Kim Evey and Jenni Powell: Celebrating the web video community

Jenni Powell and Kim Evey

The Heart of the Matter
In testing times it is often hard to know what to do to help. There have been many thousands of words written and spoken about the Streamy event last Sunday. That conversation is necessary and worthwhile. The web entertainment community is built by people who want to make things happen, who do not sit back and wait for permission, who, above all, want to make a difference. That might be making people laugh, or think, or escape for a short while. Or make them want to party. Kim and Jenni have stepped up to organise a special event tomorrow.

A Winning Celebration
In the heat of emotions unleashed on Sunday one thing - the one thing that really mattered - was lost:

"In response to a Streamy Awards ceremony that felt like it didn’t serve to fully honor the very deserving winners in all areas of web entertainment, Kim Evey (producer of The Guild) and myself have decided to put together an informal gathering of as many of the winners as are available this Thursday, April 15th for an evening of celebration. We have asked each winner to speak for 1 – 2 minutes on their creation and what working in web video means to them, why they love working in web video, as well as sharing thoughts on the issue of net neutrality, which effects our industry as a whole.

This is not about airing out grievences about the Streamy Awards ceremony, it is about celebrating those who were chosen by their peers as the best representations of web video in a variety of categories..." (From Jenni Powell's blog)


How you can participate
This event is being held for the web entertainment community. Those who are in the Los Angeles area can attend in person (but please let the organisers know in advance). Everyone else can join in the live stream. These are the details:

Thursday, April 15th at 8 PM PST (7:30 drinks at Amalfi next door)
Acme Comedy Theater
135 S. La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036-2911

Live stream: http://www.acmecomedy.com/livebroadcast.shtml

You could also show your appreciation to Jinx.com who donated the funds for renting the Acme by tweeting them (or even buying one of their cool tees)- THANK YOU JINX!

Search for a #tag
I tweeted a short time ago that we are looking for a suitable #tag for twitter so we can all use the same one tomorrow. We've had some suggestions:

#doneright
#streamystoo
#streamykudos
#betterstreamys
#streamycelebration
(thanks to @theonetruebix, @GrrArrgh and @jennipowell)

If you have a suggestion for a short tag that encapsulates the spirit of the event then let us know!

More about Kim and Jenni
Kim Evey is a web entertainer with years of experience including her own Gorgeous Tiny Chicken Machine Show and as producer of The Guild. Kim was a live guest on eGuiders yesterday and you can see the recording here.

Jenni Powell also has years in web entertainment from LonelyGirl15 to Production/Admin Assistant for The Guild and Associate Editor at Tubefilter. Jenni also co-hosts the Knights of The Guild Podcast, which you can listen to here.

Thank you for organising this, Kim and Jenni - you are amazing.

Questions for Kim Evey, plus The Guild: Now what?

(Kim Evey, being awesome.)

Last chance for Questions for Kim
I've had some great questions so far, and you have until tomorrow to get any other questions you might like to ask Ms Evey. There are so many things to find out - how did she first meet Wil Wheaton? How is her ankle these days? Is there any chance of GTCMS coming out on DVD....??? Not to mention questions about The Guild!

And speaking of The Guild...
After reviewing all episodes of Season 3 of The Guild on PinkRaygun.com I am still amazed at how much Felicia Day managed to pack into 12 Episodes. In these long, Guild Deficiency Syndrome weeks as we wait for news of Season 4 and the new comic - what's a fan to do? You can hang out with other fans on http://community.watchtheguild.com (and join the GDS group!). And, of course, there is always the Knights of The Guild podcast which is, as ever, still giving us all the latest information, reviews and gossip about The Guild and everyone connected to it. Thank you Kenny and Jenni!

EDIT:

Thanks to @tonewaugh who suggested I list where you can send the questions (yes, very good idea!):

• Email me: worldofhiglet at gmail dot com
• Post a question in the comments section, below (you don't need to register but comments are moderated so might take a little time to appear)
• Post a question on community.watchtheguild.com
• Tweet me a question on Twitter

Felicia Day Interview Pt 2 on KOTG plus Blizz*Con, Season 3 and more!

(Picture of Felicia Day from Knights of The Guild website, with permission)

Knights of The Guild podcast delivers again!

A year ago I had to force myself to listen to podcasts - it seemed so alien to me even after being brought up listening to the radio (yes, we had a TV but I only had a radio in my room - it was the dark ages after all! But my little radio brought me all the pop I needed and I loved the DJ's banter between the Kajagoogoo and Spandau Ballet records.) Now I listen to several podcasts.Knights of The Guild (KOTG) is the official podcast of The Guild and is your surest defense against Guild Deficiency Syndrome. In the latest - Ep7, Pt 2 - the hosts Kenny and Jenni deliver the usual excellent mix of cheery teasing (of each other), behind-the-scenes goodies, fan feedback and Part 2 of their interview with Felicia Day. @KnightsofGuild asked fans on Twitter if they had questions for Felicia and she answers them with gusto. Lots of information about Season 3, Do You Want To Date My Avatar music video and much more. A must-listen for anyone interested in The Guild.

