Australia's iGEA Cautiously Welcomes New R18+ Guidelines

The Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (iGEA) has cautiously welcomed the final Guidelines for the Classification of Computer Games, which come into effect January 1, 2013.

“We, along with many other stakeholders, have worked for many years to have the classification scheme acknowledge that adults play and enjoy video games and are due the respect of a classification category that reflects ‘age appropriate’ content for adults," reads a statement released by the iGEA. "The new guidelines released today show that they have been crafted to try to balance the concerns of those who have resisted an R18+ classification and adults who want to play video games designed specifically for mature audiences and that are readily available in other developed democracies."

The statement, however, does goes on to criticise the new guidelines for holding games to stricter criteria compared to film and maintaining the interactive nature of video games increases the impact of various classifiable elements.

“Given the opposition to the introduction of an R18+ category from a vocal yet unrepresentative section of the community, along with a largely conservative group of Attorneys-General, it is no surprise the new guidelines hold video games to a higher standard across a number of categories compared to film and what originally existed for video games," continued the statement.

“As we have previously stated, we are concerned with the acknowledgment in the guidelines that interactivity has greater impact on players, despite the Federal Attorney-General’s office publishing a literature review in September 2010 that found no evidence to support these claims. There will be continued debate about whether the interactivity of video games has a greater impact than other forms of media, and we will continue to refer to the lack of the evidence to support these claims."

The iGEA expressed these same concerns on the release of the amended draft guidelines in November last year.

The iGEA will now "wait to see" how the Classification Board will go on to interpret and apply the newly revised guidelines and "trust that they will reflect the standards of morality, decency and propriety accepted by reasonable adults, not just the vocal ones."

Source : ign[dot]com

NHL 13 Review

NHL fans are staring down the barrel of another lost season. Team owners and the players association stand at each other’s throats for the second time in under a decade, and neither side seems willing to bend. For those of us obsessed with our respective hockey teams (go Isles!) and deeply saddened by the prospect of being forced to watch the NBA, NHL 13 may be the only place we can go for respite. And that’s the first dose of good news loyal NHL fans have received in a while, because real hockey or not, NHL 13 is a fun, engaging and deep iteration of the world’s best sport.

Right off the bat, you’ll notice some old fallbacks that you can jump right into. Play a scrimmage against the AI or a friend, start a season as any team you choose, or jump into the role of general manager and control your organization’s destiny from the front office (and cozy sky box). The latter is a mode I spent a considerable amount of time with this year, bringing my beloved New York Islanders through a season and into an unexpected playoff berth. But in playing actual games on the ice as opposed to managing from the tranquility of a quiet, digital office, I came to enjoy the more overt tweaks and fixes EA made this year to make NHL 13 a more realistic experience.

This new dose of realism is derived from what EA calls "True Performance Skating." Developer buzzterm aside, True Performance Skating marks a paradigm shift in the series by making the very act of skating less arcadey and more realistic. That means no more turning on a dime when barreling full speed towards the boards or shadowing a rushing player without sacrificing some modicum of control. What it does mean – easily understandable to anyone who grew up playing hockey – is that speed sacrifices control, and staying in control, in turn, sacrifices speed.

Such a system changes the way you’ll play NHL 13, but you’ll quickly adapt to this more realistic take. Hockey is a positional game – far more than casual fans understand it to be – and NHL 13 forces your hand by making you play it as such or reaping the consequences of failing to do so. Instead of playing the body while skating backwards into your own zone, you may opt to play it angularly, sacrificing an easy-to-save shot you know your goalie can handle instead of going in for the check, and likely missing in the process. Likewise, dumping-and-chasing won’t be so much about a straight skate for the puck, but instead knowing when you’re beat and subsequently letting off the gas a bit. If you don’t, you’ll be left in the dust during the ensuing rush.

A fundamental change like this works well, but it’s also admittedly (if only mildly) confusing. NHL 13 isn’t a simulation; it’s an arcade-style hockey game supplemented with a heavy dose of realism. The opposing team almost never ices the puck or goes offside. Goalies regularly dish a covered puck back out to his defenders, hockey logic (and puck safety) be damned. And passes aren’t only tape-to-tape; they’re borderline magnetic. All of this is totally fine, but why emphasize more realistic skating – something at the core of the game – if the ancillary happenings around the rink aren’t also addressed?

