the lavalier podcast

Dear TRON2 Filmmakers, This is What We Want in a TRON Sequel…

2009-07-23T16:20:00.001-07:00

Dear Mr. Bailey, Mr. Lisberger, Mr. Silver, & Mr. Kosinski,

Congratulations on wrapping production on the new TRON film, and good luck this weekend at Comic-Con. I’m sure everyone will be lining up to see any footage you managed to sneak off to San Diego. Oh, and nice viral site, too. “Flynn Lives” isn’t quite as catchy as “Frodo Lives”, but it’s a good tip of the hat and a nice way to start building up the ol’ mythology.

With the film in the can, it may be a moot point to discuss this, but as a fan of the first film, I have concerns about this movie. To put it bluntly, this could be a terrible film. And by all respects, it appears to have all the ingredients of a colossal failure. The original film is highly revered and considered a classic by those in my generation; any future productions related to it would have extremely high-expectations from its intended audience. TRON2 is a studio-driven project (rather than a director-driven) with a massive budget (rivaling POTC:At Worlds End, from what I hear.) I’m sure Disney is expecting to bring in massive box office receipts to match the POTC franchise. A lot of money is on the line. TRON2 headed into pre-production without input of the original creator and director. Whispers of the “R” word were making the rounds. And, no disrespect to Mr. Kosinski, a director was hired who hasn’t had a single film attached to his resume.

Not looking favorable.

Then you guys pull off that unannounced “test footage” with Jeff Bridges (leading actor of the first film). Mr. Lisberger (the primary creative force/director of the first film) is now on board as a writer and producer. Bruce Boxleitner has a role (co-lead of the first film). You announce this movie as a sequel and not a reboot. An excited fan base is beginning to form. Plot points have been revealed that make the story intriguing. Two years in post-production will undoubtedly produce eye-popping wonderment from the visual effects teams.

This could be a very good film.

However, these developments do not assure a good film. As a courtesy to you, and speaking on behalf of movie fans everywhere, I’ve compiled a list of the things I feel is important to consider as you craft this sequel. This will not guarantee that your film will be as beloved as the first one, but it may get you in the right direction.

1. Preserve the simple real world/electronic world communication perspectives established from the first film. In the beginning of TRON, there is a scene where our intrepid hero, Flynn, is at home hacking into his former employer’s computer system using a software program he wrote called Clu. Since this is 1982 - before modern graphic interfaces - Flynn is typing commands MSDOS -style into his computer. As we see him silently type, the movie dissolves into the “electronic world” where a humanoid figure is piloting a futuristic-looking tank. This humanoid looks exactly like Flynn, so as an audience we connect the two together subconsciously, even before we hear Flynn’s disembodied voice confirming the figure as Clu. Clu responds in a monotone voice, but we don’t see Clu’s mouth moving. We assume that Flynn is “speaking” to Clu through Flynn’s real world typing and what we are hearing is Clu’s own translation of the commands in the electronic world, and vice-versa for Flynn. It’s a simple technique that is tedious to explain in words, but worked brilliantly and helps us as an audience to resolve the connection between the real and electronic worlds. There is another example later when Tron communicates with Alan at the I/O tower. We would hope that this type of visual storytelling is also used in the second film, and not become needlessly complex.

2. Preserve the faith/spiritual themes & mythology established from the first film. In TRON, much of the conflict in the electronic world is centered on a clash of ideologies. EnCom’s MCP, for all purposes is a powerful artificial intelligence shaping the electronic world into an Orwellian regime; imprisoning those who profess faith in the “users” and tout free will. Flynn, who is a “User” a.k.a. “god”, arrives in the electronic world as sort of a digital Christ - taking the form of the programs. In the end, he even sacrifices himself and, if you will, “ascends to heaven.” The I/O tower is an Old Testament tabernacle, where one may communicate with their “user”. All Judeo-Christian imagery aside, the world of TRON is certainly rooted in the spiritual realm. Plus, TRON doesn’t get goofy crazy like The Matrix mythology. I would like see that aspect continued in the sequel, as faith-based issues & myths can resonate across all cultures.

3. Preserve the “analog” look of the electronic world, while expanding upon its beauty. The first film, although hailed for incorporating computer graphics, was mostly traditional animation - using layers of film, ironically. That gave the characters in the electronic world this weird look that felt “analog” to me. They blended into the painted matte backgrounds well, (and even the CG shots) but it still had this crazy aesthetic about it that I’ve never seen replicated since. I’m sure your digital VFX teams are gonna throw in every kind of wonderment possible, but It would be nice if that “analog” feel was captured… even just a little.

