JR's Crew BLOG

One wild episode

2007-06-01T13:57:00.000-04:00

Not much time to blog, but I promise I'll do another one soon. In the meantime, here's all the info on who's appearing on this week's episode. The Steeltown Sirens and Wax Mannequin, Kayvon, Todd, and Hurricane Andy of course, Biker Greg... and let's not forget JR. It was probably the wildest, most out-of-control shoot for Another Crappy Canadian Late Night Talk Show with JR Digs we've ever done!

Here comes In The Can & On The Lot -By Aaron

2007-05-28T00:14:00.000-04:00

Hey Everyone,

It appears I haven't blogged in about 3 weeks. Has it been that long? It seems to be getting harder and harder to keep up with blogging for the site. I wish there was more time in the day to get things done. As I had a few minutes today to sit back and reflect over the past few weeks I have come to the realization that it is absolutely fricken amazing what the few of us are able to accomplish each week to get a show delivered. This coming Saturday marks the last episode of Another Crappy Canadian Late Night Talk Show for the season (but will return for season 2 in the fall) And in a way I am somewhat relieved that we are changing direction for the summer by producing a second season of "In The Can with JR DIGS" It will be a nice break from the extremely labour intensive schedule of Another Crappy. For more info about what "In The Can" is and when it airs check out the blurb about it on the upper right portion of the page.

What you may or may not realize is we have a budget of next to nothing and a very small crew to produce these shows. Lets just say there have been many sleepless nights for the past 8 months. Many people don't realize the amount of effort that is needed to create a show, especially when we don't have the multiple hundreds of people that work on a fully funded network show. Just from the editors perspective this is what my week consists of...

MONDAY -Edit and complete any segments that are to be included in next weeks episode including graphics and music
TUESDAY Morning-Finish any editing that didn't get done on Monday's schedule because we needed sleep
TUESDAY Afternoon-Set up set and prep for Tuesday night taping, including rehearsal, lighting cues, sound setup, cast organization.
TUESDAY Night- Taping of show. Get home and in bed usually around 2am.
WEDNESDAY - Usually back in the office editing by 8:30 am (Total sleep 4 hours) Show has to be assembled and first initial cut completed by the end of the day
THURSDAY-Straight day of editing with JR (Usually about 15-18 hours straight) 2nd and 3rd cut of show must be completed and needs to be cut to time
FRIDAY Morning- All music, sound-effects and final clean up edit to be completed.
FRIDAY afternoon - Final mix to prep for broadcast
FRIDAY Night - Deliver episode to air for following week.
SATURDAY- Start all over again on prepping for the next episode.
SUNDAY- Hopefully rest
Total week hours to get a show made and delivered to the Network? 60 - 70 hours. Aaron, JR and Steve losing all sanity in the process...Priceless

Why am I telling you all this? I have forgotten why...oh yes, I had to laugh while watching an episode of "On The Lot" last week. It's an interesting show, that can relate to In the Can. Has any body been watching On the Lot? One of the aspiring film makers who got booted from the show in the last episode was reduced to tears. I wasn't laughing because he was crying, I had to laugh because of what he began to say in his personal sign off at the end of the show. I believe his words were:

"This isn't fair! I've been up working for 50 hours straight, they gave me a crappy camera and I have no people or money to work with!"

No People or Money to work with?!? Ha Well welcome to the real world man. If you want to succeed in this industry, you have to be willing to work your arse off and work with what you got. If you have no money or crew, well tough you gotta do it anyways and hopefully make it good. Anybody can make anything with money. (I'm kinda sounding bitter now. I'm probably just hardened because of how consumed my life is in making low budget television) I by no means am calling myself a success in this industry. I haven't been in it long enough to even think about being a success. Don't get me wrong, I love my job, but I still have much to learn.

In the advent of the upcoming 2nd season of IN THE CAN WITH JR DIGS, I would like to give some advice to all those young and aspiring film makers out there from one young person to another. Be prepared to work your ass off, whether you're a director, editor, producer, etc. If you went or are going to school for this and want a career in film and television be prepared to be at the bottom of the barrel for a few years, and a good chunk of what you learn in school will mean Jack all when you get out there trying to make a name for yourself. You will never know everything so keep learning. The industry changes everyday, I learned that lesson quick when I got out of post secondary.

Ok so looking at this post, it appears I have been long winded. Maybe you got somthing out of it, maybe not. If anyone is still reading at this point, thanks for reading and I will go back to posting videos on my next one.

