Alright - so it's time that we give ABC some love on Top of Mind TV, so next up - Dirty Sexy Money!
Credits and Logline: Directed by Peter Horton and David Petrarca.
Power, privilege and family money are a volatile cocktail thrust on an idealistic lawyer when he inherits the job of tending to the legal (and sometimes illegal) needs of the absurdly wealthy Darlings of New York City.
What was the most unbelievable moment?
When Trip offers Nick the job plus an extra 5MM a year, and to close the deal makes a little speech along the lines of "Because, I miss your Dad. I miss having him by my side telling me which was is up. And, I trust ya." Really? This is the line that convinces Nick everything will be okay?
What was the most annoying moment?
Every time I had to look at Peter Krause's hair. Who thought this was a good idea?
What was the most ridiculous moment?
The Dan Rathers cameo. I'm supposed to buy Dan grilling Patrick about joining the Senate? Wow - Billy Baldwin on the Senate. I'm feeling queasy.
What was the most enjoyable moment?
Right after - when Billy's character sneaks out to calm down a slightly hysterical transvestite/girlfriend. WTF? Yeah - I loved it.
What was your favorite quote?
Acutally, I thought there were pretty great lines in this episode, including - "No, you do it - he's your girlfriend." and "I know she's not a hooker, but is she more of a man than you are?"
At the end of this episode, who were your favorite and least favorite characters?
Not really sure. I found much of the cast interesting (who doesn't love Donald Sutherland?), but didn't really connect with any of them yet. And I'm not sure I really get where they are going with this other than a bunch of pretty people running around being spoiled. But I love the pretty people as much as the next gal, so it could be fun anyway. Oh yeah - and the "someone killed my Dad and I'll make them pay!" storyline. Big mystery there - I'll give you three guesses as to who killed him (and the first two don't count).
But I'll watch episode two to find out where they're going with this.
Overall Grade: B
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
TOM TV's Got the Bionic Blahs
Okay, I really couldn't decide if I was looking forward to this one or not - and frankly, I've probably had a little too much TV this week... but read on for the Top of Mind thoughts on this classic remix...
Overall - what did you think of the season premiere?
There's only one word for it - "Blah"
What was the most interesting moment?
Great car crash - really nice CG work pulling these shots together. And the first look at Jaimie's (Michelle Ryan) healing legs was kinda cool. But unfortunately, the VFX were downhill from here. They were WAAY too in love with the target overlays.
What was the most annoying moment?
Will Anthros (Chris Bowers) mind-numbing speech along the lines of “The world’s farther along than anyone would like to admit.” Blah, bla, bla, blah, blah - I could actually HEAR the Peanuts characters in my head. WhatEVER.
What totally captured or lost your interest?
What I reckon was supposed to be a intriguing moment at the end... random dude on a snow filled mountaintop... "I haven't seen the moon in a thousand and twenty four days." Ummm... why do I care? No reason? Okay, NEXT.
(NOTE - The husband just reminded me that he was actually the guy from the prison. Huh. Still don't care.)
What was the most unbelievable moment?
Jaime and Chris had absolutely NO chemistry - no way do these two characters really care about each other. Really? This was the best casting (Eric Dawson and Coreen Mayrs) could do? And the second most unbelievable moment - well, actually every damn time Jaimie tried to fight. No grace whatsoever - and trust me, I have a deep and abiding love of great fight scenes. If I wasn't old and fat and a total wuss, I'd be a stunt woman.
Maybe Michelle could get some lessons from Jennifer Garner?
At the end of this episode, who were your favorite and least favorite characters?
Unfortunately, other than the fact that Miguel Ferrer (Crossing Jordan, Robocop) is part of the cast - I'm afraid they just didn't succeed in making me care about any of the characters. Jaimie looks entirely too much like the girl from Kyle XY, and no one else stood out in a positive way.
Overall Grade: C--
Overall - what did you think of the season premiere?
There's only one word for it - "Blah"
What was the most interesting moment?
Great car crash - really nice CG work pulling these shots together. And the first look at Jaimie's (Michelle Ryan) healing legs was kinda cool. But unfortunately, the VFX were downhill from here. They were WAAY too in love with the target overlays.
