What Is The Appeal Of Karl Pilkington?

Karl Pilkington is really good friends with Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, and it is this trio that created the world's most listened to podcast. However it wasn't necessarily Ricky Gervais that people tuned in to listen to. This honour goes to Karl Pilkington, who is now equally as famous in many ways.

So why do so many people love Karl Pilkington?

Well he is essentially the butt of Ricky and Stephen's jokes. Karl's stupidity and his far out views of the world around him make him a constant source of amusement for both his two friends and for the listeners.

Ricky is constantly making fun of his ridiculous views and his abnormally round head, but Karl just takes it on the chin and continues offering his thoughts regardless. He talks about anything and everything, and it is similar to the kind of conversation that you would hear in your local pub, but these conversations are just so much funnier.

Karl started off as a producer on Ricky and Stephen's radio show, but he is now a star in his own right. Indeed with the influence of Ricky Gervais, he has just been around the world filming Karl Pilkington - An Idiot Abroad. In this series he visited the seven wonders of the world and offered his own unique thoughts and opinions on each one, and the countries and cultures he experienced on the way.

It really was a brilliant series even without Ricky and Stephen being present, which just goes to show that he is still funny even when he's on his own. He was clearly uncomfortable outside of his cosy life in London, and it clearly showed, resulting in a brilliantly funny travelogue.

Some people are of the opinion that Karl is not actually a real person, but more of a character that he plays up to and exaggerates for comedic effect. I don't know whether that is true or not. Ricky Gervais certainly denies it, saying he couldn't actually sit down and come up with a character as funny as Karl Pilkington even if he tried to.

I don't really care either way because one thing I do know is that Karl Pilkington is one of the funniest people on the planet in my opinion. Clearly other people think so too because he played a major part in making their podcast the most listened to podcast in the world, and his TV shows are now proving equally as popular with a second travel series coming soon.

Click here to read a review of the Karl Pilkington An Idiot Abroad DVD, and to read reviews of other UK DVD releases including the Lead Balloon DVD Box Set.

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From Comic to TV Cartoon to Big Screen - X-Men: First Class - Review

Normally this is Hollywood's thought and we get more and more diluted sequels until taking dip. Either that or go for the now trendy "Reboot" starring a young, hip cast of up and coming early twenties prettyboys and prettygirls.

They decided, this time to go with the reboot. However, with a twist. Instead of churning out some soulless cash in they decided to make a proper movie, hiring Mathew Vaughan, the director of the excellent Layer Cake and recent critically acclaimed Kick-Ass. A bold choice, as these were serious and adult movies. Not exactly the person you would expect Hollywood to give the reigns of one of their summer tentpole blockbusters. Vaughn then wrote the story with Jane Goldman and Bryan Singer.

They then decided to fill the cast with hot young actors who can actually act! James McAvoy one of the hottest actors in Hollywood after his turns in Atonement, Wanted and The Last King Of Scotland played a young Charles Xavier while the equally hot Irish/German actor Michael Fassbender, fresh from stealing the show in Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds and taking on the challenging role of hunger striker Bobby Sands in Hunger. (Even if he was in Jonah Hex. We won't hold that against him). Kevin Bacon played the bad guy (Which should help in your next round of "Six Degrees Of Kevin Bacon"). Rose Byrne and January Jones and others filled out the younger roles ably.

The story was articulate: Set during the Cuban Missile Crisis it charts the creation of the X-men and Michael Fassbender journey from Nazi concentration camps to his eventual Magneto persona. As a result, Fassbender gets the meatiest role. His character arc is, by far, the most interesting. We see the torture of his youth in concentration camps and his relentless pursuit of revenge afterwards. He is always a charismatic and sympathetic character. Who doesn't want to see Nazis get their just deserts?

He is also the character most at ease with his powers, encouraging his fellow mutants to embrace their differences rather than hide them. If there is one flaw in his performance, it is his accent. For some reason, as the film goes on, his Irish accent becomes more and more apparent. While he never sounds like Jackie Healy Rae (Fassbender's father is from Germany but he was raised in his mother's home of Kerry) by the end of the movie his accent is pretty obvious. At least it is for an Irish audience. It probably isn't so apparent for others.

The action is slow to start as the film really is about the creation of the X-men so we see the introduction of various characters familiar and unfamiliar to viewers of the movies (All will be familiar to the comic readers of course) but once the action starts it comes thick and fast: flying submarines, nuclear missiles, and mutants aplenty.

All in all Fist class is a surprisingly mature comic book to TV to big screen film with a decent cast and director and story. I'm looking forward to checking out the sequel. Oh, and it has the best cameo EVER and it's not even the ubiquitous Stan Lee!

