He was pretty raw (or close to it) in The Thomas Crown Affair if I remember correctly.

You do remember correctly, although I remember some discussion on whether it was a body double for the butt shots on the stairs.

Daniel Day-Lewis Cobbled Together Daniel Day-Lewis is the likely winner of this year's best actor awards (wait 'til you see him in Gangs of New York -- but more about that after Labor Day). Day-Lewis doesn't like to do publicity. Heck, he doesn't like to make movies, and he was all but retired and cobbling shoes in Florence (I'm not kidding) when Harvey Weinstein pulled him by the ear to the set of Gangs. But don't expect Day-Lewis to show Weinstein any love when the awards come pouring in. (Miramax only put up $90 million or more to make Martin Scorsese's ideas come alive on the screen.) In the new issue of Premiere the reticent Day-Lewis says though that Weinstein's insistence wasn't his impetus to return to the screen. "I have great affection for the man," he tells Premiere, "but Harvey hasn't gotten the message that I am playing this part in spite of him -- not because of him." Rather, it was the chance to work again with Scorsese, explains Day-Lewis. "For me, he [Scorsese], is it ... Harvey has me over a barrel because he knows I would do anything for Martin," Day-Lewis told the magazine. "I would never speak about filmmaking in this way if it were not for the necessary business of repaying the debt." I hope this guy warms a little toward the Oscar process soon (he's already won for My Left Foot). His performance in Gangs is a revelation, the kind that people will be talking about, imitating, praising, and using as a standard for years to come.

From THR: by Stuart Kemp LONDON -- The British Independent Film Awards, the annual "alternative" U.K. film industry bash, received an undisclosed cash boost Wednesday by securing a topline sponsor -- the independent financial services group Park Caledonia. Organizers also said Wednesday that they plan to switch the ceremony to "the more edgy venue" of the central London nightclub Pacha after four years in West End hotels. "We are moving away from the standard awards-show format and concentrating on making this event the best party in town for British film talent," BIFA founder Elliot Grove said. The ceremony will still dish out awards, including those in the categories of best British indie film, performances and British indie screenplay. Securing the new backer is a step toward financial security for the awards, which last year went ahead with no headline sponsor. But the closure last month of FilmFour, the stand-alone movie operation of U.K. public broadcaster Channel 4 (HR 7/9), will leave an enormous gap at an event that received strong support from the company financially and talent-wise. Organizers plan to announce this year's nominations next month, with the ceremony and party scheduled for Oct. 30. Front-runners for nominations include "Bloody Sunday," "Lawless Heart," "Gosford Park," "Charlotte Gray" and "Sweet Sixteen."

"Front-runners for nominations include "Bloody Sunday," "Lawless Heart," "Gosford Park," "Charlotte Gray" and "Sweet Sixteen." Charlotte Gray???? Puhleeze.Saw it in London.Loved the book. But the film...yuck. Goes under the column :"Films where I want those 2 hours of my life back"

Her's some mindless fun!! If you want to know the celebrity you are most compatible with, check out this website. www.celebmatch.com( Sorry, don't know how to do link). Sounds crazy, I know, but when I entered the name of anyone I really like, the percentage was very high, and low for those Idon'tlike. All to do with biorythms, apparently!!

Here are my best matches: Your best matches Bob Dylan 100% Brian Wilson 96% Al Pacino 96% Jesse Jackson 95% John Lennon 94% Gee!

Good thing this wasn't in effect for TIOBE! Besides, how does this jive with PG rated films? ;-) Coors to Sponsor Miramax Premieres By CATHERINE TSAI, AP Business Writer The next time you see Gwyneth Paltrow on the big screen, there might be a Coors in the shot with her. Coors Brewing Co. of Golden, Colo., and Miramax Films announced a deal Thursday making Coors the official sponsor of U.S. theatrical premieres for Miramax, meaning the Coors logo will show up on red carpets and its beer will be served at Miramax parties. The deal also would place Coors products in 15 films over the next three years. Unlike in traditional advertising, directors will be able to show actors drinking a beer, Coors spokeswoman Hilary Martin said. "A View from the Top," with Paltrow, Candice Bergen and Mike Myers, and "Duplex" with Drew Barrymore and Ben Stiller are among the first movies to work with Coors. The brewer's name could appear as anything from a verbal mention to a logo on a truck or in an actor's hand. Both films are expected to premiere in early 2003. Coors originally called Miramax earlier this year to ask about sponsoring a premiere. New chief marketing officer Ron Askew talked his way into more. Both companies touted the deal as a "perfect" match. "It was love at first sight," said Lori Sale, Miramax's executive vice president of worldwide promotion... Getting Miramax co-founder Harvey Weinstein on board was not a problem, Sale said. "He said Paul Newman introduced him to his first Coors 15 years ago, and he'd still drink it if they were not a sponsor," she said. Coors and Miramax will review which films would be best for Coors to appear in. Coors insisted it would not appear in scenes depicting underage drinking, drinking and driving, or other irresponsible behavior. Both companies said Coors would not be dictating creative changes for scripts. And in another detail of the agreement, Miramax could give Coors employees or customers a chance to appear as a silent walk-on in a film or on the red carpet at a premiere. http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&cid=529&ncid=529&e=16&u=/ap/20020808/ap_en_mo/coors_miramax_1

Here's a little more from THR: Coors, whose brands include Keystone and Zima in addition to Coors and Coors Light, will only partner on films rated PG-13 or R. The company already has placement in the upcoming Miramax releases "Duplex" and "View From the Top." Coors has the right to nix placement of competing brands in Miramax films and will get such extras as walk-on parts and bulk rates on Miramax DVDs to use as marketing incentives. Sale said Coors will sometimes tie in promotionally with films that don't lend themselves to placement, such as the period pieces ("Shakespeare in Love," for instance) that Miramax is widely known for. The brewer is planning promotions linked to the year-end releases of "Chicago" and "Gangs of New York."

