Where's Candace: Zombie Trailer Update -Veda Rains

Not too long ago, as some of you may know, we shot some awesome footage (involving zombies and a film crew) for our new website! We've had a few set-backs, but want to let you know that we're working hard to launch the site and share the video (entitled: Where's Candace?) with you in the near future! So stay tuned on that. Also, if you're in the Columbia, MO area, please be sure to check out (in its 4th year) Citizen Jane and support film! It's this weekend, afterall: Friday - Sunday!

Pan Am Begins! -Veda Rains

Pan Am begins with a sense of adventure! Considered the stronger of the two new 60s-themed series released this fall, Pan Am's grandiose score and opening introduction to the series' main characters takes the audience right into the action with a sense of intrigue! There's more to this show than what the previews would lead you to believe, and I found it personally refreshing!
After the first block, the audience is taken through a few flashbacks to give back story: the moment fairly new stewardess Laura decides to become a Pan Am Stewardess, Colette has a lovers tryst (later she finds out he's a married man), Laura's sister Kate is approached to do undercover government work, etc. I found the placing of this to be a little distracting, but nonetheless needed.
Overall, I'm excited to see where the show will take viewers next and what we can expect from the fresh-faced cast as well as film favorite Christina Ricci (who had a much smaller role than I anticipated). The pacing slowed in parts, but it has a promising start and I will definitely tune in next week. After all, SPOILER ALERT IF YOU PLAN TO WATCH AND HAVEN'T YET:
We'll have to find out why the elusive Bridgette is keeping a distance! And what about Kate? Is she getting in over her head? Stay tuned!

So you want to move to Hollywood?- Veda Rains

Introduction
When I took the plunge two years ago (almost to the day) to move to LA, I didn't know what to expect. Perhaps, that's why it ended the way it did. Sure, I had saved money, read industry books, written out an employment plan...even called a couple places for job opportunities (either got the machine a few times, or they wouldn't even pick up the phone) before I moved. Still, I had no idea what I was getting myself into - although I was "so sure" I did.
Before I left for LA, I even wrote a note to friends and coworkers on Facebook about my choice to make the big move and said: "even if nothing professional comes of this experience, I feel it will not be a failure. If anything, it will broaden my range as a writer and better shape my character." I stand by that and believe it to be true. It was a great experience and I hope to give it a go again (yes, again) in the future. But this time, I have more knowledge behind me.
I can go back many times and say "shoulda" "coulda" woulda," but what's done is done. And I'm not bitter (although I did get a job offer at a company about 6-8 months after I tearfully moved back-dang it! But realistically-speaking, I could not have held out that long). I learned a great deal from others and gained great friends and good experience! I even got to work on a couple of films, a commercial, be an assistant, etc. There were many factors that played into my move back home. The big one: Finances. So tip #1: Save, save, save like you've never saved before!

This leads up to...
I want to share what I've learned from others who've lived there and what they've shared with me. I also want to share with you some helpful websites & blogs that have very honest and insightful information if you're thinking about taking the plunge.
I will be posting on this in the future, so stay tuned! Right now I want to share with you this cool blog by a professional script reader. Dig in:
http://aspiringtvwriter.blogspot.com/

HitRECord, Collaboration Medium - Joan Finch

So I was surfing indiewire.com for any new news and I ran across something brilliant.   Joseph Gordon-Levitt (yeah, him) heads a creative 'think tank' style production company called HitRECord where everyone and anyone is invited to contribute and collaborate on projects of all sorts together. They've already produced Tiny Book of Tiny Stories, obviously a collection of member made short stories currently being turned into "tiny films", and RECollection: Volume 1, a collection of music and films they made last year.

The article with way more info and a video intro by the main man himself can be found here.

This is a great opportunity to work on projects with people around the world and produce something complete spontanious and beautiful. Its like a much bigger all-encompassing version of what we'll be trying to accomplish at Obscura Operandi. Fantastic. Check out the article at indiewire.com with the link above. There's an interview with Gordon-Levitt about the founding and success of HitRECord.

I've also included the link to the HitRECord website. Explore.

New Aaron Sorkin Projects! - Joan Finch

Aaron Sorkin = Greatness

     The Hollywood Reporter has filled me with enough warm fuzzes to last me all of the winter season.  Aaron Sorkin has TWO New Projects in the works!  

     First off he has joined up with John Krasinski for a mini-series he'll be writing and acting as co-executive producer with Krasinski, the projects creator. Based on a popular book about The Chateau Marmont in Hollywood and its interesting roster of guests the mini-series is called Life At The Marmont and will air on HBO. Here's the link to the article I read about the project.