So to all the aspiring film makers making shorts for the upcoming season of In The Can, or to any aspiring film makers out there, good luck, have funand just be entertaining!

Aaron - Video Editor/Composer

Magneta Lane "Wild Gardens"

2007-05-19T21:14:00.000-04:00

A hypnotizing episode

2007-05-18T17:12:00.000-04:00

This Saturday's show is pretty amazing, from the hypnotic skills of The Incredible Boris (yes, he's for real, he actually hypnotized one of our regulars right in front of me) to the hypnotic charms of Magneta Lane (I gotta tell ya, lead singer Lexi Valentine has by far the softest, smoothest hands I've ever shaken, and that's not something I'd normally pay any attention to.)

MW & NWL on this week's episode

2007-05-11T21:41:00.000-04:00

JR's guest is Morgan Waters, host of "The Morgan Waters Show" and "Screwed Over".

A really fascinating band, they'll be performing "Angels & Saints" so don't miss it! The video will be up on YouTube once the episode airs, but it doesn't look half as good there as it does on TV.

Crazy night with Ed & Liana K. - by Aaron

2007-05-05T15:48:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone, It's been a while since I have posted a blog. JR and I have been putting the finishing touches on the next few shows, especially the one that aired tonight. It's good to be back putting new episodes to air! A lot of effort has been made over the past few months to make the show better and better on this shoestring (more like piece of twine) budget that we have to work with. We have an amazing new set at the Legendary Red Rooster and a great new energetic atmosphere to shoot the show which was pretty apparent in the episode tonight.

Speaking of the show, ED the Sock and Liana K. were totally awesome. The episode was pretty crazy, from Andrew the Psycho Fan going nuts in the Boiler Room to Todd obsessively stalking next weeks guest Morgan Waters, not to mention a kick ass performance by one of my new favorite bands JupiterOne. And that is just what made it into the episode. I've begun to notice a trend while taping these shows every Tuesday. They go completely off the rails! Out of control. If you want to know what I'm talking about, and If you are in the Burlington/Hamilton/Anywhere area, come out to a taping Tuesday nights at 7PM at the Red Rooster, I promise you it will be an insane experience.
Check the Red Rooster web link on the right for directions.

Anyways back to ED and Liana K. As i mentioned, the episode got pretty crazy but there was so much more that happened that night that we couldn't fit into the time allowed. It was painful cutting some of this stuff out of the episode, since some of these clips are so funny. Well that's what the internet is for. Over the next little while keep checking the crew blog for the cut scenes of ED The Sock and Liana K that didn't make it into the episode, like this one below.

JR's Mom and sister just so happened to be at the taping when things got a little, well....personal I guess you could say
Check it out

Jupiter One "Fire Away"

2007-05-06T01:21:00.000-04:00

Andrew the Co-Op Student learning new skills!

2007-04-04T10:59:00.000-04:00

Andrew the Co-Op Student has finished his third video blog, and it details all of the exciting new skills he's learning working on Another Crappy Canadian Late Night Talk Show!

Awesome new show this Saturday May 5th!

2007-05-02T15:35:00.000-04:00

Wow, have we ever got a show for you this Saturday! We're back with all new episodes, some amazing guests and music acts, and of couse hilarious antics with all the regulars. Don't miss it!

ill Scarlett this Saturday

2007-04-28T18:24:00.000-04:00

"Break a Leg" - By Scott

2007-04-23T16:31:00.000-04:00

Hey Guys,

There's some rumours flying around the internet that Kayvon is currently in a coma or on his death bed asking to see JR.

The truth is Kayvon's fragile little body was hurt recently. He went down to Florida with a group of buddies during spring break and managed to get into a wrestling match with a guy who had one too many drinks.

The result being Kayvon hyperextended his knee and had to be rushed to the hospital.

Well, he is back in the country now and doing much better - but unfortunately for many of you Kayvon fans out there, he won't be dancing anytime soon.

He will be present at this week's taping, so if any of you want to come out and ask him about his near death experience, he'd be more then happy to tell you about it.

Or maybe you just want to come out and we'll hyperextend his other knee....that would be fine too! ;-)

Later guys,

Scott.

