Mon, 5 September 2016
We have a great conversation with Guy Birtwhistle, writer, producer and star of the indie science fiction movie Alistair1918. The film debuted at this summer’s San Diego Comic Con International Film Festival. In Alistair1918, a World War One soldier accidentally time travels to present day Los Angeles. Filthy and penniless, with no way to prove his identity, he struggles to find a way back to his wife in 1918. Guy talks in depth about the creation process for the film, and his method for dividing the production into small sections over time to diminish costs and work around the schedules of his team. We discuss his career as a working actor in LA. And we explore ways ambitious creatives can make their day jobs work for their endeavors, rather than against them.
Direct download: n4al77-guy-birtwhistle-alistair1918.mp3
Category:Film & Documentaries -- posted at: 10:52pm CDT |
Tue, 23 August 2016
We talk with Hugo-award-winning author Mary Robinette Kowal about her new historical fantasy novel, Ghost Talkers, available now from TOR. We discuss how Ghost Talkers came together, and we also explore the other facets of her career, including her award-winning work as a puppeteer, and her side-gig as a voice over artist reading novels and short stories for other writers.
Direct download: n4al76-mary-robinette-kowal.mp3
Category:Books & Publishing -- posted at: 10:13pm CDT |
Wed, 17 August 2016
We welcome back Susan Eisenberg, the voice actor best known as the voice of Wonder Woman from Justice League / Justice League Unlimited. DC and Warner Brothers are currently celebrating 75 years of Wonder Woman, in anticipation of her big 2017 feature film. Susan has been playing the character in cartoons, animated movies, and video games for sixteen years. We talk with Susan about portraying an iconic character, the differences between voice acting in cartoons versus video games, and interacting with fans online and at conventions.
Direct download: n4al75-susan-eisenberg-wonder-woman-75th.mp3
Category:Voice Acting -- posted at: 11:22pm CDT |
Wed, 10 August 2016
We talk with actor David Harbour, who plays fan-favorite Sheriff Jim Hopper in Netflix's breakout original series Stranger Things. David discusses how he became attached to Stranger Things, and his reaction to its surprising success and intense fan adoration. We talk about the differences between acting for stage and screen, and the sudden spotlight after years of character work. And we realize just exactly which type of adventurer Sheriff Hopper would be in a Dungeons & Dragons campaign party.
Direct download: n4al74-david-harbour-stranger-things.mp3
Category:Film & Television -- posted at: 3:33pm CDT |
Mon, 1 August 2016
This is a super fun chat with the dynamic musical comedy duo Paul and Storm! We talk about their upcoming JoCo Cruise, an annual vacation event they host with internet superstar musician Jonathan Coulton. We also discuss their work on the upcoming revival of Mystery Science Theater 3000. Plus, the weird path that turned a couple of dudes from an a cappella group into touring comedians and W00tstock co-founders, and now has them creating their own board game. |
Fri, 29 July 2016
We talk with Lawrence Grey, producer of Lights Out, an indie horror thriller from first-time feature film director David Sandberg. Lights Out began as an independent short film, created by Sandberg in his native Sweden. The super creepy 3-minute horror short caught fire online. Lawrence discovered it, decided to collaborate with Sandberg to bring it to the big screen, and enlisted help from James Wan, the director of horror mega-hits Saw, Insidious, and the Conjuring films, as well as international blockbuster Furious 7. They also assembled a talented cast, including Teresa Palmer, Billy Burke, and Maria Bello. Lights Out was produced for just $5 million dollars, but last weekend it opened with a stellar $21.6 million at the box office. With great reviews and word of mouth, it’s estimated for a $50 million domestic run, which is huge business for a little horror film. We talk about this remarkable Hollywood story, from YouTube short by an unknown director, to a silver screen success. And we discuss putting together a dream-team of professionals from big budget blockbusters who saw something special in this unique premise. Lights Out is in theaters and thrilling audiences now.
Direct download: n4al72-lawrence-grey-lights-out.mp3
Category:Film & Television -- posted at: 11:04pm CDT |
Wed, 20 July 2016
This episode features the return of Tony Kim. Well known on the convention circuit for his Crazy4ComicCon blog, which covers all things San Diego Comic-Con, Tony has recently launched a new and completely different business endeavor. Hero Within is a nerdy fashion line for guys, offering classy, stylish, and beautifully tailored clothing. Hero Within’s first line of blazers, peacoats, and jackets are themed with characters from the Justice League, and are officially licensed by DC Comics. These initial high end men’s fashion items are available for pre-order on HeroWithinStore.com until July 31st.
Direct download: n4al71-tony-kim-hero-within.mp3
Category:Business and Marketing -- posted at: 1:08am CDT |
Tue, 12 July 2016
We talk with cross-genre author Quincy J. Allen, writer of the recently released Blood Curse from WordFire Press. A western steampunk epic fantasy, Blood Curse is the second book in his Blood War Chronicles series. Quincy also creates the book layout design for all of WordFire’s print and digital offerings, manages their warehouse, and is constantly on the road, working their impressive displays at cons. We discuss juggling multiple aspects of a demanding career, realistic goal setting to guide his progress, and life on the road as an introvert who talks to hundreds of con-goers at every show. |
Mon, 4 July 2016
This episode was recorded live earlier this year at Emerald City Comicon in Seattle, WA. Our Wendy Buske moderated this panel, titled How to Be a Nerd For A Living: Discovering Careers in Pop-Culture. It features a collection of great nerdy professionals, including Dane Ault, artist and co-founder of Monkey Minion Press; Samantha Kalman, creator of the video game Sentris, and previously one of the team-members behind video game engine Unity; Kevin Konrad Hanna, a film director and comic creator who was also the art director on Plants versus Zombies: Heroes; Janet Lee, comic artist and Eisner award-winning co-creator of The Return of the Dapper Men; and Jaimie Cordero, co-founder and CEO of nerd makeup company Espionage Cosmetics. Our speakers pull from a wide variety of professional and personal backgrounds to discuss how they got started, the ongoing challenges they face, and the successes that keep them going. The panel caps off with an audience Q&A with a number of really great questions from the packed room of attendees. |
Tue, 28 June 2016
The wonderful Jamie Cordero and Christal VanEtten from Espionage Cosmetics return to the Nerd For A Living Podcast! Espionage Cosmetics is a nerd makeup company based out of Tacoma, Washington. They make a line of beautifully designed nail wraps and makeup products, and have been adding a number of really cool licensed properties to their offerings, including Borderlands 2, Clive Barker’s Cenobites, and The Wicked and the Divine. Jaimie is Espionage’s co-founder, CEO and Glitter Jedi. Christal is their PR and Social Media Oracle. When we last talked to them, they were in the middle of a giant Kickstarter campaign that eventually raised over $144,000. That crowdfunding success paved the way for a new bi-monthly subscription service, Boom!Box, and a brick-and-mortar retail location, the Geek Boutique. Now Espionage Cosmetics spreads their nerd domination with an additional subscription service, Nexus. And they’re appearing at pop culture conventions around the country, bringing the joy of glitter and the best squad of nerd ambassadors around. Adron talks with Jaimie and Christal about the expansion of the Espionage business model, the power of a great team, how they leverage social media, and the excitement of creating a product that makes their customers so happy.
Direct download: n4al68-espionage-cosmetics-returns_02.mp3
Category:Business and Marketing -- posted at: 12:36pm CDT |