4. Get weird and take crazy risks with the sound. Better yet, just get Ben Burtt, a big ass computer, a long fuzzy microphone, and get out of his way. You got all that Disney cash to pay him, and he’ll love you for helping him net his third Oscar statuette.

5. Avoid “Lucas-izing” CG characters to appeal to a younger audience. Don’t even invite the dude over for lunch to watch dailies… same goes with Michael Bay. We don’t need or want short, cute computer creatures with speech impediments or Ebonics-speaking floating triangles with gold teeth. We already have enough of it in other films. We know you are thinking about it. Resist the urge. Regardless of what happens at the box office, there is a difference between enjoying your film and making fun of it. We want to enjoy it.

6. Avoid Hollywood hacker/programmer stereotypes & computer interface clichés. We don’t want to see Kevin Smith surrounded by Bawls bottles and candy wrappers saying “That’s encryption level 22329A! That’s hardcore stuff!” and he’s the only one in the world who can break it. We don’t want to see some team of “crack” computer experts in blue jumpsuits led by a tall leggy blonde fashion model, and she solves a mystery by running a Google search. We don’t want to see detailed CG computer displays in the real world that can visually track a virus running through a network or some bullshit like that. Keep it real. As I said before, TRON managed to tell the story without all that crap.

7. Avoid pop culture references for cheap throwaway gags; create your own. We don’t want to see some electronic world character burp and/or fart and say they learned it from “Master Google” standing over there, or the “YouTube” street of the electronic world city. I think you get the idea. Step your game up.

8. Pressure the studio to get TRON remastered and released on Blu-Ray sooner than later. We do not want to wait until 2011 when the TRON 2 marketing engine is in full swing. We all want our 1080p TRON now. And while they are at it, can they throw in that “test footage” in HD as well? Just asking.

Thank you for reading this letter and I hope it serves you well as you begin the long journey of post-production. Speaking from the audience, I will not hold unreasonable expectations. But remember these few simple things, and chances are, not only will you have a successful movie at the box office, but a GOOD FILM that will worth re-watching for years to come.

-Erik Stanfill

lavalier podcast episode 014

2009-06-06T15:11:00.000-07:00

Erik & Peter discuss Star Trek, kids, things that grind their gears, and SABOTAGE!

AVAILABLE IN THE iTUNES STORE...

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lavalier podcast episode 013

2009-04-11T11:38:00.000-07:00

Peter and Erik are back in top form, discussing iPhone apps, Battlestar Galactica, funny sound effects, & the songs that get Peter in the mood. (to relax, that is.)

Music on this episode is from:

Starf*cker
Bryan Free
Little Beirut

AVAILABLE IN THE iTUNES STORE...

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My Flip-Flop Rant from Facebook

2009-04-07T10:47:00.000-07:00

Six easy questions to ask yourself before putting on flip-flops...

1. Are you currently utilizing the services of a day spa?
2. Are you on your way to/coming back from a pedicure?
3. Are you taking a shower at an athletic club?
4. Are you at a swimming pool or the ocean?
5. Are you younger than 16 years old?
6. Are you in Hawaii?

if you answered NO to ALL of these questions... NO FLIP-FLOPS.

No exceptions. This applies to dudes as well. But a note to the females...

Ladies, please.... with the emmense power of bazillion-dollar footwear marketing campaigns directed towards you, I am sure that you can find a suitable replacement for a bright nasty $5 piece of plastic and rubber you found in a barrel at Wal-Mart. Try a nice strappy sandal with a kicky heel. Or a low/medium-heeled open-toed slingback. Those would look so much better on your feet, and would make your legs look longer. You will see a distinct improvement in your "hey-cute-guy-noticed-me!" ratio. GUARANTEED. Flip-flops are no better than attaching a couple of ping-pong paddles on your feet and slapping your way around town. Not attractive. Seriously, ladies, flip-flops are NOT EVERYDAY WEAR. But if you must, please, PLEASE, FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY, don't wear them at restaurants that feature >$15 an entree. CLASS IT UP, LADIES.

lavalier podcast episode 012

2009-03-11T21:04:00.000-07:00

12!

ERIK!

PETER!

& KEVIN!

WOWSERS!

Music on this episode is from:

Alela Diane
Laura Gibson
The Thermals
Wow & Flutter

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lavalier podcast episode 011

2009-02-08T12:05:00.000-08:00

details forthcoming, but benji is back!

els.020309

2009-02-08T12:01:00.001-08:00

lavalier podcast episode 010

2009-01-15T21:58:00.000-08:00

10 is the new 9! In this episode, Peter and Kevin (filling in for Erik) talk about fake suicide, Vancouver, whiskey, and meatheads.

