PSN Update: PSN Back Online In Parts Of U.S.

Posted on by

The Sony Store and PSN are now back on line in certain parts of the U.S.

In an amazing move that is sure to surprise users of PS3, Sony appears to have brought the deadline of bringing its network back ahead of the speculated deadline of the 31st. And although the PSN is only fully active in the United States right now, UK owners of PS3 can download the latest update (3.61) for their machines today (15th).

In the US, users are requested to change their passwords after installing the update to take advantage of the new features as well as the ‘thank you for your patience package’ offered by Sony after their service was hijacked and taken off line nearly a month ago. More than 77 million users had their personal details stolen.

You can be sure more news will follow. Keep your browser on Frost for all the latest updates.

 

Console Wars: Could Apple Buy Sony?

Posted on by

OK,  so it’s probably a crazy idea and there’s no hint that it will happen, but it’s well worth taking a look at what would be an incredible business deal.

The idea came to me on the back of the recent PSN hack and Microsoft’s deal for Skype. Apple is sitting with an ever-growing amount of cash on its balance sheet. That and their short-term investments now total an enormous $29 billion. That’s money which is not doing a great deal and many analysts believe it could be put to better use by acquiring other companies.  Microsoft has made its move by buying Skype. Now its Apple’s turn.

Sony is currently valued at $27.7 billion (according to Google finance and not including options). Some believed Apple might acquire Sony back in October of last year (at that time Sony’s share price was around $32, more expensive than the $27.58 it is today).

Of course, the true cost of buying Sony would be a lot more. Apple would have to take on Sony’s colossal debts but Apple could afford to do it – if it wanted to.

The Console War

We all enjoy the rivalry between Sony and Microsoft as each company pushes the other onto greater and better things. But the truth is, Sony has been struggling. Its share price has collapsed from $149 a share in 1999 to just $27.58 today. Its rival Microsoft is valued at about eight times more.

Sony may be winning this round in the battle of the consoles (although many would disagree). However, it has made a loss the last two years. How much longer can it keep pace with its rival? Is it destined to follow Sega and, dare I say, Nintendo into mediocrity? Perhaps Sony needs to be bought out before this can happen.

Is it time Apple entered the console war? No doubt some Sony fans will baulk at the idea of an Apple takeover. But imagine the expertise Apple could bring to a console. The PSN network could be integrated with iTunes and Apple TV, and Apple could bring its brilliant design expertise to the PlayStation hardware and software. There would a whole of host of synergies.

The Brand

Imagine the power of the Sony and the Apple brand combined. Imagine the iPlaystation. We have iPad, iPods, so why not an iPlayStation?. Apple was already recently rated as the most valuable brand in the world (at a staggering $153bn). Picture what the addition of Sony could bring to it.

Would it Really Benefit Us?

A question worth asking as consumers is: Do we want to have to pay for this super brand? Would it work? Or would the strength of both brands work against each other?

The best thing for us, the consumer, would be if Apple entered the console war by itself. While we’d love it to happen, Apple is probably too far behind to do this. That said, who knows? If anyone could do it, it would be Apple.

The Microsoft and Apple History

The Microsoft/Apple History has been a very complex one. There has been mutual co-operation, contract deals, law suits against and investments in each other.

In the last 10 years, Apple has really taken the fight to its brother. In the last few days, Apple finally passed Microsoft in Profit ($6 billion to $5.2 billion for the quarter), having already passed it in revenue and market cap.

The Xbox is one of the last bastions of Microsoft not under attack by Apple. If Apple bought Sony, this would no longer be the case.

Other synergies

If Apple bought Sony, it would immediately mitigate much of the damage done to the Sony brand by the PSN hack. If Apple handled it properly, they could portray themselves as a rescuer. I believe Apple could add value just by stepping in. They could also bring their security experts to help shore up Sony’s system and prevent another attack.

An increasing presence in online gaming and entertainment could help Apple to challenge the likes of Facebook.

There would be many other savings as well, in the production process, purchasing of raw materials, marketing and distribution etc.

Could it Actually Happen?

Apple is probably far too sensible to consider such a deal. Part of the reason they have done so well at the moment is precisely because they have avoided getting distracted by the console war. Both Microsoft and Sony have sunk huge resources into their consoles for relatively little gain and it has shown in terms of profits and share price. Both have struggled in recent years partly as a result of this distraction.

However, Sony has previously been sighted as a potential Apple target and it is known they are in the market for acquisitions. On paper, the deal might make sense but that fails to consider the very different corporate cultures at Sony and Apple. Ultimately, this is probably the reason the deal will never happen. Mergers as big as this one have a poor record of success. Sony’s deeply ingrained corporate culture would be hard to overturn.

