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Both Ian Simmons of the Kicking the Seat podcast and YouTube channel are on the press list to receive promotional products from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. He and I have teamed up in the past on his show to review some 4K releases of classic films, especially during 2023’s centennial anniversary of the studio. This time around, Ian and I were treated to advance copies of the new Rocky Ultimate Knockout Collection boxed set containing all of the original films of the Sylvester Stallone franchise. For this episode, Ian, myself, and guest Bryan Martinez talk about the bust that was Rocky V and the superior legacy sequel of Rocky Balboa. Enjoy the show and be sure to subscribe to his podcast.
Released: 12 September 2024 Director: James Watkins Starring: James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Scoot McNairy, Aisling Franciosi Review By: Kat Hughes In 2022 Christian Tafdrup’s foreign language film, Speak No Evil, had everyone talking. The Danish chiller saw a family go to stay with another that they met on their summer vacation. However, once in the home of their ‘friends’, […]
Released: TBC (UK) Director: Gia Coppola Starring: Pamela Anderson, Jamie Lee Curtis Gia Coppola’s third feature does for Pamela Anderson what the Safdie brothers did for Adam Sandler in gloriously meta fashion. Giving new life to a woman famously scorned by the entertainment business, Gia Coppola’s The Last Showgirl, written by Kate Gersten, leads Pamela […]
“‘I can’t help falling in love with you’ – a sentiment echoed by countless couples in the enchanting backdrop of Hawaii.” This line from the classic Elvis Presley movie Blue Hawaii encapsulates the magic of Honolulu, a destination where romance blooms amid breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture.
For newlyweds seeking a dream honeymoon, Waikiki hostel in Honolulu offers an idyllic escape filled with cinematic beauty, adventure, and unforgettable memories.
Honolulu's Cinematic Beauty
Iconic Locations
Honolulu is a treasure trove of iconic locations that have graced the silver screen. From the pristine sands of Waikiki Beach to the majestic Diamond Head and the vibrant waters of Hanauma Bay, each spot tells a story of romance and adventure. Waikiki Beach, famously featured in countless films, is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets and vibrant atmosphere. Here, couples can stroll hand-in-hand along the shoreline, feeling the warm sand beneath their feet as the sun dips below the horizon.
Diamond Head, an iconic volcanic crater, offers a hiking trail with stunning panoramic views of the ocean and the city. In movies like Jurassic Park and 50 First Dates, this natural wonder sets the stage for thrilling adventures. The hike itself becomes a shared experience, allowing couples to bond as they conquer the trail together, reaching the summit to capture breathtaking photos.
Hanauma Bay, celebrated for its exceptional snorkeling opportunities, is another gem that has made its mark in film. The bay’s crystal-clear waters are alive with colorful marine life, making it a perfect spot for couples to explore underwater wonders. The vibrant coral reefs and diverse sea creatures create a magical atmosphere reminiscent of scenes from underwater adventure films.
Romantic Settings
The romantic atmosphere in Honolulu is palpable. Imagine a candlelit dinner overlooking the ocean, the sound of waves providing a soothing soundtrack to your meal. Many restaurants along the coastline offer incredible views and delectable Hawaiian cuisine, setting the perfect scene for intimate dining. The lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and the scent of tropical blooms add to the enchanting ambiance of this paradise.
Couples can also find secluded spots along the beaches, perfect for quiet moments together. Whether it’s a sunset picnic with local delicacies or simply lounging under the stars, the romantic settings in Honolulu create an ideal backdrop for love to flourish.
Movie Moments
Specific movie scenes capture the essence of a honeymoon in Honolulu. For instance, in 50 First Dates, the chemistry between Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore is set against some of Hawaii’s most stunning landscapes, showcasing the beauty of the islands and the power of love.
These cinematic moments inspire couples to create their own unforgettable experiences. Imagine reenacting a romantic movie scene as you stroll along the beach or hike to a scenic viewpoint, adding a touch of magic to your honeymoon.
