4 Swirlies

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“There is no profit in peace, only in war.”

The web series Tyranny has moved from YouTube to Koldcast. And I know Koldcast is trying to do their thing and pay the bills, just like everyone else… but I don’t like thier site or their player. There, I said it. Sorry guys. But that’s just me. I like how they are supporting web series, but I find their technology clumsy and hard to use. And, like other ad serving platforms, I hate that I have to watch the ad over in order to rewatch the video to pick up on some detail or other.

Okay, on with the show.

This episode of Tyranny had me confused. I mean, holy crap does it look great. Creator/director/star John Beck Hoffman really pushes the visual envelope, and while having the one visual effect for 11 minutes is a little… intense, there’s creative and artistic reasons for it. And there’s some other things going on with the editing that I really love. As always, the production is incredible.

Now, I’m going to try to talk about the story without giving way too much in terms of spoilers. I was so lost at the start that I double checked to see if I had skipped an episode. Yes, when we get to the end it is all explained, but I think that you have to be careful going into an episode in which your audience (at least I was) spending much of the time trying to connect the dots from the previous episode to this one, instead of just soaking in the story. This is a serialized show, with an evolving narrative, so I found myself trying to fit together what had come before and what was going on now. It made it very difficult to enjoy the story, at it meant that a large chunk of the second half of the episode was Daniel explaining things. This was a sort of bridge episode, keeping the audience up to date, but in the end not at all, really. More of a political/conspiracy theory rant.

I still liked the episode. I mean… seriously – did they really go to Egypt to shoot it? Cause it really freakin’ looks like they did. Besides how well put together this series is, and as I mentioned last time, Tyranny really sets the standards for what it doable in a web series format. This isn’t an urban apartment or guys in steampunk costumes running through the woods. This is going to Egypt (or doing a truly excellent job of making it look like we went to Egypt) street protest scenes, explosions, fight scenes, street chases… I know most of that stuff was in the last couple of episodes, but still. The scope of this series is kinda shocking. Sure, there’s other series, like Broken Toy, that have lots of action and fighting and special effects, but they still feel small in scope – even a little claustrophobic.

From YouTube Description:

Picking up right where we left off on episode 15 – Just as Daniel was catching up with the stranger that was following him, he gets knocked on the head and is left laying at the bottom of a staircase, unconscious. Now he awakens to find himself blindfolded, interrogated and tortured by a foreign man with a oddly familiar voice.

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Tyranny Ep.16 “The Great Collapse” | A Web Series Review on The Watch List

4 Swirlies

If you can’t see the episode, click here to watch!

“We all have to be the victim at some point.”

This is one of the longer episodes of the web series Out With Dad, and one of the most dramatic. The creators of Out With Dad always intended the second season to have longer episodes, intermixed with shorter mini-episodes. I think, at 12 minutes plus, this is the longest episode I’ve watched for the Watch List, of anything.

Dad makes a mistake, and Rose pays the price.

The first half of the episode, I’ll be honest, feels a little more preachy and after school specially than Out With Dad’s usual tone, but the two scenes between Rose, Vanessa and Vanessa’s mother and Rose and her Dad are pretty strong and hit just the right notes. Will Conlon, who plays Nathan (the Dad) has an especially strong moment at the end of the episode. It felt very real (of course, credit for the moment also has to go to Jason Leaver, the writer and director).

I felt like the scene in the bathroom, where Rose has a teary but mostly polite conversation with a stranger, a bit of a misstep. Maybe I’m not teenage girl, but I feel like a moment like that – especially when you’re going through something as private as Rose is going through – would play out differently, much more awkward on both sides. Feel free t disagree. I do think we’ll be seeing more of the new girl.

I always think this series is very well produced, the editing in this episode is very, very strong – all the more so because there’s lots going on that the casual viewer will never notice. There’s so many subtle choices to make in the editing room, like whether this close up includes the other character in the foreground or not, that has a profound emotional impact without drawing attention to itself. You can say the same things about the choice of camera angles during production, or really about any aspect of making a movie, TV show or web series, but it is editing that the final choices have to be made. My buddy said something the other day, about something else, that applies – ‘You control it, or it controls you.’ I think it comes from those struggling with alcohol, but it applies just as much in creative endeavors. You have to be making conscious choices, all the way through, or you’ll be doing things that don’t really work without knowing why they’re not.

