Out With Dad S02E04 ”With Jacob and Vanessa” | A Web Series Review on The Watch List

A Family Drama Web Series

4 Swirlies

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

“I heard you crying again last night.”

NOTE: How to watch with subtitles.

English subtitles
To watch Out With Dad with subtitles:
1. You must press play first, then the ‘CC’ button will appear.
2. Click ‘CC’, and choose your language.
Note: you may need to click ‘Full Screen’ to reveal all the language selections.

This is one of the Toronto web series Out With Dad’s mini-episodes. It’s about two and a half minutes, and instead of being a full on story – instead it is a bit of a slice of life glimpse into Vanessa’s struggles. Not everyone has a supportive parent like Rose – and it was hard for Rose.

This whole episode is two shots, almost all the dialogue in one. It lets the actors really carry the moment. What I like about this set up is how the family is already dealing with one child who isn’t speaking to them because of how he wants to live his life – he married a Muslim woman – which places extra strain and stakes on Vanessa not to put her family through that all over again.

While some of the dialogue spoken by Vanessa’s parents is quite on the nose, the real emotional anchor for this scene is Vanessa’s brother, Jacob. I got the sense that Vanessa is, more than anything, trying to protect Jacob, which leaves her torn. If she is true to who she is, she’ll make Jacob’s life worse. It is a struggle that many of us go through, I think. I think in everyone’s lives, there comes a time when they are forced to choose between their happiness and the values and choices of their family.

While Lindsey Middleton does all the heavy lifting – dialogue wise – and does a great job, Jacob Ahearn has, in some ways, the harder part. He has to listen and emote in character. Actors sometimes tend to focus on the dialogue, what they are saying, but a good actor knows what to do when the other guy is talking. Anyway, both performers do a remarkable job in an intense scene.

Man, these actors do a lot of crying, don’t they?

Lindsey Middleton as Vanessa
Jacob Ahearn as Jacob

From Out With Dad website:

A difficult time for the LeMay family. Vanessa and her younger brother, Jacob, sit upon the steps as they listen in on their parents fighting. Jacob fears he might loose another sibling to something he doesn’t understand, and Vanessa realizes what is truly important to her.

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

A Family Drama Web Series

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 S02E02 ”Asking Out Alicia” | A Web Series Review on The Watch List

A Family Drama Web Series

4 Swirlies

“I have to puke. Hold my bag. Watch my board!”

Every now and then we like to have one of the creators behind a series do a sort of guest review of their own show. Actually, we only did it once before, with Tyranny, but I thought it worked out nicely. I asked the creator of Our With Dad, Jason Leaver, if he’d like to do one for the first episode of his second season. He said no. But he did agree to do it for his second episode! And we’re glad he did, because there’s a lot of interesting behind the scenes stuff in here…

The Watch List asked me to post a review of my own episode two weeks ago. A filmmaker reviewing his own work? An interesting concept! I declined however, because felt it would be too presumptuous of myself for 2×01 “Out with Dad”. It’s a different for 2×02 “Asking Out Alicia”, with this one I can sit back and enjoy just like any other audience member. This was true when we were filming and while I was editing. So ya, I can review this episode.

First a bit of background, this one was written after production began for season two. I’d already filmed scenes with Laura Jabalee, which you’ll see later. Often when working with actors I find I’m inspired to write more for them; this was no exception. Plus, I wanted to write more scenes for Corey Lof – this guy is hilarious. I’ve come to know Corey and Kate very well, and I know they understand comedy.

However, our three leads were faced with a challenge: our location.

We filmed this episode entirely in front of The 519 Community Centre on Church Street, who allowed us to use their facility to stand in as our high school. Church Street is the centre of LGBT life, vibrance and pride in Toronto. It’s the friendliest street. There is a fantastic energy. There also happens to be a lot of traffic with heavy trucks! There must have been a construction site nearby. Each time one of those trucks drove by we had to stop recording. It was LOUD. The actors quickly caught on to what audio level was acceptable. Instinctively they would pause their performance when a truck approached, when they got the nod from me they’d continue with the scene. What astounds me is their performances never suffered. They kept their energy up, they stayed in the moment. This is especially remarkable for Corey, whose character is the driving force of this episode. In comedy timing is everything. Yet some how his timing was unaffected! The pauses and restarts by the cast were no challenge for me as the editor to work with. Which reminds me, I was sitting on a train editing this episode, laughing out loud most of the time. I hope my fellow passengers didn’t mind!