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Katie Holmes Emmy Nomination

The lack of a Katie Holmes Emmy nomination most certainly counts as a snub, for those who are not sure. Since the announcement of Emmy nominations last July 14, people have been talking about it. "The Kennedys" managed to claim ten nominations, with three of them for actors Greg Kinnear, Tom Wilkinson and Barry Pepper. However, for some reason, her acting efforts have not been recognized.

Award snubs are nothing new, especially for the Emmys. Bigger snubs have occurred than the Katie Holmes snub, such as when they snubbed "The Wire". Some snubs are intentional and welcome. "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno", for example, was snubbed in favor of shows such as "Conan" and "The Colbert Report," possibly in response to how Leno was pushed back into the spotlight. Courtney Cox continues to be snubbed until today, from her run on "Friends" to her current role on "Cougar Town."

There are many reasons for a snub. Sometimes it is because there is an overabundance of splendid shows and actors and since there can be only one, someone must be disappointed. In other cases, it becomes a matter of internal politics. It sometimes even becomes about spite and malice.

Why is the Katie Holmes Emmy nomination controversial?

"The Kennedys Miniseries" is a television broadcast on the "Reelzchannel." It was originally slated to be shown on the History Channel, but it backed out of the deal. It is widely believed to be because the content of the show is inherently controversial. The fact is that the lack of a Katie Holmes nomination might be justified in this case, though it may not be in a way that is acceptable to the general public.

The fact is that the show has a hilarious number of historical inaccuracies. It is also incredibly unflattering. Ted Sorensen calls the show "character assassination." Of course, this is no reason not to nominate someone for their acting - the fact that three cast members were nominated is proof of that.

The fact is that there is no Katie Holmes Emmy nomination might be because she simply does not deserve one. She might actually not deserve a nomination. Her performance might simply not be robust enough. Her blank expressions are put up against Emmy Rossum, Katey Sagal and Anna Torv. The fact is that even with a weaker host of actresses, Katie Holmes might simply not deserve the honor. It is simply shocking because everyone else on the show was nominated. It looks awful, but it might be simply be a matter of not measuring up.

http://thekennedysminiseries.com

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Strategies of Finding Auditions for Disney Channel Shows

Are you searching for auditions for Disney channel shows for you child or any other teen actor you have around who is willing to get into the acting scene? If so, you should have them test for these shows by finding them the casting calls as well as the tests that come with them. The chances of your child becoming a high esteemed actor in these shows are very high even though you might not have the awareness at the moment.

There are several shows that your kid can get tested in to prove his or her capability. These shows include Hannah Montana, Kim possible, and the suite life on deck as well as other TV shows linked to this medium. Your kid may become the best actor or actress within the shortest time possible after testing. However, the question comes about, how can you find these auditions? Well, no need to worry as this article will take you step by step on how to find them with much ease. Keep reading to learn the steps to follow.

• The primary thing you ought to do is to locate a modeling or a talent agent linked with this medium. Most modeling and talent agencies tend to have the will to submit kids, children as well as teenagers a variety of trials as well as casting calls as soon as they are available. This will make it easier simply because when there are any vacancies for new actors and actresses for TV shows, the modeling or talent agent will be notified immediately. Once the notification is done, the agency will notify you to take your child for kid acting auditions for Disney channel.

• Next you can do your findings by simply getting your kid connected with a casting director who is normally hired with an aim of casting this medium television shows. In case there is any casting call, the casting director will be notified who will in turn notify you. However, it is important to find a casting director, send the pictures of your kid to see if there is any necessity for an interview or reading. In case your kid qualifies to be on the director's talent roster, whenever there is casting call for any TV show on this medium, you will be contacted to bring your child for testing.

• Lastly, you can find these trials on various websites. Find websites that deal directly with casting calls and check if there are any trails available. They are usually posted by talent agencies or casting directors for this medium.

Auditions for Disney channel shows are very important as they help in bringing those with talents to the surface just like kid acting auditions for Disney channel which help your kind to become a good actor or actress.

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History of the London Film Museum

The London Film museum which was once known as the Movieum of London is situated in the County hall building on Westminster Bridge Road in the City of London. The museum is a must for film fanatics as it offers an incredible amount of things to do and see. Movie going enthusiasts will be in their element. As well as great fun it is also educational, you can learn about the history of film and famous directors.

The museum is one of its own kind in Great Britain. It was founded and created in February 2008 by Jonathan Sands following the signing of a 25 year lease at the County Hall London. Jonathan started his career as a commercial and advertising photographer and opened his first own studio at the young age of 17. He then went on and moved to the Elstree Film Studios and became resident photographer in 1997. At the studios he met Nick Harrison who owned a prop and events company called 'Weird and Wonderful'. He worked with Nick on many special projects which included The Aliens Resurrection party at BAFTA.

