#OTT industry

[nextmscblog]

The Battle for Dominance in the OTT Market

The global Over The Top (OTT) Market size was valued at USD 132.23 billion in 2019 and is predicted to reach USD 709.44 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 16.5% from 2020-2030.

Access full report: https://www.nextmsc.com/report/over-the-top-market

[whmcssmartersstuff]

Smarters Offers Full-Service Custom OTT App Development for Your Business!

Smarters is a one-stop shop to provides custom OTT app development, custom OTT website, and OTT billing solution for OTT businesses. We have a team of developers who are experts in their field and have years of experience in developing custom OTT applications and websites. Our developers have a deep understanding of the OTT industry and know what it takes to develop a successful OTT business. We have a proven track record of delivering quality OTT solutions that are tailored to our client's needs and requirements.

[freepressjournals]

Tamil Film Industry to Pause Productions and Implement New Regulations from November

In a recent high-stakes meeting among key players in Tamil cinema, significant changes are on the horizon. The Tamil Film Producers Association (TFPC), in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association, Tamil Nadu Multiplex Owners Association, and Tamil Nadu Film Distributors, has laid out a series of resolutions aimed at addressing the pressing issues within the industry.

Key Decisions from the Meeting:

OTT Release Window: Films starring major stars will now have an eight-week window between their theatrical release and their debut on OTT platforms. This new regulation aims to maximize the revenue potential from theatrical runs before films become available for streaming.

Actor and Technician Dues: A major concern is the practice of actors and technicians accepting advance payments from multiple production companies while failing to complete existing commitments. To mitigate financial losses for producers, actors and technicians are now required to finish ongoing projects before taking on new ones. Notably, producers are advised to consult the TFPC before beginning new projects involving actor Dhanush, who has been involved in such disputes.

Ceiling on Salaries and Production Costs: The industry has seen a surge in salaries and production costs, impacting overall budgets. The TFPC is working on new regulations to cap these expenses and bring more structure to film financing.

Temporary Suspension of New Shoots: To ensure a smooth transition to these new regulations, a temporary halt on the start of new films has been mandated from August 16, 2024. Current projects must be completed by October 30, 2024, with no new shoots commencing until the new rules are fully implemented.

Communication and Compliance: Producers are required to formally report ongoing film projects to the TFPC. This measure is intended to keep track of productions and enforce the new regulations effectively

Formation of Joint Action Committee: A new committee comprising producers, distributors, and theatre owners will oversee the implementation of these resolutions and address future industry issues.

These sweeping changes come in response to ongoing challenges in Tamil cinema, including financial mismanagement and escalating production costs. The industry has faced similar shutdowns in the past, such as the 2018 strike over revenue sharing issues. This time, however, the focus is on regulating actor and technician conduct, and the industry awaits the reactions from those directly affected by these new rules.

As the TFPC gears up for these significant shifts, it will be crucial to see how these regulations impact the Tamil film industry and whether they effectively address the concerns that have prompted this decisive action.

[collectingtoday]

Oh my God has anybody watched showtime? On hotstar?? Doooooooodddd

[cme-industry]

Celebal Technologies Empowers Digital Transformation in Communication, Media, and Entertainment with Innovative Solutions 

The world of Communication, Media, and Entertainment (CME) is undergoing a revolution. Consumers today have more choices than ever before, from streaming services and social media to the Metaverse and online gaming. This shift in behavior is forcing traditional media companies to adapt and innovate at an unprecedented pace. 

At Celebal Technologies, we understand the challenges and opportunities facing the CME industry. We are a leading IT solutions provider that empowers businesses to leverage cutting-edge technologies, data-driven insights, and agile strategies to thrive in the digital age. 

Our suite of AI-powered Communication Media, Entertainment solutions is designed to redefine the way content is created, distributed, and consumed. Here's a glimpse into what Celebal Technologies offers: 

Unleashing the Power of Data 

SAP STARGenAI Copilot: Imagine a chatbot that understands your business KPIs and translates them into precise data queries, generating insightful reports and visualizations on the fly. This powerful tool empowers data-driven decision making and optimizes performance management. 

