|
Post by Brian Melanson on Nov 29, 2016 17:08:39 GMT -6
EXCLUSIVE: A FAMILIAR FACE RETURNS TO HOLLYWOOD! VSGuide has just learned that Liz Gillies, who played series regular Angela Davis for the first two sequences of 'Audition,' has booked a multi episode arc for the webisode's fifth sequence! Gillies is set to return in the seventh episode, "Raven of LA," and will appear for the remainder of the first half, and is in talks to appear in episodes thereafter. When we last saw Angela, she was beginning to emotionally heal herself, with the help of Alisha, after the trial that sent her abusive ex-boyfriend Jordan to jail. "When we meet back up with Angela, she's in a much better, much happier place in her life," says series creator Brady Brown. "In fact, she and Alisha switch roles, with Angela being the one to give Alisha some much needed advice about her life. It's been really fun to meet back up with Liz and write scenes between Angela and other people, and see how much those relationships have grown." "For a majority of the series, we've only seen Angela attached to Jordan," actress Liz Gillies went on to say on her character's return. "This time around, she's free. She's by herself, and she has a clearer head. She's in a better place in her life, and the way she talks and interacts with other people really shows that." When asked on whether or not Angela would be sticking around full time, Gillies had this to say: "You know, I don't really know. I think [the show] has grown exponentially since [Nathan Kress] and I left, but I think Angela coming back really allows a lot of the characters, particularly Alisha, to reflect on a lot of things and move forward. I would love to stick around, but I guess we'll both have to wait and see." Excited for Angela's return? What do you think she'll bring to the table now that she's in a happier place? Want her to stick around permanently? Sound off below, and stay tuned for more Audition scoops, coming soon! All I can say to this is ---
|
|
|
Post by Brian Melanson on Aug 7, 2016 21:44:19 GMT -6
Thanks very much! I'm still trying to figure it all out. The Pilot is so hard because I have written so much. But sometimes you need the negatives pointed out just so you know what needs to be fixed, what could be changed and stuff like that. But lets hope it does, I have a lot in my mind planned so it's going to be fun to see what comes of this series as well. I'm right there with you. I've had people point out negatives to me over the course of my non-existent VS history and I think that was the reason I never pushed forward. And I think that sometimes I stopped because I never thought I could get better and I have to say that I don't know if I actually got better - I'm still learning and it helps when you have people to help you. It's kind of intimidating to get all this praise of Bionic's opening episode - because I'm hoping that I can keep the story going and I won't be a bigger disappointment. Honestly, tell the story you want to tell and make it the best that you can. And I've been doing this for a while but honestly, I'm still learning every day. Just take all the advice you can and use that to your advantage.
|
|
|
Post by Brian Melanson on Aug 7, 2016 14:04:20 GMT -6
I checked it out and I can honestly say that I enjoyed it. I know that some people look at the negatives and kind of pull it apart and for the main reason I don't really know how to pull apart what sounds good and what doesn't sound good - That being said again I hope it gets picked up and I'm glad it's webisode format because that will make it easier to stay up to date. Can't wait to see where this goes. Thanks very much! I'm still trying to figure it all out. The Pilot is so hard because I have written so much. But sometimes you need the negatives pointed out just so you know what needs to be fixed, what could be changed and stuff like that. But lets hope it does, I have a lot in my mind planned so it's going to be fun to see what comes of this series as well.
|
|
|
Post by Brian Melanson on Aug 6, 2016 22:07:16 GMT -6
Update: New Pilot added.
|
|
|
Post by Brian Melanson on Aug 6, 2016 21:35:35 GMT -6
Alright, a Star Trek. I will be quite frank and up front, I've never really got into Star Trek. More of a Star Wars guy myself, but that's because I practically was raised in a family that worshipped it. But anyway. I'm feeling very mixed about this. From reading the description about what the series will be, it feels like I'm expected to know everything about the Star Trek series. Like I said, I've never really gotten into Star Trek aside from the quippy little references in pop culture shows such as "Family Guy", and of course, the JJ Abrams movies. That's really the only Star Trek I was exposed too. And I think what those movies did was make sure you didn't have to watch the original series from the 60s and 70s. I think what you need to do here is make it universal for new viewers. From my knowledge, when Doctor Who was brought back in 2005, not everyone could watch the original series with the OG Doctors. And while that's still peppered throughout the series even to this day with Peter Capaldi, they had to show what this show was about. They had to bring new viewers in. They just didn't expect everyone to go "Oh yeah, Doctor Who, I know everything about that". So, I think that's where you need to improve. You need to think about your audience. And while huge Star Trek fans could love this, you do have to think about that one percent who don't really know much.
