THOMAS PODVIN’S FREELANCE WORK
Freelance writer - translator - Editor

http://www.tv.com

Sure, discovering a new culture is the stuff of dreams. But sometimes, you yearn for the familiar: those entertainment products that never let you down and provide conversation at networking events. If you're an American, or simply fond of US TV fodder, well, TV.com will fill that existentialist need. Their database can fill in the blanks if you missed, say, the third episode of the second season of The O.C. Indeed, this site provides details on a large number of English-language soaps, reality TV programs and sitcoms. More than 3.6 million viewers wade monthly through the 15,000 entries, including TV-related news, reviews, recaps, profiles, galleries and videos. There's also a top 50 list and stats on the programs' rankings, which allows visitors to weed out the crap and go with the best. Yes, China is a fascinating place, but there's no place like home.

(c) that's Shanghai Magazine
Chief editor: Steven Crane
December 2005 issue

http://www.spcnet.tv

In recent years, the rise of cable TV has upped the ante in the already highly competitive Asian movie industry. Of course, competition is good for the consumer and viewers have benefited from the broader choice of programming as well as the generally higher standard of productions. That said, there is a negative side: in the rush to provide product, taste and passion often suffer. Which is why Spcnet.tv is a very handy tool. Launched in 1999, initially this non-commercial website offered, in the main, reviews of the wuxia genre (Chinese chivalry). Since then, it has expanded to include reviews of just about every type of program available, plus info on upcoming movies, film essays, movie theme song videos and English translations of martial arts' novels (Jin Yong, Gu Long, etc.). Interaction is made possible with a discussion board, and wannabe writers can share their works at the "The Story Vault". In sum, there's enough material on this website to keep you warm in your cocoon all winter.

(c) that's Shanghai Magazine
Chief editor: Steven Crane
December 2005 issue