2010 in Review: January

It's that time of year again, a time to reflect and look back on the year that was:  2010.  I will be kicking it off with 5 photos each day over the next 12 days.  It was a busy year and one that professionally was very rewarding.  I look forward to achieving more of my goals in 2011 along with a little more time set aside to relax and rejuvenate.  May I present, January 2010:

1.  We kicked off the year on The Web Files with an interview about the controversy surrounding the release of The Bannen Way.  Jesse Warren and Mark Gantt couldn't be nicer (or cuter) and they went on to win multiple, well-deserved Streamy Awards.  Check out one of my favorite interviews of 2010.

2. Despite my pasty white thighs, I cannot stop wearing this Deborah Viereck dress bought at Roni B's.  I bought it for The Bannen Way interview, but I also showed up in the dress at the Ghostfacers premiere and Fashion's Night Out event. Time to retire it from photographed events rotation, sigh.

3.  This photo is from the NAIAS Charity Preview Night also known as the "Adult Prom" in Detroit.  It's a super swanky night filled with cars, stars, interesting fashion choices, and a headliner crooning the night away.  

Me and 2009-2010 Toyota Account Manager, Lisa Cole:

4.  Ah, we can't forget this day:  The Great Cobo Hall Fire.  It was just an electrical fire, but the evacuation process was chaotic and the smell was even worse.  Jalopnik picked up the photos that I Tweeted out, so I gained a few more automotive friends in the process.  Here's my account of the fire. 

5. The other fascinating element of NAIAS is the rabid photographers that come each year to photograph the cars and the girls.  I have one photographer who has come year after year to my show and he made laminated place mats for me this year.  It was certainly the most unique gift I have received from a fan.  And no, I don't eat off of KB place mats each night, my blue Target ones work just fine, thank you.

Come back tomorrow at Red Carpet Closet where I look back on February 2010--Chicago, Club 33, and the infomercial streak begins.

October: Monthly Wrap-Up

It's been a week of premieres, panels, and infomercials, so my posting has been a bit lax.  I will be back with a vengeance on Monday and I will post more on my awesome week on set in Nashville with an infomercial icon.  In the meantime, here is what you were reading this month on Red Carpet Closet:

Top 5 Posts:

1.  Dos and Don'ts on the Red Carpet: The Sequel:  This continues to be a heavy hitter with a majority of the readers coming from overseas.  I'm not sure what is drawing them in as awards season is still six weeks away, but I appreciate everyone stopping by to learn a little about putting your best foot forward on the red carpet.

2.  GQ/Glee Controversy:  The photos are all here, you can chime in with your opinions on Lea Michele's spread-eagle photo spread.

3.  Happy 20th Anniversary, 90210!:  A lot of you certainly remember the Brenda years and those delightful mom jeans.

4.  Disneyland's Club 33:  This post continually makes the monthly Top 5 list, but it slid a few numbers down.  Maybe you are finally tiring of this topic?

5.  Behind the Scenes with Taryn Southern:  This lovely lady is a multi-hyphenate:  actress, producer, writer, singer, and host.  Learn a little more about my pal, Taryn.

I decided to also do something new for this monthly wrap-up:  The Top 5 Most Absurd Searches:

1.  "Berbank Delai":  Um, not sure what this means, but it sure is close to this post about getting stuck at an airport.

2. "Can You Have Carpet for Kinect?":  Okay, this isn't a video game blog, but I did attend the launch of XBox 360 Kinect.  Even armed with that knowledge, I have no idea if you have to have hardwood floors or carpeting to play a video game.  That would seem a bit exclusionary, no?

3.  "Glasses Mark Gantt Wears":  Well, I do know Mark Gantt, but I don't know about his glasses.  He is the super hot star of The Bannen Way.  Do you want me to ask him what kind of glasses he wears?  Mark, maybe you could chime in the comments section.

4.  "Something Serious in Olga Kay's Life Right Now":  Yep, I know YouTube sensation, Olga Kay, too.  I think she is okay, but thanks for your concern.  Maybe Olga can reassure all of her fans with a comment below.  Olga, are you okay?

5.  "Smarties Halloween Treat Holder":  That's some interesting phrasing, but is this what you were looking for?

Have a safe and sweet Halloween!  See you on Monday at Red Carpet Closet.

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.

Weekly Wrap-Up

It's that time to wrap up the week and call it a Friday.  This will be a shorter post since I have been on a job all week to kick off a new season of one of my favorite gigs.  I found out that my first location with be at the State Fair of Texas again this year, so expect a lot of posts like this.  I don't expect Oprah to show up this year though, but the food promises to be a plethora of gastronomic delights and aches.  Let's wrap it up:

Monday:  I spent the entire week in Huntington Beach working really hard and presenting on advanced technology for 2012.  Yes, I already know what some of you may be driving in two years, but it was really hard to focus when you had a view like this:

Tuesday:  The always inspirational and kind Mark Gantt was featured in an article by Buzz Edition about his journey with The Bannen Way.  The Web Files interview with Mark and his co-creator, Jesse Warren, was also a part of the piece.  Mark's story really is a fascinating one and a true tale of taking charge of your career and creating opportunities.  Buzz Edition article.