Unity Catalog: Our Unity Catalog migration solution streamlines the process by 70%, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality while saving you valuable time. Customizable data governance solutions and real-time dashboards empower better decision-making across your enterprise. 

Revolutionizing Customer Engagement 

GenAI-Based Chatbots: Our chatbots leverage natural language processing and machine learning to deliver personalized customer engagement support around the clock. They understand context, anticipate needs, and provide accurate information, ensuring a seamless user experience. 

Optimizing Content for Maximum Impact 

Video Analytics: Gain valuable insights from video content with our robust video analytics solutions. These tools use computer vision and deep learning to analyze audience engagement, object detection, and recognition, empowering you to create content that resonates with your viewers. 

Social Media Monitoring and Analysis: Track mentions, conversations, and trends across social media platforms to understand audience sentiment and make informed decisions. Our tools provide real-time insights for content strategy, crisis management, and brand reputation management. 

Revenue Prediction: Leverage the power of machine learning to forecast future earnings with exceptional accuracy. Our industry-specific models identify patterns, analyze market trends, and simulate scenarios, empowering you to optimize resources and drive sustainable growth. 

Unlocking New Creative Possibilities 

AI-Enhanced Content Creation & Visualization: Our AI/ML/NLP-powered tools revolutionize the creative process. Generate novel storylines, adapt content for different formats, streamline storyboarding, and produce high-quality visuals. We integrate with partners like Databricks and OpenAI to accelerate production timelines, enhance creativity, and unlock new possibilities for content creators. 

TV Ratings Data Analysis: Gain a deeper understanding of your audience with our TV ratings and data analysis solutions. Optimize OTT platform performance, advertising strategies, improve content creation, and make data-driven decisions that ensure your success in the competitive media landscape. 

Join Us on the Journey to Digital Transformation 

Celebal Technologies is your partner in digital reinvention. We offer a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to help you connect with audiences, deliver exceptional experiences, and achieve sustainable growth. 

Ready to unlock the full potential of digital transformation in media, communication, and entertainment? Schedule a free strategy session with our experts today at enterprisesales@celebaltech.com 

[werindialive]

Raveena Tandon opens up about pay inequality in Bollywood, “I have to work in 10-15 films to make what my male co-stars made from one.”

Raveena Tandon is celebrating the success of her OTT release Patna Shukla. Recently, during an interview, the popular actress opened up about the pay disparity in Bollywood. Raveena has been a top heroine for almost three decades now but despite her fame and success, she has faced many challenges including pay inequality in Bollywood.

Talking about her experience of working in the 1990s when male stars included Aamir Khan and Salman Khan, Raveena said that the males were paid way higher than the females.

She also said that she had to work for more than 10-15 films to earn an equivalent sum that her male co-stars earned from one movie. This created pressure on female stars to work on multiple projects at one time and also with multiple heroes whereas the male actors enjoyed having choices and work preferences.

"The money wasn't great for actresses in those days. In those days, the money was very, very low, especially the pay disparity between actors and actresses. Male stars got much more. What they would make in one film, I would make in, say, 15 films. I can't speak for everybody, I can't generalize this. I had to do nearly 15–20 films to make as much money as my male counterparts,” the actress said.

“In those days, Aamir and Salman were doing selective films while heroines would be working with many more heroes. But for everybody overall, the money was much less than today's situation,” added Raveena.

In a previous interview, Raveena also told how she rejected a few projects because she did not find the costumes or the dance moves appropriate. “No, I am not going to do this step. No, I am not going to wear this costume.” The star further added, “I have given up so many movies where I was not comfortable with the costumes that I was given to wear. There were so many songs where I said, ‘Sorry, but I don't think that this is appropriate and I have stood by that.' There have been times when I had to sacrifice a couple of movies and stuff for that. But then, so be it. But I had to live my life my way.”

For more Bollywood news and updates in Hindi, subscribe to our newsletter.

[playermagic23]

Ranbir Kapoor starrer Animal soars at No. 4 on Netflix with 6.2 million viewership

Recently, Ranbir Kapoor was felicitated with the Best Actor Award at Filmfare 2024 in Gujarat for his performance in Animal.

