Another great act has been found to play another one of the Horsemen.
SPN has cast Matt Frewer ~ dude best known from Eureka ~ to play Pestilence!
The Gambler comments on the latest Horseman, "Our first brush with him in Episode 520 seems relatively innocuous and then unfolds into something more substantial. Put it to you this way: Horsemen on our show tend to think several moves ahead."
Remember the first time I posted aboutContagionhere?
Well, if you're one of the thousands of people who followed the mashup webseries, you may know that after the 3rd episode was up it went on a bit of hiatus.
But now it's back and fans are anxious to see what happens next!
Although the 4th episode is still to be uploaded, the promo teaser has already been put up for your fanly senses to be teased.
Besides this teaser I was also lucky enough to get an exclusive interview with the guy behind the internet hit-series, Ray Holycross!
This pro TV director and editor talks aboutContagion, his love for SPN, how Twilight *GASP* killed his xbox, and more! :D
SPNMUSTPIE : It’s been a while since the last episode that you posted, what happened?? Holycross : I originally was planning on releasing a small chunk of the show weekly but as you know I suddenly stopped the beginning of January. Quite simply, my real job and life just didn’t give me the free time to devote towards Contagion at the time. I didn’t want to rush anything and have a drop in quality.
The process to create each of these episodes can be a rather lengthy one. First I have to sift through the hundreds of hours of episodes and movies for each prospective series. Once I have found an angle or snippet of dialogue that will work for what I need, it must be captured or ripped onto the editing program.
Then the real fun begins…Altering the aspect ratios and camera angles so everything matches up. Color correcting each frame so the lighting syncs (This is a VERY time consuming process). In some cases there is some CGI or other post-process optical effects as well (episode 2 with Jack Bauer vs. Blade for example) as well as one of the hardest things to do…putting the characters in the same shots (Jack and Scully in the same vehicle). This involves finding the perspective clips, throwing them into Adobe After Effects, trimming them up and matching camera shake and lighting. Challenging, but tedious.
Finally one of the most important parts of any picture in my opinion: The audio. It’s the emotion of what you’re watching and sets the tone for what’s occurring or about to happen next (try watching a horror movie with no sound…it’s not scary at all). Since I wanted to capture the feel of each program I combined the themes of all of the above as well as what I could find or compose myself to give it the mood.
So…In a Cliff Notes kind of way: I just didn’t have enough time to finish. However I’m going to be releasing the rest of the series in 3 parts. Parts 4 and 5 will each be 10 minutes long and the finale, part 6 will be 7 minutes.
SPNMUSTPIE : So how did you come up with the idea for Contagion? And how did you pick the shows and the films that you wanted to use in it? Holycross : Simple answer: I HATE TWILIGHT. I can’t stand it. The writing is horrible, the acting non-existent. In fact I refused to ever watch the first movie ever again after having to suffer through the first one on DVD. (Fun fact, my Xbox died the day after playing the DVD on there…hmmm)
Sitting on facebook one day, a friend sent me a picture that someone had put together on Photoshop. It was of Edward and Bella sitting and Blade in the background. It was hilarious, and at that point I thought: Blade would absolutely murder these idiots in under 10 seconds, then stop at Burger King on the way home for breakfast. At this point I decided to make a very short 20-second clip (that is still the intro for the film). During the editing of this clip, I had Supernatural and 24 playing in the background on my television…and the story just came together from there.