 

The Open Road: DVD Review

Posted on by

Justin Timberlake’s career has come a long way since the Mickey Mouse Club. After featuring in The Social Network, one of the best films of the year, The Open Road offers the American a rare lead role.

Timberlake plays Carlton Garrett, a sports star who is trying to get his estranged, wayward father back home before his mother has a life-threatening operation.

This is a good movie with a good storyline. It has some nice twists and turns but, more importantly, has Jeff Bridges in it. Bridges, who recently starred in True Grit, is brilliant as Timberlake’s charismatic father, Kyle. Kate Mara, another very good, strong actor, also features as Garrett’s ex-girlfriend, Lucy.

If you fancy a good road movie, this is worth seeing.

Brooke Shields, Susan Sarandon and Gillian Anderson Support 'Positive Beauty'

Posted on by

GLOBAL STARS AND THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY LINE UP TO SUPPORT PSYCHOLOGIES’ ‘POSITIVE BEAUTY’ MANIFESTO

Brooke Shields, Susan Sarandon and Gillian Anderson are amongst 50 celebrities who have signed up to support the Psychologies’ ‘Positive Beauty’ Manifesto, which launched on 5th May, 2011.

Beauty editor, Eminé Ali Rushton, said:  “An interest in how you look is so often dismissed as superficial, when in fact it’s been shown that those who take care of their appearance feel far happier. There’s such a powerful link between looking good & feeling good – and we wanted to celebrate this. By promoting such inclusive, positive values – that do not discriminate or prescribe or restrict – we’re truly celebrating beauty that unites us all.”

The manifesto, published in Psychologies’ June issues across the globe, marks the launch of a campaign that will also include the first ‘Positive Beauty’ awards in the UK in October.

The Psychologies’ ‘Positive Beauty’ campaign aims to encourage women to have a balanced approach to beauty and celebrates women who enjoy looking after their appearance, while celebrating individuality in an increasingly pressured world. The campaign taps into the Psychologies ethos of always looking beneath the surface to understand what really makes women tick – ‘Positive Beauty’ is the expression of a women’s sense of self as well as the way she chooses to present herself.

The campaign is being supported by major international beauty brands, including ambassadors from Lancôme, Laura Mercier, Trevor Sorbie, Eve Lom, Ruby Hammer and Margo Marrone from The Organic Pharmacy all signing up to the manifesto.

The 10-point manifesto has also been backed by US stars and leading UK women across entertainment, media and politics including; Jemma Kidd, Mary Portas, Kathy Lette, Miranda Hart, KT Tunstall, Corinne Baily Rae, Lisa B, Camila Batmanghelidjh from the Kids Company and Lynne Featherstone MP.

Louise Chunn, Editor of Psychologies comments: “I am a passionate believer in the aims of this beauty manifesto. Beauty is a wonderful tool for women, but it shouldn’t become their master.”

The ‘Positive Beauty’ Manifesto will run in UK Psychologies and internationally from 5th May in France, Russia, China, Belgium, Mexico, Romania, Spain, Italy and Greece.

As part of the campaign women in the UK are being asked to sign up to the manifesto on Psychologies.co.uk as well as tweet their personal ‘Positive Beauty’ mantras to @PsychologiesMag, to celebrate feeling good about beauty.

The ‘Positive Beauty Awards’, taking place in London in October, will recognise beauty brands that help make women feel as well as look fantastic.

The 10 point Positive Beauty Manifesto:

1. Beauty is the celebration of what is unique about each one of us

2. Taking the time to care about ourselves boosts our self confidence

3. Beauty and femininity are complex, and should not follow a simplistic set of rules or

universal conversations

4. Beauty should celebrate intelligent, individual and confident role models

5. Being bombarded by unattainably perfect beauty ideals can damage that confidence

6. True beauty radiates who we truly are, including all our imperfections

7. Feeling beautiful is more important than looking beautiful

8. A woman can play with her image, make-up and clothes without being superficial

9. Neither neglecting your appearance nor obsessing about it are healthy signs for women

10. We can be beautiful without being young, overtly sexy or thin

BLAKE'S NOT LIVELY – SHE'S AN OLD FOGEY; FIRST LOOK AT 'APES' PICS; PLUS DANIEL RADCLIFFE DOES HATE

Posted on by

First Look! – Pictures from Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Total Film takes a look at the first pictures from Rise of the Planet of the Apes which opens later this summer. Andy Serkis plays chief chimp Caesar, created through motion-capture and CGI.