A Honeymoon Hostel Experience
Budget-Friendly Luxury
While many honeymooners may gravitate towards luxury hotels, hostels in Honolulu offer a budget-friendly alternative without compromising comfort or location. Staying at a hostel allows couples to enjoy affordable accommodations while being situated near popular attractions. Many hostels provide clean, comfortable rooms and shared spaces that encourage social interaction, making them an excellent option for newlyweds looking to meet fellow travelers.
Personalized Service
One of the unique aspects of staying in a hostel is the personalized service that often comes with it. Hostel staff members are typically friendly and knowledgeable about the local area, ready to assist couples with recommendations for romantic activities, dining spots, and hidden gems. They can help you plan your itinerary, ensuring you don’t miss out on any must-see attractions or experiences.
Social Atmosphere
Hostels foster a vibrant social atmosphere, allowing couples to connect with other like-minded travelers. This can lead to shared experiences, whether joining a group tour, participating in a game night, or simply enjoying conversations over breakfast. For newlyweds, this social aspect can enhance the honeymoon experience, creating lasting memories and friendships along the way.
Romantic Activities in Honolulu
Beach Bliss
Honolulu offers a plethora of romantic activities on its stunning beaches. Couples can enjoy sunset walks along the shoreline, breathing in the salty air and marveling at the vibrant colors of the sky as the sun sets. Pack a picnic filled with local delicacies like poke and fresh fruit to enjoy on the beach, or treat yourselves to a beachfront massage for ultimate relaxation.
For those seeking adventure, consider renting a kayak or paddleboard to explore the coastline together. The tranquil waters provide the perfect setting for a day of fun and bonding under the sun.
Adventure Together
For adventurous couples, Honolulu is a playground filled with exciting activities. Hiking to breathtaking viewpoints, such as the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail or the Manoa Falls trail, offers a chance to connect with nature and each other. The thrill of conquering a challenging hike together strengthens your bond and creates memories to cherish.
Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay is another exhilarating option. Swim side by side as you discover the colorful marine life beneath the waves. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, consider taking a surfing lesson together on the famous Waikiki waves, creating a shared experience that’s sure to be filled with laughter and triumph.
Cultural Experiences
Enhance your honeymoon by immersing yourselves in Hawaii’s rich culture. Attend a traditional luau, where you’ll enjoy delicious Hawaiian cuisine, watch hula performances, and experience the warmth of Hawaiian hospitality. These cultural events allow couples to connect with the island’s heritage and create unforgettable memories together.
Visiting historical sites, such as the Iolani Palace or the Bishop Museum, can also provide insight into the culture and history of Hawaii. These experiences add depth to your honeymoon, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of the islands on multiple levels.
Creating Your Own Cinematic Moment
Photography Tips
Capturing stunning photos of your honeymoon in Honolulu is essential for preserving those cherished memories. To make the most of your photography, consider these tips:
Golden Hour: Aim to take photos during the golden hour—shortly after sunrise or before sunset—when the lighting is soft and warm, creating a magical atmosphere.
Iconic Backdrops: Utilize Honolulu’s iconic locations as backdrops for your photos. Whether it’s the vibrant colors of Waikiki Beach or the lush greenery of Diamond Head, these settings will enhance your images.
Candid Shots: Capture candid moments of laughter and joy as you explore together. These natural shots often tell the most beautiful stories.
Romantic Gestures
Small romantic gestures can make your honeymoon extra special. Surprise your partner with a handwritten love letter, hidden in their beach bag, or plan a surprise picnic on the beach. Arrange for a sunset sail on a catamaran, complete with champagne and a stunning view of the coastline. These thoughtful acts will create lasting memories and deepen your connection as a couple.
Memorable Experiences
Encourage each other to embrace the beauty and romance of Honolulu fully. Whether it’s dancing under the stars at a beach bonfire or taking a helicopter tour over the breathtaking landscapes, each experience adds to the cinematic quality of your honeymoon. Don’t shy away from spontaneity; sometimes, the unplanned moments create the most memorable adventures.