SPNMUSTPIE : I really love the opening sequence for Contagion! How did you come up with that? Holycross : Once I decided to do this as an entire series originally there was going to be an entire background story introducing all the characters. However I decided that since this would be for fans of the shows anyway, everyone would already know who they were. Then it came down to finding the perfect intro to grab the viewer’s attention. Looking at the structure I had so far, the best option was to start with Blade going after Edward. Seriously though…it’s not like there wasn’t a better way to start though right? Did I mention how much I hate Twilight? ~ bahaha YES it's pretty clear :) ~
SPNMUSTPIE : Out of all the 3 episodes you’ve posted until this moment, which sequence/part of them was the hardest to work on? Holycross : Definitely Part 2. Combining the fire, smoke and adjusting the lighting during the confrontation in the hospital room was extremely time consuming. Honestly I had grander plans for that scene, but I’m limited to existing footage. Part 3 with Scully and Jack had its moments of difficulty,~ this scene definitely looked hard to do when I watched it ~ and again…I wish I had more time to tweak it. Perhaps when the entire series is done and I have more time to dedicated I’ll pull a George Lucas and release a special edition.
SPNMUSTPIE : One of the shows you chose to use was Supernatural, was it hard to mash it up with the others? Holycross : Actually with vampires and zombies, Supernatural was the easiest to integrate into the series. The X-files was rather easy also. 24 on the other hand was rather difficult, because the show is much more reality based. The hardest however would have to be the Twilight series. Absolutely nothing happens in those movies. It made it very hard to have confrontations and interactions with the other characters ~ LOL totally, the bella hospital scene just had her making random babbling sounds ~
SPNMUSTPIE : Are you a fan of Supernatural or do you just watch it on occasion? What do you think of the show from a directing and editing point of view? Be honest! Holycross : I am a HUGE fan of Supernatural! ~ YAYZ he's a fan bbs! ~ I think the show’s direction and editing is absolutely top notch and some of the best in television. I started following the show once I found out that Kim Manners was involved since his work on X-files was fantastic. I really enjoy the mythology that Kripke has slowly built over the last 5 years and can’t wait to see how it all turns out. I’ll be honest though. I am rather worried that next season will not be able to live up what has been building and I can’t help but wonder if the show should just have stayed with the 5-year arc. That being said, Supernatural has never ceased to surprise me so I’m eagerly anticipating what happens next!
SPNMUSTPIE : In the last episode you posted (ep. 3), the Winchester bros made their first appearance. Which characters will they be seen in the same scene with in the future? Holycross : While I can’t really give anything away, I will say this. Dean and Sam will be joining forces with Jack Bauer, Mulder, Scully, and the military. Blade on the other hand works with no one and is on his own side.
SPNMUSTPIE : What can the Supernatural fans expect to see from Sam and Dean’s storyline in the series? Can you give us some hints? Holycross : I would say that boy’s entry into the storyline takes place somewhere between seasons 4 and 5. However, just be known. Absolutely NONE of the characters are safe, and a few of them may not make it through the night. ~ sam and dean could possibly die? LOL DEATH HAS LOST MEANING ON SPN, REALLY ~
SPNMUSTPIE : The first time Contagion was posted up you got (and still have been getting) tons of reactions from fans of 24, SPN, Twilight and such. What are your thoughts on some of the feedback that you’ve gotten? Holycross : The Feedback has been enormously positive, with the exception of a few Twilight fans that didn’t like how their beloved characters end up. In fact one started sending me some rather mean death threats on Twitter. That’s ok though, I’ve got my anti-glitter spray to keep them away. I’m just happy that it’s stirred a passionate reaction from so many people. Especially the Supernatural and 24 fans, which have left some really fantastic comments.
SPNMUSTPIE : Have you ever gotten feedback about it from someone that actually works on the shows/movies you featured? If yes, who was it and what was the feedback? Holycross : I ran into someone from 24 who thought it was fantastic. He said it was a great way to convince producers that I should work on that show. We shall see. A few others have had some wonderful things to say but I will have to keep that private due to all the different studio’s work that I have integrated into this.
SPNMUSTPIE : When you finally finished making this series did it turn out exactly as you expected, better, or maybe even not as good as you envisioned? Holycross : Now that the series has come to an end, I would say that it turned out better then I ever expected. It just came together as I progressed on it, and that it turned out A LOT longer then I ever thought it would. I just hope that everyone that watches it has as much fun as I did making it.
