Hollywonk

The Most Popular Movie Premise at Amazon Studios Right Now is ...

Sat, 25 May 2013 10:00:49 -0700

Waiting for B.K. See what it’s about and pick your favorites: studios.amazon.com/premises/leaderboard

"‘Fast & Furious’ became an adjective for neon lights and hot chicks or something. I..."

Fri, 24 May 2013 09:07:00 -0700

“‘Fast & Furious’ became an adjective for neon lights and hot chicks or something. I felt like we could create something different.”

- Director Justin Lin on using depth, character development, and yes, restraint, to adrenalize the Fast & Furious franchise

Ever wonder how much you’d pay for a trip to Vegas in...

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:59:00 -0700

Ever wonder how much you’d pay for a trip to Vegas in classic “Hangover” style? (Not counting the emotional toll, of course.)

Wonder no more: It’s nearly $250K. Of course, you can scrimp by skipping the tiger and Mike Tyson. But why would you?

Richard Linklater did a Reddit AmA, and talked about his movies...

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:18:00 -0700

Richard Linklater did a Reddit AmA, and talked about his movies (the Before series, Waking Life, Dazed and Confused), inspirations, and improvisation:

“The percentage of improv in the 3 movies is exactly 0%. It’s all scripted and rehearsed until Julie and Ethan practically lose their minds.”

Read the whole thing.

Star Trek to Writers: Go Boldly Classic Star Trek sounds a lot...

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:41:00 -0700

Star Trek to Writers: Go Boldly

Classic Star Trek sounds a lot like 21st-century Star Trek: “We maintain a fast pace … avoid long philosophical exchanges or tedious explanations of equipment. And note that our cutting technique is to use the shortest possible time between idea and execution.”

From slatevault:

Producers of the original Star Trek series distributed this photocopied guide to the show’s writers in 1967. They were all on a major mission to avoid cheesiness and scientific error. (Also forbidden: uniforms with pockets.) http://slate.me/YToqxJ

See more from the classic writers’ guide here.

Thanks for watching Amazon’s original pilots. Stay tuned...

Mon, 20 May 2013 11:26:00 -0700

"Those Who Can't"

John Goodman in "Alpha House"

"Dark Minions"

Jeffrey Tambor in "Onion News Empire"

Bebe Neuwirth in "Browsers"

Joe Dinicol in "Betas"

"Zombieland"

"Supanatural"

Thanks for watching Amazon’s original pilots. Stay tuned to find out which shows are selected to return to Prime Instant Video with more episodes.

Proper pushup technique is very important as you’ll see in...

Thu, 16 May 2013 18:47:03 -0700

Proper pushup technique is very important as you’ll see in this bonus scene from Those Who Can’t, the Amazon original pilot now available for free.

Guest Post: On Oxygen Masks, Happiness, and "Teeny Tiny Dogs"

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:28:00 -0700

Halle Stanford, Executive Producer and Executive Vice President of Children’s Entertainment at the Jim Henson Company (which produced the Amazon original pilot, Teeny Tiny Dogs), shares the key to family happiness: the oxygen mask.

As a mother of two boys (a teen and a toddler) and owner of two small dogs, I grab those “Mommy Moments” whenever I can find them. You know, hiding in my bathroom for 15 minutes with the latest Game of Thrones book (“Mommy has to go potty. I’ll be riiiight back!”). Mommy Moments make me one happy momma.

I learned this happy parent lesson years ago when I was going through a difficult divorce, and was worried about the happiness of my son. A wise friend told me, “You know what Rabbi Airplane says? Put your oxygen mask on before your kids. Your son will be happy if you are happy.” And lo, my pal was right. Today, my teen and toddler are both happy. It is important to be a happy parent.

Years later as I listened to the actual “put on your oxygen mask first” lecture on an airplane, I noticed my six year old son holding his breath. Curious, I asked him what he was doing. “Practicing holding my breath until you can get the mask on my face.” Whoa. Smart kid! He got me thinking back on the “oxygen mask” happiness metaphor. When do kids learn to put the happiness mask on themselves? And how long do they need to hold their breath?

When Dr. Christine Carter’s book, “Raising Happiness: 10 Simple Steps For More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents” came out in 2011, I was floored by the title of the first chapter: Step 1: Put on Your Own Oxygen Mask First. And then by the following quote: “So I say, take the advice of airplanes]: put on your own oxygen mask first and then help those around you… I’ve found that a certain core of peace and centeredness is necessary before I can really be engaged in raising happy, compassionate, and confident children.”

