Bringing Culture to the Web, One Episode at a Time: On STALKER CHRONICLES
What Jamie Lou Moniz and Genie Willett have brought to the web series space with STALKER CHRONICLES is great. They have not only created a very watchable series but they are also teaching the viewer a thing or two while they’re at it. With every new viewer they fulfill their goal “to bring a bit of culture to the YouTube generation.” The series is incredibly playful and though it emulates famous theatrical styles, it is a one of a kind in the webisphere.
STALKER CHRONICLES follows two girls Yin Yin and Yin Yin (played by Jamie Lou Moniz and Genie Willett) as they stalk the infamous, Ryan Braun. Each episode not only brings them closer to their stalkee, but it is presented in an influential style of theater, film and even poetry. The episodes styles include Samuel Beckett, Tennessee Williams, the Beat Poets and Surreal Cinema.
Each episode of STALKER CHRONICLES really fits its given style from the writing to the delivery to the look of the piece. Jamie and Genie built these styles with knowledge from their theater styles class at the Hothouse Improv Theater in North Hollywood and a whole lot of research. A different director helms each episode, which helps each visual style to be truly unique to that episode.
To be honest, I was both excited and apprehensive about what was in store for me with STALKER CHRONICLES. I was familiar with each of the styles that they were exploring and while I appreciate most, I knew that their first episode was in the style of Samuel Beckett, whose plays aren’t really my taste. It was a little hard to get on board at first but ultimately it was the strong screen presence of Jamie and Genie that kept me engaged. They are very charismatic and they did an outstanding job of emulating this style.
My favorite of the six released episodes was “Return to Sender” which is the first Episode where the girls really have a direct interaction with Ryan Braun. It was in the style of Neil Simon, who is a comedic genius. Again, the girls did a phenomenal job of conveying the style and the episode is incredibly funny. Thumbs way up!
On the educational side of STALKER CHRONICLES, each episode or chapter as they call them, has a description of the given style underneath the video. Their website also includes “Styles” pages which give a more in depth description of each style. Their objective “is that our audience will learn a little something about theater or film and maybe gain a new appreciation for the craft.“ It is definitely a success in that regard.
So, what’s on the style agenda for the next three episodes of STALKER CHRONICLES? Sam Shepard, Silent Comedy, (inspired by Charlie Chaplin et al), Greek Tragedy and of course, more stalking of Ryan Braun! In this third installment co-creator Jamie Moniz tells Web to Watch that “the series takes a bit of a darker turn, especially in the Sam Shepard and Greek Tragedy episodes.” I’m told that this darker fare from STALKER CHRONICLES will be releasing this month, so stay tuned.
Verdict: I really like this series. I was so engrossed that I didn’t nitpick sound issues! Now, I may not have been keen on all the styles but they are all well done. It is fun and educational. Everyone who is interested in theater and/or film history should watch this show.
Get Social with STALKER CHRONICLES:
Twitter: @stalkerchron
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/stalkerchronicles
Website: http://stalkerchronicles.com/
