<p>Pens are laid down, keyboards are silent, and writers have taken to the streets. The power of the pen clashes with the power of the purse, and the outcome might have serious ramifications for the future of the entertainment industry. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has commenced its first strike in 15 years, with unionised TV and film writers taking to the streets to demand better pay from major studios. Despite failing to reach a new contract with the trade association that represents Hollywood studios and production companies, the WGA is undeterred in its efforts to secure higher minimum pay, more writers per show, and shorter exclusive contracts, among other demands. Here is your ready reckoner on the Hollywood writers' strike&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The importance of writers in TV and film</strong></h2>

<p>Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the strike, let’s take a step back and look at the big picture. Writers have been an integral part of the entertainment industry since its inception. Without them, there would be no scripts, no dialogue, no witty banter, no heart-wrenching monologues. In short, there would be no stories to tell. Despite their vital role, however, writers have historically been treated as second-class citizens in Hollywood. They have been underpaid, undervalued, and often subjected to harsh working conditions. This is partly due to the fact that the studios hold most of the power in the industry, and writers have had little recourse to challenge their authority.</p>

<p>All that changed in 2007 when the Writers Guild of America (WGA) went on strike.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hollywood-writers-go-on-strike-over-fair-pay-in-streaming-era-588385/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>2007–08 Writers Guild of America strike</strong></h2>

<p>That strike was sparked by a dispute over compensation for online content, which was becoming increasingly important as the internet began to transform the entertainment industry. At the time, writers were only receiving a small fraction of the revenue generated by online content, and they were understandably unhappy about it.</p>

<p>The WGA demanded a greater share of the revenue and proposed a new payment structure that would have given writers a percentage of the profits from online content. The studios, however, were not interested in sharing the wealth. They argued that the internet was still a new and untested market, and that they needed to keep most of the revenue to invest in new content.</p>

<p>The negotiations between the two sides were long and contentious, with each side digging its heels and refusing to budge. In November 2007, the WGA went on strike, and writers all across Hollywood put down their pens and took to the picket lines.</p>

<p>The strike lasted for 100 days and had a profound impact on the entertainment industry. Production on most TV shows and movies ground to a halt, leaving viewers with a steady diet of reruns and reality shows. The late-night talk shows were hit particularly hard, with hosts like Jay Leno and David Letterman forced to go off the air for several months.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hollywood-writers-strike-to-trigger-tv-shutdowns-588166/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The strike also had a significant economic impact, with estimates suggesting that it cost the industry around $2 billion. Many writers were unable to work during the strike, and even those who could continue working saw their incomes fall. The strike also had ripple effects throughout the industry, with everyone from makeup artists to caterers feeling the pinch.</p>

<p>Despite the economic cost, however, the strike was ultimately successful. The WGA was able to secure a better deal for writers, with studios agreeing to pay writers a larger percentage of revenue generated by online content. The strike also helped raise awareness of the challenges faced by writers in the entertainment industry, and it paved the way for further labour activism in Hollywood.</p>

<h2><strong>2023 Writers Guild of America strike</strong></h2>

<p>The latest strike is a result of the content boom thanks, mainly, to the proliferation of streaming services. With Netflix and Amazon Prime VIdeo and other streamers emerging as key players, the space is suddenly crowded, with every major studio jumping on the bandwagon. The wealth of content has led to an increase in the number of series and films that are annually made, leading to more job opportunities for writers. However, this has come at a cost, with writers claiming they are making less than they used to, while working under more strained conditions. As such, the WGA is seeking more compensation for writers upfront, since many of the payments writers have historically profited from on the back end, like syndication and international licensing, have been largely phased out by the onset of streaming.</p>

<h2><strong>Impact of the strike</strong></h2>

<p>The strike's impact on scripted series and films will take longer to notice, but if the strike persists through the summer, fall TV schedules could be upended. Late-night television has already been impacted, with all of the top late-night shows, which are staffed by writers who write jokes for their hosts, immediately going dark. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents studios and production companies, has offered "generous increases in compensation for writers as well as improvements in streaming residuals." However, the primary sticking points to a deal revolve around so-called mini-rooms, with the guild seeking a minimum number of scribes per writer room, and the duration of employment contracts.</p>
<img alt="writers strike" data-caption="This is the second writers' strike in 15 years." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6c8676e9-ce15-4602-9e2f-fd4448587680" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/writers-strike.png" />
<p>Given that the studios' trade association was unwilling to improve its offer due to the magnitude of other proposals still on the table that the guild continues to insist upon, the WGA is undeterred in its mission to secure better pay and working conditions for its members. The strike's cascading effects on TV and film productions will depend on how long the strike lasts and comes at a time when streaming services are under growing pressure from Wall Street to show profits.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Regardless of the outcome, this labour dispute serves as a sobering reminder that the entertainment industry is far from glamorous for those working behind the scenes.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Pens are laid down, keyboards are silent, and writers have taken to the streets. The power of the pen clashes with the power of the purse, and the outcome might have serious ramifications for the future of the entertainment industry.

Pens are laid down, keyboards are silent, and writers have taken to the streets. The power of the pen clashes with the power of the purse, and the outcome might have serious ramifications for the future of the entertainment industry. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has commenced its first strike in 15 years, with unionised TV and film writers taking to the streets to demand better pay from major studios. Despite failing to reach a new contract with the trade association that represents Hollywood studios and production companies, the WGA is undeterred in its efforts to secure higher minimum pay, more writers per show, and shorter exclusive contracts, among other demands. Here is your ready reckoner on the Hollywood writers' strike The importance of writers in TV and film Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the strike, let’s take a step back and look at the big picture. Writers have been an integral part of the entertainment industry since its inception. Without them, there would be no scripts, no dialogue, no witty banter, no heart-wrenching monologues. In short, there would be no stories to tell. Despite their vital role, however, writers have historically been treated as second-class citizens in Hollywood. They have been underpaid, undervalued, and often subjected to harsh working conditions. This is partly due to the fact that the studios hold most of the power in the industry, and writers have had little recourse to challenge their authority. All that changed in 2007 when the Writers Guild of America (WGA) went on strike. 2007–08 Writers Guild of America strike That strike was sparked by a dispute over compensation for online content, which was becoming increasingly important as the internet began to transform the entertainment industry. At the time, writers were only receiving a small fraction of the revenue generated by online content, and they were understandably unhappy about it. The WGA demanded a greater share of the revenue and proposed a new payment structure that would have given writers a percentage of the profits from online content. The studios, however, were not interested in sharing the wealth. They argued that the internet was still a new and untested market, and that they needed to keep most of the revenue to invest in new content. The negotiations between the two sides were long and contentious, with each side digging its heels and refusing to budge. In November 2007, the WGA went on strike, and writers all across Hollywood put down their pens and took to the picket lines. The strike lasted for 100 days and had a profound impact on the entertainment industry. Production on most TV shows and movies ground to a halt, leaving viewers with a steady diet of reruns and reality shows. The late-night talk shows were hit particularly hard, with hosts like Jay Leno and David Letterman forced to go off the air for several months. The strike also had a significant economic impact, with estimates suggesting that it cost the industry around $2 billion. Many writers were unable to work during the strike, and even those who could continue working saw their incomes fall. The strike also had ripple effects throughout the industry, with everyone from makeup artists to caterers feeling the pinch. Despite the economic cost, however, the strike was ultimately successful. The WGA was able to secure a better deal for writers, with studios agreeing to pay writers a larger percentage of revenue generated by online content. The strike also helped raise awareness of the challenges faced by writers in the entertainment industry, and it paved the way for further labour activism in Hollywood. 2023 Writers Guild of America strike The latest strike is a result of the content boom thanks, mainly, to the proliferation of streaming services. With Netflix and Amazon Prime VIdeo and other streamers emerging as key players, the space is suddenly crowded, with every major studio jumping on the bandwagon. The wealth of content has led to an increase in the number of series and films that are annually made, leading to more job opportunities for writers. However, this has come at a cost, with writers claiming they are making less than they used to, while working under more strained conditions. As such, the WGA is seeking more compensation for writers upfront, since many of the payments writers have historically profited from on the back end, like syndication and international licensing, have been largely phased out by the onset of streaming. Impact of the strike The strike's impact on scripted series and films will take longer to notice, but if the strike persists through the summer, fall TV schedules could be upended. Late-night television has already been impacted, with all of the top late-night shows, which are staffed by writers who write jokes for their hosts, immediately going dark. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents studios and production companies, has offered "generous increases in compensation for writers as well as improvements in streaming residuals." However, the primary sticking points to a deal revolve around so-called mini-rooms, with the guild seeking a minimum number of scribes per writer room, and the duration of employment contracts. Given that the studios' trade association was unwilling to improve its offer due to the magnitude of other proposals still on the table that the guild continues to insist upon, the WGA is undeterred in its mission to secure better pay and working conditions for its members. The strike's cascading effects on TV and film productions will depend on how long the strike lasts and comes at a time when streaming services are under growing pressure from Wall Street to show profits. Regardless of the outcome, this labour dispute serves as a sobering reminder that the entertainment industry is far from glamorous for those working behind the scenes. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | Hollywood strike - What the writers want

<p>With writers' strike raging on in Hollywood, the notion of artificial intelligence taking over the screenwriting duties is terrifying for both writers of TV and film, and the audiences. One of the points of contention between WGA, or Writers Guild of America, and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), was AI. WGA members wish to limit the use of tools like ChatGPT in the screenwriting process, but Hollywood studios, suffering from economic losses in the streaming era and a post-pandemic world where the theatrical business is yet to fully recover, believe otherwise. Sure enough large language models or LLMs like ChatGPT have proven ridiculously useful in generating text. It can write thousands of words in a matter of seconds, which is beyond us.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, judging by the quality of ChatGPT's writing, which is without any flavour or personality (an obvious reason for that) and reads like a particularly dull Wikipedia entry, professional writers may not have any particular cause to worry about, at the moment anyway.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But what if ChatGPT in a dystopic future did replace writers and wrote TV and film scripts? What would our entertainment look like?</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-explained--hollywood-strike---what-the-writers-want-588409">Explained | Hollywood strike - What the writers want</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong><em>Succession </em>in space</strong></h2>

<p>We asked the large language model to write a synopsis of HBO's <em>Succession</em>&nbsp;if it were set in space. Here's what it came up with:</p>

<p>"Succession in Space is a science fiction drama series that follows the Roy family, a wealthy and powerful family who own a space exploration and mining company called Royco. The show is set in a distant future where humanity has colonised multiple planets and galaxies, and space travel and colonisation have become the norm. The series centres around the patriarch of the family, Logan Roy, a ruthless and ambitious business tycoon who is the founder and CEO of Royco. Logan is getting old and is facing health issues, which prompts him to start thinking about his succession plan. He has four children: Kendall, Shiv, Roman, and Connor, who all have different personalities and ambitions. As Logan's health deteriorates, tensions rise, and the siblings start to fight for power, control, and the family legacy."</p>

<p>Not very imaginative on ChatGPT's part. It did, in fairness, follow my prompt to the letter. This is Succession in space, indeed. And not very interesting. The LLM just took tired tropes from sci-fi and applied them to the show's main plot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-hollywood-writers-vs-artificial-intelligence-how-their-strike-is-also-a-fight-against-ai-588446">Hollywood writers vs artificial intelligence: How their strike is also a fight against AI</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong><em>Breaking Bad</em> in India?</strong></h2>

<p>Next, I asked ChatGPT to reimagine <em>Breaking Bad</em> in India. It came up with:&nbsp;</p>

<p>"<em>Breaking Bad: Mumbai</em> show follows the story of Walter White, a struggling high school chemistry teacher who turns to making and selling methamphetamine to secure his family's future after being diagnosed with lung cancer. In this version of the story, Walter White is reimagined as Vikram Verma, a chemistry professor at a prestigious Mumbai university. Vikram is a talented chemist, but his life takes a turn when he is diagnosed with cancer and realises that he cannot afford the expensive treatments that could save his life. Desperate to provide for his family, Vikram turns to his former student and small-time drug dealer, Rohit, to help him start cooking and selling crystal meth. Rohit is a young, ambitious man with big dreams of becoming a major player in the drug trade, and he sees Vikram's expertise as the key to his success. Together, Vikram and Rohit embark on a dangerous journey, navigating the dangerous underworld of Mumbai's drug trade and dealing with ruthless gangsters, corrupt police officers, and rival drug dealers. Along the way, they must also contend with the disapproval of their families and loved ones, who are unaware of their illegal activities. As Vikram becomes more deeply involved in the drug trade, he begins to transform from a mild-mannered professor to a ruthless drug lord, willing to do whatever it takes to protect his territory and his family."</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hollywood-writers-go-on-strike-over-fair-pay-in-streaming-era-588385/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Again, this is without a single hint of imagination. ChatGPT does what the prompt tells you, but fails to do anything remotely approaching interesting beyond what the fresh.</p>

<p>For now, at least, ChatGPT or AI, in general, does not pose a threat to any writer worth his or her salt. Of course, money-minded studios might not see it that way, and we have seen content in the past that feels like an algorithm wrote it.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


With writers' strike raging on in Hollywood, the notion of artificial intelligence taking over the screenwriting duties is terrifying for both writers of TV and film, and the audiences.

