When I initially heard of the new TV series “The Event“, and that I would be reviewing it, new reality series came to mind. The title sounds like one right? However once I received the material, I realized I couldn’t be more wrong. This is a new drama series from NBC Universal (USA) that comes from the Executive Producers of Medium, Facing kate, and 24. Two of the three shows I have seen and liked so I was game to watch.

To start off, most of the actors in the show are familiar faces to us TV junkies, and leading the pack is Blair Underwood who plays President Elias Martinez, (The fictitious Barack Obama). I would call him the “Denzel of Television”. Charasmatic, good looking, a bit heavier as the age creeps in, but none the less an actor with gravitas. Jason Ritter (Sean Walker) who is the star of the show, might be a new face to many in Asia, but if I mentioned his late father’s name “John Ritter”, that might strike a chord with the older viewers. This up and coming star has the looks of his father, but it’s clear his path as an actor is different than dad’s. I’m sure though that John is looking down proud of his son. Laura Innes (Sophia Maguire) is also a familiar face if you were a fan of ER. She is a joy to watch and gives a lot of weight to a role that needs it.

So whats the story about? Well having only seen the first episode, their is a conspiracy going on within the US Government (24 anyone?), the President doesn’t have a clue, Sean Walker knows more than we think initially, and everybody knows something, but at what level we are not sure of, and at the end something that seems supernatural happens or it it? (The island disappearing in Lost type of scenario). Now this all seems like other shows we have seen in the past, and in some ways it is, but the one element I enjoyed when watching it, was how they introduced the key players in the series. Blank screen with only the characters name, and we then we see the character in action going all the way back to 13 months prior to the “Event” or what I think is the event. (Think flash-backs from Lost and 24 and you get the gist). However with each introduction, pieces of the puzzle are revealed and how the characters are linked in someway.

I also enjoyed that most of not all the characters, small or big, have a part to play in this. You have to pay attention. If your the kind that surfs the web or talks on the phone while watching TV, your going to end up confused. Personally I like these types of shows, not only because I’m an actor and enjoy good storylines, but as a viewer I want to be challenged.

What did I not like about it? Not much really. Some of the scenes involving the president at the end of the episode didn’t make sense. Not to give anything away, but he sort of hangs around for something that if it happened in reality, the President would have been wisked away and half way down the runway in Airforce 1 before the event even got close to happening. Perhaps there is a reason for this, or maybe just there for dramatic effect, but it sort of broke the reality the show was portraying. Also earlier in the episode when a chase happens on an airplane runway, nobody sees the SUV next to the plane except Sean, which was a bit surreal for the show’s attention to detail. However, these situations could be there on purpose, and I’ll end up taking back my words after watching future eps. After all the slogan for “The Event” is: This is not a drill. This is real…or is it?

There are some similarities with shows like 24 and Lost, and probably a few others, which dont come to mind right now, but sometimes we as the audience need that to get sucked in initially. Having said that though, there is a lot of room here for it to branch out on it’s own.

Overall it’s a fun ride. So much so in fact that when the episode finished, I called up and asked where the second episode was, and when could I see it.

The Event Trailer

The Rookie

Nokia.sg has come up with what I feel a brilliant way to showcase their products and service in a non-conventional way.  A reality show only on the web that will educate, entertaine and also help young people get ahead in the workplace. Introducing “The Rookie.”

Now if you think this will be a 17min infomercial on the E72 and Nokia Messaging your sadly mistaken.  Yes the products and services are showcased but not in a blatant “in your face”way.  The show is more about the contestants, their journeys to understanding business and what it takes to be successful in the corporate world.  There will be drama, tears, anger, and frustration.  All things you would expect out a of a good reality show. If you see similarities to Survivor, or the Apprentice, you are right, which I feel is a good thing.  Both of these shows have proven to be successes on a global scale, and what better place to have a show like this than in Singapore.  This is a country  booming with business opportunities and companies that are actively hiring and trying to find the right talent.

On a personal note, I can safely say that after filming a great part of the series, it is a joy to see these young people grow.  In a lot of ways I can relate to them as I myself started off in the corporate world with little know how, just drive and a will to succeed.  A lot of what I learned was through trial and error, much like these contestants.

