1. Trade Groups
The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) is very much the trade group representing the American movie industry. As per its website, "The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and its international counterpart, the Motion Picture Association (MPA) serve as the voice and advocate of the American motion picture, home video and television industries, domestically through the MPAA and internationally through the MPA. Today, these associations represent not only the world of theatrical film, but serve as leader and advocate for major producers and distributors of entertainment programming for television, cable, home video and future delivery systems not yet imagined."
The implication of the above paragraph is that the MPA, the MPAA's "international counterpart" is somehow an independent organization; it is in fact the section of the MPAA that represents the American movie industry internationally.
2. Studios Shift to Digital Movies but Not Without Resistance
By Scott KirsnerThe New York Times, July 24, 2006
The article offers a discussion of the benefits for the movie industry in using digital cameras instead of traditional 35 millimeter film cameras. Cost is not the only consideration. The decision comes down to the preferences of the director and cinematographer, the different "looks" each technology can achieve, the specific needs of the project, etc. Expect to hear much more on this topic.
3. A Star May Be Fading; As DVD Sales Slow, the Hunt is On for a New Cash Cow
By Ken BelsonThe New York Times, June 13, 2006
A very interesting overview of the movie/DVD industry, as well as related products and how they all work together. Will the new technologies being introduced by the big companies end up in a showdown similar to the VHS versus Beta battle of the video market? But in a world where each technology innovation seems to arrive faster than the last, it is surprising, as the author puts forth, that the next big thing has not yet been determined?
4. Movie Studios to Form DRM Lab
By Edward W. Feltenfreedom-to-tinker.com, September 20, 2005
Copyright infringement is an unfortunate side effect of digital technology. In this online article, the author states that Hollywood "strongly implies" that technology companies could stop copying if they wanted to do so. The movie industry has therefore launched a research effort called "MovieLabs" - which is attempting to develop the anti-copying know-how that the technology industry has failed to deliver. Learn why the author thinks MovieLabs is doomed to fail.