DC Metro FCP UG

Premiering August 17th, Zacuto Films presents a new webisodic series which brings together film/video veterans, Steve Weiss, Director of FilmFellas/critics, and Philip Bloom, a London based Cinematographer and Filmmaker. With the growing popularity of video content sharing forums and video-centric social networking sites such as Vimeo, the program is the first webisodic show which critiques exclusively-web based video content.

With an open review forum and a loosely base video selection process, Bloom and Weiss keep their reflective commentary fresh by randomly selecting the videos during the show’s taping by clicking on featured selections on a touch screen monitor. “We sort of toss all of the selected programs into a Vimeo album,” Steve Weiss says, “and then kind of randomly pick them live. You’ll see…it’s not a real science.”

In [ critics ], Weiss and Bloom candidly explore a wide range of video categories across many genres and artistic levels: short films, artistic videos, documentaries, music videos, animated shorts, and commercial video. “We’ll review anything,” says Bloom “and give the best advice we can.” As the web constantly evolves by offering a plethora of video content, such as; amateur DIY videos, guerilla street films, political or statement pieces, and short films & features, [ critics ] also mirrors the eclectic nature of open web content. Thus, Weiss and Bloom explore amateur videos, such as “GAY=SIN” by Matthew Bennett and then quickly jump over to acclaimed short films like “A Thousand Words” by Director Ted Chung. The beauty of it-everyone gets the same chance at selection and critique.

The international appeal of [ critics ] comes from the dynamic relationship of Weiss vs. Bloom, where these dueling hosts, who while living across the pond from one another, remain industry friends, avidly support the independent film industry, and bring over 40-years combined experience to the biz. “Watching stuff on your computer can be quite a solitary experience,” says Bloom, “with critics, it’s like we are watching it with you and hopefully not coming across like the two old men Statler and Waldorf from The Muppet Show. You know how much we are enjoying something when both Steve and I shut up!”

[ critics ] offering an eclectic mix of personalities, perspectives and laughter. “The personalities of Weiss and Bloom are electric.” [ critics ] a Zacuto Films production.

Enjoy this websisode and check out the behind the scenes links in critics.

Rodney – DCFCPUG