What was the most annoying moment?
Will Anthros (Chris Bowers) mind-numbing speech along the lines of “The world’s farther along than anyone would like to admit.” Blah, bla, bla, blah, blah - I could actually HEAR the Peanuts characters in my head. WhatEVER.
What totally captured or lost your interest?
What I reckon was supposed to be a intriguing moment at the end... random dude on a snow filled mountaintop... "I haven't seen the moon in a thousand and twenty four days." Ummm... why do I care? No reason? Okay, NEXT.
(NOTE - The husband just reminded me that he was actually the guy from the prison. Huh. Still don't care.)
What was the most unbelievable moment?
Jaime and Chris had absolutely NO chemistry - no way do these two characters really care about each other. Really? This was the best casting (Eric Dawson and Coreen Mayrs) could do? And the second most unbelievable moment - well, actually every damn time Jaimie tried to fight. No grace whatsoever - and trust me, I have a deep and abiding love of great fight scenes. If I wasn't old and fat and a total wuss, I'd be a stunt woman.
Maybe Michelle could get some lessons from Jennifer Garner?
At the end of this episode, who were your favorite and least favorite characters?
Unfortunately, other than the fact that Miguel Ferrer (Crossing Jordan, Robocop) is part of the cast - I'm afraid they just didn't succeed in making me care about any of the characters. Jaimie looks entirely too much like the girl from Kyle XY, and no one else stood out in a positive way.
Overall Grade: C--
(when one minus just ISN'T enough)
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
TOM says - The Unit is nothing without Jonas!
There's just something about The Unit. In the first season we ended up watching it because we didn't have any conflicts in the timeslot and loved the themesong ("How to Find the Mother's Laugh"). But after about 3 or 4 episodes, we found we were hooked. Last season's finale was amazing, and this was a MUCH anticipated premiere - check out the Top of Mind below...
Overall - what did you think of the season premiere?
Loved it - the rhythm, the raw, gritty way that David Mamet weaves together the storylines. And I love the way it still feels like the team is on a mission. Love.
What was the most interesting moment?
The cliffhanger at the end - I admit, there's no WAY I'll miss next week.
What was the most annoying moment?
Really? Molly and Tiff are going to go to the evil Colonel's wife for help?? No way I buy that Molly is that stupid. It simply isn't possible.
What was the most unbelievable moment?
What??! They changed the themesong!!? Absolutely and without a doubt this was the most disappointing moment of the night - now it's some totally forgettable crap about 'secrets'. That song defined the show and stuck with me for hours afterwards. It defined the entire tone of the show. Unbelievable.
At the end of this episode, who were your favorite and least favorite characters?
Duh -who doesn't love Jonas? Dennis Haysbert is amazing - and don't you believe for a SECOND that Bob would have found Jonas in Panama unless he wanted to be found! Least favorite was a close race for most of the episode between Kim and the Colonel's evil wife (who I hate so much I won't even refer to her character by name). Kim redeemed herself somewhat at the end - so evil wifey it is!!
Any lingering questions?
Is Bob playing a game or what? I think he's too loyal to the Unit, but then again he's such a damn boyscout who can tell! ?
Overall Grade: A-
Overall - what did you think of the season premiere?
Loved it - the rhythm, the raw, gritty way that David Mamet weaves together the storylines. And I love the way it still feels like the team is on a mission. Love.
What was the most interesting moment?
The cliffhanger at the end - I admit, there's no WAY I'll miss next week.
What was the most annoying moment?
Really? Molly and Tiff are going to go to the evil Colonel's wife for help?? No way I buy that Molly is that stupid. It simply isn't possible.
What was the most unbelievable moment?
What??! They changed the themesong!!? Absolutely and without a doubt this was the most disappointing moment of the night - now it's some totally forgettable crap about 'secrets'. That song defined the show and stuck with me for hours afterwards. It defined the entire tone of the show. Unbelievable.
At the end of this episode, who were your favorite and least favorite characters?