With writers' strike raging on in Hollywood, the notion of artificial intelligence taking over the screenwriting duties is terrifying for both writers of TV and film, and the audiences. One of the points of contention between WGA, or Writers Guild of America, and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), was AI. WGA members wish to limit the use of tools like ChatGPT in the screenwriting process, but Hollywood studios, suffering from economic losses in the streaming era and a post-pandemic world where the theatrical business is yet to fully recover, believe otherwise. Sure enough large language models or LLMs like ChatGPT have proven ridiculously useful in generating text. It can write thousands of words in a matter of seconds, which is beyond us. However, judging by the quality of ChatGPT's writing, which is without any flavour or personality (an obvious reason for that) and reads like a particularly dull Wikipedia entry, professional writers may not have any particular cause to worry about, at the moment anyway. But what if ChatGPT in a dystopic future did replace writers and wrote TV and film scripts? What would our entertainment look like? Also Read: Explained | Hollywood strike - What the writers want Succession in space We asked the large language model to write a synopsis of HBO's Succession if it were set in space. Here's what it came up with: "Succession in Space is a science fiction drama series that follows the Roy family, a wealthy and powerful family who own a space exploration and mining company called Royco. The show is set in a distant future where humanity has colonised multiple planets and galaxies, and space travel and colonisation have become the norm. The series centres around the patriarch of the family, Logan Roy, a ruthless and ambitious business tycoon who is the founder and CEO of Royco. Logan is getting old and is facing health issues, which prompts him to start thinking about his succession plan. He has four children: Kendall, Shiv, Roman, and Connor, who all have different personalities and ambitions. As Logan's health deteriorates, tensions rise, and the siblings start to fight for power, control, and the family legacy." Not very imaginative on ChatGPT's part. It did, in fairness, follow my prompt to the letter. This is Succession in space, indeed. And not very interesting. The LLM just took tired tropes from sci-fi and applied them to the show's main plot. Also Read: Hollywood writers vs artificial intelligence: How their strike is also a fight against AI Breaking Bad in India? Next, I asked ChatGPT to reimagine Breaking Bad in India. It came up with: "Breaking Bad: Mumbai show follows the story of Walter White, a struggling high school chemistry teacher who turns to making and selling methamphetamine to secure his family's future after being diagnosed with lung cancer. In this version of the story, Walter White is reimagined as Vikram Verma, a chemistry professor at a prestigious Mumbai university. Vikram is a talented chemist, but his life takes a turn when he is diagnosed with cancer and realises that he cannot afford the expensive treatments that could save his life. Desperate to provide for his family, Vikram turns to his former student and small-time drug dealer, Rohit, to help him start cooking and selling crystal meth. Rohit is a young, ambitious man with big dreams of becoming a major player in the drug trade, and he sees Vikram's expertise as the key to his success. Together, Vikram and Rohit embark on a dangerous journey, navigating the dangerous underworld of Mumbai's drug trade and dealing with ruthless gangsters, corrupt police officers, and rival drug dealers. Along the way, they must also contend with the disapproval of their families and loved ones, who are unaware of their illegal activities. As Vikram becomes more deeply involved in the drug trade, he begins to transform from a mild-mannered professor to a ruthless drug lord, willing to do whatever it takes to protect his territory and his family." Again, this is without a single hint of imagination. ChatGPT does what the prompt tells you, but fails to do anything remotely approaching interesting beyond what the fresh. For now, at least, ChatGPT or AI, in general, does not pose a threat to any writer worth his or her salt. Of course, money-minded studios might not see it that way, and we have seen content in the past that feels like an algorithm wrote it. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

AI vs writers: Can ChatGPT create the next Succession? Or Breaking Bad?

<p>On April 18, 2018, nearly 98 per cent of members of the WGA, or Writers Guild of America, voted to go on strike if they do not reach an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), the entity that is representing American film and TV studios (Amazon Studios, Apple Studios, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Paramount Global, Sony Pictures, the Walt Disney Company, and Warner Bros. Discovery), by May 1. And on the evening of May 2, they made good on their promise by declaring the strike, the first in 15 years. WGA members began picketing the next day. Around 11,500 writers stopped working, making late-night television go dark. &nbsp;The writers have said they want higher minimum pay, more writers per show, and shorter exclusive contracts, among other things.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also on the list of negotiation points are artificial intelligence and large language models like ChatGPT. Though it is quite far down the list, many claim AI may have major ramifications for the future of the industry. AI systems have actually already been a part of Hollywood filmmaking for years. Are tools like ChatGPT different?</p>

<h2><strong>Hollywood and AI — &nbsp;a love story?</strong></h2>

<p>AI has been revolutionising the entertainment industry in a variety of ways beyond just creative writing. One of the most notable examples is the use of AI in de-ageing technology. This technology involves using machine learning algorithms to analyse images of an actor at various ages and then applying that data to create a computer-generated model of what the actor would look like at any given age. De-ageing technology has been used in a number of high-profile films, including Martin Scorsese's<em> The Irishman</em>, where it was used to make actors Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci look decades younger (to, uh, mixed results). The technology has also been used in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury being de-aged in <em>Captain Marvel </em>and Robert Downey Jr being de-aged in <em>Captain America: Civil War.</em></p>

<p>Another area where AI is already extensively being used in Hollywood is in post-production. For example, AI algorithms can be used to help colour-correct footage or to automatically add special effects. This saves time and money in the editing process and allows filmmakers to create more complex visuals.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hollywood-writers-strike-to-trigger-tv-shutdowns-588166/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>Large language models or LLMs — the bones of contention</strong></h2>

<p>WGA has made it clear that they don't want AI to be involved in the creative process. Unlike other AI tools, LLMs are potentially replacing a job (there was no de-ageing job). &nbsp;Screenwriter John August, a member of the WGA negotiating committee, said he and others have two major concerns regarding AI. "We don't want our material feeding them, and we also don't want to be fixing their sloppy first drafts," he said.</p>

<p>Here, by "feeding" he refers to training AI systems with existing high-quality scripts.</p>

<p>Hypothetically, if an AI system was fed with scripts written by M Night Shyamalan, it could, given time, come up with its own twisty, suspenseful plots. If it were fed with Martin Scorsese's scripts, it could, theoretically, create its own gangster epic. Or one could make it watch thousands of "prestige" shows and maybe it can churn out <em>Succession </em>in space. Or something like that.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ai-scams-mimicking-voices-are-on-the-rise-588152/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>

<h2><strong>Can AI write the next <em>Succession</em>, then?</strong></h2>

<p>Writers argue that AI-generated scripts lack the human touch that makes stories truly great and that allowing machines to write would be a form of plagiarism. The argument that AI-generated content is not as emotionally engaging as human-written content is not without merit. After all, machines lack the ability to understand human emotions, and storytelling often relies on conveying complex emotional experiences. And even LLMs were trained on existing content, so there will not be any originality. Many scientists believe nothing may truly be original as we all create things out of what we see, feel, hear, and experience. Even if we accept that, LLMs will not have our "diversity of thought", as a Vox piece said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>LLMs, as they stand currently, can generate copious amounts of text in a matter of seconds, which is beyond any human capability, but the words they write lack nuance and flavour. The language LLMs use is rather bland even if given specific instructions to be otherwise. We will end up with billions of words of sanitised, dry, and ultimately useless prose.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So no, AI cannot write the next <em>Succession</em>. I am not convinced AI could write a good reality show.</p>

<h2><strong>What the future holds</strong></h2>

<p>It's unlikely that machines will ever completely replace human writers, as creativity is a complex and nuanced process that involves more than just stringing words together. For writers, the answer may lie in finding a balance between human creativity and AI-generated content. Perhaps machines can be used to generate ideas or help with the writing process while leaving the final product in the hands of human writers.</p>

<p>In the end, the debate over AI and creative writing is not just about the future of Hollywood, but about the role of technology in society as a whole. As machines become more advanced, we will be forced to grapple with difficult questions about ownership, creativity, and what it means to be human. Only time will tell how we answer these questions.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


On April 18, 2018, nearly 98 per cent of members of the WGA, or Writers Guild of America, voted to go on strike if they do not reach an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), the entity that is representing American film and TV studios (Amazon Studios, Apple Studios, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Paramount Global, Sony Pictures, the Walt Disney Company, and Warner Bros.

On April 18, 2018, nearly 98 per cent of members of the WGA, or Writers Guild of America, voted to go on strike if they do not reach an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), the entity that is representing American film and TV studios (Amazon Studios, Apple Studios, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Paramount Global, Sony Pictures, the Walt Disney Company, and Warner Bros. Discovery), by May 1. And on the evening of May 2, they made good on their promise by declaring the strike, the first in 15 years. WGA members began picketing the next day. Around 11,500 writers stopped working, making late-night television go dark. The writers have said they want higher minimum pay, more writers per show, and shorter exclusive contracts, among other things. Also on the list of negotiation points are artificial intelligence and large language models like ChatGPT. Though it is quite far down the list, many claim AI may have major ramifications for the future of the industry. AI systems have actually already been a part of Hollywood filmmaking for years. Are tools like ChatGPT different? Hollywood and AI — a love story? AI has been revolutionising the entertainment industry in a variety of ways beyond just creative writing. One of the most notable examples is the use of AI in de-ageing technology. This technology involves using machine learning algorithms to analyse images of an actor at various ages and then applying that data to create a computer-generated model of what the actor would look like at any given age. De-ageing technology has been used in a number of high-profile films, including Martin Scorsese's The Irishman, where it was used to make actors Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci look decades younger (to, uh, mixed results). The technology has also been used in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury being de-aged in Captain Marvel and Robert Downey Jr being de-aged in Captain America: Civil War. Another area where AI is already extensively being used in Hollywood is in post-production. For example, AI algorithms can be used to help colour-correct footage or to automatically add special effects. This saves time and money in the editing process and allows filmmakers to create more complex visuals. Large language models or LLMs — the bones of contention WGA has made it clear that they don't want AI to be involved in the creative process. Unlike other AI tools, LLMs are potentially replacing a job (there was no de-ageing job). Screenwriter John August, a member of the WGA negotiating committee, said he and others have two major concerns regarding AI. "We don't want our material feeding them, and we also don't want to be fixing their sloppy first drafts," he said. Here, by "feeding" he refers to training AI systems with existing high-quality scripts. Hypothetically, if an AI system was fed with scripts written by M Night Shyamalan, it could, given time, come up with its own twisty, suspenseful plots. If it were fed with Martin Scorsese's scripts, it could, theoretically, create its own gangster epic. Or one could make it watch thousands of "prestige" shows and maybe it can churn out Succession in space. Or something like that. Can AI write the next Succession, then? Writers argue that AI-generated scripts lack the human touch that makes stories truly great and that allowing machines to write would be a form of plagiarism. The argument that AI-generated content is not as emotionally engaging as human-written content is not without merit. After all, machines lack the ability to understand human emotions, and storytelling often relies on conveying complex emotional experiences. And even LLMs were trained on existing content, so there will not be any originality. Many scientists believe nothing may truly be original as we all create things out of what we see, feel, hear, and experience. Even if we accept that, LLMs will not have our "diversity of thought", as a Vox piece said. LLMs, as they stand currently, can generate copious amounts of text in a matter of seconds, which is beyond any human capability, but the words they write lack nuance and flavour. The language LLMs use is rather bland even if given specific instructions to be otherwise. We will end up with billions of words of sanitised, dry, and ultimately useless prose. So no, AI cannot write the next Succession. I am not convinced AI could write a good reality show. What the future holds It's unlikely that machines will ever completely replace human writers, as creativity is a complex and nuanced process that involves more than just stringing words together. For writers, the answer may lie in finding a balance between human creativity and AI-generated content. Perhaps machines can be used to generate ideas or help with the writing process while leaving the final product in the hands of human writers. In the end, the debate over AI and creative writing is not just about the future of Hollywood, but about the role of technology in society as a whole. As machines become more advanced, we will be forced to grapple with difficult questions about ownership, creativity, and what it means to be human. Only time will tell how we answer these questions. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hollywood writers vs artificial intelligence: How their strike is also a fight against AI

