Leading Off
December 15, 2010 by Andrew Schneider
As 2010 draws to a close, we look both back and forward in this latest issue of Screen, the last of our six-issue run this year and (sort of) the first of our new monthly issues in 2011.
At parties, on the phone, in story interviews, the dominant theme for 2010 was caution; industry professionals were consistently optimistic, but many were unwilling to make big capital outlays until the economic picture cleared up. Though the picture hasn’t become much clearer, what we’re hearing on the advertising side is that clients have decided, while the economy could be better, consumers are still buying, still living their lives and in order to reach them they must advertise. That’s good news.
At Screen, we’re hearing optimism, too, and seeing that from our readers and clients. We’re looking forward to 2011.
In this issue of Screen:
Our cover story, “Beyond Pixels,” delves into the convergence between video game and traditional film and commercial production. We speak with industry expects and experimenters from Chicago to Kansas City and Austin. As a sidebar, we also outline the states that support video game production with tax incentives and hear the views from voice over talent on video game work. It all starts on page 14.
After about 15 years, Rhythmn Café founder Jim Olen says the shop is closing up. A retrospective by him and a guide of to dos and NOT to dos for any startup business is on pages 26 and 27.
Opposite this page, we profile some of the up-and-coming young editors for a new annual feature called “Post-ER Children.”
We have a new game you can play at home – it’s called AddyLand and it draws on the talents of Michael Franzese to lay out the path “from concept to completion.” It’s on pages 6 and 7.
Independent editor Jeff Nolan offers a perspective on the new Avid Media Composer 5. That’s on pages 8 and 9.
Our preview of the Sundance Film Festival begins on page 10. We have our final “Real Lives” installment for the year on page 12. A guide to stock music shops, “Stock Up” is on pages 22 and 23.
On the columns, we have regular offerings including the Revolving Door, page 21, State of Play, page 24 and the Call Sheet, page 30. We also have a new column running every other issue in 2011. From new Chicago entertainment law firm Leavens, Strand and Glover, “On the Law” will answer questions on topics ranging from copyright to corporate management. It’s on page 20..
We’ll see you in 2011 – for now, enjoy.