Showbiz Sandbox 146: High Frame Rate Hijinks On “The Hobbit”

May 7, 2012

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Movie theater owners were abuzz after seeing the first extended footage of “The Hobbit” a few weeks ago at CinemaCon. Most however didn’t have anything positive to say about Peter Jackson’s highly anticipated prequel to his “Lord of the Rings” franchise. The filmmaker decided to shoot the film at 48 frames per second, twice the speed of traditional 35mm film, and many who saw the clips felt they looked like a cheap soap opera. Jackson claims the footage was from unfinished scenes, though it left many wondering if high frame rate films are really worth all the hype.

Meanwhile, two months after Disney took a bath on “John Carter” when it bombed at the box office, the studio is raking in the dough on “Marvel’s The Avengers”. While the film may go on to be the highest grossing film of the year (so far), it wasn’t enough to save the job of Disney chairman Rich Ross.

Movies are even making news on Broadway. Leading the pack of Tony Award nominees last week were two musicals adapted from films; “Once” and “Newsies”.

We also cover some of the top entertainment news stories from the past two weeks including James Bond’s new publisher, Jack White’s first number one album and a Amazon’s plans to crowd source good television shows.

Maurice Sendak, Author of ‘Where the Wild Things Are,’ Other Children’s Books, Dies At 83
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/maurice-sendak-author-of-where-the-wild-things-are-other-childrens-books-dies-at-83/2012/05/08/gIQAWofYBU_story.html

Dick Clark Dies at 82; He Introduced America To Rock ‘n’ Roll
http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-dick-clark-obit-20120419,0,6380009.story

Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys Dies
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/04/adam-yauch-of-the-beastie-boys-dies/

‘The Avengers’ Dominates Overseas, Grossing More Than $440 Million In 12 Days
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/foreign-box-office-avengers-american-pie-reunion-five-year-engagement-320755

Peter Jackson Responds to ‘Hobbit’ Footage Critics, Explains 48-Frames Strategy
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/peter-jackson-the-hobbit-cinemacon-317755

Disney Studios Chairman Rich Ross Resigns
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/rich-ross-disney-314584

‘Once’ Leads the 2012 Tony Awards Nominations
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/01/the-2012-tony-awards-nominations/

ABC’s ‘The Bachelor’ to Be Sued for Racial Discrimination
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/abc-bachelor-racial-discrimination-lawsuit-nathaniel-claybrooks-christopher-johnson-312936

Sinead O’Connor Cancels Her Tour
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/24/sinead-oconnor-cancels-her-tour/

Chinese Exhibitor Eyes Acquisition of All or Part of AMC Entertainment
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/amc-entertainment-china-wanda-group-acquisition-321378

SEC Investigating Hollywood Studios For Alleged Bribes To China
http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20120424/23413918641/sec-investigating-hollywood-studios-alleged-bribes-to-china.shtml

Amazon Publishing Acquires James Bond Backlist
http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/51571-amazon-publishing-acquires-james-bond-backlist.html

Jack White Scores His First No. 1 Album
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/02/jack-white-scores-his-first-no-1-album/

‘X Factor’: Demi Lovato Nears Deal for Fourth Judge Spot
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/x-factor-demi-lovato-fourth-judge-britney-spears-318659

Amazon Wants The Public To Give Sitcom and Kids Show Ideas
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2012/05/amazon-studios-wants-your-sitcom-ideas.html

Tor/Forge Plans DRM-Free E-books By July
http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/digital/content-and-e-books/article/51659-tor-forge-plans-drm-free-e-books-by-july.html

Academy Awards to Stay in Hollywood at Newly Named Dolby Theatre
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/academy-awards-dolby-theater-318584

Jonas Brothers Part Ways With Disney’s Hollywood Records
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jonas-brothers-Hollywood-records-disney-part-ways-318361

Tracking Amazon: Coelho E-books Dropped to $1, Skyrocket
http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/digital/content-and-e-books/article/51789-tracking-amazon-coelho-e-books-dropped-to-1-skyrocket.html

Village People Songwriter Victor Willis Wins Case Over Termination of ‘Y.M.C.A.’ Rights
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/village-people-ymca-lawsuit-victor-willis-321576

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