Did you apply to ELE yet? Evil WoH has...

Some people have been wondering how they are going to shoot their ELE video. 

My evil twin, however, has had no such problems. Using the tools she had available (a company webcam) she has crafted a masterpiece in understated evilness:

ELE Application by Evil WorldofHiglet

The whole process was very easy so if you are going to submit an application here's a few tips:

• Make sure you follow all the rules on the ELE website
• If you have a plan, script or song but you can't film it because you haven't got the right equipment/actors/instruments/location/etc think about it again. I don't know for sure but I can make a guess that the Whedons and Ms Tanchareon and their associates are looking for original ideas above the latest technology/steady camera work/fancy locations/etc. While it won't hurt to have special effects or expensive costumes don't be put off if you can't get them.
• It's supposed to be enjoyable for you as well as your audience. If you are stressing about it then take a break and come back to it again.
• Songs are good but not essential
• A webcam will do - use what you have available. Most of all, if you have an idea then try and capture it with whatever you have. Don't fret if it isn't quite what you envisioned in the end. It could be better than you hoped for.
• If you're not sure about video editing think about writing something that can be done in one take. This might make for more initial work (how many takes will it take for you to say 'Evil League of Evil' right!) but it saves time later.

There is lots of information on the Internet about how to shoot videos and how to upload them, so what are you waiting for? Surely you can do better than my Evil Twin!

P.S. Kim Evey (Gorgeous Tiny Chicken Machine Show, The Guild etc) has recently joined the new Ning community on The Guild website. I messaged her because I love her work and she sent some messages back, which are very funny. And the more eagled-eyed amongst you may spot a certain Higlet in the Application video, especially for Kim....

ELoE Application Competition - enhanced picture and extended deadline.

I guess I have a lot to learn....
Life is a learning process and the thing I've learned this week is that if you want people to enter a competition don't make the task too difficult! With this in mind I'm publishing another picture today, plus some clues. And extending the deadline.

What if you've already entered?
Well if you have already entered, thank you for doing that! And of course, you may enter again. I'm going to email you all with the new pic so no-one is disadvantaged in any way. This picture is so clear, I really hope you will be able to see them all!



Now here are the clues:

• There is 1 book and it's been reviewed here on this blog
• The rest are DVDs
  
• They are all connected to things I've mentioned on this blog
• The last one might be tricky, but it shouldn't be impossible, especially for a Browncoat (yes, that's a HUGE clue!).
  

Ok, so what's the new rules?

• Identify as many of the above as possible
• If you can't get them all enter the competition anyway and if no-one gets them all you'll go into the hat with everyone else
  
• Send them to me worldofhiglet at gmail dot com
• New closing date is OCTOBER 10th
  
• You can enter again if you later identify another item
  

What do you win?

• I will email an Application Form to you (as featured in Act I) for you to fill in. If you also want to post a video entry on YouTube, Seesmic or elsewhere then please send me the link and I will use it as part of the assessment.
  
• EvilWorldofHiglet will then assess your application in a special episode of 'The Evil League of Evil Applications Office' to be publicly available on YouTube.
• The winner will also be announced here on the blog.

So, there we go. Lessons learned.

One last thing...
Rumour has it that there is going to be another video released on YouTube tonight by Evil WorldofHiglet. I wonder what that could be about....?

1 Tim Street: Why Do Some People Get Millions of Video Views?

1 Tim Street: Why Do Some People Get Millions of Video Views?

Here's a great post about web videos by 1 Tim Street that includes a great interview with Kim Evey and Greg Benson - the first couple of online video that have this impressive list between them:

Retarded Policeman 
Gorgeous Tiny Chicken Machine Show 
Two Hot Girls in the Shower 
The Guild 
Greg Hits Hollywood 
Phone Call to God 

Evil League of Evil - Applications now open!

Hear that sound - something's on the rise! 

And it could very well be the sound hundreds of new Vimeo and YouTube accounts being created. The Evil League of Evil have finally announced that applications are open!