Netflix India recently elevated the long weekend with the global digital release of the much-anticipated blockbuster film Animal on January 26, 2024. Boasting a cast including Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna, and Triptii Dimri, the movie is now accessible in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, on Netflix. Released in theatres on December 2023, the film, helmed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, garnered polarizing reactions but collected more than Rs. 800 crore at the global box office.

Now, five days after the release of the film on the platform, the film has garnered 6.2 million viewers with 20 million watch time hours. Animal is soaring at No. 4 on Netflix’s Non-English Film list, in its first week of the release.

Recently, Ranbir Kapoor was felicitated with the Best Actor Award at Filmfare 2024 in Gujarat for his performance in Animal.

Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, this action drama explores the intricacies of modern-day relationships, focusing on the dynamics between a father and son. The film is produced by Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar, Murad Khetani, and Pranay Reddy Vanga.

[programmatic-marketing-hub]

How to Get Started in the FMCG Industry with Digital Advertising

In today's fast-paced business world, the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry holds incredible opportunities for entrepreneurs. With the rise of digital advertising, it's become vital for companies to use this powerful tool to break into the FMCG market.

Using Digital Advertising to Enter the FMCG Market

The FMCG sector is super competitive, with tons of brands all vying for consumer attention. To stand out, it's crucial to make the most of digital advertising. By getting smart with your approach and using digital platforms, you can reach your target audience more effectively. Digital advertising lets you personalize your messages and connect with consumers on a more personal level, boosting brand awareness and sales.

One great strategy is to pinpoint key consumer segments within the FMCG industry and tailor your digital ads to their specific needs and preferences. By doing some solid market research, you can gain insights into consumer behavior and create digital ads that truly resonate with your audience.

For example, imagine you're a brand specializing in organic food products. Your market research shows that there's a growing segment of health-conscious consumers who value sustainable and ethical products. Armed with this knowledge, you can create digital ads that highlight the organic and sustainable aspects of your products, speaking directly to this specific consumer segment.

Moreover, digital advertising offers precise targeting and retargeting capabilities. By using data analytics and tracking tools, you can identify consumers who've shown interest in your brand or products and retarget them with personalized ads. For instance, if a customer visited your website and added items to their cart but didn't make a purchase, you can retarget them with ads offering discounts or limited-time deals to encourage them to complete the purchase.

Digital advertising also lets you measure and track your campaign's effectiveness in real-time. Through various analytics tools, you can keep an eye on important metrics like click-through rates, conversion rates, and return on investment. This data helps you make data-driven decisions and optimize your digital ad campaigns for the best results.

In addition to targeting specific consumer segments, digital advertising allows for creative and interactive content formats. You can use videos, interactive quizzes, and immersive experiences to engage your audience and create memorable brand experiences. By offering valuable and entertaining content, you can build a deeper connection with consumers and foster brand loyalty.

Furthermore, digital advertising lets you seamlessly integrate with other marketing channels. By aligning your digital advertising efforts with your social media, email marketing, and content marketing strategies, you can create a consistent brand message across multiple touchpoints. This integrated approach enhances brand recognition and strengthens your marketing efforts.

In conclusion, digital advertising is a powerful tool for breaking into the FMCG market. By using a targeted approach, data analytics, and creating engaging content, you can effectively reach your target audience, boost brand awareness, and drive sales. Just remember to keep a close eye on your campaigns and make adjustments to stay ahead in this competitive landscape.

Crafting a Digital Advertising Plan for FMCG Success

When crafting a digital advertising plan for success in the FMCG sector, start by setting clear objectives and developing a comprehensive strategy. Define your target audience and understand their preferences and behavior to create compelling and relevant digital ad campaigns.

For example, if your target audience is health-conscious and environmentally aware young adults, tailor your plan to highlight the sustainability and organic aspects of your FMCG products. Show how your products align with their values to capture their attention and build brand loyalty.

Consider the available digital advertising channels and choose the ones that best suit your FMCG products. Whether it's social media advertising, search engine marketing, or influencer partnerships, pick channels that align with your target audience's online behavior.

For instance, if your target audience spends a lot of time on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, investing in influencer partnerships can be highly effective. Collaborate with popular influencers who have a strong following among your target audience to increase brand awareness and drive sales.

Set a budget for your digital advertising campaigns to manage your resources effectively and optimize your return on investment. Consider factors like ad placement, targeting options, and campaign duration when determining your budget.