Music on this episode is from:

Alela Diane
Oh Captain My Captain
Hello Morning
Inside Voices
The Online Romance

SUBSCRIBE IN iTUNES...

1. open iTunes
2. go up to the "Advanced" menu
3. pull down to "subscribe to podcast..."
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If you have already subscribed, iTunes should download 010 automatically the next time you start up/refresh.

iTUNES STORE UPDATE:

Well, we were up for awhile, but got pulled due to "technical issues" with the feed. Erik is now using FeedBurner to handle all iTunes Store-related issues and it should be back up real soon. If you have subscribed via iTunes Store, you may have to re-subscribe again when it is back up. I'm not sure yet. In the meantime you can manually subscribe as described above, or direct download as described below. Thanks!

TO DIRECT DOWNLOAD:

Get it here...
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lavalier podcast episode 009

2009-01-07T18:20:00.000-08:00

It's a new year episode 009 in 09. although we spend most of the time talking about 08.

This episode features music by these fine portland artists... lackthereøf, hello morning, the shaky hands, james low, & microfilm.

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If you have already subscribed, iTunes should download 009 automatically the next time you start up/refresh.

iTUNES STORE UPDATE:

Well, we were up for awhile, but got pulled due to "technical issues" with the feed. Erik is now using FeedBurner to handle all iTunes Store-related issues and it should be back up real soon. If you have subscribed via iTunes Store, you may have to re-subscribe again when it is back up. I'm not sure yet. In the meantime you can manually subscribe as described above, or direct download as described below. Thanks!

TO DIRECT DOWNLOAD:

Get it here...
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lavalier podcast episode 008

2008-12-18T17:56:00.000-08:00

The Christmas Episode! A short show this time around, but Peter shares his fond holiday memories and Erik nods a lot.

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iTUNES STORE UPDATE:

Well, we were up for awhile, but got pulled due to "technical issues" with the feed. Erik is now using FeedBurner to handle all iTunes Store-related issues and it should be back up real soon. If you have subscribed via iTunes Store, you may have to re-subscribe again when it is back up. I'm not sure yet. In the meantime you can manually subscribe as described above, or direct download as described below. Thanks!

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lavalier podcast episode 007

2008-12-04T19:53:00.000-08:00

We are back! Both chairs are now firmly filled by the regular hosts' buttocks for the 007 episode which is licensed to.... urm... thrill?

In this fine production, the lads discuss bad james bond films (there is a bunch), some stuff about thanksgiving, leaves on the patio, and goofy cartoons. That is, the character Goofy, not general goofiness.

The bumper music features these fine Portland artists...
Mattress, Aan, Life At These Speeds, Blue Giant, Ethan Rose, & Bra Strapz

Clicky clicky to get all myspacey or official webby with them.

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3. pull down to "subscribe to podcast..."
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5. Click "OK".

You are subscribed! Copy to your iDevice of choice.

If you have already subscribed, iTunes should download 007 automatically the next time you start up.

iTUNES STORE UPDATE:

You will be able to download direct (and still free) from iTunes store NOW; Erik just messed up the xml tags and he's gotta get them fixed, so no link just yet. Erik needs a web person, anyone interested?

TO DIRECT DOWNLOAD:

Get it here...
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---

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Goofy's home theater...

2008-11-24T22:18:00.000-08:00

I've mentioned this about ten years ago. now you can see it online! this is a fairly accurate representation of how to design a home theater. take me to the goof.

lavalier podcast episode 006

2008-11-17T23:36:00.000-08:00

erik is back, but now peter is on tour! sooooo benji is back to claim peter's throne for awhile.

In this fine production, the lads discuss batman vs. batman, an exploding whale, internet trolls, little girl crocs, nice things about airlines, and wilford brimley!

Here's the video that is discussed, btw...

The bumper music features these fine Portland artists...
The Standard, Stephanie Schneiderman, Horse Feathers, Siren's Echo, Holy Sons, Blue Skies For Black Hearts, & Dolorean
Clicky clicky to get all myspacey or official webby with them.

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It is a very easy process to download, don't get scared...

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If you have already subscribed, iTunes should download 006 automatically the next time you start up.

iTUNES STORE UPDATE:

You will be able to download direct (and still free) from iTunes store SOON; we just have to go through the application process first (and create a better logo, too.)