And check out the first view of the new ELoE Badge:

It looks like Evil WorldofHiglet's workload is about to go into overdrive at the Applications Processing Office. So if you want Evil WorldofHiglet to assess your application you had better get you entries in for the competition quickly! And if you are still having difficulty making out what the titles are then submit your best guess. The most amusing guesses (if I don't get any that are all correct) will win. Sheesh - sometimes you can't give things away! :)

Act VI now up! Plus update on the Competition

Act VI is now on the Intertubes...

Which is a good thing. After battling a sore throat that made my voice huskier than usual I finally got a decent take last night, so you can go to You Tube and view (and rate and comment!) now:

Act VI: Evil League of Evil -Applications Processing Office

This is the final episode in Season 1, but there are plans for more goodies to follow:

• A bloopers reel
• A musical episode (being developed as I write)
• Me reading the phone directory - Edgar Garcia request episode special :)
• The competition winner episode
• A special bonus episode with a possible star guest....

Is that enough fun yet?

Competition update

After several people (yes, more than 1!) have said they can't make out more than 2 of the DVDs I've taken a picture from the set (haha - 'set') to make it a bit easier. Plus, I have reviewed the book on this blog and it isn't one of The Softwire books by PJ Haarsma (because they are in use). If you still can't get them all I'll add some more clues, but basically they are all from my collection.

Here's the picture:

Here's a reminder of the rules:

If you win EvilWorldofHiglet will assess YOUR application to the Evil League of Evil in a special episode!

What you have to do:

• Watch Act V and tell me the names of the book and DVDs in the background, on top of the printer. 
• Send your entries to worldofhiglet at gmail dot com* before Friday 26th September 2008. If you want you can include a little about why you like Dr Horrible so much and even the name of your Evil Character and I will mention you on the blog. It couldn't be more simple! 

In the event of a tie (or more than 1 entry!) I will use a random number generator to determine the winner.

If you win:

• I will email an Application Form to you (as featured in Act I) for you to fill in. If you also want to post a video entry on YouTube, Seesmic or elsewhere then please send me the link and I will use it as part of the assessment.
  
• EvilWorldofHiglet will then assess your application in a special episode of 'The Evil League of Evil Applications Office' to be publicly available on YouTube.
• The winner will also be announced here on the blog.

I hope you apply and good luck! I can't wait to see what happens...

Breaking news - new website for The Guild!

Wow - I was not expecting this!
The new Guild website is now live and is AWESOME! Totally. Felicia had Tweeted that a new site was coming but this....Well, just go and see, register, friend me and then let yourself go. There's forums, chat, music - everything you might want. I'm positively giddy, and at this time of night (morning!) that's saying something. And, oddly enough, it made me feel really proud. For no reason. I had no input into any of it and yet...Ok, I'll stop now. Go visit.

Dr Who talks like a Pirate?

No, not really, but lots of people are today! 

It's Talk Like A Pirate Day and I did toy with the idea of doing the whole post in 'pirate' but I feared my keyboard would rebell...Pirate-mania has been infecting the high-interwebs with FriendFeed adopting a new logo for the day:

And Ping also taking the talk:

Surprisingly, Google is not entering into the spirit, but are you celebrating today?

Doctor Who Season 4 - on CBC tonight!

He might not be talking like a pirate (or he might - it's not impossible!) but David Tennant does return as Dr Who on CBC tonight at 9.00 PM. I've managed to keep away from all the vast information about this season (it has already aired in the UK) so I can watch it unspoiled. I've booked a place on the sofa, with various kids spaced around, next to and behind, in the traditional Dr Who viewing positions. Very exciting...

Evil League of Evil Applications Office 

The final, Act VI, will be finished and on YouTube this weekend, so I hope you all enjoy that. There's been a mixed response to the competition, so I'll be publishing an enhanced picture tonight, so look out for that. If no-one gets all of them I will do the selection from the entries I had. Don't you want Evil WorldofHiglet to assess your entry to the Evil League of Evil?

Identity Issues and New Guest Blogging

You know me, right?

