The Rosey Report

2011-11-30T13:04:00.000-08:00

Recently while working in Abu Dhabi, I took a little drive in the downtown area with a GoPro camera gaffed to the hood of the car. 'Sprawl' by Arcade Fire was playing and it all seemed perfect... Check it:

Branded Entertainment- Dow Jones FX Trader

2011-10-19T09:36:00.000-07:00

Rosey Media produced these branded spots with Scott Dikkers Studios. The client was Dow Jones. Check it here!

Rosey Media Produces 'Alright' Music Video

2011-07-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

Rosey Media is proud to have produced 'Alright' by Upper Cut. Check it here:

Rosey Media Joins SNL for 36th Season Opener

2010-10-08T06:40:00.000-07:00

Saturday Night Live opened its 36th Season on September 25th, 2010. Rosey Media was proud to be part of the season premiere. We were also glad to once again be in the company of such a creative and talented group of pros. John Rosenblatt joined Aaron Philips and Jason Vandermer to shoot the SNL Digital Short "Boogerman." Also on hand were Rosey Media's own Dan Walter, and Don Downie. The Short, parodying an award show "Best Original Song" live performance, starred smoldering musical guest Katy Perry, and featured cameos by almost all of the SNL cast. It was co-directed by Akiva Schaffer and Johnathan Krisel. Rosenblatt also served as Director of Photography for the sketch "Wedding Venue," which was directed by John Solomon.

Rosey Media Doubles Up On Betty White For Historic SNL

2010-05-10T07:04:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, May 8th, 2010, Betty White hosted what the New York Times called the "Mother of All SNL Episodes." Ms. White's presence was due to a highly publicized Facebook campaign lobbying her hosting the show, and the return of six previous female SNL cast members made her first time hosting one of the strongest shows of the season.

Rosey Media was proud to be a part of this historic episode, contributing two pieces to the evening.

The first was the ever-popular MacGruber, directed by Jorma Taccone and John Solomon, with John Rosenblatt serving as Director of Photography.

Check it out:

Rosey Media also contributed to the week's SNL Digital Short, in which Betty White raucously sings a thrash metal rendition of the "Golden Girls" theme song. The Short was directed by Akiva Shaffer and Johnathan Krisel, with Aaron Philips serving as Director of Photography.

At press time, the video is currently unavailable, but we have no doubt it will be up sooner than later. Keep an eye out for it!

AMC's Hairy Oteri

2010-05-06T07:35:00.000-07:00

AMC has just posted the latest in a series of its Liza Life Coach episodes directed by Brennan Shroff, with John Rosenblatt serving as Director of Photography.

See what happens when Liza takes a client to confront her hairstylist:

Rosey Media Produces 'Alright' Music Video

2010-03-31T20:47:00.000-07:00

Rosey Media is proud to have produced "alright' by Upper Cut. Check it here!

"Flags Of The World" and "Undercover Celebrity Boss"

2010-03-01T07:56:00.000-08:00

This past week, Rosey Media was pleased to participate in the creation of not one, but two sketches for the Saturday Feb 27th episode of Saturday Night Live! Check out "Undercover Celebrity Boss," directed by John Solomon, with John Rosenblatt serving as Director of Photography:

And "Flags Of The World," directed by Johnathan Krisel, with Rosey Media DP John Belinski.

As always, thanks to SNL for having us along!

Ripley- Believe It Or Not

2010-01-19T20:50:00.000-08:00

Upon precious few occasions in a lifetime, a man gets an unintended brush with greatness. On a day like any other, a dream is suddenly realized, a destiny fulfilled, an existence validated. On Friday, January 15th, 2010, Rosey Media shooter/camera tech/ interweb geek and all around great guy Don Downie had just such an experience.

The Rosey Media crew was into the second day of shooting "Laser Cats 5" . . .which goes a little somethin' like this:

As gigs go, Don had actually gotten the short end of the stick on this one. Thursday, during the first night of shooting, John Rosenblatt, Sound Guru Dan Walter, and Brian Townes had filmed sequences with the one and only director James Cameron and Saturday Night Live EP Lorne Michaels for the week's Short. Come Friday morning, however, the producing and directing deities had left the building, the crew had flipped, and Don had been called in for a 7:30am start with "Soundman Rich" Ahlert and the rest of the SNL gang.

Don spent the day providing AC and technical support to Digital Short Director Johnathan Krisel. Any day spent working with Sigourney Weaver is kind of red letter- but the shoot became truly memorable when, in a pivotal moment, Don took up the camera himself to effectively and yet tenderly shoot. . . Sigourney blowing chunks on Bill Hader.

Remember the first time you saw Alien? Aliens? That Prison Planet One??!? The one where Winona Ryder played a really lame android??!!?

Sigourney. Blowing chunks. Like in Alien. And Don got to shoot it.

If you don't get it- well, you probably had some kind of social life in high school. We thought it was pretty cool,though.

Rosey Shoots The Increasingly Complex Mr. MacGruber

2010-01-10T18:39:00.000-08:00

From Thursday night into the wee hours of Friday morning, January 7th-8th, Rosey Media helped SNL kick off the Spring 2010 half of their 35th season by shooting the latest installment of the ever-popular MacGruber series.

The three skits were directed by Jorma Taccone, with the creative help of John Solomon. John Rosenblatt acted as Director of Photography. Spearheading the crew were camera aces John Belinski and Don Downie, as well as audio savant Dan Walter. DP Aaron Phillips was also on hand to lend his support and usher in this latest incarnation of the increasingly complex social enigma that is. . .MacGruber.

Check it out:

We at Rosey Media are never adverse to an all-nighter, and we look forward to seeing the newly racially-sensitive MacGruber on a slightly larger screen later this year.

It's Beginning To Look Alot Like Mad Sexy Santa

2009-12-27T18:19:00.000-08:00

In order to wish you a very blessed and special holiday season, we decided to make a touching and inspirational Christmas video.

Then we thought. . .who are we kidding?

And we made this instead. . .

Rosey Media's Holiday Video for 2009 from John Rosenblatt on Vimeo.

Finally, while you dwell on the meaning of this holy season, we'd like to remind you that, while both Christmas and Channukah start with "Ch," you only pronounce the "C" in one, and the "H" in the other.

Think about it.

All the best to you and yours in 2010!

RM Breaks Benjamin- Live!

2009-12-16T18:06:00.000-08:00

Back on September 29th, 2009, Rosey Media took a road trip to the quaint little hamlet of Wilkes-Barre, PA, to produce a live concert film and recording session for Hollywood Records multi-platinum recording artist Breaking Benjamin. The band played an acoustic show to an invited crowd of approximately 200 at the River Street Jazz Cafe. Rosey Media audio recording engineer Greg Tobler recorded and mixed the entire set, while DP John Rosenblatt and shooters Justin Newman, Evan Kay, and Scott Herriott nimbly negotiated the packed house and filmed the band's performance. The camera department's efforts were enhanced by Rafael Vallejo's lighting, which visually captured the intimate and surprisingly warm mood of the hard rocking band's homecoming show.

The fruits of Rosey Media's labors have just been released by Hollywood Records, and can currently be seen on Havoc.tv. There is also talk of an official album release of the session.

Grit your teeth, raise your lighter, and enjoy:

'Hanging Like My Nuts'

2009-11-22T20:46:00.000-08:00

On Thursday and Friday, November 19th and 20th, Rosey Media supported SNL and the Lonely Island in shooting the SNL Digital Short "Two Worlds Collide ft. Reba McIntyre."

Though Ms. McIntyre was not on set in person, her spirit was certainly captured by SNL cast member Kenan Thompson. He and Andy Samberg co-starred in the video for a slammin' track "The Dudes" laid down about the lovestruck Samberg and a wily, wigged Thompson. . . slammin'.

Sound tricky? It is:

The Short was directed by Akiva Schaffer, once again teaming with Director of Photography Aaron Phillips. To achieve true hip-hop grandeur, Schaffer and Phillips opted to shoot on the Red One camera. Rosey Media reunited Red Cam aces Jason Vandermer and Nate Slevin, backing this busy duo with additional AC services from Gordon Arkenberg. George "Steadi G" Bianchini provided steadicam work, as well as a layered and nuanced thesis (delivered sometime around hour 9 on the second day of the shoot) on how "Two Worlds Collide" shrewdly captures the contemporary American adult's potential to perpetuate illusions and denial in order to preserve relationships. Over-thinking it? Maybe, but he's a deep guy. . . and he's got a point. You can't judge a book by its dirty red wig. Or something like that.

At any rate, Rosey Media is, as always, glad to have been of service. We're also glad that as of the end of the Saturday November 21st episode of SNL, we're no longer the only ones walking around singing "Hanging like my nuts!" under our breaths. Made for a couple of awkward moments, that did.

"Firelight" and "Get Out"- A Study In Versatility

2009-11-16T08:52:00.000-08:00

Anyone who is familiar with the Lonely Island's homemade video origins has to acknowledge they've come a long way. While the genius was always there, the production value and look of their work continually improves, thanks to a hand from Saturday Night Live and, a dash of Rosey Media and friends. With epic hits like 'Dick in a Box',"Iran so Far,""On A Boat," and "MotherLover" under their belts, one might even wonder if "The Dudes" have lost touch with their backyard video roots. The last two Digital Shorts, however, have proven that Akiva Schaffer, Andy Samberg, and Jorma Taccone can still play- and deliver the funny- in any format.

Thursday and Friday, November the 5th and 6th, the Lonely Island were in full-on filmmaking form. Over a nearly continuous two-day shoot, the guys turned out "Firelight," a spoof on the popular teen-sexy vampire book/movie series "Twilight." Not satisfied to simply toss out a parody, director Akiva Schaffer and director of photography Aaron Phillips insisted on recreating the upcoming film's trailer shot by shot. "Firelight" stars the wonderfully charming and talented Taylor Swift, as well as SNL cast members Bill Hader,Jason Sudeikis, Kenan Thompson and Andy Samberg. Also appearing are SNL featured players BobbyMoynihan, Abby Elliott, Nasir Pedrad and Jenny Slate. The result:

To match the trailer's dynamic, cinematic look, the piece was shot entirely on the Red One camera. Rosey Media assembled a stalwart Red crew to deliver movie magic at a TV pace, shooting everywhere from 30 Rock to the gloomy, gothic woods of the Van Cortland Park golf course in the Bronx (which is lovely- really!) Thanks to AC Jason Vandermer and Red Tech Nate Slevin for making this state-of-the-art camera sing, Dolly crew Stian Nilsen and Brad for providing the muscle in a graceful way, Sergei Franklin for the Steadicam stylings, sound wizard Dan Walter for the ear candy, and Brian Townes for keeping it all moving. Thanks also to Dina Moles, Rachael Lynn, and Kim Smelter.

Just when you'd think they'd gone all Hollywood, the following week found the Digital Short team back to their run n' gun roots. Director Akiva Schaffer, cast members Andy Samberg and Fred Armisen, director of photography John Rosenblatt, and a rested-up Dan Walter and Brian Townes were joined by our favorite prop goddess Jeannine Jones. This crew, once again under the watchful eyes and helpful hands of Dina, Rachael, and Kim ran a late-night sprint around 30 Rock, and into the apartment of a couple of only slightly suspecting acquaintances off of Madison Ave. Again, funny was made, but this time with a very mobile camera, streamlined sound gear and. . . a can.