I hope you all enjoy the series and please feel free to express your comments, as with any show, your voices help us all grow.

http://www.nokia.com.sg/therookie

Android 2.2 "Froyo"

It’s been no secret that Googles Android mobile phone operating system has come out swinging into the mobile phone market place. It seems like every month there is a new device being released from many different handset makers like HTC, Motorola, Sony Ericsson etc. featuring Android, so with the momentum in their favor it’s no surprise the tech blogs and and media are in full force anticipating the next release and future software unveilings from Google. Low and behold the Google IO. A Google conference for developers to highlight and showcase current and future products from Google.

Watching the live stream last night was somewhat entertaining, especially by their keynote speaker, who was so full of confidence it bordered on egotistical. If you couldnt see how much Google is competing with Apple watching this, please watch it again. But none the less it was entertaining.

The highlight yesterday was the Android 2.2 software update named “Froyo.” If you don’t know by now, Google likes to name their versions of software after deserts. This one is “Frozen Yogurt” or “Froyo” for short.
2.2 looks like a feature rich upgrade, from turning your mobile phone to a wifi hotspot, to faster processing of web pages, better app management and also the introduction of Flash 10.1. However before you start celebrating, it only works on mobile flash enabled sites, so watching HULU or other heavily driven flash sites won’t work for you.
The keynote speaker goes onto showcase future software for Android, in the likes of wireless syncing of apps from the PC to the phone, to streaming music from your itunes or other music library to the phone. All great stuff but it’s not coming anytime soon.

Seeing all this technology, was exciting, and somewhat informative to where the mobile industry is heading, but then reality set in.
If you have an Android device you  probably wont see the a lot of these features if you haven’t purchased an Android phone in the past few months. No phone one year old or older will probably be able to handle the processing and battery power needed to bring a lot of these innovations to light. Sure, many people upgrade phones faster than speed dating now a days, but the seriously, you will have to upgrade every 6 months to keep up with Google. On top of that, if you have an HTC with the Sense UI (which by the way is a great skin to Android) as sen in the Hero, Desire, Legend, Incredible, Eris, etc.,  or a Motorola phone with (Motoblur) Dext, Cliq, Cliq EX, or the Sony Ericsson Xperia 10, you have to wait for for your respective handset makers to upgrade, then release it to their products when they feel necessary.
Now in defense of these companies, Android isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing mobile phone UI that I have seen. Its full of small confusing icons, layers of options, widget galore,  so for a newbie to the smartphone arena it can be a bit overwhelming. Each of these Software enhancements from the handset makers, enhances Androids features, offers individuality and they look good too.

But if you want to be on the cutting edge of Androids rapid updates, there are only two devices that will be able to take advantage of the software upgrades as soon as they become available: Google’s Nexus One, and The Motorola Droid/Milestone. Reason being they run the native Android software as it was designed from Google.

In closing what I took away from watching the Google IO keynote about Android 2.2 was Google is innovative, with brilliant people working for them, but sometimes with technology, if you can’t get your innovations into the masses hands in a timely fashion, while also providing ease of use,  you end up teasing and ultimately failing to deliver the goods to the “average Joe.”

I’m sure you have read so many 3D articles in the past few months ranging from the ‘Future of Cinema”, to the “Fad of the Year”.  All of which have valid points. Avatar has set the new standard for 3D.  Everyone knows it, everyone agrees to it.  However the Studios are  now trying to convert everything they can to become 3D?  Reason: Money. 2 plus billion and counting.  So thanks to Avatar we can spend more money at the Cinema.  All which is not a bad thing mind you if it truly does enhance our experience.

When I first saw the 3D trend happening I thought, Great! A way to get people back in the cinemas and not pirate movies.  But then 3D TVs were announced, 3D Blue-ray discs coming, ESPN and 3D, etc. So there went that theory right out the window.  Which personally I feel would have been a great anti-piracy move, but who am I.

So anyhow I tried the 3D train and watched Ice Age in 3D and Avatar obviously, to see how 3D has progressed.  Well Ice Age I fell asleep in, and Avatar Was only worth the 3D in CGI land.  In live action world I felt a bit off watching it. But that’s just me.

So when Alice in Wonderland was released I opted for 2D.  One reason was I didn’t want to wear glasses for two hours and the other reason was I wanted to be a part of the audience, not distanced from it.