Director Rupert Wyatt explains, “We had a choice of using either live apes or CGI. Personally, I had moral problems with the idea of using chimps. And from a practical point of view it would be virtually impossible to get them to do what we need them to do within our schedule.”

Blake’s not Lively – she’s an old fogey?

When Total Film sat down for a chat with Blake about her latest film The Green Lantern, the Gossip Girl admitted “I very much think of myself as an old fogey.”

Responding to jibes from Green Lantern director Martin Campbell that she was “going on 60”, Blake confessed, “I don’t party, I don’t go out and I’m sure one day I’ll really regret not tapping in and really living it up and exploring all the frivolities of youth.”

Speaking about her transformation from blonde to brunette for her portrayal of the comic book’s character Carol Ferris, she added, “I do want to make the fans happy. In the end we did a test and I tried 14 different shades of brown because we wanted to have the exact right colour. It was elaborate.”

Daniel Radcliffe speaks exclusively to Total Film: “I just hated my performance”

Speaking exclusively to Total Film in the issue out now about the final installment, Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 2, Radcliffe revealed that he hated his performance in the 2009 film, The Half-Blood Prince.

“The Half-Blood Prince wasn’t my favourite installment overall. I just hated my performance. The film was good, but it’s a huge amount of exposition.”

“READ THE FULL STORY IN TOTAL FILM – OUT NOW”

SILENCE WILL FALL…New Doctor Who Villian Arrives

Posted on by

SILENCE WILL FALL…

THE SILENCE

ARRIVING AT THE

DOCTOR WHO EXPERIENCE

ON FRIDAY 13th MAY

{above picture} One of Doctor Who’s most terrifying enemies, The Silence, stands behind an unsuspecting Welsh Guard in Pall Mall, ahead of their arrival at the highly-acclaimed Doctor Who Experience at London’s Olympia 2 venue. The fully interactive themed experience and exhibition invites visitors to step through a crack in time to become the Doctor’s companion on an adventure. Their challenge will be to reunite the Doctor with the TARDIS whilst fending off threats from a Dalek spaceship and Weeping Angels along the way, before exploring the wonders of Doctor Who at an out of this world exhibition.

This Friday 13th May Doctor Who Experience will prove monsters are real by giving you the opportunity to come face-to-face with one of Doctor Who’s most terrifying of monsters to date as The Silence arrive at the Doctor Who Experience.

The Silence will be on show in the walk-through part of the Doctor Who Experience following their appearance in the opening two episodes of the award-wining series, The Impossible Astronaut and Day of the Moon.

Fans will be able to encounter these terrifying monsters for the first time, who, with their powers of telepathy and eerie ability to erase themselves from your memory have been cited as one of the Doctor’s more frightening foes.

Glimpse one of these creatures at Doctor Who Experience and you may feel slightly unsettled the moment it’s out of view but the real question is… will you remember?

Come fly the TARDIS and dare to meet The Silence, by taking a starring role in your very own Doctor Who adventure at the Doctor Who Experience. Step through the crack in time and become the Doctor’s companion in this exhilarating walk through experience that recreates all the best parts of the hit TV series. Come face to face with some of the scariest monsters seen on the screen including Daleks, Cybermen and the latest addition from series 6: The Silence.

There’s fun for family and fans alike with the largest collection of authentic Doctor Who props and artefacts including all the previous Doctor’s iconic costumes, the original David Tennant TARDIS set and even interactive lessons in how to walk like a Cyberman!

Tickets on sale at www.doctorwhoexperience.com

Door Price / Advance peak / Advance off-peak

· Adult: £20.00 / £18.00 / £15.50

· Child (5 to 16): £15.50 /£14.00 /£12.50

· Under 5’s are free

· Family of 4: £62.00 / £52.00 /£46.00

Schools/Groups/Tour Operators: separate pricing.

Osama Bin Laden son in 'Moral High ground' Shocker

Posted on by

The son of Osama Bin Laden has released a statement say the killing of his Al Qaeda father was ‘criminal’ and that he reserves the right to sue the U.S government. The statement made by Omar Bin Laden did not however mention whether he also felt the victims of 9/11 should be able to sue his father’s estate for the murder of their relatives.

Omar is Bin Laden’s fourth eldest son and also mentioned that the Al Qaeda chiefs other children also are ‘reserving the right to take legal action in the U.S and internationally.’ The statement that was published on the Islamist website Abu Walid al-Masri also stated that his father’s burial was ‘humiliating’ as his father had ‘such importance and status among his people’ ,but, yet again, did not mention that fact that over 3000 bodies of the 9/11 victims will never even be found.

