The Friday Five

I've been laying low the past couple of days because I know I have a big week coming up with the Oscar Nominations on Tuesday morning. I will be wrapping up NAIAS in Detroit on Sunday and hopping a plane back to my favorite place in the world....home.  I miss LA's sunshine and warm weather, I just don't think I am cut out for winter these days.  Here's my Friday Five for you this week:

Me, Kenny Wallace, Trackside Tina, Matthew Troyer.

1.  Toyota Live:  We have a lot of guests that come through our show in different cities, but Kenny Wallace, a Toyota Racing NASCAR driver, easily was one of the nicest and most engaging guests we have ever had on our stage.  He took the time to talk with each and every fan before signing autographs and taking photos with them.  I love watching people interact with their heroes.  It's really sweet to watch.

2.  V. Mora:  I am excited to be working with Anna Livermore of V. Mora on a new custom-designed red carpet dress.  She called me the other night and asked if you could design a dress for me.  Uh, YES!!  I will keep you posted on all of the details since she will be working on it while I am in Chicago next month.  In the meantime, take a look at her designs on Etsy.

 With Rafi and Benny Fine, me, and Sandra Payne after the show.  If you aren't following The Fine Brothers on YouTube, it's time to subscribe to their videos.  They are awesome. 

 

3.  IAWTV Awards Photos/Interview:  A few more photos have trickled in and I wanted to share a couple of my favorites.  The top one is by Bernie Su and the second photo was taken by Gregory Storm.  Thank you for such wonderful photos, guys! (Especially since I took only 10 photos of the night on my iPhone.) Finally, check out the red carpet interview with Misty Kingma of Mingle Media TV.  Yep, I am on the other side of the mic.

4.  Debby Ryan:  I first met Debby Ryan back in 2008 at the Beverly Hills Chihuahua premiere when she was cast member of Suite Life On Deck.  I managed to catch back up with her at the Gracie Awards and at Radio Disney's NBT finals in 2011, so I am looking forward to talking with her about her new Disney Channel movie, Radio Rebel,  coming up on February 17th.  Debby is a great role model for tweens and my 12-year old niece loves her show, Jessie.  So, look for more Disney coverage soon.

5.  Marie Bruns Jewelry:  I will be wearing a few pieces of Marie Bruns jewelry during Oscars Week and I am really excited to showcase a few of their colorful items.  I am not sure exactly the items I will have, but I did mark these Amethyst Gem Drop earrings as one of my favorites.  Take a look at the line here.

Tim Burton Exhibit in LACMA

Yesterday was one of those days when I took the opportunity to enjoy one of LA's wonderful museums.  I headed out to the Tim Burton exhibit at LACMA, Los Angeles County Museum of Art on Miracle Mile with my talented writer pal, Bernie Su.  It is an incredible retrospective of Burton's career (so far) with highlights from Alice in Wonderland, Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, Nightmare Before Christmas, Sweeney Todd, and more.  It is fascinating to see a young boy who was born in Burbank, a fairly suburban part of LA, turn into a master of quirky characters.  His sketches reflected his talent early on from his success in the Burbank Fire Prevention Poster contest to his early storyboards and comics.  If you are in LA, take advantage of the exhibit which runs through October 31, 2011 and tickets are $20.

Me and Bernie Su!  I can't stop wearing this shirt.  

 There are a lot of stripes going on in this photo!

 Awesome lamp post installation outside of LACMA.  It's even more beautiful all lit up at night.

The famous La Brea Tar Pits outside of LACMA and yes, it smells like tar.

Year in Review: April 2010

April was perhaps one of my favorite months this year for me.  It was a complete whirlwind since I went right from working in Atlanta to two weeks of work in New York straight home to the red carpet for the 2nd Annual Streamy Awards.  Here are a few highlights from the excitement that surrounded this month.

