Chris, Author at Chris Ullrich dot net - Page 35 of 93
All Posts By

Chris

The New ‘The Flickcast’ Site is Alive!

Posted on May 21, 2009

I’m pretty darn excited about my latest venture The Flickcast. I’ve been working on it for a couple months now doing a weekly podcast about movies, tv, comics and other geek stuff and its been great fun and pretty successful so far.

In addition to the podcast, I’ve also started a news site as a companion to the weekly show that’s also been doing pretty well. One thing that had always bothered me about the site, though, was that it looked too much like a blog and not enough like a professional news site should look.

Fortunately, that’s no longer the case because my new favorite web designer, Robert Palmer, has done a kick-ass job and totally redesigned the site to make it look awesome and professional.

This site and podcast are just the start of what I hope will someday be a giant media empire. Meanwhile, if you get a minute, head on over to The Flickcast and check out the new look, read a review or two and listen to some great podcasts.

I feel very privileged to be able to start this new venture and it wouldn’t be possible without some other great people like my podcast co-hosts Matt Raub and Christina Warren, my “web guy” Robert Palmer, site contributors like David Press, John Carle, all the Mahoneys (Sean, Tom, Adele and Heath), some great tools like WordPress and last, but not least, the inspiration, encouragement and help I’ve received from various friends, colleagues and mentors.

Thank you all. I sincerely appreciate it.

Also, if you’ve got any feedback, feel free to drop it in the comments here or at The Flickcast site.

Video Friday (Sunday Edition)

Posted on April 26, 2009

I’ve been busy (Again with the excuses, right?) and have been working hard to get The Flickcast on its feet. Now that the show and the site are going and we’re gathering some great writers to participate, I’m turning my attention to a new, better design for the site itself — which also takes some time and attention.

Of course, that means I’m still a bit neglectful of this here blog. Unfortunately, as I get older I find I can’t multi-task as well as I once did. Not that I was spectacular at it when I was younger, I just seem to be particularly bad at it now. But really, what does this mean for you O reader of this blog?

Basically, it means that while I’m distracted with the shiny new thing the not quite as shiny new thing is going to feel a bit neglected. Probably, so will you. My apologies but that’s just the way it is. Try not to take it personally. I won’t.

At this point, I really feel I’ve made enough excuses and introduced the horse to a sufficient beating so I think I’ll stop instead of my rambling on for several more sentences. What shall we do instead? Glad you asked. Seeing as its ‘Video Friday’, let’s take a look at a very funny video from your friends and mine Barats and Bereta. Enjoy.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhcA4Ry65FU&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0]

Video Friday (Saturday Edition) – The New ‘Harry Potter’ Trailer

Posted on April 18, 2009

I’ve been busy getting the new venture, The Flickcast, on its digital feet. So that mean that this blog might suffer a bit. However, I have not forgotten it completely because here’s the latest trailer for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

I’m not as big a fan of the Potter movies and books as other people are. I enjoy them but they haven’t become “part” of me like the books and movies I experienced when I was younger.

That said, this new trailer looks great and makes me even more interested in the movie when it comes out. In the end, that’s what a trailer is supposed to do. Enjoy.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BDVbxop-eo&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0]

Video Friday – The ‘Moon’ Trailer

Posted on April 11, 2009

I like space stuff. Some of my favorite movies and TV shows have been about space. Shows like Apollo 13, The Right Stuff and From the Earth to the Moon have always fascinated me. So, I’m pretty interested in the new movie Moon starring Sam Rockwell and directed by Duncan Jones.

The trailer looks great and gives some good insight into the psychology of isolation that’s obviously going to play out in the film. Plus, I’ve always been a fan of Sam Rockwell. I’m looking forward to seeing this one as soon as I can. Enjoy.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhIB0mqbPiE&w=425&h=344]

Oh, and I’ll just take this moment to mention that there’s a new episode of The Flickcast now available We’ve also we’ve started posting some other material today as well. So, head on over and check it out.

Video Friday – Sunday Edition: X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Posted on April 5, 2009

Here is is, one of the most anticipated movies of the summer. The origin of one of the comic book world’s most loved characters: the mighty Wolverine. I can’t wait to see this movie and now, you don’t have to. Enjoy.

Moving on Up

Posted on April 3, 2009

I’ve moved this blog from hosted WordPress to my own server also using WordPress. Yes, I’m that cool and know how to do stuff.