Dig:

Once again, the Lonely Island proves that, large or small scale, they can still bring it. And we at Rosey Media are proud to be a part of what's been broughten.

Rule Of Thumb: One Trick Does Not A Magic Show Make

2009-10-30T08:55:00.000-07:00

On the evening of October the 8th, Rosey Media was tapped to assist SNL favorite Drew Barrymore and cast member Fred Armisen film the Digital Short "Brenda & Shaun." Leave it to The Lonely Island Dudes to take a single prop from a midtown magic store and turn it into an epic infomercial relaying the somewhat tragic ballad of a couple of cut-rate magicians. The shoot, which stretched into the subsequent day, was directed by Akiva Shaffer, and also featured SNL cast members Andy Samberg and Kenan Thompson, as well as featured players Abby Elliott, Bobby Moynihan, Nasim Pedrad, and Jenny Slate.

Let it light up your life:

Lonely Island + Rosey Media +SNL = 2x The Megan Fox

2009-09-27T23:27:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, after an extended vacation, it takes a while to get back up to speed at the office. Unless, of course, you're the Lonely Island, who came back swinging with not one, but TWO Digital Shorts for the September 26th, 2009 35th Season Premiere of Saturday Night Live.

Thursday night found Director of Photography John Rosenblatt and cameraman John Belinski, as well as SoundMeister Dan Walter, Brian Townes, and trusty Rosey Intern Pat Ball on the rooftop Tuscanini Gardens at 30 Rock, filming what we thought was THE Digital Short for the show. It starred host Megan Fox, who, in addition to being a certified bombshell, was also flawlessly poised and on point throughout, as well as SNL cast member and straight-up trooper Will Forte. Co-Directors Akiva Schaffer and John Solomon crafted what would eventually be dubbed "The Date":

Once we were done (at 4:30am...), we said our farewells and headed toward our respective homes and /or late night pancake binges. Friday dawned, and we were busy at work when, lo and behold, we got a second call from Producer Dina Moles. Seemed The Dudes had yet another idea, and midnight found us at the nearby Flatotel on 52nd street, once again in the presence of the stunning Ms. Fox, as well as SNL cast members Andy Samberg and Bobby Moynihan, and a charming and good-humored Brian Austin Green. Akiva directed the second short of the week, "Megan's Roommate":

It was with great pride, and just a touch of "jet"lag, that we watched BOTH shorts air on the season premiere Saturday. Truly, two shorts, and night shoots at that,in less than 48 hours left us a bit disoriented and punchy- and made one thing abundantly clear:

It's good to be back at SNL.

For Your Consideration : "AllaKattan!" Parts 1-3

2009-08-19T17:36:00.000-07:00

For the first time ever (since two weeks ago, we mean, when it was on TV) courtesy of our friends at IFC and the New Palm Pre, the Rosey Media original, 3-part, branded entertainment short "AllaKattan!" directed by John Rosenblatt, written by Brian Townes, and starring. . . Chris Kattan.

Dig it:

Episode 1

Episode 2

Episode 3

Also appearing in "AllaKattan:" Thomas Walker [Coffee Guy], Michael Quinlan [Banker], Nosheen [Beautiful Girl], Jamie Benge [Goldfarb], and Uprinda Panicker [Mysterious Pretzel Vendor]

Check our July 30th, 2009 Blog entry entitled (you may find this shocking, but. . .) "AllaKattan!" for a complete list of those to whom we owe thanks.

With heartfelt gratitude and glee, we say again. . .

Kattan. Kat-TAYUN!!

Bollywood Hero: 'AllaKattan!' part 1

2009-08-07T12:14:00.001-07:00

Checkout Bollywood Hero: "AllaKattan" Part 1! Hot Off The Presses! Still glowing from its premiere last night! Dig it:

Part 2 Drops Tonight, during Bollywood Hero Part 2, 10pm EST on IFC!

"AllaKattan!"

2009-07-30T09:29:00.000-07:00

Three weeks ago, we were settling into the City swelter,and considering how potentially combustible a bbq grill propane tank that had been neglected for 6 months could really be.

Then IFC VP of On Air Promos Kevin Vitale called and commissioned Rosey Media to produce three branded entertainment spots for the new Palm Pre, to premiere in conjunction with IFC's original miniseries "Bollywood Hero." Our directive was simple-- they would star Chris Kattan, feature the Palm Pre. . . and be funny. Oh- and they had to be done in three weeks... So we put away the Kingsford, fired up the ol' coffee maker instead, and got to work.

The result was a three-part short titled "AllaKattan!", which will run August 6th- 8th on IFC during "Bollywood Hero." The short stars Chris Kattan. Look closely and you'll catch cameos by RM's own Brian Townes and Dan Walter. The short was directed by John Rosenblatt and written by Brian Townes. ScriptLaunch's Matthew Ballen helped develop the piece and served as script consultant. Rosey Media vet and all around super guy Ari Haberberg was Director of Photography, with special technical consult by Small Media XL's Don Downie.

Thanks are also due to the IFC team, specifically Kevin Vitale, Jessica Degler, and of course Evan Shapiro, without whose enthusiasm, flexibility, and general willingness to goof around with us, "AllaKattan!" would not have happened.

For Rosey Media, the best part of any job is "getting the old gang together." They are too numerous to list, but. . . no. . .no, they're not. Thanks to Ian Woolston-Smith and AC Jared Royball for the Steadicam work, Scott Herriott for serving as first unit AC, Dan Walter for delivering superior audio despite the MePa construction madness, Karim Badwan and his crew for gorgeous lighting in sunny- no, cloudy- no, wait- sunny- conditions, and script super Stacie Capone for making it all make sense. Likewise, our gratitude to prop goddesses Samantha and Becky Jones, wardrobe deity Brian Hemesath, and make up legend Nathan Johnson and hair stylist Johnny Mooi, both taking a break from high fashion to do some lowbrow funny. Finally thanks to Dan Barman and Melodye Brant for being whatever else we needed, whenever we needed it, and of course, the incomparable, ever-poised and efficient Meghan Scibona for being the Krazy Glue to our plastic Nimitz.

We would be negligent not to mention the folks at Northern Lights Post, specifically George Carty, whose proficiency and patience made the edit process a genuine pleasure. The espresso/ ice cream floats didn't hurt either. Two of those, and you can see into the future. Bless you, St. George.

Here's a quick peek at "Bollywood Hero:" Obviously, we can't show you "AllaKattan!" yet. Think of it like the holidays-- you know those boxes are up in the closet, but do you really want to look and ruin everything? OK, so you want to, but you're not gonna. We'll have "AllaKattan!" here in all its glory after its premiere on IFC.

First watch "Bollywood Hero." Or Babu Santa will pass right over this house, buddy.

If Lovin' Mom Is Wrong. . . We Ain't Right.

2009-05-10T18:28:00.000-07:00

Just shy of 17 months ago (centuries in Interweb Time), three viral virtuosos from LA who call themselves the Lonely Island joined one of the biggest names in the pop music pantheon and made TV/ Internet history with a little ditty about a Special Christmas Box, and the junk one puts in it. And we, the humble working joes of Rosey Media were there to help. In the tidal wave of press that followed, several of a nation of pundits referred to the moment as "catching lightning in a bottle."

As of last Saturday, May 9th, 2009-- Saturday Night Live is gonna need a bigger bottle:

Justin Timberlake and Andy Samberg resurrect their roles as some guys we probably would have wanted to be around 1991-- and with Susan Sarandon and Patricia Clarkson appearing as the objects of their affection, we find their waist-length, double-breasted pastel suits enviable once again.

The Short was directed by Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone, with Rosey Media's John Rosenblatt acting as Director of Photography. Steadicam work was provided by Ian Woolston-Smith and AC Rob Lau, with audio guru Dan Walter and Brian Townes rounding out the RM crew.

The 20 hour shoot ran like a well-oiled machine thanks to the only slightly intimidating determination of Kim Smelter and Rachel Lynn, under the wise guidance of the ever-so-subtly droll Nick Mallardi. Kudos as well to the extremely agile intern Chris (sorry, dude. . . last name next time, we promise). . . and Joe Lynn, who was. . . pretty OK too.

Rosey Media would like to thank SNL and the Dudes for having us along on the "second best idea that [they've] ever had"-- though we think this one may even go beyond the "Box."

Don't Hate On The Man-Crush

2009-05-07T11:58:00.000-07:00

Since Rosey Media is known far and wide as a truly mean and manly gang of barely post-cro-magnon hombres, some of you may be surprised to learn we are huge Justin Timberlake fans. Not because he's dreamy mind you, but because on top of his charm and unexpected tallness, genuine musical ability and palpable charisma, he is really, really. . . nice. The great thing about JT being so super nice is the chemistry it sparks between he and our favorite Dudes. Thus, though we would normally wait until after we'd wrapped this week's shoot to talk about it, we couldn't help but point you, dear reader, in the direction of the SNL promos we shot on Tuesday, starring his Niceness and SNL cast member Andy Samberg, directed by Akiva Schaffer. Dig: If it looks like they're having fun. . . it's 'cause they are. And the last few times these guys have put their heads together, if memory serves, some fairly funny stuff has happened. Just saying. . . you might not want to miss this show. . . JANDY TIMSAMLAKE!!!

SNL Talks To Corporate

2009-04-09T08:04:00.000-07:00

April 2nd-3rd 2009- The Lonely Island's Incredibad continues to throw out hits like a paranoid mafia don, and Rosey Media is once again called into the fray. "Like A Boss" premiered on the Saturday, April 4th broadcast of Saturday Night Live. The piece, written by the Lonely Island, was co-directed by Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone, and starred Andy Samberg and host Seth Rogen.

Have HR evaluate this:

Also appearing in this one are SNL featured players Abby Elliott, Casey Wilson and Bobby Moynihan, the unnervingly versatile Jorma Taccone, a subtly shady Akiva Schaffer, and cast members Kristen Wiig, Jason Sudeikis, and Bill Hader.

John Rosenblatt served as Director of Photography on the two day shoot, with Steadicam work by Ian Woolston-Smith. Steadicam department also included the mad skills of AC's Jason Vandermer and Jared Royball. The entire unit was backed by Don Downie and Brian Townes, who were both pissed they couldn't be AC's because their names don't start with "J."

While we must thank lighting director Michael Gottlieb and Prop Goddess Jeannine Jones for bringing the world of our distressed executive to life... we would be remiss if we didn't give big ups to the entire staff of Late Night With Conan O'Brien.

Conan and his gang were kind enough to move to LA and abandon their old 30 Rock offices as if Godzilla was seen heading for town, leaving us an almost eerie, fully appointed floor of businessy goodness-- complete with personal effects and half-finished sodas-- in which to live for the cumulative 30 or so hours of this shoot.

Henceforth, we shall always demand a crew lounge in the corner office.

'Meet a giant fish.

F*ck its brains out.'