Which leads me to my pros’s and con’s about 3D.

Note: These are my opinions only, and only used for entertainment purposes

Pros’s :

Visually, you are engulfed into the film’s setting.  Keeps your attention on the screen and thus fully capturing every moment the Director and Actors have created.

If your on a bad date, or don’t like the person beside you, Put on those glasses and you feel like a horse with Blinders.  Nothing matters but whats in front of you.

If your tired, put on the glasses and can go to sleep.  As long as you don’t snore your home free.

Can save money at the concession counter because you wont eat or drink much. Too much trouble to take off the glasses regain normal focus, look down and find that hot dog, popcorn candy,drink etc. only then have to put on the glasses when your done and try and regain focus on the screen.

Wont see annoying people SMS during a movie.  Again to troubling.

Con’s:

If you get a headache ten minutes in, you just wasted 10 plus dollars.  No refund.

If the glasses are too dark (happened to me) you will just go to sleep and screw the movie.

If the glasses have a scratch on the lens, it will bother you throughout the entire movie, sure you can go exchange them but doesn’t that just become a pain in the ass?

If you wear glasses daily, its a bit tough to put the glasses given by the theater over your specs.

You can’t enjoy popcorn or drinks the same way as before (con to me post above).

Want to lean over and kiss your date only to kiss her nose because you can’t see properly.

When you pass your fellow audience members to go to the restroom, you piss them off  because their focus is all screwed.

On a bad date, put on the glasses and enjoy bliss for the next couple of hours.

3D tv, means we have to fork out another 100 or so dollars for glasses to watch the 3D show.

last but not least, 3D only pulls focus on what they want you to see, not what you want to see.

So as you can see, my Con’s outweigh my Pros’s a bit.  Does that mean I’m against 3D. No not at all, but what I’m saying is that it really hasn’t advanced since the day’s of Jaws 3D or Captain Eo at Disneyland. Sure we have better CGI, but that can be seen in all it’s greatness without glasses.

I see 3D as a vehicle to get people in front of a screen and spend more money.  Only downside is that the industry still doesn’t have High Definition fully implemented, yet they are trying to add on 3D I feel too prematurely.

When I can go to a movie or sit in my home without feeling isolated from others, or not have a headache, or see something that only 3D can give me, I’ll be sold.  Until then I think the best thing we can do, is push for better content, not visually, but intellectually.

I think it’s a fair statement to say the Nexus One has not been a runaway success. Unfortunate for a phone that has the goods to be a major player in the smart phone category.  One of the main reasons I feel is Google opted for a new sales structure that only allows you to purchase the phone online at http://www.google.com/phone in three countries none the less, (USA, SIngapore & Hong Kong).   As a result, you are not able to physically hold the phone in hand and play with it unless you know someone that has it. and those “someone’s” are few and far between according to some analysts.

It’s also been no secret that there were a few hiccups when it came to customer support for the phone and 3G issues (which was currently fixed with an update).  Google has been aggressive in trying to rectify these situations as well as listening to the consumers (enabling Multitouch recently),  but I think they have a way to go to convince consumers to buy a device only by an image and a few videos online.

So to help all of you feel more confident buying the phone, Google decided to launch a slew of well produced videos documenting the creation of the Nexus One.  If for anything I think these vids give a good insight to consumers about the process a phone goes through from conception to reality .  Don’t worry though, the videos aren’t long and overly “techy”.  Just enough to tempt you to possibly log on and buy a phone

Google Nexus One Channel

Even Hitler is upset over the iPad.  This is hilarious!!

A great quote from the Wall Street Journal that started off Apple’s keynote yesterday was this, “Last time there was this much excitement about a tablet, it had some commandments written on it.” How true this statement was and how much of a deeper meaning it has.

I like many of you have been reading the news, rumors, bottled up with anticipation of the forthcoming Apple product for months now.  It’s no secret I like Apple products.  I worked for them for two years in the US.  But I also realize that no product is perfect, and while Apple has been one of the more innovative companies for a while now, They are not without failures.