Still, for this seeming lack of logic, EA has gone out of its way to change its NHL series in pretty dynamic ways considering the developer has under a year to iterate on last year’s product. For instance, the AI has adjusted with new attention paid to realistic skating physics. The claim is that EA spent more time on AI this year than in the three years prior combined. Players can now skate backwards more easily, cradle and protect the puck with greater emphasis, and choose from a growing number of neutral zone tendencies and overall play styles. Goaltenders are smarter and less inclined to let up easy goals, like one-timers and wrap-arounds. They’re also more acrobatic than they’ve ever been – mirroring the real game we know and love – and can even move individual limbs while sprawling and diving, bringing a Hasek-esque like look and feel to NHL 13’s armored netminders.

This emphasis on presentation oozes into every facet of NHL 13 and isn’t only evident when actually playing. Slow load times and some menu stuttering aside, the game looks beautiful. Games are presented as they would be on NBC Sports, replete with the familiar commentary of Gary Thorne and Bill Clemente. Ambient sounds of the arena, the crowd and the on-ice product are all expertly executed as well, supplementing the game’s high visual fidelity. Animations are occasionally awkward (as they appear to be in all EA Sports products), but that has more to do with the constant number-crunching behind the scenes than anything else. NHL 13 is a sight to behold, as several editors who have watched me play the game in the IGN offices brought it upon themselves to let me know. It plays virtually identically online and off, sacrificing none of the bells of whistles regardless of who you want to play with and where.

Then there are NHL 13’s two new modes. One mode, NHL Moments Live, allows gamers to relive moments from hockey’s past, challenging them to recreate the exact scenario given whether it’s a goal in overtime with a specific player, an overall point count in a certain amount of time, or anything else you can think of. With most of the moments coming from this past season (and with more promised to be downloadable if this currently stalled season ever gets off the ground), these are events even novice hockey fans will remember and appreciate.

But as great as this idea is in premise – and as fun as it is to partake in – there are some puzzling choices that take away from its realism. This is especially true when considering some old moments, such as Gretzky’s big game against the Flyers in 1981 or Doug Gilmour’s overtime heroics against the Blues in the 1993 playoffs. In those games, players are cast in the role as Gretzky or Gilmour but are surrounded by the current roster of the Oilers and Maple Leafs, respectively, while playing against the current rosters of their opponents. It simply doesn’t make any sense and was disappointing when I was expecting to see some familiar faces accompanying these great players, not guys who were, at best, in diapers when some of these events took place.

The other new, notable mode is called GM Connected. EA claims that GM Mode in its NHL series is the most popular offline mode, and I can understand why. It’s totally engrossing if you’re a hockey nerd. EA decided to leverage this popularity by bringing it online and accommodating up to 750 players in a single league. That’s no typo: each league can consist of up to 750 real people from around the world, acting as commissioner, general managers and even players.

GM Connected is an ambitious and bold mode, but one that needs time in the wild to truly appreciate. Gearing up for GM Connected as I reviewed it amounted to checking static screens and waiting for other players to act (I eventually set it so my CPU will make all in-game decisions). This mode can be truly robust and pay off big in the end, but it’s impossible to say right now with the limited amount of players online, and the equally limited interaction it therefore affords. In other words, the jury’s still out on GM Connected, but it’s something worth meddling with, especially if you enjoy offline GM mode.

Combining GM Connected and NHL Moments Live with the aforementioned offline season, GM and scrimmage modes, as well as the ability to play in one-off playoffs, tournaments, practices and more, NHL 13 gives you incredible bang for your buck. And yes, you can even create your own pro once again this year (or even play as some well-known veterans from the NHL’s past) and grind through the junior and minor leagues as you ascend towards NHL glory.

In other words, there’s so much to do in NHL 13. And in a year looking less and less likely to provide the real thing, NHL 13 proves a mighty promising distraction.

Source : ign[dot]com

IPTL Premier - MVP look to be favorites, but will they meet their potential?

MVP Clan came to life in October 2010, but December 2010 was the month when Korea StarCraft 2 Association finally recognized them as a professional team; however, it was May 2011 that put them on the Korean map for good when they took second place during GSTL 2011 May finals losing to SlayerS after very close games and five months later when they won GSTL Season 1 defeating Prime.

