SAG-AFTRA members have ratified a new interactive media contract. This means they managed to negotiate some pay raises and AI protections. There are also better safety practices for voice actors and performance capture artists. Not sure how much it'll change things, but at least something happened. #SAGAFTRA #InteractiveMedia #VoiceActors #ContractRatification #AIProtection

It's time to call out the glaring flaws in the so-called "Latest Showreel" by the Compagnie Générale des Effets Visuels (CGEV). They tout their projects like a peacock showing off its feathers, but let's be honest: this is just a facade. The latest compilation, which includes work from films such as "The Substance," "Survivre," "Monsieur Aznavour," "Le Salaire de la Peur," and more, is nothing short of a desperate attempt to mask their shortcomings in the visual effects industry. First off, what are they thinking with the title "Mise à jour de showreel"? This isn't an update; it's a cry for help! The industry is moving at lightning speed, and CGEV seems to be stuck in the past, clinging to projects that are as outdated as a floppy disk. The world of visual effects is about innovation and pushing boundaries, yet here we have a company content with showcasing work that barely scratches the surface of creativity. And let’s talk about "Le Salaire de la Peur." If this is their crown jewel, then they are in serious trouble. The effects look amateurish at best, and it raises the question: are they even using the right technology? In an age where CGI can create stunning visuals that leave you breathless, CGEV’s work feels like a bad remnant of the early 2000s. It’s embarrassing to think that they believe this is good enough to represent their brand. Alain Carsoux, the director, needs to take a long, hard look in the mirror. Is he satisfied with this mediocrity? Because the rest of us definitely aren’t. The lack of originality and innovation in these projects is infuriating. Instead of pushing the envelope, they're settling for the bare minimum, and that’s an insult to both their talent and their audience. The sad reality is that CGEV is not alone in this trend. The entire industry seems to be plagued by a lack of ambition. They’re so focused on keeping the lights on that they’ve forgotten why they got into this business in the first place. It’s about passion, creativity, and daring to take risks. "Young Woman and the Sea" could have been a ground-breaking project, but instead, it’s just another forgettable title in an already saturated market. We need to demand more from these companies. We deserve visual effects that inspire, challenge, and captivate. CGEV needs to get its act together and start investing in real talent and cutting-edge technology. No more excuses! The audience is tired of being served mediocrity wrapped in flashy marketing. If they want to compete in the visual effects arena, they better step up their game or face the consequences of being forgotten. Let’s stop accepting subpar work from companies that should know better. The time for complacency is over. We need to hold CGEV accountable for their lack of innovation and creativity. If they continue down this path, they’ll be left behind in a world that demands so much more. #CGEV #VisualEffects #FilmIndustry #TheSubstance #Innovation

Lars Wingefors, the CEO of Embracer Group, is stepping into the role of executive chair to "focus on strategic initiatives, M&A, and capital allocation." This move is both alarming and infuriating. Are we really supposed to cheer for a corporate leader who is shifting gears to prioritize mergers and acquisitions over the actual needs of the gaming community? It's absolutely maddening! Let’s break this down. Embracer Group has built a reputation for acquiring a myriad of game studios, but what about the quality of the games themselves? The focus on M&A is nothing more than a money-hungry strategy that overlooks the creativity and innovation that the gaming industry desperately needs. It's like a greedy shark swimming in a sea of indie creativity, devouring everything in its path without a second thought for the artistic value of what it's consuming. Wingefors claims that this new phase will allow him to focus on "strategic initiatives." What does that even mean? Is it just a fancy way of saying that he will be looking for the next big acquisition to line his pockets and increase his empire, rather than fostering the unique voices and talents that make gaming a diverse and rich experience? This is not just a corporate strategy; it’s a blatant attack on the very essence of what makes gaming enjoyable and transformative. Let’s not forget that behind every acquisition, there are developers and creatives whose livelihoods and passions are at stake. When a corporate giant like Embracer controls too many studios, we risk a homogenized gaming landscape where creativity is stifled in the name of profit. The industry is already plagued by sequels and remakes that serve to fill corporate coffers rather than excite gamers. We don’t need another executive chairperson prioritizing capital allocation over creative integrity! Moreover, this focus on M&A raises serious concerns about the future direction of the companies involved. Will they remain independent enough to foster innovation, or will they be reduced to mere cogs in a corporate machine? The answer seems obvious—unless we challenge this trend, we will see a further decline in the diversity and originality of games. Wingefors’s transition into this new role is not just a simple career move; it’s a signal of what’s to come in the gaming industry if we let executives prioritize greed over creativity. We need to hold corporate leaders accountable and demand that they prioritize the players and developers who make this industry what it is. In conclusion, the gaming community must rise against this corporate takeover mentality. We deserve better than a world where the bottom line trumps artistic expression. It’s time to stop celebrating these empty corporate strategies and start demanding a gaming landscape that values creativity, innovation, and the passion of its community. #GamingCommunity #CorporateGreed #GameDevelopment #MergersAndAcquisitions #EmbracerGroup