The Guild at BlizzCon

Another weekend, after Con. This time the team were at BlizzCon and another rousing success. The booth looked awesome as this photo from Kenny shows:

(From Kenny's/ Geekyfanboy's Flickr)

Kenny has some other brilliant photos from BlizzCon up there, too - of the cast, crew and fans! @theguild wasn't liveblogging from The Guild panel, but wow.com was, and they have very thorough coverage of it up on their blog. It makes great reading - I'm sure fans are very grateful for it!

On the right-hand corner of The Guild table you might just be able to see a colourful picture. This is the new, Season 3 artwork done by the very talented artist, Jeff Carlisle. Jeff is a keen Guildie I had the pleasure of meeting some time ago on The Guild chat. He's a great guy (with a wicked sense of humour) and a look at his website will show you that he has created some brilliant artwork for the likes of Lucasfilm Ltd and Microsoft Game Studio. Here's a better view of this awesome piece:

(From Jeff Carlisle's Flickr)

Jeff also has another piece on his Flickr account which appears to be a S3 teaser - I hope we'll find out what this means soon!

Season 3 is nearly upon us!

The 25th of August 2009 is circled on my calendar as the day I get first dibs on the Xbox (for once!). Luckily for me we have Xbox Live which means I'll be able to download Ep 1 of Season 3 on Tuesday. Now, I know that Guildies who don't have an Xbox are disappointed that they won't be able to watch it for another week, and I can understand that. No one wants to feel left out. But the good news is that Ep 1 is the only one that is being released a week early on Xbox! YAY!!! Felicia confirmed this after @NasDestiny asked her when she was in The Guild Chat this week. And rumour has it that the Season 3 promo will be out today - maybe we'll see Wil Wheaton in it!

I won't be posting any spoilers here but I will give you my reactions. And I will then be blogging over at Pink Raygun each week to give you an in-depth analysis of each episode! I'm very excited about that. It's going to be another bumper week for Guildies!

Interview with Felicia Day on Knights of The Guild Podcast

(Knights of The Guild cool graphic - says it all! Used with kind permission from the KOTG website.)

Kenny and Jenni are back together again!

It's great to hear them both in Ep 7, Part 1 which is now up on KnightsoftheGuild.podbean.com (and can also be downloaded from iTunes). Jenni was absent for the last microcast and Kenny did a brilliant job on his own, but I missed the banter and it's great to hear them together again! Please leave a comment or even Digg the episode if you enjoyed it :)

I spoke to Kenny earlier about the show. It ranked #3 in the iTunes top 100 TV/Film audio podcasts today. That's a great achievement for a show that is barely 7 months old! And there's is plenty more coming to entertain and thrill us. Lots of interviews and discussions coming up. Plus - there are no details as yet - there is a possibility of some live broadcasts in the future. Yay!

Shocking revelations

Prepare to be shocked, though, because this podcast contains information of such magnitude that you may have to lie down afterwards. And I'm not talking about Jenni giving us the inside story of the stripper bus, or Felicia herself talking about the "Do You Want To Date My Avatar" video, or Poknish revealing that there are some people who haven't seen The Guild yet or even all Season 3 goodies. No, something MUCH MORE SHOCKING was revealed. I can't bring myself to tell you what it is, so you'll have to listen for yourself.*

And more to come!

Next week, starting tomorrow, is another bumper Guild-related week. On Sunday Jeff Lewis (Vork), Sandeep Parikh (Zaboo) plus Alexal Bretch and others will be performing in Improv at 8 PM (see the "Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em" Facebook page for details). Not only that but "Do You Want To Date My Avatar" is on general release on Monday (see The Guild's Facebook page for the details). And on Thursday Season 2, Episode 6 will be released on YouTube. Episode 5 is now up:

- you can Digg it here if you like!

And if that wasn't enough, Part 2 of Ep 7 KOTG podcast will be released next Saturday, with the second part of the interview with Felicia Day.

Talk about a packed week! I think I need a lie down - now, where did my gold coins go?

(Felicia relaxing her Avatar on a nice comfy bed of gold coins. Taken by Kenny and used with kind permission from the KOTG website.)

*You know I said there was shocking news on the KOTG podcast? Well I don't want to type the words but this tells you all you need to know:

Knights of The Guild at Comic-Con: The Panel, Booth and More!

Want to hear the inside story of The Guild at Comic-Con?