Apple set out yesterday to change mobile computing.  They were going after the netbook market, the e-reader market etc. They wanted to bring a device that almost alleviated the low-end laptop but bettered the performance of the smart phone.  Well, I think in short they did achieve that, but not without the many naysayers.

The majority of comments around the web say that it looks like a larger iPhone or iPod Touch, lacks Multitasking, no Flash, no USB, no true OSX, not  a 16:9 (Widescreen Format) screen, no front facing camera, or camera for photos etc. etc.

Yes the iPad, (let the iTampon jokes begin), does look like a larger iPhone or iPod Touch. But with obvious reasoning.  Why try to re-train customers who are already familiar with your best selling products and software and learn something new.  Some companies, not to mention names, try to invoke radical changes in new products or software without the gradual process of evolution, thus resulting in defiance which equates to lower sales.

Now the tricky part for Apple, as I see it, is how to fit the iPad into their product line up without spilling over into their laptop range? If you give it USB ports, Multitasking, front facing camera for video calling, you basically killed the Macbook Air,($1,499.00) and are  on the verge of threatening the 13inch Macbook Pro ($999.00). So reality needs to be taken into consideration for a moment when you read the critics opinions. But one thing I think is undeniable by many is that yesterday’s announcement told us that the personal computer is changing, and in probably 5 years time, the laptop will start looking dated if not obsolete.  Mobile computing will probably be tablets or phones and the need to type will only be for very specific instances.  Voice will take over, and we will watch as our words are dictated  then translated to text etc.  Google is already implementing this in their mobile search and Android OS as well as Microsoft etc.

Now mutimedia is a big topic, especially with the use of flash.  Many sights still use Flash for video and games.  As of Late YouTube, and Vimeo have started to change and have HTML 5 as an option for viewing videos. Won’t bore you with the details but with HTML5 you don’t need a plug-in to watch video in your  web browser, and it’s less taxing on the CPU unlike Flash. Currently though only Safari and Google Chrome browsers offer this option.  However the largest social site, Facebook, still uses Flash.  So how to view videos on Facebook?  Well I will bet before the iPad launches Facebook videos will be able to be seen by all. (No inside knowledge, just a hunch I have )

So what did Apple do successfully with the keynote and the announcement of the iPad?

1. They to introduced to you the future of computing but did it in baby steps.  They know change doesn’t come easy to many, so they are gradually getting people use to the idea that a touch screen will be all you need.

2. (This is a big one) They announced, based on dollars and cents, Apple is the largest mobile device company in the world.  What does that mean?  It means they now dictate what will be the future in web, media etc.  So for example, if Apple doesn’t want Flash, chances are web designers and companies that use flash for their content, will probably change their formats to have their content seen by the masses.

Yesterday’s news will be a highlight in many water cooler conversations for a while. But one thing to keep in mind, is that the comments you read, even my posts, are coming from tech enthusiastic people or may I say “Geeks” for a better word. We will nitpick, analyze, debate all of the things above and beyond, but the reality is our voice is a small percentage compared to the masses.  Most people will look at the iPad and want one just to read books, go on the web, etc.  Even for my usage, It would suffice me almost daily except for my use of Photoshop, or web design.  So my advice to people not familiar with this new technology?  Go out and get used to tapping the screen, turning a page by the flick of a finger, and pinching a picture or map to resize. The Tablet is here and you don’t just have 10 commandments written on them anymore.

Over the past month I have received messages from viewers in a few countries asking me if that is me spreading the love about LEDTV’s and my answer is YES! I was hired by Samsung and the Discovery Channel Asia to host three vignettes you will see or have seen on The Discovery Channel Asia as well as in-store displays throughout SE Asia and Australia over the next year. Below are copies of all three vignettes for your viewing pleasure as well as to inform you to the benefits of LEDTV’s

PS. It’s not too late to sign up for a chance to win a Samsung Series 7LEDTV so follow the instructions at the end of each video.

Usually my day starts with checking email, tweets, facebook posts, tech news etc.  The usual social media morning rounds  But this morning I was notified of some news about me.  Mediacorp’s website has a article about the Faces to Watch 2010! and I’m listed!!  To see my name there was shocking!!  I would have never expected this at all.  I love what I do and hope I do it well, but to be listed in this group is beyond flattering.  

