Web Television on the Move!

This has been an amazing few weeks for Web Television with festival news, upcoming events, and strong press.  The tide is finally turning and I think the next year is going to prove to be the breakthrough period in recognizing Web Television as a contender.  Here's a round-up of the latest events:

1.  ITVFest:  I was happy to see that some of my predictions for shows like Time Traveling Finger and 15 Minutes were correct.  Stephen Leonard won the Best Animation Award for Time Traveling Finger and Bobby Salomon won Best Director for 15 Minutes.  After watching 15 Minutes, I said that the series was ready for TV.  I hope the cast and crew see some lift from distributors because the show was well-polished and highly-produced, and the look of the show, shot on the Red camera, set it apart from the others.  A real quirky series, Octane Pistols of Fury, was a big hit this year, going home with the Best Web and Best Comedy Awards for ITVFest.  I wasn't sure what to make of the series, but it was funny with a strong point of view.  I am interested to see where they go next with the show because I am not sure what direction that would be. Perhaps, the joke is on me and that is exactly what the creators want me to think.  Finally, topping off his wins at NY Television Festival last fall and his Streamy win in April, Jeremy Redleaf of Odd Jobs won for Best Writing.  He's an absolute delight who keeps raking in the awards, so check out our Web Files interview with him from last fall.

2. NY Television Festival:  The official entries were announced on Monday and you will see some crossover from ITVFest like Illuminati Brothers, SOLO the Series, and Octane Pistols of Fury.  Some new series from prolific creators Brett Register, Scott Brown, Stephen Leonard, and Al Thompson will also be making an appearance, so it looks like a strong line-up.  The festival runs September 20-25, so keep your eye on the web that week.  Congratulations to all of the official entries!

3.  SXSW Interactive:  I was thrilled that my SXSW Panel Proposal was approved and it is up for vote for the Interactive Sessions.  My panel is titled:  Hosted Web Series:  New Opportunities for Creativity.  The voting is open until Friday, August 27th.  Also, Marc Hustvedt from Tubfilter has a panel up for vote on Interactive Video Storytellers so, get out there and vote!

Enjoying a little Fast Company and a Starbucks Chai latte on my flight.

4.  Fast Company:  I don't if anything was more thrilling than the Fast Company spotlight on "Must -See TV:  The Web's New Fall Lineup".  Highlights include a feature on Felicia Day, Babelgum, Funny or Die, Atom.com, and Next New Networks with their current and future Web TV offerings.  I was even more excited when I realized I had interviewed a lot of creators involved in the Fast Company spread:  Legend of Neil, Kevin Pollak, The Bannen Way, Felicia Day, Al Thompson, Jeremy Redleaf, and Illeana Douglas.  Maybe I am onto something here with The Web Files.........

5.  Digital Chick TV: There is a new site highlighting the contributions of women to Web TV:  Digital Chick TV.  I am excited to see all of the female producers, creators, and actors getting their due.  Women play a significant role in this space, so I am glad their work is being recognized.  Oh, and I am described as "ever-perky"on the site.  I love that description.  I am out to kill all of you with my perk on The Web Files!

6.  Squatters:  There is nothing better than to see a producer recognize the talents of their crew.  Brendan Bradley of Squatters contacted The Web Files looking for additional footage from their red carpet premiere to highlight the work of Director of Photography, James Rhodimer, and composer, Morgan J. Pearse.  The bonus videos have just been release on Dailymotion, so check it out and let's celebrate all of those that work tirelessly behind the camera:

James Rhodimer, DP - Behind The Scenes (Bonus)
Uploaded by squatters. - More video blogs and vloggers.


Morgan J Pearse, Composer - Behind The Scenes (Bonus)
Uploaded by squatters. - Explore international webcam videos.

7.  Anyone But Me:  The fundraising Web-a-Thon for the award winning series, Anyone But Me, continues and I urge you to make a contribution to help fund Season 3.  I don't think any other series has done more for the LGBT community and creators, Susan Miller and Tina Cesa Ward, are so passionate about their project, so help make Season 3 a reality for the cast and crew.  They deserve it!

Okay, I think that is a pretty strong round-up with what is happening in Web TV. The space is exciting and it's moving quickly.  Did I miss a big story?  Let me know in the comments and thanks for stopping by!

