Buffyfest

He's Dead, Jim. Dollhouse Canceled

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:14:37 PST

You heard it hear fifth, folks. Dollhouse just got the axe. The most positive spin on it can be found at Variety where they at least say that the remaining episodes will go to air.

This is one of those occasions where it's hard for me to be the one breaking the news. If it were Tara, she'd just let the show go quietly into that good night and Michelle... well, Michelle wouldn't write a post about this. But you've got me and that's... slightly unfortunate. I am genuinely sorry for the cast and crew and for all the people who were fans of the show. I do think the show deserved to be canceled though. It was a misstep for so many reasons, in my opinion. The concept was never going to be sustainable as an ongoing series, Eliza never quite nailed the part of Echo the way I'd wished she had, and Joss, clever though he is, has yet to learn that you have to work with the system if you are going to be a part of it. You know who else has a show whose ratings are in the toilet? J.J. Abrams. Fringe could get canceled but it probably won't because he knows how to listen to and work with network executives. That's a hard lesson to learn. Nobody likes to have their creative vision screwed with but such is the nature of the beast.

I'm sure we'll get some angry responses for this opinion so let me say that it is mine and mine alone. It doesn't reflect the opinions of Tara or Michelle. It really is a shame that so many hard working people have got to pack it in. I don't relish in that one jot but, for the sake of all involved, I hope that, once the smoke clears, they can all really evaluate the reasons why Dollhouse never took off other than "it's Fox's fault".

UPDATE: Here's the quote from Joss:

Hmm. Apparently my news is not news.

"I don't have a lot to say. I'm extremely proud of the people I've worked with: my star, my staff, my cast, my crew. I feel the show is getting better pretty much every week, and I think you'll agree in the coming months. I'm grateful that we got to put it on, and then come back and put it on again.

I'm off to pursue internet ventures/binge drinking. Possibly that relaxation thing I've read so much about. By the time the last episode airs, you'll know what my next project is. But for now there's a lot of work still to be done, and disappointment to bear.

Thank you all for your support, your patience, your excellent adverts. See you again. -j."

Whedonverse Ornament Swap 2009 Lists have gone out!

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:07:08 PST

By now every swapper should have their group recipient list for this year's swap! Please let us know if you didn't receive yours. Now get crackin' on those ornaments and remember to ship out by Dec 1st (we recommend even earlier if you're outside of the US or shipping outside of the US, so that everyone gets the packages in time for the holidays). If you still have questions refer to the full details in the original post here or email us at buffyfest@aim.com. Happy swapping!

A big "thank you" to all the participants. Some of the fabulous crafters in the swap are affiliated websites and blogs such as:

bettyturbo.etsy.com

slavonictractor.net

angelbetweenthelines.com

kaarensblog.blogspot.com

skewingyounger.blogspot.com

divadea.com

tiltcreationstoo.blogspot.com

semi-conscious-ramblings.blogspot.com/

dontgetanyolder.livejournal.com/

gypsyharte.etsy.com

MisfitGirl.blogspot.com

rantspectacle.blogspot.com

fadingendlessly.etsy.com

macobbshatshoppe.com

undeadamerica.blogspot.com

alyrenee.blogspot.com

theparanormalteenbookclub.blogspot.com

thelightpodcast.webs.com

www.jbenn.com

And follow these swappers on twitter:

Brad Meltzer does Buffy and...

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:01:26 PST

You know something? I don't think I'm going to like Buffy when she's angry... and it looks like she just realized who is really responsible for all her unending torment. Look out, Joss!

fanvid sunday: nice out k thx bai edition

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:54:27 PST

Hey, all! It is absolutely stunning out today and I am going to reach escape velocity as quickly as humanly possible. Before I do, though, I want to make sure no one is denied to a little fanvid sunday. Today I'm throwing out a little Dollhouse love despite my personal tepid feelings for the show still. Don't say I never did anything for you, fandom!

A little despondent, broken-feeling, and depressing but that's Dollhouse for you. It's not exactly the good day, sunshine of prime time viewing. Speaking of sunshine... seriously with the beautiful out today. I'm making like Alicia Silverstone and getting outie 5000. Happy Sunday, everybody!

Reminder: Last day to sign up for the 2009 Whedonverse Holiday Ornament Swap!

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:16:00 PST

If you'd like to join the dozens of others creating and swapping fabulous ornaments with a Whedon theme this year, follow the instructions below before midnight tonight. We'll be sorting the groups over the weekend and you'll receive your list of recipients this Monday!

If you're confused about what this is about, read full details here. To sign up, send an email with the following information to buffyfest@aim.com:
- name
- address
- email address
- your website or blog (if you have one)
- whether your are willing to ship internationally

People puts Sarah Michelle Gellar's baby in the corner

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:45:18 PST

Hee! See what I did there? Personally, I think Smidgie's baby warrants a front and center article but eh, whatever cheating scandal floats your boat. Here's a few bits from People mag's exclusive with Smidge:

"I went into labor at the gym!" the 32-year-old former Buffy the Vampire Slayer star reveals. "I didn't really believe it. I just felt a little nauseous, and my trainer said to me, 'Um, isn't your baby coming next week? Maybe it's time now?' I said, 'Oh no, I doubt it...'"