There was that happiness oxygen mask metaphor again!

I bought the book, signed up for the online parenting course at www.christinecarter.com, and started learning more about her and the UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center.

So what is Happiness? According to the GGSC: “Happiness includes the fleeting positive emotions such as joy and amusement, along with a deeper sense of meaning, connection, and purpose in life. “

What are the tools we can use to bring about a happier life? In a nutshell we should nurture the following qualities: Connection, Gratitude, Compassion, Altruism, Play, Awe, Hope, and Mindfulness.

The tools and ideas from the GGSC have had a profound effect on the happiness of our family. Now my boys and I all know how to put on our happiness masks when needed (Can you say, “Los Angeles traffic?”). And from the moment I read Dr. Carter’s book, I searched for an opportunity to integrate this happiness curriculum into one of our Jim Henson Company television shows. And, then the moment presented itself.

While my Jim Henson Company team was developing a comedy puppet series entitled TEENY TINY DOGS, we discovered Amazon Studios was looking for preschool content with unique 21st century curriculums. Boom! Pairing TEENY TINY DOGS with the Greater Good Science Center’s 21^st century educational agenda was almost as perfect as matching chocolate with peanut butter or matching bacon up with…anything. We were thrilled when Amazon Studios gave us the opportunity to develop both the concept and the curriculum.

We reached out to the Greater Good Science Center to see if they were interested in helping us integrate their Happiness Curriculum into our puppy preschool series and we were thrilled when they agreed. Vicki Zakrzewski, Ph.D., the GGSC Education Director and Ann Shulman, the GGSC Executive Director, were intrigued by the idea of teaching their concepts to and creating a toolkit for preschoolers.

And they sealed the deal when they taught us that, “According to the National Research Council, the ability to both form positive relationships and manage one’s emotions are key 21^st century skills. Children who can regulate their emotions are more likely to be happy, which, in turn, leads to more friends, greater likability and ease of relationships with peers, and better relationships with teachers. Kids who are happy also enjoy school more and have greater academic success.”

So… the Happiness Curriculum can teach a child how to be happy and help them become smarter? Eureka! Talk about the ultimate happiness oxygen mask for any parent. Happy Kid = Smart Kid! I’m gonna sit back and enjoy this TEENY TINY DOGS plane ride, eat some nuts…and maybe even watch a movie.

Five-time Emmy nominated Executive Producer, Halle Stanford, has worked for the Jim Henson Company for twenty years. She is proud to Executive Produce the award winning, critically acclaimed, and parent approved series “Sid the Science Kid,” “Dinosaur Train,” “Pajanimals,” “Wilson and Ditch: Digging America,” “Me and My Monsters,” “Animal Jam,” “Telling Stories with Tomie de Paola,” and the up and coming preschool series “The Doozers.” Her fingers, toes, and paws are crossed that her next production will be “Teeny Tiny Dogs” on the Amazon Studios development slate.

"I come from a theater background. Aaron Sorkin is my favorite. I love talk. Dialogue to me is my..."

Tue, 14 May 2013 18:02:00 -0700

“I come from a theater background. Aaron Sorkin is my favorite. I love talk. Dialogue to me is my stock in trade so I loved it. Learning about it all was actually really cool. I read the Steve Jobs biography. I looked into also to be able to get into it and explain it and explain it in a way that actually made sense to me was actually really fun.”

- Betas star Joe Dinicol on mastering the tech talk his character so smoothly delivers (watch the show for free here)

It’s tough to choose the best line in Supanatural (one of...

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:10:43 -0700

It’s tough to choose the best line in Supanatural (one of Amazon’s original comedies). But it’s hard to argue with “Spider, please.”

“Let’s get you a blowout and we’ll add it to the invoice. Oh, and watch out for that spider.”

A Song-by-Song Look at Amazon's Browsers, from the Interns' "Life" to Bebe's Big Number

Fri, 10 May 2013 15:10:00 -0700

If Bebe Neuwirth’s performance of the gloriously profane “Someone With Whom …” in the Amazon original pilot Browsers reminded you of a certain Broadway classic, well, there’s a reason for that.

