News production assignment (Video Sample)

Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, Mangalore University.

Year: - 2006-07

Despite the minimum access to the department’s studio and softwares needed for producing a 'professional look' news program, this project as part of our practical assignment was prepared at the MCJ studio and editing done in my room at the university's men's hostel.

Trivia:-
1. At that time, students were not allowed to bring computers/laptops in the hostels.
2. Keeping the PC unit hidden was another great skill I achieved. :) I emptied my cupboard and placed the LCD monitor along with the CPU on the first rack and after using it had to put a lock so that hostel mates will not be alerted with the news that "Robert is keeping a PC!"
3. The truth cannot be hidden forever. So, news soon spread about 'Robert's PC' and thankfully no one alerted Dr. Uday, the warden.
4. After the breaking news, MBA and MTA students brought new laptops! Soon, I realized I had become a revolutionary leader :)
5. The editing of this video took me almost 3 weeks as I had to assemble some video editing and 3D Graphic softwares on my own. Luckily, Nishanth was ready to sit by my side for hours together.
6. There was no teleprompter so we had to write down the news stories on chart papers.
7. Our anchor and team member Ms Remya brought her brother's laptop to make the scene look more professional. The laptop was on switch off mode :)
8. The shooting was completed with over a dozen 'cuts' and 'retakes'.
9. An advertisement shot was ripped from one of my Hindi DVDs.
10. Production team members:- Robert, Nishnath, Remya, Princy Thomas.

Black Swan

Black Swan

English (A) Cast: Natalie Portman, Barbara Hershey, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel Director: Darren Aronofsky

Nina (Portman) an aspiring ballerina has the gift to make it big. However, she is afraid to fail and also succeed at the same time due to pressure and insecurity after being offered the role of Black Swan in ‘Swan Lake’ by manipulative choreographer Thomas (Cassel).

As the date draws near Nina instead of resting works hard to put a good show but her mental health begins to deteriorate. She begins to see another dancer Lily (Kunis) as someone ready to snatch her role. Disturbed, she soon loses touch with reality.
Black Swan is a masterpiece like last year’s horror flick, Paranormal Activity. You’ll never want to see it again, alone, because of its self inflicting methods, grueling, tragic, obsessive and graphic gripping scenes. It is a mixture of beauty and horror.
The story of a woman who wants to succeed in her career is appreciated but what ultimately forces her to do is too graphic for young minds. You have a clear interplay of beauty and the beast. Some scenes like bleeding fingernails, bony spines and skin scratched raw are nightmarish.

When it comes to the acting, the cast perform pretty well. And to prove this, Portman was given the Best Actress award at the Oscars. Portman can deliver a frightening look and a fragile wannabe dancer at ease. Her flexibility and ability to transform from a shy, soft spoken lady to a disturbed dancer is realistic. One can only see a frightened dancer and not the actress in her. Kunis and Cassel lend strong support.

Despite this, this film is rather slow and you have stretched your patience  to see the climax. Strangely, the wait is not in vain.
Black Swan is a bold, disturbing, captivating and extremely intense thriller – definitely not for the faint-hearted.

By Robert L Sungte, Deccan Herald

 

The King’s Speech

Based on Queen Elizabeth II’s father King George VI (aka Bertie), who stammered in public, it was adjudged the Best Film at the 83rd Oscars.

The king wants his son to speak well. So, he lets him speak on his behalf during the Empire Exhibition at Wembley, London, in 1925, but Bertie let him down. But his wife (Carter) never gave up and seeks the help of Lionel Logue (Rush), an Australian speech therapist to train her husband who is second in line to the British throne.

After their father’s death, Edward ascended the throne but soon abdicated it to marry his love, divorcee Wallis Simpson. Left with no options, Bertie takes up the responsibility of the crown as King George VI at a time when his country must stand against Hitler’s Germany. Will the King’s voice be powerful enough to command respect and unity of the Empire when tongue-tied George is yet to overcome his own fears?

Director Tom Hooper aided by excellent script (David Seidler) and three great stars makes an inspiring and lovable film. The human touch with a feel good message throughout the film adds value to the royal drama. The King’s Speech is superb and engaging.

