Video Friday (Saturday Edition) - The New 'Harry Potter' Trailer
I’ve been busy getting the new venture, The Flickcast, on its digital feet. So that mean that this blog might suffer a bit. However, I have not forgotten it completely because here’s the latest trailer for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
I'm not as big a fan of the <em>Potter</em> movies and books as other people are. I enjoy them but they haven't become "part" of me like the books and movies I experienced when I was younger.
That said, this new trailer looks great and makes me even more interested in the movie when it comes out. In the end, that's what a trailer is supposed to do. Enjoy.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BDVbxop-eo&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0]
Video Friday - The 'Moon' Trailer
I like space stuff. Some of my favorite movies and TV shows have been about space. Shows like Apollo 13
The trailer looks great and gives some good insight into the psychology of isolation that's obviously going to play out in the film. Plus, I've always been a fan of Sam Rockwell. I'm looking forward to seeing this one as soon as I can. Enjoy.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhIB0mqbPiE&w=425&h=344]
Oh, and I'll just take this moment to mention that there's a new episode of <strong>The Flickcast</strong> <a href="http://theflickcast.com/2009/04/08/the-flickcast-episode-2-electric-boogaloo/">now available</a> We've also we've started <a href="http://theflickcast.com/2009/04/10/the-flickcast-weekly-news-wrapup/">posting some other material</a> today as well. So, head on over and check it out.
Video Friday - Sunday Edition: X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Here is is, one of the most anticipated movies of the summer. The origin of one of the comic book world’s most loved characters: the mighty Wolverine. I can’t wait to see this movie and now, you don’t have to. Enjoy.
<div style="text-align:left;font-size:x-small;margin-top:0;width:384px;">
Moving on Up
I’ve moved this blog from hosted Wordpress to my own server also using Wordpress. Yes, I’m that cool and know how to do stuff.
However, due to the migration, things still look a bit wonky and will for a few days until I get time to fix them. So, please bare with me while I finish up the migration.
In the meantime, to thank you for your patience, take a look at this picture featuring a few of my favorite things. Enjoy.
<img src="http://chrisword.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/thingsilike12.jpg" border="0" alt="thingsilike12.jpg" width="400" height="562">
The Flickcast is Live!
I'm very happy that as of today, the new Podcast I've been working on with my pals <a href="http://www.christinawarren.com/">Christina Warren</a> and <a href="http://www.mattraub.com/">Matt Raub</a> is live. So, for all your film, television, comic book and geek information needs, head on over and check out <strong><a href="http://theflickcast.com/">The Flickcast</a></strong>. The <a href="http://theflickcast.com/2009/04/01/the-flickcast-episode-1-the-journey-begins/">first episode</a> is live at our site and also available on <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=310882680">iTunes</a>.
Also, be sure to follow the show on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/theflickcast">Twitter</a> and be a fan on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Flickcast/75460739512?ref=ts#/pages/The-Flickcast/75460739512">Facebook</a>. Finally, if you have any comments, suggestion, criticism or offers of sponsorship, feel free to let us know. Thanks for listening.
Working on Something New
If you’ve followed this blog for any length of time you know I tend to do a lot of different things and have done a lot of different things over the years. Film, TV, writing, photography, consulting and working with a non-profit are just some of the ways I like to spend my time and make a living.
Lately, I've been thinking of starting a new venture. It occurred to me that as I've worked for various organizations and written about and interviewed various people in the worlds of entertainment, technology and comics, I've met a lot of great people who do amazing and interesting things.
I also have come to realize that working for other people isn't always the best way to go about it. Certainly, I've worked with and for some great people over the years but if I've learned one thing working in "the business" its that ownership, in the end, is where its at.
If you create something and own it you stand a much better chance of realizing the full benefit from it both creatively and financially. If you're just a hired hand you'll never care about it as much as you will if it's your "baby."
I'm a professional and I work very hard to do the best job possible -- but at the end of the day its just a job. I don't have the personal stake in the work so consequently I'm not going to care as much as someone who conceived the idea in the first place.
So, that brings me to the latest project I've been working on. A project that I created and will have an ownership stake in. Its called <em>The Flickcast</em> and it covers the things I know and love: movies, TV, comic books, tech and all-things geek. It's a weekly podcast featuring myself and my co-hosts <a href="http://www.mattraub.com">Matt Raub</a> and <a href="http://www.christinawarren.com">Christina Warren</a>.
We will also feature guests and other people dropping by periodically to talk about various projects, movies, tv shows or other geek things that they feel passionate about. I'm really looking forward to doing this and it looks to be a lot of fun. Plus, you'll get to hear my terrific voice on a weekly basis which I know many of you have been clamoring for.
Be sure to check out <em><a href="http://www.theflickcast.com">The Flickcast</a></em> website and follow us on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/theflickcast">Twitter</a> for the latest updates. We'll also have a Facebook page soon as well so you can friend us there too. Also, feel free to throw out comments, suggestions, questions or words of encouragement as we fine tune the show over the weeks.
Greatness often takes time so we hope you'll give us a listen and follow along as we strive to achieve it.
Video Friday (Saturday Edition) 'Flying Dog Ale'
In the interest of blatant self-promotion (and promotion of my friends) here’s a commercial my friend Anthony Dalesandro directed as a spec. I also helped in a small way by coming up with the concept and producing the commercial for him. Enjoy.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiMMrCRjzy4&w=425&h=344]
Video Friday -- Thursday SXSW Edition -- Dennis Liu's 'Pretending to Work'
Yes folks, its true. I’m in the wonderful city of Austin, Texas for that melange of music/film/interactive goodness known as South by Southwest. Or, as all the cool kids refer to it: SXSW. I’m here covering the event for the fine folks at AOL/Weblogs who, on occasion, pay me to write about cool events such as this.