     Next up is More As This Story Develops which was recently picked up by none other than HBO and which imdb.com says is currently filming and headed for a 2012 release.  The hourlong series will star Jeff Daniels, Emily Mortimer, Dev Patel, Sam Waterson and several others as cable news executives and staff traversing the daily obstacles of their personal and professional lives. Which is the purely Sorkin format I love so dearly. Oh, and there was at one point rumors/talks of Marisa Tomei finding a place in the cast but thats been weeks ago and there's no confirmation yet. Here's the link on that article as well. 

     Point being not all dreams die. Aaron Sorkin is headed back to television where his brilliance can be appreciated weekly. I just wish I had HBO. Gonna have to look into that.

A New Year! A New Season! Primetime TV Kicks Off- Veda Rains

Some shows have already kicked off their season, but tonight's Emmys and the list of new shows debuting this week and the coming weeks have made it all the more exciting for this season to begin! Earlier this summer we shared with you some of the new shows coming to primetime and some of our favorite picks. What shows are you looking forward to? What shows are you excited to see back on the air? Personally, I have quite a few new shows I'm excited/interested to see. Frankly, I don't know how I'll be able to take time to see them all (probably won't), but if I could, they would be (and no judging):

ABC
Revenge-September 21st, 10/9 Central
Pan Am-September 25th, 10/9 Central
Suburgatory-September 28th, 8:30/7:30 Central
Once Upon A Time-October 23rd, 8/7 Central
Good Christian Belles (no time currently listed)

FOX
I had the opportunity to see both of the pilots for these shows. Each has a lot of potential, but I'm interested to see how they will pan out as the season continues...
New Girl-September 20th, 9/8 Central Pilot Grade: B+
Terra Nova-September 26th, 8/7 Central Pilot Grade: C

NBC
Whitney-September 22nd, 9:30/8:30 Central
Grimm-October 21st, 9/8 Central
Smash-February 6th, 10/9 Central
and even some of our

Torchwood: Miracle Day - Joan Finch

Craving Something a bit Bolder?

New Torchwood Team

Everlasting life...a curse?  One day the earth is 'blessed' and no one dies no matter how many time you kill them. Sounds pretty cut and dry but its really a free-for-all for humanity; bringing down governments, turning the health care system inside out and drawing out the very essence of what it means to be human.  In many ways the show is as much possible reality as science fiction and if thats not intriquing enough the whole situation is clouded by this mysterious force working busily in the background.  Torchwood: Miracle Day is very much like The Event, even in tone, but this series wasn't cancelled but allowed to run its course. P.S. Thank you Starz for restoring my faith in a fair network universe.  

I was completely sucked in. The unpredicability to the story, episode after episode weaving a complex tale reminded me of the detective perspective I found so interesting in Sherlock, Lost and Fringe.  There's a lot of great new characters played by some really unexpected actors like Bill Pullman, Lauren Ambrose and Mekhi Phifer.

For fans of Torchwood's UK roots you'll find a different beast in store for you. This is Torchwood at the next level in writing, style, format and pace.  Creator and genius Russell T. Davies remarked in an interview that they've done away with the 'monster of the week' format for a larger series(season in the US) long story arch.  And yeah, its still Captain Jack with the Doctor Who past, but its also just this mysterious immortal alienboy who calls himself Captain Jack and has a dark past.  And thats it.  You definitly don't need to be a fan of Doctor Who to enjoy it but then again...why aren't you?

Keira Knightley: The Duchess Oscar Snub- Veda Rains

With A Dangerous Method about to hit theaters, Keira Knightley has been garnering talk of a possible Oscar nod for her extreme portrayal of Sabina Spielrein, a patient of Dr. Carl Jung. It's been a while since Knightley has taken on such a high profile role. Known for her choice in "costume" dramas, Knightley's only nomination for the highly sought-after golden guy came about while playing Elizabeth Bennet in 2005's Pride & Prejudice. While the film, overall, was beautifully-executed, and well-acted, there's one role that Knightley has played that deserved much more recognition than she received for P&P: Georgiana, The Duchess of Devonshire.
First of all, if you haven't seen it, rent (or Netflix, Red Box, whatever you do, do) it! Knightley is in top-form and truly rises above all expectations. Longing to be loved, a modern woman trapped in a time where a man could do what he pleased (and his wife was to keep her mouth shut), Knightley gives a tender, somewhat fragile portrayal of a young woman thrust into a cold, unfeeling marriage. The viewer truly sees Georgiana grow right in front of her/his eyes. Georgiana also experiences a wide range of emotions throughout the film, and Knightley plays each one in top form, nothing forced, simply organic, real. Why she didn't get nominated, is beyond me. She truly gives it her all, and deserves to be recognized for it! So check it out! Ralph Fiennes also has a memorable role as the Duke, a man who finds it difficult to display emotion or treat others the way they deserve to be treated.