So I guess we didn't have to worry about seeing Algy or Jack taking swigs from Coors Longnecks in the London dance hall scenes, even if this agreement had been made earlier. But Thomas's missed a great product placement opportunity in the muffin fight scene.

Oh, lord, my matches were disastrous, ha ha! I got two backstreet boys and a basketball player! I think they were trying to match a bit by age, giving me the only 5 people under 30 for appropriateness, because these are not people that I like. They did manage to pair me at 96% with Jonathon Rhys-Meyers, though, so perhaps I will go and rent Bend It Like Beckham after all. :) Thanks for the link, it was fun.

Eeeuw! Mine are: Your best matches Arnold Vosloo 99% Dave Navarro 98% Michael Shanks 98% Tom Green 97% Marc Blucas 97% Actually Dave Navarro is pretty good, but I don't I could compete with Carmen Electra...LOL. Yuch!...Tom Green...I think I may have to go kill myself now. With ODB I was only 4% intellectually a match, but 99% physically and emotionally...high ratings only where it counts. Gosh, I haven't heard abput biorhythms in I can't remember how long. Wasn't that big in the 70's and early 80's?

hey megs just wanted you to know you have some young company (23) here on occasion, grew up on all the good b&w's, wanted to be ginger rogers for the longest time, there is hope for us young pam-though i must admit many of my tastes were influences by my family and extended family, and i was not exposed to much of the normal programming for my age group

Oh, lord, my matches were disastrous, ha ha! I got two backstreet boys and a basketball player! I think they were trying to match a bit by age, giving me the only 5 people under 30 for appropriateness, because these are not people that I like. They did manage to pair me at 96% with Jonathon Rhys-Meyers, though, so perhaps I will go and rent Bend It Like Beckham after all. :) Thanks for the link, it was fun.

Don't know why mine sent twice...the refresh button is strange, methinks.

You do not use Refresh or Reload on Spring. It will cause a reposting if you have done so. In order to see new messages at a given topic, you must exit the topic and come back in, or use the location bar url and hit enter. Do not hit Refresh. This isn't a message board.

(Karen) Coors to Sponsor Miramax Premieres...... Good thing this wasn't in effect for TIOBE! Besides, how does this jive with PG rated films? ;-) Actually it must have been since the background just inside the Paris Theater at the premiere had the Killian's Red logo in the background. You can see it in some of the pics. Killian's is one of their products. This article is significantly smaller and less in-depth than the one from the WSJ yesterday. It mentioned their various brands besides just Coors, Coors Light, and Killian's that may be seen, as well as, discussing possible marketing promos and placement plans. Said if they don't use a Coors brand, they'll use a fictional one in the movie.

I hated my matches-Steven Segal, Paul Reiser geez! I checked my compatability with CF, and although I didn't do as well Dorine, I didn't do too badly. Physically-77 Emotionally 78 Intellectual 72 for a total of 76 I'll take it, I'll take it. Well, Dorine, I'll give you some of the intellectual if you'll share some of the physical. We can do a joint thing like our theses.

These are my matches: Scott Bairstow 98 Lou Bega 98 Kevin Richardson 97 Grant Hill 97 Nick Heidfeld 97 -Have NO IDEA who any of these people are.... (couldnt get it to tell me my CF compatability rating.) :-(

I will be the envy of everyone...I had overall match with CF of 94%. Only good non-CF match was Matt Lauer with 98%.

my matches: joe lando 98% tony slattery 98% kristoff st john 97% adrian paul 97% dave foley 96% i'd have to go with dave. as for cf: 72% overall :-) or should it be :-( ????

Thanks for link Janet, can't wait to see who they match me up with. I got introduced to all the classics through my parents, too, Treseg. I don't think alot of my friends watched the movies I HAD (?) to watch at home. But you know, hating it at the time, how I loved it too. Bette Davis, Ginger Rogers, Top Hat a personal favorite, life-time love of Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart, and needless to say first-class acting. When I look back I realize how forturnate I was and thankful I am.

Of course, this article is mostly about AAB...and Hughie...but the Nicvk Hornby reflections were what interested me. Sydney Morning Herald, Saturday Aug. 10, 2002 Weekend Magazine Excerpts from a column called View from the couch Biy Trouble by Fred Pawle I read Fever Pitch when it came out...it was ok....there was nothing new in it. Then I read High Fidelity. One thing struck me: despite its being fiction, there was not a burnt match between it and the first book. Both are about how men are being misunderstood by women too empowered for their own good, and how we are, in fact, lovable beneath our childish infatuations, whether they be sport, music, or stamp-collecting. Then I gave up. Well, not quite. I read the next book, About a Boy. What struck me about that was...absolutely nothing. About a Boy is where Nick Hornby leaves the brotherhood well and truly behind, if he hasn't already done so two books earlier. It's calculated to appeal to women..... The main character, Will, is just an updated version of the same old cliched Hornby hero: a man whose only skills in life are useless, who can only get the woman he wants through luck, not genuine seduction. Every twist in the convoluted plot is Hornby trying to shake the shackles of his own formula, but he never does. What Hornby constantly fails to acknowledge is that relations between the sexes are not about redemption. And they're not about one side taming the other. Women might flock to the film version and fall in love with Hugh Grant's latest one-dimensional incarnation, but give them a couple of hours with a Hugh-like character in the flesh and they'd soon realize that softness is not so desirable after all.

I defy anyone to have a stranger group of matches than I got: Nick Mancuso 97 Danny Devito 94 Steven Spielberg 93 Tommy Lee Jones 92 Oliver Stone 92 Even when I lied about my age, I couldn't get any sort of match with CF. I got hysterical over the idea of me and Danny!