"Later that night, she was like, 'OK, I think I might be in labor, but you should get some more sleep,'" Freddie [Prinze Jr.] recalls. "She was very calm, very centered, very prepared. I'm telling you, this girl is like Gandhi. It was like, three pushes and the baby was out."

Smidge's hubby Freddy Prinze, Jr, whose father, comedian Freddie Prinze, took his own life when he was just 12 years old tells People,

"I always appreciated that connection between a parent and a kid because I yearned for it so much. Growing up, I wanted a father, and because I've had this idea of what a father should be, it's exciting to finally have the opportunity to try and be that guy, to see if I can actually do it."

And what about having a girl?

Prinze said, "A lot of guys want sons, but that would have been a lot of pressure. I know throughout my childhood, there were many times I couldn't stand being a 'Jr.' I wouldn't want anybody else to go through that. If we'd had a boy, he wouldn't have been another Freddie Prinze.

"To have a girl, I almost felt like, 'Whew!' I know how to protect her and keep her away from the kind of kid I was. I know I can shower a little girl with love. A little boy comes home one day, and he needs to learn how to fight. That's all macho stuff, dealing with ego and pride, and I don't want to have to deal with that. I'd rather deal with a broken heart than a broken nose."

Smidge also told People magazine that the kid is a calm one who barely cries saying, "She smiles all day long, and she is loving and cuddly... She doesn't cry. She will just go, 'Wah' once."

Apparently it's this good behavior that is calming Smidge down. She says, "I'm a New Yorker, so I'm more high-strung than most. But everything about becoming a mother just centered me."

Freddie adds, "Sarah was a little nuts before. Don't get me wrong, I loved the nuts that she was. But now she's got it all under control. Impressive is the only word."

Dollhouse Sing-Along Blog?

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:31:12 PST

The fine folks at Why I Watch came up with a pretty nifty marketing startegy for the month Dollhouse is away from our screens called the "Song for November Challenge". If you follow the link you can see the rules are pretty simple: write song, submit song, cross fingers and hope for the best. Oh, and, if you do win you get a call from November herself, Miracle Laurie! We've met her and she's pretty great so a call from her is a worthy prize for any songwriter who is all about the Dollhouse saving.

I'm a musician, if by "musician" you mean "guy who plays a few chords on an acoustic from time to time". Should I take a stab at this? I don't know if anyone wants to hear my #1 chart topper "I Don't Like Dollhouse (but I Still Love You, Joss)". That title makes it sound like a Meatloaf song and that... that's just... awful. I should probably get back to the drawing board. Anyone else thinking of doing this?

Halloween 2009 recap

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:06:23 PST

I tell you this, folks. I am a fan of Halloween. I am such a fan that my friend Tony told me today that I am a Wrong'un for whom every day is Halloween. Well if that makes me wrong then I don't want to be right. Who wants to see some costumes? You do? Well come on then, let's peep 'em out!

I love the detail of these images. Not only do we get a vamp face but we get a little white-faced Gentlemen action, too. I guess she's a Vamp Gentle...lady? Yup, that's what I'm going with. Awesome. (Thanks InyRules [Cool Hip] for sending your great shots!)

A little cross'versing is always fun, too!

No holiday is complete without a little Doctor Horrible cosplay. I really need to do this one up myself sometime. The bad doc's got class. (Thanks, Lyssa!)

I want to put these tiny pumpkins in my mouth. I have no idea why. I guess that's just my way of showing love and respect...? (Thanks to Stacey McCool for sharing this via our comments!)

Meanwhile Steph looks like she's about to bite me as Vamp! Willow. (Redhead Solidarity!! Thanks, Ginge.)

And what did our favorite Whedon celebs do for this year's Halloweeny celebration? The Hanigan-Denisof clan did it up not once, but twice this year. Also check out Eliza as an undead Bonnie of Bonnie and Clyde:

And that brings us to us. We didn't dress up Whedon-ey this year, but we did go to a Zombie themed bash. Here are a few pics:

Just a little explanation: Lady Gaga has just turned into a zombie and our humble hunter is busting the glasses off her head. I guess that's how Gaga's face got so busted, huh? Zing! (Tara's note - "Hey!!)

Tara and Mike using some Photo Booth effects and some dude in a wife beater who rules.

Tara has got some balls!

Ah, another Halloween has come and gone. How was yours? Love, Bits

fanvid sunday: return of bjork!

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 09:13:40 PST

It's slim pickins on the Buffy front this week for the fanvids so I am proposing a True Blood video. You down? Yeah, I know you are. Peep this hot piece out about Godrich and Eric:

Find more videos like this on BAM Vid Vault

Sad, poignant, and Eric is hot. It's basically everything I want in a fanvid that isn't Buffy related. Hope your Halloween was as awesome as mine was. Don't forget to email us with your costume photos at buffyfest@aim.com and we'll have a full report tomorrow. Happy Sunday, everybody!

Happy Halloweeny!

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 08:10:48 PDT

Starring Buffyfest (Tara as "The Mad Scientist", Michelle as "The Bride of Frank" and Bitsy as "Dracula") with supporting roles by Tom Lenk as "Frank" and Sarah Michelle Gellar playing an unusual part, for her, as "The Werewolf".

"What if" with Scott Allie, Redux

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:23:55 PDT

"What if...it was Cordy, would Xander still have left her at the alter?"

