Hot Nerd Girl

Category: Interview

  • Hall H Podcast – International Mobil Film Festival

    Guess who guest starred on this week’s Hall H Show podcast? This girl!

    Listen to the podcast about The International Mobil Film Festival and featuring the festival’s founder, Susy Botello, one of the Directors, Anthony de la Cruz, and yours truly, as interviewed by Aaron Nabus and Alex Benedicto.

    Check it out HERE!

  • Jack of all Nerds Podcast

    Guess who guest starred on this week’s Jack of All Nerds Show podcast? This girl!

    Listen as I join Michael Maxwell, Derrick Murray, and Blaine Humbles to talk about podcasting, blogging, Indiana Jones 5, the Emoji Movie, Star Trek, and the sexiness that is Patrick Stewart’s action figure.

    Check it out HERE!

    of here: http://hotnerdgirl.com/2016/04/18/jack-of-all-nerds-podcast/

     

  • HNG Interviewed – The Christian Villere Show

    Christian, Tracy, and Darcy creeping in at the bottom

    Christian, Tracy, and Darcy creeping in at the bottom

    Just before San Diego Comic-Con I was interviewed by Christian Villere for his podcast “The Christian Villere Show” in which he highlights millennials making a difference in the world, as well as issues millennials are dealing with in an increasingly complicated environment.

    Christian is a great interviewer and my HNG Podcast cohost, Darcy, and I had a blast discussing the origin of “Hot Nerd Girl” as well and some personal details about yours truly and my favorite charity, Operation Gratitude. He even links to the music video I recently appeared in for Lydia’s Libido.

    The full story and interview: http://www.thechristianvillereshow.com/hotnerdgirl/

    iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-christian-villere-show/id890337323?mt=2

    Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/epic-rant-radio/the-christian-villere-show/episode/34849086?autoplay=true

    Thanks, Christian!

    I have no idea what I’m doing half the time

  • WonderCon 2014 – Part 1 (Panels, Floor, and Shenanigans)

    IMG_0129WonderCon is a trip for me because it’s grown so much since I first started going to it up in Oakland back in 2002. Just in the few years it’s been in Anaheim it’s gotten a lot bigger. It’s a great balance between the little conventions and Juggernaut that Comic Con has become.

    Mama Jedi and I got a 3-Day pass and headed up to WonderCon in Anaheim from San Diego after working a half day on Friday so we were there for the latter half of Friday, all-day Saturday and most of the day on Sunday. Saturday is the day I crossplayed as BBC Sherlock and I got Mama Jedi to Crossplay as Dr. John Watson. It’s the first time Mama Jedi has dressed up for a Convention and no one had any idea who she was dressed as even when she stood right next to me. Unless we told them. Oh well, it IS a pretty subtle costume, I guess.

    We even ran in to a few friends and acquaintances while we were there. Shout outs!

    Top row, left to right: my sister-in-law, Reba’s friend Cat (Mario) ran into us over by John Mulhall’s booth, my High School friend Rich (who did this amazing HNG Delilah art) and I spent 10 minutes trying to find each other near the food court, where I then randomly ran into Paige (red hair) who is the best friend of my friend Cris.

    Bottom row, left to right: Geek Outlaw and I met Daniel at Comic Con in 2012 and seem to run into him at every Con we go to, we met Capt. Seekerman at ConDor last month and have since hung out with him sans amazing Steampunk Costume at the LRH Writer’s of the Future Awards (coverage of that coming soon), and through Capt. Seekerman we met Andrea.

    And these don’t even include what we call our “ConFam” – the writers, artists, and cosplayers we see at most of the conventions we go to and have gradually developed friendships with. You’ll see some of them later. This year, I even ran in to someone who might turn out to be ActualFam. This illustrator and concept artist’s name caught my eye while I was making my way towards my friend Brett’s booth in the Small Press section. I zeroed in on it because I am also a Doering and it’s not a surname you see very often in the US. Matt Doering was incredibly nice (and uber talented) and I think we even kind of look alike (Maybe? A little?). Who knows if we’re actually related but, either way, he’s officially one of my new favorite artists.

    Watch out, there’s two Doering’s in the hizzouse

    Speaking of Brett (the guy who’s booth I was looking for when I ran into long-lost-maybe-family), he’s been a good friend of mine since High School and he was there representing his hilarious online web comic, Orky the Porky Orca. It’s possible we love Orky a little too much.

    Brett also wrote and illustrated a book about 101 Random Conversations with Strangers (most of which are true) that is turning out to be very popular thanks, in part, to it’s extreme hilarity. Mama Jedi bought one and I caught her laughing out loud for real in her hotel room while reading it.

    Artist Mike Hicks is a recent addition to our ConFam. We met him at (I think) Long Beach Comic Con and were immediately drawn (heehee) to his unique style. He creates beautiful drawings using one continuous line that never crosses or touches. (Want to follow the line and see for yourself? Click HERE). The first time we met he offered to do a piece based on one of my Batgirl poses. When Hayden found out, he naturally wanted a Geek Outlaw one as well. We finally met up with Mike again at WonderCon and were able to pick up the originals. Thanks, Mike!

    I was already a fan of Patrick Ballesteros‘ art when he sent me an email about his latest piece a couple of years ago. I was only too happy to share it! Since then we’ve connected at several conventions and he’s one of the friendliest guys you’ll ever meet. See that adorable Firefly picture behind him? I’ve got it hanging on the wall in my office 

    Another member of the ConFam, we met author John Mulhall at a convention a couple of years ago (we had a whole conversation trying to remember exactly which one and couldn’t decide) and started hanging out with him more and more at each subsequent con. Even though I bought it a looooong time ago, I only recently read his book Geddy’s Moon and, to be honest, it’s fantastic. I wish I’d read it sooner. And I’m not just saying that because he’s now my friend. I’ll write up a review of it and fill you in on exactly why you need to read it. Because you do. John also participated in a panel which I’ll get to later.

    Side note: John Mulhall, Blayne Alexander of the band Idiot Stare, Geek Outlaw, and I recently started recording podcasts for a geek round-table idea that John had, the first of which should be coming out any time now. So stay tuned for that!

