Eric J. Robbins
@ericjrobbins.bsky.social
Award-winning TV writer (Star Trek: Discovery) and wanna-be director. Making everything else up as I go.
Judge my taste on Letterboxd: ericjrobbins
Judge my taste on Letterboxd: ericjrobbins
Reposted by Eric J. Robbins
I need to share this with someone
December 22, 2025 at 9:59 PM
I need to share this with someone
Yet another major movie trailer stuck in horribly compressed HD and a letterboxed 16:9 frame.
Studios, it's okay -- you can release trailers in their native aspect ratio and in 4k. I promise you it'll play just fine on 99.9% of devices and look much better.
Studios, it's okay -- you can release trailers in their native aspect ratio and in 4k. I promise you it'll play just fine on 99.9% of devices and look much better.
December 22, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Yet another major movie trailer stuck in horribly compressed HD and a letterboxed 16:9 frame.
Studios, it's okay -- you can release trailers in their native aspect ratio and in 4k. I promise you it'll play just fine on 99.9% of devices and look much better.
Studios, it's okay -- you can release trailers in their native aspect ratio and in 4k. I promise you it'll play just fine on 99.9% of devices and look much better.
Mark is valiantly beating the drum re: physical media and its availability and affordability, but it should be noted that owning a disc doesn't necessarily mean you have to stay locked to the format. I ripped my entire disc collection at full quality to a media server which streams to my TV.
Because if you care about securely owning a movie that you love--as opposed to "owning" it only until a license agreement over which you have no control expires without warning--you need a DVD or Blu-ray. The hardware may be yesterday; the concern is very much of this moment.
Why do (us) old people want to burden Gen Z with our nostalgia for an antique piece of hardware in the first place?
December 13, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Mark is valiantly beating the drum re: physical media and its availability and affordability, but it should be noted that owning a disc doesn't necessarily mean you have to stay locked to the format. I ripped my entire disc collection at full quality to a media server which streams to my TV.
All hat, no cognitive function.
December 12, 2025 at 11:35 PM
All hat, no cognitive function.
I'm very left-wing in my politics and have been involved in every union in which I've been a member. This is the dumbest, most ass-backwards take imaginable. I don't want to share a union with openly bigoted people, because then it is no longer a safe space for colleagues. WTF @theatlantic.com?
“Those of us on the left should be fighting to improve protections for workers of all races, and thereby for the betterment of people’s material conditions regardless of their views,” Arash Azizi argues:
Why the Cinnabon Story Doesn’t Make Me Happy
The left should be promoting working-class solidarity, not delighting in seeing workers summarily dismissed.
bit.ly
December 12, 2025 at 6:19 PM
I'm very left-wing in my politics and have been involved in every union in which I've been a member. This is the dumbest, most ass-backwards take imaginable. I don't want to share a union with openly bigoted people, because then it is no longer a safe space for colleagues. WTF @theatlantic.com?
"This holiday season there will be a lot of Christmas shows, but one will change the face of television forever."
You weren't wrong, 1989 Fox marketers.
Crazy that this series has run nearly my entire life and just crossed 800 episodes in its 37th season.
You weren't wrong, 1989 Fox marketers.
Crazy that this series has run nearly my entire life and just crossed 800 episodes in its 37th season.
The first commercials for “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire” (aka “The Simpsons Christmas Special”) started airing around this time in December 1989. Most of the footage in the earliest ads were from the Tracey Ullman shorts, mainly “Simpson Xmas.”
December 12, 2025 at 1:09 AM
"This holiday season there will be a lot of Christmas shows, but one will change the face of television forever."
You weren't wrong, 1989 Fox marketers.
Crazy that this series has run nearly my entire life and just crossed 800 episodes in its 37th season.
You weren't wrong, 1989 Fox marketers.
Crazy that this series has run nearly my entire life and just crossed 800 episodes in its 37th season.
Reposted by Eric J. Robbins
December 10, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Reposted by Eric J. Robbins
companies: “maybe THIS AI ad won’t end in a deluge of mockery”
December 9, 2025 at 9:19 PM
companies: “maybe THIS AI ad won’t end in a deluge of mockery”
Reposted by Eric J. Robbins
One of the many reasons AI can't produce good writing is it can't hate its own writing. It can't think to itself "Maybe I'm illiterate" during the writing process. And that's essential
December 9, 2025 at 8:45 PM
One of the many reasons AI can't produce good writing is it can't hate its own writing. It can't think to itself "Maybe I'm illiterate" during the writing process. And that's essential
Reposted by Eric J. Robbins
Only one frame is known to survive KSGY's disastrous 1982 broadcast anchored by Denise Hill, Tom Teller and the sole survivor of the incident, Mr Snickers The 450lb housecat
December 9, 2025 at 1:50 AM
Only one frame is known to survive KSGY's disastrous 1982 broadcast anchored by Denise Hill, Tom Teller and the sole survivor of the incident, Mr Snickers The 450lb housecat
Reposted by Eric J. Robbins
30+ movies a year. Wow. That's very impressive. This year Paramount released a grand total of 7, exactly one of which made the year's top 25 (while losing $), so there is zero reason to believe that the company has the means to more than quadruple its output. deadline.com/2025/12/para...