1.  Final show of Season 3 for Toyota Live in New York City.  Here with my co-host, Matthew Troyer.

2.  Cupcakes are a must no matter where I am in the world.  This was my Easter cupcake piled high with frosting from Burgers and Cupcakes.  Yum!

3. Back in LA and prepping for the Streamy Awards with the amazing makeup artist, Melissa Anchondo.  She always makes me look way better than I do in real life.

4.  A bunch of photos from the red carpet of the Streamy Awards. The opening of the red carpet show with iJustine, me, and Cyndee San Luis.   Here is my account of the night.

Not my best photo, but I love how happy I am.  I was thrilled to be walking the red carpet that night.

I think this was my favorite photo of the night.  Here is the rundown on my outfit.  

 My first in-person meeting with entertainment reporter, and now, good friend, Jeff Rago. I love that we have it captured on film.

One of my favorite people in Web Television, talented writer and Streamy Award winner, Bernie Su.

Like every girl who likes to eat, you grab a big burger at the end of a fancy night.  Be sure to check out the interviews from the night.

5.  And then right back to work.....from the red carpet to talking about Hybrid Synergy Drive at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.  This big-mouthed photo is now used on my agency's home page.  

Tomorrow brings lots of intriguing photos for the month of May.....one of my Top 3 Web Files episodes of 2010, an encounter with the Governor, and a trip to the Houdini Mansion.  I told you it was a crazy year!

Photo Credits:

Photo 1:  Ron Williams

Photos 4-6, 8:  The Bui Brothers

Photo 7:  Mingle Media TV

Photo 10:  Matt Troyer

Weekly Wrap-Up

Oh, what a week it has been!  I'm sitting here in my sweats with my wet hair up in a bun after a big hike with my puppy.  I've been all over the city this week and I'm ready for the weekend to begin.  Here's how it all went down:


Monday-Thursday:
ITVFest:  I spent the week attending the seminars, parties, and panels at the Independent Television Festival this week. I will have a final wrap-up over the next few days, but you can see some of the highlights and the gala here and here.  Congratulations to all of the winners and participants!

Hanging with Bernie Su of Compulsions and Ariel Lazarus of The Crew.

Me and Bobby Salomon, winner of Best Director for his pilot, 15 Minutes.

Nicole Pacent of Anyone But Me, Brian Rodda, and me hanging after a screening.


Photos 1, 2:  Courtesy of Bernie Su.
Photo 3: Courtesy of Brenda White


Wednesday:
The Web Files:  The Web Files was back with a new episode this week featuring the uber-talented Al Thompson.  He will be popping up again with a new series at the NY Television Festival, so be sure to keep your eye on him:



MoreWireLess:  I think there are three more in the series of MoreWireLess sponsored by Broadcom.  This week, it is all about the dongle.  I had no idea what a dongle was until I shot this episode (And look at that hilarious screen capture.  I look drunk!)



Prop 8:  It is no secret where I stand on this issue.  It was a simple one to me:  human rights.  For those that oppose same-sex marriage, I still believe in your rights to raise your family with your beliefs and to
attend the church that shares your same beliefs.  Even if we don't agree on this issue, remember the United States is built upon protecting your fundamental rights. It will be a long fight from both sides, but here is a quote from the presiding Judge Vaughn Walker on the case:  "Moral disapproval, without any other asserted state interest, has never been a rational basis for legislation."  Amen.

Photo by Adam Bouska for the NOH8 Campaign.


Friday:  My amazing friend, Kristoffer Kelly, has taken it upon himself to start a Facebook campaign called:  "Kristyn Burtt will take Mary Hart's spot on ET".  Yes, Mary Hart is leaving Entertainment Tonight after 30 years and I am flattered anyone thinks I could even remotely fill her shoes.   So, here's the link if you want to join the campaign: Facebook.  Heck, even though it is a long shot at best, maybe I will get the opportunity to show them the sizzle reel to my show, The Web Files.  


Now through August 19th:  Don't forget to enter my fun giveaway--City Slips for the gal on the go!


