Pitchfork
The new season of the popular television show, “Portlandia,” kicks off this Friday on IFC, however Pitchfork has posted a sneak-preview for eager fans. The first episode of the second season features local celebrity Eddie Vedder. The episode is “Battlestar Galactica”-themed, and offers just as much humor as the first season.
Art Zone
This week on Art Zone award winning local cinematographer Ben Kasulke (Humpday, Safety Not Guaranteed) swaps roles with a cameraman. During his interview, Kasulke shares his thoughts on the art of filmmaking. He strongly believes that “the epicenter of American movie-making is not New York or L.A.” and goes on to say “you’re going to find wonderful, wonderful films and filmmakers in the Pacific Northwest.”
Cinema Blend
Luminaries of the musical world take on the set of Portlandia for its second season, kicking off at the start of next year. The comedy-hit nails the vibe of the Northwest and its residents, from the locavore mentality and raising the bar on living “green,” to independent bookshops and the impulse to “put a bird” on everything. The show has rallied Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder to have a stab at satirical acting. Other celebrity musicians include Isaac Brock (Modest Mouse), Steve Jones (Sex Pistols) Johnny Marr (The Smiths), singer/songwriter Joanna Newsom, and Annie Clark (St. Vincent).
Seattle Weekly
After a successful release of his recent second album which placed him high on the iTunes charts, Allen Stone has been invited to perform on Conan O’Brien’s show next week. The R&B Northwest hit is steadily growing in popularity; Stone’s show during Seattle’s City Arts Festival this coming weekend has already sold out of individual tickets and now the only way to attend is with a wristband. For his debut performance on Conan, he will perform the soulful finale to his new album, “Unaware“. The performance is expected to bring the house down in one way or another, as Stone is reputedly a performer not to miss. Tune in on October 26th and watch Allen Stone join the ranks of other artists representing Seattle on the late-night circuit.
HBO
Season four of the hit vampire series True Blood hits HBO next week. For fans who just can’t wait that long, the Cinerama will be hosting a free sneak preview of the new season, hosted by HBO and Xfinity. Prizes will be awarded throughout the evening and attendees will get to see the first two episodes of True Blood in their entirety before they air, all on the Cinerama’s state-of-the-art projection system. Click the link above to RSVP to the event. Invitations will be issued on a first-come first-served basis.
Writing Department Coordinator Job Description
If you have a great eye for detail, experience copy editing, excellent computer skills, and have previously worked in the film/television/web field, you could be the new Writing Department Coordinator for the Emmy Award-winning show Biz Kid$. Geared toward a preteen audience, Biz Kid$ teaches viewers about financial literacy and explains basic economic concepts with clever sketch comedy. The show is filmed in Seattle and produced in New York. Applicants should be available to start work immediately.
Seattle Met
Anyone who’s taken the words “Make It Work” to heart must know and love Tim Gunn, the wise and charming mentor to dozens of Project Runway contestants. Somehow, between his job as chief creative officer for Liz Claiborne and developing a new makeover show for ABC, he’s managed to squeeze in a visit to Bellevue to host a fashion show for Luck Brand Jeans. This free event is scheduled to take place at 1 pm on Saturday, May 7 in the Center Court at Bellevue Square. If you’re looking for a chance to get closer to Gunn, there’s an open casting call for runway models between 4 and 7 pm on May 4 and 5 at the Lucky store in Bellevue Square. Worried you’re not top model material? No need to fret. You can still get some one-on-one time with Gunn if you buy $100 or more of merchandise at the Bellevue Square Lucky store. Make your purchase between May 1 and 7, present your receipt at the show, and you’ll receive a photo op with Gunn plus a signed copy of his new book, Gunn’s Golden Rules: Life’s Little Lessons for Making It Work.
Seattle Channel
On Thursday, the Northwest Chapter of National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) announced the regional Emmy nominees for 2011. Among those honored, Seattle Channel garnered 17 nominations, which includes a nod for “Station Excellence”. The five states covered by the NATAS are Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. Seattle Channel station manager Beth Hester said, “We want to thank our peers in the broadcast media for this recognition. Credit should not only go to the talented and creative individuals who received the nominations but also to the entire staff of Seattle Channel who work hard every day to serve the residents of Seattle.” The Northwest Emmy Awards will take place Saturday, June 11 at Snoqualmie Casino. Interested parties can purchase tickets online here.
The Divine Marigolds
Janey Mack! Seattle-based production, The Divine Marigolds, is gearing up for network TV’s big pilot season by taking part in some Irish celebration–Emerald City-style. Cast and crew members from the locally-produced show, which centers on a large Irish-American family living in Seattle, will march in the City’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade tomorrow, March 12, at 12:30 pm before making their way over to Seattle Center’s 2011 Irish Festival. There they will sign autographs, share information about the show and celebrate Irish culture; plus, festival attendees will also have the chance to enter to win a walk-on role on show! “The support of the community has been tremendous,” says Marigolds producer Alder Sherwood of the show’s Seattle backdrop. “We have created characters and a show that represent the spirit of the Irish living today in Seattle. It transcends cultures and translates to a joie de vivre.” The Marigolds are also planning a St. Patty’s Day pub crawl/promotional tour through the city March 17. Check out the link above for all the details.
KEXP
More “$5 Cover” blips on the media radar: Lynn Shelton will chat about her recently-launched MTV web series as the featured guest on KEXP’s Midday Show with Cheryl Waters tomorrow morning, January 14. Be sure to tune in at 11:00 am PST for the live interview session, in which Shelton will discuss the making of “$5 Cover” and will also spins songs from the series’ Seattle-infused soundtrack. For more details, follow the link above.