Conclusion
Honolulu stands as a dream honeymoon destination, offering couples a unique blend of cinematic beauty, adventure, and romance. With its iconic locations, budget-friendly hostel experiences, and a plethora of romantic activities, couples can create unforgettable memories in this Hawaiian paradise.
As you plan your own honeymoon adventure in Honolulu, remember to embrace the magic of the islands and the love you share. “In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.” So, take that chance, explore, and create your own cinematic moments in this beautiful haven. Your adventure awaits!
A film festival we are now extremely proud to be an official media partner for. The organisers of the Cardiff-based Iris Prize who offer the largest LGBTQ+ short film prize in the world, were thrilled to launch their full programme in London’s The Ministry – Borough on Monday 9 September 2024. The 2024 programme can […]
After a successful first year. Birmingham Anime Film Festival (BAFF) has announced it will be returning to Birmingham this autumn. For 2024, the main festival will be taking place over three weekends at The Mockingbird Cinema, in Digbeth and Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) in Edgbaston from Thursday 19th September through until Sunday 6th October 2024. […]
Released: TBC (UK) Director: Ariane Louis-Seize Starring: Sara Montpetit Review By: Rebecca Johnson Vampires have been a staple of the horror genre since Nosferatu released back in 1922. Even though they’ve had a steady run since, featuring in many popular franchises including Fright Night, Underworld and The Lost Boys, we did see a steep decline […]
Podcasting has exploded in popularity over the past few years, becoming a powerful medium for sharing ideas, stories, and information. Whether you’re a seasoned broadcaster or just starting, the quality of your podcast can make or break your success. This is where the importance of recording in a professional podcast studio, like TYX London podcast studio, comes into play. In this post, we’ll explore why choosing a professional setting is crucial for your podcast’s growth and how it can elevate your content to the next level.
The Advantages of Using a Professional Podcast Studio
Recording your podcast at home might seem convenient, but it often comes with limitations that can hinder the overall quality of your show. Here are some key advantages of using a professional podcast studio:
1. Superior Sound Quality
One of the most significant benefits of recording in a professional podcast studio is the superior sound quality. Studios are specifically designed to create an environment that reduces unwanted noise and echo, ensuring that your voice is captured with clarity. High-quality microphones, soundproofing, and advanced audio equipment work together to produce a polished final product that is difficult to achieve in a non-professional setting.
2. Access to Professional Equipment
Professional studios are equipped with top-of-the-line gear, including microphones, mixers, and headphones that are far superior to most consumer-grade products. This equipment not only enhances sound quality but also offers greater control over the recording process. You can adjust levels, add effects, and ensure that every aspect of your podcast meets the highest standards.
3. Expert Support and Guidance
When you record in a professional podcast studio, you often have access to experienced audio engineers and technicians who can guide you through the process. Their expertise ensures that technical issues are minimized, and they can offer valuable advice on how to improve your recordings. This support is particularly beneficial for those who are new to podcasting and may not yet be familiar with all the technical aspects involved.
4. Time Efficiency
Recording in a professional studio can save you a significant amount of time. Instead of spending hours trying to achieve decent sound quality at home, you can walk into a studio and start recording immediately. The studio environment is set up to facilitate a smooth and efficient recording process, allowing you to focus on content creation rather than technical troubleshooting.
5. Professional Atmosphere
The environment of a professional podcast studio can also contribute to the quality of your content. Being in a space dedicated to creativity and production can help you get into the right mindset, leading to a more focused and productive recording session. This professional atmosphere can also impress guests and collaborators, making them feel valued and encouraging them to deliver their best performance.