The King’s Speech English(U) Cast: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter Director: Tom Hooper

Read more reviews Here

True Grit

English(U/A)

Cast: Hailee Steinfeld, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin

Directors: Ethan & Joel Coen

This western flick based on Charles Portis’ novel by same title is about 14-year-old girl Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) quest to kill her father’s murderer Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin). Let down by court she finds the unlikely companion in one-eyed gunslinger US Marshal Rooster Cogburn (Bridges). They are joined by Texas Ranger LeBeouf (Damon), a known talker but reliable man with his gun.

The film lives up to its title -powdered revenge story with love, humour and action since the start. The landscapes look wild and rusty. The cast has acted well. The unlikely story of 14-year-old girl who wanted to avenge her father is itself odd but Steinfeld makes its realistic with two well know actors Damon and Bridges by her side.  This film will appeal to both new age and old cowboy film fans.

For more Reviews Visit Deccan Herald

The Fighter

The Fighter English (A) Cast: Christian Bale, Mark Wahlberg, Amy Adams Director: David O Russell

Based on a true story, Dicky Eklund (Bale), local boxing hero of Lowell in Massachusetts, after beating Sugar Ray Leonard is trying to make a “comeback”. But taken over by drugs he finds it difficult to meet responsibilities towards himself and his younger brother Mickey Ward (Wahlberg) who wants to become a champ himself. So, Mikey, as suggested by girlfriend Charlene (Adams), left his family and  strikes a deal with other trainers. Even as Mickey leaves his family to concentrate on his career a question lingers on as to whether he make it on his own, or does he need the help of his rather unreliable older brother? This action biopic has a number of surprises. It begins like a documentary which ultimately merges into main storyline partly to give an impression that this story is for real. Director Russell employs a standard action format. Mark Wahlberg  and Christian Bale showcase their acting prowess. Each of the characters from their parents to other family members are not just standbys. They all played their role in making a champion. Go, meet The Fighter.

THE SOCIAL NETWORK movie review

English (U/A)
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake
Director: David Fincher

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg dubbed Ben Ben Mezrich’s non-fictional novel, “The Accidental Billionaries” a “fiction”. “The Social Network” based on the novel, dwells on the price of success.

An angry undergrad and computer geek Mark Zuckerberg (Eisenberg) works on a new website with best friend Eduardo Saverin (Garfield). Zuckerberg’s website that ranks female classmates’ hotness at Harvard soon catches the eyes of the rich Winklevoss twins (both characters played by Armie Hammer) and their business partner Divya
Narendra.

They hire Zuckerberg to create a social networking site for Harvard students. However, Zuckerberg “has a better idea” and goes for a bigger pie. Saverin agrees to fund what the duo called “thefacebook” project.

The popular website soon spreads to other universities and when it opens at Stanford University, Zuckerberg and Saverin strike a deal with Napster co-founder Sean Parker (Timberlake) to expand their horizon. But Parker works behind Saverin and helps Zuckerberg get the funds to transform “thefacebook” into Facebook! However, as Zuckerberg stands at the gate of success, lawsuits come flying in from his Harvard rivals and his former best friend...

For a success story that is well known all over, it was expected that “The Social Network” would be a dumb biographic. Yet, this true life story based on the Facebook founders, of course with some factual errors, has the audience’s rapt attention.

Director David Fincher has created a praiseworthy film, where he ensures that Zuckerberg and all the others get their fair share, at least on the screen. There’s something to look forward to in Eisenberg who plays Zuckerberg, proving that Eisenberg is not just another actor good at slapstick comedies. Garfield is a perfect co-star. And yes! Another reason to look forward to this film is Justin Timberlake, who’s fine-tuned his acting skills well.

On the other hand, this film is not interested in telling you what is correct and what is not true. The makers know that Facebook’s “history” and “status” will always be “online” for truth seekers. All they care is giving you an engrossing story. And they succeed.

Reviewed by Robert L Sungte, Deccan Herald

The Best Western Movies

Here are some of the best western movies I’ve seen in years. Enjoy!  