<p>Ed Sheeran, the popular English singer, is currently embroiled in a copyright infringement lawsuit. The heirs of Ed Townsend, co-writer and composer of Marvin Gaye's song "Let's Get It On," have accused Sheeran of unlawfully using the "heart" of the song in his hit "Thinking Out Loud." The heirs claim that Sheeran copied the song's "harmonic progressions," "melodic and rhythmic elements," and "repeated it continuously" throughout his song. However, Sheeran denies the allegations and argues that Gaye's song only has routine elements that are not unique or protectable. The lawsuit focuses on the musical building blocks of Gaye's song, not the lyrics or the overall feel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The jury is tasked with deciding whether Sheeran copied these building blocks, which are recorded on sheet music filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Townsend's family has been vocal about the case. Kathryn Townsend Griffin, Townsend's daughter, is the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit. While testifying, she said that she believes Sheeran is a fantastic artist with a bright future, but she has to protect her father's legacy.</p>

<p>Townsend, who was a singer, songwriter, and lawyer and also wrote the 1958 R&amp;B doo-wop hit "For Your Love," passed away in 2003.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/did-ed-sheeran-steal-marvin-gayes-tune-heres-what-the-trial-is-about-586011/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>What is Ed Sheeran's response?</strong></h2>

<p>Sheeran has argued that "most pop songs can fit over most pop songs," citing "Let It Be" by the Beatles and "No Woman, No Cry" by Bob Marley as examples. He also played a four-chord progression from "Thinking Out Loud," and Alexander Stewart, a musicologist for the plaintiffs, argued that Sheeran's second chord is similar to the minor one in the same position in the "Let's Get It On" progression. Sheeran responded by demonstrating a version with a major chord that he said he played at "every single gig."</p>

<p>Sheeran believes that this type of litigation is damaging to the songwriting industry and that claims are being made with the idea that a settlement will be cheaper than taking the case to court, even if there's no basis for the claim. He pointed out that coincidence is bound to happen if 60,000 songs are being released every day on Spotify.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sheeran has also said that he couldn't believe that somebody would listen to one of his songs and then "diminish it by saying I stole it," adding that he found it really insulting.</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-ed-sheeran-gets-support-from-fellow-performers-in-copyright-trial-588055">Ed Sheeran gets support from fellow performers in copyright trial</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Support of peers for Ed Sheeran</strong></h2>

<p>Sheeran has said that he has received encouragement from other performers who share his concerns about litigation resulting from their songwriting, though he did not name anyone. He offered a spirited defence during his second day on the witness stand on May 1&nbsp;and stated that all songwriters view such allegations as a threat to their work. The trial, which is now in its second week, stems from a lawsuit filed by Ed Townsend's heirs several years ago. They are seeking unspecified damages.</p>

<h2><strong>Not the first copyright infringement suit against Ed Sheeran</strong></h2>

<p>This case is just one of several that Sheeran has faced over alleged copyright infringement. He is facing two other lawsuits in the same courthouse (Manhattan federal court)&nbsp;over the alleged similarities between "Thinking Out Loud" and "Let's Get It On," filed by a company that holds an 11.11 per cent stake in "Let's Get It On." Sheeran has also faced litigation for allegedly copying aspects of the song "Amazing" in his hit "Photograph," and for copying Sami Chokri's song "Oh Why" in his song "Shape of You." He went on to win the latter but said “claims like this are way too common now and have become a culture where a claim is made with the idea that a settlement will be cheaper than taking it to court, even if there’s no base for the claim."</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-explained--controversy-around-friends-a-classic-sitcom-or-a-relic-of-a-less-diverse-era-577770">Explained | Controversy around Friends: A classic sitcom or a relic of a less diverse era?</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Concerns over the impact of litigations on music industry</strong></h2>

<p>In the trial, Sheeran has raised concerns about the impact of litigation on the music industry. Many in the industry fear that the proliferation of lawsuits over alleged similarities between songs could stifle creativity and innovation, leading to an adverse effect on musicians, who would be discouraged from taking risks and experimenting with new sounds and styles. If every chord progression, melody, or rhythm is potentially subject to litigation, singers and songwriters may be hesitant to incorporate elements from other songs or genres into their own work and go out of the way to check whether the tune of their song might sound similar to some other song. This could lead to a homogenisation of music, with fewer new sounds and ideas being introduced.</p>

<p>Also Read:<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-explained-how-john-wick-films-use-limited-dialogue-to-build-enigma-around-keanu-reeves-baba-yaga-576650">&nbsp;Explained: How John Wick films use limited dialogue to build enigma around Keanu Reeves' Baba Yaga</a></strong></p>

<p>Also, the cost and time involved in defending against lawsuits could be prohibitive for independent or emerging musicians, who may not have the resources to fight back. This could create a power dynamic where established artists or companies with deep pockets are better equipped to withstand litigation and assert their ownership of musical elements, while smaller or newer players may be forced to settle or give up their claims.</p>

<p>If that weren't enough, there is a thing called 'sampling' in music, which refers to the practice of taking a portion, or a sample, of an existing sound recording and incorporating it into a new composition.&nbsp;The process of sampling has been widely used in various music genres, such as hip-hop, electronic, and pop, to create new songs by blending pre-existing elements with new sounds and lyrics. The practice is prevalent and&nbsp;things could heat up, if legal measures were taken to counter it.</p>

<p>Ultimately, the outcome of the Sheeran lawsuit and others like it could have far-reaching implications for the music industry.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Ed Sheeran, the popular English singer, is currently embroiled in a copyright infringement lawsuit. The heirs of Ed Townsend, co-writer and composer of Marvin Gaye's song "Let's Get It On," have accused Sheeran of unlawfully using the "heart" of the song in his hit "Thinking Out Loud.

Ed Sheeran, the popular English singer, is currently embroiled in a copyright infringement lawsuit. The heirs of Ed Townsend, co-writer and composer of Marvin Gaye's song "Let's Get It On," have accused Sheeran of unlawfully using the "heart" of the song in his hit "Thinking Out Loud." The heirs claim that Sheeran copied the song's "harmonic progressions," "melodic and rhythmic elements," and "repeated it continuously" throughout his song. However, Sheeran denies the allegations and argues that Gaye's song only has routine elements that are not unique or protectable. The lawsuit focuses on the musical building blocks of Gaye's song, not the lyrics or the overall feel. The jury is tasked with deciding whether Sheeran copied these building blocks, which are recorded on sheet music filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Townsend's family has been vocal about the case. Kathryn Townsend Griffin, Townsend's daughter, is the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit. While testifying, she said that she believes Sheeran is a fantastic artist with a bright future, but she has to protect her father's legacy. Townsend, who was a singer, songwriter, and lawyer and also wrote the 1958 R&B doo-wop hit "For Your Love," passed away in 2003. What is Ed Sheeran's response? Sheeran has argued that "most pop songs can fit over most pop songs," citing "Let It Be" by the Beatles and "No Woman, No Cry" by Bob Marley as examples. He also played a four-chord progression from "Thinking Out Loud," and Alexander Stewart, a musicologist for the plaintiffs, argued that Sheeran's second chord is similar to the minor one in the same position in the "Let's Get It On" progression. Sheeran responded by demonstrating a version with a major chord that he said he played at "every single gig." Sheeran believes that this type of litigation is damaging to the songwriting industry and that claims are being made with the idea that a settlement will be cheaper than taking the case to court, even if there's no basis for the claim. He pointed out that coincidence is bound to happen if 60,000 songs are being released every day on Spotify. Sheeran has also said that he couldn't believe that somebody would listen to one of his songs and then "diminish it by saying I stole it," adding that he found it really insulting. Also Read: Ed Sheeran gets support from fellow performers in copyright trial Support of peers for Ed Sheeran Sheeran has said that he has received encouragement from other performers who share his concerns about litigation resulting from their songwriting, though he did not name anyone. He offered a spirited defence during his second day on the witness stand on May 1 and stated that all songwriters view such allegations as a threat to their work. The trial, which is now in its second week, stems from a lawsuit filed by Ed Townsend's heirs several years ago. They are seeking unspecified damages. Not the first copyright infringement suit against Ed Sheeran This case is just one of several that Sheeran has faced over alleged copyright infringement. He is facing two other lawsuits in the same courthouse (Manhattan federal court) over the alleged similarities between "Thinking Out Loud" and "Let's Get It On," filed by a company that holds an 11.11 per cent stake in "Let's Get It On." Sheeran has also faced litigation for allegedly copying aspects of the song "Amazing" in his hit "Photograph," and for copying Sami Chokri's song "Oh Why" in his song "Shape of You." He went on to win the latter but said “claims like this are way too common now and have become a culture where a claim is made with the idea that a settlement will be cheaper than taking it to court, even if there’s no base for the claim." Also Read: Explained | Controversy around Friends: A classic sitcom or a relic of a less diverse era? Concerns over the impact of litigations on music industry In the trial, Sheeran has raised concerns about the impact of litigation on the music industry. Many in the industry fear that the proliferation of lawsuits over alleged similarities between songs could stifle creativity and innovation, leading to an adverse effect on musicians, who would be discouraged from taking risks and experimenting with new sounds and styles. If every chord progression, melody, or rhythm is potentially subject to litigation, singers and songwriters may be hesitant to incorporate elements from other songs or genres into their own work and go out of the way to check whether the tune of their song might sound similar to some other song. This could lead to a homogenisation of music, with fewer new sounds and ideas being introduced. Also Read: Explained: How John Wick films use limited dialogue to build enigma around Keanu Reeves' Baba Yaga Also, the cost and time involved in defending against lawsuits could be prohibitive for independent or emerging musicians, who may not have the resources to fight back. This could create a power dynamic where established artists or companies with deep pockets are better equipped to withstand litigation and assert their ownership of musical elements, while smaller or newer players may be forced to settle or give up their claims. If that weren't enough, there is a thing called 'sampling' in music, which refers to the practice of taking a portion, or a sample, of an existing sound recording and incorporating it into a new composition. The process of sampling has been widely used in various music genres, such as hip-hop, electronic, and pop, to create new songs by blending pre-existing elements with new sounds and lyrics. The practice is prevalent and things could heat up, if legal measures were taken to counter it. Ultimately, the outcome of the Sheeran lawsuit and others like it could have far-reaching implications for the music industry. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Why Ed Sheeran is facing copyright infringement lawsuit

<p>The television medium has evolved tremendously over the years, and so have the budgets. With the rise of streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, television has become more competitive than ever, with networks constantly vying for viewership dominance. To keep up with the fierce competition, these networks have started shelling out colossal sums of money to produce the most visually stunning and captivating content possible. Let's take a deep dive into the most expensive TV shows of all time, from Game of Thrones to The Mandalorian. The list is ordered from bottom to top.</p>