Wednesday: MoreWireLess sponsored by Broadcom continues to entertain and delight. (I'm hilarious at 5:30 in the morning!)  This episode features the crowd pleaser, "How to Connect a Bluetooth Headset".  Thanks for your continued support for this series:


Friday:  Don't forget to watch my Tuesday coverage for Dance Channel TV of the blink/drEam red carpet with all of your SYTYCD and ABDC favorites. I know you are a true dance fan if you know those show acronyms.  Let me know what you think of the video piece.

Finally, it's the beginning of Emmys weekend for me. I am heading back to LA to hit the red carpet and give you the scoop on all of the latest fashions at the parties and a behind the scenes look at those amazing gifting suites. What is it like to be a celebrity and have people giving you free stuff just for showing up?  Well, I will let you know, so look for that feature next week here at Red Carpet Closet.
Have a great weekend.  See you on Monday!

PS If you can't wait until my Emmys Weekend post on Monday, be sure to follow me on Twitter.  I will be tweeting 140 characters and photos all weekend.

Web TV Prom

If you didn't go to your high school prom or want to relive your youth, well, here is your chance.  ThisWeekIn and Tubefilter are throwing an incredible event on Wednesday, September 22nd for charity for the Los Angeles-based non-profit, Our House, a grief support center.  The night promises to be quite memorable with a host of web celebrities nominated for Prom King and Queen from iJustine to Mark Gantt of The Bannen Way to Shanrah Wakefield of Oz Girl.

Tickets are $25 before September 15th and $30 after September 15th.  You can grab your tickets at Eventbrite.  If you cannot make the event, don't worry, ThisWeekIn will be live streaming the event, so you can watch from the comfort of your couch in your prom dress.  You will definitely see me there, but now for the big question:  What to wear?  Any suggestions?

What:  Enchantment Under the Web Prom
Where: Busby's East
             5364 Wilshire Blvd
             Los Angeles
When:  Wednesday, September 22nd
             8PM-11PM
Cost:    $25 for the Early Bird Special
            $30 after September 15th.

Web TV Week: The Bannen Way

It's Day 2 of Web TV Week and today is The Bannen Way day here at The Web Files.  We shot this interview at the beginning of 2010 just as their series was launching and in the middle of the Streamys nomination controversy.  To look back on it now, four months later, is pretty interesting.  Some controversy may still linger, but I don't think it is aimed at The Bannen Way.  The frustration is aimed at the Streamys rules which I am sure will be modified over time.  The Bannen Way proved to be an internet and a Streamys success.  The show has also become a great calling card for editor, Zack Arnold, who is now working on USA Network's, Burn Notice.  Here are the nominations for The Bannen Way:

Best Drama Web Series
Best Male Actor in a Drama Web Series:  Mark Gantt
Best New Web Series
Best Editing in a Web Series:  Zack Arnold
Best Directing for a Drama Web Series:  Jesse Warren
Best Writing for a Drama Web Series:  Mark Gantt, Jesse Warren
Best Product Integration in a Web Series:  Jaguar

Now, check out The Web Files interview with Mark and Jesse: The Bannen Way

Behind the Scenes blog: Behind the Scenes of The Bannen Way.

IAWTV Screening for Blue Movies and Fall of Kaden

Tuesday night, I had the opportunity to cover the screening of Fall of Kaden and Blue Movies for
Koldcast TV and The Web Files at Cinespace in Hollywood. Web series creators, Matt Doubler and Adam Leiphart for the Fall of Kaden, and Scott Brown for Blue Movies, made a wise and strategic choice to hold a "For Your Consideration" screening for the International Academy of Web Television (IAWTV). It was a terrific opportunity to get some of the members to watch their series on the big screen and, hopefully, garner a nomination or two.

Me giving the thumbs up to my cameraman before interviewing Blue Movies creator, Scott Brown.
In a field that has grown tremendously in the past 12 months, this was an excellent way to stand out in the crowd. Why not take a page from the Miramax Academy Award handbook? It worked for Shakespeare in Love at the Oscars in 1999 and I think it could work in the web series world as well. Rumors of screeners and postcards being sent to the IAWTV members abounds lately. What have you done to make your web series stand out during this crucial nomination time?

Doing my opener for The Web Files segment on the red carpet......
Inside the screening room, IAWTV members and the rest of the audience were treated to a hilarious PSA/Streamy Consideration video hosted by the busiest host in the biz, Shira Lazar: For Your Consideration. Creativity is key and we saw that in abundance on Tuesday night. Two radically different web series coming together to produce an unforgettable night. Wisely, these shows do not fall in the same categories: Blue Movies is clearly a comedic look at the porn industry and Fall of Kaden has the grittiness and edginess to fall into the dramatic category.

Interviewing the cast and creator of Blue Movies........

This year is a game-changer in web series, with the high production values of new shows like The Bannen Way to a greater emphasis on the 2nd Annual Streamy Awards, the web space continues to makes its climb to the top. We have a long way to go, but I think there is light ahead.

Mark Gantt of The Bannen Way and I talking about the upcoming award season......

Thank you to Marti Resteghini and David Samuels of Koldcast TV for giving me the opportunity to host their red carpet coverage for Fall of Kaden and Blue Movies. I will post the video here soon. Stay tuned!

Thanks to Matt Doubler and Adam Leiphart for photos 3, 4, and 5. If anyone has additional photos from the evening, I would be happy to post them here.

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.