OK I'll play. Billy Wirth 100% Chow Sing Chi 99% Nicholas Lea 99% Steven Seagal 97% Steve Buscemi 96% I have no idea who the first three are, and I'd die laughing just looking at the fourth one.

I'm in shock-- Your best matches: Sylvester Stallone 99% Bruce Lee 99% Steven Spielburg 97% Tom Berenger 95% Gregory Harrison 95% --- You gotta be kidding!! This is the compatibility between you and Colin Firth based on biorhythms. physical 85% emotional 97% intellectual 98% total 94% --- Now that's more like it! **Hee hee**

(amy) i'd have to go with dave. No way! I love Tony Slattery. He was my favorite on Who's Line Is It Anyway. I used to watch it when I was much younger and wish that I was British, because they think of great shows like that. Then Drew Carey went and remade it, and it's funny, yes, but not nearly as good. Anyway, I'd definitely take him over Dave Foley. :)

What fun this compatibility site is Janet. Thank you. Best Matches: Jim Morrison 99% My son laughed like crazy. I don't think so. Isn't he dead? Anthony Stewart Head 97% Anyone know who he is? Barry Manilow 95% OK I like this one. John Paul Jones 95% Again, is this the dead naval hero or someone else? Liam Neeson 94% Now things are looking up. My girlfriend pinched his butt at a cocktail party. Said she couldn't resist, it's that good. Compatibility with Colin High Point: 96% Physical I'M IN HEAVEN I like this, leaves 4% for experimentation. I wonder how they can measure biorhythms over computer. Thought a pulse was needed for that, then again, evidently NOT by some of the matches they gave me. Great fun. Now I want to see how I match up with Pierce Brosnan and JM hmmmmm.

(Pam) Anthony Stewart Head 97% Anyone know who he is? Giles the librarian on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Once played Frank N. Furter in Rocky Horror. You might know him from the Taster's Choice ads several years ago with the two Brits who lived in the same apartment building and flirted while borrowing/drinking Taster's Choice. You could do a lot worse!!!! Speaking of which, my highest-compatibility celebrity, at 99%, was Colin....... (sigh) Mochrie. I didn't know how scary that was till I found a photo. I was only 72% compatible with ODB, though 94% physical (almost as good as yours, Pam!)

Re Celebrity compatibility. I was matched physically 99% with ODB. - (No surprise to me!!!) Strangely, my best match was with Andy Garcia at 96% overall, who was my idol priorto discovering ODB!!!!

I know nothing about biorhythms...it's a term from the past for sure. Fun thing though and while I certainly would never pair myself up with Nicholas Cage or Mike Meyers, I too tried my luck with the CF compatibility and found high levels both physically and intellectually!! Two cheers, but the other one, in the middle of the two, was very low! So far everyone has matched him physically. What does this say about him? He is easy or that he has wide and diversified tastes sexually??? :))) Or what does it say about us?

If I remember correctly (I'll have to go to one of those sites to bone up), biorythms was merely a "schedule" your body followed, having High, positive, operation-at-maximum, and low, vulnerable, easy-does it stages.Also, the biorhythm cycles for a single person didn't correspond in time length , so there were periods when only one was at a high point, and others when all 3 peaked together. I think all this matching does is compare your rhythm pattern with his (theoretically), so that if you rate high compatibility physically, then your physical highs correspond with his, or a low compatibility rating would indicate that his advantageous times for that characteristic would not correspond with yours very often. (**Ho-hum**, doesn't indicate sexual preferences, only time periods when one is "up" for it, or not -- you should pardon the expression. ;-D )

(sigh).. I keep forgetting to check this thread every week.. lol.. oh well.. my "ideal celebrity" did not turn out to be HWM, unfortunately, however... the one chosen for me was Daniel Day Lewis at 99%.. .hmmm... I'll take it! Gwyneth Paltrow will be on Conan O'Brien on Tuesday and Mr. Northam on Wednesday.. just thought I'd give you a heads up if you're interested. Oh, and speaking of GP, my two eldest children insisted I sit down with them the other night and watch "Seven", because I am a huge Morgan Freeman fan (could listen to him talk all day)... they're now on my hit list.. LOL. I'm a very sensitive soul, and I really wish I hadn't watched it.

The Jeremy Northam conference is alive & well on #43 and Possession is #137, but here is the line-up for next week. Upcoming TV appearances next week promoting Possession. Times are EST,check your tv guides for local times.There is nothing that came up in the search for JE , AE or NLB. Jeremy Northam Wed 14 7:00 AM EST Good Morning America Wed 14 9:00 AM EST Regis & Kelly Thu 15 12:35 AM EST Conan O'Brien ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GP Tuesday Aug 13 Regis & Kelly Tues Aug 13 Conan O'Brien

Well, I checked out Colin, after everyone else inspired me, and my results aren't terrible *91, 78, 72, 81 overall, but was anyone else bothered by the fact that they list Colin Mochrie and not Jeremy Northam? I wanted to see how we matched up! Maybe I'm being too hard on Colin M; Rika seems happy to have him. ;-)

(megs)No way! I love Tony Slattery. isn't he getting a bit, well, fat?!! :p joke

I was disappointed that they didn't have JN on their list either. But I was able to match up with Pierce Brosnan. Love him too. So that was fun.

(Lisa)What does this say about him? He is easy or that he has wide and diversified tastes sexually??? :))) Or what does it say about us? That we're easy and have wide diversified tastes sexually:-)))

(Lisa)What does this say about him? He is easy or that he has wide and diversified tastes sexually??? :))) Or what does it say about us? (Linda) That we're easy and have wide diversified tastes sexually:-))) LOL! I hope both parties are easy....saves time to be spent on the fun stuff!

