Up in Smoke Video Podcast

What happened to the podcast...

2006-10-14T10:20:00.000-07:00

I received a comment this morning which stated:
" What the hell happened to the podcast, you get pregnant or somethin?"

I did, in fact.

My husband and I are expecting a baby in March! The podcast is officially on hiatus and has been for a little while for several reasons:

A) It was getting expensive and I didn't have the cash to replace our stolen equiptment.
B) The lovely and talented Kristin Quinn joined the screen actors guild.
C) Oh yeah, the pregnancy thing made me really miss being able to smoke a cigar.

So loyal fans, thanks so much for watching. Check back occasionally. We may start back up. You never know...

Oh No!!

2006-07-01T12:11:00.000-07:00

I just checked out our page on iTunes and half of our episodes are missing!!

We've been meaning to redo the webpage, but this is a little emergency and I can't honestly remember the last time I checked the iTunes feed.

So, if you found this somehow, download the other episodes from our webpage http://www.cigarvideopodcast.com

Some of my favorites are missing :(

I'll get it fixed as soon as I can!

Cigar Smoking Weekend

2006-06-12T10:31:00.000-07:00

We're in post production for a couple of new episodes, but I just thought I'd let you know it's been a big week for me and cigars. We spent two evenings with cigar smoking friends this week and were able to kick back and enjoy ourselves.

For those of you interested in the cigar particulars:

Thursday night: Punch Rare Corojos paired with a weird rum that I can never pronounce. Smoked on our upper deck. I'm thinking of renaming it the "cigar lounge..."

Saturday night: Old Hamiltons. We were with another couple who had only smoked cigars once before. The Hamiltons were mild enough for them, but still good.

Flavor Meme

2006-06-06T14:29:00.000-07:00

Compliments of Jan over at Quoth the Maven:

The idea is to list five to ten of, not your favorite foods, but your favorite flavors. For instance, if you read a menu, what are the words that jump out at you. Or if you had to plan your last meal, what flavors would be mandatory to include? If you're a true chocoholic, chocolate would be at the top of the list. This might include your favorite spices or condiments as well -- say you put cinnamon on or in things a lot.

1. Vanilla (you can mix other stuff in ice cream, but rich and plain is the best)
2. smoke (like smokey BBQ)
3. limey salt (can you say Margarita rim)
4. artichoke
5. dark chocolate
6. garlic
7. cheddar
8. carrot (raw, cake)
9. mushroom
10. soy sauce

Now it's your turn. Leave me a link in the comments!

Want more traffic? We do!

2006-06-03T09:41:00.000-07:00

So, this is a new thing we're trying and I think it should work for your websites too! Check out the link below and help us and yourself!

Send me One Million FREE Guaranteed Visitors

Are you an iTunes Subscriber??

2006-06-02T14:28:00.000-07:00

Don't miss the latest Up in Smoke episodes.

I'm amazed at how many of our viewers forget to subscribe to the Up in Smoke video podcast on iTunes. It's easy. It's free. It's the best way to watch our wacky little show about a cigar shop.

So:

Click HERE to launch (or download if you haven't yet) iTunes.

When the Up in Smoke Video Podcast page appears, make sure you click "Subscribe"

It helps us. It helps you.

And--the show is great. Don't believe me? Too bad. You'll never be able to say, "Hey, I used to watch Up in Smoke back when it was a podcast...."

At Last!

2006-05-25T08:23:00.000-07:00

My super apologies for the long wait for our latest episode. It's finally up and ready for download.
This week, I've really been trying to learn the backend part of the whole podcasting thing. I guess uploading and altering feeds isn't that difficult, but it's been a big step for me.
I'll be adding the latest episode to our YouTube profile in about a week, but I like to give subscribers first dibs.

Also, I'm thinking of totally retooling the website and I'm starting to think that we need to offer the subscriptions in other forms than just iTunes. I had hoped to drive all our traffic through that feed and (upon Leo Laporte's advice) didn't bother with all the other podcasting sites. Now, I think it's time to make our stuff available to a larger audience.

Thanks everybody for being patient! Enjoy "The Questions!"

Behind Schedule

2006-05-16T09:35:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. No posts. No episodes. I just need to do a reshoot this evening and I'll have an episode ready to go.

Anybody interested in volunteering on our set/website/editing? We could use a little help!

Newsblaze Article about Us!