From Blip.tv Description:

Sometimes people say things they don’t realize are mean or hurtful. According to numerous sources, the average teenager hears 26 homophobic slurs in a day. Often, these things are said by our friends, classmates, family members. To Rose, comments like these ring louder than ever now that she’s out to herself and to a select few. What if coming out all the way out makes it even worse? What if she’s singled out because she’s gay? Is this what Vanessa is so afraid of? Is that why she’s behaving the way she has been? Questions like these can be overwhelming. Meanwhile, at home, Nathan has an unexpected encounter – which might have devastating consequences. Please comment! We really appreciate your feedback. The next episode, a minisode, debuts August 18th, 2011. Kate Conway as Rose Lindsey Middleton as Vanessa Will Conlon as Nathan Wendy Glazier as Theresa LeMay Caitlynne Medrek as the girl in the washroom Music Composed, Produced and Performed by: Adrian Ellis Created, Written and Directed by: Jason Leaver

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Out With Dad S02E03 ”Having it Out” | A Web Series Review on The Watch List

2 Swirlies

www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pP91HWVXLU

“We have to be cleansed of our past before we can see our future.”

It’s been a little while since I checked out this series, so I thought I’d see what’s what with it.

The fourth episode of this tense, methodical web series is long - just over 11 minutes. And it seems to meander. The Girl starts off trying to teach Brian about how to be saved, but then gets him talking about his past.

I found myself watching the editing and the framing very closely. I guess I felt the same about that stuff as I do about the story - it is like the creator wants us to forget about the bars holding the characters in. Very intense close ups - cutting back to the same, tight shots… but there’s not really much going on. I’m just not sure what I’m supposed to glean from this episode. The music is as moody as ever, but Brian seems to have accepted his imprisonment as fully as The Girl has. So… what’s next? I’m not feeling like there’s any deep character moments coming. Nor does it seem like some epic battle of wits with his captor, like I guess I expected it to turn into when I started watching. Brian isn’t being tortured, or broken down. He’s just… left there.

I think the Girl is a good actresses, but I’m sorry to say that I don’t think Brian is very convincing. I dunno, maybe it is just the role he’s given. He doesn’t really sell me on his bit about being a drummer, it feels like a line from a script.

What it comes down to is I don’t feel like this show is headed anywhere.

From YouTube Description:

Brian lashes out at his captivity, but at the wrong person, as the connection between the captives grows stronger

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The Cell Ep. 4 | A Web Series Review on the Watch List

4 Swirlies

“It’s good to meet a fellow super sentient mollusk. We should hang out some time.”

Awesome. This episode ties up one big plot line from this season and brings another one front and center to set up for the next episode – the last of season 2!

Epic jokes to watch out for: Scanner reference, big fake, prop rocks meta humour, Omacron suggesting a “five way.”

From YouTube Description:

Re: Robot Love, Deep Space Cuisine on a Budget…

As Space Hospital is threatened with absorption into the digestive tract of a giant space mollusk, a slightly less sinister threat still stalks the shadowy halls of the ship, making hapless nurses its victim. Can the newly revived Doctor Omacron cheat fate and save the crew?

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Space Hospital S02E06 “As The Worm Turns” | A Web Series Review on The Watch List

4 Swirlies

“Is Nurse Barbara a nurse again or is just hanging around?”

What a great episode of Space Hospital, even though it more of a bridge episode with a cliffhanger (actually two of them) than a self contained story.

It’s a long one, but a lot happens. And it’s awesome slash hilarious stuff – from the Space Hospital running afoul of a nebula monster, to the whole break room scene that leads to Omicron’s Return, this episode lives up to the wackiness that has been series two of Space Hospital – and some great retro-y special effects.

From YouTube Description:

Re: Proper conduct in the breakroom…

Youtube Summary: Hot Nurse with Alien Fetish punks Nerdy Coworker

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Space Hospital S02E05 “The Return of Omacron” | A Web Series Review on The Watch List

3 Swirlies

“Yes yes, dear. You’re very brave.”

This is a long but funny episode where the Vampire, Zombie Werewolves must hide their werewolfy secret from the assembled vampires.

I really like the producer now that he has something to do. He’s clearly our POV on this, and since his fate this evening is tied with that of his hosts he has a reason to be a proactive character.