However, due to the migration, things still look a bit wonky and will for a few days until I get time to fix them. So, please bare with me while I finish up the migration.

In the meantime, to thank you for your patience, take a look at this picture featuring a few of my favorite things. Enjoy.

thingsilike12.jpg

The Flickcast is Live!

Posted on April 1, 2009

flickcastlogo2.jpg

I’m very happy that as of today, the new Podcast I’ve been working on with my pals Christina Warren and Matt Raub is live. So, for all your film, television, comic book and geek information needs, head on over and check out The Flickcast. The first episode is live at our site and also available on iTunes.

Also, be sure to follow the show on Twitter and be a fan on Facebook. Finally, if you have any comments, suggestion, criticism or offers of sponsorship, feel free to let us know. Thanks for listening.

Working on Something New

Posted on March 29, 2009

If you’ve followed this blog for any length of time you know I tend to do a lot of different things and have done a lot of different things over the years. Film, TV, writing, photography, consulting and working with a non-profit are just some of the ways I like to spend my time and make a living.

Lately, I’ve been thinking of starting a new venture. It occurred to me that as I’ve worked for various organizations and written about and interviewed various people in the worlds of entertainment, technology and comics, I’ve met a lot of great people who do amazing and interesting things.

I also have come to realize that working for other people isn’t always the best way to go about it. Certainly, I’ve worked with and for some great people over the years but if I’ve learned one thing working in “the business” its that ownership, in the end, is where its at.

If you create something and own it you stand a much better chance of realizing the full benefit from it both creatively and financially. If you’re just a hired hand you’ll never care about it as much as you will if it’s your “baby.”

I’m a professional and I work very hard to do the best job possible — but at the end of the day its just a job. I don’t have the personal stake in the work so consequently I’m not going to care as much as someone who conceived the idea in the first place.

So, that brings me to the latest project I’ve been working on. A project that I created and will have an ownership stake in. Its called The Flickcast and it covers the things I know and love: movies, TV, comic books, tech and all-things geek. It’s a weekly podcast featuring myself and my co-hosts Matt Raub and Christina Warren.

We will also feature guests and other people dropping by periodically to talk about various projects, movies, tv shows or other geek things that they feel passionate about. I’m really looking forward to doing this and it looks to be a lot of fun. Plus, you’ll get to hear my terrific voice on a weekly basis which I know many of you have been clamoring for.

Be sure to check out The Flickcast website and follow us on Twitter for the latest updates. We’ll also have a Facebook page soon as well so you can friend us there too. Also, feel free to throw out comments, suggestions, questions or words of encouragement as we fine tune the show over the weeks.

Greatness often takes time so we hope you’ll give us a listen and follow along as we strive to achieve it.

Video Friday (Saturday Edition) ‘Flying Dog Ale’

Posted on March 28, 2009

In the interest of blatant self-promotion (and promotion of my friends) here’s a commercial my friend Anthony Dalesandro directed as a spec. I also helped in a small way by coming up with the concept and producing the commercial for him. Enjoy.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiMMrCRjzy4&w=425&h=344]

Video Friday — Thursday SXSW Edition — Dennis Liu’s ‘Pretending to Work’

Posted on March 12, 2009

Yes folks, its true. I’m in the wonderful city of Austin, Texas for that melange of music/film/interactive goodness known as South by Southwest. Or, as all the cool kids refer to it: SXSW. I’m here covering the event for the fine folks at AOL/Weblogs who, on occasion, pay me to write about cool events such as this.

I do not complain about the weather or anything else when out at events like SXSW and always appreciate the opportunities afforded me as a member of the AOL/Weblogs team. Thank you benevolent AOL/Weblogs overlords for all that you do for me.

Okay, with that done, we can now get on to the business at hand and I can bring you a cool new video from innovative filmmaker Dennis Liu.

You may recall I interviewed Dennis for TUAW awhile back about his previous work, a music video for The Bird and the Bee’s song “Again and Again.” Now, Dennis is back with another Mac-centric short film which I find not only highly amusing but extremely innovative in its simplicity. Plus, it helps you find ways to watch porn at the office.

Putting it another way, this kid’s got chops.

Oh, before I forget, if you happen to be in Austin for SXSW, be sure to say hello. Also, I accept most offers of free beer and/or cookies. And cake. I like cake. But please, no pie. Sorry, you gotta draw the line somewhere and I draw it at pie.

Enjoy the video.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7h1uGzKvgE&w=425&h=344]