Hey! Guess what! I just did the celebmatch thing and it is -- you guessed it: Colin Firth 100%!!!!!!! my closest match!!!!! And 100% for all categories when only he is considered!!!! How did she do this, you ask? She simply told the computer her birthday was 9-10-60 (which it really isn't). Sorry if I caused anyone to faint or suffer from unbearable envy. You too can see it on your screen if you say 9-10-60 is your birthday. If you want to be more modest, you can say 9-9-60 and only get 99%s. :-) Celebmatch is fun but A.I. it AIn't! :-)

ROTFL, Caribou! You won the game! Speaking of birthdays, I brought this up about a month ago and there seemed to be some interest, but it didn't really go anywhere, so I'm going to try again. Is it possible to get the current birthday list and perhaps update it? When I asked last time, some said that the Keeper of the Keepsakes List also had the birthday list. Is that someone who's around frequently? I'm sure that I'm not the only newer person who would like to be sure not to miss offering birthday greetings to my fellow Firthettes.

Rika, glad you brought this up again. I was going to mention it again a couple of days ago, got distracted somehow (not too difficult here), then completely forgot. Not only a birthday list, but maybe a general location list as well, so people can make plans to meet up for screenings or just for fun.

Didn't I write if anybody wants to step up to the plate, to be my guest? ;-) And the Keeper of the Keepsakes Lists doesn't have the birthday one. (Besides CathyW hasn't been around in ages.) Marcia (now of the Geo conference) started it, but it's very out of date.

I'd volunteer, but I doubt I'll be much of a presence at all after August. I'll return in June, but internet in France on a student budget is really hard, so I won't be able to devote the necessary time to drooling. :-(

Anybody think the S&TC segment last night was written by MB? Or his relative?

Lots of good data here from an article in THR: Costly blockbusters put studios on alert Aug. 12, 2002 By Stephen Galloway Does size matter? In 1998, when Sony Pictures used a variation on that catchphrase to promote its blockbuster wannabe "Godzilla," the movie industry ridiculed the studio's hubris. But this year, with Sony Pictures triumphantly at the head of the pack, size -- from production budgets to marketing expenditures, from screen counts to record-breaking grosses -- definitively appears to matter. And in most cases, the bigger, the better. But that raises a new question: Will it affect the types of films Hollywood makes in the future? Such films as Sony's "Spider-Man," Warner Bros. Pictures' "Scooby-Doo" and New Line Cinema's "Austin Powers in Goldmember" have raked in record-breaking grosses, while even less-than-blockbuster blockbusters like Fox/DreamWorks' "Minority Report" have easily passed the $100 million line. But while Hollywood is riding high, some insiders caution that there is a downside to this bonanza. In chasing those grosses, the major studios have relied on increasingly wide-scale releases, and they have been forced to spend more and more on marketing and avertising to attract audiences quickly. It's a trend likely to continue as fall's potential blockbusters -- including such fantasy titans as Warners' "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" and New Line's " The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" as well as MGM's potential savior, the latest James Bond feature, "Die Another Day" -- approach release. Studios now commonly spend $70 million to $125 million on producing "event" films -- and sometimes even more. Budgets can range from the low-$70 million cost of "Goldmember" to more than double that for the new "Terminator" movie, "T3: Rise of the Machines." In addition to the negative cost, prints and advertising for such films can add as much as $50 million to the balance sheet. Together, these expenses and new wide-release patterns are bringing about a subtle shift in the economics of the film business, leaving many veterans unsure about the consequences. "You spend more and more because you are always competing," Revolution Studios principal Tom Sherak said. "I don't know when it's going to stop. There is no question that the amount of theaters a movie opens on and the costs of releasing it are out of control and ridiculous. And I'll tell you the truth, I don't know what the long-term consequences are." Perhaps the most significant shift is the industry's new reliance on 4,000-plus-print releases, which have become an industry norm this summer. That, in turn, is forcing studios to spend more upfront on prints and advertising. Twenty years ago, a "wide release" was made up of about 400 prints, and total P&A (prints and advertising) costs would top out at $4 million. Even three or four years ago, a wide release could spread across a relatively reasonable 2,000 screens. Compare that with "Spider-Man," which went out to a near-record-breaking 3,615 theaters, where it played on 7,200 screens. Movies can now appear on so many screens because of the staggering rise in the number of theaters in the United States, where screens now total about 35,506. While the number of screens has dipped fractionally during the past year, the rise over the past decade has been phenomenal -- from 23,814 in 1990 to 27,843 in 1995 to a peak of 37,185 in 1999. "There's more theaters, there's more screens, and movies are able to saturate the marketplace in their opening weekend," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of Exhibitor Relations Co. "When you've got a 'Harry Potter' opening on 8,200 screens -- that's one out of every three or four screens in the country." That is good news for audiences eager to see a new film, and it is good news for studio executives eager to get their film seen early. But it is bad news for movies that rely on word-of-mouth as well as smaller films that must compete with such large-scale releases. "When you start looking at the economic models, they really have been thrown topsy-turvy," Artisan Entertainment CEO Amir Malin said. And this summer has raised the bar. "Before 'Spider-Man,' we'd never had a $100 million weekend for a movie," Dergarabedian said. "That was considered the Holy Grail of the boxoffice, and now it's happened." If ever-wider releases are the most visible aspect of Hollywood's new way of doing business, another aspect is the increased sums studios have been spending to launch their films. The reason is simple: "In the wide-release business, it's the old parachute joke: You open, or die," Fox Filmed Entertainment chairman Tom Rothman said. Indeed, insiders say that one major studio this summer spent as much as $80 million to market one of its films in an attempt to recoup its $110 million negative cost before critical pans and poor word-of-mouth sank in. To draw audiences to a movie's opening weekend, studios have been spending more and more on television advertising, considered the best way to bring in an opening-weekend audience. While no figures are available for this summer, the numbers for 2001 indicate that the cost of TV advertising is growing exponentially. The major studios spent more than one-third of their media outlays on network advertising last year -- a total of $944.5 million, compared with $656.7 million the year before, according to statistics provided by Competitive Media Reporting. Boxoffice revenues over the past years demonstrate the increasing role that opening weekends play in a film's fortunes. For each of the top 25 films released in 1987, the opening weekend constituted 11% of its domestic total, and films were released on about 1,000 screens each; by 1996 that number had reached 19%; in 2001, for the top 25 films, the opening weekend was about 28% of the total domestic boxoffice, and they were released in an average of 2,951 locations. "The growth of the multiplexes and (the creation of) megaplexes has fueled a change in release patterns, with a larger and larger number of theaters and, above all, prints," one top-level studio executive said. "This is creating a front-end load to the boxoffice, (meaning that the opening) tends to be a larger percentage of the total boxoffice than five or six years ago." But just how these economic shifts will impact the kinds of movies being made is the subject of great debate. "(Wide release-patterns and higher marketing costs have) no bearing on the kind of pictures you make," insisted producer Jerry Bruckheimer ("Pearl Harbor," "Black Hawk Down"). "The only thing that does have a bearing is what is successful at any given time. So if you have a 'Spider-Man' and 'Star Wars,' you'll see a lot of pictures made in those arenas." Fox's Rothman, who is pursuing a wide slate of pictures from the Marvel comics adaptation "Daredevil" (a Regency Enterprises co-production) to the 18th century seafaring drama "Master and Commander," has a more modulated response. "We are still making a great variety of films, but where the impact comes is on their budgets," he said. "When you are making less of a cookie-cutter movie, there is great pressure on keeping a modest negative cost. (The new economy) makes it hard for expensive risk-taking. What you try to do is take artistic risks where you can control the financial risks." Others are less optimistic. "When you look at the release schedules of the major studios, it is very difficult to find that unique drama that stands out," Malin said. "You'll see it, but when you do, it tends to have major casting to overcome the negatives. 'A Beautiful Mind' is an example. How successful would that have been without Russell Crowe?" Five years from now, Malin predicted, "We will continue to see more derivative work being created that has prequel, sequel and more branding written all over it. And we will also see less product in the marketplace because studios will be willing to place larger chips on fewer bets." Entertainment attorney Peter Dekom goes further still, noting that opening-weekend audiences tend to be made up of teenagers or young adults and that the studios are likely to target this youth audience even more. According to MPA statistics, teenagers accounted for 19% of total movie admissions last year, compared with 14% in 1997. Also, in 2001, 51% of teenagers were "frequent" moviegoers -- that is, they saw at least one movie a month. Just five years ago, in 1997, only 42% of teenagers were frequent moviegoers. "When you are selling movies, you have to seduce somebody out of a house, and the most easily seduced is a teenager who wants to be seduced anyway," Dekom said. "So more movies have to be targeted toward teenagers because they are the ones who don't want to stay at home." That is expected to result in a greater dependence on comic-book franchises and high-concept films -- like this past weekend's "XXX" -- and, ultimately, a move away from big stars who appeal to an older audience, like Clint Eastwood, who just opened in "Blood Work." But most studio chiefs say that despite current trends, they are still hedging their bets. Indeed, one studio head said he remains skeptical of any long-term predictions based on the current market. "The market is more complicated than it may appear," he said. "Although it seems right now that giant movies are sucking down the boxoffice in big pieces, it has an ebb and flow. A couple of years ago, we were seeing a more diverse market and were saying that films, to be successful, had to be marketed to 'single demos' -- (like) older women. And maybe that still works." He added, "In many respects, as much as we would love to believe we lead, we actually follow what the audience wants."