2006-05-04T12:29:00.000-07:00

You may reccognize the above article as very similar to a post I wrote a month or so ago. That's no accident. I submitted our first press release to a free service and have had a few nods. Frankly, I think using a podcast to break into Hollywood is an innovative, if not yet proven successful, idea.

Any journalists out there?

Seriously, I've scoured the web and there are very very few podcast sitcoms. We may not have the highest production values, but free laughs for 5 minutes? There has to be a story somewhere.

If anyone is interested in interviewing me, or any of our cast, shoot us an email at:

mail@cigarvideopodcast.com

Thanks!

Everybody needs a break

2006-05-02T13:48:00.000-07:00

I know one of the most important factors determining a blog or podcast's success is consistancy. This has never been one of my strong suits. After nearly a month, I'm editing a new episode.

It features a scantily clad blond bimbo. I hope you males are happy.

I also think its one of our silliest episodes, but highlights a common problem in cigar shops.

Feel free to guess our topic in the comments section. If you get it right, I might even send you a free cigar.

Thanks for sticking around and I promise to be much more prolific in the future!

Did you know that I'm a "savvy entrepreneur?"

2006-04-11T09:26:00.000-07:00

Any publicity is good publicity, right??

The LSE Group Weblog (see link in title of this post) published a little bit about our podcast, basically saying that we're using "citizen media" to circumvent regulations on television advertisements of tobacco products. Which, I guess, is technically sort of true. Had the blogger bothered to poke around our site at all, he would have seen that's not the primary objective--working in Hollywood is. Oh well.

He was, not particularly nice. Here's a quote:
"P.P.S. To save you a lengthy download, the quality of the acting in this ‘mini sitcom’ is, perhaps unsurprisingly, truly awful. Not even laughably awful…"

To this I can only answer, since it's a British author--Have you ever watched an episode of Footballer's Wives? Dear Lord, where did they find those actors? And they get paid. And have a hit TV show.

So. I had hoped for more blog attention after having John C. Dvorak and Steve Gibson on. C'est la vie. At least someone is talking about us.

60,000

2006-04-10T09:47:00.000-07:00

We crossed the 60,000 hits mark today. I noticed a couple of days ago when we hit 50k and meant to blog, but oh well. We've passed the 60,000 hit mark.

Thanks everyone for visiting. I wish I had a dollar for every one of you.

Have you visited the store?? We have a donate button :)

I love you even if you don't support the podcast. But donations sure help...

John, Steve, Kristen and Calee

2006-04-05T13:57:00.000-07:00

After shooting the episode we got a few photos with John C. Dvorak and Steve Gibson.

Some of you have asked "Why is there always a large devil in the background?"

This is a good question. I'm sure some people believe that the devil must be sponsoring our podcast since cigars (and smoking in general) are so evil. Those people are allowed their opinion. But they're wrong.

The real reason there is a large cardboard devil in the corner is that Diablo cigars, gave she shop where we shoot this attractive cutout for an event, and it's lived there ever since.

Since the whole topic of the devil and cigars has come up, I think this is a good opportunity to talk about the stigma of smoking. Now I hate the smell of old, stale smoke on my clothes as much as anyone, but it is absolutly ridiculous how much people will go out of their way to make life difficult for smokers. I understand people choosing not to smoke, and even prefering that smoke not be near them, but that doesn't give them the right to control other people's freedoms.

Legislation and regulations are constantly being introduced to reduce the rights of smokers. And the stigma--think about tv, radio, even iTunes. You're not going to see smoke friendly programing have a voice, or at least not a very loud one.

This is a big reason I chose the podcast as the primary way to tell this story. The cigar shop is more interesting on a daily basis than any record store or barber shop. Those locations have been mined for drama and comedy, yet the local smoke shop remains untouched. Disclaimer: Paul Auster wrote a film called Smoke that did include a cigar shop. But how many people saw that film?

Anyhow, that's probably enough ranting for now. Whether you smoke or not, take a few moments to think about how smokers are treated in our culture. Then think if you would like to be treated like that. Golden Rule, People.

Do you Digg Up in Smoke

2006-04-04T13:37:00.000-07:00

Someone awesome put a link to the Dvorak episode on Digg.

Show Up in Smoke some love and Digg Us.

And leave some comments here, people!