Bad TV

Yep, I'm guilty of watching bad reality shows all summer long.  It's my guilty pleasure and I find that the busier my work life gets, the worse my television viewing gets.  I just cannot stop.  My name is Kristyn and I am a crappy TV viewer.  I am the one who keeps reality shows on the air and gets SAG (Screen Actors Guild) up in arms over the lack of work for actors. I am the one who thinks she has seen it all with the each Housewives franchise, but then hops aboard the next city.  Hello, DC!  And don't think I am not excited for the Beverly Hills franchise.  Come on, they are giving us Kelsey Grammer's ex-wife and a Hilton, all in one show!  Then, I scoff at the cheesy dates each bachelor goes on with Ali while she giggles every word out of her mouth on The Bachelorette.  It annoys me--yet I still watch.  I picked up the remote on Monday to watch The Bachelor Pad which basically is a hybrid version of MTV's The The Real World and Road Rules. Yes, we are out of our 20's, so please give us a grown-up version of debauchery in our 30's.  Thanks, ABC.  Yet, last night was a night of triumph for me as Jeff Lewis and his circus of animals and employees returned to Flipping Out on Bravo.  I love his mouthy, lazy housekeeper, Zoila, and Jeff's penchant for fast food.  I can't wait to watch him meltdown all season long over the remodel of Casa Vega in Studio City which has been dubbed the "best place to have an affair in the middle of the afternoon" because it is so dark. Dirty and scandalous things happen there and Jeff is only going to add to the drama.  Jeff Lewis makes me feel so....normal.....and boring.

Now, don't get me wrong.  I love to watch documentaries on Netflix, so I do exercise my brain from time to time.   I even joined the Mad Men band wagon because Don Draper's handsome facade intrigues me.  He will do something so kind for Peggy and then pull such a heartless move on his secretary.  It's just business, my friend.  So, I manage to get in a little quality television each week, but then I equalize the playing field with ABC Family's Make It or Break It.  Hey, I love gymnastics!  The extent of my bad television doesn't end there.  I love spoilers and the internet is ripe with them. Do you want to know who the final four are on The Bachelor Pad?  Oh yeah, I already know.  I knew who Ali picked on The Bachelorette before the finale.  Now, I don't sources at ABC, but my pal, Reality Steve does.  I honestly have no idea who this guy really is, but someone took a shine to him from the set of Mike Fleiss' shows and he gets the best scoop. ABC and Fleiss might not enjoy it, but I sure do.  I don't know why I like to find out what happens before the finale, but I also like to take a sneak peek at my Christmas gifts way before December 25th.  One of my dream interviews is Reality Steve.  He can spoil the next season of The Bachelor for me while I get another round of bad television scoop.  I wonder if he would be up for an interview?  Hey, a couch potato can dream!

 I can't be the only one out there that likes cheesy TV.  Anyone?  Anyone? Who's in this with me or am I all alone in admitting my TV tastes are often lowbrow.  Tell me your favorite bad shows in the comments section or make some suggestions in quality television to help raise my IQ points.  Happy viewing!

Behind the Scenes of Johnny B. Homeless

My first introduction to Al Thompson was at the 2009 ITVFest red carpet gala.  His official entry, Johnny B. Homeless, was a part of the festival and he kindly rapped his theme song on the red carpet for us.  "He's Johnny Homeless!"  In the year since, he signed a deal with Atom.com, won the People's Choice Award at NY Television Festival 2009 (NYTVF), created two new series, and he was again selected for the 2010 NYTVF all while jumping back and forth between the coasts for work.  I don't know anyone in this industry who has a bad word to say about Al.  He's funny, charming, handsome, and one of the most hard-working actor/creators in the industry.  We tried for months to get our schedules together and sit down with Al, but he was hard to catch.  The stars finally aligned and I was glad we were able to tell his story.  Mark my words, he will be a major player in the entertainment industry within the next five years.

One thing about Al that I really appreciate is that his work shows the depth of his range.  Watch the comedy behind Johnny B. Homeless and then turn around and see the sexiness of Lenox Avenue.  That's where his talent really shines.  Another favorite moment of the interview involved Al's love for TV theme songs.  He created a really catchy theme for Johnny B. Homeless that has you walking away singing.  I miss the days of singing to the Facts of Life or The Jeffersons theme song.  In fact, the TV theme song has virtually been eliminated from 95% of the shows out there to give more time for sponsors.  Do you really stick around for the ads?  I didn't think so.