It's also crucial to continuously monitor and analyze the performance of your digital ad campaigns. Use analytics tools to gather insights about your audience's engagement, conversion rates, and overall campaign effectiveness.

Based on this data, make data-driven decisions to refine your digital advertising strategy and maximize your results. For example, if a particular channel generates lots of clicks but a low conversion rate, adjust your targeting parameters or ad creatives to improve the conversion rate.

Consider implementing A/B testing to experiment with different variations of your digital ads. By testing different headlines, visuals, or calls-to-action, you can identify the most effective elements that resonate with your target audience and drive higher engagement and conversions.

Lastly, don't underestimate the power of storytelling in your digital ad campaigns. Craft compelling narratives that evoke emotions and connect with your audience on a deeper level. By telling stories that highlight the benefits and unique selling points of your FMCG products, you can create a memorable brand experience that sets you apart from competitors.

How to Stand Out in the FMCG Industry with Digital Advertising

In the fiercely competitive FMCG industry, a strong digital advertising presence can set you apart from your competitors. To achieve this, focus on creating unique and compelling content that captivates and engages your target audience.

One effective approach is to leverage user-generated content (UGC) in your digital advertising campaigns. UGC not only adds credibility to your brand but also encourages consumer participation and builds a sense of community. By encouraging customers to share their experiences and opinions, you can generate a wealth of content that can be used in your digital advertising efforts.

Using Digital Advertising to Enter the FMCG Industry

Entering the FMCG industry can be challenging, especially for newcomers. Digital advertising provides an opportunity to level the playing field and compete with established brands. By leveraging the power of digital platforms, you can reach a wider audience and showcase your unique value proposition.

One effective strategy is to develop a compelling brand story that connects with your target audience. By conveying your brand's mission, values, and unique selling points through your digital advertising campaigns, you can create a positive perception and establish a strong foundation for brand loyalty.

Exploring Creative Digital Advertising Strategies for the FMCG Market

Breaking into the FMCG market requires innovative approaches and creative digital advertising strategies. One effective strategy is to collaborate with key influencers in the industry. Influencers have established credibility and a dedicated following, making them valuable partners in promoting your FMCG brand.

Consider reaching out to influencers who align with your brand values and have a significant presence on social media platforms. Collaborate with them to create engaging content that showcases your products and encourages their followers to try them out. This can significantly increase brand visibility and generate interest in your FMCG offerings.

Staying Ahead with Digital Advertising in FMCG

To succeed in the FMCG industry, it's crucial to stay updated with the latest digital advertising trends and techniques. Digital advertising platforms are constantly evolving, and staying ahead of the curve can give you a competitive edge.

One current trend to consider is video advertising. Video content has become increasingly popular, with platforms like YouTube and TikTok gaining immense popularity. By creating captivating and informative videos that highlight your FMCG products, you can engage your audience and increase brand visibility.

Creating Lasting Impressions with Digital Advertising in the FMCG Market

Impactful digital advertising campaigns can make a lasting impression on consumers in the FMCG market. To create impactful campaigns, it's essential to focus on storytelling and evoke emotions through your digital advertising content.

Consider incorporating storytelling elements such as compelling narratives, relatable characters, and real-life scenarios. By connecting with consumers on an emotional level, you can create a memorable brand experience and drive brand loyalty.

Capitalizing on Digital Advertising Opportunities in FMCG

The FMCG industry offers numerous digital advertising opportunities that can be capitalized upon for success. One such opportunity is leveraging social media platforms to engage with your target audience in real-time.

Create interactive content that encourages user participation and feedback. This can include polls, quizzes, contests, and challenges that encourage consumers to interact with your brand. By fostering a sense of community and encouraging user-generated content, you can build a loyal following and drive organic brand growth.

Making Digital Advertising Work for You in the FMCG Market

To make digital advertising work for you in the FMCG market, it's important to continually monitor and analyze campaign performance. Use analytics tools to track key metrics and evaluate the success of your digital advertising efforts.

Make data-driven decisions based on the insights gained from analytics. If certain campaigns or channels are not performing as expected, make adjustments and optimizations to improve results. Continually test and refine your approach to ensure optimal performance and maximize your return on investment.