John C. Dvorak & Steve Gibson

2006-04-04T10:29:00.000-07:00

If you've already opened iTunes and looked at the podcasts today, you'll see we have a new episode. If you haven't, why not??

John C. Dvorak and Steve Gibson visited us on Sunday and let us have a bit of fun. In my opinion, this is one of my favorite episodes, and not just because Steve and John were so fun to work with. (They were, really :)

Jordan had come up with an idea for John's show that involved galatic babes and a catfight. Good things, I assure you, and they will make an appearance in another show. However, when we learned that John would only be able to come in the afternoon, and that he was bringing Steve Gibson, it changed everything. Jordan had a class in the afternoon, but we still needed him to be a part of the episode, and without him the hot babe was a no go.

Saturday afternoon we put together a plan for Casey to be unconscious most of the time John and Steve were at the shop. This allowed for me to plan shots that wouldn't look too weird but give the feeling that the two parties were interacting. I think it came out great.

When John and Steve came by, they had a couple of script changes that I love and we shot their scenes in maybe a half hour.

It was a great experience to have 2 guys who know their stuff and are very comfortable in their fields.

You're welcome back anytime!

We shot 2!!

2006-04-03T10:43:00.000-07:00

There is no way I was going to get to blogging last night. We were at the cigar shop from 8am till just before 6, and it was daylight savings time day. Normally, we shoot from 8 to 11, but we had a couple of special guests who could only make it at 3, so the day went long.

I was very tired, very smelly, and very very happy with the results.

Since our special guests wouldn't be able to come over until the afternoon, we decided on Saturday to not only film their episode, but shoot another one as well.

The other episode was, well...awesome. We had a a guest star named Kelly (I need to find out her last name) and she was great. Good actress, good personality--the kind of person you like to have on a set. Or in a cigar shop for that matter.

We pretty much flew through that episode (after starting late due to miscommunication about the time change) and then shot everything we could for the celebrity episode.

Jordan, my co-writer and the curly haired guy who plays Casey, had a previous engagement and wasn't going to be able to be around for the afternoon. When we found out Saturday about the scheduling conflict, we tossed out large sections of the original script, added a new character, and figured out how to shoot all of his stuff without him interacting with the guests.

I'm capturing the footage right now and I hope it will all cut together nicely.

The guys (you'll find out their identity shortly) were great. They stuck around for a couple of hours just talking, smoking and enjoying some very fine run.

Usually after shooting, I go home and take a nap, but it was worth getting our second episode in. This also means, that we'll have content up for you guys on a regular basis.

Thanks for supporting our show and the new episode will be up very soon!

Happy Birthday Husband

2006-04-01T10:25:00.000-08:00

I don't think he even reads this blog, but today is husband's birthday and since the podcast was mostly his idea and he does a lot of the heavy lifting, he deserves a shout out here.

As for a relaxing birthday weekend, it's not really happening. We're shooting another episode tomorrow. The cast is being joined by a few guest stars, namely a couple of hot babes and a mystery man. You know who you are. Please show up. We don't want to look dumb. (actually, I have a back up episode in my pocket if our other actor doesn't pull through, but who wants that?)

Anyhow, we need to buy another light rack. Yes, a big $30 at Lowes plus a little parchment paper and we have decent lighting. I said decent, not good. Good requires your donations. We're like public radio, made possible by viewers like you.

I'm still waiting for my copy of Final Cut Studio to show. Apple says they're shipping but that doesn't necessarily mean to me... As soon as it shows up, I can put together one of the more complicated episodes we shot last month.

But, for all of you who have been waiting, we should have something up soon. No promises on the nature of the guest star, but I can promise it will have hot babes!

You Tube??? Grrr...

2006-03-28T13:38:00.000-08:00

I don't know why the latest YouTube videos have the giant white sides when I view the blog. I'm sorry. I'm just not technically astute enough to figure out why it's doing this.

I want to just waste some space so they go below the links to old posts...

Grrr.

As for real news, we're set to film again on Sunday. I know we haven't had an episode up in a while and I have a tiny one ready to put up, I just need husband to come home and show me how to do it. I feel like I'm adjusting to the whole world of Mac okay, except when these kinds of things happen.

Legend has it that the Intel version of Final Cut Studio is going to be ready soon, and then things will go a lot smoother (I hope!)

I finally gave in and turned on the heat in my office. It's almost April. This is California. Where is the sun???