    Hayden and I met Georges Jeanty when we had our very first booth at the LA Comic Book and Sci-Fi Convention where he broke a piece off of my Mal Reynolds pistol (yes, I forgave him). Georges is one of the cover artists for Dark Horse’s new Serenity comic book series that takes place immediately following the events of the movie. We even found a girl dressed as Illyria from Angel who was really excited to get Georges signature on her costume.

    Geremi Burleigh is another artist we look out for and visit at Conventions. His comics Morningstar and Eye of the Gods are great reads and Geremi is a ridiculously nice guy. He’s starting to do Cons all over the US (I think his next one is in Minnesota) so keep an eye out for him at your local con!

    Mama Jedi and I first ran into this lovely Oregonian couple while we were walking back to our hotel room and got distracted by a giant blue Furrie (REALLY wish I’d gotten a picture of that) and then Guinan speedwalking past us. Together the four of us wandered over to a room labeled “Ten Forward” (this Trekkie could NOT pass up seeing that) which turned out to be the flotsam and jetsam of what I’m sure was once tables teeming with beverages and snacks but was now merely an exhausted volunteer and some leftover cans of pop. Once the disappointment receded, we chatted them up about the pink stuffed critters attached to them. It turns out that John is the brains behind the adorably terrifying and very aptly named, Tentacle Kitty. Why would school girls run away from such a cute little critter?! John has a web comic that includes a ninja kitty, a pirate kitty, and a rat tailed unicorn. I checked it out and it’s delightful! Welcome to the ConFam 

    I love my new posters! Ninja Kitty and Doctor Who crossover ftw

    Hey, Mjolnir! I’ve got one of those too!

    The USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D bridge restoration project folks were there but instead of the bridge they had a transporter room on display. We took full advantage of the Transporter Room.

    A – B – C. As easy as 1 – 2 – 3!

    I even took a stab at Chief O’Brien’s old job.

    I would like for Chris Hardwick to become a member of our ConFam but I wasn’t about to wait in the crazy long line just to meet him or his Lego alter-ego. I only wait for Star Trek actors and Stan Lee.

    And rounding out Part 1 of the WonderCon 2014 coverage, we’ve got the Panels! I only made it to four of them this year but they were good ones!

    Falling Skies

    Panelists: Seychelle Gabriel, Moon Bloodgood, Sarah Carter, Doug Jones

    I went to the Falling Skies panel last year and enjoyed it so much that I really wanted to make it again this year and I was definitely not disappointed. They started off with an amazing trailer for Season 4 (which starts Sunday, June 22nd at 10:00pm) before they introduced Seychelle Gabriel (Lourdes), Moon Bloodgood (Anne), Sarah Carter (Maggie), and (YAY!!!) Doug Jones (Cochise). It was worth it for Doug Jones alone.

    They revealed a surprising amount of details about Season 4. I don’t want to give too much away but everyone gets split up after a very intense opening battle scene (which they showed us and which looked REEEEALLY good), we get to see Lexi all grown up, Anne become a badass, Lourdes overcompensating for her Season 3 bug, and Pope meet his match in Mira Sorvino. The general consensus was that the show is really nuts this year. One fun tidbit we learned is that Seychelle and Moon once snuck into an ER and pretended to be medical students in order to see how a real ER looked and felt and had to fend off the teaching Doctors when they were asked to perform tasks like change a catheter.

    Psychology of Cult TV Shows

    Panelists: Dr. Janina Scarlet, Josue Cardona, Dr. Travis Langley, Elizabeth Ann

    We sought out this panel mostly because we’d seen Dr. Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight) on a writing panel at a previous WonderCon and it was one of our favorite panels of all time. They basically said that it was OK to be obsessed with TV hows like Doctor Who, Sherlock, and Firefly as long as it doesn’t prevent you from living a fulfilling “real” life. There was a really long line for this panel so we only caught the last third of it but it was fascinating!

    Afterward we stayed and chatted with Dr. Langley and Alan Sizzler Kistler who was also on that previous writing panel and who had stayed and answered all of our questions last time we saw him. Awesome guys!

    Game On!

    Panelists: David Buckley, Inon Zur, Woody Jackson, Charles Deenen, Gwen Riley
    Moderator: Thomas Mikusz 

    This panel was about the sound and music of video games and started off with a video montage of Video Games, Live! in which a live (no, really, they’re live) orchestra performs the theme songs from your favorite video games while scenes from those games play on giant screens in the background. It actually look really rad. Video game music is tough in that the player is going to be stuck with it for several hours so it better be good. Because of that, the developers now really understand how important the music is. The original World of Warcraft had approximately 2.5 hours of music. The latest one has approximately 52 hours.

    After this panel, Hayden and I had the opportunity to interview Batman: Arkham Knight Composer David Buckley!

    Check out the interview here:

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    Surviving Well

    Panelists: Markorie Liu, Cecil Castellucci, Genese Davis, Gretchen McNeil, John Mulhall
    Moderator: LeAnna Herrera

    We attended this panel because our writer friend and Podthingy co-star John Mulhall was a panelist and I’m glad we did. It was about how saving the world isn’t enough if the world isn’t worth living in after you’ve saved it.

    As the lone male on the panel, John was able to offer a different and unique perspective from the ladies. At one point the conversation veered off into a commentary about what it means to be a “strong female character” and how that term really isn’t very appropriate.

    At this point Hayden lost the hand from his Rick Grimes action figure which we found HILARIOUS.

    Stay tuned for the cosplay pictures tomorrow!

    *****

    Side note: the first run of HNG calendars sold out (yay!) and I need to order some more for an upcoming event. If anyone would like to get one, now’s the time to order! The calendar features all of the nerdy holidays (and the regular ones too) and a convention calendar. Order one today!

  • “Ask a Roddenberry” – Interview with Rod Roddenberry

    Every time I see Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry I become a bigger fan of him. He’s genuinely friendly and very easy to talk to.

    This interview was conducted on Saturday at San Diego Comic Con, hence my Thor costume, crazy makeup and obvious lack of sleep. I got back from my Grandma’s funeral a day and a half before SDCC so I only had about 24 hours to prepare for this interview. Despite the notes on my lap, it felt more like a conversation than an interview which I think was welcome to both of us – it was to me! But such is the personality of Rod. I never once felt nervous, though having met him before was most likely the reason for that.