There’s a bunch of “breaking the fourth wall” type gags about the logic of the show, which I found pretty funny, and there’s a great scene about Tad not understanding the pictures showing the moon cycle on the calendar.

What I didn’t love was when the episode became about a play within a play, which was sort of a stall for the cliffhanger ending.

From YouTube Description:

The moon is full, the party’s hit a snag, and the Vampires’ blood is boiling. It’s time for Tad and Bunny to act.

VZW is a new Webseries from KATR Pictures.

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Vampire Zombie Werewolf Ep.8 “There Wolves” | A Web Series Review on The Watch List

5 Swirlies

Casual 1.6: A Door/Window from Altermotion Pictures on Vimeo.

“What’s next for us?”

Wow. What a roller coaster ride of emotions. And I know, that’s such a cliched movie reviewer ‘put my name on the poster’ thing to say, but that’s exactly how I felt.

The first five episodes played out really slowly, setting the ground work and taking its time. This episode rockets through years – from things that happened before the series started to “one year later.”

And it fucks with you, too. Those first scenes trick you into thinking something’s going on – when it’s something else entirely. And then just when you think everything’s going to work out… “one year later.”

This is the season finale of Casual. And like the rest of the series, it is magical. Jay Diaz has a subtle hand on everything, but at the same time it is remarkably confident. I mean, this guy has balls as a storyteller. He deliberately misleads you in order to get the emotions out of you that he wants… and it works. I didn’t feel cheated or abused; I bought into it, because when you finally realize what’s going on it is very rewarding.

I’m just glad we have season two already released to dive right into.

From Vimeo Description:

Casual Episode 6: A Door/Window
The SEASON FINALE to the Story about a Guy and at Girl
Starring Lauren Marini & Brian Thomas Smith
Featuring Janna Vanheertum, Jessica Rich, Michael Hobert, Alyshia Ochse, Jamie Stout, Dereck “D-Bone” Reckley, Sara Amini and Sarah Zurell
facebook.com/​casualseries

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Casual Ep.6 “Door/Window” | A Web Series Review on the Watch List

4 Swirlies

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFhCYboZNbo

“Their souls were stolen! Stolen away by the very devil himself.”

Whoa! Blood and Bone China pulls this one outta nowhere.

I’ve been a little hard on this series, but this episode, while it still has some rough areas, really makes good on the suspense and atmosphere of a good Victorian horror tale.

To get them out of the way, a few complaints. The lighting was set up to give you that pre-electricity feel, making the scenes on the dark side. The design of the rooms in the mansion were quite ornate and I had a had time making out all the details. I was also confused by the geography of it all, where did Anna go after being propositioned so forwardly? Each location she was in looked like the one before, until she ended up in some hidden tunnel. And the one drawer that she opened had some kind of clue? Way too convenient.

There’s also the matter of the invitation. They had to lie to get inside (in the previous episode) but then the first thing someone says to him is “You’re the new doctor. What’s your name?” It didn’t seem to track, story wise.

There were small things like that that nagged at me, but overall I really enjoyed this episode. Lots of new faces, lots of mystery and suspense. It kept me guessing the whole time. Were all these people vampires? What was going to happen with Anna? And that creepy kid isn’t going to be just a creepy kid, is it? The opening song is still awesome, and the wardrobe is the real star of the series.

I know that some shows need time to get up to speed, especially serialized shows, but I don’t think that’s what happened here. I think that this is the first episode with any real jeopardy, any real stakes or story. It is also the first time we see a vampire since the teaser of episode 1. I hope they can sustain the tension, and we get into some vampire fighting, otherwise I’m worried that the series will return to the type of episode that led up to this one.

From YouTube Description:

Watch Chapter 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUY3KKwyDyI

http://www.bloodandbonechina.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bloodandbonechina
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bloodbonechina

Chapter 4 - ‘The Devil In The Potteries’
The fourth episode of the 12 part Victorian Vampire web series, ‘Blood and Bone China’. Filmed and set in Stoke-on-Trent.

Theme music by Birthrite: http://www.birthrite.eu

http://www.chrisstonefilms.com
http://www.stokeyourfires.co.uk
http://www.themonstercompany.co.uk

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Blood and Bone China Ep.4 “Devil in the Potteries” | A Web Series Review on the Watch List

5 Swirlies

www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uSqK7NYF4Y

“Unless you’re sure. Are you sure?”

An amazing episode on many levels.

