Story Pirates – Tickle Monsters Are Robots

Check out the “Tickle Monsters Are Robots!!!!,” video from Story Pirates, who were featured in our latest RADAR episode (RADAR 30 – Story Pirates). There are many children’s entertainers out there, but none are quite like these guys, who actually draw their material from the children themselves. They go to schools, have children write creative stories, then the Story Pirates turn the stories into songs, and make a show out of it. The Story Pirates’ goal is to show kids what wonderful things can come from their very own unique ideas, which they hope will motivate kids to write more and to be more creative. This, along with their all-inclusive approach, which is aimed at focusing more on those who are not necessarily the best writers and are not always in the spotlight, makes Story Pirates not only creative and pretty hilarious, but also inspiration and respectable. Check out the video for their song “Tickle Monsters Are Robots!!!!” This is not only interesting and entertaining for all of us to watch from a creative perspective, but if you have kids (or maybe you’re a babysitter?) chances are they’ll be totally into this as well.

Au Revoir Simone

Are you a fan of Au Revoir Simone? Or do you not know who they are but loved the song from our Before I Die episode? Well, that’s them! And if you’re like us and can’t get enough of this Brooklyn-based trio, you’re in luck, because they’re about to release a new remix album of their 2009 album, Night Light. The remastered will feature mixes by Neon Indian, Jens Lekman, The Dirty Projectors’ Angel Deradoorian, Tanlines, and more. Check out Sentimentalist for more info on the album, and dates for their upcoming tour.

Listen / Purchase – Au Revoir Simone’s music

Nofilmschool – DIY Filmmaking blog

Interested in independent filmmaking, or in D.I.Y. art in general? Check out http://nofilmschool.com/, where Ryan Koo blogs about various tools, strategies, events and equipment that could come in handy for talented creative people who opt not to take the film school route. He talks about being rejected by the studio system despite his obvious talent, and explains why this model is outdated, and often a dead end, for filmmakers trying to break in nowadays. In his NoFilmSchoolManifesto, he writes, “I’m sure some people are going to think, ‘you’re only going the DIY route because you can’t make it in Hollywood!’ My goal with NoFilmSchool is to prove them wrong.” This site is in many ways similar, if not complimentary, to last week’s post about Brian Newman’s talk about reinventing innovation. The site specifically focuses on filmmakers, but it can definitely be of use to any creative person looking to build a career out of independent work.

Side note: Ryan Koo & Zack Lieberman also directed two RADAR episodes, Google Maps Road Trip and Undetermined Measurements.

SLAM theater – PLAYS

Remember our Season 1 episode on Slam Theater (RADAR 05)? If you need a refresher, this innovative group uses the model of a poetry slam and translates it to playwriting. Think of it as a workshop meets a cold read audition meets a total adrenaline rush for anyone brave enough to endure it. As Stephania Vanin, one of the producers, puts it, SLAMS are, “evenings of theater in creation, where everyone who comes through the door becomes a participant.” In other words, the actors, the playwrights, and even the audience members, play a vital role in the evolution and overall experience of the pieces. The purpose of the SLAM is not only for entertainment, but to foster community, and to ultimately make everyone better at the work that they’re passionate about. Interested in finding out more or even attending a SLAM? Check out their Facebook page for updates on new SLAMS, and also on the progress of playwrights whose plays have been previously Slammed.

SLAM winner play currently showing:

The Former Waitress by Ryan Britt
August 12, 13, 14 9:30 – 10:30p
Upstairs at The Tank
354 West 45th Street
Event Info

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Chances are you’ve heard of these guys by now. They’re getting pretty huge. Some of their newest work, Double Rainbow and Bed Intruder, have gone to the top of the charts on iTunes. For more on what they’re all about and what their latest Autotune the News projects will entail, be sure to follow them on Twitter! Also, make sure to check out our episode featuring this talented bunch (RADAR 27 – ATTN)

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