When Nick Harrison's life was cut short aged 37, Jonathan when on to buy the company and collection and built it up into a full production company. He created many attractions including 'The Seven Deadly Sins' at Thorpe Park and the Chelsea Football Club Centenary Museum at Stamford Bridge. In 2006 Lucasfilm requested that the 30th Anniversary Exhibition be hosted in London and Jonathan was asked by a promoter to host the event. He did just this and negotiated a short term license to present it at County Hall. 'Star Wars The Exhibition' opened on May 4th 2007 and was a great success. It got Jonathan thinking and when that exhibition was closed, Jonathan went about looking into signing a 25 year lease at the County Hall so he could move his entire collection in. He did just this in Feb of 2008. Over the next couple of years he was introduced to Rick Senat who was an ex-senior executive at Warner Bros. and well known within the British film industry. In the following year Rick Senat became Chairman with

Jonathan as Chief Executive, and opened the London Film Museum in January of 2010.

Today the Museum has partnerships with the Lucasfilm, Paramount, Pinewood Studios, Warner Bros, Twentieth Century Fox, British Film Institute and Film London to name just a few. On show are many great collections of iconic costumes, film props, photographs, some of which dates back to the 1930's. If you're a fan of the original superman films from the late seventies and eighties you will enjoy seeing the real tunic worn by the late Christopher Reeves.

One of the new exhibitions goes back to the early 1900's covering Charlie Chaplin, the English comic actor's early life. You can see his famous hat and cane at the exhibition titled 'Charlie Chaplin the great Londoner'. Another exhibition titled 'Ray Harryhausen - Myths and Legends' which focuses on the work of the American film producer Ray Harryhausen. It shows the techniques he used over the years to bring his many Dynamation creatures to life.

Film fans can just go along for a visit or you can go on a London museum tour with a London tour company which might offer even more inside information on the history of film.

For more information on going on a London Film Museum why not check out Brit Movie Tours who are a London based tour company offering many other London Movie Locations tours.

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What George Lucas and Stephen Spielberg Know

I was six years old and I had no idea what I was about to experience. For months my parents had been talking about Star Wars and we were now sitting in the third row of a movie theater. Music blared and I saw a large space ship encompass the screen in pursuit of a smaller ship. I was horrified to see the menacing, tall, dark figure of Darth Vader enter the smaller ship and I was hooked. I became Luke and as I left the theater I was a Jedi.

From that moment I had lost the ability to choose my career. I loved movies and had become addicted. I cried when E.T. was about to die and remember a woman yelling in the theater, "Run, Elliot, run!" I screamed in Jaws as the tension grew so thick I could not hold my voice. I cheered and laughed with Indiana Jones as he fought the German soldier who threw him through the windshield onto the hood of the truck and as he used his whip to trail between the wheels on the dirt road and climbed back to resume the fight. I screamed as the T-Rex in Jurassic Park smashed through the sunroof of the truck attacking the children and after each film I dreamed of them for months and laughed with my friends talking about them. These had all become part of my life. I watched Jurassic Park five times in the theater on the opening weekend!

Some movies penetrate your soul while others give a few laughs and fall to the wayside moments after you leave the theater. Star Wars, E.T., Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Arc and Jurassic Park are among the highest grossing films in history. George Lucas and Stephen Spielberg are in the business of entertainment as are many other people yet the films they create continue to bring enormous returns while many others fail to recoup their investments. So what do George Lucas and Steven Spielberg know?

They know the need and how to fulfill it.

That is an odd statement - "They know the need." Yes, it is odd, but that is the great key to success in any business. When you know the need and fulfill it, success will follow. For instance, there is a need for chocolate. People love chocolate and the need for it is more than just the taste, there is emotion attached. Have you seen the face of a woman who loves chocolate when she slips it into her mouth and savors it? There is emotion attached to that need that can approach (and in some cases, truly is) addiction. Chocolate manufacturers understand this need and set up their products to accommodate those needs and they make millions doing so.

There is a need for stories and story-like characters. In our nature we need them. For thousands of years stories have been part of our existence and we crave them just as we crave chocolate. We are addicted to them. There is emotion attached to them and we cannot get enough. For the most part we live mundane lives-no adventure, no purpose, no reason for strength, no reason for courage, no reason for honor, we simply go to work, come home, watch TV, read the news and go to bed. All the while we crave adventure, love, courage, a sense of honor and redemption. When those items are experienced by characters we are watching we feel the courage the character is expressing, we become that courage or strength and we are the people we watch. We become them and crave that sense of honor and when we have characters that give us redemption we are redeemed.

