PALEYFEST... I GOT TICKETS, BITCHES.

Sons of Anarchy has been invited to the Paleyfest this season.  Normally, I avoid anything that contains the suffix, "fest", but this one is an exception.  Here's some info from their website -- 

Mission

The Paley Center for Media, with locations in New York and Los Angeles, leads the discussion about the cultural, creative, and social significance of television, radio, and emerging platforms for the professional community and media-interested public. Drawing upon its curatorial expertise, an international collection, and close relationships with the leaders of the media community, the Paley Center examines the intersections between media and society. The general public can access the collection and participate in programs that explore and celebrate the creativity, the innovations, the personalities, and the leaders who are shaping media. Through the global programs of its Media Council and International Council, the Paley Center also serves as a neutral setting where media professionals can engage in discussion and debate about the evolving media landscape. Previously known as The Museum of Television & Radio, the Paley Center was founded in 1975 by William S. Paley, a pioneering innovator in the industry.

  

 Events 

Throughout the year, The Paley Center for Media hosts discussions with influential newsmakers, journalists, and world leaders on today's important issues. The Paley Center also celebrates excellence in drama, comedy, and documentary film with a range of events that examine the creative process behind great entertainment.

The William S. Paley Television Festival: PaleyFest

Named for William S. Paley, founder of CBS and the Paley Center, this annual Festival began in 1984 to celebrate the collaborative creativity behind making great entertainment content.  In connecting media enthusiasts with individuals who bring to life outstanding programming, PaleyFest creates an extraordinary interactive pop culture event.

On Wednesday, March 7th, 7pm, at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, myself and the cast will do a panel for the very reputable Paley Center.  Why us?  I haven't figured that out yet and I'm hoping they don't think on it too hard.  

You can purchase tickets here --  SOA TIX

If you can't afford tickets, have no fear, I purchased 10 tickets on my own dime and I will give them to the first ten fans who tweet "Give me my ticket, bitch" on 2/22/12 at 2:22pm.  Here's the qualification, you have to live in SoCal.  I ain't flying anyone in for this, kids.  So if you can drive here in under two hours, you qualify.  You tweet, I check, you get the tickets.  And yes, I know it's unfair for those of you who don't live in Southern California.  But you know what... not my fucking problem, 'cause I'm the one with the tickets. 

And yes, I love you. 

 

Stop Online Piracy Act

It's a bad idea.

I'm all for protecting the rights of artists and intellectual property, but I believe it is the responsibility of the individual websites and owners to protect its users.  And the burden is on the user/consumer to make intelligent, researched decisions.  I know I'm oversimplifying, but you get the point.  Leaving the policing up to Uncle Sam will just really fuck things up.

I do not trust laws that in any way, shape or form begin to infringe on free speech and artistic expression.  There are too many dangerous agendas out there.  Someone, something, some cunt always turns these laws upside down; they find loopholes and back doors to expedite agendas that ultimately do more damage than good.  

Take a hard look at the Patriot Act. 

No, I don't have the solution.  I just know SOPA isn't it.  So I support Wikipedia and the others who are blacking out today. 

SEASON 5

I've returned to my office in the asshole of North Hollywood.  Feels like only yesterday that season 4 ended (that's sarcasm).  Taking meetings, hiring a couple new writers.  Slowly slipping on the leathers.  And the ball-gag. 

I'm back with my writing team at the end of the month and we'll go back into production mid-May.  

Here's what I know about season 5.  No spoilers.  Just thematics.  I've always seen the show as the Prince's journey.  Jax is a man, but he's been unsure of the kind of man he will be.  He has yet to decide on his legacy.  Season 5 will force him to make those decisions.  This season will be a pivotal one in the arc of the series.  Not that all the seasons haven't been essential in shaping the mythology, but this season will begin to lay track for how the series ends.  In a feature film, season 5 would be the end of act two.  Where the hero has been faced with the primary conflict and obstacles and is forced to make a decision that either ends well or not-so-well.  

I see season 5 as being a more deliberate season.  I'm not sure how to expand upon that other to say that the decisions our hero makes will be less impulsive and more permanent.  The stakes will be ratcheted up while the pace will be slowed down.  Not that we won't have all the pulpy goodness we have every season (we will still blow shit up), it'll just have a different rhythm.  

I'm also working with the network, studio and home entertainment group to get something to the fans much earlier this season.  Some kind of behind-the-scenes project that will plug folks back in as early as June.  I know how long of a wait it is to September and I'm thinking of a weekly segment with the actors that teases the new season without spoiling.  Basically bringing you into our world as we produce the show.  We'll make it available on the app, the website and I'm hoping to actually get it on air (although that's me talking out of my ass right now).  I'll keep you posted about that and anything else that falls out of my ass.

And I'll try to blog more.  Twitter is really spoiling my blogging.  Every time I think of something to blog, I'll say, "fuck it", and tweet the 140-character version.  My father was right, I'm a fat, lazy fuck.

Happy new year, bitc...

Oh, yeah, one of my new year's resolutions is not to call my kids, "bitches".  I'm lumping you into that as well. 

Happy new year, kids.