Tracy Is Back In The Building. . . Bitch

2009-03-30T18:09:00.000-07:00

This needs little intro. . . but then, old school ass-kickin' rarely does. March 14th's SNL Cold Open. Behold! For those of you who have never purchased a pay-per-view event involving sequined American flags or monster trucks, the familiar-looking security guard in front of the 8H studio door is WWE wrestling demigod John Cena. Though the open is generally shot on set in the studio, Rosey Media's Director of Photography John Rosenblatt was asked to give the sequencea a more cinematic feel. Rosey Media wants to thank Stevin Nilsen and Jesse Newton for breaking out the full-on movie dolly to give this SNL staple an action makeover. Sound was recorded Dan Walter, Scott Herriott was on duty as AC. Also shot for that show was the SNL Digital Short "Party Guys," directed by Akiva Schaffer, and starring cast members Andy Samberg and Bill Hader. In addition to cameos by. . . well, just about everyone in the cast and a couple of SNL writers, note the first joint onscreen appearance of dynamic wardrobe duo Brian and Matthew Hemesath. The tall and even taller Hemesath rock lederhosen and do a fine job showcasing the schnitzel. While not as chock-full of kung fu action, it's still fast and funny. Blink and you'll miss a joke. Watch it twice: As always, a good time was had by all, and the SNL crew proved once again, that funny takes a lot of work, a lot of love, and very, very little sleep.

Getting The Most Out Of Your MacGyver

2009-03-12T17:15:00.000-07:00

Since we already did the whole slobbering over shooting with actor Richard Dean Anderson (THE MacGyver) thing, we'll spare you the adolescent self-gratification. We will say, though, that we were very happy to see last Saturday's MacGruber/ MacGyver sketch. Under the direction of Jorma Taccone, we actually shot the sketches on January 12th, the same day we shot the much viewed and discussed SNL/Pepsi Super Bowl Commercial/Sketch "Pepsuber." Here's what dropped Saturday: Thing with SNL is, there's so much funny that gets tossed around, it can't all make air. Further, there are genius takes that occasionally disappear, and humanity is left slightly sadder for it. Thus, we're always glad when something we liked, and thought we'd lost, once again comes to light. John Rosenblatt served as Director of Photography on the shoot, Dan Walter, sound recordist, and Brian Townes was all like " Go, John and Dan!!" The sketch starred Richard Dean Anderson (MacGyver. . . did we mention that?) as well as cast members Kristen Wiig, Abby Elliott, Michaela Watkins, and of course Will Forte. . . and his ass.

Idle Hands Are, In Fact, The Devil's Playground

2009-03-04T09:10:00.000-08:00

At Rosey Media, we pride ourselves on producing high quality entertainment that edifies and enlightens any and all that should happen across it. Most of the time. Last couple of days, though, we had a little extra time on our hands. Combine this with a sophomoric eye securely fixed on too much cable and web news and access to editing software, and you get this:

Obama Explains His Package - watch more funny videos

Thanks to Matt Ballen for the music and Evan Kay for edit help from Chicago. Without their efforts, we couldn't have brought that certain level of delicate sophistication to this classy, classy joint.

Wyeth Pharmaceutical Spot

2009-02-20T17:31:00.000-08:00

Rosey Media, partnered with post house Northern Lights Post, completed "Trailer," an industrial piece in the sweeping style of a feature film trailer for Wyth Pharmaceuticals. Rosey and Northern Lights Post were contracted by international ad firm Cline, Davis & Mann to produce the corporate commercial for Wyeth . "Trailer," as well as a second studio piece, was co-directed by Rosey Media's John Rosenblatt and NLP's Mark Littman. Rosenblatt also served as Director Of Photography on the project. "Trailer" was shot on location in NYC. You can see the piece at:

The Jonas Brothers... Actually Very cool.

2009-02-18T13:43:00.000-08:00

For those of you who didn't see The SNL Digital Short "Property Of The Queen" featuring The Jonas Brothers on the Feb 14th Valentine's Day show, Check it out. . . The Short itself features four of six songlets the very game Jonas Brothers recorded with Digital Short creators Akiva Shaffer, Andy Samberg, and Jorma Taccone. The other two may well be lost to perpetuity, but we have to confess. . . they all rocked. Really. Now, don't misunderstand. We get it. That was a significant part of the joke. Big hair. Headbands. Ridiculously tight pants. Downtown L.A. cowboy hats. But while Rosey DP John Rosenblatt, Cameraman Luke Riffle, Soundman Dan Walter, and monkey juggler Brian Townes spent a few hours in a green screen studio shooting the mock videos, we realized something. We were really enjoying it. Silly as it may have been, these songs made us remember why we had what we had in our tape decks in high school in the first place. We were, in a word. . . rockin'. And we weren't alone. Between deft costume changes, wardrobe czar Brian Hemesath could also be seen leaning towards a vintage Trans Am headbang. And while we didn't notice whether or not Dina Moles was rocking out the entire time-- she is from LI-- so it's pretty likely.

Was the "Saturday Night Live" skit "MacGruber" a comedy bit or a Pepsi commercial?

2009-02-06T08:36:00.000-08:00

A lot of articles have been written about how the Pepsi/Macgruber spot Rosey Media shot that aired during last weekend's Super Bowl is blurring the line between comedy and commercial. Check out this article from MSNBC that discusses this emerging trend.- JR

	Was the "Saturday Night Live" skit "MacGruber" a comedy bit or a Pepsi commercial? It aired as a comedy sketch on SNL, then during the big game as an ad. View related photos
NBC

updated 10:33 p.m. ET, Mon., Feb. 2, 2009 NEW YORK - Was "MacGruber" a "Saturday Night Live" sketch or Pepsi commercial? Depending on when you were watching television over the weekend, it was hard to tell. On Saturday night's "SNL," the recurring bit starring cast member Will Forte aired three times during the show, each time with comical over-the-top promotion for Pepsi. Then on Sunday night, one of the same "MacGruber" sketches — in which Forte plays a parody of the '80s action series "MacGyver" — aired during NBC's broadcast of the Super Bowl as a commercial.

As it turns out, all were paid commercials by Pepsi, made in collaboration with producer Lorne Michaels' "Saturday Night Live." The segments weren't product placement, but commercials paid for by Pepsi and produced by "SNL." Though they appeared to be sketches on "SNL," they ran during allotted commercial breaks.

NBC Entertainment Co-Chairman Ben Silverman said Pepsi paid full freight for the spots — which sold for about $3 million per 30-second spot during the Super Bowl.

(Msnbc.com is a joint venture of Microsoft and NBC.)

"They really made it very funny and obvious, so I don't think there was any confusion," said Silverman. "Everything is ongoing experimentation, but the reality is we need to evolve and do more and more things."

Added Silverman: "It's not just an ad for Pepsi, it's an ad for `Saturday Night Live.'"

Branding expert Peter Arnell was in charge of PepsiCo's Super Bowl campaign, which also included a 3-D commercial for its SoBe Life Water.

"The creative space is `SNL's' and they were commercials we would have bought, so the economics were as normal as it ever was," said Arnell. "It's the un-advertising advertising."

The first "MacGruber" sketch/commercial that ran during "SNL" came amid other commercials — after a movie trailer for "The Pink Panther 2," which is what host Steve Martin was (what else?) promoting.

Fans may be uncomfortable with sale PepsiCo American Beverages chief Massimo d'Amore, who watched the game from a luxury box with NBC and Michaels, declined to say how much the company paid the network for the spots. An estimated 95.4 million people watched the Pittsburgh-Arizona Super Bowl, making it second only to last year's game as the most popular ever, according to Nielsen Media Research.

The ads include all the same usual characteristics that the sketch series normally does: its cheesy opening theme song, a frightened sidekick (played by fellow cast member Kristen Wiig) and MacGruber's inevitable distraction (in this case, a Pepsi). The real MacGyver — Richard Dean Anderson — also made a cameo.

That a marquee "SNL" sketch would be sold to a marketer might rub some loyal viewers the wrong way. Fans, after all, tune in for comedy, not for well-dressed commercials.

Silverman says the viewer only wins, since the Pepsi sketches replaced regular commercials. (He also noted that "SNL" talent was paid for the work outside of their normal salaries.)

"It wasn't inside the show," said Silverman. "Lorne really protected the show. I think the fans of `Saturday Night Live' got to see a `MacGruber' that they wouldn't have otherwise seen."

Michaels wasn't available to comment Monday.

"What we're doing is selling entertainment vehicles and marketing platforms," said Silverman, who has looked for other revenue streams for NBC as network TV ratings have slid. "This is where programming is going."

Laser Cats 4. . . Makin' Laser Cats 3 Look Like Laser Cats 2!

2009-02-01T23:29:00.000-08:00

Friday, January 30th, 2009- Rosey Media films yet another installment in the increasingly epic sci-fierce SNL Digital Short series "Laser Cats." In this, the fourth episode, director Akiva Shaffer once again pits Nitro (Bill Hader) and Admiral Spaceship (Andy Samberg) against evil forces that threaten the galaxy- in this case, out of control man/ machine Cyberface (Kenan Thompson.) Rabid fans of the series will note this is Mr. Thompson's second appearance as a villain in "Laser Cats." Coincidence? Significant? Interesting? Perhaps. . . perhaps not. . . Oh, and did we mention the guest appearances by comedy legend and 15 time SNL host Steve Martin and SNL Executive Producer Lorne Michaels? The intergalactic drama unfolds below: Watch closely and you'll catch SNL (and "The Line") writer Simon Rich, staffers Rachel Lynn and her brother Joe caught on camera, as well as a bona fide speaking role-- that of the captain of the Space Police-- masterfully portrayed with rare sensitivity by editor extraordinaire Matt Yonks. The Short was shot by John Rosenblatt, with audio by Dan Walter, and special technical consultation (that's read "cat-on-Roomba") by Brian Townes. Probably the best part of making a "Laser Cats" episode is the complete disregard for the conventions and techniques one uses to make a motion picture look. . . well. . . good. In fact, the guiding aesthetic is one of "the crappier, the better." While it is a bit difficult to throw aside habits of checking continuity and lighting a scene properly, and to embrace the auto focus, it can, in the end, be quite a liberating experience. Like running without pants. Not something you'd want to do all of the time, but every once in a while. . . a must.

Holy Cow--We Made A Frickin' Super Bowl Commercial!!

2009-02-01T22:22:00.000-08:00

On Monday, January 12th, Rosey Media had the opportunity to fulfill a dream held dear by all of us whose voices changed before Bill Clinton took office. We met MacGyver. THE MacGyver. If you weren't a pre-pubescent boy in the 1980's, his name is Richard Dean Anderson, and under the direction of Jorma Taccone, with co-writer John Solomon and DP John Rosenblatt, he made history when MacGruber met MacGyver in a Pepsi ad for Super Bowl 43. The ad also stars SNL cast members Will Forte (of course) and Kristen Wiig. Dig it: Also priveleged to have been locked in a control room, so to speak, with His Supreme Flannel Gadgetiness were Rosey Media camera jock Luke Riffle, audio wizard Dan Walter, and reigning snack champion Brian Townes. As many folks watch the Super Bowl for the ads as much as the game itself, we are damn proud to have contributed our very first offering to the estimated 167 million viewers of the big game. It's not quite as cool as defusing a bomb, rescuing a damsel in distress, and getting out of a poison gas-filled room with nothing but a shoe lace, a paperclip, and some tic tacs. . . but it's a close second.