Yet, it is 2012 that brought them vast number of titles both for the players and the team as a whole; more GSTL medals,  third place at IPL Team Arena Challenge 1, KSL Opening Ceremonies and Asia StarCraft II Invitational Tournament. Now it’s time for the IPTL Season 1 and they are more than ready to become the ultimate champions of another team league again.

Normally this paragraph would be the beginning of “bad picks” chapter, but in case of MVP it cannot be done, since there is no bad player on the team at the moment. Even if some of them haven’t qualified for the GSL Season 4 they still have a strong or at least decent presence on the international or Korean scene. Great examples are Noblesse and finale; they haven’t won anything big in 2012 yet, but are consistently on top and in a tournament full of foreigners like IPTL Season 1 we might see them crushing bones and eating flesh of their enemies. You cannot underestimate Korean players.

Team captain and one of the best Starcraft 2 zergs in the world is DongRaeGu. Despite being a part of the scene since 2010, he made a name for himself in the second half of 2011 after winning LG Cinema 3D Special League over sC, 2011 DreamHack Valencia Invitational over ThorZaIN and taking second place during Arena of Legends 1 after losing to MarineKingPrime.

Just like any other player DRG had his slump during spring 2012 when he stopped performing as well as he used to, but currently he’s back on track. It wouldn’t be an understatement to say that out of every GSTL player it is Park Soo Ho who constantly outperforms his colleagues. He almost single-handedly carried MVP in the 2011 GSTL May event and even outperformed his own track record during 2011 GSTL Season 1 with a 13-2 record. There is no other player who came close to DRG’s score.

Besides GSL and IEM championship titles there is also MLG, which was the curse of MVP’s captain until June 2012 when he finally won his first Major League Gaming title during 2012 MLG Spring Championship after crushing Alicia 3:1. Back in 2011 he won MLG Spring Arena 1, but it was a much smaller event, hence we count his latest gold medal as the first big one. Still, many other players have won MLG events before him, but it is DRG who currently has 2 of each medals in MLG events.

Another huge name for MVP is KeeN who just recently placed third in TeamLiquid StarLeague 4 taking out Sting in a very one-sided match. At the moment, together with Vampire and finale KeeN represents MVP in GSL Code A.

Sniper as a Code S player cannot be overlooked. He always gives his best and is visible on the international scene participating in number of online qualifiers.There is also Monster who proved his worth all-killing Evil Geniuses during IPL Team Arena Challenge 3 three months ago and winning GIGABYTE ESPORTS LAN Invitational.

MVP doesn't have an all-star line-up, but every single one of their players is more than capable of taking down the best in the world. Their strength lies in cooperation during team events and steadily growing skill of every member on the current roster. In IPTL Season 1 they should advance to the playoffs.

Source : ign[dot]com

Metal Gear Movie Announced

A Metal Gear movie has been announced at Konami's Metal Gear 25th Anniversary event, in association with Columbia Pictures.

Avi Arad (X-Men, Iron Man, The Amazing Spider-Man) will be producing and was on stage at the event.

"For many years I fought to bring comics to theaters - and video games are the comics of today," Arad said.

There are no further details at this point.

2012 marks the 25th Anniversary of the Metal Gear series; the 'Tactical Espionage Action' series was first launched on MSX back in 1987.

Source : ign[dot]com

Evangelion 2.0 App Tours San Francisco

Here's your quirky news story of the day. New People, in association with the 2012 J-POP Summit Festival, has just released a new iPhone app, EvaNavi SF, that guides users to 60 notable attractions around San Francisco -- all under the guise of the popular sci-fi anime Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance.

Specifically developed for English-speaking anime fans and gamers, this audio application presents a myriad of anime-themed hotspots in the City of the Bay, including the Cartoon Art Museum, the Super 7 collectables store, and Gamescape, as well as Japanese eateries and live music venues like Kiss Seafood, Juban Yakiniku House, Blowfish Sushi to Die For and Yoshi's San Francisco. The app also pinpoints a number of non-anime attractions highlighting the city's local scene.

Best of all, the app is fully voiced by Mari Makinami Illustrious (voiced in English by Trina Nishimura) of Evangelion 2.0 fame.

EvaNavi SF is now available for free download on iTunes.

