In a previous newsletter, I told the story of Ray Park, the guy who would be famous if he didn't keep getting cast as a character with no head.
http://openingactfilms.blogspot.com/2011/08/many-hidden-faces-of-ray-park.html
Ray's story is relevant, because, in the world with so many artists and so much content, he shows you can be successful without being famous.
Ironically the idea of being successful without becoming a household name seems offensive to some people I meet but, as Ricky Gervais said, if you want to become famous...murder a prostitute.
In any case, as it turns out, the opposite is also true, you can be famous without being a success. Just ask Rebecca Black.
Ms Black became an internet sensation for the utterly horrible song "Friday" with poetic lyrics such as:
Yesterday was Thursday Thursday
Today it is Friday Friday
We we we so excited
We so excited
We gonna have a ball today
Tomorrow is Saturday
And Sunday comes afterwards
I don't want this weekend to end
Shakespeare is turning in his grave.
But the world has changed. Cynicism (or good judgement?) is making a comeback. In today's film/TV/music world, you have to be good. The public are savvy enough to spot a manufactured music/film/TV star a mile away.
Unfortunately for Rebecca Black, the old rules don't apply any more. Sales numbers aren't the only way for the public to tell you they dislike your work.
They get to speak to you.
Directly.
Worse still, they get to tell you, everyone they know, and anyone else that will listen. That's the socially connected world we live in.
It's part of the reason why films are releasing worldwide, at the same time, more frequently. Online word of mouth in America can make or break a film's chances in the rest of the world, literally overnight. Google "The Green Lantern Movie" for proof.
As for Ms Black, her music has been universally panned, she has become the subject of ridicule online, and now she has had to withdraw from school because of constant taunts and bullying.
Let me be clear: I am not saying Rebecca Black deserves to be bullied.
I am saying that more time spent rehearsing and songwriting, perfecting the craft, would have given her a better chance of success.
With success, fame, the kind based on respect and admiration, can follow. This fame lasts.
But Rebecca wanted fame before success.
Be careful what you wish for.
http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/celebrity/friday-singer-rebecca-black-bullied-out-of-school-20110811-1io6l.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BI0szjpxJs = if you really MUST watch the song.
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