The New Girl-Joan Finch

     So I have this friend, this very quirky giggly bundle of nerdiness friend, from college whose superhero alter-ego I call Fangirl Squee. She's a great mix of hilarity, personality and goofiness which makes her a great companion for everyday adventures. And if they made a sitcom about her I don't think they could get a better likeness than of the character of Jess in New Girl.

     Itunes is offering a free (let me repeat FREE) download of the pilot episode which I've already watched twice and absolutely recommend. The premise is pretty typical rom-com or sitcom stock. Recently dumped Jess answers a craigslist ad for a new roommate and moves in with three single guys. Hilarity ensues as is usual but don't go disregarding this show before giving a fair shake. Truthfully it is funny. Jess is played by Zooey Deschanel believably with heart and a kind of carefree whimsy I haven't seen in television since they wrongfully canceled my beloved Pushing Daisies. Her three new roommates Schmit, Nick and Coach are great complementary personalities to create the shows awkward, inappropriate but sweet comedic chemistry. I know at least one other person who's going to enjoy this show besides me. 

Of course I'm going to watch this show! Spending thirty minutes a week with someone that entertaining is a must. Nothing makes you feel as good as some adorkable-ness does. 

New Girl is on Tuesdays @ 8 pm on Fox. Premieres next week.

Where Have All The Chick Flicks Gone?-Veda Rains

I was recently strolling the movie aisle in the local “ahem” super center, half-hoping to come across an awesome find (a cheap movie to watch for my night off!). As I grazed each row, I became more and more convinced there was nothing I desired. Three or four years ago, this would not have been the case. I admit, I’m a lover of “chick flick” movies, and around that time I was buying every single chick flick movie under the sun. Now the films weren’t Oscar-worthy (who am I kidding, it’s pure popcorn fare), but they were enjoyable, entertaining, and sometimes heart-warming. I would buy and watch (and rewatch) these every other month (or, in some cases, week). They were a great way to escape from reality and I’ve recently gained that yearning for them once again.

So I have to ask, where have all of the chick flicks gone? I look back at this year’s film releases. Nothing stands out…not even…well, maybe Something Borrowed, but while it was cute and dreamy (and downright backstabbing), it just didn’t feed my chick flick fix (where were the sympathetic characters-save for Ethan?). You Again was a pleasant surprise but wait, that was released in 2010! So here are some (just a few, mind you) of my personal favorite chick flicks to fill the void, until something magnificent (nay, just plain good) comes along (Yes, I know a lot of these go under “romantic comedy” as well):

When Harry Met Sally

This is the ultimate romantic comedy! If you haven’t seen it yet, I strongly suggest you do so. The chemistry, the story, everything just does it for me!

Bridget Jones’s Diary

One of my screenwriting instructors gave his students a list of devices NOT TO USE when writing a screenplay. However, he threw out his own rules when he admitted that this film is one of his favorite films of all time! When chick flicks can cross the gender line, you know you have something special! And it doesn't hurt that Colin Firth is easy on the eyes for the ladies.

A League of Their Own

I watched the VHS of this so much as a child, it broke in my uncle’s VCR. Somehow he was able to put it back together. It’s got a lot of heart and strong women!

The Women

The ultimate chick flick (Hello! The only people you will see in this film are WOMEN) has biting wit and charm-not to mention, Norma Shearer & Joan Crawford. No wonder numerous attempts at remaking the film have faltered.

And a Few More:

Romancing the Stone

Dirty Dancing

Titanic (it took me a few years-maybe 8? Before I came to enjoy this film)

Steel Magnolias

Fried Green Tomatoes

Definitely, Maybe

What are some of your favorite chick flicks?

News from the Toronto Film Fest

Its Day 4 of the Film Fest up there in Ol'Canada and maybe I didn't bring it up because I'm envious of the people who can afford to go but it was wrong of me and I'm sorry.

Hit the link to go to a blog hosted by IMDB about the Fest.  Theres also a photo gallery of all the celebs and semi-celebs who are making an appearance.  http://www.imdb.com/features/toronto/2011/blog/

Some of the films mentioned are

Ghostbusters 3 NEWS

Not that this is a democratic Hollywood we're dealing with but if there was a vote I'd be Pro-Gubler all the way.  So here's me lobbying for that very possibility!

Check this out guys. http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=81518

Team Ghostbuster. Team Gubler.