It's a toughie, the stuff fandom 'shipping debates are made of. We honestly didn't know how Super Scott Allie would react to such blasphemy, but he did it on the spot and with poise. You can listen to his answer in full, below:

click play

Here's an exerpt:

"Wow. I do...like my gut reaction is like yeah, he definitely would have because if anything, the Cordelia relationship was more dysfunctional. But at the same time, and I'm sure this is gonna put me in hot water, I think, if anything, Xander did love Cordy more genuinely than he loved Anya...but Cordy abused Xander way more. Anya and him didn't really work, but I do think Xander loved Cordy more, but I still think he would've bailed - unless things had gone radically differently. But if say Cordy hadn't left for LA, she stayed in Sunnydale, they continued to date for another couple of years and then they were going to get married: I very much could see him leaving her at the alter.

Poor Xander. He's just a mess. He can't function."

-Scott Allie

Dark Shadows at Twilight: A Paley Center Vampire Weekend

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:39:40 PDT

Super vampire fun! Wonder why they didn't do this closer to All Hallow's Eve? The New York branch of the Paley Center just announced a vampire themed event the weekend of November 13th, with screenings of several past PALEYFEST events—with reunions of the casts and creative teams of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, True Blood, and Dark Shadows, and more. Didn't know they did an Angel Paley event in 2001! There will also be a live panel with a bunch of bloggers and editors. Also:

"The Paley Center for Media has partnered with Entertainment Weekly to explore what’s going on. EW’s Ken Tucker will moderate a panel of informed fans to debate the relative merits of vampires across media, with special attention to the rankings of the Paley Center's TV Vampire Poll (vote through November 2). A display of EW’s coverage of the undead phenomenon will be on view in the Spielberg Gallery through November 15."

note: love the comparison of Angel/Spike to Bill Compton/Eric Northman in that poll.

Click below for the deets:
http://paleycenter.org/dark-shadows-at-twilight-a-paley-center-vampire-weekend

The Whedonverse Wins!

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:12:04 PDT

Everyone knows how I love me some lists and this week there were loads of them that included our favorite Whedonverse peeps and characters. Go vote where you can or just gloat where you can. Enjoy!

'Tis the Season! Buffy wins best TWOP Halloween episode with one of Tara's all time favorites "Halloween" and "Fear Itself" in a tie for the #1 slot.

Who's the geekiest of them all? Whedon is kicking Abrams butt at the moment:

Buffy makes #3 in the list of "Chosen Ones" which is pretty impressive given the people she's in line with in this list.

SMG at #11 and Dushku at #26 make Empire's 100 Sexiest Women.

"Hush" wins the #4 slot in the Scariest TV episodes category. Not sure I agree, but it is a scary episode.

Wow, that's a lot of lists!

Review of Rock of Ages starring Tom Lenk

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:21:46 PDT

I went to see Tom Lenk in Rock of Ages on Broadway this past Saturday, but got yelled at by a beastly security woman for taking photos. Like really yelled at and actually made to delete them. That was new. In the beginning of the show they said no flash photography and I thought that meant I could take the flash off. Shame because I got some fantastic ones of Tom in all his glory. Oh well, here is straggly cell phone photo of the awesome Sunset Strip themed set:

So, Tom Lenk joined the cast of Rock of Ages in September. Bitsy and I had seen him a few months prior, in his little last minute show at a comedy club in the theater district. He was actually in town at that moment to audition for Rock of Ages, which obviously went well. That night, Bits and I marveled at his charismatic performance, excellent singing voice and straight up good story telling. So naturally, I expected greatness out of him in this, his Broadway debut, and he didn't disappoint. Tom Lenk was truly incredible. He plays 'Franz', a role he originated in the Los Angeles and Las Vegas productions of Rock of Ages. The part is pretty demanding with big singing, dancing and a fun German accent to boot. The boy can work it. If you are in the New York area, I highly recommend seeing this fantastic show, especially if your a child of the 80's. Bring your non-Whedonite friends too. It's full of raunchy 80's hair band debauchery...so there's something for everyone. :)

Synopsis:

"In 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a small town girl met a big city rocker and in LA's most famous rock club, they fell in love to the greatest songs of the '80s. It's Rock of Ages , an arena-rock love story told through the mind-blowing, face-melting hits of Journey, Bon Jovi, Foreigner and many more.

Following a successful off Broadway run and the sale of the film rights to New Line Cinema, Rock of Ages opened on 7 Apr 2009 at Broadway's Brooks Atkinson Theatre, following previews from 17 Mar, where it is currently selling tickets through to 28 Feb 2010."

Click below for the official site and ticket info:
http://www.rockofagesmusical.com/

David Boreanaz Cheating Scandal!

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:55:03 PDT

Look, it's a little known fact that behind the scenes of Buffyfest that I'm the one that tends to frequent the the tabloids. A little Perez from time to time is my guilty pleasure. It seems, though, that I missed on all the major goss sites this juicy bit of controversy: David Boreanaz allegedly cheated on his Playmate wife of 8 years, Jaime Bergman, throughout her recent pregnancy with a miss Rachel Uchitel. Classy! She apparently broke it off after he failed to leave Jaime just after the birth of their new daughter! She, ironically, found it in poor taste that he called her during the baby's delivery when, you know, he was supposed to be leaving her and all. Double class! To quote Harmony "Ugh! Just Ugh! That's....Ugh!" Well put, Harm.