There’s two sections to this episode, Rose and Vanessa and Rose and her Dad. The Rose and Venessa pportion ends with a really well done scene on the subway (not as easy as it looks) where Rose sees a woman looking at her flirtatiously. And what really makes it sing is the tiny moment after the woman leaves when Rose smiles - a true and honest smile in the midst of all the anguish and angst she’s going through. It made my heart leap for her. A truely wonderful emotional moment.

From a technical stand point, the scene at the movie theater is a masterpiece. Emotionally and creatively it’s strong, as Rose and her dad, Nathan, wrestle with the thing they both want to say - and their subconscious selves are sitting right there beside them. I gotta say, how ever they did this sequence, the special effects are flawless. Except for the moment when the double Nathan (the subconscious) tries to swat him upside the head - I couldn’t tell that there wasn’t actually two of each actor sitting beside each other. Did they use a green screen? Split screen? Did they go in frame by frame and stitch two images together? However they did it, it wouldn’t be easy if the shots were stationary - but they weren’t. The shots panned back and forth (was the panning done in post?) and there were other angles to the master. A big budget feature would have spent a bucket load on this scene but I don’t think it could have looked any better.

One aspect of this show I don’t think I have mentioned is the editing. And that’s because… I never notice it. The true mark of a great editor (at least in the mainstream Hollywood style) is when it is completely invisible to the audience - the style is even called ‘invisible editing.’ Most web series have fine editing, with a few awkward cuts and some pacing that I think could be tightened up, but Out With Dad I don’t think I would change a single cut.

The sound recording and editing, especially in the noisy school hallway, could be a lot better. That’s probably a scene in a big budget feature where they’d dump the location sound and bring in the actors to re-voice it. (Tangent: That is a challenging skill in and of itself. Many people think actors just walk around saying the lines (or that the actors make up the lines) but a good actor has many skills that people will never know about - like saying a line exactly the same way that it is on screen, in a dark room, months later, and imbuing it with the emotion needed for the scene. That’s hard - and one reason why good actors are worth millions of dollars.) On a web series budget, you’re probably not redubbing a lot of dialogue.

What I thought was funny, interesting and bold about the scene in the movie theatre and when Nathan explained the dramatic potential of gay and lesbian love stories, something I think I wrote about after watching Episode 1. It is almost like the writer is explaining why he choose to tell this story. Someone wiser than me once pointed that the first scene of a John Sayles movie usually has a character telling you the theme. In Lone Star, in the very first scene, one character says to the other, “If you live in a place you should know a thing or two about it.” And that’s what the movie is about - knowing and confronting history.

Out With Dad has been racking up the awards lately, and based on these first three episodes, they are richly deserved.

From YouTube Description:

Vanessa (Lindsey Middleton) tries to force Rose (Kate Conway) into explaining herself, but an encounter on the subway is more clarifying.
Nathan (Will Conlon) continues to try to reach out to Rose in ways even his subconscious finds embarrassing.

http://www.adrianelliscomposer.com/

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Out With Dad Ep.3 “Movie Night With Dad” | A Web Series Review on The Watch List

3 Swirlies

NON-ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL Episode 3: Leaks from grammar school on Vimeo.

“Next press release there’s gonna be men fucking all over it.”

In episode 3 of Non-Essential Personnel, we finally get to meet some of Jonathon’s office mates, who up until now have had a couple of lines. And these are long episodes, too. At the end of this one we’re more than half an hour in.

Much like earlier episodes, most of what happens in this ep is just stalling for the abrupt ending. The episode, like the series, is fine… there’s a couple of chuckles and despite the fact that much of the sets are bland gray, the production is pretty good. I think the pacing could be sped up, quite a bit in fact, but that’s just me.

It is just that I’m kinda not sure what this show is trying to do. Is it trying to be a satire? Is it trying to be a broad comedy? Is it trying to be a dramedy? The scene with Jonathon’s wife certainly didn’t have much in the way of laughs in it, even though the scene before was about as broad as you get. It almost feels like it is trying to be something different in each scene, but that makes the whole show feel muddy.

Yeah, I’m being kinda hard on it. Sorry guys. I do really like the title design.

From Website Description:

Jonathan struggles to maintain control of his rapidly expanding plot against Mercury.

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Non-Essential Personnel Ep.3 “Leaks” | A Web Series Review on The Watch List