Strategies for Leveraging Digital Advertising for FMCG Success

In conclusion, breaking into the FMCG industry requires a comprehensive digital advertising strategy that effectively communicates your brand value and engages your target audience. By leveraging the power of digital advertising, you can penetrate the FMCG market, compete with established brands, and achieve success.

Through targeted campaigns, compelling content, collaboration with influencers, and capitalizing on emerging trends, you can make an impact and create a lasting impression on consumers. By continuously monitoring and optimizing your digital advertising efforts, you can stay ahead of the competition and drive FMCG success.

Visit 9MediaOnline to succeed your FMCG Brand

[newsblog12]

Crafting an Actor’s Resume: Your Gateway to Casting Success.

In the glitzy world of entertainment, it’s a golden ticket to casting success. It’s the first impression that casting directors and agents have of you, a snapshot of your skills, experience, and potential. In this blog, we delve deep into the art of crafting an actor’s resume that not only stands out but becomes your passport to landing those coveted roles. From what to include to formatting tips and real-life success stories, let’s embark on a journey to unlock the secrets of a winning actor’s resume.

In the spotlight-drenched realm of showbiz, a resume is your first foot in the door. It’s the key to unlocking casting opportunities, auditions, and the chance to embody captivating characters. This blog uncovers the importance of an actor’s resume, its role as a casting catalyst, and how it can shape the trajectory of your acting career.

The introduction sets the stage for the blog by highlighting the significance of an actor’s resume in the entertainment industry. It emphasizes that an actor’s resume is not merely a document but a crucial tool for making a strong first impression on casting professionals. The introduction captures the reader’s attention and introduces the journey of discovering the art of crafting an effective actor’s resume.

The First Glimpse: Why an Actor’s Resume Matters

In this section, you elaborate on the pivotal role that an actor’s resume plays in the casting process. You delve into the idea that a resume acts as a preliminary introduction, creating a lasting impression before even meeting in person. You discuss how a well-crafted resume demonstrates professionalism, commitment, and the actor’s dedication to their craft. The section conveys that an actor’s resume is the first glimpse casting professionals have into an actor’s potential, making it a critical asset in the competitive entertainment industry.

Building Blocks of an Actor’s Resume

Contact Information and Headshot:

Here, you provide a detailed explanation of the components that make up an actor’s resume. You emphasize the importance of including accurate and updated contact information. Additionally, you elaborate on how a high-quality headshot serves as a visual representation of the actor’s persona, making them more memorable to casting professionals.

Credits and Experience:

In this section, you delve into the significance of listing acting credits and experience on the resume. You discuss the importance of mentioning different types of roles, productions, directors, and years to provide a comprehensive view of the actor’s background. This information helps casting professionals gauge the actor’s experience and suitability for various roles.

Training and Education:

Here, you emphasize the value of showcasing the actor’s commitment to improvement through training and education. You provide insights into how listing acting schools, workshops, and classes attended can demonstrate the actor’s dedication to honing their craft. This section conveys that a well-rounded training background adds credibility to the resume.

Special Skills:

This part elaborates on the inclusion of special skills on the actor’s resume. You discuss how highlighting unique talents such as singing, dancing, accents, or other relevant abilities can make the actor stand out and showcase versatility. This section emphasizes that special skills can make the actor more appealing for specific roles.

The Power of Relevance: Tailoring Your Resume

In this section, you delve into the art of tailoring an actor’s resume to match specific casting opportunities. You explain that a customized resume demonstrates the actor’s attentiveness and suitability for a particular project. You provide practical tips on how to align the resume with the specific role by emphasizing relevant experience, skills, and training. This section conveys that tailoring the resume enhances the actor’s chances of being shortlisted for auditions.

Formatting Magic: Making Your Resume Visually Appealing

Here, you discuss the importance of the visual presentation of the actor’s resume. You provide detailed tips on how to format the resume in a clean, organized manner. You emphasize the use of headings, bullet points, and bold formatting to ensure that important information stands out. This section conveys that an aesthetically pleasing resume is not only easy to read but also reflects the actor’s professionalism.