Duh -who doesn't love Jonas? Dennis Haysbert is amazing - and don't you believe for a SECOND that Bob would have found Jonas in Panama unless he wanted to be found! Least favorite was a close race for most of the episode between Kim and the Colonel's evil wife (who I hate so much I won't even refer to her character by name). Kim redeemed herself somewhat at the end - so evil wifey it is!!
Any lingering questions?
Is Bob playing a game or what? I think he's too loyal to the Unit, but then again he's such a damn boyscout who can tell! ?
Overall Grade: A-
No Bones About It, it's TOM-TV
"Bones" is back on Fox - Double-HooRAY!!! I'm not saying that this show is going to change the world or anything... just that it makes me happy. Next up in the TOM TV (Top of Mind TV) series, here's what I thought of the premiere episode...
Overall - what did you think of the season premiere?
Mostly I kept trying to figure out if there were new writers - the dialogue was totally choppy and threw me out at many points. Something that I can't remember ever happening before with this show.
What was your favorite quote from this episode?
After Zack returns, he says that they sent him home because he was "unable to assimilate."
What was the most interesting moment?
Everything having to do with "the Search" for missing husband X was hilarious, especially the 'Picasso-esque' sketch of the husband.
What was the most annoying moment?
Some really, REALLY bad green screen work in the final scene with the lighting coming from multiple directions - did the show go through budget cuts or something?
At the end of this episode, who were your favorite and least favorite characters?
Honestly - the whole cast. Love, love, love the ensemble. It wouldn't work without any of them - and I'm so glad they brought back Zack, but it breaks my heart how he thinks there's something wrong with him.
Overall Grade: B+
Overall - what did you think of the season premiere?
Mostly I kept trying to figure out if there were new writers - the dialogue was totally choppy and threw me out at many points. Something that I can't remember ever happening before with this show.
What was your favorite quote from this episode?
After Zack returns, he says that they sent him home because he was "unable to assimilate."
What was the most interesting moment?
Everything having to do with "the Search" for missing husband X was hilarious, especially the 'Picasso-esque' sketch of the husband.
What was the most annoying moment?
Some really, REALLY bad green screen work in the final scene with the lighting coming from multiple directions - did the show go through budget cuts or something?
At the end of this episode, who were your favorite and least favorite characters?
Honestly - the whole cast. Love, love, love the ensemble. It wouldn't work without any of them - and I'm so glad they brought back Zack, but it breaks my heart how he thinks there's something wrong with him.
Overall Grade: B+
Monday, September 24, 2007
TOM - "Journeyman" may be worth the trip
Okay - so I've been really torn on this one, but following the 'must watch all pilots' rule I didn't really have a choice. Time travel is tricky - it can be wonderful (Pastwatch) or so incredibly bad that it scars you for life (Killing Time). But again, must follow the rules...
Credits & Logline: Emmy Award-winning writer-producer Kevin Falls ("The West Wing") and Emmy Award-winning director-producer Alex Graves ("The West Wing") comes "Journeyman," where Dan Vasser, a newspaper reporter from San Francisco, finds himself tracking the life of Neal Gaines. For Dan, time changes everything.
What was the most annoying moment?
Not sure - but is it a bad sign when 45 seconds in the hubby says "Okay. I'm already annoyed." (?)
What was your favorite quote from this episode?
None. While I loved how all of the pieces fit together, no single line/scene/personality really stood out to me.
What was the sweetest moment?
The anniversary 'gift exchange' was touching - Dan and Katie have great chemistry. But the end scene REALLY got me - won't tell you in case you've got it on the DVR.
What was the creepiest moment?
Dan waking up in "Golden Gate Park" with a snail crawling up his arm.
What was the most refreshing moment?
The brothers actually look like brothers - have you ever noticed how casting agents usually screw up family members when they are plain ol' white guys?
This pilot was a bit all over the place - but it ended strong... I'll be watching to see where it goes.
Overall Grade: B-
Last 15 minutes: A!