How I Met Doogie Howser

2009-01-21T10:30:00.000-08:00

On Friday, January 9th, Rosey Media filmed the SNL Digital Short "Doogie Howser Theme," in which SNL host and '80's TV icon Neil Patrick Harris performed a tongue-in-cheek, sentimental arrangement of the theme song from the show which brought him nationwide pre-teen fame. Backed by the entire SNL cast decked in Doogie attire, and shot onstage in the Conan O'Brien studio, the Short came out looking like this: Special thanks go out to Mike Milia and Mike Kirsic of NYC Jibs for the sweeping jib camera work. Due to the scheduling challenges of getting all of the SNL cast in one place at one time, the shoot itself stretched on for a good 16 hours, during which time we found two truths to be self-evident: 1. Neil Patrick Harris is a consummate frickin' professional. He is on point constantly, gracious and tireless in his work. Verbose as we tend to be here, we literally cannot say enough good things about him. 2. The "Doogie Howser Theme" is actually a really beautiful piece of music, inspiring and full of subtle nuance. If you haven't heard it in oh, say, 15 to 20 years-- as most of us hadn't-- give it a listen again. And again. And again. Then again. You'll get it. Really!

"The Line" Premiers at UCB

2009-01-15T10:38:00.000-08:00

Wednesday night, January 14th, marked the real-world (that's that place around the edges of your computer screen) premier of "The Line" at the the Upright Citizen's Brigade Theatre on 28th Street. The 7 part internet series, shot over the course of a week in July '08, has been edited into a single 20(+) minute film. What self-respecting web geek would tear themselves away from updating their Facebook to actually venture out to see it , you ask? Apparently-- lots of them. The sold out premier featured an impressive line of it's own, stretching far down the block from the UCB Theatre. Among those in attendance were writer/ director Seth Myers, writer Simon Rich, cast members Bill Hader, Jason Sudeikis, Bobby Moynihan, associate producer Matt Yonks, and of course, "The Line" Director of Photography, Rosey Media's own John Rosenblatt. You can see "The Line" here:

From Crackle: The Line, Ep 1: The FutureSpace Showdown Begins

Rosey Media wishes to extend its thanks to everyone involved for including us in this project. We eagerly await the call to begin production on "FutureSpace!"

Rosyie Media Precious Holidaye Reflections and Memoryes

2008-12-16T15:10:00.000-08:00

In days of yore, when the holidays came 'round-- when we were but wee lads in the late 70's and early 80's-- we would add to our repertoire of constant one-upmanship the momentarily-jarring farewell . . ."See you next year!" This indispensable bit of yuletide wit was considered genius by all that encountered it, amusing and surprising the speaker and the listener, as both would briefly revel in appropriately childlike amazement that yet another year had passed, and when school once again resumed-- though only a week or two later-- it would, in fact, be. . . the next year. As we grew older, our minds and social skills became more sophisticated. We entered the entertainment business, and our wit evolved beyond simple observational one-liners, into something more complex and universal, to be shared for the benefit of our fellow man. How fitting, then, that our holiday farewell on SNL was shooting a Digital Short revolving around poopy cookies. Observe: Yes, nothing like scatalogical humour to take one right back to boyhood. And like simple schoolboys, we once again found oursleves gleefully using the olde HPX3000 to lay a brief 8 hour shoot onto P2 cards (o, what fine and bully boyish toys!), under the direction of Digital Short Creators Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone. The cast featured SNL host Hugh Laurie and that mischievous rapscallion Fred Armisen, as well as Jason Sudeikis, Kenan Thompson, Will Forte, and featured players Bobby Moynihan, Abby Elliott, and Michaela Watkins. The whole gang was there, under the ever-watchful eye of producers Nick Mallardi and Dina Moles. Once shooting was done,however, we all said our farewells with a wistfully appropriate lack of sentimentality. Indeed, we had all grown up, become those adults so busy, we had nary a moment for a boyish jab or childish quip. There were pressing rehearsals, gear to be wrapped, poopy cookie shorts to be edited. There was no time for childish things. And as we left 30 Rock, we couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness for days gone by. There are no more schoolyard partings, no more construction paper holiday cards. Ours is now a staid and austere world of cold hard labour-- of poopy cookies and blogging. So it is here, in our blog, that we make a last grasp at fleeting youth and the special childhood magic of the holiday season to say: Thanks, SNL. See you next year. See you. . . next year.

Blood Is Thicker Than Water- Funnier, Too.

2008-11-20T07:52:00.000-08:00

Last week the SNL Digital Short team of Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone, and Andy Samberg served Saturday Night Live and America a whopping slice of bizarro with the help of host Paul Rudd. If you haven't seen it yet, watch this: The Short, their most intensive to date, took 38 hours to shoot over two days, and featured around 30 background performers. A special effects extravaganza, the Short had a full team of effects artists and props persons throughout, managing pumps, pipes, trick knives, fake firearms, and hydraulic apparatus, all designed to deliver an impressive payload of. . . blood and vomit. While we don't have exact measurements, we do know that each of these items was mixed and supplied by the gallon. Well, at least the vomit was anyway. There was definitely no shortage of stage blood, though, and by the end of day two most of the crew had developed a surprising immunity to what had at first been a bit gross. After this, we can truly say we have no idea what's next from the Digital Short crew, but we're looking forward to it.

Jah Fire On Fordham Lawn

2008-10-27T19:26:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday and Friday, Rosey Media joined the SNL team to bring to life- and to your TV and web browser- the dub skankings of Ras Trent, first semester Rastafarian. Andy Samberg, playing a guy based on hundreds he and fellow writers Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer apparently knew growing up in Berkley, spent two days in a dreadlocked wig and roots threads. On the New York city streets, however, he actually drew fewer looks than you'd think. Here you can test his jammyin' sound: The Thursday shoot was DP'd by Rosey's own Luke Riffle, with "The Line" veteran AC Scott Herriott. Coming in hot off of the previous day's still-not-to-be-disclosed commercial shoot, John Rosenblatt and Brian Townes picked up the Friday shift. Thursday the guys got to go all over the place, but most importantly, to Cold Stone Creamery. At which point they could've called. Or texted. Been like "Hey- we're gettin' ice cream- want some?" But they didn't. Perhaps not the smartest move with Christmas right around the corner. But whatever. We're over it. Anyway. . . The second day found the team traipsing around the Fordham University campus, where, with the exception of a few shouted undergrad declarations of love in Samberg's direction, they were able to drift surprisingly uninterrupted (and perhaps unsanctioned) throughout. As all them college types are inter-web savvy, we don't want to drop names and get anyone in trouble, but we couldn't have done it without "the student hereinafter immortalized as 'my roomate Nick, the ignorant bald-head'" and various members of his covert network. Most impressive was our female guide, who was able to walk into a class she was supposed to be attending at the time, convince the professor to stop her lecture, let us come in and shoot, and have the entire class make an appearance in the Short as well- all in under 1 minute of negotiation. What moxie! What Chutzpah! Thanks to SNL for having us along. And you guys at Fordham- let us know if you find that Sprite can. . .

Busy in Rosey Media land...

2008-10-08T19:51:00.000-07:00

Ok- we're busy. I mean really frickin' busy. Barnum and Bailey keeps calling us for juggling lessons. Unfortunately, fancy proprietary agency stuff being what it is, we are not at liberty to post what it is we're working on at this time. Let's just say we're. . . ah, we can't even say that. Big commercial. Cool funny movie spoof project for an even cooler network. Documentary piece. Another cool funny project for another cool network. And all at the same time! Which means we'll tell you all about them when we're done. And we've slept. Perhaps completed caffeine rehab. Taken a little vaykay in Meh-hee-ko. Anyway, we can give you the somewhat belated (and duly truncated) SNL Digital Short brief: SNL DIGITAL SHORT: EXTREME ACTIVITIES CHALLENGE Here it is: Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone, Akiva Shaffer wrote concept,music and directed. Andy Samberg, Kristen Wiig, and host Anne Hathaway performed. Nick Malardi and Dina Moles produced. "Indispensable" Kim Smelter, "Drop You Like A Bad Habit" Rachel Lynn, and Kati "I have a last name- Brian doesn't know it" were production staff. Brian Hemesath hit wardrobe,and JODI did hair, dammit! John Rosenblatt and Brian Townes represented Rosey Media. Radically different and shocking? No. Google Relevant? You betcha!

Chilling. . . no, really. . . CHILLING on the roof at 30 Rock

2008-09-24T21:32:00.000-07:00

New Yorkers are known for their resilience, trudging- even bustling- ever forward, through sweltering, smelly summers and bone-numbing winters. And here at Rosey Media, we pride ourselves on being- among other things- real New Yorkers. All of that being said, we went out like a bunch of Girl Scouts last Friday. When we were first informed we'd be spending the early-Fall evening on the Tuscanini Garden, located outdoors on a 12th floor plaza at 30 Rock, we were charmed. Where better to film the week's SNL Digital Short starring hunky (nay- dreamy!) host James Franco and SNL cast member Kristen Wiig? Throw in a guest appearance by the really unreasonably smoldering Gossip Girl star Blake Lively and we felt we had a recipe for brisk seasonal bliss! And brisk it was. As the hours moved on and the sun went down, we found our evening going from nippy, to chilly, to "it's frickin' cold out here!" Perhaps it was uncommonly breezy on the 12th floor- or perhaps three months of summer weather had, in fact, reduced us to whimpering shells of our former selves. Either way, we somehow managed to stifle our shivering long enough to film some funny stuff. Despite the chill (which we were sure must have hit an arctic 55 degrees), James Franco, Blake Lively and the ever-reliable Kristen Wiig laid down terrific performances under the co-direction of Akiva Shaffer and Jorma Taccone. Soldiering on bravely from the shelter of their sleeping bag tents, Dina Moles, Rachel Lynne, and Kim Smelter also provided us with genuine inspiration. Together, we all braved the elements with only some sandwiches, a couple of sweet rolls, some cupcakes, two boxes of Dunkin Coffee, cookies, and a continuous supply of outerwear pilfered from the SNL Wardrobe Department by the illustrious Brian Hemesath. Yeah. . . somehow. . . somehow, we made it through. The fruits of our sacrifice and hardship were illuminated by Michael Gottlieb and brought to you under the wise and kindly supervision of Nick Malardi (we gotta mention Nick, cuz we've mentioned everyone else now haven't we?)

Space Olympics

2008-09-14T13:32:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, the dudes (that would be SNL Digital Short triumvirate Andy Samberg, Akiva Shaffer, and Jorma Taccone) wrote this song before knowing Michael Phelps would be the host of SNL's season premiere on September 13th. Convenient, though, wasn't it, that they had this song around, and that the 8 time Gold Medalist was free to come and play? "You stand on a distant planet. . ." Or, you'd think we were. The day started at the funky 1939/1964 World's Fair Grounds in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park out in Queens. The sprawling park, including the more-than-meets-the-eye Queens Museum Of Art, proved an ideal location in that it was beautiful, full of retro-futuristic architecture- and for the most part, deserted. Checkout the Short here: As long-time fans of the show and the Shorts, Rosey Media is happy to be back working on the Shorts this session. Stay tuned for more!