In the mean time, this story has sparked such creative headlines as:

"David Boreanaz gives 'Bones' a whole new meaning"

"Rachel Uchitel: Boning Bones Star David Boreanaz!"

and, of course "David Boreanaz is no angel."

Then again this info comes from Star magazine and their apparent "anonymous source" (gee I wonder who that might be, Classy Miss Rachel.) They are not exactly known for their achievement in professional journalism. I can't say that I would be all that surprised, though. It was a widely reported rumor back in the day that Boreano cheated on his then wife, Ingrid Quinn, as soon as he hit the big time with an upcoming starlet named Sarah Michelle Gellar. Who knows if that was true or not (that probably came from the reputable "Star" as well), but I think there's a small part of the hellmouth in all of us that thinks the real life Bangel is too fun a thing to resist.

Michelle will be waking to this devastating news just hours from now. We all know Boreano is her go to subject matter. Ah Boreano, if this is true, you're really in the doghouse now. Next time, try to keep it in your pants, dear. We don't like showing so much love on this site to douche bags, you hear? To quote bits, k thx bai.

I'll let you read the rest of the gory deets at the below linkage, so as to not totally soil the front page entirely:

Source:
http://www.starmagazine.com/david_boreanaz_cheating_wife/news/16164

fanvid sunday: "these are the daves I know" edition

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 08:57:41 PDT

I have no idea what the subject of this post means either. Except, of course, that I'm a fan of The Kids in the Hall from way back. Anyway! On with the show. Our first video is a mashup of the first season of Angel which never gets enough love. I mean... I love it. Why don't you? This fanvid should serve as a reminder of what made it great:

Find more videos like this on BAM Vid Vault

In addition, I'd like to call attention to a first time fanvidder and friend of Buffyfest, Steph, aka thegingerpire. She made a Doctor Who vid which is great for me since that's my other fandom and, oh look, it's all about Donna Noble who is, you guessed it, my fave companion from the new series. Check it out! Also, watch Doctor Who if you haven't been.

Did you think we were done? Not without this lovely coda that was emailed to us recently:

Okay, now I'm done. Happy Sunday, minions o' the fest, and have a great week.

The Best Angelus Story Never Told - Angel vs. Frankenstein

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 16:18:46 PDT

...until now, that is. It's not unknown at this point that some people find Angel to be kind of a bland, whiny, dude. I love him to pieces but I know that's sort of fringe thinking these days. Angelus, on the other hand, is generally accepted as being the best, most terrifying, and sinister villain Buffy has ever faced. It's a wonder more time has not been spent reveling in the time when our young Liam was the most sadistic son of a bitch in the known universe. Cue John Byrne to jump on the opportunity and craft an absolutely stunning period piece that pits our favorite evil vampire against one of the most well known monsters of all time: Frankenstein

Back when we interviewed Mariah and Chris, they told us that John had been kicking around the idea for this story since "Blood and Trenches" and that it was ultimately decided that it would work best as a kind of Halloween story. I wish that the book landed on a less cluttered month though, because I haven't seen anyone talking about even though it is, for my money, the best comic for fans of the 'verse to come out.

The story is a simple one, leaving plenty of room for these two larger than life characters to get in some suitably clever and creepy dialogue before duking it out. Angelus comes to Geneva, Switzerland for the same reason he goes anywhere: to cause a little mayhem, eat a few attractive women, and steal the fortune of a well-known family. Alright, that last thing took me a little off guard but, honestly, how else does Angelus do the things he does if he doesn't swipe off another man's wealth from time to time? What ties Angelus's antics to our mythic monster I'll leave as a surprise but, in short, it's darkly funny in that very Angelus sort of way.

What really sells the book is the treatment the two characters receive from Byrne. It's not easy to pen a tale where there really isn't a good guy and still have the audience care but does it with effortless aplomb and he does so by making sure to keep these characters fun and interesting (take note, Dollhouse writers). With Angelus, especially, I found myself wondering what kind of delicious acts of evil the bastard was going to get up to and I was never, ever disappointed. That's what makes it easy to root the Angelus, he's just so damned likable. Frankenstein's Monster acts as an incredible foil because he is deep in the moral gray, tragic, and downright scary even though he's kind of the hero of the piece. Byrne really captures the essence of the monster in a way that fits with Mary Shelley's mythos while simultaneously bringing a fresh approach that helps fit the character into an Angel story.

As for the art, much like "Blood and Trenches", Byrne finds that important middle ground between obsessing over making the characters look identical to the actors who played them and using artistic license. What impresses me most is the consistency. Even with good artists, I find that some panels are good while some seem rushed. Every frame, every moment is well crafted. It's sequential art at it's best, each beat pulling you further and further in. I especially love the look of Frankenstein's monster, all gaunt, sanguine, and zombie-like. He's really scary looking but not in a stupid, lumbering, Michael Meyers sort of way. There's a real intelligence that comes through not just in the writing but in the art as well.

If the goal was to make this into sell this as a Halloween story then let me remind you that Halloween is still a week away. Get yourself to your local comic book store and get this before the holiday passes you by. It's the perfect read for a scary night of kids in shoddy costumes coming to your house demanding candy.

Whedonverse Holiday Ornament Swap 2009!