SPNMUSTPIE : You direct and edit for a living, can you name some of the projects you’ve been a part of? Holycross : I used to be an animator before directing, as well as a composer (it’s been a long weird journey). I’ve worked on everything from wedding videos in college and your local car dealership all the way to national campaigns for the Air Force, Nike, and Gatorade. As for television and movies, quite a large amount of direct to video movies that I don’t even know where you can rent.
As for what I’m currently working on…I can’t really comment on that, simply because of contract reasons and that the show is still in post at this time. ~ i iz suspect he works on Beloved Show! ;D ~
SPNMUSTPIE : After Contagion, are there any plans to do another web series out of other shows and movies? Maybe something less dark and more comedic? If so, what shows do you think would be interesting to mash up? Holycross : Not at this time, not because I don’t have the desire, simply because I really don’t have the time (hence the delay the show has had right now). However I will say this, fans of these shows…you will see me again pretty soon, just not on YouTube. I did actually have an idea about combining the Pixar and Dreamworks animated worlds together, perhaps in some sort of team up movie. No story ideas or such…yet.
SPNMUSTPIE : If Contagion had a soundtrack album what song do you think would HAVE to be in it? Holycross : Led Zeppelin. ~ WOOOT! ~ I REALLY wanted to use some of their music especially in part 3. However the rights to songs like that would get the videos pulled so I played it safe. I’m actually a huge classic fan of rock and roll; I would say that Dean and I probably have the same play list. Except of course, he gets to drive that wicked Impala.
SPNMUSTPIE : Describe Contagion in less than 6 words! Holycross : Vampire and zombie killing super team.
SPNMUSTPIE : Do you have anything you’d like to say to the Contagion viewers or fellow fans of the shows/movies you used? Holycross : Thanks again for watching! If you liked it, or didn’t like it; feel free to leave a comment and a rating. And if you’re a Twilight fan, take this time to watch one of the other shows that is in this series.
So all ya's SPNFreaks, I strongly advise you totune in toContagionWebserieson YT for the first episode of Contagion back that will be up VERY SOON to see more of our boys on this fantastic sci-fi mash series!
You can also tell Ray your opinion about the webseries directly through his twatter!
O HAY THIS IS AN ORIGINAL SPNMUSTPIE INTERVIEW.
If you'd like to repost this anywhere feel free, but pleasename this blog as the original source.
Kay, Thx! :D
cannot wait to see what happens to Sammy and Dean,
Thirty two years ago, on this very date ~ March 1 ~, a baby boy was born and named Jensen Ross Ackles.
The little boy is now all grown up, all man, and is considered one of the most hottest men to walk the face of this earth.
And today is his birthday!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR JENSEN !
Thank you so much for bringing our awesome demon-hunting badass Dean Winchester to life on Supernatural. Wish you the best and much more success to come in your carreer!
AND NEVER CHANGE. BECAUSE YOU ROCK :)
and so does bb Dean!
PS : hashtag for Jensen bday partay on twatter is #HAPPYBIRTHDAYJENSEN !
this man is the reason I started watching Beloved Show in the first place, Super and Natural **MissTee
As I may have mentioned before, I personally disapprove of Gen, but if she's the one that he's chosen then so be it. She better make him happy. . . .OR ELSE.
seems Dean catches ma drift~
Congrats to the couple! :D
Hope they have a loving and happy marriage! Wish them the best.
Am hoping to get more wedding pics, so I will update this post if there are any.
UPDATE feb 28, '10 : MORE PICS AND WEDDING INFO!
The wedding party list :
click to read bigger version!
Jensen is second groomsmanwhile Jared's brother, Jeffrey, is the Best Man. Below are pics of the Js with Canadian designer who made the wedding tuxes, Pat Cocco !
UPDATE March 13, '10 : MOAR PICS & INFO ABOUT JARED'S WED!