Specialists on militant propaganda had said that the statement appears to be genuine.

Omar Bin Laden, 30, married a British women 25 years older than him and she appeared in a number of celebrity magazines with her young husband beside her. They tried to relocate to the UK but his visa was refused. Omar and his wife Zaina Bin Laden (Previously known as Jane Felix-Browne) are now based in the Gulf. It was announced in April that they are having a surrogate child through IVF, which is being carried by a British Pole Dancer. Their twins were miscarried last year through another surrogate, after which the couple broke up amide claims that Omar was suffering from mental illness. They are now back together even though Omar told the Daily Mail that there was “no chance” of a reconciliation.

The alleged letter from Omar went on to say: ”We hold the American President (Barack) Obama legally responsible to clarify the fate of our father, Osama Bin Laden, for it is unacceptable, humanely and religiously, to dispose of a person with such importance and status among his people, by throwing his body into the sea in that way, which demeans and humiliates his family and his supporters and which challenges religious provisions and feelings of hundreds of millions of Muslims.’

New Masterclasses Teach Actors To Be Their Best

Posted on by

As an actor, continual training is important. So I have interviewed Paul Burton, Ronnie Le Drew and Leoni Kibbey who will both be doing masterclasses for pro active actors at the famous Elstree Studios.

Paul Burton

1) Tell me about the Masterclasses

There are currently four masterclasses scheduled and each one is being held at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 1JG

Actress, filmmaker and film & TV casting director, Leoni Kibbey, is taking an initial three masterclasses. They are:

Leoni Kibbey – Masterclass For Actresses:

Date: Monday 23rd May 2011

Times: 11am – 7pm

Description: An enjoyable and intensive one-day masterclass for actresses aged 18+ only! This will be a chance for you to gain valuable industry advice, practise your audition technique and hone your screen acting skills. You should come away with a better understanding of the industry and how to market yourself and increase your chances of being cast. It will be a fun and practical day and there will be opportunities to practise your acting skills and receive constructive feedback in a positive environment.

Leoni Kibbey – Screen Acting Masterclass:

Date: Tuesday 24th May 2011

Times: 11am – 7pm

Description: A one-day masterclass for actors and actresses aged 18+ with lots of opportunities to practise your screening acting skills using a full-range of film, TV and commercial scripts. This will be a very practical masterclass where you will learn by ‘doing’ as well as watching your fellow classmates. Techniques, terminology and other useful advise to help further your career as a screen actor or actress will all be included as part of the day.

Leoni Kibbey – Audition Masterclass:

Date: Thursday 9th June 2011

Times: 11am – 7pm

Description: A one-day masterclass for actors and actresses aged 18+ where you will learn about the different types of audition. You will also find out the best way to apply for a job and gain an understanding of how agents and casting directors deal with applications. The day will also educate you on what to expect at an audition and how to improve your skills and confidence.

Each of Leoni’s masterclasses costs just £55 each and includes a two-course lunch (vegetarian option) with a fruit juice.

Meanwhile, former Rainbow puppeteer, Ronnie Le Drew, will be running a special one-day masterclass on Friday 3rd June 2011. This will be a chance for any aged 18+ to learn more about the art of puppetry.

Ronnie Le Drew – Puppetry Masterclass:

Date: Friday 3rd June 2011

Times: 11am – 7pm

Description: Set to be taken by puppeteer Ronnie Le Drew (best-known for having operated Zippy in the Thames TV children’s show, Rainbow), this special one-day masterclass will include an opportunity to operate glove puppets, rod puppets and marionette puppets and to explore the potential that each has to offer. The day will also include the showing of video clips from Ronnie’s theatre, film & TV career which spans forty years. There will also be time for a Q&A session. Set to take place at Elstree Studios where Ronnie worked on the Jim Henson film Labyrinth in 1986, this masterclass will be a unique opportunity for anyone aged 18+ to explore and find out more about the exciting world of puppets.

A place on Ronnie’s masterclass costs just £50 each and includes a two-course lunch (vegetarian option) with a fruit juice.

2) What’s your background?

Gosh, that could take hours to explain! I have twenty-two years of experience running a variety of my own theatre, film, TV and radio projects. I’m basically a self-employed writer, filmmaker and film & TV historian. You can found out more about me at: www.paulburton.org.uk

3) How important is it for actors to keep training?