Al talked about the importance of festivals, particularly ITVFest, in his career. Even with his success, he continues to strive for more and he's still hitting that festival circuit.  You will see his next entry in September's NYTVF with Baby Daddy Memoirs and I know he's looking forward to retaining his title.  Watch out, NY, here comes Al Thompson!

Finally, I have met Al's lovely fianceé, so he won't be marrying Sandra Bullock anytime soon.  However, how hilarious was their Photoshopped couple shot?  Hey, a guy deserves a dream! As always, stick around to the very end to see a fun little outtake from the shoot. Here's the episode of The Web Files with Al Thompson:

Hollywood Bowl

                                           

Perhaps the best part of a Los Angeles summer is the Hollywood Bowl.  It is a 17,000 seat amphitheatre featuring the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, the summer home of the LA Philharmonic, and some of the finest musical offerings in the area.  In my ten years in LA, I have had the opportunity to see great artists like Angela Landsbury, Audra McDonald, John Williams, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and Donna Murphy on that massive stage.  I am never disappointed with the atmosphere, the company, and the affordable tickets to enjoy a little culture here in Southern California.

With my pal, Melody Freeman, in the nosebleed seats at the Bowl.

Each year my friends and I hit the Bowl during the first weekend in August for their annual musical theatre selection.  This year was an interesting choice, not only for its racier content, but for its choice of directors, Neil Patrick Harris (NPH). The musical for 2010?  Rent.  NPH is very familiar with the material having played Mark in the National Tour of Rent back in 1997, so he made so unique choices with this production.  He wisely added ten chorus members to fill the cavernous Hollywood Bowl stage so it never felt empty and he had the set designer build a set with levels to fill the vertical height of the the Bowl shell.  When it came to casting, he went in several directions starting with classic musical theatre choices like Gwen Stewart and Tracie Thoms.  Since this is an LA production, you need more star wattage, so Wayne Brady, Vanessa Hudgens, and Nicole Scherzinger rounded out the cast and added the celebrity power.  The real question is, did they deliver the musical theatre goods?

Nighttime at the Bowl with a blurry iPhone camera.

Well, Wayne Brady was as solid as you would expect him to be in the touching role of Tom Collins. Vanessa Hudgens tried so hard in her role as Mimi.  She acted, danced, and sang with so much effort, it was exhausting to watch.  She really wanted to pull this off, but she was miscast in the role.   It was a definite departure from her role as Gabriella in High School Musical, but it wasn't the right departure.  She needs to think more Fosse, less junkie stripper.  I think a turn in Chicago on Broadway might do the girl good.  The true surprise of the night was Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls performing as Maureen, a role made famous by Wicked veteran, Idina Menzel.  I was not a fan until last night.  Holy cow!  That girl can sing, dance, and act.  I think she was the only one prepared to sing to an audience of 17,000 given her experience in the pop world. If her handlers manage her career properly, expect to see the next Beyoncé level diva on the horizon.  She's THAT good and we need a new diva since Beyoncé can barely sing.  (Yes, I said it.  She can't sing.  I've heard her live, she's a performer, not a singer.)  Overall, this show is always going to be a tribute to the work of Jonathan Larson.  Did it move me the way the original Broadway cast did in 1996?  No, but it certainly offered a great night out for a bunch of musical theatre geeks in Hollywood. 

The crowds exiting the Bowl after a night at Rent.

While Rent wrapped up last night, be sure to grab Hollywood Bowl tickets before the season is over.  It's affordable entertainment, a great date night, and an excuse to dine al fresco with lots of wine.

To read more about Neil Patrick Harris and this production of Rent:  LA Times.

And a photo of me and Melody Freeman made it on to the Hollywood Bowl site.  It's good to know they appreciate their cheap seat customers as much as their box owners.  Thanks!

   

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!