We asked Browsers creator David Javerbaum to tell us about that song and the rest of show’s soundtrack, which features music by Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne and Brendan Milburn (and is available for free at Amazon MP3):

“My Life”

Music by Brendan Milburn, a wonderful composer and friend I have known for almost 20 years. It introduces the four interns both individually and as a group, so it had to be long – 3 1/2 minutes, much longer than the typical song in the show, but necessary to have a real “opening number” feel. The tune Brendan wrote is catchy and irresistible. As for the title, yes I’m aware of the Billy Joel song, but it was the perfect hook for this song. It will not happen again. There will not be a “Piano Man” song in Episode Two.

“Goin’ Viral”

The music is by Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne, my collaborator on many other past projects and an all-around protean musical force. It has a nice Chemical Brothers sound.

“When I Tweet”

Music by Schlesinger. Very anthemic. I’d like to add another verse, give it a real ending and release it a single. I think the Twitterverse would really like it. Particularly if we could get the Bieb to cover it.

“It’s Not Like”

Music by Milburn. A lovely delicate AABA waltz with a tricky little melody and some amazing orchestration – check out the pizzicato!

“Someone with Whom Not to F—-“

Music by Milburn. Evocative of “Whatever Lola Wants” from Damn Yankees, but deliberately so – Bebe was once Lola, and Julianna [the interns’ terrifying and powerful boss] is very much like what Lola would have evolved into had the devil retired and given her the job.

Read more from Javerbaum about the show.

It takes a special person to be a great Listening Intern....

Thu, 09 May 2013 13:59:06 -0700

It takes a special person to be a great Listening Intern. It’s not just about listening — also smiling, nodding, and silently showing profound interest in what is being said (as seen in Onion News Empire, one of Amazon’s original comedy pilots.)

Think you’ve got what it takes? The Onion is hiring a Listening Intern. Get the details here.

“Let’s get this experiment party...

Thu, 09 May 2013 09:00:00 -0700

“Let’s get this experiment party started!”

Learn more about Annebots, a new kids show from Amazon that celebrates science.

Creator J.J. Johnson on "Annebots," and the Joys of Making Science into Mind-Blowing Fun

Wed, 08 May 2013 16:25:00 -0700

For creator and director J.J. Johnson, producing a children’s series is not just about entertaining kids but also about getting them excited about interacting with the world around them. It was with this in mind that he created Annebots, a science show that is one of Amazon’s original pilots.

J.J. is one of the partners of Sinking Ship, a production company based in Toronto, Canada. Formed in 2004, its credits include This is Daniel Cook, Are We There Yet?: World Adventure, and Dino Dan.

Annebots is about Anne, who learns about the world and science while hanging out in her junkyard lab with her best friend Nick and android helpers Hand, Eye and PAL.

We spoke with J.J. about what inspired Annebots, opportunities for interactivity, and the thrill of getting kids excited about science.

How did you come up with the concept for Annebots?

I wanted to do a science series for a long time, especially having touched on some scientific theories with Dino Dan but I could never figure out what kind of show would allow me to do the science that I particularly like and that I think kids generally like too like with actual explosions and things mixing and melting and some of the stuff that is a little more dangerous but certainly has a bigger cool factor. I think that if you’re dealing with subjects like science and the environment and your goal is to get kids excited about the real world, it’s important that you show them the real world. As we got comfortable with CG characters, it got me thinking about having robotic characters and perhaps robotic characters that could be built so that they’re the ones doing the dangerous so we can establish that some of the stuff is crazy and shouldn’t be done by humans, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t get into that subject matter. Aesthetically being a kid that explored junkyards when I was younger, I think that is such a cool landscape. It’s really full of forgotten things that all have secondary uses and I think that bleeds into the characters as well that there are things that are built that have been tossed aside but have a second lease on life. So that’s where the setting came together.

So by having the androids do the dangerous tasks, you’re able to enforce the “kids don’t try this at home” message?

It’s totally cool to do simple science shows where you’re doing simple science experiments with baking soda and stuff. The science that I think is going to light their minds on fire is the stuff that is going to blow their mind. You know, some of the crazier concepts or some of the cooler visual transformations that can only be done when it’s something a little more complicated. I think we found a clever way into that that still re-enforces it almost more so that these are things that you shouldn’t do but doesn’t skirt away from actually getting to show them. It’s almost too sterilized that we’re starting to miss the point and I think that kids are smarter than we give them credit for.

Is there a way for the kids to experience the science experiments beyond the confines of the show?

