Chris Hardwick has built an empire for himself under Nerdist Industries, but "nerdist" is more than a brand name - it's an actual noun he created. According to his book The Nerdist Way, a nerdist is "an artful Nerd. He or she doesn't just consume, he or she creates and innovates" (p.x) {Yeahhh, check out that parenthetical documentation!!} As anyone who has spent at least 30 minutes with me can tell you, I'm really Nerdy. I kind of embraced it in high school, and even more so in college, but have really let my Nerd Flag fly in the past year. I haven't really analyzed the reason too much, but if I had to guess it would be because I am out of school, in the "real world", and have been away from anyone who had a preexisting idea of who I am (family, HS friends, etc), and so have been able to be whoever I want to be. Apparently that's a massive Nerd. But I really want to be more than that; I want to be a nerdist. Trouble is, I have a very limited creative bone and have had trouble figuring out what I can create that would be quality and worth the effort of creation.
I'm sort of discovering this as I type, but I think the answer has been staring me in the face since high school. I need to write. I need to get off my lazy ass, accept it, and become a writer. Granted, it may become a side pursuit while I journey to become a creator of film and tv, but those two dreams aren't really mutually exclusive. A good writer is often also a producer on shows, and writing could be a good way to get into the business. Plus, how cool would it be to publish a novel and then write the screenplay for it?? Watch out, Suzanne Collins, here I come!!
(Not really.....>_>)
Monday, May 14, 2012
Sunday, May 13, 2012
I'm gonna watch it again and again...and again...and again
My background is in theatre. I was in the church drama group through middle and high schools, I majored in theatre in college, and currently hold a position in the top regional theatre in Arkansas. I am used to doing the same show every night, eight shows a week, for multiple weeks. Most of the time, I am working in front of the stage, where I can actually watch the show (or have to watch it, depending on how you look at it).
I never made the connection until today, but knowing all this about the last 11 years of my life, it doesn't surprise me that I need to read a book or watch a movie or television show multiple times to truly understand it. In high school, I had 9th and 11th grade English with Mrs. Little, my favorite teacher. She taught me that in order to properly analyze a piece of literature, I need to read it three times. Once to get a general feel of the story, a second time to notice symbolism and subtext, and a final time to pick up on the nuances and finer points of the story. In the past five years, this has stayed with me and I have used it with movies and shows as well as books.
Some people don't understand how I can watch movies multiple times; for them, once is enough and they are on to the next thing. And for me, that's true for some movies I watch. I see it once so that I can say that I've seen it, but if I have no interest in it, I don't pursue it further. But with my memory and what Mrs. Little taught me, I'm not able to properly analyze and enjoy something without experiencing it at least three times.
I never made the connection until today, but knowing all this about the last 11 years of my life, it doesn't surprise me that I need to read a book or watch a movie or television show multiple times to truly understand it. In high school, I had 9th and 11th grade English with Mrs. Little, my favorite teacher. She taught me that in order to properly analyze a piece of literature, I need to read it three times. Once to get a general feel of the story, a second time to notice symbolism and subtext, and a final time to pick up on the nuances and finer points of the story. In the past five years, this has stayed with me and I have used it with movies and shows as well as books.
Some people don't understand how I can watch movies multiple times; for them, once is enough and they are on to the next thing. And for me, that's true for some movies I watch. I see it once so that I can say that I've seen it, but if I have no interest in it, I don't pursue it further. But with my memory and what Mrs. Little taught me, I'm not able to properly analyze and enjoy something without experiencing it at least three times.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Let's Assemble Again!!
Avengers had the biggest opening weekend of movie history, with $200.3 million in box office sales (I have a feeling Dark Knight Rises is going to meet/exceed it, but we'll talk about that in about two months). It has been speculated that this is thanks to many fans going to the movie multiple times over the weekend, though this doesn't include me...yet. I just happen to be going back today at 2.
So, why are so many people willing to spend at least $19 (avg. ticket price (9.50) x 2 viewings = $19) for a "comic book movie"? Well, it could be the Whedonites. I'm probably preaching to the choir on this subject, but Joss Whedon is kind of a Geek God and has amassed an enormous fan base who are willing to support anything he does. So, the fact that Joss directed and co-wrote the movie got people into the seats and then he did not disappoint. But even if you are not a fan of Joss's work, you can enjoy this movie (and heck, maybe it'll even make you interested in seeking out his tv shows!) While Whedonites can definitely feel Joss's hand in the movie, it is also a Marvel Studios production, and blends seamlessly with all of the movies leading up to it (Iron Man, Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America). Since Joss Whedon is a Marvel fanboy himself, he was faithful to the franchise and to the characters themselves - therefore, fans of the Avengers ((both the movies and the comics) are drawn to the movie as well. And once all the fans who went to the midnight premiere saw how impressive and wonderful the movie is, I would not be surprised if they went back Friday morning to buy more tickets.