• The Good, Bad and Ugly
• The Big Country
• Broken Trail (this is a mini-series)
• Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee
• The Claim
• Dances With Wolves
• The Grey Fox
• Into the West (also a mini-series)
• Heartland
• Hidalgo
• High Noon
• Jeremiah Johnson
• Lonesome Dove (mini-series)
• McCabe and Mrs. Miller
• Open Range
• Shane
• She Wore a Yellow Ribbon
• Silverado
• The Three Burials of Malquiades Estrada
• Tom Horn
• The Treasure of the Sierra Madre
• Unforgiven

DESPICABLE ME film review

English (U/A)
Cast: Jason Segel, Kristen Wigg, Miranda Cosgrove, Steve Carell
Director: Chris Renaud, Pierre Coffin

There’s a new villain Vector (voiced by Jason Segel) in town and self-proclaimed ‘king of villains’ Gru (Steve Carell), who has already stolen the Statue of Liberty and others, feels that he must outdo the new arrival. Gru seeks Bank of Evil’s funding to steal the moon.
But, when Vector manages to steal the shrinking ray machine vital for the moon mission Gru adopts three orphans – Margo, Edith and Agnes – to get back the device.

However, with time a strange bond develops between him and the girls and he must decide whether to forgo his moon mission or be the father the girls never had.

The movie is perfect for all members of a family. Everybody can learn something while enjoying the adventure. From an overtly critical mother to responsible kids, this film has the right formula to present a sense of realistic issues.

It is also perhaps the first animated film solely focusing on a villain star — Gru. More refreshing is the voice of Carell. Gru’s voice is villainously accented and rough but it still sounds adorable.

Besides, the three young girls’ voice-acting render a clear sense of joy, sorrow and disappointment.

The most striking feature of this film is having good villain and bad villain. Vector is a total nerd and arrogant brat and in front of him, Gru looks like a heavenly angel. So, kids instantly love Gru and root for him despite his evil design to steal the moon.

“Despicable Me” is a family treat with the right music and fantastic graphic creation which must be seen on a 3-D screen to get the right
intensity.

Robert L Sungte

PREDATORS film review

English (A)
Cast: Sadrien Brody, Alice Braga, Laurence Fishburne
Director: Nimrod Antal

The “Predator” series that began in 1987 has come a long way after several glitches with the sequels. Now in “Predators” Adrien Brody takes over Arnold Schwarzenegger’s role and finds himself in a new land along with seven others.

Despite their killer’s instincts these mercenaries must fight together against deadly ‘aliens’ who have the power to hide themselves and read heat signals to spot their enemies.

The film is comparatively a simpler form of other “Predator” films. The jungle setting remains a vital part of the show and the pace of the story is given a push up.
However, the script includes many unnecessary scenes which only add to the already humdrum franchise. New characters have also been introduced to add interesting turns in the plot but they never really generate enough pressure to please the audience.

Despite several shortcomings one can still enjoy the far-fetched action scenes where there are large guns and gadgets.

“Predators” is not twice the fun watching “Predator”, yet if you shut your sense of reality you can be pretty satisfied.

Robert L Sungte

CATS & DOGS: THE REVENGE OF KATTY GALORE

The 2001 hit sequel of “Cats & Dogs” features live action animal talking and involving in hi-tech action adventure. The inter-species battle flick brings out all the silly side jokes that will get kids giggling and bored parents rolling their eyes.

Bette Midler voices the evil-minded cat Katty Galore whose latest plan is to drive all dogs insane and then take control over mankind. To foil this nefarious plan former police dog Diggs (James Marsden) and DOGS agent Butch (Nick Nolte) must work together with Catherine (Christina Applegate), a spy from MEOWS to maintain the balance of nature. Along the way they find themselves becoming friends despite their initial hard feelings against one another.

The animals do find themselves in scary situations. With explosions, a couple of near disasters and 3-D intensifying the effects, the film has everything for kids. There are silly gags and stereotypes as well. What ultimately wins in the end is the spirit of friendship. However, this film is too childish for young teens and adults because of the the stale one-liners and the not-so-new CGI effects.