Cigar Size

2006-03-28T12:58:00.000-08:00

Check out this video!

John C. Dvorak

2006-03-25T16:46:00.000-08:00

Celebrity Smokers

2006-03-23T13:40:00.000-08:00

We spent last Sunday morning recording some commercials for the podcast. One of the ideas was to ask moderately famous people, through the power of you tube, to come smoke with us.

I posted our first request--to Rush Limbaugh-- this afternoon. In 22 minutes over 400 people had wanted to see our cast ask Rush to join them for a cigar. Hopefully, he gets the message.

I'll be posting various requests around here in the next week. We've got some good ones. If you've found this page because we want to smoke a cigar with you, please be flattered. Oh, and post the video on your websits if you can.

This podcast exists for a myriad of reasons, but the main one is entertainment. So, enjoy our mini sitcom!

The Cast invites Rush Limbaugh

2006-03-23T13:31:00.000-08:00

Frappr-licious

2006-03-22T07:23:00.000-08:00

Have you joined our map? It's time!

upinsmoke's Friends | Add As Friend

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2006-03-17T14:17:00.000-08:00

Happy St. Patrick's day from the gang here at Up in Smoke.

As some of you know, I've spent a lot of time in Ireland over the last couple of years. We're talking multiple months here. Anyhow, it's a great country and I wanted to write something about it so I came up with a pitch/treatment for a treasure hunt script about the legends of St. Patrick. There's a lot more to the story than green beer and shamrocks (we will be celebrating tonight with Guinness and banoffee pie.)

Anyhow, if anyone is interested in good old St. Patrick and my modern twist, give me a shout at mail@cigarvideopodcast.com

Ad Punch Features Up in Smoke

2006-03-17T14:12:00.000-08:00

This is awesome. The first time I've ever been quoted about the podcast and they get my gender wrong. I can see the assumption--cigars are a male dominated industry.

I shouldn't be so snarky. I'm really excited that people I don't know are starting to tell other people that I don't know about what we're doing here.

This last week has been pretty difficult for me personally and it's so refreshing to see momentum building with the downloads, press and other audience acknowledgement. All of you who have sent emails--I'm sorry if I haven't responded yet, but your comments mean a lot.

As weird and maybe as self-obsessed as it sounds, I think we're forging new territory here. I wish I had more time (really I wish there were more quality people with time they wanted to donate) but this is a good thing we got going and thanks for your support!

Taking Suggestions

2006-03-16T06:58:00.000-08:00

This Sunday, we'll be filming again, and instead of shooting a new episode, though, we may do that too- I wanted to shoot a half dozen commercial type spots. That way, I can put them up on the myspace profile, youtube, and all the other video sites out there--while still directing people to the podcast.

If you have any ideas for a funny little commercial about the Up in Smoke folks, leave me a comment or send a message to mail at cigarvideopodcast dot com

Thanks!

MySpace

2006-03-12T19:54:00.000-08:00

I have tried like a million and a half times to upload one of our episodes to our myspace film profile.

(Which btw, is http://www.myspace.com/upinsmokevideopodcast
ADD US!)

It's not happening.

I'm taking it as a sign that we should leave the full length episodes on iTunes. But... I still want to fully utilize our profile. So. This week, I'm going to edit and shoot up some teaser spots so that we can show off our smokin' prowess and encourage you to become subscribers via iTunes.

That seems like the best of both worlds. Just keep your fingers crossed that I'll be able to upload the smaller files...

Is the Video Podcast the New Short Film?

2006-03-09T10:12:00.000-08:00

Is Video Podcasting the New Short Film?

Orange, CA, March 9, 2006

While broadcast television is looking to iTunes to generate publicity and revenue for its existing products, a growing number of people are creating original iTunes content with the intent of breaking into network television.

Calee M. Lee, the writer and director of “Up in Smoke Video Podcast” saw the new medium as a way to make a name for herself. “When I graduated from NYU, my professors encouraged me to go make a short film. After seeing one with a two million dollar budget, I knew there was no way I was going to be able to compete in that world. A video podcast seemed like a good, cheap way for me to get my name out there.”

“Up in Smoke” tells the story of three people working in a cigar shop, a realm never explored on television. While it was a potentially controversial setting, Lee felt that only added to the appeal of the podcast. “No one is making content for the whole crowd of cigar smokers out there. I wanted to build an audience, then take the story to LA.”