Now my next statement might sound a bit PC but I can tell you right now, this comes from the heart.  I need to thank Mediacorp for pushing me, and giving me a chance in the local media industry.

Here is why : I’m what locals call an “Ang Moh”.  basically slang for a caucasian or foreigner. When you watch local tv you see many nationalities but rarely see caucasians, especially in dramatic roles.  Sure you will have the walk on role, that he or she will say a line or two but then that is it.  As a matter of fact, that’s what I was told to expect if I tried acting here.   But I basically ignored all that and just kept working and when the opportunities came, I tried my best.

My big break locally came with a mandarin drama, “The Little Nyonya”.  I came on near the end of the series. A total of five episodes if I remember correctly, but being tied to one of the main characters (Yueniang) in the show raised a lot of interest.  When the Nyonya frenzy took off (The most watched local TV show in the past 15 years), things started to change for me.  It’s one of those moments where you just sit back and go wow, ok.  ”Now I really need to kick ass on my next job!”  Then came “Fighting Spiders”.  I was cast as one of the main stars of the show, but as a 40+ year old father!!  So to age myself I put on a good amount of weight, grew a moustache, etc.  It was a process that many told me I didn’t need to do because it was only local TV.  However one thing I learned working in LA, you must give your all whatever part you have, because you never know what that can lead to.  Besides that, every role you do, you are showcasing your talent and your work ethic.  half ass it, you will show half ass results.

These two shows were really the turning points for me here in Singapore.  But without the support of the TV station, and the media, most of this work would go unnoticed. So when I say thank you to Mediacorp I mean that, and to every production team that was willing to give me a chance, to the media for highlighting my work, putting my name out there, Fly Entertainment and Upfront Models.  Thank you!!

So whats next?  Work even harder.

Thanks to everyone for their support.  I am humbled and will continue to work hard and give my best.

Over the past couple years here in Singapore, I have had the privilege to be a part of some amazing productions that have made an impact on the local scene and regionally.  Starting with “Little Nyonya” the most viewed drama in the past 15 years here in Singapore, to “Fighting Spiders”which has been hailed as one of the best local shows visually to come across our televisions, then as of recent, guest starring in the first episode of “The Pupil, the first legal drama on local television.  I have been very fortunate to say the least, and have learned so much from each of these productions.

To add on that list is a short film “Cubik”.  Going into the audition I knew this was not a normal short film. Jason Brenizer and Stefan Fanthome, our producers, treated this like a hollywood production from the beginning with the audition process conducted as such. We worked scenes, we tried different objectives etc. etc.  It was an audition that when I walked out of, regardless if I got the role or not, was a great experience as an actor to have.  I hope in time many more actors here in Singapore will have that experience.  So when I received the news I got the part I was extremely happy to say the least. This was at a time when I finished “Litle Nyonya and was prepping for “Fighting Spiders”.  This was the best 6 months to date for my acting career in Singapore.

Next came the reads and rehearsals.  We had a few weeks of them, not everyday mind you but enough to really work the scenes and some of the fight choreography.  Stefan, one of our producers, second as our fight choreographer. The man is a walking weapon!!

Jason, our director, is an actors director.  Looking for the small moments that fills the screen, he slices and dices these nuances to give each scene the weight it needs to bring you as the audience into this world that he and Stefan created.

Supporting him visually is our DOP Wade Muller and for Sound Arnold San Juan.  Each of these men bring their years of experience that again escalate “Cubik” to a different level. On the post side you have Danny Javenski Eddy Wong, for Visual Effects and Graham Reynolds for the music score.

At this point you probably feel that I’m talking more about a feature film as opposed to a short film. Well in a way I am. When you think of a “Short Film” you usually think of art house pieces dealing with either emotional issues, environmental statements, sexual preferences, etc. the list goes on.  However “Cubik” is a short film or should I say medium length film that defies all that, going right for the core of that summer blockbuster feel that many of us pine over.  Great action, mystery, suspense, and yes, visual effects!

“Cubik” showcases a great blend of East meets West, but not in the conventional way your used to seeing in cinema here.  Cubik is a film set in Singapore but not about Singapore.   Showcasing the diversity this small island has, I believe exemplifies the future of film making here.

So enough teasing.  take a look at the website and see for yourself

http://wwwcubikthemovie.com