The Academy uses technology to reach out to fans, but shies away from recognising hi-tech movies, argues a technology fan.
BC: Hi, what's up?
AD: Just checking the Oscar nominations. Why do you think they give all these techie movies the short shrift?
BC: What do you mean?
AD: Sci-fi, fantasy, futuristic movies... the ones that sizzle with technology in every frame...
BC: Well, the “Star Wars” series was nominated for 25 awards and won ten, including three special awards.
AD: But not for Best Picture...
BC: 2010 saw two sci-fi movies nominated — “District 9” and “Avatar”.
AD: But neither won, right?
BC: 2012 could provide a break for sci-fi movies, at least in the short film segment, if not the feature film category.
AD: You're referring to “Time Freak”.
BC: Yes, apparently it's based on the time travel misadventures of a scientist.
AD: The couple that made the film filmed themselves reacting to their nomination when they first saw it online. The reaction film went viral and was even featured on a news channel.
BC: Looks like news channels are depending on YouTube for content…
AD: Suddenly “Time Freak” has become a much-Googled proposition — technology made this possible. A decade ago, this would have been unthinkable...
BC: But hasn't technology been given its due, with the Scientific and Technical Awards?
AD: Yes, but they're not part of the main ceremony…
BC: Why do you take it so hard?
AD: Technology cannot take centre stage, but has to do its job backstage. Is that it?
BC: Why do you say that?
AD: A lot of online activity happened during the 2011 Oscars. Over a million tweets were sent during the evening and the host, James Franco, was tweeting during the course of the show. Facebook saw almost two million updates...
BC: Isn't it an irony then that “The Social Network” missed out last year?
AD: Guess the jury was more impressed with “The King's Speech” than with the common man's Facebook messages.
BC: But what were the fans doing online, with the Oscars live on TV?
AD: In fact, they got to see more action. The behind-the-scenes activity was also streamed live so that fans could catch the after-party and the happenings backstage. They could even choose from various camera angles...
BC: From celebrity spotting to camera spotting — how times change…
AD: There were quite a few apps to follow the ceremony on mobile phones. Fans could also interact with academy representatives online. And this year, it's getting bigger, better and fancier, with more apps, more games, more online shows...
BC: So watching the Oscars on TV is suddenly old-fashioned, huh?
AD: Absolutely! The 2011 event had a blast from the past, with Bob Hope appearing as a hologram...
BC: Old-timers must have had a kick out of that...
AD: Another big technology churn is the electronic voting system that will replace the conventional voting system next year.
BC: But that's for next year. Who do you think will win it this year?
AD: Predictably, almost all the nominations for best picture are set in an earlier era. That effectively knocks out sci-fi...
BC: With Spielberg, Scorsese, Woody Allen and Chris Columbus in the race, I wouldn't mind if technology takes a backseat...
AD: There's Spielberg's 3D masterpiece and Woody Allen's time travel tale, so you never know, technology might be the winner on Sunday night!
BC: Well, Monday morning in our part of the world… unless you're planning some time travel yourself.
sureshl.india@gmail.com
