Forthcoming six-part series ‘Wormwood’ has been given a teaser trailer.
Exciting new six-part series ‘Wormwood’ directed by boundary-breaking filmmaker Errol Morris has just been given a minute teaser video via social media.
Wormwood is a series that explores the untold true story of the CIA, LSD experiments, mind control, and the death of a family man. It follows one man’s sixty-year path to find out the odd circumstances of his father’s unique and mysterious death.
The six-part series Wormwood will be available from the 15th of December only on Netflix.
You can watch the teaser trailer for ‘Wormwood’ here:
The number one video streaming website YouTube has introduced a redeveloped logo on their platform
After twelve years of running with the same logo, Google owned YouTube has redeveloped the look of their logo by making several changes in the way it is laid out.
Some of the main changes are the way YouTube is now joined up instead of being separated by white and black text colour. Furthermore, the ‘Tube’ has been moved from the rounded rectangle and put together with ‘You’, whilst also the red rounded rectangle has been transformed into a play button. It could be said that this new logo has a clearer meaning to what YouTube is and the old even though nice is a tad too basic to really dig into the meaning of YouTube.
Before and After of the YouTube logo change 2017
The changes whilst minimal in some ways, really showcase that YouTube is being rebranded, some even saying that this could be due to the new rules YouTube have been introducing about monetisation.
Here are some responses from YouTube users online.
everyone: youtube my entire channel has been demonetized for saying heck please help i cant afford food
Sonia Alins is a creative artist/illustrator based in Spain.
Sonia Has been on a roll of achievements lately being awarded a bronze A’Design Award in arts, crafts and ready-made design category 2016-2017, Merit winner at 3×3 International Illustration Show nº 14 (2017) organized by 3×3 Magazine of NY and Selected Winner at the Latin American ilustración 6 (2017), organized by American Illustration and American Photography. We have already made a feature on some of her work which you can check out here. This is our interview with Sonia Alins.
Sonia Alins
Are you working on anything new and exciting?
I’m working on the last details of an illustrated book for the Spanish publishing house Yacaré Libros, that includes two short stories. This is a project I have illustrated completely, every page of it, using two totally different registers and experimenting with the aesthetic that I’ve developed during the last three years.
Why and how did you become interested in illustration?
Since I was a child I’ve felt passion for illustration and painting. I used to spend all of my time drawing and looking at books devoted to master artists. Now, I realise how my artworks collect many of those references that I was interested in. In addition, at Salamanca University I had the opportunity to study with Miguel Ángel Pacheco, awarded twice with the National Illustration Award in Spain. For me, this was an incredible experience and influence.
Do you have a favourite medium?
I love to work with inks and collage (fabrics, plastics, different kinds of papers,…) and I like that my artworks can be perceived tri-dimensionally through different resources.
What’s your source of inspiration?
I would define myself as empathic and sensitive. Almost anything (a personal experience, an impression, a landscape) is likely to become part of my artworks. My family and my dreams are a great source of inspiration too: some days I wake up with a good repertoire of ideas from my dreams. Sometimes I think my mind keeps working even when I’m asleep.
There are also artists that are a constant source of inspiration to me: Goya, Picasso, El Bosco, Joseph Cornell, Yves Klein and many of the 20th Century avant-garde artists; Spanish illustrators such as Elena Odriozola, Pablo Amargo and Isidro Ferrer; and photographers Barbara Morgan, Francesca Woodman and Chema Madoz. Literature, poetry, music and cinema are also a big influence on me.
Do you have any creative routines?
When I start a project, I feel obsessed with it and it’s difficult for me to establish a schedule. Also, I’m easily absorbed by my work and, while doing it, materials, tools and many sketches accumulate on my table.
Water Woman_VI
What role does the artist have in a society?
The artist, as any other person, has a responsibility in our society. Art is another tool with which you can work to try to improve it.
What do you hope to accomplish with your art?
I would like to keep working to get a personal and unique style, both in aesthetics and techniques, transmitting all the emotions and feelings I feel.
How do you know a piece is finished?
When I start working on a piece, I have a very clear idea about what I want to get. When I finally see that idea reflected in the artwork, I know I have finished it. Sometimes It’s a hard process and I need to repeat the artwork more than once until I achieve my objective.
Any advice for aspiring artists?
An artistic career is a wonderful way of life. But it isn’t always easy so it is necessary to be passionate about art and strive for it every day.
To find more out about Sonia Alins check out her social media links:
Google is celebrating the birthday of the legendary cinematographer James Wong Howe.
