Year in Review: March 2010

I dug up some really cool photos for the month of March.  They each represent different aspects of what we were doing on The Web Files, so I am thrilled to share them with you if you missed them the first time around.  By March, word had gotten out that The Web Files was covering a lot of series and we got the chance to talk to a lot of creators that I admire.  Here are my Top 5 photos for March 2010.  

1. Kicking off the month of March, the cast of Elevator allowed me to interview them on set.  They are in their final season as I write this, so be sure to check out the hilarity that ensues in yes, an elevator.  Check out the interview here.  

From left:  Ben Pace, Woody Tondorf, me, and Genevieve Jones.

                     

2.  I know this was the most unique on set visit we did all year: Olga Kay's Circus.  The short film directed and produced by two very talented ladies, Andrea Ball and Sarah Evershed, follows the true tale of YouTube personality, Olga Kay, joining the circus.  The result was a beautiful and well-shot film with cameos by The Beat Freaks (And if you follow Hollywood gossip, one of the members of the group is the girl that got punched by Demi Lovato pre-rehab.  Ah, Hollywood.) and David Lawrence XVII.  See the interview here.

3.  This is one of my favorite shots taken all year by David Burmeister at the premiere of A Good Knight's Quest.  The dress is by Deborah Viereck, the shoes by Guess, and the outfit was styled by Roni B.  Hair/Makeup created by Melissa Anchondo.  This was also the day that the Streamy Award nominations were announced, so it was an exciting night for the nominees.  Check out the red carpet interviews here.

4.  I always find that meeting actors you grew up watching on TV can go one of two ways.....really well or downhill very quickly.  Jaleel White of Family Matters fame certainly did not disappoint.  He was charming, smart, and ambitious.  His series, Fake It Till You Make It, debuted on Hulu earlier this year.  Check out the interview here and you will find out why I look so sick in that photo.....I had a bad case of laryngitis and I sounded like a poor man's version of Demi Moore.

5.  This photo is perhaps my favorite family photo all year.  I know it is unusual, but it is me and my then 10-year-old niece staging paparazzi photos in the lobby of my hotel in Atlanta.  Forget boring staged shots, I go straight for the TMZ shot. I think Julia has it down well, look at that tip of the hat to hide her face.  A star is born!

Come on back tomorrow for more photos from the year that was......2010.  See you tomorrow!

Behind the Scenes of The Web Files Buzz, Episode 2

Episode 2 of The Web Files Buzz is here and it's colorful, fun, and fast-paced.  We started out with our very first active set visit.  With all of the episodes we have shot, it amazes me that it took us about 33 episodes to make that happen.  Now, my work schedule is a bit ridiculous right now, so I know that was a bit challenging for other shows that have tried to make it happen.  With the Circus set, the stars aligned and I was in town for more than 24 hours.

We hit the set at Panavision Studios on Day 2 of shooting and it was everything I anticipated it to be:  bright, busy, shiny, noisy, and energetic.  Heck, it even smelled like a circus with all of the hay splayed about on the floor of the Circus set.  We were able to grab the interview on the set with Andrea Ball, the director and producer.  Andrea is well known in the new media circles and I have tremendous admiration for the what she accomplished with this project.  Along with Sarah Evershed and Olga Kay, you've got three fantastic, strong, smart, and young women under the age of 30 taking charge of their careers with an ambitious, interactive project for YouTube.  Can you tell I am impressed?

Of course, I cannot leave out the Ringmaster, David Lawrence XVII.  I loved that he offered to audition for the role.  I would have killed to have listened in on that phone call.  I imagine Andrea didn't even think twice about casting him.  David also let us in on some of the SAG new media news.  We are working on a future episode to address the unions' role in New Media, so feel free to suggest any particular topics or questions you want us to address in the comment section below.

The second half of the show focused on The Resolve web series premiere at the new media favorite fiesta site, Busby's.  Wow, I think there were over 300 attendees there to check out Russ Cootey's production.  Impressive numbers and a busy red carpet--maybe a little too busy as we had to dodge actors walking into our shots and other media outlets, but Russ should be proud that The Resolve drew such a crowd.  This episode convinced me that it's important for The Web Files to reach outside of the familiar faces of web series and take the opportunity to feature other shows that are making their mark.  Russ kept us in the loop for several months, so I was aware of the show, production, and the eventual red carpet.  Keep on sending those emails to us.  I know Sandra and I both read them and I take notes on specific series.  Along the way, I have learned that timing is always a key component to making decisions as to when and how we shoot certain shows.  If I ever reply to your email with questions about premieres, finales, distribution dates, exciting news, etc, you will understand why.  We want your episode of The Web Files to succeed as timing can make all of the difference and having those dates handy for us is really important.

Finally, I have to thank Blip.tv for their continued support of The Web Files.  Week after week, they find a way to feature our show on the home page.  They are always available to answer our tech questions and I think their player is one of the best in the business.  So, thank you for letting us be a part of the Blip family.

If you haven't caught Episode 2 of The Web Files Buzz, click here: The Web Files Buzz.

Photos 4 and 5 courtesy of Melissa Anchondo.

How to do LA in less than 7 Days

If you have been following me on Twitter, you know that my time in LA was limited this week.  After a two week trip to Chicago, I had a Dallas and Minneapolis journey looming over me.  While I was home for a hot minute, I crammed in as much as possible.  Here are a few stops along the way:                                                

The red carpet premiere of a new web series, The Resolve.  Look for the footage in today's Web Files Buzz episode:  

                                                  

Then a two-day jaunt to San Diego for a fitness informercial shoot with my co-host, Jennifer Galardi.  I cannot disclose the product, but I am sure you will see me on a TV screen near you soon.

                       

Then a fantastic on-set visit with the cast and crew of Olga Kay's Circus.  This will also be a part of The Web Files Buzz.  The set was unbelievable!

                                          

While I was there, the tables were turned on me as Woody Tondorf of Elevator interviewed me about our visit.  Dueling microphones, but mine was bigger!

Then off to interview Taryn Southern for an upcoming episode.  I thought I had a busy schedule, but this talented producer/writer/actress/host has some exciting projects coming your way!

I have no idea what is happening in this picture, but I love the action of it all.  On the red carpet with the cast and creator of A Good Knight's Quest......Craig Frank, Brett Register, and Charlie Bodin. This episode is coming your way next week.  (Photo courtesy of Mark Burmeister)
                                             

Well, that's all I've got.  Phew.  I wish every week in LA was that much fun.  Don't worry, LA, I will be back for a fun filled 3 days mid-month.  Yep, 3 days.