Source : ign[dot]com

New Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Balances Comedy and Action

The TCA (Television Critics Association) press tour can be a rather stuffy affair, which was why it was extra amusing to have the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in attendance for the final day of the two-week event today. No, not just the producers and voice cast from Nickelodeon’s new animated series, but the four Turtles themselves were present as costumed characters – making a brief appearance onstage, before the press began asking questions.

Executive Producer Ciro Nieli noted the challenges of being the third big animated take on TMNT, considering the Turtles now have multiple generations of fans – yet this series has to be appealing for kids. “What we tried to do is get this long view on what it’s been and what you think the public really wants and try to boil it down and do the best thing for the franchise.” He said it was very important to, “Keep that comedy element, which is a really big aspect from the original [1987 animated series].” On the other hand, the more recent animated series (from 2003), “really focused on action,” and Nieli said he felt they “had a pretty decent blend of both” in the new TMNT.

Nieli, who said he was personally also a big fan of the first live-action Turtles film, said finding the balance between all the previous Turtles iterations was “the trickiest thing,” while noting the original animated show especially has a ton of nostalgia surrounding it and was “like lightening in a bottle.”

April O’Neil is a teenager in this version, and Nieli said that came from an overall desire to focus on the word Teenage in the title. Nieli felt, “In all the other iterations, that was either glanced over or completely betrayed,” noting in the 2003 series, the Turtles were “very muscular and seemed like they were in their mid-20.”

Nieli joked about feeling the previous TMNT stories always had April “on her way to work and she seemed kind of frustrated [with the Turtles].” Making her a teenager was a way to “make her more active” and a contemporary to the Turtles.

He also felt April was, “The above-sewer counterpart to Splinter.” The new series begins with the Turtles having never really been exposed to anything outside the sewers and Nieli remarked, “When they finally come above ground, they need this hip, cool, energetic person,” as they discover, “This world above ground in NYC is so amazing!” Added Mae Whitman (Arrested Development, Parenthood, Avatar: The Last Airbender), “She loves pizza now!”

I asked about Casey Jones on the series, and Nieli replied, “Casey Jones will show up in the second season,” noting he didn’t want to give too much away, but that, “We’ll take our time introducing him.” Casey will also be a high school student, but “Maybe a couple years older – he got held back.”

Baxter Stockman will be introduced fairly early on, while Fugitoid may show up later. Nieli said he wanted the first season to focus on the Turtles themselves more than a constant introduction of familiar characters from previous versions. In coming season though, “We’ll get into other mutations,” with the plan being to later get to “science fiction and outer space” and other elements previous Turtles stories have explored.

As to his approach to the villains on the series, Nieli said his philosophy on a show like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was, “”If the characters aren’t having fun, it’s not worth a damn.”

He wants TMNT to be, “A real worls with dangerous stakes and weird characters having fun.” Nieli said balance was key and that while they wanted the villains to have weight, “If Shredder does something that truly is villainous and vile, that we react or cut it appropriately [with something more lighthearted] so it has that balance for kids.” Still, he felt the new Turtles, “can also age up for an older audience. It’s about how you do it. It’s a hard question to answer. It’s subtle. And every case is unique.”

When it comes to the actions of characters like Krang and Shredder, things can “Ramp up for this horrifying moment and then suddenly it becomes very funny, very quickly. It’s compression and release, compression and release. “

A big factor in the success of the original animated series was the cast, Nieli felt, and he said he worked hard to recapture that with the new cast, wanting the group to feel like brothers – and a sister, with April.

The voice cast said they felt they achieved that camaraderie, with Sean Astin (Raphael) saying, “We really didn’t fight for it - it was just there.” Some of the cast, like Rob Paulsen (Donatello) and Greg Cipes (Michelangelo), are prolific voice actors, and Jason Biggs (Leonardo) said, “All of these voices compliment each other. I don’t do a voice. I’m just bringing my [natural] voice to the table.” Biggs added, “When we first saw the footage, it really blew us away. It really worked. It’s very exciting.”

Everyone laughed that the eccentric Cipes essentially was Michelangelo, while there was high praise for veteran Paulsen – the original voice of Raphael in the 1980s series, which Biggs was a big fan of. Paulsen said he was very excited to, “Get another crack at one of the top three or four franchises in history.”