<h2><strong>10. <em>The Crown</em> ($13 million per episode)</strong></h2>

<p><em>The Crown</em> is a historical drama television series produced by Netflix that focuses on the reign of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. The show begins with the young Queen's marriage to Prince Philip and follows her reign from the 1940s through to the present day.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/is-priyanka-chopras-citadel-worth-the-hype-critically-speaking-587036/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>9. <em>Game of Thrones</em> ($15 million per episode)</strong></h2>

<p>HBO's <em>Game of Thrones</em> is a popular series based on the epic fantasy novels A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin. The show is set in the fictional world of Westeros, where several noble families vie for control of the Iron Throne, the seat of the king of the Seven Kingdoms</p>

<h2><strong>8. <em>See </em>($15 million per episode)</strong></h2>

<p><em>See </em>is a post-apocalyptic drama series produced by Apple TV+ that premiered in 2019. The show is set in a world where a virus has decimated the human population, leaving the survivors blind. Centuries later, a tribe of people with a unique ability to see is born, and they are hunted by those who fear their power.</p>

<h2><strong>7. The Mandalorian ($15 million per episode)</strong></h2>

<p><em>The Mandalorian</em> follows the story of a bounty hunter named Din Djarin, also known as the Mandalorian, who travels through the outer reaches of the galaxy, far from the authority of the New Republic.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/exclusive-k-pop-band-blackswan-on-wion-553850/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>6. The Pacific ($20 million per episode)</strong></h2>

<p><em>The Pacific</em> is a historical drama that focuses on the experiences of US Marines during World War II in the Pacific theatre.</p>

<h2><strong>5. <em>House of the Dragon </em>($20 million per episode)</strong></h2>

<p><em>House of the Dragon</em> is a prequel to the popular series Game of Thrones and tells the story of House Targaryen, one of the most prominent and influential families in the GoT universe.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/exclusive-k-pop-band-blackswan-on-wion-553850/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>4. <em>WandaVision</em> ($25 million per episode)</strong></h2>

<p><em>WandaVision </em>focusses on Wanda Maximoff and Vision, as they live an idyllic suburban life in different decades of American sitcoms. As the series progresses, strange events occur that make the couple question the reality of their situation, and they gradually realise that their seemingly perfect life is not what it seems.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>3. <em>Stranger Things</em> ($30 million per episode)</strong></h2>

<p><em>Stranger Things</em> is a sci-fi horror television series set in the 1980s that follows a group of friends as they investigate supernatural occurrences in their small town of Hawkins, Indiana. The series is known for its nostalgic setting and homage to classic 80s pop culture.</p>

<h2><strong>2. <em>Citadel</em> ($50 million per episode)</strong></h2>

<p>The newest of the bunch, Citadel revolves around a group of agents from different countries who are all tasked with solving a mystery that threatens to destroy the world order.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>1. <em>The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power </em>($58 million per episode)</strong></h2>

<p><em>The Rings of Power</em> serves as a prequel to JRR Tolkien's iconic fantasy novel, <em>The Lord of the Rings</em>, as well as the immensely successful trilogy of movies directed by Peter Jackson. It is set in the Second Age. The series, created by JD Payne and Patrick McKay, delves deeper into the world-building and lore that Tolkien established in the appendices of his magnum opus.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The television medium has evolved tremendously over the years, and so have the budgets. With the rise of streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, television has become more competitive than ever, with networks constantly vying for viewership dominance.

The television medium has evolved tremendously over the years, and so have the budgets. With the rise of streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, television has become more competitive than ever, with networks constantly vying for viewership dominance. To keep up with the fierce competition, these networks have started shelling out colossal sums of money to produce the most visually stunning and captivating content possible. Let's take a deep dive into the most expensive TV shows of all time, from Game of Thrones to The Mandalorian. The list is ordered from bottom to top. 10. The Crown ($13 million per episode) The Crown is a historical drama television series produced by Netflix that focuses on the reign of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. The show begins with the young Queen's marriage to Prince Philip and follows her reign from the 1940s through to the present day. 9. Game of Thrones ($15 million per episode) HBO's Game of Thrones is a popular series based on the epic fantasy novels A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin. The show is set in the fictional world of Westeros, where several noble families vie for control of the Iron Throne, the seat of the king of the Seven Kingdoms 8. See ($15 million per episode) See is a post-apocalyptic drama series produced by Apple TV+ that premiered in 2019. The show is set in a world where a virus has decimated the human population, leaving the survivors blind. Centuries later, a tribe of people with a unique ability to see is born, and they are hunted by those who fear their power. 7. The Mandalorian ($15 million per episode) The Mandalorian follows the story of a bounty hunter named Din Djarin, also known as the Mandalorian, who travels through the outer reaches of the galaxy, far from the authority of the New Republic. 6. The Pacific ($20 million per episode) The Pacific is a historical drama that focuses on the experiences of US Marines during World War II in the Pacific theatre. 5. House of the Dragon ($20 million per episode) House of the Dragon is a prequel to the popular series Game of Thrones and tells the story of House Targaryen, one of the most prominent and influential families in the GoT universe. 4. WandaVision ($25 million per episode) WandaVision focusses on Wanda Maximoff and Vision, as they live an idyllic suburban life in different decades of American sitcoms. As the series progresses, strange events occur that make the couple question the reality of their situation, and they gradually realise that their seemingly perfect life is not what it seems. 3. Stranger Things ($30 million per episode) Stranger Things is a sci-fi horror television series set in the 1980s that follows a group of friends as they investigate supernatural occurrences in their small town of Hawkins, Indiana. The series is known for its nostalgic setting and homage to classic 80s pop culture. 2. Citadel ($50 million per episode) The newest of the bunch, Citadel revolves around a group of agents from different countries who are all tasked with solving a mystery that threatens to destroy the world order. 1. The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power ($58 million per episode) The Rings of Power serves as a prequel to JRR Tolkien's iconic fantasy novel, The Lord of the Rings, as well as the immensely successful trilogy of movies directed by Peter Jackson. It is set in the Second Age. The series, created by JD Payne and Patrick McKay, delves deeper into the world-building and lore that Tolkien established in the appendices of his magnum opus. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

From Citadel to Game of Thrones: Most expensive TV shows of all time

<p>The music industry has of late been buzzing about "Heart on My Sleeve", a song that allegedly uses artificial intelligence to replicate the vocals of Drake and The Weeknd. The track was uploaded to TikTok and has not surprisingly generated a variety of reactions. Universal Music Group, one of the Big Three in American music industry (the other two being Warner Music Group and Sony Music), was quick to get streaming services to pull it down, although, it being internet, it will probably never actually go away. Copyright experts disagree over whether the song actually constitutes copyright infringement. Those who say it doesn't, argue: the song never existed before the AI tool did its magic so how can it violate the copyright?&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/artificial-intelligence-the-future-of-music-or-its-biggest-threat-586655">Artificial Intelligence: The future of music or its biggest threat?</a></strong></p>

<p>It is almost certain that issues arising out of artificial intelligence will dominate our news headlines for years to come.</p>

<p>I am, however, here to discuss with you a related topic: corporatisation of music in America. It's not new. The music industry in the country has been heavily dominated by the big record labels three for decades so much so that they produce a staggering two-thirds of all the music that people listen to, as per a Wired report from 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the most powerful entities in the market, these labels wield immense influence over the buying and selling of music and talent. This power is often abused as these labels prioritise a select few big stars and pop hits over the vast majority of little-known but talented musicians. They funnel their chosen music into massive radio conglomerates and streaming platforms that dictate how music is consumed, and in doing so, these labels continue to amass an ever-growing share of industry revenue, leaving independent artists struggling to be heard.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/can-ai-replace-human-intelligence-585570/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>They have established relationships with major radio stations, streaming platforms, and retail stores, giving them a significant advantage over independent artists and smaller record labels. They also have the financial power to invest in marketing, promotion, and tour support, which can make or break an artist's career.</p>

<h2><strong>AI in music, an unlikely force for good?</strong></h2>

<p>I believe there are some real positives with this AI situation, at least in this respect. It has the potential to democratise the music industry by giving more power and opportunities to independent artists. Since now AI is advanced enough to create new music (albeit based on existing tracks), this means that independent artists who cannot afford to work with big record companies now have access to powerful production tools that can help them create high-quality music.</p>

<p>It can also be used to help discover new talent. With the vast amount of music being produced and uploaded online, it can be difficult for record companies to sift through it all and find the next big thing. Algorithms can analyse data from streaming services, social media, and other online platforms to identify emerging artists and trends.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There may also be advantages for the consumer. The music listening experience will vastly improve.. For example, personalised playlists created by AI algorithms and machine learning are already being used by music streaming services like Spotify and Amazon Prime Video to help people discover new music that they might not have found otherwise. They may recommend music that is just perfect for the listener's mood, judging by signals that humans and existing technology cannot read. The sound quality of music will probably also be increased, with removal of noise, enhancing vocals, and improving the overall mix.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/will-the-ai-boom-lead-to-the-formation-of-new-religions-575025/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>Disrupting the monopoly</strong></h2>

<p>Breaking down the barriers erected by big record companies is long overdue. The music industry is on the brink of a revolution, and it's time to embrace the power of technology and level the playing field for all musicians. Who knows, the next big thing in music could be just a few clicks away, waiting to be discovered by an AI algorithm.</p>

<h2><strong>Pitfalls of AI in music</strong></h2>

<p>There are also already, credible, arguments against letting AI make inroads in music industry. AI's existence, some argue, may even threaten the music industry as a whole. Since evolution in this technology is so new, we currently have no idea what to expect. But there's indeed a possibility that as they become more advanced, algorithms could stifle innovation and make it more difficult for truly unique and original artists to stand out from the crowd. While it can certainly aid in the music creation process, it should never replace the creativity and passion that comes from human artists.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The music industry has of late been buzzing about "Heart on My Sleeve", a song that allegedly uses artificial intelligence to replicate the vocals of Drake and The Weeknd.

The music industry has of late been buzzing about "Heart on My Sleeve", a song that allegedly uses artificial intelligence to replicate the vocals of Drake and The Weeknd. The track was uploaded to TikTok and has not surprisingly generated a variety of reactions. Universal Music Group, one of the Big Three in American music industry (the other two being Warner Music Group and Sony Music), was quick to get streaming services to pull it down, although, it being internet, it will probably never actually go away. Copyright experts disagree over whether the song actually constitutes copyright infringement. Those who say it doesn't, argue: the song never existed before the AI tool did its magic so how can it violate the copyright? Also Read: Artificial Intelligence: The future of music or its biggest threat? It is almost certain that issues arising out of artificial intelligence will dominate our news headlines for years to come. I am, however, here to discuss with you a related topic: corporatisation of music in America. It's not new. The music industry in the country has been heavily dominated by the big record labels three for decades so much so that they produce a staggering two-thirds of all the music that people listen to, as per a Wired report from 2021. As the most powerful entities in the market, these labels wield immense influence over the buying and selling of music and talent. This power is often abused as these labels prioritise a select few big stars and pop hits over the vast majority of little-known but talented musicians. They funnel their chosen music into massive radio conglomerates and streaming platforms that dictate how music is consumed, and in doing so, these labels continue to amass an ever-growing share of industry revenue, leaving independent artists struggling to be heard. They have established relationships with major radio stations, streaming platforms, and retail stores, giving them a significant advantage over independent artists and smaller record labels. They also have the financial power to invest in marketing, promotion, and tour support, which can make or break an artist's career. AI in music, an unlikely force for good? I believe there are some real positives with this AI situation, at least in this respect. It has the potential to democratise the music industry by giving more power and opportunities to independent artists. Since now AI is advanced enough to create new music (albeit based on existing tracks), this means that independent artists who cannot afford to work with big record companies now have access to powerful production tools that can help them create high-quality music. It can also be used to help discover new talent. With the vast amount of music being produced and uploaded online, it can be difficult for record companies to sift through it all and find the next big thing. Algorithms can analyse data from streaming services, social media, and other online platforms to identify emerging artists and trends. There may also be advantages for the consumer. The music listening experience will vastly improve.. For example, personalised playlists created by AI algorithms and machine learning are already being used by music streaming services like Spotify and Amazon Prime Video to help people discover new music that they might not have found otherwise. They may recommend music that is just perfect for the listener's mood, judging by signals that humans and existing technology cannot read. The sound quality of music will probably also be increased, with removal of noise, enhancing vocals, and improving the overall mix. Disrupting the monopoly Breaking down the barriers erected by big record companies is long overdue. The music industry is on the brink of a revolution, and it's time to embrace the power of technology and level the playing field for all musicians. Who knows, the next big thing in music could be just a few clicks away, waiting to be discovered by an AI algorithm. Pitfalls of AI in music There are also already, credible, arguments against letting AI make inroads in music industry. AI's existence, some argue, may even threaten the music industry as a whole. Since evolution in this technology is so new, we currently have no idea what to expect. But there's indeed a possibility that as they become more advanced, algorithms could stifle innovation and make it more difficult for truly unique and original artists to stand out from the crowd. While it can certainly aid in the music creation process, it should never replace the creativity and passion that comes from human artists. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

AI may be a threat but record companies are the real mafia. Will AI democratise music industry?