James Wong Howe was a Chinese cinematographer mostly known for his contribution to the world of cinematography and film. He was specifically known for his dramatic lighting and strong shadows and even known to be one of the first cinematographers to successfully use the technique of deep focus in the film Transatlantic (1931). However, the technique is mostly associated with cinematographer Gregg Toland who is credited for developing it further in the classic film ‘Citizen Kane’ (1941).
Howe worked on over 130 films over his career and managed to win two Academy Awards for ‘Hud’ (1963) and ‘The Rose Tattoo’ (1955) whilst also getting eight other deserved nominations.
Sadly, Howe passed away on the 12th of July, 1976 but his influence on the world of film is still deservedly remembered and written about.
Action-Buddy comedy film ‘The Hitman’s Bodyguard’ has reached the top spot at the box office weekend once again.
Whilst the film dropped in the amount it grossed to the previous weekend due to events such as the McGregor vs Mayweather bout and the devastating storm Harvey, it still managed to gross an estimated $10 million over the weekend.
In second place came, ‘Annabelle: Creation’ which is the fourth film in the Conjuring franchise with now an estimated worldwide gross of $215 million it has put over the franchise over the $1 billion mark. Thirdly came the animated film ‘Leap!’ which grossed an estimated amount of $5 million.
Overall, the box office weekend was the worst in fifteen years due to the biggest boxing bout and the devastating events that happened in Texas. It was so bad that the combined top twelve films did not even pass the $50 million mark.
There are many different ways to style your look with a scarf! Since it’s almost autumn it will start getting chilly again it may not keep you completely warm but it will definitely make you look fashionable.
Leave it untied at the front
This is an on the go look, if you’re in a hurry then this is the look for you! It’s very easy, just put the scarf on your neck and style at the front, even out the ends unless you’re not too fussed about and create volume. This is great worn with a denim jacket, coat or a long sleeve top.
Choker
If you want an edgier look then you should try out the choker. Simply fold your scarf in half and keep keep folding until you get the desired height for the choker. Wrap this around your neck and tie a knot. Tuck in the ends to keep it neat. This is great to wear with a t-shirt or a jumper or a chic little coat.
Girl Scout
It almost looks like how a girl scout scarf is tied but more loose and less defined. If you have a square silk scarf, fold into a triangle and tie at the front. If you have a rectangular shape then drape the scarf in front. Tie it loosely and shape it to your desired look. This would look great with thin coats and jumpers.
Drape at the front and secure with a belt
If you feel like your dress or top is looking a bit too ordinary and you want to add some style then you should try this out. This works with a long silk scarf. Firstly, drape the scarf around your neck and style the scarf as you like and when you’re done secure it with a belt to keep the ends in place.
The beloved fashion designer and film director Tom Ford turns 56 today.
Known to many for the work he did for Gucci in the 90’s, the designer has become a household name in the world of fashion with his stunning signature style. Other than working for Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent the designer went on to open his own label in 2004, of course naming it after himself. The label unsurprisingly became a huge success and is considered to be on of the leading designer labels today.
For Tom Ford success and creativity does not stop at Fashion, he is also known for being a film director with having released two big films ‘Nocturnal Animals’ (2016) and ‘A Single Man’ (2009). Tom Ford even earned two Golden Globe nominations for ‘Nocturnal Animals’, one for Best Screenplay and other for Best Director.
So, Happy Birthday to Tom Ford and let us hope he works on more great fashion and film projects!
Highly-loved series Black Mirror is coming out for the fourth season, and Netflix has found a great way to tease the fans.
‘Black Mirror’ has become one of the more successful series in the past seven years or so. Getting three Primetime Emmy nominations and gaining a major following online it is one of the most talked about series.
Whilst the trailer itself is only around fifty seconds in length and shows each title for the new episodes that will come in the fourth season of ‘Black Mirror’, the fans seem excited as many tweeted and posted on Facebook their excitement. The video itself has got nearly a million YouTube views in just under 24 hours.
The season will have six episodes that have been named as: ‘Arkangel’, ‘USS Callister’, ‘Crocodile’, ‘Hang the DJ’, ‘Metalhead’ and ‘Black Museum’.
This will be the second season Netflix will be releasing of Black Mirror. After they have acquired the series from Channel 4 who did the first two seasons including the special which was made in 2014.
For our 8th Sound Selection, we have once again selected a terrific mix of music to showcase the up and coming talent in the world of music whilst including some names you might already know of.