Tonight on the show

2007-04-14T15:03:00.000-04:00

JR Digs Classics: Lil Chris -by Aaron

2007-04-14T17:53:00.000-04:00

It's Saturday, which means it's time for another JR DIGS Classics! Even from the beginning of his show, JR has surrounded himself with interesting character, and sent them out to be correspondents. Lil Chris was one them, a kid who would always hang around JR's skateboard shop, and one day he sent him out to get some interviews. Enjoy!

JR DIGS CLASSICS-"The Big Mistake" By Aaron

2007-04-08T00:45:00.000-04:00

Hey Everyone,

Still working on putting the next slew of "Another Crappy Canadian Late Night Talk Show" episodes together. Editing becomes a lot easier when you can't stop laughing at the segment you're cutting! There is some pretty funny stuf on the way, but you will have to wait and tune in to see for yourself.

In the mean time, going through the archives this past weekend I came across a segment from awhile back. It's kind of weird, some of the things that people let you rent for a few minutes.

This weeks JR DIGS CLASSICS - "The Big Mistake"

Oh yeah, I'm going to kick Scott in the balls because of his comment about my pic in his last blog! (I'm the one wearing orange in the pic at the top of the page) Granted, this isn't the best picture of me. STEVE!!!!! You listening?! But no worries, everybody stay tuned to the crew blog where I will be posting video of me kicking Scott our segment producer in the Balls!

Another Day, Another Todd's Amazing Stories - By Scott

2007-03-31T20:23:00.000-04:00

Hey Guys,

Scott here...the one on the right of the two guys pictured above. You know, the good looking one! Aaron (our editor on the left) is going to kill me for saying that! haha.

Just finished coming back from Todd's place to shoot a few more bits of 'Todd's Amazing Stories'. Love that segment! While we were shooting, Todd was telling me about how he is starting to get noticed out in the city by fans who watch the show. It starts off by whispering behind his back where he'll hear the words "JR Digs Show"....he is then tapped on the shoulder and asked if he is "the" Todd from the show. Better get your autographs now before Todd makes it big, lands an agent and then moves out to LA!

Also, wanted to mention about some upcoming guests we got booked for our new episodes airing in April. Again, I'm not going to give anything away because I like surprises but our first guest coming in is awesome and the shit thats going to go down between him and JR is going to be hilarious. These two in a room together = trouble! This guest also has his own late night show here in Canada but if you want to be a guest on his show, you gotta be prepared to sit in a hot tub with a couple strippers!

Talk to ya later guys.

Bubba & The Naked Chef on YouTube

2007-03-29T09:45:00.000-04:00

It's time for another YouTube clip! This one has proven to be very popular right out of the gate, probably because it has the word "naked" in the title. It's a clip from the first episode of "Another Crappy Canadian Late Night Talk Show" where JR, because he had no budget for the series, was wandering around downtown Hamilton naked except for a television set. That reminded him of a clip of Bubba, who was naked when he went to interview The Naked Chef a little while back. Here it is, in all its censored glory:

See it and share it on YouTube Right here!

JR Digs Classics: Out of Balls -by Aaron

2007-03-28T17:55:00.000-04:00

Hey Everyone,

We're getting a lot of responses to the JR DIGS Classics -"Mrs Bowman" segment that I posted the other day. So I thought since I still have some spare minutes around the office from editing the show this week, I would dig up a few more Classic clips.

This segment aired sometime in the first season. Some of you may remember it. It's one of my favs. JR decides to spend the day at the local driving range working on his slice and......well just watch the clip.

JR Digs Classics: "Out of Balls"

Kayvon's Basketball Diaries -By Aaron

2007-03-02T11:59:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned in my last blog, here is some video that didn't make it into the basketball segment from the Splash N' Boots episode. After JR, Kayvon and Hurricane Andy played and lost to the AND1 basketball guys, JR sent Kayvon out to grab some interviews, but as it turned out he didn't really get any, so I put together a few clips of what happened.

Forget DiCaprio. We got Kayvon!!! I call this "Kayvon's Basketball Diaries" - minus the drug addiction....however Kayvon may have some rage issues though.

Also tune in this Saturday night for a brand new episode of Another Crappy Canadian Late Night Talk Show. There's a real funny guest and possibly a new Todd's Amazing Stories segment! Check your local listings.

Aaron

Kayvon + Bunny = Happy - By Aaron

2007-02-28T11:12:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone.

Sorry I haven't posted any new vids lately, but I've been gathering a slew of clips to show you for the coming days and weeks. To start off, a little while back Kayvon had an encounter with a big bunny. Not going to really talk about it since it's pretty self explanatory.
Kayvon + Bunny = Happy.