(Karen) Didn't I write if anybody wants to step up to the plate, to be my guest? ;-) I don't remember seeing that, but I might have missed it. Okay, then, I'm offering. But first, let me ask - what's the best way to distribute this information? Would I just post it here periodically, or would it be distributed via e-mail only to those who contribute information? That latter option would require more effort on my part since then I have to keep a list of e-mail addresses too.

Fascinating article , boss. You know $$$$is up my alley. Which is why it just don't pay to spend $25 M. to promote a $16. M movie. (THR)" "When you look at the release schedules of the major studios, it is very difficult to find that unique drama that stands out," Malin said. "You'll see it, but when you do, it tends to have major casting to overcome the negatives. 'A Beautiful Mind' is an example. How successful would that have been without Russell Crowe?" Yeah....which is why RC got ripped off at Oscar time. So did RF in TEP.Appalling Dramas need big stars to get funded and even then...there's Shipping News which had all the ingredients and it bombed.I read in the WSJ that when a producer goes in to get funding, the sponsor asked...not "What is the story", "Who wrote it"...but "*Who* is in it". Which is how Possession got the green light.And she made SIL too. Scary for our guys that will never get a crack at good dramas except as supporting actors. Except for television. The industry has changed so much in just the last three years. A pity.

(Evelyn) Anybody think the S&TC segment last night was written by MB? Will let you know when it's replayed; chose to watch something else last night. I know, blasphemy, but it was JN in HT so cut me some slack. ;-) Which is why it just don't pay to spend $25 M. to promote a $16. M movie. No, but if you go by percent of budget, then they should be spending somewhere in the neighborhood of $10-$12 million based on this statement: "Indeed, insiders say that one major studio this summer spent as much as $80 million to market one of its films in an attempt to recoup its $110 million negative cost..." He added, "In many respects, as much as we would love to believe we lead, we actually follow what the audience wants." Talk about a statement that overturns the very foundation of Advertising 101!! I thought all these people came out of B-school? Is not the very purpose of advertising to create demand?

(Rika) Okay, then, I'm offering. But first, let me ask - what's the best way to distribute this information? Would I just post it here periodically, or would it be distributed via e-mail only to those who contribute information? That latter option would require more effort on my part since then I have to keep a list of e-mail addresses too. Guess what? Listkeepers get to make up their own rules...within reason. ;-) Just FYI, the only other b-day list went out by email. Additions got penciled in the margins if people posted that it was their birthday or hinted that it had just taken place. Many people choose not to volunteer this highly secret information. ;-) There's never been any type of listing for where Drooleurs live (their real names, their last names, etc.). Sometimes this info is volunteered or you'll get a general idea, well, at least of the country.

