For Your Consideration: The Web Files

Here we are, the final voting weekend for the IAWTV Awards.  I know many of you have already turned in your ballots, but for those of you who are using this last weekend to vote, here is a For Your Consideration post on The Web Files.

Best Hosted Taped Web Series:  The Web Files
Best Director (Non-Fiction):  Sandra Payne
Best Host (Taped):  Kristyn Burtt

The Web Files was one of the first online entertainment shows to feature web series and hear the creators' stories from on location to on the red carpet.  The show captured a span of time in the burgeoning web series world.  If it has been awhile since you have seen an episode, feel free to watch our episode on Backyard FX which captures the fun tone of our show while demonstrating the insight and education of what was happening with online content.  For a behind the scenes look at the making of this episode, click here.  Enjoy the episode, thank you for your consideration, and we will see you in Las Vegas on January 12th! (Don't forget ballots are due on January 5th.)

Year in Review: May 2010

May was the month I was all over the place:  tech host, alternative fuel vehicle expert, entertainment reporter, and voice over artist.  There was no way I was going to get bored with the variety of jobs I worked this month.  

1.  I kicked off the month with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger at the National Hydrogen Association Expo in Long Beach.  It was wild watching the swarm of photographers and political entourage types hover around the Governor.  Here is a detailed post about my encounter.

2.  I spent a week talking tech and Bluetooth Technology for Broadcom on their series MoreWireLess.  You can see all of the videos here.  

3.  I got a chance to hang with my brother as he was honored for his work in sales for Verizon.  I got to attend all of the swanky events at the Montage Hotel and Spa in Laguna Beach.  The view is to die for and the spa is worth every penny.  Add it to your list for a big splurge day.  Oh yes, my Viereck dress makes another appearance in the photo too.  

4.  I have said this over and over, this was my favorite episode of The Web Files in 2010.  Zack Finfrock, the host of Backyard FX, is charming and the shoot day was unbelievably unpredictable.  Check out the episode and see what happened that day.

5.  Finally, I always think the behind the scenes photos are the most interesting shots on set.  Here is my awesome makeup artist pal, Melissa Anchondo, and The Web Files producer, Sandra Payne, working hard to make our Web Files Buzz episode happen.  As they say, "It takes a village".............

Tomorrow will highlight June 2010 with Olga Kay, The Saturn Awards, "Spock Blocking", and a fun choreography panel with Dance Channel TV.  

Photo 1: Courtesy of Stephen Carr, The Long Beach Press-Telegram

Photo 2:  Courtesy of The Office of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

Episode 39: Backyard FX

This episode is one of my favorites from The Web Files in 2010. It features Zack Finfrock, the new host of Next New Network and Indy Mogul's, Backyard FX.  We had a whole series of unplanned special effects going on during this interview that made it frustrating for the crew, but fun at the same time.  Be sure to stick around past the credits for a fun moment with Puppet Zack.  I'll have more behind the scenes of this episode later in the week.  Thanks for watching!

Behind the Scenes of The Web Files Buzz, Episode 5

Another episode of The Web Files Buzz is here and I think I have the biggest hair ever in this episode.  I'm not kidding.  I think it was the perfect element to battle ghosts and zombies on our set visits to Bumps in the Night and Night of the Zombie King from the Gold crew.  There was enough hairspray to ward off any paranormal activity.

                             Melissa Anchondo making my hair as BIG as possible for the shoot that day.

Our first visit that day was to the Bumps in the Night set with Emmett Furey, John Reha, and Greg Benevent We have talked about a shoot with them since the A Good Knight's Quest premiere back in February.  It took a long time to schedule, but we managed to get them in and get the guys in character for a fantastic Ghostfacers versus Bumps in the Night throw down.  Who do you think would win the face-off?  Also, I love that the blue couch that we were sitting on is from Craigslist and plays a hilarious role in the series:  is it haunted or just a reminder that Craigslist can be creepy?  One thing I wish I had mentioned during the interview was that they are using a variety of guest directors this season.  I think it adds an interesting element to the series by showcasing different director' takes on the show.  The week we were there, it was Rudy Jahchan's turn.  You may recognize the name from the Streamy-nominated and Web Files featured show, A Comicbook Orange. (In fact, their episode remains our highest viewed show for 2010.)  Rumor has it that Rudy may direct another episode in the near future, so be on the lookout for his shows and check out another episode of Bumps in the Night directed by After Judgment's Taryn O'Neill and guest starring The Crew's, Ariel Lazarus.  Bumps is definitely a smaller web series deserving more eyeballs, so go show your support and check out their show.

From ghosts to zombies, we headed just down the street on this prolific web series weekend to the set of Night of the Zombie King from Gold creator, David Nett.  These mini-episodes featuring the character Jaz from season 1 of Gold, are going to help tide the fans over until Season 2 is shot and released.  Joining James Lane (Jaz) are a few familiar faces including Stephanie Thorpe of After Judgment as Jaz's high school sweetheart and Maxwell Glick of lonelygirl15.  Adding to the excitement of the series, is the release of the Season 1 DVD of Gold. Sales of the DVD will go toward producing a Season 2, so get out there and support the show.  I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of the DVD which features extras like commentary on each episode from the cast and crew, an interview with Cricket Lee of GirlGamer.com, and a mini-episode not seen before.  I think it's just enough to excite fans for the upcoming second season.  

And one final note, I will give a prize to the first person who correctly answers this question:  My shirt seen in the photo above was also worn by another actress in a 2009 interview on The Web Files.  What show were we interviewing?  First correct answer in the comment will win some fantastic prize from my collection of goodies.  Ready, set, go.........

If you missed our Web Files Buzz episode, watch it below.  We will see you tomorrow with an interview with the new Backyard FX host, Zack Finfrock.  

  

PS  I received amazing PR materials from Jenni Powell of Bumps in the Night and David Nett of Gold before my set visit.  It really is an important component to any show, make sure to read my tips on Publicity and Web Series or ask your fellow content creators for some help.  This type of professionalism creates a stronger foundation within the web community and beyond.  Thank you both!  It made my job easier that day.  (And if you want to see a spot-on interview, watch David.  He mastered the art of the interview, promoted his show, and his section needed very little editing in post.  Woo hoo!)

Photo 1:  Courtesy of Jenni Powell

Photos 2-4: Courtesy of Jenn Bobiwash