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I'm writing after seeing it for my second time, and I think it actually got better. Although the highly responsive crowd was perfect for a midnight premiere, I did appreciate being able to watch it with a slightly quieter crowd (I do mean slightly, because there were definitely audible responses). I was able to catch at least one line I had missed before, and - the second time around - I knew what was coming and so was able to better appreciate it, because instead of dealing with shock over what had happened, I could react to the actual event itself.
As comes with every multiple viewing (or reading, honestly) I was also able to pick up on nuances I had previously missed, and reenjoy certain moments. Again, I don't want to spoil anything yet, but good LORD do I have a crush on Hawkeye!! There was one shot he took, during the battle in New York... *swoon*
I actually kind of flipped my shit this time around...I apologize for that, Kris!
I would love to hear your reactions to the movie! Comment or send me a tweet!
So, why are so many people willing to spend at least $19 (avg. ticket price (9.50) x 2 viewings = $19) for a "comic book movie"? Well, it could be the Whedonites. I'm probably preaching to the choir on this subject, but Joss Whedon is kind of a Geek God and has amassed an enormous fan base who are willing to support anything he does. So, the fact that Joss directed and co-wrote the movie got people into the seats and then he did not disappoint. But even if you are not a fan of Joss's work, you can enjoy this movie (and heck, maybe it'll even make you interested in seeking out his tv shows!) While Whedonites can definitely feel Joss's hand in the movie, it is also a Marvel Studios production, and blends seamlessly with all of the movies leading up to it (Iron Man, Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America). Since Joss Whedon is a Marvel fanboy himself, he was faithful to the franchise and to the characters themselves - therefore, fans of the Avengers ((both the movies and the comics) are drawn to the movie as well. And once all the fans who went to the midnight premiere saw how impressive and wonderful the movie is, I would not be surprised if they went back Friday morning to buy more tickets.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm writing after seeing it for my second time, and I think it actually got better. Although the highly responsive crowd was perfect for a midnight premiere, I did appreciate being able to watch it with a slightly quieter crowd (I do mean slightly, because there were definitely audible responses). I was able to catch at least one line I had missed before, and - the second time around - I knew what was coming and so was able to better appreciate it, because instead of dealing with shock over what had happened, I could react to the actual event itself.
As comes with every multiple viewing (or reading, honestly) I was also able to pick up on nuances I had previously missed, and reenjoy certain moments. Again, I don't want to spoil anything yet, but good LORD do I have a crush on Hawkeye!! There was one shot he took, during the battle in New York... *swoon*
I actually kind of flipped my shit this time around...I apologize for that, Kris!
I would love to hear your reactions to the movie! Comment or send me a tweet!
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Avengers ASSEMBLE!!!
I know it's Opening Weekend and a lot of you haven't had the chance to see it yet, so I won't spoil anything, but I HAVE TO TALK ABOUT IT. Once you see it you will understand.
I went to the midnight premiere, and was blessed with a highly responsive (though admittedly Geek heavy) audience. There was much applause and cheering, accompanied by gasps and swearing, with maybe even a tear or two. The movie was amazing, and deserved every reaction we gave. It was everything you would want from the Marvel studios' Avengers, with plenty of Joss Whedon moments thrown in. I could definitely feel and hear his work throughout the movie. Remember that Twisting The Knife post I wrote a while ago? Yeahh....that happened - be prepared. Also, there was a cameo by a Doll, though I won't tell you who.
I can't wait to go back and see it again. And again. And once more. And maybe another time. And then buy the DVD. And watch that repeatedly.
(I'll post a deeper review a little later, when it's more likely that most people have seen the movie)
I went to the midnight premiere, and was blessed with a highly responsive (though admittedly Geek heavy) audience. There was much applause and cheering, accompanied by gasps and swearing, with maybe even a tear or two. The movie was amazing, and deserved every reaction we gave. It was everything you would want from the Marvel studios' Avengers, with plenty of Joss Whedon moments thrown in. I could definitely feel and hear his work throughout the movie. Remember that Twisting The Knife post I wrote a while ago? Yeahh....that happened - be prepared. Also, there was a cameo by a Doll, though I won't tell you who.
