Chapter 40 – Back in the Fray & Happy Holidays
by Leesa Dean
So…back in the fray with Celebrity Quest (trying to line up a celeb for my TOP SECRET PROJECT.) This has been tougher than I expected, particularly cause things lined up so quickly and easily when I was casting Chilltown I stupidly thought the same thing would happen this time around. Granted, the celebs we’re trying to get are bigger than the guys that were cast in Chilltown, but still…
One musician, who seemed like shoe-in went AWOL two hours before our meeting. Turns out, he’s going through “personal problems.” Sigh. The next one, who my producing partner had a relationship with, will be on tour for the next 3 months or so, so no dice. I know things will ultimately fall into place, but it’s been frustrating.
Meanwhile, on Monday I attended a really great workshop on using Google Hangouts. I’m hoping to incorporate them for promo sometime next year and wanted an overview.
Navarrow Wright, the guy who was running it REALLY knew what he was talking about and gave great tips on producing a multi-cam hangout. There’s even a control panel so you can produce it like a live news/talk show. Very cool. I asked him if there was anyplace online where I could find the info he was sharing and, surprisingly, he said no. He said it was all so new, that a lot of the tech aspects were literally changing every day so everything was kind of trial and error. I’m so glad I attended.
For anyone interested, the workshop was at YouTube in NYC. It was part of the series that Chris Chan Roberson runs. They’ve been held at Next New Networks but will be shutting down at the end of the year. Youtube is building a bigger/better studio that will reopen in Fall 2014 which is terrific, but also disappointing. I was planning on filming some stuff there for Season Two of the Lele Show in a few months. They told me I could fly to California and film there for free, but that seems to be a bit much so…I’m thinking of alternative plans. Chris did say there’s a chance they’ll open sooner or have some services available sooner so I’ll be posting here if/when that happens.
Finally, this is the last post of the year. I want to wish everybody who’s been reading it a happy, healthy holiday and a spectacular New Year! Also, while the list of people to thank this is year would be way too long to note individually, I wanted to especially thank the actors who helped bring Chilltown to life: Victor Cruz, Richie Bulldog, Dante Nero, Wil Sylvince, Gil T. and Jordan Bobby Brown. Plus, the great DJ Wally Pish Posh, who did the music and super talented Big Pepp, the MC on the theme song. Also, a big thanks to Stacey Sorokina, who was my assistant for many months during the launch. Her help and undying support of the show(s) was invaluable. And David Belgrave whose social media tips and support were beyond helpful. I also want to thank Larry Brody, Munchman and the TVWriter family for being so supportive this year and running my column. It’s meant so much to me. Plus, all the blogs and radio that helped promote the show — especially Gigi Capone of Rhythm 105.9 and Eric Jones of WWRN Radio for running Lele’s 60 Second Week in Review. I couldn’t have done it without you guys. And finally, all the fans. Reading comments and letters has made me want to continue, even when it’s been tough. The support, and being embraced this way, has meant the world to me.
I’ll be back here in January with a brand new column. And can’t wait to see what 2014 will bring! Have a great one, everybody!
Thanks for posting, LB & Munchman! Have a great holiday!
Thanks for writing, Leesa. Holiday wishes back atcha.
LYMI
LB