Friday, January 15, 2010

Behind the Scenes of The Bannen Way


Ah, The Bannen Way. So much excitement, so much buzz, so much.....controversy? Yes, controversy. We stepped into this interview during a heated week of discussion by the web series community on the internet regarding The Streamys nomination process. SONY decided to launch the first three episodes of The Bannen Way before the scheduled launch date in order to qualify for the 2010 awards. Jesse Warren, the director/creator of The Bannen Way, dove right into the controversy at the beginning of the episode and I really appreciated that. I think we addressed the issue and answered any lingering questions. We did delve a bit deeper than what you saw, but I do think the Streamys will update their rules for 2011. It is a constantly evolving nomination process and just like The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences updating their rules year to year after 82 years in business, this will be no different.

So, let's push that aside, and talk about how much fun this web series is: slick, sleek, and sexy. Mark Gantt and Jesse did start this project independently and I was fascinated how they even procured a Jaguar for their shoot. It was a process that was all new to them as this was an idea developed by them to gain more ground in their film/TV careers. Once SONY jumped on board, they really hit the ground running with name actors to flesh out some of the roles. I might add that I think this is the best role I have seen Vanessa Marcil in yet. The web series model is constantly changing, but I believe The Bannen Way is going to change the web series scenery as it has set a new standard for web series production. Now is every web series going to look like this? No, of course not. I do think it will challenge all of the independent creators to set new goals for themselves. Let's see what happens to the web series landscape in the next 12-18 months. I am excited to see what the future holds.

It is always fun to unmask the crew behind the scenes, so let me introduce Perry Payne, who may be familiar to some, but he is our editing guru and DP on The Web Files, and Lucas Plouviez, our Camera Op for The Bannen Way episode. Without all of their hard work, we wouldn't have a show! So, thank you for your continued dedication to The Web Files.

Finally, the dress and belt. It is another fantastic find from Roni B. Roni is magic when it comes to styling wardrobe for a shoot, so be sure to tell her I sent you. Makeup was courtesy of e.l.f. Cosmetics and my awesome earrings in this episode were a Christmas gift from our makeup artist, Melissa Anchondo. You need to watch the episode to see them close up.

So, watch the episode right here! See what the buzz, controversy, and excitement is all about.


Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Donate to Haitian Relief




Today is not a day to talk about what happened in Hollywood or what I wore or who I talked to. Today is a day to think about others in need. Please consider donating to the Haitian Earthquake victims who are suffering so greatly. There are three main ways to donate:

1. Your Money
2. Your Time
3. Your Blood

I hope you join me in finding a way to help the Haitian community. I am donating via the American Red Cross where 100% of the proceeds go directly to the victims. Together, we can all make a difference.


*Updated* I added the link to Doctors Without Borders, another amazing charity that is responding to the tragedy.

The Web.Files #26 The Bannen Way

Web Files' host, Kristyn Burtt, hits the jackpot with the creators and executive producers of The Bannen Way, series star Mark Gantt and director Jesse Warren. Heres a hot tip: its aces!

Formats available: Flash Video (.flv)

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Behind the Scenes of Dorm Life

When I say in the cold open of this episode, "Everyone asked me about this show", I wasn't kidding. It was my dog sitter that continually asked me about doing an interview with Dorm Life which led to a friend on Facebook, a web series producer at New Media Vault, and a group of web series stars at a holiday party all asking about Hulu's #1 rated web series. Well, it's here and it was fun! It was actually my friend, Annie Mureau, who put me in touch with Jordan Riggs over at Attention Span Media. It was a long process since they wanted to wait until there was news to deliver. That is always a smart strategy with media and interviews (take note, web series producers), so we waited until the launch of their Season 1 DVD.



Sandra secured our fantastic school book store location over at LA Valley College at the end of their school semester. People were turning in their old text books for cash and we were hitting the books to find out more about the creators of Dorm Life. Chris Smith, Jack De Sena, and Brian Singleton proved to be an entertaining interview. They were funny, engaging, and demonstrated why their show is so popular. Dorm living is a rite of passage here in the U.S., it is that first bit of freedom we get as a young adult. Some of the stories that come out of dorm living may frighten parents, but, man, those were some fun times! That is exactly why Dorm Life is successful....solid writing about an experience we all can relate to.

They started their project while they were at UCLA and it became a great calling card for all of the young writers and stars. Remember, they have up to 14 writers on this show, so it is truly a collaborative process. They have created two successful seasons landing them at the top of Hulu's most watched web series. Will they make it to Season 3? That is still a big question mark for them and I didn't get any definitive answers from them because I truly believe that they don't know. All of the fans will just have to wait or just let them know what you want, let your voice be heard. It is the fans who demanded longer episodes from Dorm Life and they delivered in Season 2, so give the guys a shout out for Season 3.




One of my favorite moments that didn't make the episode is that Brian Singleton's mom has taken it upon her self to be cast as Marshall Adams' mother, the character played by Brian. She will respond on social media sites about her "son" when viewers make comments about Marshall. Not only is she new media savvy, but she's funny. Guess we know where Brian inherited his humor.

Finally, a quick shout out to my friend, Ali North, who saved the wardrobe day with my awesome shirt that she gave me for my birthday. It was our last shoot for 2009 and I had nothing to wear, until she dropped off my present the night before. Thanks, Ali!

If you haven't seen our episode of Dorm Life, check it out here:

Friday, January 8, 2010

We WON!


Well, look at that! What a great way to start off 2010, with an unexpected win for The Web Files for "Best Web Original Non-Fiction Show" as a part of Clicker's Best of 2009. The competition was incredible with shows like A Comicbook Orange, Hungry Nation (who I am dying to interview), and New Media Minute. It's hard to imagine that we started this show only 6 months ago because we have been so welcomed into the web space. We appreciate your votes, views, and all of the support. Thank you!

We look forward to bringing you more in 2010. We kicked off the year with Dorm Life, Hulu's #1 most watched web series and next week brings The Bannen Way, the most anticipated show of the last year on Crackle.com. Please keep that feedback coming, we want to bring you the shows you want to hear more about.

Finally, a shout out to our fellow web winners in other categories: Compulsions, Casual Mafia, The Legend of Neil, and Live from the Future with Stuart Paap! Congratulations on your win, guys!

Articles about the win:

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

The Web.Files #25 Dorm Life

Web Files' host, Kristyn Burtt, hits the books. She gets a lesson in how to succeed in New Media from creators Chris Smith, Jack De Sena and Brian Singleton, who earn an A+ from fans of their hit show, Dorm Life the top viewed web series on Hulu.com.


Monday, January 4, 2010

For Your Consideration: Best Hosted Web Series


Awards season is in full swing here in LA: SAG Awards, Golden Globes, Oscars, and yes, The Streamys. Jeff Elwell of Web Series 2 Watch kindly provided a suggested list of shows for Best Hosted Web Series including The Web Files. Public nominations end in the next few weeks, so if you are enjoying The Web Files, please help us out with a nomination. You will find the voting icon on the upper right hand corner of this page.

Read Jeff's article: Web Series 2 Watch
And thank you for your support!

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