I think this has to our most unique Buzz episode of The Web Files because it was our first tech Buzz. It was really important for us to feature some of the new technologies that are not only emerging on film, but they are happening in the web series world. The crew at Safety Geeks:SVI and Yabazam.com have lead the way with the first 3D web series while Tyler Malin and Matthew Forrest at Social Animal are pioneering new technology by partnering up with Psychic Bunny for their new web series, Qualia. Now, let's dig into this episode.
Dave Beeler and Tom Konkle saw the new Acer 3D laptop and knew that this technology would be a good fit for their series, Safety Geeks:SVI. This forward-thinking duo ultimately created the first 3D web series on the market, something the studios have not even done yet. It is truly impressive when you think of it on that grand scale. The way they shoot their series already leant itself to making the 3D possibility happen easier than most shows. Since everything is done in layers on green screen, the foundation was already there. In fact, we talked at length about this in our original Web Files interview with them last summer. Guiding the way to make this happen is Dynamic Digital Depth (DDD) and their website Yabazam.com. Jay Wiskerchen, VP of Technical Operations, talked about a "shortage of content" for 3D and how they would love the opportunity to work with other web series creators. Do you hear that? A great opportunity for those looking to step outside the box of web series content.
You might also notice that Jay is tall, like super tall. They actually had to have me stand on an apple box to even remotely match eye lines for the shot. Be sure to watch the episode to the very end where you catch a glimpse at the height difference. In true Red Carpet Closet form, we also have some exclusive footage from the episode. What is the cast's favorite scene in 3D? Tom and Dave give some great technical scenes to look at while Brittney Powell goes right for the dirty. I mean, the word is funny!
After our turn at DDD, we headed over to Social Animal to check out this wild 360 degree camera we had seen at the Streamy Awards red carpet. The footage from the awards show was never released, so we decided to check it out for ourselves. Tyler Malin, CEO of Social Animal, and Matthew Forrest, COO, gave us a great rundown of how the camera works and the new possibilities in storytelling the camera offers. Matthew talked about the nine cameras giving you the "ultimate point of view" because you can pick and choose where you want the story to go. So the viewer ultimately has control over their own experience and they wind up spending more time with your content. This model has been used primarily in advertising with companies like Scion and Zipfizz, but they announced on The Web Files that they have partnered up with Psychic Bunny to use this in a new narrative web series, Qualia. You might be familiar with Psychic Bunny's work from their unique comedy, Coma, Period and our Web Files interview with them. While this technology is expensive, this is another groundbreaking look at the future of filmmaking.
I hope all of the creators out there seize these amazing opportunities that are on the horizon. These are great ways to stand out amongst a crowded field and help take web series to another level. Pass this episode along to your friends and fellow artists. I think it is the strongest Buzz episode we have created to date. I hope you enjoy as much as I did covering the story:
I'm going to leave you with the talented puppy of Social Animal's Matthew Forrest. Howwe wowed us with his tricks and it is a great excuse to upload a video to YouTube with a "cute puppy" tag. May I present, the scene stealer of the day, Howwe:
PS If you want more Brittney, go buy the Safety Geeks:SVI calendar:
As the days dwindle before my vacation, I want to make sure I capture all of the excitement surrounding the SOLO the Series premiere: a packed house, lots of giveaways, and a long awaited series screening. We were back at Cinespace which has become one of the "go-to" locations for web series premieres. You might even recognize the background from the Compulsionsepisode. We were able to grab the cast right before they headed into the screening room to give us their thoughts on the series and what item they would like to have with them if they were stranded in space. SOLO the Series, created by Jonathan Nail, follows the journey of man stranded in space after his reality show is cancelled and that is when the hilarity really begins.
We were able to interview some familiar faces to the web series landscape from Michele Boyd of The Guild to Brittney Powell and Tom Konkle of Safety Geeks: SVI. What? You don't remember seeing a full interview with Brittney and Tom in our episode? I joke that they are on The Web Files every week, so I don't want to disappoint you. Find out about their participation in SOLO the Series in this Red Carpet Closet extra:
The one person I was really excited to interview was Jay Caputo who plays Jack Spratt, the reality show producer whose behind the scenes shenanigans with the Japanese mafia get them all into trouble. If you are a frequent reader here, you know I am an uber-gymnastics geek. Well, Jay was on the National team as an elite gymnast, a successful NCAA athlete, and he participated in the 1992 Olympic Trials. Impressive, right? Well, Jay was not so impressed with my excitement. Watch my awkwardness unfold onscreen:
As for creator, Jonathan Nail, it was exciting to watch his big night. This show has been a long time in coming and he did a great job with the premiere. He built on the momentum with a packed house of supporters, he offered up fantastic prizes for a raffle to help raise money for the rest of shooting season (And boy, were there some excited winners--Hello, A Good Knight's Quest table.) and belief in the project permeated the room. I think we all felt that we want Jonathan, the cast, and the show to succeed. This truly was Jonathan's night and his pet project. He had a lot of support behind the scenes too with web series power couple (Okay, I just termed that, but I like it.), Allison Vanore and Rob Gokee. I finally met Allison after months of communicating on Twitter. After meeting her in person, I understand why she is in demand as a producer: confident, smart, and really sharp. So, book her now if you want to work with her, I have a feeling it is onwards and upwards with her career. Rob is familiar to many of you from our Web Files Buzzepisode back in March. He scored a majority of SOLO the Series and he is a great example of utilizing social media to market and gain new clients.