Well I did it and here are my matches: (PLEASE DON'T LAUGH!!!) (However, it was only based on my birthday????) Your best matches Orlando Jones 100% (I'm not a huge 7UP fan) Snoop Dogg 100% (hate rap music) Jonny Lee Miller 98% (Can't deal with Angelina's exes) Josh Duhamel 97% (um, who???) Peter Wingfield 97% (Okay, he's decent)

(Karen) There's never been any type of listing for where Drooleurs live (their real names, their last names, etc.). Sometimes this info is volunteered or you'll get a general idea, well, at least of the country. I mentioned the geographic information because a few people said they'd like to know, I think to find out if there were similarly smitten people nearby with whom to go see a new ODB movie. But I don't think anybody had suggested getting real names or last names - I can't see that those are needed for any purpose on Drool (since individuals can always share more information via e-mail if they choose). Just FYI, the only other b-day list went out by email. Additions got penciled in the margins if people posted that it was their birthday or hinted that it had just taken place. Would anybody object if they were posted instead? My thought was, at the end of each month, to post the birthdays for the next month, and to have the whole list available via e-mail by request.

(Rika) Would anybody object if they were posted instead? My thought was, at the end of each month, to post the birthdays for the next month, and to have the whole list available via e-mail by request. Thank you Rika for taking this on. I suggest the latter: Whole list available via e-mail by request.The less personal info posted on a public board, the better, IMO. Unless the person volunteers the info. Same goes for geographical location.

(Rika) If I can be of any help to you let me know. How do we go about exchanging e-mails? Perhaps those who don't mind giving local could do so when submitting b-days. This information could be attached to their b-day. Then all information available upon request by e-mail. (Karen) Thanks for most informative article. It covers everything we discussed about movie audiences a couple of weeks ago. Doesn't look too good at the moment for the more serious minded movie goer though. Or the more serious actor at present. Perhaps Thanksgiving will be the target again for the blockbusters. That's usually a very profitable time for movies. Between HP, LOTR and JB they cover a wide audience range. Only ones left out it seems are the comedy and romance lovers.

(Rika, et al) I'd love to know where Droolers are (especially) as well as birthdays. Right now, I've no idea of where that info is or how one accesses it or adds to it. Let me know if I can help. If I can tear myself away from slowmo and/or freeze frame, I'm yours ;-)

end tags?

Karen, if I messed up, I'm sorry...

the tag is closed.. Pam, Pam, Pam, I think we need a refresher course in that end tag! ;-)

Wow, I haven't checked O&E in a while, and there was a lot to read! Janet, thanks for the link. My first match was Micheal Keaton (96%). I tried Colin, and got 96% for physical (works for me), and a fairly high score for intellectual, but a low percent for emotional. Am now envisioning highly intellectual conversation while we get some highly stimulating exercise. ;-)) Caribou, you clever thing, wish I'd thought to lie about my birthday. Like many women of fashion, I have been 35 for several years and will continue to be for many more years. Thanks for the article on movie $$$, karen. I find this part of the article very disturbing: "In many respects, as much as we would love to believe we lead, we actually follow what the audience wants." Too many decision are made by committees and market research. Heaven protect us from the focus group! Someone ran a focus group several years ago to ask people what they liked in paintings. The result (and someone actually painted this) was a lovely wooded scene, with a family on vacation, a deer, George Washington (on a horse), and I forget what else.

Wonder how Colin looks in tights? ;-) This was in our local paper: BY MICHAEL SNEED SUN-TIMES COLUMNIST Is famed director Robert "Gosford Park" Altman about to direct an epic in Chicago? Sneed hears Altman, who was in town last week, may be preparing to shoot the movie "The Company," an ensemble project about ballet dancers. Word is he was sppotted huddling with actress Neve Campbell and Brit actor Malcolm McDowell, whose career took off when he starred in Stanley Kubrick's classic, "A Clockwork Orange." The trio dined at Hugo's Frog Bar Thursday evening, chewing over the project and chawing on surf and turf.

Re: the birthday list. So far it sounds like the preference is for a list available by e-mail only. So if you'd like to receive posted birthday wishes on your big day, please e-mail me your birthday (month/day only) and the name you go by here on Drool. I will assume that everyone who sends me birthday information would like to receive a copy of the list. I know there are also some people interested in a who-lives-where information swap, but there seems to be enough concern about it that I'd rather not try to tackle that issue, at least not now. You should be able to get my e-mail address from the link in the header to this response. I hope to hear from you!

ok... now I'm gonna have nightmares... ( picturing Malcolm McDowell in tights) =O

Sounds like you have a plan, Rika. Thanks for taking the initiative. BTW, mine is 18 days after our annual, big blow-out event on Topic 110. (If anyone wants to check out the fun, last year's started on message #439.) When Moon gets back, we'll discuss themes, etc., although I think we have one already. ;-)

Oh, Jeanie, don't even think it! If McDowell is in it he wouldn't be a dancer--too old for that stuff. I can see him as a critic (rather like George Sanders's Addison Dewitt in "All About Eve.") We do have some idea of how Colin looks in tights from SIL. Of course, to play a ballet dancer, he wouldn't have the puffy breeches and cod piece...

(Kate) Of course, to play a ballet dancer, he wouldn't have the puffy breeches and cod piece... CRASH!!!! (that was the sound of me falling to the floor in a faint at the mental image)

To AnneA on her special day There's someone here with a birthday toast for you: Happy Birthday, Anne. I'm so glad to have you among my devoted admirers..... though I hope I can count on you to bring some decorum to the group. There's been rather too much inspection of the cut of my trousers lately.