By Robert L Sungte

English (U/A)

Cast: Bette Midler, Chris O’ Donnel, James Marsden, Nick Nolte

Director: Brad Peyton

RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE (3D) film review

English (U/A) 
Cast: Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter, Kim Coates, Shawn Roberts, Sienna Guillory, Spencer Locke
Director: Paul WS Anderson

The fourth edition of ‘Resident Evil’ series is literally an extension of the tired effort to keep the computer-game woman-hero’s character alive. The story continues from where the third part ends in a virus-infected world and with Alice (Milla Jovovich) attempting to get back her freedom.

The film makes a visual impression. However, director Paul Anderson is left with few things to experiment as the script lacks imagination and originality. Most of the action sequences are mixture of popular action stunts, notably that of ‘The Matrix’. The only difference being the 3D effects.

Despite the striking visual interplay, ‘Resident Evil: After Life’ has little to offer except zombies and Ali Larter who look like they really need some medicines to get their acts together. And most of all, there are no surprises.

Milla Jovovich can still breathe easy as the film ends somewhat inconclusively. But how long the threadbare adventure will last is hard to say if film makers continue to fall ill due to the technology bug — 3D.

Robert, Deccan Herald

THE LAST AIRBENDER film review

“The Last Airbender” is the story of airbender Aang (Noah Ringer), the avatar who helps maintain the balance of life among Fire, Water, Earth and Air nations. When Aang disappears for a 100 years, all the other Airbenders are killed by Fire Lord Ozai (Curtis). To make sure that no airbender is left, he sends his son Prince Zuko (Patel) to track down Aang. Meanwhile, a frozen Aang is found by the last Waterbender, Katara (Peltz), and her brother, Sokka (Rathbone). Now, they must find a way to bring back order.

Shyamalan’s adventure with “The Last Airbender” falls short of just being a big flop. It is not clear as to which audience he is catering to. There are in fact no thrilling or humourous moments which are essential in making kids laugh and awestruck. The film also lacks strong characters to please adult movie goers.

The dialogue is one of the worst in any of Shyamalan’s films. It makes even those supposed to be funny moments rigid and still. The only saving grace is little Noah Ringer as the Avatar. Otherwise, “The Last Airbender” is dull.

By Robert L. Sungte, Deccan Herald

THE OTHER GUYS film review

English (A)
Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Will Ferrell
Director: Adam McKay

Allen (Will), a NYPD forensic accountant contented with paperwork, is persuaded by his frustrated partner Terry (Mark) to fill in the shoes of deceased NYPD supercops (played by Samuel L Jackson and Dwayne Johnson). But they soon find themselves in a thick financial scam which seems way out of their reach to crack the case.

“The Other Guys” plot is minimalistic and crumbles even as the script has funny gags about women and cops. However, the cast is good enough to pull out the funny stuffs in all seriousness. Overall, there is action, comedy, hilarity and attractive women in the lives of ‘the other guys’. The presentation may not be amazing, yet Mark and Will make a good pair.

By Robert L Sungte, Decccan Herald

The American film review

English (A) 
Cast: George Clooney, Violante Placido, Thekla Reuten, Paolo Bonacelli
Director: Anton Corbijn

George Clooney plays “The American”, involved in supplying guns to assassins and sometimes taking part in the action as well.

The promos focussed on action but in reality this is a big disappointment for Clooney fans as he is reduced to a man who is really not comfortable doing what is given to him. Even thou-gh he tries hard to look artistic, Clooney’s looks make him unrealistic, which, incidentally may be a big relief for his fans.

This film is one of the most confusing thrillers. Despite a killer beginning, it slumps into hollow and painfully slow pace till the end. The script and scre-enplay never lift up the suspe-nse. If you are one who expected hot action flick, you are in for big disappointment.

By Robert L Sungte, Deccan Herald

DEVIL film review

English (A) 
Cast: Bojana Novakovic, Bokeem Woodbine, Chris Messina, Logan Marshall-Green
Director: John Erick Dowdle, Drew Dowdle

Promoted as M Night Shyamalan’s baby, Devil is a film where you get to see toned-down version of a horror flick. It tells a story of an event during a normal day in Philadelphia when five people with dark pasts are trapped in an elevator with a possible devil among them.

The devil turns them against one another with an ultimate aim of killing them one by one. Can they solve the mystery before they all die?