Our goal is to develop a slate of apps that would go with each episode. Using augmented reality (which is recreating a visual representation of the real world through an electronic device) we can use the camera to affect the environment that allows us to let the kids perform the experiments in a safe way, and in a virtual way that still matches the effect of the show. It’s a chance for the kids to become one of the characters and drive the story forward. That’s one of the things that is awesome about working with Amazon is that they’re a giant online company that also has a tablet which I don’t know if there is any other network that has that same kind of infrastructure.

What do you want parents to know about your show?

At its core it’s a show that wants to get kids excited about science. It wants to show kids using the scientific theory to figure things out in a way that they are going to make mistakes and it is not always perfect. As much as this is a science show I think it is also a show about kids coming together and solving problems. A lot of the shows that we see have to do a lot with wish fulfillment. They’re usually about becoming a superstar or getting a record contract or being a model or whatever else it might be. I’m excited to be able to show an alternate world, one that is a little bit more authentic but also show how kids can entertain themselves without becoming famous or playing a video game. In the end those shows don’t want them to go outside and one of the things I love about our first script is that Nick gets to his new house and wants to go inside and play video games with his friend online which is totally normal and typical and has its place, but by the end of the episode he’s being forced to leave the junkyard [and Anne] because he’s having so much fun. I think you have to give kids the opportunity to see that the world is not a horrifically scary place and that there are things to explore and things to build.

What do you want kids to know about your show?

I want kids to know that Annebots is about a girl who likes to make friends. And by ‘make’ I mean she actually makes them, from spare parts in her junk yard. This is the story about a girl who desperately loves science because she loves building things, ripping things apart and figuring out how the world works. She’s supported by a cast of quirky robotic friends and new human friends from the neighborhood. I want kids to know that in Annebots, like science, anything is possible. It’s about the world, and how awesome and weird it is, and it’s about them and how important their life journey is.

- Sean Wicks

Amazon Pilots Inside Story: Why Sara Solves It is "Schoolhouse Rock for Today's Kids"

Tue, 07 May 2013 16:22:00 -0700

There’s no reason to be afraid of math – in fact, it can be fun! Just ask Carol Greenwald and Angela Santomero, co-creators of Sara Solves it, one of one of 14 Amazon original pilots now playing for free at Amazon Instant Video and LOVEFiLM.

Sara Solves It celebrates problem solving with 9-year-old whiz kid Sara and her younger brother Sam. Together, the solve mysteries in their apartment building and beyond, using the power of math.

We asked Carol and Angela about their show, their influences, and their Amazon experience:

Why did you want to tell this story, with these characters, in this world?

We have a vision to help every child and every parent with math homework!

Seriously, we heard from parents that they needed help with some of the strategies in math that will help their kids get off to a strong start in school. And we heard from kids that they wanted to solve mysteries and be in on the action. So, Out of the Blue (Blue’s Clues, Super Why, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood) and WGBH (Curious George, Arthur, Martha Speaks) teamed up to create a series designed to help young children acquire the mathematical foundation necessary for future academic success. The math curriculum is designed by Dr. Herb Ginsberg, from Teachers College, Columbia University, and creator of Big Math for Little Kids, the groundbreaking math curriculum for young children.

What do you want every parent to know about your show? Every kid?

It’s Schoolhouse Rock for today’s kids!

Just like with a reading show (Super Why, Martha Speaks) we wanted to have our characters jump into a world surrounded by math. There are numbers everywhere. Even the elevator in their apartment building operates in math equations. Sara is a math whiz while Sam still uses his fingers. We love showing the brother and sister duo work together to solve dramatic (to them!) mysteries…. All with math!

But don’t think for a minute that it’s all work and no play. The show is also lots of fun to watch and kids will be caught up in the mysteries, laughing at the jokes and singing along to the songs. And without even realizing it, they’ll be learning and practicing those math skills they need to succeed in school.

How has the Amazon experience been?

Angela: I am a huge Amazon Prime Mom. My kids actually call it “Amaze on” because we can find anything on Amazon and it will be here in 2 days! I’ve had a great creative collaborative relationship with Tara Sorenson and the Amazon Studios team. We share the same vision!

Carol: I’m especially excited about being a part of this groundbreaking initiative that will allow us to reach kids and families in a whole new way. I love that we can hear back directly from the audience – and we would love to hear your stories about what stumps your kids in math or about fun experiences they may have had. That can all help us come up with new stories. I’m so impressed with what Tara and the team have put together so far, and very proud that we have been included!