TO DIRECT DOWNLOAD:

Get it here...
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yeah i know...

2008-11-13T22:29:00.000-08:00

haven't updated anything in a while besides podcast episodes. But.... you can follow my twitter updates on the sidebar if you'd like now, without being a part of the twitter community. podcast 006 will be up shortly, and i'll get on those movie reviews that have been up since june. Plus, i'll slap up some video and pics from the fall BEDM tour.

lavalier podcast episode 005

2008-10-30T18:19:00.000-07:00

erik was in the basement for a few weeks, so we have a SPECIAL GUEST CO-HOST! benji rickard wipes the mic down for this episode.

In this fine production, peter describes it as "pretty much we talk about halloween." ever a modest one, that peter.

The bumper music features these fine Portland artists...
Gifty, Welsh Rabbit, The Beauty, & A Blinding Silence
Clicky clicky to get all myspacey or official webby with them.

SUBSCRIBE IN iTUNES...

It is a very easy process to download, don't get scared...

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http://www.lavalier.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

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You are subscribed! Copy to your iDevice of choice.

If you have already subscribed, iTunes should download 005 automatically the next time you start up.

iTUNES STORE UPDATE:

You will be able to download direct (and still free) from iTunes store SOON; we just have to go through the application process first (and create a better logo, too.)

TO DIRECT DOWNLOAD:

Get it here...
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lavalier podcast episode 004

2008-10-12T16:46:00.000-07:00

now with 23% more material than last episode! You decide if that is an improvement or not.

In this fine production, we are covering: dudes in high school, p-town's worst intersections, Wine Spectator's phony-baloney "restaurant of the year" award, hipsters who work in coffee shops that annoy Peter, and all things non-sequitur.

The bumper music features these fine Portland artists...
Boy Eats Drum Machine, Super XX Man, A Weather, Parenthetical Girls, Dirty Mittens, & The Mint Chicks
Clicky clicky to get all myspacey or official webby with them.

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It is a very easy process to download, don't get scared...

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5. Click "OK".

You are subscribed! Copy to your iDevice of choice.

If you have already subscribed, iTunes should download 004 automatically the next time you start up.

iTUNES STORE UPDATE:

You will be able to download direct (and still free) from iTunes store SOON; we just have to go through the application process first (and create a better logo, too.)

TO DIRECT DOWNLOAD:

Get it here...
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workin' for the weekend...

2008-10-10T21:56:00.000-07:00

busy at work and getting prepared to tag along with jonny on the upcoming BEDM tour. We'll be doing (possibly daily) video youtuby-like updates from the road with the smallest mobile editing system i've ever used (got Final Cut running on the maxed-out 12" powerbook). meanwhile, not many updates to this here blog, but peter and i got lavalier podcast 004 in the can. I'll try to get it up tomorrow, folks.

lavalier podcast episode 003

2008-09-26T12:42:00.000-07:00

we haven't left yet... this is 003, so get caught up, kids!

Our frame of mind is now... "we are great, but how can we make this podcast better?" Wellsir... we have now added chapters and visual elements that look just peachy on your iTouch/iPhone/iTunes/iCrapola. But in order to implement this, we've embraced the dark side and gone AAC/Mp4. All three of you who listen should be ok, because I'm pretty sure you gals/gals don't rock the Zune.

In this fine production, we are covering: toliet paper research, 82nd ave... aka.. The Avenue of the (Ho-ses)Roses, the best error messages of all time, a mysterious creature in Gresham (not involving an IROC Camaro) and all things non-sequitur.

The bumper music features these fine Portland artists...
so sadly f**ked, Ayam, Breanna Paletta, The Holidays, & Jonah
Thanks for submitting! Clicky clicky to get all myspacey with them.

LISTEN IN ITUNES...

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NOW video

2008-09-22T21:36:00.000-07:00

here's a 12-minute video that showcases journalist Amy Goodman on her arrest at the 2008 Republican National Convention. It hit hard for a person who works in media/communications like me, although I'm safe and sound in corporate-land right now. Please watch and really, really consider this election and the future of America. I don't get political very often, but I implore everyone to think/research for themselves, and not be spoon-fed by pop media, talk-show hosts, and our current presidential administration.

take me to the video

AVS Forum home theater thread build now online

2008-09-17T13:14:00.000-07:00

A journal of our progress in the garage remodel is up on AVSForum in the "dedicated home theater build" section, along with (hopefully forthcoming) comments by many of its esteemed members. AVSForum is a premier community forum for all things related to the science of sound and video, and is one of the most helpful and intelligent web forums around.