Check back soon for Kayvon's Basketball diaries that's mentioned at the end of this clip.

JR Digs Classics: Mrs. Bowman -by Aaron

2007-03-25T01:10:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone. We've been showing some old episodes lately, but rest assured there are plenty of great new episodes airing this coming April. We have some awesome bands booked to come play. To drop a few names - The Never Ending White Lights who are pretty hot right now to the Zoobombs, hailing from Tokyo Japan! You don't want to miss it.

Tonight's episode was one of my favorites. It had such an eclectic mix of things, from a half naked Andrew the Psycho Fan to Splash N' Boots, an awesome children's music act. And since we are on the topic of "favorites" talking with JR, he's always mentioned that one of his favorite segments he's ever done involved a woman named Mrs Bowman and her garage sale. So since we've had some time to breath a bit around the office these past 2 weeks or so because of the latest episode rotations (by breathing I mean I had a few extra minutes a day to do other things besides edit the show) I have put together a new online segment called JR DIGS CLASSICS. Showing you the funniest and best moments over the past 5 years of being on the air. If you are new fan of JR DIGS you will get to see how it all began.

The segment you are about to see was shot quite a while ago back in 99' to be used for JR's very first pilot for his first series. Needless to say a number of pilots have been produced over the years but for more info on that check out JR's show history by the link at the top of the page...but do that after you've finished with my blog.

Check out one of JR's favorite segments in this week's JR DIGS CLASSICS "Mrs Bowman"

I'm off to crash. Night. Check back soon for another Classic.

The joy of DVX -by Stephen

2007-03-22T16:53:00.000-04:00

I may spend most of my time each week working on the website and related stuff, but the primary reason I got involved with Another Crappy Canadian Late Night Talk Show was as the camera operator. Everything for the show is shot by with my DVX100A in 24p, and we've also had two volunteers, Dave and Len, working on the stuff we shot at the Staircase, and all of our bands.

We've been shooting some amazing music segments that you will all get to start seeing in April, and it's all done with five cameras. Two of those are DVX100A's, and the other three are just little one-chip palm size consumer cams. Obviously, there is a huge difference in quality (at one-tenth the cost, I'm not surprised) so if any of you are close to Hamilton, and have a DVX100A or B, we'd be happy to have you out as a volunteer while we shoot all of the amazing bands yet to come, and you can help make them look better than ever! Send me an email, stephen at jrdigs.com

Joel Plaskett on YouTube - by Stephen

2007-03-20T16:40:00.000-04:00

There's been a lot of comments about Joel Plaskett's appearance on Another Crappy Canadian Late Night Talk Show, so I dug up the video, and decided to not only put it up on our website, but to share it with everyone else out there on YouTube!

See it and share it on YouTube Right here!

JR meets Andrew the Psycho Fan - by Stephen

2007-03-19T13:02:00.000-04:00

JR has received emails from people who saw this Saturday's episode, asking questions like: Who is Andrew the Psycho Fan? Where did he come from? Why does he keep appearing on the show? Should I worry that he might show up in my neighbourhood?

The story of how Andrew the Psycho Fan met JR, after virtually stalking him over the phone, is best explained with this video clip, that Aaron, the editor, pulled out of the archives.

While JR's away, the Crew will... work

2007-03-11T10:21:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone saw the episode on Saturday, which was hosted by our Highschool Co-Op student, Andrew. His first few weeks here, he was dusting and scrubbing the toilet. This week, he hosted a Nationally-aired Talk Show. Not bad, eh?

Whenever JR gets back from his crazy running around all over the map, I'm sure he'll be impressed at what Andrew has accomplished lately (other than, you know, hosting the show and all) by working on the Myspace and Facebook pages.

In a way, they've become his own crew blogs, all to himself, to keep fans in touch with what's going on with JR, and the show. Make sure you check out myspace.com/jrdigs and "JR Digs" on Facebook and see what Andrew is up to!

Jeff McEnery's cut routine - by Aaron

2007-03-08T10:15:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone,

If you saw last weeks show with comedian Jeff McEnery, I have a clip here of his standup that unfortunately got cut out of the show. We try to get as much as we can into a half hour episode each week but a lot of times we just can't include everything. (Plus we had some set/backdrop issues with this clip) But that's what the internet is for. It may not be television but I present this to you in glorious Webovision!