I think if you take the characters you've created and slowly introduced us to this universe with a story that brings the characters together, then I think you have something there. But saying it takes place between this movie and that movie, could make it a bit complicated. So, just take what you have and look at it. You have an idea here that could really work as a show set in the Star Trek Universe, but you shouldn't be expecting everyone to know everything about anything. I will be giving the pilot a read in the coming weeks and leaving my thoughts after reading that, but these are just my thoughts now.
|
|
|
Post by Brian Melanson on Aug 5, 2016 23:41:30 GMT -6
Hello everyone, this show is coming back up. I'm going to be producing it as a Webisode Series now. And I have written a new pilot. So, here is the link. Hope you all enjoy it! (Link will also be updated in original pitch & new pitch will be edited to reflect changes to the series) 1x01: The World We Used to Know (Pilot Draft 2)ENTER INTO WORLD RULED BY THE DEAD — After a deadly virus breaks out and cities all across the world fall into chaos, Julie Evans (Katie Cassidy) tries to make through it all to get to her baby sister Caitlyn (Dove Cameron). With the aid of former flame, Ryder Ford (Brian J Smith), They fight their way through city to make sure they find a way out. But when the unexpected happens, they are faced with a problem bigger than getting out of Boston alive. Link: Survival 1x01
|
|
|
Post by Brian Melanson on Aug 4, 2016 11:10:21 GMT -6
Audition 5.04: Comic Sans
Another Audition episode? Must be Thursday (okay, that was stupid). But anyway, here is my bullet point review of “Comic Sans” - First off, this is a David episode. And I’m happy about that. David is a great character, he’s fun, bubbly and has that awesomeness that a golden retriever has. (Weird…I’m going to keep going). But I loved everything about his story this episode. Him and Mia have come a long way. I admit I wasn’t really for them at the start, but I really enjoy their story and it’s very well thought out and very cool. Mia is really trying to enter into his world, but what about him entering her world? I mean, we did see it a bit last season but it would also fun to see it a bit more. - Alisha coming out to Rose was nice. But it kinda feels like she’s just yelling it and stuff. I would have preferred it to be a bit more warranted. But it did lead to a nice moment between them. Paula and Michael need to get together, now. (I’ll put this in every review until it happens) - I had forgotten about Wyatt, but it’s nice to see old characters come back. But Alex getting fake ids. I’m interested to see where this story will take us. - Freya was nice to see. I know she’s from “Screenwriter’s Paradise” and it was cool to see her come into the frey-a (I’m sorry). Her and David geeking out with each other was a pretty awesome thing. It was nice fun scene. - Overall, really enjoyable episode. I can’t wait to see what else we’re getting this season because you’re now setting up a lot. I can’t wait to see where David goes next now that he no longer wants to be an actor. I do hope Alisha does stop blurting out that she’s Bi, but I feel so conflicted about it because it leads to nice moments after. I don’t know, I’m 50/50 about it. I see it as funny because, yeah coming out sucks. And being bi, it does feel like you have to do it all the damn time. But I’m just worried it’ll become a running gag. I have faith in you though and I know you, so I don’t see it happening. I can’t wait for the next episode
|
|
|
Post by Brian Melanson on Aug 2, 2016 19:59:28 GMT -6
Update: 8/2/16 - Finally have the episode titles finalized, so here they are!
|
|
|
Post by Brian Melanson on Aug 1, 2016 13:19:59 GMT -6
Official Season 2B Poster
|
|
|
Post by Brian Melanson on Jul 28, 2016 11:04:40 GMT -6
I totally forgot to leave a review for the season premiere but, you know me. But I just finised reading 5.02 and 5.03! So I'll just be doing bullet point reviews because that's an easy way for me to get my thoughts across without rambling like an idiot! So --
5.02: Acting 102 - I love how you're really focusing on Alex and Alisha this season. It kind of feels like you're going back to the roots of the show, which is them, even though you never really forgot them, but still. You're putting a huge focus on them getting to a new start and that's honestly great. - The acting class part was fun, very diverse if I might add. It's going to be interesting to see all of these different personalities play off each other in future episodes and see what they will do for Alex and Alisha's story. - Paula and Michael... YOU NEED TO STOP TEASING ME! Clearly Paula has feelings for Michael and they just need to get together. I appreciate you taking the slow route with that, as you're not just thrusting them together for the sake of having them together. But for real, as a fan of this show, I need them together. But as a fellow writer, I appreciate the slow burn. - David and Mia. Honestly, I was sorta against it at first, but this season sold me on it. I love them. And I hate you for making me love them. But I have this strange feeling that things are going so great for them now, that things are going to go bad soon. If David gets shot again I S2G! - Overall, very solid episode, I'm excited to see what's coming next.