    In the interview we talk about scuba diving, The Roddenberry Foundation, an amazing new media project called White Room: 02B3, the X Prize and devices such as Medical Tricorders and Universal Translators becoming a reality, and, of course, Star Trek. He also reveals a new Star Trek blog called “Mission Log” hosted by John Champion (DVD Geeks) and Ken Ray (Mac OS). I asked many of your questions so thank you for submitting them!

    We ended up using the whole interview, nothing was edited out so the footage is all raw all the time.

    Hope you enjoy it!

    [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7js4WltWHR0]

    –

    For more information on anything and everything Roddenberry, check out Roddenberry.com.

    Some more pics from the interview…

    Thanks to my friends Darcy for filming and Eddy for taking the still shots. And a huge thanks to Rod, Trevor, Chance and everyone in the Roddenberry camp for being so welcoming to me yet again!

  • “Ask an Indie Filmmaker” – Interview with Emily Lou, director of The Selling

    A brilliant and totally badass duo if I do say so myself

    I met a lot of amazing people during my time at SFSU. Sadly, Emily Lou was not one of them. Despite the fact that we have a number of mutual friends, neither of us can remember ever meeting the other. Thankfully, because of those mutual friends, we have become cyber pals via facebook, the Great and Terrible (quick, what book did I steal that line from??) Even before we met virtually I’d heard whispers about this fantastic lady named Emily, so when I found out that she’d directed a movie and wanted ME to watch and review it I was over the moon!  I reviewed The Selling last April and have been a huge fan of Emily Lou ever since.

    [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1A2kT1rsuA]

    –

    I’ve grown to admire Emily so much over the past year. She’s a true Wonder Woman – Director, Business Woman, and Mom to an insanely smart, sweet, and debonair little boy. I’m so excited that we could connect for this “Ask a (fill in the blank)” interview. She did a great job answering my (and YOUR!) questions and I’m confident that, by the end of this post, you’ll adore her as much as I do.

    FYI – The Selling has 5 days left to raise as much money as possible on Kickstarter for a theatrical release (a seriously BFD). If you’re interested in helping to make this happen, please feel free to click HERE. 

    On to the interview!

    * * * * *

    HNG: Was The Selling your directorial debut?

    EL: Feature Film debut, yes!  In the past I had directed lots of theater and a few shorts.

    HNG: How long did it take to film The Selling?

    EL: 14 days.

    HNG: How did it feel to go to the premier of a movie you directed?

    EL: Exciting and terrifying at the same time!  By the time I had seen it we had about 575 versions of the film.  Of course nothing is perfect and when you shoot in 14 days you will see things you do not like.  But then when the audience started laughing and genuinely having a great time, enjoying themselves?  It was pretty freaking great.

    Barry Bostwick, Matthias Schubert, Emily Lou, Gareth Taylor, Gabriel Diani, Trevor Allen and Etta Devine

    HNG: Describe winning your first award for The Selling.

    EL: It was at the Friar’s Club Comedy Film Festival in NYC.  Gabe and I were together, which was rare. Because of limited funds we usually don’t both attend.  We watched the film with the audience and didn’t think they liked it at all.  We shrunk into our seats whispering our insecurities.   When they announced we had won we were shocked!  We just looked at each other, mouths gaping and then exhilarated ran up to the podium. It was crazy and so unexpected!  And then we won another one!  We won the Jury and Audience Awards!  It was such an honor, and to receive it at the Friar’s Club with all its history and it’s just a beautiful building.  It was a really special moment for both of us.

    Gabriel Diani, Emily Lou, & Trevor Allen at the Friar’s Club Comedy Film Festival

    HNG: Do you find it challenging to be a female director in a male dominated industry or have you not been affected by that?

    EL: I have no “proof” that I’ve been affected but there have been many instances where I feel I would have been treated a little differently if I was a man, respect-wise.  That said, it could also be because of my personality, I can be a little bit of a softy sometimes. People can see that and can take advantage of it.  I’ve had a few people try pretty hard to walk all over me, but mostly, just respectful, cool people who only want to support me.

    Emily Lou on the set of The Selling

    HNG: You have an adorable son. How do you balance work and motherhood?

    EL: Thank you. 🙂  It’s so hard, but I’m sure you would have guessed that.  I have another full-time job too, helping to run a family business.   I would love nothing more than to be a full-time, stay-at-home mom.  I also would love nothing more than to be a full-time director.  I would also love to eat 1 dozen freshly baked chocolate chip cookies for breakfast every morning.  I’m a lucky woman; I have a lot going on which is better than the alternative. But the guilty mom feeling is certainly my kryptonite.   He has seen you on facebook by the way, and is pretty smitten, even though he’s only 6.  😉 That’s my boy!

    HNG: We’re both SF State Alumni (Go Gators!) How do you think the theatre department at SFSU prepared you as a director?

    EL: Oh, in so many ways! I am really grateful to SFSU. The Brown Bag theater company is a little black box theater group that lets students try out directing.  As soon as I had the chance to direct, it felt instantly “right”.  “Ah ha! This is what I’m supposed to be doing! “ There were many great opportunities for students to try their hand at directing, design, technical work, writing, etc.  I’ve heard funds have been cut significantly which is very sad.  As soon as I can I’m gonna throw some green to the Gators.

    HNG: Any favorite teachers who inspired you?

    EL: Ms. O’Hara, who I’ve recently reconnected with on facebook.  She lives in NYC and was at the Friar’s Club screening!  She was my High-School Drama teacher. She inspired me to celebrate my differences instead of focusing on why I wasn’t fitting in.  I was constantly rejected (plays, music) in High-School and was pretty down about it and considered maybe this wasn’t for me.   I’ll never forget her sitting me down, that look in her eyes…she believed in me, she really did!  I’m totally tearing up just thinking about it.  I told you I was a softy.

    HNG: Who inspires you on a daily basis?

