 |
| The late Jerry Nelson with Count Von Count. |
Welcome to the first News and Notes column of the Regularly-Scheduled Era! If you hadn't heard, from this point forward we will have a News and Notes column available bright and early every single Monday no matter how much or how little is going on in WSF land. This will be the perfect spot to check in on what we're up to and learn what you can expect from us over the rest of the week, whether it be more posts or new videos or both.
This week's column is dedicated to Mr. Jerry Nelson, the latest puppeteering legend to leave us from the house that Jim Henson built. We lost him last Thursday at the age of 78. You'll recognize Jerry as the voice of the Count, Fraggle Rock's Gobo, and Kermit's nephew, Robin. Some of you are well aware of my love for all things Muppet and what an effect they had on my childhood and I can definitely say that the Count took his turn as my favorite character on Sesame Street. I particularly remember a bit where the Count was a contestant on a game show called "Squeal of Fortune." It's a strange game bordering on pig cruelty, but the Count won and when it was time to pick a prize, he chose the pig. You made us laugh, Jerry, and taught us a few things along the way.
Now, on to the business at hand. What is happening in the WSF compound this last week of August? First of all, we're busy. My birthday is this week and I'll be turning... nevermind. Right now, we've got some great footage waiting on deck for a certain retro, sci-fi web series. I expect to start sifting through all the Space Cops video and logging it on the computer this week as well as possibly shooting a special pickup scene with Dino Rivera (aka Michael Startzman) aka Father José. You heard me, right. The wait is over (sort of); José makes his in-episode debut. I'll be sure to tweet visual proof when it happens. Just watch the Episode 1 intro if you have questions. The serious editing on Episode 4 is likely to start next week. There are lots of goodies to be had as we lead up to Episode 4, but I'll tease you with those later.
Wednesday we start another weekly feature here on the blog. On "Shout Out Wednesdays" (I have two days to come up with a better title), we'll introduce you to fellow indie / microbudget filmmakers we like by featuring one of their videos and giving credit where it is due. So, now you have an excuse to visit us at least two days a week!
You can also expect our third VHessays installment later this week. Here's your hint: an 80's movie with a video game tie-in (and probably not the one you're thinking of). If you aren't familiar, VHessays are film analysis essays (with WSF flavor) of movies that made a big impact on us when we were kids. The Rocky IV essay is huge in Russia. No, seriously.
A 3 Ladies behind-the-scenes featurette is still on the way. (Featurette sounds awfully fancy, right?) It could happen at any time, but I won't make any promises for this week.
UPDATE: How could I forget?? We're supposed to find out this week if 3 Ladies made it into the Rivers Edge International Film Festival! Everybody do us a favor and keep your fingers crossed. If you remember our posts from last November, you know we love that trip to Paducah!
You can also expect our third VHessays installment later this week. Here's your hint: an 80's movie with a video game tie-in (and probably not the one you're thinking of). If you aren't familiar, VHessays are film analysis essays (with WSF flavor) of movies that made a big impact on us when we were kids. The Rocky IV essay is huge in Russia. No, seriously.
A 3 Ladies behind-the-scenes featurette is still on the way. (Featurette sounds awfully fancy, right?) It could happen at any time, but I won't make any promises for this week.
UPDATE: How could I forget?? We're supposed to find out this week if 3 Ladies made it into the Rivers Edge International Film Festival! Everybody do us a favor and keep your fingers crossed. If you remember our posts from last November, you know we love that trip to Paducah!
As a last order of business, if you'd like to contribute to the production of future short films or Space Cops episodes, our Donation Button is still open and every dollar counts. A post is coming about a big idea and opportunity for you to boost your business and for me to raise the 3 grand needed for a new editing computer. Stay tuned.