The Importance of Soundproofing and Acoustic Treatment
One of the key elements that set a professional podcast studio apart from a home setup is the soundproofing and acoustic treatment. These features are crucial for achieving a clean, professional sound that listeners expect. Let’s delve into why these elements are so important:
Soundproofing: Professional studios are designed to block out external noise, ensuring that your recordings are free from distractions like traffic, neighbors, or other environmental sounds. This isolation is essential for maintaining the clarity and professionalism of your podcast.
Acoustic Treatment: In addition to soundproofing, professional studios are equipped with acoustic treatment to manage sound reflections within the room. This treatment prevents echoes and reverb, allowing your voice to be captured with precision. The result is a warm, natural sound that is pleasing to the ear and easier for listeners to engage with.
Enhancing Your Podcast with Post-Production Services
Another major advantage of using a professional podcast studio is access to post-production services. Post-production is where your podcast truly comes to life, and professional studios offer a range of services that can enhance your content.
Editing and Mixing: Professional studios provide editing and mixing services to refine your recordings. This includes cutting out mistakes, balancing audio levels, and adding effects like music or sound bites. The result is a polished, professional-sounding podcast that keeps your audience engaged.
Mastering: Mastering is the final step in the production process, where the overall sound of your podcast is optimized for various playback systems. Professional mastering ensures that your podcast sounds great whether it’s played on high-end speakers, headphones, or a smartphone
Distribution Assistance: Some studios also offer assistance with podcast distribution, helping you get your content onto platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. This support can be invaluable for reaching a wider audience and ensuring that your podcast is easily accessible.
The Cost of Professional Podcast Studios: Is It Worth It?
One of the common concerns about using a professional podcast studio is the cost. While it’s true that recording in a professional studio can be more expensive than setting up a home studio, the investment is often worth it for serious podcasters. Here’s why:
Return on Investment: High-quality podcasts attract more listeners, which can lead to increased sponsorship opportunities, higher ad revenue, and a more engaged audience. The initial investment in a professional studio can pay off significantly in the long run.
Time Savings: As mentioned earlier, recording in a professional studio saves time, which is valuable for podcasters who are juggling multiple responsibilities. The efficiency of a professional setup allows you to produce content more regularly and consistently, which is key to growing your audience.
Professional Image: For podcasters looking to establish themselves as professionals in their field, the quality of your content is paramount. Recording in a professional studio reflects a commitment to quality, which can enhance your reputation and credibility.
Tips for Choosing the Right Professional Podcast Studio
If you’ve decided that recording in a professional podcast studio is the right choice for you, here are some tips to help you choose the best studio for your needs:
1. Location: Choose a studio that is conveniently located, especially if you plan to record regularly. Proximity can save you time and make it easier to schedule sessions.
2. Reputation: Look for studios with a good reputation in the podcasting community. Read reviews, ask for recommendations, and check out examples of podcasts that have been recorded there.
3. Services Offered: Consider the range of services offered by the studio. Do they provide post-production? Do they have experienced staff on hand to assist you? Make sure the studio can meet all your needs.
4. Cost: While cost is an important factor, don’t let it be the sole deciding factor. Consider the value you’re getting for your money and whether the investment aligns with your podcasting goals.
5. Availability: Check the studio’s availability and booking process. Ensure that their schedule aligns with yours, especially if you plan to record at specific times.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Podcast with a Professional Studio
Recording your podcast in a professional podcast studio offers numerous benefits that can significantly enhance the quality of your content. From superior sound quality to expert guidance and efficient production, a professional studio provides the tools and environment you need to take your podcast to the next level. While there is a cost involved, the return on investment in terms of quality, time savings, and professional reputation makes it a worthwhile consideration for serious podcasters. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve an existing podcast, a professional podcast studio can be the key to unlocking your full potential as a content creator.
By choosing the right studio, you’re setting yourself up for success, ensuring that your podcast stands out in a crowded market and resonates with your audience.