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:15:39 PST

It's that time of year again! Get ready for another round of our Annual Whedonverse Holiday Ornament Swap. Last year was big fun and we ended up with some fabulous Whedonverse themed adornments! See for yourself the results of everyone's craftiness here:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/buffyfestholidayswap/

Wasn't that awesome? If this is your first time reading about the swap..let us explain. The purpose of this event is to craft 4-6 ornaments with a Whedonverse theme and send them to 4-6 different recipients. In return you will receive 4-6 completely different handmade ornaments to adorn your tree or any place you'd like. As you can see from the photos, you really can make them out of whatever you want. Wood, knit, sew, paint, draw, sculpt, paper craft, glue, recycle old ornaments (earth friendly!)....have fun with it!

If you want to be down, Whedonverse Holiday Ornament Swap sign-ups begin right now. Sign-ups will end on Friday, November 6th at 11:59 U.S. Eastern Standard Time. Please be willing to go through with this entire thing before signing up. Deadbeats will ruin the holiday cheer for everyone and make people sad. Here are the guidelines:

1. Sign up for the swap by sending an email with the following information to buffyfest@aim.com by November 6th.
- name
- address
- email address
- your website or blog (if you have one)
- whether your are willing to ship internationally

2. On November 9th you'll receive an email from us containing the addresses and email addresses of 4-6 other swap participants to send your ornaments to. (Again, you will have access to each others home addresses, as well as email addresses. Please contact each other with any disputes, questions or praise.)

3. Design a Whedon themed ornament that you can create multiples of (or make each one unique, up to you) and make your fabulous ornaments.

4. Package your ornaments well - especially if you create anything fragile. (Note that most international shipping requirements do not allow for any plant life or food type stuff.)

5. Send one of your ornaments to each person on the list of 4-6 other swap participants in your group by December 1st.

6. Sit back, relax and wait as you receive 4-6 lovely Whedonverse ornaments in the mail!

7. If you would like to share photos of the ornaments you make and receive, please do so in the swap flickr group here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/buffyfestholidayswap. You will need a flickr account to upload photos. A flickr account is free and easy to set up. you are responsible for posting your own photos if you wish to do so.

8. A note on international shipping. Please only select international shipping if you are willing to ship at least 2-3 of your ornaments overseas. Research the cost of shipping and take that into account when you design your ornament--lighter and more compact ornaments are cheaper to ship.

Any questions? Email buffyfest@aim.com

Scott Allie Exurbia Signing This Weekend

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 06:00:05 PDT

For any southern California Buffy fans, Scott Allie, our favorite Dark Horse editor and one of only a few people who know the identity of Twilight, will be signing copies of his graphic novel Exurbia at two locations this weekend. If you want to know more about the graphic novel, check out the interview we did with Scott here.

Here's the location info:

October 23rd at The Comic Bug in Manhattan Beach - 3 to 5 pm.

October 24th at Golden Apple Comics in Los Angeles - 2 to 4 pm.

"What if...?" with Brian Lynch

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:28:17 PDT

Hello again, dear friends! Had you suspected that Brian Lynch had something more to say? Did you think that, mayhap, team Buffyfest was holding out on you, that there was some part of the interview that we'd kept a super secret? Well... actually, that's true and thank goodness for editing because some of the stuff Brian and I talked about was more than a little ridiculous. However there is one more question! A glorious "What if?" that I hope you'll enjoy to the best of your ability. Enjoy, damn you!

Buffyfest: What if Joss gives you the blessing to make an actual Angel: After the Fall movie but you can only keep one of the original stars. Who do you keep and who do you cast to replace the rest?

Brian Lynch: I think you'd have to keep Angel if it's called ANGEL. But fans wouldn't accept anyone else as SPIKE so he's not in it.

Buffyfest: Marsters would be easier to get

Brian Lynch: I could get David Bananas, don't you worry. But it's called ANGEL, so we need ANGEL. Right? Well, if the movie is called ANGEL:AFTER THE FALL, and we don't have Angel in it, that would be weird. If we go with James, it will be called SPIKE. You said it had to be called ANGEL.

Buffyfest: I did. Unless it's the Spike movie that you want to make. I'll allow the option.

Brian Lynch: Well I would kill to do SPIKE:ASYLUM.

Buffyfest: Alright, perfect. You get Marsters and then you're wide open to cast everyone ele as you see fit.

Brian Lynch: James as Spike, Michael Keaton as the voice of Betta George. If Beck was older, Jewel Staite. If Beck is younger, hmmmm. Give me one moment. See, I don't know many teen actresses. Are there any good actresses on GOSSIP GIRL or something. Brunettes?

Buffyfest: I watch Gossip Girl, actually. Much better than watching, say, Melrose Place...

Brian Lynch: Wait, the girl from VAMPIRE DIARIES, that was also on DEGRASSI. She's not too bad. Though the whole vampire of it all might be weird. Pick your favorite GOSSIP GIRL, then. And go with her

Buffyfest: I actually kind of like the girl from Zombieland: Emma Stone

Brian Lynch: Oh good call. Duh. Yeah. She's great. You win this round.

Buffyfest: I do indeed

Brian Lynch: Alright, I have to go cry.

And there you have it. Surely, one of the most fascinating and important moments of your life and mine!