Paramount Promises To Release 30+ Films Annually If It Acquires Warner Bros: “We’re Going To Satisfy The Needs Of The Moviegoing Public”
Should Paramount succeed in acquiring Warner Bros, the combined studio will release more than 30 theatrical titles a year. This was Paramount CEO David Ellison’s promise during a phone presser followi...
deadline.com
December 8, 2025 at 4:56 PM
30+ movies a year. Wow. That's very impressive. This year Paramount released a grand total of 7, exactly one of which made the year's top 25 (while losing $), so there is zero reason to believe that the company has the means to more than quadruple its output. deadline.com/2025/12/para...
I'm in no way advocating for this, but it'd be darkly funny if Netflix attempted a hostile takeover of Paramount in response to all of this. They have the cash and stock price to be tempting to enough Paramount shareholders to gum up the works.
December 8, 2025 at 8:00 PM
I'm in no way advocating for this, but it'd be darkly funny if Netflix attempted a hostile takeover of Paramount in response to all of this. They have the cash and stock price to be tempting to enough Paramount shareholders to gum up the works.
One of the my personal highlights of the writers strike was discussing my love for this film with @nicholasmeyer.bsky.social
"Now be honest, Captain, warrior to warrior. You do prefer it this way, don't you, as it was meant to be? No peace in our time. 'Once more, unto the breach, dear friends.'"
"Now be honest, Captain, warrior to warrior. You do prefer it this way, don't you, as it was meant to be? No peace in our time. 'Once more, unto the breach, dear friends.'"
OTD, the premiere of Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, the last #StarTrek film to feature all of the Original Series cast members, along with Mark Lenard as Sarek and Grace Lee Whitney as Janice Rand. Nicholas Meyer directed and Leonard Nimoy co-wrote the story.
December 6, 2025 at 5:03 PM
One of the my personal highlights of the writers strike was discussing my love for this film with @nicholasmeyer.bsky.social
"Now be honest, Captain, warrior to warrior. You do prefer it this way, don't you, as it was meant to be? No peace in our time. 'Once more, unto the breach, dear friends.'"
"Now be honest, Captain, warrior to warrior. You do prefer it this way, don't you, as it was meant to be? No peace in our time. 'Once more, unto the breach, dear friends.'"
Fine, I'll take the bait -- Varang (who is a bit of a cheat, considering she's not in the two released films,) Jake Sully, Neytiri, Kiri, and recombinant Quaritch.
I'm unapologetic about my love for these crazy movies. How many militant environmentalist, anti-colonialist blockbusters are there?
I'm unapologetic about my love for these crazy movies. How many militant environmentalist, anti-colonialist blockbusters are there?
December 5, 2025 at 10:14 PM
Fine, I'll take the bait -- Varang (who is a bit of a cheat, considering she's not in the two released films,) Jake Sully, Neytiri, Kiri, and recombinant Quaritch.
I'm unapologetic about my love for these crazy movies. How many militant environmentalist, anti-colonialist blockbusters are there?
I'm unapologetic about my love for these crazy movies. How many militant environmentalist, anti-colonialist blockbusters are there?
Netflix also has some of the most aggressive rate caps, especially on below-the-line. I know of multiple positions where crew are no longer able to get rates they've received from Netflix in the past. This pressure is being applied to every position, from writers and producers to post production.
“Netflix is the biggest streaming service in the world. Consolidating its power over the streaming video market not only kills jobs but also raises prices and hurts the U.S. entertainment industry.” www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/bus...
Hollywood Labor Comes Out Swinging Against Warner Bros.-Netflix Deal: “This Merger Must Be Blocked”
The most severe in its criticism was the Writers Guild of America, so far.
www.hollywoodreporter.com
December 5, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Netflix also has some of the most aggressive rate caps, especially on below-the-line. I know of multiple positions where crew are no longer able to get rates they've received from Netflix in the past. This pressure is being applied to every position, from writers and producers to post production.
The core reason streamers want to take down theaters is because they're historically one of the best avenues for independent films to find their audiences. The goal is to control 100% of the production to distribution pipeline, so that only a few dozen people control the majority of media available.
December 5, 2025 at 7:07 PM
The core reason streamers want to take down theaters is because they're historically one of the best avenues for independent films to find their audiences. The goal is to control 100% of the production to distribution pipeline, so that only a few dozen people control the majority of media available.
Was fortunate enough to spend a few hours on Pandora last night. If you enjoyed the previous two films and / or you're a big James Cameron fan like I am, you'll have a good time with "Avatar: Fire and Ash". Excited to see it again on the biggest screen I can find.
December 5, 2025 at 1:01 AM
Was fortunate enough to spend a few hours on Pandora last night. If you enjoyed the previous two films and / or you're a big James Cameron fan like I am, you'll have a good time with "Avatar: Fire and Ash". Excited to see it again on the biggest screen I can find.
