The Friday Five

That was a quick week!  I'm now trying to cobble together my life and dust off my suitcases again for a whirlwind month.  I'm hoping Detroit is as warm as possible because after the December summer we have had here in LA, I am spoiled.  Here's a quick Friday Five to round out the week:

Zadi Diaz and me on set in NYC in the 90's...

On the set of The Web Files in 2010.

1.  Cleaning:  I spent much of the month home and digging through old boxes and organizing my home.  I'm not done yet, but it's a great start and I found some hilarious "vintage" photos that I will post from time to time.  I found the above photographs and I recognized someone who is my contemporary out here in LA, but this photo was from an old Pathmark industrial from my time in NYC.  Could it be possible that I worked with her in the 90's?  Yep, it is.  It's Zadi Diaz from Epic Fu.  I interviewed her and her husband/collaborator, Steve Woolf back in 2010.  We were both nominated for a 2010 Streamy Award and she won! The best part about the photo and the video I recently had digitized is that I remember this day on set. (By the way, we were playing rogue cashiers at Pathmark:  she stole a chicken, I stole steaks, and yes, my hair is really that color.)  Here's a look back at our interview in 2010:  Epic Fu on The Web Files.

2.  Press:  Jenna of Smarter.com featured Red Carpet Closet for all of the formal dresses and gowns I wore last year.  She highlighted my favorite dress of 2011 which was created by Chagoury Couture. Thanks for the shout out, Jenna.  To see the article, click here. To visit Jenna's personal blog, Seven Style Notes, click here.



3.  iVillage:  This is a fun compilation video from all of the entertainment correspondents over at iVillage that asks your favorite celebs about their best holiday memories.  I handled the Zac Efron, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Lea Michele interviews.  I know I am a little late in posting this and you probably don't want to even think about the holiday season right now. Just think of it as preparation for Holidays 2012?

4.  Driving with Gass:  Don't forget that I do my Monday night entertainment segment each week at 6:35PM PT/9:35PM ET. Now that we are in full awards season swing, there will be a lot to talk about this month. It's so easy to listen in at KWSS.org.  Click on the "Listen Live" tab and you can join us right from your laptop.  For those of you on Twitter, I also do an interactive chat during and after the show using the hash tag #RadioBurtt.

5. Team KB:  Team KB grew by one member yesterday, so everyone please welcome Melanie Marquez of M4PR.  She will be handling all of my media throughout awards season and beyond.  This will also bring more video, events, and exciting content to Red Carpet Closet.  If you need me for any event, show, press quote, etc, contact Melanie here.  My team keeps me together more than you know, so you will probably hear a lot of praise for Mel, Carolina, Roni, Annie, and Maria these next few months.

Have a great weekend, everyone!  I will be coming to you live from NAIAS Detroit on Monday.

It's Giveaway Time!

I know we just finished the Emmys Event Gift Bag yesterday, but I was lucky enough to receive two complimentary tickets to the upcoming "Enchantment Under the Web" Prom that is happening here in LA on September 22nd from 8PM-12AM.  So, two free tickets means it is GIVEAWAY time!

The prom will be hosted by Lon Harris of This Week In with live music by Shaimus and the live stream of the night will be hosted by me. (And I am hoping to get the uber-busy Judalina Neira on-camera for a few minutes to co-host with me.) No prom is complete without a Prom King/Queen and their court, so take a look at the Class of 2010 nominees:
The Ladies:
Cooper Harris
Shanrah Wakefield
iJustine
Zadi Diaz

Olga Kay            
Julia Allison

The Gents:
Mark Gantt
Benny & Rafi Fine
Maxwell Glick
Shane Dawson
Andre Blacknerd

I will have the opportunity to interview them all.  Andre has asked that I don't make him cry like Barbara Walters (or Gil Duldulao) and I know Cooper is searching all over town for the perfect dress.  It's going to be a memorable night and a charitable night because all of the proceeds from the evening benefits the LA non-profit, Our House, a grief support services organization.