And, something about yourself, your influences, what inspires you.

Angela: I’m inspired to change the world – one great show at a time. It infuriates me to know that national testing data shows that only 39% of 4th graders and 34% of 8th graders test as proficient or above in math. At the same time, students who score well on math literacy are more likely to have future success in school. What can we do about that? For me, I want to dig my heels in and create an addictive, entertaining show that actually moves the needle and changes kids’ scores in math. I also want all girls to want to be like Sara, and not, as tradition has told us, step away from math.

Carol: I get inspired by hearing stories from our audiences about how our shows affect them. Whether it’s a dad who writes us to tell us that his son began digging for worms for the garden after watching Curious George do it, or a Mom whose child has Asperger’s syndrome telling us how meaningful it is to her family to see a child just like hers on Arthur, I am reminded why I do this job and why I love doing it! And my hope is that we’ll get to hear the same kind of stories from families who watch Sara Solves It – that a Mom or Dad will share a story about their child using a math skill they watched on Sara to solve their own math mystery!

- Stephanie Reid-Simons

With Sara on the case, there’s no reason for kids (or...

Tue, 07 May 2013 14:06:24 -0700

With Sara on the case, there’s no reason for kids (or parents) to be afraid of math.

Watch Sara Solves It, and other kids’ pilots from Amazon Studios, for free.

“It’s a great day to play in...

Mon, 06 May 2013 16:00:50 -0700

“It’s a great day to play in Tumbleaf!”

Tumbleaf is one of Amazon’s original children’s pilots, now available for free at Amazon Instant Video and LOVEFiLM.

On "Tumbleaf," Inventiveness, and a World Where Kids Can Explore and Learn

Mon, 06 May 2013 14:09:00 -0700

Fig the fox is a dreamer and inventor in a world full of surprises and adventures. And kids can join him in Tumbleaf, one of 14 Amazon original pilots now playing for free at Amazon Instant Video and LOVEFiLM. Viewer response will help determine which of these shows return with full seasons.

We asked Tumbleaf producer Kelli Bixler about the show (created by Drew Hodges and Bix Pix Entertainment), what Bixler would want every parent and child to know about Fig and his world, and their inspirations.

Describe Tumbleaf:

Tumbleaf is a world in nature, where Fig the fox lives and plays. Fig is a dreamer, a thinker, an inventor of new solutions, solutions no one else has ever thought of, not because he has a magic wand, but because he is an inventor of new solutions inspired by his unique experiences and surroundings. Fig figures things out, he earns his knowledge; thus what he learns is unique to him but also a universal truth.

Why did you want to tell this story, with these characters, this world?

We wanted to create a world that is beautiful and surprising, to create characters that are real, like your nutty but lovable aunt, the odd shy kid down the block, or the mailman who’s never at a loss for words. Fig (like all of us) needs to know how to deal with different people and situations, because the world does not revolve around you, you need a certain amount of independence and resourcefulness, a confidence of knowing “I can figure this out!” to be a purposeful human being – we wanted to create something of value.

What do you want every parent to know about the show? Every kid?

For parents … we love and respect kids – for the intelligent, creative and fun-loving souls they are!

For kids … Fig is going to surprise you and give you new ideas that you can explore and play with on your own – hopefully he’s a kindred spirit – an interesting friend.

Tell us something about yourself, your influences, and what inspires you:

Bix Pix is a nimble company blessed with creative individuals. We love teeny tiny buttons, nubby fabric, the shape of a cloud, home-made cookies right out of the oven …

Influences range from Billy Wilder to Tim Burton, Andrew Bird to Earth, Wind & Fire, hot dogs to polenta, modern museums to garage sales …

Inspiration comes from the unexpected – an act of kindness to a solar powered air plane, poems to YouTube, a bath tub or bread basket …

- Stephanie Reid-Simons

Hear more from Kelli Bixler and learn about all of the kids’ pilots from Amazon Studios.

See why this is the ONLY review that Those Who Can’t...

Mon, 06 May 2013 08:00:48 -0700

See why this is the ONLY review that Those Who Can’t creator/star Andrew Orvedahl cares about.

Happy Star Wars Day, from our Dark Minions to yours.

Sat, 04 May 2013 11:27:30 -0700

Happy Star Wars Day, from our Dark Minions to yours.