When it came to the fighting on the show, Nieli said, “The violence never goes to a place that’s excessive. The Turtles are acting in the greater good, but they’re justified. This is a kids show. It’s not that violent.” Astin, a parent himself, said he felt Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was, “Fun and age-appropriate and I’m totally comfortable with my kids experiencing it.”

On the other hand, Nieli did want to note this was, “the first Nina Turtles incarnation where they actually use their weapons, instead of throwing them at the wall!” He laughed about scenes on the original series, where Leonardo would leap forward holding his swords, but just kick his feet – only using his sword when he threw it at a light bulb. “That would drive me crazy, so that’s not happening.” That being said, “We’re not chopping sentient, actual thinking beings in half.”

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles premieres September 20th on Nickelodeon.

Source : ign[dot]com

HBO Set for Larry David Movie, but Will Curb Your Enthusiasm: Season 9 Happen?

Larry David and HBO will continue to collaborate – the only question is whether that collaboration will include more Curb Your Enthusiasm.

At the TCA (Television Critics Association) press tour yesterday, HBO executives Michael Lombardo and Richard Plepler confirmed they had signed a deal with David to write and star in a movie for the cable channel, with Greg Motolla (Superbad, Adventureland) directing. It has previously been reported that Jon Hamm and Michael Keaton will also star in the film, but HBO did not comment on that.

Lombardo and Plepler noted that this would not be a Curb Your Enthusiasm movie, but were a bit coy on whether David would be playing himself in any way, with Lombardo simply stating, “He's not playing the Larry David from Curb Your Enthusiasm.”

But as to how this movie affects future seasons of Curb, Plepler said that, per usual, the ball was in David’s court – that if he wants to make more, they will. “It means whatever Larry wants it to mean for future seasons of Curb. And we always say, he has essentially carte blanche with us. Don't quote us on that because he'll take it! But he does, and when he wants to come back and do Curb, we'd be thrilled. Right now, he wants to do the movie. So we are thrilled about that.”

The execs did say they were sure this movie would happen before a potential Curb: Season 9, with Lombardo remarking, I think, after the last season of Curb, Larry sat down and said, ‘What is it I want to do?’ And it was this film that he wanted to do. But I don't think he's closed the door to another season of Curb. I think he wants to do another season of Curb if he has a great idea for another season of Curb.”

Added Plepler, “He said to us, this is what he's feeling right now, and we said, "Fantastic."

Source : ign[dot]com

Television Critics Association Honors Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad

Tonight, the Television Critics Association (of which both IGN TV's Executive Editor Eric Goldman and I are members) recognized the top programs and actors of the 2011-2012 television season at its 28th Annual TCA Awards presentation. Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston hosted the annual invitation-only event, held at the Beverly Hilton hotel in conjunction with the TCA’s summer press tour.

HBO's Game of Thrones captured (presumably with fire and blood) the top honor of "Program of the Year" while comedian Louis C.K. took home two awards; "Outstanding Achievement in Comedy" (for his series Louie) and "Individual Achievement in Comedy" (for his performance on the series).

Too bad there's no Individual Achievement in Douchebag.

Showtime's riveting counter-terrorism series Homeland also took home two awards - one for "Outstanding New Program" and one for lead Claire Danes in "Individual Achievement in Drama."  Meanwhile, Downton (Spanish flu induced?) fever wasn't just for last week's Emmy Award nominations as Masterpiece: Downton Abbey won the 2012 TCA Award for "Outstanding Achievement in Movies, Miniseries and Specials."

In the "Outstanding Achievement in Drama" category, AMC's Breaking Bad took the top prize while the classic Bostonian bar sitcom Cheers beat out nominees such as Twin Peaks and Lost to take home the Heritage Award.  Here is the full list:

• Individual Achievement in Drama: Claire Danes (“Homeland,” Showtime)
• Individual Achievement in Comedy: Louis C.K. (“Louie,” FX)
• Outstanding Achievement in News and Information: “60 Minutes” (CBS)
• Outstanding Achievement in Reality Programming: “So You Think You Can Dance” (Fox)
• Outstanding Achievement in Youth Programming: “Switched at Birth” (ABC Family)
• Outstanding New Program: “Homeland” (Showtime)
• Outstanding Achievement in Movies, Miniseries and Specials: “Masterpiece: Downton Abbey” (PBS)
• Outstanding Achievement in Drama: “Breaking Bad” (AMC)
• Outstanding Achievement in Comedy: “Louie” (FX)
• Career Achievement Award: David Letterman
• Heritage Award: “Cheers”
• Program of the Year: “Game of Thrones” (HBO)

