Author: ChilltownTV

I'm primarily a writer. Sold a few series to tv networks and production companies but never had anything get on the air. So I taught myself how to animate and completed 3 digital series, launching two. The first, Chilltown has been named one of "Five Web Series That Should Be on Your Radar" by ABCNews/Univision and a "Show to Watch" by Tubefilter. The second, Lele's Ratchet Advice Show, garnered a fanatic cult following. As a result, I now do Lele's 60 Second Wrap Up, a weekly comedic entertainment report (which I write & perform) that airs on urban radio stations Rhythm 105.9fm and the Just Wake Up Morning Show on WWRNfm.

Leesa Dean: Adventures of a Web Series Newbie

stomp

Chapter 52: Miley Cyrus Stomped My Face
by Leesa Dean

So first, Kai and I postponed, or rather I did. We were supposed to meet to discuss the networking project but I’ve just been too swamped in post.
And when I say “post” I mean, not only the usual (editing, keying, color correcting, etc) but also animating. Part of the TOP SECRET PROJECT involves not only animation but a little live action footage, integrated in an unusual way and it’s been kicking my BEHIND. Definitely the most challenging thing I’ve ever done.

I’m hoping I’ll be finished with this phase of it by early next week. Kai and I will be meeting then, in any case.

Meanwhile, there’s been a bunch of stuff going on in the web community. For starters, and you probably heard this, Disney purchased Maker for $500 million clams. Which is…while not unexpected, a little disturbing. And not for the usual reasons. (Animators call Disney “Mouse-chwitz” where they’re known to say, “If you don’t come into work Saturday, don’t even THINK about coming into work Sunday.”) read article

Leesa Dean: Adventures of a Web Series Newbie

postChapter 51 – Post Post Post
by Leesa Dean

Really busy week. My producing partner on the REALLY BIG PROJECT and I had our first post meeting after the Victor shoot and the footage looks great! I’ve been spending the past few days working between three programs to edit, key and start the huge job of compositing.

While I wrote/directed this segment, I’m doing something kind of unusual with it–or, at least, something I’ve never done before (not that that’s ever stopped me)–so it’s not only really really complicated, I’m, kind of, figuring it out as I go along. Something I’m used to by now.

We’re having another mid-process meeting next week (so I can get a second pair of really trained eyeballs on it) and then, hopefully, in a week or so it’ll be in the can. read article

Leesa Dean: Adventures of a Web Series Newbie

Chapter 50 – Take No Prisoners
by Leesa Dean

keep-calm-and-take-no-prisoners-22So, after a mini-tumultuous time (one celeb bailing, studio problems) we finally went back into the green screen studio last Tuesday and shot.

It was great.

We used Victor Cruz (not THAT Victor Cruz), who played the lead in Chilltown and is ridiculously talented–not only as an actor but a comedian. He just wrapped The Other Woman, starring Cameron Diaz and directed by Nick Cassavetes. I actually saw the trailer and I predict it’s gonna be a huge movie (the crowd in the theater I was in loved it). They’re in post now and I’m not sure of the release date but between that, Annie The Musical (which Victor’s also in–he even made the trailer–he plays the teacher in a blink or you’ll miss it scene; it’s also gonna be HUGE) and a brand new gangster show on FX he just booked, I’m glad we got him now! read article

Leesa Dean: Adventures of a Web Series Newbie

surprise-catChapter 49 – Shooting, Surprising, Shooting
by Leesa Dean

So, this week was great. Since I last wrote, my camera production class went to Union Square Park and spent most of the day shooting. The day before I wrote a script in class and my shooting partner Tara and I put together a shot list.

The script was about the Oscars, which were happening the next night. We went up to people, prank style, told them we were from DCTV and ABC was debuting something new at this year’s red carpet event, The Hipster Fashion Police. We said we managed to get a copy of some of the categories, nominees and wanted to get people’s opinions about who would win.

For example, one of the questions was: who has the best beardage? Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix or Gov. Chris Christie who, admittedly doesn’t have a beard but probably used them in the whole George Washington Bridge scandal. read article

Leesa Dean: Adventures of a Web Series Newbie

red_carpet_entrance_camera_flashes

Chapter 48 – Shooting
by Leesa Dean

After last week’s debacle, we picked ourselves up and got an actor/comedian I’ve worked with a lot to fill in. The new shoot’s on Sunday, we’re rehearsing this evening and I’m pretty psyched. He always delivers plus is ultra reliable and a nice guy. That always wins the the race. So, although I’ll be missing part of the red carpet of the Oscars, it’s cool to be actually working towards making my dreams come true then vs. sitting around and watching other people live their’s out (though it is fun to either drool over or mock the outfits; yes, I’m DVR’ing it).

Meanwhile, this week I’ve been in mini-film school. Been doing the camera workshop and it’s been great! Classes on camera technique, lighting, audio, composition, production. And tomorrow we do an all day shoot. We paired up (there are 8 people in the class) and last night, each team put together a script. I was partnered with Tara, who seems really cool and we seem to have the same sensibility (she works for Complex Mag). She & I put together an Oscar’s red carpet parody. We’re shooting in Union Square Park and already, mostly, have picked the locations. We have our shot list and I’m bringing some props.

Early tomorrow morning, we arrive at DCTV (where the classes are held), pick up our kits (we’re each getting a camera, tripod and wireless laveliers), jump on the subway and have about 4 hours to shoot. As part of our parody, we’re getting people on the street interviews so I hope we can some to be on camera. Luckily, the temperature’s supposed to be warmer (40 degrees) than it has been the past few days (it’s in the teens today!) and there’s no snow expected. read article