Entertainment
Character.AI enters the microdrama arena with its own productions, but there’s a twist
The micro-dramas trend is so big that almost every company working in the space of the attention economy — whether it’s social media titans like TikTok or Instagram, streaming services such as Peacock and Amazon Prime, or even India’s JioHotstar — has a product designed to take advantage.
Character.AI, a company that lets users chat with AI avatars they create themselves, has also tapped into this market, producing microdramas based on AI characters. There’s a twist to the product that allows users older than 18 years old to chat, roleplay, or ask questions of these characters.
The company will launch three microdramas in the beginning: “Last Summer” a romantic series, “The Nighttime Game”, a horror microdrama titled “Eden Fall”, and “The Nighttime Game” a survival drama similar to Hunger Games.
Character.AI claims that these dramas have been created with AI production tools. In the future, they hope to assist users in creating their own series and characters.
“C.ai series, starting with a studio model, lets our production staff develop the format and refine the workflow. It also allows us to understand the audience’s expectations for Character-native Microdrama Entertainment. The goal over time is to convert those workflows and learnings into creators tools that allow users to create their own original series and share them to a worldwide audience,” said a spokesperson for the company.
This is the latest in a slew of recent features from the startup following its shift toward entertainment-focused features last year. It teased in April a tool named Lorebook, which users could use to build worlds that characters would reference. Another feature, called Books, allows users to insert themselves or play as characters into classic literature.
On Thursday, the company announced that they are also testing two features, one called c.ai Reads, which allows users to create fictional stories, as well as c.aiFM, an audio-series feature. Select users can access the audio series under the experimental c.ai labs program. Professional writers, according to the company, are creating serialized audio dramas using this feature.
Entertainment
Chloe Fineman Leaves ‘SNL’ After 7 Seasons
Chloe Fineman leaves “Saturday Night Live”.
After seven seasons, the actor and comedian best known for his impressions leaves NBC’s sketch comedy show.
Fineman announced her departure in an Instagram post that read: “After seven wonderful seasons with SNL, I’ve decided it is time to move on.” It’s hard for her to say goodbye, but she concluded that it was the right decision. It’s going to be hard for me. “But the people working there are my family, and this place is my home. I know that I won’t be far from them.”
Fineman was the first cast member of “SNL” to depart the show before Season 52. Yang left the show in Season 51. Casting is usually finalized by early September – just a few weeks before season premiere. Uncertain is how many new actors will join the cast before the season premiere.
Fineman was hired by Studio 8H as a newcomer in 2019. She joined the ranks of Studio 8H in 2019. Fineman became well-known for her wide range of impressions. These included Jennifer Coolidge and Timothee Chalamet as well as Drew Barrymore. Britney Spears, JoJo Siwa, Drew Barrymore were all among them.
You can read her entire post below.
It’s now time to move on.
I know it’s cliché, but my experience at SNL was the most rewarding of all. It’s hard to believe that I was able to become a member of this amazing team. The moment I entered the building, I was in love. Lorne, if this is on your burner I’d like you to know I will always be indebted to you.
Each day, I had the good fortune to work with the very best in the industry. I watched them at their jobs and was always amazed. In 10 hours, I sewed a Jojo Siwa outfit. Write a cold opening at 2pm Saturday afternoon. The VFX for a video is finished minutes before the dress.
It’s not my first time observing this, but I find it funny now that you can look back on it. You get so involved in the work you do. When your sketch doesn’t get picked, you sob uncontrollably. You storm into the office of a producer and tell them that they have just committed their biggest error in life. Call everyone to express your displeasure. You look back at the sketch a few more years and realize that it was “lipsticks for thincc dogs.”
That’s only the show. It’s so important to you that you will give your all, even if it is stupid. You’re thrilled when things work out, and you are devastated when they don’t. In the end, it’s not that important but at the time it was.
I’m really sad to be leaving SNL, but this feels like the right moment. It’s going to be hard for me. The people there are like my family, the place I call home. I won’t be far from them.
One day in the near future they will make lipsticks for dogs.
Entertainment
Kris Jenner’s Mother Mary Jo ‘MJ’ Dead at 91
Mary Jo, also known as MJ or Kris Jenner’s mother Mary Jo, is no longer with us.
Kris posted on social media Thursday that her mother had died.
She said… “Today we bid farewell to my beautiful Mother MJ.” No words could describe how much she meant to me, or even the pain of saying goodbye.
You will be asked to confirm your consent before you can load Instagram media.