Good ole WorldofHiglet, sometime Blogger and fangirl. Geek and wouldbe writer. In the past several months we've shared ups, we've shared downs, we've shared wobbly bits in the middle (though that last one could just be me). But one thing we've not shared is....names. Yes, I've been at pains to keep my real name away from just about everything. That is about to change.

I have some new guest posts 

Yes, I know I have done guest posts before, like the interview with PJ Haarsma on Whedonage. The difference with these new posts is that was actually paid to do them and I have published them under my real name. This is a big deal for me, so if you want to have a look, maybe leave a comment (pretty please), head over to ArtCulture.com. The lastest one is a groovy interview with Jensen from Gallery 1988 in LA. They have just had the second 'Crazy 4 Cult' exhibition featuring up and coming artists and a whole lot of cult movies. The Opening Party was hosted by Kevin Smith and Scott Mosier and the art is eye-popping.

So, there you have it

You may carry on about your normal business. The last geek bus home will continue it's meandering and marginally entertaining journey. The world will still turn. But something has definitely changed. I'm sure I've done the right thing. Haven't I?

A safe haven for geeks like us...

geeks unite!

View my page on Geeks!

Scary Dollhouse News? And - Competition Time!

There was a ripple in The Force last week.

The news that Dollhouse, the new series by Joss Whedon starring Eliza Dushku (who is also an executive producer) has been put on a two week break. There was an interesting piece about why we should be nervous on TelevisionWithoutPity, which lists are the reasons why a break could spell trouble. While it's useful list I'm going to disagree. I don't think there is any reason to panic at all.

Why can't we panic? It's Fox, after all....!

AS I said, it's an interesting list but let us not forget a simple truth. This is a new show. Joss has already re-written the pilot so it is more immediately accessible, and now he wants to concentrate on getting the writing polished for the rest of the episodes. One thing we know about Joss is that he is the boss - and the writing is EVERYTHING. He's been working flat out for months now with Dr Horrible (yay!) and Dollhouse and I think the surprise is that he didn't call for a writing break earlier. Even with experienced and talented writers on the team Joss will want everything nailed down before shooting starts for these last episodes. Even in Dr Horrible there was no ad-libbing from the cast at all - what is written is what is shot. It won't do anyone any good speculating impending disaster and, in the end, it could put people off watching the show or giving it a chance. I think it's an excellent sign that there is a break, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

And now [drum roll] a new competition!

We all love Dr Horrible and many of us are waiting, with little or no patience, for the Evil League of Evil to announce open season on applications. In the meantime I have been amusing myself (and a select few) with producing a webseries based around the ELoE's Application's Office.  The penultimate episode, Act V, was released last weekend and the final episode in this series will be out by next weekend. Due to popular demand (well, two people who are not related to me!) there will also be a blooper/extras reel. And this is where the COMPETITION comes in. If you win EvilWorldofHiglet will assess YOUR application to the Evil League of Evil in a special episode!

What you have to do:

• Watch Act V and tell me the names of the book and DVDs in the background, on top of the printer. 
• Send your entries to worldofhiglet at gmail dot com* before Friday 26th September 2008. If you want you can include a little about why you like Dr Horrible so much and even the name of your Evil Character and I will mention you on the blog. It couldn't be more simple! 

In the event of a tie (or more than 1 entry!) I will use a random number generator to determine the winner.

If you win:

• I will email an Application Form to you (as featured in Act I) for you to fill in. If you also want to post a video entry on YouTube, Seesmic or elsewhere then please send me the link and I will use it as part of the assessment.
  
• EvilWorldofHiglet will then assess your application in a special episode of 'The Evil League of Evil Applications Office' to be publicly available on YouTube.
• The winner will also be announced here on the blog.

Excited? I am. I can't wait to see how you all get on...

* Please note: I am not going to spam you or pass on your email details, I hate spammers as much as you. 

Coming soon - Dollhouse update, YouTube info and a competition...

Everyone's doing it...

...trying to get back into regular blogging, that is. Yes, I've been hanging around FriendFeed and now it's time to get back to some real work! Coming later today:

• Why I'm not panicking about Dollhouse (even though others are)
• Why Friend Feed is not a waste of time
• Why I'm taking a chance and launching a competition on my blog, with a real (virtual) prize!