The Guild cast signing at Comic-Con 2009 (thanks to Kenny for the pic)

Then you need to head over to The Knights of The Guild (KOTG) website at knightsoftheguild.podbean.com and listen to the latest microcast. Kenny does a great rundown of all his adventures during Comic-Con, and there's lots of juicy tidbits in there! And not only all about the parties, panels and signings, but also what the fans thought. This is the great thing about KOTG - it gives the inside track on all The Guild info and lets the Guildies literally have their say! And it's a great defense against Guild Deficiency Syndrome. There are some familiar names talking about Comic-Con. And if you listen to the end you'll hear me talk about how the pain of not being at Comic-Con was mitigated by following it all on Twitter. And then seeing that video...

Do you want to watch "Do You Want To Date My Avatar?"?

Of COURSE you do! And the good news is that if you have an Xbox you get to see it on 10th August and a week later it will be on MSN Video and elsewhere. As all the Guildies who have seen it will attest - this is a brilliant song and it won't be a surprise if it charts. If you want to share your opinions about Comic-Con and the video you can email KOTG at knightsoftheguild@gmail.com with either written or audio comments (if you have a microphone on your computer you can record a comment and attach it to your message). And congratulations to Kenny for doing the microcast solo - you did a great job. Jenni was apparently MIA but will return! You can also follow KOTG on Twitter - you know it makes sense :)

Another podcast?

And Omnibus 8 (Chapters 36-40) of my novel "Turning Left at Albuquerque" is now up on turningleft.podbean.com. Each omnibus is about 21 mins long and follows the fortunes of Jason, a geek in crisis since losing his job. We've had some great feedback so if you listen and have something to share - let's have it!

Do You Want To Date My Avatar? The Guild Triumphs at Comic-Con!

The Guild dressed for success for "Do You Want To Date My Avatar?"

This time last week I was glued to Twitter

Comic-Con was on and the 'Left-Behind' Guildies were desperate to hear anything and everything about what 'the lucky ones' were up to. Comic-Con ended on Sunday but it's taken that long to get around to blogging about it. (Plus we're having the hottest weather in 200 years here at the moment so I had to spend the day by a friend's pool yesterday up near Indian Arm. It's a hard job but someone has to do it!)

Where were you when The Guild Panel was on?

Last Friday at 10:30 The Guild took the stage to rapturous applause, decked out in full Avatar Costumes including weaponry! The Left-Behind were scanning Twitter for information and during the Panel Twitter went into overload. It was a real event for us Left-Behind and we couldn't believe what we were reading: a music video, cos-play, a Dark Horse comic penned by Felicia for The Guild.....? Wowowow! And there was another thing...what was it now...? Oh yes! WIL WHEATON IS IN SEASON 3!!!!! Tubefilter was first off the mark with their coverage that included pictures, links to interviews and a chance to win download codes for the "Date My Avatar" video!

The Panel (without the music video or Season 3, Ep 1) has been uploaded by magicinthenumbers on YouTube:

And luckily my fears about @seanbecker and @feliciaday having a big bust-up on stage were unfounded! Plus for an insider's view of Comic-Con, Felicia has blogged about the whole, wonderful experience. i09 rates Felicia as a "Top 10 Buzz" of Comic-Con (and they're not wrong!).

Secrets and lies

How had they managed to keep all that under wraps? Obviously Felicia's fearsome reputation (the threats, the kidnapping, the violence...) must have been enough to ensure everyone toed the line because no-one blabbed at all. @WilW was given very firm instructions by Felicia. So @WilW even lied to everyone on Twitter about why he was going to Comic-Con:

Today Wil has blogged about his experiences on the set of The Guild and he didn't even apologise for his web of lies. But he did say he was going to talk about each episode after it had been released. So....I guess we're even. (That 'Deadbeat' thing? All forgotten. I never thought he was a deadbeat, anyway).

And that video?

As soon as I heard about the "Do You Want To Date My Avatar" I wanted to see it. I mean, I really, REALLY wanted to see it. And thanks to a very kind friend I got a code, downloaded the video onto my Xbox and....OMG! You are going to freak when you see it! It has everything: a great song, a hook that you'll keep singing, lyrics that'll make you LOL and then....the video. All the cast are there (plus Mo Tancharoen, who choreographed, as a backing dancer) and they look amazing in their outfits. Felicia, as you would expect, looks sexy, playful and stunningly beautiful. Jeff Lewis (Vork) wields his massive weapon with all the grace and precision you would expect from a man so at-ease in his own skin.

