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!

Web TV Week: Elevator

Welcome to Web TV Week!  I know many of you are heading to the West Coast to enjoy all of the festivities leading up to the Streamy Awards on Sunday, April 11th.  I will be joining all of you at the last minute, just in time for the red carpet.  Since I am missing the week in LA, I am going to bring a featured episode from The Web Files from afar, consider it an extension of our Weekend Web Watch Streamys Edition.

Today, I bring a series that is up for Audience Choice Award and created by a fellow Bostonian, Woody Tondorf.  This is the one category that you can still vote for, so head on over and give some love to Elevator: The Streamys Audience Choice Award.

Good luck at the Streamys!

Episode:  Elevator

Behind the Scenes Blog: Elevator

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.

Behind the Scenes of Elevator

Okay, there are a lot of you out there who are jealous that I got to stand in the Elevator.  Who knew the set was the source of much envy?  I do appreciate the comments and the emails though.  If you are really interested in how the Elevator is created, make sure to watch until after the credits run.  You will see us break down the mystery of the Elevator.  In fact, we are starting leave some of the really fun footage to the wee end, so make it a habit to watch every last second.  Anyway, Woody Tondorf, Genevieve Jones, and Ben Pace entertained me throughout this entire episode.  I am not sure I got a word in edgewise, so Sandra and Perry Payne worked miracles to make the interview as coherent as possible.  You can tell they all have great chemistry and truly enjoy each other's company.  That is why Elevator works.  

                                

I personally had a blast since Genevieve and Woody are both Bostonians.  I always think that there aren't many New Englanders living on the West Coast, but I continually run into my NE peeps in the web series world.  We left Ben Pace out of a couple of conversations reminiscing about all that is Boston, but we still love him regardless of his geographic upbringing.  Woody also attended one of the rival prep schools in the area, but I will forgive him because our hockey team was better.  So, I had lots of hometown connections on this shoot. 

                                    

What you didn't see in this episode was the mini-Elevator show we did on the fly. The problem was, I was in it.  While I am fine at hosting, any sort of acting or improvisation results in failure of epic proportions.  We tried several takes, but I don't think it ever reached the level of funny that is required in Elevator.  So, I am very happy that footage made it to the cutting room floor.

                                             

Given the success of the show, I think we also dropped the bomb on a lot of people that this will be Elevator's last season.  We were aware of some of the changes going on behind the scenes, but we didn't address it too much during the interview.  Sandra and I talked about doing a post script to the episode, but I think the article, written by NewTeeVee's Liz Shannon Miller, stands as the best epilogue to our feature.  Have no fear though, after 86,000 subscribers, 200+ episodes, and 48 million views, I think we will see more of Woody and crew in the future.  In fact, I expect a Web Files invite to the 24 hour marathon shoot of the final season of Elevator.  While I won't be writing or acting in the show, I sure can do press coverage.  

Finally, if you haven't seen our episode of Elevator, click here: Elevator  

Coming up on Wednesday, our second episode of The Web Files Buzz featuring an on-set visit with Olga Kay's Circus and the red carpet coverage of The Resolve premiere.  

Photos 2 and 4 courtesy of Ben Pace.

Behind the Scenes of Epic Fu

I was really looking forward to shooting this episode because Zadi Diaz and Steve Woolf were the winners of last year's Streamy Award for "Best Hosted Web Series".  Their journey to the top has been an interesting ride and one that web series creators need to pay attention to.  While they have had amazing success with production deals at Next New Networks and Revision3, they were not immune to the economic downturn.  They currently find themselves on their own as they grow Epic Fu as a brand.  The independence allows them the freedom to try new ideas and allow the interactivity of the show rise to a new level.  While they are continuing their focus on film and music, watch as they grow over the next year or so.  Their longevity in the web space is something that I admire and Epic Fu is one of the shows that has set a high standard in the Hosted Web Series world.  

                                  

We shot in their downtown loft which serves as the new backdrop to the show.  The first thing I noticed was Steve Woolf's artwork.  His incredible pieces line the walls and add the perfect compliment to their decor.  I don't know if he sells his work, but it's worth checking into it if you are looking for unique and significant pieces in your home.  Steve and Zadi were such a treat to interview.  They are smart, kind, and really thoughtful about their place in the web space.  The interactive aspect of their show, Mix, is a place where hardcore fans interact about the show, new music, pop culture, and even debate with Steve and Zadi.  

                              

I love that Steve took all of these behind the scenes photos because you get a great look at our crew.  They sometimes like to hide from the camera, but they are crucial to making The Web Files the show that it is.  You get some glimpses of makeup artist, Melissa Anchondo, our PA/Renaissance Woman, Jenn Bobiwash, and DP/Editor, Perry Payne.  Also joining us for the first time was stylist, Katelin Flanigan, who dressed me from head to toe for the episode. She is a great additional to the team because no one is a bigger fashionista!  So, if you see that I am dressing better in upcoming episodes, thank Katelin.  (And we will get her on set photo soon.  She's a beautiful, statuesque blonde, you will love her!)

                                  

Finally, a kind shout out to Miss Casey McKinnon for putting us in touch with Zadi and Steve.  Without suggestions, connections, and feedback, we would not have access to some of the shows we interview.  So, please keep the dialogue and comments coming.  You can always leave a comment here or visit me on Twitter .  

If you missed the episode, check it out here: Epic Fu

Later today, a new episode of The Web Files with Woody Tondorf, Ben Pace, and Genevieve Jones of Elevator. 

Behind the scenes photos courtesy of Steve Woolf.