Just a reminder, this event is 21+ and it is in Los Angeles.  I cannot provide transportation to Southern California for you, so remember you are on your own for transportation/accommodations, but I am happy to dance with you.  Tickets are worth $30 each, so your prize package totals $60 which leaves more money in your bank account to buy a dress!

Here's how to enter:  Tell me your favorite prom memory in the comments section below.  Comments will be open between now and Wednesday, September 15th at 11:59PM PST.  The winner will be decided by Random.org and announced here on Red Carpet Closet on Thursday, September 16th at 9:00AM PST.  The winner will be able to pick up their tickets at the door the night of the event.

Good luck and I can't wait to see all of you on September 22nd!

If you aren't feeling lucky today, you can purchase tickets to the event here.

The Streamys: I Lost, But I Won

After a long, hectic month, it's all over.  Back to back to back jobs on the East Coast and The Streamy Awards blurred by.  I tried to take it all in, but I think I was running solely on adrenaline.  How did I do?  Well, I lost in my category for Best Web Series Host, but I was thrilled at who did win, Zadi Diaz.  My admiration of her work has been spouted a few times by me (Behind the scenes of Epic Fu) and I told her again on the red carpet last night.  I think it is important for women to support each other in their field and Zadi is out there and creating solid content for the web. So, when her name was called, I was happy.

So, yes, I lost, but I won in so many other ways:

1.  I was so thrilled to be co-hosting the live feed of the red carpet for Ustream with Mark Malkoff and Cyndee San Luis. It was an honor to be asked and I felt totally in my element last night. I could not have survived without the amazing talents of Jenn Bobiwash who kept it all together for me (including manning my iPhone texts so my boyfriend could find me.) and Ken Burden who made sure every shot was perfect for the show.  I had fun interviewing everyone and I hope you had fun watching the feed.

2.  I loved what I was wearing and how my hair and makeup looked, so I felt like "me" all night.  I wasn't fussing over my dress or tugging at my hair.  That is all due to the amazing contributions of my stylist, Katelin Flanegin, and my makeup artist, Melissa Anchondo. They understand my personality and they know what makes me feel good.  I appreciate their talents and contributions to make me look WAY better than I look in real life.

3.  I have been away from home for a long time:  130 days, 14 cities, and a challenging year for the company I represent .  My boyfriend took care of the renovations of the condo, the animals, and the day-to-day chores at home.  Last night was the first night I got a chance to spend time with him, get all dressed up, eat In-N-Out burgers, and hang out on the couch with our little family when it was all over. It was a GREAT night.

4.  One of the most exciting moments of the night?  Watching Rachael Hip-Flores of Anyone But Me win for Best Female Actor in a Drama Web Series.  She was sitting behind me, so I saw the emotion and excitement on her face up close.  It was worth the price of admission.  A few "Oh my God, seriously, and reallys?" were heard from Rachael as the writers from the series, Susan Miller and Tina Cesa Ward, raced down the aisle with congratulatory hugs. It was so genuine and thrilling to watch because I don't think she expected to win at all.  That's what the Streamys should be about.

4.  The support from family, old friends, co-workers, new friends, Twitter friends, etc, was tremendous.  I appreciate you and all of the messages, it helped get me through the long month on the road.

5.  Finally, to Sandra and Perry Payne who helped produce the red carpet last night. Without them, there is no Web Files and there certainly is no nomination for Best Web Series Host.  I cannot thank them enough.

So, while I may not have walked out The Orpheum Theatre a winner on paper, I was a winner in so many other ways last night.


Photo courtesy of The Bui Brothers.

Behind the Scenes with Taryn Southern

So, how do you not admire Taryn Southern?  Seriously, she sold her first project at the age of twenty.  Well, I am impressed.  My joke has always been that Shira Lazar is the busiest woman in the web industry, but Taryn sure is rivaling her.  I am thrilled that we have been able to feature some ambitious and successful young women in the web series industry on The Web Files: from the names you know like Shira, Taryn, Zadi Diaz, and Casey McKinnon to the up and coming producers like Kai Soremekun.  You all make me proud that this sector of the entertainment industry encourages the creativity and freedom that other sectors of the biz sometimes hinder.

