an International language.

Fame...quote!

A celebrity is one who works hard all his life to become well known
Then wears dark glasses to avoid being recognized...

Fred Allen