Shooting the ‘SNL Digital Shorts’ in HD

2008-08-14T12:54:00.000-07:00

George Winslow -- Multichannel News, 8/5/2008 11:51:00 AM

While the “SNL Digital Shorts” have been one of the most popular features of Saturday Night Live, the production of these popular segments, which air during the program between live segments and are also available online, poses huge production challenges. Typically, the scripts for segments aren’t approved until late on Wednesday night and they must be shot, edited and delivered in a completed form before the show’s Saturday night airing. Often, the crew must work long hours over two days or as much as 20 hours straight to meet the deadline.

Yet, John Rosenblatt, the principle of Rosey Media and the director of photography for the segments said the process of producing the shorts has actually become easier since they began shooting in HD with Panasonic’s AJ-HPX3000 P2 camcorders.

“I love the acquisition and I love the workflow,” he said about the move to the new cameras, which was made in late February, and the production process for the SNL Digital Shorts.

John 'Rosey' Rosenblatt with the Panasonic HPX-3000

Working with the new HPX3000 cameras, Apple’s Final Cut Pro editing system and MacBook Pro computers “has completely transformed the workflow,” he added.

Rosenblatt founded Rosey Media in 1997 -- the company now works for a variety of broadcast, cable and corporate clients. He began working for Saturday Night Live in 2000. He has been director of photography for the SNL Digital Shorts since they first became part of the show in the 2005-2006 season.

Over the years, Rosenblatt has distinguished his production services company in the crowded and highly competitive New York City market by emphasizing efficient, cutting edge technology, high-quality production techniques and quality control of it's personnel.

The company began shooting in HD about five years ago. Over the last 2 years the proportion of their production being shot in HD has grown from about 50% to nearly 100% today.

The company also relies on these newer technologies to offer clients more efficient production services.

“What we do [on the set in terms of shooting and lighting] is complicated with lots of parts and involves a lot of personnel with different talents...I often tell people I work for the circus,” Rosenblatt quipped.

The key part of their high-wire act, he added, is to make certain that this complexity doesn’t get in the way of the creative process at SNL.

“It is important that we allow the creative team to do what they need to do and not get in their way or slow things down in the way we work,” he said. “I offer very high quality production but if I’m slowing down production, in the way I’m setting up shots or lighting, I’m causing talent to lose their focus and not doing my job.”

Shooting with the HPX3000 camera, he said, allows the company to offer high-quality HD production and an very efficient workflow that fits in with the tight production schedule of the Digital Shorts. Using 32 Gigabyte P2 cards with the camera, they can easily copy the files onto the MacBook Pro and play back the shots to quickly see dailies, he said.

Recent SNL Digital Shorts shot with the HPX3000 camera include “The Japanese Office and The Mirror.”

While Rosenblatt is a huge fan of the camera, he cites two areas he’d like to see improved. He delivers 4 channels of audio to SNL but complains that audio channels 3 and 4 are “auto compressed,” which he contends limits their ability to tweak the sound.

He also does not like the fact that P2 cards must be formatted in the camera being used for the shoot rather than in the Panasonic 5 card reader.

New York Times Article on 'The Line'

2008-08-14T12:19:00.000-07:00

A Summer Break of Comedy for the Web

Cast members of “The Line” in Brooklyn

By BRIAN STELTER

Published: August 11, 2008

A minute into the third episode of “The Line,” a comedy about the passion and perversion of fans waiting 11 days for the premiere of a science-fiction film, the actor Joe Lo Truglio declares, “I’m going line crazy.”

His partner, the “Saturday Night Live” repertory player Bill Hader, promises to get water. Then the “SNL” writer and occasional actor John Lutz delivers candy bars for the theater and falls victim to the line, leading the theater manager (the “SNL” comedian Jason Sudeikis), to call the fanboys “animals.”

This is how much of the “SNL” cast and crew spent their summer vacation. Inspired partly by three months of picket-line-walking during last fall and winter’s writers’ strike, Mr. Hader and the “SNL” writer Simon Rich created a buddy comedy about the long wait to see “Future Space,” a vaguely described sci-fi drama. In May, when “SNL,” the NBC late-night sketch comedy show, went on summer hiatus, the “SNL” actor and lead writer Seth Meyers signed on to direct.

Multimedia

Watch "The Line"

Fred Prouser/Reuters Seth Meyers, “Saturday Night Live” actor and lead writer, directed episodes of “The Line.”

In July, for four steamy days in Brooklyn, the creators collected a veritable Who’s Who of the New York comedy scene to film seven short episodes for Internet distribution. “SNL” crew members operated the camera, made the costumes and handled hair and makeup. Three weeks after filming, the series started to unfold on youtube.com, crackle.com and other online video sites. The characters reach the end of “The Line,” figuratively and literally, on Tuesday when the final episode will have its debut.

The ability of “The Line” to attract name-brand talent reflects the increasing number of writers and actors who are showing interest in original Web video. “The Line” was the first straight-to-Internet series to be produced and financed by Broadway Video, the production company founded by the “SNL” executive producer, Lorne Michaels. But it won’t be its last: the company says it will produce other Web series created by and starring “SNL” cast members, and Mr. Michaels also intends to produce Web performances by Jimmy Fallon this fall, as that former “SNL” cast member prepares to replace Conan O’Brien on “Late Night” next year.

For the writers and stars of “The Line,” the Web was a proving ground. “We wanted to have an experience of shooting something on our own,” Mr. Hader said in an interview. “This is a good medium to do it in because it’s a very low-stakes medium.”

Mr. Meyers, best known as the co-host of “Weekend Update” on “SNL,” was lured by the opportunity to tell a tale with cliffhangers at the end of each episode, while still keeping each part to a Web-friendly four minutes. “On the Internet, it seems like things work better when they stand alone,” Mr. Meyers said. “The Line” is a test of whether viewers will come back for a serialized story. The first six episodes have drawn a wide range of views, from 15,000 to 158,000, on YouTube.

Mr. Hader and Mr. Rich, son of the New York Times columnist Frank Rich, wrote the script during the strike (Internet work wasn’t forbidden under the strike rules) and shared it with Mr. Michaels’s production company. They were assembling a cast and crew when the strike ended and “SNL” resumed taping, putting the project on hold. But after the season ended, Broadway Video revived the idea. The series signed a sponsor, Sony Pictures, and integrated the posters for three new Sony films into the backdrop of the episodes.

The staging was rather simple: all the action occurs along a red concrete-block wall outside the Cobble Hill Cinemas in Brooklyn. But there were peculiarities nonetheless, Mr. Meyers said, like “waiting for the baby strollers to clear the lens.”

The series unfolds not unlike an “SNL” digital short. Mr. Sudeikis stands out as a manager who treats moviegoers as a menace. He often calls them “you people,” as in “You people need to start washing your bodies, or I’m going to call the police.”

Along the way, Liz Cackowski, a former “SNL” writer, appears briefly, and Paul Scheer, a recurring cast member on “30 Rock,” turns up as the spoiler who tries to ruin the movie for the fans. Everyone who was asked agreed to participate, Mr. Meyers said. “That was the fun of it for us — being able to work with friends.”

Mr. Hader and Mr. Lo Truglio, who also appear together in the new film comedy “Pineapple Express,” are the heart and soul of the episodes. “Eleven days of glorious, glorious ‘Future Space’ anticipation,” Mr. Lo Truglio announces in Episode 1, suggesting that the drama of the wait will rival any drama on screen. They fight sword-wielding fellow fans, grapple with the five-minute rule (as in, five minutes out of line forfeits your spot) and try to fulfill family obligations.

Mr. Hader knew the part he was writing. He waited in line for “about 20 hours” to see “Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace” in 1999. During that wait, he watched a woman break up with one of his fellow moviegoers, a fate that befalls his character in Episode 2 of “The Line.”

Mr. Hader also lined up for the two “Star Wars” follow-ups and for the three “Lord of the Rings” films, but he now sees films at more reasonable times — say, Monday at 2 p.m. for “The Dark Knight.” Why? He said, “Now I have a wife.”

YouTube now showing: 'The Line"!

2008-08-07T11:15:00.000-07:00

'The Line', a great web based series directed by Seth Meyers and staring Bill Hader of SNL, is now being distributed on You Tube. John Rosenblatt acted as Director of Photography. Check out these funny video shorts at:

The Line Gets Press...

2008-08-01T16:05:00.000-07:00

Checkout this posting on Reuter's on The Line.

-Rosey

Seth Meyers, Bill Hader & Simon Rich Create and Star in THE LINE on Crackle.Com

Wed Jul 23, 2008 9:00am EDT

Broadway Video's New Seven-Episode Series Integrates Upcoming Columbia Pictures Releases

CULVER CITY, Calif., July 23 /PRNewswire/ -- "Saturday Night Live's" (SNL) Seth Meyers, Bill Hader and Simon Rich have created and will star in THE LINE, an original new comedy web series making its debut on Crackle.com. Produced by Broadway Video, the series was directed by Meyers, who has been a regular on SNL for eight years.

The seven-episode series features two friends, Josh (Hader) and Duffy (Joe Lo Truglio - Superbad), as they score the coveted first spot in line outside of a movie theater, 11 days prior to the world premiere of one of the summer's most highly anticipated films, Future Space.

The comedy webisodes are sponsored by Sony Pictures, which owns Crackle.com. Since THE LINE takes place outside a movie theater, the studio has taken advantage of the environment and integrated three real-life Columbia Pictures releases, Step Brothers, Pineapple Express, and The House Bunny, into the webisodes.

The three films are incorporated into the series through organic character integrations and film poster and T-shirt placements. Hader and Lo Truglio both also co-star in the upcoming comedy, Pineapple Express.

"This integrated marketing opportunity with THE LINE feels like the most organic user experience that I've seen in a very long time," said Dwight Caines, executive vice president of worldwide digital marketing strategy for Columbia TriStar Marketing Group. "It's always exciting to see a completely unique approach to sponsorship and for me, it was an easy decision to get involved with these incredibly funny and talented guys. The project is so clever and will certainly resonate with our target audiences."

"Bill Hader, Simon Rich and Seth Meyers have created a hysterical new series that taps into the unique comedic sensibility they showcase week-to-week on SNL," said Sean Carey, senior executive vice president, Sony Pictures Television. "THE LINE is content that we're thrilled to debut on Crackle."

THE LINE includes guest appearances by Jason Sudeikis ("SNL"), Paul Scheer ("30 Rock"), and Liz Cackowski (Forgetting Sarah Marshall). The original web series was produced by Broadway Video, in association with NBC Universal, and was written by Hader and Rich.

Creative Artists Agency orchestrated the deal on behalf of Broadway Video.

About Broadway Video

Broadway Video Entertainment is a major independent producer of television and film entertainment. Founded in 1979 by Lorne Michaels, Emmy Award-winning creator and executive producer of the landmark television comedy "Saturday Night Live," its Broadway Video Enterprises division manages the company's extensive library of original and acquired entertainment content, distributing it to television and home video markets worldwide. Broadway Video Entertainment also develops and produces popular feature film and television entertainment through its motion picture division, Broadway Video Film Production, and its television production arm, Broadway Video Television. In addition, Broadway Video provides award-winning video and audio production services, as well as duplication, encoding and DVD authoring services for leading entertainment and corporate clients. For information:

www.broadwayvideo.com.