Have a great weekend, everyone!

My Week Off!

Man, I am tired.  Today was my first true day off and I was still at a meeting about my next show with Dance Channel TV.  Here's a wrap-up of everything that happened Post-Streamys:

Wednesday:
Ghostfacers premiere at La Vida, Hollywood.  Ghostfacers is a new web series that is currently on CWTV as a spin-off to their broadcast show, Supernatural.  I actually had the chance to attend as a guest versus covering the event.  That was a nice break for me and I ran into fellow Streamy nominee, David Nett and his lovely wife, Shannon, from the series, Gold.

Me and my pal, Maria, just moments before the start of Ghostfacers.  Photo Courtesy of Fitz Carlile.

Thursday:
Celebrate the Web.  A fantastic night honoring the winners at the 2nd Annual Streamy Awards.
Sandeep Parikh kicked off the night with a great speech about net neutrality and the night kept going with a hilarious video by Jeremy Redleaf of Odd Jobs.  Thanks to Jenni Powell and Kim Evey for arranging such a special evening.

Me (wearing too much bronzer!) and Streamy winner, Bernie Su, at Celebrate the Web.  Photo courtesy of Bernie Su.

Friday-Sunday:
Off to the races....literally!  I was emceeing over at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.  Brian Austin Green won the Pro/Celebrity Race, I hung out with the coveted PHV Prius, and I ran into this guy...Arrrrr.....:

Me hosting (without my signature red dress!) for the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach and a very tall pirate.  Photo courtesy of Matthew Troyer.

Monday:
I woke up to a fun surprise from Michelle Denise Norton of Blink Kitty Love.  She animated me into her latest episode and I have to say, it really does look like me. Can you spot my cameo?  It involves some of my favorites:  cheeseburgers and french fries.



Bonnie Gillespie of The Actors Voice wrote a few nice things about my work on the red carpet. (Thank you, Bon!) Be sure to check out her weekly column. As a casting director, she has some of the best advice in town.

Finally, if you are in LA and know of some good dance events in Hollywood that need coverage, hit me up in the comments section below.  I am working on a new project with Dance Channel TV and we want to hit the hottest sets, red carpet premieres, and shows in LA.  I would appreciate any leads with publicists or dance agents because we are ready to bring the best in dance to you!

Live from the Streamys Red Carpet!

      On the red carpet.  Photo courtesy of The Bui Brothers.

Have you heard any news on the Streamy Awards lately?  I am going to leave the comments, thoughts, and apologies to others. Instead, I am going to give you all of the action from the red carpet on the night of the Streamys where I had three jobs all in a span of two and a half hours.  It was fun, chaotic, and exactly where I wanted to be that night--in the middle of all of the action!

                         

So, I had been really busy working in NYC all week, so I missed the parties of Web TV Week.  I took the last flight out of JFK to LA and landed at midnight.  I managed to grab some sleep around 2 AM only to wake up at 8 AM to start the usual red carpet beauty regime:  mani/pedi, hair, and makeup.  It takes a village to assemble my wardrobe and all of the accessories.  By the time I arrived for my official red carpet rehearsal, I was running solely on adrenaline.  Here's a rundown of how the pre-show happened:

1:30PM Arrive for rehearsal with the hosts of the live Ustream feed.  Mark Malkoff, Cyndee San Luis, and I had an opening skit to go over before the first arrivals at 2:30 PM.  We practiced our lines in the IKEA bed, which the warmest place to be.  I realized I was severely underdressed for the 58-degree weather that day.  All I could think about was my stylist, Katelin Flanegin, telling me to have the tailor shorten my dress by an inch and a quarter because she wanted to see more leg.  Ha!  Now, I wanted that fabric back to stay warm!

 The ladies in the IKEA bed after rehearsal.  Photo courtesy of The Bui Brothers.