    EL: My husband inspires me.  John, my husband, has encouraged me every single day of our relationship to follow my dreams.  If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have made this movie.  He’s the guy that said, “hey, you want to make a movie?  make a movie!  I know you can do it!  Call Gabe and see if he wants to work with you on it!  It’ll be great!”…I love that guy, I really do.  I’m inspired to be the best mom, friend, person, and artist by him every day.

    Emily Lou and her husband John at a Q&A in Wichita where The Selling won Audience Favorite at the Tall Grass Film Festival

    HNG: Do you express yourself creatively in any other ways?

    EL: Yes!  I have become very interested in photography.   After we shot The Selling, my love of photography really took off. Also I am blessed to have a few amazing photographer friends who have taken me under their wings.

    HNG: A lot of projects have been using Kickstarter. Have you found it to be an effective fundraising tool for accomplishing your goal of a theatrical release?

    EL: We’ll see!  Joking.  The opportunity that Kickstarter provides for independent artists is wonderful.  I know we’ll make our goal, however it is a bit of a nail-biter!

    HNG: What does a theatrical release entail for an independent film?

    EL: Almost always it means it’s self-funded which is what we’re doing.  You find areas you have a fan base, and put up a showing or two in a local theater.  For example I grew up in Yuba City and Northern Virginia and now live in the Bay Area and we’re hitting all of those places!  Also Los Angeles, Wichita and Chico!

    HNG: What kind of equipment did you use to film The Selling?

    EL: We shot on the RED camera which is just as spectacular as you may have heard.  Apparently it’s even better now!

    HNG: Did you rent or buy the equipment?

    EL: We rented it; I wish I owned that camera!

    HNG: How do you know the film’s stars Gabriel Diani, Etta Devine, and Janet Varney?

    EL: All SFSU Alumni!  Yay!

    Gabriel Diani as Richard Scarry

    HNG: Getting Barry Bostwick on board was an epic win. How did you get in touch with him? Did you have him audition? What was it like to work with a Horror-Comedy legend?

    EL: He was amazing to work with, so prepared and hilarious.  He gave me a hug after he wrapped and said “You’re doing great, this film’s in good hands”.  So sweet!  I’ll never forget that moment!  We put down a “breakdown” for the role of Father Jimmy and got some great replies from Agents and he was one of them!  So we shot and we SCORED! He loved the script and has continued to be very supportive of the project.

    Emily Lou and Barry Bostwick

    HNG: You recently appeared on The Nerdist podcast. What was that like? Not gonna lie, I have a bit of a nerd crush on Nerdist Chris Hardwick. Was he as awesome as he seems?

    EL: Unfortunately, the podcast is in L.A. and I’m in the Bay Area so I wasn’t able to be a part of it but Gabe and Etta were.  I don’t know him well but from what I know, he’s a really fantastic guy, and he really likes our movie!  He’s been very supportive of the film.

    HNG: How did you get the invite to appear on his podcast?

    EL: The lovely Janet Varney, “Mary Best” is good friends with him.

    Janet Varney

    HNG: Who’s your favorite superhero?

    EL: Gotta go old school and say Captain America.

    HNG: Do you enjoy acting or directing more?

    EL: Directing definitely.  I acted for a few years and then had the opportunity to try out directing in College and that was it, slam dunk.

    HNG: How did you choose the music? Was it hard to secure the rights?

    EL: We had a fabulous composer Geoff Mann, he worked very hard and delivered an amazing score.  Besides that we had a few songs from a Bay Area Band “Chief Enablers.”

    HNG: What is your favorite color and why?

    EL: Red.  Exciting, and to my knowledge the only color that scientifically changes your blood pressure when you see it!  Right?  Or is that a myth?

    HNG: Do you believe in ghosts and the supernatural? If yes, any personal experiences? If no, why not?

    EL: I am of the mind that no one really knows what’s really out there.  I’m not an adamant “believer” or “non believer.”  I’ve felt things, thought maybe I’d seen things…but nothing for sure.  I certainly believe it’s possible.

    Gabriel Diani and Dawn Didawick in The Selling

    HNG: Any plans to direct another movie?

    EL: Yes!  A great film called A Good Day To Die.  Cloris Leachman is attached and it’s an amazing script!  An assisted suicide comedy, stay tuned!

    HNG: What’s next for The Selling?

    EL: VOD and DVD launch!  We are working towards getting the best placement possible for these launches by doing a theatrical release.  Hence, Kickstarter 🙂  And always trying to get as much coverage as possible, which is why being on a popular blog/facebook page such  as say… HOT NERD GIRL is so important!  And thank you again!

    HNG: How can people see The Selling if they’re not near a film festival or one of the theatres it will be showing at?

    EL: Our site is being updated so that they can either purchase a digital download on August 21st or a DVD on October 23rd from the website.   Hopefully they can also select our film from their local Redbox or order it video on demand from their local cable network.

    HNG: I think that it’s so important for women to support each other. What amazing women in your life lift you up and inspire you on a daily basis?

    EL: I have a group of amazing female friends.   They are Doctors, Actors, Artists, Mothers, Teachers, Business Women…they are my family, my sisters, they know who they are, and I love them very much 🙂

    HNG: I’m often asked how guys can meet an HNG of their very own. As a fellow HNG, what advice can you give them?

    EL: Wow, thanks for the compliment.  Is it official?  I’m an HNG?, Yay!  OK, now what was the question?  OK, right.  It’s always great to meet people with the same interests.  Go to your next nerd location of choice and be open, have confidence, go up to an HNG and say “what up?” – be yourself! Girls like nice guys, really, they do.  And if they don’t, it’s because they’re still in that awkward “I want to date a-hole” phase of their life and they aren’t ready for you anyway.  But please, please stick around for a Nice HNG.  NHNG’s only.

    * * * * *

    Time for your questions! As usual, you asked some great ones! (and some funny and ridiculous ones too, but that’s why I love you so much).

    Nichodemous B: Is there any way to make indie films suck less?

    EL: Yes!  We did!  Work with amazing people who really believe in the project, and make sure you believe in it too.  Don’t begin production until you have a great script.  Not good, great.  Make sure other people besides you; your friends, family, and the writer think it’s great too.

    Nate H: It’s so tough to strike the right balance between horror and comedy; what movies got it right? (what movies inspire you?)