Released: TBC (Venice Film Festival) Director: Pablo Larrain Starring: Angelina Jolie, Kodi Smit-McPhee Even the kids knew of Elvis and Freddie Mercury. So it was no surprise that Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis movie and the Rami Malek-led Bohemian Rhapsody were huge hits, which audiences went to see multiple times,. The nostalgia factor was high for both, […]
Released: 6 September 2024 Director: Toby L Starring: Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Dave Rowntree, Alex James Concert films can be a hard sell. It’s rather difficult to recapture the sense of euphoria and place and time that live music can bring, with a live recording often seeming weaker than the experience itself. For every Stop […]
Released: 6th September 2024 Director: Pascal Plante Starring: Juliette Gariepy Tech thrillers are a tricky thing to compose for this digital age: the openly-admitted government surveillance is so omnipresent that the concept of the “Dark Web” doesn’t instill even a modicum of the fear it did a decade ago. These days, unless a film taps […]
When it comes to legacy sequels, as we’ve come to call them, interested audiences often pose the question of whether or not enough was enough the first time around? They ponder if a sequel blowing the dust off of old stories and characters is going to beat a dead horse with embarrassment or uncork a finely aged wine. Matching the same hefty 36 years the Top Gun films savored between installments, time has only added to the legend for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Generations have now stacked together to enjoy the “Ghost with the Most” to the point where unexpected family feels sweeten and soften the pockmarks of the movie’s gnarly surface.
Composer Danny Elfman’s tuba-pumping march of a film score reintroduces the faroff fictional hamlet of Winter River and the matching town model built by the non-returning Maitlands. The parade of little clues, homages, and easter eggs begins right then and there as time catches up to the modern day to reveal the all-grown-up Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) leveraging her psychic medium abilities to be the celebrity host of Ghost House, a New York City-based show investigating public claims of haunted houses. Away from the cameras, she’s a widowed single mom to her rebellious, non-believer boarding school daughter Astrid (Wednesday superstar Jenna Ortega) while being simultaneously courted and coerced into many inroads by her doting, slimy, and trendy manager/producer Rory (Emmy winner Justin Thereoux). Multiplying Lydia’s issues is handling her eccentric artist mother Delia Deetz (the returning Catherine O’Hara).
As fate would have it (or at least the extraneous need to write original cast member and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Jones out of the story), Beetlejuice Beetlejuice uses a death in the family just before Halloween to bring the Deetzs back together under their pastoral Winter River house-on-the-hill roof. A new soul in play opens a fresh conduit to the very active blue collar underworld previously created by Michael McDowell, Warren Skaaren, and Larry Wilson and updated by the Wednesday and Smallville writing team of Alfred Gough and Miles Millar working off the original remake treatment done by Pride and Prejudice and Zombies scribe Seth Grahame-Smith. The most opportunistic fiend looking to settle old scores and shoot his shot with Lydia back in his reach is our titular demon made famous by Michael Keaton. However, Beetlejuice is up to his own natty hair with his current problems evading his newly reconstituted, soul-sucking ex-wife Delores (Monica Belluci, vamping it up as the slinky and stalking heavy) and the pursuing former B-movie actor and long-arm-of-the-law Wolf Jackson (the incomparable Willem Dafoe) and his deceased deputies.
LESSON #1: BE WARY OF PRECARIOUS PROPOSITIONS– As the wild and wholly hijinks ensue in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the key catalysts and turning points for assembled ensemble walking the tightrope between the land of the living and the land of the dead all come forth from dangled, dramatic, and dangerous propositions. Without revealing too much, we have characters high and low willing to make deals that sell their proverbial soul to join, escape, rescue, trap, bolster, or prevent other individuals. Monkeywrenches are everywhere, with some than disastrous implications that occur where the main man’s name is said three times. Quite often, bad choices require better choices to fix messes with entertaining and humorous results.