Co-written and produced by Shyamalan, Devil does not live up to expectations though tightly packaged in terms of ideas and screenplays. The directors also employ rarely-seen screen angles to build up enough tension. Devil also has its share of gore. Though actual killing scenes are not visible, one gets a clear idea of what the killer would look like.

So, there’s a creepy feeling all the time at the thought of who would be the next target. It does get a bit out of focus towards the end but by then Shyamalan’s mind seems to have controlled everything. The injection of human values like team work and forgiveness make this Devil worth watching.

By Robert L Sungte, Deccan Herald

Grown ups: Keeping up with the past

Brought back together by the death of their favourite college basketball coach, ex-buddies Lenny (Sandler), Eric (James), Kurt (Rock), Marcus (Spade), and Rob (Schneider) try to rekindle their childhood bonds. However, their wives and children soon find out new things about of their big daddies’ romps and fantasies which put them in an awkward position. Will the guys be able to take grown up decisions to keep up with their love ones this time?

If you go by the trailer ‘Grown Ups’ will be a big disappointment considering a big cast of who’s who in comedy. The script is also fomulaic where you have nothing new to laugh about. With too many scenes already seen in some films only reminds you how you miss of the good old comedies.

Even as the cast share a good onscreen rapport they lacked that spark to make the film shine. ‘Grown Ups’ is sexily flavoured extravaganza where women are stereotyped with a dose of chauvinistic jokes.

Despite these there are some good moments about childhood and young adolescent jokes. Overall, ‘Grown Ups’ needs to grow a bit more mature.

Review by Robert L. Sungte, Deccan Herald

English(A)

Cast: Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Dabid Spade, Kevin James, Rob Scheinder

Director: Dennis Dugan

The Expendables Review: Little room for too many cooks

There are times when too many and too much are simply not good. “The Expendables” is one film that has too many stars and too much action that they kill the thrill out of this mega-budget star-studded action film.

Barney Ross (Stallone) and his team of mercenaries called “The Expendables” attempt to overthrow the ruler of a small island who is supported by a rogue CIA agent initially looks promising.

However, the firepower and extreme action sequences are the only things that one can remember after the climax. Directed and written by Sylvester Stallone, the film has Stallone himself, Jet Li, Jason Statham with action stars Dolph Lundgren, Eric Roberts, Randy Couture, Steve Austin, David Zayas, Terry Crews and Mickey Rourke.  Guest appearances come notably from musclemen Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis.
The gigantic proportion of the film becomes a major problem in itself as there are just not enough room for the characters develop a bond with themselves and with the audience. We have characters with girlfriend problems, inferiority complex, drug abuse, self opinionated individual and so forth.

If the film had some pinch of that extra whoa effects in the form of friendship and bonding we could have a truly epic action film.

Technically, the film’s action sequences are good yet the camera tends to be too shaky for proper viewing. It disturbs the eyes as it becomes difficult to make out whose hand or leg was hit.

There are also few surprising turns toward the end as this film is about mercenaries. The final ruling on “The Expendables” is: An outlandish and damp action movie where too many cooks spoil the broth.

Review by Robert L. Sungte,

English(A)

Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Jet Li, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, Steve Austin, David Zayas, Terry Crews, Mickey Rourke

Director: Sylvester Stallone

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Review with Trailer

The film is another addition to the super-hero fantasy genre. It centres around a simple story about sorcerer Balthazar’s (Cage) attempts to find a person who could defeat Morgana (Alice Krige) who had tried to unseat Merlin a millennia ago. To add a love story, we have Balthazar’s beloved Veronica (Belluci) trapped by the bad guys. Finally, Balthazar picks a student Dave (Baruchel) who he thinks can finally help defeat Morgana and the baddies.

Like any youth-oriented fantasy films, ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’ has everything from adventure, mythology, comedy, wizardry and romance tightly packed. You have similar scenes over and over again that kids could well relate to.

The cast combination is also good with excellent show by Molina as villain. Refreshing, and relieving, is Baruchel’s looks, which is not exactly of the hero next door. There are some classic shots with a good dose of graphic effects.

Overall, the film has too much jumping from characters and at times, the ‘childish script’ falters too long. ‘The Sorcerers’ Apprentice’ is a not a work of art, but will certainly be a hit with kids.