    EL: So many, to name a few favorites…Shaun of the Dead, The Evil Dead Trilogy, Ghostbusters, and Bubba Ho-Tep.

    Daryle P: Where can we read your scripts?

    EL: I don’t have a script to share but the next movie I’m directing has an amazing script I’m very excited about! A Good Day To Die.

    Damon D: I’d like you to ask their name.

    EL: Emily Lou.

    Dan O: Did they get into indie horror because they like the genre, or lack the funds?

    EL: I love the genre.  Admittedly, I scare very easily and can’t even look at a clown.  BUT, I love funny, dark, quirky, and weird.  I love to make people laugh.  Regarding funds, good question…the way that can play in, and it did for us a bit, is that “horror sells,” it just does!  So, besides liking horror comedy, it was a plus for sure that horror is a popular genre.

    Dramos K: Thrill or gore? … one of the tough choices for horror it seems.

    EL: Thrill!  I respect those who love their gore, but.not so much gore in our movie, a few great scares though…to hear the audience being scared, that’s pretty cool.

    Damon D: Is it my buddy Rolfe? Mr. Nightmare Man himself? 🙂

    EL: Not that I know of.

    Neil C: Any general tips for people who want to get into film making?

    EL: Oh, this will be a difficult question to be brief on.  Budget, budget, budget…budget for all aspects of post production including festivals, marketing, Insurance, everything…everything you think you need to budget for, budget some more.  Find someone who has MADE a movie, been through the festival circuit and has gotten distribution.  Make sure they’ve done this in the last couple of years because the industry is always changing. A business course will also help.  AND read “Think Outside the Box Office” by Jon Reiss.

    Cinematographer Matthias Schubert and Director Emily Lou

    Michael J: Can I get your number? Can I get it?

    EL: I’m assuming you mean Hot Nerd Girl, and I’m afraid I can’t give it out…

    Esteban V: I’m attempting to make a prime rib for dinner tomorrow and I’m a bit confused, after the marinade process do I roast it 15 minutes per pound or 20 minutes per?

    EL: I’m not sure but I’ve had some good luck googling such things.

    Rob B: Are you really circa 1985 Sam Raimi?

    EL: Sigh, I wish.

    Patrick O: Top 3 favorite films?

    EL: Too hard! Not fair!  OK, fine.

    Singing in the Rain (because it’s the first movie I saw)

    The Evil Dead Trilogy (is that cheating?)

    Unforgiven (big Clint fan)

    Kenneth W: What is the hardest part of your job? Who are often the unsung heroes of your films? Do you do any raising money for your films, if so do you mind recounting a few instances?

    EL: Hardest part? Hm…where do I begin…truly it’s like parenting; you have no idea how hard it is until you become one (I am one). Truly though, not being able to pay people what they’re worth, if at all, I hate that, I  really, really do.  The crew is the unsung hero, we had an amazing crew. It was seriously organized, effective, and fun.  All people seem to care about is the “talent” as in the actors, and while we had some amazing ones and none of it would have happened without them, CERTAINLY none of it would have happened without our amazing crew.  I just hope I am lucky enough to work with them again.

    The crew

    Kenneth W: Also, who is someone you would like to throw under the proverbial bus? Also, assuming you know them well enough to do so and its all in good fun?

    EL: The girl in 3rd grade who called me a bug-eyed, fish-lipped midget.

    Alan K: what do you think about George A. Romero and his “Living Dead” flicks?

    EL: All hail the King of the Zombie’s! I absolutely love the Living Dead series.  Shaun of the Dead was such an inspiration for our film and it wouldn’t have been made without Mr. Romero.

    Thomas S: Lately all horror films have been played out, do you have any fresh ideas for a kick ass horror flick?

    EL: A real estate agent trying to sell a haunted house?  Called…maybe, THE SELLING?

    Eric C: How do you approach investors with an indie-horror script these days? Obviously it’s difficult to show potential for return on investment, so what is the draw for them to give money for your project? Also, how do you prepare for the hell that is shooting, especially working with talent to get them in character for their roles? Thank you.

    EL: Eric, I think we need to sit down and have coffee so I can adequately answer these…but for now here goes.  You need to approach people who believe in; you, the people involved, and the content (niche if you have one).  You need a great Line Producer to help you prep for the shoot.  Work with someone with some experience!  You will really be relying on this person!  With “talent,” hopefully you can squeeze in some rehearsals but if not you need to hire people who bring a lot to the table, shoot from the hip while being prepared and trust your gut.

    Pamitha W: What types of storytelling challenges do you face working with an indie budget? Is it rewarding finding creative solutions where mainstream directors tend to slap on special effects? If you could retell any hormedy (see what I did there?), which would it be and how would you do it?

    EL: I really love the problem solving involved in the process.  I wanted to shoot “practical effects” instead of using special effects for the film but… best laid plans.  One of our best effects however was done with one light in a closet and a fan.  Hormedy?  Ha! Well, probably the bleeding wall (spoiler alert).  I wanted that effect to practical SOOO BAD.  Everyone told me it couldn’t be done on our budget.  Everyone.  And, everyone was right.  We had fake blood everywhere and it looked terrible.  We ended up green screening it but green screened it wrong.  The special FX of it to this day I’m not crazy about.   If we could have done more takes, more time, more money, more blood, it would have been great!

    The practical effect attempt

    Alistair V: Is it difficult for a horror-comedy to be internationally successful due to the national nature of humour? I note Dog Soldiers and Severance.

    EL: Our film showed in Singapore and they definitely laughed at different things than a US audience.  Also, interestingly enough, from different parts of the US we got much different reactions.

    Sarah D: LOL! Why does he keep casting the same people over and over 😉 Assuming it’s the person I’m thinking you’re going to interview.

    EL: I’m not “him,” but I have to say once you find some good people that you enjoy working with, if you have any control over casting you will want to hire them again and again!

    Mark E: What do you think of Alfred Hitchcock?

    EL: One of the best people that ever lived.  The tone he could create, his aesthetic, just him as a person narrating, how he framed a shot with no apology, everything about him is (and I use this word sparingly) brilliant.

