Two New Docs on the Infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Fire

Trailer

HBO is premiering a new doc on the historic Triangle Shirtwaist Fire that sparked the modern Labor Movement. I was very struck with this story when I first read it in a third or fourth grade history book. You learn a hundred little lessons along the way, but this story always stuck with me. And now some 30+ years later I work a block away from this very building, so the story has even more personal resonance.

The American Experience series on PBS just did a an excellent hour show (The entire epiosode, plus extras is available free online - see below) on the same topic a month ago, so I'm curious to see how HBO's treatment will stack up.

I knew about the fire, but I really had no clue how rough and tumble life was in this very area a century ago...We've got nothing to complain about on any job compared to what these women and girls endured long before the fire even struck.

Watch the full episode. See more American Experience.

Got HBO...On Your Phone?

Are full episodes of current hit HBO shows and movies coming to cell phones and iPads near you?...Engadget thinks so.

The new media landscape (earthquake?) continues to shift beneath our feet and only the sure-footed may still be on their feet when all the shaking stops. Based on past moves, I'll bet HBO will come out the other side better than most, but I'm still mad that we can't get HBO shows on Netflix.

Read the Engadget Article HERE.

Actress/Writer/Director Paola Mendoza on the next Double Down Film Show!

On the next Double Down Film Show this Weds. May 5th - 9pm, we’ll close out our 3rd season with an uplifting interview with Paola Mendoza the triple threat actress/writer/director of the new indie film, Entre Nos. Winner of multiple film festival awards, Entre Nos is a timely and personal drama about the hot-button issue of immigration based on the true story of Paola’s own mother.

Recently named one of the 25 New Faces of Independent Film by Filmmaker magazine, Paola began as an actress and crossed over into filmmaking with the award-winning documentary, Autumn’s Eyes, before writing, directing and starring in Entre Nos. The film was co-written/co-directed and edited by Gloria La Morte who also edited Autumn's Eyes.

• How did she shoot a feature with 2 child leads in only 18 days?
• What’s the most important thing she does as a director every night?
• How did they find convincing non-actors as her child leads?
• What perils of tapeless shooting did the crew overcome?
• How can you get a community involved with your film?

...All will be revealed on the next Double Down Film Show with our special guest, Paola Mendoza. Paola’s new film Entre Nos will be opening in New York on May 14th and appearing on HBO later in the Fall.

We’re taking the summer hiatus to get our own filmmaking jones on, but will be back this fall with Season #3 and more practical wisdom and advice for filmmakers! Join us for the big season finale this Weds. May 5th!

The Double Down Film Show

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Call-in Number: (646) 929-1956

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Stream or Download here:

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***PS - If you can't tune in live, you can always stream the show or download the .mp3 file later at the site above.

HBO Gets Down With the Git Down

Apparently some of the major media outlets have taken note of my recent rants about how old media needs to transform itself into new media and retool their models or perish.

No doubt due in large part to this blog's massive influence on Hollywood taste and decision-makers, HBO has fired off a bold new shot in the old vs. new media wars.

Never shy to blaze a new trail, the smart people at HBO have switched up their game again, to debut the season 2 premiere of their hot new comedy series, "Flight of the Conchords" a full month early on the comedy website FunnyOrDie.com. The series premiere will show on HBO starting January 18th.

The very laws of nature are such that all things, mass media included, must eventually evolve or die. HBO has wisely chosen evolution.

Bold and well done, HBO. Maybe your colleagues will take note as the pink slips continue to roll in.

Watch the full season 2 premiere episode of "Flight of the Conchords" right now, right here!:

Season 2 Online Premiere - Flight of the Conchords (US Only) - watch more funny videos