<p>In the early morning of July 16, 1945, J Robert Oppenheimer, a physicist, and director of the Manhattan Project, watched as the world's first nuclear bomb exploded in the New Mexico desert. The blast was so powerful that it lit up the sky like a second sun, and Oppenheimer later recalled that he thought of a verse from the Hindu scripture the Bhagavad Gita just then: "If the radiance of a thousand suns were to burst at once into the sky, that would be like the splendor of the mighty one." It was one other verse from the scripture that he spoke of and has come to be deeply associated with him. Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu, is in his universal form, and proclaims to Arjun: "Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The technology that Oppenheimer helped develop served as the basis of Little Boy and Fat Man, two atomic bombs that laid waste to the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. The bombings effectively ended World War II, as Imperial Japan surrendered.</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lb13ynu3Iac" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>Oppenheimer had been instrumental in the development of nuclear weapons, but witnessing the destructive power of the bomb he helped invent made him question the morality of what he had done. In the years that followed, he became an outspoken advocate for nuclear disarmament, a stunning transformation that actually came very quickly after the destruction in Japan.</p>

<h2>Who was J Robert Oppenheimer?</h2>

<p>Born in New York City in 1904, Oppenheimer was a child prodigy with a passion for science. He studied at Harvard University and the Christ's College, Cambridge, and in the 1930s, he became involved in the study of atomic physics. In 1942, he was recruited by the US government to work on the Manhattan Project, a top-secret program to develop the world's first nuclear bomb.</p>

<p>Oppenheimer was appointed as the director of the Los Alamos laboratory in New Mexico, where the bomb was designed and built. He oversaw a team of thousands of scientists, engineers, and support staff, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that the bomb was ready for use as soon as possible. Despite his efforts, the bomb was not completed in time to be used in the European theatre of World War II, but it was ultimately, as describe above, used to devastating effect against Japan.</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bK6ldnjE3Y0" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Oppenheimer, the unlikely apostle of peace</strong></h2>

<p>Only 11 days after the bombings in Japan, Oppenheimer urged then-US president Harry S. Truman to ban nuclear weapons. But the president was by now worried about Soviet Union's aggression and paid him no heed. Oppenheimer also told Truman that he (Oppenheimer) had blood on his hands.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is believed by scholars that Oppenheimer's request to Truman was not actually driven by the death and destruction in Japan, but by the possibility of further devastation that atomic weapons in the future could bring.</p>

<p>Oppenheimer had become disillusioned with the technology he had helped create. He began to publicly speak out against the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and he became an advocate for arms control and disarmament.</p>

<p>He strongly opposed the development and test of the H-bomb, a weapon with far greater destructive power than the original atomic bomb, in 1952. But his opposition to the bomb did not go down well with the government. It was the time of McCarthyism, after all — a time of intense anti-communist suspicion and persecution of dissenting voices. He was removed from the Atomic Energy Commission.</p>

<p>In 1954, Oppenheimer's political views came under scrutiny when he was accused of being a security risk by the US government. During the height of the Cold War, Oppenheimer's past associations with left-wing political groups and his vocal opposition to nuclear testing made him a target of suspicion for many in the government.</p>

<p>Despite his contributions to the Manhattan Project, Oppenheimer was ultimately stripped of his security clearance and barred from further government work. In the years that followed, Oppenheimer continued to speak out against nuclear weapons, and became a prominent voice in the anti-nuclear movement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6DrdoBVMd9w" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>The threat of nuclear weapons in the present time</strong></h2>

<p>The devastating impact of nuclear weapons is something that cannot be understated, with the potential to annihilate entire cities and leave a lasting impact on the environment for years to come. A full-fledged nuclear war would obliterate all life from earth. Moreover, the rise of non-state actors and terrorist groups has added a new dimension to the threat of nuclear weapons. The possibility of nuclear weapons falling into the wrong hands and being used for malicious purposes is hard to ignore. In the decades following Oppenheimer's death in 1967, there have been several scares, but until now, his fears have blessedly not come to pass.</p>

<h2><strong>Christopher Nolan's <em>Oppenheimer</em></strong></h2>

<p>Oppenheimer's story will be explored on the big screen with Christopher Nolan's upcoming biopic of the scientist, titled simply <em>Oppenheimer</em>. The film, which is set to star Cillian Murphy in the role, promises to be a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of Oppenheimer's life and legacy. The film also features Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, Rami Malek, Florence Pugh, Benny Safdie, Michael Angarano, Josh Hartnett, and Kenneth Branagh in the cast.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


In the early morning of July 16, 1945, J Robert Oppenheimer, a physicist, and director of the Manhattan Project, watched as the world's first nuclear bomb exploded in the New Mexico desert.

In the early morning of July 16, 1945, J Robert Oppenheimer, a physicist, and director of the Manhattan Project, watched as the world's first nuclear bomb exploded in the New Mexico desert. The blast was so powerful that it lit up the sky like a second sun, and Oppenheimer later recalled that he thought of a verse from the Hindu scripture the Bhagavad Gita just then: "If the radiance of a thousand suns were to burst at once into the sky, that would be like the splendor of the mighty one." It was one other verse from the scripture that he spoke of and has come to be deeply associated with him. Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu, is in his universal form, and proclaims to Arjun: "Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds." The technology that Oppenheimer helped develop served as the basis of Little Boy and Fat Man, two atomic bombs that laid waste to the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. The bombings effectively ended World War II, as Imperial Japan surrendered. Oppenheimer had been instrumental in the development of nuclear weapons, but witnessing the destructive power of the bomb he helped invent made him question the morality of what he had done. In the years that followed, he became an outspoken advocate for nuclear disarmament, a stunning transformation that actually came very quickly after the destruction in Japan. Who was J Robert Oppenheimer? Born in New York City in 1904, Oppenheimer was a child prodigy with a passion for science. He studied at Harvard University and the Christ's College, Cambridge, and in the 1930s, he became involved in the study of atomic physics. In 1942, he was recruited by the US government to work on the Manhattan Project, a top-secret program to develop the world's first nuclear bomb. Oppenheimer was appointed as the director of the Los Alamos laboratory in New Mexico, where the bomb was designed and built. He oversaw a team of thousands of scientists, engineers, and support staff, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that the bomb was ready for use as soon as possible. Despite his efforts, the bomb was not completed in time to be used in the European theatre of World War II, but it was ultimately, as describe above, used to devastating effect against Japan. Oppenheimer, the unlikely apostle of peace Only 11 days after the bombings in Japan, Oppenheimer urged then-US president Harry S. Truman to ban nuclear weapons. But the president was by now worried about Soviet Union's aggression and paid him no heed. Oppenheimer also told Truman that he (Oppenheimer) had blood on his hands. It is believed by scholars that Oppenheimer's request to Truman was not actually driven by the death and destruction in Japan, but by the possibility of further devastation that atomic weapons in the future could bring. Oppenheimer had become disillusioned with the technology he had helped create. He began to publicly speak out against the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and he became an advocate for arms control and disarmament. He strongly opposed the development and test of the H-bomb, a weapon with far greater destructive power than the original atomic bomb, in 1952. But his opposition to the bomb did not go down well with the government. It was the time of McCarthyism, after all — a time of intense anti-communist suspicion and persecution of dissenting voices. He was removed from the Atomic Energy Commission. In 1954, Oppenheimer's political views came under scrutiny when he was accused of being a security risk by the US government. During the height of the Cold War, Oppenheimer's past associations with left-wing political groups and his vocal opposition to nuclear testing made him a target of suspicion for many in the government. Despite his contributions to the Manhattan Project, Oppenheimer was ultimately stripped of his security clearance and barred from further government work. In the years that followed, Oppenheimer continued to speak out against nuclear weapons, and became a prominent voice in the anti-nuclear movement. The threat of nuclear weapons in the present time The devastating impact of nuclear weapons is something that cannot be understated, with the potential to annihilate entire cities and leave a lasting impact on the environment for years to come. A full-fledged nuclear war would obliterate all life from earth. Moreover, the rise of non-state actors and terrorist groups has added a new dimension to the threat of nuclear weapons. The possibility of nuclear weapons falling into the wrong hands and being used for malicious purposes is hard to ignore. In the decades following Oppenheimer's death in 1967, there have been several scares, but until now, his fears have blessedly not come to pass. Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer Oppenheimer's story will be explored on the big screen with Christopher Nolan's upcoming biopic of the scientist, titled simply Oppenheimer. The film, which is set to star Cillian Murphy in the role, promises to be a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of Oppenheimer's life and legacy. The film also features Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, Rami Malek, Florence Pugh, Benny Safdie, Michael Angarano, Josh Hartnett, and Kenneth Branagh in the cast. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | The mind of Oppenheimer, inventor of nuclear bomb who turned pacifist

<p>Despite the high-stakes behind-the-scenes drama, the jaw-dropping budget of $300 million, and promises of unprecedented television excellence, Amazon Prime Video's <em>Citadel </em>is just... ordinary. Sure enough, there is a sheen to its production quality, and the show has a cinematic, high-budget feel. And the cast, led by Priyanka Chopra and Richard Madden, is not only stacked but improbably good-looking. But in the end, it is strictly humdrum television with intermittent displays of excellence. Coming from the stables of the Russo Brothers (yes, those of the last two <em>Avengers </em>movies) the series was announced in mid-2018. It was developed by screenwriters Josh Appelbaum and André Nemec, who went on to leave the project in 2021 over the same-old reason these exits happen: "creative differences".</p>

<p>David Weil, behind Prime Video's own <em>Hunters </em>and Apple TV+'s <em>Invasion</em>, was brought to the helm. There is no clash of visions visible in the show as such, but the story does not break any new ground in the saturated spy thriller genre. It's worth noting, however, that critics were only given access to the first two episodes, so there's a chance that the remaining season could surprise us with sheer brilliance. But I wouldn't hold my breath.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/critically-speaking-shah-rukh-khan-is-back-onscreen-with-pathaan-556107/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>What is <em>Citadel </em>about?</strong></h2>

<p><em>Citadel</em>, like so many other contemporary productions with grandiose ambitions, boasts of a global scale. Its "globe-trotting" premise is a trope that has become all too familiar in this era of algorithm-driven entertainment. As though filming in exotic locations would alone make the thing&nbsp;worthwhile. The show carries a distinctly "created-by-algorithm" vibe, something that is becoming depressingly common nowadays.</p>