We were able to shoot in Taryn's gorgeous apartment somewhere in LA where many of you have watched her broadcast her UStream show.  I first came across Taryn at last year's Streamy Awards where she was nominated for Best Female Actor in a Comedy Web Series for Private High Musical.  While I did not have the chance to interview her, I interviewed her cast including Dennis Haskins and you might see Craig Frank in the background. (I think this is where the idea for The Craig Frank Show was born.)  To say that Taryn does it all would be an understatement:  she acts, sings, writes, produces, hosts, am I forgetting something?  So, our interview focused on her journey through web television and where she is headed next.  If you want to be a part of her next project, go visit her Kickstarter page and pledge to fund her next project, Among the Stars, a mixed media film.

For those of you who have already watched the interview, you might think, "You forgot to ask about the viral video Wrong Hole!".  No, we didn't forget.  It was edited for time. I would never, ever not deliver a clip, especially when Scott Baio is involved.  I am a huge fan of Chachi. So here's a little Red Closet exclusive clip on that part of the interview:




Finally, Taryn's favorite little guy, Bart, is going to be an internet superstar.  Find out her hamster's next project in his 28 seconds of Web Files fame. Yep, she has the whole family working in the web industry.  Bart's a celebrity hamster!



If you haven't seen our interview with Taryn Southern, what are you waiting for?
Taryn Southern interview

Web TV Week: Epic Fu

It's Day 3 of Web TV Week!  Yes, I am featuring the competition, fellow nominee for Best Web Series Host, Zadi Diaz along with her co-creator/husband, Steve Woolf of Epic Fu.  Why?  Because I really, really like Zadi and I admire the work she and Steve have created over the last four years with Epic Fu.  It's pretty simple.  They are putting out quality content and I love their story and journey with their show.  So, go back and visit with The Web Files as we feature Epic Fu, the 2009 Streamy Award winner for Best Hosted Web Series:

Episode: Epic Fu

Behind the Scenes Blog: Epic Fu

Albrecht, Diaz, Buckley, Pollak, and Who?

So, the Streamys nominations are out and everyone is gearing up in preparation for the show. At The Web Files, we have some nominee interviews coming your way and of course, we will be covering the red carpet on the big night. I know a lot of the ladies out there are looking for the perfect dress and I will admit, I have hit the gym a bit harder lately. While I am thrilled to be nominated for Best Web Series Host, I have to chuckle because I think at least three nominees said, "Albrecht, Buckley, Diaz, Pollak, and Who?" I am humbled by my fellow nominees because they inspire me to think about the levels The Web Files could reach if we continue to put in the hard work and dedication to the web space like Alex, Zadi (My admiration for Zadi and Steve Woolf can be seen in a prior post.), and Michael. And then there's Pollak, yes, Kevin Pollak. Um, when are you ever going to be nominated against Todd Hockney from The Usual Suspects? That's enough to keep an Oscar Geek like me happy. (The movie won for Screenplay and Best Supporting actor for Kevin Spacey in 1996). Kevin's show has inspired an LA Times article and brought even more attention to the web space. With these four fantastic nominees, I am more than okay with being the "And who?" Congratulations to my fellow nominees!

By the way, I think Michael Buckley needs to know that I am the biggest figure skating and gymnastics geek ever, so I think we should be friends....especially if he wants in on the best (and secret) gymn/figure skating gossip site ever. (Yep, there's a site for everything and it confirms that I am a geek!) So, Michael, I am in NYC before the Streamys, coffee or cocktails are on me if you want to meet up!

**UPDATE** Michael heard my call and he has agreed to meet up with me while I am in New York! I love the power of the internet. I can't wait to dish about figure skating and gymnastics with my new BFF....whom I hear is a pretty decent figure skater himself.