About Crackle

Crackle, Inc., a Sony Pictures Entertainment Company, is a multi-platform video entertainment network and studio that distributes work from the hottest established and emerging talent on the web and beyond. Crackle's addictive channels and shows reach a global audience across the Internet, in the living room, and on devices including a broad range of Sony electronics. Crackle, in on-going collaboration with Sony Pictures Entertainment and other leading partners, discovers and promotes the stars of tomorrow. Visit Crackle's site at www.crackle.com.

SOURCE Crackle, Inc.

Rosey Media shoots 'The Line' Staring Bill Hader and Jason Sudeikis

2008-07-31T13:17:00.000-07:00

Executive Produced by Lorne Michaels and Directed by SNL Head Writer Seth Myers.

Cinematography by John 'Rosey' Rosenblatt.

The web series was produced for Crackle.com, a Sony entertainment web site.

The series of seven short webisodes details the comedic exploits of two avid sci-fi fans who spend 11 days standing on line at a movie theater for the premiere screening of their favorite space drama, Future Space.

Check it out: The Line

The series was shot on location at the Cobble Hill Cinemas in Brooklyn.

Hilarious performances are delivered by SNL cast members Bill Hader and Jason Sudeikis.

The series debuted at Crackle.com July 21st.

2 New Episodes weekly!

Be sure to tune into crackle.com to find out what becomes of the series two heroic nerds.

The Rosey Media crew had a blast working with Seth and Bill and the rest of the cast and were happy to be part of the project.

Web Video Usage Soars- Did you see this?

2008-06-22T11:53:00.000-07:00

Checkout this short article from Media week. Web Video Usage Soars. There some amazing stats.-Rosey

Web Video Usage Soars.

Streamers are watching more clips each year

June 18, 2008

-By Mike Shields, Mediaweek

NEW YORK Growth in the overall audience for online video has flattened over the past year, though consumption rose dramatically, according to the latest figures issued by comScore. During this past April, 71 percent of the total U.S. Internet audience, or 134,471 million users, viewed online video. In terms of percentage, that's down a few points from numbers issued by comScore back in May 2007 when 74 percent of Web users, or 132 million Americans, streamed videos on the Web. However, while the number of total streamers appears to have leveled off after a rapid growth period, those streamers are watching more clips each year. ComScore found that viewers averaged 82 clips per month and 228 minutes of video viewing in April, versus the 63 clips and 158-minute averages recorded nearly a year earlier. A whopping 11 billion videos were consumed in the U.S. in April 2008. Nearly 38 percent of those 11 billion videos were viewed on Google properties. In fact, users streamed 4,159,850 clips on Google's sites during the month (98 percent of which can be attributed to category dominator YouTube). That represents an increase of nearly 133 percent since May '07. Some of Google's share growth appears to be coming at the expense of News Corp.'s MySpace. That social networking site is the core video property within Fox Interactive Media, which saw its total number of video streams dip to 557,663 in April 2008 (5.1 percent) versus 680 million streams in May of last year. Yahoo! also saw its total video figures drop slightly from 387 million streams last May to 352,359 this past April. In terms of unique viewers, Google sites similarly dominated, as they drew 83.7 million uniques in April versus 52 million uniques on Fox sites (46 million on MySpace specifically) and 37.3 million on Yahoo! sites.

One More Saturday Night.

2008-05-19T12:34:00.000-07:00

The still image below is taken from the final SNL Digital Short of the season, 'Japanese Office', which Rosey Media shot for NBC last Friday. Check it out at: The video and an accompanying story on it, are among the top features in the last 24 hours on Gawker.com. The shoot was fun. Its full bodied funny taste and aroma kept Steve Carell smiling too. Speaking of smiles, there were many at the SNL End Of Season After Party (If You Don't Know The Official Title, Just Capitalize Stuff. . .) Here we see Rachele Lynne straight up breakin' it DOWN!!! "Indispensable" Kim Smelter is seen waving off a couple of guys who tried to move in on our dancing diva. We have since identified them as head writer Seth Meyers and Executive Producer Lorne Michaels, both blinded and weeping Old Testament style before Rachele's divine prowess on the dance floor. The legendary voice of SNL, Mr. Don Pardeau. 83+ years old and still at the party... at 4am. No jokes. Mad respect. Did we mention it was a beautiful Spring night and the party was outdoors in the Plaza where the skating rink is? It was a great season for the show and we are honored and happy to be part of the team.

New Nickelodeon Spot

2008-05-17T08:16:00.000-07:00

For those of you paying attention, the latest Nickelodeon KOPO TV spot started airing this week. Rosey Media produced 4 spots for Nick. The latest spot is called Family Nutrition. The last spot will start airing in June. Check it out!

MacGayber

2008-05-14T08:46:00.000-07:00

Ummm. . . this shot is from the set of the latest SNL MacGruber short, which featured host Shia LeBoeuf as MacGruber's gay son. Here we see Will Forte, apparently dismayed over the presence of a severed chicken claw on set.... It seems Rosey shares his concern, as he is taking special care to document the event. Ok, so not exactly. . . but c'mon, we don't know who reads this blog... Kids are all about the internet these days. To see the MacGruber spots, check out: http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/play.shtml?mea=250058

Unsung Heroes of the Rock 3-0

2008-05-07T07:45:00.000-07:00

The Facts: On Tuesday, May 6th, Rosey Media shot the promos for the upcoming weekend's episode of SNL, starring host Shia Lebouef (like "boof," y'all... John Wilkes. Recognize.) and SNL cast member Andy Samberg. They were both funny, they were great to work with, they hid in the bushes. . . But enough about that. It was brought to our attention that we never mention some very special people at SNL that you won't be able to see when you tune in Saturday night. Although they work at a breakneck pace, we managed to steal a candid shot or two. . . Brutal, isn't it? And yet they persevere. This is (L to R) Kati 'the intern', Rachel Lynn (standing) Producer Dina Moles (with the patented "what-the-hell-are-you-doing-taking-pictures-get-back-to-work" look), and "Indispensable" Kim Smelter, clearly concentrating on the big show. Finally, Dina and host Shia. This picture was snapped just as Dina exploded in a rage, demanding everyone get it in gear or we'd be over budget. Shia is scared. Andy has passed out in sheer terror, and is laying at her feet just out of frame. That's right. Big ups to the ladies of 30 Rock. Runnin' dat sh*t. FYI- Checkout the SNL Promos at: http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/play.shtml?mea=248757

Wowwy-Wow- Wow!

2008-04-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

On April 3rd and 4th, Rosey Media shot the third installment in the gripping Laser Cats SNL Digital Short series. This time the enigmatic Chistopher Walken joined Admiral Spaceship (Andy Samberg) and Nitro (Bill Heder) in their quest to save the planet, and a cage-full of confiscated Laser Cats, from the devious Mayor TopHat (Kenan Thompson). Checkout photos from the shoot.

Less Bitching, More. . . Ah, hell, just start with less bitching.

2008-04-01T23:01:00.000-07:00

We are good at putting teams of creative production people together. And our people are great because they, for a myriad of reasons, seem to defy a pervasive trend among production professionals... Despite years of experience- they're not jaded, pissed-off jerks. Apparently,somewhere somebody created the idea that to be a good creative or production staffer, you had to be a complete jaded bitch. Perhaps this stemmed from someone's perception that seeing the ropes and pulleys behind the scenes somehow destroyed the joy and magic of making entertainment. Or maybe it is as simple as textbook posturing to cover personal insecurity. What-ever... It is genuinely annoying to work with a group, or even a few individuals like this. Their attitude does not get things done, and worse, is dangerous to the creative process. That being said, let it be clear that we are proudest of our people, and consider them an integral part of what makes us stand out. They are consistently, for a variety of reasons, present to the production and focus not on what is wrong, but on what is next. Further, we lay it on the table that a fundamental part of our production process is the promise of no bitching. We have seen and strongly believe that a miserable work environment, no matter how efficient or skilled the team, cannot produce great work.

Want to Complete the Circuit? Try Rubbing Elbows

2008-02-15T22:10:00.000-08:00

It was Rosey Media's pleasure to co-host the February "Circuit" party, and Wednesday night's turn out at the Stone Creek Lounge on East 27th was positively inspiring. Despite the damp weather, the candle lit, casual bar was packed the entire night, and buzzing with all things media. Two years ago Manhattan Casting Director Adrienne Stern and Hungry Man Films Mark Grande decided the best way to be in on the scene was to create one of their own- and they proceeded to do just that. Today with an extensive membership list that includes some of the brightest and most innovative media talents in New York, "The Circuit" holds events designed to facilitate a professional forum and networking platform . . . with a few cocktails thrown in just for good measure. Whether your work is on the big screen, the small screen, or the even smaller screen, celluloid or digital, the Circuit has something to offer, and the scope of knowledge and opportunity shared at the last event was truly impressive. Many thanks to Adrienne and Mark, and to all who turned out.

Remember the world before the web??

2007-12-19T07:55:00.000-08:00

When I started out in television production in 1992, Cell phones where the size of pocketbooks, fax machines cost $500 and the internet did NOT EXIST. Can you imagine?? In an effort to stay on top of how quickly things are changing, I read...a lot. One report that caught my eye was from Horowitz Associates, "Broadband Content and Services 2007." It is amazing how pervasive broadband video is becoming. Some the key data: A whopping 61% of high speed Internet users watch or download broadband video content at least once per week, up from 46% last year. The number jumps to 86% for users who watch at least once per month. FYI- Every category of on-line video experienced an increase in usage over the past year. These are very impressive numbers and they speak to how significant broadband video has become and how quickly it has gotten there. Hold on, You Tube is only 2.5 years old.... Put your seat belt on, this is going to be a wild ride!! Checkout http://www.videonuze.com/editor/assets/HorowitzVideoUsage.jpg for a great chart on video downloads in 2007.

The WGA Strike- Our Thoughts

2007-11-16T07:09:00.000-08:00

As members of the entertainment industry, and regular contributors to WGA scripted programming, Rosey Media has been among the many impacted by the current writer's strike. It would be less than honest to say we're excited about the strike. We're not. Several of our major clients are down for the count. We understand, however, what has brought the members of the WGA to the table. These negotiations, and arguably, the resultant strike, are not only necessary- they are an inevitability. Clearly, digital and internet distribution is no longer a sideline or broom closet experimental division of the major networks and studios. Rather, it has cemented itself as a staple, and is rapidly approaching flagship status. If this is where the industry is headed, it seems only reasonable that all parties involved in the creation of content to be used in this medium have defined responsibilities and benefits, just as they do in previously existing mediums. Internet programming is a viable marketing platform, and therefore comparable to other traditional mediums where it is considered fair that writers be compensated for their contributions. While the network and studio position that all revenue generated at this time is only going to repay investors for building the existing infrastructure is understandable, it does not excuse them from showing the same regard to their employees as they would in any other venture. No new business hires a staff and waits to pay its employees until it has broken even on its start up costs. Despite the logic of their position, we anticipate a long strike. It seems, however, that the network and studio hesitancy to grant the WGA the requested contracts only gives credence to the union position that there is quite a bit of money somewhere... And while neither of the involved parties are poverty stricken, their negotiation is necessary to set precedent for those who, years from now, could end up grossly exploited in a predominantly digital market. Having said all that, we urge both sides to stop the bitching, sit down and hammer out a deal!