Source : ign[dot]com

Louie Renewed for Season 4; Wilfred and Anger Management Renewals Likely

At the TCA (Television Critics Association) press tour today, FX president John Landgraf announced that the critically acclaimed Louie has been renewed for Season 4. This comes on the heels of Louie receiving multiple Emmy nominations, including Louie C.K.’s nominations for acting and writing (though Landgraf acknowledged their disappointment that it didn’t get a Outstanding Comedy nomination).

Not officially announced as renewed yet were Wilfred and Anger Management, but it sounds like both will almost certainly be back. Landgraf said he was “very optimistic” about Wilfred’s renewal, but noted there were “some deal issues to work out” first.

Anger Management meanwhile has an unusual (but not unique – the same deal was established for Tyler Perry’s TBS comedies) situation where if FX picks it up, it’s picking it up for an additional 90-episodes on top of the original 10, making it a 100-episode, syndication-ready package.

While Landgraf said they won’t make the final decision on that pickup until the first 10 complete their run, he did reveal Martin Sheen would be joining the cast as Charlie Sheen’s onscreen father, should it continue (Martin will guest star in Season 1). It’s hard to believe that the show would not be picked up, on the heels of a casting announcement like that.

Landgraf also revealed Brand X with Russell Brand will be back this fall for seven more episodes, after its six-episode summer run. The fall episodes will air alongside It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and The League. Landgraf said there will be changes to the format.

Source : ign[dot]com

Jon Favreau Gives Magic Kingdom Update and Discusses how Pixar is Involved in the Disneyland-Based Film

Jon Favreau was at the TCA (Television Critics Association) press tour yesterday in support of Revolution, the new NBC series he’s executive producing alongside J.J. Abrams and Eric Kripke, with Favreau also directing the pilot episode.

After we spoke about Revolution (look for that portion of our interview in the coming weeks), the conversation also turned to Magic Kingdom, the Disneyland-inspired film Favreau is attached to direct. Favreau gave an update on that project and revealed that he’s been developing the film with the assistance and input of John Lasseter and the team at Pixar.

Jon Favreau: Magic Kingdom, I’ve been working on. I went back to back to back, three movies in a row -- Iron Man, Iron Man 2 and Cowboys & Aliens -- all of them with release dates announced as I cracked the script for the first time. We already knew the date and the poster -- and sometimes in some cases the cast. On this one, Magic Kingdom is a big film. It’s a very special piece of intellectual property with all the characters from the park and the legacy of Walt Disney. When I got hired, I said, “Look, I really want to emulate the storytelling model and development process of Pixar.” Pixar’s process is a lot different than Hollywood movies. You don’t just write a script, prep it, shoot it, and then figure it out sometime later. There’s a lot of visual effects that include animation, and post-production tends to be a bit of a knockdown, drag-out fight in the big Hollywood films, especially the visual effects elements. So what we’ve been doing is writing the script, going up to Pixar and meeting with the brain trust, coming back down, bring on artists and story editors, and putting it together as though it were an animated film. Then, by the time we actually film it, we’ll have a rock-solid story. I don’t want to rush anything. I want this one to be perfect. I want it to be one shot, one kill, like a sniper. I want to make sure this movie’s right in the crosshairs, that we can really knock it out of the park -- so to speak.

Question: Do you have to decide on a main character, or is it more of an ensemble?

Favreau: It’s going to be a family in the park, and it’s an alternate reality version of the park they get lost into. So much of it is just how it weaves together as a tapestry and what the visuals look like in creating this rich world. Fortunately, there’s no rush on it. I’ve been working on it as a writer now, and we’re in a very exciting part of the process and looking forward to getting that long lead prep as you would on an animated film. Then you work your way to where you know what the whole movie’s going to be before you ever roll camera. You could actually watch it -- as the Pixar people do -- actually watch it on a screen and evaluate it before you ever roll camera.

Question: It’s not officially considered a Pixar production though, right?