Reviewed by Robert L.Sungte, Deccan Herald
English (U)
Director: Jon Turteltaub
Cast: Nicolas Cage, Alfred Molina, Jay Baruchel, Monica Bellucci

INCEPTION (U/A)

Mind games can be quite entertaining onscreen when presented in a straight forward manner and with most of the players masters in their respective roles.

In this sci-fi thriller Dom (DiCaprio), an expert “extractor”, is capable of entering people’s dreams to fish out any data. So, a top investor hires him to plant a thought into the mind of a competitor. The task seems almost impossible, but Dom with two other accomplices work to create dreams-within-dreams to accomplish the job. However, their target has been well-trained to thwart such attacks, and to make their task more difficult, Dom’s dead wife appears in their dreams unleashing a trail of disaster. Will Dom and his teammates wake from the dreams that’s so real or be trapped forever in their subconscious world? Well, to know that you have to see it for yourself.

We have seen Leonardo playing with minds and dreams in the recently released ‘Shutter Island’ and now with this film, he has matured to prove to the world that he can deliver romance and action without a hitch.

With director Christopher Nolan of ‘The Dark Knight’ fame behind the camera, the film juggles time cleverly. In fact, there are no pretensions of trying to tell the conflicting mind game in any particular order. Balanced treatment and clarity are the film’s hallmark. They make the complex story vivid and rational while remaining creative and most of all entertaining.
However, on the minus side, ‘Inception’ is unsympathetic towards the emotions of the audience, it being all about speed. So, there’s little time to know and associate with each of the characters. Otherwise, the film is a terrific sci-fi drama meant to take you on a roller coaster ride. And, on the technology front, no one was complaining that the film is not in 3D, as the screenplay itself is a tech driven-visual treat.

Review by Robert L.Sungte, Deccan Herald
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Marion Cotillard, Ken Watanabe, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Cillian Murphy
Director: Christopher Nolan

‘Zoram Khawvel’ eBook release on July 15

New Delhi: The 1991 Mizo Academy of Letters ‘Book of the Year’ ZORAM KHAWVEL (PART I) which took Mizo literary world by storm is all set to be released in an eBook) format on July 15, 2010. The day also marks the author Pu L.keivom’s 71st birthday celebrations during which a website would also be launched.

“The world is progressively shrinking and the gap of communication is bridging up day by day as we advance in tehnological knowledge and wisdom. Innumerable new websites open up daily…. Our Zoram khawvel is getting closer day by day. One of the key steps we thought will be useful in bringing the people of Zoram khawvel closer is to open Zo Basket where we will put all available works of Zo literature and music as much as possible and turn the site as a major source of information on Zo life, culture and literature,” said  Pu L.Keivom.

The purpose of releasing this eBook and the website is to treasure all works of literature in different Zo dialects, including dictionaries, Bible translations and recorded songs and music.

“To start with, I have gladly donated my book Zoram Khawvel-1, winner of 1991 Book of the Year in Mizoram and it can now be accessed and downloaded free. I also take this opportunity to invite writers and publishers and people in the music world to donate their works to the Zo Basket… It is my hope and trust that this website will be a blessing to all visitors and users, increasing oneness and better understanding amongst them,” the former IFS officer said in a statement.

Zoram Khawvel Part 1 was published 19 years ago with just 3000 copies. Since, there were no reprints many youngsters who wanted to read the book never had the chance to lay their hands on it. This would be a big free birthday gift to all Mizo book lovers.

‘Zoram Khawvel’ series (Vol I-VIII) is authored by the noted Mizo litterateur and retired Indian Foreign Service officer, Pu L.Keivom in Mizo (Duhlian).

The eBook was supposed to be released during the second week of June but was delayed due to re-editing works.

It may also be noted that Pu Keivom’s book NUN RAM was released by Inpui.com and Indin last year. The e-book is available for free download here.

While NUN RAM is a collection of short essays, ZORAM KHAWVEL (PART 1) will be the first Mizo hardcover book to be released in the e-book format. However, the style and format of the new e-book is not yet known.

To get your Free copy Visit: ZORAMKHAWVEL.COM