Could definitely see Colin as a ballet dancer. Would be nice. Has anyone seen The Inheritance by Alcott. Watched it last night. Very good.

I haven't seen The Inheritance, Pam. What is it about? Where did you see it? The Birthday List project is off to a good start. But based on the e-mail feedback I'm getting, I'm going to make a slight revision. Almost every person I've heard from so far has expressed an interested in a "who lives where" list, and has volunteered that information even though I said I wasn't going to collect it. A lot of people would love to find an "ODB movie buddy" who lives reasonably nearby. So here's a new plan. I'll keep two lists - birthdays and who-lives-where. You may e-mail me both your birthday and your location, or just one of the two items (or, obviously, neither), depending on your preferences. Both lists will be available only via e-mail, and only to people who contribute their own information. So the only people who will see the geographic list are those who choose to participate - kind of an "I'll show you mine if you show me yours" arrangement. And, again, the only name attached to your information will be the one by which you identify yourself on Drool (please include it in your message so I know how to list you). Okey dokey?

(Colin)...though I hope I can count on you to bring some decorum to the group. There's been rather too much inspection of the cut of my trousers lately. You know you love it. I think the inspection has gone a lot deeper than just the cut of your trousers, Dahling. Decorum? nevah heard the word. Welcome and Happy Birthday again, Annae. Now, Rika, you know I always get jealous when you send those birthday greetings.

I'm playing catchup today. Somehow I missed several days worth of posts, near the end of July and first week of August. Forgive me as I respond to them. I was particularly interested in the comments and articles about ageism and sexism in the motion picture industry. It is a shame that so many great actresses out there can't get roles. I fear our culture here in the U.S., and to some extent culture worldwide, has become so youth-oriented that this trend will continue and, in fact, will only get worse. For some reason, although teenagers don't have the most earning power, they are the ones being catered to. I suppose this is because they are the ones going to see movies in theaters. Yet isn't this some sort of cinematic Catch 22? Young people go to the movies because the movies are aimed at them. And the movies are aimed at the youth audience because young people are the ones buying the tickets. Although there are exceptions (and several Droolers are fine examples), most people under thirty seem to have a strange idea of what constitutes good intertainment. I had a male co-worker, aged 25, who was a computer guru with a huge salary. He purchased a DVD player, and went shopping every day on his lunch hour to buy more DVDs. I thought he must be amassing quite an impressive collection. Imagine my surprise when I eventually saw his collection in person and found there was not a single movie that predated 1995! Where were the classics? Surely there is more to life than "American Pie." He must have had over 200 DVDs, and most of them were of films I would not watch once, let alone over and over. No wonder so many really good motion pictures come and go quickly, without recouping their production costs, and drivel makes millions!

BTW, Rika-great plan.

(Colin) There's been rather too much inspection of the cut of my trousers lately. Au contraire! I should think not enough if you ask any of us ;-D Happy B-day Anna E!

Oops, I meant Anne A. A little dyslexic typing :-)

Rika, thanks for passing on the birthday greeting from ODB. LOVE the cut of the trousers - can only imagine the contents !! Am going to print it off to put on the fridge - my DH thinks that I am obsessed - believe me, am nothing compared to you guys - I kneel in your presence !! Never thought of using slo-mo for your purposes, am however going to insist that DH watches MLSF with me tonight as a birthday treat, so my thumb may get a workout on the pause button and I will explain to him what I am looking for.

Anne E!! And a very happy birthday!

AWW... shucks everybody. Thanks for all your good wishes - my own family have not been so effusive. Hey...that's it - you are now all my new family, brought together by a common interest !!

(Linda) Now, Rika, you know I always get jealous when you send those birthday greetings. And you know how to guilt me into posting something for you. Okay, here's one for the "What was she thinking???" collection - I've never understood how Bridget was able to think about her underwear (or frame any coherent thought at all) at this particular moment: (Annea) Am going to print it off to put on the fridge - my DH thinks that I am obsessed - believe me, am nothing compared to you guys - Give it time. I was a quiet, proper, modest lady when I got here, and that was only a couple of months ago. :-) Never thought of using slo-mo for your purposes, am however going to insist that DH watches MLSF with me tonight as a birthday treat, so my thumb may get a workout on the pause button and I will explain to him what I am looking for. If you'd do that kind of research with him in the room, you're a braver woman than I am!

I could have sworn I checked the tags to make sure they were closed. What was that I said about coherent thought? I think it should be okay now.

Rika. (Anne) Hey...that's it - you are now all my new family, brought together by a common interest ! LOL. V. well put. We try to be. Thank you. Wish more lurkers would come out. We're not a scary group, you know.

Happy Birthday Anne! :-)

Rika Thanks for the lovely pic. I have to say, I could not believe it when Bridget left ODB at that particular moment to change her knickers!!!! - Was she totally mad!!!

(Rika) I've never understood how Bridget was able to think about her underwear... All I'd be thinking is "Which one of us could get these off the fastest?" ;-P

I'll join in for the birthday wishes: have a great day Anne!

Yup, me too, Mel. When he does that little grunt trying to get her to "give it up"... oh my.. (pitter-pat, pitter-pat) Ok.. .I've been scrolling up.... so, you're telling me that my ideal celebrity is a cobbler?????? (dying of laughter) Maybe he should suggest his profession to "He Who Must Be Adored", so that he can make his own "unusually peculiar footwear" for himself and Liv. ;) (Colin) There's been rather too much inspection of the cut of my trousers lately. Hi, Colin, did you like Chitty-Chitty Bang Bang? (thinking that more than likely Mr. Cuteypie surfs these boards.)

closing tags, hopefully

While I can understand her previous traumatizing experience with the granny panties, I honestly have never fully reconciled her poor, poor decision making there. Even looking at Colin Firth pictures can rarely form coherent thoughts, but in person? She MUST be joking...serves her right that she has to run around in the snow half naked. IMO, she got off easy. :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNE

Uh, Rika, how come everyone can see the BJD picture except me? I hate to make you feel even more guilty, but geez-you got me all steamed up then nothing but a little box with an x in it. Thanks**snif-snif* any way. I know you tried.

