"The Internet has evolved from open standards, having a diversity of companies… And when you start to have companies that control the operating system, control the browsers, they really tie up the top Web sites, and can be used to manipulate stuff in various ways. I think that's unnerving."-- Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google onMicrosoft's takeover bid for Yahoo.

In today's episode, I visit California Digital Post in Burbank California where writer Michael Tabb is directing the voice talent for his animated short film entitled The Academy now in production for Strike TV. While I was there, I meet up with Peter Hyoguchi, one of the co-founders of Strike TV and Del Casher, the owner of the facility. Recorded Thursday, 21 February 2008. CreditsProducer/Host:

This website and, more importantly, the podcasts that it offers is temporarily down for scheduled maintenance. All the podcasts including the latest episode for Friday will be available after 1:00 a.m. on Friday, February 22, 2008.

"Writing creates forgetfulness and a tiresome company!"-- From The Phaedrus by Plato

It's worth noting that the hugely successful comedy video website "FunnyOrDie.com" that's spearheaded by Will Ferrell, Adam McKay and Chris Henchy and funded to the tune of $15,000,000 by Sequoia Capital is not a union shop. This, despite the fact that the Screen Actor's Guild (of which Ferrell is a member in good standing) has done outreach to his production offices.When I asked the SAG rep WTF outreach

The writers strike (and the music industry before that) has revealed how the entertainment industry is in the midst of radical change unlike anything seen since Thomas Edison invented motion pictures or Philo T. Farnsworth invented the television. I suppose we now have Nikola Tesla to thank as media convergence redefines how we stay connected with friends and family, how we get our news, and how we

In today's episode, I talk to actor Justine Bateman, writer Peter Murrietta and actor Michael Heister about new media. This recording took place at the United Hollywood's swag photo shoot. Recorded Friday, 15 February 2008. CreditsProducer/Host: Tanja BarnesMusic: "Ay Mambo" by Falikavailable on Magnatune.comAs mentioned in this episode: Nokia predicts 25% of entertainment by 2012 will be created

“RECONCILIATION” BENEFIT!WHEN: Tuesday, March 4th at 8 p.m.WHERE: The Laugh FactoryPROCEEDS WILL GOTO THE WGF INDUSTRY SUPPORT FUNDTo celebrate the end of the strike, Laugh Factory owner Jamie Masada will host a “Reconciliation” Benefit at the Laugh Factory, Tuesday, March 4th at 8 p.m. Proceeds go to the Writers Guild Foundation Industry Support Fund to assist all those NON-WRITERS above and

In today's episode, I wrap up a series of recordings made last week when the membership of the Writers Guild of America voted to lift the restraining order and end the strike. The proposed contract is pending a vote next week. Here I meet with two people who are not writers: attorney Jonathan Handel from the law firm TroyGould, and Damon D'Amato, a teleprompter operator who has also been covering

Over the weekend, I downloaded and listened to one of my favorite podcasts "On The Media" from NPR. Below is what I find to be one of the best analysis of the results of the strike and the proposed contract. My two cents and YMMV and all that.The Shows Go OnFebruary 15, 2008The Writers Guild of America voted this week to end a 100-day strike that left many television shows in limbo. So did they get

In today's episode, I continue with a series of recordings made last week when the membership of the Writers Guild of America voted to lift the restraining order and end the strike while the proposed contract is pending ratification/rejection. Today I meet with writers Patti Lin and David Wyatt. Recorded Tuesday, 12 February 2008.CreditsProducer/Host: Tanja BarnesMusic: "Ay Mambo" by Falikavailable

In today's episode, I continue with a series of recordings made last week when the membership of the Writers Guild of America voted to lift the restraining order and end the strike pending the ratification/rejection of the proposed contract. Today I meet with writers Karen Harris and Charles Heit. Recorded Tuesday, 12 February 2008.CreditsProducer/Host: Tanja BarnesMusic: "Ay Mambo" by Falikavailable