5.03: Southern Comfort for the Hollywood Soul - First things first, love the title. - I love how Rose and Robbie have their own story right now. I'm excited to see if this band thing really plays off soon because it would be fun to see them have to build up from it just being the two of them. - The Money Issue for David is still in play, but it makes me wonder what he's gonna spend that money on. I also loved that "I'm adopted -- wait" line. Very funny. - Alisha and Kelsey reuniting seems to open up a few things, which it kind of did in this episode with Alisha coming out as Bi to Alex. I think it was time for her to come out to somebody but just her saying she felt like she's ruining everything and then comes out, was a bit weird to me. Unless this was something a long time coming and she just EXPLODED in feels, then it makes complete sense as to why she felt that way. - Again, another solid episode, can't wait for more episodes!
|
|
|
Post by Brian Melanson on Jul 28, 2016 10:34:48 GMT -6
2x11: Time to Move On AND THE WINNER IS...! — With hope feeling lost after their disastrous performance. The Drama Kids feel as if they will never move forward to States. But when an accident occurs, all fingers point to someone in the Serenity High Drama Club which leads to an explosive blow out. It’s a new beginning and an ending. The Mid-Season Finale of 101
Written by: Brian MelansonProduced by: theVPNOriginal Air Date: July 28th, 2016Link: 101WTSHS 2x11
|
|
|
Post by Brian Melanson on Jul 25, 2016 13:19:41 GMT -6
"Drama Fest, Here We Come!" Review I'm going to take a page from Brady's book here and do a bullet point review because I'm very tired and worried about all the nonsense I will spew in this current state of being sleep deprived. - There were a lot more laughs to be had in this episode that I appreciated. You brought your A game with the comedy. - Veronica/Maureen scenes are great. I love their dynamic. I would love to see more of it. It gives Maureen more to do outside of the drama kids and her relationship with Charlie, and adds some stakes to the show (as do the others from Preston). - I had the same problem with the "play" scenes in this episode that I did with the previous ones where they were rehearsing. It's pages and pages of these characters pretending to be someone else that—while it does go hand in hand with the situation of them being at Drama Fest and them being Drama students—doesn't seem to do anything to move the story forward as it doesn't relate to the characters. I think in future you should have the play be something that relates to the characters and their journeys. For example, if the play had something to do with jealousy and dealing with your problems and offering forgiveness and that in turn evolved Hayley and played a role in her letting go of her hatred for Katerina and offering her a second chance then the play would have more significance in being pages and pages long. I hope that makes sense. - Despite that issue, I felt like you breaking up the moments with the "TALKING HEADS" was genius and made it a lot better than the rehearsal scenes. But I just need the play to be something that relates to the stories and not just a random thing for the characters to step into for 5 pages. - It's nice to see Katerina working with everyone. I feel like you've made a lot of progress with her. It's very exciting. - Hayley was back to her early-season-one self which felt great to read. I'm glad she's back to her usual self. Hope it sticks. I absolutely love these Bullet reviews, it's very straight to the point and really gets your point across. And I know how tierd you were so, thank you again for reading - THANKS! The comedy in this episode is really the best I think I've done in a while. It's something I love to do and I think I finally found a groove for the comedy in the show. - Veronica and Maureen is so much fun to write. These two women hate each other so much that they want to best each other. I also love having the stakes be very high, it adds tension and a sense of problems happening. Preston is going to be sticking around for a while. - The Play Scenes are going to be taken into a difference now, I like that you're giving me these examples and it's really does make sense. I should have mirrored things instead of just going "oh hey, you want drama club, here's the kids acting". 2B will really be a character focus so the play stuff will be taking a backseat until S3, so I'll have time to figure it all out. - The Talking Heads with Nellie and Izzy was really a last minute idea. Because these two characters are fun to write, and I wanted to do something with them so it was fun to be able to work with them for these small scenes. - It feels so amazing to finally have Katerina be apart of the Main Four (now Main Five). It's really now an oppurtunity to bring her character to a new light and really bring her back to being friends with Hayley and start a new friendship with Will and the others. So it's something I've been wanting to play with for the longest time and to finally do it is the best thing ever. - Hayley is going to have some fun in 2B. I really needed to get back to her and finally doing so, it's opened up her story for the next half of the season and you'll see clearly in the Mid-Season Finale where she is headed and really all I want to say is, we're going to be taking a couple steps back with Hayley, as she's going back to a place she's really hated. But, we're taking her forward in having her realize things and come to terms that things don't always work out the way we plan. Thanks for reading Jack!
|
|
|
Post by Brian Melanson on Jul 20, 2016 22:00:26 GMT -6
2x10: Drama Fest, Here We Come! IT'S ALL COME TO THIS! — It’s finally here, after six months of work, the Serenity High Drama Club is competing against five others High Schools including Preston High. As the old feud between Veronica and Maureen continues, the Drama Kids try to get through their problems and put on the best performance of their lives.