*iz dazzled*
bride & groom's wedding dance :)
the newlyweds with friends
the boys with the knife maker of the groomsmens' gifts!
Jensen looking all shiny & gorgeous with the groomsmens' knife gift!
the couple!
These pics were posted by one of Gen's closest friends, Suz, on her blog. Her husband is the man who made the knives that were given as gifts to the groomsmen.
each knife has the groomsman's initials on the blade
She has a couple of posts about the trip to the wedding and the main event as well.
Here are some of the stuff about the wedding she posted that has bits about the boys :
"This Idaho wedding was a complete winter motif. From the "save the date" postcard of a couple sledding down a snowy mountain, to the letter press invitations, ski lift tickets were our place cards, and table assignments named after Sun Valley ski runs. Yes, at the lodge there was a moose head over the fireplace. We were asked to sit in a heated clear enclosure that faced the snowy landscape. The groomsmen filed in, and the groom followed and turned to see where his bride was. As Gen came around the corner I was watching Jared's face. He had tears in his eyes. When their eyes met they both began to cry. At that moment it was clear what all the songs are written about. There wasn't a person in the room who couldn't feel their love for each other. I cried through the entire ceremony. I cried on and off all evening. Because I was so happy for Gen."
"At dinner Jared went from Groomsman to Groomsman delivering the knives. Jensen was at our table. Before he received his, another Groomsman came to the table to show him his knife. Jensen oohed and aahed, and when the man walked away Jensen hung his head: "I wish I got a knife" he murmured into his plate. Moments later Jared came to our table and gave Jensen his knife. The expression on his face and Bob's face watching Jensen get his gift made my evening. Bob rarely gets to see someone get a knife he has made as a gift. As the evening went on-Bob, Jensen and the other crew guests at our table had some pretty colorful conversation. Bob was so pleased that the guys were so pleased. Bob and I have been so impressed by Gen & Jared's stellar behavior as actors in real life. Believe me, I have seen plenty of actors behaving badly. These 3 young adults are what the movie biz calls: "Number 1 on the call sheet." Meaning, they are the stars of the TV shows they are on. Now Jensen was added to our pedestal with Gen and Jared."
"Our time was too short together. I wanted to talk to everyone more. I am told they are coming through town this spring. I can't wait. Jared had to go back to finish shooting the rest of his TV show."
Aaw, I felt guilty reading the part where Jared had to go back to finish our Beloved Show. I feel like his personal time was interrupted by the show, like he had to hurry to get back to work. Yeah, it's his job but it still makes me feel kinda guilty for the dude. Sorry Jared :(
But I'm glad we learn from one of their closest friends that Jared is happy with Gen :)
its so surreal that Jared has a freaking wife now, Super and Natural **MissTee
Pics of Eric Kripke ~ the mad genius we all hate and love at the same time ~ posing with Supernatural's PCA award that they won a while ago for BEST SCI-FI/FANTASY SHOW!
We gots a new spoil via AskAusiello who got it straight from the Gambler's mouth regarding the 100th episode! BLOCK TO DE BOTTOM TO READ AS PER USUAL BBS.
The 100th episode that will be airing on April 15 is where one of the important characters makes a very critical decision.
”A very important character will sacrifice themselves in a suicide mission,” reveals exec producer Sera Gamble. “We definitely kept in mind that this was [an important] episode. We wanted to deliver something with real scope; it’s about the Archangel Michael."
WHAT THE FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUDGE?
BB SAMMY WANTS AN EXPLANATION ON ALL THAT SHIZ
The Gambler also adds, "Crises will come to a head for Dean and Castiel. And you’ll see characters you never thought you’d see again.”
our Chuckie cannot take the anxiety from all this spoils
It has been said before that the 100th episode will be focused around Dean's relationship with Michael and will possibly be a special longer-duration episode.
Mike is a badass angel but he better not freakin mess with bb Dean, Super and Natural **MissTee
the boys with the knife maker of the groomsmens' gifts!