Most short filmmakers hope to use their creations as calling cards. They compete for coveted slots a film festivals and dream off selling their shorts to cable channels such as IFC in an attempt to recoup production costs, which are regularly in the tens to hundreds of thousands. Several years ago, on-line sites for short films made a big splash, but were unable to maintain a steady viewership. Podcasting is poised to pick up where they left off.

Lee remembers when she decided to create a video podcast, “I had the idea to do a video podcast while listening to an episode of TWIT [This Week in Tech.] I thought, ‘If these guys can have more listeners than a cable news show, why can’t I’”

The “Up in Smoke Video Podcast” is closer to a traditional sitcom than most of its iTunes predecessors who have focused on everything from technology training to sketch comedy. With a 3 person regular cast and numerous guest stars, “Up in Smoke” adheres to a traditional sitcom model. Each episode, however, is around four minutes long.

Calee M. Lee and co-writer, Jordan Morris, are currently looking for representation.
Up in Smoke Video Podcast is available for free download on iTunes and at their website www.CigarVideoPodcast.com. They can be contacted at mail@cigarvideopodcast.com.

Episode 3: Style

2006-03-09T06:23:00.000-08:00

Our third (and best) episode is now available for download. I'm really proud of this one and part of me wishes we could just delete the first two. I think some of the negative feedack we've received has come from people just watching the first episode and then either not liking the technical quality or there aren't nough jokes.

This episode is funny. And it sounds much better.

Also- I don't know what's wrong with the forum. Some of you have left comments and it seems to delete everything every time we reach the big number 4. We need a new one.

And-Jake found the lens cap. It was at the cigar shop.

Coming soon to an ipod near you!

2006-03-07T13:25:00.000-08:00

I just finished editing our latest episode: The Style.

Unfortunantly, I can't find the camera's lens caps.

That aside, I'm really really happy with this new episode. If you've been wondering, "do these guys really know what they're doing?" the answer is finally YES!

So, I'm excited.

We just need to record the voice over for the BuyMoreCigars.com tip of the week and we're good to go.

You may see this episode as soon as this evening, though we did promise to go visit the guys at the cigar shop so it might be tomorrow... we'll see.

Speedy Gonzales

2006-03-06T09:26:00.000-08:00

We taped our 4th episode yesterday and I finished a rough cut this morning at 9:23!! I deserve some girl scout cookies or something. Well, maybe I don't, but the actors sure do. We had a difficult script with a lot of extras and everybody worked really well yesterday. The camera guy we had last time couldn't make it so I jumped back behind the camera but I still think the episode is our best yet.

I've been thinking a lot about video podasts vs. short films and yesterday I realized another one of the advantages of the video podcast. Since we've been working together for a while, everyone is starting to loosen up and feel free to do their best work. Looking back at our first episode, I see so many mistakes and weird things that I did. This medium really allows for a cast and crew to grow together as they would in TV, but on a much smaller scale.

I'm hoping to put this episode up live by tomorrow evening and hopefully we'll get the audio from the previos episode so I can put that one together too.

Gearing Up

2006-03-01T08:42:00.000-08:00

We're shooting again this Sunday. How did the last two weeks just disappear? This episode will most likely be one of our shorter ones, but it's chock full of extras, so it might even take longer to film.

If you're in the LA or OC area and want to be in the background, drop me an email at director at cigarvideopodcast dot com.

That goes for any episode--we're always looking for customers at the shop...

Leo Laporte Shout Out

2006-02-27T21:16:00.000-08:00

This may qualify me as a super nerd, but I called into the Leo Laporte Tech Guy show this Saturday on LA's KFI AM 640.

For those of your don't know who Leo is, he's like the guru of tech podcasting. Ever heard of TWIT? You should.

Anyway, I had a podcast question which Leo basically ignored but he did give major props to Up in Smoke, even playing a few audio clips on the air. Major cool Here is where I'm mentioned in the show notes.

If any of you reading this came from Leo--welcome. We're very excited about blazing new ground in the world of online sit-coms.

All suggestions are welcome and enjoy!

New Stuff...

2006-02-24T16:19:00.000-08:00

We shot episode 3 last Sunday. I have been absolutely swamped with a writing deadling, I only started capturing the footage yesterday.
I'm happy to announce we have a new member of our production team, Ryan Griffith. Ryan is our new Director of Photography and he brings a lot of experience and expertise to the podcast. Some of our biggest problems were technical, and after reviewing the new footage, I am very excited.