I do not complain about the weather or anything else when out at events like SXSW and always appreciate the opportunities afforded me as a member of the AOL/Weblogs team. Thank you benevolent AOL/Weblogs overlords for all that you do for me.
Okay, with that done, we can now get on to the business at hand and I can bring you a cool new video from innovative filmmaker <a href="http://www.dennisaliu.com/">Dennis Liu</a>.
You may recall I interviewed Dennis for TUAW awhile back about his previous work, a music video for <a href="http://www.thebirdandthebee.com/">The Bird and the Bee's</a> song "Again and Again." Now, Dennis is back with another Mac-centric short film which I find not only highly amusing but extremely innovative in its simplicity. Plus, it helps you find ways to watch porn at the office.
Putting it another way, this kid's got chops.
Oh, before I forget, if you happen to be in Austin for SXSW, be sure to say hello. Also, I accept most offers of free beer and/or cookies. And cake. I like cake. But please, no pie. Sorry, you gotta draw the line somewhere and I draw it at pie.
Enjoy the video.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7h1uGzKvgE&w=425&h=344]
Video Friday (Saturday Edition) - The Carwash
Yes, I got a new camera (the Flip Mino HD) and yes I was looking for things to shoot with it. So, here’s a little ditty about Jack’s carwash.
Wow, that was a mesh of John Cougar Mellencamp <em>and</em> Chuck Palahniuk. Check me out. I am awesome. Oh, and enjoy the video.
Video Friday - 'Ad Guys'
Just like Mad Men, only funnier. Here’s episode one of Ad Guys, made by the dynamic comedy duo of Barats and Bereta. Go on, laugh a little. It won’t hurt you.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAXwaqbRol4&w=425&h=344]
Video Friday (on Tuesday) -- Le Wrath di Kahn
Today’s special Tuesday edition of ‘Video Friday’ comes from a show called Robot Chicken. If you are not watching Robot Chicken, you should be. It’s that good.
I won't bother making any brilliant, funny or incisive comments about the video. Suffice to say that its just plain awesome and you should watch it. Now.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xga_wchTpW8&w=425&h=344]
The Start of Something Good
Today is a great day for America. A new President, a new chance to show the world we are a country worthy of the title “world leader” and the start of something good.
Here's to Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States. Good luck Mr. President. With the state of the country after the Bush years, I think you'll need it.
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/0120-barack-obama-inauguration-00.jpg" border="0" alt="0120_barack_obama_inauguration_00.JPG" width="450" height="613">
Video Friday -- "Star Wars" Retold by Someone Who Hasn't Seen It
Much like previous weeks, this Friday brings another “Star Wars” themed video. Yes, I like Star Wars, so what? When you have your own blog you can post videos about your favorite movies, no matter what they are.
Until then, enjoy this one about, you guessed it, "Star Wars." Did I mention this is about "Star Wars"? I just want to make sure I mention "Star Wars" enough so there's no confusion regarding this video. Its about "Star Wars." Clear? Good. Enjoy.
Video Friday -- The Trapeze Girl
As many of you know, I was at Macworld Expo in San Francisco all this week covering the show for TUAW. Consequently, this video Friday is coming out on Saturday. However, to compensate you for having to wait, I think this is a pretty good one.
This video highlights one of the attractions at this year's Cirque du Mac party. Yes, that's a girl on a trapeze. Mac geeks like girls too. Enjoy.
Video Friday - The New Doctor Who
Here he is. Its Matt Smith, the eleventh actor to portray the iconic character. He seems like a nice enough fellow – at least in this interview. He also seems genuinely excited to have the role. How will he be as the Doctor? I guess we’ll find out soon enough. Enjoy.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kl6lMClFu8c&w=480&h=295]
Video Friday - Dear John Witherspoon
In honor of the holidays, the following video will have pretty much nothing to do with the holidays whatsoever. Oh, this video is probably NSFW unless you happen to work someplace where this kind of thing is acceptable. If so, are they hiring?
Enjoy and happy holidays. Yes, I went there. That is all.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RX7-wAO4qGs&w=480&h=295]
Awesome 'Thundercats' Movie Trailer
Sure, its not real but its still awesome. Made by my new favorite fake-trailer superstar, WormyT, this trailer shows what a real fan can do with talent, technology and determination. Plus, who hasn’t secretly imagined some of the casting WormyT has for his trailer. Brad Pitt as Lion-O, Hugh Jackman as Tygra and Vin Diesel as Panthro? Come on, that’s just plain cool. Enjoy.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fb50GMmY5nk&w=425&h=344]
Video Friday - The Sherman and Mr. Peabody Backstory
The story I never knew as a child can now be told. It’s the Sherman and Mr. Peabody backstory. Also known as: How a dog found his boy. Enjoy.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YunO4Wc8E28&w=425&h=344]
Heath Ledger Oscar Campaign Ad
This is pretty clever – even if it is overshadowed by the actor’s tragic death. Still, I can appreciate the effort.
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/heathledgeroscarad.jpg" border="0" alt="heathledgeroscarad.jpg" width="450" height="640">
Thanks to my friend David Press for <a href="http://davidpress.wordpress.com/2008/12/16/joker-oscar-campaign/">pointing this out</a>.
Video Friday - RIP Bettie Page
In case you don’t know who I’m talking about, here’s some video that points out the true phenomenon that was Bettie Page – who, sadly, passed away yesterday at the age of 85. Time Magazine also has some great photos and a tribute over here, so take a look. Enjoy.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0Ynlp7sxZs&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0]