Written by: Brian MelansonProduced by: theVPNOriginal Air Date: July 20th, 2016Link: 101WTSHS 2x10
|
|
|
Post by Brian Melanson on Jul 14, 2016 10:39:48 GMT -6
"The Breakfast Club of Serenity High" Review This episode was heavily inspired by Breakfast Club (obviously) and the concept of that film was easily translated to 101 Ways to Survive High School in that it pulled a lot out of these characters and allowed for some great character pieces and developments, however, I'm not a huge fan of mimicking and mirroring specific lines and scenes that straight out copy material. I understand it for references. And I understand this show relies on pop culture a lot of the time in it's dialogue. But I'm just not sure I liked how similar this episode was to the film it's inspired by. With that being said, finding inspiration from films and other TV shows definitely works for this series but I just hope in future that you'd be a little more creative in how you go about adapting these ideas to fit your show and didn't copy something beat for beat, or even - at times - line for line. Now, with that out of the way, let's crack onto what happened in the episode... Finally addressing the Katerina/Hayley conflict was something I needed to do. I couldn't all of a sudden have them be best friends and just be all happy go lucky with each other. And when I watched the Breakfast Club for the first time, I knew it was something I wanted to do for 101 and at the time of planning this half of the season, it felt like it was time to finally bring Hayley and Katerina back together. And I know Hayley hasn't been the best lately. I've realized as I've been writing and looking at things said by you and Brady, I've lost focus on her. I can absolutley say that Hayley will be returning to the forefront for the second half of the season and going on a very interesting journey that will hopefully change her for the better and turn her away from this character that would stoop so low to do something. I knew going in there was going to be something for all five of them. I think somewhere in planning and outlining and actual writing, it got lost. Danny's Dad thing is a possibility of a future storyline that I want to hopefully tell one day. And I kind of threw that in as an easter egg type of thing for a future episode type deal thing. And it also opens up something we've never seen for Danny. He's always portrayed as this best friend who gives these hope speeches and tells you that everything is okay. We never get insight into what his inner turmoial is. Riley for me, she's tired of being seen as this bad person. Hence why I did stress she wanted to prove she wrote a play to Jonathan and stuff. And that's addressed later on where we see what's going on inside Riley's mind. But I know going into 2B, I want the show to focus on this main five and really start to make it their show again. I've finally found the people to tell my story and now I just have to do it. That was really a fun scene to write. We never got to see Katerina and Will be a couple asides from a makeout and a fight in S1. So it was nice to write this for them. They did have scenes in earlier episodes but I think saving all of that for this, really made it cool and nice. They will begin to explore their relationship as friends because they have one thing in common, they want to help Hayley. So that will bring them closer together and help repair old wounds from their relationship. Again, this episode was a huge adaption of The Breakfast Club and there was this overbearing Vice Principle and they smoked pot and talked about their feelings. But really, the world we live in, teens do drink. And I know that I have heavily pushed that on this show. I think it's from watching other TV shows and going "Oh teens drinking, who cares". And really, I kinda knew deep down Hayley and Katerina needed to open up but they were both too chicken s**t to do it sober. So that's really why I did it. I mean, I could've found an easier, and more interesting way to do it. But I stand by it because it ended up opening up a world of new storylines. But for a while, I know this is the end of underaged drinking. But who knows about Season Three lol Thanks for reading, Jack. This is one of the episodes I was so excited for to write and it was the best one I think I have ever done. Next week is the start of Drama Fest and believe me, things happen that no one will see coming. Or they might, I'm kind of predicable. Thanks again!