Credits & Logline: Emmy Award-winning writer-producer Kevin Falls ("The West Wing") and Emmy Award-winning director-producer Alex Graves ("The West Wing") comes "Journeyman," where Dan Vasser, a newspaper reporter from San Francisco, finds himself tracking the life of Neal Gaines. For Dan, time changes everything.What was the most annoying moment?
Not sure - but is it a bad sign when 45 seconds in the hubby says "Okay. I'm already annoyed." (?)
What was your favorite quote from this episode?
None. While I loved how all of the pieces fit together, no single line/scene/personality really stood out to me.
What was the sweetest moment?
The anniversary 'gift exchange' was touching - Dan and Katie have great chemistry. But the end scene REALLY got me - won't tell you in case you've got it on the DVR.
What was the creepiest moment?
Dan waking up in "Golden Gate Park" with a snail crawling up his arm.
What was the most refreshing moment?
The brothers actually look like brothers - have you ever noticed how casting agents usually screw up family members when they are plain ol' white guys?
This pilot was a bit all over the place - but it ended strong... I'll be watching to see where it goes.
Overall Grade: B-
Last 15 minutes: A!
TOM TV is holdin out for a HERO!
It's back - HIPHIPHEROOOOOO(es) on TOM TV.
It's official, I'm happy. Heroes is back. Yes, it's true. I'm a very simple girl, and the return of Heroes on NBC tonight fills me with joy. Here's some goodies about tonight's Season 2 Premiere Episode from the Top of Mind...
Credits & Logline:
From creator/writer Tim Kring (NBC's "Crossing Jordan") comes "Heroes," an epic drama that chronicles the lives of ordinary people who discover they possess extraordinary abilities. This episode - "Four Months Later."
Overall - what did you think of the season premiere?
Good. Very good. But not spectacular. I kept getting thrown every time they showed Nathan (Adrian Pasdar) with a totally fake overgrown beard.
What was your favorite quote from this episode?
"The only thing I have to do, is find me a drink."
What was the most interesting moment?
Noah (Jack Coleman) breaking his new "Boss's" finger. I also like the new 'international' flair - not overly original, but still it's great to expand the world to Japan, Ireland, the Dominican Republic, etc. At least it provides lots of great accents!
What was the most annoying moment?
The end. :)
What was the most ridiculous moment?
Noah and Claire sitting with the family at the dinner table - even that psycho mom couldn't possibly have bought it.
At the end of this episode, who were your favorite and least favorite characters?
Claire is definitely still a favorite, but newcomer Maya has promise.
Overall Grade: A-
It's official, I'm happy. Heroes is back. Yes, it's true. I'm a very simple girl, and the return of Heroes on NBC tonight fills me with joy. Here's some goodies about tonight's Season 2 Premiere Episode from the Top of Mind...
Credits & Logline:
From creator/writer Tim Kring (NBC's "Crossing Jordan") comes "Heroes," an epic drama that chronicles the lives of ordinary people who discover they possess extraordinary abilities. This episode - "Four Months Later."
Overall - what did you think of the season premiere?
Good. Very good. But not spectacular. I kept getting thrown every time they showed Nathan (Adrian Pasdar) with a totally fake overgrown beard.
What was your favorite quote from this episode?
"The only thing I have to do, is find me a drink."
What was the most interesting moment?
Noah (Jack Coleman) breaking his new "Boss's" finger. I also like the new 'international' flair - not overly original, but still it's great to expand the world to Japan, Ireland, the Dominican Republic, etc. At least it provides lots of great accents!
What was the most annoying moment?
The end. :)
What was the most ridiculous moment?
Noah and Claire sitting with the family at the dinner table - even that psycho mom couldn't possibly have bought it.
At the end of this episode, who were your favorite and least favorite characters?
Claire is definitely still a favorite, but newcomer Maya has promise.
Overall Grade: A-
"Don't Freak Out" It's Chuck from TOM TV
Next up on the Top of my Naked Mind (TOM TV) - IT'S "CHUCK"
Credits & Logline:
From executive producer, Josh Schwartz and executive producer-director McG comes a one-hour, action-comedy series about Chuck Bartowski -- a computer geek who is catapulted into a new career as the government's most vital secret agent.
Overall - did you like the premiere?
Absolutely - I found "Chuck Bartowski" to be incredibly endearing, which was refreshing because to be frank - I had found the marketing to be a little flat and had set the bar really low. I'm almost disappointed I like this so much (really? ANOTHER show on Monday night?)
What was your favorite quote from this episode?
"Don't puke on the C-4" - Major John Casey
What was the most interesting moment?
In the beginning of the episode, there is a great 'ode to Jackie Chan' scene with secret agent Bryce. Some really nice stunt work in this scene, props to the double! Also loved the rip-off from 'Bourne Ultimatum' and every Bond movie I ever loved) as they went speeding down the stairs backwards.
What was the most annoying moment?
Hmmm... I'm ashamed to say I didn't really have one.
What was the most ridiculous moment?
Anything involving "Captain Awesome" (the fact that Chuck diffused a bomb searching for porn I found TOTALLY believable!).
At the end of this episode, who were your favorite and least favorite characters?
Chuck is great, as mentioned before. And I was thrilled to see Adam Baldwin (a.k.a. "Jane" from Firefly), although I really can't handle the geeky hair. Yes, I know that Adam has over 60 films in his long pedigree - I just don't care. He'll always be "Jane" to me - and frankly, I'll watch anything with him in it. My least fav would have to be the sister, Ellie, played by Sarah Lancaster. But that is definitely a very, very pretty girl. Maybe she'll loosen up in later episodes.
Overall Grade: B+
Credits & Logline:
From executive producer, Josh Schwartz and executive producer-director McG comes a one-hour, action-comedy series about Chuck Bartowski -- a computer geek who is catapulted into a new career as the government's most vital secret agent.
Overall - did you like the premiere?
Absolutely - I found "Chuck Bartowski" to be incredibly endearing, which was refreshing because to be frank - I had found the marketing to be a little flat and had set the bar really low. I'm almost disappointed I like this so much (really? ANOTHER show on Monday night?)
What was your favorite quote from this episode?
"Don't puke on the C-4" - Major John Casey
What was the most interesting moment?
In the beginning of the episode, there is a great 'ode to Jackie Chan' scene with secret agent Bryce. Some really nice stunt work in this scene, props to the double! Also loved the rip-off from 'Bourne Ultimatum' and every Bond movie I ever loved) as they went speeding down the stairs backwards.
What was the most annoying moment?
Hmmm... I'm ashamed to say I didn't really have one.
What was the most ridiculous moment?
Anything involving "Captain Awesome" (the fact that Chuck diffused a bomb searching for porn I found TOTALLY believable!).
At the end of this episode, who were your favorite and least favorite characters?Chuck is great, as mentioned before. And I was thrilled to see Adam Baldwin (a.k.a. "Jane" from Firefly), although I really can't handle the geeky hair. Yes, I know that Adam has over 60 films in his long pedigree - I just don't care. He'll always be "Jane" to me - and frankly, I'll watch anything with him in it. My least fav would have to be the sister, Ellie, played by Sarah Lancaster. But that is definitely a very, very pretty girl. Maybe she'll loosen up in later episodes.
Overall Grade: B+
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Simply Survivor on TOM TV
Thank God for DVR - catching up on the premiere of Survivor this weekend as travel and moving offices last week made me miss a very enjoyable tube night on Thursday. HooRah for China - I'm lovin' having Jeff back...Did you like this episode? / Was it worth the wait?
Yes, but. I always find the first episode of the season a little blah, it's hard to care about all the obnoxious people until you know 'em better (and sometimes even then you're just watching to root for them to fail).
What was your favorite quote from this episode?
Every line from Jeff - it's like having an old friend back. :)
What was the most interesting moment?
I loved the Buddist "Welcome" scene in the opening minutes - the temple was incredibly beautiful, and you really got the feeling that you were getting a very special peek at something from another world.
What was the most annoying moment?
Courtney's incredible rudeness during the ceremony... and each of the dozens of times we were forced to stare at Ashley's behemothic boobs (ewww). BTW - I didn't find Leslie's exit from the ceremony rude or annoying, she had her reasons and wasn't opting out due to simple bitchiness.
What was the most ridiculous moment?
That Chicken thought that he was "in" - he was obviously driving every one crazy as he couldn't commit to anything, but like all those "First-Kicked" before him... he just didn't get it.
At the end of this episode, who were your favorite and least favorite characters?
Grave Digger James was my clear favorite, the strong silent type... and he was amazing on the challenge. Least favorites was a much tougher race, as the great majority of the cast was ridiculously annoying. There's Courtney - the pretentious and bitchy New York/Bostonian waitress, Ashley - the professional wrestler who's overly concerned with her 'fans' (WTF?), and Chicken - also known as Steve, a Chicken Farmer who we thankfully won't need to worry about any more cuz they gave him the boot. To say I don't care about these people would be overly kind.
Overall Grade: B-
Meteor Hits Napa! Web Analytics Set Back a Decade! Wine Saved!
Monday, September 17, 2007
TOM TV: "Same 'ol Pretty" on Prison Break
As we start off the new season with a bang, I'll take a look at each premiere or pilot with six key questions - we call it "Top of Mind TV" or "TOM TV" for short. And to get us started... PRISON BREAK! Wanna join in, just send your answers to the same questions...
Did you like this episode? / Was it worth the wait?
Absolutely - been waiting all summmer for the return of Michael & Link.
What was your favorite quote from this episode?
T-bag comes through again - "Same 'ol pretty, just not good at makin friends"
What was the most sickening moment?
Plenty of these - but mostly Bellick in his underwear. EWWWWW.
What was the most thrilling moment?
Mahone's vicious end to the yard fight - DANG.
What was the sweetest moment?
Michael holding the crane and dreaming of sweet Sarah.
At the end of this episode, who were your favorite and least favorite characters?
Mahone earned favs for this episode based on the scene above, but T-bag was my
least favorite... or maybe the one you love to hate. He needs to come to a wicked,
wicked end.
Overall Grade: A-
Did you like this episode? / Was it worth the wait?
Absolutely - been waiting all summmer for the return of Michael & Link.
What was your favorite quote from this episode?
T-bag comes through again - "Same 'ol pretty, just not good at makin friends"
What was the most sickening moment?
Plenty of these - but mostly Bellick in his underwear. EWWWWW.
What was the most thrilling moment?
Mahone's vicious end to the yard fight - DANG.
What was the sweetest moment?
Michael holding the crane and dreaming of sweet Sarah.
At the end of this episode, who were your favorite and least favorite characters?
Mahone earned favs for this episode based on the scene above, but T-bag was my
least favorite... or maybe the one you love to hate. He needs to come to a wicked,
wicked end.
Overall Grade: A-
Primetime is Breakin Out!!
Okay, as far as I'm concerned the Fall Primetime season is officially ON! Hooray for Prison Break - the countdown is running on their website, and the Season Premiere is on at 8. Afterwards, we'll check out the new series K'Ville - no real hopes up here, but who knows.
More to come later with a new series the hottie calls "Top of Mind TV".
More to come later with a new series the hottie calls "Top of Mind TV".
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Dollarprops for "Quarterlife"
Bucking the trend, producers Marshall Herskovitz and Edward Zwick are launching a new hourlong drama with tv production values on MySpace and the web - "Quarterlife". Starting in November, a 10-minute segment from each episode will be posted on Sundays and Thursdays, and a day later on their site, quarterlife.com, and a week later through other online distribution channels.
Can't wait to see this ambitious new undertaking from Marshall, who many of you know as the President of the Producer's Guild - read more about it on The New York Times site.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Best Website Ever
Ok - haven't written in quite a while, mostly because I'm a total slacker and have been busy making 'sticks'... but I just found a new fav... noonebelongsheremorethanyou.com.
Granted, I may have exaggerated a bit with the headline - and surely won't go to this all the time like 'Indexed' or 'Cute Overload' - but truly, this is creative thinking at it's best. I'd like to tell you all about it - but don't wanna give away the gimmick. Sorry. Really. Can't even show you a picture.
Check it out and let me know what you think!
Granted, I may have exaggerated a bit with the headline - and surely won't go to this all the time like 'Indexed' or 'Cute Overload' - but truly, this is creative thinking at it's best. I'd like to tell you all about it - but don't wanna give away the gimmick. Sorry. Really. Can't even show you a picture.
Check it out and let me know what you think!
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Old Insight: Everybody loves the pretty people
Yes, you already knew this - but researchers have found that attractive people are more successful than unattractive people. In fact, The Independent reports that Beautiful People earn 12% more than Ugly Bettys. It sad, but true - the halo effect is real. Read the article here.
Naked Indexing
It's official, I have a new hands-down favorite blog: INDEXED. If you are one of the few people in the blogsphere (like me) that hadn't heard of this yet, Indexed is a blog made up solely of visual observations created by Jessica Hagy on individual virtual index cards.I don't know who Jessica Hagy is - but I love her. Jessica is good. Jessica's observations make me laugh. Jessica makes me happy. You should send her money and bags of yummy cookies.
Simple is hard... it takes insight. I might even say it takes naked insight. Hat's (and everything else) off to you, Hagy.
-----
And for a clever animated take of Jessica's concepts, check out this little movie: "Le Grand Content", created by Clemens Kogler based on content from Indexed.
Brandbench: Small can be BIG
Today I'm taking a look at best practices in positioning - the act of putting something in a certain place within the mind of your audience by providing context. Sometimes differentiating your product or story from the competition is as simple as presenting it from a new perspective.Take the work of photographer Tamra Hayes, shown here with one of her recent pieces "White Spider". Now I was sitting just a few feet away from Tamra for most of the day she took this shot, and yet I never even noticed this cute little guy. He's beautiful - but it's all a matter of perspective, and I needed Tamra's practiced eye to bring him into my field of vision.
O
r for a different take, french storytellers Helene Giraud and Thomas Szabo from Minuscule delight in the wonders of small. "Minuscule" recently won the prestigious international Pulcinella award for "TV Series for All Ages" for innovatively creating a world from real life footage and 3D characters, using humour and sound effects for adventurous stories. "Minuscule" shows insects in their day-to-day existence as if we were right there with them. The characters and setttings are very, very small - but the story and heart is BIG.
r for a different take, french storytellers Helene Giraud and Thomas Szabo from Minuscule delight in the wonders of small. "Minuscule" recently won the prestigious international Pulcinella award for "TV Series for All Ages" for innovatively creating a world from real life footage and 3D characters, using humour and sound effects for adventurous stories. "Minuscule" shows insects in their day-to-day existence as if we were right there with them. The characters and setttings are very, very small - but the story and heart is BIG. So we've covered the impact for artists and storytellers - how about from a community perspective?
It's likely that you've heard of CuteOverload.com, this community of cuteness reaches 65,000 broadband visitors a day with an estimated 90% of their audience comprised of women around the age of 25. That's a lot of floppy ear sightings.
CO founder Meg Frost loosely governs her chosen blog posts by a series of posted 'rules'. Rule #14 states that "If an everyday, small item makes you look small - it's cute." Further describing this phenomenon, Meg explains "Would you just look at the size of that green Post-It® note next to this kittens' "litter box"? Now, look at the Post-Its® on your desk—now look at the kitten. Repeat!"The power of small is clear - it's BIG.
Take a moment to look at your story, marketing campaign, product positioning, etc. and ask yourself - "Could small be my new big?"
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Hot workers that have it worse than you
Having just returned from the seventh circle of hell (that's Houston for you fortunate souls who have never lived there), I was intrigued by a recent article from Portfolio.com, "Where the hot jobs are." Driving around that foresaken city was everything I remembered it to be - hot, steamy, sticky and miserable. But I was just commuting to a cushy super-cooled research room to observe comfortably from behind the glass. What about the folks that have to work outside in the summer? How bad must it be for them - and how in the world does the EMT, roofer, landscaper or road paver with the risks?
Check out the article - and then take a moment to raise your cool tasty beverage in salute to the crazy souls that brave the heat.
(I think my yard guys deserve a bigger tip)
Photo Credit: ALERT Workers in Little Rock, AK - Alert Academy
Thinking outside the box could land you "in the circle"
But not likely. I think that Phil Hansen has a lock on the space. If you haven't heard of "Phil in the circle" - you've got to check out the fantastic work from this delightfully unique and talented artist in Minneapolis.
Phil has started blogging and tracking his process via webcam, and I must admit that even though the finished pieces are wonderful - the process is what's really fascinating. For one piece, he created a mural of Bruce Lee using only hand-dipped 'karate chops' - be sure to watch the video. Another is comprised of over 12,000 victim portraits brought together to show the face of the Green River Killer... the piece gave me chills.
To me, the value of art is defined by the emotional response it illicits. How does Phil's circle affect you?
Phil has started blogging and tracking his process via webcam, and I must admit that even though the finished pieces are wonderful - the process is what's really fascinating. For one piece, he created a mural of Bruce Lee using only hand-dipped 'karate chops' - be sure to watch the video. Another is comprised of over 12,000 victim portraits brought together to show the face of the Green River Killer... the piece gave me chills.
To me, the value of art is defined by the emotional response it illicits. How does Phil's circle affect you?
Thursday, August 02, 2007
"Best" Part Deux: Get in the heads of the people in your story
Continuing our discussions on the 'best in the world', I'd like to take a look at Denise Cramsey, Executive Producer of ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. As a recent panelist in NATPE's "State of the Industry" address at LATVFest in Hollywood, CA - Denise discussed her thoughts on uncovering stories that audiences love with Reality TV.
Denise - an incredibly classy and perceptive woman living in the tumultuous sea of Hollywood arrogance - is a firm believer that the single most important part of her job is to "get into the heads of the people in the story". Denise shared a clip from a recent episode on the Rogers family that had eyes welling up for even the most seasoned of network programming executives. In this episode, the emotional 'clincher' centered around a small hand-painted house sign that had been placed over the entryway of the Rogers' new family home.
Denise discovered the sign after observing the family matriarch while the movers were sorting family items - the mom saw one of the movers rifling through the junk in an old bureau and had asked if he could be sure to not throw the sign away. Something about her casual question made Denise pause, and she made sure to secretly grab the sign and give it to the designers for prominent placement as part of the new home's entry.
When the new home was revealed the mom was glued to her spot, overcome with emotion - not by the gorgeous new home, but by the sight of "The Rogers" sign over the door. Turns out the sign had been a gift from her father at her wedding to her late husband - and she had been so embarassed of their dilapidated home that she had left it buried in a drawer for years.
Denise's committment to truly knowing the people in her stories is one of the key characteristics that has made her one of the 'best in the world' - as evidenced by the success of Home Makeover and that other little show of hers that launched a network - Trading Spaces.
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Denise - an incredibly classy and perceptive woman living in the tumultuous sea of Hollywood arrogance - is a firm believer that the single most important part of her job is to "get into the heads of the people in the story". Denise shared a clip from a recent episode on the Rogers family that had eyes welling up for even the most seasoned of network programming executives. In this episode, the emotional 'clincher' centered around a small hand-painted house sign that had been placed over the entryway of the Rogers' new family home.
Denise discovered the sign after observing the family matriarch while the movers were sorting family items - the mom saw one of the movers rifling through the junk in an old bureau and had asked if he could be sure to not throw the sign away. Something about her casual question made Denise pause, and she made sure to secretly grab the sign and give it to the designers for prominent placement as part of the new home's entry.
When the new home was revealed the mom was glued to her spot, overcome with emotion - not by the gorgeous new home, but by the sight of "The Rogers" sign over the door. Turns out the sign had been a gift from her father at her wedding to her late husband - and she had been so embarassed of their dilapidated home that she had left it buried in a drawer for years.
Denise's committment to truly knowing the people in her stories is one of the key characteristics that has made her one of the 'best in the world' - as evidenced by the success of Home Makeover and that other little show of hers that launched a network - Trading Spaces.
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