This episode also features off camera commentators so we'll have a very special suprise in that department. We're keeping their identities secret for now, but we're looking forward to revealing our very own minor celebrities...

This project has become more time consuming than I expected, but I'm really happy about the progress we're making. I've got a few interesting decisions to make in the next few weeks regarding the direction of the characters, but we'll see how everything goes...

Episode 2: Paul

2006-02-10T15:35:00.000-08:00

So I finished editing our second episode last week and uploaded it last night. I'm still amazed by the total range of feedback I've been getting. And this is from total strangers too. Some guy in the UK emailed me today saying that he can't wait for the next episode. The I read on a cigar message board that some self-styled bigshot thought both episodes were poopy. But props to cigarski who defended me there...

It's been a roller-coaster of emotions actually getting my work out there and asking for comments. I know the production values are pretty down and dirty. For anybody wondering, we shoot for 3 hours and I operate the camera, keep track of the shot list, and try to tell my husband where to put the lights. I know it doesn't always look or sound good. I need to hear that from other people, but I'm hoping the writing and the acting (which I like, even though some don't) will shine through.

We'd hoped to have more subscribers by now, but this weekend, we should hit 1000. I was pretty down, and then I realized, what the hell--when was the last time a thousand people saw something I had made? The answer is never. Husband, in his constant encouragement, likes to compare me to some of my filmschool friends. 1000 viewers is a big accomplishment in that realm too. Even though I wish it were more.

So, on the whole, I'm proud of the stuff we're putting out. Episode 2 is better than episode 1 and I know our 3rd attempt will be better than both of them.

Just as an aside- I hit a confidence killer this afternoon when I saw my screenplay "The Day Without Yesterday" didn't even make the top 30 for the Kairos prize. It's about the scientist who discovered the Big Bang but was also a Catholic priest. It won a good chunk of change back in 2003 and people from all branches of Christianity as well as Athiests and Jews have been big fans. I guess it focused too much on questions about God instead of answers about intelligent design for their taste. Still a bummer.

Anyway, episode 2 is up and I do want to know what people think. Even when it hurts.

Shameless self promotion

2006-02-03T17:07:00.000-08:00

I still have no idea how The French Maids jumped to the top of iTunes with one episode. Maybe it was sitting out there for a while, but man, it seemed like they premiered out of nowhere.

Our podcast went live this week and we've received several hundred downloads. A modest beginning perhaps, but it seems like I might have some technical issues. I need to put it up in another format, but that's my husband's job. He's done a great job this week of helping me get the word out.

The getting out of the word-- that's where most of my time has gone in the last few days. (Wow that sentence is conveluded...) It's a fine line between sharing information and shameless self promotion. I think I've ended up in the second category more often than not.

Looking at it objectively, I think the next episodes definently need to be better than the pilot. If they're not, we're going to go nowhere fast. Thankfully, I spent this afternoon capturing the episode 2 footage and it is much better.

I still could use someone who can set up the lights and make the shots look better, but we're getting there. This is a learning process for me as much as anyone else, so each episode should be better than the last.

I'd love to know how you feel about promotion via the internet, especially on message boards. I've tried to couch the podcast in normal discussion, but sometimes it hasn't worked out so well.

Anyway, episode 2 is on its way.

Here we go!

2006-01-31T07:11:00.000-08:00

Up in Smoke Video Podcast is now live on iTunes

click here to check it out

iTunes is pretty cool - it sent me a direct link to my podcast. I was wondering how to word the email to my mom. "Ok so you go to apple and then download iTunes and then you..."

So. Click on the link above, it will ask if you have iTunes or not. If not, you'll download it, if so, you'll go right to Up in Smoke (yes, I decided to keep the name)

Make sure you subscribe (it's free!) and you won't miss any episodes.

Name Changes

2006-01-25T08:35:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know there is a Cheech and Chong movie called "Up in Smoke." And upinsmoke.com is a porno site. I just really like the title. Urg.

Our website is going to be cigarvideopodcast.com and my husband thinks I should just call the whole thing something of that nature.