Sandeep Parikh (Zaboo), in a very fetching outfit that puts me in mind of the good ole Union Flag (no, not *that* union - the British one), even does some acrobatics. I'm sure Felicia didn't make him do it to get back for all the pain she went through as the naughty fairy on Legend of Neil! Amy Okuda (Tink) struts her stuff in a most stimulating way that will undoubtably bring more calls for her to do more. Robin Thorsen (Clara) plays her part with conviction and is having far too much fun! And poor Vince....! I wonder if Vince Caso (Bladezz) has recovered yet? It must have been really gruelling for him, poor lad...

Yeah, rub it in why don't you?

But fear not if you haven't seen it yet because "Do You Want To Date My Avatar" will be available on general release soon. It'll be on Xbox Live (without needing a code) on 10th August and a week later it will be on MSN Video and elsewhere. Plans are that it will be available to buy from various sources. As soon as more details are revealed I will let you know.

Have YOU seen it yet?

If you have, my good friends Kenny and Jenni from the "Knights of the Guild" podcast would like to hear from you! Just email them at knightsoftheguild@gmail.com with a comment - and if you can do an audio one that would be even better. I'm going to record mine tonight. If I can. Because this week has been a bit of a FAIL where audio is concerned

"Turning Left at Albuquerque" not updated this week

We've had a few technical issues this week, not helped by the massively excessive heat (40 degrees C is *not* compatible with my English constitution. England, in typical summer style, has had non-stop rain and flooding. I miss that). The next episode is done but we'll release it next Monday because there's not time now to do another one before then. I tweeted this news earlier and asked people to @reply to me if they were angry about it. Thanks to everyone who took the time to register their dissatisfaction :)

The good news is that it gives you time to catch up on any episodes you've missed! And if you're enjoying it so far please leave a comment here or on the podcast website to let us know. Thanks for listening.

Podcast-tastic! Knights of the Guild and Turning Left...

Firstly, "thank you"s (and you can correct the grammar at will for that) go to:

Kenny and Jenni for inviting me to take part in the new "Knights of The Guild" podcast which is now out. We spoke last Sunday and it was great to actually talk to people I have been conversing with on Twitter and The Guild Chat for a long time! Also on the podcast is a roundup of what's been happening for Guild cast and crew and a great interview with Jared Hoy, chief lighting technician for The Guild.

And more thanks....

...to all those who have tuned into the "Turning Left at Albuquerque" audiobook podcasts so far. We released Chapter 4 today, with Chapter 5 out on Monday. We are going to be releasing chapters every Monday and Friday and after every 5 chapters we'll do an omnibus. So next Friday chapters 1-5 will be out - neat, huh? :)

We have a Facebook group for the podcast so please join if you are on Facebook. And you can subscribe and never miss an episode in iTunes or any other podcatcher via a link on the Podbean site. I hope you're enjoying them. We're certainly having fun creating them, and having Lord Poncenby and BREW onboard gives us an extra dimension!

Podcast Mania! Chapter One now live :)

Work *can* be fun!

I've not slept much over the last few days, but I couldn't be happier. Chapter One of my novel "Turning Left at Albuquerque" is now up as a podcast on turningleft.podbean.com. I've been working on it with my wonderful hubby and it's been lots of fun. Years ago we were in a band and spent many long hours in various studios recording. It was a very different experience - we still have the enormous 24-track tapes in the garage from one session (yes - actual tapes!). But the thrill of producing something hasn't faded over time, and I hope you enjoy the results.

Patronage from an unexpected source

And you might notice that the podcast has a sponsor, British Radioweb Entertainment Worldwide. Their spokesperson, Lord Poncenby, has assumed the role of Master of Ceremonies, a role he is more than fit for. 

Knights of The Guild news!

And at the end of Chapter one you will hear a promo for the Knights of The Guild podcast. This is essential listening for any fan of The Guild as it covers news of the cast and crew, interviews and also fan interviews. Last night I was very privileged to be interview by Kenny and Jenni for the forthcoming episode. It was lots of fun! I'll let you know when that episode is up.

Putting it out there

Aside from the work involved in doing something like writing a book or producing a podcast/webseries/art is the risk involved. People might not like it or be indifferent. It might change the way people think about you. For me this podcast is bringing together my online life and my 'real' life. That's a little bit scary. But it's worth it. 

Joining in

If you enjoy the podcast you can comment on the Podbean site, make a comment here, join the Face group or @ me on Twitter. I'd really like to know what you think! Chapter two will be out on Friday 8th May, so not much time to wait to find out what happens to Jason next....!

Felicia Day, Knights o the Guild Fight For Kids Need to Read

Kids Need to Read recently auctioned a photo featuring the cast of the internet sensation The Guild that was signed by all six cast members. When Guild star Felicia Day heard about this, she helped spread the word to her 350k Twitter followers. Felicia has over 350,000 followers on Twitter. Within hours of Felicia’s tweet there were thousands of hits..

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