Kris said… “My mother was the center of our family.” She taught me to value family, be kind to others, show up to support those you care about, and never to take anything for granted.
She wrote that she will miss her daily conversations with her mother, MJ, her smile and laughter.
In closing, she thanked her mother for giving “me the best childhood” and a “beautiful blessed life”, adding “My heart has been broken into a thousand pieces”. I love you forever Mommy.”
MJ has become a favorite of many fans over the years, thanks to her frequent appearances in the reality shows featuring the Kardashians. Viewers got to see her warm personality, quick wit and her close relationship with Kris, Kim Khloe Kourtney Kendall Kylie, and other members of the family.
Kris didn’t share any details about MJ or her cause of death.
MJ died at the age of 91.
Entertainment
Kris Jenner Announces Death of Mom Mary Jo ‘MJ’ Shannon at 91: ‘My Heart Is Broken into a Million Pieces’
Need to Know
Mary Jo Shannon, Kris Jenner’s mother, died Thursday 16th July at the age of 91
Jenner posted a message on Instagram saying, “There is no way to describe what I feel for her or how heartbreaking it will be to have to leave.”
MJ appeared regularly on Keeping Up with the Kardashians, the reality show of the Kardashian family.
Kris Jenner mourns the loss of her mother Mary Jo Shannon, who died at 91 years old.
She wrote Thursday, July 16, “We said goodbye to our beautiful Mommy, MJ.” There are no words to describe how much she meant to me, or my heartbreak at having to say goodbye. She was our heart. She taught me to value family, be kind to others, show up to support those you care about, and never to take anything for granted.
She taught us the importance of family. Jenner continued, “She taught us to be unconditional in our love and to enjoy the small moments.” She taught me to be resilient and have faith in the face of life’s difficulties. Thank you, Mom, for all the sacrifices you made and wisdom you shared. We will always love you. We will miss your daily conversations, your laugh, and your smile. Our hearts are broken but find comfort in knowing love like that of yours is never far from us. “Your love will continue to live in our family and traditions. In every time we spend together. And in the lives you touched.”
When I see my children and grandkids I’ll always find pieces of you. Jenner wrote, “There is no part of me which isn’t affected by you.” If I’ve done anything well in the world, then it is because I tried to live my life in a manner that you would be proud of. You were the reason for every memory, moment and blessing. I’ll thank God each day that you are my mother. Thank you for the most wonderful childhood, and what an amazing blessed life I have had…I love you Mommy forever. “Thank you for everything.”
Jenner and her mother, Robert Houghton and Robert Houghton split up at the age of seven. A few years after, MJ married Harry Shannon. She remained with him for forty years, until he was killed in a 2003 car accident.
MJ founded the San Diego children’s store Shannon & Co., in 1980. She was a regular on the reality series Keeping Up with the Kardashians. “I remember Kim counting money on the floor here,” MJ said to Daily Beast back in 2012. She would sing, “Counting is a game and money is my title” or “Money and counting are my names.” “Something like that.”
Entertainment
Christopher Nolan Movies Ranked From Worst to Best
It’s now time to evaluate all the films of Christopher Nolan, from worst to greatest. It wasn’t a simple task. Nolan’s list of 13 films ranges from historical dramas like Dunkirk and Oppenheimer to thrillers such as Interstellar and Tenet to mysteries, including The Prestige and Memento, to his Batman Trilogy. The Oscar-winning filmmaker has become one the best in the business, and one of few to be able to fill theaters on opening weekends. He is also one of the only remaining refuges for mature cinema lovers. From weakest to strongest, here are Nolan’s movies.
13. Insomnia (2002)
Nolan’s “worst film” is actually quite good, and well worth watching. Insomnia, a remake from the Norwegian version of the same name, is notable for being the first film Nolan has directed without him writing or co-writing it. In this film, an experienced Los Angeles detective, Al Pacino (played by Al Pacino), teams up with Hilary Swank (played by Hilary Swank), to investigate a remote Alaskan murder. This is a moody, effective detective drama. However, it doesn’t have Nolan’s usual ambition and seems like an unpaid job.
12. Tenet (2020).
John David Washington’s performance as an agent trying to stop World War III, a conflict between the past and the future (dubbed as “The Protagonist” is quite amusing) is impressive. Tenet is Nolan at his most annoying — with an oppressive soundtrack that overshadows the dialogue, stylish but flat characters and a story that twists to a point of confusion. Tenet gets some superficial points, however. It looks cool, sounds cool, and tries to be original in its approach to time travel. (THR’s review.)