    Charlie C: ‎1) How much are those RED cameras now? 2) Do you have your own music score for the film? 3) Is it possible to make a Horror-Comedy without using too many of Raimi’s treatments?

    EL: I sadly do not own a RED although we did shoot on one. I think it’s running around $10-$12K these days.  Sure!  You can make a horror-comedy however the heck you want!

    Mark V: Can I star in your next movie opposite Hot Nerd Girl?

    EL: She has to agree to star in my next movie first!

    It’s been known to happen Mark

    Kevin K: If you and I woke up in a hotel room, covered in blood, with a dead hooker on the floor, what would you like to have for breakfast?

    EL: A Chocolate Peppermint Stick Luna bar.

    Chris P: A big budget movie maker has scores of people and services available to him or her: director, producer(s), director of photography and crew, film editors, location scouts… How does the process differ for an independent filmmaker?

    EL: We have all those same people but sadly they do not get paid as much as “big budget” films.  So, you find people who love what they do, have some experience but need more, are willing to work for less, love your script, think you’re pretty cool and then you treat them VERY well and with LOTS of respect.

    *****

    To find out more about The Selling, go to the website. You can find it HERE.

    A HUGE thanks to Emily Lou for taking the time to participate! I can’t wait to see her future projects (something tells me this lady is going places).

  • “Ask a Foley Artist” – Interview with Dean Minnerly

    HNG and Dean on the Foley Stage at Universal

    As I mentioned on the HNG facebook page, I did an interview with Dean Minnerly, Foley Artist for Universal Studios. I also mentioned that he is my stepdad. Now, I should probably offer a quick explanation because I talk about my parents a lot and it can get a bit confusing because I have 6 of them. I know, right about now you’re thinking wtf? What is HNG smoking? I have been extremely fortunate to have a loving and supportive immediate and extended family that is chock full of some of the most fascinating people you will ever meet. We’re pretty much the definition of a Modern Family.

    There’s my mom (Mama Jedi who’s on here a lot and is the reason I moved to San Diego) and my dad (retired Navy, I talk about him a lot too, most recently in my review of Battleship). They are my rocks and the greatest parents on earth. No one could ever replace them. They divorced when I was in middle school.

    I was pretty young when I started acquiring step-parents (and with them, 9 step-siblings). My dad married a wonderful woman, my stepmom Jeanne, who I adore. My mom was in a decade-long relationship with my stepdad Don (airbrush artist and direct descendant of Davy Crockett) who is amazing and insanely knowledgable about Scottish history. She later married my stepdad Randall who was one of the most wonderful men I’ve ever known. He passed away in October 2010 and was featured in my In Memoriam post that year. Then there’s Dean aka Popi. He’s been an incredibly close friend of the family since I was 6 years old. When my dad was gone on WestPacs he would step in as our father figure when we needed one. He has been to every play, graduation and major event in my life since I was very young so years ago I dubbed him “Popi.”

    These 6 wonderful people make up what I call my “parental units.” It’s more love and support than any one person deserves and I know exactly how lucky I am to have been brought up by this intelligent, funny, and eclectic group. I would not be who I am today were it not for them.

    Apparently it really does take a village

    Now that the explanation is out of the way, here’s a little background on Dean:

    Dean P. Minnerly of Sleepy Hollow, NY (yup, that one, from the stories and movies) descended from the first Dutch families that settled what was to become New York.  Let’s skip a few hundred years.  He enlisted in the United States Army in late 1969.  He excelled in training… went Airborne… recruited out of Airborne for Special Forces Qualification Course.  Served in Viet Nam with 5th Special Forces (Airborne), with 5th Mike Force, II Corps and Recon Team Louisiana (details classified).  He came home and started teaching Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan with the Norris brothers (as in Chuck).  He was educated at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA in engineering and music.  He then returned to active duty with 7th Special Forces in El Salvador/Honduras/Nicaragua and was posted in Panama at the “Banana Boat School” also know as the Jungle Expert Course among other things.  Look up “Green Monster” and you’ll understand.  He separated from the service and moved to California to continue teaching for Chuck Norris in ’83.  His Studio City, CA school had many well known students and their families including the son and grandson of then president, Ronald Reagan.  One of his many students in the film industry introduced him to Foley and that’s how this facet of his life began.  Another of his students was a senior story editor for Star Trek: The Next Generation and got him involved with contributing story, writing and martial arts skills to the show.  He has been at Universal Studios for 18 years and loves it there.

    Originally we were just supposed to get together for dinner and I was going to head back next week to conduct this interview but one thing lead to another and we ended up at Universal driving around the backlot in a golf cart and crashing people’s private tours (they were on Dean’s stage afterall). The next thing I know I’m conducting an interview that I totally wasn’t prepared for. Note to self: write down some good questions and keep them in your wallet. Needless to say, this was very good practice and I’m über glad that my first interview was with someone who won’t hold it against me.

    Here is the bulk of our interview:

    [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxFyyQVGEpg]

    –

    Since I wasn’t prepared, I only had my camera on me and had limited memory card space so I emailed him some additional questions a few days later:

    HNG: What is it about Foley that keeps you coming back for more?

    DM: Few jobs allow such creativity and allow a person to share with such a wide and diverse audience.

    HNG: How did you meet the Foley family and become involved with the program at Paramount Ranch? 

    DM: Cathi Foley Clark grew up at Universal with her uncle, Jack Foley, and has been his chronicler and biographer her whole life.  She visited me on the stage and we began a friendship.  I had been doing demos at Paramount Ranch for the National Park Service and she brought the whole family out to meet me.

    One of Dean’s many Foley demonstrations at Paramount Ranch

    HNG: You also worked for Larson Studios, how long did you work there and why did you move to Universal? 

    DM: I was with Rick Larson for about 6 years.  I started taking night work on the original Law & Order at Universal and eventually was offered more and more steady work.

    HNG: What is your favorite TV show and movie to have worked on? 

    DM: Presently, my favorite TV show is Grimm.  I did the pilot and all the episodes since.  It’s quite a challenge but great fun!  The most recent movie I completed was Ted for Seth MacFarlane starring Seth as the voice of Ted and Mark Wahlberg as Ted’s real life-buddy with Mila Kunis as Mark’s girlfriend.