So George Lucas and Steven Spielberg know the "need" but how do they fulfill that need? There are four basic ways they do it and through which they create narrative tension which pulls us in and allows us to experience the adventure of their characters:

1) The Unusual - They use things that are unusual to us. Remember, we live basically mundane lives and the "regular" is boring, it is what we live. We want a story that allows us to escape. Think of Star Wars. How unusual is that? Jurassic Park? E.T.? A face-to-face encounter with Jaws.

2) A Threat - They work with our fears, our hates and our loves. Each of these is a threat on many levels. If the characters in the story have fears, we associate with them and that association endears them to us and we see ourselves in the actions they take against what is threatening them.

3) Extreme Values - These are things such as your family, your home, your occupation. When a character has to make decisions based on what they value in the extreme we side with them because we have similar values.

4) Programmed Needs - Think for example if your income is jeopardized or your stability or security. These are programmed needs we all have and when a movie puts them in jeopardy we feel it in our emotions.

The movies I have mentioned by George Lucas and Steven Spielberg score five stars in each of these categories and have been created in a manner to attract the largest audiences in that they appeal to all age groups and most demographics. They are constructed with content that entertains but does not cause a parent to fear taking their child. They have the unusual, the threat, extreme values and the main character's programmed needs are attacked. Whether you are young or old, you will enjoy these stories and they will fulfill the craving "need" in you.

I have spent my life in this industry and when Stephen Sobisky and I took control of Sandman Studios we decided we would work on and create films which fulfill the undying "need" within each of us for great stories. As we partner with filmmakers and studios, we consciously accept and create projects with the audience and narrative tension in mind. The core of entertainment is in the story and if your story fulfills the need of your audience, it will be a success.

I was hooked sitting in that theater chair watching Star Wars when I was six years old and the feeling has never left me. I love movies and the creation of great stories has become my life. People have told me that when they read Speed of Light they wanted to be Pierce Black. I get the greatest satisfaction as I hear that my stories have made a mark in someone's life and they had felt the emotion of my characters as they read. I hope that someday a young child will be watching Pierce Black struggling for his life in the feature film of Speed of Light and dare to dream his dreams and make them real.

Lee Baker is the president of Sandman Studios, a Hollywood visual effects and animation company and is the author of the illustrated book, "Humbug, A Christmas Carol" and the novel "Speed of Light." Learn more about Lee Baker at http://www.leebakeronline.com/

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Dylan McDermott - An Award Winning Actor With A Troubled Past

Dylan McDermott is a household name thanks to roles in multiple movies and on the television shows The Practice and Dark Blue. However, the actor was born Mark Anthony McDermott on October 26, 1961 in Waterbury, Connecticut to parents Richard and Diane McDermott. The pair were teenagers when McDermott was born, and were divorced by the time he was seven years old. Perhaps the rocky childhood experienced by this actor helped to provide the emotions which would later be expressed so well on screen and stage.

Dylan McDermott's mother died in 1967 in what her boyfriend claimed was an accident with his gun. His maternal grandmother assumed the responsibility of raising McDermott and his sister Robin in Waterbury, Connecticut. As he entered his teen years, he frequently visited his father in Manhattan and help tend bar and break up fights in his father's bar, the West Fourth Street Saloon. His father's third wife, Eve Ensler, was very close to the young teenager and actually adopted him when he was fifteen. She wrote roles for him in her plays and encouraged him to pursue acting. In fact, the stage name of Dylan was chosen after his stepmother miscarried a baby of the same name.

His heroes in the acting world were Marlon Brando and Humphrey Bogart, and McDermott would try to imitate their demeanor and mannerisms during his troublesome teenage years. After attending Fordham University's acting school, Dylan McDermott pursued dreams of performing in movies, earning himself roles in films like Twister, Steel Magnolias, and In the Line of Fire, among many others. His Emmy nominated and Golden Globe award winning role as self-made lawyer Bobby Donnell on The Practice rocketed his rise to stardom. He has also appeared in multiple television shows and stage plays. His most recent work is viewed in Christopher B. Landon's edgy film Burning Palms.

On a personal note McDermott was married to Shiva Afshar Rose, an actress and social change activist. The couple has two daughters, Colette and Charlotte Rose. They were divorced in 2009. Dylan McDermott has over twenty years of sobriety in his fight against alcoholism. In an interview he states that acting is a form of therapy of him, and the choices he makes in roles are his way of working out psychological issues. Some are dark and some are comic depending on the stage of life he is going through. McDermott's rugged good looks have garnered attention from People magazine, Men's Health, and GQ.

Interested in learning more about McDermott? Hear the actor's thoughts on life, law, and acting in the interview A Conversation with Dylan McDermott at ForumOnLawCultureAndSociety.org.

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