11. Follow (1998)
Nolan’s first feature film, which was made for an estimated $6,000, demonstrated all of the promise that the director, who at 20-something, had. In black and white, Nolan explored themes that he would explore in the decades ahead. The film’s main character is an alienated, single-minded obsession who adheres to a strict code. It has an unexpected third act, and the dialogue is smart and expositional. This feels very Nolan. This feature is about a man that follows strangers in London, and finds himself embroiled into more than expected when he breaks his rule to never follow anyone twice. Some might say that it is not a full-length film because it only lasts 70 minutes. But Nolan, who spent three years scraping together the movie, says it is just as good as any of his other films.
10. The Dark Knight Rises (2012 )
Tom Hardy does a great job as Bane, the menacing terrorist. He also manages to pull off the difficult task of following Heath Ledger’s Joker. The climax of Nolan’s Batman trilogy also has some great sequences, such as the plane hijacking opening and Bruce’s courtroom trial. The film also deserves praise for its bold storylines. Criminals taking control of Gotham City and keeping it that way for several months is an ambitious plotline (as long as one doesn’t question the plausibility of the police being trapped in the sewer for so many months). The conclusion of the Batman Trilogy is just fine.
9. Memento (2000)
Nolan’s second effort, based on the story of his brother Jonathan, is a noir thriller with Guy Pearce in the role of a man who cannot make new memories and tries to solve the murder. This is a puzzle of a film that shows a director who has the ability to blend a genre film with a narrative that can be challenging and still make it accessible. The result? An ending that will stay in your mind.
8. Dunkirk (2017)
Dunkirk has a masterful production from the very beginning. The first shot is a smash cut onto a busy street, with leaflets falling and a clock ticking as British World War II troops try to escape France while German forces are closing in. Nolan’s ability to stage action creates one riveting sequence after another. Nolan’s use of cinematic techniques to draw us in is hampered by the fact that many heroes are unknowable or interchangeable. (THR’s review.)
7. Batman Begins (2005 )
Batman Begins’ first hour is not only an excellent start to a mature Dark Knight Trilogy, but it also represents a reimagining of superhero films as larger-than life crime dramas, with real-world effects, instead of CGI fueled, quip-filled dramedies that save the world. Christian Bale proved to be a worthy successor of the cowl, and Michael Caine was never a more convincing Alfred. The film’s last act is a little stumbling.
6. Inception (2010)
Nolan’s home run rate is on the rise. The director brings together many of his talents in Inception, a blockbuster that is highly original. It follows Leonardo DiCaprio’s character as he steals data from the subconscious to benefit corporate clients. The film is visually stunning, extremely clever and features the coolest end of any filmmaker. Hans Zimmer’s music became famous for the iconic “bwaaaahm” but is also one of his greatest works, and was denied an Oscar for best score (listen to Time). (THR’s review.)
5. Interstellar (2014)
Nolan has been accused by many of being cold and he can be. Matthew McConaughey is a powerful astronaut, who sacrifices his relationship with Jessica Chastain and Mackenzie Foy to find a new planet to replace the dying Earth. His performance in this film was anything but cold. The story may have some holes but the combination of 2001: A Space Odyssey inspired cinematic wonder with emotional weight makes this Nolan film one of his most popular titles. Its reputation has only grown since it was released. (THR’s review.)
4. The Prestige (2006)
It’s a wonderful mystery, The Prestige. Based on Christopher Priest’s novel of dueling obsessive turn-of the-century magicians. With great performances from a dogmatic Bale and a scorching Hugh Jackman (“You don’t even know?”) as well as an all-too-wise Caine. !”),, and a Caine who is all too wise. It’s a perfect script by the Nolan Brothers, who use voiceovers and narration in a way that is confident and compelling. There’s a twist at the end you’ll never see coming. It was initially a modest success, but has since grown to be a Nolan fan’s favorite.
3. Oppenheimer (2023)
Oppenheimer’s final act is overlong, too chatty, and men argue over security clearances at tables. (Imagine that Batman beat Scarecrow and spent 40 more minutes discussing the best way to fix Gotham City’s monorail damaged system. Nolan has created a masterpiece with a real urgency that his more pulpy movies lack. Based on American Prometheus by Nolan, the movie tells the tale of an important historical figure. It champions science, and it reminds us of the dangers that weapons of mass devastation pose. Ludwig Goransson’s score is one of the most beautiful for Nolan films. Nolan’s horrifying post-Trinity Test pep rally is one of the smartest and most powerful scenes in his career. The review of and the cover story for THR.