Oh, my apologies Rika, I went out came back and presto the picture is here. Thank you very much.Wish I had brought my BJD with me here. Will go to the video store to rent it if I have to.

(Linda) Oh, my apologies Rika, I went out came back and presto the picture is here. Oh, good! That BJD scene reminds me of one from "While You Were Sleeping," where Bill Pullman's character explains to Sandra Bullock's the difference between "hugging" and "leaning." (Megs) While I can understand her previous traumatizing experience with the granny panties, I honestly have never fully reconciled her poor, poor decision making there. Even looking at Colin Firth pictures can rarely form coherent thoughts, but in person? And not just in person, but leaning towards her, only a few inches away. I would have been like a deer caught in the headlights if I'd been in her position. That was one of the spots on the DVD directors' commentary where Sharon Maguire did some drooling - she said, "Ooh, he's so sexy in this scene." Oh, yeah. (Jeanie) When he does that little grunt trying to get her to "give it up"... oh my.. (pitter-pat, pitter-pat) Oh, oh, oh!!!!! Yes! I love that! Hmmmm.... get some sleep or watch the end of BJD first? :-)

Mostly for web authors like Karen R, myself, Ann H, and Marci. There are a series of reports on the mechanics of our site at this web address: http://www.spring.net/reports There is a list of broken links, slow pages, recently changed files, unlinked files, etc. which will help in improving (fixing) our site. Mostly it's stuff that I need to fix, Karen's pages are tight and together. I'm looking for an automated tool to fix links.

(Rika) I've never understood how Bridget was able to think about her underwear... I know. I remember thinking "What are you DOING leaving that gorgeous man to wait while you rummage through clothes???????" Just shows how indoctrinated she is by all those "helpful articles" she reads on romance. The discussion of this point reminds me of many years ago when my boss's daughter was getting married and the mother of the bride thing was going strong. My boss bought a very expensive pegnior set for the bride. One of my colleages muttered, "Yeah, all that money and it'll be on the floor in seconds!" Happy (belated) birthday, Anne!

(Rika) I haven't seen The Inheritance, Pam. What is it about? Where did you see it? It was on the Women's channel. It's a period piece, romance, with Thomas Gibson playing the lead and a girl who I think is on a soap as the heroine. If I give a synopsis it kind of gives everything away in case you chose to see it. Gibson looks good in britches and boots too. Also involves women's lib of the time, which I think Alcott involves in alot of her work. I think you'd like it. No P&P but what is. Enjoyable anyway. (Rika) And you know how to guilt me into posting something for you. Okay, here's one for the "What was she thinking???" collection - I've never understood how Bridget was able to think about her underwear (or frame any coherent thought at all) at this particular moment: Personally I would have had him in a snowbank let alone waiting to get him upstairs, and definitely could not have refused this. However, lets try to analyze Bridget's logic (?) for the moment. We remember how mortified she was when she wore stomach-hugging panties with Daniel so obviously we are to assume she is wearing them again because she goes in to change. Also in all honesty she may be a little doubtful of feelings involved, even though she was waiting for him to return, or at least to hear from him, evidenced by her hesitation in picking up phone and obvious disappointment when it wasn't him. Which kind of confused me with her astonishment at seeing him outside. Oh well. Anyway she could be harboring a little resentment that it took him so long, what a couple of days, to choose her. Even though he, of course, did things in a proper and dignified adult manner, obviously going to NY personally to refuse the offer which was the proper thing to do. Which if she thought (?) about it is understand ble. Enough logic, hormones have kicked in, and absolutely no reason to not have had him then and there, pants or not. I don't think he would have noticed or cared. (Rika) Oh, good! That BJD scene reminds me of one from "While You Were Sleeping," where Bill Pullman's character explains to Sandra Bullock's the difference between "hugging" and "leaning." Wasn't that a good movie. Love BP in that so much. Yes it does remind me of that. Happy Birthday Anne!!!! Did anyone see JN on Regis & Kelly and Conan yesterday? He was better on R&K. They didn't really discuss Possession in either interview, he was pushing his Dean Martin roll. I don't know thought he was kind of flat, but still awfully hot.

(Pam) Did anyone see JN on Regis & Kelly and Conan yesterday? He was better on R&K.They didn't really discuss Possession in either interview, he was pushing his Dean Martin roll. I don't know thought he was kind of flat, but still awfully hot. We discussed that on #43, the JN Topic and #137 Possession topic. The JN Topic has a link to a page with pics from his TV appearances yesterday.

Thanks for info Evelyn will go and read. Still don't know where to post and find all things yet. Thank you.

(Pam) Thanks for info Evelyn will go and read. Still don't know where to post and find all things yet Go to topic 61 and I'll tell you.

If anyone lives or has plans to be in the NYC area... RUN ! don't walk, to see Hairspray! (Just got home from seeing it). And get your tix NOW! Will soon (if not already) be like The Producers and Lion King....almost impossible to get. IMO, it's THE musical to beat at Tony time. I usually only hear people clap and hoot and holler, like I heard tonight, at concerts. Harvey Fierstein is a riot and the girl who plays the lead (can't remember her name right off) is fantastic! Thanks for the recommendation Amy. If I may be permitted to repeat myself.... Moon! Welcome Home!!

Harumphy! "Entertainment Weekly" does not particularly like "Possession" and gives it a "C". The critic seems to think it's a touch campy, or something to that effect. =/

More reviews than you can shake a stick at on: http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/drool/137/new but they might also contain lots of spoilers if you're not familiar with the material. So beware.