Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Should the Business Folks and Journalists Talk?

APPARENTLY, THE BUSINESS-SIDE folks at Variety made a deal with the producers of the film Iron Cross to somehow make the film an award winner. Promotional material was promised and money changed hands.

Then, a few weeks later, a freelance writer for Variety panned the film, essentially sinking it from becoming a nominee for anything (the review has been removed from the website).

The producers sued Variety, though the case was dismissed by a federal court judge who ruled that Variety had the rights of the First Amendment on its side.

Did the writer do a bad thing by panning the film? Did the business-side folks do something wrong by making deals to promote the film? Is this just a lack of communication between the business side and the editorial staff? Is there a greater lesson to be learned here?

3 comments:

Frankito29 said...

There is definitely a lack of communication between the business side and the editorial staff. I don't necessarily think the business side did something wrong by making deals to promote the film,i mean it is advertising...

The writer was in all his rights by panning the film, we have an obligation to the truth, that's what we do.

Lesson? Mmmm, more organization and communication? haha you tell me miller (:

Geo said...

You mean, Professor Miller? Mr. Miller? Maybe even George?

Miller?

Anyway ...I'm fine with the two sides never talking. Ever. They just need to make sure they don't make promises that the other side won't keep, you know?

- Geo
(the teacher who is confused by people who call him Miller)

Frankito29 said...

But one can never stop communicating. how would it work without communication? in regards of the promises, you're right Professor Miller! if they won't keep the promises, why even consider them? HA!