You also have to pay attention to “Alicia’s pack of girlfriends”, played by Shailene Garnett, Carolyn Nettleton and Lizzie Stuart-Morris. I love them in every frame they’re on screen, they’re hilarious! I never offered them any direction, which I probably shouldn’t admit… but I didn’t need to! Each of them took it upon themselves to have a different reaction to the conversation unfolding before them. Watch for more of them in Out With Dad.

Next up, is the Adrian Ellis’s score. He went with a highly percussive, almost jungle-inspired track, as if saying Kenny is “on the hunt”. The first draft of the score suggested a 1970’s swagger. It fun, but given that our characters were born in the 90’s, it didn’t fit right. In the version you hear, all Adrian did was modify his bass track making it feel a little more modern – it kind of has a reggae vibe to it. I pushed him to have fun with the score. He included some hilarious hits to certain story beats, my favourite: the ding as the metaphorical light bulb turns on for Kenny at 3:05, and the way the music practically says “ooooh…” as Rose learns Alicia asked about her at 2:46.

I had fun making this episode, I can sit back as part of the audience and I enjoy what the cast and composer give us. I’m sure you will too!

P.S. I love the music! Thanks, Jason!

From Blip.tv Description:

Kenny finally finds the courage to ask out Alicia Van Harren, well, eventually.

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Out With Dad S02E01 ”Out With Dad” | A Web Series Review on The Watch List

A Family Drama Web Series

4 Swirlies

NOTE: Probably won’t work on iOS devices.

“Maybe we are.”

Okay, here we go. Fresh from Blip.tv is the world premiere of Out With Dad, Season 2!

I don’t want to spend too much time talking, you should watch it yourself, but this episode transitions from season one to season two without a bump. The moment we’ve been waiting for happens, and it goes more or less as we knew it would – Dad was cool. Nathan had a nice little speech about the stages as he went through them, but the big problem in Rose’s life – even know that she’s out – is still Vanessa.

There’s lots of nice touches, and more awesome special effects as imaginary Rose and Nathan’s serve to let us in our their thoughts and emotions, a nice visual device. And really well done – the real Rose and the imaginary Rose have some great timing, which could not have been easy to achieve in the editing. Other than that, director Jason Leaver is smart enough to get out of the actors’ ways as they have this pivotal moment in their lives – the shooting, while strong, doesn’t stray too far from the standard close ups, allowing the conversation to be what we’re focused on. Although, I must admit that I spent part of their time in the car watching the scenery pass by, trying to figure out where they were when it was being shot.

I find myself wondering what’s coming next? The central question of season one – can Rose come out to her Dad – has been answered. Will her troubles with Vanessa take up the full second season? Now that Rose is out, will she be open about it to everyone? Either way, public or private, that’s gotta have a big impact on Rose’s life.

And what about Dad? In a show called Out With Dad, Nathan will surely have a big role in what comes next, but his worry about his daughter’s orientation is behind him and he doesn’t have a Vanessa in his life to take up the dramatic slack. Will his romantic life get in the way of helping his daughter navigate her early “out” days?

One of the things I wanted to talk about is the length – at 13 minutes, it is long by web series standards. Now, this is very popular show, with around 1.5 million views, I don’t think the length of it will be a barrier to hitting 2 million and beyond. And web series and general will get longer. But I do hope that longer episodes doesn’t mean more drawn out episodes. I hope that Out With Dad continues to pack the episodes full of story. And there’s no reason why this episode couldn’t have been two episodes – either way it would have been just as strong. So the choice is: longer episodes or more of them? Which would you choose?

I feel like this episode is more of an end to season one, leading us into season two. With so much resolved, I’m looking forward to the new conflicts that season two will bring.

Congrats to the cast, crew and creators of Out With Dad! I know you guys are celebrating your launch tonight, as celebrate you should. You guys make one hell of a web series. Can’t wait to see that rest of them!

From Blip.tv Description:

When we last saw Rose, she was practising coming out to dad ? but will she? Does she have the courage? Inside she knows it?s time. But how will dad react if she does? Coming out can be the scariest thing a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning teen will ever go through.

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Out With Dad Ep.8 ”Out With Kenny” | A Web Series Review on The Watch List

A Family Drama Web Series

4 Swirlies

“You know how Vanessa and I have been getting really close lately…?”

In honour of the start of the second season of Out With Dad on July 7th, we on the Watch List are running back to back postings of the last episodes of season one of this popular webseries.