Online Shopping

So yesterday, I went shopping at Shop The Look. I started by buying a necklace that I had seen in Lucky and then I couldn't stop.  The good news?  I wound up buying six different pieces of jewelry.  Now before you go calling me Fancy Pants, let me add that I only spent $53.70 on my purchase.  Not bad right?  Here is my shopping list:

Gold Pendant Necklace:  This is the necklace that started it all. I saw it in the magazine and I imagined me wearing one of my maxi dresses accessorized by my new necklace.  However, it was sold out when I originally went to the site last month.  That's the one downfall of Shop the Look, the second an item is featured in a magazine, it is gone immediately.  If you are patient, it will be back in stock soon, so hang in there. $16

Flower Power Ring:  Hey, I don't name these things, but I loved the orange color and the price:  $5.20  It's the perfect splash of color to enhance any wardrobe.

Elastic Metal Disc Bracelet:  I love anything with a brassy, brushed metal finish, so this was a must have at $12.

Lady Like Necklace:  I am not sure if this will make me more dainty given its name, but I needed some silver and black necklaces and this took care of it all in one purchase. $18

Aphrodite Bracelet:  Listen, I know she is the goddess of fertility, but I just liked the design. On sale at $10.40

Sun Dance Stretch Ring: Perhaps my favorite purchase in the lot.  I love purple and big rings, so this fits right into my collection.  $10

Now, if you do the math on all of this, it adds up to over seventy dollars, but every savvy shopper knows there are coupon codes to be had. FREESUM25 will get you one item free with the purchase of $25.  Spend over $50 and Shop The Look throws in FREE SHIPPING.  Not a bad day on the retail trail with almost $18 in savings.

Be sure to check out the affordable looks at Shop The Look and see how you can update your wardrobe without breaking the bank.  I'll be wearing some of these items on my next red carpet appearance.  Who said red carpet looks had to be expensive?

GIVEAWAY TIME:  I am a girl who loves to wear heels all of the time.  The problem is that I can't drive in them nor walk long distances in them.  One of the best solutions is City Slips:  cute, portable flats that roll right up into a small carrying case that can unfold into a useful tote bag.  Slip these into your purse, strap on those heels and away you go!  City Slips has passed along a pair of flats to give away to my readers.  They are silver and a size Medium which should fit sizes 7-9 because of the elastic back. Retail value is $24.95. So, here's how to win:  Comment in the section below and let me know what your latest internet find is. One winner will be chosen at random. Winner will be announced on Thursday, August 19th at 9AM PST. (U.S. Residents only.) Feel free to pass this post along to your friends.  I love having new visitors here at Red Carpet Closet.

**UPDATE:  Great Blog Giveaways has kindly posted my giveaway, if you are looking for more fantastic goodies, be sure to head over there. Tell them Red Carpet Closet sent you. Free stuff is fun!

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter and BlogLovin.

The Web Files: Al Thompson

I am so happy we have a new episode of The Web Files this week since ITVFest is still going strong.  Al Thompson first came to my attention at last year's ITVFest red carpet gala with his entry Johnny B. Homeless.  Since then, he has created a new series Lenox Avenue and signed a deal with Atom.com.  Join me in my interview with the talented Al Thompson and look for the behind the scenes scoop early next week:

ITVFest Highlights

Since we are a little over halfway through the 5th Annual ITVFest,  I want to share some highlights of what I have experienced so far:

Screenings:  Let me start right off with The Wine Guy.  I know a lot of you will say, "Isn't this just a copy of Gary Vaynerchuk and Wine Library TV?"  Well, it's not even close, one is a video blog, the other is a structured travel and food show.  Host, Anthony Gilardi, knows he isn't a wine expert like Gary, so he brings along an entourage to get you to understand more about wine, how it is made, and how to pair it with food.  Included in his merry band of colorful characters are a sommelier, a chef, a cheese maker, vineyard owners, and somehow he manages to collect actor, Michael Cudlitz, of TNT's Southland along the way.  The show is entertaining, well-produced, and perhaps, the best thing I have seen yet at ITVFest this year.  Unfortunately, all of the screenings of The Wine Guy are completed, but you can check the website for more information on the pilot or check out the trailer below:

**UPDATE**: There is one final screening of The Wine Guy on Thursday, August 5th at 5 PM.  Check it out if you are going to be down at ITVFest and let me know what you think of the show!