In the shadows of a world that seems to have forgotten me, I find myself reflecting on the haunting image of Donald Trump, the martyr who enters history with a face stained by struggle. This image, where he raises his fist, shouting “I am alive, fight for me!” resonates deep within my soul, as I too feel the weight of a battle fought in silence. Each day, I awaken to a reality that feels increasingly isolating, a cacophony of voices drowning out my own. Like Trump, I stand amidst the chaos, yearning for recognition, for some semblance of belonging. His bloodied visage, a symbol of defiance, mirrors my own wounds—unseen, unacknowledged. The world rushes past, busy with its narratives, while I linger in the echoes of my solitude. Amidst the noise, I am reminded of my own struggles, my own fight to be seen and heard. The image of Trump, once a figure of controversy, now appears as a tragic hero to those who believe in his cause. But what of those of us fighting our personal battles, who find ourselves trapped in the shadows? Where is our anthem of resilience? Where is our history being carved? I feel the piercing sting of betrayal as I navigate through relationships that feel more like ghosts than connections. Friends fade into the background, their lives moving forward while I remain tethered to a past that haunts me. As I watch the world celebrate moments of triumph and unity, my heart aches with the knowledge that I am left behind, like a forgotten footnote in a story that no longer includes me. There’s a certain pain that comes with this realization, a deep-seated loneliness that wraps around me like a shroud. Each moment of joy I witness in others feels like a dagger to my heart, a reminder of the warmth I long for but cannot touch. I am an outsider looking in, yearning for the camaraderie that seems so easily accessible to others. In the end, perhaps we are all just martyrs in our own right—fighting battles that may never be recognized, enduring pain that may never find an audience. As I sit here, reflecting on the image of a man who has become a symbol of resilience amidst adversity, I am reminded that my voice, too, has the power to resonate. I will not let my story fade into obscurity; I will fight for my place in this world, even if it feels like an uphill battle. For those who feel as I do, remember: we are not alone. Our struggles may be silent, but they matter. We are alive, and we will continue to fight. #Loneliness #Struggle #Resilience #Martyrdom #Isolation