<p>Madden and Chopra essay Mason Kane and Nadia Sinh, respectively. Kane and Sinh are part of Citadel, a spy agency that is unlike any other. Rather than working for a particular government or political agenda, it claims to operate solely for the betterment of all people, regardless of nationality, and wages intelligence and actual warfare on bad actors and organisations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kane and Sinh are old hands whose memories of any association with the organisation were remotely wiped after a confrontation goes awry. As Kane and Sinh take on their latest high-stakes mission, they must grapple with the foggy remnants of their past and face off against the nefarious Manticore, Citadel's antithesis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Stanley Tucci plays Bernard Orlick, a technology expert who serves as an intel provider to Citadel operatives. British actress Lesley Manville essays Dahlia Archer, the British Ambassador to the United States who is secretly a Manticore operative. She dispatches her minions to track down and kill surviving Citadel operatives, including the main two.</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ux9qnxnyl6g" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Is <em>Citadel </em>worth a watch?</strong></h2>

<p>The show opens on a train in Italian alps. Kane and Sinh are tracking a target, but when they catch up, it turns out to be a setup. It is a genuinely impressive opening and there is a fabulously well-choreographed fight scene in a cramped lavatory. Such a shame that the rest of what I saw of <em>Citadel </em>was nowhere near as fun. To be sure, the show retains its frenetic pace and bombastic action throughout. The reason it is so loud and fast, I suspect, is that makers hoped most people will then not really care about all the silly dialogue and plot contrivances. "Oh did that person say a stupid thing that does not fit the scene or the character? Here's a cool explosion to take your mind off it!"</p>

<p>Am I joking, you ask? I wish I was.</p>

<p>Once you take out all that eye candy (human or otherwise), <em>Citadel </em>is unable to get past the trappings of the genre. There is little inventiveness and edge that I'd hoped for. It is not the next big thing the promos led you to believe.</p>

<p>It bears repeating: good writers are worth their weight in gold. Throwing hundreds of millions of dollars to random people is not going to pay much in terms of dividends.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The performances, I admit, are solid, which salvages the show from being a complete failure. Priyanka, doing her best impression of a lifelong smoker who just ate a bag of gravel (which is to say, she speaks in a husky voice that she has devised for Hollywood), is gorgeous and is well-cast. Madden is playing pretty much the same role as in <em>Bodyguard</em>, and looks at ease. He is not the best of actors, but these kinds of role suits him. Manville is good too. But Tucci is probably my favourite of the bunch so far — both sardonic and mysterious — appears to be having a lot of fun.</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MBOhKd6cIak" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>In conclusion</strong></h2>

<p>If you are fond of unchallenging, occasionally thrilling, and well-produced piece of entertainment, <em>Citadel </em>might not be a bad choice for you. Personally, I would be loath to reward a show or movie of this kind. Perhaps if such things were seen little, the people lording over the various streaming services would actually invest in good writers with a coherent vision and original ideas instead of letting money do all the talking. It is hard to reconcile the hype with the product that is ultimately delivered, leaving one with a sense of disappointment rather than awe.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Despite the high-stakes behind-the-scenes drama, the jaw-dropping budget of $300 million, and promises of unprecedented television excellence, Amazon Prime Video's Citadel is just.

Despite the high-stakes behind-the-scenes drama, the jaw-dropping budget of $300 million, and promises of unprecedented television excellence, Amazon Prime Video's Citadel is just... ordinary. Sure enough, there is a sheen to its production quality, and the show has a cinematic, high-budget feel. And the cast, led by Priyanka Chopra and Richard Madden, is not only stacked but improbably good-looking. But in the end, it is strictly humdrum television with intermittent displays of excellence. Coming from the stables of the Russo Brothers (yes, those of the last two Avengers movies) the series was announced in mid-2018. It was developed by screenwriters Josh Appelbaum and André Nemec, who went on to leave the project in 2021 over the same-old reason these exits happen: "creative differences". David Weil, behind Prime Video's own Hunters and Apple TV+'s Invasion, was brought to the helm. There is no clash of visions visible in the show as such, but the story does not break any new ground in the saturated spy thriller genre. It's worth noting, however, that critics were only given access to the first two episodes, so there's a chance that the remaining season could surprise us with sheer brilliance. But I wouldn't hold my breath. What is Citadel about? Citadel, like so many other contemporary productions with grandiose ambitions, boasts of a global scale. Its "globe-trotting" premise is a trope that has become all too familiar in this era of algorithm-driven entertainment. As though filming in exotic locations would alone make the thing worthwhile. The show carries a distinctly "created-by-algorithm" vibe, something that is becoming depressingly common nowadays. Madden and Chopra essay Mason Kane and Nadia Sinh, respectively. Kane and Sinh are part of Citadel, a spy agency that is unlike any other. Rather than working for a particular government or political agenda, it claims to operate solely for the betterment of all people, regardless of nationality, and wages intelligence and actual warfare on bad actors and organisations. Kane and Sinh are old hands whose memories of any association with the organisation were remotely wiped after a confrontation goes awry. As Kane and Sinh take on their latest high-stakes mission, they must grapple with the foggy remnants of their past and face off against the nefarious Manticore, Citadel's antithesis. Stanley Tucci plays Bernard Orlick, a technology expert who serves as an intel provider to Citadel operatives. British actress Lesley Manville essays Dahlia Archer, the British Ambassador to the United States who is secretly a Manticore operative. She dispatches her minions to track down and kill surviving Citadel operatives, including the main two. Is Citadel worth a watch? The show opens on a train in Italian alps. Kane and Sinh are tracking a target, but when they catch up, it turns out to be a setup. It is a genuinely impressive opening and there is a fabulously well-choreographed fight scene in a cramped lavatory. Such a shame that the rest of what I saw of Citadel was nowhere near as fun. To be sure, the show retains its frenetic pace and bombastic action throughout. The reason it is so loud and fast, I suspect, is that makers hoped most people will then not really care about all the silly dialogue and plot contrivances. "Oh did that person say a stupid thing that does not fit the scene or the character? Here's a cool explosion to take your mind off it!" Am I joking, you ask? I wish I was. Once you take out all that eye candy (human or otherwise), Citadel is unable to get past the trappings of the genre. There is little inventiveness and edge that I'd hoped for. It is not the next big thing the promos led you to believe. It bears repeating: good writers are worth their weight in gold. Throwing hundreds of millions of dollars to random people is not going to pay much in terms of dividends. The performances, I admit, are solid, which salvages the show from being a complete failure. Priyanka, doing her best impression of a lifelong smoker who just ate a bag of gravel (which is to say, she speaks in a husky voice that she has devised for Hollywood), is gorgeous and is well-cast. Madden is playing pretty much the same role as in Bodyguard, and looks at ease. He is not the best of actors, but these kinds of role suits him. Manville is good too. But Tucci is probably my favourite of the bunch so far — both sardonic and mysterious — appears to be having a lot of fun. In conclusion If you are fond of unchallenging, occasionally thrilling, and well-produced piece of entertainment, Citadel might not be a bad choice for you. Personally, I would be loath to reward a show or movie of this kind. Perhaps if such things were seen little, the people lording over the various streaming services would actually invest in good writers with a coherent vision and original ideas instead of letting money do all the talking. It is hard to reconcile the hype with the product that is ultimately delivered, leaving one with a sense of disappointment rather than awe. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Citadel early review: A $300 million letdown? Priyanka Chopra's spy-thriller series fails to impress

<p><em>Dancing on the Grave</em> is a four-part true-crime docuseries streaming on Amazon Prime Video. It delves into the high-profile murder case of Shakereh Khaleeli, who was buried alive in her own home by her second husband&nbsp;in 1991. She belonged to a prestigious Indo-Persian family, and was the granddaughter of Sir Mirza Ismail, the Diwan of Mysore, Jaipur, and Hyderabad. Married to a diplomat Akbar Khaleeli, she had four daughters. Akbar's job required him to be present overseas for long periods of time. It was said that when the couple were together, they more often than not quarreled. Amid this, Shakereh came close to a man called Swami Shradhananda (real-name Murali Manohar Mishra). In 1985, she filed for divorce from Akbar and married Shradhananda.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The decision surprised everybody who knew her. For it was hard to believe that Shradhananda, with his humble origins and tubby frame, was able to charm an affluent woman like Shakereh into falling in love with him.&nbsp;Shradhananda was convicted of her murder and has been in prison since 1994.</p>

<p>The series is directed by Patrick Graham, the man responsible for helming Ghoul and Betaal for Netflix. This is his foray into unscripted TV. WION sat down with him to discuss his interest in the project and how he approached portraying the victim and perpetrator, as well as the challenges faced in finding information and avoiding sensationalism.</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LeDZTRlJadA" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>This is a fascinating and tragic story. But what brought you personally to this?</strong></h2>

<p>I remember one of the producers called me because she was looking for a director who could&nbsp;add a bit more cinematic aesthetic to the story. I was kind of intrigued. And they sent me the detailed written story of the show. I was in England, and it was winter, freezing. I was like, 'Oh, my God, this is amazing'. It was a page-turner. So shocking, sad and tragic. And I knew that it was a story I really wanted to be a part of so. Also, I love true crime. I love documentaries. So it was&nbsp;a great opportunity for me.</p>

<h2><strong>True crime documentaries are all the rage these days, and there is a sort of morbid interest in general in crimes of violent or sexual nature. Now, what does this say about us? It is a little perverse or just natural human tendency?</strong></h2>

<p>I think the natural human tendency is a bit perverse. I think humans are weird. Humans like to see horror on screen. There's something about hearing horrible things happen to other people in the comfort of your own home, which is at once informative, but also intriguing, You want to know more, and you want to be part of that you want to solve the mystery, you want to know what happened. And I suppose there's a deep-seated subconscious desire to take away lessons about &nbsp;what situations you should avoid. And how lucky you are that this isn't happening to you. That's just the way humans are, for better or for worse.</p>

<h2><strong>How did you approach the portrayal of the victim? Were there any ethical considerations you consider?</strong></h2>

<p>We wanted to make sure that we did justice to Shakereh herself because she was probably the biggest enigma of the story going into it. She was somebody who we didn't know that much about who made some decisions that a lot of people would consider to be the reason behind her downfall. We wanted to understand why she made those decisions and what what made her do what she did, and &nbsp;we ended up quite sympathetic towards her. Then when it came to Murli Manohar Mishra, it was kind of finding that balance between treating him sensitively, but also not letting our guard down at the same time. Because he's obviously very good at spinning these stories. That's what he's been doing for his whole life.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/10-marvel-dc-characters-who-need-their-own-movies-511168/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>Were there any particular challenges you face? Like in finding information or accessing resources?</strong></h2>

<p>With any documentary, getting people to talk to you is an enormous challenge. I respect Indian culture for the fact that, unlike, say, in the US, where everybody wants to talk to cameras all the time, in India, there's more of 'This is private, and we don't want to necessarily talk about it'. And so for our producers, it was one of the biggest challenges to get people to open up to us on camera. That was probably one of the hardest parts of the of the whole thing because you're dealing with real events.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>You have dealt only fictional content before this. Do you find that your approach to the two mediums is substantially different?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>As a storyteller, one of the biggest differences with was that essentially if you're writing fiction, you're building your story at the front. At the beginning, you start with a script. But with documentaries, you're building your story after filming to a large degree. So much of that was built on the editing room. That was really interesting to me to be building the story from fragments of interviews. Your script is being written by 25 hours of talking heads, essentially.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Was it a challenge to tell a compelling story and at the same time not to sensationalise?</strong></h2>

<p>We all agreed that we wanted to keep things tasteful and uncensored. We definitely didn't want to have scenes of dialogue between actors. We never wanted to do that. We just wanted this kind of slightly stylised, impressionistic representation of things on screen to make it visually interesting and boost the mystery a little bit. But we always made sure that we kept it within the boundaries of taste.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Dancing on the Grave is a four-part true-crime docuseries streaming on Amazon Prime Video. It delves into the high-profile murder case of Shakereh Khaleeli, who was buried alive in her own home by her second husband in 1991.