This episode leaves anything dealing with Vanessa to season two, and instead leaves us on a cliffhanger - will Rose come out to her dad, Nathan? I mean, coming out to her friend is one thing, coming out to her dad, even though we as the audience know that he’d be more than cool to know the truth… well, it’s still something else all together.

The shot where Rose tells Kenny is particularly incredible; time stops behind Kenny. Was that done with green screen? Or was it simply time consuming aftereffects? If anyone involved with the production knows the answer, leave a comment and let us know!

The premiere of season two is only a couple of days away, and to wet your appetite, here’s a little taste of what’s to come…

From YouTube Description:

In this finale episode of our first season, Rose finds coming out isn’t easy… even when you practice.

http://www.adrianelliscomposer.com/

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Heather’s Vlog: Heather the Vampire Returns

Heather’s been away for a while. Here’s why.

5 Swirlies!

“It’s like the Donner Party in here. We have to eat something! I can only suck myself for so long.”

Yay! More Heather the Vampire!

Heather and her Dad explain why they haven’t posted in about a year – they’ve been hiding in a closet.

If you haven’t seen Heather before, you’re in for a treat. The interaction between between Heather and her dad is hysterical – in both senses of the word. This is one of my favorite shows on YouTube.

These episodes just make me feel good. Welcome back, Heather.

Heather’s Vlog – It’s Hereditary

http://liamshow.com Heather explains how vampires become vampires.

4 Swirlies

“It’s kinda like marrying a hamburger. You can hold off for a while but eventually you’re gonna eat it.”

You can convert?

Another ep from the backlog of Heather’s Vlog. This one is about two two ways you can become a vampire; you’re either born a vampire or you can convert.

Not the funniest episode of the few I’ve seen, but there’s still one or two big laughs. Still very much worth seeing.

Heather’s Vlog – [Episode 1]

http://liamshow.com Kelly’s friend Heather started a vlog to get the bloody truth out there about vampires…because she is one. Happy Friday the 13th!!!

4 Swirlies

“Yes, once and for all, vampires celebrate Christmas.”

Heather Begins…

This is the first episode of Heather’s Vlog and the second one I’ve seen, and it is already something of a guilty pleasure. I’m kinda embarrassed how much I like it. Unlike a lot of stuff I watch (web or TV) Heather and her Dad surprise me and actually make me laugh out loud.

In this introductory episode, Heather explains what her Vampire family does to celebrate Christmas, while Dad tries to watch the skating he TIVOed.

It’s charming and feels honest. It doesn’t feel like they are trying too hard. I’m not sure if it is improvised, semi-improvised, or scripted but the characters are more strongly drawn in a short time than most anything else out there. All without sacrificing the gags needed to make a short online comedy episode work. I wish I could strap Fred down and make him watch it until he gets it. And, yes I know, the guy’s name isn’t actually Fred.

In going back to find the start of this series, I figured a little more out about how it came to be. It is some sort of spin off from something called Kelly Shoes – that’s where the clips from the nano-second long opening is from. And after watching it for the tenth time, the line, “Kelly rocks” makes more sense. But I have no idea who or what this Kelly Shoes person or show is. Why is it presented as if we all know it? I can’t even find any videos of it on Youtube! (If you do, put your links in the comments section.)

Heather’s Vlog is my current favourite comedy web series, and one of my favourite shows, period. Get ready to see a lot more of them posted as I go through the back catalog!

So, would this the first web series spin off? And if not, what would? I have a vague idea that lonelygirl15 had some sort of spin off…

Heather’s Vlog: New Moon

Heather’s dad can’t wait to see New Moon. He also gives advice about how to deal with werewolves. Heather doesn’t seem impressed.

5 Swirlies

“[Werewolves can't] transform out in the open. You have to be able to tuck your balls underneath inside.”

Youtube video diary comedy gold.

I stumbled on Heather’s Vlog completely by accident. I gotta tell you, this hysterical series could use a better title.

Cause this is a comedy vlog about a 16 year old vampire and her vampire Dad. Who, in this episode, happens to be obsessed with New Moon.

Once you figure that out (the blink and you missed it intro isn’t much of a help) the episode is one of the funniest things I’ve seen in a long time. The Dad’s feeling of community with the porn-for-13-year-old-girls’ film New Moon, his advice for dealing with werewolves, and Heather’s perfect reactions make this a perfect storm of comedy for me.

Maybe I’m over-reacting because of the excitement of discovery. It’s the first perfect 5 I have personally awarded. I think it deserves it, and even more I want you to watch this one. And tell us if you agree with me by leaving a comment.