As this macabre adventure simmers and swirls in Tim Burton’s cinematic cauldron, this reinvigorated microcosm’s artistic uniqueness and technical brilliance glow from all corners and levels. Much like the 1988 original, Burton aptly favors the gaudy, stamped-and-sewn practical approaches to makeup, set decoration, costumes, and special effects. Four-time Oscar-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood and Emmy-winning Wednesday production designer Mark Scruton and their deep craft teams provided much of the heavy work to create this clown show, but special attention and kudos are deserved by creature effects creative supervisor Neal Scanlan (Episodes VII-IX of Star Wars) and property master David Balfour (Ready Player One) for their respective little digital and substantive cherries on top they gave each setting. The embellishments of the murky milieu leap off the screen.
LESSON #2: THE ART OF DARK WIT– The decadently disgusting ambiance from Tim Burton is made all the more alluring by its cavalcade of jokes popping off like whipper snappers thrown on pavement for a fleet-footed 104 minutes. Witty dark humor is one of the more complex vibes to sell to a movie audience. Folks have a tricky range of love or hate for the acquired taste of black comedy when gallows humor like Beetlejuice Beetlejuice veers to weird farce and fantasy. The key is pacing in the delivery of sight gags and scripted zingers. Panache soaked in irony and injected like this have the potential to dwell too long, too frequently, or too strongly. The fine line is knowing how to hold the jokes for the right moment and the right rhythm, and, by golly, does Beetlejuice Beetlejuice have that in spades…and stripes!
The success on the comedic front belongs to the committed cast. Getting Beetlejuice Beetlejuice off of the cemetery ground probably doesn’t work without Winona Ryder’s 21st century comeback by way of Stranger Things, yet she comfortably steps into the nucleus of this tentpole-level blockbuster, playing the mature parent and beleaguered survivor all in one. Jenna Ortega’s signature deadpan charisma fits this movie like a glove. Justin Theroux intentionally grates, but someone has to play the boob. It might as well be someone sly and professional at doing so. Above all, the absolute hoot that is Catherine O’Hara is dialed in to steal every scene she’s in, and Burton, rightfully so, lets her.
LESSON #3: COMPLETE CONTROL OF A CHARACTER– Even with O’Hara setting up and knocking down laughs, the toplining designated namesake will always drive the bulk of the outlandish energy present. With liberated willingness to don the garb and prosthetics again at 73 years old, Michael Keaton completely imbues what was then– and is certainly cemented as such now– a one-of-a-kind cinematic icon of a character most other actors couldn’t achieve or even dream of for the storied careers. Even nearly four decades later, every tick, quirk, mannerism, or catchphrase– familiar or new— coming out of Keaton is a seasoned stroke of acting genius. Sit back and marvel at the unabashed fun and delirious delights he conducts.
Slots are the most popular games at online casinos. They look great, do not require any specific skill, come with cool features, bonus rounds and even jackpots and are fast-paced. Their popularity has fueled huge demand and software providers have only been too happy to fulfill these demands, leading to an explosion in the number of online slots available.
Online slots at a glance:
First real money online slot launched in 1994.
Slots make up 80%+ of game play at online casinos.
2500+ real money online slots currently.
More than 10 new online slots are released every month.
50+ online slot providers currently.
Biggest jackpot win on slots: €17,879,645 by Joe Heywood on Mega Moolah on 6th October, 2015.
Over a dozen progressive jackpot wins since 2015.
Types of online slot machines
There are a large number of online slots today. You can categorise them on the basis of:
Themes
Number of reels
Jackpots
Coin size
The following are the major types of online slots you get at the online casinos:
Classic slots
Video slots
Bonus feature slots
Slots with free spins
Penny slots
Progressive slots
Branded slots
Classic Slots
These are 3-reel slots with a classic look and feel resembling the games available at land-based casinos. The common symbols on the reels include fruits, the word BAR, bells, the number 7 and also the wild symbol. They lack features like Autoplay, may have bonus rounds or even a jackpot.
Video Slots
Video slots form the majority of the games at online casinos. They have 5 reels and multiple paylines and loads of features. The features available include high quality graphics and animations, wild symbols, scatter symbols, multipliers, bonus games, free spins, and reasonably high payouts. Some of them also have a progressive jackpot.