Bringin' The Ol' Jihad To SNL - Mockin' 'Moud With "Iran"

2007-10-06T22:58:00.000-07:00

Mockin' 'Moud! Well, just a little. But certainly making a splash with what may well be the next SNL Digital Short viral phenomenon. See, we shot this "Dick In A Box" thing for SNL last Christmas which by now everyone near electricity has heard of. So how do you top it? For the Saturday, September 29th, 2007 SNL show, the damn-near-genius writing/performing Lonely Island trio of Andy Samberg, Akiva Shaffer, and Jorma Taccone scripted a soul-stirring love ballad dedicated to Iran's president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, on the heels of his controversial visit to NYC. They then called in dreamy pop megastar Adam Levine of Maroon 5 (Yeah, like you don't have "Songs About Jane" hidden in your iTunes somewhere) and the ever-funny Fred Armisen. The Rosey Media gang was brought in to make their vision of a monumental love song come to life. Steadicam ace Ian Woolston-Smith, under the direction of D.P. John Rosenblatt gave the video a sweeping, epic quality, truly capturing the grandeur of locations such as the Williamsburg Bridge, 30 Rock's "Top Of The Rock" observation deck, and the hidden, off limits, yet stunning 30 Rock 12th floor "Tuscanini Gardens" at NBC. And speaking of the Williamsburg Bridge and Times Square- those shots were partially courtesy of Mike Derrig at Kennedy Trucking, who supplied a monster flatbed semi, which the uber-capable set builders of Stiegelbaum Associates tricked out with custom fittings and harnesses for crew, talent, and oh,yeah. . . the frickin' grand piano strapped to the back! Just a little digital video shoot. Really... Question is. . . what's next? With the video having scored around 1 million views in its first handful of days on the web, it may well be on it's way to Box-like infamy. In which case, it too will have to be topped. Whatever the call is, count Rosey Media in. After all, how often do you get to truck-surf on the Williamsburg Bridge and in Times Square- with one of the biggest names in music, the funniest guys on TV, and a half million in camera gear? That is what we call fun. Special thanks to Don Downie, who had to drive along behind. Dammit. Next time. Really Don. We promise. Check the video out at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=A9OfNrxt5Q4

MacDamn Right We Shot It!

2007-10-06T22:03:00.000-07:00

Starting as a fairly direct parody of ABC's improvising mechanical genius and action hero MacGyver, the Macgruber character played by Will Forte made a second appearance last season on SNL as a progressively worsening alcoholic, loosely poking at a certain other preposterous quasi-kid's show action hero whose home drunkenness hit the internet in a video shot by his own daughter (David Hasslehoff. . . seriously. . . where have you been??) On Saturday, October 6th, MacGruber was back for a third round, this time as a mess of mid-life crisis and plastic surgery gone bad. Director Jorma Taccone, cast members Will Forte, Maya Rudolph, guest host Seth Rogan, and. . . you guessed it (or if you haven't by this point, just quit. . . yer droolin' on the keyboard...) ROSEY MEDIA!!! Perps in question were DP John Rosenblatt, RM Sound Guy Dan Walter, and the ever-present-and-even-occasionally-useful Brian Townes. Special thanks go to all of the folks at NBC who weren't even the least bit phased when, post-MacGruber, we blew some stuff up. And filmed it. Really. . . but as much fun as that was, since the sketch didn't air this past show, we'll have to save that story for another time.

Rosey Media and Firebrand TV- Internet Innovation

2007-09-20T21:39:00.001-07:00

As individuals and a company, we pride ourselves on staying abreast of the latest developments in multi-platform content, and keep our edge through continued personal drive and interest in understanding this exciting medium. Thus, when we received a call from Firebrand's Ellen Davis, with an offer to create an interactive commerical for Firebrand TV.com, we were more than willing to go play. Firebrand TV is a soon-to-be-launched website, television network, and mobile internet service which features continuous, streaming content of the most creative commercials. Only comercials. No joke. All commericals. To promote the launch of this network, Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder Roman Vinoly and Davis brought on Chris Dealy and Greg Erdelyi of the maverick ad firm Splick 13. Each of these guys are responsible for some of the biggest campaign concepts in recent history. After this dynamic duo offered their spin on how to get the word out about the site, Davis contacted Rosey Media to make their virtual "website construction site" a reality. On September 6th and 7th, RM crew moved into NEP Studios courtesy of Barry Katz. With the help of Mac genius Yan Schvalb, AC Don Downie, RM Sound Tech Dan Walter, and a host of support staff from NEP and Firebrand, as well as some serious bells and whistles, RM shot the promo using the Panasonic HDX 900, providing not only live HD monitoring, but also direct importation to hard drive (Final Cut) as well as traditional digital tape. The end result was an efficient shoot culminating in footage in a ready to edit format. The promo is currently airing at: www.firebrandtv.com

Rosey Media- Bringing Scary Back

2007-09-20T21:38:00.001-07:00

Hey, kids. . . you like scary movies? We do. Which is why when producer Angie Freeman and her brother Jack approached us with their script for the suspense thriller short film "Abberration," we jumped at the chance to create the spooky, atmospheric world of horror and psychological intrigue these two cherubic South Carolinians had envisioned. We all proceeded to lock ourselves in a rented Upper West Side apartment for the better part of a week. If that isn't scary enough, we shot the film while we were there, too. The final product is appropriately claustrophobic and creepy. The lighting's funky, the camera work's cool. . . and, oh yeah. . . there were some actors in it,too. Seriously, we cannot say enough about the professionalism, patience (while some artsy crew guys endlessly tweeked camera and lighting gear,) and committed performances of the cast. We will keep you posted on when and where the film will be screening.

PJ Inc. Kicks Ass. . . Rosey Media Films It!

2007-07-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

So as to follow proper journalistic procedure and not bury the lead: July 12th and 13th, Rosey Media shot a, webisode format piece for and starring the high powered PR firm, PJ Inc. The piece was written, directed, and produced entirely by Rosey Media. It's development was a two month collaborative process between RM and PJ Inc., and it will hit their website, and ours, in the next couple of weeks. And now, the shameless plug: (We can't help it. We're fans.) The staff at PJ Inc. just straight up kicks ass. They are a high octane PR firm, dealing with Fortune 500 clients, with a myriad of winning campaigns to their credit, including the incredibly successful Vegas.com phenomenon. And they're NICE! And FUN! And CREATIVE! The firm's fearless leader is a force of nature by the name of Pamela Johnston, whose ability to multitask is stunning. Her no-nonsense manner is amazing to watch, and her presence commands such respect as to border on Jedi mind control. Extra-terrestrial or not, she was a pleasure to work with, and kept everyone focused and on task throughout two long shoot days. We would also be remiss were we not to mention Gabrielle (Gabi, Gabs, Larry) Rubin, who was our liason, our rock, and is the focus of our newly formed secret cult-like fan club in the back closet at Rosey Media. She's funny, she's quick. . . bottom line, if you don't have a Gabi- get one! Shout outs are also in order to our crew: soundman Dan Walter, AC Don Downie, and Wavetek's Karim Badwan and Paul Jones. At Rosey Media, we pride ourselves on being able to make art in the trenches, deadline looming. It's a refreshing departure, however, to have the time and space to create content from conception to completion. Further, we are grateful to have had the opportunity to do so with such terrific people. Look for the video here soon!

Making the Video...

2007-06-29T15:27:00.000-07:00

Chicago, Chicago. A massive, beautiful city with a thriving arts community. Rosey Media has more than a few ties to this Midwestern metropolis, including a 2006 collaboration with TMK Productions Executive Producer Ted Kay on the Memory Bridge Alzheimer's and Cultural Memory Foundation documentary "There Is A Bridge," which premiered this month on PBS affiliates all over the U.S. Following the successful collaboration, Mr. Kay once again extended an invite to Rosey Media, this time to create and shoot a music video for the incredibly talented singer songwriter Emily. As charming in person as her warm and magnetic on-camera persona, this 14 year old pop prodigy is well on her way to stardom. . . and hopelessly destroying the hearts of adolescent boys everywhere. Add all this wholesome goodness to the Chi-town jazz scene and it's little wonder that Rosey Media's head honcho, resident Director of Photography, and avid musician (though don't tell him we said so publicly) John "Rosey" Rosenblatt accepted the offer and headed down for a three day stint in the Windy City this past June. The shoot, culminated in a music video which you can now catch on YouTube or via Emily's own MySpace page at www.myspace.com/emilyrecordingstar Rosey had a great time, thanks to the diligent work of the Chicago Crew and the ever intrepid Mr. Ted Kay. For the rest of us back at RM in NYC, we can at least say we knew Emily, like, WAY before she was, like, famous and stuff, and now we are Soooooo BFF.TTYL.

Another Pleasant Valley Sunday. . .

2007-05-01T22:51:00.000-07:00

Sunday the 29th of April found the RM Crew collaborating once again with producer Jill Abrahams and director Joshua White on another installment of Cherry Dish. For those of you who missed our first notes on this, it's a soon to be launched webisode series for www.CherryTV.com- featuring, as it claims, juicy talk for women, by women. And this second taping proved every bit as juicy as the first. The gals kicked around topics including "Technique," "Boundaries," and the one we all really want to know about "What Makes A Good (or Bad) Partner." The panel, now familiar with, and quite at home in the intimate, RM-constructed studio, got so raucous at points that even the ever-so-composed Ms. Abrahams had trouble maintaining order. Heck, even camerawoman Femme Fatale Kristana Textork, joining the RM Crew for the Cherry Dish episode, learned a thing or two. As for the rest of the RM guys, they once again left in a somewhat stunned, but wiser state.

Speaking Deutsch With The $7 Billion Dollar Man

2007-03-30T08:40:00.000-07:00

Thursday, March 29th: Rosey and Brian Townes were invited by a contact at CNBC's The Donnie Deutsch Show to sit in on a taping of this popular business television program. In an exceptionally rare event, advertising mogul and TV personality Donnie Deutsch was doing a first-ever on camera interview with the world's 104th richest man, Ron Perlman- whose personal estimated worth is somewhere around $7 billion. That's right. . . billion. 7 of 'em. This is, of course, not saying anything about the value of the many corporations he has purchased and sold, and the subsequent fortunes he has made over the years for those involved. And what was it like in the presence of this tycoon, this pillar of Wall Street, this Emperor of the Exchange? He was nice. No he was cool. Relaxed and joking with Mr. Deutsch, Perlman spent the better part of an hour imparting the wisdom that has made him his fortune, over a Diet Coke, as though he were at any cafe in the city. Gracious and humble, he even accepted questions from the invited audience. So, how does one, according to Perlman make a fortune? Rule number one- without question- "You have to love what you do. If you don't, you'll never be as good at it as someone who does, and they are your competition." Shortly after the floor was opened to CNBC's guests, the ever intrepid Rosey stepped to the mic, and posed the following: Rosey: "Hi! John Rosenblatt with a question... (got the last name in there- didn't quite make it to plugging the company, but hey- gotta admire his restraint) "What do you look for in the people you hire. Your team. . ." Ronald's response was simple: "You have to surround yourself with people smarter than you. And they have to be good people. Every bad situation I've ever been in in business has gone back to a person who did not have a good heart, and should not have been on the team...' To which Deutsch added: "I used to say this. . . the people we hire have to have big brains, big hearts, thick skins, and be 2% off-center" Ok- so maybe we lean a little more toward people around 7% off-center, but otherwise we couldn't agree more... At press time, the show is slated to air in the second week of April. Check CNBC and www.roseymedia.com for details.