Apollo LTD ‘One In A Million’
‘One In A Million’ is a truly lovely song with great vibes. It has strong vocals that mantain throughout the song with a fantastic production that will absorb you into its emotion for weeks to come. Wonderful music that is great for any playlist.
oscar oscar ‘Hey Ho’
There is something magical about this song by oscar oscar. It showcases the talent oscar oscar has to create a well-produced piece of music by combining a range of dynamic elements to create an atmosphere that truly lasts. Recommended for any playlist.
LCAW ‘Staring at the Sun’
LCAW is back on Our Culture Mag with more great music, this time with his latest single ‘Staring at the Sun’. It features a great throwback feel with lovely vocals and simply a stunning summer’s drive to end the summer on the high note.
Josiah and the Bonnevilles ‘Lie With Me’
We love band music in our selection and this time we have ‘Lie With Me’ by the terrific Josiah and the Bonnevilles, who once again showcase a truly powerful vocal that will teleport you into the world of ‘Lie With Me’. Splendid structure and range.
Jhyve ‘Feel Something’
Latest single ‘Feel Something’ by Jhyve is an another terrific song that really takes you in and makes you put it on repeat. Catchy lyrics combined with a neat production really makes this song go far. Jhyve is definitely a name to watch out for in the music world.
Zach Said ‘No Love’
This is simply a chart hitter. Powerfully-moving vocals mixed with a vibrant and dynamic production really elevates the talent Zach Said has. This one is for the playlists for those that love a bit of change.
Farleon ‘Ultraviolet’ feat. LeyeT
Groovy, superb and simply catchy would be a few to describe the latest single ‘Ultraviolet’ by Farleon which features LeyeT. It is a song that will get you dancing for days to come, making this another song to add to your playlists.
Wretch 32 ‘Whistle’ feat. Kojo Funds & Donae’o
Once in a while, we do like a change up and this time we bring the well established Wretch 32 with his latest song ‘Whistle which features Kojo Funds & Donae’o. As usual, the music has quality production and lyrics that carry much value in the climate of today.
Pope ‘Mystery’
‘Mystery’ is a lovely dynamic indie-pop song that elevates stunningly powerful vocals through its great production. A fantastic song with a groovy vibe that matches any playlist for the weekend. Probably the star of the selection!
Gian ‘Deserted’
Our final song in the selection is ‘Deserted by the promising Gian, who showcases a lot of promise with his vocal range and unique production. Definitely, a name to add to your lists for artists to follow.
Perhaps the Special Editions have been too harshly attacked by fans of the un-altered, theatrical cuts of Star Wars. Alternatively, perhaps there is something to be criticised in their role in effectively banishing the original 1977, 1980, and 1983 versions of these films to the ether.
Ever since the 1997 Special Edition versions of the original Star Wars trilogy were released, the validity, merits, flaws, and worth of these controversial incarnations have been debated. Many fans have made genuine (and reasonable) arguments as to their qualities. Ian McDiarmid’s insertion into the Emperor’s holographic appearance in The Empire Strikes Back is an understandable alteration. It solidifies the film’s links to both Return of the Jedi and Revenge of the Sith (McDiarmid having portrayed Emperor Palpatine in both of those respective films).
The original version of Emperor Palpatine was played by Marjorie Eaton and was voiced by Clive Revill.
Just as amiable is the newly-added Hoth Wampa footage also in The Empire Strikes Back. Demonstrating a clear consideration for visual continuity, the Wampa in the new footage is still an impressive, practical man-in-suit creation – a welcome departure from the modus operandi of the Special Editions, where most changes were in the form of extensive CGI replacements.
Perhaps some elements of the Special Editions have been treated unfairly by fans adamant about the quality of the original, theatrical cuts. Because of this, it is important to remain as objective as possible – hence the praise for the changes mentioned above.
On the other hand, perhaps such resistance to the changes of the Special Editions isn’t totally unreasonable either. Steven Sloss, of the Kaijusaurus Podcast, has spoken of the positive diversity that alternate cuts of films can add. In his and co-host Ross Menzies’ episode wherein they tackle 1984’s The Return of Godzilla, Steven points out that having alternate cuts of a single film can not only improve its accessibility, but provides multiple ways in which a narrative can be enjoyed. The issue with the Special Editions, however, is that since their 1997 release they have instead acted as replacements.