Bonus Feature Slots
Some slots come with special bonus features apart from the wild symbols, scatter symbols and multipliers. They include:
243 ways to win: You wins when 3 matching symbols land anywhere on the reels from left to right or the other way round.
1024 ways to win: It works the same as 243 ways to win. The wins on active paylines concept is replaced by the ability to pick up wins on any symbol combination from left to right.
Win both ways: You win regardless of whether you land matching symbols from left to right or right to left.
Reel-based bonuses: They help you pick multiple wins in a single spin and include:
Cascading reels
Reel re-spins
Tumbling reels
Rotating reels
Gamble feature: It gives you a chance to double your winnings from a spin or lose it all.
There are also bonus games, special games that are triggered within the slots. There are different kinds of bonus games, including pick-me-up rounds, spinning the wheel given and others.
Slots with Free Spins
A number of slots offer free spins as the bonus round. Some games have a simple free spins round while others like Microgaming’s Thunderstruck II has multi-stage free spins: you progress across the stages as you land more of these bonus rounds.
Penny Slots
Penny slots are fun and allow you to bet a minimal amount per spin. They attract players because:
You do not need a lot of money to play them.
You can use an average-size bankroll to play long if you manage your money wisely.
You tend to win lesser but more frequently.
Even if you lose a spin it isn’t too much money.
The problem with penny slots is also related to the one big advantage of playing them – you can play long but you do not win too much at the end of the day in most cases. You may not realise that you are actually losing money over time; it becomes worse if you bet the maximum amount.
Progressive Slots
These slots come with a progressive jackpot that is triggered only when you are placing the maximum bets. There is a jackpot meter that gives you the latest value of the jackpot.
There are different kinds of progressive slots: two kinds of progressive slots available:
Standalone progressives:The jackpot pool is from the wagers placed on that machine; it is not connected to other machines.
Local progressives: The jackpot pool is built from contributions from machines in the casino you are playing at.
Networked progressives: The jackpot pool is created from multiple casinos across the world where the game is present. That is why networked progressive slots build their high jackpot values very rapidly and the payout, when it happens, is also enormous.
Branded Slots
Slots providers create branded slots by collaborating with reputed brands from different streams of business, including Hollywood and the world of comic books. Players are thus able to play slots featuring their favourite superhero or movie character.
The following are 4 major software providers who have inked branding deals with some of the most well-known names in the comic-book and entertainment industry.
Microgaming
Microgaming has collaborated with Universal Brand Development for the release of multiple branded slots including:
Tomb Raider, which was among the first branded slots from Microgaming
Hit Man, another of the early Microgaming branded slots
Jurassic Park, themed on the blockbuster of the same name
Other branded slots from them include Game of Thrones themed on the HBO series, Bridesmaids based on the blockbuster Hollywood movie of the same name and Bullseye, based on the hit TV show presented by Jim Bowen.
Playtech
Playtech was one of the first to collaborate with Marvel Comics to bring to players slots featuring the different Marvel superheroes, including:
Spiderman
Iron Man
The Incredible Hulk
However, this collaboration ended as of 1st April, 2017 and currently it has signed a branded content deal to license and develop DC-branded film and television material including Batman and Suicide Squad. It has also collaborated with Hollywood production houses to release games like Gladiator.
NetEnt
NetEnt has exclusive partnerships with some of the biggest names in entertainment from Hollywood to bring to players games of the calibre of Guns ‘n Roses, Aliens, the South Park series Scarface and Motorhead. Companies they have collaborated with include:
20th Century Fox™
South Park Digital Studios™
Universal™
Novomatic
Novomatic’s GreenTube has a branding deal with GVC Holdings of London to offer 70 games from GreenTube on GVC’s poker and casino sites, including Bwin, PartyPoker, PartyCasino and Gamebookers.