Panels:  I have been trying to hit as many panels as possible.  It has surprised me when I sit down to a half-empty theatre.  Content creators, get out of the house and down to Sunset 5!  The panels are affordable and they offer a powerhouse group of people who can help you with your show.  ITVFest is intimate enough that you can grab face time with some of the studio executives, agents, and production companies that are changing the face of independent television.  The Representation Panel I attended on Sunday, was a terrific opportunity to hear what the lawyers, agents, and managers are looking for in writers and producers.  I think actors are programmed to understanding how important representation is, but it was great to hear from the production side how having a team can help you and your work.

The Innovator Award:  The award this year was presented to Illeana Douglas at the gala last Thursday night.  She has made a big splash in the web space with her show, Easy to Assemble, and the support of the show sponsor, IKEA.  In honor of her contributions, here is my interview with Illeana from the red carpet.  Boy, that girl can rock a yellow jumpsuit like no other:


ITVFest runs through Thursday, August 5th.  For more information, check out the ITVFest website.

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July Round-Up

Happy Monday, Everyone!  To kick off the week, here's a round-up of the top 5 posts you were hitting in the month of July:

1.  Club 33:  Okay, I get it, this is going to be my top post of 2010.  The mystery of Club 33 has long taunted Disney fanatics, the lore of what is behind that nondescript door.  Well, I got behind the gates, here's my visit to Disneyland's Club 33.

2.  Vampire Mob:  He's a Vampire.  He's a Hitman.  He lives with his mother-in-law.  Find out why this web series with the Marcia Wallace and Kirsten Vangsness keeps bringing you back here: Vampire Mob.

3.  5th Annual ITVFest:  The Independent Television Festival is going on now through August 5th.  Check out the Gala from 2009, 2010, and my red carpet interviews.

4.  Something Exciting is Coming:  Yep, it is coming soon with Open Sky Project.  Read the post, sign up, and join me on August 10th.

5.  Taryn Southern:  I interviewed Taryn for The Web Files earlier this year.  She has been cropping up quite a bit on your searches of Red Carpet Closet.  Yep, she's smart and hot so, go check out the episode with exclusive Behind the Scenes footage.

Thanks for stopping by Red Carpet Closet, I can't wait to see what your picks are for the month of August.  Be sure to comment below and let me know what you think of everyone's eclectic picks for July.

Material Girl Hits LA

I grew up as a part of the MTV generation back when kids ran home to watch "Thriller" and I thought MTV VJ, Adam Curry's, feathered hair was really cool.  Yet even with all the glitz and the over the top glam of the '80's, no one could ever top the style of Madonna.  She became an icon with her fingerless gloves, holey fishnet tights, and puffy crinolines as skirts.  While her style has evolved beyond that decade, she has never departed from her icon status.  This time around, she's the designer of all the fashions and she brings her daughter, Lola, along for the ride.  Sold exclusively at Macy's is the new Material Girl line, and Los Angeles is getting a first glimpse on Tuesday, August 3rd.  Here are the details:

Where:  Macy's Glendale Galleria

When:  Tuesday, August 3rd at 10AM

The Fun:  *The first 200 customers will receive a FREE Material Girl bandeau top.

              

                 *A KIIS-FM DJ will be holding 3 contests:  a trivia quiz, look-a-like contest, and a  

                  dance-off.

              

                 *Prizes for the contests include Madonna autographed items.  

              

                 *Dress in your favorite Madonna inspired look (I wonder if I could dig out those     

                   fingerless gloves from storage?)

I was also able to grab a sneak peek at a few photos from the line and I'm thrilled I can share them with you.  The Material Girl line offers everything from handbags to jewelry to apparel and footwear with reasonable price points from $12-$40. (Let's hear it for Madonna for keeping the prices real.) The Fall 2010 collection is all about prints and embellishments to offer some depth and texture to your fall wardrobe. And true to Madonna and Lola's style, notice the combination of hard and soft elements.  They will pair a tutu skirt (Hello, 1980's crinoline!) with combat boots or an oversized boyfriend sweatshirt with a floral print mini skirt.  

To learn more about the line and the event in LA on August 3rd, click here.  Otherwise, I will see you dressed in your Madonna finest at Macy's at the Glendale Galleria on Tuesday.