Buffyfest Interviews the Lovely Miracle Laurie

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:12:32 PDT

It was Sunday morning and Tara and I were sitting in a gigantic pier. Were we taking a boat trip on the Hudson? Nope. We were at Big Apple Con, where we were lucky enough to meet Miracle Laurie of Dollhouse fame. In case you live in a hobbit hole, she plays active Mellie/November/Madeline. After playing a bit of the new Super Mario game for the Wii, we hunkered down into her autographing area and got down to interviewing business.

Bitsy: This is Buffyfest and we're doing an interview here with Miracle Laurie here at Big Apple Con.

Tara: Big Apple Comic Con.

Bitsy: Yes! Or that. Alright, so the first question is: So you've been pegged as being a little bit of an optimist. Let's say, theoretically, since people are trying to make that Dollhouse technology into a reality, do you think there's any chance that it can be used positively? Or is it always going to end in tears?

Miracle Laurie: Well, we actually have done a couple engagements on the show where it is pro bono, where they go and do good things in the world..so yes, I do think so. Is it morally right no matter what? Probably not. (laughs) It's nice that they use it for good sometimes but really that's not what it comes down to.

Listen to the audio of the next part below:

Bitsy: Speaking of technology, talking about one thing everybody uses, you use twitter a lot now...

Miracle: I'm a big tweeter! Yeah!

Tara: So am I!

Bitsy: Yep, we all kind of do the tweet.

Miracle: I resisted all of that kind of stuff in the beginning, just because it's not in my nature at all. And I realized it's kind of necessary and actually quite fun and I've really started to enjoy connecting with everybody.

Bitsy: Yeah, you've connected with a couple of fans now, haven't you?

Miracle: Oh definitely yeah! One in particular - Madelaine Anne is a name that sticks out - and she follows me on twitter and replies to me a lot. She was actually here today and I got a picture with here. So it's fun to put the faces with the names and the handles and stuff. And I just want to tell everyone: even if I don't respond to your replies, I read EVERYTHING. I read everything that people say to me, everything on Facebook. I check it all out every day. I have to get better at replying to everyone but...but I'm there I watch, I listen!

Bitsy: Do you think that twitter played a part, like the campaigns that happened in helping Dollhouse get renewed for that second season?

Miracle: Oh hell yeah! Oh definitely...yeah absolutely. I think that everyone's efforts - The facebook efforts, twitter and all the websites like you guys and everyone else, really added up and became quite the powerhouse that FOX had to reckon with. And they did and they made the right decision.

Listen to the audio of the next part below:

Bitsy: Alright, so I was going to ask you since I know that you were at least a fan of some of the other shows, a hypothetical question. Let's say, if you could play ANY part in any Joss Whedon show other than the one you play now, what would it be and why?

Miracle:
Uh, (laughs) Uh, if I were a man I'd love to play Spike! I thought he was like the hottest, coolest character...super fun and just cool leather jacket, very old school. And I love all the stuff they got him to do when they did all the flashbacks with Angel and all that stuff. I thought that was really, really fun. So he was pretty cool. Or Willow. She's just straight up badass.

Bitsy: Nice!

Tara: Great answer.

Miracle: Goofy and badass at the same time.

Tara: That's a good segue to Buffy. So you're a Buffy fan.

Miracle: Yes.

Tara: What's your favorite Buffy episode?

Miracle: It's not very creative. I love the Musical cause who doesn't? I've never been to a screening, though. I'm sure you know that they do actual screenings.

Tara: Oh yeah.

Miracle: I'd love to go to that. I love the Musical..I love The Body, I thought that was like INCREDIBLE tv making. I thought Sarah was amazing in that episode. Those are probably my top 2.

Tara: Do you have a favorite season, favorite arc?

Miracle: I really enjoy the middle. Towards the end of the last season it got a little sketchy for me.

Bitsy: Oh really, season 7 was a little sketch?

Miracle: Yeah, I mean I watched every second of it, I cried at the last episode because it was over...but I really enjoyed the middle chunk a lot.

Bitsy: I know you watch Fringe and you watch, what is it, Amazing Race? Those are the two I've seen you tweet about.

Miracle: Yes.

Bitsy: I do research. That's right, I looked at your twitter at five o'clock in the morning.

Tara: (laughing) That's your research.

Bitsy: Hard at work. Anything else that you watch? Any movies that you like?

Miracle: I love Lost. I was into it in the very beginning and then the polar bear and I was like "What the hell is happening?" and I left again. My friend was like "You don't understand, it's totally worth it, it you're gonna love it". I got back into it and I just freaked out. I thought it was amazing. So, I'm totally addicted as is my fiance.

Bitsy: Are you gonna be sad? It ends this year. This is the end.

Miracle: I know. Let's see. Sunday television is Amazing Race, nothing on Mondays or Tuesdays for me, Wednesdays is America's Next Top Model. I don't really watch for the drama because really they're all like twelve year old girls, just obnoxious, but...I love all their challenges, I love all the photo shoots and I used to model, so I kind live vicariously through them and remember the good old days.

Tara: I was about to ask if that was the reason.

Miracle: Yeah, it's really fun to watch. Thursdays is Fringe and Project Runway.

Bitsy: That's my favorite reality tv show

Miracle: Fridays is Dollhouse, of course, and that's pretty much it. That's my appointment television. I love rewatching movies I've seen about a thousand times. I love old stuff like "I Love Lucy".

Bitsy: Cool. Do you think you can be objective when you watch Dollhouse? Like, do you watch and say "I liked this, I didn't like that" or is it impossible?