2:15 PM iJustine joins the group to rehearse the rest of the live feed open with us.  Okay, who thinks she looks a bit like Kristin Chenoweth? (Or Sophie Tilson?  Or mememolly?)  Call me crazy, but there is definitely a resemblance in person.  Regardless, she looked gorgeous in her coral pink dress and she was game for anything.  That's my kind of gal!  Sketch rehearsed and we were ready for the red carpet to open.

 And the tables are turned.  I am not used to being on this side of the mic.  Photo courtesy of Jeff Rago.

2:30PM Remember I said I had three jobs that night?  Well, it was a race down the red carpet for me as a nominee.  One of the publicists from Rogers and Cowan escorted me to the photographers' area.  If you have never heard what it is like to be directed from every angle, check this short clip out: "Kristyn, to the right.  Don't look at them, look at me, left. Show us the front of your dress.  Over here.  No, over here."  Good luck figuring it all out because I was moving in every direction.  Then it was down the interview line....LA Weekly, Actor's Reporter, Mingle Media TV, and Slebisodes.  I tried to follow my own rules while being interviewed:  Keep it short, keep it funny, and give a good sound bite. Did I succeed?  

2:45PM I was pulled off of the red carpet as a nominee by The Web Files PA/Renaissance woman, Jennifer Bobiwash, to head back to my position on the red carpet as the host of The Web Files.  We grabbed some early interviews with the cast of Safety Geeks: SVI, Brett Register and his adorable girlfriend, Jamie Blair, and Cathy Baron.  I had a really genuine moment with Craig Frank off-camera that really captured his feelings as a nominee.  He has had a very big year and it all culminated to this moment on the red carpet.  It truly was great to see so many people we have interviewed on The Web Files be a part of the celebration.  It is also always fun to work a red carpet as a fan.  I think I scared Robin Thorsen of The Guild by grabbing her and whispering that she was my favorite on the series.  She whispered back, "You're my favorite too.".  That made laugh since I know she has no idea who I am, but she sure is quick with the quips.

 Definitely my most awkward and hysterical picture of the night. Yep, the dress was short and the descent off of the bed was challenging.  Photo courtesy of Jim Alden.

4:00PM The live stream begins!  I hop in the IKEA bed with Mark and Cyndee as we open the show with our skit with iJustine.  It all goes off without a hitch even though I had a little trouble getting off of the bed gracefully.  I run to my Web Files position, which is now my Ustream position, and I am ready for Job #3!  At this point the red carpet is a bit more crowded (It truly was my Twitter page coming to life on that red carpet!) and I sometimes jostle for my position so people will get out of our shot.  Aggressive, perhaps, but I am girl who wants a clear shot for the show and everyone being interviewed.  I open by interviewing the cast of Oz Girl and the hour flies by.  I have to pass many people over because Mark in the IKEA VIP area has already interviewed them, so I received a few quizzical looks as to why I was skipping some of the nominees. I don’t think they realized I was live streaming with my Web Files microphone flag.  Three days later, I am trying to remember all of the people I interviewed from Jeffrey Hayzlett of Kodak to Bernie Su to Elisa Donovan to the cast of Gold and Elevator to Taryn Southern and Dennis Haskins.  It was a blur. Every time I finished with one, I had to prep for another.  No time to even refresh the lip gloss or grab a sip of water.

Interviewing Taryn Southern.  Photo Courtesy of Jeff Rago.

                  

5:00PM I got the word that we were officially done and we finished right on time.  The red carpet was a complete adrenaline rush, but incredibly fun.  The best compliment I received that night came from Michael Tapp, who said, “- You looked like you were hosting your own party on the red carpet.”  That is exactly what I wanted to hear, so thank you!  Finally, I ran around looking for my date who was stuck outside the red carpet line without a ticket or a place to go.   With my date in hand, I headed into the theatre as a nominee. 

