There's no denying that her films were financially unsuccessful, and the names she names were financially successful. The exact numbers don't matter. His point remains valid.

And again, he points out that he shares the emotional reaction to the situation.

Not sure what you mean. His point is that virtually all directors start small and then fail or thrive on their ability to turn a profit. Do we know of black, Asian, or female directors who hit big but weren't given another chance? Or who weren't given a second chance after a modest failure?

I think the problem is more basic: black, Asian, and female directors aren't even getting into the game in the first place because they lack many of the resources young, white men have. If Sundance and others had a lot of diversity but only the white male film makers were getting deals to move into major features, then that would be really telling, but I don't think that's the case.

Welcome, Zak! Keep us apprised of your podcast progress, or "prodcrest".

I used to buy it from time to time as a layman with no intention of joining the VFX world, and it reads fine. I stopped looking for it (it was hard to find on bookstore shelves) when CGI became so ubiquitous that it became the answer to every "how'd they do that?" question.

I've since subscribed on the iPad and browse issues. Technology has advanced so much that Hollywood is now able to do (a bit) more practical effects and just enhance them/hide the seams with CGI.

Fun idea. Something feels wrong with the way the choral backing is done, but I'm not smart enough to know what.

Lyrically, the song's central gag doesn't build to anything, like a moment of doubt that reverses itself or the revelation of a method to the madness or something.

I've toyed with the idea of moving to a little Berenger mixer and XLR mikes, but I don't think you get much of a quality boost until you add an in-line compressor-limiter. You mainly get flexibility to expand your mikes and other inputs (phone, instruments, etc.).

Of course, if that's what you're looking for, then I suggest googling "podcasting equipment" and seeing what Podcast Answer Man and others have to say about various boards.