Miracle: It's difficult sometimes. I think I can be objective about myself which is odd. Like some actors cannot watch themselves. I don't mind it. It doesn't feel like I'm watching me. I don't know if I have like a split personality or something that I can just separate but it's fun to just look and say "ew, that's not so good" or "wow, that turned out great". Like for example, when I saw my first episode this season as Madeline with Paul, I was really worried it would really read as Mellie and Paul and that any kind of flirtation would be residual and left over and I didn't feel that way. I felt it was a totally different relationship.

Bitsy: What's the hardest thing you've had to do on the show so far and what do you think is the easiest?

Miracle: One of the hardest scenes for me that stands out is when I had to tell Paul that I was a doll. It was very expositional and I couldn't have a feeling about what I was saying either way vs. nine episodes of working with this guy and just being in love with him all the time and all this emotion and I had to have none in front of this guy that I have this relationship with and Tahmoh was so great in that episode his heart was breaking in front of me for like three hours and I couldn't react to him and it was a lot of dialogue it was like a four or five page scene and it was a lot. It was just very weird to be that neutral in that situation. As a doll you are in doll mode and your in the clothes and in the (doll)house, this is like Mellie/ Paul land which is rife with all kinds of crap and I had to go and do that sequence and so that was really tricky for me and very emotional. Easiest Stuff? I dunno...

Tara: Nothing

Bitsy: Being in bed with Tahmoh Pennikett,

Miracle: Well. (laughs) No he made it comfortable for me. Like that and the fight scenes would be very challenging but I think I was just excited to be there and do the work. It's all been fun and easy and challenging on it's own level. It's just been a total dream.

Tara: You were a model and I’m assuming you’re still into fashion.

Miracle: Not really.

Tara: Do you like how they dress you on the show?

Miracle: Yeah, I do. I should say that I was modeling when I was twelve to fourteen, but I was freakishly tall and had a mature face. So I worked as an adult, but I was still a kid. I was never one of the girls that looked at the magazines and said, “I’m gonna model some day.” It was never really a dream of mine, I always wanted to act and someone approached me in a supermarket and said I should be a model. She took pictures of me and sent them to the manager and the owner and they loved me. So, I started working. It was really, really great, but I did it because I thought it would be a doorway into acting.

You know, I can barely dress myself to be honest with you. I’m just like hippy, hula girl who would rather be barefoot and in a sarong, but working on the show I’ve been educated on many different designers because I’ve worn them. Shoes!? Who knew? I normally hate shoes, but I’m starting to realize how important they are and how fabulous they can be. So, I’m very excited to say that now I’m slowly coming into the fashion world as an educated human being.

Tara: Barefoot, no more.

Bitsy: So, we’re here at a comic book convention. If you could have any superpower which would it be?

Miracle: Oh, flight. Since I was a kid I wanted to fly. I still think it’s possible some day. I don’t know how I’m going to work it out.

Bitsy: Do you have the flight dreams? Dreams of you flying?

Miracle: I have never. Isn’t that ridiculous? Since I can remember, I wanted to fly, but I’ve never dreamt of flying. I daydream...but I don’t need to be like Superman, I just want to fly above traffic. Like, I could just be at building level, it doesn’t have to be anything crazy.

Bitsy: So if we got you like a little Jetson’s flying car, would that be satisfying?

Miracle: That’d be awesome or just a little shuttle pack or a jet pack or I could just hover, like a hoverboard from Back to the Future.

Bitsy: Oh, the Back to the Future 2 hoverboard? I like that one.

Miracle: Yeah, that would work for me.

Bitsy: Couldn’t go on water, though.

Miracle: That’s okay. I just want to be above the ground and feel that sensation.

Tara: Ok, we want to do a quick word association. We’ll give you a word and you give us a word.

Miracle: Okay.

Buffyfest: You don’t have to think too much, just blurt it out.

Miracle: OK

Listen to the audio of the Whedonverse Word Association below:

Buffyfest: The Whedon Fandom.

Miracle: Awesome.

Buffyfest: Paul Ballard

Miracle: Hot.

Buffyfest: New York City.

Miracle: Probably my favorite city in the world.

Buffyfest: Serenity (the movie).

Miracle: Almost in it, I think. (laughs)

Buffyfest: Really?!

Miracle: Yeah, I’m not giving one word answers, sorry. (laughs)

Buffyfest: What! Do you know who you were going to play?

Miracle: I don’t know, no. It was a very weird situation, but I think I was almost in it, yeah. Keep going!

Buffyfest: You're like "Moving on!" OK. Faith, the Vampire Slayer.

Miracle: Echo.

Buffyfest: The Dollhouse.

Miracle: Home.

Thanks so much to Miracle Laurie! Click here to follow Miracle on twitter, if for some reason you're not already!

Joss Whedon To Direct an Episode of the Hit Show 'Glee'

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:54:41 PDT

Michael Ausiello gets the Whedon-ey scoop once again. This time the juicy exclusive is that Joss Whedon will direct one of the back nine episodes of the much loved show Glee (FOX). NOBODY PANIC! This does NOT mean that Dollhouse has been passed over for it's own back nine. We REALLY wouldn't want that to happen. Especially us here at Buffyfest. We are very supportive of Dollhouse...Michelle in particular.

Ahem.