Congratulations to all of the winners of the 2nd Annual Streamy Awards.  The Web Files saluted the winners of the Craft Awards in last week’s episode.  Be sure to check out all of the red carpet action at the Orpheum Theatre later this week in our next episode.  


P.S.  Like all good red carpet reporters, I went to In-N-Out after the show and ate a delicious cheeseburger:  

Many thanks to Mathieas McNaughton for giving me the opportunity to write this article for Web Series Today where it was originally posted.  Be sure to visit his site for the latest in web series news. (and tell him KB sent you!)

Weekend Web Watch Exclusive: Fashions at the Compulsions Premiere

Every premiere, red carpet, and launch party in LA has a look and a style to it and this party was no different. The theme of the night? Dark, black, a hint of color here and there, hot shoes, and a fedora or two. Come join me as we take a look at the fashions of the night in The Web Files Weekend Web Watch Exclusive:

Producer Robert Grand offered up some great advice to young filmmakers at the Compulsions premiere.

I told you he was tall! (Andrew Clemons)

Yep, we match! (Janna Bossier)

The Fedora Mafia in the house! Aaron Kaiser and Bernie Su.

The prolific web series actress, Taryn O'Neill, of After Judgment, HTSAAAR, The Crew, and Compulsions. Did I miss anything?

Craig Frank is on The Web Files.....a LOT!

As promised, our exclusive video of the fashions of the night!

If you missed our full Compulsions coverage, you can find it all here: Compulsions Premiere.

For the shout outs to Bernie on his big night, go here: Congratulations, Bernie!

Our original interview with Bernie Su and Producer, Michael Tohl: The Web Files, Episode 16.

And the best birthday present of all! (Thanks, Sandy and Perry!): KB's Birthday!

That's a wrap on Compulsions coverage. I hope you had as much fun as we did! Up later this week, a look at This Week in YouTube with Shira Lazar and Lon Harris.

Behind the Scenes of Compulsions Premiere

What a fun night, not only for the cast and crew of Compulsions, but for web series in general. It is so exciting to see such a strong, well-written series get the attention it deserves. With a deal with Dailymotion in hand, the show is poised to take the web space by storm. Here are a few behind the scenes photos of The Web Files shoot with the night's big stars:

Kicking off the night with man who created the dark, compelling world of Compulsions, Bernie Su:

Not sure what we are doing in this photo, but we got the memo: strapless dress, long necklace, and shiny shoes! Way to go, Janna Bossier!

One of my favorite people and fellow Oreo fan, Annemarie Pazmino:

Director Nathan Atkinson and I meet for the first time at the Compulsions premiere:

Strike a pose....okay, so I strike the same pose over and over: hand on hip, slight turn to my right, look over left shoulder.

AFI Grad and Cinematographer, Jason Raswant, stopping by for an interview and photo op:

My absolute favorite photo of the night: The Web Files crew hamming it up! DP Perry Payne, Makeup Artist Melissa Anchondo, and Renaissance Woman/PA Jenn Bobiwash:

Wearing his chapeau du jour, Producer Michael Tohl:

In the middle of an interview with Dailymotion's Aimee Carlson:

The lighter side of Compulsions, actor Sean Spence:

Wow, actor Andrew Clemons is really tall and I am really short even though I am wearing 4" heels that night:

I always have time to dance!
The screening finished up with a Q & A panel that I moderated. It was my first time moderating a panel and I wanted to make sure we heard from everyone on the panel and grabbed questions from the audience. I think we succeeded in covering the most important areas about the creation, casting, and shooting process. I had such a blast up there, so I hope there is another panel moderation in my future! Jacob Nahin kindly posted the panel, click here to view: Compulsions Panel.

Stop back here tomorrow for an EXCLUSIVE fashion wrap-up of the Compulsions premiere. As anyone who watches E! knows, it's all about who you wear on the red carpet! Find out who went designer, who was a Killer Bee, and what the theme of the evening was.

Be sure to check out our coverage of the Compulsions premiere: