The Streamys 2010: What can we expect tonight?

Felicia Day accepts (one of) her Streamy Award in 2009

They say you always remember your first time...

...and I certainly remember the First Streamys. It was a dark and stormy nig....er, no, that's not quite right. It was a highly exciting night. No one was sure of what to expect. Who would be there? Who would win? Who would scream the loudest if the live stream didn't work?

Sandeep Parikh and Felicia Day kick off the action in 2009

Breathlessly waiting

Like many people gathered on Twitter and WatchTheGuild chat room, I anxiously waited for the live feed to finally start. After a couple of small hiccups we were thrust right into the heart of the Streamys. Felicia Day and Sandeep Parikh set the ball in motion and the awards came thick and fast. For a great summary read this article from Tubefilter. It was an uplifting evening.

Jane Espenson (we are not worthy) tells us that BSG is like chopped liver in her 2009 Streamys acceptance speech

So many winners, a few surprises and lots of hard work rewarded. It's a bit of a blur but I managed to remember enough about it to cobble together a blog post. So what will we see this year?

Joss Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen accept the Dr Horrible Streamy in 2009

Vanity Fair gives us a taste
Surprisingly (to me, anyway), the only place I've seen any real hint of what's going to happen on the night has been in this article. No real spoilers except that Keanu Reeves will be there....and no word if NPH will sneak along just for the heck of it (we can hope).

Neil Patrick Harris thrills at the Streamys 2009 with tales of Nathan Fillion's junk

Submit to a night of web history
There will be winners and losers but we can all share in the experience of seeing the future of web entertainment blossoming before our very eyes. The red carpet pre-show starts at 3:30 PST and the ceremony itself starts at 5:30 PST. Make sure you are locked onto http://www.streamys.org/ to be a part of history and I'll see you there (and on Twitter)! I'll be adding pictures from the ceremony on my Flickr account as quickly as they will upload.

The Guild looked fabulous last year but....

Who hopes that The Guild will show up in their Avatar costumes?!?

The Streamy Awards 2009 - oh what a night!

I have seen the future

But at first I could only hear it. The Streamys Red Carpet started at 6:00 PM (Pacific) and I duly tuned in to the Streamys' website but there was no feed. A quick check on Twitter confirmed that I wasn't the only one in the dark. After some delays, though, the live streaming started in time for the Awards. And what a ceremony it was!

The Felicia and Joss show

No long after it had started I realised that I take screen grabs, which sent me into a frenzy. The picture - live streaming on my 15" Macbook screen - was brilliant. So I was there, trying to follow Twitter, The Guild chat, the Streamys, making comments and taking screen grabs. Next year I will deploy more screens! 

And the first hosts are - Sandeep and Felicia!

It opened with two very familiar faces. Felicia Day and Sandeep Parikh were the first presenters and set the tone for the whole night - funny, snappy, professional and awesome. Sandeep hammed it up magnificently and it was great to see the obvious chemistry between these two friends.

It gets a bit blurry

As I said, I was approaching systems overload with the monitoring so many things at once while coping with the emotions of seeing people I have been following not just receiving the recognition they deserve, but showing why it is deserved. If you were following my Twitter stream last night I apologise for the disjointed nature of the posts!

Some highlights

• Neil Patrick Harris' speech where he dissed Nathan Fillion and asserts that he "...pads his junk..." 
  
• Felicia's speech where she thanked everyone who had ever rejected her and forced her to do it for herself. And the way she thanked her boyfriend. And Kim Evey (who was sadly absent). And all the fans....it was a great speech
  
• Joss' speech where he thanked Felicia for being his mentor
  
• Jeff Lewis' speech where he thanked the fans. Over and over again. In hilarious fashion. Also, he was nervous (Jeff we love you!) and Vince looking fab (I just wish Robin Thorsen and Amy Okuda had taken the stage too)
  
• Cameos from Felicia and Kim Evey (as Kiko) in the 'How to make a web video' short - hilarious!
• Maurissa Tancharoen receiving the Dr Horrible award 
• Jane Espenson's speeches and how much effort they put into making sure the BSG webisodes were complete pieces of art and not just tacked on for the sake of it (she put it so much better!)
  
• Lisa Kudrow - I'm not sure what was going on but it amused me!
  
• Felicia almost not getting onto the stage for the Best Comedy award because she was behind scenes having a drink
  

There were many other great moments. For better and more complete coverage please see these:

Official Streamys lists from http://12seconds.tv/streamys

Post from LG15 - great rundown of the event awards and some fun pictures

Post from Storygas - interesting mix of tweets!

Live tweeting from the event - @KnightsofGood (Jenni Powell) and @Tabz

More pictures on Flickr

I've put up the screen grabs up on my Flickr account - there's 46 of them. There are probably more, so I'll check later and upload them. And tag the ones that are there.

Summary

The future is here. And it's web television! The Streamy Award ceremony was awesome. I need at least a day to recover, and I wasn't even there!

Less than 6 hours until Dr Horrible Part 2

Are you ready?
The Dr Horrible team worked their little socks off yesterday trying to get the teething problems sorted out. These guys and gals have been working flat out and the good news is that everyone should be able to view Part 1 by now. Which is good because in only a few hours Part 2 is released! This is the latest Twitter from Dr Horrible:

Get ready for Act 2! Midnight EST www.drhorrible.com

So there you have it! Be part of the revolution and stay up/get up early (depending on where you live, of course!) and be one of the first to see it. You know you want to...

What a Buzz...
And for all the latest news and reviews head over to the Official Fan Site,DoctorHorrible.net. The webmaster there has also been working very hard to keep everything on track and there were many, many updates yesterday!

I've seen Doctor Horrible Part 1! It ROCKS!

Worth the Wait....and then some!
Ok, so there were a few technical hitches in that Hulu is only available in the US, but the Dr Horrible team worked quickly to get around that. So now everyone can see Dr Horrible Part 1 NOW!

It is so good...I'm going to watch it again in a minute but I wanted to share this. The Dr Horrible team gave this link: http://www.kuanhoong.com/2007/12/18/how-to-watch-hulu-shows-outside-of-usa/ to enable people outside the US access to Hulu. You have to dopwnload a small application that gives you a US IP address but then you can watch. So this is what you do:

1. Go to http://www.kuanhoong.com/2007/12/18/how-to-watch-hulu-shows-outside-of-usa/
2. Download the AnchorFree application, read the instructions and install it
3. Click on the Anchor and ensure it goes to green
4. Go to http://www.drhorrible.com/act_I.html to watch and be stunned.

Neil Patrick Harris is magnificent, Felicia Day is wonderful and Nathan Fillion is fantastic (and looks really ripped!). The music is awesome and the whole ensemble is...well, I've run out of hyperbole but it is really, really, really great. So there. Now go watch!

Things that passed me by...

Isn't it weird how the world doesn't stop, even when you do?
I've missed a lot, that's for sure. Some of it has gone forever but that's ok, I'm in the mindset to go with the flow. There's a few things, though, that I'd like to bring to your attention. Chances are you know about them already (you being so discerning and all), but it doesn't hurt to post about them.

Felicia Day Watch Updates
So many things going on for our favourite actress/writer/producer at the moment! Here's some recent highlights:

The Guild Season 1: Pre-orders are now being taken! You can order Season 1 via WatchTheGuild.com and if you do pre-order before August 1st there's free shipping (sweet!). Look out for the brilliant, exclusive extras available that include never-before-seen gag reels, interviews, commentaries and subtitles. I ordered mine and then realised I was sending it to the wrong address - Doh! I can't get used to this technology stuff, it was totally my fault for not updating PayPal with the right details. But thanks to Felicia it's actually going to be sent out to the right address - she really cares!

EPIC FU of the week - it's Felicia. Now I know everyone is busy busy busy but if you are in any way interested in why I seem to be slightly (!) obsessed with Ms Day, this is a good place to start. The interview goes to the heart of what makes her special and why The Guild and Doctor Horrible are so important. If you have any interest in the Internet/TV/movies, watch this interview. Yes, I guess that does mean all of you. And because of that interview she also makes the front page of Revision3.com, which is pretty cool.

Which brings us to the next part - Doctor Horrible!

Doctor Horrible Official website is up!
The next exciting news is that there is now a great trailer to watch AND a schedule of release dates for the 3 episodes. There was an in-depth article on TVGuide.com:

"Dr. Horrible, written during the writers' strike and filmed in six days this spring "on favors and waivers" by a crew of longtime Whedon loyalists, will be streamed for free in what Whedon cheerfully calls an "Internet miniseries event" on the show's official website (www.drhorrible.com) in three chapters. Part 1 will be available Tuesday, July 15, with the following segments (each roughly 14 minutes) available July 17 and 19. All three parts will stay up only through July 20, but deals are currently underway to make it available for downloading shortly thereafter."

Looking at the calendar that's - eek! - less than a week away. Joss Whedon, Felicia Day, Nathan Fillion, Neil Patrick Harris, cast of tens - this is one Internet Event you really don't want to miss.

Can't Stop The Serenity - Jewel Staite answered my question!
We had such a great time at the Vancouver Serenity Screening, I can't thank Serena, Gayle and all the other organisers enough. I'm just sorry that I couldn't Blog about it before now due to recent events. I'm going to do a full post about it next week but for now just this little teaser - I have the answer to a question very close to Firefly/Serenity fans' hearts (but no, it doesn't have anything to do with a new film/series - sorry!).

And Finally (but not least)
Thank you again for all your well-wishes, stories, comments and prayers. It makes things easier to deal with when you know you are not alone and it has proved to me again that 'virtual' friends are friends in a very real sense. I'm glad that I decided to share the news. I hope that other people will see that they are not alone, and that things will get better.

Free Comics, Neil Patrick Harris and Indiana: The Adaptation

Comic, genius.
I had meant to blog earlier about an event that is happening this weekend after I'd received an email from my local Firefly Meetup. On Saturday 3rd May it is Free Comic Book Day. What now? Well, it's exactly what it says. Go down to your local participating comic book store and get free comics. And the catch is? Nothing! The official FCBD site states:

"Free Comic Book Day is a single day when participating comic book shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely free* to anyone who comes into their stores. (* Each retailer will decide the guidelines for receiving comics.)"

In Vancouver Elfsar are hosting a FCBD, and they are adding another twist. If you bring a donation for the Vancouver Food Bank you get 5 extra comics free! There is lots going on at Elfsar on Saturday including Special Guest Artist: Steve Sadowski between 1PM - 4PM to Zeroes 2 Heroes (The Peoples Publisher )"..(they) will be on display telling you who they are and what they do. Got a story idea? Are you a writer? Are you an Artist? Be sure to check out their new exciting way that makes it possible for YOU to be recognized and published!" So check out Elfsar's site for all the reasons why Vancouver is the place to be on Saturday.

Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation
Over the years I've watched the Indiana films a fair few times, and I'm never disappointed by them - they always deliver. They are a phenomenal success and inspired a loyal set of followers. Some were more inspired than others, however, which is where Raiders: The Adaptation, comes in! The official site explains... "After seeing Raiders of the Lost Ark in 1981, three 12 year old friends, Chris Strompolos, Eric Zala and Jayson Lamb, began filming their own shot-by-shot adaptation in the backyards of their Mississippi homes. Seven years later their film was in the can." It is quite breathtaking to realise the amount of work that has gone into this! And, once again, Vancouver is the place to be to see it. On Friday 2nd May at Festival Cinemas , Park Theatre (3440 Cambie Street), they are showing the film at 7.00. It is a fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society that features a filmmaker Q&A after the screening.

More on Doctor Horrible
There is a new video on PopWatch.EW.com which features Neil Patrick Harris talking about Doctor Horrible. It's less than 5 mins long and is worth a watch if only to see how radiant NPH is looking. Still no news on the release date, but there must be news soon....!

Doctor Horrible, Neil Patrick Harris plus Felicia talks

Neil Patrick Harris talks Doctor Horrible
Doctorhorrible.net highlights a great interview that Neil Patrick Harris did with the LA Times. In the interview NPH talks butlers, murder mystery weekends, Jim Henson and how he came to be in Doctor Horrible. Apparently Joss rang him up and he jumped at the chance. And there are nine songs, which is a really exciting news. Nine! Guess it's time to get iTunes to work properly again!


Felicia Day on How I WoW
After completely updating her blog and then blogging some really useful Wordpress links and info you'd might think that Felicia might have rested on her laurels. No chance! She has put a ink from her blog to a wonderfully full and funny interview with Shawn and Patrick from How I WoW (World of Worldcraft). If you want to know the background to 'The Guild' Dance Dance Revolution thankyou video then tune in. Shawn and Patrick are very good interviewers and Felicia comes across as very 'real', good fun. She is geeky in the best way, of course, and doesn't apologise for enjoying the things she likes. And one of the reasons she wrote 'The Guild' is that she wanted to show a character who is a girl geek that has friends, is social, embraces personal hygiene (I'm paraphrasing) and doesn't snort when she laughs. This is something that you just don't see in 'Hollywood'. We salute you, Felicia!


Although they talk about WoW, you don't have to have played it to enjoy this interview. With subjects such as LA, Hollywood, Wil Wheaton, Felicia's family, Guitar Hero and The Guild it's a fun insight into this rising star. We find out that the next episode of 'The Guild' is to be uploaded on Wednesday evening - which is certainly something to look forward to! And then, near the end, we get some more information about Doctor Horrible.

Felicia has seen the rough cut of Doctor Horrible!
It's a cut without special effects but she said it was 'breathtaking'. Apparently during the WGA strike Joss had wanted to do an Internet something and he seen 'The Guild'. So when he rang Felicia up and asked if she could sing she jumped at the chance. She also said that it will be released before Comic-Con (timescale: Late May - July) but that there was no fixed date at the moment. And the whole cast of 'The Guild' are going to Comic-Con, so that will be the place to go to meet them in.

More news from the set of Dr Horrible's Sing-along blog

Richard Partlow in role of Mayor Hankins
A new post on Felicia's blog has appeared this morning, apparently from Richard Partlow. Apparently everything is going really well, Neil Patrick Harris' voice is fantastic and the music is as great as we would expect. I haven't been able to confirm this from anywhere else yet and hopefully:

1. It isn't a spoiler as the post was on a public blog
2. It isn't a fake because you can imagine that Richard Partlow would be pretty fine in whatever role Joss decided for him

I'll keep you posted.....

Dr Horrible's (pre) Sing-along Blog

Happy St Patrick's day
And what a day it's been. After Joss posted on Whedonesque yesterday confirming that he was, indeed, in the process of filming three 10-minute musical shorts for the Internet called Dr Horrible's Sing-Along Blog the message boards and blogs have been absolutely buzzing. Excitement such as we have not seen in a long time. This morning I searched Google using the full title and got 30, 000 results, now we are up to 70,800 and I expect this to rise and rise.

Felicia's Day
...started early when she posted on her fantastic site The Flog confirming that she was in the process of shooting at the moment and it was a brilliant experience (despite the cold toes). And check out The Guild, a very funny (and perhaps cautionary) series starring Felicia that is currently up for Yahoo and YouTube Awards. Go vote - do a good thing.

Nathan Fillion's
...not, so far, posted anything regarding Dr Horrible's etc etc but I'm sure he won't want to be left out for too long so as soon as I find anything I'll let you know. I hope he gets the space to Blog in his tight schedule. He does sing, though, which will be a moving experience, I'm sure.

Neil (St) Patrick Harris
...apparently let the cat out of the bag in the first place and his fans have gone into speculation overdrive. But it's all such good stuff that I'm sure there was no problem about the story breaking.

It's a wrap
After such a busy day just a quick blog. After reading/posting/reading again all over the place I'm plum tuckered out. Time for a Guinness while we contemplate the rising anticipation and savour the expectation that the next few weeks will bring. Happy times.

Joss' Journal Jan 08 sometime
Ever started something that you wish you hadn't? Me too, but this ain't one of them! After such a great family holiday season it's back to the family work. Sometime it does rule to be me, but I am still my humble self. As I said to Minion #3 just yesterday, you gotta remember the little guy. Or was it Minion #2? Anyways, life is good and I got some positive vibes going. Now, if only I could find my phone or my notes or my latest demo I'd be sorted. Bet Z has nicked my cell again...

Latest news on Joss and Nathan

Happy birthday dear Alan....
It's Alan Tudyk's birthday today so lots of birthday best on it's way to him. Maybe Joss will reward his unending plugging of a Serenity sequel with some special news. Or maybe just cake. Yes, probably just cake.

Does Joss ever sleep?
That's something not addressed in his journals so far, but I reckon that if he does sleep it can only be for five mins per night, and even then his brain is hooked up to a thought-processor so that he can still churn out killer dialogue and fantastic plots unabated. His minions must have been on overtime for the last few months because quite apart from the X-men, Buffy, Angel and Firefly comics Joss has been working on a musical! No wonder he said in his Journal (see previous editions) that he had been spending time on his guitar...! Add that to the Dollhouse work he has now started up again after the strike and that's one busy bunny.

Dr Whatsit's thingummy who-now?
The musical has the catchy title of 'Doctor Horrible's Sing-Along Blog' and stars Neil Patrick Harris as Doctor Horrible. I'm a big fan of Mr Harris (loved Starship Troopers) and he has some experience of playing doctors (he'll always be Dougie Howser to me...). It also stars NATHAN FILLION (sorry, the caps lock must got have stuck on there) as a superhero Captain Hammer. It is going to be Internet-based, it's a Joss-family collaboration project, is filming now and will be out soon. How great is that?! Plus, Cap'n Tightpants is going to be back in action - let's hope that he has to sport a suitably snug-fitting-spandex-type superhero costume. Ah, yeah!

Paley BTVS Reunion to be streamed online
And just to prove Whedonesque is a truly a great source of everything Joss-related to cap a wonderful news day the upcoming Buffy Reunion is going to be streamed live. I've sent my questions to the panel so don't miss your opportunity to ask the Buffy crew a question. The lineup is amazing and to anyone who has a ticket - you are lucky indeed.

Joss' Journal - Jan 02nd 2008
"Dear Diary, Today I was pompous and my sister was crazy. Today we were kidnapped by hillfolk, never to be seen again. It was the best day ever!"

Can't say fairer than that. Substitute 'minion' for 'sister', 'pompous' for 'creative', 'adoring fans' for 'hillfolk' and that's about it. Gonna sleep now.