Check it out. and bookmark if you wanna keep up.

lavalier podcast episode 002

2008-09-12T18:08:00.000-07:00

We made it to the second episode! Now with 2x the hosting power... peter swenson pulls up a mic, and will be co-hosting from now on.

***EXPLICIT WARNING***

I forgot to bleep peter's potty mouth so be forewarned about upcoming crassness. Put the kids to bed, folks! We are covering: stolen radio towers, movies from the 70s, serving coffee in bikinis, the best damn bridges in Portland, and all things non-sequitur.

The bumper music features these fine Portland artists...
The Morals, Dirty Mittens, Justin Bennett, Drats!!!, & Transient
Thanks for submitting! Clicky clicky to get all myspacey with them.

LISTEN IN ITUNES...

To subscribe via itunes, open itunes, go to the "advanced" menu, pull down to "subscribe to podcast..." cut/paste this URL...

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b.melendez 1916-2008

2008-09-04T00:15:00.000-07:00

obit

rotk p341-342

2008-09-03T23:59:00.001-07:00

Time went on, and 1421 came in. Frodo was ill again in March, but with a great effort he concealed it, for Sam had other things to think about. The first of Sam and Rosie's children was born on the twenty-fifth of March, a date that Sam noted.

"Well, Mr. Frodo," he said. "I'm in a bit of a fix. Rose and me had settled to call him Frodo, with your leave: but it's not him, it's her. Though as pretty as a maidchild as any one could hope for, taking after Rose more than me, luckily. So we don't know what to do."

"Well, Sam," said Frodo, "what's wrong with the old customs? Choose a flower name like Rose. Half the maid-children in the Shire are called by such names, and what could be better?"

"I suppose you're right, Mr. Frodo," said Sam. "I've heard some beautiful names on my travels, but I suppose they're a bit too grand for daily wear and tear, as you might say. The Gaffer, he says: 'Make it short, and then you won't have to cut it short before you can use it.' But if it's to be a flower name, then I don't trouble about the length: it must be a beautiful flower, because, you see, I think she is very beautiful, and is going to be beauti-fuller still."

Frodo thought for a moment, "Well, Sam, what about elanor, the sun-star, you remember the little golden flower in the grass of Lothlórien?"

"You're right again, Mr. Frodo!" said Sam delighted. "That's what I wanted."

---

elanor lorraine stanfill - 2009

lavalier podcast episode 001

2008-08-16T17:38:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the first episode of the lavalier podcast. This is a rough trial run, so bear with me on this first one. Here's some links I refer to during the show...

phelps' preparation
ken rockwell's rant
p-town heatwave
sunroof scare

LISTEN IN ITUNES...

To subscribe via itunes, open itunes, go to the "advanced" menu, pull down to "subscribe to podcast..." cut/paste this URL...

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august update

2008-08-12T19:01:00.001-07:00

///I'm kinda sorry and kinda not sorry for the lack of attention to this li'l page. I'm sorry if you come here on a regular basis to glean great pearls of wisdom and leave empty-handed day after day, but as this has been a personal online journal, I only devote as much time to it at the direction of the wind sees fit. It takes a couple of hours or so to update this page each time (posts, reviews, links, template updates), and a spare couple of hours is a lot of free time for me. I've looked into bloggie thingies like Wordpress and the like, but when it comes down to it, i don't have the energy to learn more software packages. Plus, I don't feel invested in something that gets less than a handful of hits.

Much has been happening in b and i's lives. a peanut is on the way, a wife needs attention, a house needs fixing, and a certain microprocessor corporation needs a lot of video work done and will not hesitate to put me on a plane tomorrow to interview a man/woman in a suit in Folsom, CA. I've thought quite a bit about my leisure time and how to make it more productive, but there are times where i just sit and stare and let my hard drive of a brain reboot. I can't even imagine what life will be with the peanut.

I've been working on a music project of sorts, but it still is very early in the (frustrating) writing process. I've also been kicking around ideas for a better website - more ME in a promotional sense, but as i'm not a good web programmer, nor do i, as I've said before, have the patience to learn yet another software/computer language thingie, that is a likely hopeless task indeed. However, there is something i'd like to launch on this site soon that may be fun, or it may be a colossal waste of time. When I say soon, i mean in a week or so. It would make this less personal, may require a bigger commitment from you (and me), but, hopefully, loads more entertaining.

So... I'm giving up on lavalier, or i'm not giving up on lavalier. Confused? I am too... stay tuned, but don't check back every hour///

-e.w.s.