Dancing on the Grave is a four-part true-crime docuseries streaming on Amazon Prime Video. It delves into the high-profile murder case of Shakereh Khaleeli, who was buried alive in her own home by her second husband in 1991. She belonged to a prestigious Indo-Persian family, and was the granddaughter of Sir Mirza Ismail, the Diwan of Mysore, Jaipur, and Hyderabad. Married to a diplomat Akbar Khaleeli, she had four daughters. Akbar's job required him to be present overseas for long periods of time. It was said that when the couple were together, they more often than not quarreled. Amid this, Shakereh came close to a man called Swami Shradhananda (real-name Murali Manohar Mishra). In 1985, she filed for divorce from Akbar and married Shradhananda. The decision surprised everybody who knew her. For it was hard to believe that Shradhananda, with his humble origins and tubby frame, was able to charm an affluent woman like Shakereh into falling in love with him. Shradhananda was convicted of her murder and has been in prison since 1994. The series is directed by Patrick Graham, the man responsible for helming Ghoul and Betaal for Netflix. This is his foray into unscripted TV. WION sat down with him to discuss his interest in the project and how he approached portraying the victim and perpetrator, as well as the challenges faced in finding information and avoiding sensationalism. This is a fascinating and tragic story. But what brought you personally to this? I remember one of the producers called me because she was looking for a director who could add a bit more cinematic aesthetic to the story. I was kind of intrigued. And they sent me the detailed written story of the show. I was in England, and it was winter, freezing. I was like, 'Oh, my God, this is amazing'. It was a page-turner. So shocking, sad and tragic. And I knew that it was a story I really wanted to be a part of so. Also, I love true crime. I love documentaries. So it was a great opportunity for me. True crime documentaries are all the rage these days, and there is a sort of morbid interest in general in crimes of violent or sexual nature. Now, what does this say about us? It is a little perverse or just natural human tendency? I think the natural human tendency is a bit perverse. I think humans are weird. Humans like to see horror on screen. There's something about hearing horrible things happen to other people in the comfort of your own home, which is at once informative, but also intriguing, You want to know more, and you want to be part of that you want to solve the mystery, you want to know what happened. And I suppose there's a deep-seated subconscious desire to take away lessons about what situations you should avoid. And how lucky you are that this isn't happening to you. That's just the way humans are, for better or for worse. How did you approach the portrayal of the victim? Were there any ethical considerations you consider? We wanted to make sure that we did justice to Shakereh herself because she was probably the biggest enigma of the story going into it. She was somebody who we didn't know that much about who made some decisions that a lot of people would consider to be the reason behind her downfall. We wanted to understand why she made those decisions and what what made her do what she did, and we ended up quite sympathetic towards her. Then when it came to Murli Manohar Mishra, it was kind of finding that balance between treating him sensitively, but also not letting our guard down at the same time. Because he's obviously very good at spinning these stories. That's what he's been doing for his whole life. Were there any particular challenges you face? Like in finding information or accessing resources? With any documentary, getting people to talk to you is an enormous challenge. I respect Indian culture for the fact that, unlike, say, in the US, where everybody wants to talk to cameras all the time, in India, there's more of 'This is private, and we don't want to necessarily talk about it'. And so for our producers, it was one of the biggest challenges to get people to open up to us on camera. That was probably one of the hardest parts of the of the whole thing because you're dealing with real events. You have dealt only fictional content before this. Do you find that your approach to the two mediums is substantially different? As a storyteller, one of the biggest differences with was that essentially if you're writing fiction, you're building your story at the front. At the beginning, you start with a script. But with documentaries, you're building your story after filming to a large degree. So much of that was built on the editing room. That was really interesting to me to be building the story from fragments of interviews. Your script is being written by 25 hours of talking heads, essentially. Was it a challenge to tell a compelling story and at the same time not to sensationalise? We all agreed that we wanted to keep things tasteful and uncensored. We definitely didn't want to have scenes of dialogue between actors. We never wanted to do that. We just wanted this kind of slightly stylised, impressionistic representation of things on screen to make it visually interesting and boost the mystery a little bit. But we always made sure that we kept it within the boundaries of taste. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Dancing on the Grave director Patrick Graham: 'Natural human tendency is a bit perverse'

<p>It has been more than two millennia since she died, and yet Cleopatra remains a raging topic of discussion. The age-old question of Cleopatra's ethnicity looms large. Some say she was white Caucasian, others argue she was Black African,&nbsp;and so on. It's a debate that has been going on for centuries, and one that seems to have no end in sight. The topic comes up once every few years, usually because of casting news regarding her in a TV show or a movie. A newly announced miniseries, titled <em>Queen Cleopatra</em>, directed by Tina Gharavi, explores the life and reign of Cleopatra, from her childhood in Egypt to her death by suicide at the age of 39. The film also examines the legacy of Cleopatra, who is often seen as a symbol of beauty, power, and intelligence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the casting of Adele James, a Black actress, in the role of Cleopatra has been met with some controversy, with many accusing Netflix of going overboard with 'Afrocentrism'. So forgive me, if you will, as I delve into this topic again, with a dash of historical context.&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IktHcPyNlv4" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Who was Cleopatra?</strong></h2>

<p>Cleopatra was born in Alexandria, Egypt, in 69 BCE. It was a time after the Pharaohs and the Ptolemaic Kingdom, a Greek dynasty, ruled the nation. During this time, Egypt, due to its long history and location, was a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, and people from all over the world travelled there for trade and commerce. It was a time when&nbsp;it wasn't uncommon to see people of different skin colours and facial features.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/netflix-draws-flak-for-showing-cleopatra-as-a-black-queen-in-new-documentary-584497/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>What about her family background? The Ptolemaic dynasty was a Macedonian Greek dynasty that had ruled Egypt since Alexander the Great. Her father was Ptolemy XII Auletes, and her mother was, probably, Cleopatra V Tryphaena (one of the vagaries of history is we don't know everything for certain), who was of Greek descent. Based on her parents' ethnicity, many have argued that Cleopatra should be considered white. As with many things in history, the truth is difficult to discern.</p>

<p>It is important, for instance, to note that Cleopatra's family had intermarried with native Egyptian royalty for centuries, which meant that her bloodline was likely a mix of Greek and Egyptian.&nbsp;</p>
<img alt="Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra in 1963's Cleopatra." data-caption="Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra in 1963's &lt;em&gt;Cleopatra&lt;/em&gt;." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="81188eac-f5bc-43a0-8bad-f90249e5855b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/cleopatra%20%281%29.png" />
<p>Some scholars also suggest that she may have had Persian or Syrian ancestry due to her family's close ties with those regions. One theory that posits the idea of Cleopatra being of African descent is that her father, Ptolemy XII, may have had Nubian ancestry. Nubia was a region in Africa that is now part of Sudan and southern Egypt. Some historians also speculate that Ptolemy XII had a Nubian concubine or wife, which would mean that Cleopatra had some African heritage.</p>

<p>However, there is no solid evidence to support this theory, and some historians have disputed it. Many portraits of Cleopatra, particularly in the West, depict her with Caucasian features, such as a straight nose and narrow face, which is more consistent with her Greek ancestry. But then, depictions are depictions, and do not always go well with reality.</p>

<p>Many accounts say that Cleopatra was a celebrated beauty, and her physical appearance has been described in various ways. Some historical accounts describe her as having a long nose, while others say that she had a hooked nose. Some say that she had black hair and dark eyes, while others describe her as having light hair and blue eyes. My newbie guess is that even if we could arrange for a time machine and go back in time and meet Cleopatra in person, we still might not determine her ethnicity based on her physical appearance alone.&nbsp;</p>
<img alt="cleopatra" data-caption="Lyndsey Marshal as Cleopatra in HBO's&amp;nbsp;&lt;em&gt;Rome&lt;/em&gt;." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="972e3ec1-96cd-4766-8b8b-5b8bf0525457" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/cleopatra%20%283%29.png" />
<h2><strong>Cleopatra and the power of perception</strong></h2>

<p>The power of perception plays an important role in how most people picture Cleopatra when they read her name. In Western art, Cleopatra has often been depicted as a white woman with European features, such as fair skin and light hair. This is partly due to the influence of the Renaissance, which saw a renewed interest in classical antiquity and the glorification of white, European beauty standards. The same thing happened with the depictions of Jesus, for he had to be white to justify oppression and subjugation of darker-skinned peoples by white Europeans.</p>

<p>In Egyptian art, on the other hand, Cleopatra has been depicted with darker skin and more African features, such as a broad nose and full lips. This is not surprising, given that Egypt has a long history of African influence and cultural exchange.</p>

<p>What does all this mean? Not much we can decipher, sadly. We may never know for sure what she looked like. She was almost certainly a mix of different ethnicities and cultures, as were many people in Egypt and beyond at the time. It might be hard to believe, but skin colour did not matter as much in ancient times as it does now. It's like we are devolving.</p>
<img alt="cleopatra" data-caption="A 1st century painting depicting Cleopatra with red hair." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e9aa40e6-0f65-4da7-9e8c-faf505569ff8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/cleopatra%20%282%29.png" />
<h2><strong>Cleopatra, a capable ruler</strong></h2>

<p>I believe it is time for a shift in conversation regarding Cleopatra. For the truth is, she was a powerful leader who fought to maintain the independence of Egypt, even in the face of Roman conquest. She was a skilled politician and diplomat who formed alliances with powerful men, such as Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. She was a patron of the arts and sciences, and she helped to promote the spread of Greek and Roman culture throughout Egypt.</p>

<p>Additionally, Cleopatra was well-educated and spoke both Koine Greek, her first language, and Egyptian. She was the only Ptolemaic ruler to learn the latter. Apart from her beauty, she was also known for her charm and intelligence, which made her a formidable leader in a time when women were almost unheard of holding positions of power.</p>

<p>So perhaps the colour of Cleopatra's skin should be less relevant than the impact she had as a ruler. Perhaps her legacy should not be defined by her ethnicity, but by her leadership, intelligence, and cultural influence.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


It has been more than two millennia since she died, and yet Cleopatra remains a raging topic of discussion. The age-old question of Cleopatra's ethnicity looms large.

It has been more than two millennia since she died, and yet Cleopatra remains a raging topic of discussion. The age-old question of Cleopatra's ethnicity looms large. Some say she was white Caucasian, others argue she was Black African, and so on. It's a debate that has been going on for centuries, and one that seems to have no end in sight. The topic comes up once every few years, usually because of casting news regarding her in a TV show or a movie. A newly announced miniseries, titled Queen Cleopatra, directed by Tina Gharavi, explores the life and reign of Cleopatra, from her childhood in Egypt to her death by suicide at the age of 39. The film also examines the legacy of Cleopatra, who is often seen as a symbol of beauty, power, and intelligence. But the casting of Adele James, a Black actress, in the role of Cleopatra has been met with some controversy, with many accusing Netflix of going overboard with 'Afrocentrism'. So forgive me, if you will, as I delve into this topic again, with a dash of historical context. Who was Cleopatra? Cleopatra was born in Alexandria, Egypt, in 69 BCE. It was a time after the Pharaohs and the Ptolemaic Kingdom, a Greek dynasty, ruled the nation. During this time, Egypt, due to its long history and location, was a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, and people from all over the world travelled there for trade and commerce. It was a time when it wasn't uncommon to see people of different skin colours and facial features. What about her family background? The Ptolemaic dynasty was a Macedonian Greek dynasty that had ruled Egypt since Alexander the Great. Her father was Ptolemy XII Auletes, and her mother was, probably, Cleopatra V Tryphaena (one of the vagaries of history is we don't know everything for certain), who was of Greek descent. Based on her parents' ethnicity, many have argued that Cleopatra should be considered white. As with many things in history, the truth is difficult to discern. It is important, for instance, to note that Cleopatra's family had intermarried with native Egyptian royalty for centuries, which meant that her bloodline was likely a mix of Greek and Egyptian. Some scholars also suggest that she may have had Persian or Syrian ancestry due to her family's close ties with those regions. One theory that posits the idea of Cleopatra being of African descent is that her father, Ptolemy XII, may have had Nubian ancestry. Nubia was a region in Africa that is now part of Sudan and southern Egypt. Some historians also speculate that Ptolemy XII had a Nubian concubine or wife, which would mean that Cleopatra had some African heritage. However, there is no solid evidence to support this theory, and some historians have disputed it. Many portraits of Cleopatra, particularly in the West, depict her with Caucasian features, such as a straight nose and narrow face, which is more consistent with her Greek ancestry. But then, depictions are depictions, and do not always go well with reality. Many accounts say that Cleopatra was a celebrated beauty, and her physical appearance has been described in various ways. Some historical accounts describe her as having a long nose, while others say that she had a hooked nose. Some say that she had black hair and dark eyes, while others describe her as having light hair and blue eyes. My newbie guess is that even if we could arrange for a time machine and go back in time and meet Cleopatra in person, we still might not determine her ethnicity based on her physical appearance alone. Cleopatra and the power of perception The power of perception plays an important role in how most people picture Cleopatra when they read her name. In Western art, Cleopatra has often been depicted as a white woman with European features, such as fair skin and light hair. This is partly due to the influence of the Renaissance, which saw a renewed interest in classical antiquity and the glorification of white, European beauty standards. The same thing happened with the depictions of Jesus, for he had to be white to justify oppression and subjugation of darker-skinned peoples by white Europeans. In Egyptian art, on the other hand, Cleopatra has been depicted with darker skin and more African features, such as a broad nose and full lips. This is not surprising, given that Egypt has a long history of African influence and cultural exchange. What does all this mean? Not much we can decipher, sadly. We may never know for sure what she looked like. She was almost certainly a mix of different ethnicities and cultures, as were many people in Egypt and beyond at the time. It might be hard to believe, but skin colour did not matter as much in ancient times as it does now. It's like we are devolving. Cleopatra, a capable ruler I believe it is time for a shift in conversation regarding Cleopatra. For the truth is, she was a powerful leader who fought to maintain the independence of Egypt, even in the face of Roman conquest. She was a skilled politician and diplomat who formed alliances with powerful men, such as Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. She was a patron of the arts and sciences, and she helped to promote the spread of Greek and Roman culture throughout Egypt. Additionally, Cleopatra was well-educated and spoke both Koine Greek, her first language, and Egyptian. She was the only Ptolemaic ruler to learn the latter. Apart from her beauty, she was also known for her charm and intelligence, which made her a formidable leader in a time when women were almost unheard of holding positions of power. So perhaps the colour of Cleopatra's skin should be less relevant than the impact she had as a ruler. Perhaps her legacy should not be defined by her ethnicity, but by her leadership, intelligence, and cultural influence. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Was Cleopatra really Black? A mystery that will outlive us all