Joss himself commented about the news on Whedonesque a short time ago saying:

"Whom will I kill? When will that go away? Is death really the only thing I'm known for? I'd hope not. You know how many people in the world actually die? ALL OF THEM. You know how many I've killed? Statistically, somewhat fewer. Can't we focus on another element of my work? Having said that, probably Principal Figgins. (No! I kid! God.)"

...amongst other things. Oh Joss Whedon, you murdering prankster you. Go to Whedonesque for his full statement. Fun stuff.

Holy Geekery! Dr. Horrible and The Guild Screening in Los Angeles

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 17:36:13 PDT

I've been to a bunch of Whedonverse events in the past few years, but Friday night was my first experience on the West Coast. The Guild and Dr. Horrible screenings were held at the awesome Egyptian Theater right in the heart of Hollywood. When we first got to this sold out event, we found our seats about 10 rows back and surrounded by a lovely bunch of people including Joel Champagne (great name), the West Side Browncoat extraordinaire! We were serenaded with the music from OMWF while we waited and fun fact, while Ivan was getting me popcorn, he saw Dichen Lachman standing in the ticket line. No guest list, I guess? Envor Gjokaj was also in attendence (so handsome) and there was a rumor that Amy Acker was there, but I saw no such sighting.

Check out this adorable mini Dr. Horrible who probably had more requests for photos than Joss Whedon himself.

They screened the entire Season 2 of The Guild and the music video "Do you want to Date My Avatar?" I had never seen The Guild before and I really enjoyed it. I'll be checking out the rest of the Seasons in the very near future.

After Dr. Horrible was finished and I cried over Penny's death for the millionth time, it was time for questions. Check out the video below for some of the panel discussion. There were some technical difficulties with shakiness and, unfortunately, the battery died 3/4 of the way through, but there's some fancy notes to enjoy even further down the page with all the info from the night.

- Felicia Day is an online gaming addict and after an intervention by a friend she quit playing. Shortly after, she started shooting The Guild in her house.

- Joss Whedon said Dr. Horrible was partly inspired by The Guild, the writer's strike and because he's a nerd.

- Dr. Horrible took 5 months in total from inception to streaming. it took 6 days to shoot and a few weeks to do the music.

- Ben Edlund (love him) was supposed to be part of Dr. Horrible, but he wasn't available at the time of production. Wonder if there would have been puppets?

- When The Guild first started shooting, none of the cast knew the gaming terms (except for Felicia Day) and they had to study up on their pronunciation.

- Fun Whedon family fact: Joss Whedon used to direct his brother's in movies when he was 8 years old. "Stupid Man" was the title of young Whedon's early film (cute).

After the panel discussion, the floor was opened up to the audience for questions:

- The first was the inevitable question of "Will there be a Dr. Horrible II?" The answer was "maybe" and they have "high hopes". They do have a title already, some songs and "3 1/2 jokes" written.

- Someone asked how Joss incorporates color theory into his filming. His answer, "Color is awesome."

- Felicia Day either can't poop when she drinks coffee or drinks coffee so she can poop. It wasn't clear enough to decipher.

- A fan asked if Joss could save the show Heroes. Zach Whedon answered that question with the awesome: "No one can save Heroes."

- Dr. Horrible was edited on Avid.

- Someone asked about the future of "rogue" entertainment on the internets. Joss said he tells people to get their friends together and do some funny stuff and he always gets the same reply of "...but you're friend is Nathan Fillion." Probably easier to shoot an internet film with Mal/Caleb/Capt. Hammer as your sidekick.

- One person asked if they could be friends with the panel. Joss responded, "Sadly, our quota is filled."

- Jed Whedon responded to a music composition question. He first writes the music and hopes for the lyrics to follow and if all else fails, he asks Joss to write some of it.

- A person wanted to know the title of the Dr. Horrible sequel. Joss wouldn't reveal, but they did come up with a few alternatives like Dr. Horrible: The College Years and Live Free or Dr. Horrible. Ha!

- A proud Firefly fan asked Joss what it is about him that makes us so invested in his work. Joss answered with a humble, "When you find out, let me know."

- There will be a Dr. Horrible: Commentary soundtrack released in the near future.

- As we all know, Cabin in the Woods will now be in 3D, but we'll have to wait another 11 months to see it.

So, that about covers the event and all its eventfulness. Oh, one more thing, check out the picture below and enjoy the irony my fellow Buffyfest Bloggers!

fanvid sunday: cover song edition

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 12:59:20 PDT

In lieu of the usual fanvid sunday, I thought I'd provide two very different cover versions of "(Do You Wanna) Date My Avatar". The first is from one of the many "girls on youtube with glasses who cover songs with their acoustic guitars that nerds like". Seriously, I feel like there's a million of these girls but I think this one is one of the best and nobody knows her.

And if college girls aren't to your liking then might I recommend a little Mario Paint style music?

I don't know why but I feel I could listen to Mario Paint covers of any song in the history of the universe. Honestly, clicking on one after another after another is a perpetuating quantum singularity that never fails to blissfully suck me into youtube hell. That's how you know Sundays are at the junction of Excitement Street and Wacky Avenue every Sunday in the Bitsy household. And speaking of Sundays, have a good one, everybody!

Sarah Michelle Gellar: Goodbye Baby Bump!

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 17:04:10 PDT

She looks amazing, doesn't she?