HDTV: Worst Nightmare For TV Stars?

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HDTV: Worst Nightmare For TV Stars?
The Associated Press joins in on Hollywood's growing concern about the ultra-clear HD picture.
By Phillip Swann

Washington, D.C. (December 27, 2006) -- No more close-ups? Fewer older actors? New camera filters?

Those are just some of the things that could happen to the TV industry due to the crystal-clear picture of High-Definition TV, according to an article just published by The Associated Press. (Note: TVPredictions.com has chronicled Hollywood's growing concern about high-def for several years.)

The AP reports that high-def is causing a tizzy in Tinseltown. The stars are nervous that the ultra-clear picture will reveal every facial imperfection and aging sign. Consequently, industry officials are experimenting with new camera filters and makeup techniques to hide the flaws, particularly for females.

Cameron Diaz in HDTV on The Tonight Show.

"We seem not to care about seeing men in a rougher, more edgier way," Stephen McNutt,, director of photography for Battlestar Galactica, tells the AP. "Whereas females, we're used to seeing them in a softer, more appealing way. So there's a little more filtration needed, and you have to approach it from a different standpoint."
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The wire service also says TV's makeup artists are now using a new technique called "airbrushing," which is designed to soften facial flaws in HD. But despite the advances in make-up and camera filters, one photography director says it may not be enough.

"I think there's a danger area of saying the extreme close-up is not flattering - it's a part of the grammar of television to do that," Rescue Me's Tom Houghton tells AP. "Maybe we don't want to be quite so close, now that people have bigger screens."

But one actress says Hollywood should just get over it.

"It would behoove everyone to see the real celebrity, wrinkles and all," says Kat Foster of Fox's Til Death.

Related Links:
The 10 Sexiest Women In HDTV!
Who says the celebs don't look good in high-def.
10 Scariest Stars In HDTV!
Hide the kids when they are in high-def!
Swanni's 2006 'Best & Worst' HDTV List!
Rosie O'Donnell might want to avoid the 'View.'

Click TVPredictions.com to see today's Swanni Sez.

© TVPredictions.com
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Phillip Swann is president and publisher of TVPredictions.com. He has been quoted in dozens of publications and broadcast outlets, including CNN, Fox News, Inside Edition, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Financial Times, The Associated Press and The Hollywood Reporter. He can be reached at swann@tvpredictions.com or at 703-505-3064.

Click TVPredictions.com to read more news and features on TV technology.