|
|
|
Post by Brian Melanson on Jul 13, 2016 23:11:28 GMT -6
REVIEW (Bullet Point Style): 2.07 "The Cool Kids Aren't That Cool"- Veronica is an incredible character. I loved every moment she was included in this episode, and I'm excited to see more of her rivalry with Maureen. She has such a unique personality and voice and characterization that I think really sets her apart and makes her a highlight. - The Tatum/Cal/Erick thing was something I'm not a fan of. It felt repetitive (from S1's Katerina/Will kiss), forced, and a bit cliché. It's weird that 15 year olds are concocting seduction plots to break people up. It's just not something I personally want to read about. There are a lot of other ways that the same outcome could have been achieved, in my opinion. Same thing for Queen Bees/Emmy. - The entire episode didn't really have a plot. I mean, I don't see a clear beginning, middle, and end. The Preston people sort of just showed up and left. The Drama Kids didn't manage to be involved in any of it outside of Tatum and Cal so I'm just confused on the thinness of it. - I do like that Hayley is beginning to realize the error of her ways, but I'm still not 100% sold on these inspirational speeches that Will and everyone else manage to make. They're saying things so ahead of their time and acting completely out-of-age, and it just takes me out of the experience. I've just never heard 15 year old speak with such wisdom before, so I would suggest toning that aspect down and giving almost more cluttered, misspoken advice. Veronica was most definently a character I love to write. She has that "I'm better than you" attitude and it's just fun to write. Tatum And Cal were really something I feel like I messed up. I knew I was going to break them up but I think the execution on how, just really got from me. And really this episode was more of a set up of things to come. And also the speeches, you didn't get those in High School?? lol Jk. Yeah they are kind of out of place sometimes and I really need to work on them. But as for the rest of the season coming up, it's going to get there. I promise. Hopefully.
|
|
|
Post by Brian Melanson on Jul 13, 2016 23:08:05 GMT -6
REVIEW (Bullet Point Style): 2.06 "Love Is A Funny Thing"- I agree with the majority of Jack's review. I don't like the fact that Charlie approached Hayley for help with his proposal to Maureen; however, the scenes where they were distracting her were pretty clever and entertaining to read. - Charlie and Maureen, as a couple, are incredibly rushed, and while you did address that, it still doesn't really justify Charlie's need to propose. We haven't gotten anything sustainable between them this season so it felt very out of place with everything else going on. - Same goes for Riley and Danny. All we've really gotten are little scenes of them being a couple here and there, and it's just really hard to buy Danny talking about being with Riley for the next 20 years, and I just found their promise ring scene very dramatic. - The Katerina and Hayley scene, and by extension the Will/Hayley scene, could have been saved for an episode where that conflict was more of a focus. - There were a lot of comma and question mark misuses. You have a tendency to use commas when there should be pauses, and questions marks where there should be commas. Just keep an eye out for those. - Finally, Maureen was the ultimate standout for the episode. She continues to be an extremely well crafted character, and my only one complaint if when she (and other characters) are infused with their "Youtube counterparts". Other than that, she's incredible. S1 was very rushed and the Maureen and Charlie thing will be stretched out a bit. Riley and Danny originally were going to have their "first time" in this episode and I really had to pull back a lot of rushed things. A lot of the couples on this show are rushed. But after this episode, they all really hit the brakes. And the Hayley/Katerina stuff should have been saved. I was just in too much of a hurry to start their story that I guess I didn't think to save it for another episode. And Maureen is great isn't she? Thanks for reading Brady!
|
|
|
Post by Brian Melanson on Jul 13, 2016 23:04:26 GMT -6
"The Cool Kids Aren't That Cool" ReviewI'm feeling quite mixed about this episode. On one hand, it developed a plot that has been building for the whole season so far, but on another it just didn't seem to work as well as I had hoped it would. The aspects that I did enjoy also had a bit of a negative side to them too, so this review is going to be all over the place and I apologise for that BUT LETS DO THIS SHIZ. I'm just going to keep this short and touch upon quick things. We already talked about a few things, so I really don't want to beat a dead horse more than I already have. I think the reason for the "On the nose" plot and stuff. It's because originally Hayley was a complete B-word going forward and I wanted to change that. Maybe how I didn't wasn't exactly the best, but I wanted to kinda get to that point where I could fix Hayley. Maybe I just didn't get to it the right way. But I understand what you're saying The Veronica singing thing was just a fun little tibit I had of hers. Not just cause she's the Queen Kelly Clarkson. But I wanted it to come off as a kinda "hey I'm a better singer than you" to Maureen. And Maureen and Veronica have a dirty history that I hope to one day address, but right now, it's fun having them play enemies. You can't always have great reviews! I totally understand everything you're saying and it's really helpful. Thanks for reading Jack!
|
|
|
Post by Brian Melanson on Jul 13, 2016 22:55:34 GMT -6
2x09: The Breakfast Club of Serenity High DON’T FORGET ABOUT ME — Hayley, Will, Danny, Riley and Katerina all end up in Saturday detention. As the five kids try to repair wounds, Hayley and Katerina have a moment that changes something between them forever.
Written by: Brian MelansonProduced by: theVPNOriginal Air Date: July 14th 2016Link: 101WTSHS 2x09
|
|