I can't wait to go back and see it again. And again. And once more. And maybe another time. And then buy the DVD. And watch that repeatedly.
(I'll post a deeper review a little later, when it's more likely that most people have seen the movie)
Thursday, May 3, 2012
But Midnight is Just So Late!!
I can see why people don't like going to midnight premieres. It's really late, there are a lot of people and you usually don't get home until at least three in the morning, if not later. But for nerds (or major fans of the franchise in question, even if they don't identify themselves as nerds) it's more than just going to see a movie; it's a fully encompassing experience. Let's look at the three arguments, and how they are actually positives:
A. It's Really Late
Because it is so late, only those dedicated to the movie will want to make the effort. Though it's not foolproof, this is a way to ensure you are watching the movie with like-minded people who will most likely enjoy the same jokes, innuendos and references that you do.
2) There Are A Lot Of People
Even though midnight premieres do narrow down the type of people, there are usually a large number of people who qualify under that type. This means lines to get in the building, crowds around the concessions, and fighting for a good seat. But if you get there expecting and accepting that you will be waiting in line (possibly for multiple hours) and smuggle your own snack, you can avoid stress in those two areas. Bringing your own snack also means you can go straight to the auditorium, and thus increase your chances of getting a seat you want.
III - You Get Home at 3 or Later
Ok, if you're going to a midnight premiere, you are most likely a nerd. Which means you probably wouldn't be getting to sleep until after 3 anyway, because of that new game/movie/show/book you just couldn't put down. We've all been there several times, and we've all learned how to function on limited sleep. We may not be at 100% but we can do what we need to, because we're used to it.
So, with this said, who else is going to see The Avengers tonight??
A. It's Really Late
Because it is so late, only those dedicated to the movie will want to make the effort. Though it's not foolproof, this is a way to ensure you are watching the movie with like-minded people who will most likely enjoy the same jokes, innuendos and references that you do.
2) There Are A Lot Of People
Even though midnight premieres do narrow down the type of people, there are usually a large number of people who qualify under that type. This means lines to get in the building, crowds around the concessions, and fighting for a good seat. But if you get there expecting and accepting that you will be waiting in line (possibly for multiple hours) and smuggle your own snack, you can avoid stress in those two areas. Bringing your own snack also means you can go straight to the auditorium, and thus increase your chances of getting a seat you want.
III - You Get Home at 3 or Later
Ok, if you're going to a midnight premiere, you are most likely a nerd. Which means you probably wouldn't be getting to sleep until after 3 anyway, because of that new game/movie/show/book you just couldn't put down. We've all been there several times, and we've all learned how to function on limited sleep. We may not be at 100% but we can do what we need to, because we're used to it.
So, with this said, who else is going to see The Avengers tonight??
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Let's Give Quantity a Shot
I'm not very good at posting content on this blog (though I'm sure that statement does not shock you at all). A lot of the time, I have not posted because "I can't think of anything," "I don't have enough material" or "my material isn't good enough." I am a believer of Quality Over Quantity, and this is not a decision to go against that policy.
Not really, anyway.
I still believe in that saying, but I also believe in this blog, and want to succeed in doing what I enjoy (like, say, my Nerdy FanGirl projects - including this one). And everything I have learned about writing has told me that no matter what, I have to actually write. Imagine that! In order to be a good and successful writer, I have to write. Seems so simple, until you try to do it. The same excuses as before will pop up; no material, not enough material, crappy material.
So, to get over the hump and maybe actually do what I want, I will be posting as much as possible - whenever I have a chance, I will be posting something. I'm not promising they will all be good. In fact, I'm fairly sure many of them will be complete crap. But my hope is that the more I write the better they will get.
Not really, anyway.
I still believe in that saying, but I also believe in this blog, and want to succeed in doing what I enjoy (like, say, my Nerdy FanGirl projects - including this one). And everything I have learned about writing has told me that no matter what, I have to actually write. Imagine that! In order to be a good and successful writer, I have to write. Seems so simple, until you try to do it. The same excuses as before will pop up; no material, not enough material, crappy material.
So, to get over the hump and maybe actually do what I want, I will be posting as much as possible - whenever I have a chance, I will be posting something. I'm not promising they will all be good. In fact, I'm fairly sure many of them will be complete crap. But my hope is that the more I write the better they will get.
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