Favreau: No, as far as I know it’s a Disney production, but they’ve been very good about... I’ve known [John] Lasseter for many years now, and it’s our first time collaborating together. But he’s opened up us to all the resources at Pixar. I’ve been up there a few times now and stayed up at the ranch. It’s just been a dream come true. Taking a tour of Pixar is special enough, but to sit in a room and pitch to those people and hear their ideas? It’s very, very exciting. So I want to learn as much as I can from them and hopefully have their success in storytelling that they do as well by learning from their process. But I really want to hold this film in very high standards. I’m not rushing it, but it’s coming along very well. We’re very excited about it.

Question: Are the rides in the movie?

Favreau: Yeah, I think they’re called “attractions.” Disney corporate would call them attractions. But yeah, it’s informed by everything that I remember and know about the park from going there since I was a small child.

Question: Might we get any reference to Club 33?

Favreau: Club 33 is something that we’ve been discussing, definitely. I’ve been giving a lot of thought to the vulture in Club 33. That’s an interesting character. There’s a lot of ideas swirling around right now. I don’t know which ones are going to make it in, but it’s primarily informed by Walt’s vision of the park, either before or immediately after it opened. So a lot of it, for people our age, there will be a nostalgic element to it. People who know Disneyland, they’re going to see that we did our homework, but it’s ultimately going to be an adventure for the family and for the kids, too. I had a lot of fun playing to that type of crowd with Elf and Zathura, and this seems to be mixing elements from all the films I’ve done -- from Iron Man, Cowboys & Aliens, Zathura, Elf -- all rolled into one project that’s calling upon everything I’ve learned up to this point.

Source : ign[dot]com

Community: NBC President Comments on Dan Harmon's Removal

Today, at the TCA (Television Critics Association) press tour, was the first time NBC president Bob Greenblatt had faced a large group of TV journalists since Dan Harmon’s controversial removal from Community. And while it’s believed that Community’s studio, Sony, were the primary decision-makers when it came to removing Harmon, it’s also clear NBC went along with that decision. And so it was inevitable Greenblatt would be asked about the situation with the series today.

Greenblatt was asked about how the network views Community currently, having also moved it to Fridays and giving it a reduced thirteen-episode order. NBC have ordered a ton of new comedies for the fall and Greenblatt spoke about how the network (who are coming off years of infamously bad ratings) are trying to expand this audience, given the critically acclaimed but small audiences shows like Community, Parks and Recreation and 30 Rock get, which are dwarfed by the audiences for CBS hits like Two and a Half Men, The Big Bang Theory, Mike and Molly and 2 Broke Girls.

Said Greenblatt, “I think we’re in a transition with our comedy programming and trying to broaden the audience and broaden what the network does. Those Thursday comedies, which the critics love and we love, tend to be a bit more narrow than we would like as we go forward.” Greenblatt noted Community has always been a bubble show, but they decided to renew it and, “See what a fourth season will do for us.” He said the order was for thirteen episodes, “because we really wanted to get more comedies on the schedule. We sort of laid out the number of episodes we’d need of things in order to get more shows on.” However, he also said the initial thirteen episode order didn’t mean they might not decide to extend the season past that.

Addressing the Dan Harmon situation, Greenblatt clearly wasn’t going to get into specifics about why that decision was made, saying, “Every so often, it’s time to make a change with the showrunner. You sort of evaluate the creative and how the show is run and how the writing staff works. Sometimes you want to freshen the show. We just decided it was time to do that on Community. No disrespect to anyone.” Greenblatt also stressed, “I think Community fans will get the same show they loved since the beginning.”

As for whether Community could get a Season 5 or whether the network sees Season 4 as the end, Greenblatt said, “I would love nothing more for Community to have a following on Friday and be able to continue.”

Later, Greenblatt spoke a bit more about the difficulties they’ve had with their comedies, saying, “These shows, especially the Thursday night shows, are just great shows. They’re award winning and incredibly sophisticated and clever and we couldn’t be prouder of them.” However, addressing the network’s overall ratings decline, he said, “We just can’t get the biggest audience for those shows. They do tend to be a little more narrow and a little more sophisticated than you want for a real broad audience.”

He said the intent with new NBC comedies, including Go On, Animal Practice and The New Normal was to have series that are “Also clever and also smart and you critics like them but can also broaden the size of the audience.”

Source : ign[dot]com