I came across this site: http://www.welcometothescene.com
Downloaded the episodes (there are three as of this posting). Though there are some parts that were dragging, the series was pretty interesting.
I guess it would be considered a fiction-based-on-fact kind of series wherein they try to portray the activities CPX, a piracy outfit which specializes on the pre-release of coming movies.
I’m sure we can all relate to those types of movies… especially in the Philippines! hehehe.
The story was really gripping, at least for geeks like me, since we can totally relate to even the littlest nuance of their mentality.
An example of what may seem trivial is the whole “race” on who gets to release the movie in the internet first – how they toil for hours on end, to beat other ripping groups just so they can claim to be the first, and ultimately the best.
Coupled with the fact that they do not get paid for this, and try to keep their anonymity (they become famous in the scene, but only by their handles) – it basically boils down to respect from their “peers.” At one point or another, any web-freak can relate to that mentality.
There is one very disturbing aspect in the series however. We all know that the whole setting of the show is illegal. Meaning it does not attempt to justify piracy – it just shows why it is done (or how for that matter). Given that fact, obviously security as far as identity should be first and foremost. The character page explains that most of the members of CPX are unknowns – that they’ve never met in person. Teflon is a perfect example since no one even knows his age.
Anyways, the head, Brian Sandro, seems to have complete disregard for his own identity. his handle is Drosan, very obvious. One can argue that the name Brian Sandro itself may be a handle, which is easily disproved when he writes to his school asking for help in his financial situation (which is personal in nature obviously).
Of course one can also argue “but the outside world doesn’t know that!” – which is true, but nevertheless, any person with a decent sense of security would never do what he did. Especially if you’re the leader of the best ripping group in the scene.
If it were some wannabe group, then it may not matter, since no one would take you seriously. but if you’re the best, then as the show would state, a lot of legal entities are waiting for clues on how to make you out… and make you pay. And it’s logical to think that using your real name, or something close to it is simply a chance no one can afford to take.
Another would proably be the monitor he’s using. it doesn’t seem to reflect the actual session which we see in the video hehehehe. They probably just used it for cueing the actor. But thats totally forgivable, the first issue however, isn’t!
Aside from those two “bugs,” its really an interesting show, considering that its actually tolerable to watch it even if the whole setting is just a bunch of chat sessions one after another.