So here's my title ideas from falling asleep last night. I don't think I love any of them, but maybe it doesn't matter that much

Cigar Video Podcast
Cigar Smoke Video Podcast
Cigar TV
(but I don't really want it to just appeal to a cigar audience--it's fun for normal people too)

Robusto's Cigars (could be the title of the shop)
Churchill
Toro Smoke Shop
Smoke Shop (seems too much like barbershop)

The Smoking Monkeys
Smoking Monkeys TV

The monkey stuff seems like the most fun and best bet. I could still use the beautiful website husband built for me and just buy another domain name for pointing purposes. It would also give me a cute little mascot.

What do you think?

Being good

2006-01-23T17:05:00.000-08:00

Well. Good is how you measure it. I bailed on Pilates with a friend this morning (must make it up to her and my abs) BUT

I sat at my desk and wrote episode 2 today.

It's been a heck of a long time since I spent a Monday actually working. I like to pass of cleaning the house or buying marshmallows for Rice Krispie Treats as essential jobs that keep me from sitting down and writing pages. Today, I skimped a little on the cleaning, but what do I have to show for it? 5 pages of margainally funny moments in a cigar shop.

I need to get it to my new writinug buddy, Jordan, so he can make it funny.

Jordan is one of the actors in the podcast and an old friend. My mom was reminding me the other day about how she used to drive us to slam poetry events in Laguna Beach. I bet you wish you were having as much fun when you were 15. Jordan is a great guy and a much, much better comedian than I. He managed not to get kicked out of the theater department in high school and host the highest rated show in Santa Cruz. Now, I don't know how many people actually listen to the radio up there, but man, can he entertain a dozen hippies.

I also trimmed up Episode 1 and promised myself to learn more about lighting. We're getting there.

We shoot Episode 2 on Sunday (and hopefully #3- have to write that one tomorrow) I think I'll launch this Friday if I get our website up and going.

Speaking of the website, my husband spent almost his whole weekend making it wonderful. I made my first website on geocities back in 1998. My skills haven't really improved since then. Once I tell you where it is, I'm sure you'll be impressed.

The Bastard Step-child of the Film Department

2006-01-20T06:57:00.000-08:00

I loved NYU. I'm not sure I loved it when I was there, but most of my memories are very fond. The Tisch School of the Arts is divided into different departments: photography, dance, acting, cinema studies, costume design, new media, film and dramatic writing. For many years, the dramatic writing department was just a dangling appendage to the film department. The year after I arrived, they branched off, got their own special title and everything was hunky-dory.

Insider university politics = not that interesting.

But, as a graduate of the dramatic writing department, I only spent 2 semesters behind a camera. Maybe I'll figure out how to post my projects. Good stuff. Still, I don't really know what I'm doing with all the cords, much less directing actors or God forbid, setting up lights.

Now I bet you're really excited to see my work.

Still, I can tell a good story and wasn't about to "hire" a director for my silly little podcast. So, I rustled up a a Canon XL1 and set to work figuring it out. Right about now I know how to turn it on and white balance. But, for a couple of scenes I forgot to hook up the microphone.

I created the podcast as a bit of shameless self promotion. I hope the script will speak for itself and you won't be distracted by the light glaring off my actor's bald spot.

I am a nerd

2006-01-20T06:44:00.000-08:00

Let me just tell you, I've never been very good at keeping a blog. For some reason, I usually write 2 really long posts and then forget about it for a year. So, that said, no promises.

I'm keeping this blog to chronicle my journey with the Up in Smoke Video Podcast. Haven't heard of it? Why that's because it doesn't really exist yet. Sure, we shot our first episode last week, and I did spend all day yesterday pulling together a rough cut, but I'm the only person who has seen it.

Why a video podcast? Well, I graduated from NYU in 2003 and promptly moved back to California. Not to LA, mind you, but to Orange County. (All the LA writers may now make their snide comments) But- I grew up here, I like my uncrowded freeways and if I need to get to a meeting, LA is not that far.

I spent the last couple of years writing all of 1 and 2 halfs screenplays and spending an awful lot of time in Ireland. Now that I don't have to travel as much, I wanted to be productive again. There was no way I was going to track down a large amount of cash to make a short film that no one would ever see so I pulled out my nerd cap. While listening to TWIT (This Week in Tech) on the iPod, I decided to get in on the new technology and create a mini sitcom.

My husband used to be in the cigar industry and I wrote half a feature about a crazy cigar shop. I rustled up some actors and pulled a short script out of my butt and voila! We have our first episode. Next Post: The difference between the writing and film departments...