<p>Things could not be direr. The world is beset with the adverse effects of climate change already, and things are expected to worsen with rising temperatures if we do not act immediately. Today, the world celebrates Earth Day. It is a time to celebrate our planet and all that it has given to us. But it is also a time to reflect on the ways in which we can protect our planet for future generations from various threats, most notably climate change. This list of movies has a nice mix of fiction movies (though may be based on a true story) and documentaries and provides a variety of perspectives on multiple environmental issues. Watching these movies has educated me about these issues and inspired me to take action to protect our planet, or at least do something constructive that may help. I hope they will do the same to at least a few of you.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><em><strong>Wall-E</strong></em></h2>

<p>In this Pixar movie's distant future Earth has become a polluted wasteland. The few remaining humans have abandoned the planet and live aboard a giant spaceship. One day, a small waste-collecting robot named Wall-E is left behind on Earth. Wall-E spends his days alone, collecting trash and watching old videotapes. One day, he meets a sleek and sophisticated robot named Eve.&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/alIq_wG9FNk" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><em><strong>The Lorax</strong></em></h2>

<p>This film, based on&nbsp;Dr. Seuss' book of the same name, is a cautionary tale about the importance of protecting the environment. The story follows the Lorax, a furry creature who speaks for the trees, as he tries to stop the Once-ler, a greedy man, from cutting down all the Truffula Trees. The Once-ler cuts down all the trees to make Thneeds, a garment that can be used for anything. Once the trees are gone, the Lorax disappears.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><em><strong>Erin Brockovich</strong></em></h2>

<p><em>Erin Brockovich</em> tells a powerful and inspirational true story about a single mother who takes on a powerful corporation after she discovers that they are polluting a small town's water supply. While this list is not ordered, this movie will be at the top.</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bu6SE5TYrCM" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><em><strong>An Inconvenient Truth</strong></em></h2>

<p>This documentary film deals with climate change. Former Vice President Al Gore presents a compelling argument about the devastating effects of global warming.</p>

<h2><em><strong>March of the Penguins</strong></em></h2>

<p>This&nbsp;is a documentary film about the emperor penguins of Antarctica. It follows their annual migration to Antarctica.</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D9xFFyUOpXo" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><em><strong>Before the Flood</strong></em></h2>

<p>This documentary, produced and narrated by Leonardo Dicaprio, explores the negative effects of climate change on the planet and also discusses possible solutions.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><em><strong>Our Planet</strong></em></h2>

<p><em>Our Planet</em> is a documentary series about our planet and its different, fragile ecosystems. The series follows the lives of animals from all over the world, from the Arctic to the Amazon rainforest.&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/64R2MYUt394" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><em><strong>David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet</strong></em></h2>

<p><em>David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet</em> is a Netflix original documentary film that follows the legendary Sir David Attenborough as he reflects on his life as a naturalist.</p>

<h2><em><strong>Chasing Ice&nbsp;</strong></em></h2>

<p>This visually stunning documentary follows photographer James Balog as he documents the rapidly melting glaciers in the Arctic. It's a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of climate change on our planet.</p>

<h2><em><strong>Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret</strong></em></h2>

<p>This&nbsp;documentary film is about the environmental impact of animal agriculture. The film argues that animal agriculture is one of the leading causes of climate change, deforestation, and water pollution. A must-watch.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Things could not be direr. The world is beset with the adverse effects of climate change already, and things are expected to worsen with rising temperatures if we do not act immediately.

Things could not be direr. The world is beset with the adverse effects of climate change already, and things are expected to worsen with rising temperatures if we do not act immediately. Today, the world celebrates Earth Day. It is a time to celebrate our planet and all that it has given to us. But it is also a time to reflect on the ways in which we can protect our planet for future generations from various threats, most notably climate change. This list of movies has a nice mix of fiction movies (though may be based on a true story) and documentaries and provides a variety of perspectives on multiple environmental issues. Watching these movies has educated me about these issues and inspired me to take action to protect our planet, or at least do something constructive that may help. I hope they will do the same to at least a few of you. Wall-E In this Pixar movie's distant future Earth has become a polluted wasteland. The few remaining humans have abandoned the planet and live aboard a giant spaceship. One day, a small waste-collecting robot named Wall-E is left behind on Earth. Wall-E spends his days alone, collecting trash and watching old videotapes. One day, he meets a sleek and sophisticated robot named Eve. The Lorax This film, based on Dr. Seuss' book of the same name, is a cautionary tale about the importance of protecting the environment. The story follows the Lorax, a furry creature who speaks for the trees, as he tries to stop the Once-ler, a greedy man, from cutting down all the Truffula Trees. The Once-ler cuts down all the trees to make Thneeds, a garment that can be used for anything. Once the trees are gone, the Lorax disappears. Erin Brockovich Erin Brockovich tells a powerful and inspirational true story about a single mother who takes on a powerful corporation after she discovers that they are polluting a small town's water supply. While this list is not ordered, this movie will be at the top. An Inconvenient Truth This documentary film deals with climate change. Former Vice President Al Gore presents a compelling argument about the devastating effects of global warming. March of the Penguins This is a documentary film about the emperor penguins of Antarctica. It follows their annual migration to Antarctica. Before the Flood This documentary, produced and narrated by Leonardo Dicaprio, explores the negative effects of climate change on the planet and also discusses possible solutions. Our Planet Our Planet is a documentary series about our planet and its different, fragile ecosystems. The series follows the lives of animals from all over the world, from the Arctic to the Amazon rainforest. David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet is a Netflix original documentary film that follows the legendary Sir David Attenborough as he reflects on his life as a naturalist. Chasing Ice This visually stunning documentary follows photographer James Balog as he documents the rapidly melting glaciers in the Arctic. It's a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of climate change on our planet. Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret This documentary film is about the environmental impact of animal agriculture. The film argues that animal agriculture is one of the leading causes of climate change, deforestation, and water pollution. A must-watch. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Earth Day: 10 movies that will inspire you to take action on climate change

<p>Today, the legendary actor Jack Nicholson turns 86. This Hollywood icon has graced our screens for over half a century, entertaining audiences with supreme command over his craft. He has been a part of some of the most iconic movies ever made, and his performances have made an enduring impact on our culture. From the onset of his career, Nicholson showcased an exceptional talent to fully embody his characters, breathing life into them with unparalleled depth and complexity. In his early days, Nicholson was a bit of a maverick, lured by the counter-culture movements of the 1960s and 1970s. This spirit of rebellion permeated many of his roles, such as his portrayal of the feral and unpredictable Randle McMurphy in <em>One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest</em>. His portrayal earned him his first Oscar, and also cemented his position as one of the greatest thespians of his or any generation.</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WDpipB4yehk" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>However, Nicholson's range extends beyond portraying anti-establishment rebels. He has also demonstrated an extraordinary ability to embody complex and nuanced characters, such as the deranged Jack Torrance in <em>The Shining</em> who goes all murderous on his own wife and child. The film was a frightening depiction of a man going insane in real-time, horror at its most scary. Nicholson's take on the character was so convincing (and frightening) that it has become an iconic part of pop culture, and has been emulated and satirised countless times throughout the years.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/10-marvel-dc-characters-who-need-their-own-movies-511168/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Throughout his career, Nicholson has worked with some of the greatest filmmakers like&nbsp;Martin Scorsese. These partnerships have generated many unforgettable and critically acclaimed films, such as <em>The Departed</em> and <em>A Few Good Men.</em> In each of these movies, Nicholson infused his characters with an authenticity and depth that went beyond the script.</p>

<p>It must also be said that Nicholson's legacy is not limited to just his talents as an actor. He is also known for his larger-than-life personality, and a reputation for living his life on his own terms, with a devil-may-care attitude that is contagious. His charm and wit have made him a favourite of audiences and interviewers alike, and his reputation as a ladies' man is the stuff of Hollywood legend.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Today, the legendary actor Jack Nicholson turns 86. This Hollywood icon has graced our screens for over half a century, entertaining audiences with supreme command over his craft.

Today, the legendary actor Jack Nicholson turns 86. This Hollywood icon has graced our screens for over half a century, entertaining audiences with supreme command over his craft. He has been a part of some of the most iconic movies ever made, and his performances have made an enduring impact on our culture. From the onset of his career, Nicholson showcased an exceptional talent to fully embody his characters, breathing life into them with unparalleled depth and complexity. In his early days, Nicholson was a bit of a maverick, lured by the counter-culture movements of the 1960s and 1970s. This spirit of rebellion permeated many of his roles, such as his portrayal of the feral and unpredictable Randle McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. His portrayal earned him his first Oscar, and also cemented his position as one of the greatest thespians of his or any generation. However, Nicholson's range extends beyond portraying anti-establishment rebels. He has also demonstrated an extraordinary ability to embody complex and nuanced characters, such as the deranged Jack Torrance in The Shining who goes all murderous on his own wife and child. The film was a frightening depiction of a man going insane in real-time, horror at its most scary. Nicholson's take on the character was so convincing (and frightening) that it has become an iconic part of pop culture, and has been emulated and satirised countless times throughout the years. Throughout his career, Nicholson has worked with some of the greatest filmmakers like Martin Scorsese. These partnerships have generated many unforgettable and critically acclaimed films, such as The Departed and A Few Good Men. In each of these movies, Nicholson infused his characters with an authenticity and depth that went beyond the script. It must also be said that Nicholson's legacy is not limited to just his talents as an actor. He is also known for his larger-than-life personality, and a reputation for living his life on his own terms, with a devil-may-care attitude that is contagious. His charm and wit have made him a favourite of audiences and interviewers alike, and his reputation as a ladies' man is the stuff of Hollywood legend. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Jack Nicholson turns 86: Celebrating the legend's glorious career and larger-than-life persona

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Kshitij Mohan Rawat

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.