Minecraft, le film! Who would have thought that the blocky world of pixelated creativity could translate into a cinematic masterpiece? Apparently, millions of viewers thought it was a grand idea, as the film had a staggering opening weekend in the US, raking in a whopping $157 million. Yes, you read that right - more than the Super Mario Bros movie. Because who wouldn’t want to see blocks, cubes, and digital creatures come to life on the big screen? Let’s take a moment to appreciate the sheer brilliance of this phenomenon. Imagine a meeting room filled with executives in suits, sipping overpriced coffee, discussing how to turn a game about mining and building into a multi-million dollar franchise. “What if we add a plot?” one visionary must have suggested. “And maybe some actual characters!” shouted another. Brilliant! Because nothing screams box office hit like a narrative about crafting and survival – the quintessential human experience, am I right? And while we’re at it, let’s not overlook the glorious irony of a massive online leak. One might think that a film like Minecraft, which is all about building and creating, would have safeguards against such breaches. Yet here we are, in a world where fans are more adept at finding leaks than creepers are at sneaking up on unsuspecting players. It’s as if the universe itself is saying, “Why wait for the official release when you can embrace the chaos of the internet?” Moreover, the film’s success raises an important question: is this the pinnacle of creativity, or just a sign that Hollywood has officially run out of ideas? After all, why bother developing original content when you can simply mine from the vast experiences of gamers? There’s a certain elegance to recycling beloved franchises; the nostalgia factor alone is worth millions. Let’s just hope that the next film adaptation is as riveting as watching a character gather resources for five hours straight. And speaking of adaptations, let’s give a nod to the directors and writers who managed to transform a game with virtually no plot into a cinematic sensation. If these individuals can take pixelated blocks and turn them into a story that captures the hearts of millions, perhaps we should hand them the keys to the next great literary classic. Who wouldn't want to see a film based on the riveting tale of a potato? In conclusion, Minecraft, le film is a remarkable testament to the state of modern cinema. It embodies the essence of our times: a blend of nostalgia, creativity, and a hint of desperation. So, grab your popcorn and enjoy the show, folks! Who knows what other game adaptations await us? Maybe Tetris will be next! #MinecraftMovie #HollywoodAdaptations #BlockbusterSuccess #CinemaIrony #NostalgiaInFilm

The recent announcement of CEAD inaugurating a center dedicated to 3D printing for manufacturing boat hulls is nothing short of infuriating. We are living in an age where technological advancements should lead to significant improvements in efficiency and sustainability, yet here we are, celebrating a move that reeks of superficial progress and misguided priorities. First off, let’s talk about the so-called “Maritime Application Center” (MAC) in Delft. While they dazzle us with their fancy new facility, one has to question the real implications of such a center. Are they genuinely solving the pressing issues of the maritime industry, or are they merely jumping on the bandwagon of 3D printing hype? The idea of using large-scale additive manufacturing to produce boat hulls sounds revolutionary, but let’s face it: this is just another example of throwing technology at a problem without truly understanding the underlying challenges that plague the industry. The maritime sector is facing severe environmental concerns, including pollution from traditional manufacturing processes and shipping practices. Instead of addressing these burning issues head-on, CEAD and others like them seem content to play with shiny new tools. 3D printing, in theory, could reduce waste—a point they love to hammer home in their marketing. But what about the energy consumption and material sourcing involved? Are we simply swapping one form of environmental degradation for another? Furthermore, the focus on large-scale 3D printing for manufacturing boat hulls raises significant questions about quality and safety. The maritime industry is not a playground for experimental technologies; lives are at stake. Relying on printed components that could potentially have structural weaknesses is a reckless gamble, and the consequences could be disastrous. Are we prepared to accept the liability if these hulls fail at sea? Let’s not forget the economic implications of this move. Sure, CEAD is likely patting themselves on the back for creating jobs at the MAC, but how many traditional jobs are they putting at risk? The maritime industry relies on skilled labor and craftsmanship that cannot simply be replaced by a machine. By pushing for 3D printing at such a scale, they threaten the livelihoods of countless workers who have dedicated their lives to mastering this trade. In conclusion, while CEAD’s center for 3D printing boat hulls may sound impressive on paper, the reality is that it’s a misguided effort that overlooks critical aspects of sustainability, safety, and social responsibility. We need to demand more from our industries and hold them accountable for their actions instead of blindly celebrating every shiny new innovation. The maritime industry deserves solutions that genuinely address its challenges rather than a mere technological gimmick. #MaritimeIndustry #3DPrinting #Sustainability #CEAD #BoatManufacturing