Real Success Stories: How Actor’s Resumes Paved the Way

This section showcases the real-world impact of well-crafted actors’ resumes. You share anecdotes and stories of actors who experienced career breakthroughs due to their effective resumes. These success stories highlight the concrete results that can be achieved when actors invest time and effort in creating a standout resume. This section serves as inspiration for readers and reinforces the notion that a well-structured resume can lead to significant opportunities.

The conclusion ties together the main points of the blog. It reiterates the transformative power of an actor’s resume in the entertainment industry. You emphasize that crafting a resume is not a mere formality but a strategic endeavor that can shape an actor’s casting journey. The conclusion encourages actors to approach resume-building with dedication and attention to detail, reminding them that their resume is their passport to casting success.

Incorporating these detailed insights into the blog will ensure that readers gain a comprehensive understanding of the significance of an actor’s resume and how to effectively craft one. By providing practical tips, real-life examples, and motivational anecdotes, the blog becomes a valuable resource for actors looking to make an impact in the competitive world of entertainment.

Originally published at https://www.alltalent.com.

[bishtmeenakshi]

KSA’s Upcoming Attraction- The Leisure and Entertainment Industry! : Ken Research

Story Outline

The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund has allocated $ 64 billion to the Saudi Vision. It plans to invest this amount in the Leisure and Entertainment industry.

The government policies such as the upliftment of the decades long cinema ban, cashback for domestically produced films and others are stepping stones to enhance the Entertainment Sector.

The Kingdom is also investing in organizing events and festivals such as the Red Sea International Film Festival.

The recreation and tourism sectors are driving Saudi Vision 2030, with upcoming projects like Al Ula, the "Green Heart of Riyadh" (King Salman Park), and Riyadh Sports Boulevard enhancing cultural tourism and livability.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a potential hub spot for all things entertainment and leisure. The Kingdom’s intense focus on developing the entertainment and tourism sector solidifies the double digit CAGR from the year 2023 to 2027. Some key factors contributing to this growth are the high ratio of the young and middle-aged population who are tech savvy. The increased share of spending on leisure and entertainment due to increased disposable incomes and an experience mindset.

1.Changing Government Policies

Recent Trends In KSA Leisure & Entertainment Market Outlook to 2027

The Saudi government under the guidance of the Crowne prince Mohammed Bin Salman lifted the decades long cinema ban in 2017. This was a turning point for the population as well as the film and related industries in Saudi Arabia.The female population is no longer prohibited from driving and are now allowed to travel alone.

The Saudi Film Commission recently announced a 40% cash rebate on qualifying expenses during film production inside Saudi Arabia if certain conditions are met.

2.Emerging Events and Festivals

The newly-established Red Sea International Film Festival, which featured 138 films from more than 60 countries, played to thousands of attendees, many of whom were international guests.

Click Here: To Download A Free Sample Report

Other festivals such as the XP Music Conference and the Soundstorm festival have helped Riyadh to establish itself as a leading music and cinema destination.

3.Thriving Recreation and Tourism Projects

The recreation and tourism sectors are the drivers of the “Saudi Vision 2030”. Thus, the Kingdom has multiple upcoming projects supporting the Vision.

Al Ula - Kingdom's hidden natural wonder, with 23,000 archaeological sites is situated 300 km north of Madinah Al Munawara. Al Ula is going to be the Kingdom’s main cultural eco-tourism destination. It is expected to offer various recreational activities including sightseeing, hiking, camping and other desert-friendly sports and festivals.

The “Green Heart of Riyadh”, the King Salman Park aims to be world’s biggest city park which will be well connected, and is about four times the size of Central Park in New York. It has a total area of 13 million sqm. The park is expected to offer various components related to the environment, culture, art and sports.

Visit This Link: - Request For Custom Report

Riyadh Sports Boulevard is a one-stop wellbeing destination. It will offer various sports and recreational facilities across 8 multi-themed zones. With a unique outlook, the project has 1 million sqm of land allocated for private investment opportunities among both domestic and foreign investors, allowing them to introduce complementary developments, such as museums, libraries and art studios. The project aims to improve quality of life and support the objective of placing Riyadh within the world’s top 100 livable cities.