I think it is very important. I personally believe each of the masterclasses which are holding will benefit actors and actresses (yes, despite being only 37, I am old fashioned and still use both titles!) a great deal. I think learning new skills is also essential in this industry. As a director I am always more impressed when I get an application for an actor or an actress who has shown to continue to take extra training and learn new skills post drama school. It shows that they are hardworking and serious about their careers in what is obviously a very competitive world.

4) Is it exciting to be at Elstree studios?

Yes, so many of my favouirte films have been made at the complex since 1924, so to be walking down the same corridors and using the same rooms and areas used by my favorite actors, actresses, producers and directors is a great thrill. I never tire of walking through the gates and entering the studios. And the management have been so supportive to me over the last few years.

The Masterclass Project – Website: www.themasterclassproject.org

To request further details and a booking form, please email Paul Burton: paulburton73@hotmail.co.uk

Leoni Kibbey

1) Tell me about the masterclass

I was really pleased to be asked by Paul Burton to teach on his masterclass sessions. He runs a variety of masterclasses for actors and actresses which are taken by experienced professionals from the world of theatre, film & television at Elstree Studios, in Hertfordshire.

2) What will you be teaching at the masterclasses?

I am teaching 3 different day long courses – each day will be fun and practical, there will be lots of chances to perform and get involved. I am certainly more ‘get up and do’ than ‘sit down and listen’. One of the classes is a casting master-class just for women and then there are two for anyone age 18+ – a screen acting day and an audition technique day. I think having an understanding of the industry is as important as talent and these masterclasses will help develop both as well as give you an opportunity to practise your skills and receive honest constructive feedback.

I often run casting workshops which last just a couple of hours. I am looking forward to giving a more intense day long workshop as it gives the actors a chance to learn more and to totally immerse their day in the world of casting as well as for me to learn more about them as actors and actresses.

I think they are very good value and having lunch included is an added bonus. For full details on the courses go to the masterclass website: http://www.themasterclassproject.org/leonikibbey.htm

3) As an actor yourself, what do you think the benefits of continual training are?

It keeps your skills honed. It keeps you fresh as an actor. It allows you to make contacts and meet new people. I think a workshop session is a great way to learn because by watching others you also get a good measure of your own ability and what you may need to work on as well as learning from others.

4) How do you think the masterclasses will help people in their career.

It will give them a better awareness of the industry and how to approach work and auditions. It will give them pointers on how to improve their acting and I think any opportunity to meet a casting director is another step closer towards getting a job. In this relaxed, fun environment it will hopefully allow people to show the best of their talent throughout the day.

5) What is your background?

I trained as an actress at Mountview Theatre School, graduating in 1998. Since then I have worked as an actress, casting director and now producer. I am a busy multi-tasker and I understand all aspects of the industry and I enjoy passing that on in a workshop setting. I now regularly cast commercials and tv projects and feature films – including the multi-million pound feature film Shakespeare’s Daughter which I am about to begin casting.

Ronnie Le Drew

1.Tell me about the master-class

I was asked by Paul Burton to run a days master Class on Puppet
manipulation. we talked about how many students?,Time for Q and A and
an opportunity for showing clips from my professional work over many
years, all this and lunch too ! of course the answer was “yes”.

2. What will you be teaching at the master-classes?

The day will begin with a short introduction, and then straight
into the manipulation of Glove puppets, Rod puppets and Marionettes
(String puppets) each of the different kind of puppet requires a
individual skill. which I intend to pass on to the students. Learning
all this will take more than a days course, but I hope to leave
knowing that each student will have a knowledge of the basic
performance possibilities of each puppet.

3, As an actor yourself, what do you think the benefits of continual training are?

I am a puppeteer first with some acting skills, the benefits of
continual training are the same for both actor and puppeteer. Learning
new skills only enhances your knowledge and opens one’s eye’s to new
opportunities, which can only be a good thing for both an actor and
puppeteer one never stops learning, to do so will inhibit one’s
professional career.

4. How do you think the master-classes will help people in their career?

I hope to add to the actor/performer new skills which in today’s
theatre, film and television, is essential. Actor/performers are
regularly asked what else can you do other than act !

5.What is your background?

I started as an apprentice puppeteer at the Little Angel Theatre
way back in the 60’s and went on to work in Television Film For more
information do see my web page :-
www.ronnieledrew.com

6. What is your specialty?

My Specialty is performing, directing, and teaching Puppetry in
all it’s forms. It has been my profession for all my working career
and continues to give me tremendous pleasure.

“When Ronnie Met Zippy” the
utterly splendid biography of Ronnie Le Drew to be published march
2012.