    HNG: What is your favorite movie in general? 

    DM: I have so many but Saving Private Ryan has to be close to the top.

    HNG: Favorite TV show? 

    DM: Again, it’s hard to pin down a single show but I’d say shows on History/Discovery/Military/NatGeo channels get the most of my viewing time.

    HNG: You are currently keyboardist for The McGrath Project. How did you meet Gary McGrath and how did that lead to becoming a band mate? 

    DM: Gary needed someone to track on a new album and I was introduced to him by a mutual friend.  The band included Tim Bogert, virtuoso bassist of Vanilla Fudge/Cactus/Beck,Bogert and Appice and Bryan Head, drummer of Foreigner and others.  Gary is a two time Grammy winner.  They liked my studio work and invited me to play live with them and I joined the band. A year and a half later, Ann-Marita Garsed, a solo singer-songwriter sang with us a few times and joined as well.  Many people have been in the band at one time or another including many Hall of Fame players and Grammy winners.

    [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqmbLCaAQ0E]

    –

    HNG: How did you meet Chuck Norris? 

    DM: I took Pai Lum Gung Fu (not Kung Fu)  when I was around 13 and stayed with it.  I’d just returned from VN and went to the CNKS in Virginia Beach where I was living.  Chuck and his brother Aaron were there and I started over but with past experience, rose through the ranks quickly.  I became an assistant instructor and after testing for black belt, a full instructor.  Continued teaching for them when I moved to CA in ’83.

    HNG: Who is your favorite Director you’ve worked with? 

    DM: I have three… Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard and Tom Hanks.   I haven’t worked with Clint Eastwood but I have great respect for him… F. F. Coppola as well.

    HNG: What kinds of awards have you won for Foley? 

    DM: Emmys and Golden Reels.

    HNG: Who is your favorite superhero? 

    DM: I have to go back to my first… Superman.

    HNG: Your favorite Star Trek Captain? 

    DM: Patrick Stewart for ST:TNG as a single show but William Shatner for Star Trek overall.

    HNG: Your favorite band/musician? 

    DM: Too many but I always loved The Beatles.

    HNG: How many black belts do you have? 

    DM: Depends on the style.  5 in Tang Soo Do, 3 in Hapkido, 2 in Hwa Rang Do, and 1 in Judo.

    HNG: How many ways can you kill a person using pressure points? 

    DM: Pressure points can help healing, can cause great pain, can mediate blood flow but don’t by themselves kill through pressure.  Impacts or impalement at these points may as many are arterial points or central nervous system (nerve bundles) points.

    HNG: How many times has your nose been broken due to martial arts? 

    DM: Three or four.

    HNG: What was your first impression of Gene Roddenberry? Patrick Stewart? The rest of the cast? 

    DM: Gene… a true visionary.  Majel… the ultimate in support and a true comedic actress.  Patrick… an unshakeable Shakesperian mind and demeanor with a musical comedy heart.  Jonathan … powerful and funny.  Michael… intense and the only real pilot of the bunch.  LeVar… studied but impatient.  Marina… meticulous.   Gates… careful and mothering.   Brent… a true performance chameleon worthy of Vaudeville.  Wil… headstrong with an attitude but willing to learn.  Colm… eager to excel.  Denise… demure cowgirl.  Whoopi… outrageous!

    HNG: Who was the most awesome TNG cast member?  The most awful? 

    DM: They were all great but everybody knew who was boss.  Some of the guests could be difficult.

    HNG: You’ve taught self-defense courses before, what’s the single most important thing for someone to remember if they are being attacked? 

    DM: Keep your head and be aware of everything and everyone around you.   Look for opportunity.  Yeah, I know you said one… oh well.

    HNG: You were featured in a Tonight Show sketch with Conan O’Brien. What was he like? 

    DM: The tallest Energizer Bunny on the planet with a very edgy side and sense of humor.

    * * * * *

    I thought it would be fun to let you guys ask him some questions as well since I know from experience that y’all ask some GREAT questions. Hopefully I collected them all, I apologize if I missed any!

    Jake R: What’s a Foley Artist? 

    DM: A performer of sound.  We recreate live sound EFX to picture and sync them to the event portrayed.  The effect may be what you see, more than what you see or different depending on the needs of the client or project. It is named after creator Jack Foley.

    Jack Foley perfecting the art

    David F: How do you get to be a Foley Artist? 

    DM: Apprenticeship.  You must find another artist(s) who will take you on and begin to train you.  If you don’t have the base skills already in you, you won’t make it.  You need precise hearing, athletic skills and timing, the ability to anticipate movement and a working knowledge of the gear used.  Most of us have a background in music, athletics or dance and audio engineering.

    Kevin C: How does one get a job as a Foley Artist (other than being awesome)? Do you just have to be in the know with people in Hollywood? 

    DM: It doesn’t hurt to be connected but your skill as an artist and ability to work with demanding clients at a demanding pace is what keeps you working.

    Stevey M: What is the most fun noise to make? 

    DM: Depends on who’s listening.  If we can make people cringe at the sound, make them laugh or make them sick… we’re happy.

    Craig S: Is it true that the sound of love is a boot stuck in mud, only wetter? 

    DM: Trade secret but if you are familiar with that sound you may not need the answer.

    Paul M: Mick Foley!? 😀 

    DM: No… Jack Foley.  I don’t think Jack ever wrestled.

    Robert N: Axel Foley? 

    DM: Only in Beverly Hills.

    Aaron A: For your “ask a foley artist” interview…. if you want to ask him, what’s the most fun he’s had on a project, or movie or whatever. God I wish I knew a Foley Artist. It just seems like such a cool job to have on a movie or whatever. So random and different.  I’m just ever so slightly jealous you know one. 

    DM: Know one?  She has BEEN one.  She lived with me after SFSU and apprenticed at Universal.  She has contributed to many projects I worked on.

    Andy L: What sound that he has generated was the most different from what the sound was supposed to portray? 

    DM: Depends on the client.  If the real sound is insufficient or the client wants an entirely different sound, we build it.  If it’s sci-fi or fantasy and the visual was newly created a sound will need to be created as well.

