Getting PRETTY All Over Again

Hi readers, new posts will be a bit sparse here for the next week or so as I am deep into production on a the third season of PRETTY - the hit, award-winning web series that I am one of the producers (and production designer) of. The new season stars 5 of the original cast members (Sam Pancake, Stacy McQueen, Dee Freeman, Terri Simmons and Michael Taylor Gray). Joining the regular cast fulltime is last season's guest star Kirsten Vangsness (CRIMINAL MINDS). Returning guest stars this season include Denise Alexander (GENERAL HOSPITAL, ANOTHER WORLD)), Melissa Peterman (REBA, THE SINGING BEE) and the hysterical stage actress Madeline Long. New guest stars include Genie Francis (GENERAL HOSPITAL, YOUNG & THE RESTLESS), Martha Byrne (AS THE WORLD TURNS), Mary Beth Evans (DAYS OF OUR LIVES, THE BAY), Melanie Hutsell (SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, BRIDESMAIDS), Anthony Anderson (ANACOSTIA), Brendan Bradley (SQUATTERS) and Kevin Stea (NAKED BOYS SINGING)! Plus more delicious cover versions of our award-winning theme song, "Gumdrop the Unicorn". There are plenty of twists and turns ahead for the Champagne family this season, so to catch up, you should check out the first two seasons here. Thanks!

Tony Awards

I'm not really a "theater queen," but I usually watch the Tony Awards to see what shows I'm missing by living in LA. This year's telecast was pretty amazing. From great musical performances by host Neil Patrick Harris, Hugh Jackman, Sutton Foster and Daniel Radcliffe to wonderful acceptance speeches, including Ellen Barkin's tear-inducing win for Larry Kramer's THE NORMAL HEART. There were a few low points too, Brooke Shield's embarrassing flub and clumsy apology, the awful number from the worst titled musical SPIDER-MAN: TURN OFF THE DARK and of course the great, but crazy Frances McDormand's outfit.

I'm not Mr. Blackwell, but come on Frances - we all know you're dedicated to your art, but must you really show up for Broadway's most elegant evening looking like a meth whore? Ah, theater people...

All Things PRETTY

It's been a while since I've updated you all on PRETTY, the smash hit webs series that I am one of the executive producers of.

So, in case you don't know - PRETTY is a hybrid parody of kiddie pageant reality shows (TODDLERS & TIARAS, LITTLE MISS PERFECT) and soap operas. Created, written and directed by Steve Silverman and produced through Velvet Candy Entertainment.

The first 5-episode season followed the travails and triumphs of the Champagne family: pageant dad Michael (Sam Pancake), working mom Ribina (Dee Freeman), their 6-year old daughter Annete Lashondra (Stacy McQueen) and opportiist uncle Ethan (Troy Conrad). Joining them on their adventures were Miss Star Eyes pageantistas determined Parker Kensington Parker (Terri Simmons) and fame-whore Royce Adams (Michael Taylor Gray).

Season 2 brought in a whole slew of new characters and storylines as we met recovering Athesist and Champagne sister Meredith (Kirsten Vangsness of CRIMINAL MINDS), Michael's scheming ex-wife Lucy Devonshire (Jennifer Elise Cox of LOVESPRING INTERNATIONAL) and Lucy's adorable daughter Lily (Isis Silva). Newly crowned pagent director Royce welcomed his new aphenphosmphobic wife Ginger (Alison Quinn) and "his Patrick" (David Robert May).

Additionally, special guest stars this season include GENERAL HOSPITAL's Denise Alexander, KTLA MORNING SHOW's Allie MacKay, Melissa Peterman (REBA, THE SINGING BEE, WORKING CLASS), Madeline Long, Ray Proscia, Larry Michaelsen and Kalimba Bennett. For a complete cast list, go here.

The seventh and final episode of the season begins airing today on the PRETTY website and features our Special Guest Joan Van Ark of KNOTS LANDING fame, along with all the folks mentioned above.

Since our premiere in 2010, PRETTY has amassed dozens of great reviews, has made web series Top Ten lists, and has been nominated for (and has won) numerous awards.

Our PRETTY theme song, GUMDROP THE UNICORN (music by Bret Silverman, lyrics by Steve Silverman) is available for download on iTunes. In addition to the original versions, there are 6 kick ass covers from a batch of talented performers: Jennifer Kes Remington & Pakk Hui, Shelly Rann, Bobby Banuelos, That's What She Said, Naked Peasants and Mary Edwards.

Coming up next, a PRETTY event at The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences on February 7th. How awesome is that??? So there you have it, an quick update on all things PRETTY!

Golden Globe Award Winner Pia Zadora!

Pia Zadora won the "Best Female Newcomer" at the Golden Globes for her role in the 1982 neo noir film BUTTERFLY, based on the classic James M. Cain novel. This was after her husband, Turkish cosmetic and liquor mogul Meshulam Riklis wined and dined members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association in Las Vegas and treated them to Pia's cabaret act, resulting accusations that the award had been "bought". You be the judge.
I personally prefer this performance in an amazing Dubonnet commercial from the 80s.

Awards Season!

Yes, I know today's the day the Oscar® Nominations are announced. Big bloggin' deal. What's more important is that Dougsploitation has won THREE blog awards!!! These awards mean so much to me because they have been given to me by some of my favorite bloggers.
First up, Pax Romano of the fantastic BILLY LOVES STU blog has bestowed upon me a Lovely Blog Award! Well, Dougie Loves Pax!
Secondly, my cyberpal "LL" of the elegant & tasteful TOUCH OF TUESDAY WELD has nominated me for a Kreativ Blogger Award. There's all sorts of rules & stuff that goes with it, so I'll have to do something more formal when I'm not half asleep.
And finally, my friend and filmmaking collaborator Sean Abley of ZOMBIE TRUCK STOP has included me in his Brains for Days Awards - and I could not be in better company!

Thanks guys and keep being lovely, kreativ and brainy!