Bar a mediocre release of the theatrical cuts on DVD in 2006 (these releases were sourced from an early ’90s laserdisc, were non-anamorphic, and suffered from motion-smearing), the un-altered versions of these films have never seen the light of quality home-video distribution. The only versions commercially available on DVD, Blu-Ray, or to download are the Special Editions. Rumours continue to circle online about the possibility of a release of the theatrical cuts, but as of August 2017, nothing has come to pass. The closest we have come is with such fan restoration projects as Harmy’s Star Wars: Despecialized Edition and Team Negative 1’s Star Wars: Silver Screen Edition. These projects (of mammoth proportion) are fan-produced high-definition restorations of the theatrical cuts, pulling from sources as far reaching as VHS copies to 35mm scans. Not only fantastic in quality, they illustrate the palpable desire for the original versions of these films to receive an official release.
An army of digital stormtroopers was eventually inserted into the background of this shot in the 1997 Special Editions – frame taken from Team Negative 1’s Silver Screen Restoration.
Of course, the question as to why it hasn’t happened usually leads back to the fact that with Disney now owning Lucasfilm, but 20th Century Fox still retaining rights to the original trilogy, there are associated legal difficulties that may come with such an attempt. Update as of May 2020: Disney+ now has the original trilogy to stream. However, these versions are still the truncated Special Editions.
So what does that make this article? A heartfelt but ultimately useless plea to see the original, un-altered cuts released? A monologue criticising each and every Special Edition alteration?
For too long, the discussion surrounding the original incarnations of Star Wars has essentially been usurped by an argument of ‘which is better?’ Fans of the theatrical cuts will point out the poorly-aging CGI changes, or the damage that changes have inflicted on the saga (the inclusion of Vader shouting ‘no’ in Return of the Jedi was a clear mistake) whilst fans of the Special Editions tend to argue (reasonably so) the merits of the changes.
Such an argument is not conducive of any positive outcome, though. One group of fans will inevitably be left unsatisfied whenever yet another ‘ARE THE SPECIAL EDITIONS REALLY THAT BAD?’ video hits the internet.
It’s important that we re-frame the narrative of this discussion. Instead of comparing the two versions of these iconic films, it’s more important that we address why the original, theatrical cuts are important to begin with.
As much as George Lucas may wish that the Special Editions were the only versions that will ever be seen again, his wishes are ultimately detrimental to culture and artistic integrity as a whole. Whether one prefers the Special Editions or not, one must realise that those theatrical versions changed cinema. It was the un-altered incarnations of Star Wars that swept the Academy Awards, not the Special Editions. The theatrical cuts featured phenomenal practical special effects whilst the newly-added CGI of the Special Editions was far from revolutionary even in 1997. The Special Editions may be the only versions commercially available, but their cultural value pales in comparison to what came before them.
The original, un-altered version of the Sarlaac Pit – note the lack of the beak that was later added.
The desire to alter one’s artistic vision to the point where it is closest to one’s intentions is understandable (and a position that can be respected). However, to alter and then deny what came before is irresponsible when these films have such an important cultural standing. Let’s say historians had found a document wherein Shakespeare bemoaned the ending of King Lear and had wished it was changed. Let’s also say that dramatists and publishers then changed the ending in all further productions and prints to fit with Shakespeare’s wishes. There would be public outcry from those who appreciated it in its original format, and who opposed seeing this alternative ending replace it.
This is not to compare Star Wars to the works of Shakespeare, but to point out that changing and then totally replacing a piece of such artistic importance is harmful to culture itself. It robs generations of experiencing how these films were presented upon release. It arguably says that ownership and responsibility of one’s work is not important when one can change and then deny the original.
The Special Editions have earned their place by virtue of a large portion of the Star Wars fan-base who admire and enjoy them, but that does not (nor should it) devalue the un-altered versions of these films. Right now, there is a growing number of fans tired of being stuck with only one way of watching this influential saga, and a number of parents eager to show their children the magic of that galaxy far, far away just as they first saw it – whether on VHS or actually in the cinema in 1977, 1980, or 1983. The original, un-altered, theatrical cuts of Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi deserve their respect and admiration. They don’t deserve to be cast aside for the sake of achieving one man’s admittedly flawed original intentions.
An appreciation of the original cuts of these films is important – for culture, for future generations, and for artistic integrity.
Perhaps this article has turned into a plea for the originals to be released, but maybe that isn’t entirely bad after all. I’m sure that Lak Sivrak, the wolf man in the Mos Eisely cantina (who was removed by the Special Editions), would agree.
The wolf-man of Mos Eisley: Lak Sivrak; a character totally removed by the Special Editions.
* This article’s feature image is of the original, un-altered version of Star Wars (1977). Frame taken from Team Negative 1’s Silver Screen Restoration.