    Larry L: How do you get the best recordings of your sounds? What equipment/techniques? 

    DM: Our own skills and abilities and each of us is different.  Different mics and mic-pre’s… absorption and reflective surfaces to create ambience, depth and size.  We’ll use three mics at once… two directional and one elsewhere in the stage to cross-fade and develop the perspective necessary.  Our primary mics are Neumann KMR-81’s with other Neumanns, Sennheisers, AKGs, etc. in the mix.  Our mic-pre’s are GMLs, Focusrites, Avalons, etc.  We record to ProTools and have several sets of near field monitors to choose from with our largest being JBL’s.

    Lisa C: What was the most complex sound he ever created and of what was it composed? 

    DM: Don’t think I can pick just one.  We do a lot of layering and sweetening.  The effect may only last for a few seconds but we many be out a dozen tracks creating all the different sonic facets that alone may be nothing but together make the event live.

    Shannon H: Why do car tires sequel on dirt roads in the movies? 

    DM: People have preconceptions of what things SHOULD sound like regardless of reality.  That group of people includes very well known leaders in our industry.  Even if it’s wrong we will do what’s expected but we will also give alternate tracks of what we think would better serve the event.  That way, on the dub (re-recording/final mix) stage the choices are available.

    Bruce P: What was the most unusual method you’ve used to create the most common sound? 

    DM: A recent one comes to mind..  I did a documentary called The Movement about paraplegics, blind and otherwise disabled people learning or relearning to downhill ski.  One of the effects I created for the clatter of skis on a fast run involved my crushing ice and shaping it into a one by two foot mound… mic’ing it close and overhead and using an empty plastic mustard squeeze bottle to create the clatter, moving toward the mic capsule as the skis closed on the camera and off-angle as the skis moved away.

    Lair of the Nerd: In your opinion, what’s the weirdest thing you’ve used to make a noise, and what noise was it. 

    DM: There are a few.  Here are two:  In slasher flicks we rip lots of guts out.  Take a large watermelon, cut one end off, violently shove your hand in it and twist as you pull it out.  The suction and texture of the melon flesh combined with all the wet works great… it’s absolutely disgusting.  I mentioned snow.  Snow has many textures and sounds.  Squeaky powder is very distinctive.  Garden supply stores have Perlite, often used in potted plants.  Cornstarch is also used.  Pour it into a pillowcase and start walking on it to grind it down.  The squeaks will be there and you won’t freeze your nerd off in the process.

    AK G: Who decides what a fictional sound should be? The director? A writer? The foley artist? 

    DM: ‘D’… All of the above.  In spotting sessions, when everybody sits around reviewing the reels, these things are discussed and the creative people hash out what best serves the scene.  When agreed upon, we have our direction and we go make it happen.

    Todd F: How much celery do you waste on a daily basis? 

    DM: Celery is part of only one food group we abuse regularly.  No fruit, veggie or uncooked critter is safe on a Foley stage.

    Salem P: What’s the foley effect you’re most proud of that you thought up? 

    DM: Whichever one the client wasn’t expecting that gave him/her more than he could have imagined… and that only lasts until I come up with the next one.

    José H: How awesome do you have to be to be HNG’s stepfather? 

    DM: I love her… she loves me.  Nothing else matters.

    One of my high school senior portraits

    Dan G: Do studios have massive Foley libraries that you get to pull from as needed or do they prefer you always start from scratch (keeping it fresh and each movie slightly different)? 

    DM: There are no Foley libraries.  There are libraries we create for EFX editors for them to draw from but we start fresh every time.  It is the inconsistency and imperfection of human and animal movement that make it real.  No two of anything are every exactly alike as are our performances.  Each time we create a sound it will have some variation.  Think of each or our creations as a snowflake.

    Scott D: Universal as in Orlando? 

    DM: Nope… Universal Studios Hollywood.  There is a Universal in Orlando but this is home, first opened in 1913.

    Jay A: He didn’t know Keillor’s effects guy, did he? 

    DM: If you refer to Garrison Keillor’s radio shows, then no.  What they do and what we do is quite different.  They add simple sound components to add color to those programs.  We develop a complete sound package integral to the final product you see and hear in theaters and on TV.

    John G: Does he realize he’s standing next to “HNG”? 😉 

    DM: I do occasionally notice that.

    Marlon B: ‎Can I marry your step-daughter?

    DM: I think some would have a problem with that but thanks for asking.

    José H: Do movie or TV studios force Foley artists to generate a wet-sucking sound for scenes involving the removal of objects from a body part? It seems like that sound is inserted whenever the hero/coroner removes an object from a dead body part… 

    DM: It does come up.  I refer you to my responses to Shannon H. and Lair of the Nerd.

    José H: Serious question: What’s the weirdest sound effect you were asked to create that has absolutely no equivalent in the “real” world?

    DM: I guess the sound of a maggot crawling on a sweater from 15 feet away.  As you may guess it was a head-scratcher.  Since no sound exists in that instance, there’s no reference point and how do you make it distinct enough to get it played?  There are others but that one was a challenge.

    Dee O: What’s the most memorable and or unique sound you were asked to make/record? 

    DM: This is what is known as an “imponderable.”  Each had a quality of it’s own.  Memorable would have me recall the event or circumstance and people involved more than the sound(s) itself.

    Kyle S: Why was there was no Chuck Norris in the Next Generation. That would have been epic……

    DM: Several characters exhibited talents and abilities similar to those of Chuck’s.  At the time, Chuck was so well known he would never be accepted as another character.  Think about it… Chuck has, regardless of the portrayal, always played himself.  His show, Walker, Texas Ranger, also competed with TNG for audience.

    Miki K: What do you think is your most creative sound? 

    DM: The one I haven’t yet thought of.  You are always creating and each is a new challenge.

    * * * * *

    Thanks for your questions everyone! Thanks to Mama Jedi for her superb camera and interview assisting skills. And a huge thanks to Dean for taking the time out to let me bumble my way through this interview and for being such a rad Popi.

    Previous blogs that were mentioned in the video portion of the interview:

    Visiting the set of Serenity

    All of the Star Trek: The Next Generation stuff Dean gave me