I can tell that I've have piqued your interest....

A little teaser

You might want to do some prep work for the competition and if so, your homework is to watch the latest installment of my webseries -

Act V - Evil League of Evil Applications Processing Office

Live Hurricane Ike Coverage on Twitter

A volunteer team of meteorologists and journalists are live tweeting throughout the Hurricane. Not a bot.Live feed from the eye of the hurricane.

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Captain Hammer, Castle and quick roundup

These are not the Hammer...

But the new auction from Kids Need To Read has an official Captain Hammer teeshirt signed by none other than the Hammerman himself, Nathan Fillion. It's ok, I'm not going to do another big rant about how great Mr Fillion is, how his new series, Castle, has been picked up by ABC and will be airing in 2009, how wonderfully he plays Mal, Caleb, Captain Hammer or any of his other roles. Nope, not me!  

All the details are on the Kids Need To Read website, and the auction is on eBay with a closing date of September 13th - so best hurray!

Dr Horrible and The IT Crowd - a match made in (geek) heaven!

See, Twitter tells you things. Like the makers of The IT Crowd, a wonderful sitcom by Channel 4, want to use Dr Horrible outfits in Season 3. And Dr Horrible, via Twitter, has now said they are in talks...this is very exciting!

What else?

Lots! I've been busy, although there's not much to show for it yet. I've also been spending far too long on FriendFeed Beta, although some of that time can legitimately be put down to research. And Felicia has Tweeted that there is to be a read-through of the first 8 episodes of The Guild Season 2 soon. And you know you are very tired when you go to check a Tweet, get distracted reading a debate about Thundercats on FriendFeed and then forget what you were doing...

Dr Horrible Soundtrack on iTunes

Hurray!

Yes, you can now purchase the whole Dr Horrible soundtrack from iTunes! The link is on the Dr Horrible website and you can also get the lyrics and liner notes there, too. If you've not visited the Dr Horrible site in a little while you will see some extra buttons:

 

You Tube shenanigans...

Well Act IV is now up. In Widescreen. That's all I have to say about that. Except - lots of new viewers in the last few days and great feedback, so thank you everyone. And I have a cunning plan for a 'Special' that will take a bit of work but should be very good. But no more about that for now, there's still the others to record. Repeat after me: The Evil League of Beagles, The Eagle Leaves of Smeagol, The Weevil Sleeves of Fleagle.....

PAX fun and more You Tube fun...

Well, fair to say PAX was lots of fun...

for those lucky enough to be there! I, however, was not one of those lucky people. But by all accounts there was plenty of fun to be had. Felicia has blogged about all her experiences - Posse-ed by the Bad Horse singers, singing with Jonathan Coulton in front of 3000 people, being groomed by Penny Arcade founder Jerry (remember that cartoon they did about Felicia?) and meeting Edgar Garcia, who has been keeping Felicia's blog afloat for some time now. Edgar, who also goes by the name Egspoony (and sometimes also goes by the name Egpoony!) has posted some great PAX photos on Flickr. Yes, it's ok to feel a bit jealous....

Recording fun

Sorry, did I say fun? I meant a big, fat headache! After writing the scripts for Acts IV, V and VI a few days ago and then editing and tweaking them I've been trying to get them recorded. Acts I to III are there on YouTube, waiting for the conclusion and taunting me. Man, what a trial! I appear to be unable to say 'Evil League of Evil' at all now! And eventually, after too many takes to count, I got a decent recording of Act IV only to find that when I uploaded it to YouTube it was widescreenified. I deleted it but you know what? I don't think I can face recording it again. Maybe sleep will help. Maybe I will just reupload as widescreen. Maybe I will pretend that I meant it to be like that...

But Thanks...

But many, many thanks to all the people who have viewed so far (nearly 1,700 views in total). The responses have been really positive and it makes it worth it :) There have been calls for a blooper reel and yes, I have plenty of footage for that, so when the other Acts are up I'll turn my attention to all those fluffed takes currently clogging up my hard disk. Yep, waste not, want not.