Archive for the ‘video’ Category

Saturday, September 14th, 2019

Uncanny TV pilot

by Warren

A while back Uncanny Magazine filmed a pilot for Uncanny TV, a geek-focused talk show featuring hosts Michi Trota and Matt Peters and guests Keisha Howard, Daniel Jun Kim and musical guest Dawn Xiana Moon. I cut it together and you can watch it above!

Monday, September 16th, 2013

Gear fatigue

by Warren

I’ve always been fascinated with the newest and shiniest filmmaking equipment. Even back in the 90s, when I was taking Broadcast Production at NAIT, I avidly followed the “cheap” 16mm cameras that were just coming onto the market and servicing indie auteurs.

Time passes, technology advances, and now practically anyone can make a film. DSLRs don’t look like film, really, but they look close enough that they’ve become an acceptable alternative. Almost any computer can cut together video in a professional manner. I’ve even made a few short films myself.

But one thing that hasn’t changed in the 20-odd years I’ve been noodling about with film gear is the endless “if only” factor of the latest tech. You can get a DSLR, and make serviceable images, but if only you had a C300. Or an FS100. Or an Alexxa. Or the Holy Grail of film dilettantes everywhere, the RED camera. If only your computer was that much faster, that graphics card that much more powerful, your RAM maxed out to…well, you get the idea.

All well and good, and I wish nothing but luck with those who use these tools. But after all this time I’m starting to get tired of keeping up with it all. I’m starting to think it would make more sense not only to use what I’ve got…but also take a step back from the whole process.

I’ll still write scripts for short films, but given the incredibly thin odds of getting a feature made or financed, I’m starting to look at other forms of (fictional) writing. Like books, short stories, comic books and audio plays. None of these hold any more promise of success than film, but they do promise more tangible results.

And at the end of the day, success (or the lack thereof) can be just another way to avoid doing what needs doing. What needs doing is writing, creating, experimenting. Not fantasizing about the next best thing. If there’s one thing Radio Free Skaro has taught me, it’s that just plugging away at something for the love of the process means more, and yields more tangible results, than any shiny new toy ever could.

Tuesday, May 7th, 2013

Video Free Skaro: the final episode and a post mortem

by Warren

Here’s the final episode of Video Free Skaro for your enjoyment. It’s much longer than the usual episodes and it’s chock-a-block full of interviews, action figure shenanigans and other goodness!

And if you’d like a breakdown of how and why we made it and why we’re finishing up with it, read on.
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Wednesday, October 10th, 2012

Backyard Blockbusters!

by Warren


I’ve always had a certain fondness for fan films. Done right, they can be a great new way to enjoy a familiar universe. Done poorly, they can make you wish you’d never been born. Evidently my love for these homemade homages is shared, as seen by Backyard Blockbusters, a documentary about the people behind some famous and infamous fan films both old and new.
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Tuesday, September 18th, 2012

Video Free Skaro 012: Critical Hits and Pint-Sized Brits

by Warren

A very special guest host takes the reigns on this week’s Video Free Skaro, and we’re sure you’ll enjoy his sardonic take on all things Whovian. But the main event is the Critical Hit show, a blending of improv and Dungeons and Dragons hosted by the inestimable Eric Fell, star of Blue Meanie and Skaromantic Comedy. Join Eric as he and his merry band of comedians vanquish monsters and concoct shenanigans under the lights of the Rio Theatre in Vancouver!

Wednesday, September 5th, 2012

Video Free Skaro 011 – Let’s Cosplay Why Not!

by Warren


This week Video Free Skaro visits Cos and Effect, Vancouver’s big cosplay convention where you’re likely to run into Batman, Link, Ringo Starr and trolls from Homestuck, often all at once. Warren interviews Heather Wilkinson, one of the organizers of Cos and Effect, and she gives him the lowdown on what cosplay is all about and how those interested can join in the fun.

All this and the (somewhat late) news! On Video! Free! Skaro!

Monday, August 20th, 2012

The Platformer Show – episode 008

by Warren

Chelsea returns to the Vancouver Mini Maker Faire to interview David Repa from the Hackery, a unique computer repair and recycling shop that takes in your old computer hardware and lovingly restores it back to health. The Hackery is also something of a computer museum, with vintage Macs, Tandy 100s, Commodores, and even a neXT cube and teletype.

To check out the Hackery’s services, go to thehackery.ca

Monday, August 13th, 2012

Video Free Skaro 010 – 20 Sided Dice for All!

by Warren

This week Video Free Skaro dives back into the world of Standard Action, a web series shot in Vancouver and set in a mythical land not unlike one that involves both Dungeons and/or Dragons. We talked to Standard Action director Rob Hunt and costumer and assistant director Vanessa Driveness, and we’ve got a sneak peek from a scene between a sassy kobold and Eric Fell, whom you may recognize from Blue Meanie and Skaromantic Comedy.

All this and news, Gally updates and so much more!

Tuesday, July 31st, 2012

Video Free Skaro 009 – Dalekphonic Workshop

by Warren

On this edition of Video Free Skaro, we talk to Tom Pickles, who has not only built a full-size functional Dalek but also a TARDIS, a Weeping Angel, K-9 and more! You may have seen his handiwork in Blue Meanie and Skaromantic Comedy…now meet the man behind the monsters.

Please leave us a comment, subscribe, and if you like the t-shirts Warren wears on the show, head to www.damask.ca for all your Whovian sartorial needs!

Monday, June 18th, 2012

Video Free Skaro 006 – Zombies and Talk Shows

by Warren

On this episode of Video Free Skaro, we profile “Mind My Brains, Darling!” a webseries made in the style of “Are You Being Served?” and other British comedies of the Seventies, but with zombies. We also debut “Tom Baker Tonight,” an exciting foray into late night variety programming by a tiny, maniacal Tom Baker action figure. All this and the latest news, reviews, and superfluous pictures of Jenna Louise Coleman!

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