There are, as of this moment, 969 episodes of Star Trek. If a new one doesn't appeal to you, I'm sure there's something in the literal month-long runtime of previous series you can enjoy silently by yourself.
To quote MST3K -- repeat to yourself, "it's just a show, I should really just relax."
To quote MST3K -- repeat to yourself, "it's just a show, I should really just relax."
December 4, 2025 at 9:07 PM
There are, as of this moment, 969 episodes of Star Trek. If a new one doesn't appeal to you, I'm sure there's something in the literal month-long runtime of previous series you can enjoy silently by yourself.
To quote MST3K -- repeat to yourself, "it's just a show, I should really just relax."
To quote MST3K -- repeat to yourself, "it's just a show, I should really just relax."
WGA / TAG members who are also into TTRPGs, be sure to check out Carlos's generous offer. He's put a lot of great work into these campaigns for Daggerheart.
December 4, 2025 at 6:25 PM
WGA / TAG members who are also into TTRPGs, be sure to check out Carlos's generous offer. He's put a lot of great work into these campaigns for Daggerheart.
Some great LA gift shopping suggestions here from @lataco.bsky.social.
I'm a big fan of WACKO; they're regularly my go-to when looking for gifts.
I'm a big fan of WACKO; they're regularly my go-to when looking for gifts.
Instead of holiday shopping at an evil mega-corporation, why not shop local this season instead?
From vintage Godzilla collectibles to cursed taxidermy objects, @marinamasako.bsky.social has got you covered. Bonus: all locations are easily @metrolosangeles.bsky.social accessible!
From vintage Godzilla collectibles to cursed taxidermy objects, @marinamasako.bsky.social has got you covered. Bonus: all locations are easily @metrolosangeles.bsky.social accessible!
December 3, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Some great LA gift shopping suggestions here from @lataco.bsky.social.
I'm a big fan of WACKO; they're regularly my go-to when looking for gifts.
I'm a big fan of WACKO; they're regularly my go-to when looking for gifts.
"Goldeneye" is one of the first movies I remember seeing in theaters -- after "Jurassic Park" and "Batman Forever" -- so I'm excited to re-experience it in on a big screen after 30 years.
We bring you gifts of GOLDENEYE, frankincense, & myrrh this holiday season with our upcoming Bond screenings! 💥
30th Anniversary! GOLDENEYE (1995) – Fri. 12/12 7pm Egyptian
ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE (1969) – Sat. 12/20 3:30pm Egyptian
www.americancinematheque.com/now-showing/
30th Anniversary! GOLDENEYE (1995) – Fri. 12/12 7pm Egyptian
ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE (1969) – Sat. 12/20 3:30pm Egyptian
www.americancinematheque.com/now-showing/
December 3, 2025 at 12:39 AM
"Goldeneye" is one of the first movies I remember seeing in theaters -- after "Jurassic Park" and "Batman Forever" -- so I'm excited to re-experience it in on a big screen after 30 years.
Reposted by Eric J. Robbins
"strong floor no ceiling" describes a pit
November 30, 2025 at 5:24 PM
"strong floor no ceiling" describes a pit
Removing Jeffries from the leadership is essential. He's a terrible party whip whose only concern is appeasing big money "centrists" who are pouring cash into both parties while he undercuts progressives. He has no vision and this campaign is another foolish milquetoast misstep.
@friedman.house.gov
@friedman.house.gov
No value, no villain, no vision. Sounds like the tagline for the earnings call of a collapsing appliance retailer
November 30, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Removing Jeffries from the leadership is essential. He's a terrible party whip whose only concern is appeasing big money "centrists" who are pouring cash into both parties while he undercuts progressives. He has no vision and this campaign is another foolish milquetoast misstep.
@friedman.house.gov
@friedman.house.gov
Reposted by Eric J. Robbins
As a producer I can not fathom for a second why you would want to put members of your cast and crew in the line of fire of someone with a past of sexual assault or pestery. Those people are your responsibility.
Choosing to forgive is one thing; putting people at risk is just fucking reckless.
Choosing to forgive is one thing; putting people at risk is just fucking reckless.
November 29, 2025 at 9:28 PM
As a producer I can not fathom for a second why you would want to put members of your cast and crew in the line of fire of someone with a past of sexual assault or pestery. Those people are your responsibility.
Choosing to forgive is one thing; putting people at risk is just fucking reckless.
Choosing to forgive is one thing; putting people at risk is just fucking reckless.
Reposted by Eric J. Robbins
It’s Small Business Saturday! My shop has a bunch of hilarious books and fun gifts! Fuck AI!
Buy Stuff! — BLACKSMITH PICTURES
Online shop where you can purchase books such as Imaginary Friends Forever, PermaFriends and the Curse of the Coal Eyes, and more!
www.blacksmithfilms.com
November 29, 2025 at 7:22 PM
It’s Small Business Saturday! My shop has a bunch of hilarious books and fun gifts! Fuck AI!