2. The Odyssey 2026
Nolan’s cinematic skills are used to adapt Homer’s 2,800 year-old story in a manner that feels both contemporary and grounded. Its herculean production and almost absurdly crowded cast make it feel like an homage to Hollywood’s sandal-and-toga classics of the mid-century, such as Spartacus or Ben-Hur. (One half is expecting Peter Ustinov). Nolan creates one spectacular set piece after another for Matt Damon to challenge his Odysseus while the Ithaca palace intrigue keeps the audience equally engaged as Anne Hathaway’s Penelope fights off an array of brutish suitors. Nolan’s clash between the A-listers in the two stories is a spectacle that throws aside the usual cerebral plots of the director and engages audiences with good old-fashioned bloodlust. The film industry can no longer make films like these.
1. The Dark Knight (2008 )
The script (written by the Nolan brothers, from a story by Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer) is fantastic, with so many iconic lines (“You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain”… “It’s all part of the plan…”). It’s a fantastic script, written by the Nolan Brothers, based on a story from Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer. There are so many memorable lines (You die as a hero, or live to become the villain, but you can never be both”) The supporting cast members are all outstanding, Zimmer’s score is intense and effective, and there’s a lot of action. The Dark Knight, Nolan’s debut film that reached $1 billion in box office revenue was a massive success upon its release. Its earnings were more than twice as high as Batman Begins. Nolan has a lot of movies with long runtimes, but The Dark Knight is one you don’t want to finish. (THR’s review.)
Aaron Couch is the author of this article.
Entertainment
Queen Camilla’s role in Prince Harry, King Charles’ reunion revealed
The long-awaited meeting between Prince Harry and King Charles was made possible by Queen Camilla.
Catherine Mayer, royal author and People’s newest cover story published on Wednesday, said: “She’s a nonnegotiable element of Charles’ life.”
There is no reconciliation between him and her.
Harry, Meghan, their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet and Charles, both 78 years old, met at Highgrove House, on the 10th of July, with Camilla and Charles.
Charles has not seen his grandchildren in the last four years. He is currently fighting cancer. The details of this meeting are not public.
People quoted a royal source as saying that it was better for the public to not know about these meetings. They should be allowed to renew those family bonds.
Harry and Camilla have a complex relationship. Camilla is alleged to be the woman who had an affair during Charles’ marriage with Harry’s mom, Princess Diana.
The Duke of Sussex referred to Camilla in a “60 Minutes interview” from 2023, which was conducted for the promotion of his book “Spare”, as “the villain” in the relationship between his parents.
Harry stated that his stepmother needed to “rehabilitate” her image. She married Charles nine years after Diana and the monarch divorced.
Harry claimed that Camilla leaked stories to the media for her personal benefit.
He claimed that both sides were willing to exchange information. There were going to be bodies or people left on the streets because she was part of a hierarchy-based family and on her way to becoming Queen consort.
Harry revealed in his autobiography that he, along with brother Prince William, urged their dad not to marry Queen consort.
Harry said, “We did not think it necessary.” We thought it would do more harm than benefit and that, if he is now on his own person, then that should be enough. Why would you go to such lengths when it is not necessary?
Harry said that his siblings, who were now estranged from each other, agreed to the marriage because they wanted “their dad [to] be happy” and see how happy she was with him.
Page Six confirms that Harry’s family, including his wife and children, joined him to the UK for a meeting with his stepmother and father.
The trip turned into “a nightmare” after Buckingham Palace retracted the offer of letting the couple stay in the royal residence.
Markle (44), who was on a trip with Harry and his wife Camilla, spent the majority of their time without them.
William did not see his brother Charles, but royal expert Kinsey Schoffield told us exclusively that the future king, “understands”, why Charles and Harry reunited.
Schofield said that William also believes Harry has “not earned the right to return into family confidence.”
-
Business5 days ago
What Smart People Are Saying About Apple’s Lawsuit Against OpenAI
-
Video5 days agoEverything you need to know about Norway before the World Cup quarter-finals. #Norway #BBCNews
-
Video1 week agoBuckling support beams seen inside New York high-rise. #BBCNews
-
Video5 days agoSylvia Earle opens up about her historic walk into the deep
-
Food4 days agoMexico-US relations are already strained, but experts say they’re about to get worse
-
HealthNews4 days ago
Schoolgirl’s response to being told about dad’s terminal cancer
-
HealthNews5 days agoNew Study Says Doing This for 2 Hours a Week Will Help You Live Longer
-
Food1 week agoWhat to know about the parasitic infection, symptoms and latest cases