[sgiandubh]

Between 2018 and 2020, my sister secretly dated a very famous guy. To this day, no one has ever known about them, and all this time, they managed to fly under the radar of fans and the press because they frequented very exclusive places. One of the times I went to dinner with them, I was impressed because I never imagined that a restaurant that was already somewhat "exclusive" still had a VIP space. The same happened when they flew together or took vacations at resorts/hotels. They managed to visit cities like Paris, Venice, Vienna, New York, London and still not be found by anyone, precisely because they had decided to keep their relationship private (they were both in the same industry, but her work was not in front of cameras). So, from experience I can say : if a famous person really wants to keep a private relationship or just doesn't want to be found by fans or the press, they have a way to do that.

Dear Sister Anon,

There are organic relationships, and then there are OTT #shitshows, like this one.

Thank you for dropping by. Much comforting.

At the moment, I am dissecting The Brazilian Tourist's reels. The least I can say is that she is an obnoxious person, with a very nasty sotaque.

Also, one of my favorite restaurants in the world, La Pérouse, in Paris not only has a VIP area, but also separate VIP rooms, if you really want to remain undetected. French ministers used to meet there the very high-end prostitutes of the Belle Epoque, les grandes horizontales.

[fatehbaz]

Libby’s canned pumpkin, for example, the largest canned pumpkin producer in the country, calls their product pumpkin instead of squash because the pumpkin means more to the average American consumer. But if you saw the thing, it looks just like squash -- because it is squash [...]. So this is not just a story of myth making, but also one showing the repercussions of these myths for rural economies. [...]

In the early nineteenth century when people were moving off farms and into cities, the smaller and sweeter varieties that we now call squash were available [...]. Zucchini and winter squash, for example, had some commodity status, and were a part of their daily lives. But the pumpkin - that orange round squash - was the crop that was left behind on the farm and it didn’t go into the market place. Small-scale farmers kept it in production because it was a substitute for livestock fodder [...]. It started to represent an old-fashioned way [...]. So in the early nineteenth century when industrial agriculture took off, there was no room for the pumpkin in the marketplace. But this was exactly the time it started to appear in Winslow Homer’s paintings and Harper’s Magazine and romantic poems. [...]

---

Morton, Illinois is the location of a Libby’s processing plant. Libby’s controls about ninety percent of the market for culinary pumpkins, and they’ve been around almost a hundred years. In 1970 they tried to have one big corporate-sized pumpkin farm in California, and the plan was to ship the crop back to Morton for processing. So they tried that model but it didn’t work because the market for the pumpkin is lucrative but limited; it could be eaten throughout the year, but it’s not. Ninety percent of the market is from September through January. [...] Libby’s returned to Morton to distribute their seeds [...]. They send this seed to between fifty and seventy [...] farms within a seventy-five mile radius of their plant [...]. These farms then plant these seeds on behalf of Libby’s. [...]

---

But in the story of how it became an icon, it was really consumers creating the market and the farmers following to meet demand. [...] Farmers would be driving down the highway in a truck full of pumpkins for their hogs and they’d be stopped by tourists on their Sunday drives through the country asking if they could buy pumpkins. Farmers never had the idea that this was going to be a commodity. So then the seed companies started changing the seed to fit the idea that this was going to be an object of display and ornament instead of something to eat.

Today, sixty-five to seventy percent of pumpkin production is for ornamental pumpkins, and they are produced around the country. Most places across the country are conducive for small family farms to produce these - you can throw in a few seeds and get a pretty good yield. It’s a lucrative but limited market, so there’s almost nobody that ships nationwide but almost everyone ships locally. If you’re a trucker in Nebraska, you basically stick in Nebraska for pumpkins because it just doesn’t pay, especially for the ornamentals. If they get nicked or the stem falls off they’re worthless, so that makes it a local crop too. [...]

---

All text above are the words of Cindy Ott. As interviewed by Daniel Grant. Published by Grant under the title: “From Jack-O’-Lantern to Pumpkin Pie: The Surprising History of a Favorite Fall Icon”. In: Edge Effects. At: edgeeffects dot net/pumpkin/27. 12 October 2015. Updated 12 October 2019. [Bold emphasis and some paragraph breaks/contractions added by me. Presented here for commentary, teaching, criticism.]