Also, we will be featuring some of our previous Web Files interviews from shows that are up for Streamy Awards as a part of our Weekend Web Watch. Our first weekend showcased Safety Geeks:SVI which is nominated for Best Visual Effects for Tom Konkle, Thor Melsted, and Mike Smith. It is a great episode for the IAWTV members to take a first or second look at since we go on set and check out what it take to build the composites for their show. Check out the episode here: Safety Geeks: SVI

Our next episode for our Weekend Web Watch honors Compulsions in two parts. An interview with creator/writer, Bernie Su, and producer, Michael Tohl. Part two focuses in on the red carpet premiere with the cast, crew, and distributor, Aimee Carlson of Dailymotion. Compulsions garnered 4 Streamy nominations for Best Actor: Craig Frank, Best Writing (Drama): Bernie Su, Best Director (Drama): Nathan Atkinson, and Best Drama Web Series. I first heard about Bernie's idea for a series over Thai food, so it feels like I have been around since the beginning with Compulsions. While it is only Thursday, you can get a head start with our Weekend Web Watch here:
Part One: Compulsions
Part Two: Red Carpet

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.

Behind the Scenes of The Web Files Buzz, Episode 1

Yes, we brought you something different this week, the inaugural episode of The Web Files Buzz. Sandra and I have been toying with this idea for awhile, but it took some time to figure out how we wanted to execute the episode. I have received a lot of questions about this format: Is this the new format of the show? Is the old format gone? The answer is "sometimes" and "no". We will do a Buzz show every few weeks to mix it up in between our longer, more formal interviews. As the web space grows, we have to grow. Viewers want us to get in depth with their favorite shows, but we do not want to forget those shows that are up and coming. So, I think the new format serves an important purpose. We had a lot of fun shooting these shorter segments and I think delivered an action packed episode.

We kicked it off with the IAWTV "For Your Consideration" Screening of The Fall of Kaden and Blue Movies, both Koldcast TV web series. I did an in depth piece on the evening which can be read here: Fall of Kaden/Blue Movies. I haven't seen the Koldcast footage yet, but hopefully, it will be released soon. The Koldcast shoot talked more about the fantastic idea to hold a IAWTV screening and it is a format now being wisely copied by others before the Streamy ballots are due. I think it will also give web series creators, Adam Leiphart and Matt Double (Fall of Kaden) and Scott Brown (Blue Movies) even more deserved face time with the IAWTV voters.

Our second segment featured one of my favorite web series stars, Brittney Powell, of Safety Geeks: SVI. We caught her in between an appearance at the Xena convention on a Saturday afternoon. If you didn't know, Brittney has quite an impressive resumé as she played Brunnhilda on the series amongst other high profile roles. Xena has a strong female following, so while we didn't shoot inside the convention, there were a lot of women running around the lobby of the LAX Marriott trying to get a glimpse of Brittney. Popular girl! Anyway, I wanted to discuss the Safety Geeks: SVI calendar since it's a great way to think outside of the box in terms of marketing their web series. The cheeky pin-up girl theme also brings Tom Konkle and Dave Beeler along for the fun. Check out the cast's calendar at Amazon: Safety Geeks Calendar.

Finally, we rounded out the episode with a visit to Jonathan Nail on the set of his upcoming show, SOLO the Series. The set was built inside his garage and we had a chance to climb inside to take a closer look. Jonathan's show has created a lot of buzz over Twitter and I am glad we were able to see what those 140 characters were all about. He also showed me the pilot after the shoot, so get ready for a comedic, sci-fi ride sometime in 2010.

It was a day for cupcake shirts and many of you asked where you could purchase my shirt after I posted the photo on Twitter. Well, it was purchased at the Union Square Christmas fair in NY by a friend of mine. She tried to track down the designer, but we were not able to find her. However, you can find similar cupcake shirts online, just google "Make cupcakes, not war". I also took a close-up photo of my crew badge. Jonathan made me an honorary crew member of Team SOLO. Let's just hope I don't get stuck in space like he did.

Be sure to check out our first episode of The Web Files Buzz here: Episode 1. It is our fastest rising show to date, so we appreciate your views and feedback. On Wednesday, we go back to our usual format with an interview with Epic Fu creators and the 2009 Streamys winners for Best Hosted Web Series, Zadi Diaz and Steve Woolf.

Red carpet photos courtesy of Bernie Su of Compulsions.