Peyton Manning's got good timing...

2007-03-26T22:56:00.000-07:00

Ever watch those paranormal documentary shows? Y'know, the ones where the guys are wandering around through the supposedly haunted house, and they suddenly say "Did you hear that?" And even though we, at home, in our living rooms, don't, we still accept that it may have happened, and keep watching? So, it goes like this- Rosey Media Production Coordinator and general go-to guy Brian Townes, sound guru Dan Walter, and DP John "Rosey" Rosenblatt are on a soccer field at the Hudson River Park. They've been there for about three hours on a gray March morning, shooting a Digital Short for SNL with director Akiva Schaeffer and writer/cast member Seth Myers. Things are bumping along, when Rosey ducks out and heads for the blue Porta-John on the edge of the field. Seconds later, the show's host for the week, 6'5" Colts QB and Super Bowl Champ, Peyton Manning comes bounding across the field. "Who's in the port-o-let? Who just went to the john?" Never one to betray a comrade, Walters and Townes immediately and simultaneously rat their fearless leader out. "Watch this. . ." Peyton picks up one of the footballs he has been throwing around during the taping of the SNL Digital Short "United Way" and sprints toward the can. With a carefully trained arm and eye like a laser sight, he fires the pigskin, full throttle, directly toward the door of the Porta-John. The most primitive of microphones could have captured the collosal thud the football made as it slammed into the fiberglass door of the little blue Porta-John. Although brief, the drum-like boom was heard by everyone on the field. What was not, however, was what Mr. Manning reported gleefully as he jogged back toward the assembled cast and crew. "Y'all hear that?" He exclaims, grinning ear to ear, belly laughing as he runs."Aw, man. . . he screamed just like a girl!" "I don't blame him. . ."Manning continues, briefly regaining his composure. "We have those port-a-johns at practice, and. . .you can't go in 'em without the guys [messing] with ya. . . shaking 'em all over and. . . aw, man, he did scream. . ." he trails off, laughing again. This entire transaction takes about thirty seconds, a slightly unnerved Rosenblatt exits the Porta-John in a dignified manner... smiling...kinda. During later discussion, Rosey did admit to being quite startled by Peyton's prank... Bottom line- If you want to scare the crap out of someone (Get it?!). Chuck a football when your mate is taking time out in the Porta- John. As for Peyton Manning, anyone who caught last week's Saturday Night Live can attest he distinguished himself by being not only well spoken and charismatic, but genuinely funny as well. If you missed the Digital Short, check it out at: http://youtube.com/browse?s=tr&t=t&c=0&l=

What women like...

2007-03-06T20:49:00.000-08:00

There's a reason they call it "girl talk." If you're male, you don't know what they talk about. If you're a more progressive, open-minded and well educated guy, with lots of close, sincere, female friends, and you think you know what they talk about. . . you don't. But thanks to Cherry Dish- the brainchild of producer Jill Abrahams, and director Joshua White, and the ingenuity of the boys at Rosey Media, you will have the opportunity to learn what women really like. On Sunday March the 4th, Rosey Media shot the first four episodes of Cherry Dish, a new internet series for the website www.cherrytv.com. The round table discussion, four camera format featured rotating groups of six women, engaging in remarkably honest, sexy, fun and educational discussion on various aspects of women's sexuality. Our take? While television shows have flirted with this kind of material for years (think Sex in The City...), rarely has it been addressed in such an open manner, with such humour and confidence. Guided by an insightful Abrahams, the women shared their sexual experiences and views on such topics as masturbation, bi- sexuality, dildos, and the pros and cons of vibrators in a comfortable, fun, and engaging show. The boys at Rosey Media- and it did just happen to be an all male crew- learned a lot and were happy to have been a part of this project. It's always a pleasure to be a part of a positive, professional, and dynamic production- but it's rare to come away from a day on the set wanting to discuss with your friends how their mates like to 'diddle their skittle'... Diddle your skittle, get it? No really, it's important! Juicy? Certainly. Engaging? Totally. Most of all, this series is an opportunity for anyone, regardless of gender, to learn about what women like from a women's perspective. The webisodes are currently in post production, check in at www.cherrytv.com for the debut date.

A Robotic puppet, ladders, and Lorne Michaels.

2007-02-27T18:05:00.000-08:00

One thing not commonly known about SNL is that every week, one half hour of material (25% of the show) gets chucked between dress rehearsal and air. Every week the cast and writers script and fully realize two hours of funny- sets, full costumes, special effects- the works. This full two hours is then performed at a dress rehearsal before a live studio audience. Based on audience reaction, time constraints, and a few more aesthetics we're not privy to, half an hour or so's worth of sketches, shorts, etc., get cut from the live show. Occasionally, pretaped material (the stuff we work on...), resurfaces on a later episode. Sometimes, however, it is just flat out dumped, never to be seen again. Rosey Media put in a long day last Friday, shooting two sketches for the weekend's show. The Digital Short starring Rainn Wilson, a reasonably large endeavour featuring the full SNL cast, appeared about 20 minutes into the Saturday night broadcast. It was widely hailed as a progressive move and civil rights triumph, being the first digital short on national television to feature prominent roles by both a Giant Turkey Sub and a Mounted Tiger Head. Seriously. The second pretape, however, didn't make it to the show. At least not this week. How much of the content we are able to disclose and discuss here on our modest piece of cyber real estate is directly proportionate to how much we wish to incur the wrath of the National Broadcasting Company (spelled out fully for dramatic effect). . . which is not at all. So, suffice to say, we shot two things for SNL on Friday. One aired, and one is M.I.A.- whether or not it has in fact completely gone the way of the dinosaurs remains to be seen. We will give you a hint though- the skit had robotic puppets, ladders, and Lorne Michaels. Puts you on pins and needles, doesn't it?

Kimora Lee Simmons, Style Network, and Rosey Media. . . Together Again.

2007-02-15T09:14:00.000-08:00

Tuesday Feb 13th- D.P., Ari Haberberg and sound engineer Dan Walter, found themselves braving wind chills in the teens on the tarmac at Teterboro airport, an exclusive airstrip about 20 minutes from the City. Kimora Lee Simmons, her two daughters, and a staff of about ten others were boarding Simmons' private jet and escaping to the warmer climates of Vegas. And as part of a new series in development for the Style Network chronicling the fabulous life of our Phavorite Phat Phashion Diva, Style producer Carmen Mitcho and the Rosey Media boys, undaunted by the weather, and the reports of the oncoming storm, were there to cover their departure. Even less daunted were DP Matt Beals, Sound Engineer Joe D., and Production Coordinator Brian Townes, who,after covering the journey's preparations at the Simmons' NJ mansion, watched the frigid action from inside the well heated Atlantic Airlines terminal, feeling really, really bad that airport security only allowed for one crew on the tarmac at a time. . . ...really.

Assisting the Good Doctor (Dr. Phil, that is...)

2007-02-14T13:19:00.000-08:00

January 15th and 16th found RM audio engineer Andrew Barker, international adventurer (and sound guy) Alex Marshal, and DV documentary whiz Don Downie teamed with L.A. based hidden camera duo JR Reid and Dawn Fleischman. In a period of 48 hours, under the direction of Dr. Phil producer Kathleen Killeen, the crew completely wired and covered six Manhattan locations, including Grand Central Terminal, with as many as 8 hidden cameras at any given time. With temperatures barely in the double digits, the coffee bill went into the triples- and herein lay the problem. While the crew worked together dynamically and admirably on the personal and technical fronts, they could not reach an agreement on who had the best cup of joe. In the end, the West Coast delegation held tight to the Green and White, while the NYC crew insisted on Oren's Daily Roast. It appears Oren's simply cannot make a double upside-down caramel soy latte to L. A. standards. Our bad- we thought you wanted coffee. All kidding aside, it was a pleasure as usual working with all the Dr. Phil folks. The "Ethics" episode, featuring actors in hidden camera scenarios testing the ethics of the average New Yorker- or at least the ones caught on camera- is at press time scheduled to air on February 27th. Look for it on CBS!

"Dick in a Box"

2007-02-01T20:33:00.000-08:00

"Dick in a Box" Dec. 12th, 8:00am. In the first hours of what will prove to be an uncharacteristically chilly December morning in New York City, Rosey Media's President and lead Director of Photography John Rosenblatt, and Production Coordinator Brian Townes sit in the relative warmth of their production vehicle parked almost legally on the sidewalk across the highway from Chelsea Piers in NYC. While awaiting the arrival of Saturday Night Live producer Nick Mallardi, Digital Short director Akiva Schaffer, cast member Andy Samberg, and of course, the week's host, Justin Timberlake,their coffee and cell phone reverie is interrupted by a sudden frigid blast from the truck's rear passenger door. Jorma Taccone, the third member of the SNL Digital Short Triumvirate (along with Schaffer and Samberg,) resplendent in stovepipe jeans, uncombed shag hair and a light windbreaker ill-suited to the persistent Hudson wind, launches himself into the vehicle, with a groggy "What's up?" and a quick slam of the door. He is . . . well, exhausted. But everyone at SNL is exhausted. YOU try turning out an hour and a half of fully realized funny in a week. . . These guys work around the clock. They are witty, they are inventive, and they are tired. But they are always funny. And Taccone is no exception. "How are you, man?" Stretching himself across the back seat, shoving a nearby duffle and a folded piece of black duvateen beneath his head, Jorma groans. "I feel like my life is slipping away." he says, rubbing his eyes. "I got two hours of sleep last night." "So. . .how's the thing?" Rosenblatt asks- referring to the morning's shoot, of which he has been told only two things: 1.) It's a music video, and 2.) Justin Timberlake's in it. "Oh, man. . ." Jorma groans again- and then breaks into an ear to ear grin, his fatigue instantly replaced by an almost palpable energy. ". . . it's the JOINT." 16 hours later, Rosey Media, Taccone, Schaffer, Samberg and an affable, funny, and consummately professional Justin Timberlake wrap on what has become SNL's most successful Digital Short. "A Dick in a Box". has been downloaded over 15 million times since it's initial broadcast on December 16th, and has spawned at least 50 internet spinoffs. We at Rosey Media had a good time filming it, and were happy to have been part of the team. If you have not seen it, we invite you to come out of the cave, brush off your knuckles, and check out http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/ Seriously. . . go ahead. We'll wait.