I was also grateful to be asked to moderate the Q&A after the screening. One of the most important ideas that came up was casting in a web series. It has been a common occurrence to cast your friends in all of the roles. It is a great idea to band together to create new work, but sometimes you wind up with someone that may be miscast or doesn't have the acting chops of everyone around them. Well, Jonathan Nail brought in casting director, Laurie Records, to help with SOLO. It adds another layer of professionalism to the production and by holding auditions, you might find an actor who brings new meaning and layers to the words you have written as a creator. It's an interesting thought, so if you are able to set aside a budget to hire a casting director, you may see your work take shape on levels you might not have realized otherwise. I point it out because it's just another little morsel to nibble on while your next web series idea is brewing.
I know a lot of you are waiting for the big debut of SOLO the Series and that day is coming soon. Be sure to check out Episode 1 on July 6th at WatchSolo.com. Congratulations to the cast! It truly was a magical night.
Enjoy our episode, I think you will hear about a lot of different aspects to the production from shooting on the small set with Dirctor of Photography, PJ Gaynard, to playing a robot, PHAL9000, with actor, Jason Burns. If you want a tour of the set, see our Web Files Buzz episode with Jonathan from February. Now, check out all of the action from the red carpet premiere:
I am a little behind on some of my posts, but I wanted to give a shout out to all of the winners at the Stay Tuned TV Awards which happened on June 6th. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the work of independent creators and producers. Frank Zanca and Timothy Ryder, the founders of Stay Tuned TV, put on a fantastic show to honor the shows on their site. The night was emceed by Todd Bridges, AKA Willis on Diffr'ent Strokes. Todd kept us laughing throughout the night, but I will say it was interesting timing given that Gary Coleman had passed away the week before. Regardless, he was an entertaining host and it was thrilling for me to interview an 80's TV icon.
I was lucky enough to not only cover the red carpet for Mingle Media TV, but attend the event. I was also thrilled to discover a funny new web series called The Actor Diaries created by and starring Kate VanDevender. I think a lot of actors here in LA can relate to her stories and laugh along with her. She ran away with Best Actress in a Comedy and Best Comedy that evening. Now, go support a new show and check out episode one:
Below, you will find a few of my favorite red carpet interviews from the night. If you are looking for more action from the red carpet, be sure to check out Mingle Media TV:
Todd Bridges...um, because he's Willis!
Tom Konkle, Dave Beeler, and Brittney Powell of Safety Geeks: SVI because I adore them.....
The cast from Greatest American Hero because I told them to sing the theme song for me and they did!
Congratulations to all of thewinners! I can't wait to see more from all of the creators.
It's hot=melting makeup! This was our first true behind the scenes look at a web series for The Web Files and also the hottest day of summer. My makeup was melting, but I had a fun interview in store for me. We actually filmed this before Safety Geeks: SVI, but we bumped the episode by a week to coordinate with Dave Beeler and Tom Konkle's appearance at Comic-Con. The cast and crew were shooting in Burbank at the Victory Theatre. It is always interesting to see how actors, directors, and producers work because each set brings its own energy and fun. I don't know how you couldn't love being on set with Lenny L. Roboticus. I kind of have a crush on the Bot who is made from Ikea parts, a salad spinner, and even has his own Facebook page. (Be warned, Lenny is quite the ladies' man....how else do you think Nurse Ratknee wound up in her delicate condition?)
This show also works with a green screen, well, actually a black screen. We filmed the opening to the show on the black background of the stage and Robert Poe, co-creator and director of Space Hospital, kindly gave us the composite of the operating room for me to work with. Oh, and I did borrow a costume for my closing of The Web Files. Little did I know, I was "expendable", I think I will have to talk to wardrobe about that issue.
Space Hospital is a really interesting mix of space, love, soap opera drama, and a taste of the absurd. To understand it all, head on over to their website to experience it for yourself: Space Hospital. I felt a tinge of H.R. Pufnstuf come into play at times and that is what makes it a fantastical ride for everyone aboard Space Hospital.
To see the episode of The Web Files featuring Space Hospital in super HD, click here: The Web Files: Space Hospital.
Check out a sneak preview of Episode 3 of The Web Files featuring Safety Geeks: SVI with Tom Konkle and Dave Beeler. We shot part of the episode on their green screen set, so this is just a taste of what to expect for Episode 3. Remember, they are headed to Comic Con, so be sure to add them to your event list in San Diego. The short video even gives you a peek at Sandra Payne, Executive Producer of The Web Files, who runs away anytime I aim the camera at her. Oh, and you can hold off on the commentary about my crappy camera work. I know, I stink, that's why I host! I will add more commentary about the making of the episode on Wednesday. Stay Tuned!
